The Silhouette - March 5, 2020

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NEWS

FEATURE

SPORTS

OPIRG McMaster gets sents to referendum

How is McMaster planning to reduce waste?

Marauders gear up for the CFL Combine

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The Silhouette

Thursday, March 5, 2020

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Volume 90, Issue 16 Thursday, March 5, 2020 McMaster University’s Student Newspaper

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News MAC CSSA tabling event shut down The deratified club holds unauthorized tabling event to distribute hygiene products

MAC CSSA holds an unauthorized tabling event.

SHAMIR MALIK / NEWS REPORTER

Shamir Malik News Reporter

On Feb. 3, 2020, the deratified McMaster University’s Chinese Students and Scholars Association was asked to leave the McMaster University Student Centre after they held an unauthorized tabling event to distribute hygiene products, such as disposable masks and hand sanitizer, to students.

MAC CSSA lost official MSU club status after being deratified by the Student Representative Assembly on Sept. 22, 2019 for violating section 5.1.3 of the Clubs Operating Policy by endangering student safety.

According to MUSC Director Lori Diamond, there are two types of tables available for booking in MUSC: club tables and vendor tables. Club tables are available to all MSU-recognized clubs, faculty societies and teams, McMaster departments and MSU departments, and are located near Starbucks and Union Market. Vendor tables are available to businesses looking to sell products and services to students and staff,

and are located in the MUSC Marketplace.

MAC CSSA lost official MSU club status after being de-ratified by the Student Representative Assembly on Sept. 22, 2019 for violating section 5.1.3 of the Clubs Operating Policy by endangering student safety.

“We have two programs.

We have the club tables which are available to MSU-recognized clubs [and] the vendor tables which are available to registered businesses,” stated Diamond.

At approximately 2:00 p.m., MAC CSSA occupied an empty vendor table to hand out homemade hygiene gift bags to students on campus. The bags

contained a variety of products, including disposable sanitary masks, hand sanitizer, and other cleaners.

Diamond states that MAC CSSA is not authorized to book either club or vendor tables in MUSC. “I looked back to [Feb. 3], and we don’t have [MAC CSSA] in our system as able to book. And that day, they hadn’t booked that table, they just found out an available table and set up at it,” said Diamond.

Diamond explains that MAC CSSA was asked to leave at approximately 3:00 p.m., after she was informed that a potentially unauthorized group was having a tabling event in MUSC. She adds that MAC CSSA was not removed for distributing gift bags, but because the group was not authorized to book a table in MUSC. “I didn’t really look [at the table]. There was a banner up and they had little gift bags. My concern was that they were not authorized to be [in MUSC] regardless of who they were,” added Diamond.

While many students picked up a gift bag, others were concerned as to how MAC

CSSA was allowed to have a tabling event at all as the club had been deratified for violating section 5.1.3 of the Clubs Operating Policy by endangering student safety.

Students also raised concerns that MAC CSSA’s unauthorized tabling event may encourage other non MSUrecognized organizations, such as the Dominion Society, to do the same.

Students also raised concerns that MAC CSSA’s unauthorized tabling event may encourage other non MSU-recognized organizations, such as the Dominion Society, to do the same. The Dominion Society was deratified by the SRA on

Aug.13, 2019 for failing to disclose ties to the MacDonald cultural and historical society, an organization whose members had allegedly expressed white supremacist beliefs.

The Silhouette sent an email to the former MAC CSSA President but did not receive a response.

According to Diamond, club and vendor tables are checked often by regularly to ensure that only authorized groups and organizations are present in MUSC. “Our staff does go down regularly and checks the club tables to see that the people who are supposed to be at the tables and people who aren’t supposed to be at the tables are not. That happens several times a day,” confirmed Diamond.

Diamond adds that the MUSC office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. if students wish to discuss additional concerns relating to student safety in MUSC. “We’re quite responsive with shutting it down if that’s what we need to do, reporting to Clubs Administrator if that’s what we need to do, and reporting to the university if it’s warranted,” said Diamond. @TheSilhouette

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NEWS

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

Student Representative Assembly McMaster to referendum OPIRG McMaster allegedly sent to referendum based on misinformation

Feb. 23, 2020 SRA meeting CINDY CUI / PHOTO EDITOR

Shamir Malik News Reporter

On Feb. 9, 2020, the Student Representative Assembly passed a motion to put OPIRG McMaster’s fee to referendum. In previous years, undergraduate students have had the option to pay a $5.50 fee to McMaster’s chapter of the Ontario Public Interest Research Group. From March 10 to 12, students will have the chance to vote online to either keep paying OPIRG’s $5.50 fee or remove it entirely.

What is OPIRG? Established in 1995, OPIRG is a provincial organization with individual chapters at 11 universities in Ontario. It was created to empower students to take action on social justice and environmental issues through grassroots initiatives.

OPIRG McMaster currently helps fund and provide training to several student-based public

interest projects on campus, including Bleed Free McMaster, Threadworks, Meals with Purpose, Eco-Friendly Mac and Turtles of Cootes.

“We provide singular opportunities at McMaster for the kinds of social and environmental engagement and activism that we do. There is no other organization that students can come to with these kinds of ideas and get the kind of support that we provide,” said Justine Ann Becker, OPIRG McMaster’s Communications Director and Secretary.

In January 2020, OPIRG McMaster began supporting three additional public interest projects. This includes Warm Soles, a sock drive initiative for Hamiltonians experiencing homelessness; Divest Mac, a group dedicated to fossil fuel divestment at McMaster and Free Store McMaster, a donation-based system that provides essential school and home supplies to students who may not be able to afford them.

What is MSU Bylaw 5?

The SRA sent OPIRG McMaster’s fee to referendum for violating section Bylaw 5 of the McMaster Student Union Bylaw 5 was created in 2013 to increase financial transparency and accountability for non-University, non-MSU groups. These groups include McMaster Marching Band, McMaster Solar Car, Incite Magazine, Engineers Without Borders McMaster and OPIRG McMaster. Prior to Bylaw 5’s creation in 2013, no university or MSU policy mandated these Bylaw 5 groups to make their spending and budgets publically available.

This year, OPIRG McMaster’s fee was sent to referendum for violating section 3.1.1 and 3.1.2 of Bylaw 5. However, this isn’t the first time that the SRA decided to send OPIRG McMaster to a referendum. In the 2017-2018 academic year, the SRA also found OPIRG to be in violation section 3.1.3 of Bylaw 5.

OPIRG McMaster’s 2017 Referendum On Nov. 26, 2017, the SRA sent OPIRG McMaster to referendum for violating section 3.1.3 of Bylaw 5, after ruling that OPIRG had failed to sufficiently advertise that students could opt-out of paying their fee.

Following the 2017 referendum, OPIRG’s yearly fee was reduced from $8.07 to $5.50.

OPIRG McMaster addressed concerns of insufficient advertising regarding their optout fee after the 2017 referendum. In the year following the 2017 referendum, the Finance Committee believed that the group had better advertised that students could opt-out of their fee and had made appropriate changes to their budget and practices.

“The Finance Committee was satisfied with the state of OPIRG. We believe they are using their funds appropriately and we were satisfied with their responses to questions,” confirmed former AVP (Finance)

and current VP (Finance) Alex Johnston in a memo to the SRA on Nov. 21, 2018.

The Path to Referendum, 2020 Fast forward to 2020, the SRA has sent OPIRG McMaster’s fee to referendum again for allegedly failing to abide by section 3.1.1 and 3.1.2 of Bylaw 5.

According to section 3.1.1 and 3.1.2, OPIRG McMaster must provide financial statements to the VP (Finance) by Oct. 15 for the upcoming school year and must maintain easily accessible financial reporting.

According to current AVP (Finance) Jess Anderson, the Finance Committee sent initial emails to all Bylaw 5 groups on Sept. 22, 2019. The emails requested copies of the groups’ updated budgets for the 20192020 year no later than Sept. 30, 2019.

“Of all Bylaw 5 groups, only OPIRG McMaster failed to respond to me repeatedly.

After an excessive amount of

The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

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y passes motion to send OPIRG Table: Bylaw 5 Breakdown

Section 3.1.1

Section 3.1.2

Section 3.1.3

email follow-ups, and repeated attempts to meet with OPIRG office staff during 9-5 work hours, the Finance Committee was unable to acquire an initial response from OPIRG until Oct. 10. We did not receive their preliminary budget (which they later admitted was not accurate) until Oct. 19, four days after the Oct. 15 deadline as outlined by Bylaw 5,” stated Anderson in an email to the Silhouette.

Anderson added that the budget on OPIRG McMaster’s website at the time was inaccurate and had many errors.

“It took 24 days after our initial follow up questions to gain a first set of responses, and then another 8 days [Nov. 27, 2019] to acquire the group’s most accurate budget . . . With all of this being said, the Finance Committee felt that the group lacked financial transparency and recommended the OPIRG fee go to referendum,” stated Anderson in the email.

OPIRG McMaster claims that email communication was made difficult after having to lay off three paid staff members in the wake of the Student Choice Initiative.

“We were forced to lay off all of our staff until we received our opt-out rates, so we went through the entire first semester with no staff. Previously there had been an email account that was only operated by the staff,” said Becker.

Currently, OPIRG McMaster employs one part-time staff member, Office Coordinator Shelley Porteous, at 22 hours per

Bylaw 5 groups must annually provide financial statements to the VP (finance) by Oct. 15 for the upcoming of the school year.

Bylaw 5 groups must maintain easily accessible financial reporting.

Bylaw 5 groups must collect student fees in accordance with the MSU General Assembly motion that instituted the fee. For OPIRG McMaster, this includes advertising to students that they have the ability to opt out of their group free annually. week.

According to OPIRG McMaster President Mateo Rio Newberry Orrantia, the group’s response time was slowed due to personal reasons affecting OPIRG McMaster’s Treasurer and because the Finance Committee did not communicate with OPIRG McMaster’s primary email address, board@ opirgmcmaster.org.

VP (Finance) Alex Johnston said that it took OPIRG McMaster several months to tell the Finance Committee that board@ pirgmcmaster.org was their preferred email.

“At no time over the 4.5 months of communication did OPIRG inform the MSU about any changes in email addresses or that the MSU was contacting the incorrect email. OPIRG informed the SRA of this at the meeting on Feb. 9, 4.5 months after initial communication was sent and a back-and-forth dialogue had been taking place,” said VP Finance Alex Johnston.

OPIRG McMaster Addresses Inconsistencies in Finance Committee Memos OPIRG McMaster believes that there are inconsistencies in the reasons for why their fee was being sent to referendum.

On Dec. 8, 2019, AVP Finance Anderson presented a memo to the SRA stating that the Finance Committee recommends that OPIRG be sent to a referendum. The memo stated that the group was unable to fully answer questions regarding their staffing, had a $91,947 surplus, and had used approx-

imately 87 per cent of student funding for salaries, benefits and administration, and for these reasons should be sent to referendum.

OPIRG McMaster states that Anderson’s concerns have already been addressed or are untrue.

OPIRG McMaster claims it could not provide staffing information at the Dec. 8 SRA meeting as the group was still in discussion with Canadian Union of Public Employees 1281.

Moreover, OPIRG McMaster states that the $91,947 surplus was paid out as severance to three employees that were laid off in the summer in the wake of the Student Choice Initiative.

OPIRG McMaster adds that costs associated with staffing and benefits will account for only 31.2 per cent of the current 2019-2020 budget.

The group also points out that while Anderson’s memo incorrectly references OPIRG McMaster’s failure to adhere to section 3.1.1 and 3.1.2 of Bylaw 5 in the 2017-2018 school year, OPIRG McMaster was sent to referendum in 2017 for violating section 3.1.3 of Bylaw 5.

“None of these claims are true, so when we went to [the meeting on Feb. 9], then they entered in the language of violating (Bylaw 5). And so from [the meeting on Dec. 8] to [the meeting on Feb. 9], the terms of the referendum completely shifted,” said OPIRG President Mateo Rio Newberry Orrantia.

CINDY CUI/ PHOTO EDITOR

A Failed Appeal On Feb. 23, 2020, a delegation from OPIRG McMaster made a presentation to the SRA to reconsider the motion to send the group’s fee to referendum.

At the meeting, OPIRG McMaster emphasized that the group’s budget had been posted to their website on Aug. 10.

OPIRG McMaster also reiterated that the Finance Committee’s initial recommendation to send their fee to referendum on Dec. 8 does not reference Bylaw 5 violations. Moreover, the group pointed out that while the Finance Committee had concerns with both OPIRG McMaster and McMaster Solar Car, only OPIRG McMaster was sent to referendum. “[On Nov. 17], the Solar Car group made a presentation to the SRA, and in that presentation there was a series of concerns about financial transparency and overall accountability.

However, the Finance Committee recommended they not send [Solar Car] to referendum. Instead they put the emphasis on making a series of improvement in transparency in their process to improve financial records.

The mishaps were the result of poor communication and transitioning, which would apply in [OPIRG McMaster] case as well,” said Ryan Tse, a member of the Board of Directors and the current AVP (Municipal Affairs)..

However, according to Johnston, the Finance Committee treated OPIRG McMaster

fairly. Johnston stated that upon review, the Finance Committee felt that McMaster Solar Car had abided by Bylaw 5.

“In regards to the comments made by OPIRG at the [Feb. 23] SRA meeting, specifically alleging that there was a difference in how [the] Finance Committee reviewed Solar Car [versus] OPIRG and this is simply not true … Solar Car’s budget was sent to the Finance Committee by Oct. 15, the budget was online, and the Committee felt the funds were being used appropriately,” stated Johnston in an email to the Silhouette.

Ultimately, the motion to reconsider the decision to send OPIRG McMaster’s fee to referendum failed 7-10.

On their website, OPIRG McMaster maintains that the decision to send their group’s fee to referendum were based on misinformation and the subjective claims of individual SRA members.

From March 10 to 12, 2020, students can vote online to either keep paying OPIRG’s $5.50 fee or remove it entirely.

@TheSilhouette

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NEWS

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

McMaster study assesses condom use among Canadian adults A McMaster study on condom use finds that only 30 per cent of Canadians use condoms in penile-vaginal intercourse

A recent McMaster study surveys the condom use of Canadian adults.

CINDY CUI / PHOTO EDITOR Balsam Fasih Contributor

A new study from McMaster University researchers is assessing condom use among Canadian adults.

With a team led by Dr. Tina Fetner, the chair of the department of sociology at McMaster, the study surveyed 2300 Canadian adults’ condom use. It examined how often these adults used condoms during their last ten instances of penile-vaginal intercourse within a period of six months.

Previous studies of this nature focused on specific demographics. For example, certain studies exclusively focused on sex workers’ condom use.

The McMaster study is unique in that it uses a sample that is representative of the Canadian adult population, taking into account a variety of ages.

The study found that only 30 per cent of Canadians use condoms during penile-vaginal intercourse, with condom use most common among adults

aged 18 to 35.

Another key finding from the study is that cisgender men diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections are three times more likely to never use condoms than cisgender men who have not been diagnosed with STIs. However, cisgender adults who believed they had an increased risk of contracting an STI within the next six months reported greater condom use.

The study also found that people who have received instructions on how to use condoms are more likely to use them.

The study also found that people who have received instructions on how to use condoms are more likely to use them.

Fetner believes that the study’s findings highlight the importance of providing the Canadian population with general information on condom use. This also includes educating Canadian adults on the risks that STIs bring and the ways that condoms can mitigate them.

Several other factors also affect condom use. For example, men from visible minority groups are more likely to use condoms than cisgender white men.

“I think this really suggests they’re more vulnerable to social consequences that are associated with their sexual choices,” says Fetner.

Furthermore, the study found that use of other forms of contraception decreases condom use. Fetner considers this a reminder that pregnancy prevention is a key motivation behind using condoms, underscoring the fact that other forms of contraception do not provide enough proper protection against STIs.

However, the results of the study cannot be generalized to everybody. As participants reported to the study when discussing their ten most recent instances of penile-vaginal intercourse, these findings cannot be applied to same-sex sexual encounters or to people who have had fewer than 10 instances of penile-vaginal intercourse in the previous six months.

“I think this really suggests they’re more vulnerable to social consequences that are associated with their sexual choices,” Tina Fetner Chair of the Department of Sociology Fetner suggests future studies should continue to examine

how factors like education and sexual health impact condom use as well as how patterns of condom use change over time. @TheSilhouette

GRAD BASH Join us for free food, drinks, door prizes, and a chance to win a $500 Prepaid Visa! Not to mention, an opportunity to learn about all the perks of being a McMaster Alumni!

Wednesday, March 18th | 6:30pm - 8:30pm The Phoenix Look for your e-mail invitation and don't forget to register!

ALUMNI.MCMASTER.CA ALUMNI

How to Make Your Informational Interview Matter For folks who are trying to figure out what an occupation is really like before taking the leap or for those trying to build their connections to help with their job search efforts, informational interviews can be extremely helpful.

Really, what is better than one-on-one time with someone who can offer you career advice at minimum, and at the end of the spectrum, if all goes well, someone who may offer to pass along your resume to the right people and tell you about unadvertised jobs?

Informational interviews can be a highly effective way to build connections. If the meetings are done right, they can be an amazing way to make a positive first impression with a professional in your field of interest. But, when a meeting is not done well, it will burn a bridge, or worse really frustrate someone who could have been an ally in your career goals.

A Communications Director of a non-profit organization (who prefers to remain anonymous) recalls an informational interview that was a good example of what not to do when trying to build contacts.

“Initially, I was really excited to be asked to share my experience, but during the

phone conversation, I wasn’t getting much feedback. I didn’t know if what I was answering and suggesting was helpful or interesting. Especially when you can’t see the other person’s body language, it is really important to show you are interested by how you respond.”

At the end of the conversation, the Communications Director kindly offered to critique the mentee’s resume and emailed back a comprehensive critique that had taken her quite some time to do during a busy time at work and home, and then…crickets. Our professional recalls, “Four days later, the person emailed me back with a brief message that said ‘Thank you for the critique. Do you know anyone else I could talk with?’ I couldn’t believe it.”

Bridge burned.

This example is what I like to call transactional networking. The idea that networking is about focusing on the number of interactions, rather than the quality of the relationships. This is absolutely not what effective networking should involve. Life gets busy. But that is no excuse for not staying in touch and responding to others in a timely way…especially when you initiated the connection.

Here are some tips to consider when networking.

1. Be genuine. If you are job searching, say so, but elaborate on your reason for meeting. For instance, getting advice, learning more about an organization, figuring out what kinds of jobs may fit your skill set, and so on. Let the person know your purpose for conversation and a bit about your background, but most importantly, show 100% interest in their story.

2. Write excellent introduction emails.

When you’re contacting someone you don’t know well or don’t know at all, a personal introductory email is essential.

Provide a quick and clear introduction of who you are, how you came to contact that individual and what you hope to get from that person as a contact. Indicate why you chose the recipient specifically — preferably by showing that you’ve done your research — and provide your contact information, including links to your LinkedIn profile and/or personal web page.

3. Develop good questions and weave them into conversation. The main goal is to build rapport through natural conversation. Prepare ahead of time by building interesting, insightful questions

based on your goals for the meeting.

Remember to make the questions open ended: How did you get your first job after graduation? Based on what you know about me, what kind of job do you think would be aligned with my skills? I noticed from your LinkedIn that you used to work in a different industry; how did you successfully make the transition? Review our Networking Booklet for more ideas about creating good questions.

them out and/or share information they would be interested in based on your conversation.

4. Manage your contacts to strengthen them over time. Keep records about your interactions with the people in your network. Include contact information, key details you’ve learned and track your follow ups. You can even use free software like jibberjobber, designed exactly for this purpose, or use the Networking Booklet to just create your own.

Try and think from the other person’s perspective. After you reach out to the person you were referred to in a timely manner, remember to circle back to your original contact to update them about your conversation and thank them again.

Completing the networking circle will maintain relationships and not leave them wondering if you ever followed up with their suggestion.

5. Show your gratitude. Be sure to thank — in writing — the people who take the time to be part of your network. Send thank-you notes to let your contacts know you appreciate their time and interest, and thank them if something they said or did made an impact on your career. Email is fine, though written cards will be more memorable. Be on the lookout for opportunities to help

These are the kind of recommendations that can help you turn a good strategy for building and using your network into a good and successful strategy for building and using your network, and that can make all the difference.

6. It’s all about the rapport. While it’s true that one connection often leads to another, wait until you are sure your rapport is good before you ask. Often people will offer to help once they are reasonably sure they can refer you to their colleagues. In essence, see Tips 1 through 5.

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www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

Potential COVID-19 case at McMaster University tests negative McMaster professor affirms that students are at low risk of infection

There have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus at McMaster CINDY CUI / PHOTO EDITOR Hargun Kaur Contributor

On Mar. 2, McMaster University released a statement that a potential case of COVID-19 virus surfaced on Feb. 29 tested negative.

What is COVID-19?

The COVID-19 virus, also known as the novel coronavirus (nCov), has affected over 92,000 individuals and led to over 3200 deaths globally. COVID-19 is a coronavirus, a family of viruses responsible for a variety of illnesses ranging from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, a viral respiratory disease that resulted in 774 deaths between 2002 and 2003.

As of Mar. 3, there have been 33 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada, most of them in Ontario. While there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at McMaster University, there have been two scares of infection on campus.

COVID-19 Scares at McMaster On Jan. 27, a fake notice was posted on a residence room door warning students that room had been quarantined due to a suspected case of COVID-19. McMaster issued a statement the same day confirming that the sign was false.

While there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at McMaster University, there have been two scares of infection.

On Feb. 13, an opinion article in the Silhouette discussing coronavirus and racism in the McMaster community referred to the false quarantine notice.

The article called the incident “deeply insensitive,” further stating, “[It’s] very insensitive for people to downplay or make fun of our distress. Many

of our families still carry the trauma of SARS, which should not be taken lightly. Many of us worry about friends or family in China, and COVID-19, being ten times deadlier than the flu, makes us especially concerned for our grandparents.”

On Feb. 29, a potential case of COVID-19 surfaced at McMaster after one student reported flu-like symptoms to the school several days after returning from Italy. According to a statement released by McMaster on Feb. 29, the student was on campus on Feb. 25 and had visited the Burke Science Building, prompting additional cleaning of the building.

“While health officials have said that regular cleaning should suffice, as a precaution, McMaster is undertaking extra cleaning on level one and all public spaces,” the statement reads.

According to a CBC article on Mar. 1, the potential COVID-19 case on campus incited fear and apprehension amongst McMaster students as the university awaited confirmation of the virus.

On Mar. 2, McMaster released another statement that disclosed that the student involved in the potential COVID-19 case tested negative.

“The mortality rates for people under 50 is 0.1 per cent, which is very similar to seasonal flu.

For children between the ages of newborn to 9 years old, there have been no fatalities at all,” Matthew Miller Associate Professor, department of biochemistry and biomedical sciences Interview with an Expert According to Dr. Matthew Miller, associate professor in

McMaster’s department of biochemistry and biomedical sciences and a member of the Institute for Infectious Diseases Research, the risk of COVID-19 infection to students in the McMaster community is low.

Miller states that older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions have the greatest risk of contracting the infection. Moreover, he adds that COVID-19 is less dangerous than the flu. According to Miller, despite the mortality of the coronavirus being 2 to 3 per cent, this number is disproportionately driven up by older individuals.

“The mortality rates for people under 50 is 0.1 per cent, which is very similar to seasonal flu. For children between the ages of newborn to 9 years old, there have been no fatalities at all,” Miller explains.

To further reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, Miller advises students to continue practices such as regular hand washing and proper sneezing and coughing, just as they would for the common cold or the flu.

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When aked about her experience with the program Pinar says, “I will have a very useful certificate for my field at the end of the program. As a Communications undergrad, I know that taking this program will benefit me tremendously when I start applying for jobs.” Taking this program provides a huge personal return on investment, allowing you to develop your academic resume sooner and getting you one step closer to your dream job.

Degree + Diploma is offered through McMaster University Continuing Education. There are many certificate and diploma options for you to choose

from in the fields of business, communications, health and social services. Programs are designed to fit your schedule and are taught in flexible and convenient formats. You can select from an array of courses that are either – in person or online - whatever accommodates your busy schedule.

To get started visit mcmastercce.ca to learn more about the certificates and diplomas available to you. Once you’ve got an idea of what you are interested in you can book a meeting with your Academic Advisor in your faculty who can help you get started on future proofing your career.

Sponsored by:

PRESIDENT’S PAGE

JOSH MARANDO President president@msu.mcmaster.ca 905.525.9140 x23885

The MSU constitution states that the purpose of the MSU is to draw into a true society all students at McMaster University. We do this by fostering activities and events that enhance the University experience of our members and contribute to the life of the University as a whole. Further, we seek to facilitate communication between the student body, the University, and other organizations, in addition to organizing and regulating student selfgovernment. The purpose of the annual MSU General Assembly (GA) is to ensure all students, regardless of the positions they hold or their involvement within the MSU, have an opportunity to have their voices heard. Students have a multitude of opportunities to be involved with the MSU, with access to over three dozen services, positions in governance, over 350 clubs, and a number of volunteer and paid roles.

That said, GA is the highest governing body of the MSU and gives members the opportunity to shape any aspect of the organization.

March 5, 2020 | thesil.ca

The MSU GA is the annual, constitutionally mandated meeting of all full-time undergraduate students.

Any student can submit a motion for discussion or debate and speak for, or against, any issue. GA is a unique opportunity for students to build consensus on an issue they are passionate about through democratic procedures. All resolutions passed within the context of a quorate GA are binding on the Student Representative Assembly. Previously, we have seen motions brought forward which have established and discussed our McMaster Orientation Levy, BDS policies, Vice President elections, and many other topics.

email the Speaker and they can help you through that process. The Speaker will facilitate the event and open with a primer on procedural processes. I will begin by addressing MSU members with an update on projects led by the Board of Directors. Then, the agenda will follow, including a discussion and motion which calls upon McMaster to

fully divest in fossil fuels and any other announcements from the chair. The Vice Presidents and I will be hosting our Board of Directors office hours in MUSC on March 18 prior to GA from 1:30 – 3:30 PM, so feel free to stop by and ask questions. I hope to see students in attendance bring their perspectives on issues they are passionate about.

“As a venue for direct democracy, GA is a place where meaningful debate can and should take place.”

This year, GA will take place on March 18 in Burridge Gym from 4:00 7:00 PM. Registration opens at 3:15 PM in the mezzanine above the gym. MSU members are welcome to attend with their student card and enter via the IWC hallway. The agenda will be available at msumcmaster.ca/GA on March 12. As a venue for direct democracy, GA is a place where meaningful debate can and should take place. I encourage students to think about what changes they would like to see, submit a motion, and attend to discuss the motions that have been brought forward.

To submit a motion to be considered at GA, please email the MSU Speaker at speaker@msu.mcmaster. ca by noon on Wednesday, March 11.

If you are unsure of how to write or phrase a motion, please feel free to

The President’s Page is a space sponsored and used by the McMaster Students Union (MSU) Board of Directors (BoD) to communicate with the student body. It functions to highlight the Board’s projects, goals, and agenda for the year, as well as the general happenings of the MSU.

SARAH JOSH MARANDO FIGUEIREDO President

VP (Administration)

SHEMAR HACKETT VP (Education)

ALEX JOHNSTON VP (Finance)

The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

| 11

Editorial Portrayals of Wet’suwet’en land defenders Land defenders are not the real threat Hannah Walters-Vida Editor-in-Chief

Recently, land defenders and allies across Canada have rallied behind Wet’suwet’en land defenders in northwestern British Columbia in response to the RCMP’s removal of land defenders.

On Jan. 1, Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs issued an eviction notice to the Canadian government and Coastal Gas Link, who were planning on constructing a pipeline on traditional Wet’suwet’en territory.

About a month later, armed RCMP officers raided the camp, removing and arresting land defenders, enforcing the court injunction that would allow the construction to resume.

Solidarity actions in the rest of Canada began that same day, with a rail blockade in Belleville, Ontario, in solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs.

Actions have also been taking

place closer to home, with a rail blockade between the Aldershot and West Harbour GO stations last week, and an ongoing blockade on Highway 6.

The way that this has been framed by media and government is highly concerning—the land defenders have been framed as inconveniences, and at worst, they are portrayed as threats.

For example, mainstream media sources focused on the potential chlorine shortage that could result from the rail blockades. Notably, 30 minutes away from Hamilton, only nine per cent of residents at Six Nations reserve have household access to clean drinking water.

A couple of weeks ago, Conservative leader Andrew Scheer described the land defenders as a small group of radical activists that were holding the economy hostage.

Look at the comments on any local news piece about the rail blockades, and see people echoing Scheer, calling for the

violent removal of Wet’suwet’en land defenders and allies.

However, the land defenders are not the real threat.

Absent from these discussions is the threat of unsustainable development and environmental degradation that will result from continued reliance on fossil fuels.

And even more concerning is the violation Indigenous nations’ right to govern themselves. This is an issue of Indigenous sovereignty and the right to self-governance. It makes the contradictions at the heart of the Canadian government’s supposed commitment to reconciliation abundantly clear.

Upholding Indigenous sovereignty only when it’s convenient to the rest of Canada does not come anywhere close to reconciliation.

Train delays, pipeline disturbances and disruption to “business as usual” are not the real threats here, and it is disingenuous and irresponsible to frame the issue as anything but.

TO IDINA MENZEL’S OSCAR PERFORMANCE MAKING ME CRY to the Silhouette, we deserve a thumbs up too guys to cream puffs to everything bagels, the best type of bagels to crumbled

to the office plant dying over reading week, r.i.p. lil buddy to James Bond being pushed back to November to burning your nachos to spilling water all over your table to losing at chess

to tik tok

to the summer job market

to new guitar strings

to getting sick

TO RAZAN, WE LOVE YOU

FIND US BESIDE TWELVEIGHT Y BAR & GRILL FOLLOW US @MSU_THEGRIND

12 |

FEATURE

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

The waste of the Union Following the McMaster audit staff and student groups discuss the state of waste and how little changes can make a big impact

Adrianna Michell Features Reporter

The Facilities Services department at McMaster released a broad waste audit of the university in February 2020. The audit details the amount of waste produced in the 2018 year and provides plans to reduce waste for the future.

While waste may not be at the forefront of students’ minds, McMaster’s environmental impact on the Hamilton community is significant in terms of waste generated, setting institutional standards and research in sustainability. Considering the city’s declaration of a climate emergency and the recent scandal of waste water pollution in Chedoke Creek, sustainability has become a local priority and McMaster needs to do its part.

The university has taken some steps to begin reducing its waste and become a more sustainable institution.

According to the Waste report completed by the Waste Reduction Group Inc, a third party consultant, samples of waste were collected across the university to assess composition and contamination.

Overall, the audit determined that in 2018 McMaster diverted 54 per cent of waste through recycling and composting programs, a 8.5 per cent improvement from 2017, but still below the provincial goal of 60 per cent. For comparison, Brock University’s diversion rate for the same year was 73.3 per cent, according to an audit completed by the same company. The audit found organic material such as food waste in garbage cans across campus and suggested that McMaster expands its

composting programs, which students have long called for.

The biggest culprits noted by the waste audit were the Student Centre, Mills Library, and Brandon Hall.

McMaster has been working to improve recycling programs, particularly by moving from a single-stream recycling program to one where students are expected to separate out paper and plastics.

Carlos Figueira, director of custodial, grounds, logistics and mail services for McMaster, highlighted some of the improvements the department has implemented. Signage has been an ongoing problem on campus, with the prevailing “This, That, and the Other” system becoming increasingly outdated and confusing for waste sorting-savvy students and staff.

Another evolving issue is the ever-changing containers that vendors bring to campus, since each one has different materials it is difficult for staff to keep students informed on which are or aren’t recyclable.

With contamination rates that don’t meet the provincial standard, students clearly are still unsure of what to do with their waste. Kate Whalen, the senior manager of academic sustainability programs, said that students brought concerns to a recent panel hosted by the MSU club Zero Waste McMaster. Students expressed a desire to contribute to mitigating climate change through individual practices, but had questions about fundamental practices.

Her suggestion: students should join up and find ways to make change.

“There’s so much opportunity for students to get involved and talk about aligning with

your values—to find a group or groups of like minded students [. . .] who are organizing within themselves,” said Whalen.

One group of McMaster staff heading up improvements is the newly established cross-department Sustainability Council started by Debbie Martin, associate vice-president of facilities services. The council works on a variety of initiatives including an extension of the student-led trash to treasure initiative. Whalen helps chair the group, which aims to divert I.T. waste produced at McMaster.

Old tech is collected on campus, refurbished, and either donated, sold, or recycled.

Change is difficult, but Whalen suggested students take up a simple approach: “doing your best with what you have where you are.

Focusing on that.”

Kate Whalen Senior manager of academic sustainability programs at McMaster Aside from the Sustainability Council, Whalen noted that there are lots of other ways students and McMaster as a whole can help reduce waste. The first step is a change of mindset: we need to move away from just focusing on recycling and towards a more holistic approach. “the Three R’s… we rhyme

it off the top of our heads.

You’re all taught this. But there’s actually a very specific order: reduce, then reuse, then recycle.”

Figueira agreed that students and staff need to reduce the amount of single use items coming onto campus. He encouraged avoiding all plastics and choosing reusable containers instead.

Along with reducing waste, Whalen also noted a need for rethinking how we view environmental impact. She said students are eager to make individual changes, but it can be demoralizing when the problem seems too big or no solution seems quite right.

“It’s just taking little steps and doing little making little changes in your own life.

Perfection is not like what we’re trying to strive for,” Josephine Agueci President of Zero Waste McMaster Change is difficult, but Whalen suggested students take up a simple approach: “doing your best with what you have where you are. Focusing on that.”

Students seem interested in taking up zero waste practices as a way to make small actions have a big impact.

Josephine Agueci, presi-

dent of Zero Waste McMaster, explained that the zero-waste philosophy encourages individuals to adopt sustainable practices to lower the single-use materials they consume. “[Zero waste McMaster} strives to promote low waste, stainable, conscious living for students on campus and in the community. Basically we want to provide the education… the first step is always educating yourself and figuring out why this resonates with you. Like why do you want to make these changes? Why is it actually important? ‘Cause otherwise, changing your habits is really difficult” said Agueci.

As a fourth year student herself Agueci knows that it can be challenging for students to make sustainable choices.

“It’s just taking little steps and doing little making little changes in your own life. Perfection is not like what we’re trying to strive for,” said Agueci.

The McMaster community has made headway in creating more sustainable practices on campus. Still more work is needed to meet the 60 per cent contamination rate goal set out by the province. Student and staff organizations on campus, like the sustainability committees and Zero Waste McMaster are bringing together individuals interested in waste reduction to build a more sustainable McMaster.

@TheSilhouette

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The Silhouette

| 13

14 |

OPINION

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

Opinion McMaster fails to support survivors

The Equity and Inclusion Office should take their sexual violence training to heart and actually believe survivors Anonymous Contributor

CW: sexual violence Within many survivors’ inner circles, McMaster’ University’s Equity and Inclusion Office has been criticized for not listening to or providing adequate support for those who have faced sexual violence. As a survivor, it is difficult for me to hear about the ways in which a university office shows a lack of care. As evidence by multiple cases, the EIO has not supported survivors sufficiently.

Unfortunately, sexual violence on campus has always been a problem. To make matters worse, sexual violence on campus is typically overlooked.

This, in turn, protects perpetrators.

This year, I found out that a perpetrator had been hired onto the Sciclones team. I felt extremely hurt and confused, especially considering that I had been a Sciclone representative in the past. My friend emailed the EIO in October about their concerns of a perpetrator being in a position of power. In response, my friend was told that a person could not be removed from the position without a formal complaint. When those in power would not listen to my friend when we spoke up about the harm this person did, my friend and I took to social media to warn others about this person.

Eventually, the Sciclones planners addressed this issue by emailing the Sciclones team on Dec. 3, 2019. In the email, they quoted the EIO sexual violence response coordinator. The email stated that the perpetrator could not be removed from the team or isolated without being reviewed through a standardized process.

“If a student-led organization were to take any action to uninvite or differentially treat another student group member from an activity they are entitled/expected to attend, without

fair and due process . . . then they would not be following the Sexual Violence Policy,” wrote the sexual violence response coordinator.

The email revealed that actions against the perpetrator without formal process would be viewed as inappropriate.

“All persons have the right to be heard and protect themselves from harassment and reprisal that may occur without fair/due process,” continued the sexual violence response coordinator.

Essentially, we were told to file a formal complaint about this person or do nothing.

Apparently, excluding someone from events—even if people have complained about said person making them feel unsafe—constitutes harassment. In the email to the Sciclones team, the planners said that they consulted with the EIO to come to this conclusion.

Making a formal complaint can be a long and emotionally draining process that is inaccessible for many survivors. By consulting the EIO instead of approaching the people who had been harmed, the planners

made it clear to us that they saw our posts on social media, but did not want to listen to us and take our concerns seriously. Through this example, it is evident that these leaders would much rather protect perpetrators than address a survivor’s needs.

It is important to note that this is not completely the planners’ fault—assuming that the EIO gave the Sciclone planners this advice, the EIO is most at fault here. In their email, the planners insinuated that the EIO viewed the perpetrator as the one being harassed and discriminated against. This makes it seem like they prioritized protecting a perpetrator of sexual violence rather than hearing survivors’ concerns.

This is not the only time the EIO has failed to hear survivors.

When I was sexually harassed in 2017, I went to the McMaster Science Society for help in the removal of the individual from a mentorship program. At the time, I felt like they had listened to me. They even consulted with the EIO sexual violence response coordinator for the best course of action. However, I was

not included in the conversation. I thought it was safe to assume that the EIO would be survivor-centric in this process and would consult me before moving forward. Yet, the following year, the same individual was hired again despite the MSS representative team knowing about the sexual harassment complaint.

Instead of the EIO reaching out to me and consulting me in conversations, I had to reach out to the office to get a semblance of clarity on the situation. I was pressured into signing a no-contact agreement; however, the perpetrator was not removed from the team.

I was upset and confused by this course of action. Following claims that I harassed my perpetrator, the EIO withdrew the no-contact agreement.

Many survivors have an increased risk of mental health complications. For example, the chances of a woman who has experienced sexual violence developing post traumatic stress disorder is 50 per cent, compared to a 7.8 per cent prevalence in the general North American population. Speak-

ing from experience, a lack of university and administration support can worsen the challenges that survivors already face. Survivors’ grades are at a risk of declining and they may face further challenges with isolation. Furthermore, it is difficult being present on the grounds of an institution that doesn’t support survivors and as a result, makes them feel unsafe.

In order to support survivors, the EIO needs to do better.

When the office educates others to believe survivors and uses a bunch of statistics to support their sexual violence training, they should also take their own advice to heart. Believing survivors doesn’t mean you only believe them once they have a restraining order, a conviction or because they have gone through the sexual violence complaint process and have been proven right. It means believing their stories when they reach out to you the first time because the systems set up to report assaults are not survivor-centric. Better practices means supporting survivors’ needs instead of protecting a perpetrator. @TheSilhouette

The Equity and Inclusion Office is one of the main resources for survivors at McMaster University.

CINDY CUI / PHOTO EDITOR

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

The Silhouette

| 15

Why the Maroons shouldn’t have made the cut

Recent decisions to rescind three MSU services calls into question why the Maroons were not rescinded for their sexual violence allegations Steffi Arkilander Opinions Editor James King Contributor

On Feb. 25, the McMaster Students Union executive board released its decision to recommend rescinding three of its current services: Mac Farmstand, MACycle and the Creating Leadership Amongst Youth Conference. They also proposed putting Shinerama on pause for the 2020/2021 year. According to current vice-president (administration) Sarah Figueiredo and associate vice-president (services) Martino Salciccioli, recent events related to the Student Choice Initiative have resulted in a critical examination of the MSU’s current operating structures and finances.

In the report on CLAY, Figueiredo and Salciccioli wrote regarding cutting down on financial costs, “Though the Student Choice Initiative is currently deemed unlawful, it is important to continue this work in light of ongoing deficits, financial ability and whether or not they continue to fill a gap in the McMaster Undergraduate Community.”

The two go on to justify that, given the tighter restrictions for spending, the MSU and the board are revising their allocated budgets, which are funded by students for students.

According to the reports, a major reason why the aforementioned services may be rescinded is due to decreased engagement between MSU members and these services.

This is shown through a decreased number of volunteer applications, as well as a MSU survey that collected usage data of the respective services.

However, the reasons for rescinding and pausing these services seem questionable.

These services have been working productively to fulfill their mandates. Not to mention, none of these services are under probation due to a review of sexual violence and harassment, unlike the MSU Maroons.

On April 17, 2019, the MSU posted about an ongoing review of the Maroons and MSU policies on sexual violence and response due to incidents of sexual violence within the

McMaster Maroons spirit merchandise.

C/O MAROONS

Maroons. These incidents were reported by the Silhouette one month prior on March 14.

Although the MSU hired an external consultant to review reported cases and investigate ongoing shortcomings, the findings highlighted systemic issues ingrained in the service dating as far back as September 2017.

As two past Maroons representatives, it was clear there was a pervasively toxic culture on the team that needed to be addressed and the Maroons were in dire need of a long overdue overhaul. So the question at hand is the following: why are the Maroons being financed and supported by the board when the service has been reported to have continually harmed students? The reasons for rescinding Mac Farmstand, MACycle and and CLAY seem to be addressing financial deficits and engagement of the service, but through the Maroons review, it has been shown that many Maroons reps felt uncomfortable reporting incidents of harassment. Furthermore, there has been no public statement made by the Maroons to address this issue. At this point in time, it seems like the MSU wants to finance the Maroons regardless of

the harm they cause and regardless of whether their issues are addressed. Instead of rescinding services with no history of harm against the community, it seems more reasonable to rescind the Maroons instead. At the very least, the Maroons should be put on pause for a year, similar to Shinerama.

In addition, the recommendations to make up for the rescinded or paused services don’t quite fill the niche or serve the communities these services operated within, which calls into question why they would be rescinded in the first place.

Because of CLAY’s budget deficit and its impact on only 60 MSU members each year, it was recommended to be rescinded.

The recommendation to fill CLAY’s operating policy, which is to empower and engage youth in the Hamilton and Greater Toronto Area, was to create a bursary program for youth to get involved in local leadership opportunities. However, a bursary is clearly not an adequate substitute for the time and expertise McMaster University students can offer through their involvement with the community. Furthermore, it does not allow for building and main-

taining personal relationships essential for connecting with youth effectively.

Mac Farmstand’s mandate is to provide affordable local food to McMaster students, faculty and staff. Because a grocery store will be part of the student space expansion outside of the David Braley Athletic Centre in 2021, the board report implied that Mac Farmstand’s purpose would still be served. But it is unclear whether this produce will be local or community-focused—which is the whole purpose of Mac Farmstand.

Interestingly enough, Shinerama and MACycle’s recommendations both include using the Maroons to fill their gaps should these services be rescinded. According to the MACycle report, the Maroons would help coordinate the annual bike auction, and in the Jan. 23 executive board meeting, the board discussed the Maroons integrating more charity work as part of their service next year to help substitute Shinerama’s niche. It’s odd that a service on probation like the Maroons would be assigned more responsibility, when they are already failing to achieve their current mandate.

In MSU president Joshua Marando’s words regarding the review of the Maroons, “What we learned is that we need to do better.”

One way the MSU could have done better was consider rescinding a service that makes some students feel unsafe, instead of writing a half-hearted apology for McMaster students.

However, the MSU decided to assign more responsibility to a service students feel uncomfortable with, effectively ignoring our concerns. In fact, it seems like the MSU is actively uplifting and supporting the Maroons as a service, instead of reprimanding the issues with the service.

Sometimes it is important to acknowledge that some problems are systemic in nature—and despite the efforts the MSU has gone to improve this service, it is evident that rape culture within the Maroons is not a fixable problem. So the next best option would be to rescind the service—if not in place of one of these other four services, then alongside them. @TheSilhouette

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www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

The Silhouette

| 17

Participation does not always enrich learning What do participation grades really assess?

Students often speak in tutorial in order to get a high participation mark, opposed to promoting deeper understanding of course content.

CINDY CUI / PHOTO EDITOR

Elisa Do Staff Writer

What does catering to folks with different needs and learning styles look like? Is it vast, overfilled lecture halls, too large for questions to be asked? Or small, close-up tutorial groups meant for lively discussion?

From both my personal experiences and speaking to students from other classes, I have noticed an ongoing pattern of anxiety and discomfort involving tutorial groups that include participation grades. Although participation may seem like a simple task, for some folks, it can be an incredibly nerve-wracking experience.

I believe that incorporating smaller tutorial groups in classes comes with many benefits, but designating a portion of one’s grade solely towards performance in the classroom can bring unnecessary pressure and more often than not, does not serve its purpose in enriching the learning experience.

Oftentimes, students enter the classroom worrying about the number of times they have to raise their hands and keep a count of the times they get the chance to speak. Whether or not the ones who were able to “participate” were truly active in their learning compared

to those who did not speak is difficult to determine.

For example, in my first year, PSYCH 1X03 was one of my classes that included participation as a large percentage of our grade. I remember not fully watching the online modules like we were meant to before the tutorial and thus walked in with only a mediocre understanding of that week’s content. Rather than incentivizing me to work harder, the idea of participation grades only taught me how to adapt by raising my hand and saying however much I knew of the chapter.

Rather than incentivizing me to work harder, the idea of participation grades only taught me how to adapt by raising my hand and saying however much I knew of the chapter.

The pressure to contribute to the discussion in the classroom has implemented the idea

that saying anything is better than saying nothing. Even if what is being said does not make sense or does not truly promote deeper understanding of the course content, students raise their hands anyways.

If and when a student does not feel comfortable contributing to the discussion, they should not have to worry about being penalized with their grades. Many tutorial groups, such as the ones from PSYCH 1X03, assess participation in a way that forces students to vocalize their thoughts during each class. However, I believe grading participation based on an average level of engagement versus a specific moment in time would provide students with a greater freedom to express their thoughts naturally.

While the pressure for students to engage in tutorial can be seen as a benefit, it can also easily become a barrier for some others. And to be clear, getting rid of tutorials or participation grades all together is not the ultimate solution that I am suggesting here.

Instead, I believe that there could be greater improvements made to teaching approaches and the way the curriculum is designed. To allow space for a more diverse range of learning abilities, tutorial participation

grades should be more flexible, or alternative grading components could be provided. For example, rather than measuring participation through the number of times a student speaks up, written reflections could be done, or participation could be counted as an optional bonus grade, with other substitutes that could account for the same percentage.

Lastly, usually people understand that accommodations are sometimes provided for disabled students. However, conversations regarding disabilities can vary from both physical to intellectual, including invisible disabilities. Therefore, it is important that accomodations are made for students who can identify themselves as folks who may require alternative strategies in the classroom. While accommodations within the university deserves an article of its own, I would like to point out here that participation grades are not only something that can create barriers for students who prefer to learn differently, but also can be extremely isolating for folks who require different learning methods.

At the end of the day, some students learn better by listening and absorbing the material at their own pace.

Some students enjoy the idea of stimulating conversation, of bouncing off other ideas to strengthen their learning. Some students love the idea of backto-back assigned readings and others can only connect to the material when given the opportunity to learn through handson experiences. But either way, students should not have to feel pressured to share in the classroom. The classroom should be a safe space for students to feel encouraged about learning—a place for true participation.

@TheSilhouette

18 |

A&C

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

Arts & Culture Stitched together

Needlework makes sewing more accessible for everyone

Lauren O’Donnell A&C Reporter

Located at 174 James St. N, Needlework is stocked full of brightly coloured fabric that represents every colour from the colour wheel. The store is co-owned by Elizabeth Simpson and Kate Hudson. Simpson and Hudson initially met through the creative group Beehive Craft Collective. Now, their business has become a second home for makers in the city.

Ottawa Street is widely considered to be the fabric destination for Hamilton, so what makes Needlework worth the trip up to James Street North?

Whereas most stores only sell fabric and sewing supplies, Needlework holds workshops and classes in order to encourage and educate both beginner and experienced crafters. They can help you make anything from a pillowcase to your own winter coat.

In addition to classes, Needlework also offers $9 by-the-hour access to their sewing machines, or $110 yearly subscriptions. In order to use the machines, you need to have some sewing experience. Don’t worry if you’re not experienced—you can take one of their introductory courses and

they’ll teach you how. Once you have a basic understanding of a sewing machine, you can come in and sew any time. Simpson says that many customers come in to work on their own projects, ranging anywhere from quilts to clothes. “[I]t really becomes I think, like a second home for a lot of people, because if they have downtime [or] they don’t feel like being at home, they can just come and spend the day at Needlework,” said Simpson.

“[I]t really becomes I think, like a second home for a lot of people, because if they have downtime [or] they don’t feel like being at home, they can just come and spend the day at Needlework,” Elizabeth Simpson Owner of Needlework Simpson says that a lot of customers come in to sew, tailor or repair their own clothing.

This is a great way to practice sustainability in your day-today life as it discourages fast fashion; clothes that are well made and fit you well are less likely to be thrown away after a few months.

Needlework allows people who may not have the resources or experience to sew, to be able to pick up new skills and express their creativity in a supportive environment. It makes sewing more accessible to those who may not have the tools necessary to get started. Most sewing machines cost at least $100, and that’s on the lower end. If you want to give sewing a try and decide it’s not for you, it’s much easier to spend $9 for an hour than $100 for something you may not use much.

“If you don’t have space at home to have all that gear out or equipment you can come to our shop and spend the afternoon just working on something creative, if you need to get away from schoolwork or what have you … buying a brand new sewing machine and all the tools is an investment in itself as well as having to store all of it,” said Simpson.

Needlework encourages customers to express their creativity. Recently, Simpson and Hudson have started running a class on garment pattern sewing. Sewing patterns can be

notoriously difficult to follow, especially for less experienced sewers. Each participant is asked to bring in any pattern that they want, provided that it is marked by the studio as beginner-friendly. This gives people the opportunity to create whatever piece they want, and to make something perfectly tailored for them.

“If you don’t have space at home to have all that gear out or equipment you can come to our shop and spend the afternoon just working on something creative...”

“[W]hen people come to craft night we always say bring whatever you want. It’s more just like a social evening for people who are interested . . . in craft, and knitting is really portable. And it’s nice to be able to sit at our big cutting table across from other people, other makers and still be working on something,” said Simpson.

Needlework has created a space for artists from across all walks of life, uniting them through their shared love of sewing and creativity. Whether you’re an expert sewer or a complete beginner, they can help you on your journey to creating something uniquely yours.

@TheSilhouette

Elizabeth Simpson Owner of Needlework On the last Monday of every month, Needlework hosts a craft night that is open for everyone, bringing together a group of like-minded craft-enthusiasts for an evening of creativity and community. Many even bring their own knitting projects from home.

Handmade quilt made using materials purchased at needlework.

ELISABETTA PAIANO/PRODUCTION EDITOR

The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

Lauren O’Donnell A&C Reporter

Everywhere you look, you can see organizations and campaigns built around saving the bees. At the same time, sustainable, local beekeeping is gaining interest. This past Oscars season, the 2019 Macedonian documentary Honeyland was nominated for two awards. The film follows Hatidže Muratova, a wild beekeeper and her symbiotic relationship with her bees.

She cares for them, never taking more from them than she needs.

However, you don’t need to go to Macedonia to find sustainable beekeeping—we have some right here on campus.

Two years ago, Silhouette contributor Hess Salhollbey wrote about Humble Bee, Hamilton’s very own urban beekeeping company. Humble Bee is co-owned by Dan Douma and Luc Peters. At the time, Douma mentioned that Humble Bee hoped to set up future apiaries on campus. Fast forward to now, Humble Bee is gearing up to sell honey made by bees right here on campus.

“The project is currently underway and there’s actually bees on McMaster property right now. And very soon there will be honey available in the student centre,” said Peters.

The honey will be available to buy at La Piazza and Mac Farm Stand, with all of the

funds going to support the McMaster Community Bee Project.

Peters and Douma are also planning to run information sessions for students about beekeeping. For the past few years, they’ve been holding introductory beekeeping classes at The Cotton Factory (270 Sherman Ave. N.), and they are hoping to bring their knowledge to students. Sustainable, small-scale beekeeping is key to keeping bees happy and healthy. It allows the beekeeper to be in tune with the needs of their bees. “[I]f done correctly, I think all farming should be on [a] smaller scale … I’ve always been a fan of organic farming and working more harmoniously with nature. Everything humans do ha[s] an impact, and all the bad situations that we’re in now are pretty much human caused. So I think finding more harmony in farming with nature is what I always hope for and always look to,” said Peters.

“Everything humans do ha[s] an impact, and all the bad situations that we’re in now are pretty much human caused.”

Luc Peters Owner of Humble Bee

Buying locally-made honey is also more sustainable for the environment, because it hasn’t been shipped from other countries or provinces. Additionally, Humble Bee also sells beeswax candles, so that the excess wax taken from the honeycomb doesn’t go to waste.

Part of the appeal of urban beekeeping is that it gives people a connection to nature that is lacking in everyday city life.

Because beekeepers always need to be aware of any potential threats to their bees, like pesticides or chemicals, beekeepers become more aware of the bees’ environment and the way that they live.

Part of the appeal of urban beekeeping is that it gives people a connection to nature that is lacking in everyday city life. “[I]t’s a lovely time, sometimes, when you’re out there working with the bees. You feel connected with this super organism that you’re working with, and it’s being this reflection of the environment that it’s in. And so you can really get

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connected with your surrounding environment when you’re working with bees. And that’s some of the magic, I think, of keeping bees that people get really attracted to after trying it out,” said Peters.

“You feel connected with this super organism that you’re working with, and it’s being this reflection of the environment that it’s in,” Luc Peters Owner of Humble Bee If urban beekeeping isn’t for you, there are other ways that you can help to support the bees. If you have the space, planting a pollinator garden free of pesticides can help bees survive and thrive. Buying honey from local beekeepers like Humble Bee helps to support sustainable models of beekeeping, rather than supporting larger corporations that may not treat their bees as well. After all, soon enough you’ll be able to buy honey made right here on campus, so there’s no reason not to give it a try. @TheSilhouette

Humble Bee Logo C/O Humble Bee GRAPHIC BY ANDREW MROZOWSKI/A&C EDITOR

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A&C

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

What’s on in March 5

March 6

Indigenous Languages Games Night hosted by McMaster Indigenous Languages Week

Planetarium Show: The Celestial Bear, Six Nations Night Sky hosted

by McMaster Indigenous Languages Week

Location: L.R. Wilson Hall Suite 1811 Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm Power & Photography: A Facilitated Discussion

Location: W.J. Mccallion Planetarium, 1280 Main St. W Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Location: The Workshop on Barton, 314 Barton St. E Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

March 14 We Are Planted Here: Narratives in Belonging Location: Hamilton Central Public Library Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm

March 19 The Arty Crowd: Native Indian & Inuit Photographers Association Location: Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King St. W Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm

The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

n March?

March 11

March 13

Mini Ramp Wednesdays (Reoccurring) - Skate Night dedicated to womxn+, non-binary, trans people and beginners

Spring Tide Bulb Show (March 13 - March 22)

Location: Directly message Dina @kattydartslayer on Instagram or email: cataluccidina@gmail.com

Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

March 22 Maple Syrup Festival hosted by the McMaster Outdoor Club and Nature at McMaster Location: Westfield Heritage Village Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Location: Gage Park Greenhouse, 1000 Main St. E

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SPORTS

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

Sports McMaster represents at CFL combine

Our Marauders are going to tear it up at the combine exactly like they did at the Yates Cup

McMaster University’s Marauder’s face the University of Calgary Dinos at the Mitchell Bowl on Nov. 16th, 2019.

C/O DAVID MOLL Jovan Popovic Contributor

The Canadian Football League draft is right around the corner, scheduled to take place on April 30. To see the physical capabilities of some of the nation’s top prospects, the CFL is holding its draft combine March 26 to 28 The nation’s top prospects have been preparing for one of the most important events in their young careers, the CFL Combine, where they will have a chance to prove themselves one final time before the draft.

Boasting one of the best rosters in the country this year, it only makes sense that eight Marauders were invited to participate in the combine. Out of the eight invites, three received direct national combine invites and five received invites to the Ontario regional combine. The regional combines are slightly smaller than the national combine, so the CFL can see more talent. If a player performs exceptionally at a regional combine they can also get an invite to the national combine.

The five Marauders setting their sights on the March 12 regional combine are Mitchell Garland who plays defensive back, Mitchell Lyons who tears

it up on the defensive line, Tyson Middlemost at wide receiver, Adam Preocanin the kicker/punter and Xander Tachinski also at wide receiver.

The combine gathers some of the most competitive young players within the province and attempts to select the best of them to fill the remaining open spots at the national combine.

Looking to the Marauders invited directly by the CFL to the national combine, we have Jakub Szott on the offensive line, as well as Noah Hallet and Nolan Putt who both play defensive back. Getting to the national combine is a significant achievement that many young football players have their eyes on for years, which was true for Jakub Szott.

“It felt amazing. You could ask any of my friends from high school and they all knew that this has been something I have been working towards for years.

It was something that I expected, so when I first came to McMaster I set my goals high so that one day I would be able to achieve an astounding accomplishment like this,” said Szott.

Szott has been rigorously training for this milestone event in his sports career, knowing that he has to keep pushing if he

wants to make the most of this opportunity. At the combine, Szott will have to prove himself to be better than those around him, and do whatever it takes to get ahead.

“It felt amazing.

You could ask any of my friends from highschool and they all knew that this has been something I have been working towards for years.

Jakub Szott Offensive line player McMaster University Varsity Fooball Team “I’ve been working out six days a week, with two of the days involving two workouts in a day. They consist of weight training, plyometric work as well as sprint training. Changing my diet and ensuring that I am fueling my body with the right food has helped me significantly in this process. On top of just the physical aspect, I have been doing research into

questions I will be asked in interviews, and the people that I am competing against. This film study and self-reflection has helped me grow a lot,” said Szott.

“The nature of the offensive line position is something that may not get noitced on TV broadcasts of games unless there is a penalty on us.”

Jakub Szott Offensive line player McMaster University Varsity Fooball Team The offensive line isn’t exactly the sexiest of all positions on the football field, with the quarterback generally being the star in the eyes of fans.

However, don’t get it twisted. A solid offensive line can be the backbone of a team as it gives the quarterback time to make the proper reads in the pocket

or open up the right lanes in the running game. Lineman can even be the key piece to a good ole fashioned trick play.

“The nature of the offensive line position is something that may not get noticed on TV broadcasts of games unless there is a penalty on us. That being said, the role of a highly-skilled offensive lineman coming from Canada is highly valued by CFL teams. This can be seen time and time again in the CFL draft, with the first two rounds usually primarily filled with offensive linemen,” said Szott.

In 2019, linebacker Eric Blake was the only Marauder to be selected in the CFL draft,, taken by the Edmonton Eskimos in the eighth round. With at least three McMaster students in the national combine, it will be interesting to see how many manage to get selected in the 2020 draft. Heading into the Yates Cup against Western this year, our Marauders were the underdogs and played hard to get the win. These guys are locked, loaded and ready to keep proving themselves capable of more. @TheSilhouette

The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

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Men’s volleyball quarterfinal win leads to semi-final berth

As the Forsyth Cup competition began over the weekend, McMaster looks to continue their dominant position in the OUA Kyle West Sports Reporter

After yet another successful season, the men’s volleyball team clinched the Ontario University Athletics West division for the fourth straight season. The winning year in the regular season had the Marauders entering the Forsyth Cup playoffs looking for a strong start against the University of Nipissing Lakers.

Currently ranked fifth overall in the nation, McMaster is looking to repeat its regular season dominance within the Forsyth Cup and it looks to be promising as they have come home with six of the last seven trophies. Having lost last year’s event in an invigorating five set showdown with the Queen’s University Gaels, the Marauders

have revenge on their minds.

The momentum from coming off of a dominant 15 and two regular-season record bodes well for the Marauders’ continuation of their winning culture.

Not only are they red hot, but they also previously defeated Nipissing in a commanding three to one match earlier this year.

Nipissing is no slouch but has regularly lost against OUA top five talent in the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, Queen’s University Gaels, Ryerson University Rams, Guelph University Gryphons and, of course, your McMaster Marauders. These statistics all gave Mac good reason to be hopeful entering this quarterfinal showing.

The Marauders wasted no time establishing their presence on the court as they got off to a

commanding first set, beating the Lakers 25 to 14. This theme carried through the rest of the match as Nipissing failed to take the key strikes from the Marauders’ heavyweights.

Box score regulars Matt Passalent, Craig Ireland and Nathan Delguidice all combined for three aces and a total of 21 kills. These dominating performances along with the same great chemistry we’ve seen all year on court led to the eventual sweep of the Lakers.

Nipissing put up a match high 16 points in the second, but it was no competition for the maroon and grey as they reached 25 points in no time.

This win was crucial for McMaster as it helped secure the home court advantage for the final four portion of the Forsyth Cup. For the Marauders, playing

at home is a recipe for success, as they haven’t lost in Hamilton all season.

This win was crucial for McMaster as it helped secure the home court advantage for the final four portion of the Forsyth Cup. For the Marauders, playing at home is a recipe for success, as they haven’t lost in Hamilton all season.

On March 6, the Marauders will face their next opponent.

The Queen’s University Gaels are looking to repeat their performance from last year. This will be a perfect revenge game for McMaster as they seek to beat the Gaels who knocked the Marauders from their shot at the banner last year.

Queen’s is a good team and the men will have their work cut out for them when they play.

However, with home court advantage and the strong rumbling of Burridge by the fans, McMaster should come away with the win.

Make sure to come out to Burridge and support the boys March 6 at 8 p.m., as they look to advance to the finals. @TheSilhouette

McMaster University Men’s Volleyball team in a group huddle during their match against Nipissing University.

CINDY CUI / PHOTO EDITOR

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SPORTS

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

A season full of hope provides Despite an unfortunate loss in the playoffs, the young Marauders basketball squad looks ahead

Kyle West Sports Reporter

With a loss in the quarterfinals of the Ontario University Athletics playoffs, the Marauders’ season is coming to an end. The year was full of ups and downs for the grey and maroon, from tough losses to high scoring streaks. The men’s basketball team never seemed to find a solid rhythm and continuous success never took hold.

The 2019 season started off well as the men pulled in nine wins out of the first thirteen games, showing great promise.

Jordan Henry, one of the OUA’s points per game frontrunners, was a force on the court. The team seemed to be melding well together and the young roster was proving that they could compete against some of the more experienced squads in the association.

“I think it started off with a lot of energy because of all the time we spent in the summer together on and off the court that just gave us the energy to feel like we are all in this together,” said Kwasi Adu-Poku, a fourth year forward on the team.

However, by January, the team had hit a slump. Losing eight out of twelve appearances on the court, they completely flipped the winning narrative from the first half of the season.

This was when they were truly tested as a team, revealing how they could deal with adversity.

“I think it started off with a lot of energy because of all the time we spent in the summer together on and off the court that just gave us the energy to feel like we are all in this together,” Kwasi Adu-Poku Fourth year Forward on McMaster’s Men’s Basketball

Despite the losing streak, the team certainly rallied when it mattered most. They were able to squeeze out four wins in January, which, in combination with their hot streaks in the months before the new year, earned them a spot in the bracket for the Wilson Cup. The first round saw the Marauders facing the University of Brock Badgers squad, who had tied McMaster with overall regular-season wins and losses at a .545 per cent

winning percentage. The game was close with a finish of 83-71 in McMaster’s favour, but it was Mac’s defence that shined. The second quarter saw the Badgers only scoring nine points, as the defensive efforts of the Marauders stifled any of Brock’s offensive attempts. This allowed the maroon to create a sizable lead which the Badgers could not overcome.

The Marauders then travelled to Ottawa to face the fierce, and first place, Carleton

University Ravens. This would lead to the hardest competition McMaster had seen all season, as the Ravens were heading into the Wilson Cup as the favourite to win.

Carleton absolutely dominated the regular season, losing just one game out of the 22 played. They had a near unfathomable winning percentage of .955 and averaged 97.8 points per game with a hyper-efficient 50 per cent from the field and 75 per cent from the charity

Despite the losing streak, the team certainly rallied when it mattered most. They were able to squeeze out four wins in January, which, in combination with their hot streaks in the months before the new year, earned them a spot in the bracket for the Wilson Cup. stripe.

Carleton was by far the most dominant team in the entirety of the OUA and arguably even in the entire country, as they held the best record of any U Sports team for the 20192020 season. This was truly an unequal match against the underdog Marauders who fought their way into the playoffs by tooth and nail.

“One thing I noticed with Carleton is that they never quit, they adapt to your schemes and strengths and put constant pressure on you. They really fight through the tiredness and just outlast their opponents,” said Adu-Poku.

Carleton pulled away with the win after playing intense defense and deadly shooting, outscoring the Marauders in every quarter. The Ravens scored no less than 24 points a quarter while topping out with 33 in the second, while McMaster struggled to crack over 20 per quarter and were held to less points each quarter as Carleton’s defense took over the game.

Looking back on this year, the season was a great learning experience for the Marauders.

The young squad got some great experience dealing with adversity and facing championship-caliber competition in the playoffs. These tests will be far more valuable than an easy trip

The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

even more for next year The Marauders then travelled to Ottawa to face the fierce, and first place, Carleton University Ravens.

This would lead to the hardest competition McMaster had seen all season, as the Ravens were heading into the Wilson Cup as the favourite to win. to the top would have been.

“I feel like the biggest thing from this whole season we took was the importance of communication because when things were good communication was alright and the winning camouflaged that, but then as we started to see more struggles we realized how we needed stronger communication to maintain what we did in the first half of the season,” Adu-Poku remarked.

Building on communication skills and dealing with the adversities of injuries plaguing their mid-season journey really builds character in the locker room. All of these factors will help provide the team with the fuel to become better players.

The newfound drive along with returning stars Henry, who was just named OUA second-team all-star, and as Adu-Poku will provide a team with a head full of steam, a stronger connection and a path to success.

With key performers like Henry and Kwasi Adu-Poku taking on larger responsibilities in the locker room as veterans like Connor Gilmore graduate, there will be a new wave in Marauders basketball. The new slate and new leadership have the opportunity to lead these newly experienced players to another run at the Wilson Cup.

@TheSilhouette

McMaster University’s Men’s Basketball team face University of Windsor.

C/O SACHI CHAN

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GAMES

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019

GAMES

ACROSS 1- Not a dup.; 5- Pale; 9- The majority of; 13- Actress Olin; 14- Fastening device; 16- Large jug or pitcher; 17- Pull down; 18- Yo Yo’s instrument; 19- “Whip It” band; 20- Take down ___; 21- Conductor de Waart; 22- Canceled; 24- Wimp; 26- Lab fluids; 27- Snares; 29- Strangle; 33- Follows orders;

34- Ovid, e.g.; 35- Quod ___ demonstrandum; 36- Alphabet trio; 37- Marshal; 38- Actress Alicia; 39- Singles; 41- “The Alienist” author; 42- Supports; 44- Move; 46- Trunk line; 47- Created; 48- Toronto paper; 49- Elude; 52- Court cry; 53- Hit the ground; 57- Wyoming resource; 58- Gettysburg general;

60- Scottish loch, home to a monster!; 61- Snake dancers; 62- Some locks; 63- Big bash; 64- Draft classification; 65- Sharp to the taste; 66- Cabinet dept.

DOWN 1- Olive genus; 2- Get as a result; 3-As to; 4- Used by passengers to board a ship; 5- Entry; 6- Snow conveyances; 7- Head light?; 8- Fashion monogram; 9- Intervene; 10- Due; 11- Golf ’s Ballesteros; 12- Stepped; 15- Indigence; 23- Guadalajara gold; 25- FedEx rival;

26- Clip wool; 27- Steak order; 28- Drive back; 29- Baseball manager Joe; 30- Stretch of land; 31- Sri ___; 32- JFK postings; 33- ___ about (approximately); 34- Babble; 37- Secondary school; 40- East African nation; 42- Anaconda; 43- Place in order; 45- Bottle lid; 46- Swear;

48- Passover meal; 49- Parrot; 50- In a jiffy; 51- Headland; 52- In ___ land; 54- The Tower of Pisa does this; 55- It’s deserted in fantasies; 56- Boris Godunov, for one; 59- Grab a bite

We Offer Affordable Coffee Monster Donuts, Bigger Bagels + so much more! @msu_unionmarket

/unionmarketmsu

PRESIDENTIALS ARE OVER. DID ANYONE KNOW THEY WERE HAPPENING? A6

THURSDAY

THE

HAMILTON SPECULATOR EATING HOT WINGS FOR THE PEOPLE SINCE 1934

Februar y 4, 2020

NOTSPEC.COM

Looking for love in all the wrong places

Spotted at Mac is at it again

MRS. DRESSUP I love mess

The Young and the Restless, Desperate Housewives, The Bold and the Beautiful. What do these soap operas have in common? None are as dynamic and filled with romantic tension as the Facebook page Spotted at Mac. Under the veil of anonymity, students across disciplines submit confessions of love, thinly disguised stabs at ex-lovers or group work partners, and plaintive tears lamenting disastrous science midterms.

Hopeless romantics continually shoot their shot from behind their computer or phone screens.

Every day there is yet another person hoping to connect with the love of their life that they made eye contact with once from across the halls of Mills. Definitely not a

weird or creepy thing to do. For sure.

“To the cute brunette who works at [local coffee shop] and makes my [weirdly specific beverage] every week, I am in love with you,” read five consecutive posts, each one slightly more desperate than the last. One day, your grandchildren will ask how you and your partner met. Do you really want to look them in the eyes and say that it was through an anonymous Facebook post? Do you?

“I’m just here for the tea,” commented one student on a post about crushing on a TA. Her roommate later called her out in the comments for being the person who submitted the post.

No one is safe from being called out by a Spotted at Mac post. They say to this day that there is still some heat emanating

from the roasts that were leveled at each of the departments during the run of “day in the life of x student” posts. Taken out in the line of fire were everyone from Theatre Studies to Engineering students.

There wasn’t enough aloe in the world for all of those burns.

Still others have decided that Spotted at Mac is the best place to air out their dirty laundry on a public platform. Toxic exes bicker back and forth, posting passive aggressive responses to each others’ posts. Some students post questions that are better left to a therapist, or possibly the authorities.

The anons of Spotted at Mac are not afraid to ask the tough questions, like what happened to Willy Dog? Seriously McMaster, the people want answers. Where did he come from? Where did

Disclaimer: The Hamilton Speculator is a work of satire and fiction and should not under any circumstances be taken seriously. Nothing is real.

he go? Where did he come from, Cotton-Eye Joe? Why do people keep returning to this dumpster fire? Possibly for the same reason that Netflix’s Love is Blind is so popular; we all love to see other people being extremely messy.

INSIDE BREAKING: THERE IS A FREE TOILET OUTSIDE OF ANDREW’S HOUSE, PLEASE TAKE IT A3 LOCAL COUNCILLOR HAS INTERN GO THROUGH ALL TWEETS ABOUT HIM A6 HOW TO NOT PANIC EVERY TIME YOU GET AN EMAIL B2 LOL IT’S MARCH C1 DON’T LIE, YOU’VE WATCHED LOVE IS BLIND D7 PER ISSUE: Some damn peace and quiet