The Silhouette - January 22, 2015

Thursday, January 22, 2015

S

Mac back on top

Mac life hacks

It’s Not My Vault

Mac men’s volleyball reclaims no. 1 rank in CIS top ten.

Lifestyle lists off ten life hacks that are sure to make student lives easier.

A look at Canadian artist Chris Cran’s exhibit at the McMaster Museum of Art.

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PRESIDENTIAL

Op-eds Each candidate pitches you their message in the Opinions section.

PAGE 14

The Silhouette thesil.ca | twitter.com/theSilhouette facebook.com/TheMcMasterSilhouette

PRESIDENTIAL

ISSUE McMaster students have a chance to decide who will run their Union next year.

Five candidates. Five platforms.

One choice to make on January 27.

Make an informed decision.

- PAGES 4-7 -

MATT

CLARKE

COREY

HELIEMASTERS

EHIMA

OSAZUWA

TRISTAN PAUL

JOHN

TAMBAKIS

S

LOOKING BACK

The Silhouette

Volume 85, Issue 18 Thursday, January 22, 2015 McMaster University’s Student Newspaper

EDITORIAL BOARD executive editor | thesil@thesil.ca Andrew Terefenko @andrewterefenko managing editor | managing@thesil.ca Julia Redmond @juliaeredmond production editor | production@thesil.ca Amanda Watkins @whatthekins section editors

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online online editor online reporter

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staff reporters

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Rachel Katz Daniel Arauz

Alex Florescu Michelle Yeung

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Hopes high for campus radio “In a straw vote Tuesday night, Students’ Council gave its support in principle to using time on a local radio station to broadcast programs taped at McMaster.” At the time, the Canadian Broadcasting Act required that licensing requests only be made by incorporated bodies, so student groups had to seek the co-operation of local stations to air studentoriented programs. This would eventually one day become CFMU 93.3.

[Originally published in The Silhouette as Large local station may help]

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Thursday, January 22, 2015

News CANADIAN CAMPUS NEWS Krista Schwab News Editor

Université de Moncton releases controversial video

The Silhouette Learn more about the five candidates running for MSU President

www.thesil.ca

3

McMaster researcher has discovered a frog that gives birth to tadpoles

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PAGE 8

Bike share rolls into campus

SoBi Hamilton has installed five bike stations at McMaster

A video from the Université de Moncton that features two students kissing in the library has stirred up controversy at the school. Along with the kissing students, it features the word “langue” which in French means language, but is also the word for tongue.

The video, which encourages students to attend the university because of the French language, is criticized as a superficial way to sell the university.

Quebec and France re-evaluate tuition rates French President Francois Hollande and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard have announced changes to the tuition rates for French students studying in Quebec.

Previously, French students since 1978 paid the same fees as Quebec students staying in the province at $2,200 per year, a hefty discount in comparison to the $15,000 that average international students pay. French students will now pay the same fees as out-of-province Canadians.

UVic anti-abortion group loses court battle against cancelled booking A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ruled that the University of Victoria’s decision to cancel an event by an anti-abortion group on campus was justified. The anti-abortion group challenged the university with the right of freedom of expression, but it was determined that universities have the right to enforce their own policies.

Stations will be located at Health Sciences Centre, the Arthur Bourns Building, Mills Library, and various residences.

Daniel Arauz News Reporter

The Hamilton Bike Share Program has begun rolling out test phase bicycle stations around the McMaster campus and is already offering early membership access before the official bike program launch in March.

The bicycle stations are being managed and installed by the non-profit organization SoBi Hamilton, and uses fourth generation “smart bikes” provided by the New Yorkbased organization. The bicycles have Global System for Mobile connectivity and GPS capabilities that gather anonymous data on bicycle usage such as which stations are most frequently used, which stations need to be restocked, and even alert SoBi services when a bicycle is in need of repair. By the end of the program’s full launch, 700 stations will have been installed around the city.

There are currently five name a bike. The pay-as-you-go stations located around campus, option will become available afincluding two by the Health ter the program’s official spring Sciences Centre, various resilaunch. dences and the Arthur Bourns The program is also planBuilding. A sixth station by ning to implement the Everyone Mills Library is to be installed Rides initiative that will try to in the near give access future, and to people bike racks who can’t may be afford a expanded membership according to so they can demand. utilize the Any system as level of well. member“With ship can be the Everypurchased one Rides online, at initiative a kiosk, or we’re just Chelsea Cox at the SoBi basically SoBi Community Manager Hamilton trying to office. This get grants includes a in different discounted sources of $70 annual fee for McMaster funding so there’s no barrier for students, faculty and staff. A anyone to use the system,” said $149 founding membership is Chelsea Cox, Sobi Community also available, which includes Manager. “We are working on ninety minutes of daily ride a few partnerships right now to time, a t-shirt and the ability to secure that funding and we’re

“

Instead of waiting for the bus for ten minutes, you can make that bus ride turn into a short bike ride.

DANIEL ARAUZ / NEWS REPORTER

telling anyone who doesn’t want to join who can’t afford it to get in touch with us so we can work with them to find a solution and get them on the bikes if they need to.”

While the bike share program will by no means replace the need for busing, even in warmer temperatures, Cox describes the Social Bikes as a compliment to the current public transit offerings.

“The bus system is great and I also encourage people to use that. I think Bike Share is just really helpful in providing another option for people and more options for getting around the city are always better. This is something that’s healthy and sustainable and often times more efficient…instead of waiting for the bus for ten minutes, you can make that bus ride turn into a short bike ride. They are really convenient and fill the gaps in transit.” @DanielArauzz

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Feature

www.thesil.ca

Thursday, January 22, 2015

YOUR MSU PRESIDENTIAL

CANDIDATES Five candidates are in the race for MSU President.

Patrick Kim Asst. News Editor

Krista Schwab News Editor

PHOTOS BY JONATHAN WHITE /PHOTO EDITOR

MATT

CLARKE Matt Clarke’s platform contains seven small-scale but tangible goals, as well as a call for students’ participation in determining what issues he should address if elected as MSU President.

Participation and making connections is Clarke’s theme for the campaign. He plans to improve the connection between the MSU and students by creating a suggestion box that will be placed outside of the MSU office. Along with this, Clarke will be collecting ideas throughout his campaign period to determine which issues are truly most important to students.

As a result, he has designed a feasible platform, but it does not contain many large goals in comparison to the other candidates. His platform lacks the ambitiousness and depth that some of the other candidates have.

“If something from [the participatory platform] comes to be a bigger idea it’ll really provide a project to work on and extend, as well as if Teddy [Saull] starts anything this term, there’s some

The candidates have until Jan. 29 to campaign and gather support. Polls open on Jan. 27 at 9 a.m. until Jan. 29 at 5 p.m.

We take a look at your potential Presidents.

Communication Studies and Multimedia, Level III “Make connections” loose ends that need to be tied up, keeping those projects going and making sure that his vision is also followed through in the following year,” said Clarke.

Clarke, who originally started at McMaster as an engineering student, names making the switch to the arts as a defining moment in his academic experience.

“What sets me apart is the diversity of experiences that I’ve had at this school,” said Clarke.

“Although I lack the governance side of experience, I’m coming from a clubs background.”

The rest of Clarke’s platform is mainly small-scale goals, such as adding a computer charger rental service to the library and offering a healthy wrap option late at night at TwelvEighty.

These goals could be accomplished rather quickly, which raises the question of how much impact Clarke’s presidency would actually have on students’ lives.

Two of the seven goals plan to renovate space that already exists at McMaster but isn’t being used to its full potential.

Clarke plans to add bar-style seating and desks with electrical outlets on the second and third floors of the student centre.

He also wants to create an outdoor seating area in the

small space between MUSC and Gilmour Hall.

“One of the points that really stands out to me is revitalizing that arts quad space. I think that’s something different that not a lot of people have looked at,” said Clarke.

When asked the most important student issue, Clarke named study space and support for students. He believes one of the best ways to support students is through extending the hours of operation for the peer support line by three hours per night, a service he currently works for and has worked for in the past.

“Perhaps students are having a hard time transitioning into university life […] Even just calling somebody to listen really can settle your thoughts and self into the community.

It just provides students with a place where they belong.”

Despite this effort, it is unclear whether the Peer Support Line is the best way to address issues about student support and mental health. Other options should be explored to determine if the Peer Support Line provides the kind of support that students need.

When asked about his most ambitious goal, Clarke cited the McMaster Art Crawl, but added

a disclaimer that he has tried to design a platform that is very feasible.

“I’ve tried to make my platform as achievable as possible,” said Clarke.

“I think the toughest one to implement will likely be the art crawl. There’s a lot of different logistics that have to go behind the scenes, whether it is getting space, or selection of art, or making sure students are aware and are creating for that purpose.”

Clarke has a realistic platform, but in comparison to the other candidates, he will not make a very significant impact on student life unless he begins to start dreaming bigger.

Opponent you would vote for: Opponent’s platform point you would criticize: Most ambitious goal:

Ehima Tristan Paul – Grocery Store “Providing a grocery store on campus kind of solidifies [the McMaster] bubble rather than encouraging students to spread broader into the community.”

McMaster Art Crawl

Feature

Thursday, January 22, 2015

COREY

HELIEMASTERS From the perspective of past experience, Corey Helie-Masters is certainly qualified for the position of MSU President.

His experience includes being a past SRA member, a continued involvement with the Kinesiology faculty society culminating in his current position as President, as well as coordinating the Kinesiology games conference, which operates at a budget of $200,000 and attracted 1,000 individuals last year.

He’s a safe bet to know a little about what he’s getting into, at the very least.

But his platform also contains what is perhaps the riskiest objective out of all of the candidates: a plan to overhaul the structure of course timetables at McMaster, which he calls “Your 20 Minutes.” The idea is to transform the current schedule of 50-minute blocks to 80-minute blocks; therefore, a class that

Opponent you would vote for:

John

Opponent’s platform point you would criticize: Tristan Paul – Clubs Opportunities Portal “I feel like you need to immerse yourself in a club before you can be an executive.”

Most ambitious goal:

“Talk Tuition”/ Affordable tuition

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Kinesiology, Level V “Get connected” runs three one-hour lectures a week would convert to two hour-and-a-half lectures a week.

“Something that I think encompasses a lot of student issues is time ... [my] biggest platform point focuses on getting more productive time out of the day,” he said.

Among other benefits, Helie-Masters cites the advantage of expanding the “inefficient” hour break that students are often forced to deal with between classes. The change in scheduling also adds a few minutes of class each week, which means the same amount of teaching hours can be accomplished in a fewer number of days.

“That fixes something I have a big issue with, which is next year, where we don’t have a day break between classes and exams,” said Helie-Masters.

Feasibility is immediately the first concern when considering an entire schedule change, however.

Logistically, the plan will have to take into account all nine faculties, and will likely disrupt or even change the way professors teach and structure

EHIMA

OSAZUWA With Ehima Osazuwa’s key points including interfaith accessibility, gender-neutral washrooms, and women in governance, it’s clear that he is looking to advocate for the rights of those he believes are under represented.

“I think it’s important to remember that McMaster is a very diverse population, and everyone has different needs,” said Osazuwa.

“It [would be] my job as MSU president to cater to the needs of the diverse people here.”

Accessibility is a recurring theme that Osazuwa is tackling through a number of viewpoints.

On one level, Osazuwa is looking to lobby Student Accessibility Services to better accommodate students with specialized needs, whether it’s with greater access and maintenance for elevators and lifts, or with mandatory training for

their courses. The restructuring would also need to account for the fact that many non-traditional courses do not follow the three lectures per week mold, as well as the potential for reduced engagement for students in a longer lecture format.

But beyond that, his overall platform lacks the coherence and depth that other candidates have in their platforms. The rest of his platform includes a confusing pledge to improve clubs resources, and a number of unspecific commitments to student issues such as food prices, environmentally friendly initiatives, and student housing. Although one of Helie-Masters’ key points is improving the resources and support for clubs and faculty societies, he admitted, “I have not had enough time to talk to everybody I need to talk to.”

Helie-Master’s other main goal involves a Hamilton Welcome Day as part of the Welcome Week experience, where students would explore Hamilton in an event structured similarly to Shine Day. In order to address the issues with student engagement that Shine Day

has, Helie-Masters explained his desire to “market it the way you market MacConnector,” as well as having the event occur much earlier during the week.

Although more details on his platform will be rolling out as the campaign continues, Helie-Masters will need to develop more concrete ideas around his goals to demonstrate dedication to the general student body. While he can boast a schedule that includes varsity swimming and managing a faculty society, his credentials can only take him so far.

Opponent you would vote for:

Tristan

Opponent’s platform point you would criticize:

John TambakisThe Marauder Club “The premise of it sounds good, I would just love to hear a little bit more detail on it, on the plan.”

Most ambitious goal:

“Your 20 minutes”

Chemical Engineering and Management, Level V “Forward together” teaching assistants in accommodating students with disabilities.

However, TAs that already receive Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act training are likely to be reluctant for more training; in addition, MSU VP (Education) Rodrigo Narro-Perez has had resistance in implementing mental health-specific training for TAs, so it’s arguable whether further training can actually be mandated for the entire university.

Osazuwa is also pushing for interfaith accessibility by creating an open space for various religious practices, as well as ensuring that religious dietary options are always available on campus. Osazuwa wants extended late-night food options on campus like Union Market and My Mini Mac, as well as putting more kitchenware on campus.

But Osazuwa believes that the most important issue for students is their tuition. Based on his own experience with the SRA, his plan is to form committees that will look to both

educate and learn about how to relieve the burden of tuition.

“Tuition affects everyone; you pay tuition, I pay tuition, every student in the MSU pays tuition,” he said. “With conversations, with discussions, we can plant a seed for future generations that come into McMaster.”

“Any amount of money we can save for students is something I’m always proud to fight for.”

However, Osazuwa’s most important student issue also comes with his most unclear solution. It’s evident that Osazuwa believes in the power of playing a stronger advocacy role, but it’s doubtful as to whether any real impact can be made on McMaster’s tuition.

His stance on effecting change with tuition and with women in governance is primarily through committees and mentorship programs, so their tangible success will be difficult to evaluate.

Gender-neutral washrooms are also a part of Osazuwa’s campaign to make McMaster a more accessible and safe space

for all people. Rather than overhauling the entire washroom infrastructure on campus, Osazuwa is looking to change signs of single-stall washrooms into gender-neutral washrooms.

“For me, it’s just about breaking the stereotype that somebody must identify as male or female,” said Osazuwa.

One potential incongruity in his plan is the close overlap and association of single-stall washrooms with accessibility washrooms, though. Osazuwa was unsure of the total number of single-stall washrooms on campus, but noted that incorporating the washrooms will require “an education process [...] so everyone can get accustomed to this.”

Osazuwa certainly has a unique take on what it means to be MSU President, and is uniquely positioned as the champion for advocacy. His campaign for universal accessibility is based on both discussion and action, but whether his discussions will be effective are still up for debate.

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TRISTAN PAUL

Tristan Paul imagines every student as a piece of a puzzle that makes up the McMaster undergraduate student body.

As a result he has centred his platform on getting students involved and collecting feedback from the student body.

“The role of the MSU and the MSU president is all-encompassing,” said Paul. “So what I’ve tried to do with my platform is incorporate those mechanisms where we can give students the tools to essentially provide feedback […] and have a meaningful role in shaping their student experience.”

One of Paul’s most prominent communication strategies is the MSU Drawing Board, an online portal where students can submit feedback and vote on their favourite ideas. He also hopes to implement MSU Messenger, an online chat room, and MSU Town Hall, a meeting in term one about the progress and goals of the MSU. In the area of academics,

Opponent you would vote for:

Ehima Opponent’s platform point you would criticize: Tristan Paul – Grocery store “You don’t need a grocery store on campus if you have more affordable takeout options.”

Most ambitious goal:

Exam assistance review network (EARN)

Feature

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Political Science and Economics, Level IV “Every piece matters” Paul hopes to improve the course selection process by adding mandated mid-term evaluations and working with the university to make existing course evaluation data available to students.

He also wants to implement course intentions, a system where students map out their desired courses in advance to give administrators an idea of how many students may enrol in a course.

The feasibility of a course intentions system is still questionable. Many students may not know what courses they will take in upper years, and these decisions often change as a student progresses through their degree. While a good idea in theory, only time will tell how this works in practice.

When asked about his most ambitious goal, Paul discussed his idea to open an on-campus grocery store. “[Through] one-on-one conversations with students we realized that the convenience of a grocery store on campus is something that students really want,” said Paul. “[It’s] ambitious in the sense

JOHN

TAMBAKIS John Tambakis’ theme seems to be giving students value for their money. As a Commerce student, that’s certainly his area of expertise.

“A big issue for me is understanding that students’ money is valuable, and respecting that, and having the MSU reflect that,” he said. “Life’s so expensive on campus [and] I’ve addressed that on numerous issues within my platform.”

One of Tambakis’ goals includes a takeout area at TwelvEighty to rival the on-the-go ease and quality of food at La Piazza, to erode at the large share that Paradise Catering currently holds.

He also wants to establish a customer loyalty program for

that it requires a lot of consultation and working with various stakeholders.”

After researching existing models at Western and Queen’s, Paul began talking to university administration about this idea. The response he got from both Hospitality Services and McMaster administration was positive.

Yet, with Mac Farmstand in the student centre every Wednesday and Thursday from June to October and a bus to Fortinos that runs from Mary Keyes every Wednesday, the effort and expense of opening a grocery store may not be necessary. Paul has discussed the idea with administration and one-on-one with students, but only a survey of the student body will tell if this idea reflects students’ needs.

The idea of improving clubs is common across all candidates, but Paul has a unique idea. He wants to administer anti-oppression training for club presidents and create an opportunities portal where clubs can recruit volunteers in order to improve the extra-curricular experience.

A more obscure idea, stemming from his love of film, is converting a lecture hall into MSU Cinema. This theatre service would mirror Western University Film’s success. Again, it is unclear whether this is a service that is in demand from students or how it would be put into practice.

Paul has begun conversations with the university about his ideas, but has mainly researched student need through one-on-one conversations. Whether or not the entire undergraduate student body will determine these ideas to be their top priority is unknown.

Opponent you would vote for: Opponent’s platform point you would criticize: Most ambitious goal:

Matt John TambakisEARN Service “I think they’ll encounter the same problems that the Peer Tutor Network had.”

Grocery store

Commerce, Level III “Together is better” various MSU-owned businesses like TwelvEighty and Underground, where discounts would accumulate based on the total amount in purchases made.

In terms of his platform on food, Tambakis said, “I think this will have an effect on campus that will drive prices down.”

“I think my platform is the most feasible. I think it also gives students concrete results, instead of giving initiatives that may or may not happen in 3-5 years,” he continued.

His most ambitious plan is a new MSU service that will be called the Exam Assistance Review Network, or EARN. Citing the high cost of courses run by companies like Prep101, Tambakis is looking to establish a cheaper exam prep service, run by and for the students.

However, with current MSU President Teddy Saull still implementing the Peer Tutoring Network, the redundancy of having two similar MSU services is immediately appreciable. In addition, the need for an MSU-run, paid, and

specialized exam prep service is questionable at best, particularly when clubs like Students Offering Support provide similar services.

One of Tambakis’ platform points is the Marauder Club, which will serve as an avenue for students to gather and support McMaster’s sports teams.

While the idea is similar in premise to one of the functions of the Maroons, Tambakis wants the club to remain open for any students interested in supporting the school, and is promoting free t-shirts and discounts as incentives.

“I want to make this an inclusive fan club for students, where fans feel welcome to go to these games. What I’ve found is that some of the greatest community-building and friends that I’ve made have been at sporting games,” said Tambakis.

But whether this incentive is enough to gather students is debatable, and it’s difficult to see the greater draw and sustainability of the idea.

Tambakis is also looking for greater club collaboration through his Club Spotlight plan, where clubs would jointly produce events that are sponsored by the MSU. Examples such as a joint performance between the Mac Marching Band and Dance Crew, or an interdisciplinary speaker series, indicate some flexibility in the style of event, although the benefit of the spotlight still appears to be inclined towards more publicly engaging clubs.

Taken as a whole, a number of Tambakis’ platform points seem to target specific interests in the population, and don’t necessarily apply to the greater McMaster community. While it’s worth noting that the aim of these ideas are to ultimately expand these populations, their sustainability remains in question. His focus on the use of incentives in his platform is creative and corresponds to his background, but he’ll need to better justify why his ideas are worth implementing.

Feature

Thursday, January 22, 2015

PLATFORM COMPARISON Clubs

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z Osa

l Pau

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Ta

Communication & Involvement

Academics

• Late night wraps at TwelvEighty

• MSU Suggestion box • Participatory platform

• Enhanced MUSC study space

• Addressing the need for more resources in clubs

• Keep healthy food options available and accessible

• Hamilton Welcome Day

• Replace 50 minute classes with minimum 80 minute classes

• Clubs day • Additional clubs administrator • Upgrade clubs system to online booking system • Clubs newsletter

• Implement late night options for food • Campus Community Kitchen • Providing more health information about food

• Interfaith accessibility • Upgrade accessibility infrastructure • Gender neutral washrooms • Women in governance

• Talk tuition by forming a committee to decrease the burden of tuition and textbooks

• Clubs opportunities portal • Anti-oppression training

• Grocery store on campus • Debit and credit options • Food Truck Fridays

• MSU Drawing Board • MSU Messenger • MSU Town Hall

• Mid-term course evaluations • Make online course reviews public • Implement course intentions

rke Cla

ieHel rs ste Ma

Food services

• Clubs spotlight • Clubs scholarships • Better food agreement

• Takeout at TwelvEighty • Microwaves • More debit systems

• Marauder Club

• Exam Assistance Review Network as MSU service

THROUGH THE AGES Of total MSU members

50%

2014/15

30% 20%

10%

40%

2012/13 2011/12 2010/11

22%

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NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS OF

PAST PRESIDENTS 2010/11

Mary Koziol Initiated Mac Farmstand, a big feat at the time as outside food sellers were not allowed on campus at the time.

2011/12

Matthew Dillon-Leitch

VOTER TURNOUT 40%

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33%

Transitioned from McMaster’s early email server to Gmail across the board.

2012/13

Siobhan Stewart Kickstarted the implementation of a fall break; created the Peer Support Line.

2013/14

David Campbell Brought 12-month HSR service to students; extended library hours at Mills and Thode.

2014/15

25%

Teddy Saull 2013/14

29%

Developed the MSU Clubza platform; Extended exam hours for Thode and The Pulse

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www.thesil.ca

News

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Mac gets a leg up on frog research Discovery of frogs that give birth raises questions about species diversity Rachel Katz News Reporter

Sulawesi is a small island in the Indonesian archipelago. Its geographic location makes it a hotbed of biodiversity, and it is home to species not found anywhere else on the planet. Many biologists have looked there to solve some of the mysteries of evolution, including McMaster’s Ben Evans.

“I’ve been interested in evolutionary processes in general and this has been an arena to explore things like how species disperse across marine barriers, how they compete with one an-

other when they arrive in a novel habitat, and how adaptation occurs and what it depends on,” said Evans, whose work over the last 15 years has focused on endemic primate and frog species exclusive to Sulawesi.

The species garnering the most attention is the fanged frog, which Evans explained has been divided into subspecies based on body size. The larger frogs are found in fast-flowing water, while small frogs are found on land. These smaller frogs spend more time on land than in water, and have undergone a unique adaptation that Evans and his colleagues believe has occurred to combat predation.

Most frogs reproduce by

laying eggs that are externally fertilized. One species of fanged frogs, however, gives birth to live tadpoles, while another lays eggs with jelly coats on leaves.

Evans finds these discoveries fascinating, but he claims it is not the most interesting aspect of this adaptation.

“I think the more important message offered by this new species is that there’s a lot of diversity we don’t even know about and therefore that there’s a lot more research to be done,” he explained.

The unique reproduction of fanged frogs has been compared to that of placental and marsupial mammals.

“If you look at it coarsely, it’s quite similar in that internal

fertilization and internal gestation in mammals is advantageous because it increases offspring survival,” Evans said.

However, there are still important distinctions to make between the two groups. The phenomenon of fanged frogs giving birth to live young has evolved separately from mammals’ ability to reproduce in the same way.

“It uses a distinct set of genetic tools and probably someway comparable to mammals but it’s an independent evolution of a similar characteristic,” Evans explained.

He added that a female fanged frog has been observed giving birth in standing water already containing tadpoles. He admits it cannot be confirmed yet whether or not the tadpoles came from the same female,

though he believes it is unlikely.

“It’s probably the case that she doesn’t provision the tadpoles, so she doesn’t come and bring them food like a mammal would.”

This discovery opens many doors in the fields of evolutionary biology and genetics. Evans discussed his desire to better understand the specific details of how female fanged frogs are able to give birth to live tadpoles as well as the larger scale of species diversity on Sulawesi.

“That’s going to involve field work, genetic work, it’s going to involve careful ecological studies and comparison to other species of frogs, and even other vertebrates.”

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Editorial

Thursday, January 22, 2015

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”

John Quincy Adams Former American President

Visualizing a campaign At some point campaigns became more about the candidate than the message, and that is th e wrong direction for student politics

Andrew Terefenko Executive Editor

If you know any of the five candidates on Facebook or other social media platforms, chances are you’ve seen a gratuitous amount of pictures of them this week. Granted, some candidates are more guilty of this than others, but it is an endemic problem that I’ve seen in each of the last four elections I have witnessed.

Sometime in this decade (and perhaps before that) campaigns became more about personality than about problem-solving.

Take, for example, the myriad of images in which the candidate is posing with a supporter. Popularized in previous president Campbell’s second campaign, it has become a sort of campaign chic to surround oneself with faces of students, just like you the voter, to get across this idea of approachability and being “one of us.”

When David did it, it was during his campaign, not at the start, consisted of students found in MUSC, and he asked them what they want.

On day one of this campaign, candidates were ready out of the gate with a slew of these pictures, without the randomness and requisiton. What purpose does it serve to voters wanting to absorb your message if the majority of your campaign is materials in which you are surrounded by people you selected to support you?

If the imagery wasn’t oppressive enough, many of these campaigns also muddle their message as they try to find some “simple” analogy to wrap it up neatly in one buzzword or phrase. By trying to simplify your message, you are assuming that students are too dumb or apathetic to understand it, and

“

that is not the kind of message you want to start your campaign with.

We are not in high school. We are in a place of higher learning, so please have faith that we can understand your platform even if you don’t condense it into one snappy, #hashtaggable quote.

I am not going to call out any of the candidates specifically, because I do not think I can possibly hurt your campaigns more than you have done already through these tactics.

Don’t pander to the lowest common denomiator. Don’t look down on the student body you are hoping to represent. And don’t try to give us the abstract of your campaign.

We’re smart enough to hear your message the way you see it, even if it is hard to fit beside that enormous picture of your face.

Don’t try to give us the abstract of your campaign.

to bookeepers to Island Flava to the charades app

to the girl in the red hat

to music from the 2000’s

to movies on the HSR

to gains

to the cell bio exam

to watch me be me to planting seeds

to kicking a field goal at the one-yard line

to krista’s chocolates

to falling down stairs

to photoshopping motorcycles

to the continued absence of andy covers

to ferda to 704 aka “the spot” to five dudes, one sauna to witnessing casual mall drug deals to playful office trespassers

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Want to finally get involved and get paid for it? Are you a graduating student with a passion for journalism, design or reporting? The position of Editor-in-Chief is now open on the MSU Jobs Portal (listed as Executive Editor) until Feb. 8 @ 11:59 p.m. It is a full-time position that goes from May 1 until April 30.

If you are looking for a part-time opening instead, keep an eye out on this page in future issues, or the jobs portal, for more details as those jobs open.

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to higher beef patty prices

to furry fake candidates

to never-ending photo slideshows to long-winded bios to the coldest day of laura’s life to dull dinosaur DJ’s to di-no’s to dropping the chocolate. unforgiveable

Rejected Headlines of the Week

“Mac likes it on top” “Mac Daddies” “The wheel deal”

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Thursday, January 22. 2015

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11

The McMaster Students Union

PRESIDENT’S PAGE MSU

WGEN women + gender equity network

One of the directives of the McMaster Students Union (MSU) is to advocate for the needs of the students, and deliver services that cater to a variety of these needs. Advocacy and service implementation start with an idea, and are then backed by research, outreach, and collaboration with a number of campus and community groups. The Women & Gender Equity Network (WGEN) is a great example of a service that has come to fruition through this process.

In its first four months, WGEN has been busy establishing campus partnerships, building working relationships, and securing physical space from which to operate. Set to launch on January 29, 2015, WGEN will begin to host speakers and events throughout the second semester, beginning with a visit from Susan Gapka. Gapka is the founder of the Trans Lobby group, and will speak about her experiences as a trans woman, as well as Bill C279, an

act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code.

Following her visit, WGEN will partner with trans activists Janani Balasubramanium and Alok Vaid Menon to host a workshop addressing grassroots organizations surrounding gender.

Following its January 29 launch, WGEN will continue to collaborate with various McMaster groups and departments, including: the McMaster Indigenous Student Community Alliance, the McMaster Anti-Violence Network, and McMaster Human Rights and Equity Services (HRES), to highlight an Indigenous Women’s Week. This week will feature guest speakers and an art installation. The travelling art exhibit will take place from February 10 to 14, and will include the Faceless Doll Campaign, a vigil, and a starlight tour.

In early March, WGEN will also host International Women’s Week in partnership with a variety of on-campus women and gender groups. Partic-

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.

ipating groups, including: Her McMaster, the McMaster Womanists, and Mac Alliance for Body Peace, will be working together to lead a poster campaign focused on body positivity. Additionally, WGEN will work with McMaster’s Engineers Without Borders to host a panel session about working and volunteering abroad as a woman; as well as HRES, to arrange a visit from Vivek Shreya and Casey Mecija, two acclaimed artists, on their “Family Ties” tour.

In addition to these events and workshops, WGEN will launch its Safe(r) Space program at the beginning of February. WGEN is currently working with the McMaster Student Union’s (MSU) Queer Student Community Centre, and its Peer Support for Gendered Violence Committee to create a policy paper for Safe(r) Space, which will serve as a guideline in the planning and formation of the space itself. Complementing Safe(r) Space will also be a mobile resource library,

bi-weekly book club, and documentary screening which will address feminist issues both on campus and beyond.

WGEN can be found in the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) room 226, and is open Monday to Friday from 4:30 - 10:30 PM. Be sure to check the Service tab at msu.mcmaster.ca for updates on hours and events.

Lastly, WGEN, along with the Student Representative Assembly’s External Affairs and Operations committees, are working on devising a policy paper to ensure Trans Accessibility on campus.

The planning and development stages of WGEN has been a collaborative process that would not be possible without the participation and support of the many groups of McMaster, the Hamilton community, and the MSU. I am looking forward to seeing the growth of such a meaningful project after its launch, and the impact it will have in the years to come.

TEDDY

SCOTT MALLON

NARRO PÉREZ

RODRIGO

JACOB

President

VP (Finance)

VP (Education)

VP (Administration)

SAULL

BRODKA

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www.thesil.ca

Around Campus

Around Campus

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Eliza Pope Photo Reporter

“Has there been a particular struggle you’ve had to overcome?”

“I think for most people the biggest enemy is themselves. You are the only one who really limits what you do, and at the same time, you grant yourself opportunities. So I guess you’re your greatest enemy and your greatest ally at the same time. In my case, that was definitely the case.

And [my mind] is a pretty tumultuous and chaotic place sometimes— to sort out and make sense of the chaos and disorder, and to find clarity was probably, I guess, one of the things I struggled with. To translate that to tangible terms, when there’s so much going on and you’re trying to find the time to do everything and still keep some semblance of balance— it’s difficult sometimes. You have negative thoughts in your head, and you can be your own worst critic. And you need to taper back that voice, because it can become cannibalistic if you let it get too far.”

“Was there a time it really got to you?”

“For me, I’m capable of great good, but also great harm— I’m like polar opposites. So sometimes I would spiral into self-loathing, and there’s no particular reason. I was abroad— this happened two months into my exchange, where there was a week I didn’t even leave my hotel room. I sat reading, and was becoming a vegetable. And I’m not sure of the catalyst for that. I’m very much a momentum-based person; one good thing can be the trigger for so many good things. But one bad little insignificant thing can send me down a slippery slope. It was important for me to say ‘enough is enough’, put the icepick in the wall, and I booked a flight ticket to Turkey, and spent 14 days there. That’s how I got out of it.

And the second thing I always struggle with is wanting what I can’t have.

You have your life, your job, everything on one side here, but then you look over to this side and say ‘damn, that looks so much nicer’. But you realize that’s not always the case. And sometimes you have the opportunity to jump over to the other side and you realize that it’s nothing special.

So being grateful, appreciative, thankful, and genuinely happy with what you’ve accomplished, instead of berating yourself constantly. Those are some things I struggle with.”

“I’m probably the most indecisive person ever. There are just so many different options, and all of them seem valid. And I’m also very impressionable I guess.

I’m just very worried about doing the wrong thing— I don’t want any regrets or anything. So I just can’t decide on what the best option is.”

“So what’s that like?”

“For the most part I find it very debilitating. It overrides every other thought I have— I can’t really move forward unless I let go of the regret that was there.

But I mean, if I make the right choice and I’m confident with it— which should happen more, I guess— then it’s great, it isn’t debilitating at all. Also a lack of confidence has been a prevailing theme in my life, but that’s just an internal struggle thing I’ve been trying to deal with. I spend a lot of time worrying about what other people will think, instead of living in the moment.

I kinda shove that under the rug a little bit, but I just have to try not to compare myself to other people, and that kind of thing.”

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Thursday, January 22, 2015

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Opinion

The Selma snub

And why it matters Tobi Abdul Asst. Lifestyle Editor

Film awards have been, and probably always will be, rooted in Hollywood politics. From snubs to last-minute bidding, it seems as though the merit of individual films are often overlooked in favour of marketability.

The 2015 Oscar nominations were recently announced and have resulted in many discussions about race relations in Hollywood. Not only were the acting categories all white, many have begun to examine why certain films were absent from the Best Director categories.

Intersectionality is always important, but when examining the lack of Best Director nominations for “Selma,” a film portraying the Martin Luther King Selma march, intersectionality is of the utmost importance.

Ava DuVernay was the first black female to be nominated for Best Director in the Golden Globes’ 77-year tenure.

Despite having a 99 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, higher than the critically acclaimed and widely-nominated “Boyhood,” the film was glaringly absent from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Producers Guild of America Awards, Directors Guild of America Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations, and was snubbed in the Best Director category for the Academy Awards.

Only four women have ever been nominated in the Best Director category, while only

Director Ava DuVernay on set with actor David Oyelowo.

C/O VARIETY

one, Kathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker” has won. Comparatively, only three Black men have ever been nominated for Best Director in the Academy Awards 87-year history. Had Ava DuVernay found her way into the category, she would have been the first Black female to ever have a place in the category.

In popular culture, movies and television often reinforce values commonly held in society and overlooking talented black women should remind us that sexism and racism, especially in Hollywood, are still highly prevalent. In 2014, 17 of the 250 top selling films were directed by women, and three of those were Black female directors.

In a 2012 survey, the L.A. Times found that 94 percent of Oscar voters are white, and 77 percent are male. How can Black women expect fairness when their voices are overwhelmingly absent from the voting process? While it is important to note that “Selma” received nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Song (“Glory” by Common and John Legend), we do a disservice by admitting that “at least we have those.” It is not a matter of charity, and it’s not enough to get crumbs; it should be about fairness.

No, “Selma” would not have won every award category it was nominated in, but that does not mean that we should overlook the lack of nominations. Black women have continued to prove that they are talented enough and it is time that we, and the film industry, recognized this.

13

Read each presidential candidate’s message to the student body.

PAGE 14

In support of the MSU Health Care referendum David Rios Contributor

On Jan. 27 to 29, I am voting in support of the MSU Health Plan Referendum and I think you should as well. The current MSU health plan falls short of providing the essential coverage students need. For an additional $18.50, students will receive 80 percent off the price of contraceptives. A further increase of $32 will extend health insurance even more, to include vaccines, enhanced vision care and access to specialists including chiropractors and psychologists.

The increase in health coverage would allow more students greater access to specialists who can positively impact their physical and mental wellbeing. It would cover a portion of the cost of seeing a clinical psychologist, physiotherapist, or naturopath, as well as a variety of other healthcare professionals. These are services that are often inaccessible to students due to their costs. The more EDITORIAL CARTOON

comprehensive option would also cover 80 percent of the cost of an ambulance ride and provide more vision coverage.

“

When you vote, please consider the benefits, not only for you but for the entire student body.

The inclusion of contraception coverage would allow students who so choose to have agency over their own bodies and more freedom and safety with regards to their sexual choices. Moreover, birth control helps treat health ailments such as endometriosis, hormone imbalances, erratic periods, severe menstrual cramps, and helps to

prevent ovarian cysts.

Just like the current healthcare plan, you can opt out as long as you have some form of healthcare coverage. Even if you opt out from the MSU health and dental plan, other students will still be able to access this increased health care coverage.

In my first year, I severely injured my knee playing soccer.

The medical costs surrounding rehabilitation were a significant economic strain and something I had to focus on, on top of getting better. I would have benefitted tremendously if I had access to the proposed health care coverage, and I know that my experience is not unique.

You never know when you will need these services and should not be blindsided by these situations. So when you vote, please consider the benefits, not only for you, but for the entire student body.

David Rios is writing on behalf of the Yes campaign in the MSU health care refendum.

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Opinion

www.thesil.ca

CANDIDATE

COMMENTARY

Thursday, January 22, 2015

This year’s presidential candidates share their opinions on the presidential race, student issues, and their vision for the MSU

Matt Clarke When I was leaving for university my mother told me “you get out of your university experience what you put into it.” That is what this campaign is about. It’s about wanting to make sure everyone who comes to McMaster can get more out of their experience here, and the heart of that lies in making connections.

The academic component of my platform is about providing students with the tools they need to succeed - tools such as quality study spaces and healthy food options. Installa-

My name is Corey Helie-Masters and I want to be your MSU President. That is a sentence you will be hearing a lot in the upcoming days. It may not be my name all the time, but someone is likely approaching you right now to tell you about their platform and why you should vote for them. Someone will talk about food, others about laptop chargers.

I will mostly be talking about saving 20 minutes everyday and how that provides so much opportunity to enhance student life. This editorial is purposed as a soapbox, one for each candidate to stand on and shout their platform as loud as

FEEDBACK

possible, but I’m not going to do that. I want to use this stage to ask the question that so many people are thinking: why are there no female candidates?

I am not going to try and guess or stipulate why every woman on campus has decided not put their name in the hat of presidential candidates. I’m not them, but what I will do is ask them. I know quite a few women who would have made great candidates, and equally great presidents. The fact that not one of them has decided to run is quite upsetting.

So how do you go about increasing female representation? To reference a Silhouette

tion of new working space and lighting will revitalize MUSC study space. I will collaborate with libraries to introduce a free laptop charger rental service.

Rounding out the academic pillar, wraps sold out of Union Market during the exam season will address the late night food terrors.

To better support students, I am collecting student ideas all week at my campaign headquarters in MUSC - a participatory platform that I promise to use as a guide if elected. I will also install a simple, easy-to-

use suggestion box outside the MUSC office for yearlong direct feedback. Finally, extended hours for the MSU Peer Support Line will provide help to those who need it most.

The student life pillar looks at revitalizing an underutilized space in the Arts Quad to create a relaxing space that once equipped with tables and benches could become a new sanctuary for students. Perhaps the most exciting is the McMaster Art Crawl. What better way to draw our members into a true society than to showcase the raw talents that exist on our campus?

Four years ago I began my journey in a different faculty, as a different person. Switching

faculties was the first in a series of experiences that taught me that pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone can lead to immeasurable rewards. I have learned that sometimes you must be bold in taking the opportunities that present themselves to you, and I want to provide these same growing opportunities to McMaster students: the opportunity to succeed, to grow and to make connections for a better student experience.

As Patrick Deane said “this is just the start of something you can build through a lifetime.” So go out. Make connections. I promise you won’t regret it.

Corey Helie-Masters article from two years ago, it’s not about getting the student body to vote for a female candidate—they are more than supportive—it is getting their name on the ballot. After conversing with a few of my female friends, I gained a little insight, and I think continuing that conversation is key. Focus groups with our current female student leaders can be used to identify why they are not seeking more senior positions. Different groups could become involved

and this could turn into a future project for the WGEN. I think that’s what we need to happen. It’s what I will make happen. We need to increase our support for our female leaders and get them involved, because in order to truly get connected, we need the experience and influence of every person on campus, whether male or female.

What is the most important issue for you this MSU election?

Kristina Jagger Humanities I

The most important thing for me would be mental health. We need more resources on campus to deal with it since it is such a valid issue and it is so prevalent through the campus.

Rachel Van Fraassen

Hayyan Chong-Kalid

I would be concerned with the allocation of funds in general and how it will affect tuition. As long as the benefits of increasing tuition are well communicated, then I’m okay with it.

I’m most concerned about the health care referendum since I support the extended plan because it provides all sorts of benefits including the HPV vaccine which I think is important.

Commerce III

Medical Business I

Daniel Kanas

Earth & Enviro Sciences IV

More debit machines around campus, not just the CIBC ones. Also accessibility issues, we could still improve on that.

Opinion

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Ehima Osazuwa What is the purpose of a student union? The purpose of the union is to bring about a better experience for you and all MSU members. All issues should be addressed, and if possible, resolved. With the will of the students and the vision of a strong President we will move forward together. The President of the union is not only the leader, but also a person with a vision, who is willing to tackle the issues for you with a genuine smile on their face.

It is no secret that students face many issues on campus

As you may have noticed over the past few days, puzzle pieces have been popping up around campus. Every student – or piece of the puzzle – matters, and is vital to its completion. If you are missing even a single piece, the puzzle is incomplete.

As an MSU Presidential candidate, the collective student voice is what motivates me to change your MSU into your MSYou. My campaign is based on this principle, and is built upon three pillars: Your Campus, Your Classroom, and Your MSU. The first pillar I want to address is Your Campus. My first objective is directed at getting better food on campus, through the implementation of a grocery store, debit and credit payment options, and what I like to call “Food Truck Fridays.” I also

want to create an MSU Cinema service to provide all-age programming at affordable costs.

Finally, I want to improve clubs training and support by offering a Clubs Opportunities Portal, to connect interested students to MSU clubs.

The second pillar of my platform is Your Classroom.

The first step of this involves the implementation of midterm course evaluations, giving students the ability to influence how courses are taught. I also want to enforce the current policy which mandates that course evaluation results be accessible online, to serve as course reviews that provide future students with more information before they register.

Furthermore, I want to institute “Course Intentions” to provide more student-driven feedback

and want change to happen. My platform as your MSU President will revolve around tackling those issues that no one else is even willing to attempt to address. The power of change starts with the acknowledgment of the need to change.

A few voices claim that the tuition fee is an issue that is out of our scope and thus should not be addressed. It is true that as your MSU President I will not have the direct power to bring about lower tuition fee, but in that case should we stay silent about it and graduate

with a debt over $25,000? I believe not. If we, the students, the leaders of tomorrow, are silent today, what kind of future should we expect? If we cannot address the most pressing issue on our campus because a few voices are against it, then none of us will grow to become what we dream of. We have on this campus, probably someone reading this article, the future Ontario Minister of Education or even the Prime Minister of Canada. And those leaders will not accept that they are incapable of forcing change.

I have a plan to bring about a more affordable education for you and it starts with planting the seed that will one day blossom to bear the fruit of such a

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reality. As your MSU President I will strike a committee that will investigate how to ease the burden on you and equip me to lobby the university more effectively. This committee will also advertise the tools they find to assist you.

Please stop me when you see me, ask me questions and challenge my team and me. I am sure we have the answer, and if we don’t, we will provide you with one soon. Make sure you check my website to read about how I will tackle late night food, club support, gender equity, accessibility and more.

Tristan Paul into course registration. By selecting the courses you intend to take, the university can better accommodate students for the upcoming academic year.

My third and final pillar – Your MSU – is the pillar that most motivated me to run for MSU President. The MSU has made significant progress in empowering students to get involved, and I want to build off this momentum to create a more student-directed MSU. I want to have an MSU Town Hall meeting in first term, and hold regular Online Chats and MUSC Office Hours to better connect with students. Finally, I want to create an MSU Draw-

John Tambakis McMaster feels like home to me.

It is my campus, my community. In this school, I feel like have I have found a family and all the other clichéd things that make McMaster loved. The sense of belonging that I feel on this campus is something that I hold very dear. With this being my home, I wonder how I can give back, how can I make it better, how I can bring people together.

I want students at McMaster today, tomorrow, a year, five years from now to be impacted and benefit from whatever we can achieve together now. I

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envision an MSU that is focused and addresses the major issues that students face.

From the beginning of this MSU presidential campaign, I wanted to be a person who listened to the needs and concerns of students. I have taken time to talk and engage with people, and find out what issues concern students, and what areas of this school they want to see improved by the MSU. This input is reflected directly in my platform. After all, this campaign is for you, the students of McMaster. Issues such as

ing Board – a platform where student ideas can be voted on by other students, ultimately leading to a response from the MSU. “If you’re talking, you aren’t listening.” The wisdom of my five year-old sister resonates within the MSU: without listening to all our members, our collective voice cannot be heard. I hope I have created a platform that not only implements student ideas, but also helps to better engage them at Mac. When you’re solving a puzzle, every piece matters.

reasonably priced food on campus, rewards programs for using MSU services, affordable exam prep services, all reflect subjects that matter to students. With those in mind, I believe that I can truly make a difference in the future.

On that note, I acknowledge that there are issues that are not necessarily on my platform in this campaign, but I am willing to listen and work with everyone to find the answers to the tough questions and achieve whatever we can to benefit the MSU and its students. After all, I aspire to be a president that actively listens to you, to care and serve you to the best of my ability, to work with you rather than over you. I like to think I

would be a president who genuinely cares about the students that I represent and make sure that everyone has a voice.

A friend told me once “the atmosphere you permit is the product that you create.” I believe that McMaster deserves nothing less than being the best institution that it can be. And it starts with us, together.

For more information on presidentials, check out pages 4-7 of News, or visit us online at thesil.ca

16

www.thesil.ca

Leave Obama alone

Opinion

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Why staying at home during the Paris march was the right thing to do

Alex Zavarise Contributor

Following the attack on the Charlie Hebdo offices and the subsequent violent acts in Paris a few weeks ago, marches and demonstrations have taken place throughout the city. The most notable of these demonstrations was the march on the Jan. 11, when over one million civilians and almost 50 heads of state marched throughout the streets of Paris.

Leaders from the U.K., Israel, Palestine, Germany, and other nations joined the march, showing their support for France. Marches such as this allowed the people of France and the world to show their support for the nation in mourning.

However, the topic that has been dominating the news as of late is the lack of support from one person – President Barack Obama.

The U.S. President was not present during any of the demonstrations and marches that have taken place since the attacks at the beginning of January. The absence of the President has sparked accusations of “U.S. arrogance” and “indifference” towards the goings on in France.

However, this heavy criticism of the President has not come from France, but from the United States. Contributors from news sources such as CNN and The New York Daily have made statements criticizing the President’s absence, questioning the White House’s priorities and labeling Obama’s handling of the situation as a failure. Other media personalities and the general public took to social media sites to voice

their disapproval of the President’s inaction.

Although the White House did send an ambassador to France to participate in the demonstration in Paris on Sunday, the President himself was only able to visit the French Embassy in Washington for a few hours.

As Obama continued to come under fire, the White House released a statement during an afternoon press conference apologizing for the President’s absence, stating that the security preparations needed for Obama to travel to France would have required more than the 36-hour notice that the White House was given.

While the presence of the President in Paris would have been the ideal way for the United States to express their support for France, it is important to understand that participating in a march may not be the most efficient or effective use of the President’s time. With the ongoing unrest in Ferguson and the countless other economic, social and political problems that the United States currently has on the go, it makes sense for Obama to spend his time as close to the White House as possible.

As the POTUS, it is Obama’s duty to prioritize issues in the States. If the economic, social and political issues in the United States were not the clusteryou-know-what that they currently are, certainly a quick visit across the pond would have been feasible. However, given the current state, visiting France simply does not make sense.

The last place Obama should be right now is anywhere but at home.

World leaders walk together during the France unity rally honouring the victims of the Paris shootings.

C/O PHILIPPE WOJAZER/ REUTERS

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1685 Main St. W. Hamilton Across from the West Village Condos

E: filicedental@bellnet.ca

P: 905.529.4200

MACgreen General Meeting When: January 22, 2015 from 05:30PM until 07:00PM Where: MUSC 230 MACgreen is having its first general meet-

McMaster Alzheimer’s Society Walk for Memories Event

Meditation Circle

When: January 24, 2015 from 11:00AM until 03:00PM

Where: SWELL Meeting Room (MUSC B118)

Where: David Braley Athletic Centre

When: January 26, 2015 from 01:30PM until 02:20PM

Looking for an opportunity to take a

ing on Thursday January 22nd at 5:30

The McMaster Alzheimer’s Society is

pause in your day? Are you interested

PM in MUSC 230. Come by to learn more

hosting its annual Walk for Memories

in meditation but don’t know where to

about the programs MACgreen is doing

event on campus Saturday January 24th,

begin? Or are you already engaging in re-

and help shape our events and initiatives

2015. The goal is to raise money and

flection or spiritual practices and looking

for the rest of the year. You can also help

awareness to fight Alzheimer’s disease.

for the support of a group? We’ll explore

make some Used But Not Bruised Books and have some free PIZZA. RSVP on

www.walkformemories.ca

MACgreen’s Facebook page.

When: January 22, 2015 at 09:30PM until January 23, 2015 at 02:00AM Where: TwelvEighty Bar & Grill In support of Right to Play. Featuring DJ Staples.

New Years Resolution Fair When: January 23, 2015 from 10:00AM until 04:00PM Where: MUSC Atrium Come learn about how to keep up those New Years Resolutions with SHEC!

itation, guided meditation, artistic expression, and other activities that the group

SRA Meeting Jersey Night Round 2!

a variety of practices such as sitting med-

When: January 25, 2015 from 06:30PM until 11:00PM Where: Gilmour Hall 111 Interested in finding out what your student government does? Stop by and view the goings-on at the next meeting of the Student Representative Assembly! Email speaker@msu.mcmaster.ca for more information.

The SHEC Show: The Nutrition and Active Living Show When: January 26, 2015 from 01:00PM until 02:00PM Where: CFMU 93.3 We’ve come up with some great tips and tricks to maintain a healthy life style while living a hectic university life.

wishes to learn together.

McMaster University Blood Donor Clinic When: January 27, 2015 from 10:00AM until 04:00PM Where: 3rd floor MUSC (CIBC Hall) #RedTuesdays in CIBC Hall (3rd floor McMaster University Student Centre 10am - 4pm

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Sports

The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca

Men's basketball looks to improve on defence as they head into the final seven games of the season.

19

Women's volleyball are off to a strong start for 2015.

PAGE 20

PAGE 21

Mac claims No.1 spot in the CIS The Marauders have 13 consecutive wins, and 9 consecutive sweeps which has put them at the No.1 spot in the CIS. CO/ YOSEIF HADDAD

LEAGUE AT LARGE The OUA at a glance

Men’s Volleyball OUA

CIS Top Ten W L

McMASTER RYERSON WATERLOO QUEEN'S GUELPH YORK WESTERN WINDSOR NIPISSING TORONTO RMC

13 11 10 9 8 8 7 5 4 3 0

1 3 5 5 6 6 7 9 10 12 14

McMASTER ALBERTA TRINITY WESTERN BRANDON DALHOUSIE WINNIPEG UBC MANITOBA RYERSON SASKATCHEWAN

Women’s Volleyball OUA East

OUA West

W L

W L

McMASTER BROCK GUELPH WESTERN WINDSOR WATERLOO LAKEHEAD

10 7 6 4 4 2 2

3 8 7 9 9 11 12

TORONTO OTTAWA RYERSON QUEEN'S YORK NIPISSING RMC

13 11 10 10 8 5 2

0 3 3 3 5 8 12

Basketball OUA Central - W

OUA Central - M

W L

LAKEHEAD MCMASTER GUELPH BROCK

8 8 5 5

3 4 5 6

MCMASTER GUELPH LAKEHEAD BROCK

W L

9 5 5 4

3 5 6 7

Notable Quotes

Laura Sinclair Asst. Sports Editor

The Marauders men’s volleyball team are officially the most dominant team in the CIS. After a couple of bad losses from the former No. 1 team the Alberta Golden Bears, and a very hot winning streak from the Maroon and Grey, they managed to move up to the top of the CIS rankings and aren’t looking back.

The Maroon and Grey are coming off of 13 straight wins, and nine consecutive sweeps.

They haven’t lost a set in nearly three months.

At this point last season, the Marauders were winning matches consecutively, but certainly not sweeping matches consecutively.

“I feel like this team is able to execute better than teams in the past,” said middle, Alex Elliott.

“We can implement game plans better, we can strategize better, and we are able to make changes faster.”

Every year, the team continues to build upon their skills and experience in previous seasons, which results in a new and improved style of play.

Elliott is in his fourth year at Mac and has seen the team change and improve throughout

the years.

Unfortunately, he has had to watch the Marauders compete in another successful season from the sidelines due to a couple of injuries.

In August, Elliot underwent a platelet-rich plasma injection to help the damaged tendons in his knee to regrow.

“They took my own blood, spun it and took the plasma proteins out and injected it into the knee to regrow the tendon that was damaged from overuse,” said Elliott.

After a couple of months of recovery, he was ready to come back in mid-October, until another injury had gotten in the way.

In the first week of practice, he went up for a hit, and hurt his shoulder. His knees were also very tender again.

“Obviously when you’re injured you want to jump back into things, you want to get right back in there and do it, but you can’t go too fast, because if you do, then other injuries will happen or you can make things worse,” said Elliott.

He was instructed to take a break at Christmas. Steve Lidstone, the head of strength and conditioning at Mac, gave him a program to help in strengthening his knees and shoulders. Those exercises included stretching and rolling out his muscles after practice or

a work out.

The results have shown in both his recovery and play--he was a main contributor in the match against Queen’s, especially in the third set, where he managed to score three aces.

“Now my body feels better than its felt all of last year, and you play with injuries all year, but it’s just nagging…but it’s different,” said Elliott.

“I haven’t not felt knee pain playing volleyball in probably four years, and now I’m playing volleyball without any pain. It’s crazy.”

After being out of the line-up for the majority of the season, his main focus since he has been back has been on trying to keep up with the play as best as he can.

“You have teams with big outside hitters that are going to run a slow offence and hit high and hard, you have teams that run so fast that you’ve got to be ready to react so quickly, so for me, I’m focusing a lot on footwork and being able to keep up with the speed of everything,” said Elliott.

So far, he has been able to keep up with the play very effectively, and for that, he credits the trust and intuition that he experiences with his teammates.

“It’s one of those phenomenon’s that’s built in and you can’t really describe it, you just know what’s going to happen and it’s

one of the first times I’ve ever had one of those feelings so fast with a group of people,” said Elliott.

“I’ve been out for so long and having that feeling right away when I come back, it’s encouraging.”

The team’s year-over-year success has been partially because of that very element.

The team trusts each other, and know where they are going to be on the court at all times due to repetition, but more importantly, intuition.

The Marauders will be on display at home court frequently in the next couple of weeks, as five out of the six remaining games will be in Burridge Gym. Although the Maroon and Grey have proven themselves on the road, playing on home court in Marauder territory is sure to be an exciting advantage for the team—especially Alex Elliott, who has not played in Burridge Gym since last February.

“It’s always nice to come back to home court in front of your own fans and having people cheering for you,” said Elliott.

“I can’t wait…I’m fired up.”

The No. 1 Marauders will face the York Lions—the last team to strip them from their consecutive sweep record on Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. in Burridge Gym.

"No, not right now, we don't have any plans to bring back hockey. It's a costly sport to operate ..."

Glen Grunwald McMaster Athletic Director On the prospect of bringing CIS hockey to Mac

On the lookout: Athletes to watch this week

Chelsea Mackinnon Track › ind. PB 2:511000 m Mackinnon is looking to have a speedy race in the largest meet of the year--the McGill Invitational. Last year, she got a PB in the 1000 m race at Boston University, running to a time of 2:51

Danny Demyanenko Men's Volleyball › 17 pts. against Queen's . 186 points this season

Demyanenko has been unstoppable this season. He was the leading scorer in the game against Queen's by 5 points, scoring 17 points overall. He continues to improve every game, and will be Mac's go-to guy in the final stretch of the season.

20

www.thesil.ca

Sports

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Mac starts 2015 with five-game win streak John Bauer Contributor

The McMaster women’s volleyball team came into the 2015 portion of their season looking to build off of a strong first half, and even stronger National Invitational Tournament in Toronto.

Though it was not always pretty, through the first three games of their January schedule, they have done just that.

The team visited London, Ont. for a match with the Western Mustangs on Jan. 10, in a game where they had to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The team found themselves in an early two-setto-one hole, and were taken to game point in the fourth set.

“We did not get the start we wanted to in the first set.

We adjusted but it came down to the fourth set with Western having game point,” said outside hitter Rebecca Steckle. “We came into our circle and we looked each other in the eye and we knew we were not going to let them have that set. We fought for every point, and came together after each one

The women’s volleyball team is hitting their stride in the second half of their season.

C/O FRASER CALDWELL

whether we won or lost it and said to each other ‘the next one is ours’ – every time.”

The result was a convincing comeback in the set, and game, as the Maroon and Grey took the match 17-25, 25-12,

18-25, 30-28, 15-12. Joanna Jedrzejewska and Taylor Brisebois led the scoring with 18.5 and 18 points, respectively.

The team would secure a straight-sets victory in Windsor the next day, then head to

Brock on Jan. 17. This game would also go to five sets, but a monster 22.5 points from Jedrzejewska would win the day.

While being taken to five sets by sub-.500 teams is not ideal for an OUA contender like McMaster, the players do not see it as a problem.

“Those were some of the most important games we have played all season,” said Steckle. “These kinds of games are the ones that allow you to learn who you are as a team.

They force you to look your teammates in the eye and say to each other ‘we have this, we can do this.’ And we did it.”

Brisebois agreed with that sentiment.

“The five set matches are

C/O FRASER CALDWELL

great learning experiences for us because they push us to the limit and we really have to fight in the end to come out on top.

Our assistant coach made a good point the other day l that when it comes down to it we are playing for each other and the fight is in our own hands not anyone else’s.”

Next up for the team are visits from York and Nipissing this weekend. While the team is no doubt hoping for some shorter matches down the stretch, they will not shy away from adversity. In fact, Brisebois welcomes it.

“I’m excited to see what other struggles our team will overcome during the last few games of the season.”

Sports

Thursday, January 22, 2015

www.thesil.ca

21

Defence holding Mac basketball back McMaster still learning more intricate system in order to contain nation’s best Scott Hastie Sports Editor

McMaster is a team with national championship dreams, but a middling defence.

Despite their 9-3 record in conference play, defensive issues are still keeping McMaster a step behind the OUA elite, which includes Ottawa, Carleton and Ryerson. They have regressed defensively from last year: in 2013-14, Mac owned a defensive rating of 88.4. Now, the Marauders are up to 98.4, a mark that hasn’t changed in the new year despite a weaker schedule.

This is not news to the players or coaching staff. Last year, McMaster’s defence was more conservative. Overall, the defense was effective against lesser competition, but the team still struggled against elite teams. The simpler system from last year was not going to stop the teams McMaster needed to beat in order to win a national championship. That’s why head coach Amos Connolly and his coaching staff overhauled the scheme.

“We have a lot of rules for a lot of scenarios; a staggered screen has a rule, a dribble hand-off has a rule. There’s a lot of stuff. Some guys are further along than others in their knowledge and implementation of those rules,” says Connolly.

“Last year, we would handle perimeter screens differently but there wasn’t a clear concept.

Now, we’re playing a defensive system that helps us win on the highest level.”

Mac is struggling to pick up

their new scheme for a number of reasons. The system requires players to make the right decision faster when defending, which has been made difficult by poor communication on rotations. Typically, younger players struggle to pick up any kind of system in university because they lack experience at the post-secondary level.

Fourth-year guard Aaron Redpath recognized those struggles.

“We’re nowhere close to where we need to be. For instance, against Nipissing, we give up a 24-point quarter while we also hold them to a zero-point quarter. There’s a lot of inconsistencies on defence,” says Redpath.

Examples like that zero-point quarter are why the Marauders are so rational and calm going forward. Both conversations about the defence were honest and critical; a sign that the team understands the weakness, but that they also have a plan going forward.

Holding any team scoreless means your defence is highly effective and the system in place is working. It is frustrating to see Mac give up large totals to weaker teams but it is clear that the pieces are there. More defensive reps are what the team needs to get more familiar with the system.

Connolly says the team has watched a lot of film in recent weeks and the group has a full understanding of the system.

While the upcoming slate of games won’t feature any ranked opponents, the opportunity to improve their defence could represent be the most important part of the season. @Scott1Hastie

The game against York was one of Mac’s best defensive performance. The Lions shot 33 percent and scored 62 points.

C/O YOSEIF HADDAD

ADDICTIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE

6’8” big man commits to Mac McMaster landed a key commitment from Matt Quiring on Jan 21. Quiring is a 6’8” forward from Cambridge, Ont., who fills a major need in the front court.

“With Taylor Black graduating, there is a need to add both size and physicality to the roster and Matt fits the bill,” said Connolly.

“He comes to us with a CIS body, which gives him a significant head start playing a physical game and rebounding the ball.”

Quiring has a mix of athleticism, length and outside shooting. Connolly is confident that Quiring will compete for minutes immediately.

The Addictions and Mental Health postgraduate program at Humber will empower you with the knowledge and skills you need for a rewarding career. Learn to deliver responsive, culturally relevant, client-centered assessment and treatment to diverse individuals and groups. Practice ways to effectively collaborate and transform lives as a valuable part of a professional support team.

communityservices.humber.ca

22

Games

www.thesil.ca

Crossword

Thursday, January 22, 2015

ACROSS 1. Transpire 6. Divider’s word 10. Traveling on the ocean 14. With no one 15. Not once, poetically 16. Big first for a baby 17. Electrical capacitance measure 18. Dungeness, for one 19. William of Hollywood 20. Clever one 23. Big roller at a casino 24. Certain word of respect 25. Type of trunk 27. Expressions of confusion 30. Type of school, briefly 32. Neutral colour 33. Search for water, in a way 35. Atmospheric pressure unit 37. Dubious 40. Club at school 41. Cooks in a way apt for a treat 42. View-blocking hairstyle 43. Place in the book of Genesis 44. Emulated Paul Bunyan 45. Useful willow tree twig

46. Sound, as a bell 48. Essen basin 50. Female’s word between two surnames 51. Curlicues, essentially 54. Silent acceptances 56. Rock worth something 57. Primary supporter 62. Old age preceder?

64. ____ podrida (spicy stew) 65. Wide-eyed and unsophisticated 66. Discharge 67. Telling sign 68. Shaped like a bow 69. Observes 70. One of two on a brig 71. Has a villain’s visage

DOWN 1. Not-too-nimble ones 2. Chowder thingie 3. Mrs. Dithers of the comics 4. Divest of munitions 5. Bureaucratic stuff 6. Paycheck deduction 7. Claudius’ successor 8. Durable woods 9. Satellites, essentially 10. Bit of air pollution 11. Macho doughboy?

12. Causing the willies

13. More inclined 21. Elevator chamber 22. Common Market monogram, once 26. Operatic showpieces 27. Barely defeat 28. Shipboard storage place 29. Honeybunch 31. Hand-raising activity?

34. Man of La Mancha?

36. Unnecessarily repetitive 38. Not in the pen 39. Time past, to poets 41. Place for a cotillion 45. Like first, second or third 47. Certain retriever, briefly 49. Reporter’s query 51. Results of chafing 52. First-rate 53. Historic Alabama city 55. Hunting device 58. Brewery products 59. Courteous and pleasant 60. _____ since (as of ) 61. Scarlet and cherry 63. They’re not like us

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The Silhouette

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Lifestyle

www.thesil.ca

23

Lifestyle breaks down how be fashionable and tell time on any budget.

PAGE 25

HAMILTON LIFE HACKS

Frugal food finds, a helpful McMaster app and how to track a student card

STUDENT NUMBER LOST AND FOUND If you’ve ever found someone’s student card but not know how to contact them, do not despair. E-mails sent to student#@ mcmaster.ca will be delivered to the McMaster email account.

METRO’S STUDENT DISCOUNT Another way to save money on groceries is to visit Metro. Students get 10 percent off on Tuesdays. Be sure to bring your student card.

COSTCO GIFT CARD MAGIC It’s often believed that you need a membership to shop at Costco, but having a Costco gift card of any amount can get you the same access. On top of that, you can pay any excess with debit or credit.

FIDDES WHOLESALE PRODUCE This is the place to go if you want inexpensive groceries. They supply the grocery stores, but also open their warehouse to the community. They are found on 60 Ewen Road #4 and are open 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

RECIPES MADE FOR YOUR FRIDGE

THE ULTIMATE MAC APP

Have you ever looked at your kitchen and wondered what in the world you could make with all those ingredients?

Supercook.com is a website that lets you enter what you have, and then tells you what you can make from it. You can even specify what you are in the mood for, and it’ll give you its best attempt.

MacSMS is a student-run app made to provide campus updates in real time. It is a great resource for finding how long the bus will be, what the weather’s like, and more. Check out www.macsms.me for more info.

Max Lightstone Contributor

24

www.thesil.ca

Lifestyle

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Healing through internal processes SHEC sits down with Krista Madsen to discuss how the mind-body link can help us heal.

Beth Barr SHEC

In this week’s installment of the SHEC Interview Series, we feature Krista Madsen, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology. Madsen’s dedication to the dissemination of knowledge led to her becoming the department’s first teaching professor, a position she holds with pride along with a firm determination to “ignite lightbulbs” for students.

Madsen believes that her fascination with the human body began in childhood. She doesn’t exactly know why, but speculates that it might have to do with a textbook her parents had at home; Madsen marvelled at the diagrams, and at how all that “stuff ” fit inside each person as she peeled back layers of skin, muscle, vasculature and organs. Combine this experience with her natural tendency towards sport and visual learning, and you get a kinesiology professor whose ability to clearly illustrate and demonstrate principles ensures no student gets left behind.

When asked what she loves most about her work, Madsen has a lot to say – what’s not to love about her job? However, she became noticeably excited

about the notion of watching students take what she presents, in any of the ways she manages to frame and re-frame concepts, and move on to do exciting things, from furthering advanced research, to landing top positions in emerging fields.

She says she “really enjoy[s] the mentorship aspect.” In kinesiology, Madsen teaches from second to fourth year, and strives to challenge students and create opportunities for them to grow. She discovered that while she “appreciate[s] research and uses it all the time,” she “really enjoys the process of knowledge translation,” which is how she makes concepts manageable, useful and meaningful for students.

When asked about her regrets of undergrad, she mentions lack of sleep and poor cooking skills. She highlights the real importance of good

sleep habits, and taking “moments of pause” to check in with yourself, even if you feel like you can keep going. Madsen suggests that listening to what your body actually needs (such as a nap) can overrule that adrenaline-filled need to accomplish things, and leave you more refreshed and ready

to take on your challenges. She mentions immune function in relation to sleep and food, and reminds us of the viral hot box we live in, especially during exam and midterm seasons.

I wanted to know in what ways students could lead a more balanced lifestyle. She respond-

ed that “we always have the chance to start with today,” and went on to explain that while long term goals can be useful, we need to accept that “we are presented with choices in every moment,” and we have to do make small changes within them. If you only focus on the long-term goal, you may feel like you’re failing all the time, which can wear you down.

By focusing on today,” she said, “youcan experience many small successes from moment to moment.”

She recommends minimizing any mental or physical barriers to make positive changes, like keeping your exercise gear by your bed, and advises acknowledging your unique personal victories rather than comparing yourself to external standards that can be self-defeating.

A major theme that flowed

through our conversation was self-judgement. Madsen doesn’t recommend bogging oneself down with negative perceptions and judgements, and she links this back to the idea that we’re human and sometimes things aren’t right for us. “Just let it go,” she says. In terms of New Years Resolutions, she thinks they can be great; those who need a concrete starting point can begin with something realistic. Those who need less structure can start these habits at any time – but they all benefit from new efforts and goals they undertake.

Finally, Madsen touched on mental health and the mind-body link. She says that “mental health can be a struggle for many people, and physical activity can have a very positive impact when people take a balanced and rewarding approach to exercise.” She encourages students who are struggling – whom she might see in a classroom setting – to seek the help they need without judgement and to remove the barriers they perceive around help and self-help. Madsen is a firm believer in the mind-body link, and advocates care on all levels.

Snacks on snacks Don’t let being on the go stop you from eating healthy. Five quick snacks you can grab on your way out.

Emma Little Contributor

New year, new you, right? It’s hard to keep the resolution of eating healthy with all the unhealthy choices on campus – especially when you’re hungry!

These are some of the best healthy snack options that you can find on campus, or off.

Fruit Apples and berries make a great snack early in the day.

They contain natural sugars and fast acting carbs. These will boost your energy and allow your body to burn off the sugars throughout the day. Fruit is a great way to snack healthy because it’s filling, nutritious and contains antioxidants.

Where: You can find fruit all over campus! Apples are the most commonly sold fruit.

Berries are harder to find depending on the season but can be found at grocery stores.

Hummus

Hummus is a tasty snack, especially when dipping vegetables or crackers. Hummus is made from chickpeas, and contains those good-for-you carbohydrates. This combination of fibers and proteins help you feel full for longer. This makes it the perfect snack to get you through those long days of class and studying!

Where: Summer Fresh makes the perfect snack packs that come in a few different flavours with flatbread crackers.

Summer Fresh packs are sold in most food stores on campus.

Plain Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is packed with protein, low in carbohydrates, has approximately half the amount of sodium than regular yogurts and contributes to the recommended amount of calcium per day. Plain yogurt is better than pre-flavoured varieties because it has a lot less sugar.

Mix in some fresh berries, nuts or honey for added flavour.

Where: While you can’t easily find plain Greek yogurt on campus, there are a few Greek yogurt flavours sold across campus, including at Union Market. If you want to be healthier, try buying plain Greek yogurt at a grocery store.

Almonds & Trail Mix Almonds are a top super snack because they are high in protein, packed with fiber, healthy fats and vitamin E. It only takes a handful to help you feel full, and helps you maintain a healthy weight.

They are

also great for your heart!

Don’t eat too

many, a handful is roughly the perfect amount. Try to find plain, unsalted mixes without chocolate and added sugars, or make your own!

Where: Trail mix packages can be bought at

most food stores on campus, though plain almonds are harder to find. If you want plain almonds and trail mix you can buy large bags at large grocery stores.

Protein Bars

Protein bars are great and easy to take on the go, but there are many good and bad protein bars out there! If you are having one as a snack, there some important nutritional facts you should check before buying. Protein bars should have less than 200 calories, at least four grams of fiber and the protein should be at least half the amount of the bars carbohydrates. There is a lot of different advice out there for protein bars, so do your research for buying.

Where: The best type of protein bar at Union Market is Power Bar Protein Plus. You can find even better protein bars, such as Quest bars, off campus.

Lifestyle

Thursday, January 22, 2015

www.thesil.ca

25

Watches to watch out for Four classic timepieces to dress up your outfit and take it to the next level Hayley Regis Contributor

I’ve always loved watches and clocks. There’s something comforting in the subtle ticking of an analog and the modern efficiency of digital models.

But as someone who used to get frustrated by military time, I’ve been making an effort to go classic and get used to telling time by the hands while still maintaining the clean lines that I so adore. Watches have the ability to change an outfit, either dressing it up or making it more casual. With a variety of watches available at different price points, here are some of my picks for a timepiece that you’ll want to watch the time tick by on.

Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol $229

Mondaine Classic Swiss Railways Watch $220

Marc by Marc Jacobs 36MM Baker $175

Based on the clocks of the Swiss Railway, this watch is easy to read and comes in a variety of face sizes. Its price point is higher end for something so simple, but they really are built to last, unlike that IKEA desk you bought in second year.

Timex Modern Original Grande Classic $95 The cheapest in this rundown, Timex and Swatch are solid go-tos for anyone starting to take an interest in watches, as their prices are low enough that if you decide to revert back to using your iPhone, you aren’t out too much OSAP money.

The black-on-black display is minimal but functional, and that’s basically how I got started in watches.

I own this one so I’m a little biased, but it comes in two sizes with a variety of straps and finishes so I’m sure we can come to some sort of arrangement. Clean cut, simple, and in true Marc Jacobs fashion, his moniker is tactfully inserted in a way that doesn’t make you want to cringe.

Defying age How age representation in the fashion industry is changing Daniella Porano Lifestyle Reporter

For the Spring/Summer 2015 season, a variety of fashion houses ushered in a series of fabulous campaigns featuring an unusual selection of models.

Dolce and Gabbana’s nonnas took center stage with black lace and beautifully adorned handbags. On their heads sat elaborate gold and red crowns.

The aesthetic of the advertisements was Italian culture meets Spanish matador. Of course, there’s nothing more Italian than nonnas, and arguably nothing more fashionable than Dolce and Gabbana’s creations.

Céline’s campaign featured an ultra-chic and minimalist photograph of 80-year-old American writer Joan Didion.

Her oversized glasses and simple black sweater captured the

streamlined essence of the house.

At Saint Laurent, 71-year-old Joni Mitchell was photographed channeling a 1970s-inspired ensemble, complete with an acoustic guitar and a black widebrimmed hat.

Although this was certainly not the first time fashion houses used older models in their campaigns, the campaigns have been consistently visually stunning, embodying the aesthetic of the house, while also being culturally relevant. For example, for Fall/ Winter 2012, Lanvin featured Jacquie Tajah Murdock, who was 82 at the time. In what can only be described as classic French elegance, Murdock stunned in a jewel-toned dark blue peplum outfit. Her untouchable glamour was the centerpiece of the campaign, which spoke to years of Lanvin’s Parisian charm.

With Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar featuring models like 83-year-old Carmen Dell’Orefice and 84-year-old Daphne Selfe, it’s clear that the industry is beginning to recognize how wonderful diversity in age representation is, both for consumers of the images and the producers of the content.

There is no doubt that representation of diversity in fashion advertisements is certainly a point of contention and a serious issue that reflects a problem in both the industry and society in general. Photoshopped images that erase signs of imperfections on seemingly flawless young

C/O JUERGEN TELLER

models are hardly symptoms of progressive ideals of beauty.

The absence of older women in fashion culture and media is part of the harmful paradigm of impossible standards of what society deems as beautiful and desirable.

The images that Céline, Dolce and Gabbana, Saint Laurent, and Lanvin have produced are critical to the inclusion of older women and key to incorporating widespread representation in fashion. The campaigns are not kitschy or campy. They aren’t presenting age as an underlying joke, or putting these women on display to criticize. The campaigns are stunning and genuinely speak to both the models and the fashion house. These women are not only beautiful, they are cultural icons.

Most importantly, these advertisements destroy the culturally engrained narrative that older women are not fashionable.

Fashion does not have an expiration date.

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Not a lot to say about this watch other than for something so simple it’s pretty drool-worthy.

Clean, simple (are you sensing a trend?), and with more band choices on the site that seems appropriate anybody could find something to like here. No worries if you fall out of love with your choice, as the bands are easily interchangeable, making this watch truly timeless.

26

Lifestyle

www.thesil.ca

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R&B group TLC is hoping to release their last studio album with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. Despite the 13 years since their last album, The grammy-winning group (minus the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes) is hoping to raise enough funds for one more album.

At six-months pregnant, The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, stepped out in an animal print shirt dress. The Duchess has rarely been seen out, due to extreme morning sickness, but is said to be doing better. Hopefully we’ll get some maternity shots on @KensingtsonRoyal.

Margret Cho played the part of a humourless North Korean journalist during the Golden Globe Awards. After being met with criticisms claiming that she was reinforcing stereotypes, Cho tweeted “I’m of mixed North/South Korean descent – you imprison, starve and brainwash my people you get made fun of by me.”

Thursday, January 22, 2015

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The Silhouette

Thursday, January 22, 2015

ANDY continues its countdown of the top 10 movies of 2014 with 7-4

www.thesil.ca

27

We wrap up with 3-1. Tune in for albums next week

Delve into Chris Cran’s It’s Not My Vault exhibit

PAGE 29

PAGE 31

PAGE 28

Agent Carter

This week’s quick picks

Marvel finally makes a solid TV series MUSIC

THE CASBAH > Local New Music > Jazz Connection > Fast Romantics > TG & the Swampbusters

JAN 23 JAN 24 JAN 25 JAN 31

St. Vincent

“Bad Believer”

HOMEGROWN HAMILTON > Further The Lion

JAN 23

THIS AIN’T HOLLYWOOD > The Hellbent Rockers > Soul Jazz Orchestra > Sunday Slam Matinee > Open Stage

JAN 23 JAN 24 JAN 25 JAN 27

MOVIES

Westdale Theatre > Boyhood > Foxcatcher > Citizenfour

JAN 23-29 JAN 23-29 JAN 23-29

MUSEUMS

Mac Museum of Art > Our Selfies, Ourselves

FEB 5

After news of St. Vincent’s plans to rejuvenate the tour behind her 2014 selftitled record, fans of the Texas native didn’t think it could get any better, until now. The songstress recently announced a deluxe edition of the eponymous album and released the first bonus track, “Bad Believer.”

The whirlwind track operates at a frenetic pace, but retains the hooks that made her art pop such a big hit with critics last year.

Heavy with riffs and laden with synths and a drum machine, “Bad Believer” would make a worthy addition to both a workout playlist (it’s gains szn) or a house party mix.

THE ANDY CHARTS

#

ALBUM TITLE

1

SremmLife

2

Beast Mode

3

Ransom

4

Mr. Face EP

5

Vulnicura

6

The Lost Files Pt. 2

7

One Way

8

No One Is Safe

9

What A Terrible World...

10

stay off xans/lean, RIP A$AP Yams

Cudi back with Plain Pat & Emile Kid Cudi has been lacklustre since taking on production duties himself. Fans of Cudi’s can exhale a sigh of relief after hearing that Cudi will link up with Plain Pat and Emile for MOTM3.

The producers played a big role in the first two installments so good things can be expected from them.

Agent Carter takes aim at the patriarchy in her eponymous Marvel show.

Michelle Yeung ANDY Reporter

ABC recently premiered Marvel’s Agent Carter, a spin-off of the iconic Captain America franchise that focuses on Agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), a character who helped Captain America on his quest to abolish S.H.I.E.L.D. foe Hydra in World War II – and stole his heart in the process.

Unlike another Marvel small-screen series, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., you need not have seen the Captain America movies or read the comic books (though I encourage you to do so), in order to understand what happens. Agent Carter is also superior to S.H.I.E.L.D. in its ability to stay exciting, as the focus on one character rather than many lends to a more gripping and engrossing storyline.

The series begins in 1946, where Agent Carter is back from the war and eager to use her impressive skill-set and experience at the Strategic Scientific Research to help her country – only to be stopped short by an office full of dominant alpha

males who see her as nothing more than a secretary and Captain America’s ex. But when her good friend, Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper), needs her help to clear his name of treason, Agent Carter finds herself investigating a great threat with the help of Stark’s butler, Jarvis (James D’Arcy), through adventurous espionage.

Despite only being three episodes in, British actor Hayley Atwell’s charming style and allure guarantees an action-packed series she is more than capable of carrying. The period setting makes the program even more enticing, and the 1940s glamour that Atwell exudes provides a stark contrast with her remarkable skills of butt-kicking and tossing bad guys off of high places. Agent Carter does a considerable job in using the era’s unabashed sexism to its advantage; though Peggy isn’t happy with how she is treated (quite the contrary, actually), she refuses to do nothing and complain. In refute, she outsmarts the boys of the SSR and does their jobs, only better.

The men at the office, Chief Roger Dooley (Shea Whigham), Agent Jack Thompson (Chad

Michael Murray) and Agent Ray Krzeminski (Kyle Bornheimer), may be stereotypical upon first impression, but a more sympathetic Agent Daniel Sousa (Enver Gjokaj), who sustained a leg injury from the war, provides a more varied and interesting dynamic in potential character development.

As a Marvel fan, it’s refreshing to see a spin-off where the main character is not only female, but also not a “superhero” in the traditional sense.

Considering recent small-screen releases among the ranks of The Flash and Gotham, Peggy Carter is female, does not have super powers, and does not own a cape. She’s just an independent, intelligent, and ambitious woman who isn’t afraid to challenge authority and fight against injustice. Carter shows her co-workers, and audiences, that she’s more than a pretty face; she can kick some serious ass in a floor-length gown and heels when need be. She conveys a rare sense of empowerment to audiences, both male or female – and that’s the superpower that will send Agent Carter soaring through ratings and firmly into a second season.

the

big tickle Who’s your favourite Marvel superhero?

Conner

Spider-Man

Marta

Captain America

Patrick

Spider-Man

Matt

Thor

Nicole

Wolverine

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andy

Thursday, January 22, 2015

ANDY’S TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2014 Rachel Katz News Reporter

7

#

Whiplash

Short, punchy, and at times anxiety-inducing, Whiplash is not a typical film. It centers on an aspiring jazz band drummer and the teacher who pushes him to the brink of insanity. J.K. Simmons is perfectly cast as the loud, abusive conductor, and in a much more subtle way, Miles

Tomi Milos ANDY Editor

6

#

We Are The Best

While Boyhood got all the credit this year, another coming-ofage film didn’t get the attention it deserved. We Are The Best! is a Swedish movie whose small release and the fact that it wasn’t shot over the span of 12 years probably worked against it. Lukas Moodysson focuses his as-

Michael Gallagher Asst. ANDY Editor

5

#

Guardians of the Galaxy

When I first saw the trailers for Guardians of the Galaxy I admit, I wasn’t very impressed.

It looked like a rushed, cheesy film that would soon become indistinguishable from the countless other superhero

Chris Chiu Contributor

4

#

Grand Budapest Hotel

The first thing you notice is the colours. Next, the gorgeous set design begins to permeate the senses. Long before you begin to even fathom the plot or the acting, Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel already has you under his spell.

In a year where cinema seemed to be drowning in superheroes and dark storylines, Anderson’s witty and stylish film is a breath of fresh air re-

Teller’s portrayal of the young drummer is just as well cast.

From the film’s opening to its climax, their complex relationship plays out in a horrifyingly magnetic performance that stays with the audience hours after the film ends. The finale is satisfying, but unapologetically ambiguous in a way that respects the audience’s ability to imagine what could potentially follow the bizarre “happily ever after.”

Perhaps the most impressive element of the film is its runtime. Part of its effectiveness comes from the fact that an entire tumultuous year in the lives of the characters is played out in just over 100 minutes, leaving the viewer with the concise but undeniably disturbing feeling of whiplash.

tute lens on three pre-teen girls who make change rather than a fairly typical boy who passively watches as change sweeps him off his feet.

Bobo and Klara are two best friends who still cling to the notion that punk is not dead in 1980s Stockholm. Frustrated by their tumultuous home life, the two retreat to the community centre to do their homework but are stymied by the noise made by the loud (and horrible)

practice of a band called Iron Fist.

Despite their lack of instruments, the two conspire to keep the disrespectful boys from practicing by reserving their own timeslot; thus, their own band is born. What follows is a heart-warming/breaking tale that sees them absorb another lonely girl into their midst and become a full-fledged badass punk unit.

movies that seem to be flooding movie theatres in the last five years. Worse still, I couldn’t help but question the fact that it had a talking raccoon, which – even now – is pretty damn weird.

Instead I found a movie with deep compelling characters, stunning visual effects, and witty dialogue at every turn that proved just how wrong my impressions were. While Guard-

ians of the Galaxy may not be the movie of the year, it possesses a charm that left me laughing even after my first viewing, and is one superhero movie you just can’t miss.

minding us that there’s more to the movies than just explosions and fight sequences. Beyond the vibrant plums and the electrifying fuchsias, Anderson weaves an elaborate cat-and-mouse tale that manages to explore the themes of love and unlikely friendships without ever taking itself too seriously.

Newcomer Tony Revolori holds his own as Zero Moustafa, and Ralph Fiennes’ shines as Monsieur Gustav H. (who knew Voldemort could be so adorable?) That said, the film is a

constellation where all the stars create a spectacle much bigger than the individual parts.

The year is young and I’m sure you’ve made plenty of resolutions, but let me tell you something: The gym can wait, this film cannot. Make sure you see for yourself what all the buzz around Wes Anderson’s most recent masterpiece is before it gets buried in all of the treasures (fingers-crossed) 2015 has to offer.

andy

Thursday, January 22, 2015

www.thesil.ca

29

ANDY’S TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2014 Michelle Yeung ANDY Reporter

3

#

Mommy

Xavier Dolan’s Mommy follows Diane “Die” Despres (Anne Dorval), a single mother trying to make ends meet. Her teenage son, Steve (Antoine Olivier Pilon), has ADHD and is emotionally unstable; one moment he is sweet-natured and the next he is violent. Along with Kyla (Susanne Clément), a quiet

Tobi Abdul Asst. Lifestyle Editor

2

#

Top Five

The blunt, raunchy, but insightful nature of Chris Rock’s standup lends itself brilliantly to Top Five, arguably Rock’s smartest feature to date. The semi-autobiographical film follows Andre Allen (Rock), a sell-out comedian hoping to be taken seriously, and Chelsea Brown (Rosario

Shane Madill Online Reporter

1

#

Birdman

A star-studded cast, brilliant cinematography, a script that allows for both unforgettable monologues and snappy backand-forth dialogue across nearly any combination of characters involved, and a total package of a film that demands repeat watches all make for what could very well be the ceiling of what modern cinema is capable of.

Riggan, played by Michael Keaton, is a washed up actor who used to play in a series of superhero movies. His attempt to reclaim legitimacy comes in the form of a stage production of Raymond Carver’s short story “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.” This short plot description does not do the

neighbour with an idiopathic stutter and her own troubles, the three form an unusual friendship in hopes that their broken pieces will somehow form a whole.

The performances of Dorval, Pilon, and Clément are operatic in scale, with all three turning in tremendous work. The decision to shoot the film in a 1:1 aspect ratio also augments the film, emphasizing how characters in the story are all confined to some form of a

boundary.

Mommy is raw, carnal, and positively engrossing. Like Steve, the film is menacingly incandescent, with heavy scenes of violence and grief punctuated by bursts of humour and the warmth of a mother’s irrefutable, almost desperate, love.

Equal measures heartfelt and heartbreaking, Mommy is one of the dearest films in 2014, and will tug at your heartstrings without remorse.

Dawson), a Times reporter, through a day of self-discovery wrapped up in not-so-subtle chemistry that ultimately satisfies. During the day-long interview, the pair pose the question, “who are your top five all-time favourite rappers” repeatedly to those Allen interacts with. Allen is reminiscent of comedians like Adam Sandler, who once made genuinely funny movies only to fall from grace and continuously make offensively bad movies.

Top Five allows for the exploration into the precariousness of celebrity, selling out, family, and comedy. The movie, which features cameos from Hollywood’s top comedians, strays from the formulaic nature of the modern blockbuster and ostensibly takes us back to a time where movies attempted, not only to entertain, but to also say something.

film nearly enough justice given the complexity of Riggan’s situation and mental state, how well developed all of the secondary characters are as individuals, and the vastly different relationships that each of these characters have with one another.

Much of the preview and basic media coverage revolves around how the film is set up to look like one long-take, basically that it has minimal cuts or transitions, that most film fan boys enjoy in any usage for how well these shots are usually framed, what climax or point they attempt to build up to, and the requirements and complexity required by the actors in the scene. While Birdman does follow these conventions, the main purpose is to add emphasis to the parallels between the main characters and their roles within the play performed within the

movie – this also spills over with the script in self-referential elements such as Michael Keaton’s own experiences with the Batman franchise or Edward Norton being notoriously difficult to work with on set. While the fine line between losing yourself within the universe of the story and these meta components of reminding the watcher of real life events could very easily backfire, it works for the most part in continuing to blur lines between who they are in real life, who they are in the movie, and the parts they play within the play in the movie.

Everything in the film leads itself to brisk, constant action and sensory overload by constantly switching your expectations for the upcoming scene.

Every moment is memorable and unique from every other in the film. This is a must-watch.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

andy

R.I.P. A$AP YAMS Shane Madill Online Reporter

1989-2015

Perhaps it is fitting then that we admired and respected A$AP Yams to the degree we do. He was not a well-known figure to the public, with many people confusing him for an active artist based on his prominently featured A$AP prefix, but he operated behind the scenes in a way many of us could only wish to achieve.

His ability to manage and find the perfect people to work together in a matchmaker mentality, his sheer dedication to hip-hop, and his vision and passion for music all remain

www.thesil.ca constant sources of inspiration for anyone involved in any way with the arts.

Though he was never behind the mixing boards of a studio, Steven Rodriguez helped form the styles and nuisances of numerous prominent artists known today through his breadth and depth of music knowledge. Through his Yamborghini Records side-project, he worked with and developed Dash, Vince Staples, Aston Matthews, and Joey Fatts, and had some degree of influence with Flatbush Zombies, Action Bronson, Freddie Gibbs, and Danny Brown as evident by guest appearances.

His best known work, however, was with the A$AP crew. Everyone in A$AP owes

30 their careers to him. Cultivating their talents, matching up their flows, mannerisms, and lyrical content with a balance between artistic legitimacy, mainstream appeal, and constant tweaks and adjustments to match their development can very rarely be done on a singular basis. To manage to do this with an entire group of people on top of his side work is extraordinary.

We honour A$AP Yams because we can all connect to him. We are not always admired and idolized for our work and passion, but we do it anyway because of our internal drive and motivation. A$AP Yams represents everyone who has ever not been respected or appreciated to the degree they should be.

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andy

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Stepping inside

the vault A look at Canadian artist Chris Cran’s It’s My Vault at the McMaster Art Gallery

Alexandra Florescu ANDY Reporter

You may not have had time to walk through the corridors of the newest exhibit at the McMaster Museum of Art, but I encourage everyone to make that walk up the stairs to the third floor to see Chris Cran: It’s My Vault. It is a glimpse into the mind of Canadian artist Chris Cran and the works that make him tick.

His criteria when selecting the pieces?

“The works I selected for this exhibition hit me. They hit me first with pleasure and then they hit me relative to others that I had already selected.”

The result is a wonderful collection of paintings that you are unlikely to find in the same place at any other time.

Abstract paintings are hung beside impressionist landscapes, which you can find across the hall from wall-sized collages. In Cran’s vault, anything goes.

Isa is a small portrait by

Gerhard Richter of a woman and is hidden inside a little room in the center of the exhibit. The oil on canvas painting is cleverly disguised as, what I first thought was, a blurry photograph of a woman. The piece is so well done that the painting comes across as photo film. It is almost as if Richter painted Isa with precise strokes, yet while the paint was still wet, decided to swipe across the canvas with a paintbrush. It is a simple, muted, unassuming piece composed of greys, greens and blacks, yet the time and detail it must have taken to create the piece struck me. To create something in such realistic perfection and to reverse that completely is astonishing.

Alfred Pellan’s Fondre Un Désir de Plume goes outside of the lines as well, only this time in a totally different way. His painting is a cohesive blend of shapes of colour that sometimes fall within the lines of

the drawings, and other times spill out of their sides. What results are two layers of a painting in mutual dualism: the coloured background setting the stage and the black outline of the woman, and feather in the foreground. Even Pellan’s shading is a reflection of the line between rules and rule breaking. At times, his shading adopts the traditional diffusion of colour, while at others, shadows are entire blocks of black. What’s more, Pellan’s painting changes every time you look at it. This piece, maybe more than most, is bound to have you musing about where shapes end and where they begin for a while.

Soviet/American Array 1

by Paul Rasuchenberg is another work integral to the

31

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exhibit. It is a collage of pictures taken in Soviet Russia, however the photographs seem to have been dipped in only one colour.

Entirely red, navy or ochre photographs are overlaid over each other, a visual representation of the striking division between the rich and poor. Images of deserted cobblestone backyards are striking when paired with pictures of lavish palace towers.

Some photographs are repeated, but not identical– while one picture is sharp, the other is muted as if by a hazy filter. The wall-sized mural is certainly striking as a whole, yet every photograph that makes it up could stand equally well on its own.

These three pieces are only a few among many striking works in the exhibit, among which is Cran’s own The Disputed Sculpture. It’s My Vault is open until May 9, but I strongly suggest the people go long before the snow even has a chance to melt.

“

The works I selected for this exhibition hit me. They hit me first with pleasure and then they hit me relative to others that I had already selected.

Chris Cran Curator of It’s My Vault

@alexxflorescu

L to R: Isa by Gerard Richter; Soviet/American Array 1 by Paul Rasuchenberg; Fondre Un Désir de Plume by Alfred Pellan.

THURSDAY

GAINS SEASON I f you’ve got nothing to lose, then it is time to gain some serious perspec tive man S2

HAMILTON SPECULATOR UT TERLY INCREDULOUS SINCE 1934

NOTSPEC.COM

JANUARY 22, 2015

EMSU Presidential Candidate Profiles Who will run the student union of tomorrow?

TIBERIUS SLICK

URMA LURMAN

RIGGINS

BEAR PEPPERS 2

PLATFORM: Power Consolidation

PLATFORM: Respecting Elders

PLATFORM: Fiscal Responsibility

PLATFORM: Loop Holes

Lurman, halfway into her 8 undergraduate degree, hopes to foster a culture of respect surrounding students who have spent a ludicrous amount of time in post-secondary education with no end in sight. The dark horse of this election.

Rolly “Tim” Riggins is running for a fourth and final time, and hopes students will not let his failures obscure his message. Riggins is advocating for more study space, fewer bureaucratic obstacles in student government, and giant transparent wheels in hallways.

It turns out if you change your name you can evade campaign rules and run for a second consecutive term. Peppers 2 hopes to do exactly what he did this year but with a somehow greater focus on frivolous events and low-substance, big-picture ideas.

Slick, the clear frontrunner and likely winner, is hoping to conglomerize all aspects of student ilfe into one easily manageable body. His opponents criticize his enormous bias and clear lack of basic human compassion, but he is sure it is a non-issue.

TIBERIUS SLICK EMSU President-Elect-Elect

The race is on!

The EMSU has begun its yearly round of elections for the incoming

From the Specu Archives:

President, and already candidates are trying to set themselves apart from the pack.

Tiberius Slick, coincedentally Editor-in-Chief at The Speculator, is leading in early polls, but urges his

supporters not to get comfortable just yet. “With all due respect to my opponents, I am essentially running acclaimed, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to forget the hearts and minds of the voters, though it

certainly might,” said Slick.

The EMSU hopes to have a record turnout of voters this year, to break last years overhwelming turnout of voter.

Vote Tiberius Slick.

>> January 22, 1991

Hot Wheels Transit system goes up in flames Despite best efforts of firefighters, HWT burns down to the last piece of cheap plastic COLUMBUS ZOSTER Bigoted Beat Reporter from the 90’s

The city mourns the loss of one of its sons this day. Not like one mourns a daughter, mind you, but a meaningful kind of mourning.

The Hot Wheels Transit system, debated and bickered about for decades before finally coming to fruition, burnt to a crispy cinder last night while maintenance staff were

out taking a leak.

“The children of tomorrow will never know the thrill of doing an ill-advised loop-de-loop, or crashing two cars together from opposite ends of the track. It is truly a sad day for Hamilton and the world,” said Mayor Goldman.

The city currently has no plans to rebuild the HWT but city planners assure us another transit system will undoubtedly replace it within our lifetimes at the latest.

“Vote Tiberius Slick.”

Tiberius Slick Obvious Frontrunner

INSIDE SPOTIFY ADS HITTING TOP OF BILLBOARD CHARTS A5 TRIVERSITY WEEK A MASSIVE FAILURE, 50% MORE SHAME A8 TEN BEST WAYS TO DERAIL A Q&A SESSION B2 NEVER SKIMP ON THE LITTLE THINGS, OR YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF OUT BIG C1 PER ISSUE: One popularity contest.

INCL. HST, PST & no mash-ups.

Despite being Hamiltonians’ only shot at an effective mass transit system, the HWT burned down just the same.

Disclaimer: The Hamilton Speculator is a work of satire and fiction and should not under any circumstances be taken seriously. Unless you’re into that sort of thing. Then do what you want. I’m not your dad. Or am I?