THE SILHOUETTE • C5
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2011
Going green: Mac style Slip into the summer season single
Planning the summer breakup JASMIN KEILLOR SILHOUETTE INTERN
CHRISTOPHER CHANG / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR
Biking is a great way to get around town without producing carbon emissions. ANQI SHEN
THE SILHOUETTE
Driving in Hamilton is not always glamorous for students who have coveted access to their own vehicles. Consider that the city is famous for its one-way streets – although two-way conversions have been underway since 2004. For those less familiar with the city, driving through the downtown core can be a daunting task. In February 2011, McMaster students voted to renew the HSR Bus Pass contract for another three years. Students and faculty who are more conscious of their carbon footprint, or are simply looking for an accessible and cost-effective method of transportation, are wellsuited to rely on public transit to get around. “It’s not as convenient as driving — I would rather have a car — but for how much damage it does, driving isn’t worth it,” says Stephanie Correa, a first year student at McMaster. Grocery shopping is made simple and eco-friendly with McMaster’s Shuttle Bee bus, which takes students to and from Fortinos on Monday evenings. Information about hours of for the shuttle operation can be found on the SOCS website. Thinking about the eco-
logical benefits of public transit can be difficult when waiting at the bus stop during a torrential downpour, or during frostbite season. Students are encouraged to work out a daily schedule to minimize wait times for buses. Not a fan of overcrowded buses? As the weather becomes more biker-friendly, cycling to school becomes an especially viable alternative to driving. An on-campus parking permit ranges from $180.00 to $388.00 per term, whereas a secure bicycle parking space costs $10 per term. To register, students should consult with Parking Services in the E.T. Clarke Centre. Walking and rollerblading across campus are also enjoyable alternatives to driving, especially during the spring and summer. A walk to Fortinos from the Hospital is approximately 14 minutes, and a stroll through Westdale from the centre of campus takes about the same amount of time. According to the City of Hamilton, a third of the city’s commuter trips, not related to school, can be made within 25 minutes by bicycle. The city continues to promote this sustainable form of transportation by maintaining several multi-use paths, bike lanes and bike routes. Bike trails provide a scenic view of Hamilton and riding
the trails is a great form of exercise outside of the gym. Depending on the route, traffic can be low-traffic or traffic-free. This is a great way to integrate sightseeing and exercise, whether it is with visiting parents or a significant other. Students are also encouraged to explore the nature trails around Hamilton, including the Desjardins Recreation Trail and the Breezeway Trail, both of which are ideal for in-line skaters.For those who prefer to get around by car, carpooling is an eco-friendly option that does not have to be inconvenient. Carpoolers are eligible for discount vouchers and designated parking spaces if they register with Parking Services. Students are invited to take advantage of an electronic ride matching service available to them through the university, which can be found at carpoolzone.ca. This free online service allows students to find carpooling partners traveling to various locations on and off campus. Surveys show that 37 per cent of Mac undergrads walk or rollerblade to school at least once a week. Why not join the green movement while exploring economically friendly options and exercising? More information on alternatives to driving can be found on the website of the McMaster Office of Sustainability.
As we stroll through the streets in our earmuffs and Eskimo boots, bearing the brunt of winter’s final frosty hurrah, it’s easy for us to forget that the month of April is just around the corner. And with its end, it signals the end of our school year and the approach of that all too blissful summer sun. But as we begin to prepare ourselves for the season of bikinis, beaches and breezy Bud Light by fleeing like flies to gyms and tanning salons alike, there is another important factor to consider in the midst of our unwavering anticipation: boyfriends. Or girlfriends. And whether or not we want to keep ours over the summer months. There’s no doubt that when our final exams wrap up and are out of mind, many of us will be packing our bags and heading home for the heat. But as we leave behind pesky essays, meal plans and all night study sessions, some of us will also be wishing to say goodbye to our dreary winter flings, which may very well have dried up with the snow. Indeed, going home for the summer can cause pre-existing relationships to become stale and long distance. The impending presence of next season’s sun, which stays out longer with every passing day, is just begging us to seize the careless “boyfriendlessness or girlfriendless” freedom of summer. The problem is, while many of us wish to bid farewell to our current partners in lust, the actual process of breaking up with someone is a whole lot easier said than done. While there are no set guidelines to tell us exactly how we should make the split, and though it isn’t going to be easy either way, there are a few tips and rules of thumb to consider in order to assure the smoothest, most seamless separation possible. First off, and I hope this one goes without saying; it is absolutely crucial that you do the deed in person. That means no Facebook, no cell phones and no emails – you owe it to your dumpee to muster up your courage and come to terms with them face-to-face. Secondly, you’ll want to put some time and effort into choosing the perfect setting because as superfluous as this factor may seem, the right time and place can make all the difference. Consider for instance, the consequences of break-
Kaitlin Peters
“Cheezy” Veggie Chili Ingredients: Olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Directions: 1. Heat a non- stick saucepan over medium heat; add oil or non- stick
Handful of chopped bell peppers
spray.
1 can kidney beans (or bean of choice)
2. Once hot, add chopped onion and saute till translucent and soft.
1 tsp chili powder
3. Add the rest of the veggies and and sautee for 3-5 minutes till soft.
1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
4. Add spices and mix well, so that everything gets evenly coated
1/2 cup vegetable broth
5. Pour in broth, diced tomatoes and nutritional yeast. Bring to a
1/2 can diced tomatoes
boil, then simmer.
1-2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
6. Once simmering, add nut butter and place lid on pot, and simmer
1 heaping tablespoon nut butter Salt and pepper, to taste.
for about 10 minutes. 7. Remove lid, stir chili, and enjoy!
With
files
from
namastegurl.com
ing up with your partner within the confines of your own home. They might choose to lash out at you or they may linger and outstay their welcome. The right time will come for the two of you to go your separate ways and carry on with your day, and it’s best to have the control of when exactly this moment will be. If you choose to break up with your partner within the confines of their own walls, you’ll have the freedom to leave whenever you feel the time is right. The victim of your unpleasant news might also find it a bit easier to cope with the blow of rejection when provided with the comfort and familiarity of their own home. A semi-private location, such as a park, would also be ideal because the public atmosphere would help stunt the possibility of blow-ups, while still offering the seclusion required for a good heartto-heart conversation. Never dump your girl or guy in front of a big group of people, as the resulting humiliation would only amplify the sting of your words. It is also important to be mindful in terms of timing. Don’t choose to ditch your partner the day before they are set to leave with their family on vacation, or the night before the two of you are set to celebrate your three-month anniversary. Instead, strive to choose a neutral date, fairly distanced from any major holidays, birthdays or celebrations. Lastly, remember to be respectful and gentle, but always honest. If you’re craving more time with your friends or more freedom for yourself, let them know. Don’t point fingers and don’t try to lay the blame. When you pin somebody down and recite to them a list of all they’ve done wrong, needless to say they are unlikely to respond well to the attack. Choose your words carefully. The decision to call it quits is a hard one to make and the actual process of cutting ties is even more gruelling. But if you find yourself stuck in a dead end relationship then there’s no better time than now to bite the bullet and stop it from dragging on any further. Because when you’re lolling around the pool this summer, in flip-flops, sunglasses and, well, not much else, there’s nothing better for you than to be sexy and single.
