S The Silhouette
Thursday, September 22, 2016
SHUTDOWN The Inter-Residence Council appeals the university’s decision to disband the student group. Page 3
ARTS & CULTURE ROYAL CANOE The Winnipeg group talks about the sound on their second album Page 3
OPINION BOMBASTIC FANTASTIC Shaggy? Hedley? Our take on Homecoming Page 11
SPORTS FOOTBALL Where does Mac stand halfway through the regular season? Page 23
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Thursday, September 22, 2016 McMaster University’s Student Newspaper
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www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016
The Silhouette
| 3
News Inside the IRC’s shutdown Allegations of fund misuse and ‘dysfunction’ are to blame, but an appeal is in the works Sasha Dhesi News Editor
Welcome Week has passed, students are settled, but one student group’s presence is noticeably absent from campus: the Inter-Residence Council. On May 11, 2016, the IRC received a letter from the dean of students Sean Van Koughnett and director of Housing and Conference Services Kevin Beatty, which stated that their organization would no longer be a university-recognized group on campus. According to the letter the IRC sent out to all IRC Welcome Week reps, “[the dean of students’ office] had made this decision as a result of a financial review of the IRC by the University’s Internal Audit department conducted at the request of the Dean of Students, past policy violations by the IRC, and the events leading up to the IRC’s organizational ‘pause’ in 2014-2015.” The IRC executive team is currently in the process of appealing this decision, and
“[The dean of students’ office] had made the decision as a result of a financial review of the IRC the University’s Internal Audit department conducted at the request of the dean of students” IRC executive team in a letter to all IRC Welcome Week reps
should have an answer by the end of this semester. The IRC served as the representative voice of on-campus students, who aimed to facilitate community among residences through programming. The IRC held events such as the IRC formal, were
credited with extending Centro hours during exam periods, as well as giving out IRC clipboards and creating a yearbook. Despite being on hiatus, students still pay an IRC fee, which was confirmed by McMaster Students Union president Justin Monaco-Barnes during the Student Representative Assembly meeting on Sept. 11 during the question period. This is not the first time the IRC has been shut down. In Dec. 2014, the IRC was also shut down briefly as it went through restructuring to better the organization of the group. This restructuring involved the creation of more volunteer positions and a shift towards advocacy and providing first-year and residence students ways to get involved. It was also during that school year that members of the IRC were accused of committing sexual assault on campus, as reported by McMaster’s Security Services crime beat website on Friday,
Sept. 12, 2014. It is unclear whether these allegations have any connections to the 2014 shutdown. The IRC also has a history of issues relating to their budget. For example, in the 20142015 school year, the IRC spent $68,592 on honorariums for those involved, $17,000 on the IRC clipboards while spending $36,100 on residence programming. When asked about the dysfunction of the group, IRC president Nikhil Kumar stated, “What we feel is that the actions of individual people should not reflect on the entire organization, as the organization didn’t do or promote anything about that.” Kumar did not go into the details of the dysfunction itself. When the Silhouette approached dean of students Sean Van Koughnett if he was available to make a statement, he responded that he would not be able to comment until after the appeals process due to the confidentiality of the
appeals process. For the foreseeable future, the IRC’s status remains up in the air while the group’s executive team appeals the dean of students’ decision. It is still unclear whether or not the financial audit or the allegations of dysfunction are more to blame, but will be made clear through the appeal. @sashadhesi
The IRC’s 2014-15 audit revealed
$17,000 spent on the IRC clipboards
$68,592
spent on honorariums for those involved
$36,100 on residence programming
The IRC has been on and off for the last two years. NICK BOMMARITO/PRODUCTION EDITOR
4 |
NEWS
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
New student housing in the works Two developers plan new student housing projects, with mixed reactions from students William Li Contributor
Off-campus housing options may soon be getting a boost, as both McMaster University and private developers are pursuing residential projects in response to growing student housing needs. Traditionally, on-campus residence space is mostly reserved for first-year students, with upper-year and graduate students being responsible for their own housing off-campus. As a result, many neighborhoods surrounding McMaster have become saturated with students, and many homes originally intended for families have been converted into student houses. In response to growing student demand for off-campus housing, two private developers are planning to build student-oriented residential buildings. Laborer’s International Union of North America is planning to construct a multi-storey residential building in downtown Hamilton aimed at students. Rose Sorce, speaking on behalf of LiUNA, said that downtown would “probably be the best place to put student housing… Downtown is centrally located, where you can take a bus … and get to both Mohawk or Mac within 5-10 minutes.” According to CBC Hamilton, another developer has been taking a closer look at McMaster, by purchasing homes along Traymore Avenue with the intention of turning the block of land between the McMaster University Medical Centre and Dalewood Recreation Centre into a residential building located just across the street from campus. McMaster University itself is also looking into off-campus housing solutions, and over the summer sought out a private developer willing to design and build the university’s first residence building for graduate students. McMaster is planning to have this project built downtown, to ensure graduate students will have easy access to McMaster’s Jackson Square offices and the David Braley
The new development could change the fabric of campus. MADELINE NEUMANN / PHOTO EDITOR
Health Sciences Centre. Responses from students have been mixed. Many expressed concern that commuting from the proposed downtown residences would be inconvenient, though a proposed light rail transit line awaiting reaffirmation from Hamilton City Council aims to improve transit access between McMaster and downtown Hamilton. “I would infinitely prefer to be in Westdale, or somewhere close to campus, rather than in a tower downtown,” said Liam Crummey, a medical student at McMaster. “I love Westdale, I love living so close to campus, especially the fact that I can walk to campus is a huge benefit. And I just like the neighbourhood, I like being able to go for a run in Cootes, I like being able to go to all the little shops in Westdale — it’s a nice place.” However, for second-year Arts & Science student Amy
Chen, who lives off-campus after residing in Wallingford Hall during her first year, the possibility of more housing options beyond the typical student house was a big draw. “In my house-hunting there’s been landlords that require applications and personal references,” said Chen. “They also frequently make rooms extra small or make the living room a bedroom.” In reference to the proposed development on Traymore Avenue, Chen added, “I definitely would [consider it] … I think that this option sounds much nicer than normal student housing.” The proposed housing projects are all still currently being planned. Once completed, they will provide students with more off-campus housing options in an area that continues to struggle to accommodate McMaster’s growing student population. @theSilhouette
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www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016
NEWS
| 5
No lunch money? No problem Mac students run a non-profit initiative documenting free food on campus Steven Chen News Reporter
Cheap food is great. Free food? Even better. What originally started out as one student on a tight meal budget has led to a growing online initiative to set students up with free food on campus here at McMaster University. It is unsurprising that one of the greatest challenges facing students on campus is finding affordable food. Considering the sheer cost of food expenses for students combined with the price tags associated with tuition, textbooks and living, operating on a tight budget can be a struggle. To help alleviate these financial challenges, Frank Chen, a fourth-year Health Sciences student at McMaster decided to start Nolunchmoney, an online initiative that aims to heighten awareness of the ‘free food’ opportunities going on around campus. PHIL KIM/VIDEO EDITOR
“There are certain indicators that go off when I see an event. You build a sense of awareness for the many avenuesFacebook, flyers, groups, and faculties that gives us a scoop on things Frank Chen, Fourth-year Health Sciences student, Nolunchmoney founder Chen noticed that while purchasing food on campus was expensive, there were numerous clubs and events giving out free food on a regular basis. And as a typical broke student looking for sweet deal, he decided to check out all these events where
free food was promised. “I started doing that and started writing my own experiences, and then my roommates became interested in it too and used to accompany me. One day we were just wondering why we shouldn’t expand this to everybody, creating something for all students and adding value to society,” said Chen. Operating both as a blog and a Facebook page for well over a year, Nolunchmoney is managed by five administrators, all of whom are students at McMaster. “[Using] Facebook really lucked out, my team is really solid … I also built the blog over the course of the year to lend credibility to the page,” Chen explained. The current team of admins for the page found out about Chen’s project in many different ways. “I was in first year last year with one of the admins as a Welcome Week rep. I was really interested in getting at all these free food events, and saving
money on the meal plan since food is expensive on campus,” explained Marcin Zegarmistrz, a second-year student who is also an admin. The team makes regular posts on the Nolunchmoney page, as well as keeps a calendar on the webpage with upcoming events. The main task for the team is to research which events are giving away free food and to convey this information to students over social media. “You sort of get experience with this, I have been doing this for four years,” said Chen. “There are certain indicators that go off when I see an event. You build a sense of awareness for the many avenues—Facebook, flyers, groups, and faculties that gives us a scoop on things.” Having reached over 1,000 likes on the Facebook page, the initiative has even been receiving requests for event promotion. “As an organizer of an event, the worst thing that can
happen is that nobody shows up. So you can have a few students who come just for the free food, but the turnout looks good and maybe you can get them interested,” noted Chen. Tosin Tomiwa, also an admin of the page agrees that collaboration with clubs and organizations provides mutual benefit. “If no one comes to these events, they are just going to waste their food. But if there are people who come to eat the food, the club wins and the people win as well,” he said. With respect to future undertakings, Nolunchmoney certainly aims to expand its outreach. “I would love to see it spread into an official club, or we can collaborate with catering services, so that every time they finish an event there is free leftover food,” said Chen, “And beyond free food, Nolunchmoney hopes to be about personal finance. Getting students more aware of this important topic.” @steven6chen
6 |
NEWS
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
CUPE 3906’s new campaign The union’s new #Bettermac campaign aims to improve the lives of post-graduate students Emile Shen Contributor
Mac’s other union is making its voice heard with their new bargaining campaign. Employees of McMaster are represented by CUPE 3906, a trade union servicing the public sector and focused on improving working conditions and relationships with the employer. Their current campaign is called #Bettermac. The #Bettermac campaign revolves around collective bargaining between the members of the union and the employer: McMaster University. The collective element comes from the survey sent out to the large membership to listen to what members found significant. In several general meetings with the membership, priorities were then amalgamated. The bargaining process legally started on May 4, 2016. The priorities of the campaign center on funding
guarantee for five years instead of four, and mental health care coverage. Currently, McMaster provides four years of guaranteed funding for PhD candidates. However, the average PhD takes between five and six years to complete, which means a lack of secure funding for over a year. Simultaneously, graduate students are not eligible for any of the mental health care services at the Student Wellness Centre. Sarah Wahab, president of CUPE 3906, clarified the conflation between mental illness and financial pressure. “It’s precarious work… Poverty can definitely amplify mental illness. So we think it is very important they have access to [mental health care]… So that’s something that was specifically mentioned in the survey: mental health care.” If CUPE 3906 were to win the terms of their bargaining, it would also mean higher completion rates of doctorate
degrees. “#bettermac is trying to make a space that we already care deeply about, better. We love McMaster– we want to make it a better space for everyone to work.” Wahab explained. Gord Arbeau, director of communications at McMaster, explained the university’s current stance. “McMaster values the important work of the members of the bargaining unit. The university’s goal… is to reach an agreement that reflects the importance of the work of the members of the unit, while also… being financially responsible [so] the contract must reflect the current financial environment.” The vice-president of CUPE 3906, Graham Baker, shared a similar story but added: “We’d like to keep meeting with them and keep the conversation going. […] We have made progress on a few different items, but some of those big
C/O: CUPE 3906 FACEBOOK PAGE
priorities we listed, there is still work to be done there.” “We kind of pride ourselves on being member-driven, democratic, transparent organization with rules in place that make this process open and
fair,” stated Baker. CUPE 3906 and McMaster will continue to negotiate the terms of the bargain in the next few weeks. @theSilhouette
REFERENDUM A petition to amend the Constitution has
IV ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE, SECTION B. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY, Changes to 1e as follows;
been submitted with the required number of signatures. The following changes to
IV ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE, SECTION B. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY, The striking of 2d as follows;
the Constitution will go to referendum running concurrently with the October by-election.
These changes will be discussed at the SRA meeting happening October 16 at 10:00am in GH 111.
V ANNUAL ELECTIONS, SECTION A, Changes as follows;
For more information, please contact the Speaker. (speaker@msu.mcmaster.ca).
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016
NEWS
| 7
MSU audit changes MUSC layout The space audit has changed office placement for services, most notably SHEC and Maccess
MADELINE NEUMANN / PHOTO EDITOR
Robert Moss Contributor
Over the summer, the McMaster Students Union conducted their space audit of all MSU services’ spaces to see what improvements could be made to help maximize efficiency and improve the student experience on campus. The chosen auditing committee consisted of vice president (Administration) Shaarujaa Nadarajah, vice president (Finance) Ryan MacDonald, Ikram Farah, SRA member, and Madeline Locke, the MSU health and safety representative. Together, they were responsible for compiling recommendations on all MSU services. Overall, the most notable change was the removal of the Elections Department and MSU Speaker offices. Given the seasonality of the services, they recommended the services use the MSU Commit-
tee room when need be and will be provided cabinet space to store files. Other notable changes include the Student Health Education Centre moving into the MSU Maroons old office space in MUSC B111. The Maroons will no longer have an office, but will be allowed to use the MSU Committee room and be given cabinet space for their use. The move is intended to make room for the MSU’s newest service Maccess, which will take SHEC’s old office in MUSC 202. When asked about the change, MSU Maroon’s PTM, Megan O’Brien, commented, “Overall it is disappointing to see our office go, it has been a part of the Maroons and is a space for students to ask questions and for the representative team to bond. I understand the need for space within the organization which is why coping
“I think the space audit committee did a fantastic job with the whole process. It is difficult to reallocate space, especially when everyone wants it” Megan O’Brien MSU Maroons Part Time Manager with the issue has been easier.” Originally, the MSU space audit report featured two implementation dates for SHEC’s move, one during fall reading week and one during the winter break. The two dates represent the difference in opinion between SHEC and Macccess on when the move should take place.
SHEC’S PTM Sutina Chou’s main concern was that her volunteer staff, “are all students as well and they have other commitments and the extended duration [of a winter implementation] would give us flexibility and freedom.” She added that there would not be sufficient enough time for a promotional campaign to advertise the room change during one of their busiest parts of the year. Maccess, on the other hand, has no permanent space of its own. The desire to move during reading week stems from wanting to get their service fully up and running as soon as possible. Ultimately, the executive board chose the winter break implementation date. “The committee felt that in order to not compromise any of the existing service operations and also to make this move as smooth as possible for all of our
services, a January implementation would be the best one,” explained Nadarajah. Feedback from the PTMs on the overall recommendations of the audit has been overwhelmingly positive. “I think the space audit committee did a fantastic job with the whole organization of the process. It is difficult to reallocate space especially when everyone wants it,” said O’Brien. Many others also applauded the committee for their transparency and professionalism. Despite some services not getting their ideal results, the consolidation of space from the audit will help create space for new services and give well-established ones a fresh start in new locations, with all of these changes aimed at strengthening the student experience at McMaster. @theSilhouette
PRESIDENT’S PAGE
September 22, 2016 | thesil.ca
determined twice a year through what we call General Assembly. Delegates from all member organizations come together to debate and vote on what we should ask of the provincial government on behalf of the undergraduate population at McMaster. The conference is three days long, and will take place this year on November
BLAKE OLIVER Vice President (Education) vped@msu.mcmaster.ca 905.525.9140 x24017
Do you pay tuition? Do you pay ancillary fees? Do you ever wish for a more accessible, affordable, accountable, and higher quality education? The Ontario Undergraduate Students Alliance, or OUSA for short, wishes for that too. OUSA represents all full-time undergraduate McMaster students at the provincial level. This is an incredibly serious responsibility, as the provincial government is in charge of numerous extremely important aspects of post-secondary education - tuition, sexual violence reporting, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), ancillary fee framework, and much more. OUSA is a membership-driven organization. This means its advocacy priorities are a direct reflection of student will. This is
highest governing body for the organization, and not only do delegates have the power to really shape the direction of OUSA and what it advocates for, but they are also able to learn so much about post-secondary education in Ontario. I cannot recommend enough for students to apply to be a delegate. This year’s General Assembly is focused on three topics: Advocacy priorities are Ancillary Fees, Rural & Northern Students, and Sexual Vioa direct reflection of lence Prevention and Response. student will. Throughout the conference, delegates will be invited to engage 4 - 6 at Western University. on potential recommendations General Assembly is a phe- and asks surrounding these topnomenal opportunity for stu- ics, and then finally debate and dents to participate and engage pass these recommendations in in provincial advocacy. It is the the form of a policy paper.
To apply is easy: there are just three short questions to answer and submit on the MSU jobs portal. Please visit: msumcmaster.ca/jobs. Applications are due on October 2, and interviews will take place during the month of October.
Delegates have the power to really shape the direction of OUSA. If interested in learning more about OUSA or General Assembly, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time - I would love to chat with you about being a part of this amazing experience.
MSU_McMASTER
MSUMcMASTER.ca
@MSU_McMASTER
/MSUMcMaster
TEXT ‘MSU’ TO 71441
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.
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016
EDITORIAL
| 9
Editorial Open ballots are a step in the right direction After endless campaign promises for transparency, the SRA puts their money where their mouth is Scott Hastie Editor-in-Chief
The vote to change vicepresident ballots opens a can of worms for the Student Representative Assembly. At the Sept. 11 SRA meeting, the group voted to make ballots for the McMaster Students Union vice-president positions open. Under the previous system, SRA members would vote on secret ballot for the vice-presidents. Making the ballots open is a step towards achieving the buzziest of buzzwords amongst those involved with student politics: transparency and accountability. We have been bombarded with these words for so long, it is a surprise that anyone voted against this motion. One of the main arguments
against open ballots is that the SRA is made up of a relatively small community and there are complications that come with it. For example, let’s say my close friend was running for a vice-president position, but I knew that another person was a better candidate. With closed ballots, I could vote for the better candidate and not be concerned about any personal fallout. Open ballots mean some SRA members may vote in order to maintain certain friendships or relationships. While I can sympathize with the awkward position, you should not have gotten in to politics if you did not want to make hard decisions. And while making the ballots open is a step towards improving the MSU’s transparency and accessibility, there is still work to be done.
Those who get elected to the board of directors are generally members of the MSU bubble; they have worked or volunteered with MSU services from early on in their undergraduate career, working their way through the organization. Open ballots alone can’t pop this bubble. What can achieve that goal? Electing vice-presidents atlarge. If the SRA members want to avoid the issues associated with open and closed ballots, they can remove themselves completely by supporting the upcoming at-large referendum to make vice-presidents elected by the student population. The SRA has not been afraid to make bold statements in the past; let’s see what they do this year. @Scott1Hastie
TREAT YOURSELF Find the answers in this week’s issue and tweet us a photo with the correct answers. If you’re one of the first ten people, you’ll get a $15 Pizza Pizza gift card!
What MSU service is becoming the Sil’s new neighbours in MUSC B111?
What is the name of Royal Canoe’s second album?
Who scored a hat trick in the women’s rugby game against York?
to spirit photos.
to Big Tampon.
to stale sour keys.
to blurry mornings.
to cat walkers.
to Brangelina. Mr. & Mrs. Smith is a weird movie now.
to making deadlines. to Cyprus Lake. to that legit burrito bowl.
to a national park running out of firewood two days in a row. Bush league.
to the Great Canadian Poutine.
to the lack of pumpkin puree.
to fat ponies.
to the morning commute.
to Tuesday Daniel. Spicy!
to the ripeness.
to vintage attire.
to democracy, baby!
to ‘yaking.
to Loki, we’ll miss you forever.
to butt spray. but not that kind.
to lack of Twitter handles.
to @tombrodude.
to that 12-year-old at the University of Waterloo.
to a couple Ws for the Overagers. to genetic issues.
to the constant stream of music hate. The 80s were a beautiful and weird time, guys. Embrace it.
to personal rebrands. to letting the conversation begin. *You cannot be a Silhouette staff member, member of the Board of Publication, full-time MSU employee or previous winner
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10 |
HUMANS
What would be the one thing you would change if you had the chance to go back into your past? I would probably spend a lot more time with the elders in my life. My family is the only one here from India, but my grandparents are still both in India. Growing up, I didn’t really see them much but I felt their presence. I guess they passed on their beliefs and values to my parents. So I still have them in me. But I think we get so caught up in our daily lives as a student, and as a human being,
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
our aspiration tends to make us forget the people that matters the most.
Neha Malhotra Global Health III
I still remember when I was in grade nine and my grandfather passed away. I still remember the day coming home because it was my last day of winter exams and I was so excited to spend the rest of the day spending doing nothing with my friends. But out of the corner of my eye, I saw my dad upset and I knew something was wrong immediately. Then, I found out my grandfather has passed away. At that moment, I thought about
YUNG LEE/ PHOTO REPORTER all the incidences that I could go back and take five minutes to call him or respond his messages, send a picture of my brother and I, which I was too lazy to send before... I think all those incidences only come when you realize that you are never going to get them back. So, if I
could to go back, I would hold on to all those moments that are there for us, but we choose not to because at that moment we think something else is important. At that time, I was so obsessed with studying my butt off for an exam that I don’t even remember what it was, but I remember all those incidences
Andrew Richards Communications III
that I didn’t take to spend time with my family. I think it’s really important– even though I wish I did that in the past, I try to do it everyday so that I don’t have to think about wanting to go back and change what’s already happened. If you could go back and give your first-year self any advice, what would it be and why? If I could go all the way back to first year and give myself any advice, I would encourage first-year me to get outside my comfort zone. I would tell myself to not get complacent by sticking to what I’m used to. I would try to meet more people, push myself, and welcome every opportunity to learn. McMaster is not only is an amazing place to grow academically but it can also be an amazing place to challenge ourselves. Our campus is woven with attributes that make it such a supportive place to learn and grow through success, failure and anything in between. If I could meet my first year self, I would tell him, “Dear first-year me: go to that meet and greet you were nervous to attend, go to that guest lecture you didn’t think would have much relevance to you, and introduce yourself to that person beside you. You won’t regret it.” Yung Lee Photo Reporter
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016
The Silhouette | 11
Opinion For the nights I can’t remember The Homecoming concerts are near perfect for a celebration of nostalgia
C/O SLEEK MAGAZINE
Shane Madill Opinion Editor
“It Wasn’t Me” is great as a song at the tail-end of karaoke or at the beginning of the weird, early 2000s playlist McMaster house parties tend to have as the night wears on. Shaggy isn’t a singer that the majority of people will ever actively seek out in day-to-day listening, nor is he one most people would think of in a discussion of the best 1990s or 2000s singers. Out of 12 albums of material to pull from, the average student might be able to pick out four songs at best. To top it off, he hasn’t actually had a studio album in the last three years, but that’s almost irrelevant when the main draw will be the peak he had close to a decade and a half ago. Hedley was one of the few bands that could have a track or two in every awkward middle school dance growing up. Almost everyone in the crowd should be able to pick out a few songs, and everyone’s expe-
rience will be vastly different based on their age considering the schedule of one album every two years that they’ve strictly followed. Like Shaggy, it’s unlikely for anyone who wasn’t a genre specialist, or a fan in general, to be able to name more than four songs at best. With the Homecoming concert budget allocation this year being relatively close to previous years, the selection didn’t have the niche appeal of Dean Brody, the flash of Lil Jon or the more modern relevancy of The Sheepdogs. What the picks do with such weird expertise, however, is pull at random memories instead of hoping you happen to be a fan of a particular genre. Even if it’s for a few songs out of a group or the general sound instead of anything specific about the music, the ability to go back to the past in a way that’s catered to university students is surprisingly not done much by McMaster outside of the rare student initiative. Just thinking about how you used
to know Hedley and Shaggy or where you’ve heard them before can be powerful enough to evoke memories good and bad. While my own backgrounds with both are obvious through how they were introduced earlier, this doesn’t even begin to describe the full extent of connecting memories. I was never a fan of either, but it’s impossible to deny the familiarity and how both align, even weakly, with different points of time in the past. It doesn’t particularly matter if you have the same thoughts or experiences. The fact that you have your own feelings and sense of nostalgia is good enough. Not to say that this couldn’t have happened with Dean Brody, Lil Jon or The Sheepdogs, but the likelihood for more students to have at least some passing connection is significantly higher with Hedley and Shaggy. This is perfect for Homecoming. As alumni come back to visit the school, all connected by a common theme
In a weird way, Hedley and Shaggy are on of the best pairings McMaster could have put out to best reflect what Homecoming is all about to the current students. but different memories. These concerts are actually one of the only instances where the entire student population will be in a similar situation until they come back after graduating. It welcomes old faces to what they used to know, even if what they remember is different than the person next to them. It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in what is happening right now. Work, school, stresses, the upcoming year, the list piles on and on and it won’t let up until death or retirement. The chance to remember old
times is a much needed break for alumni looking back on their own experiences, and that is mirrored by the upcoming concerts from a student perspective. In a weird way, Hedley and Shaggy are one of the best pairings McMaster could have put out to best reflect what Homecoming is all about to the current students. While they wouldn’t have been my first choices by any means, that is mostly because it’s significantly easier to pick something that’s relevant here and now. The two selected this year make up an ingenious combination of broad appeal, Homecoming relevancy and purpose that cuts deeper than wheeling out the first semi-big name you can book. All that’s left is for them to deliver, and hope that nostalgia can carry the crowd through whatever songs they won’t recognize. @shanemadill
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OPINION
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
Only a matter of time Volunteering builds character in a person and the Hamilton community Elizabeth Ivanecky Contributor
Time is money, and your time at McMaster is no different. I don’t have to remind us all how much coffee we bought for those all-nighters and of course the big kahuna — our tuitions. So yes, your time at Mac is money, no doubt about it, but you can make it count for more than that. Time is one of the most valuable things you can give when it comes to volunteering. And volunteering in the Hamilton community is an eye-opener into the inner beauty of both the city and your friendly neighbourhood Hamiltonians. There is more to living in Hamilton than simply spending your time studying at Mac. Although it requires a larger effort, volunteering in the Hamilton community is a worthwhile pursuit in that you will feel a sense of belonging in Hamilton instead of simply being a watchful observer on the outside looking in. Hamilton is home to many people who at first came here as outsiders, and it can be your home too if you decide to move past the horror stories you’ve heard of Hamilton. Instead of fueling these rumours, try volunteering in “that part of town” and you’ll start to see the real people behind these tall tales. But the experience of coming up with your own understanding of Hamilton is not one that should be taken lightly — it involves acknowledging someone else’s truth in their lives. In this way, giving your time to listen, help and have fun with local Hamiltonians will serve you all the while since
you’ll be showing Hamiltonians that you care and want to be more than just one of those Mac students who take up so much space on the city bus. Hamilton may be daunting to some of us at first-glance, but I assure you, when you give the city a chance it will surprise you. If you are a new Hamiltonian, then my advice would be to start volunteering in Hamilton with a group of Mac students through volunteer placements with CVA. If these placements don’t suit you, you can always find other placements through Volunteer Hamilton. I have volunteered at St. Joseph’s Villa in Dundas for over five years and the experience has taught me priceless lessons in responsibility, communication and connection. For instance, when you make a commitment to be somewhere, you need to keep your word because you’ll learn that people will begin to depend on you over time. Good communication will help you understand how you can answer to another’s needs and wants, but connection doesn’t necessarily require good communication. Sometimes just the constancy of someone’s presence or kind touch as in a handshake is enough to feel the warmth of someone’s care. So at the end of the day, here’s my version of the standard ‘time is money’: time is character too. How you choose to spend your time reflects who you are as a person. So, do you really want to be the next person to spread another strange story about downtown Hamilton?
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OPINION
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016
| 13
Seven ways to get a good start You won’t believe number four! Student Health Education Centre Contributor
While there are a lot of ways to get a good start to the year, it’s difficult to narrow down all the possible options to what you really need to focus on. There’s a lot going on during your first few weeks, but here’s our take on what you need to do to succeed.
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Get organized
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Budget for the year
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Discover your new home
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Talk to strangers
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Stay active
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Join clubs
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Try a positive attitude
Getting organized at the start of the semester will be a worthwhile investment once classes and extracurriculars begin to pick up. If you haven’t already, consider picking up “The Almanac,” the free MSU planner that can be found outside of the MSU office and in the MSU Underground. Centralizing your school and extra-curricular commitments will help keep you on track and ensure you will not miss a deadline. Most importantly, don’t forget to book time for self-care!
Another way to get organized is to plan out how you’re going to spend money this year by creating a simple budget of how much money you earn or have saved, and how much you can spend in different categories like textbooks or food. Getting an idea of how much money you have and are able to spend at the outset is important to stay on track in the long run.
Two places near campus that come to mind: Westdale — This charming area is, despite its name, east of campus. Hop on the east-running buses from Sterling (right near the Student Centre and Mills), and you’ll find Westdale. University Plaza — A few minutes farther from campus than Westdale, this plaza contains most notably Bulk Barn, Dollarama, Metro and restaurants that accept student meal plan dollars such as East Side Mario’s. Getting there takes about 10 minutes on one of the west-running buses from Sterling or Main. Whether at one of the spots listed above, in class, or in line for Tim Hortons, you can take the initiative to introduce yourself to the person next to you. This advice sounds obvious, but can be life-changing. There can be a social taboo against talking to people who you don’t know, and so it can take a great deal of courage, but keep in mind that most people are friendly. This tip is pretty versatile, and you can use it in any aspect of your life. You can try to initiate this process with your neighbours because being familiar can make telling them to be quiet at three a.m. easier. Try the same thing with one person in each of your classes, so you have someone to swap notes with when you get sick.
This can give you a boost of energy for and is the key to a balanced lifestyle. Luckily, here at McMaster there are countless opportunities for physical activity, namely the Pulse, our fitness center with all the equipment a standard gym has, plus a climbing wall, and drop-in instructional classes. If the Pulse may not suit your interests, there’s no reason to worry. Your student card gives you access to pool and gymnasium drop-in times, as well as the indoor and outdoor track. Don’t forget about the wide array of instructional classes such as hip-hop dance, squash and yoga. There are also ways to stay active in the Hamilton community outside of McMaster too, such as Hamilton’s Bayfront Park, which offers bike rentals on weekends.
While ClubsFest has passed, you can always check out the MSU Clubs Directory to see what groups are on campus. There really is something for everyone. Send the organizer an email and see how you can get involved. If you already signed up to a club’s mailing list, make it a goal to go to one of their meetings. It may be outside of your comfort zone, so consider bringing a friend. Clubs are a fantastic way to make new friends, pursue your individual passions and become more involved in the McMaster community.
Look forward to this upcoming year at Mac with excitement and positivity — hype yourself up for success. Focus on the good things that happen and you’ll see solutions and opportunities. You can even look at stress in a positive light – a healthy amount of stress is your body’s way of raising you up to challenges. Surround yourself with people that encourage and support you. @msuSHEC
14 |
OPINION
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
Academic misconduct investigations The current system is against you. Here’s what you need to know about the process
C/O JONATHAN WHITE DE-BOER Justin Safayeni Contributor Edward Marrocco Contributor
A university student accused of academic misconduct may receive less procedural due process than someone battling a parking ticket. Yet the consequences of a misconduct finding are far more severe: considering the fierce competition for jobs or graduate school positions, a curious mark of zero or an inexplicable “F” on a transcript — let alone a notation explicitly reflecting academic misconduct — can effectively eliminate career opportunities. Students accused of academic misconduct need to understand their rights, and how to effectively navigate the investigation and hearing process. And they need to start thinking strategically at the
earliest stages of the process, since the decisions made before being formally charged can often make or break the outcome of a case. At McMaster, academic dishonesty is based on principles, not rules. This means that anything construed as acting (or failing to act) in a way that results, or could result, in unearned academic credit or advantage is capable of being an offence. Offences can even be committed unintentionally, if the offender “ought to have known” that what they were doing would or could result in an unearned academic advantage. The process begins with an investigation. This is where the course instructor gathers evidence that may be used against you. The underlying allegation might be brought to the instructor’s attention by an informant, or the instructor may form their own grounds to believe that an
offence has occurred. In other words, an investigation can be initiated purely on the subjective suspicion of the course instructor. Depending on the nature of the alleged offence and whether the student has any committed any previous offences, the instructor can either dispose of the matter themselves, or escalate it to the Office of Academic Integrity, which will then appoint a Faculty Adjudicator to conduct a formal hearing similar to a trial. If the allegation is so serious that the instructor believes more severe penalties are required, or if the student has previously been found to have committed academic misconduct, the instructor will refer the matter to the Office of Academic Integrity — and will normally serve as the key witness if there is a formal hearing against the student. Regardless of whether the instructor decides to resolve or
As soon as you start talking, you risk providing information or evidence that may fuel the case against you. escalate an allegation of academic misconduct, the student must first be given an opportunity to provide an explanation. This meeting is fraught with risks. Unlike their instructor, a student going into the meeting may have little or no knowledge of what that investigation has uncovered to date. Another problem is that by the time this meeting occurs, the instructor will likely have already begun to form an opinion about guilt or innocence. In light of these risks, the most important thing to do if you are accused of academic dishonesty is to think care-
fully before responding. This is harder than it sounds: the natural reaction, particularly if you are innocent or engaged in misconduct inadvertently, is to proclaim your innocence or explain your actions. But as soon as you start talking, you risk providing information or evidence that may fuel the case against you. At the same time, you have to be careful not to withhold a reasonable explanation because that may result in a charge being laid in circumstances where an informal resolution could have otherwise been achieved. Regardless of whether you are guilty or innocent, everything you do in the course of responding to an allegation in the investigative stage can affect your case. The best way to protect yourself is to understand the academic discipline process before engaging in it. Whatever you decide to do, step carefully. @TheSilhouette
EVENTS CALENDAR Travelling through the Seasons Retreat
Health & Dental Opt-Out Final Week!
When: September 23, 2016 from 03:30PM until 08:30PM
When: September 26, 2016 at 12:00AM until September 30, 2016 at 11:59PM
Where: MUSC
Where: everywhere
Join us for our on campus “Retreat” by dropping in and out in between classes to experience exciting activities that take you from season to season like meditation, movement as spiritual practice, hiking, creative expression, and potluck dinner.
All full-time undergraduate students taking 18 units or more are automatically enrolled in the MSU Health and Dental plans.
Bridges QSCC Speed Friending When: September 22, 2016 from 08:00PM until 11:00PM Where: Bridges Café. Looking to make new friends? Come out to the QSCC’s annual Speed Friending event! This super fun speed-networking style event will be an awesome way to meet tons of new people.
HEY, YOU THERE!
Bridges - Refugees and Sarvodaya Coffeehouse by OPIRG and Gandhi Peace Festival When: September 26, 2016 from 08:00PM until 11:00PM Where: Bridges Café In order to raise awareness to such a pressing issue, the Gandhi Peace Festival has partnered with OPIRG™ Making Connections week to bring you the Refugees and Sarvodaya Coffeehouse.
Becoming Yourself Series (2/4) When: September 27, 2016 from 12:30PM until 01:20PM Where: TBA Four week series free from cost, stress, and exams.
Free Cake for September Birthdays When: September 28, 2016 from 05:00PM until 08:00PM Where: Centro Commons Free cake for all September birthday celebrants with the purchase of any dinner meal at Centro Commons!
You should get involved with the Silhouette? It's simple! 1. Look up our section meeting times. Check page 2 or thesil.ca/getinvolved for the details. 2. Come to one of our meeting in MUSC B110 and meet the section editors and reporters! Can't make it? Email the section and they can make alternate arrangements. 3. Pick up an assignment from the section and get started! Yup, writing for the Sil is that easy!
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The Silhouette | 17
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016
Arts & Culture Up-the-creek with Royal Canoe Up and coming Winnipeg indie-rock group Royal Canoe stays true to their hometown roots C/O ATOMIQUEPRODUCTIONS.COM
Michelle Yeung A&C Reporter
Fresh off the release of their sophomore album, Something Got Lost Between Here and the Orbit, Royal Canoe is relishing in the excitement of a new record while playing on the North American leg of their tour. A mosaic of rhythmic hip hop, experimental alt-pop beats and complex indie-rock, this six-member outfit from Winnipeg, Man are experts at crafting an intricate web of catchy sounds that are unpredictable, uncomfortable and fantastically disorienting. The Silhouette had a chance to chat with two members of Royal Canoe during this year’s Supercrawl: Matt Peters, lead vocalist, and Matt Schellenberg, vocalist and keyboardist. Since their critically acclaimed debut in 2013 with Today We’re Believers, Royal Canoe has graced stages the world over with gigs at festivals such as Osheaga and Bonnaroo, as well as toured with massive bands Bombay Bicycle Club and Alt-J. Schellenberg and Peters discussed the differences between opening for such
renowned artists versus playing their own shows. “There are definitely a lot more people [at Bombay Bicycle Club and Alt-J’s shows],” Schellenberg said with a chuckle. “I mean it’s kind of a different feel when you’re opening [compared to] when you’re headlining… when you’re opening you kind of feel like you’re there to warm up the crowd… whereas when you’re headlining it kind of feels like you are the event. So it’s a different mentality but in the end I think you still just to like put on a great show,” added Peters. “With [Something Got Lost Between Here and the Orbit] we’re actually at a spot where we can for the first time ever attempt to put on a [big production show] and I think touring with those other bands and watching what they’ve done on that level of production and how many people come together to pull that off has been really inspiring.” Although Royal Canoe rocked their set at Supercrawl this year, it wasn’t the band’s first go at Hamilton’s signature music festival. Last year’s their performance was cancelled due to
a torrential downpour right before their set. Despite an light drizzle this year, the show went on successfully. It had been three years since Royal Canoe’s last album, and their fans eagerly awaited to see how Something Got Lost Between Here and the Orbit related to its predecessor. “I definitely think [our new album] builds on [Today We’re Believers]. I feel like on that last record there was a lot of exploring what our range was. There were some songs that maybe fit a little bit more into the reflective indie rock world and others that pulled more from a darker, heavier hip-hop sort of groove,” explained Peters. “I think on [Something Got Lost Between Here and the Orbit] we’ve focused more on that latter influence; that’s not to say there aren’t still beautiful moments of reflection, I don’t think you could do what we do without having that vulnerability, but it just feels like we’ve taken our favourite part from last record and really pushed those further and explored those areas… we just have a better idea of who we are.” Earlier this month, Royal Canoe introduced the “Royal Canoe house call,” where fans in
“We [went to 20 parties in one night] and the very last house were these younger kids who had all these party hats they made that had deep-cut Royal Canoe lyrics on them...” Matt Schellenberg Lead vocalist their hometown were encouraged to gather their friends together for a listening party and invite the band over to hang out. “We [went to 20 parties in one night] and the very last house were these younger kids who had all these party hats they made that had deep-cut Royal Canoe lyrics on them that they had written out…[these were lyrics] that you’d have to be a fan to know…” Schellenberg said. “It was awesome.” “It was so neat because you
got to literally enter someone’s house and just [spend time together in this] intimate listening experience… you’d get that in a show too I guess but it’s just so different when you’re meeting [these people] and can have a real conversation in their space,” Peters added. In a genre where music often becomes formulaic, this band subverts familiarity by tinkering with harmonics and textures to get strange, digital noises while keeping their sound organic. They are unafraid to try new things and use instruments in unconventional ways, resulting in adventurous tracks. This is experimentation refined. “I think that we’ve finally managed to hone our sound into a more cohesive thing [on Something Got Lost Between Here and the Orbit]. If you already knew Royal Canoe you’ll be excited about this progression and if you didn’t then this is a great spot to jump on because it’s the thing we’re most proud of that we’ve done [thus far],” Schellenberg said. @mich_yeung
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A&C
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
The spirit of punk rock Toronto four-piece Casper Skulls talks Rob Ford, Kendrick Lamar and making music that lasts
“To be a relevant artist you have to be saying something and saying something of the time... The reason those guys are remembered is because they were saying something political.” Neil Bednis Vocalist/Guitarist
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Despite only forming in 2015 Toronto based post-punk band Casper Skulls has already caught the attention of Buzz Records and newspapers like the Toronto Star. The band’s debut EP Lips and Skulls consisting of five tracks including their single “Devotion” will be released on Oct. 28. Neil Bednis (vocals/guitar), Fraser McClean (bass), Melanie Gail St-Pierre (guitar) and Chris Anthony (drums) all came together because of their deep love and interest for music, including the exploration of punk and proto-punk culture and history. While lead vocalist Neil Bednis hopes to stay true to the band’s roots, he is eager to explore Casper Skulls’ new direction. “Me and our guitar player Mel; we were dating. I didn’t have a band or anything and she was interested in playing music so we decided to start a band together. We got Chris and Fraser involved because Chris put out an ad on Kijiji looking for people to play with and we responded to that ad. Chris was friends with Fraser and he invited him to play,” explained Bednis. In 2015, the band released the songs “King of Gold” and “Mink Coats” which each received critical praise and coverage from Toronto music journalists, but the band noted that they will be heading in
a new direction for their first upcoming EP. “Those songs were very basic but they are both very lyrical. We kept that lyrical aspect to this day. On the EP we kind of explore more with different guitar tunings and melody. The stuff we’re writing now for our full-length album is a lot more inspired by pop music.” The progression and shift to the sound of their music had a lot to do with the musical influences of the band members. “When we were starting off we were influenced by bands like Sonic Youth and The Replacements. But now we have been listening to a lot of different genres. I listen to a lot of hip-hop and Mel listens to a lot of classical and ambient music. Recently, I’ve been rediscovering bands I liked in high school like The Smiths and New Order. Those are probably our biggest influences right now,” shared Bednis. They have already debuted the first single off of their EP called "Devotion." A song that explores what it means to bind you to something whether it’s a person or an idea. The song previews similar themes on the rest of the EP, which largely references I Dreamed I Was A Very Clean Tramp, the autobiography of 70s punk icon Richard Hell. Casper Skulls also gained some notoriety through some of the hyper-local political commentary that was laced into their songwriting. The group themselves called the song “Mink Coats” “a bilious eulogy for Toronto’s Rob Ford years.” The band are students of the political tradition of punk-music and culture and students of the genre's signature abrasive sound. “To be a relevant artist you have to be saying something and saying something of the time. I find that the best music doing that now is hip-hop like Kendrick Lamar… The reason those guys are remembered is because they were saying something political.” The band will be heading to Chicago, Illinois on Nov. 19 to headline a show at the Downstairs, but not without stopping by Hamilton at the Casbah on Nov. 7.
20 HUGHSON ST. S. HAMILTON
Vanessa Polojac Contributor
A&C | 19
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016
A bright year for Glowriders Neon cyclist groups’ final ride of the year illuminates Hamilton’s growing cycling community
C/O DON GLEESON
Rebecca Murray Contributor
If you stayed in Hamilton over the summer, you might have noticed the monthly parade of 100 plus cyclists riding through the city on bikes wrapped in glow sticks and LED lights. The most commonly asked question by spectators is “what is this?” quickly followed up by a “why?” The answer happily shouted by the participants is always “Glowride! and “Because bikes!” The final ride of the year is to coming on Sept. 24 and will see Glowride paired up with Hamilton’s City Council to celebrate the grand opening of the brand new Herkimer Bike Lane. Glowride began in June 2012 as a small group of about fifteen friends organized by Tyler Roach, who, inspired party by Toronto’s yearly “Bike Rave,” wanted to bring a more relaxed style of group ride to Hamilton’s downtown. Glowride, which has now grown to 120 or more monthly participants stands as a prime example of positive community
relationship building through cycling within urban settings. Prior to Glowride, most group cycling activities around Hamilton were in the form of a “Critical Mass” which tend to have a more adversarial approach to cyclists’ relationship with motorists. Glowride however, actively seeks to repair this frequently tense relationship by adding an element of fun and celebration to the group ride and stressing the need to be safe and follow all rules of the road. Instead of tense interactions, now most drivers in the downtown core drive and honk along in support of the cyclists. While speaking with Roach about what his goal was in
Instead of tense interactions, now most drivers in the downtown core drive and honk along in support of the cyclists.
creating Glowride, his focus on building an inclusive and supportive cycling community within Hamilton became immediately apparent. Every detail of the ride is planned with these goals in mind, and if its growing popularity is any indication, it’s working. The monthly ride happens on Saturday evenings, beginning after sunset at Durand Park. While the ride length of an hour and a half may seem intimidating, the route shows off some of Hamilton’s best cycling areas and parks, including Locke St, Victoria Park, Bayfront Park, and James St. Glowride emphasises a comfortable pace so riders of all age and skill groups can find their place in the pack of cyclists without much effort. In its capacity as a community building exercise, Glowride has quickly become respected within the city as an excellent launching point for cycling related projects. This summer one of the rides was colaunched by SoBi
Bikes, which gave out free ride vouchers along with their bikes at the “preride” meetup, where people can get to know others who are participating–frequently through the act of sharing glow sticks and lights. Hamilton’s Glowride has also inspired others to bring this celebration of cycling culture to their neighbourhoods, with a ride for small children being held separately so their parents could be free to attend the downtown ride and after ride festivities on Augusta St. later in the evening. Few things are as magical and awe-inspiring to a cyclist than to be part of a group of your peers that stretches almost as far as the eye can see, all enjoying each
other’s company and the simple pleasure of riding a bike in their community. The upcoming and final Glowriders meetup starts on Saturday, September the 24 at 8:00 p.m. at Durand Park with the ride beginning at 8:30 p.m. For any students interested, MACycle will be leading a group ride to Durand Park and will meet up, and leave from Mills Commons at 7:30 p.m. @TheSilhouette
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A&C
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
Art attack on Hughson St. National Art Battle league make their mark in Hamilton's first year-long season of competition Abeera Sahid Contributor
Good art takes time, but at Art Battle, that is not an option. Artists have 20 minutes to create a piece while the audience gets to watch and vote for their favourite piece in each round. The top two painters from each round move on to the finals, and the winner of that battle receives a cash prize as well as the opportunity to compete in the regional finals and
potentially the national championships. On the evening of Sept. 14, Hamilton saw a unique gathering of painters at the Spice Factory for Art Battle, including students in McMaster’s Fine Arts program. Previously an annual event, Hamilton will now see monthly Art Battles leading to a regional final at the end of the year-long season. Art Battle was started eight years ago in Toronto, and they now happen monthly across the
country from Saint John, N.B. to Victoria, B.C. Event organizer Sanjay Patel decided to bring Art Battle to Hamilton after participating in other cities and recognizing the potential for the event in an art hub like Hamilton. Patel attended McMaster University’s Fine Arts program and now works in Hamilton as a full-time artist. Art Battle sets itself apart from other events by offering the public a behind-the-scenes
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look at the artistic process. “The beauty of art battle is that the engagement happens as the artists are creating their pieces... art is usually already done, on the walls, at a gallery. You don't usually get to see process, and process is one of the things that I feel really connects the viewer to the artwork… It creates a greater attachment to the work,” explained Patel. The public certainly gains insight into the art world from attending the event; however Art Battle facilitates learning for many painters. The competitive element and time constraint add a unique challenge that is not present in the artists’ usual work. “The time constraint force[s] you to simplify what you do if you need to simplify it or find a quicker way of creating a likeness to what you normally do in your practice,” said Patel. There is a certain amount of bravery needed for the comC/O GRANT ALAN HOLT
petitors, who are actively allowing the audience to peek into their personal creative space. However, Patel explained that the experience is ultimately empowering for the artists. “Once you get up there and the people are moving around. You lose them in the background noise, and it just becomes energy that feeds you in your creative process.” Many artists echoed the same sentiment and felt it was a rewarding experience. The event allows their work to gain exposure, and a bonus is that they may find people interested in purchasing their art through a silent auction that concludes every competition. Art Battle Hamilton is here to stay, and the perfect opportunity to explore art in a new way, interact with artists, and find inspiration to unleash your creative potential. @TheSilhouette
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016
A&C | 21
ONLY AT
@MSU_1280
T W E LV E I G H T Y OW N S T H U R S DAYS .
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Art Battle allows the public insight into the creative process while facilitating learning for many of the attending painters. C/O GRANT ALAN HOLT
DOORS OPEN AT 9:30PM $4.25 DOMESTIC BEER $4.25 RAILS (VODKA, RUM, RYE, & GIN)
Event organizer Sanjay Patel decided brought Art Battle to Hamilton after participating in other cities.
22 |
GAMES
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
SIL PODCAST We’re making a podcast on all things McMaster and Hamilton! Find us on iTunes and Soundcloud: The Silhouette podcast!
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016
The Silhouette | 23
Sports Mac football picking up the pace As the season heats up, the Marauder men look to make their mark Lauren Beals Sports Reporter
From all-stars to up and comers, the McMaster men look to make a statement in a league full of surprises With four games in the books, football season is in full swing, and what a swing it was. McMaster bounced back from a 30-8 loss against the red-hot Ottawa Gee-Gees to defeat the Waterloo Warriors 35-0 in a league that is becoming increasingly difficult to predict. But from the numbers, players and storylines have emerged that are sure to keep the rest of the season interesting. On the offensive side of the ball, rookie kicker Adam Perocanin has continued his unlikely rise to stardom. With a career best 45-yard completion in game one, a perfect six for six conversions in game two, and Ontario University Athletics special teams player of the week, it was hard to imagine how he could get any better. Until he drilled a 49-yard field goal in the third quarter against the Warriors, beating his own record and making his case for another highlight reel appearance. “He is off to a good start,” said head coach Greg Knox. “So far so good. His focus has been good, his production has been good, and we expect big things from him.” Mac’s running game has also hit its stride, with veteran running back Chris Pezzetta adding two touchdowns to Mac’s total against Waterloo, silencing critics who questioned his ability to return from another ACL tear last season. But it was second-year player Jordan Lyons whose game-high 105 rushing yards made a case for his own development, and could provide some new options for Mac on the ground down the stretch.
Running back Kingsley Amankwaa fends of the Waterloo defence. C/O RICK ZAZULAK
McMaster’s young defensive secondary made their own statement, keeping Waterloo scoreless after struggling against the Gee-Gees. Knox seems confident in their development
“As a group we know we have the potential to be successful this year and everyday our focus is on getting better, one step at a time.” Greg Knox Head coach McMaster football
moving forward. “The secondary is gaining more experience, and that allows us to be more versatile on the defensive side of things” said Knox. “They are progressing well, they got out of the gate strong in the first couple of games and struggled [against Ottawa], but that’s going to happen when you have a young group.” Elsewhere in the league, McMaster can look forward to some stiff competition as the season goes on, with familiar faces and a few Cinderella stories looking to challenge their regular season run. Western is still being touted as an early OUA favorite, despite falling to Carleton in week two. Reeling from last year’s Yates Cup loss at home, the
Mustangs haven’t had had much player turnover from last season and will add hard-earned experience to an already big and athletic lineup. Dark horse Carleton proved they have the potential to play spoiler, but big losses to Mac and Laurier leave them with a shaky 2-2 record to start the year. After week three the only undefeated teams in the OUA are Laurier and Ottawa, both of which were outranked by four other OUA competitors to start the season. Early upsets suggest fans brace themselves for an exciting run in a league enjoying far more parity than previous years. For now, the Marauders next challenge is a heated homecoming matchup with newfound rival Guelph. The
defending Yates Cup champions fell early to an unknown Windsor team but have worked themselves back to a 2-2 record. Expect an offensive showdown with the Gryphons, who currently outrank McMaster in both points and yards per game, but have been vulnerable on the road, losing both their away games this season. When asked about how his team copes with the hype surrounding such as unpredictable season, Knox insists the message is clear. “We need to get better every day and worry about what we can control. We have our hands full with that… but as a group we know we have the potential to be successful this year and everyday our focus is on getting better, one step at a time.”
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SPORTS
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
Heavy rain will not dampen their game The men’s rugby team continued their strong start to the season with a win over RMC
Rookie fly-half William Kelly looks for support in Mac’s win over RMC. C/O FRASER CALDWELL
Eamon Hillis Contributor
As the heavy rain turned 10Acre Field soft, the McMaster men’s rugby squad defeated Royal Military College, progressing to a 3-0 start to the season. In this their latest triumph, the McMaster men showed poise to overcome a poor opening half and close out the match 23-5. Their RMC opponents, respected around the league, have historically held a reputation of fit and physical play. And this year, despite their 0-3, was no different. Their grinding style presented fundamental challenges for the Mac team, who kept the score close in the beginning. “The first half was a little sloppy,” head coach Dan Pletch
said. “RMC is a big, physical team and they put us under pressure. It took us a half to get into our systems and to figure out what we were trying to do.” These difficulties were magnified by the rain, which fell throughout the game. The ball became difficult to handle, and for the skilled McMaster team who likes to play to the outside, adjustments had to be made. “The weather wasn’t good for us,” Pletch said. “We try to play a fast style, throwing the ball out to the wings, but we couldn’t do that today and so we had to change our strategy. We did have a good second half though and the boys pulled through.” Mac, who were trailing 5-3 at half, posted 20 straight points to run away with the win. Two weeks ago, McMaster
opened the season with a big win over the Western Mustangs, avenging their 2015 Ontario University Athletics bronze medal defeat, and establishing themselves as a significant
“I want each of them to reach their own potential, and if we can do that, we’ll hopefully win a few games by the end of the season.” Dan Pletch Head coach McMaster men’s rugby
threat for this year’s championship title. McMaster is one of only two OUA teams who remain undefeated thus far, the other team being Guelph. Throughout the first three games, William Kelly, the rookie fly-half from Hamilton, has bloomed into an integral piece to the team’s success. Taking the kicks for McMaster, Kelly put up 13 points on Saturday, which included two penalty goals, two conversions and a drop goal. “He is a mature player, beyond his years,” Pletch said. “He has a good background in rugby and spent last season playing at a development academy in England. We knew he would be good, but for a first year to come in and play fly-half for us is impressive.” Prop Mike Smith and centre Mitch Richardson were
responsible for the two tries Mac scored against RMC on Saturday. In the face of the team’s exciting start, coach Pletch continues to uphold strong team values and keep himself and his players focused. “Our goals for me are individual for each player. I want each of them to reach their own potential, and if we can do that, we’ll hopefully win a few games by the end of the season.” Mac plays in Kingston this Saturday against the 2-1 Queen’s Gaels. The Golden Gales were the 2015 OUA champions, meaning that a win this weekend could make McMaster one of the favourites come post-season play. @theSilhouette
SPORTS | 25
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016
Encouraging the discouraged The women’s soccer team looks to put their first half of their season behind them Tyler Annand Contributor
Ahead of the Marauders’ short trip to St. Catharines this Wednesday, head coach Brett Mosen has questions to answer. The McMaster women’s soccer team is travelling to face Brock University on the back of a winless season. After seven games, the Marauders have only salvaged two points, while only scoring four total goals. A lack of finishing, team cohesion, and the absence of attractive and attacking football are some of the main culprits responsible for their slow start to the season. While their play can be analyzed in a technical sense as to why they have been unable to
pick up a win, human psychology and confidence plays the biggest role during a slump like this. The truth of the matter is that no athlete, whether they are a professional, an amateur, or a student, likes to lose. Losing a tight game, getting blown out on the road in an intimidating atmosphere, losing at home in front of family and friends are some of the worst experiences an athlete can imagine. If anyone asked any member of the McMaster women’s team if they enjoy losing, the answer would be a resounding “no”. Instead of talking about their poor start to the season, or lack of scoring, it is important that everyone, including the
team itself, discuss the positives in a generally negative atmosphere. The women understand that they could have done better, the important thing is that they know they have time to improve. To start off, the quality of the players is definitely present. McMaster began the 201617 season with two ties; one against the Mustangs at Ron Joyce Stadium, and the other against the Lancers in a tight game in Windsor. Both of these games occurred on the same weekend, and were against topthree teams in the Ontario University Athletics West division. The goal now is to rediscover that swagger and for each player to start making their own
personal, attainable goals. The team understands that they will not have the prettiest team statistics by the end of the season, but if winning those one-onone battles as an attacking player and blocking a certain amount of shots as a defending player boosts individual confidence, then focus on that. It is also important for the women to play to their own strengths. If you are a tall and physically imposing player trying to play outside of your role, the product will be discouraging. In contrast, if you are trying to be a standard cog in a machine, the product will also be less than desirable. Each player needs to perform a mix between their own uniqueness
and the team’s identity. For the women’s soccer team, there is no time to dwell on the losses. Not because they have everything to lose, but because it harm confidence, optimism, and growth. Losing hurts. The only benefit from dwelling on a loss is to understand how it feels to lose and to strive to make that not happen again. Marauder fans know the quality is there and know that Mac has it in them to compete with the top OUA teams. Start winning your own personal battles and you will start seeing that translate to the pitch. @theSilhouette
Fourth-year midfielder Jessie Faber brings the ball up against Western. C/O ALISTAIR BOUBLY
1011 King Street West, Westdale Village 905.546.0000
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26 |
SPORTS
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
McMaster sports at a glance In the midst of the fall sports season, where do the Mac teams stand? Cullum Brownbridge Sports Editor
Starting off on the right foot The McMaster cross country team opened the season at the an exhibition meet hosted by the University of New York in Buffalo. Ontario University Athletics all-star Connor Darlington crossed over the line in sixth place in a time of 24:52.3, leading the Mac men and all Canadian males in the event. Nick Kondrat finished second among the Mac men and the third Canadian, posting a time of 24:58.7. The Mac men finished second as a team behind the University of Connecticut. On the women’s side, fourth-year Emily Nowak finished the course in 22:04.3 to lead the Mac women, finish-
ing second among Canadians. Rookie Rachel Faulds finished with a time of 22:19.2, two places behind Nowak. Overall, the women finished the event in third place as a team, beating out the Western Mustangs for a place on the podium. The team’s next outing takes place this Saturday at Western University in the Western International Invitational, the first CIS event of the season.
Wednesday night, the Gryphons scored in the 81st minute of play to tie the game, ultimately leading to a 2-2 draw at Ron Joyce stadium. Midfielder Yunus Mollayev
and rookie striker Dusan Kovaceivc each notched a goal in the game. Following this game, Mac hit the road against the OUA West division leading York Lions. The defense was solid in the first half, allowing only one shot on goal and reaching half time tied 0-0. However, that wall eventually broke down, giving up two goals in the span of eight minutes, leading to a 2-0 defeat to York, who is undefeated thus far in the season (6-0-0) with 21 total points, seven points of second placed Western. McMaster sits with a 2-3-2 record and eight points, ranked sixth in the OUA west division behind Laurier and Windsor. Mac continues their four game road trip tonight in St. Catharines, Ont. against the
Disappointment for men’s soccer The men’s soccer team continue to stagnate in play. Despite leading late against Guelph last
eighth-placed Brock Badgers, and hope to get their season back on track.
Silencing the Lions’ roar The McMaster women’s rugby team moved to a 2-0 start to the season with a dominant 42-13 victory over the York Lions on Friday night at Ron Joyce Stadium. After a close first half, the women put the pedal to the metal, scoring five unanswered tries in the second half on-route to an impressive victory. Sara Svoboda scored a hat trick of tries and one conversion, and fly-half Steph Black added two more in the win. The Marauders play at home this Friday against the Queen’s Gaels in a rematch of the 2015 Canadian Interuniversity Sport final. @Curtains1310
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BYE, GELINA Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are getting divorced, confirming that true love is a myth A5
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HAMILTON SPECULATOR Problematic since 1934
September 22, 2016
NOTSPEC.COM
Westdale rocked by return of students Those living in the suburb near McMaster University can’t believe that the undergraduates have returned for another year of education. We talk with a resident who is basically just angry that she bought a house near a university SHIT HASTINGS Remembers when “PADS” was around
The neighbourhood is up in arms. The Westdale Resident’s Association has filed a lawsuit against McMaster University because the undergraduate population is back in town again. “I had to pick my jaw up off the floor when I saw the stream of young adults walking in my neighbourhood this past weekend,” said Florence Smith, a 42-year-old mother who lives in Westdale. “It is just ridiculous that there are so many students in this area. Why can’t they find somewhere else to live?” Smith lives on Sterling St., a main road into campus. She is
Healthy kids, steady income and Snooty Fox around the corner? No, life is still “hell” for this Westdaler.
frustrated with the number of students living near her because they have parties or make a lot of noise while walking by her house on weekends. Her family moved to the area in 2013 and has been waiting for the students to leave ever since. “I can’t believe that I bought this house near a university with a growing student population and have to put up with the behavior that comes with undergraduate life. Students need to be more respectful. I shouldn’t have to turn up the television volume to 22 to watch re-runs of the Big Bang Theory.” When asked to describe her living situation – a four-bedroom home with easy access to Westdale’s downtown valued at
POLL: what is the best night out in Hamilton? Fishing at Princess Point.
A kegger in Westdale.
MOTOWN
Going to Arcade but not buying drinks, just playing games.
DISCLAIMER: This is the Speculator, a joke page. It is all fake, but there are times where our stories imitate real life, which is dope. None of the interviews or people exist, though I really wish they did.
$750,000 -- in one word, Smith said “hell.” If there is a cost to living near students, it is being paid off by the exploding housing market. House prices have risen as much as 17 percentt in the area. Some of that increase can be attributed to the rise in student population. McMaster has experienced relatively steady growth over the past five years and the surrounding area has become increasingly filled with student houses. Landlords buy the houses and rent them to students, then entirely fuck off and never pay any attention to their houses while collecting cheques every month. “I don’t care if I’m going to be even more rich than I
“I can’t believe that I bought this house near a university with a growing student population and have to put up with the behaviour that comes with undergraduate life.” Florence Smith Westdale resident
- Shaun, 24
SHOPPING AT TINDER JOE’S A3 STUDY FINDS PREVIOUS IR-SEE YA C2 PLAGIARISM FROM MARGARET WENTE B2 I CAME TO SEE THE STRUMBELLAS NOT THE UMBRELLAS D9 DAVID GILMORE HALL A8 LETTER: PRESALE CALLED, THEY SAID SOLD OUT H1
FEATURE already am. Hearing the occasional party or seeing a student walk to class in sweatpants has caused irreversible pain.”
Tweets to the Editor Put a slide beside the Chedoke Stairs or ELSE.
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If you’re waiting in a line out the door at My Dog Joe, you need a life!!!!!! - Frederick, 67
99% OF PEOPLE WON’T COME TO DOWNTOWN HAMILTON UNTIL NEXT SUPERCRAWL A10-11 PER ISSUE: One sentence of U2 slander.
Published on Sep 22, 2016
Your favourite clipboard distributer is no more, for now. Get the scoop inside! Plus: why the Homecoming concerts are a great combo, a conve...
Published on Sep 22, 2016
Your favourite clipboard distributer is no more, for now. Get the scoop inside! Plus: why the Homecoming concerts are a great combo, a conve...