Volume 50 Issue 10

The Peterborough & Trent University

Independent Press

Volume 50 | Issue 10 | November 23 | 2015

Cover by:

a community responds to the terrorist attack on masjid al-salaam

Contents Page 3- 7: Opinion 7PMVNF ] *TTVF ] /PWFNCFS

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www.trentarthur.ca

Page 10- 11: Feature

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letters to the editor

Safe spaces and special snowflakes We are now entering a time in Canadian society when young adults who have never been exposed to reality are deciding they are not ready to do so. This is apparent in the op-ed piece unfairly lambasting Trent Administration for not doing more to stop people posting on Facebook. It is a demonstration of how self-centered our youth is becoming, and how far from reality they live.

To those looking for a balanced and thoughtful discussion, Facebook is certainly not where you should look. It should be noted that all of the posted Facebook discussions are on groups that if you don’t want to see, you don’t have to. The offensive material is not required reading for a Trent class, it actually takes work to go find offensive material.

The belief that Trent should be responsible for the actions of unaffiliated groups

is pathetic. What exactly do you expect Trent to do? Find out what students are saying online, and then if it offends a student, expel them so that you can feel safe?

The disregard for free speech is absolutely frightening. Who gets to decide what is offensive? This call for censorship is not what our country was founded upon, and the implementation of censorship is a violation of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It feels as though the students have traded their parents for administrators, and feel that it is now their job to protect them for anything that may alarm them.

One of Trent’s missions is to ‘Challenge the Way You Think’. How, as a university, are they supposed to do that if their students are scared of anything that will challenge their beliefs? University campuses used to be a place where we were exposed to unsettling ideas. Many students of the past were offended by ideas, but they didn’t

feel this was the fault of the Administration. Personally I am sick and tired of class discussions feeling like an echo chamber of self-congratulation. Without offence and uncomfortable opinions presented to us, we are becoming weak as students. We only listen to what we want to hear, reaffirming our biases and building up blindness to those issues we are afraid to discuss.

Consider two tree nurseries, one in a greenhouse and the other exposed to nature. The greenhouse saplings are able to grow easily without any negative effects from wind or torrential rain. The nursery without protection has a tougher time, the saplings get knocked down, but they recover. It might rain and drown some of them, but those that survive are stronger. Then as they mature, they will be more resilient to droughts, floods and wind storms. These trees will grow to be strong and thrive.

However, the saplings inside the green-

house have only two options. They can either stay in the nursery forever, but if they leave to see the real world, it is unlikely they will be able to survive.

It is not too late for us to leave that greenhouse. Being offended is a part of life, and as we graduate, it will quickly become clear to us that the world is not perfect. Trent University is a ‘safe space’ in comparison to the real world. For us to thrive in the world, we will need to have many traits that can be obtained through our education at Trent, but forcing other people to fall in line with one way of thinking is not the road that will provide us with those skills.

For those of you who feel that Trent is not doing enough to provide safe spaces, I will be selling mobile safe spaces, which includes a pair of earplugs and a blindfold.

Blindfolds come in two options: ‘#1 Son’ and ‘Princess’.

-Matthew Walmsley

Author response: the Crux of Israel and Palestine I am glad that Mr. Brak read my article, “The Crux of Israel and Palestine”, ‘with interest’. I feel it would be prudent of me to allay any concerns he had regarding me and my piece, and respond to some of his claims.

One, I am sorry that you thought you might glean some insight into possible solutions to what you rightly see as a ‘complex problem.’ I made no suggestion that I would try to offer solutions because that was never the intention of the article; it was an explainer. As I say at the at the end of the article, I also do not see the problem as a solvable one, so trying to offer solutions on paper would be wrong of me, and a waste of space in this newspaper.

Two, I take issue with the disparaging claim that I am ‘deleteriously anti-Israeli.’

I draw a very clear line in this article between the actions of the IDF and the Israeli government, and between Israeli civilians

– because they are different things. I begin my article by saying that I am biased ‘towards Israelis caught in between,’ as well as Palestinian civilians.

It is sad for all civilians in this conflict. It is a shame you missed this distinction. Given that I have recognized my bias towards Israeli civilians, I cannot be ‘deleteriously anti-Israeli.’

Three, you say that if I had first-hand knowledge of the region, I would understand that Israelis only want to live in peace. I never made any claim that they do not, yet this implies that I did.

I do have first-hand knowledge of the region, having travelled there, and I have Palestinian and Israeli acquaintances. But I would not need first-hand knowledge to realize this anyway because all humans want to live well and in peace.

Four, your next paragraph implies that I think Israelis relish military service. I made no mention of the moral worth of mili-

tary service at all. I happen to think it’s a tragedy that any country should feel the need to rob its citizens of their liberty in such a way.

Five, you say we need a truly ‘honest’ view of what lead to the creation of Israel.

Citing the holocaust as the reason is either dishonest or incorrect. Zionism began in the 1880s, and it was the Balfour Declaration of 1917 that lead to the creation of the state of Israel – it would not have been possible without it. Indeed, David Ben Gurion and other Zionist leaders openly discussed the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine in the years beforehand, as his famous 1937 letter would attest.

Jewish immigration existed right up until and through the time of the holocaust, and had increased during the 1930s.

I at no point suggested that it was initiated from ‘a Jewish zeal to dominate and control a region.’ The article is not about why Israel was created, nor the morality of

its creation.

Six, you imply that I have denied that Jews do not have a legitimate claim to a place in the world and a right to defend themselves.

Again, I at no point say or suggest they do not have a legitimate claim, so either this implication is wrong or is completely irrelevant. I happen to believe that Jews have every right to a homeland, particularly as a group persecuted as much as they have been.

I will always welcome criticism of my pieces, it is the only way for me to improve as a writer and a thinker.

I felt the need to respond because your response paints a wildly false picture of the article I had written. That may be my fault though for not conveying my point more clearly.

-Dan Morrison

A response to Hodder’s review of My Student Loan Today I ran into an old Trent professor of mine, John Wadland. John has moved on to grand title of Emeritus now, retiring here in Peterborough and still engaged with the Trent community. His field is Canadian Studies, Professor Wadland being the first ever recipient of the T.H.B.Symons Award for Teaching Excellence(1977). He asked if I’d read the My Student Loan review in Arthur. My Student Loan is a film I made over a decade ago. I told him I hadn’t seen Arthur’s review, but would look it up on-line.

Thank you for bringing the important topic of student debt back into the spotlight where it belongs.

Student debt has been for some time now an economically depressive lever in Canadian society, saddling young adults with debt incomparable through human history.

No other generation alive can speak to the

issue of economic sacrifice in the name of seeking objective truth than current university students. Moreover, past generations have failed in keeping post-secondary education accessible to all who are able to learn. It just seems to be a story that never improves over time.

I’m sorry Mr. Hodder was distracted by the film’s sub-text of Trent University’s turn of the century capital development plan.

President Bonnie Paterson came up with a plan that called for the sell-off of its founding capital assets, namely Peter Robinson College and Catherine Parr Trail College located in central Peterborough. These collages housed hundreds of students, had scores of offices, tutorial space and lecture halls. To this day, Trent Express makes stops at or near all the places Trent University used to own. Trent students took a chance and bought Sadlier House, and

they seem to be making good use of it. It’s a great place, always has been. The students recognized Sadlier House’s greatness, underscoring the university’s long tradition of students being Trent’s leading group of top thinkers.

The main text of the film was addressing the exponential burden student debt was creating in Canadian society. Money debt incurred by young people. The sub-text was a snap shot of a Canadian post-secondary institution and the economic decisions it was undertaking. I had money problems; Trent had money problems. By film’s end, Trent begins to divest itself of their capital assets downtown for less than they forecast and borrowed more money to continue their capital strategies on the main campus.

At that point in the story, you can hear me tell Ms. Paterson “You be careful! They got these things called collection agents.”

I’m sure if Mr. Hodder watches the film again, he’ll see that scene and how it ties the story together.

I’m not sure what happened to Trent’s debt after the Paterson capital development era. I attended a lot of Trent Board of Governor meetings in the four plus years it took to make the film. Trent didn’t sell off their downtown assets overnight, so some time was spent getting the story. It’s been a long time since I’ve attended any Trent meetings, which means its fiscal story falls greatly on Arthur’s shoulders.

If there are outstanding debts from those developments, I’d like to know how much of that tab is being picked up by ever rising tuition fees. And in the spirit of newsgathering, I report full payment on my student loan.

-Mike Johnston

ARTHUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Interested in the board? Want to help us make important decisions?

The AGM is an opportunity for the public to get involved in the newspaper.

Oh, did we mention it’s catered? See you there!

CRAWFORD HOUSE: ROOM 102 TRAILL COLLEGE Tuesday November 24th at 7:00pm Volume 50 | Issue 10 |November 23| 2015

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Opinion

Editorial: a history of hate crimes in Peterborough

By Zara Syed

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On Saturday, November 14th, Masjid Al- Salaam was set ablaze in an act of terrorism.

The day before, an attack on Paris shook the world and solidified our preconditioned idea of who a Terrorist is. It was an atmosphere reminiscent of 9/11 for Muslims everywhere.

I began my career at Arthur Newspaper discussing the lack of dialogue surrounding race at an ever- diversifying campus in Peterborough. This article is not meant to paint Peterborough as a hub of racism.

Rather, it hopes to draw attention to the fact that Peterborough has always dealt with the subject of discrimination, as well as to draw attention to the media bias surrounding the perspective of minorities.

The immediate reporting on the mosque fire saw the words ‘arson’ ‘alleged’ and ‘suspected’ introducing this incident as the violent hate crime that it was.

At first, no one used the words “hate crime.” Now, it is an “alleged” hate crime, despite the fact that the Mayor of Peterborough and the Peterborough Police Service are treating it as such- a hate crime.

When it happens to Muslims, why is it never called an act of terrorism?

Is this word only reserved for when a Muslim is the one behind the action of hate and violence in the media? Arthur asked Professor Kenzu Abdella, President of the Kawartha Muslim Religious Association, whether this incident of violence should be classified as terrorism.

“I think that’s a fair conclusion to make.

With the timing of the incident, it all points towards that. I think the media is being quite cautious,” Abdella stated.

The attention the Muslim community has received in the aftermath of this event has gathered social media and national celebrity. A successful fundraising campaign brought in over $100,000 from across the country and abroad, and quickly became the focal point of the media’s attention.

In a heartwarming show of solidarity, The Beth Israel Synagogue offered its space for Muslims to practice their daily prayer.

A local church also offered the space for Friday (Jumu’ah) prayers, where it was so well attended that the space was packed.

It is these incidents of positivity that shine through for the Muslims of Peterborough.

The media has focused on these success stories, and on the fact that hours before the fire, a birthday party for a baby was being held, and how if this incident had happened a few hours before, the outcome may have been more tragic.

This sensationalist approach ignores the deeper cause of why the incident at Al-Salaam took place to begin with. It ignores the question as to why, out of all the places in Canada, was a mosque burned in

www.trentarthur.ca

Peterborough?

In a statement to Arthur, MP Maryam Monsef had this to say about the fire: “I believe what happened to the mosque in Peterborough was a despicable, ugly act, that in no way speaks for the people of Peterborough. Out of that darkness came a strong response from our community, whether it was our Mayor, our Prime Minister, the police or the Labour Council.

The support from our community donors from across the country and even beyond our borders sends a very clear message to the individual(s) responsible for this ugly act- that your neighbours do not agree with you.”

In a statement to CBC, Mayor of Peterborough, Daryl Bennett, stated that the arson was “totally out of character” for the city.

While the rallying of support from everyone in Peterborough does reflect the warmer aspect of the town, many would argue that what happened on November 14th also represents an underbelly of darkness that lurks here.

In 2012, Peterborough ranked first in

against Muslim women happening all across Canada in response to what happened in Paris. This is also a result of the ongoing Syrian Refugee crisis.

In response to this perspective, Dr. Abdella stated: “If you look at it in this sense, then it certainly is terror to the community.

We are shocked and worried about what happened. From that point of view it is definitely an act of terror.

If this act was in reverse, people would have no problem concluding that this was an act of terror. From the bigger picture of people being aware of this issue, I think there is a lot more education to be done.

This is certainly a terrorist action by people who are ignorant.”

Muslim women are being attacked, temples are being vandalized, and even women who are simply covering their heads to shield themselves from the cold are at risk to violent attacks that are becoming more frequent in news headlines.

The intent of these attacks is to cause fear and simply focusing on the positive outcomes of the event halts the dia-

Photos provided by Dr. Abdella

Canada in highest reported hate-crimes.

Since then, Peterborough has dropped to fourth place in 2015, and this article hopes to point to this history, which desperately needs to be part of this conversation.

In the summer of 1981, two Nigerian International Students were attacked outside the local Cineplex theatre with bear mace.

Bystanders stood by and did nothing. This infamous event launched action from police and politicians that would change the way hate crimes were recorded and addressed in the Peterborough- Kawartha district.

In an article by the Peterborough Examiner published in 1982, journalist David Orfald writes, “Media coverage of [the] beatings brought into the public eye a problem which had been brewing over a number of years. It was in response to this heightened awareness that Mayor Bob Barker set to the race relations committee in October 1981.”

In a discussion with the Community and Race Relations Committee (CRRC) about the mosque attack, Cáitlín Currie told Arthur that she was, “shocked, but not surprised that something like this happened in Peterborough. There is a long history of racism in Peterborough, from the International Students being attacked to racism experienced on a daily basis.” The incident of racism in the summer of 1981 was what prompted the creation of the organization, according to CRRC’s website.

The intent of the fire was to cause terror to the Muslim community in Peterborough, as are the incidents of violence

logue that needs to be had about what is happening to minority groups in Canada.

“There’s a deep undercurrent of racism and discrimination everywhere- all over the world, all over Canada, including our community in Peterborough,” Monsef states, “but let me be clear about something. The hate crimes that occur in Peterborough, they are not greater in their incidents, or in their occurrence than other places across the province. In fact, one of the responsible approaches our police has taken, is keeping track of hate crimes committed in our community.

We are one of the very first, and continue to be one of the few, to use this method of recording and responding to hate crimes. I think that speaks volumes about the level of importance that decision makers including our police services place on crimes related to racism or discrimination or anything related to that oppressive framework.

While racism, discrimination and oppression are the real issues that we as a society continue to work on, we’re nowhere more hateful than other communities, we just happen to be measuring it.”

Community Development Coordinator Peter Williams spoke to the measurement of hate crimes Peterborough Police use in tracking hate crimes that are reported.

“Peterborough was the first service in Ontario to create a ‘Hate Bias- Non Offence Incident’ protocol. It was created about eight years ago by Staff Sergeant John Lyons, in response to issues including ones involving International Students at Trent.

If someone drove by and yelled slurs at you, you would report this. You would call 911, they would collect as much information as you could provide. It would then be determined if you wanted/needed to speak to an officer in person and what other steps could be taken... If someone feels threatened, harassed, unsafe, they should call 911 and expect to be taken seriously.

What prompted John Lyons to create this instrument of measuring hate- based crimes, was that there were a number of incidents and a number of calls he was responding to. There was an escalation, and we changed the way we handled them eight years ago. There were not just incidents involving international students but the LGBTQ community as well.

We have a history of racism, homophobia and misogyny that we have to acknowledge, but how do we have a conversation about this to facilitate change?

Therein lies the challenge. This is not unique to Peterborough, it’s a global challenge. It’s systemic. Coming from a social justice background there’s a role for activists and a role for advocates and a whole bunch of roles in between.”

Professor Michael Allcott has a memory of these attacks that International Students faced in Peterborough, and said that what came of that was a positive dialogue between the students and police officers in dealing with racialized violence and incident reporting.

“We know that racism and xenophobia exist everywhere, and Peterborough is no exception. While the heinous act of one individual does not characterize our entire community, nor does the overwhelming support demonstrated by people who want to do right by others mean that our entire community is without prejudice...

We know that many international students will experience prejudice and even racism in our community; our goal is to provide each student a sense of belonging in an affirmative community so that those negative experiences will be discounted and less hurtful. And that is our experience: even students who have bad things happen to them will still tell us that Peterborough is their home and that they love this place.

Likewise, we want every international student to be comfortable knowing that TIP is here, and that we can support them through any challenging times, whether that means connecting them to campus resources or to, in the rare worst case, legal protection.

As relatively privileged members of a university community, most of us have the luxury of choosing the character of our community; we look to the broad support of the local mosque in a time of crisis because that is the decency we want for our community. And we know that there is a long path for us to fully realize that decency.”

In a defiant way of battling this difficult subject, law enforcement rose to the challenge to create ways to measure and track incidents of violence and hate.

The community witnessed this fire, and instead of othering the Muslim community as a separate entity, truly showed how colour of skin or difference of religion creates no lines when it comes to our community.

Peterborough demonstrated that we are one, and we stand together in prayer at the Synagogue or the Church with our fellow Muslim Canadians, and that the Muslim community isn’t separate from the Peterborough community.

In this movement, we have challenged the terrorist actions of not just what has occurred in Peterborough, but what is happening all over Canada.

Paris: what the rest of the world is saying

By Jordan Porter

As all of you know, November 13, 2015 is now home to a scar in French history.

In light of the massacre that occurred in Paris Bataclan Concert Hall by terrorist organization ISIS, the world responded with sympathy for the French community on social media, with some people going as far as changing their Facebook profile pictures to include a filter depicting a translucent French national flag.

Although some have done this with the utmost degree of good faith and empathy, others are finding it a hard pill to swallow.

People have found this outpouring of support for the French community touching, but also hypocritical when compared to the tens of thousands of devastating terrorist attacks that occur throughout the world each year.

It has only recently come to many people’s attention that there was another attack in the world last week.

Despite media outlets including CNN, the Washington Post, the New York Times, as well as countless others, the news of a terrorist attack in Lebanon last Thursday was evidently overlooked, as were the casualties of close to 50 innocent civilians.

The question is, why did this happen?

Why weren’t there any Lebanese flag filters cycling through Facebook? The answer here is disturbing in its simplicity.

People in the West don’t care about the warring Middle East. It doesn’t hit close to home for us, and Lebanon’s stigma due to what we would consider an unfortunate geographical location has no chance of competing with the shattered romanticism and innocence associated with Paris, France.

Max Fisher, a reporter at Vox Latest News, has dedicated the last five years of his journalistic career to the pursuit of raising awareness for global bombings outside

of the Western World.

Fisher wants to show that there are both tragedies and innocence, and there are children, not dissimilar to ours in North America, being orphaned and murdered; he also strives to show that these places are not always in a perpetual state of war.

There are times of peace in Middle Eastern countries, until there is not. The times where it is not is where journalists come in and painstakingly gather information from broken homes and communities, despite the fact they are being told by their editors and colleagues, “Nobody is going to read this.”

Like any other global event, different parts of the world are having conflicting views on the bombings in Paris and the media frenzy followed.

On the evening of Tuesday, November 17, before a friendly soccer game between

Turkey and Greece at Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium, league officials announced that prior to the match, there would be a moment of silence for those individuals slain in the Paris attacks last Friday.

This proposed moment of silence was instead filled by an orchestra of 17,000 booing football fans.

However, according to social media afterwards, the “boo’s” were not intended to be disrespect towards the victims of the Paris attacks, but rather towards the Western World’s hypocrisy in light of this specific attack.

“International teams did not hold a minute’s silence after the Ankara terror attack in October [2015]. More than 100 people died in the Turkish capital after two bombs were set off outside the Ankara Central railway station on October 11,” reports Tom Sheen of the UK-based publication

Opinion

Independent.

League representatives then addressed the issue to the media after the match concluded, saying, “Our fans should have behaved during the national anthems and during the one-minute silence, Greece is our neighbour. Today is world neighbours day, but our fans didn’t behave like neighbours in this match.”

However wrong and ultimately disrespectful to the fallen and their families, one can begin to understand the frustration of these people when faced with the overwhelming facts.

This publication is meant to be nothing more than one side of an ever-changing global debate topic.

The information provided here is a reflection of my research that has been conducted in light of this truly devastating event in world history.

I hold the highest degree of empathy for the victims and their families in Paris, and do not debate that it should be viewed as a global tragedy and gross injustice.

However, the message here is there are events like this happening every day around the world and you would be sorely mistaken if you believe that the West doesn’t play its role in inducing tragedy as well.

So, I am asking you to please, next time there is some tragedy in the world as there was in Paris, Lebanon, and Baghdad last week, keep in mind that there were a total of 12,500 terrorist attacks throughout the world in 2014 alone, that there are other tragedies that happen on a daily basis, tragedies that are just as catastrophic if not more so, tragedies that tear families apart and devastate communities.

Please be aware of this before you start to think that Western culture tragedies are the only tragedies. We are all citizens of this planet and we all have a right to be a part of it for as long as we can.

Volume 50 | Issue 10 |November 23| 2015

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opinion

Horses to the slaughter : the frontless war

By Keith Hodder

A tragic lesson was learned when the mounted soldiers and their horses rode into the war-torn front, with the barbed-wire trenches and the clouds of poisonous gas that The Great War was all too known for.

Previous to the “War to End All Wars”, the cavalry was a significant and critical element of the armed forces for various countries, but as the scale of war evolved, so, too, did the ways in which they were fought and in the weapons employed.

War changed but the way we tried to fight it when all hell broke loose didn’t. We still clung to traditions past, for there was nothing that could predict such a war and there was nothing to compare it to except for the battles which paled in comparison.

We simply weren’t prepared, and the horses, the cavalry charge from yesteryear, perished. A trail of blood and loss led us back to the drawing board. There was no home for horses in the trenches, only graves.

We learned, we found ways to kill more effectively, and since then, the practices of the two World Wars have served as the foundation for all wars. Bombs pelt Syria from the sky as they once did in Vietnam, and tanks stormed the Iraqi deserts as they

had in Africa. We’ve been following pronounced and predictable footsteps. We’ve been following a path that has led us in the wrong direction. We’ve been fighting wars on fronts thousands of miles away, when the real battle has been waged in our streets, in our places of business, and in the formerly safe spaces that have brought excitement to our everyday lives, the hidden nooks that once helped us escape the terrors our world has to offer.

With the attacks that took place on September 11, 2001, we came to learn that a new war was on its way, one that knew nothing of borders and took no interest in the conquest for territory. We were too busy worrying about the range of intercontinental ballistic missiles from crazed dictators to ever think about airplanes flying into skyscrapers.

We were too busy playing Risk, and yet, despite the tactics employed by our enemies, despite the reveal of their trump card, we stormed Iraq and Afghanistan as we had stormed countries before. We rode our horses into the desert and found car bombs in return. We discovered an enemy that was willing to kill themselves to take others down with them.

There was no longer a figurehead, a Hitler or Stalin for us to place the blame on, but

that didn’t stop us for pointing our fingers at Bin Laden and Hussein, that didn’t stop us from believing that their deaths would save lives and bring an end to the War on Terror. But in the wake of their deaths, Syria continues to claim lives, a gunman murdered 4 in Brussels, Taliban gunmen stormed a school in Pakistan and killed 148 people, 17 were lost at the offices of Charlie Hebdo and a grocery store in Paris, 21 were slain in Tunisia, 150 gunned down in Kenya, a suicide bomb claimed 31 in Turkey with another 95 months later, a plane crashed in Egypt with 224 passengers, and 129 tallied in Paris just a week ago. This “war” has just begun.

Our enemies no longer wear uniforms.

They are no longer recognizable, and as much as we’d love to blame a culture, a religion, or a group of peoples, there is nothing for us to grasp, there are only short straws for us to pull. Like the Red Scare that dominated the Cold War, our enemies are among us.

They were born in our country and in those of our allies, and have been sickened with unimaginable thoughts. These people walk among us. They’re in our towns, our cities, in our shopping malls, and sitting next to us in the movie theatre. This is their home and they make their plans

in the shadows, not on the battlefield, and not in the Afghan mountains or the local mosque. They’re plotting under our noses, but we’re too busy engulfing the other half of the world in flames to pay any attention.

They’re in our backyards, but our soldiers are storming places we haven’t even heard of until we looked them up on a map.

These words are not meant to incite fear or to keep you from doing what you love.

That’s the enemy’s objective. Instead, we must learn to fight this fight in the shadows, we must once again employ a retired tactic that has now found resurgence in fantastical spy films.

We must hunt in secret and we must be ruthless in our search. We must make them feel like they have no home and they should be afraid to look over their shoulder. They should be afraid of the movie theatre or the school, the business, or the city because they can feel the noose tightening around their necks, and they can see us on the horizon.

This extravagant, expensive war of old has claimed far too many innocent lives on all sides and has created a monster of an enemy that must be put down in the night before its wickedness can once again see the light of day. Far too many of our horses have been led to slaughter.

Paris attacks : how do we respond?

By Dan Morrison

There seems to have been great difficulty in writing articles after and about the massacres in France. ‘Trying to write about this is difficult’, so the standard introduction goes. On a base level, I do not think it should be.

The problem is that, particularly in a time when social media allows our poorly thought through opinions to be instantly aired and gratified, we feel we must have an opinion on what happened. As if to prove to the world, or at least to ourselves, that we are cleverer, or more humane, or indeed more ruthless than some other thing or person. So, we must opine.

Of course, I recognise the irony in an opinion piece criticising the offering of opinions on something, but there is an important difference between an instinctively aired musing and a thoughtful article.

This constant opining has led to a mélange of blame on Muslims, refugees and Western foreign policy, and general theorising as to what the solution might be.

In the immediacy of the event, the right response was missed, completely.

Collectively, conventional media and portions of unsocial media failed to stand in the supposed solidarity that changing your profile picture expresses. If it had, its response would have expressed greater compassion for the victims and their close ones, and been more damning of the actual cause of those deaths: the killers themselves.

Friday’s loss of life, and the fear that is being sowed, is devastating. Any loss of civilian life to unjust violence is a tragedy.

There is no justification for it. I hope the victims’ families and friends can return to some semblance of normality soon, and that they are allowed to grieve in peace and in private.

Far from being the fault of an intangible belief-system that sets very clear rules against the killing of innocents in war, or the result of Western governments’ actions in another part of the world, blame rests completely with the killers.

The supremely malevolent idiots killed innocents in the name of a warped, vicious and boring lifestyle, demonstrating that they are no great loss to the world.

They sat down and planned to kill innocent people. At every point, they had the opportunity to say ‘no,’ and they did not. To blame anybody or anything other than them is stupid.

Going forward from here, in the newest phase of the war on terror that France is taking forward, policy makers, status posters and tweeters can all learn the same lessons.

Reacting in the moment does not work.

Reflect more, think deeper, and read widely. Ignorance has been the real winner of the past fifteen years, arguably.

September 11th 2001 until now is a story of knee-jerk reactions and decisions that bulldoze rather than nudge their intended targets. The ill thought-out invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq smashed their adver-

saries, but coalition forces then fell foul to vicious insurgencies, because post invasion plans were being worked out on the spot.

In those places, Daesh (ISIS) is now strong and sectarianism now rife. Al-Qaeda’s presence has also grown in another of the war on terror’s back alleys: war torn Yemen.

In a similarly ignorant vain as Daesh, hate crimes are on the rise in Scotland, and Peterborough’s own mosque has been burned. It was in this same fashion that British youths beat Pakistani Kamal Butt to death, with taunts of ‘Taliban,’ in July 2005 following the London bombings.

The common theme is the rush to act against adversaries, often with ignorance and thoughtlessness.

France may well be right to round up all its ‘terrorist suspects’ in France- a massacre has occurred with intelligence suggesting more threats, which naturally has dramatic safety and security implications. But more bombing of Daesh positions?

As tragic an event as this was, little has changed on the ground in Syria or Iraq. In fact, in bombing a few empty buildings in their de-facto capital Raqqa, has definitely done what Daesh wished.

The desire for revenge can be satisfied now: justice takes longer.

Constant need to impact upon the world, either with opinions or bombs, is no way to be compassionate for the Paris victims, nor solve the Daesh problem.

For a start, there seems no real effort to contain and understand the problem, so

attacking it can at best not help. This probably rests in the tendency to focus on Islam itself, and not on the history of Islam. As Jason Burke has noted, what is happening now can be more easily answered in Islam’s history, rather than trying to grasp the essential nature of a religion.

A simple reading of Islamic history would show the failing in the current approach. Previous Islamic caliphates have strengthened and spread their influence through their successful engagements on the battlefield.

Then, as now, early Arab armies fought with mobile supply lines, flexible tactics, and zealous faith. The empires that tried to beat them lost.

The constant need to attack not only plays into its military strengths, but into its historical narrative.

It turns out that the constructive and compassionate approach are probably one and the same, then.

Rather than fall to the mass hysteria of politicians and press, take the next few weeks to reflect, to reflect on the lives needlessly lost. Read books, try to learn some history, and consider empathy through literature, not the snapshots of memes and clickbait articles. Talk with people, but don’t debate- conversation is not a competition.

Have a few beers, appreciate the essence of human nature.

This is how best to stand in solidarity with Parisians, and against the dull and malicious killers.

Write for Arthur! We welcome contributions from the community. If you are interested in submitting, email us at editors@trentarthur.ca Submissions are due by noon on Thursday.

We look forward to your work!

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opinion The plight of PhD students: Part II

By Troy Bordun

At some universities, PhD students are offered instructor positions in their upper years or at least put into a pool of possible PhD student instructors.

At Trent, conversely, PhD students compete directly with adjunct professors for these positions, and many of the adjuncts have postdoctoral degrees or have taught courses in the past. Thus, a limited number of Trent PhDs teach courses during their four+ years as doctoral candidates.

The few PhDs that taught or currently teach at Trent often get their instructorships handed down to them from their dissertation supervisors or when a faculty member goes on sabbatical.

This is a phenomenon not unique to Trent, but there is something of an “Old Boy’s Club” in this hiring process, for lack of a better phrase.

Of course, this is not to say that the students are not qualified for the job, but under this model, teaching opportunities are up to chance rather than the respective skills of the applicant.

I spoke to several Trent PhD students for my previous article on this topic (Issue 7). I also emailed Trent’s PhD departments to get their angle on the matter. I did not receive a reply from anyone in Indigenous Studies, Material Sciences, and Environmental and Life Sciences.

I invite the chairs to comment on PhD student instructorships by sending a Letter to the Editor or contacting Elaine Scharfe (Dean, Graduate Studies). I also invite PhD students to do the same.

On behalf of Canadian Studies, Cathy Schoel mentioned that the new School for the Study of Canada “will likely explore” PhD student instructorships.

Without an undergraduate program up until recently, Canadian Studies PhDs did not have courses in their field to teach, although I believe that courses in Politics, Women’s Studies, and Cultural Studies may have been appropriate for those students.

Schoel noted the Department’s policy of not granting student instructorships “until particular progress is completed in their program.” On behalf of Moira Howes (Dean, Arts and Sciences) and Scharfe, Stephanie Williams (Associate Vice President, Human Resources) provided a similar statement: in order for the University to grant approval of a PhD student instructor, the student must have made “appropriate” progress in their studies. However, there is no mention in the Collective Agreement about students making progress in their programs before being approved for instructorships.

The graduate student union (CUPE 3908 Unit 2) has been discussing the matter of combining work and student life in Collective Agreements and bargaining. According to Schoel and Williams then, the University already recognizes work and student life as inseparable. Future bargaining of wages, tuition, and so on, will hopefully keep this in mind.

Further, for PhD teaching appointments in other departments, Williams’s statement is simply false. Students without a completed dissertation chapter as well as students with a nearly complete dissertation have taught or currently teach courses.

Now, this is either another instance of the “Old Boy’s Club”, or student instructorships are integral components of a student’s PhD program and should be explicitly treated as such, regardless of progress.

The Cultural Studies department seems to be making headway with the PhD student instructorship problem. Jonathan Bordo (Chair, PhD), Hugh Hodges (Chair, BA), and other faculty members have be-

gun discussing the possibility of teaching fellowships. These are specific positions for PhD students to teach courses in their field.

With the retirement of faculty members and the University’s refusal to replace this faculty with tenure track hires, courses in the Academic Calendar will simply not have a suitable instructor. Bordo thinks these can be filled by PhDs. His model does not take away adjunct positions within his department; these will still be filled by the rotating circle of underpaid contract faculty without job security.

The PhD teaching fellows will add value to the undergraduate program while also gaining invaluable experience. I noted in the last article that PhD students should have some teaching experience in order to later be suitable candidates for tenure track positions. At the moment, most Trent PhD graduates are far behind their peers graduating at other universities.

The Cultural Studies third-year comprehensive exam would also serve a greater purpose in Bordo’s model. The comprehensive exam usually requires students to construct a syllabus in their chosen field of specialization. This syllabus could be used to teach a course in students’ fourth year of the program. Bordo also mentioned hiring recent PhD graduates to teach courses.

Deans Howes and Scharfe both understand the importance of PhD student instructorships. They feel that the process can be improved and hopefully discussions with department chairs will continue (or begin).

Last year, the CUPE Unit 2 bargaining team negotiated an agreement with Trent that allows PhD students to instruct more than one course during their tenure (Appendix E in the Unit 2 Collective Agreement) – formerly, they could teach one.

The new article is helpful for students who’ve held or currently hold teaching positions; however, my claim that there are so few courses available for students to teach marks the article insignificant for efforts to solve the larger problem.

I also asked the Deans and Human Resources for clarification on article 5.10 of the Unit 1 agreement. The article states that some PhD students and postdocs may be given a course to instruct without competition. Williams informed me that the article is rarely used and I’ve discovered that PhD student instructors are never Unit 1 members. Thus the article that grants PhD students some power to change the lack of instructorship opportunities is rendered irrelevant.

How do we get more PhD students in the classroom? I wasn’t able to get the precise details by the time of writing, but the way current third- and fourth-year PhD student instructors are paid necessarily guarantees that there are extra funds in a pool of graduate student money. Put differently, the funding for PhD student instructors is already in place, apart from the tuition paid by enrolled undergraduates. It is now up to students, faculty, and undergraduate and graduate administrators to work together and develop PhD student instructorships for every PhD department. Once a secure plan is in place, since unused money is there in the graduate student funds, there should be no good reason to continue with the current teaching model.

At the recent Graduate Student Association AGM, I discussed the possible formation of a committee to continue to investigate the topic. CUPE will likewise discuss PhD instructorships further.

It is in the interests of current and future PhD students that the GSA and CUPE coordinate their efforts. With the enthusiasm of students, faculty, and Deans, PhD student instructorships will surely become a reality.

Volume 50 | Issue 10 |November 23| 2015

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Campus

Dr. Anastakis elected to College of New Scholars

By Keila MacPherson

This month, one of Trent’s own history professors, Dr. Dimitry Anastakis, was elected to the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC).

“It’s a great honour, I’m very appreciative of the fact that they elected me.

I’m very appreciative of my colleague who nominated me, Dr. Palmer,” said Dr. Anastakis.

He is the first Trent professor to be elected into the College of New Scholars.

The College at the RSC is a system where academics of all subjects and disciplines can converge and be recognized for their hard work early in their academic career.

Anastakis has definitely earned his spot at the RSC, having produced a variety of works, including eight different books, collections, academic articles, newspapers, and magazines, as well as editing the Canadian Historical Review.

“I’m one of the few people who are working in this particular area. The approach that I take, I’m writing more from a national perspective and more broadly,” he explained.

One of Anastakis’s books, Death in the Peaceable Kingdom, is used for a second-year history course called “Canadian History since 1867 through Murder, Execution, Assassination and Suicide” and was written based on the

course material.

Many of his other books deal with post-WWII policies and economics in Canada. He also focuses on the automotive industry in Canada around this time, including Auto Pact: Creating a Borderless North American Auto Industry, 1960-1971 in 2005; Anastakis is currently working on Bricklin Dreams: The Promoter, The Premier, The Province and the Spectacular Failure of an Unlikely Car Company.

Being a member of the RSC does not take away from personal ongoing research projects. In fact, it gives academics the chance to talk to other academics all across the country about current research.

Anastakis explained that he now has the opportunity to meet others in his field, and in different fields such as the sciences, to discuss their research and how they can come together to tackle a particular issue from various angles.

“I’m going next week to Victoria, B.C. because that’s where they’re having the induction ceremony event for the new members. Where we get to meet each other and talk about what we do,” shared Anastakis.

Currently on sabbatical, he is looking forward to returning to teach the second-year course in the Winter 2016 semester.

“Teaching is pretty important to me and it’ll be good to get back into the classroom.”

Writers Reading: Robyn Sarah

By Jade Wilton- Watson

“Natural, musical, meditative, warm, and unexpectedly friendly” - 49th Shelf.

This is just one of the compliments Robyn Sarah received of her new collection of poems titled “My Feet are Killing Me.” On November 10, 2015, Robyn Sarah read her poetry from her past and new book in front of a packed house. This gave the audience a variety of pieces from her collections over the years. To date Robyn has written over 8 books of poetry alone.

This does not include her short stories or essays.

Mrs. Sarah is not just a poet but is also a writer of short stories and a classical musician. She explained to her audience that when she writes if a word or line is perfect but doesn’t flow with the rest when it is

spoken she takes it out of that poem. She further explains that she may be able to use it in another piece.

Throughout her life Mrs. Sarah has won many awards including the CBC literary award in 1991, National Magazine Award in 1994, and the most recent Governor Generals Award for English Language Poetry in 2015 for her latest collection of poems.

Titled “My Feet are Killing Me,” the book is a collection of short poems. Before reading even one piece within the book Robyn explained that the book was a ‘book of the past’. She literally meant it. For example the title of the book and one poem named the same thing came to her 5 years before writing it. She explained to the audience that at the time she knew it would become something – potentially a short story, but didn’t

know until she wrote the poem 5 years later.

The poem is actually a 9 verse sonnet, making it the longest of her pieces. Unlike most of her pieces, when the title is evident, throughout the poem My Feet are Killing Me, the title is not actually evident until verse 6 of 9.

While she read Robyn occasionally looked up from the piece she was reading and looked around at her audience. To an audience member this felt like she had memorized some of her pieces and gave even more grace to her pieces.

The audience was captivated from when she first got in front of the podium to the very end. After some of her pieces an audience member would ‘ahh’ in agreement or just in amazement at the piece. At one point in her performance when she said she will read one more piece an man in the audi-

ence said “You can read all night.” Which caused more than a few smiles in the room.

After the reading was done Robyn stayed for a while and spoke individually to each person who approached her. Some even lasting a good 5 minutes. This type of personal touch is what people will remember and admire about an author.

Robyn read a collection of poems from the book. With the exclusion of the title poem, Sarah has an amazing clarity in her titles to perfectly describing what the piece was about. This gives the audience a perfect entrance into the piece. Within her pieces there is also grace and ease. Robyn told her audience that people explain her poems as easy to follow. Both these truths conclude to at the end of many of the pieces one can hear at least one audience member awe in agreement.

Photos by Samantha Moss

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Campus

Trent African Caribbean Student Union present: Afrobana!

Photos by Samantha Moss

By Dan Morrison

On the evening of November 14, the Trent African and Caribbean Student Union (TACSU) presented ‘Afrobana: Heritage Vortex.’

Staged at Market Hall on Charlotte Street, the event celebrated African and Caribbean Culture, with traditional and modern pieces of spoken word, dance, and song.

The Heritage Vortex took us through African and Caribbean culture, with an adapted version of Back to the Future, interspersed with performances along the way.

The storyline follows Hassani, who is set to begin his studies at Trent, and Toussaint, his friend who is a scientist.

Toussaint has developed a time machine, which also turns out to be a teleportation device, and invites Hassani to travel through time with him.

Like the original film, Hassani’s travels through time manage to get in the way of his parents getting together. Hassani’s travels are interspersed with performances, representative of various stages in African and Caribbean history.

At one stage, Hassani witnesses his Dad’s rather lame attempts chat up Hassani’s mother, while the pair are still at Trent together.

Having returned to the future to see his parents not together, Hassani must help his father, Femi, come up with a more effective way of wooing Hassani’s mother, Sanaa, if they are to be together when Hassani returns to the future (Hassani successfully manages this task).

All the while that this story continued, we were mesmerized and roused by artistic performances and spoken word.

The energy of the dances spread to the audience. For example, the tribal Ethiopian dances, a celebration of what’s gone before and hopes for the future, were stirring and enlivening, rousing the crowd to clicks and claps and ‘woos’ of approval.

It was exciting to be exposed to the diversity of the community in such a way, being engaged with such passion and artistic flair.

TACSU, the event organiser, functions to “promote, preserve, and protect African and Caribbean culture,” citing artistic expression as the essence of the group.

The audience experience highlighted that the society does a whole lot more than that.

Editors Note: If you’re a fan of Samantha’s photos, you can visit Moss Works Photography on Facebook to check out more of her photos. There are more photos of Afrobana you can check out, as well as these same ones in high definition!

The three- minute paper undergraduate contest is back!

By Quinn McGlade-Ferentzy

The 3MP is back! Chances are, if you’re new to Trent, you’re so inundated with acronyms and abbreviations that 3MP is another meaningless alphabet soup. You read the headline and think, “Meh, I don’t need to know about this.”I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong. That’s okay, because not only does being wrong build character, but I’m here, by your side, holding your hand through the medium of print news.

I’m here to lay it all down and explain why you should be pre-emptively excited for the Three Minute Paper. The 3MP is a contest for undergraduate students in their upper year (either third-year in a general degree, or fourth-year in an honours), undertaking a major research project The goal is to explain it in less than three minutes in front of a general audience. It’s a chance to win fame, glory, cash prizes, and an opportunity to get published in the Journal of Undergraduate Studies (JUST), and maybe even compete in the 3MT, the

original graduate student contest.

So, be brief, don’t use jargon, and explain to the world why your research is something other people should get excited about. It’s an elevator pitch of whatever’s managed to hold your interest for so many months.

I’ve got a bit of a personal interest in this whole thing, as last year I was a contestant.

I can talk firsthand about how the experience went, as well as some common misconceptions. These misconceptions are, in fact, actual instances of me being wrong.

First Misconception: My research isn’t done! I can’t enter!

I have no idea what I’m talking about!

Truth: I’ve been there, applying to take part in this mid-way through what ended up being a 65-page paper. The great thing is, you can pick one element, or even just your hypothesis. 180 seconds isn’t a long time, but it’s

plenty of time to explain a core idea or a really interesting problem.

Second Misconception: My research isn’t interesting! No one will care!

Truth: Not true! Odds are, people will at least dig your enthusiasm. If whatever you’re working on is holding your interest, at least one other person will want to hear it. Furthermore, the challenge of it is to explain a big idea in a wee little bit of time.

Third Misconception: My research is way too complicated! I can’t pare it down to 180 seconds or less!

Truth: Well, get a load a you, being all smart and stuff! What you’re forgetting is that not only will you have literal months to hone your presentation to a razor’s edge, you’ll

also have the option to meet with academic skills for advice and assistance. Take this opportunity, trust me.

But what if you’re not doing any research? What if you’re a first-year? Well, you can still come out and watch people compete. You may be asking why you’d want to go and do a thing like that.

I had the privilege of being front row centre to all of the action, and I don’t know why you’d miss out on it. There’s something really interesting about watching people talk about what they’re passionate about.

Furthermore, if I had witnessed this event as a first-year, it would have spurned me even further in the direction of independent research.

There’s going to be an information session that will fill you in on all the logistical aspects of applying on January 20 in the Lady Eaton Pit. The application is a really simple online form, giving you even fewer excuses to avoid dazzling us with your brilliance.

Volume 50 | Issue 10 |November 23| 2015

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Feature

“I really thought it was going to burn down to ashes” ematics Dr. Kenzu Abdella is the President of the Kawartha Muslim Religious Association (KMRA). Arthur spoke with Dr. Abdella about the fire and the place of Islam in Peterborough.

Photo provided by Dr. Abdella

By Ayesha Barmania

Late in the evening on Saturday November 14, the Peterborough Masjid AlSalaam was set on fire. The ongoing police investigation claimed that the fire was set

deliberately and the timing of the arson attempt, only a day after an attack on Paris by the terrorist group the Daesh (ISIS), has led authorities to consider this act a hate crime.

Trent University Professor of Math-

“Heartbreaking” Dr. Abdella was called at 11 PM that evening by emergency services about the fire, less than an hour after he had left the mosque. When he arrived fire covered the entire front entrance.

“I really thought it was going to burn down to ashes,” he said. Entering the building after the fire was put out, the facility was entirely black from the smoke.

“It was really shocking...heartbreaking” The fire department estimated the damage at $80,000. Thankfully, nothing irreplaceable had been damaged. Calligraphy of Quranic verses remained intact and all of their holy books were safe. However, it was immediately clear that the facility would not be usable for weeks if not months.

As soon as the news of the fire reached the media, there was a national outcry and within hours donations and offers of help were pouring in.

Members of the Peterborough’s faith community were quick to offer their facilities for the Muslim community.

“We could do all of our prayers at the United Church but we decided to use this opportunity to reach out and we move around from church to church for the next few weeks,” said Dr Abdella.

The Beth Israel Synagogue will also be hosting the Muslim community for a Friday prayer.

“A Proactive Approach” The mosque has been a hard won institution of the city’s Muslim community. It is

a gathering place for the growing Muslim minority, which has struggled for inclusion and acceptance in our city.

There have been Muslim individuals and families in the area for a long time-it wasn’t until 2003 when the KMRA purchased a former church that the Muslim community had a regular place of worship.

It is the only mosque in the region for a long way, and an important symbol of this community.

The community itself is very multicultural. Dr Abdella estimates that members of between 25-40 different nationalities congregate to worship together.

It makes for a very positive atmosphere.

Dr Abdella said, “When people come visit our mosque, they really feel attached to it because of the environment they find there. It’s not a mosque of any particular ethnic group.”

The welcoming and positive environment is something the community members carry forward in their engagements with the larger Peterborough population. They often invite the public to their religious celebrations, like Eid-the feasts that surround the fasting period Ramadan, as a means of educating and reaching out to those who want to learn more.

They also regularly host open houses, write articles in newspapers, and try to teach the larger Peterborough community about the religion.

“We have had a very proactive approach to the community…Part of the reason that this type of incident happens is ignorance and misunderstanding. I think if you have an isolationist approach people will continue to misunderstand. The openness and dialogue is the only way to fight this type of bigotry.”

SA executive team donate $5,000 to Masjid Al-Salaam

By Sarah Crookal

Peterborough residents are rebuilding hope and solidarity after an alleged hate crime set the local mosque in flames. Support has surged through the community via donations since last weekend— sending a loud remark that citizens won’t be divided following ISIS related bombings in France. One of the thousands of donors was the SA executive team of Durham College and UOIT. The team gave $5,000 to the Kawartha Muslim Religious Association on Friday.

“We decided to travel to Peterborough to deliver the cheque personally and we were welcomed with open arms by the local Muslim community,” said DC and UOIT SA president Jesse Cullen. “It was inspiring to see how quickly the community has reacted to this attack and we were told the Mosque would be up and running within three weeks.”

On Nov. 14 one of the mosque’s windows was smashed and an accelerant was lit on fire inside of the building. Photos of mosque members cleaning debris and books from the building swept through national media, inciting comments from Justin Trudeau and Kathleen Wynne.

Both political leaders called the incident disturbing and pledged to bring the criminals to justice. According to police, there is a surveillance video currently being viewed in hopes of connecting someone to the crime.

Despite the startling nature of the incident, progress is quickly building. Just two days after the building was set ablaze, an online crowdfunding campaign reached $110, 536 with over 2,000 donors, exceeding the initial monetary goal by $30,000.

The FundRazr campaign closed early since the $80,000 estimate of smoke damage was matched within 48 hours. The online fund-

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Photo by Dan MacInally

Kenzu Abedalla, President of the Kawartha Lakes Muslim Association; Jesse Cullen, President of the Student Association at Durham College & UOIT; Mike Guerard, VP College Affairs; and Siraj Syed, VP University Affairs. and Siraj Syed, VP University Affairs.

raiser was orchestrated by members of the community who are not directly associated with the mosque. After restoration is complete extra funds will go to charity.

Up to 1,000 Muslims call the Kawartha Muslim Religious Association mosque their spiritual home. The religious center has received support in several ways.

On Friday the Trent Muslim Students’ Association and the Trent Central Student Association organized a bus to attend the congregation’s evening prayer. In addition, Mark Street’s United Church has opened its doors to displaced Muslims for a place of worship and prayer.

Durham College and UOIT’s financial contribution came from the school’s Executive Initiatives budget of about $25,000 that the team uses to implement programs and initiatives of the SA Executive.

“We decided to donate $5,000 because we knew we had the capacity to donate a significant amount,” said Cullen. “We believe student unions play an important role in society and we wanted to demonstrate why it is important for students to pool our collective resources to affect change beyond our campus borders.”

And across borders is where much hostility can be bridged. Since the Paris bombings, various hate crimes have arose leaving many Muslims feeling prosecuted and unsafe. One such example is of a North York Muslim woman who was assaulted, robbed, and racially harassed while picking up her children from school.

The assault left her wounded in the hospital. But following Peterborough’s arson, support groups have formed, such as the Peterborough Mosque Community

Support Facebook group. Such solidarity signals that the region wont let suspected Islamophobia be what defines it.

“While deeply hurtful and offensive, Canadian Muslims know that such acts do not represent the views of the vast majority of their fellow Canadians or of the residents of Canada,” said the Executive Director of the National Council of Canadian Muslims Ihsaan Gardee in a striking statement.

Cullen echoed a similar sentiment.

“I think, most importantly, this isn’t about our donation, it is about standing shoulder to shoulder with the Muslim community to denounce racism and Islamophobia,” he said.

“It is also about a public display of love and solidarity to send a message to our campus and the broader community that we will not tolerate bigotry and hate.”

Feature

Solidarity is the only way forward after Masjid Al-Salaam attack All photos by Samantha Moss

By Yumna Leghari

The days following the deliberate arson attack on Peterborough’s only mosque, Masjid Al-Salaam, were chaotic ones. The Muslim community and Kawartha Muslim Religious Association President Kenzu Abdella were overwhelmed with national press streaming into Peterborough, as well as ongoing police investigations.

From the ashes and havoc rose a defiant phoenix that said loud and clear, “Terror and hate will not be tolerated here.”

This is not to deny the problems that Peterborough has faced over the years regarding bigotry and hate crimes, but it is crucial to shine light on the fact this tragic incident brought the best of the community together in order to heal and move forward.

With $80,000 in damages and a population of almost 800 Muslims left without a mosque to pray in, the initial situation seemed dire.

Muslims all over the globe are dealing with the unjust consequences of the recent Paris attacks by terror group ISIL. Some of these consequences are hitting dangerously close to home. Muslim women are brutally being attacked, Hindu temples are getting vandalized, and racist graffiti is popping up everywhere. In light of the attack on Al-Salaam, it is difficult for Muslims in Peterborough and the Kawarthas to feel safe, accepted, and optimistic within this atmosphere.

The effort of the Peterborough Community to provide support has done wonders to comfort Muslims in Peterborough, and to thwart some of this uneasiness caused by this despicable hate crime.

Arthur spoke to Dr. Abdella regarding the attacks.

“We want people to understand how difficult it is to have a situation like this...We have received a lot of support,” stated Dr. Adbella.

“One of the immediate consequence of the incident is that the space is not available for prayer. Most of us pray 5 times a day...to not have the mosque available makes it very difficult.”

These were the concerns weighing heavy on Peterborough’s Muslim community after the Al-Salaam attack.

“We have been offered spaces in some churches. The support is very encouraging.” Dr. Abdella revealed.

This violent act of terror, that could very easily have been deadly, backfired on the cowardly assailant(s).

Instead of inciting a divisive gap be-

Photo by Keila Macpherson tween Muslims and the rest of Peterborough’s community, the relationship has strengthened.

A fundraiser, kick-started just hours after the fire, raised $30,000 more than the original goal of $80,000 before it was halted.

Shortly after the incident, Larry Gillman, President of the Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough released a strong statement.

“There is no room for the hate of whomever committed this cowardly act at the Mosque….both the Unitarian and Jewish congregations have invited the Mosque to share space at Beth Israel while repairs are ongoing. The Peterborough Jewish Community stands united with the Muslim community.”

Trent University students immediately took to action in response to this attack.

Alaine Spiwak, President of the Trent Central Student Association explained how the TCSA and TMSA got involved.

“After speaking with TMSA president, Muhammad Arif Khan, we decided we wanted to do something to show our support. Under the guidance of the TMSA, it was decided to organize an event where we would stand in solidarity during the first Friday prayer since the fire, at the Marks United Church.”

Thus, on Friday November 20th, the Trent Muslim Student Association and the Trent Central Student Association cohosted an event called “Stand in Solidarity” at the Mark United Church. Trent alumni, professors, and the general Peterborough community was invited to stand in solidarity with Muslims as they partook in their Friday prayers. In Islam, Jumu’ah (Friday prayers) are a congregational prayer that Muslims hold around noontime. It is a sacred day in Islam.

In this congregational fashion, Peterborough locals of every creed and background gathered in the same space to promote peace.

Large cloth banners reading ‘TCSA supports our Muslims students’ and ‘In solidarity with Peterborough’s Muslim community’ were made to display at the event.

In attendance were notable figures, including Mayor Daryl Bennett and Dave Nichols of the National Democratic Party in Peterborough.

The consuls general from Turkey, Pakistan and France were all in attendance.

Mr. Marc Trouyet, Consul General of France, spoke on behalf of the French. He condemned the attack on Al-Salaam, and stressed that the French are very aware that Muslims and those actually responsible for the deadly attack in Paris have nothing to

do with each other.

Trouyet iterated the efforts of the French government to ally themselves with Muslims in the country, and ensure that they are being protected against such hate crimes.

Arthur spoke to Mr. Erdeniz Sen, Consul General of the Republic of Turkey.

“We are here together with some members of the Turkish community here, in order to show our solidarity, support, and sympathy with the people of Peterborough.

The attacks in Paris and before that, in Ankara, do not reflect any religion, nationality, or race. This attack [on Al-Salaam] does not represent Canada.”

Mr. Erdeniz Sen gave a short speech to the crowded room in Mark St. United Church, as did the other Consul Generals.

Pakistani Consul General Mr. Asghar Ali Golo told Arthur, “I’m delighted to be here. Muslims offering prayers in a church is something that is very difficult to see in other parts of the world. I must praise the leadership and community here, as they have utilized this adversity to create opportunity. Peterborough is an example that should be followed by the rest of the cities in Canada.”

Also in the room was York-South Weston lawyer and Liberal MP Ahmed Hussen.

Mr. Hussen expressed his solidarity, tellPhoto provided by by Christine Liu ing Arthur, “What I have witnessed here today is the community’s resilience after the burning of the mosque. It’s really encouraging to see the Friday service for the Muslim community being held at the United Church, and the regular services being held at the local synagogue. It is a very good answer to those who seek to divide us.”

The TCSA and TMSA were overjoyed with the community turnout. People stood outside, crowded the floor of the church hall and lined the walls. Guests were welcome to stay and participate in the Friday prayer, or sit quietly and witness as Muslims joined together in their prayer. It was a true display of peace and unity.

A reception with refreshments and a chance to mingle and socialize was held after the prayer.

Reflecting, Spiwak told Arthur: “Moving forward we would like to continue working with the TMSA and Trent to do some educational events about Islam.

It is important to continue condemning Islamophobia even when the mosque is rebuilt, as racism will still exist. Racism is not something that disappears and reappears when acts of violence like this happen, it’s Photo sourced from Trent University something Muslim students unfortunately have to live with every single day.”

Volume 50 | Issue 10 |November 23, 2015

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Campus

TCSA Equity Commissioner: Queer Student Commissioner

By Adriana Sierra

This week, Arthur talked with Andrew Clark, the Queer Students Commissioner at the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA). Clark notes that Equity Commissioners are important because, as opposed to roles like the president’s and the two vice-presidents who address a ‘blanket’ of issues within the TCSA, Equity Commissioners have the liberty to focus on a specific portion of the student population and the issues and interests of that particular group.

Clark argues that his role as an Equity Commissioner is significant because it gives a voice and representation to the queer community at Trent University. Additionally, queer students who come to Trent University, whether they are openly queer or not, may find comfort and solidarity in knowing that they are represented within the Student Union.

In order to address the stereotypes surrounding the queer community, like the ‘butch lesbian’ or the ‘flamboyant gay’, Clark will be launching a campaign titled “We Are Queer and We Are Here.” The campaign will allow for students who identify with a specific sexuality to anonymously

(if desired) express what being gay, lesbian, or bisexual means to them and looks like to them. The anonymity will create a safe space for students who are not open about their sexuality to express themselves and change mainstream perceptions.

Clark hopes to obtain canvases and set them up in student spaces, allowing for students to easily access them and write on them. Clark plans to set up separate canvases for the different sexualities and allow for students who do not identify with any of those listed to also express their own sexual identity. The definitions and interpretations that students provide will then be transformed into posters that will continue the campaign.

As the Queer Students Commissioner, Clark is partnering with both the Women’s Issues Commissioner and the Gender Issues Commissioner to host ‘Self Love Week’ again and hopes to gather the participation and support of the rest of the Equity Commissioners.

As part of his responsibilities, Clark also notes that he sits on two committees, one that is part of the TCSA and another that is external to the Student Union. He is a representative in the Religious and Spiritual

Committee and the Cyclical Committee.

Clark encourages students to run for the positions of Equity Commissioners for several reasons. The first is that Equity Commissioners have a voice within the TCSA, allowing them to bring issues to light. If these positions are not filled, as the two part-time students positions are not, the board lacks their representation in the decision making process, and may not take into account the issues and interests of a particular student demographic.

Additionally, as an Equity Commissioner, Clark mentions that he has learned to take a leadership role and work through self-motivation. Reaching out to people is integral to the Queer Students Commissioner’s role, and Clark contends that he has learned this skill through his colleagues and work within the TCSA. Clark notes that one of the reasons that the Equity Commissioners have lacked interest in the past is that there is a knowledge gap. Many students do not know what being an Equity Commissioner entails or on how to actually run for the position itself. Additionally, Clark hopes that the TCSA will be much more present and central within the Student Centre, as the

current office setting allows for students to walk by and see the logo without knowing what it means. In other words, a heightened visibility of the TCSA will make the organization more noticeable and more approachable.

Trent Social Work Society prepares Kits for cold

By Reba Harrison

On December 5, students of the Trent Social Work Society (TSWS) will drive around Peterborough distributing backpacks of supplies to homeless people in Peterborough in order to help them battle the harsh winter ahead.

Kristen Taylor is leading this year’s large initiative of the TSWS. In only its second year, the TSWS is partnering with Lady Eaton College to collect donations for the less fortunate in Peterborough. Lady Eaton College will be collecting donations for the cause at its Formal Dinner.

The idea for this particular initiative sparked Taylor’s interest when she saw The Starfish Throwers during last year’s Reframe Film Festival.

Directed by Jesse Roesler and released in 2014, The Starfish Throwers tells the stories of three different people across the world and their collective fight against hunger.

“You never know what can grow from just one little thing,” leading actress Katie Stagliano says.

Now a widely known quote, Taylor and the TSWS have focused on exactly that attitude.

Until December 4, Social Work students will be tabling at Lady Eaton College and Otonabee College every Tuesday and Friday afternoons. During this time, they will be reaching out to the Trent University community and accepting donations.

Donations of gently used (or new) hats, mitts, and scarves are in huge demand! The program is also short on backpacks to hold the donation.

Other ideas include hygiene products, $5 Tim Horton’s gift cards, and small hand warmers, all of which have been common donations among students.

Monetary donations will be used to buy missing items, Taylor explained.

Department head Susan Hillock quickly made a large financial donation at the beginning of the TSWS’s efforts. Her financial donation was followed by those of the Social Work students’ parents.

For students who do not have the capac-

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ity to donate alone, Taylor suggests getting together a donation within a group of friends. Or to simply do their part by raising awareness to encourage donations by December 4.

Once the bags are packed, members of the TSWS will visit the ‘hot-spots’ of community members who have been forced to panhandle for assistance.

Taylor explained that the team will avoid addressing those who are able to take refuge in shelters, as shelters can often provide more resources of warmth and safety.

For one reason or another, Taylor said, some people are not able to use shelters or rotate between the couches of friends and family members.

These are the people that need the most assistance. In 2012, Toronto documented that 34 of its homeless citizens froze to death on the streets. TSWS want to do their part to ensure that this does not happen in Peterborough.

Social justice and self-determination of services are the core values in social workers, not just charity and academics. Taylor described this winter preparation initiation as “helping people help themselves.”

Taylor has been booking tables and contacting businesses and vendors in hopes of more donations. But she assured Arthur that this is truly a project that the TSWS membership has taken on with passion.

“I would love to include inspirational messages but these are often overlooked [by students],” Taylor added. She is concerned about sounding condescending towards written notes, but believes that a kind word can go a long way. “I just don’t want to do the white-social-worker thing.”

Thinking about minorities and oppressed and abused people is a main topic within social work. Lectures use anti-oppressive frameworks, include intersectionality, and introduce different ways of knowing. Students’ awareness of their privilege within the TSWS has promoted their passion.

This is just the beginning of the initiatives to come from the Trent Social Work Society.

Campus

Living with difference in a global world: lecture review

By Adriana Sierra

This week saw the second of a fourlecture series in Champlain College around the themes of diversity and community building.

Dr. Feyzi Baban, a professor of International Development, shared his thoughts and research on the difficulties in community building within diverse societies and nation states.

Dr. Baban notes that we have historically lived with difference; however, the contemporary world sees a unique expression of diversity and identity formation. First, we tend to identify ourselves with singular identities along ethnic, religious, and national lines, just as we would express our eye colour or skin colour.

The difference is that we are not born with our ethnic, national, or religious identity, but that this is a learned component.

Once we have learned this, it becomes a singular part of who we are, and yet, we do not reflect on this identity once it is established and see it as complete and unchanging. The second aspect of contemporary ‘living with difference’ involves our interaction with others and the making of the nation. We see ourselves as members of an established society or community, and this

defines how we relate to others. Nationalism in the contemporary world is key to identity formation, especially in Europe; however, the concept of a nation is relatively new.

Dr. Baban notes that constructing a national identity involved the “violence of forgetting.” For a national identity to emerge, history, language, ethnicities, and kinship ties have to be forgotten and replaced with a nationality and the meanings attributed to being from a specific nation.

The third aspect consists of a counternarrative to the homogenizing forces of identity formation. High levels of mobility and the influx of cultural others into nation states characterize the contemporary world. For example, Britain is home to a large South Asian community while France is home to a large North African community. In other worlds, the world is characterized by a cultural plurality that has created increased tension.

Dr. Baban identifies two approaches to living with difference in the contemporary world: assimilation and multiculturalism.

The first approach, assimilation, attempts to replicate the process of nation state building by molding cultural differences into the overarching national iden-

tity. In other words, assimilation consists of a process of forgetting origins and learning national identities. An example lies in the third-generation Turks living in Germany.

The discourse surrounding this population from the ‘true Germans’ is that Turks refuse to integrate into the German national identity.

However, assimilation is difficult because with increased population mobility, people tend to connect to multiple places and do not forget. Another issue with assimilation lies in the resistance from those who do fit in to the traditional national identity. For example, third-generation Turks in Germany, who have more ties to Germany than they do to Turkey, are still not seen as Germans by others.

In this sense, ethnicity plays an important role in preventing assimilation and in invoking otherness constantly. Such resistance to assimilation by both the cultural and ethnic others and those who fir the traditional view of a national identity reinforces the rigidity of national identities that are, nonetheless, a human construct.

When it comes to multiculturalism, otherness becomes a self-container and force of segregation. The Dutch model, for example, has a large Muslim community; how-

ever, they are segregated and not included into the definitions of what it means to be Dutch. The reality is that many nations accept others, but do little to integrate them into the wider society and rather treat these cultural others as a self-contained community separate from the national identity.

However, Dr. Baban contends that today, there are everyday contexts that create instances of living together that are neither assimilation nor multiculturalism where interactions amongst cultural others take place. He calls this transgressive cosmopolitanism and gives the example of the third generation Turks in Germany who have expressed this concept through films and storytelling.

For example, one of these third generation Turks, who is German, makes films in which aspects of his experiences as a Turk are also relevant and in this way challenges the static and singular conceptions of national identities.

Dr. Baban’s talk urges us to reconsider our own identities and the terms that we use to define them. It asks us to re-imagine what being a ‘Canadian’ means in the contemporary world in which living with difference has taken new, and at times, conflicting meanings.

Trent Fashion Show: meet the team!

Priscilla Asiama

By Trent Fashion Show

What is your major and year?

3rd year Media Studies student What is your position in Trent Fashion Show and have long have you be involved?

Outreach Coordinator, this is my first year as Exec but I modeled last year!

Why are you a member of the Trent Fashion Show?

It’s a great organization benefiting a cause I care about. As a creative outlet it’s really affirming to be part of a fashion community at Trent full of other caring and conscientious students.

What is your favourite memory or favourite part of the Trent Fashion Show group?

Backstage was so much fun, bonding over the event and performing as models is really high energy and everyone has great jokes and fun dancing for the show.

What are your long-term goals after you graduate Trent University?

I hope to be working in Fashion Marketing, branding, or social media.

I would like to be working with visual media to engage audiences with the organizations they see everyday!

For those who have wondered what this column is all about, Trent Fashion Show is an annual student-based charity event, showcasing local talents and fashions while raising money for an important charity in the community.

It is organized and planned completely by Trent University students, and is composed as a whole of dedicated and talented members belonging to the Peterborough and Trent community.

This year, they have chosen the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Crossroads Shelter for abused women and their children, to be the charity for Trent Fashion Show.

TFS strives to include models of all shapes, sizes, races, religions, gender associations, and abilites, looking past the Western beauty ideals of today, and instead focusing on the inner confidence and bigger beauty of tomorrow.

They are building self worth and friendships, gaining experience, expressing the love of art and raising money for a charity while promoting local talents.

Volume 50 | Issue 10 |November 23| 2015

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community

Dawn To Dusk Challenge: Creativity Unveiled

By Ugyen Wangmo

November 16, 2015: The unveiling of the final photographs from the Dawn to Dusk (D2D) Photo competition, a part of the Peterborough Fashion Week 2015 (PTBO FW 2015), was hosted at Dolcé Vita and saw over 50 guests in attendance.

The D2D challenge themed “The Heterodox” is not a typical photo one is normally accustomed to seeing in Fashion Magazine spreads. Rather it is was an extraordinary photography challenge which tested the skills of each team as to how best bring out the individualism in each model, and tell their real life stories. The models are not mainstream but rather unseen or underrepresented in the industry.

“The concept is to foster relationships, creativity, and synergy among our fashion community members as well as promote the talent that we have in the area,” said Christina Abbott, Producer of PTBO FW 2015 steering committee.

She would also like to see the event attract more new audiences, as well as increase the reach of local artists, PTBO FW, and the synergy of the community to a larger audience.

Arthur talked to one of the models, Debbie Sissmore, and learned about how she

was initially hesitant and anxious because she did not know what to expect from the challenge.

Sissmore thought, “I’m blind, 53 years old, and I’m certainly not a model nor have I ever modelled.”

But once the actual process began, where Sissmore had the opportunity to work with an amazing team of great people, she said, “I had a lot of fun!”

The official competition image showed her in the wine cellar at her own home, poised elegant, strong, and confident. “My husband and I enjoy wine tasting and travelling to different wineries around the world.

Wine tasting is a very sensory experience and because I am blind, I am very aware of the smell and taste and even texture of the wine. It is something my husband and I can enjoy together,” shared Sissmore about the significance of her photograph.

Kristal Jones was the tattooed, petite plus size model. The photograph was inspired by Art Nouveau and Renaissance style paintings where plus size women were celebrated as the works of art we are, said Jones. Explaining the image’s significant features, she explained, “[F]lowers are symbolic of transformation” so they related well to portray the importance of learning to flourish inside her own skin.

Paisley Spence, photographer who captured the photo of Jones, said she wanted to create an image that embodied her personality, a woman feeling empowered by her body and beauty.

“My goal for the competition in general was to show that no matter your age, size, ethnicity, or disability, you are beautiful and should be celebrated,” said Spence.

Her other model for the challenge was Nimkii Osawamick, Anishnaabe dance artist. Her team’s inspiration for the image with Osawamick was to celebrate First Nations culture and “to represent that you should always be true to yourself,” she said.

Kristine Hannah, one of the other three contesting photographers, summed up her experience from the challenge by saying, “The theme of the challenge is something that I strongly believe in. I enjoyed being able to get the community involved and bring them into the world of modelling life.

I am pleased to be a part of this opportunity which allowed everyone involved to have a chance at being their beautiful and unique self, and to let them shine in the spotlight.”

Photographer Marlon Hazlewood said that he enjoyed the challenge more than anything, the challenge of not knowing what to expect. Hazlewood chose his studio, having just either a black or white wall

in the background as the photo’s backdrop.

Because when your incorporate fancy backgrounds, they become very much a part of the photograph, he explained. But he “really wanted to get to the essence of who they were” and added, “When you strip away the background, it is all about them. There is nothing else to draw the attention away from [them],” Hazlewood explained of his photographs.

The eight featured models were Nimkii Osawamick – Aboriginal, Debbie Sissmore – Blind and Over 50, Max Price – Rheumatoid Arthritis that has left him with a physical challenge, Emma Keat – Plus Size, Red Hair, and Freckled, Michael Bell – Grey Hair and Over 50, and Kristal Jones – Petite Plus Size and Tattooed.

The winning team set to be revealed at the STRUTT 4 Kids Fashion Show was based on the maximum number of votes obtained through online social media. The images will also be judged by Peter Gray and Anthony Friend, two New York Citybased world class creatives.

All funds raised from the D2D challenge, which is a part of PTBO FW 2015, will go towards the Five Counties Children’s Centre, a centre that helps children with physical, communication, and development needs.

Never too Old to Strutt: Peterborough Fashion Week

By Ugyen Wangmo

When was the last time anyone has seen a senior walk the runway and own it? Not ever!

Never Too Old to STRUTT, a part of Peterborough Fashion Week 2015, saw a group of beautiful and extravagantly styled seniors strut their wisdom, grace, and

beauty down the runway.

“Passion doesn’t have an expiry date,” said Christina Abbott, Producer of PTBO FW 2015 steering committee. “In a society where [youthfulness] is worshipped, we want to shed light and bring to the surface the divine beauty of aging gracefully, with integrity, strength, and confidence.”

At the show, there were 20 seniors over

the age of 65 who had volunteered to be a part of this inspiring event. The oldest model was 81 years old.

One of the senior models, Cheryl Ellis, said that she was happy to volunteer because it is an important event to help raise money for the Fives Counties Children Centre.

According to Ellis, one doesn’t have to be young to flaunt and be proud of what they have. It is no different than getting dressed, she said, adding that she doesn’t think about her age.

Since Peterborough has a huge senior community, according to Ellis, it is important “to show the elder women that we are still very beautiful people, rock any outfit, and that our self-esteem is still intact.”

Geoff Hixson, the oldest model of the group, comes with experience in modelling, movies, variety shows, and theatre and movies. However, this time, he came to be part of modelling on his wife’s persuasion.

He shared how walking down the runway is always different for male models than women but “for us oldies, we just have to make sure we don’t fall over.”

Doughlous Kirk, a 90-year-old audience member, said that it was nice to see elderly people his age walk down the runway. “I can identify with them,” he said. “I see that the colours black and white are in this year, most of the audience members are rocking the colour.”

Lucille, 85 and still fashionable, feels that, judging from the enthusiasm of those present, there is a good future for seniors walking the runway to advertise outfits.

She advised that it should continue and we could even make a market of it.

Lucille mentioned that she is new in town, so it was good for her to learn about where to buy her outfits.

Another audience member present said, “It was nice to see people our age modelling clothes. It is age-appropriate, which I feel is important.” From the runway, she saw some outfits she would like to buy. She particularly liked a blue sweater and another outfit made of organic cotton.

All proceeds from the event, Never Too Old to Strutt, will go towards supporting Five Counties Children’s Centre, a centre that helps children with physical, communication, and developmental needs.

Travia Night at the Olde Stone Brewery

By Jade Wilton

For two years now, the Olde Stone Brewery has held Travia night, a fun and interactive trivia night, every Sunday. Located in downtown Peterborough, this version of trivia uses a slideshow presentation that has embedded sound-bites and movie clips.

Categories include Movies, Music, Politics, Arts, Literature, and much more!

Each team (or individual) gets a sheet of paper with spots to insert their answers to the questions. After each of the three rounds, the teams switch papers and mark each other’s, some of them coming out victorious and others disappointed with how they performed.

Trivia Master Travis said the roots of

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Travia stemmed at the Sapphire Cocktail Lounge before moving to its current location.

The history of the Old Stone Brewing Company is it was opened in 1996, and, while running a restaurant at the ground level, underneath there is a brewery. At the brewery, there are seasonal beers like Fall’s Pumpkin Ale, and year-round beers including, but not limited to, Wilde Olde Ale, Red Fife Ale, and the Dutch Stout.

The Olde Stone also serves a variety of entrees such as Thai noodles, 14 oz. steak, and burgers, as well as appetizers including spring rolls, wings, and what seems to be the favourite order of Travia night: Spicy Cheese Nachos.

“Think you’re smart?” Come out to the Olde Stone this Sunday at 8PM.

community

Hot Dish: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino t Dried red chili, to taste t 1 tsp dried oregano t Salt and pepper, to taste t 1 cup white wine (only, if you have leftovers in the fridge)

Method: 1. Put on a mid size pot of water to boil.

When the water reaches a rolling boil, add a pinch of salt and the pasta. Boil for 7 minutes. Save 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the remaining water.

Set aside.

2. While the pasta is cooking add the oil, onions and mushrooms to a large frying pan. SautĂŠ on a medium heat until the onions and mushrooms are golden brown.

By Marina Wilke

If you use another language to name a dish it seems deceptively fancy. This Italian dish simply means pasta with garlic oil and chili pepper. I like to jazz it up with a few extra vegetables so it becomes a meal, but the principal of simplicity stays the same.

This is great when you are trying to finish off that half a bell pepper which has been sitting in the fridge all week, and the last few sad wrinkly mushrooms in the bot-

tom of their paper bag.

So use up those forgotten vegetables, and make yourself a delicious meal in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients:

3. Add the garlic, chili flakes, oregano salt and bell pepper and sautee for two minutes. Finally, add your wine if available (If you don’t have wine just use 1 cup of the pasta water instead) and butter and simmer for 2 minutes.

t 2 Tbsps olive oil t 1 onion, sliced into crescents t 2 cloves garlic, minced t 1 bell pepper, chopped

t I pot boiling salted water

t 5 mushrooms, sliced

t 2 cups uncooked penne pasta

t 1 Tbsp butter

4. By this time your pasta should be done.

Add it to the frying pan and coat the pasta in sauce and oil. Top with grated parmesan cheese.

Editors Note: Visit our website to find Hot Dish recipes you may have missed over the past couple of months. There are many affordable and delicious recipes, waiting for you to cook and devour them.

Volume 50 | Issue 10 |November 23| 2015

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Arts&Culture

Jazz goes (back) to college at Robinson Hall All photos by Keila Macpherson

By Keila Macpherson

Attention all jazz-lovers! Jazz has been making a reappearance, and on November 14, Jazz went back to college.

The original event began in the ‘70s and was simply called “Jazz Goes to College.”

It was initially held at the Commoner, a student-run pub at Trent, and moved to Robinson Hall at Sadleir House in 1976.

Bringing back tradition, Sadleir House hosted Jazz Goes (Back) to College in the Robinson Dining Hall.

The night began with Professor Michael Morse giving an informative and demonstrative lecture called The Music of Thelonius Monk.

“One of the things about jazz is that it’s kind of magpie music. Though there are composers and most of them are great ones, most repertoires that jazz musicians play is borrowed from somewhere else,” explained Morse.

He talked about how jazz music is about reinventing a song and making it the musician’s own, and that’s what Thelonius Monk does with his compositions.

Next on stage was Standards are a Drag, a four-piece jazz ensemble, with vocalist Esprit Colleen, Rebecca Azzaro on the alto saxophone, Hannah Lawrence on the piano, and Jack McIlraith on drums.

They played a sultry cover of “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone, and an energetic,

saucy version of “Minnie the Moocher”

by Cab Calloway, where stage presence radiated from Esprit and Rebecca like they were born to perform jazz.

Following them were the In Fallow Players, who provided a healthy dose of experimental jazz with an interesting technique and sounds from percussionist Bennett Bedoukian, a punchy saxophone line from Liam Kennedy, and Charlotte Dempsey on the bass.

Last but not least, Sticky Sweet made

our mouths water for Sara Ostrowska and Daniel Collins. They performed two Amy Winehouse covers and a cover of The Squares by their band, Television Rd. To preface their performance, Collins played some original work on the piano and when Ostrowska hit the stage, she captivated the audience with her powerful singing and sensuous movement.

Although somewhat tame through the night, there was a good audience turnout for the event.

Predicting the future of Trent Radio

By Hayley Raymond

Ah, hello there. I’ve been expecting you.

Come, step into my humble abode, I can see something about your future. What’s that? How can I see anything at all through this dim light and fog of incense, you say?

Well, I never!

Perhaps I was mistaken, maybe you don’t have much of a future at all with that attitude. Oh, so you’re sorry now? You want

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to know what happens after all, you say?

Harrumph. Fine, I’ll tell you! Just put your hands in mine.

Hrmmm... I see… Christmas lights.

Yes… it must be December I am seeing.

Aha! It is December, although just barely, because I can also see that you’ve only opened 11 of your advent calendar chocolates. My! Such a strong vision… Yes, this prediction is clearly about the 11th of Decem-

ber! Hmm… I’m getting another image… you’re kneeled outside of a brick building with green trimmings...

Why are you kneeling outside, you ask? Well you certainly seem distressed.

I think it’s because you broke your radio!

Yes, you broke your radio and you forgot all about it until just now. Although… hmm. That doesn’t seem quite right. Broken radio… radio… radio… broke… break… What’s that? You’ve realized exactly what this vision is about, you say?

Trent Radio is taking a scheduled break from regular programming on December 11 after 12 PM? And you had forgotten all about it until just now? Well! You are certainly welcome for the reminder! Yes, you had better remember this moment so that you might avoid the version of your future we’ve just seen! Publicly kneeling in despair over a forgotten cancellation is never a flattering move.Wait, I see more! You’re… looking up at the same brick building. You seem to have thought of something, you’re looking

rather hopeful.

You’re in the building now, and I see… a sign-up sheet. Yes, a sign-up sheet in a… a hallway. Ah! You’ve penciled your name in for a seasoned entrée.

How delicious! Although… hmmm… that doesn’t seem quite right. Seasoned entrée… season... entrée… entre… What?

You understand this vision, you say?

In three weeks or so, there will be a signup sheet in the hall at Trent Radio for those interested in producing a one-off show during the Entre Season, which begins on December 11 and runs until January 3? My! This has certainly been a productive reading! You are very welcome for my helping you avoid your previously destined forgetfulness and despair.

Well, I have now fulfilled my role in predicting what might happen to you. Beyond this, it is up to you to decide what December the 11th after 12PM until January the 3rd will hold for you… a one-off show about bobsledding? Canaries? Hungarian folk tunes? Only time can tell.

Arts

Master of None: a Netflix original pilot review

Hollywood at Home is a weekly column by filmmaker, writer, and critic Keith Hodder that highlights the variety of films and television programs that Netflix has to offer, along with recommendations of what to watch next and his opinions on the world of entertainment.

Since the debut of Lilyhammer back in 2012, and with the success of House of Cards in 2013, Netflix has been cranking out a slew of original programing to keep the networks on their toes and has been taking home nominations and awards in the process.

In combination with their other programs, the slate has become a boon to procrastination worldwide.

Their latest offering, Master of None, created by and starring Aziz Ansari, tells the story of Dez, a 30-something manchild and actor in New York City.

Reviews and critics have been singing the show praise, adding another point of pride to Netflix’s reputation, but the introductory issue “Plan B” has me wondering if I’ve been watching a different show all together.

Though not completely flawed and without merit, this introduction is simultaneously in-your-face, yet lacking in its comedic approach.

Most of the humour is blunt and forward, leaving nothing to the audiences’ intelligence or interpretation. There’s no trust in them. It feels childish, takes no

risks, and is stiff and forced throughout.

It feels as though it wishes to be natural, as though it deserves a laid-back and conversational approach akin to Linklater or Allen, but the humour and their execution simply doesn’t fit the bill.

Something is missing.

The biggest offender to this objective is the camerawork and cinematography.

Everything feels still and constrained. As the viewer, it’s easy to feel trapped in the

mostly static frame and composition despite the humour, which seems unshackled and attempts the nonchalant. This combination creates a haphazard presentation that ultimately left me confused and devoid of laughter.

Plot wise, Master of None crafts an excellent story within its lean timeframe.

Dez, having botched a hook-up, which opens the episode, saves himself from a potentially life-changing milestone by

purchasing a Plan B pill for his partner. The experience, along with learning that one of his friends is venturing into fatherhood, has him questioning his potential as a parent, and whether or not he’d like to have kids to begin with.

Various situations in the episode study these questions, and though the plot sometimes feels contrived in that the situations seem planned rather than a natural course of events, overall the timing and plotting is of expert craftsmanship.

Each scene has a purpose and contributes to what the episode has to say and what Dez is exploring – to have or to have not?

It’s worth noting that a pilot rarely encapsulates what a show’s creator wishes to accomplish and showcase.

There is simply too much to say and not enough time. There is a continued narrative and we’ve only seen just the beginning.

Many stories start small, taking few risks, getting a sense of their stride before they can really understand what they’d like to say and how they’d like to say it.

The amount of times I’ve heard of people turning away from Breaking Bad due to its first episode, which isn’t all that bad, but pales in comparison to when the show starts to pick up, attests to this understanding.

Those who have seen the show know it is one of the best programs to ever grace the television screen.

Will Master of None provide such an experience for comedy lovers? The pilot doesn’t instill me with confidence, but that doesn’t mean the other episodes aren’t deserving of views. Over the next week, I plan to explore the rest of the first season, and after its completion, I will report back to see if my opinions have changed – for better or for worse.

I’m also keen to hear what you think and to start a discussion. Feel free to write to the paper or to tweet @KeithHodder. Call me out, agree with me, throw a laugh-worthy meme in my direction, and we’ll see where the discussion takes us.

Trent Film Society presents: Joe Dante’s Matinee

By Tumelo Drametu

Peterborough cinephiles! The TFS would love to present to you the final film in our November series on movies about the world of filmmaking. To cap off the month for you all, we are going to screen the severely overlooked 1993 comedy film Matinee, starring the one and only John Goodman.

In Matinee (1993), John Goodman stars as Lawrence Woolsey, a gimmicky horror film director and producer who decides to screen his latest horror film in Key West, Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis of the 1960s.

While in Florida, Woolsey meets a young boy who is a huge fan of his films and he takes the young boy under his guidance and introduces him to the world of spectacle horror filmmaking. Along with Goodman (The Big Lebowski), the film also stars Simon Fenton (Band of Brothers), Omri Katz (Hocus Pocus), Lisa Jakub (Mrs. Doubtfire), Robert Picardo (Star Trek: Voyager), and Kellie Martin (A Goofy Movie). The film was written

by Charles S. Haas and is directed by Joe Dante (Gremlins, and Small Soldiers).

Like last week’s Singin’ in the Rain (year) and the week before it’s Ed Wood (year), this film looks at a specific time period in Hollywood history and pays tribute to an era where the mainstream films were, for the most part, a bit more on the optimistic end of the escapist spectrum. Whereas our

last screening focused more on the silent film era of the 1920s, Joe Dante’s Matinee is more in line with the film we screened two weeks prior (Burton’s Ed Wood), in that it primarily focuses on the horror genre of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s.

This is back when horror focused primarily on the spectacular and thrilling aspect of terror as opposed to the more psychological and complex stuff we see in the genre nowadays. One of the leading innovators of this style of thrilling B-Movie horror was director William Castle, off whom John Goodman’s Lawrence Woolsey is heavily based. William Castle was a horror film director who was known for the

theatre gimmicks he would use during film screenings. Buzzers in the seats, costumed actors running up and down the aisles, loud sound effects, whatever Castle believed would make the theatre experience more terrifying, he would do it; and this film pays homage to his admiration for the spectacle of cinema.

In order to fully encapsulate the atmosphere of those William Castle horror films of the era, director Joe Dante goes a step further and sets the actions of the film to the backdrop of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisi2. With all of the tension that is in the air during this time in America, and the constant fear of imminent death coming

at any moment, Goodman’s Woolsey sees this opportunity as the perfect chance to unleash his new horror film Matinee to the public as a way to capitalize on the public’s fear. Through this, Dante is able to draw parallels between the fear people felt from the anticipation of actual war, and the fear that is felt from horror cinema.

He sees a relationship between nuclear war and monster flicks, and makes a strong claim that the tensions felt by the war scares of the crisis were beneficial to the success of William Castle’s horror films. Through this analysis, Dante crafts a beautiful film that is not only an intelligent observation of oldschool horror, but also a love letter to the escapist and sensational nature of this era in Hollywood.

I could talk for a long time about this film, but that would give away much of the fun that it generates, so, with that in mind, we at the TFS would love for you to join us at Artspace on Wednesday, November 25 at 8:00PM for our screening of this immensely entertaining film. Like all of our other screenings, there is absolutely no admission charge for the film and all are welcome.

There is not much mature content in the film, so for those Peterborough residents out there who would like to do something fun with their children this upcoming Wednesday night, don’t be afraid to swing by and check out the flick! It is a film that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Hope to see you on Wednesday!

Volume 50 | Issue 10 |November 23| 2015

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arts

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 review

By Brian Lukaszewicz

The Hunger Games will always go down for me as one of the great bait-and-switch. On the surface, you have a series of novels with a typical “young adult” pedigree – teenage protagonists, love triangles, dystopian futures. You hear these things and you expect a certain kind of movie. A certain set of rules.

In fact, I’d go as far as saying that that label lulls you into a false sense of security.

I’m a bit of sucker in that regard because I’ve let this series do this to me time and again. Three times now in fact. I expect it to chug along, hitting all of its inevitable plot points on its way to an inevitable conclusion and every time I’m surprised by the genuine shock, the genuine pathos, and, I think most importantly, the genuine depth of thought that the series delivers.

Mockingjay Part 2 is sort of the encapsulation of why you don’t judge books by their covers (that won’t be the last time I feel like I’m pulling quotes straight out of my previous reviews of this series either).

The film is great science fiction. It’s brutally dark at times. At others, genuinely scary.

It’s a great action movie and a remarkable think piece. And it does it all, perhaps most impressively, with a PG rating.

Mockingjay Part 1, in my opinion, was the one misstep for the series. Splitting the final book into two movies seemed more like a financial decision than a creative one. Part 1 just seemed light on content. In retrospect though, it may have simply been a necessary evil (if you define evil as an average movie instead of a great one, as all rational people do). I don’t know what you cut from either of them.

But I think you can narrow down a lot of the problems with Part 1 as simply The Hunger Games lacking its trademark games. Katniss was sidelined to a certain

extent, tasked with being mouthpiece for the rebellion. There was a lot of speeches and people being moved by speeches. In the end, I think it served the larger subtext of the series, but at the time it felt pretty disconnected.

Part 2 begins in sort of the same fashion Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) is still

used as an excuse for placing characters into situations that make little sense for them to be in.

Luckily though, Katniss tires of giving speeches early in Part 2. Which is nice, because I was tired of hearing them. She sets out on a mission to assassinate President Snow (Donald Sutherland) with a

shooting propaganda pieces. Peta (Josh Hutcherson) has been rescued from The Capital, but he’s not the man he was before he was captured. Gale (Liam Hemsworth) continues to run through military strategy with the top brass of the rebellion.

The Hunger Games has a problematic relationship with its use of Katniss as a tool of propaganda. On one hand, it’s an important part of the movie’s endgame. There are real things to be said about war and politics and the games that are played within those spheres. On the other, it’s one of the more forced aspects of the films – too often it’s

slew of familiar faces, Peta and Gale among them. On their way to the President’s mansion, they’re confronted with all sorts of traps left by the so called gamemakers.

Mockingjay Part 2 finally completes the series’ grand metaphor that war is just the real world version of its titular games.

On a moment by moment basis, the movie is heartbreakingly poignant. Director Francis Lawrence shows remarkable constraint, never lingering too long on any given event, whether it be a stolen kiss or the death of a beloved friend. It’s fast and it’s brutal, instilling the same shock

in the audience as it would for the characters, and it’s all the more powerful for it. At times Mockingjay Part 2 has trouble transitioning between these moments – certainly it’s here where the movie feels most like the adaptation of a YA novel – but it’s usually done quickly enough it can be ignored.

In the middle of it all is one of the great characters in Katniss Everdeen – played impeccably once again by Jennifer Lawrence (oh how happy Lionsgate must have been when they realized what they’d gotten with her). I’ll say it again, it’s refreshing to see that actions have consequences in this world. It’s difficult to live a moral life, particularly when that normal life is lived in a not-so-normal dystopian future. Here we have a strong young woman, who rose from nothing to liberate her people. A great accomplishment. A lesser story would have been satisfied with that conclusion.

And yet in the process Katniss loses just about everything she cares about. She stands for principle in spite of the danger and pays for it time and again. The Hunger Games understands that this sort of triumph comes with a lot of pain, a lot of sacrifice. But despite being this beautifully tragic figure she never gets played as such.

On the contrary; she’s the embodiment of resilience and a pretty great blueprint for what a strong, female character should be.

In the end, the film finds the perfect note to conclude this particular story (out of what could have turned into a neverending schmaltz fest in the wrong hands).

Frankly, the entire series is a master class in how to adapt books to the screen while satisfying both readers and newcomers alike.

It does just about nothing to say this, but I’ll say it anyway – if they only made more of them like The Hunger Games… it will be missed.

Jon Creeden and The Flying Hellfish

By Tyler Majer With supporting acts: Jesse LeBourdais, Mansbridge, and The Muddy Hack

My Fingers! My Brain! Records presents Jon Creeden and The Flying Hellfish on their Quebec and Ontario tour. Special guests, and Peterborough’s own, The Muddy Hack will be performing with them. If you haven’t seen The Muddy Hack by now, where the f*** have you been?

The Muddy Hack play a blend of alternative rock, sounding a bit like an early Arctic Monkeys, mixed with classicist, yet slower punk-style Anthems.

Anger, chanting choruses, and screams abide within the simple distortion of the guitars. The misanthropic nature of the Muddy Hack’s lyrics and sound will serve as a perfect base for this wondrous night of distortion and despair.

Newcomers to the My Fingers! My Brain!

Record Label, Mansbridge are also brining their brand of malaise to The Spill’s stage.

Mansbridge’s sound is that of a mid-90s pop-punk band that grew up and decided to play serious music. Society sucks. People suck, and nothing is certain.

Mansbridge knows this, and this idea comes out in their lyrics. “Is the perspective of harm making you restless?” Yes, Mansbridge, and there is no escape. This sentiment of constant torture snd the mind’s inability to cope is echoed throughout the course of their four-song E.P. “And we have to reach a ceasefire because we’re in Hell.” Yes, we are, Mansbridge. Yes, we are. Jesse LeBourdais is another act that will be playing on Wednesday night. He plays sweet and melodic folk-rock music,

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www.trentarthur.ca

that amps up into grungy, vocal breaks.

There is an element of country music in some parts. You can hear a faint mandolin and a banjo in his songs. It is a very mellow sound that carries on this melting pot of folk and punk-rock.

There is an influence from a plethora of genres, pop-punk whine is sometimes present, metalesque screams in other places, all played over an urgent acoustic guitar.

It will be interesting to see how the music sounds with a full band as most of his recordings online are solo, yet the poster indicates that this will be a full-band performance.

A full band usually adds an extra layer to the music, so it can be assumed that Jesse’s performance will be louder than usual. So, be ready.

Finally, headliners Jon Creeden and the Flying Hellfish round out the show. They are probably the closest to straight punk as this night of music provides. However, that is not to discriminate in any way.

Jon Creeden plays and he plays well. The song’s lyrics are filled with doubt and deprecation like any punk band should be. Inward reflection and the regret of one’s actions is a common thing in today’s era of punk-rock.

The kids that were once angst-filled have grown up, and now their angst is directed inwards. Jon Creeden represents this changing punk aesthetic. Yet again, it is important to note that this tour is with a full band.

Creeden also sings as a solo act. Be sure to check him out with a full band while you can, and to be honest, wouldn’t you rather see a good and angry punk show than get wasted at a shitty, student bar? It is a Wednesday, after all.

Enjoyed the artwork on our cover? Trent Alumni Hugh Goldring is part of the team at Ad Astra Comix, whose art has been featured in Volume 50 of Arthur Newspaper. This dynamic team challenges everything from Canadian politics to global issues with their fluid and edgy style. They just released a book- Drawing the Line, Indian Women Fight back! Available to order online and in bookstores near you soon! Check them out at www.adastra.com

listings: Want your event in the paper? Send yours to listings@trentarthur.ca

classifieds

Electric City Gardens offers a 40% Student Discount on all Entrees. Daily changing menu featuring lovingly prepared seasonally-inspired dishes. Can cater to any special dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, etc) and culinary cravings. (Advanced notice appreciated for menu alte rations). ECG offers attentive service in an intimate setting. Find us on Facebook.L.G.B.T. friendly.

LLBO Licensed.

Reservations strongly recommended: 705-749-1909.

Interested in Learning how to play guitar, uke, or bass? Take lessons with Nick Ferrio at Hank to Hendrix Guitar Co. Personalized one on one instruction for beginners or intermediate players.

Contact: 70-768-7544 or nicholas.ferrio@ gmail.com Free Introductory Talk on Transcendental Meditation: Sunday Dec. 6th: 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Location: Peterborough YMCA Boardroom.

This free introductory talk will help you learn everything about the TM technique and how to learn if you are interested. Endorsed by Dr. Oz, Seinfeld, Oprah, Russell Brand, Paul McCartney, Ellen Degeneres and many other well-known celebrities.

To pre-register: http://ca.tm.org/web/ peterborough/introductory-talks

Clubs & Groups Volunteer with B!ke: Low on gold? Pay for your bike with experience points! Level up your mechanical skills by volunteering in our teaching shop to earn experience points, then put your skills to use by refurbishing a bike from our dungeon!

Collect 100 points in the shop and the bike is yours! For more information or to regis-

ter for the EarnABike Programme.

Contact B!KE at jeff@communitybikeshop.org

campus

The Elaine Stavro Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Theory, Culture, and Gender: Dr. Kimberly Hutchings (Politics and International Relations, Queen Mary University, London). Dr. Hutchings is giving a talk on Tuesday, November 24th at 7pm at Bagnani Hall, Traill College (310 London Street). The title of the talk is “Gendered Rhetorics in the Justification of Violence and NonViolence: Gandhi and Fanon.” For more information visit trentu.ca/stavro Continuing Education: Two weeks left of Writing Short Film Scripts course. Register for Continuing Education class with Troy Bordun. Mon. Nov. 30 from 7pm to 9pm our topic is film noir, with a special screening of a local filmmaker’s short. Mon. Dec. 7 from 7pm to 9pm our topic is Sex is the Cinema (!). Visit trentu. ca/continuingeducation to register Seasonal Celebration and Potluck: The Seasoned Spoon is delighted to invite you to a seasonal celebration that is sure to warm your heart and belly. It’s been another great semester here at the Spoon and we would like to celebrate with our community of supporters, members, friends, staff and volunteers and to thank you for all that you do to make the Spoon what it is.

Expect hot cider, cookies for decorating, music and more! Please bring a list of ingrediants for your dish as well. December 8th at Seasoned Spoon. 5:00-8:00pm.

Please bring a veggie dish to share Cheese Making Workshop: Yes, you can make your own cheese! This workshop will uncover the mysteries of everyone’s favourite rich and creamy food. Join local experts, Tom and Myra, in a hands-on workshop all about cheese making. They will lead us in

making paneer and ricotta together as well as offer several samples of other kinds of cheese you can make at home. Leave with the skills and knowledge to continue your cheese making adventures on your own! Wednesday November 25th at Seasoned Spoon Cafe. 5:00pm. Cost: $5 or PWYC Craft Fair: The Seasoned Spoon is pleased to announce the return of our fall Craft fair. The fair will be held on Thursday November 26th from 11 - 3 in the café.

Just in time to treat yourself for completing all those assignments or to pick up seasonal gifts for family and friends. Come by the café and discover delightful, unique artisan creations of all kinds. Join in the fun, be inspired, support local artists! Thursday November 26th at Seasoned Spoon Cafe. 11:00am, Union City and Television Road!

Union City returns to the Red Dog Saturday, November 28th, with special guests Television Road!

Tickets are only $5 at the door. You might even be able to grab some merch!

arts Artspace Volunteer Drop-In. We’re starting bi-monthly volunteer drop-in nights! We’re kicking it off with one before the holidays.

Join us on Thursday November 19th from 7pm to 9pm at Artspace, 378 Aylmer Street North. Artspace-arc. org.

Tom Eastland performs at The Spill: Tom Eastland early evening show Friday Nov. 27th from 7 - 9 p.m. at The Spill @ 414 George St. N., Peterborough. The Spill is one of the bastions of indie and original music here in Peterborough, and Tom and friends are serving up a feast of (mostly) original music again. Serious fun: a wide mix of indie folk-rock, with a smattering of angst and tender moments. The Spill has adult beverages, and also a yummy selection of

street style

sandwiches and snacks. Early evening event, music starts at 7pm and goes until 9pm. $5.

Live folk at The Garnet: Cougars in America at the Garnet: Come enjoy some folky Canadian vibes as touring musician Cougars in America passes through Peterborough.

Doors at 8. Saturday November 28th.

Global Climate March: To encourage action at the Climate Change Conference in Paris, buses of concerned citizens are going to the rally in Ottawa on Parliament Hill, and a postcard-writing session in Peterborough will ask our politicians—municipal, provincial and federal—to act now. For the bus, contact Rob at robsteinman@cogeco. ca. For postcards, come to Trinity United Church, 360 Reid St. (Simcoe St. entrance, a 5 minute walk from the bus station) 2 -3:30 PM. Includes a short talk by Professor Stephen Hill on the Paris conference. Contacts: Linda or Alan Slavin 705-745-5503 or aslavin@trentu.ca . Sponsors: For Our Grandchildren, Sustainable Trent, Council of Canadians, Kawartha World Issues Centre.

Local Improvisation Class with Mike Davidson: Want to try Improv? Intro to Improv on a Wednesday night drop in class at Sadleir House (751 George St North)Wednesday 7:00pm- 8:30pm.

Adults $10 Students $5Improv is fun, Come on out and join in!

Full Metal Booty-Jolly Hangman Pub Night: Recreating the cultural hub that was the Peter Robinson College Pub, The Jolly Hangman, Sadleir House hosts a pub night each Thursday night of the academic year in our Dining Hall with different student and community groups co-hosting each week. We’ve had latin & swing dance nights, open mics, bluegrass concerts and more!

Thursday November 26, 9pm – Fri, November 27, 12am.

Bring your friends!

Style is very often accentuated by environment and atmosphere. Vincent Mousseau (left) proves this as he casually chills in his shades in front of some captivating street art. Style comes in many forms, and often human marks on urban buildings reflect our personal styles and fashion.

Zach Simmonds (right) has his aviators ready for the vacation he desires, as portrayed by his shirt.

Simple t’s with script or pattern print are a great way to make a simple t-shirt and jeans get-up interesting.

Photos by Samantha Moss

Remember, sunglasses aren’t just a summer accessory. The snow reflects the sunlight and your eyes still need protection! So stay stylin’ all winter long and grab yourselves some shades.

Volume 50 | Issue 10 |November 23| 2015

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