Issue 15 Volume 50

The Peterborough & Trent University

Independent Press

Volume 50 | Issue 15 | February 1 | 2016

#BLACKONCAMPUS All Photos by Samantha Moss

Contents Page 12-14: Community

Page 3: Opinion

7PMVNF ] *TTVF ] 'FCSVBSZ TU

0GGJDJBM NBTUIFBE CZ +BDLTPO $SFFL Press (FPSHF 4USFFU / t 4VJUF 1FUFSCPSPVHI 0/ t , ) 5 UFM FEJUPST!USFOUBSUIVS DB t XXX USFOUBSUIVS DB

$P &EJUPST "SUIVSXSJUFST :VNOB -FHIBSJ ;BSB 4ZFE

#VTJOFTT .BOBHFS +FOOB 1JMHSJN

1SPPGSFBEFS ,FJMB .BD1IFSTPO

#FUFMIFN 8POEJNV 3FCB )BSSJTPO "ESJBOB 4JFSSB 5ZMFS .BKFS 6HZFO 8BOHNP 5SPZ #PSEVO

$PQZ FEJUPS

% %NVDIPXTLJ

(VSLJ #IVMMBS

,FJUI )PEEFS

1IPUPHSBQIFS 4BNBOUIB .PTT

+PSEBO 1PSUFS %BO .PSSJTPO .BUUIFX %PVHMBT

#PBSE PG %JSFDUPST $IBJS ,FJMB .BD1IFSTPO 4FDSFUBSJFT 6HZFO 8BOHNP t 5SFBTVSFS /BUBMJF (VUUPSNTTPO t .FNCFS BU -BSHF /BUBMJF (VUUPSNTTPO t $BMFJHI #PZMF t "ESJBOB 4JFSSB t+FGGSFZ .PPSF t6HZFO 8BOHNP

$POUSJCVUPST t 5(4" t 5$4" t 1JQQB 0 #SJFO t 5SPZ #PSEVO t 6HZFO 8BOHNP t "ESJBOB 4JFSSB t ,FJUI )PEEFS t 3FCB )BSSJTPO t +PSEBO 1PSUFS t 4BNBOUIB .PTT t#FUFMIFN 8POEJNV t 5"$46 t +BNFT ,FSS t 5ZMFS .BKFS t +PIO $IBSMFT 'FOOFDI t :VNOB -FHIBSJ t .BUU %PVHMBT t % %NVDIPXTLJ t 5VNFMP %SBNFUV t "E "TUSB $PNJDT t %BJTZ ,PNVKVOJ t #SJBO )PVHI t %BO .PSSJTPO t 5ZMFS .BKFS $POUSJCVUPST BSF FODPVSBHFE UP BUUFOE PVS XFFLMZ TUPSZ NFFU JOHT .POEBZT BU BU UIF 5SFOE 1VC BU 5SBJMM $PMMFHF PS UP DPOUBDU UIF FEJUPST JG DPOTJEFSJOH TVCNJUUJOH UP BO

t 1H 5SFOU 'JMN 4PDJFUZ t 1H &EJUPSJBM t 1H 5SFOU 3BEJP t 1H 5SBJMM $PNNFOUBSZ t 1H 5SBJMM B SFTQPOTF GSPN UIF 5(4" t 1H #PPLMPWFS T HVJEF t 1H $BOPF .VTFVN t 1H 5SBJMM B SFTQPOTF GSPN UIF 5$4" t 1H 1FUFSCPSPVHI T %BZ $MJOJD

Page 5-11: Campus

t t t t t t t

$MPTVSF

1H +BDL .BUUIFXT 'FMMPX 1H 0DUBHPO &YQFEJUJPO

Page 15- 18: Arts

t 1H "SUTQBDF &YIJCJU t 1H /FUGMJY SFWJFX 1H 4QPSUT BOE FYDMVTJWJUZ PO DBNQVT t 1H 4PVOEUSBDLT GPS TUVEZJOH 1H 1PTU 4FDSFU t 1H -JTUJOHT 1H 5$4" "(.

1H 'FBUVSF #MBDL )FSJUBHF .POUI 1H #MBDL )FSJUBHF .POUI DPOU

Call for Submissions: Self Love Week

We’re planning a special “Self Love� issue for Issue 16, and we need your help to make it a success.

Self Love Week is an alternative to Valentines Day. It’s a week of “reclamation of love for self and a challenge to dominant ideas of romance,� as the Centre for Gender and Social Justice has put it. It’s a much more inclusive event (there’s room for single people, queer folks, and polyamory), there’s no inherent capitalist element urging you to buy cards and consume chocolates (pick it up half-price on February 15 instead), and it’s a week long rather than just one short day. And hey, if you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day too that’s totally fine. We just want you to love yourself!

What we need from you are articles and other writing or contributions that fall under a very broad “Self Love� theme.

Examples include, but are not limited to: The deadline for submissions is Thursday February 4 at noon.

If you want to contribute but you’re stumped for ideas, get in touch: editors@trentarthur.ca.

VQDPNJOH JTTVF 0VS FNBJM BEESFTT JT FEJUPST!USFOUBSUIVS DB

Call for Submissions: BLACK HERITAGE MONTH. Arthur is accepting work related to Black Heritage Month for all issues

Submission guidelines

We are accepting creative work, poetry, photography, and research based articles that center around the topic of

"SUJDMFT "SUJDMFT TIPVME CF TVCNJUUFE WJB FNBJM UP FEJUPST! USFOUBSUIVS DB JO UIF CPEZ PG UIF NFTTBHF PS BT BO SUG EPD PEU PS UYU BUUBDINFOU %FBEMJOFT BSF FWFSZ 5IVSTEBZ BU OPPO 5IF CPEZ TIPVME CF BQQSPYJNBUFMZ 800 words. -JTUJOHT BOOPVODFNFOUT PS CSJFGT TIPVME OPU FYDFFE 100 words. 'FBUVSF QJFDFT DBO CF VQ UP 2000 CVU NVTU CF BSSBOHFE JO BEWBODF XJUI UIF FEJUPST

*NBHFT

Black Heritage Month, race, and intersecting notions. Please submit!

5VOF JOUP 5SFOU 3BEJP '. BOZ .POEBZ GSPN GPS Radio Free Arthur Arthur’s WFSZ PXO SBEJP TIPX

*NBHFT TIPVME CF TVCNJUUFE WJB FNBJM (PPHMF %SJWF %SPQCPY PS TPNF PUIFS GJMFTIBSJOH TJUF 1MFBTF TBWF BT UJG XJUI B EQJ PG OP MFTT UIBO QJYFMT

-FUUFST

-JNJU MFUUFST UP UIF FEJUPST UP XPSET -FUUFST MPOHFS UIBO XPSET NBZ CF QVCMJTIFE CVU "SUIVS SFTFSWFT UIF SJHIU UP FEJU GPS MFOHUI BOE DMBSJUZ CVU OPU DPOUFOU

2

0QJOJPOT FYQSFTTFE JO UIJT QVCMJDBUJPO EP OPU OFDFTTBSJMZ SFGMFDU UIPTF PG "SUIVS TUBGG WPMVOUFFST PS JUT #PBSE PG %JSFDUPST $POUSJCVUPST BSF FODPVSBHFE UP BUUFOE UIF TUPSZ NFFUJOHT PS DPOUBDU UIF &EJUPST UP EJTDVTT TUPSZ JEFBT "MM BSUJDMF TVCNJTTJPOT BSF EVF 5IVSTEBZ BU OPPO -FUUFST -JTUJOHT $MBTTJGJFET BOE &WFOUT BSF EVF 5IVSTEBZ BU OPPO BOE TIPVME CF TFOU UP MJTUJOHT!USFOUBSUIVS DB "EWFSUJTFST BSF FODPVSBHFE UP DPOUBDU BEWFSUJTJOH!USFOUBSUIVS DB GPS BE SBUFT BOE DPOUSBDUT

www.trentarthur.ca

92.7 FM

opinion

Editorial : blues, speakeasies, and tux-ladies

By Yumna Leghari

Music is a medium through which I analyze social phenomenons and political shifts. It is a teller of time and transforms as people do; ever transient and malleable.

With the advent of Black Heritage Month, I would like to provide a history lesson on the early days of jazz and blues. Representative of transgressive realities such as queer relationships and gender-bending performers. Undeniably, the majority of todays music in the West must pay thanks to these musicians.

A new trend was emerging amongst the youth in underground clubs and speakeasies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which had parents concerned and youngsters thrilled to the bone.

The concept of rebellion was romantic, enticing, yet dangerous in a society where Victorian morale was still strictly in place.

Nervous mothers and fathers sent letters asking for advice, and requesting editorials to demean and bemoan these spaces as immoral and deviant.

Pioneers of the blues like musician Ma Rainey wrote lyrics such as, “It’s true I wear a collar and a tie…Talk to the gals

just like any old man.” At the time, this sort of content was scandalous and threatened mainstream society with its seemingly anti-Christian messages insinuating queer activities.

Americans and Canadians alike were frazzled and stand-offish, but there was a definite sense of intrigue. Of course, there was a reason that blues and jazz music was appropriated later into clean “swing music” by upper-class white folk in the 1940s and ‘50s.

It was a fascinating dissonance between this upheld Victorian moral structure and its stark contrast to what women in the blues were partaking in. Bull-daggers, lady-men, flashy dress, seductive moans and groans … it was all a part of the walk and talk in the speakeasy scene. They danced, they drank and they defied societal norms.

Ma Rainey’s aforementioned song, “Prove it on Me Blues,” encompasses much of the blues consciousness amongst women who were transgressing gender norms.

Bessie Smith, who trained under Rainey, became the Queen of Blues alongside Rainey who was coined the Mother of Blues, and sang, “When you see two women walk-

ing hand in hand, just look ‘em over and try to understand: / They’ll go to those parties – have the lights down low – only those parties where women can go.”

Society was concerned. What did this all mean? Music, and art of any form, has always challenged concrete moral structures.

The Victoria Era had come to an end, and the century had just turned. Dresses were getting shorter, and times were changing.

Women were going to underground speakeasies in glamourous,flashy attire, drinking with each other, and forming close bonds.

These things were happening under the eye of the streetlights, and parents were worried for the sanctity of their children and of the strength of their Christian upbringings being shattered.

Performer Smith was known to shout things like, “I got 12 women on this show, and I can have one every night if I want it,” between her songs.

This underground world of supposed deviance was actually the roots and home of early blues and jazz, and the hub in which queer culture was becoming more and more accepted. This was a stark contrast to the permeating homophobia that

existed during this time.

There were close, passionate relations between the women in the audience and the female performers. Those who attended a performance by Ma Rainey could expect her to don a tuxedo, short wig, and flirt openly with members in the audience.

In a nation where same-sex relationships were punishable by arrest, it was understandable that these ladies did not wish to make their liaisons apparent.In the midst of the scandal and threat from the Victorian class perspective, the Americas were witnessing an overwhelming trend of venues, clubs, and underground speakeasies boasting of music and talent.

Women like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and gentlemen such as Louis Armstrong were filling the airwaves with their grandiose voices, and, politics and morality aside, it was a time for ruckus and change.

Through this historical lens, I have found the intersection of race, queer politics, and transgression of Victorian Society to be extremely fascinating, and also indicative of how a cultural movement percieved as taboo is often a a phenomenon for necessary change.

Comment : Are student voices welcome in the Traill Review?

By Adriana Sierra

Traill College is under review. Again. And they want students to be involved - but not really.

If the university administration and the external reviewer, Dr. Tindale, really wanted student voices to be heard, they would put a little more effort than they have so far into making the review an inclusive process. Simply providing an e-mail at the bottom of a lengthy and vague article about the review is unacceptable.

If student voices were really as important to this review as President Groarke writes, well, there may have been more than an email address in Arthur.

There may have been an announcement on blackboard or a survey through qualtrics. There may have been a safe space for students to talk about Traill. But there was none of this. Because the reality of this review is that student voices are welcome – but not really.

I went to the trouble of finding the email at the bottom of President Groarke’s article to ask to be included in the feedback process for the review. The questions I received are financial and operational, and include nothing about the historical value of Traill or its importance to student life and the Trent Community.

Here are the “feedback questions” and my answers. Lets hope Dr. Tindale is reading.

1. What Kind of College Should Traill be?

Traill should be the kind of college that

gets the merit, respect, and publicity that it deserves. Traill should be the kind of college that celebrates its history and its traditions, because as Trent University’s first and oldest college, it has a lot of that. Traill should continue to be the kind of college that embodies what Trent used to stand for: A small, inclusive, liberal arts university. Traill should be the kind of college that appears in all of Trent University’s view-books, that is included in orientation week and Trent University college events, that is portrayed as an integral part of Trent University, rather than something students stumble upon when they have a class in the little known Bagnani Hall. Traill should be the kind of college that students – not Dr. Tindale or the university administration – want it to be.

2. If Traill were to be a more traditional college, how should it operate?

A more traditional college? What does that even mean. And how should a university operate? Well, you prioritize student life, education, student spaces.

Trent is supposed to be a public, educational institution – a building block – and it should operate as such. Lately, it has been operating as a corporation.

Should the position of Principal at Traill be a position which assumes academic credentials and highlights academic programming and pursuits? Yes, we are at university, shouldn’t all colleges be like that?

How could faculty be integrated into college teaching, both formally and informally? Have more classes at Traill. House more

academic departments at Traill. Hire more full-time faculty. Go back to having faculty reside in colleges.

3. How can Traill’s budget issues be resolved?

Well, first, learn to allocate budgets. One of the main financial issues that Traill College faces is deferred maintenance. Deferred maintenance is the result of a lack of proper administration of funds towards Traill College. Deferred maintenance is not a problem generated by Traill College, but by the university’s administration and budgeting allocation mechanisms. Clearly, Traill has not been a priority in the past, and this is reflected in the deferred maintenance issues that it faces today.

Additionally, President Groarke identifies the issue of college ancillary fees, and notes that graduate students pay $15, while undergraduate students pay $274.

Trent transfers funds from undergraduate college ancillary fees towards Traill College; a process that President Groarke notes is not a fair or viable model.

What is an unfair and unviable model is that undergraduate students cannot freely choose to affiliate themselves with Traill College. With 8000 undergraduate students, each paying $274, colleges at Trent receive approximately $2,000,000 in ancillary fees. Funding Traill should not be a problem.

4. Is Traill a successful Trent connection to downtown Peterborough?

I don’t know, but shouldn’t this be a question for downtown businesses and community members?

Traill is the last of Trent University that remains in downtown Peterborough, after Peter Robinson was shut down in a similar process and the Champlain Annex was relocated.

If Traill is not currently a strong connection to downtown, then make it one. Host university and community events at Traill.

Host career fairs at Traill. Make Traill an inclusive space. Connect Traill to downtown businesses, just as Lady Eaton College does to Black Honey. Make Traill Trent’s downtown hub. These connections don’t just happen, they are made.

If we are to answer administrative and operative questions about Traill College, then maybe administration can provide us with answers to questions of our own: Why have maintenance fees been deferred for so long? Where do the university’s priorities lie? What will happen to Traill College if it is shut down? Have you ever heard of participatory budgeting? No? Maybe you should consider that.

And finally: What is your vision for the future (if there is one) of Traill College?

How can Traill be saved?

Remember: Trent wants you to have a voice in this review - but not really.

Editor’s note: Dr. Tindale has requested a group meeting to discuss the review on Tuesday, February 2nd in room 102.1 at Scott House in Traill College at 1:00 p.m. Please email Ashley Horne at ashleyhorne@trentu.ca to RSVP.

Volume 50 | Issue 15 | February 1, 2016

3

opinion

TGSA concerned for graduate space at Traill with impending review As executives of the Trent Graduate Students’ Association, located at Traill College, we feel it is paramount that we respond to the President’s announcement of the Traill Review.

We echo concerns raised by the students interviewed in the follow-up article, especially those directed at the transparency and independence of the review process.

This review is being done not by a committee composed of various stakeholders at Trent, but instead by a single reviewer with seemingly close ties to the President. We are apprehensive that the review process may not be as independent as the President has promised.

With that said, we do recognize the importance of change at Traill College and we take this review as an opportunity to come together as a collective to discuss our vision for the college; to reevaluate what is working at Traill and what can be improved. Our hope is that the review will be a fair one and that the graduate student perspective will be heavily considered in the final report.

We also wanted to draw attention to a perspective that we found lacking from the previous comments addressed by students in the follow-up Arthur article: that is, the importance of graduate student spaces at Trent University. Traill College is the

designated graduate student college at the university, and in a university that is increasingly undergraduate in focus, we feel that it is absolutely vital to emphasize the value and importance of our defined graduate student spaces.

Whether or not the current use of Traill College as a graduate student space can be optimized and made more equitable for all graduate students is something that we hope is addressed through this review process, but we feel that one of the key points that needs to be emphasized in the review is the value of graduate student spaces at Trent.

The graduate focus of Traill serves as a precious recruitment tool for attracting graduate students to the university, and in order to continue to entice a strong pool of graduate researchers the university must continue to recognize the value of graduate student spaces. The ranking of Trent as a top undergraduate institution could not be achieved without its graduate students, who in turn work as teaching assistants and serve as valuable links between students and professors.

The presence of graduate student TAs is critical for decreasing class sizes, while still maintaining quality education, hence graduate students are absolutely vital for the support and success of the undergraduate student body. Moreover,

graduate students contribute to the university research ranking, and generate significant revenue from the government for the institution.

In addition, Trent graduate students pay some of the highest tuition fees of graduate students across Ontario, so with the amount of revenue generated by graduate students at the university, it is crucial that the university recognize the importance of its graduate students by also acknowledging the worth of graduate spaces on campus.

In speaking to graduate students at the college, many have identified Traill as one of the defining incentives for choosing to study at Trent University, and several students have expressed how Traill has played a crucial role in maintaining their sanity and mental health while completing their studies. Graduate students often face periods of isolation, especially after completing their coursework, and Traill College helps remedy this by providing designated spaces for graduate students to meet, thereby serving as a vital tool for our social support.

The small, collegiate community at Traill College also allows students from across different faculties to come together to discuss their research; the college facilitates a bridging of the gap between these various disciplines.

This emphasis on graduate student spaces is not to undermine the importance of

undergraduates who also call Traill home.

This undergraduate presence at Traill is vital to the distinct energy of the college.

Traill’s focus on academics is not offered to the same degree at Trent’s other undergraduate colleges, making Traill a unique space for undergraduates who value its quiet study spaces and studious atmosphere. The TGSA considers those undergraduate students who affiliate with Traill (as well as those who simply love and value Traill) as important stakeholders and allies in this process, and we want to work with these students for constructing a vision for the College going forward.

Through this review process, we hope to remind the university administration of the obligations that it has to its graduate students by drawing attention to the absolute necessity of graduate student spaces at Trent University and we hope that these considerations are heavily weighed during the review.

Laura Thursby, TGSA President Alison Fraser, TGSA VP Internal Affairs Renee Hendricks, TGSA VP Student Affairs David Hollands, TGSA VP Communications David Bak, TGSA VP Finance Avinaash Persaud, TGSA VP Senator

TCSA holds student-led review of Traill College

By Pippa O’ Brien on behalf of the Trent Central Student Association

I hope by now most of you have heard that Traill College is undergoing an external review this year. Though I’m hoping the review will result in a reinvestment in Traill College, the importance of gathering widespread student opinion on the subject cannot be overstated.

With this in mind, representatives from LEC Cabinet, Champlain College Cabinet, Otonabee College Cabinet, the Graduate Student Association, and myself from the TCSA gathered last Wednesday evening to discuss how the elected student leaders wanted to respond to the review.

Though no one from Gzowski Cabinet was able to attend the meeting, they later confirmed their participation. We have formed a student task force to undertake

4

www.trentarthur.ca

the collection of student opinions, with the end goal of creating a comprehensive student-led review of Traill College.

Over the past couple of months, the TCSA executive and Student Senate Caucus (all the student senators, two from each cabinet) have been pushing for the inclusion of student voice in the review of Traill.

We previously discussed how to get a student onto the review committee (now a single external reviewer), and how to center student voices in the discussion.

TCSA President Alaine Spiwak and I had several meetings with President of Trent University Leo Groarke during the fall exam period. Though the administration took the time to listen to our concerns, ultimately the decision to remain with a single external reviewer remained final.

Out of this context, during the meeting

on Wednesday, we decided that collectively the College Cabinets and the TCSA should actively try to engage students in the review process.

To this end, over the next two weeks, starting Feb. 1 until Feb. 12, there will be tables set up at Champlain College, Lady Eaton College and Otonabee College during Cabinet office hours.

The Gzowski Cabinet Office will also be open during this time to collect feedback.

There will also be people tabling at Bata Library on Monday, February 1 and Tuesday, Feb. 9, and at the Trend at Traill College throughout the week. The goal is to collect student feedback and questions about Traill and the review that is happening.

So, please stop by one of these locations throughout the week and make sure your voice is heard. Please also take the time

to fill out our online survey about Traill College that we will be circulating though Cabinet newsletters and on social media.

At the beginning of Reading Week, once as much student feedback as possible has been collected, we will consolidate the results and make the feedback public.

Beyond participating in the conversation or asking questions at any of the tables, we would love for any student to get involved in the task force.

Our sole task at the moment is to collect all student opinions in as unbiased a way as possible. Any opinions or lack of opinion is still important to recognize.

If you are interested in volunteering for the task force, including table sitting at the Trend, please e-mail me at vpuc@trentcentral.ca or contact any of the College Cabinet senators.

Comic by ad astra Comix

Campus

Jack Matthews Fellow: an interview with Dalal Al-Waheidi of valuing your own unique individuality and recognizing that your own unique individuality can contribute to a greater good really impacted my path. Definitely UWC has opened a lot of doors for me, especially in terms of coming to Trent University. One of the reasons I came to Trent University is because I got the full scholarship that is specifically for UWC graduates and I am so fortunate to have been able to get this scholarship. It opened the doors for my education. It also opened the door for me to be able to work with other people from other cultures and different opinions.

By Adriana Sierra

Arthur spoke with Dalal Al-Waheidi, one of Canada’s 100 most influential women, the Executive Director of Global We Day at Free The Children, a Trent and United World College alumnus, and this year’s Jack Matthews Fellow.

How was your time at a United World College significant to your experience and why are United World Colleges important?

I was really fortunate to study in United World College in Norway from 96 to 98.

The whole idea behind the United World Colleges is to promote international understanding and start training people to become global citizens. I think that it is important to start talking about global citizenship, international understanding, and embracing other cultures as early as possible.

It would be my dream to have UWC values in primary school and middle schools.

There is a need, especially in the world in which we are living right now, when you look at the level of misunderstanding and conflict that is happening now; if you look at the root causes of this, one of these is the lack of understanding that people are different and its okay to be different. We should be embracing differences rather than just focusing on the differences and wanting to be similar to one another.

I think that the values of UWC, of promoting these two things [global citizenship and international understanding], and also

What kind of lessons did you learn from your time at Trent University and how have they impacted your life and work after graduation?

This University really taught us how to be critical thinkers. That is something that I definitely apply to both my personal life and my professional life. I was an international student, but I also did my degree in international development and political science, so we had international students in the classroom and Canadian students in the classroom. Both of us would be talking about issues that affected Canada and that affected the world, so it was really interesting to see the perspective of Canadian students and of students that were from these countries that have experienced some of these things. Having these debates and conversations, being critical about it and applying the same notion that we can be different and that is ok, we can agree to disagree, but at the end of the day we are committed as global citizens is important.

My experience at Trent and being involved in different groups and clubs with different mission statements helped me learn to work with different people. In my line of work I work with people from different industries, backgrounds, from different educational systems.

I bring what I learned in Trent in Ecuador from a development perspective into my work, but also what I learned with these clubs: how do you deal with different stakeholders, how do you bring people together to achieve a goal? In every single club that I participated in we always had debates on how we do things, you know from Cultural Outreach, to TMSA, to the

Women Centre. I think it is all about embracing unique talent, unique voices, but at the same time feeling that you are part of a collective where your voice matters.

As a woman of color, what challenges have you faced through your journey and how have you overcome these?

I think in Trent in 1998, the number of international students was not as large as it is now, so I am really excited to see how the percentage of international students has increased because I fundamentally believe that international students are such an important value to the university and to the programs. It is not just a PR thing. We contribute to the discussions, we contribute to the mission statement of the university. It is about creating global perspectives and having experiential learning. We need to have international students and internationalization programs.

That was a challenge in the beginning because there were not a lot of Arab women at the time when I was in university. There were few of us, I am an Arab women and a Muslim and a Palestinian. I felt at times that there was a lack of understanding, in the Peterborough community at times, and within the Trent Community beyond international students and beyond international development and other courses where people might not understand your background and attach a stigma to you because of who you are.

I was also at Trent when 9/11 happened.

So we really experienced some backlash, not as much in Trent but in the community, but we also found some very welcoming homes. That was a challenge; feeling that you need to defend yourself all the time, defend your people. So I am a Muslim, but I am empowered, I am Palestinian, but I do not hate Jews. I had to say these things at times. That was a challenge, but as years went by and the TIP expanded, that helped.

Generally, women from minority groups are hard on themselves. We have this feeling that we are not good enough, or not worth these opportunities, and we hesitate to apply to jobs. I overcame that by the sense of empowerment that I received here at Trent University. You always question ‘am I good enough? Am I getting this

because I am a woman of color or because of my skillset?’ So I reached a point in my life where I decided to stop asking myself this question. I am getting it because I am a woman that is capable, not because I am a woman of color.

What advice can you give to Trent University students who want to make a change in the world?

Continue to raise awareness on issues that you think are important. One of the things that I noticed on this visit is that there is more diversity in the Peterborough community, but I think there needs to be even more diversity. So raising awareness about this issue, especially now that we are welcoming so many refugees from other countries, volunteer to make their lives easier.

I think that as a Trent University student, volunteering in the local community is key because you live in this community; you owe this community something back.

Really take on a cause that you are passionate about and do something about it, really be the critical student that Trent encourages you to be.

Another key thing is the purchases that you make and where you buy things. Be a consumer with a perspective. Make the right choices that speak to you and what you are passionate about because we do have a purchasing power as a consumer, and we can make a dent. Look at where things are being made and how people are being treated, and how we can support local cooperatives.

After you graduate, there are a couple of ways you can continue. Very similarly, your volunteer experiences should not stop just because you are now in the workforce in a 9-to-5 job. Continue to create these opportunities for yourself. I believe that you can make a difference whether you are working in a foundation, a corporation, or in an NGO. It is a matter of how you bring in the values that you learned [at] Trent into your work.

I am always surprised to see how so many people who are so passionate and active in Trent University enter the workforce and it becomes a chapter that they close. I wish that was not the case and they continued to be active in their community.

An intimate account of the Octagon Expedition with Stephanie Rayner

By Jordan Porter

When I first sat down to write this article, I was admittedly speechless thinking back to the talk that I was fortunate enough to attend hosted by Canadian artist and world traveller, Stephanie Rayner. Rayner goes down in Trent history as the first artistic recipient of the Ashley Fellow award for her piece “Yelth” inspired by an artistic expedition she was a part of in the late 1980s.

“You will notice I carry no notes for this because this story comes from the heart,” she said.

In this talk, Rayner takes us, by way of elaborate and skillful storytelling, through her recollection of the August 1988 Octagon Expedition in the glaciers of British Columbia.

“There are parts of this story that you are going to have to just reach into your hearts and know to be true,” she said.

“This is what really happened on that mountain.”

Rayner then attempts to give the audience a bit of a reference guide to the story’s

characters before starting her account. She does this by briefly showing a CBC special that covered the entire expedition back in the late 1980s, in which we are able to put faces to a lot of the names in the forthcoming story, as well as catch a glimpse of a young Rayner.

The tale truly gets interesting once Rayner begins to get into the finer details that weren’t covered in the CBC special, such as stories of scaling huge, slippery rock walls, hypothermia being a real and present danger and one artist even going into a state of shock and having to be air-lifted off of the mountain before reaching the summit. However, after eight long and impoverished hours, the untrained climbers, along with members of the Canadian Search and Rescue Military team in case of emergency, reach the summit of the glacier sacred to the Kwakiutl people known as Queenesh.

It is here that many of the other artists found frequent and almost violent bursts of creativity. However, Rayner recounts how she didn’t get that feeling for the majority of the trip, and instead spent most of her

time walking the glacier all day until it was unsafe to do so.

“You’ll notice that I’m not in a lot of the [CBC] shots while at the glacier. That’s because I was out walking, taking in the scenery, and getting very familiar and intimate with the glacier,” Rayner explained.

All other artists came off the glacier back to sea level with a complete, or near complete, piece of artwork, but Rayner may have got away with something even more precious.

Although she was leaving empty-handed, Rayner takes us through how, on the second last day of the expedition, she was, through the help of prayers from a fellow explorer, privy to a truly life-altering vision.

I won’t attempt to do the story justice, as I will likely butcher a truly beautiful rendition by Rayner herself of a vision that spoke to her soul and gave her the idea for her prized possession from that journey. I am, of course, referring to her masterpiece “Yelth”.

After a year of creation, weighing over four hundred pounds, and at full extension spanning upwards of 15 feet in length, “Yelth” was a museum curator’s nightmare for

display. Although it was displayed as a floor model in a Yorkville museum for some time, and attempted to be purchased by a number of both private as well as corporate art lovers, Rayner made a promise to the native people for whom it was created – that she would not sell this piece for any amount of money. She has held true to her promise and upholds true artistic integrity.

As Rayner beautifully and passionately tells the story of her truly heroic journey up and down the slippery mountainside up to the glacier, as well as of her time on the Queenesh as a spiritual learning experience, she takes the time to bestow some of the knowledge that was passed on to her from the mountain to us in the audience.

I believe that the world needs more people like Rayner, whose passion is so sincerely infectious that it has us all sitting at the edge of our seats, hanging onto every word. I only speak for myself here when I say that it would be a true blessing if I were, in my life, be able to go on an excursion such as this for something I am so passionate about.

Volume 50 | Issue 15 | February 1, 2016

5

Campus

TCSA looks at recent successes and future improvements

By Ugyen Wangmo

On Jan. 27, Trent Central Student Association (TCSA)’s winter semi-annual general meeting (SAGM) was held in the Sadleir House Lecture Hall at 1p.m. The meeting saw the endorsement of changes to TCSA by-laws and policy resolutions, as well as an active dialogue that ensued surrounding the proposed amendments.

SAGM also approved the financial statements from the 2015 fiscal year, and the reports from the Board of Directors as presented for the period of April 22, 2015 to Jan. 18, 2016.

TCSA president Alaine Spiwak, along with many other accounts from the director’s report, highlighted the success of the OohLaLa mobile application. The mobile application is searchable in the application store as “TCSA” and provides information from transit schedules to a list of clubs and groups to a campus map and everything useful, Spiwak said.

She added that she would continue to focus more on the student outreach initiatives. Because it (OohLaLa) allowed students to comment on anything and everything they like or dislike about Trent, Spiwak described it as an active way of gathering student feedback to address issues and make necessary improvements.

More importantly, she reported on the issues of international student tuition fee increases that she had been lobbying against since her term began.

According to Spiwak, when the issue was initially brought to the attention of Trent University’s Board of Governors (BoG) in the summer, it was not considered because it had not gone through Finance and Property.

She was on the agenda for Trent’s Finance and Property committee to bring forward, once again, the need to regulate increases to international student tuition fees so they match increases to domestic tuition fees.

“Trent University can increase international tuition fees by any percentage they want in a given year and that is a problem,” Spiwak said. International students already pay high tuition fees, not to mention they face the uncertainty of not knowing how much more they will have to pay the following year. It was pointed out that by the end of their four-year degree, international students might have ended up paying substantially more money than originally

projected. It is unfortunate, too, that they haven’t received much support from Trent, Spiwak reported.

Finance and Property will not bring forward TCSA’s recommendation to the BoG, on the grounds that Finance and Property need to see the status of provincial funding before committing to the financial changes as suggested by TCSA, Spiwak stated in her report.

Currently, Spiwak is working on gathering more opinions and stories from international students so she can find a way to once again propose a recommendation to put a cap on international student tuition fees. She will continue to bring the issue of tuition fee increases to the BoG to ensure that it is at the front of everyone’s minds.

Another highlight was the BoG Student Caucus. As a student leader, when Spiwak attends the BoG meeting, she is not allowed in the closed session. There are two students on the BoG elected by the student body, but they necessarily don’t have connections to the student body and cannot be held accountable by the student body.

So, Spiwak said that if she is not allowed to express the student opinion, it is questionable as to whether the student voice is present at the discussion table of such an important board in this University.

It was put forward that this caucus would meet a week before each BoG meeting to discuss items on the agenda. It would comprise of the student BoG representatives, TCSA President, Trent Graduate Students’ Association (TGSA) President, and Trent Durham Student Association (TDSA) President, reported Spiwak, who “[hopes] these ideas will better increase student communication to our representatives on the Board of Governors.”

Vice President University and College Affairs Pippa O’Brien reported that there are currently 64 clubs registered under the TCSA, although the number continues to increase, as the registration remains open until April. To date, TCSA has given approximately $15,000 in clubs funding, with about $17,000 remaining.

The “Green Your Campus” competition, a new initiative started this year, as reported by Environment and Sustainability Commissioner Anastasia Kaschenko, will give students the opportunity to implement their ideas. Green Team at Trent, made up of a dedicated group of students, secured close to $5,000, and is look-

ing to fund students who have ideas for a campus sustainability project. Kaschenko presented another suggestion, which was to provide funding and means to implement students’ academic-related projects that have been submitted over the years, but never actualized.

First Year Off-Residence Commissioner Elora Tarlo stated that in the future she would like to make the position better known to other first-year students. She recently found out that one of her responsibilities, to organize a bus to the Farmers’ Market, was being taken over by some other student. So, Tarlo declared, “I am ready to pass the position on to someone else.”

TCSA Organizational Review and Development Committee also recommended the adoption of amendments made in a certain clause within the by-laws to reflect the current caucus. TCSA Policy Book 2015-2016 states: “A by-law is a rule set out to govern the organization, which everyone in the organization must adhere to.”

The Student Centre levy fee took the first motion for amendment. The new proposed statement read that “all members of the Association registered in 3.5 or more credits shall pay a Student Centre Fee for the purposes of the construction and management of a student centre,” instead of “all students” as per the original statement. It was reasoned that when Trent Part-time Student Association (TPSA) and TCSA merged, there was no agreement in place for the part-time students to be paying in to the student levy.

The number of directors was also amended to reflect the change in a staffing plan, which went through at the recent board meeting on Jan. 10. The TCSA will have a new Vice President Clubs and External Affairs in the coming year.

Campaigns and University Affairs committee under standing committees was replaced by Events committee. It was clarified that the old committee was not functioning in a capacity successful to the organization.

Since most of its mandates were to focus on events, changing it to events was more advantageous.

Another change was made to the budget presentation date. To reflect the new annual operating budget (that was changed in 2013), TCSA should have the first draft of the budget in October, the second in January, and the third to the Board of Directors by the end of May. TCSA Policy Resolutions saw some

changes in their use of language and got rid of things that were no longer functioning or in existence.

TCSA Policy Book 2015-2016 states: “Policy Resolutions are documents that outline the specific values and shared beliefs of the organization. For example, the Trent Central Student Association has Policy Resolutions on a broad range of issues, such as Tuition User Fees and University Autonomy.”

Under the college system, TCSA proposed the change in language of “Introductory Seminar Weeks (ISW) and orientation activities organized in a collegiate basis” to “Orientation weeks and orientation activities organized in a collegiate basis.”

However, during the meeting, a motion was put forward by one of the attendees to change it back to the original ISW. The speaker said that Gzowski Cabinet in particular has actively chosen not to change the terms in their Constitution because “the change of term by the administration showed a lack of consultation with students, therefore it is a huge concern for the cabinet.”

They think it is important that if a term will be changed on the policy level, then it necessitates consultation with the college cabinets; and for the TCSA to make the changes on their own fails to show solidarity with the college cabinets, the speaker expressed.

TCSA justified the change by saying that “Trent has changed the term so it is necessary that we change it so they are reflected in our policy and resolution, to help with the students’ orientation week.

However, the motion put forward by the floor to change the term back from orientation week to ISW failed to carry through with 19 opposed and only two in favour.

Another resolution that saw thorough discussion was the university residences policy resolution. The floor put forward a motion to repeal the entire policy. After a long discussion and deliberation, representatives of TCSA Organizational Review and Development Committee saw that whatever language was being utilized or amendments proposed are completely pertinent to Trent University. So, the initial motion put forward by TCSA to adopt the amendment was carried through.

The TCSA Winter SAGM closed with successful discussion of all the agendas proposed.

Champlain College: tradition and exclusivity within sporting events

By Matt Douglas

Over the weekend Champlain College hosted one of the biggest weekends on its calendar – Mon Temps combines their famous broomball tournament with a college-wide dinner. Champlain is a college rich with tradition. The broomball tournament will be 48 years old and for many is a highlight of the school of year. Traditions are the illusion of permanence and inherently fun. It is exciting and fun to be involved in a tradition and walk in the footsteps of those who came before you. It connects Champlain College of 1968 to today’s version.

For all the thrill that tradition brings there is a grey side. Tradition, to a certain extent, begets an air of exclusivity. You are either a part of the tradition or you are not. For outsiders wishing to be involved it is difficult to feel that you are welcome to join Champlain’s two cornerstone sporting events, the broomball tournament and the fall weekend Pig Bowl (football tournament).

6

www.trentarthur.ca

A couple students told me they felt that these Champlain events are exclusive and they are left out. To a certain extent they are – they are meant for Champlain students. As Keeley Moloney, president of the Champlain Cabinet told Arthur, “These are events for Champlain students paid for by student levies so it is only fair that Champlainers get priority.”

From my experience no other college holds sporting events that are as popular as Champlain’s. For this there will be outsiders looking in who would love to play. The problems with these events aren’t systemic, Champlain allows players from other colleges to participate in the tournaments, but they must be on team that includes Champlain students. (There are other actions taken to make sure people are included such as off-campus reps and free agent teams).

The problem for those who feel left out are more social. Andrew Tan, a former Champlain cabinet member commented

on this, “Most people don’t welcome at college events, except a portion of the first year students and those in the in groups of people who took leadership roles in the cabinet and ISW.” The tournament teams are made up from group of friends that often surround the inner workings of the college and always around tight social groups. There are “legacy” teams which are carried on through generations of students where upper years ask promising first-years to join and carry on the tradition; teams such as the Angry Lumberjacks, which now have a 13-year history.

So the difficult part for outsiders is finding a team, being a part of a social group that will run a team for the tournament.

Champlain’s events are particularly attractive because they are larger and well-established events. “Perhaps it is because of the tradition that Champlain has the success with the events that it does, we have a head start on some other colleges in building

traditions like this,” said Moloney.

This isn’t a new problem at Trent either, I found a story in the Trent yearbook circa 2000 where a student from Peter Robinson College complained that he was unable to join in Champlain’s touch football.

So is Champlain exclusive? Kind of. But they aren’t really trying to be.

I’m not sure what Champlain Cabinet can do about it either. I think a good step would be to acknowledge that their sporting events are a draw to students throughout the campus and open registration to all students (even if they have to charge students affiliated with other colleges). The cabinet is concerned about being exclusive. Moloney said, “Every college has an image and I really don’t want Champlain’s image to be intimidating. I think we do a good job at being inclusive and welcoming people.”

She also said to contact her to if you have any concerns of your own about the matter. keeleymoloney@trentu.ca

campus

A word with Frank Warren: founder of PostSecret

By D Dmuchoswki

“Secret. ‘sēkrit /adjective. 1. not known or seen or not meant to be known or seen by others.”

Everyone has one. Some have stores, while others may only keep a few. Some keep them in the deepest recesses of their psyche, in the dusty attics of the mind; hidden away in tightly packaged boxes, long forgotten and cobwebbed by gossamer threads of nostalgia. Secrets are human not necessarily in their content, but in the significance of needing to keep them hidden away. Perhaps the most painful part of a secret is the need to keep it.

PostSecret is a community art project in which people from around the world are invited to anonymously decorate a postcard and send it in. Frank Warren, the founder, started the initiative in Baltimore-Washington. He printed approximately three thousand stamped and addressed postcards, handing them out in the streets and leaving them between the pages of library books and magazines, encouraging people to anonymously share their secrets.

For ten years, people have been scribbling their secrets onto these small pieces of paper, and for just over ten years, Warren has been dutifully scanning and posting a handful of them on his wordpress site, postsecret.com.

Since its inception in 2005, PostSecret has received over a million postcards from across the globe, and has brought 700 million people to the website. There have been six published books all reaching New

York Times bestseller status. On the popularity of PostSecret, Warren said, “I feel very honoured and fortunate that so many hundreds of thousands of people have trusted me with their deepest confessions, stories they’ve never told their families or best friends.”

What had originally started as a personal project became a wildly popular international community.

“I think it’s the truth and authenticity of the secrets people share with me everyday that has made PostSecret so popular,” Warren added. “The humour, sexuality, hope, and anguish are the power of these confessions and how they connect with people.”

When asked, Warren confided that the most received secret is, surprisingly, peeing in the shower. The runner-up is less mundane, but definitely universally relatable. “I see so many people searching for that one person who they can tell all their secrets to, where they can feel free and full and be their full selves around.”

He commented that there has not been much of a change in content since the beginning of the project, across time and borders. “I haven’t noticed much change between languages or continents. It’s still surprising to me that the secrets that arrive from New Zealand are the same as those from Israel, Iraq or Greenland.”

The universality of the themes on the human condition is something that has the power to bring people together across continents and language, cultural and social barriers.

The analogue nature of the project and its continued success in a world that

continues to become more technological is refreshing. “I feel it’s paradoxical that at a time when there have never been more people on the planet and we’ve never had this amount of technology to allow communication, there has never been a greater sense of loneliness,” Warren shared.

While we have the unprecedented ability to share our thoughts and identities with the rest of the world who are privileged enough to have access to the Internet and communications technology, we get to decide largely how we will be interpreted.

Due to the complete control we have over the information and personas we share, raw authenticity can be hard to come by on the online worlds we spend so much time engaging with. PostSecret is the complete antithesis to this phenomenon, and perhaps another reason for its great success.

Being able to share in the connections that happen over PostSecret can be a very rewarding experience for everyone in the community. “I think I like the ones that share a hidden act of kindness, or are funny, romantic or sexual,” added Warren. “One from a girl said, ‘I still have the password to my ex-boyfriend’s email account. I sometimes read his emails and it pisses me off.’

There was another from a guy that stated ‘I know my ex-girlfriend has my password.

I sometimes write emails to piss her off.’

There have also been several marriage proposals over PostSecret. These connections happen in amazing and inspiring ways.”

Of course, not all secrets are made equal, and some are inevitably darker than others. “I have been contacted by the FBI and police about secrets before. I try not to censor the secrets,” Warren continued.

Despite the dedication to non-censorship – a feature that has catalyzed the sense of closeness and community through its sometimes very raw honesty – there is one card he will never publish. “A secret came to me on a family portrait. The secret read, ‘My brother doesn’t realize that his father is not the same as our father.’ You could see the difference she was talking about. I feel that I don’t have the right to out that man publicly in a way he might not be happy with. I will never share that postcard.”

Warren feels it to be his responsibility to pass on the stories that have been confided in him, and honour the courage that it takes to share these secrets with the world.

On censorship, he sais, “I post strong secrets. For example, I received one that said, ‘everyone who knew me before 9/11 thinks I’m dead.’

“It’s completely anonymous. People trust me with their secrets and I share it. I will continue to post the most controversial secrets, secrets that have brought people together and transformed lives.”

Mental health advocacy has also become a large part of Warren’s work.

Secrets, it seems, lay at the heart of what perpetuates mental health stigma. Because of this still-prevalent stigma, themes surrounding mental health challenges have also become a common theme at PostSecret.

“Without the discussion of voicing how they’re feeling, people feel alone. The most painful part is the struggle to keep what you are truly feeling private. It’s important to talk because it allows you to recognize there are solutions and people who care.

Sometimes when you’re struggling with mental health, it’s hard to think clearly. You forget that there are scientifically proven methods and medicines that can make people feel better.

“Because there is still such a stigma around the issue of mental health, I think people feel ashamed about these truths about who they are, when the irony is that if they could just find the right way or person to tell their secret, they would realize they’re not living in isolation and are a part of a larger community that shares that same truth,” Warren explained.

“Even though it might be difficult to feel this in the moment of struggle, they are not alone. The majority of people have struggled with mental as well as physical health.

If they could just find the courage to reach out, they would be surprised how close and nearby hope and help is.”

PostSecret has raised over one million dollars for suicide prevention to date.

PostSecret is an accessible platform that allows people who are facing these stigmas to name them in a global community that values acceptance, non-judgment, and respect.

“I’ve learned that there are two kinds of secrets,” Warren concludes. “The ones we keep from others, and the ones that we hide from ourselves. Sometimes hearing students share their secrets live can spark the courage in others to share their secrets in a way that becomes the first step in a process that brings you to a better place.”

PostSecret founder Frank Warren will be visiting Peterborough on Feb. 8, at The Venue (286 George St. N.) to present a multi-media address. The event will include a public presentation of student secrets, the presentation of postcards that were banned from the printed books and speeches from Warren himself. Tickets are available at the TCSA for $20.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, please reach out to your local community counselling centre, or helplines like Four County Crisis (1-866-995-9933) and Good2Talk (1-866-925-5454).

There is help and hope.

All photos sourced from www.postsecret.com

Volume 50 | Issue 15 | February 1, 2016

7

Black Heritage Month

Black Heritage Month

Black History They turned the history of empires into a footnote About what they took they wrote About what we gave they never spoke I was taught to believe that the contribution of those who looked like me was negligible Our language, unintelligible which is why they cut out my mother’s tongue and shoved theirs down my throat I was told they shrunk our history down to a “shipment” on a boat But I still remember I remember how the French held their breath as they faced Samore Toure The air was heavy with the scent of glory A smell like heavy copper and red soil Miles away This fertile soil split open birthing the Zulu warriors to strike fear into the hearts of the British and later the Mau Mau made them skittish While Haile Selassie maintained his throne I remember how when we banded together we brought an empire to it’s knees these memories are written in blood and will never cease even if you corrupt our psychology drain our economy degrade us socially reduce us to a tab in your pornography we will never forget our true black history -Daisy Komujuni

8

www.trentarthur.ca

Photos by Samantha Moss

Volume 50 | Issue 15 | February 1, 2016

9

Campus

Awareness: a white privilege guide

By Betelhem Wondimu

White privilege: a topic that elicits a spectrum of emotions from confusion to utter denial of its existence.

The term first appeared in a paper published in 1988, entitled “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” by Wellesley College professor Peggy McIntosh.

White privilege is defined as a “social advantage that comes from being seen as the norm, automatically conferred irrespective of wealth, gender or other factors; it smooths out life, but in a way that’s barely noticeable — unless it doesn’t apply to you.”

The academic discourse around white privilege has fueled the term’s usage and awareness by young people in movements such as Black Lives Matter.

Statements like “I am white, but I am not privileged,” together with a complete denial of its existence, tend to be the common reaction, despite glaring evidence that raises questions about equality and representation in Canadian systems. For example, 9.5 per cent of federal inmates today are black (an increase of 80 per cent since 2003/2004) and yet, Black Canadians make up less than 3 per cent of the total Canadian population.

Aboriginal people account for a staggering 23 per cent of the federal inmate population, but they comprise only 4.3 per cent of the total Canadian population. One in three women who are under federal sentence are aboriginal.

It would be inaccurate to generalize white people since there are white people

who live in poverty and people of minorities who are wealthy and powerful. There are certainly white people who are disadvantaged. However, white privilege varies from the rise and fall of accumulation of wealth. The Washington Post’s Christine Emba explains, “It’s the fact that simply by virtue of being a white person, of whatever socioeconomic status, you get the benefit of the doubt.” Many minorities can work as hard or twice as hard as their white counterparts but they will still face systemic barriers they need to conquer.

Unfortunately, a lot of people fail to understand that acknowledging the existence of white privilege does not mean “stripping white people of their jobs and possessions.” Emba writes, “A request to ac-

knowledge one’s privilege is just a reminder to be aware — aware that you might not be able to fully understand someone else’s experiences, that the assumptions you were brought up with may be blinding you, that some people may have to struggle for reasons foreign to you.”

Discussing white privilege is also not accusing white people of being racist or making “white people apologize for being white.” The use of white privilege tends to be unintentional. Thus, the acknowledgement of its existence allows for the acknowledgement of others’ experiences, and as a society, we expect those who are privileged to help the underprivileged or disadvantaged. Essentially, it represents the opportunity to create an equitable society.

A white person’s guide to Black Heritage Month

By Reba Harrison

Disclosure: I am a white person.

White people can be either racist, nonracist or anti-racist. If you believe the simple absence of racism in your attitude is enough, you are non-racist. If you believe that it is not enough to not engage in racist behaviour and use your position of privilege to battle racism, you are anti-racist.

This does not mean that you need to follow a career in race relations and activism. It could be as simple as standing up and correcting people when you hear racist remarks. It could be simply questioning the absence of People of Colour in positions of power.

It requires progressive action towards equality. In addition, being antiracist is fully comprehending the fact that you will never know the systemic/rac-

10

www.trentarthur.ca

ist barriers that people of color have to confront in their day to day lives. It also acknowledging the complex facets race and race relations present.

If you are an anti-racist white person, here are the things that you can do this month of February: 1. Unpack your invisible knapsack.

In reference to Peggy McIntosh’s work published in 1989 “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.” In other words, recognize and reflect upon your privilege.

This does not mean that you must feel guilty; it means that it is important for you to recognize that (in some ways) you have a better advantage than many others do.

2. Accept that reverse racism is not a thing.

One can be discriminated against for

being white, but racism requires a systematic lack of power control. Which is controlled by the strange idealization of pale skin. This does not mean that all white people have systematic control, but it means that on the basis of their skin, they have more than People of Colour.

If you cannot handle the existence of co-existing truths in power relation, this may not make much sense to you. In this case, I encourage you to do your own educational research. Be wary of the disproportionately negative mass media depiction of people of color.

3. Attend events, listen, learn.

The Trent African Caribbean Student Union in collaboration with the Colleges and various organizations, is hosting a wonderful series of events for Black Heritage Month. The perfect opportunity

to educate yourself is presented! Especially important is the chance to engage in the Black Lives Matter movement on Feb. 29, with various events running from 12p.m. to 9p.m.

4. Ask yourself why the information is more commonly validated as the words of a white person.

During this article, did you believe my words more so than you may have if the author was a black woman?

It wouldn’t be surprising as that demonstrates an example of the systematically oppression against People of Colour.

White people are born racist because of the society that we live in; it is not necessarily the views of the children or family.

What is important is that you now educate yourself to stop making those conclusions.

Join the Geeks on Air Feb 11!

By James Kerr

Do you like things? I mean do you really like things? Maybe your spinning wheel, large concrete structures, Star Trek, board games or Japanese domestic market vehicles? Cornish rexes? Whatever your passion may be, Trent Radio is offering you the opportunity to take your interest, channel it into a radio show and share it with the world over 92.7 FM. Every once and a while we have an ‘event day’ at Trent Radio where regular programming is summarily tossed out the window and instead we programme to theme, and this time the theme is: Geek.

“Geek Day” is Thursday, Feb. 11. All day long, a celebration of all things geeky, esoteric, strange and obsessive: “An Adventure 92.7 Megahertz in the Making”.

If talking on the air about whatever gets you geeking out sounds appealing to you, write your name on the sign-up sheet that is now posted in the hallway of Trent Radio, 715 George St. N., on the corners of Parkhilll and George streets. Don’t be afraid if it’s your first time on the air, we can help with that. (What, you’re worried about being sweaty and nervous and awkward and not speaking well when you’re talking about your rock Tumblr, postage stamps, or Lord of the Rings?) Jump right into your obsession and broadcast it through us!

Also, that night at 9p.m., we’re hosting a Geek Day Pub night at Sadleir House, 751 George St. Everyone is invited. Bring your geeky stuff to share with others and chat away the night.

Excelsior, my fellow Trent University students, excelsior!

Photo by Samantha Moss from a cool and geeky place: Planet of Stuff (Issue 14)

community A book lovers guide to local shops

By Brian Hough

Starting on Water Street, specifically the store Books And Things, check out the window display for Chinese human rights and pro-democracy activist Wei Jingsheng’s book of memoirs, “The Courage To Stand Alone.” Also in the window is something far lighter, which is Max Brooks’s “The Zombie Survival Guide.”

And if you go into the store, check out the table of recent arrivals and look for Mexican Nobel Laureate Octavio Paz’s collection of essays entitled “The Labyrinth of Solitude.”

Almost right next door, go visit Scholar’s and take a look in their recent arrivals for the Jewish-Palestinian American anthropologist and ethnographer Lilu-Abu Lughod’s “Writing Women’s Worlds: Bedouin Stories” ($8.95). For further reading on women in the Middle East, Azar Nurisi’s memoir “Things I’ve Been Silent About: Memories” is available for $15.

Finally given the backdrop of the impending Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), be sure to look in the window for American Nobel Laureate (Economics) Joseph E. Stiglitz’s “Globalization and Its Discontents”. Published in 2002, its critique of global neoliberalism and the behaviour of the IMF in the 1990s is probably more pertinent now than ever.

Still on Water Street, the labyrinthine Thea’s Books and Violins is a nice browse.

In the philosophy section, look for the indispensable Thomas Kuhn’s “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.”

In the foreign literature section, you will find “The Island of the Day Before” by acclaimed Italian novelist Umberto Eco, as

well as Shyan Selvudari’s beautiful, misshelved “Funny Boy” (in the foreign literature section, but Selvudari is, in fact, SriLankan Canadian).

When you leave Water Street to visit the two bookshops on George Street, stop

by Mark Jokinen’s to take advantage of the “buy two, get the third book free” deal. Before you even enter the shop, you might to browse the dollar bin outside to find a copy of Gzowski’s (yes, that Gzowski) “The Latest Morningside Papers” – his series of essay collections on Canadian politics and culture.

Inside, head over to your immediate left for the English language literature sections where you should be able to find Gregory Maguire’s “Wicked” (upon which the hit musical of the same name was based), as well as the perennially beloved author Kurt Vonnegut’s “Jailbird.”

One section over in the science-fiction/ fantasy section, for six dollars, you can get acclaimed African-American and women’s sci-fi writer Octavia E. Butler’s brilliant “Parable of the Sower.”

Finally, one block over, drop by Knotanew Book Store for a quick look at their literature sections, in which you will find author and Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher’s “The Best Awful,” as well as Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” (upon which the highly praised American film of the same was based. As well as Canadian author Annabel Lyon’s “The Golden Mean,” a fascinating piece of historical fiction based on the lives and friendship of Aristotle and a young Alexander The Great.

Note: Dixon’s was strangely closed when I did the rounds this week, but hopefully we’ll catch up with them soon.

Trent Film Society Presents: Laurence Anyways

By Tumelo Drametu

With the Trent Film Society welcoming the month of February, we are happy to be bringing you all a new set of films under the theme of love.

While there are endless movies that are released yearly which tackle the theme of love and relationships, we at TFS have decided to focus primarily on films which show forms of romance not particularly represented in mainstream films. The first film that we will be screening will be a film by renowned Canadian filmmaker Xavier Dolan (I Killed My Mother, Mommy, & Adele’s Hello music video) titled Laurence Anyways.

The story of Laurence Anyways follows a transgendered woman named Laurence and her partner Frederique. The film follows these two characters’ relationship over the span of two decades and it shows the highs and lows the couple faces from those

around them and with each other.

With this film, TFS is not only able to showcase a film by a true Canadian auteur (the visual aesthetics, music choices, and camerawork alone in this film are that of a filmmaker who has fully realized their work), but we are also able to showcase a beautiful and epic love story about a specific demographic which rarely ever gets respectable representation in Western film and media. One of the beautiful aspects of this film is that Dolan refuses to gloss over the hardships that transgendered individuals face in regards to romantic relationships and in regards being able to identify as their true selves.

Dolan brilliantly captures the difficulties that Laurence faces in trying to reclaim her own identity in a world that sees her being as taboo and unnatural. From small moments such as Laurence having to explain and justify her gender identity to people who only understand gender normative

terms, to Laurence being able to embrace her true identity for the first time, Dolan is able to allow the audience to experience the complex nature of transgendered experiences in a cisgender-dominant society.

The film also relies heavily on the theme of identity and public perceptions, with the theme being set during the film’s powerful opening moments (which begins with many people staring into the camera as if they are judging someone, each baring a different negative, and sometimes positive, expression on their face).

This theme could have related to Dolan due to his experiences as a homosexual in a hetero-dominant society, but with an attachment to this core theme, Dolan is able to make his film ring true and resonate with anyone who has struggled with their identity and has faced harsh public perception due to non-conformity.

Having this as a main theme, Dolan is not only able to make the story more

universal, but he is also able to humanize Laurence’s struggles and create a strong sense of empathy towards her and her experiences throughout the film. Also, with Frederique leading the film with Laurence, the film focuses heavily on the struggles of their relationship after Laurence reveals her true identity.

With the film spanning over a decade, we see their relationship play like an emotional roller-coaster, with many ups and downs throughout, with their sexual dynamic shifting and their love being tested countlessly. While it may be hard to watch at times, their relationship serves as the heart of the film and helps create many of the films beautiful moments.

We hope that you are all able to join us on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. at Artspace for our screening of this beautiful film, which we are proud to have as our kick starter for our February romance lineup. See you on Wednesday!

Volume 50 | Issue 15 | February 1, 2016

11

community

New Canadian Canoe Museum design gets a push upstream Source: Peterborough Canoe Museum

By Dan Morrison

The Canadian Canoe museum is undergoing a revamp. It was announced recently that heneghan peng architects and Kearns Mancini Architects won the international competition to build the new $45 million Canoe museum, having beaten 95 other submissions.

The successful design is a serpentine glass pavilion, topped with a two-acre rooftop garden. The museum’s press release described how the design “presents a Canadian game changer that organically and boldly curves out from the drumlins beside the Trent-Severn waterway […] the museum embraces aboriginal wisdom to live and build lightly on the land.”

With this aim of leaving as little a footprint on the land as possible, the museum is designed to have lower operating and energy costs. The press release notes that the jury were impressed by the design’s intelligence on sustainability. As well as only exposing its east and south glass walls to the “elements”, geothermal heating and cooling system will reduce energy consumption

and costs, a big plus in today’s day and age.

Currently on Monaghan Road, the new museum will be at the site of the Peterborough Lift Lock. The design is to house the largest collection of canoes and kayaks in the world, with an internal area of 80,000 square feet.

Bretton Clark, guide and operator for the Land Canadian Adventures (and all around nice guy), said that “the new location and design represents the opposite of the current home of the Canoe Museum. It certainly keeps a low profile, [and] it seems to represent a commitment to live and build gently.”

Importantly, the flexible floor plate means that the building can evolve and work with the land, rather than be imposed upon it, so the museum can also adapt to changing expectations over time.

The Selection Committee said, “The heneghan peng/ Kearns Mancini submission stood apart from the other submissions as the design works organically with the land rather than overwhelming it.”

The positioning of the museum will also allow its aboriginal artefacts and birch bark canoes the dark spaces that they require for

Day clinic closure affects Trent community

By Troy Bordun

12

Perhaps you’ve visited the Day Clinic at 26 Hospital Dr. during the summer months when Trent’s Health Services shuts it doors or as an alumnus/alumna without a family doctor.

You call the Day Clinic around 8:30a.m., and pray that they have an opening for that day. Sometimes you receive an automated voice informing you that they’re full up.

You repeat the process on your next free day until an appointment is made.

If you’ve needed to visit the Day Clinic on more than one occasion, it’s likely you didn’t see the same physician (at least on consecutive visits). According to the Peterborough Examiner (“Peterborough’s day clinic closes its doors,” Jan. 23, 2016), at one time the Clinic had up to 12 doctors who were seeing 125 patients a day.

In recent years that number dwindled to two rotating physicians due, in part, to new restrictions on opening family practices and retired doctors losing interest in participating part-time at the Clinic.

The Examiner further states that the

www.trentarthur.ca

20-year-old Clinic operated “on a feeper-service model,” thus with only two doctors, the Clinic was not able to generate enough income to continue its service.

The Day Clinic “Administration” issued a notice of closure on Jan. 22, 2016. It followed the notice with an Ontario government website to aid you in your search of a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

This Ontario government initiative does not guarantee that they will in fact find you a doctor – roughly 80 per cent of individuals find a doctor this way. Certainly one can look for their own doctor as well, and this is encouraged.

What the website fails to mention is the time it may take to find a doctor.

According to personal accounts, a sixmonth wait-time is possible. Given the Day Clinic closure, this wait-time may be longer now that people will be making more use of the service.

You can visit the following site for more details and to register: https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-familydoctor-or-nurse-practitioner.

their preservation, without creating this artificially.

The committee responsible for choosing the architects included Chief Williams of Curve Lake First Nation, as well as museum staff members, local business leaders, and Parks Canada representatives. The committee chair was Lisa Rochon. Formerly an acclaimed critic for Globe and Mail, Rochon is now Senior Fellow at Global Cities Institute at University of Toronto.

The museum was founded in 1997, established on a collection of the late Professor Kirk Wipper. With 100 canoes on display, it can also count 600 “canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft” among its holdings. Not only is the volume of canoes impressive, but the scope and range, too.

The museum’s website notes that “artefacts range from the great dugouts of the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest to the singular bark canoes of the Beothuk of Newfoundland.”

It does not just stop with Canada, though.

Over time, the museum has accrued watercraft “from as far away as Paraguay and the Amazon,” helping the museum to expand

its international scope.

The Canoe museum spawned from a 1950s narrative called “join the collector,” referring to museum founder Kirk Wipper accumulate a representative collection of canoes. As the century went on, the collection found home at Camp Kandalore, before Wipper sold the camp to look for a new home for the collection.

After buying Outboard Marine Corporation’s office and factory on Monaghan Road, Wipper was able to properly form the Canadian Canoe Museum.

In moving to the water, the museum now has extra possibilities for engaging people with paddlecraft. Clark, who tries to visit with his family “once or twice a month,” said he “can’t wait to see what on-water programs they cook up, as well.”

This latest plan to move is another step forward for the museum as it continues to teach, respect, preserve, and celebrate Canada’s rich paddlecraft history. In building lightly on the land, the intelligence of the design and its dialogue with First Nations communities, the museum continues to embody these traits.

arts

Artspace installation sheds new light on a dark issue Photos by Samantha Moss

By Tyler Majer

An exhibit currently in place at Artspace, curated by Sheena Hoszko, questions the validity of the immigration detention situation, and interrogates the ongoing apathy, lethargy and ineffective ideals that subsist in regards to the refugee crisis.

Sheena’s art installation uses immigration detention as an exploration, and criticism, of the prison system in Canada.

Further more, she chooses The Central East Correctional Centre, colloquially known as the ‘Lindsay Super Jail’, to explore the injustices associated with prison systems, the refugee situation, and what this all means in regards, to racism, mental health, and incarceration in Canada.

With Justin Trudeau’s promise of immigrating 25,000 refugees, one might be surprised to learn that although physically within Canada, many refugees or immigrants are not actually going about their lives, and are held in limbo within prison walls. Under Stephen Harper’s government, and subsequently Justin Trudeau’s, as no reform has taken place in regards to immigration detention, any ‘undocumented’ migrant is jailed indefinitely and listed as an immigration detainee.

An ‘undocumented’ person is one that has had either their temporary visa expire, or their refugee status erased as a result of being convicted of a crime. These people are not being put on trial and have no charges against them, but are jailed nonetheless.

Their ‘crimes’, if you want to call them that, are bureaucratic, the result of ineffective legislation that has been put in place, and left untouched, forgotten or forcefully neglected. Trudeau’s immigration promise only masks the problem, letting the majority of the Canadian population think that we are

doing right, while past detainees face indefinite isolation, depression and incarceration.

These immigration detainees are regarded as dangerous by the Canadian government, and must await deportation to their country of origin. Unfortunately, many of the countries that these detainees come from cannot accept them, due to poverty and war, or simply will not accept them on the basis of equally unjust laws in their country of origin. Therefore, detainees face not only a battle with unjust Canadian laws, but also a battle with uncertainty, doubt and anxiety for a system that regards them as not really there.

Hoszko’s installation challenges all of the negativity with a perspective not only focused on an outside perspective, but from the inside as well. Hoszko’s exhibition utilizes Artspace’s two-showcase layout in a way that not only challenges, but contrasts the issues concerning the Central East Correctional Centre.

Showroom one consists simply of fences, stacked side by side, almost as a perspective of what we as regular civilians see. We do not see each face incarcerated within the walls, the family that supports each and every face, or the tears that run down said faces. Rather, all we see is fences. That is the initial impression anyway.

However, the fences also represent tangibility. Not only are the fences used as a representation of incarceration, but the actual amount of fences that you see are equal to the perimeter, a 1:1 scale, of the Super Jail itself. The fact that a spectator can not only see, but also feel, and even smell these chain-link fences creates astonishment.

People are expressing astonishment at the absurdity that is keeping people against their will, for something as arbitrary as being deemed ‘undocumented’, a word with a clear definition, but no clear meaning. Peo-

ple just like us, due to arbitrary law making, and something as simple as their place of birth, are held stagnant, and forced to stay dormant inside of chain-link fences. The same chain-link fences that you can smell, and see and touch right in front of you.

Showcase two comes from an inside perspective. Lining the walls are sheets of paper with an accumulation of letters, poetry and statements from those detained.

Each one requires careful reading. Each one describes the conditions of their environments, and the sadness, despair and treachery that they feel being held against their will. Some are hand-written, some are original documents, some are re-typed, but all echo the same question: why?

Some of the most powerful statements in the room are written with the utmost simplicity. Some describe the condition of the jail itself.

Statements such as, “The water that we drink tastes like shit,” and “It is always cold in here like it is winter,” describe the inhumane, cruel and unusual aspects of their stay. Other statements call out to a higher power and highlight the brokenness of the situation. An ‘only god can save us now’ mentality. “They say the lord is merciful and compassionate but I can not say the same about immigration…”

Others write poetry, to try to put their feelings into words that resonate on a deeper level.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m a lot like imperfect clay. The clay of my life becomes bent, broken, or cracked.”

Each piece draped along the walls is written in different ways, and different forms, but all scream for attention. Why? Why Why? And all we can answer is ‘I don’t know’.

The final aspect of the second showcase is a letter-writing station set up in the middle of the room that allows for anybody willing, and able to write a letter to those held inside. This is probably the most im-

portant aspect of the whole exhibition. The ability to contact those on the inside, a luxury so rare to those detained, is of utmost importance. Change will come slowly, but it will come, as long as we continue, pushing, fighting and speaking our voices. In the mean time, those on the inside need help to stay strong, and maybe writing a letter is a good start.

Finally, I would like to draw attention to a few organizations around Peterborough and Ontario that are advocating for the rights of those detained. The first of which is the No One is Illegal movement out of Toronto. This organization advocates for the rights of refugees on the whole, creating safe environments, raising awareness, educating, protesting and even stopping deportations. Although, this movement advocates for all refugees, and put special emphasis on those detained as well.

No One is Illegal has a petition that you can sign entitled, ‘Refugees Welcome.’ You can visit either the No One is Illegal website, or sign the petition to help all refugees at the links listed below.

The End Immigration Network of Peterborough advocates specifically for those detained and fights for those detained at the Central East Correctional Centre, as well as those all over Canada. Websites for all of these organizations can be found below.w I end with a quote from a detainee targeted towards lawmakers, politicians, and any of those who agree with the immigration detention process.

“What gives you the right to discourage me and put me down like an animal? I’m a human just like you with a family just like you.”

The Exhibition runs until February 25th.

Art space is open Tues-Fri from 12-6, and on Saturdays from 12-4.

NoOneisIllegal.org refugeeswelcome.ca

Photo by John Charles Fenech

Volume 50 | Issue 15 | February 1, 2016

13

arts

A review of Chelsea Does: Episode 1 Netflix is an unstoppable bullet train catapulting forward without any sign of stopping. We, the addicted passengers, have yet to get off. The ride has been way too much fun. What’s fascinating is the wide range of material and genres that Netflix has covered on this journey. We’ve seen hardhitting dramas, stand-up comedy specials and jaw-dropping documentaries that make us question the U.S. justice system in an internet-nerd fury – I’m looking at you, Making a Murderer. In continuing to keep us on our toes, Netflix released their newest offering, Chelsea Does, which is a four-part comedic documentary series that follows the crass comedian and former talk-show host Chelsea Handler.

Similar to my review of Master of None, I wish to study and review the first episode as an introduction to the series. Next week, I plan to follow-up this review with a comprehensive critique of the season in its entirety. This practice is merely a front to ensure that I don’t run out of ideas and that the editors at Arthur keep me on staff.

You’ll know it’s getting bad if I decide to review one episode each week. Here’s hoping it doesn’t get to that.

Those of you that are familiar with Handler and her program Chelsea Lately will know that she is the backyard wrestler comedy. She operates on a blunt and no-holds-barred brand of ha-ha that inspires uncomfortable and cringe-worthy situations. Some may find it crude, but it is an approach that I find hilarious, especially when she questions celebrities who aren’t used to her gut-punch and often sexually charged fare.

Chelsea Does operates on a completely different approach. The show, which is divided into four parts, takes Handler into different situations that are framed by a particular theme. The first episode is about marriage, which already had me buzzing with excitement given that she has never been married, has particularly strong views

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. Follow him @KeithHodder and feel free to suggest a film. on the subject, and has been known to date a slew of interesting and questionable characters – 50 Cent being one of them. Not to mention, given 40 years, I was curious if the show would venture past comedy and into drama.

I wasn’t disappointed.

Imagine a woman, born and raised in New Jersey, takes her eventual rise to fame in Los Angeles with her in-your-face honesty in tow – and then drop her into the mix with a slew of Average Joes who have no idea what hit them, and you’ve found

the recipe that makes this show work so well.

But there is heart-warming charm that comes with the mix as well, which seems to be in contrast to Handler’s brand – however, it complements her humanity and the sensitive topic in which she deals with her dysfunctional relationships and loneliness.

The episode follows Handler as she works with professional matchmakers and clinical therapists to find the root of her difficulties, and as she interviews a range of

couples – gay, widowed, non-monogamous and absurd. She even interviews her own father to learn more about herself and her father’s perception of her chances of marriage, but also on the relationship her parents shared. It’s simultaneously hilarious and touching, which seems to be a trend in the show thus far.

Chelsea even sits down with one of her first boyfriends, and both are honest in how their relationship worked out in the past and what they thought of each other at the time. In many of the interviews, with her friends, lovers or family, all can agree that given Chelsea’s intense nature, that finding a proper suitor will be difficult for her.

Though she laughs, it’s obvious that Chelsea has been handed information that she’s always known, but has struggled to face. The comedian who thrives in honesty seems to be hurt by it, and not only do we feel for her, but we laugh at her as well. It’s both vicious and touching.

The most amusing, though, is Handler’s penchant to say the first thing that comes to her mind. Not only does it empower the episode and amusingly alienate her subjects – many of whom believe some of their odd inclinations are normal – but it also shows that we are in the hands of someone who will say anything and everything not to get a laugh because it is exactly what she is thinking of at the moment. This results in nervous laughter, but it is a unique brand of laughter nonetheless.

With that being said, the next three episodes seem to be another interesting study of how Handler reacts by throwing herself into more fish-out-of-water scenarios.

Not only do I expect her to come out swinging, saying whatever she thinks and thriving in her honesty, but I hope that – like this episode – it comes with the humility that throws her under the bus and acknowledges her flaws. Nothing and no one, including Chelsea, is safe.

Some suggestions on soundtracks for studying

By Keith Hodder

14

I don’t know how you guys study while listening to music. Actually, let me clarify – I don’t know how you guys listen to music that has lyrics and singing while you study or write an assignment. Maybe it’s just me, but I find myself compelled to sing (not that I’m any good), and find it difficult to draft up my ideas and to read while a slew of words assault my noggin from both sides.

I don’t have that sort of discipline, but a lot of you do. I only know this because I can hear your music most of the time.

Don’t worry, I’m not complaining, it’s just the only evidence that I’ve got other than from my friends who also were privy to the same practice during my tenure at Ryerson and as a high school student.

But I’m hoping that there are others out there who are like me, who find this practice foreign and who often work in either complete silence or amidst more relaxing musical fare that inspires focus without the use of lyrical lingo. With that said, I’ve drafted up a list of albums and songs that I have found particularly useful in my studies and work – be it writing an essay, an article for Arthur (this one included) or my screenplays.

The only flaw in my list is that, given my background and affection for film, most – if not all – of my selections are either movie soundtracks or a single track from one.

Nonetheless, I hope these are to your liking.

www.trentarthur.ca

If anything, it will also make you want to watch movies, which I can deal with.

Some of the items on this list are offered for free, and some aren’t. It may be futile, but it is my hope that, should you enjoy sampling these albums and tracks, you will be compelled to support the artists and their passionate work.

Jurassic Park Theme (1000 per cent Slower) This has been a recent favourite and go-to for me. Forgetting that Jurassic Park (1993) is one of my favourite films of all time, this modified track by experimental artist “birdfeeder” inspires focus and tranquility. You may recognize hints from this tune that most can whistle to from memory, but most of this track feels foreign in comparison to the original, not to mention it has a respectable runtime of just under an hour.

Here’s my tip for this piece: Try a writing or study sprint. Decide on the task or the project you’d like to complete and for one hour, put all distractions aside, find a good pair of headphones, play this tune and hustle like you’ve never hustled before.

I assure you that you’ll get a lot more done than you could have ever imagined.

Star Trek - Michael Giacchino Yes, this is an action film, and some of the tracks are a little bit too exciting for a relaxing study session, but there are some incredibly strong tracks here

that could certainly be added to a movie soundtrack playlist. “Labor of Love” is a particularly strong and beautiful tune, as well as “That New Car Smell”.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) – John Williams Really all of John Williams’s work should be listed here. He’s the man behind Jaws, E.T., Harry Potter, and Jurassic Park. And that’s just a small portion of his resume.

A few songs that stand our here are “Scavenger,” “Rey’s Theme,” “Rey Meets BB-8,” “Finn’s Confession,” and “Han and Leia.”

In fact, the whole album is brilliant, but these are the calmer songs that won’t surprise you with sudden bursts of energy. If anything, these tracks will inspire the dreamer in you.

Interstellar – Hans Zimmer What’s more calming than the vast abyss of outer space? You know Zimmer’s work from Christopher Nolan’s other films, as well as the newest Sherlock Holmes blockbusters, but this score is his strongest.

Don’t expect any sci-fi sounds here; this is human storytelling in musical form. “Dreaming of the Crash” builds a wonderful soundscape, “Day One” will put a kick in your step, and “Message from Home” will bring you back down to Earth.

The Social Network – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross If you’re looking for something more upbeat, leave it to the former Nine Inch

Nails front-man to create an unusual sound that will surely tickle your fancy.

I’d recommend this album in its entirety despite its differing energy throughout.

And here’s one last freebie to wrap it all up. If you’re not into music at all, then perhaps A Soft Murmur is for you. The website offers a slew of soundscapes from rain, to thunder, a coffee shop or even white noise. What’s great is you can combine each of the sounds together and play with their levels to create a mix that functions for you.

My choice is often a combo of rain, thunder and wind.

Check it out at : www.asoftmurmur.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: 705-7491909.

Dance like no one’s watching to eclectic sounds (mainly world) in a beautiful hall in downtown Peterborough.No alcohol, no fashion, no steps to follow, just authentic moves to music. No experience needed. Thursdays, 6.30-8.30pm at All Saints Church Hall $12, first timefree.www.danceyourbones.ca

campus Essential Oils Workshop: Wed Feb. 3 7:00-8:30pm. Learn how to enhance your physical & emotional health this winter with essential oils. In this workshop you will, learn about the properties of various essential oils and different ways to use them in building strong immunity, fighting off colds and balancing your mood during the dark winter season’s dark winter days.

We will make some blends together as a group and you will be provided with recipes to take home in order to bring essential oils into your everyday life.

Seasoned

Spoon

AGM:

Calling

all

Co-op members to our AGM! This is your chance to meet and talk to board members, vote on upcoming issues and hear the future plans for the seasoned spoon! A light lunch will be supplied. February 4 at 1:00pm at the Seasoned Spoon.

Raw-Vegan Dessert Workshop: Are you a dessert lover who also wants to make healthy choices? Well this may be the workshop for you! As part of Self-love week, the Seasoned Spoon is offering this sinfully sweet workshop all about raw vegan desserts.

Learn to make a rich & delicious treats that are also healthy & nutritious at the same time. These decadent desserts are good for the mind, body and soul, a perfect selfcare solution for any season! February 10, 5:30-7:30pm. Cost-$5-10.

Future Trends for Future Careers, An Environmental Perspective: This discussion will focus on two important topics: climate change and biodiversity, as well as, feature a keynote speaker, topic to be confirmed. The event will be conference style, with ample time in between the keynote and panels to allow for networking and creative discussions between all guests.

Presented in partnership by the Society for Ecological Restoration at Trent University (SER-TU) and the Office of Student Transitions and Careers, we are happy to present this opportunity students at no cost. It will take place at Trent University on Saturday February 6, 2016 from 10:30am – 4:30pm.

Register today to confirm your spot – limited spaces are available!

Registration Link: https://ccr.trentu.ca/events.htm TRACKS Volunteer Orientation: Saturday, Feb 6th. 10:30am-3pm, Gath-

ering Space. TRACKS is a youth outreach arm of the Indigenous Environmental Studies program. We work to engage youth in fun, hands-on activities exploring environmental science from both Western and Indigenous perspectives. Want to get great work experience that lets you get your hands dirty and have FUN? Join us for a fun and interactive day in and out of the tipi and the woods. Come dressed for the weather. Lunch will be provided.

Self Love week workshop at Seasoned Spoon: Join the Seasoned Spoon for a night of queer community building, discussion & fun.

As part of Self-Love week, the Spoon is hosting a queer identified kitchen space where participants will get the opportunity to learn healthy vegan and vegetarian cooking skills and create delectable dishes together. As well as engage in meaningful dialogue about self-love, body-positivity and sexuality/gender. $5 or PWYC.5-7p.m.

local Screening of “The Watermelon Woman” by Cheryl Dunye: Sadleir House, Thursday February 11th at 7pm. Some Snacks will be provided and this event is a part of Black History Month and Self Love Week Meet and Greet with Liberty Silver: The Great Hall. Liberty Silver was the first Black woman in Canada to receive a Juno Award in 1985. Ask questions and socialize. Refreshments provided. Feb 4th. Time: 3:005pm. TACSU has planned many events Slam Poetry Night: Accepting requests to perform at the Celie on February 4th with Liberty Silver.

Don’t hesitate to participate there

will be multiple open floor performance requests. Reply with a titled email, ‘Celie Performance’. The Celie.

Feb.4th.

Time:5:00-8:00PM Self-Care After Harrassment: Hollaback and Courage Peterborough invite you to a series of free activities designed to promote self-care and healing after experiencing harassment.

We’ll be making mini self-care grounding kits, there will be paints and other art supplies to create visual stories of our experiences (for our zine project, or just for yourself!), a creative writing exercise, a table of resources, and some snacks! This is for 2016 Self-Love.

arts Artspace Volunteer Drop-In: Join Artspace for our bi-monthly Volunteer Drop-In Saturday, January 23rd from noon - 4pm at Artspace (378 Aylmer).

We love having volunteers at Artspace and we could always use a hand around the gallery.

We are currently in the process of renovating our library and could use help painting, organizing our collection of books and assisting with administrative tasks.

Artspace-arc.org.

Donna Collison & Biff Hannon Jazz Duo: 6:00-9:00 pm at Curry Village Saturday, February 6th, 2016 Watershed Hour Tape Birthing: Head to The Spill on Feb 6 at 8:00. Watershed Hour will be joined with HX KY, Sheila Beach, and Deathsticks.See you there!

Monstrandum corpus hominis: February 11-13th, 8pm at The Theatre On King (159 King St.), doors open 7:30. $10/PWYC at the door.

WORK YOUR DEGREE WITH A POSTGRAD Our postgraduate certificates help you accelerate your career by providing specialized training that builds on your previous degree or diploma combined with the opportunity to gain practical experience taking on real-world challenges.

business.humber.ca/postgrad

Volume 50 | Issue 15 | February 1, 2016

19