Fulcrum January 22 2009

Letters Grading good work Re: “Give me more A+s” (Opinion, Jan. 8) MR. MICHAEL OLENDER, I read your “Heckles” column of Jan. 8 with interest. An associate professor of history at the U of O since 2003, I have taught at the universities of Calgary, Alberta, Bishop’s, Carleton, and the Royal Military College of Canada. Your column raises two important issues: the lack of professorial comments on student papers; and a common student belief that the hard work alone merits an A+. Let me offer my two cents. As to the lack of comments, I agree with you. I think all professors should make comments on student papers. I am sometimes asked by students from other professors’ classes to read papers that contain no comments. Most are quite happy with their grade but want to know why they did well so that they can replicate such success in the future. I do not blame them. Success as well as failure should be explained. But comments on a paper are not necessarily helpful either. Students who have taken my courses can attest that I write all over papers. Lastly, I write a paragraph at the paper’s end reiterating my thoughts about the paper. I also hand out very detailed Essay Writing Guide sheets in every course, and dedicate at least one class to essay troubleshooting. Students often come to me to find out

why they did not get the grade they wanted. Their reactions to my comments usually break down as follows: blank uncomprehending stares as I explain (again) why their papers went wrong, admissions they did not read my comments, or repeated claims that because they worked very hard they deserve a better grade than the one they got. Let me concentrate on reaction three and the notion that hard work must necessarily be rewarded with a suitably high grade. I am sorry to say that a student’s hard work may not result in a good grade regardless of how many hours one works for one must work hard and well. Anyone with a reasonable level of self-discipline can complete the requisite number of hours required to get a term paper done. But does that mean the paper is good? Not always. What if the thesis is badly explained? What if improper sources are used? What if the writing is poor? In other words, bad papers can take just as much effort to write as very good ones. I explain this conundrum to students thusly. If I was an engineer who designed a bridge, but I miscalculated the load factor and the bridge subsequently collapsed and killed your family because of my mistake, I doubt my pleas that “I worked really hard” would matter as you sued me into oblivion—nor should they. Bad work cannot be defended. Yet my “brilliant” parable rarely carries the day. As you are not my student, I cannot

Contents

E-vote for the SFUO

News

Megan O’Meara reveals the new online method of voting for February’s elections. p. 4

p. 4

Transit strike update: wanna crash with the president? p. 7

Frank Appleyard Editor-in-Chief [email protected] Jan. 22–28, 2009 say why you got 87 per cent on the paper that had no comments on it rather than, say, 92 per cent. I always tell good students that they should read the comments on their papers too because they might be doing one or two small and easily corrected things that prevent that high A assigned to their paper from being an A+. But many do not do that, which reminds me of a quotation from Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan that “defeat cries aloud for explanation, whereas victory, like charity, can hide a multitude of sins.” While I cannot defend my colleagues who decline to explain why they hand out the grades that they do, I cannot accept your assertion either that hard work alone merits an A+— one must work well too. Dr. Galen Perras History professor Kind words Re: “Support for the sake of support” (Editorial, Jan. 8) I JUST FINISHED reading the most recent edition of the Fulcrum, terminating as always with the editorial pieces. After reading the two editorial articles that you wrote, I feel compelled to share with you just how impressed I am with the ideas presented in the articles as well as the manner in which they were presented. Journalism, to me, has always been about honesty, relevance to the layman, integrity, daring to say what others will not, and presenting events in a clear, direct, well thought-out manner. Both your piece about the ideal Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) president and the decision to support striking transit workers fulfill my definition of good, responsible, well-crafted journalism. I just wanted to share with you how happy I was to read such well-written articles. Adam Roberts Third-year history student Cowardice in opinion

Leif music

Arts

Peter Henderson talks with songwriter Leif Vollebekk. p. 12

p. 12

Kalin Smith finds out about Life After God. p. 13

The Wright stuff

Sports

Men’s basketball’s newest player lights up the court. p. 21

p. 21 Feature

Should fighting be allowed in hockey? Megan O’Meara investigates. p. 22

Will there ever be peace?

Joe Howell investigates the crisis in the Middle East first-hand. p. 16-17

p. 16

Di describes the right climate for climax. p. 30

Re: “Fulcrum seeks ideal SFUO president” (Editorial, Jan. 8) SHAME ON YOU, Fulcrum, shame on you. Here I was, thinking that we had a respectable and respectful English-language student newspaper on campus, but I guess I was wrong. I say this in regards to the last editorial from the Fulcrum. Unfortunately, there was a blatant lack of respect for the Fulcrum readers and their collecBusiness Department The Fulcrum, the University of Ottawa’s independent English-language student newpaper, is published by the Fulcrum Publishing Society (FPS) Inc., a not-for-profit corporation whose members consist of all Univeristy of Ottawa students. The Board of Directors (BOD) of the FPS governs all administrative and business actions of the Fulcrum and consists of the following individuals: Ross Prusakowski (President), Andrea Khanjin (Vice-President), Tyler Meredith (Chair), Peter Raaymakers, Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Toby Climie, Scott Bedard, William Stephenson, and Andrew Wing. To contact the Fulcrum’s BOD, contact Ross Prusakowski at (613) 562-5261.

tive intelligence. For the readers who did not have the chance to read over this farce, it appeared to be an editorial that listed what the Fulcrum looks for in the next SFUO president. It could have been an awesome piece, but you missed your shot. Instead, what you published was a very thinly veiled list of criticisms about our current president and other possible candidates vying for the soon-to-be open position. But then again, it’s obvious that this missed shot was actually a perfectly executed one. It’s obvious that this missed shot actually intended to attack these people. That’s alright though, it’s actually not that bad. As a newspaper, you are well within your right to criticize the president or anybody else with your editorials. But this is not really what you did. My point is this: if you are going to advise us on what to look for in the next president, then do so. And if you are going to criticize SFUO President Dean Haldenby and other candidates, then do so as well. But for the sake of our intelligence and of your paper’s reputation, be honest about what it is you are saying. Do not hide behind your editorial, taking cowardly shots at these people, without being honest and brave enough to admit that you are doing so. If you did not like the fact that mass faxes were sent out as a form of protest, or that Haldenby was allowed to take a second bilingualism test, then call out by name whoever it is you blame for this, so that they can reply to that criticism. In essence, what you published last week was a spineless attempt at voicing your discontent with certain people, but without actually saying so. We are university students, we are capable of intelligent thought, and we are most certainly capable of seeing what was really implied in that editorial. In the future, if you want to say something, just say it. Do not try to be witty, do not try to be clever, because you just end up insulting us and embarrassing yourselves and your reputation in the process. Luc Roy Third-year criminology student

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Ottawa in the decision-making process. What I’m wondering is: can you blame them? Student activist behaviour in the past has been, quite frankly, embarrassing and a detriment to its own causes. Take for example the Board of Governors (BOG) meeting held last semester to vote on increasing tuition. I was primarily appalled at the ridiculously disrespectful picture chosen by the SFUO to promote the event on Facebook. Though pleased by the student turnout at the BOG meeting, my confidence in the student movement quickly turned into complete horror when said students held up rude signs and called out “Shame!” during discussion and again during voting. I’ve also heard about students attempting to “make a point” by shoving cameras in the faces of senators at Senate meetings, causing them to simply adjourn instead of holding much-needed reviews on courses offered at the university. Is it any wonder that Allan Rock and the U of O administration show less and less enthusiasm to collaborate with students? Firstly, as the administration, they deserve a modicum of respect, since the fact that they run the university allows us students to graduate with valuable degrees. The fact that we are their clients entitles us to respect as well, but so far, we’ve done a great job of negating that entitlement. Tamar Friedman Second-year economics and political science student Read the rest of this letter and others at thefulcrum.ca/letters

thefulcrum.ca poll Last week’s results Do you think the benefits of online voting outweigh the potential problems? Yes: No:

Time to grow up IT CAME AS no surprise to me when I read of the city’s rejection of the UPass, as well as its reluctance to include the students of the University of Advertising Department Deidre Butters, Advertising Representative phone: (613) 880-6494 fax: (613) 562-5259 e-mail: [email protected] Check out our rate card online. Go to www.thefulcrum.ca and follow the link for “Advertisers”. Multi-market advertisers: Campus Plus: (800)265-5372 Campus Plus offers one-stop shopping for over 90 Canadian student newspapers. The Fulcrum is a proud member of Canadian University Press: www.cup.ca

Go to thefulcrum.ca to vote! Got something to say? Send your letters to

[email protected] Letters deadline: Sunday, 1 p.m. Letters must be under 400 words unless discussed with the editor-in-chief. Drop off letters at 631 King Edward Ave. or email [email protected]. Letters must include your name, telephone number, year, and program of study. Pseudonyms may be used after consultation with the editor-in-chief. We correct spelling and grammar to some extent. The Fulcrum will exercise discretion in printing letters that are deemed racist, homophobic, or sexist. We will not even consider hate literature or libellous material. The editor-in-chief reserves the authority on everything printed herein.

Emma Godmere News Editor [email protected]

News

Jan. 22–28, 2009

4

Change through a click of the mouse

Online voting to be offered during upcoming SFUO elections by Megan O’Meara Fulcrum Staff THIS FEB. 10–13, students will have the opportunity to vote while sitting at home in their pyjamas, as e-voting arrives to complement traditional paperballot voting in the upcoming Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) elections. E-voting—which will be powered by a third-party company, Evote.ca—was approved for use in the next election by the SFUO’s Board of Administration (BOA) during its first meeting of 2009 on Jan. 11. While some members were skeptical, others, like Faculty of Arts representative Ryan Kennery, felt it was an appropriate time to introduce something new. “I think it’s something that’s been a long time coming,” said Kennery. “We do enough things online these days, and any opportunity we have to make voting more accessible and easier for students is a good thing, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how it all turns out.” SFUO VP University Affairs Seamus Wolfe was one of the board members to vote against the motion, but stressed that, in theory, e-voting seems like a good idea. “I think the idea is a good one ... these are types of ways that we can better involve our students in elections,” he said. “I’m not against e-voting—I just wish that we would have had more time to essentially look at all the possibilities and had all of that research in front of us before we [made] a big decision.”

Julie Séguin, vp communications for the SFUO, also voted against e-voting and echoed Wolfe’s concerns. “I had the recommendations from over four experienced people, both students and professionals, to not jump on this project so soon without consulting students, getting other schools’ feedback and doing some trial runs on smaller occasions (faculty elections or referendums),” she said in an email. SFUO President Dean Haldenby also had reservations about the online voting process. “I do not know if it is a security risk or not,” he said in an email. “We have not used this system, and when I was deciding on it at the board I was asked to put a lot of faith in a system that we have never used before ... I believe that students will accept the system; however the voter turnout will be the big indicator on that result.” The elections committee, which includes SFUO chief electoral officer Sylvia Lewis-Havard, chief returning officer Mike Naim, and chief information officer Wassim Garzouzi, were all in support of this particular electoral reform. Lewis-Havard, who has worked to research and prepare for evoting since being hired in December, explained in an email what students should be expecting for the vote. “All students will receive an email directly to their [U of O] email account containing instructions, [an identification] number, and a link to vote,” she said. “By following the link, students will enter their [U of O] email account and their [identification] number to login. The voting is explained at length and is as easy—if not easier than—a paper ballot.” The most common concerns about e-voting surround security, since the

information is loaded onto the Internet. “I voted against e-voting because there is automatically the possibility of fraud, putting the elections in jeopardy,” said Séguin. “By fraud, I mean students giving a friend the [identification] number they received by email, allowing someone else to vote more than once.” Lewis-Havard indicated that the electronic process had been carefully inspected, however. “The software has been scrutinized at length and has passed every single independent evaluation,” she explained. “There are also three mirror servers, in case the primary one does go down. In addition, the company does hire hackers to try to break into the system and there has never been a successful security breach.” With every concern surrounding e-voting that was brought up at the Jan. 11 BOA meeting, the elections committee explained the precautions they took to ensure there will be no issues. Lewis-Havard noted some of the advantages to the e-voting process, including giving access to students who aren’t always on campus. “Contrary to many other universities, we are not removing options from voters,” said Lewis-Havard, noting that traditional polling stations will still be stationed on campus. “We are actually adding options, while maintaining and improving the former system.” Lewis-Havard explained another advantage to e-voting that students will discover after following the link to vote. “A big benefit of [e-voting] is the ability to access each candidate’s platform before voting, as it is readily available next to each candidate’s

Senate meeting cut short after students film proceedings by Jolene Hansell Fulcrum Staff THE UNIVERSITY OF Ottawa’s Jan. 12 Senate meeting was brought to an abrupt close after several students attempted to videotape the proceedings. The students were acting in solidarity with Marc Kelly, a deregistered physics student, who was arrested for causing a disturbance after attempting to film the Senate’s Dec. 1 meeting. The students were intent on promoting transparency at meetings that, while open to the public, have prohibited any recordings of proceedings. While no firm anti-recording policy is yet in place, the Senate did previously pass a motion to prohibit taping meetings, according to Andrée Dumulon, director of communications for the U of O. “It is a public meeting, but there was a decision made, I don’t know when, that taping at the Senate meeting was prohibited,” she said. U of O President Allan Rock indicated that the Senate is looking to establish a policy on re-

cording, ideally by the next Senate meeting. “We want to have a policy in place so it’s clear to everybody, and that’s something we will resolve in time for the next meeting or at the next meeting,” he said. Seamus Wolfe, vp university affairs for the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa, was present at the meeting and explained that Rock proceeded to ask senators whether or not the meeting should continue in the presence of the cameras. After some deliberation from senators, Rock, who chaired the meeting, chose to end the meeting without putting this decision to a formal vote. Wolfe expressed that Rock’s actions showed a “blatant disregard for procedurally ending a meeting”. Rock indicated that several people were actually calling to adjourn the proceedings. “I didn’t think there was any need for a formal vote; there seemed to be a clear consensus, and that was my judgement as chair,” he said. SENATE continued on p. 10

illustration by Alex Martin

name,” she said. The elections committee also proposed providing small, mobile polling stations on campus, which would have consisted of a poll clerk carrying a laptop. These stations would have moved around designated areas, following the traffic between buildings and in hallways. The goal of these stations was

to target more students than a regular station would, since they could move to higher-traffic areas. The BOA voted to eliminate all of these mobile stations and replace them with more large stations inside buildings such as Arts and Simard halls. E-VOTING continued on p. 11

SFUO student centre plans postponed by Amanda Shendruk Fulcrum Staff A DECISION BY the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa’s (SFUO) ad hoc committee on student space has halted plans for a student-owned and -operated centre at the University of Ottawa. “The student space committee has decided to re-evaluate the implementation plan, but we still plan on building a new student centre in the future,” SFUO President Dean Haldenby said in an interview with the Fulcrum. Haldenby made the postponement announcement at the Jan. 11 Board of Administration (BOA) meeting. “We didn’t feel that this was the proper year for a referendum,” he continued, citing the economic downturn, a growing list of upcoming referendum questions, and a desire for more consultation with the U of O student community as reasons for the postponement. “It is a great time for us to take a step back, look at the project, look at where we can im-

prove and how we can make this the best student centre for students,” he said. In spring 2008, Haldenby campaigned on a platform that strongly promoted the development of a new student centre. Although plans have been halted for now, Haldenby said he is not disappointed. “It’s unfortunate for me because I would have liked to have seen a referendum in place before I left,” he said. “However, at the same time, it’s the most responsible thing to do as president … It was a hard decision, but one that I had to make.” The BOA accepted the committee’s initial student centre report and an implementation plan was adopted in October 2008 with the objective of holding a student referendum in February. However, before the question of a referendum was opened to debate, the ad hoc committee recommended that the BOA wait on holding a referendum, stating that it would return to the board by the end of the year with a more detailed implementation plan. A referendum on the student centre is expected in 2010.

FÉUO SFUO

Fédération étudiante Student Federation

www.sfuo.ca

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‘I will run,’

SFUO hopefuls declare by Emma Godmere Fulcrum Staff

there are many, many more. That’s extremely positive.” While the success of drawing candidates— THE PINK AND green posters that have cov- especially students running in elections for the ered the campus for the first two weeks of the first time—can be largely attributed to the twonew semester have done their job. week-long campaign, Garzouzi pointed to other The I Will Run campaign, launched by the events during this academic year that likely inStudent Federation of the University of Ottawa’s spired students. (SFUO) elections bureau on Jan. 5, has encour“Certainly I think that the [Canadian Fedaged undergraduate students to run for a vari- eration of Students] referendum contributed ety of SFUO- and university-related positions, to people getting more interested, but I would according to the elections bureau’s chief infor- argue that ... there was a big drop [in particimation officer Wassim Garzouzi. pation] last year,” he said. “In the by-election, “I can tell you it’s a record year in terms of there was only a three per cent turnout and candidates,” he said, shortly after the deadline I think a lot of people started saying, ‘Okay, for declaring canthere’s a problem, didacy had passed we need to change on Jan. 19. “We essomething,’ and I sentially plastered think that’s what campus with posters Wassim Garzouzi happened this year and banners, we sent and that’s what conSFUO elections chief information tributed to the jump two emails on the officer [in candidacy numgeneral listserv to all students, we sent bers].” an email to all clubs, we sent emails to variGarzouzi is familiar with last year’s voter ous groups on campus as well to send to their turnout issues, as he was the editor-in-chief at members, we took out a record amount of ads La Rotonde during the 2007–08 school year. He in both [campus] newspapers, and we actu- explained the reasons behind his move to an ally ran a PR campaign on CHUO as well.” SFUO media-related position after a year in the While the official candiates’ list is not re- student media. leased until Jan. 29, according to Garzouzi, “I think as an observer I’ve been a bit disthere are currently 20 people running for vari- couraged for the past [while] and I feel there ous SFUO executive positions, and approxi- are a lot of similarities between my role in the mately double last year’s number of candidates elections office and my role as a journalist, running for the SFUO’s Board of Administra- which was always to get students informed and tion (BOA). involved,” he said. The SFUO also works with the university Garzouzi and the rest of the SFUO elections in the elections of student representatives office are planning to launch another phase for both the Board of Governors (BOG) and of their campaign entitled I Will Vote, where the Senate. candidates will be provided with a variety of “We spoke with [the university] briefly and resources, including reduced costs for camthey said it is a record year,” said Garzouzi. paign website setup, in an effort to make sure “It’s going to be the [greatest] amount of all students get the word out about their platcandidates for the BOG, certainly. Last year forms. The campaign will be launched Feb. 1 [there were] only two [candidates], this year as a lead-up to the Feb. 10–12 elections.

“It’s a record year in terms of candidates.”

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www.winter.sfuo.ca www.thefulcrum.ca // 01.22.09 //

NEWS // 5

Stuck in a rut Students with physical disabilities burdened by poor snow removal

by Amanda Shendruk Fulcrum Staff

A

s snowflakes fall gently on the University of Ottawa campus, students wander back and forth to class, steaming coffee mugs in hand. Most of them, however, are completely unaware that for a handful of students like Briton Amos and Julie Steeper, the snowfall might mean missing days of school, or even an exam. “I’ve had to stay away from classes a number of times [because of poor snow removal],” said Amos, a fourth-year international development student who has been in a self-propelled wheelchair since an injury in 1991. “And I feel that’s completely wrong, especially when I’m paying for the course.” Despite being “very strong,” Amos said travelling through snow in his wheelchair is physically exhausting. “Every night that I come home, I have to take pain meds because just getting around campus is absolutely unbearable,” he explained. “When you have an inch of snow on the ground, it’s like putting a 50-pound sack of potatoes on your back.” Steeper, a third-year political science and philosophy student, was born with cerebral palsy, which seriously affects her balance. Walking is difficult for her, and she spends much of her time in a motorized scooter. For Steeper, getting through the snow is just as difficult on foot as it is in her scooter. “I fall all the time, [so] I know how to fall safely,” she said. Steeper lives in residence at the U of O because, she admitted, travel in the winter is so treacherous that there is no way she could live off campus. She recounted a day last winter when she became stuck in the snow on the corner of Laurier Avenue and Cumberland Street. Passersby ignored her requests for help, until, as she said, “This big guy in this huge tractor stops the four lanes of traffic right in the intersection … and he pushed me down two streets!” She admitted to being equal parts thankful and embarrassed as cars honked at the large vehicle blocking their way. Amos and Steeper are not alone in their struggle. Approximately 40 students with physical disabilities are registered with Access Service, a program that falls under the U of O’s Student Academic Success Service and aims to reduce barriers to students with disabilities. Common physical disabilities among these students include arthritis, visual impairment, and fibromyalgia. Many require the assistance of crutches, wheelchairs, or canes. Most of the issues for students with mobility difficulties involve restricted movement over packed-down snow that has not been plowed to expose pavement, or difficulty using ramps where snow accumulates shortly after they are shoveled; but for some, the consequences of poor snow removal go far beyond missing a class or two. “It’s very dangerous,” said Amos. “If I [were on campus] at night and I was studying, and I tried to get from one building to another and I got stuck, I’m screwed, and I freeze and die.” Adding to the problem, Amos said that he has given up hope that the university will ever seriously consider the gravity of the problem. “My first year I was [at the U of O] I complained about [the snow removal]. The second year, I complained about it. The third year, I did not complain because I gave up on these people,” he said, expressing his belief that a serious injury will have to occur on campus before any serious action is taken. On-campus groups like the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD) and Access Service work to solve mobility issues for students like Amos and Steeper, and both spend a considerable amount of time dealing with the problem of snow removal. “We had a [productive] meeting last week with [Benoit Lecomte, grounds supervisor and] the person in charge of snow removal,” said Marie-Claude Rouleau, an academic support specialist at Access Service. Rouleau noted that students with disabilities are often uniformed about how to effectively respond if they encounter an impassable walkway or ramp, or become stuck in unplowed areas.

“When you have an inch of snow on the ground, it’s like putting a 50-pound sack of potatoes on your back.” Briton Amos

“I think one of the main issues is [that] people are not sure where to report problems they’re facing,” she said, stressing that students having immediate accessibility issues should contact Physical Resources at ext. 2222. Lecomte also reinforced the importance of informing the university of any immediate problems with snow removal. “I think it’s a question of communication ... I haven’t received a lot of complaints [concerning] the access on campus myself,” he said. “[If there is] some accessibility problem, usually I can have it resolved in five minutes—the only thing is that I have to know it, I have to know that there is a problem.” Lecomte indicated that the university has a crew of at least four workers on site every day for snow removal—and up to sixteen on days with heavy snowfall—who often clear out sidewalks and parking lots at night. “We’ve got some standards here that are built into our contracts, which I make sure [are upheld],” he said. “The thing is that sometimes the contractors don’t have the time to go around and come back; as fast as they clear out the ramps ... by the time they come back, sometimes the snow is falling so fast [and] it’s impossible to be on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

The CSD was created in 2003 in part to respond to the snow removal problem. Virginie Corneau St-Hilaire, the centre’s coordinator, said snow removal would be more effective if it were more strategic. “We’ve been saying in our internal discussions, if you plow a ramp, everyone can use [it], but if you [shovel] a set of stairs, someone who uses a wheelchair won’t be able to use it,” she said. The centre also recently secured an upcoming meeting with U of O VP Resources Victor Simon. “I informed [SFUO president] Dean Haldenby that I would gladly meet with him and other student representatives to identify the specific problems with snow removal and receive any suggestions that they may have to improve this service,” said Simon. “This is a big step for us because this is the first meeting we’ve had with central administration since we’ve existed,” said St-Hilaire. “So hopefully that will bring about some positive change.” For more information about Access Service, log on to sass.uottawa.ca/access, and to find out more about the CSD, log on to sfuo. ca/services/ceh-csd/en/index.htm. photo by Martha Pearce

6 \\ NEWS

\\ 01.22.09 \\ www.thefulcrum.ca

Transit strike update U of O community takes in students by Emma Godmere Fulcrum Staff

on the street corner hoping to get a shuttle, [and] the shuttle was full,” continued Rock, who has opened up STUDENTS WHO HAVE had to his own home to two students. face long walks in freezing cold temMichelle Ferland, manager of offperatures, expensive taxi rides, and campus housing at the U of O, reiterpacked shuttles during the weeks- ated that many students are still faclong city transit strike now have the ing extremely difficult circumstances opportunity to temporarily live closer when trying to get to campus. to campus, thanks to a new U of O “I had a fellow [come into the initiative. housing office] earlier who’s from OrThe House-a-Student program, the leans. He takes a taxi from his place brainchild of U of O President Allan to the shuttle at Place D’Orleans, and Rock launched on Jan. 19 by the univer- sometimes he waits hours because sity’s off-campus housing services, aims the shuttle is full,” she said. to match students in need with comFerland was happy to announce, munity members willing to open their however, that by 5 p.m. on the project’s homes as the OC Transpo strike nears first day, 26 people, including universithe 50-day mark— ty employees and all for free. regular students, “I proposed it offered their “Some [students] are had on the weekend, homes. because I’ve been actually saying that they Rock emphagetting emails sized students’ have to look at the from students need for the option of abandoning unique project due who are frustrated,” explained to the city’s unique their courses.” Rock. “Some of Allan Rock circumstances. them are actu“We have to do U of O President something, and ally saying that they have to look the strike’s dragat the option of ging on,” he said. abandoning their courses ... they’re “I was hoping it would be resolved missing classes, they’re falling be- on the weekend, but it wasn’t.” hind in their assignments, and even When asked if this program will with the flexibility being shown by continue for the duration of the professors, some [students] are in strike, Rock had no problem in stayreal jeopardy of losing the whole ing involved as long as need be. course.” “I can speak for myself—I’ll have While the university has continued two students chez moi for as long as to offer a city-wide shuttle service free the strike lasts.” of charge to students, and added five more buses and two new stops the Anyone in the community willing to ofsame day the housing project was fer temporary housing, along with any launched, many students continue to U of O students looking to find a tembe left out in the cold. porary home, can log on to residence. “Last week, [with] the weather uottawa.ca/en/och/house-a-student. 50 below, [students were] standing html for more information.

image courtesy octranspo.notlong.com

U of O third-year Common Law student Frank Cinanni originally created this map at octranspo.notlong.com, where other students can edit the map to include new stops and shuttle routes from all four major post-secondary schools in Ottawa. At ottawashuttle.pbwiki.com, students can find this Google map of all shuttle routes and stops—as all shuttles are now available to all post-secondary students in the city—along with links to individual schools’ bus schedules. For information about the U of O’s shuttle service, visit protection.uottawa.ca/en/added_shuttles.html.

www.thefulcrum.ca // 01.22.09 //

NEWS // 7

U of O suspends Rancourt Physics prof banned from campus, faces dismissal by Michael Olender Fulcrum Staff PHYSICS PROFESSOR DENIS Rancourt has been suspended from teaching, banned from campus, and recommended to be fired by Dean of Science André Lalonde, according to two Dec. 10 letters sent from the U of O administration to the professor. The letters were reportedly received shortly before Protection Services escorted Rancourt off campus grounds. Rancourt’s dismissal is pending. Lalonde’s office declined to comment on the situation. The U of O has stated the professor’s issuing of A+ grades to all students in a fourth-year physics course in the winter 2008 term prompted the issuing of the letters. Rancourt, who has spent over 20 years at the U of O, contends he’s been developing this teaching method for years, and that the university has approved the grades in several courses. “I’ve had several advanced physics courses and a graduate course in which grades of A+ were attributed to all students,” Rancourt explained, indi-

cating that the university has decided to discipline him on only one of the courses. “In all these other courses, the ... university has approved the grades that I gave. Now, in [PHY4385-5100], again, the employer—the university— approved the grades … and then I was disciplined for it after the administration had approved them.” The university’s actions arrived eight months after the grades were assigned and in light of a June 2008 decision by arbitrator Michel G. Picher in the university’s attempted disciplinary action against Rancourt for his teaching methods. The decision found that Rancourt’s non-conventional grading methods, which he implemented in 2005 and had used since, were under the purview of a professor’s academic freedom. “We’ve already gone to court over this question of my grading method as it is incorporated as part of my overall pedagogical method and the arbitrator Michel Picher has ruled in my favour completely,” Rancourt said. “And when an employer completely ignores that, pretends that the grading issue is disconnected from my pedagogy, one of my lawyers said that that amounts to contempt of court.” Rancourt said that the university is claiming that the A+s were attributed arbitrarily, and therefore he has acted unprofessionally, which allows the university to circumvent due process,

disregard an investigation required by the collective agreement—a document that essentially outlines the legal relationship between the university and its unionized professors—into his teaching method, and fire him. In a Jan. 5 letter to Marc Jolicoeur, chair of the Board of Governors, he wrote, “The lack of due process in the university’s actions is also alarming and is a threat to the principle of tenure. [Lalonde] simply asserts that my grading is independent of my pedagogical method and thereby circumvents a formal evaluation of my teaching to recommend my dismissal without my ever being heard.” On Jan. 11, Rancourt filed a grievance with the U of O alleging that the administration violated collective agreement procedures in sending him the dismissal letters. Further, echoing interviews with the University of Toronto’s Varsity on Jan. 12 and Talk Ottawa on Rogers TV on Jan. 7, Rancourt stated that the pretext for dismissal by the university was because he was an outspoken critic of Israel, noting that his position on the Israel-Palestine conflict is well known, as he had invited Palestinian guests to speak in his 2005 activism course. He had also denounced former U of O president Gilles Patry on his blog, U of O Watch, for making a public statement criticizing the academic boycott of Israel that was initiated in the U.K.

Rancourt claims that the Israel lobby in North America “[contacts] and [influences] powerful trend-setting institutions, such as universities, and making sure that critics of Israel get expelled from universities. “It appears that [U of O President] Allan Rock is a point-man of the Israel lobby at the University of Ottawa. So when Allan Rock says he wants to put Canada’s University in the service of the world, it means that he wants to have exchange programs with Israel in order to legitimize Israel … and you see that you have a tenured and very vocal, very political professor who is going to be outspoken against hijacking the institution in that way. If you couple those things together then you have very powerful interests that want to get rid of that very annoying person.” When contacted by the Fulcrum, Rock declined to comment, citing the collective agreement. Rancourt has until Feb. 2 to submit a legal brief to present his case to the Board of Governors, followed by a scheduled meeting required by the collective agreement. The expected dismissal decision by the executive of the BOG will be made in March. “I’m going to fight it all the way by every means possible—media interviews, legal means, grievances, whatever means are available to me,” Rancourt said.

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countability from their institution. Prior to the firing of Pete, Thomas Roussin, vice-president of communication for FNUC Students’ Association, told Canadian University Press there was developing fear and frustration with the departure of faculty. About 60 faculty and staff members have left the institution over the past four years, including the vice-president of administration, and a former president, who chose to leave. —Wendy Gillis, Central Bureau Chief

News in brief

Negligence pushes Concordia Student Union deficit over $500,000

photo by Taylor Bendig (CUP)

First Nations University of Canada students oppose firing of top administrator SASKATOON (CUP) – STUDENTS AT THE Regina, Sask.-based First Nations University of Canada (FNUC) say they are frustrated with what they call a lack of leadership and management—sentiments they made clear to the

institution’s administration by rallying on Jan. 13. Organized by the FNUC Students’ Association, the rally was in reaction to the firing of Shauneen Pete, who was terminated from her position as vp academic the week before. Pete alleges she was fired without cause. Brandy Morris, FNUC representative and rally organizer, said that the firing was the “last straw” for students who want answers and ac-

MONTREAL (CUP) – THE PRESIDENT OF the Concordia Student Union (CSU), Keyana Kashfi, wants to put allegations and questions regarding the finances of the CSU to rest by opening up to the student press. This comes in light of various accusations made against the CSU, which include everything from embezzlement to non-disclosure. On Nov. 25, The Link reported on questionable financial activity on the part of the CSU based on information obtained from confidential sources. According to the CSU, negligence on the part of a former employee as well as former executives of the union caused the CSU to incur a combined deficit of nearly $500,000 for the fiscal years ending May 31, 2006, and May 31, 2007. The CSU must pay back-taxes for the affected

fiscal years, a situation that was realized when a former executive couldn’t withdraw money because the CSU bank accounts were seized, according to Kashfi. The alleged culprit still has not been charged with any offence and the investigation is ongoing. —Terrine Friday, The Link Climate change lowering water levels: study WATERLOO (CUP) – AN EIGHT-YEAR STUDY conducted by researchers from Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo has revealed that climate change has caused freshwater levels to decline over the course of the 20th century. The study focused on the Peace-Athabasca Delta, a point of convergence for the Peace and Athabasca rivers in northeast Alberta, and is of particular interest to those who rely on fresh water—notably the Alberta oil sands industry. By examining lake sediments from different parts of the delta, researchers were able to reconstruct its environmental history and pinpoint climatic patterns over the last 1,000 years. It ultimately revealed that flood frequency and lake levels have been in steady decline since the early 20th century, and dismissed the notion that the 1968 construction of B.C. Hydro’s W. A. C. Bennett hydroelectric dam is the single cause of the delta’s changing hydrology. —Taryn Orwen-Parrish, The Cord Weekly

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STUDENT SPECIAL

30

www.thefulcrum.ca // 01.22.09 //

NEWS // 9

SENATE continued from p.4

MUSIC ACADEMY

ADVANCED STUDIES IN MUSIC

Subscribe online! Visit our website for all information regarding our programs for 2009. Deadlines for registration:

February 13th, 2009 With scholarship application

April 3rd, 2009

“And as a matter of fact, no one challenged it, so I guess they agreed.” After the meeting, Wolfe met with Rock to discuss the transparency of Senate meetings. Wolfe indicated that the meeting was amicable and that together he and Rock came to a conclusion. “It was concluded that having a live video feed of each meeting might be able to show that the administration is open to having live meetings,” Wolfe said. While Rock declined to comment on what he said was an off-the-record meeting, he indicated that he intends

to talk to senators about a live webcast of the proceedings. “That would remove even the faintest of suggestion that there was anything hidden going on or that it was inaccessible to people,” he said. “The meetings are public, anybody can come and watch the meetings, [but] there are apparently those who think that they should be allowed to take photographs as well, or film it. I don’t agree,” he continued. “I don’t think that by becoming a member of the Senate you implicitly agree to have others take your picture or film you and then make whatever use they want to of that.” —with files from Emma Godmere

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impact their re-election. We feel there needs to be a distance between the elections office and the board.” Kennery voiced similar concerns after the meeting. “We hired [the SFUO elections employees] to do a job, and it seemed as though the board was stepping outside of its bounds,” he said. Wolfe, however, expressed that some major decisions do need to be left to board members. “The BOA [is] not and should not be in a position to micromanage an election; however, if there [are] going to be radical changes in the way an election is taking place, that should

be a decision made by the board, not employees,” he said. Despite the issues that arose at the meeting, the elections committee expects the e-vote to go smoothly and ultimately encourage more undergraduate students to vote. “It does open up opportunities for coop students, for part-time students, for students with disabilities, for students who don’t have courses [during the polling times] ... and on top of that we’re keeping the existing polling stations, so it’s really just adding options,” said Garzouzi. “It’s definitely a huge upgrade from what we’ve had in the past.” —with files from Emma Godmere

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E-VOTING continued from p. 4 Naim indicated his disappointment with the decision, and felt that the board overstepped their boundaries by choosing the voting hours as well—which have traditionally been decided by the elections committee. “The constitution does not mandate the board to select where the vote will take place nor the details of that vote,” explained Naim via email. “It is obviously disappointing to see the board overreach its mandate and impede on the responsibilities of the elections office. It is even more troubling that many declared candidates were voting on decisions that would inevitably

Contest ends March 1, 2009. No purchase necessary. For full contest details, visit rogers.com/urticket. Nokia and Nokia Nseries are registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation. TM Trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc. used under license. © 2009 Rogers Wireless.

www.thefulcrum.ca // 01.22.09 // RGW_N_09_1002_B1_B.indd 1

1/9/09 4:54:14 PM

NEWS // 11

Arts & Culture

Peter Henderson Arts & Culture Editor [email protected]

Jan. 22–28, 2009

12

You’ve got to be

Leif

photo courtesy Leif Vollebekk

Montreal-based songwriter Leif Vollebekk has a new album and a bright future by Peter Henderson Fulcrum Staff LEIF VOLLEBEKK DOESN’T know what he sounds like. The singer/songwriter is playing a show at the new Café Alternatif on Jan. 22, and he’s having trouble describing which genre his music fits into. “I try not to [explain it], because either it sounds like I’m really insecure or really arrogant,” says Vollebekk. “I have trouble finding a happy medium. I listen to a lot of Bob Dylan, and I listen to a lot of Sigur Rós—I guess I’m trying to hit that atmospheric folk, something like that.” Vollebekk is also playing a show at the Black Sheep Inn on Jan. 23, which has hosted such artists as Joel Plaskett, Serena Ryder, and Corb Lund. “It’s a great venue,” says Vollebekk. “They treat the musicians well, and everyone there is super. A lot of music lovers go there. It’s kind of far, so you don’t just walk in there by accident. Usually the big artists who go to Ottawa or Montreal go there, so it’s a small place to see big names.” Vollebekk is supporting Basia Bulat both nights. “It’s really by chance,” Vollebekk explains. “[Students’ Association of the Faculty of Arts VP Social] Dario [Petruzzi] was putting to-

gether the show [at Café Alternatif]. He got her, [and] then he asked me to open. Unrelated [to that], the Black Sheep have me open for people sometimes, and they asked me to open up for her.” Vollebekk released his first full-length album, Inlands, in the fall of 2008. Although he often performs by himself, the album has full accompaniment from a backing band. Some solo artists use pre-recorded material or other means of accompaniment when performing live, but Vollebekk prefers keeping it simple. “Sometimes it’s really cool when you see someone play, and they can do what they did with a full band just on the guitar,” he says. “It helps to give a different perspective on the songs. It’s pretty challenging to play alone, and I like that challenge.” Recreating the studio sound on his album isn’t a priority, either. “There’s two different schools of thought, I guess,” explains Vollebekk. “Maybe there’s more. Some people really just want to recreate exactly what the album was, so people can see that the band wasn’t doing all studio magic. But I tend to like just trying different takes on the songs. It’s not really about reproducing, it’s more trying to create a similar atmosphere. I couldn’t for the life of me play drums and bass at the same time and make it sound good, so I just try and touch on the ambience that I want.” Although he had help on his album, Vollebekk prefers touring on his own—for the time being, at least. It frees him from the responsibilities and stress of managing several band members.

“I have a few people [that I know]. I have a drummer, I have a bassist, I have string players,” he says. “It’s cool, but I tend to not be very organized, especially when it’s just one-shot trips out of the city. I feel guilty asking someone to drive six or seven hours to Toronto to play for like $20.” While Vollebekk lives in Montreal, he cut his teeth in the Ottawa music scene, though he doesn’t claim to have ever been a part of it. “I knew that there was a scene. I just wasn’t in it,” he claims. “I wouldn’t know how to get people out to shows. I just didn’t know what I was doing.” Vollebekk moved to Montreal in August 2008 to work on his music career and for a change of scenery. “I was born and raised in Ottawa, and I think that after a long time in one city it’s cool to live somewhere else. I think I was a bit tapped out in Ottawa. Having grown up there, I didn’t really have the eye for figuring out where it was that I needed to play or should play. I lived in Ottawa my whole life, and I just had to try something different.” The move to Montreal allowed Vollebekk to meet other musicians and broaden his musical horizons, opportunities he never found in Ottawa. “Montreal is kind of like the Mecca of the music scene,” he says. “A lot of the bands that come out of Montreal are often not born and raised [there]—they come to meet other musicians. “Just in the past few months I’ve met so many great musicians who want to collaborate and want to play with me, and I want to

play with them. I didn’t find that in Ottawa, but I think [Ottawa’s scene] is getting better and better.” Vollebekk often returns to Ottawa for shows, and he hopes that the music scene he never really discovered can grow into something more substantial and popular. “I think that people are just a bit ... doubtful,” he claims. “I’d make sure I knew who was playing before I went to a show. I think that’s exactly what happens—you don’t discover who you want to hear [if you don’t go to shows]. “There’s tons of good music in Ottawa, too,” he continues. “That’s what’s crazy. Meredith Luce, or Souljazz Orchestra, that kind of stuff— there’s some really hip stuff happening.” The future of Vollebekk’s music career includes a summer of playing festivals and perhaps a fall tour of the U.S. “I’m hoping to play the U.S. this year, but it’s a lot of organization,” explains Vollebekk. “I’m learning quickly, but there’s a lot of paperwork and a lot of things to do. Oddly enough, [there are] a few small towns in the States that know who I am. I think that’s what happens with the Internet, especially when someone’s from somewhere else—you think that maybe they’re popular where they are. I think that’s the feeling. ‘Oh, that guy’s from Montreal, there must be tons of people at his shows!’” Leif Vollebekk plays Café Alternatif on Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. He will also be playing the Black Sheep Inn (735 Chemin Riverside, Gatineau, QC) on Jan. 23 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information, visit myspace.com/LeifVollebekk.

The atheist generation

photo courtesy Coupland.com

Life After God moves from the written page to the stage by Kalin Smith Fulcrum Staff “YOU ARE THE first generation to be raised without religion,” writes the prolific Vancouverborn writer and visual artist Douglas Coupland in his 1994 collection of short stories Life After God. The emptiness and disconnectedness of modern life are explored in the book, and experienced local director and Vision Theatre artistic director Greg Wysynski is bringing Michael Lewis MacLennan’s theatrical adaptation to the Arts Court Theatre Jan. 21–31. Life After God is the story of six high school friends and the events in each of their lives leading up to their fifteenth high school reunion. The cast consists primarily of Ottawa talent. Riley Stewart portrays Scout, the lead role in the production, alongside Chantale Plante, Jen Scrivens, Jerome Bourgault, and J.P. Chartier. The play, like the book, is a satirical take on the search for meaning and the emptiness of an entire generation—those born between 1961 and 1981, who are often accused of being apathetic, hypercritical, and disengaged from the world around them—and it maintains Coupland’s original sharp-witted but raw storyline and selected dialogue. “[The stage adaptation] focuses on a generational perspective, the generation [Coupland] defined as ‘Generation X’,” Wysynski explains. “It uses Coupland’s witty, sort of sarcastic sense of humour that flows through Generation X— the way people talk, and the rhythms that they talk in. MacLennan picks it all up so beautifully,

and that is a real addition to the play itself.” Wysynski elaborates further on MacLennan’s job of adapting such a diverse and scattershot novel. “MacLennan expands on Coupland’s original themes [in Life After God] in a more theatrical sense,” explains Wysynski. “If you’ve read the book, it’s a real jumble of stories, images, and quotes, and it is all really strong lyrical work that MacLennan takes from the novel. That’s the one thing that hits you right off—the way the writing flows.” Wysynski believes that MacLennan succeeds in bringing together the pieces of Coupland’s work in his own unique way. “[MacLennan] has used a sort of multistyle approach,” Wysynski explains. “There are monologue sequences, two-, three-, four-, and five-person scenes, and then choral sections which bring the cast together and that add the dimension of what is being told in Coupland’s original [collection of] short stories.” The quest to discover the meaning in life is a recurring theme in Life After God. Wysynski believes that the appeal of the stage version of Life After God is much broader than that of the novel, which was heavily focused on the experience of only one generation. “I think everyone, no matter what generation they’re from, can identify with emptiness of some kind in their own lives,” says Wysynski. “These are wider issues [in the play] that can be found in everyone, and the spiritual hole that we are talking about exists in everyone, or if it’s not a spiritual hole it’s another sort of emptiness that most feel towards life. I think it’s a universal concept; I don’t think it can be defined or left for one generation to feel. ” Life After God is at the Arts Court Theatre (2 Daly Ave.) Jan. 21–31. Tickets are $20 for students and are available from the Arts Court Box Office at 613-564-7240. For more information, visit visiontheatre.ca.

www.thefulcrum.ca // 01.22.09 //

ARTS // 13

Buried Child is not what it seems The Pulitzer Prizewinning play leaves a strong, existentialist aftertaste by Tina Hassannia Fulcrum Contributor MUCH LIKE WINE, oysters, and modern art, Buried Child—the latest National Arts Centre (NAC) theatre offering, written by Sam Shepard and directed by Peter Hinton—has a learning curve when it comes to appreciation. At first glance, the 1979 Pulitzer Prize-winning play is baffling, especially to viewers who try too hard to make sense of the narrative. A post-play discussion with your theatre date may be in order. In Buried Child, Shepard beautifully depicts the dysfunctional nature of an all-American family that refuses to recognize their twenty-something-yearold relative, Vince. He has returned home for the first time in years with his girlfriend Shelley in tow. The family can’t remember Vince’s relationship with them, and they don’t seem to care that there are two strangers in their house. The attempts made by Shelley to uncover the deep, dark, dirty secrets of the family finally come to fruition

14 \\ ARTS

at the end of the play. While not easily digestible, these secrets reveal the reasons behind the family’s collective amnesia and they also force the viewer to consider the existential reality of the characters themselves. With so much attention put into the mere comprehension of the unraveling story line, it is easy for the audience of Buried Child to take the play’s excellent production values for granted. The set design, blocking, and acting are all spot-on, mostly because Hinton keeps things simple in order to let Shepard’s masterful script shine through. The set is functionalist, featuring a house wall with missing blocks, which give it a dilapidated vibe congruent with the state of the family. David Fox is the finest actor in the crew and brilliantly portrays Vince’s grandfather, the sardonic, alcoholic, and damaged Dodge. Randy Hughson and Alex Ivanovici, who play respectively Dodge’s sons, Tilden and Bradley, are also quite masterful in channelling the futileminded creepiness of the two brothers. Christie Watson grows into the confused and later hopeless Vince. Adrienne Gould does an acceptable job playing Shelley, and while Clare Coulter is excellent as Vince’s grandmother, Halie, her voice is far too grating. In all, the characters are believable and communicate the

\\ 01.22.09 \\ www.thefulcrum.ca

photo courtesy National Arts Centre

surreal characterization required to make this play work. Buried Child demonstrates Shepard’s use of surrealism at its finest—he subtly weaves in fantastical symbols that appear to be commonplace objects only until after the play is over, and the viewer has managed to put to-

gether the play’s jaggedly sharp puzzle pieces. An example of Shepard’s subtle symbolism occurs with the random burst of corn crops that Vince’s father, Tilden, discovers in the first act, a feat that Vince’s grandfather, Dodge, refuses to believe has happened. As the audience leaves the the-

atre, questions galore will flood their minds, and it may take some time before they realize the genius of Shepard, and his clever infusion of the fantastical and the realistic. For fans of avant-garde theatre, Buried Child is sure to satisfy your craving for the weird.

Good Film

The Wrestler

THE WRESTLER INTRODUCES Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) as an aged, beaten-down wrestler still keen on the profession 20 years after his major success because it’s the only thing he knows how to do. While not as sharp as in his glory years, Randy is capable in the ring, and the choreographed wrestling is both entertaining and intense. After a particularly brutal match, Randy collapses in the locker room. Medical issues force him to retire from the ring, and from that moment on it’s hard to take your eyes off Rourke’s complete embodiment of a defeated yet still devoted man. Darren Aronofsky’s directing is superb, especially considering the film’s style is a notable departure from his earlier work. In films like π and Requiem for a Dream, his directing felt cold, distant, and at times disconnected. In The Wrestler, the grainy, hand-held camera that films Randy in a documentary-like fashion feels compassionate, often intimate as it follows him through very private moments. Aronofsky’s use of music—especially the 80s hair metal and grim, plucked guitar—contributes immensely to the film’s warmth and often fleshes out Randy’s complicated, concealed emotions. As the film progresses, Randy questions his actions in life and begins to understand himself. Aronofsky’s direction facilitates the shift by placing him in a world that feels natural and familiar. Randy’s loneliness is thrown into harsh relief after he retires from the ring. He reaches out to Cassidy (Marisa Tomei), an aging stripper who encourages him to reconcile with his

A

only daughter Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood). Randy’s detachment from his daughter—who resents his absence during her childhood—is moving, and offers insight into how he neglected her during his glory years. His neglect has had severe emotional consequences for both him and his daughter. Randy copes with his failing health and frustration with being out of the ring, but his solitude steadily becomes the focus of the film. Both Tomei and Wood give sincere supporting performances, with Tomei’s alternating between firm and fragile being particularly striking. But The Wrestler is Rourke’s film. What makes the movie so fascinating is the captivating character study of a man who lives in the shadow of his faded glory. Rourke is excellent throughout Robert D. Siegel’s bulletproof script, not once faltering. There are many heartbreaking moments in this film—such as when Randy is sitting at a table signing decades-old memorabilia, working behind a deli counter to make ends meet, and spending an afternoon out on the boardwalk with his daughter—that Rourke executes so convincingly it’s hard to believe he’s been on Hollywood’s blacklist for 15 years. Rourke’s evocation of constant silent pain and mute desperation as well as his seesawing between frustration with himself and fleeting happiness deserves Oscar attention. Still, while a lot is being said about Rourke in the run-up to Academy Award nomination announcements, The Wrestler is a triumph and should be celebrated as a whole. —Michael Olender

Bad Bride Wars

Film

C

BRIDE WARS, THE first estrogen-fuelled chick- maid of honor, but neither one will move their flick of 2009, tells the story of two lifelong bo- date. This conflict soon escalates into an all-out som buddies Emma (Anne Hathway) and Liv war, with each girl doing her best to sabotage (Kate Hudson). The two women lead success- the other’s perfect wedding. While the plot is gimmicky, Bride Wars is ful and well-rounded lives; Emma as a philanthropic middle-school teacher and Liv as an ag- not a terrible movie. It has its moments, like gressive businesswoman. The story is set in New the reaction of Liv’s fiancée (Steve Howey) York City, like most chick flicks released in this when Emma swaps the hair dye intended for Liv’s pre-wedding decade, and finds the touch-up. Even a tearduo eagerly awaiting the ful Hudson, complete chance of fulfilling their a blue-streaked shared childhood dream Start taking bets on a Baby with coiffure, can’t help but of an extravagant June Wars release date if the laugh when she’s comwedding at the city’s luxpared to a really hot urious Plaza Hotel. film grosses enough. Smurf. The story finds Emma Bride Wars is a typiand Liv both getting encal chick flick; it banks thusiastically engaged on genre tropes like to their long-time beaus within days of each other. Together, they step the juxtaposition of career-driven beauties of forth joyfully into the world of wedding plan- opposing hair colour, absurdly ridiculous cat ning, coordinating florists and caterers while fights, a couple of hair- or skin-related crises, searching for the perfect dress. This search pro- Candice Bergen’s token matriarchal role, and a vides the film with one of its many overly repeat- slim opening for a potential sequel—start taked lines—“You don’t alter a Vera [Wang], you al- ing bets on a Baby Wars release date if the film ter yourself to fit Vera”. With only three months grosses enough. Bride Wars is an entertaining to go until the big day, drama ensues when, due popcorn chick-flick, but really, there’s nothing to a mishap with the bookings, Emma and Liv’s new here to make it worth the price of admisweddings are scheduled on the same day. The sion. —Jaclyn Lytle two were originally scheduled to be each other’s

Everyone’s a critic. Review movies for the Fulcrum. Email [email protected] for more info.

Sex, violence, and opera U of O modernizes Georges Bizet’s Carmen by Ania Bula Fulcrum Contributor JEALOUSY, LUST, AND murder— Georges Bizet’s classic opera Carmen has all three in spades. A hot Cuban nightclub filled with dancing girls, a communist uprising, and a sordid love triangle all find their place in the U of O’s Music Department’s revolutionary update of the opera. Carmen, which runs Jan. 23–Feb. 1 at the Alumni Auditorium, breaks the stereotype of traditional opera with content that was considered scandalous and highly controversial in 1875 when it was first performed, and its timeless story still burns with sensual passion more than a century after it

was written. “It’s got sex, it’s got murder, it’s got violence,” says Whitney O’Hearn, one of the two actresses playing the titular Carmen. “It’s HBO,” jokes James O’Farrell, who plays the lovestruck Don José. José is a naïve young army officer who is seduced by Carmen and forms one part of a bizarre love triangle with her and another man. This love triangle is the central plot device of the opera. In the original, the other man was a Spanish bullfighter, but this updated version from the U of O transports the action to 1950s revolutionary-era Cuba and the other man in the love triangle is not a bullfighter but the famous revolutionary Che Guevera. “Testosterone,” says Philippe Courchesne-Leboeuf, when asked to describe what drives his portrayal of Guevera. Leboeuf sees his character as the manifestation of raw male power, the hero, and the lover. Although a relatively small role, the character’s

importance lies in the consequences of his affair with Carmen. According to director Sandra Graham, who is also a professor in the U of O’s music department and an internationally renowned mezzo-soprano in her own right, the location was changed from Spain to Cuba in an attempt to give the opera a more modern feel. “To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the [Cuban] Revolution, I am setting Bizet’s opera Carmen in Cuba in 1958–1959,” Graham says. “This is still in keeping with the ‘Spanish’ and gypsy-like flavour of the original story.” The new setting adds political tension to a story already filled with comedy and sexual tension. There are two performers playing each major role in the play—with the exception of Don José and Guevara— and they perform on alternate nights, in order to preserve their voices. CARMEN continued on p. 19

photo by Martha Pearce

www.thefulcrum.ca // 01.22.09 //

ARTS // 15

Big dreams and small hop by Joe Howell / The Strand (CUP)

Peace in the Middle East W

hen I arrived in Sderot on Dec. 17, 2008, 11 rockets had already fallen in and around the Israeli border town. School was letting out, and boys were playing soccer in front of a bomb shelter, while other children were being carefully corralled onto an armoured bus. It was the very end of the so-called ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, before the launch of Israel’s Operation Cast Lead. It would also be one of the last peaceful moments the town of nearly 20,000 people would know. Soon after, the Israelis’ aerial bombing of Gaza not even a mile away would put an end to classes completely. It was also the tail end of the organized portion of my travels in the country, sponsored largely by the National Committee for Jewish Campus Life, and it was becoming apparent the ending had been spoiled for me. “If you think you get it, you don’t get it,” my guide Michael Bauer had told me, in regards to the perennial conflict in the region. “If you realize you don’t get it, then you’re starting to get it.” How right he was.

Complications in Gaza

page 16 | the fulcrum

photos by Zoriah / Zoriah.com

Most people, my pre-trip self included, have fairly simplistic notions of what is required to bring peace to the Middle East. “All Israel has to do is return to the Green Line and end the occupation,” one might tell you, while another insists that if Hamas stopped firing missiles and recognized the Jewish state’s right to exist, the problem would be solved. Both of these hypothetical armchairdiplomats are partially right, but they are also horribly wrong. After all, if the century-old struggle has such an easy answer, it would have been found by now. That said, anyone peddling a quick fix is probably woefully uninformed; the same goes for anyone offering a one-sided condemnation. The rockets hitting Sderot on that mild December day were but a tiny example of the enormous complexity of the beast. Hamas said the rockets were in response to Israel’s not fulfilling their end of the ceasefire and lifting the crippling sanctions on Gaza. The sanctions, started after Hamas took

1.1million 952 Gazans dependent on food aid

power in 2006, were designed to put political pressure on the government by plunging over a million Palestinians further into desolation. In response to Hamas’ demands, Israel decided to ease the embargo, which allows only the barest of necessities over the border; But as arms smuggling into, and rocket fire out of, Gaza never ceased, they clamped back down. Both continued harming the other side indiscriminately, Israel through collective punishment, Hamas through untargeted explosives. Both have a lot to answer for.

Is peace possible? It’s surely more productive to look at the long-term prospects for peace rather than point fingers in this latest episode of the conflict, however, so I will concern myself with that. How can we help prevent this madness from lasting another 100 years? To figure out what needs to be done, the first place we should look is at the last major chance for an Israeli/Palestinian settlement, why it failed, and the following developments that have set the process back even further. In July 2000, United States president Bill Clinton sat down Yasser Arafat, thenchairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, with Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak (now the minister of defence) at Camp David. The negotiations came closer to reaching a “final status settlement” between the warring peoples than anything previously attempted, which made the sting of their collapse especially painful. Shortly after the Camp David talks fell apart, the second Intifada—the Arabic word for uprising—broke out with more violence than the first, Israeli public opinion swung to the right, and Clinton pronounced himself a failure. Amid this misery, there is still hope in the common ground the talks aroused. Both sides warmed to concessions that would have been unthinkable in previous decades. Among them was sharing Jerusalem, the city that contains some of the holiest places in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, and is thus both the spiritual and geographical epicentre of the conflict. Another was the complete return of the Gaza Strip and about 91 per cent of

Palestinian minors killed by Israel between July 2000 and November 2008

the West Ba remove 63 s and hand ov exchange fo they wouldn tinians woul ever state th Although monumenta of perpetua were growin Two deca construction prime mini never have At the time, plete Biblica and the Pale more than s At the sam estinians wo from them part of the 1 plan. And here paring to claims to all sea, forever. Indeed, th ermind sha once unthin to me by Ca have agreed have led to a “Take it a Aviv, and th Nearly an same as an contention return”. Wou Palestinians the soon-to but to Israe compromisi Israel said ics showed t tially make own state w had to be pr And so, w table, Arafat

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ank to Palestine. Israel would settlements from these regions ver part of Green Line Israel in or the parts of the West Bank n’t vacate. In return, the Palesld be permitted to form whathey liked. h rejected, this concession was al, and proof of just how tired al bloodshed the two nations ng. ades earlier, when settlement n began in earnest, Israeli ster Menachem Begin would considered these proposals. the idea of a historically comal Israel was a pervasive one, estinians were regarded as little quatters. me time, Arafat vowed the Palould reclaim all the land taken when they were expelled as 1947 United Nations partition

e were Barak and Arafat, prerelinquish their respective l the land from the river to the

he idea of returning land, nevaring the Temple Mount was nkable. But as one Israeli put it amp David, his country would to nearly anything that would a lasting peace. all! Just leave us the beach, Tel he airport,” he joked. nything is, of course, not the nything. The major point of was the so-called “right of uld the millions of displaced s be able to return to not just -be-created state of Palestine, el proper? There would be no ing on this one. d absolutely not. Demographthat allowing this could potenthe Jews a minority in their within a few decades, and this revented. with the right of return off the t walked away.

eace talks falter

high watermark, peace prosdeteriorated. Only two months lure of the Camp David sum, the first Israeli casualty from

the second Intifada was recorded. Since that day, roughly 5,300 Palestinians and 1,000 Israelis have died in the renewed violence, along with dozens of foreigners, not including the death toll from the latest fighting in Gaza. The ongoing violence will drive both body counts considerably higher, increase animosity and distrust between the two groups, and make diplomacy an impossible dream in the process. Right? Maybe not. I hold a slight, perhaps naïve hope that the blood in the streets will reinforce the desire and up the urgency for some sort of compromise to be reached. Surely, no one enjoys the status quo—the Palestinian civilian casualties have been heartbreaking and any deal for the inhabitants of Gaza would be better than the situation they’re currently in. But it’s a two-way street: what Israeli man would want to spend every minute of his life between the ages of 18 and 45 knowing he could be called to fight at a moment’s notice? What Israeli woman wants to know that her children will be conscripted the minute they reach adulthood? What on Earth could be more important for either side than escaping these conditions? While in Israel, one of the speakers I had the opportunity to listen to was the Globe and Mail Middle Eastern correspondent Patrick Martin. He said we will need a “magnifying glass” to see the differences between the eventual deal struck and what was offered at Camp David nine years ago. “In broad strokes, we see what’s there,” said Martin, and he’s probably right. It does not seem that either camp can concede much more and still walk away from the negotiations thinking it was fair. There are mutually exclusive things neither side will budge on—the right of return most specifically—but if they truly want peace, they’ll have to compromise eventually. They must work out the devil in the details—perhaps finding a way to entice as many Palestinians back to the new state as possible through financial and housing incentives, and agreeing to let the few who absolutely must come back to Israeli land do just that. Mechanisms might be developed to prevent the feared flood of immigrants that would make Jews a minority. At the very least, it would be informa-

tive to see proper surveying done of how many of the 4 million displaced Palestinians would insist on immigrating to Israel, if they had enough reason to return to Palestine instead.

Hamas One of the other aspects of the dispute that the sides will need to make a tough compromise on is Hamas. The political party, considered a “terrorist organization” by Canada, was democratically elected in Gaza in 2006. The fact that Hamas—a party that refuses to recognize Israel and calls for the state’s destruction in its founding charter—was elected by Gazans poses a major roadblock on the road to peace. Israel argues it cannot negotiate with the party or the people it represents if Hamas truly hopes for Israel’s ruin. Yet, there are options available to Israel beyond an all-out war against Hamas. Hamas’ guerrilla army cannot be defeated in a conventional, quick war any more than the Iraqi insurgency could be. Even if the rocket attacks can be silenced, they will inevitably resume in the future, and Israel will have accomplished little. It will also have poisoned international

sentiment against itself, alienated its Arab neighbours, and killed a saddening number of civilians and children. Hamas must be defeated by other means. Diplomacy is an option. Why was Hamas elected in the first place? The most likely reason seems to be that Hamas was considered honest and capable of actually delivering essential services, while the notoriously corrupt and ineffectual Fatah party (which governs the West Bank) was not. Faced with the choice of voting for bad or worse, Gazans decided on Hamas—an ambigious choice. Could there be a third way? Might the international community be able to empower a neutral party, and give them the resources to address the myriad humanitarian issues that plague Gaza? Assuming the majority of residents voted for Hamas because the party was better able to feed their children, this could possibly work.

Is the end in sight? One thing is certain: the missiles coming out of Gaza must be halted one way or another, if self-described leftists like Yossi Klein Halevi, a senior fellow at the Shalem Centre and Israeli correspondent for the

New Republic, are going to want to head back to the bargaining table. Halevi explained to me that he was delighted when Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, but the relentless barrage of Qassam rockets since then has made him wary of handing back more territory. What if that land is used as a beachhead for attacks? Moderates like him must be re-convinced withdrawal is wise. My thoughts now turn to a presentation I saw by Dr. Mohammed Dajani, founding director of the American Studies Institute at Al-Quds University, a Palestinian university in Jerusalem. In his presentation, “Big Dreams, Small Hope”, Dajani explained the conflict comes down to the nationalistic “Big Dream” camps on both sides, who want the enemy gone at all costs, and the “Small Hope” contingents, who “believe in the peaceful co-existence between the two peoples and call for the establishment of a two-state solution, living next to each other in harmony, peace, and security with Jerusalem as a shared capital for both.” Will enough people eventually move to the latter group, deciding that nothing is more valuable than a higher quality of life? We can only hope for this, next year in Jerusalem.

attacks in 00 and 2007

Palestinians killed between the 2000 Camp David peace talks and Operation Cast Lead

Israelis killed between the 2000 Camp David peace talks and Operation Cast Lead

the fulcrum | page 17

0 5,300 1,000

Album reviews

Animal Collective Merriweather Post Pavilion

A

Geoff Berner Klezmer Mongrels

B

Treasa Levasseur Low Fidelity

B

The Deep Dark Woods Winter Hours

A-

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ANIMAL COLLECTIVE HAS had a career-long identity crisis. In a recent interview with the National Public Radio program Spinning On Air, band members spoke of their affinity for melody and catchy pop. This musical approach has been present on all Animal Collective’s releases, but has always been out-matched by the band’s desire for experimental structures and sounds. Past results were interesting, sometimes enjoyable, though mostly frustrating due to sonic overkill and a lack of focus. However, on Merriweather Post Pavilion, Animal Collective’s ninth album, they’ve finally struck a perfect balance between vivacious indie pop and boisterous experimen-

tation. Here, unlike on previous releases, the weird electronic sounds don’t seem like they’ve been forced into the band’s tribal dance-like rhythms—everything feels natural and has a purpose. Songs like “My Girls” and “Daily Routine” sound like Neanderthals who have been given synthesizers and laptops to use in their celebrations. Merriweather Post Pavilion isn’t an evolution for the band—it’s still the familiar Animal Collective sound—but because there is none of the musical meandering that dotted their previous works it’s the band’s most refined release to date. —Danyal Khoral

GEOFF BERNER’S KLEZMER Mongrels sounds exactly as the title suggests it should—a bizarre mix of alternative rock and traditional Jewish folk. Klezmer is Jewish folk music that originated in the 15th century, emphasizing danceable melodies played on accordion, violin, and clarinet. Even though the music on the album fits the klezmer genre, Geoff Berner is definitely not going to be headlining any Hanukkah festivities to support this album. ‘Mongrel’ is the key word for this album: Berner has mashed together a punk attitude with the instrumentals of a Jewish wedding to create his own mongrel genre that only its parents can disown. Klezmer Mongrels’ 11 tracks feature songs that would outrage any mother, Jew-

ish or otherwise. “The Whiskey” has Berner exploring the role whisky had in his conception, while “No Tobacco” proclaims proudly that British Columbian marijuana is so potent that “you don’t need anything to mix with it”. Finally, on “Half German Girlfriend” Berner lightheartedly sings about racial prejudice and alludes to the Holocaust, singing “both Nazis and Orthodox Jews would be disgusted by the dirty things he does with his half-German girlfriend”. Relying heavily on accordion and violin, the album does get obnoxious at some points, but it is completely necessary to successfully create one of the most tongue-incheek albums you will ever hear. —Julian Blizzard

LOW FIDELITY CAPTURES the sweeter side of the blues, thanks to Treasa Levasseur’s subtle yet beautiful voice and musical accompaniment tailor-made for a dark coffee house. The album is polished and layered acoustic blues that thankfully doesn’t sound overproduced— restrained touches of horns and even a gospel choir pepper the album, adding mellow warmth to the music. This is most apparent on the second half of the album, especially on “Give Me Just One” and the stunning “Rest of the Ride”, where Levasseur consolidates the best elements of artists like Mavis Staples and The Band into a simmering gospel-blues dirge. Unfortunately, her lack of innovation

and aping of her influences is also the album’s biggest weakness—she doesn’t stand out when compared to her predecessors or even contemporaries like Norah Jones. The lyrics of her original songs often deal with her own life with precise and sometimes scathing detail, but with the exception of the upbeat opener “Help Me Over” and the aforementioned “Rest of the Ride”, the songs tend to blend together, both with themselves and with a myriad of other artists doing the same thing. With a stronger set of tunes, Levasseur could release a modern classic, but she doesn’t quite deliver on the promise that is shown here. —Nicholas Rudiak

WINTER HOURS IS The Deep Dark Woods’ third foray into the ambiguous genre of alt-country. The album relies heavily upon twangy guitars, copious harmonies, and monotonous drumming. Thankfully, though, the band has taken country away from songs about ma’ dog, ma’ girlfriend, and ma’ truck and back towards the ear-pleasing, finger-tapping country your parents liked so much. Listeners will find Winter Hours highly reminiscent of early Neil Young, The Band, or Bob Dylan’s folk and country albums. “Polly”

and “The Birds on the Bridge” could actually be mistaken for covers of Dylan or Young. However, these blatant acknowledgements to likely influences do the album no harm as The Deep Dark Woods could do much worse than emulating some of country’s most prolific artists. Country fans will appreciate Winter Hours for its wonderfully mellow taste of the prairies, but while it’s a fine country album, it remains to be seen whether the band can carve out its own distinct sound. —Julian Blizzard

CARMEN continued from p. 15 Although Don José and Guevera were originally cast with two actors, both roles lost an actor over the course of the production. Carmen has a simple story, but the complex characters in the opera are easily misunderstood. It was a challenge for some of the actors and actresses to find an understanding of the parts they play. “I had the common view of Carmen that everybody does—kind of a slut,” admits O’Hearn. “But then, after going through rehearsals, and getting to know the music and getting to know her more, she has so many layers. She is so complicated I don’t even know if

I have her figured out yet.” Graham realizes that opera may no longer be the most popular genre in today’s society. However, she believes that the engaging stories and stunning music will continue to transcend the limitations of time. “Anything that’s well written will continue to be enjoyed years from now,” explains Graham. “The music is so beautiful. I think people are always ready to hear beautiful singing. I think there is always a place for opera.” Carmen runs Jan. 23–Feb. 1 at the Alumni Auditorium. Tickets are $10 at the door, $5 for students and seniors. For more information, visit music.uottawa.ca.

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Students are invited to enter by January 30, 2009

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www.thefulcrum.ca // 01.22.09 //

ARTS // 19

You’ll never eat brunch in this town again

An apology to Clint Eastwood

Peter Henderson Arts & Culture Editor DEAR MR. EASTWOOD, Can I call you Clint? No? All right, there’s no need to grimace. Mr. Eastwood, I recently saw your latest film, Gran Torino, otherwise known as Clint Eastwood Thinks the Young Generation is a Bunch of Pussies Who Need to Man Up, and I want to set the record straight. First off, we’re sorry. I’m apologizing on behalf of my generation, which has become caught up in a consumerist, instant-gratifica-

tion culture that shortens attention spans and all about. It is popular today to view the past creates kids with no time for history, studies, or with a jaundiced eye, and your generation is the wisdom of our elders. There were moments not without its sins—segregation, McCarthyin Gran Torino when I cringed at the selfish- ism, and oppression—but that’s not the whole ness and stupidity of the characters onscreen; story. You were the ones who fought the good fight, defeating an not because they were caricatures, but evil empire in Eubecause they were so rope and protecting I’ve seen a teenage girl dressed at least some of the true to life. I’ve seen a teenage girl dressed like a tramp, text messaging at a Korean people from of tyranny. like a tramp, text funeral, and you’re right to show decades messaging at a funerToday, we too often just how inconsiderate and forget the sacrifices al, and you’re right to show just how inconembarrassing people born after of the Greatest Gensiderate and embareration, and for that I 1980 can be. am sorry. rassing people born after 1980 can be. Mr. Eastwood, I’m a pussy. I don’t know Mr. Eastwood, you represent a bygone era, an era of strong, silent a lug wrench from a socket wrench, I can’t men who did their duty without complain- rewire a circuit, and, to quote the late, great ing, who did what was right without equivo- Mitch Hedberg, “if my car breaks down and cating, and who knew what being a man—in the gas tank does not say ‘E’, I’m fucked.” But the full sense of the word, encompassing ma- my generation isn’t all gang-bangers and selfturity, manual skill, and moral character—was centred assholes. The same jerks who can’t find

time to call their grandparents because they’re too busy on Facebook are the people who got Barack Obama elected—despite your Republican Party membership, Mr. Eastwood, I know you’d be as scared as I was at the prospect of a President Palin. We’re still young, but we know we can beat this economic crisis, too. We have not been as tested as previous generations, but I believe—whatever our struggle—that we will show the grit and determination that have been lacking of late. Mr. Eastwood, we may have lost our way, but I’m sure we will rediscover the positive values of your generation—respect, compassion, and strength. It’s hard to separate you from your most famous characters, Mr. Eastwood, but your mythic image is that of a man who never backed down, who righted the wrongs he saw, and who truly believed in justice. Keep making movies like Gran Torino, and maybe we’ll learn how to live up to your example.

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Sports

A fresh start

David McClelland Sports Editor [email protected] Jan. 22–28, 2009

21

American guard Josh Wright joins men’s basketball team by Anna Rocoski Fulcrum Staff

Gees is a step back for Wright. If Wright wants to someday take a shot at the National Basketball Association, he’ll have an uphill battle— ON DEC. 17, guard Josh Wright was officially CIS players rarely get a shot at the big leagues, activated as the newest member of the Gee- and none have made it all the way since Brian Gees men’s basketball team. Wright, formerly Heaney in 1969. Wright isn’t letting that worry with the National Collegiate Athletic Associa- him, though, preferring to focus on maximizing tion (NCAA) Division I Syracuse Orange, one his potential with the Gees. of the top 25 men’s basketball programs in the “The sky is the limit,” said Wright. “I have no United States, left that team in December 2007, limitations on what I am able to do as long as following what some speculated was a conflict I keep doing what is right—prepare myself and with Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim. After take care of myself.” sitting out the mandatory one year required to Often when a talented new player arrives transfer between the NCAA and Canadian In- with a team midway through the season, there teruniversity Sports is a chance the player (CIS), Wright is now won’t integrate well “This is the first real team into the new environplaying out his remaining year and a ment. DeAveiro noted that I have been on since half of eligibility in that this is far from the high school as far as Ottawa. case with Wright. “Here I am allowed “He’s added some camaraderie with the to be myself; that’s depth, experience, and players goes.” one of the biggest talent we didn’t have, [factors]. I have just Josh Wright so he definitely makes always wanted to be a better team,” he Gee-Gees guard us myself,” said Wright, said. “[Wright] has a Utica, New York nadone everything he tive, regarding his decision to come to Canada. can to fit in with his teammates and I think his “I can honestly say [I feel like] this is the first teammates are comfortable with [Wright] and real team that I have been on since high school they’re happy that he is here.” as far as the camaraderie with the players goes.” DeAveiro also noted that Wright will probCompared to NCAA basketball, CIS basket- ably need some time before he is completely ball is relatively obscure, so the reasons behind familiar with the Gees’ game plan. Wright’s transfer may seem confusing. Gee“It’s going to take him a while to really unGees head coach Dave DeAveiro explained that derstand our defense system because he comes the reduced pressure in CIS was a factor for from a completely different system so he strugWright. gled a little with that [in his first game with us],” “It’s much more of a business down there,” DeAveiro continued. “The next night I think evsaid DeAveiro. “You put 20,000 people in an are- erybody got a little glimpse of what Josh Wright na, you generate millions of dollars, and alumni is capable of doing.” are putting money into the program—but you For Wright, the bottom line is simply playing have to win. So if you don’t win, you lose your the sport he loves, no matter where that might job. As a player there, you have to perform, be- be. cause if you don’t perform the coach will pull “Basketball is the same everywhere you go,” you over and put the next guy in.” he said. “It’s about how you prepare for the game It can be argued that playing for the Gee- and how you approach the game.”

photo by Frank Appleyard

Josh Wright transferred to the Gee-Gees after playing two seasons with the NCAA Division I Syracuse Orange.

The gloves are off Part of the sport, or destined to be banned? by Megan O’Meara Fulcrum Staff THE RECENT DEATH of 21-year-old Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) player Don Sanderson, a member of the Whitby Dunlops who fell into a coma after hitting his unprotected head against the ice during a fight, has caused an explosive reaction from those against fighting in hockey. Many coaches, players, and fans feel that fighting is sewn into the fabric of the game, despite occasional serious injuries and even the death of Sanderson. But sometimes hockey’s fighting culture spills into the rest of the sport in ugly ways, such as Todd Bertuzzi’s brutal attack on Steve Moore in 2004. Gee-Gee’s fourth-year centre Dan McDonald feels that it would be tough to take the fighting out of the game. “I don’t think they’ll ever be able to abolish it completely from the game,” he said. “It wouldn’t be hockey without it.” Still, OHA officials have attempted to satisfy the desires of critics as they are now debating new rules on helmet safety and fighting in the league. Meanwhile, fighting at the Canadian Inter- at the U of O, she has not encountered one fight university Sport (CIS) level is already penalized involving one of her players. Leger, on the other with automatic ejection, or if a hit to the head is hand, has seen some fights, but not many. “In my six years [here] there’s been maybe involved the player receives an automatic major penalty and a two-game suspension. Currently, five to 10 fights at the maximum,” he said. Of course, the reason for the differing numplayers wanting to drop the gloves must be sure to keep their helmets and chin straps on before bers of fights has a lot to do with the gender of the players. and during their clash. “Fighting in hockey Typically at the uniis something that’s versity level, fighting more exclusively on the is rare, but that doesn’t men’s side; on the womprevent coaches of both en’s side, it’s very rare to the men’s and women’s see a fight,” said Geeteams from being quite Gees women’s hockey opinionated on the captain Danika Smith. matter. “[In men’s hockey] it’s Dave Leger, the head usually associated with coach of the Gee-Gees men’s hockey team, is Dan McDonald the entertainment side [of the game], because among those who wish Gee-Gees forward the NHL is a business, to keep fighting—as so that’s something that long as it’s regulated— they think will appeal as it is now. to their fan base.” “The young man While fighting is banned at the university levin junior hockey was quite unfortunate, but it sounds to me like it was ... purely accidental,” el and junior level (or typically results in a susexplained Leger. “To those who aren’t accus- pension), there is no evidence that this will ever tomed to the game of hockey it’s quite shocking, be the case in the NHL. Fans are often divided but I think most Canadians are used to seeing it on the issue, with some feeling that it is just a as part of the sport. Fighting with controls func- part of the sport, while others feel it’s no longer necessary and that hockey should not become a tions well across the country.” The head coach of the Gee-Gee’s women’s blood sport. For his part, McDonald noted that hockey team, Shelley Coolidge, falls on the oth- even if fighting in hockey is banned, it won’t stop the fights from happening. er side of the debate. “There’s still going to be incidents where tem“[Fighting] isn’t necessary,” said Coolidge via pers boil over and guys will take matters into email. “[Hockey] is a game of skill.” Coolidge noted that, in her six years as a coach their own hands and fight.”

“I don’t think they’ll ever be able to abolish it completely from the game ... It wouldn’t be hockey without it.”

www.thefulcrum.ca It’s the bee’s knees. 22 \\ SPORTS

\\ 01.22.09 \\ www.thefulcrum.ca

illustration by Alex Martin

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The Fulcrum will have a special general meeting Jan. 29 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss amendments to its constitution. The meeting will be held at 631 King Edward Ave., in addition to our regular staff meeting. For more information, email [email protected].

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Capital showdown Gee-Gees looking to avenge 2008 losses by Hilary Caton and David McClelland Fulcrum Staff ON JAN. 28, Scotiabank Place will host the third annual MBNA Capital Hoops Classic, an event that has become Ottawa’s biggest annual university sporting event. A yearly tradition since 2007, the event pits the Gees against the cross-town rival Carleton Ravens in a showdown at Scotiabank Place in front of 9,000 fans (and this year televised nationally on The Score). This year, the Gee-Gees will be looking to avenge last year’s pair of losses to Carleton, who defeated the men’s team 70-66 and the women’s team 53-43. Like last year, the double header will start with the women’s basketball teams at 6 p.m., followed by the men’s teams at 8 p.m. With the Carleton Ravens ranked first in Canada and the Gees second, this year’s game will be a battle for supremacy in men’s basketball. Both teams are also on 11-game winning streaks, which will likely extend to 13 game streaks after both teams play the 6-7 Queen’s Golden Gaels and 0-13 RMC Paladins the weekend of Jan. 23–24. “I think it’s the same as every year, regardless of our ranking,” said fifthyear centre Dax Dessureault. “This time we might be ranked number one for the first time in my career, so there’s that much more hype to it.” The game will likely end up determining which team will control first place in the Ontario University Athletics East division, as Carleton and Ottawa have remained deadlocked since the beginning of the season. Gee-Gees head coach Dave DeAveiro feels that his team has the experience to take such a high-pressure game with few problems. “Most of our guys have been in a game like this, our returning guys have played it for two years and our rookies have [played] this year at Scotiabank Place when we played Southern Alabama and Providence,” he said. “But they weren’t playing for number one or number two in the country, so it’ll definitely be a different feeling.” Meanwhile, the Gee-Gee’s women’s basketball team is having a muchimproved season over last year, when the team finished 3-19. They currently sport a 8-5 record, and are just one game behind the Ravens, who are tied with the Toronto Varsity Blues for first-place in the OUA East. “We’re doing a little bit more prep for Carleton, I think, but we know the players. We faced them at the beginning of the regular season, so we know the way they play pretty well,” said second-year guard Emilie Morasse. “So many people are going to

photo by Meaghan Walton

The top two men’s basketball teams in Canada will battle for supremacy when the Gees take on the Carleton Ravens at Scotiabank Place Jan. 28. be there, so it becomes a big deal, plus the men’s team will be there watching. So, there’s a fair bit of pressure from both sides.” Head coach Andy Sparks isn’t worrying about the game against Carleton just yet, preferring to wait until after the Gees play the Queen’s Golden Gaels on Jan. 23 and RMC Paladins on Jan. 24.

“We’ve taken it game-by-game all year, so that’s not going to change. That’s just how we do things.” Tickets for the Capital Hoops Classic cost $15 for students. The price includes transportation to and from Scotiabank Place. Tickets are available from the SFUO office, Gee-Gee’s box office and geegees.ca.

www.thefulcrum.ca // 01.22.09 //

SPORTS // 23

Skating through the capital by Ben Myers Fulcrum Staff SKATING THE RIDEAU Canal can only be described as a sensory experience: The crisp sound of skate blades scraping across the surface of the ice; the sight of hundreds of people smiling, laughing, and struggling to stay upright; and, of course, the sugary taste of the canal’s unofficial treat, the beaver tail. While extremely cold weather (as low as -34, with the windchill factor) prevented many people from enjoying the canal earlier in the month, many anxious skaters finally took to the ice on Jan. 18, in balmy –15 temperatures. Whether flailing arms and tripping over their own feet in rented skates, or zooming along in speed skates, winter enthusiasts took to the world’s largest skating rink in force. U of O students Maxime Laliberte and Tanya Marcoux took the opportunity for a romantic skate around the Corktown Bridge and toward the Rideau Centre. Stopping for a beaver tail was mandatory. “It’s my favourite part,” Marcoux said. Coupling seems to be an important part of the Canal experience for many. One passing skater noted, “holding hands prevents falling over,” to a nearby companion, who then dutifully clutched his mitt—to prevent injury, of course. In the 1970s, Ottawa City Council toyed with the idea of paving the Rideau Canal in order to make a highway into the heart of downtown. Colonel John By, who directed the construction of the canal from 1826–32, must

have rolled over in his grave. Luckily, the canal survived as a waterway and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and source of civic pride. Many skaters however, simply come for the exercise. Taking off their skates at the north end of the canal near the Snowbowl concert area at Rideau Street, Amelia Bailey, Oliver Wilkenson, and Christina Seensson had only a minute to reflect on their canal experience before escaping the cold and catching a lift back home. Bailey initially said the need for exercise brought her crew out to skate before conceding the real reason. Seensson, a native of Norway, had not yet tasted a beaver tail nor had she skated on the canal—two quintessentially Canadian experiences. “It’s really nice here. No pollution, not much garbage around. You would expect that, [Ottawa] being the capital,” Seensson remarked before dashing off with her friends. The Snowbowl will host Colin James, Jim Cuddy, and other musical acts during Winterlude, Ottawa’s official celebration of the winter season, held Feb. 6–22. Not far away, Confederation Park will become ground zero for ice sculptures and curious onlookers. For now though, the skaters gleefully scrape over the hills and valleys of the Rideau Canal’s uneven surface. Simply for the love of the activity, they glide from the Parliament Buildings all the way to Carleton University. The skaters absorb all the aspects of the world’s largest skating rink, waiting for the next sensory experience to hit them.

photo by Maria Rondon

The Rideau Canal Skateway, which runs near the U of O campus, is a winter experience that should not be missed.

Lighting the lamp

Dividing women’s hockey the right way

David McClelland Sports Editor TWO YEARS AGO, when I was just a freshfaced volunteer here at the Fulcrum, one of the first sports that I covered was women’s hockey. I always enjoyed writing about the team’s games, as the players were skilled and they, as well as the coaches, were approachable and friendly (a major plus for any new sports writer). But, as time has marched on, I have found it harder and harder to be enthusiastic about covering women’s hockey, not due to any fault of the team, but rather because the Gee-Gees play in a small, isolated conference. You see, the Gees play in the Quebec Student

24 \\ SPORTS

Sports Federation (QSSF), along with the Car- ably be correct. It’s pretty obvious that something isn’t workleton Ravens, McGill Martlets, and Concordia Stingers—and that’s all. Those four teams are ing in women’s hockey. The QSSF is stagnant, the sum of competition in the QSSF, and as you and there’s been no evidence of change in the would expect the schedule becomes drearily time I’ve been watching the league. Something repetitive, with the same match-ups recurring obviously needs to be changed, and there are a within mere weeks of one another—over the few ways the league could be improved. As I see it, there are two things that could be course of their 18-game schedule, the Gees play each team no less than six times. Meanwhile, done. The first and simplest would be to move the race for the the Queen’s Golden Gaels from the tenplayoffs isn’t terribly exciting, as team Ontario UniThe QSSF is stagnant, and versity Athletics all but the fourthplace team will find (OUA) conference, there’s been no evidence of themselves in postwhere they curchange in the time I’ve been rently play (holdseason play. On top of this, an ing sixth place with watching the league. a 9-8-1 record) incredible amount of stagnation has into the QSSF. This set in, with the same standings repeating year would introduce a new element into the QSSF, after year. When I first started covering women’s and since Kingston is close to both Ottawa and hockey, the final standings put McGill first, Ot- Montreal, it would not adversely affect the Gaels tawa second, Carleton third, and Concordia travel to away games, nor would existing QSSF rounding off the pack. Last season McGill lead teams have far to go. the division, followed by Ottawa, Carleton, and But I’m not entirely certain that would be Concordia. And now, a little past the halfway enough. Although more drastic, I think that this point in the 2008–09 season? Let’s just say that if second option is better: merge the QSSF and the you were to take an educated guess, you’d prob- OUA into one big 14-team conference. That con-

\\ 01.22.09 \\ www.thefulcrum.ca

ference could be easily split into two seven-team divisions, with the current QSSF plus Queen’s, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Ridgebacks, and York Lions in the east, and the remaining teams in the west. Canadian Interuniversity Sports scheduling pits teams mostly against their divisional rivals, meaning that most teams would likely only end up taking one excessively long inter-division road trip each season (such as London to Montreal). Teams and fans alike would reap the benefits of a merged conference. The teams would be able to test themselves against a much wider variety of competition, while fans of women’s hockey, in the QSSF especially, would be able to watch their teams play a much more varied and interesting schedule. I’ll grant it might make playoffs more difficult to organize, but men’s hockey operates similarly, with three conferences and a large OUA, so I’m sure it could be done. In my mind, there’s no question: completely rearranging the league is the best way of ensuring that women’s hockey at the university level will be exciting for fans, journalists, and players alike for many years to come. [email protected] 613-562-5931

Around the horn U of O to host Canadian national sledge hockey team

THE UNIVERSITY OF Ottawa will play host to a different kind of hockey on Jan. 23 as the Centre for Students with Disabilities will be holding an event with the Team Canada sledge hockey team. The team will be at Rink One of the Sports Complex from 2 to 3 p.m., and will be demonstrating the sport of sledge hockey—a variant of the sport played on sleds, designed for athletes with disabilities—as well as answering any questions that students may have about the sport. Following the demonstration, interested students with hockey equipment are welcome to suit up to test their skills against

the team in a scrimmage. Team Canada won gold in sledge hockey at the 2006 Paralympic Games, and will compete in the International Paralympic Committee World Sledge Hockey Championships this May in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. —David McClelland Men’s basketball rolls over competition

NOT LONG AFTER reaching second place in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) competition—a seasonhigh ranking for the University of Ottawa men’s basketball team—the Gee-Gees extended their winning streak to 11 games with a pair of wins on the road.

The York Lions offered scant resistance for the Gee-Gees on Jan 16, who didn’t need much effort to capture the win. With a substantial 52-35 lead at the half, the Gees cruised to an easy 86-56 victory. Fourth-year guard Josh Gibson-Bascombe was the top scorer for Ottawa with 20 points. The next day, the Gee-Gees came up with a victory against the Laurentian Voyageurs in spite of some initial problems. After falling behind early, the Gees scraped together a 33-32 lead at the half before dominating the second half of the game on the way to an 83-64 win. First-year guard Warren Ward led the way for Ottawa with 22 points. The Gee-Gees now boast an 11-1 record with 10 games remaining, and

are tied with the Carleton Ravens for first in the Ontario University Athletics East division. The Gees will play two more games on the road in Kingston against Queen’s on Jan. 23 and Royal Military College on Jan. 24 before returning to Ottawa for the Capital Hoops Classic against Carleton at Scotiabank Place on Jan. 28. Tipoff is at 8 p.m., and tickets (including transportation) are $15 for students, available through geegees.ca. —David McClelland Women’s basketball wins in triple OT THEY PLAYED A lot more basketball than they were planning on, but the Gee-Gees women’s basketball team earned a pair of wins on the road against the York Lions and Laurentian Lady Vees Jan. 16–17. Ottawa started slowly against York on Jan. 16, scoring only 5 points in the first quarter. Still, the Garnet and Grey battled hard and tied the game 50-50 at the end of the fourth quarter. Two overtime periods solved nothing as the two teams were locked in a dead heat and the game was tied at 69-69 after six frames. The Gees finally came alive and dominated in the third overtime, earning an 84-74 win. Second-year guard Hannah SunleyPaisley led Ottawa with 20 points. Facing Laurentian the next day, the tired Gees trailed the Vees 33-30 at the half, but dug in in the second half and came up with a narrow 6866 victory. Fourth-year guard Kelly Weir sunk all five of her three-point attempts and lead the team with 21 points while second-year guard Emilie Morasse added 18 points. The Gee-Gees improved their record to 8-5 and sit in third place in the OUA East Division. Ottawa plays Queen’s on Jan. 23 and RMC on Jan. 24 in Kingston before tipping off against the Carleton Ravens at Scotiabank Place in the Capital Hoops Classic on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for students. —Mike Gribbon Men’s hockey hits bumps in the road

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ward Corey Thibaudeau scored for the Garnet and Grey, and rookie forward Matt Methot notched a power play goal for Ottawa early in the third period to make it 3-2. After a closely contested final frame, the Lions iced the game with an empty-net goal in the final minute. With their 8-8-4 record, the Gees drop to last place in the OUA Far East division. Ottawa’s next game is on Jan. 23 at Université du Québec à TroisRivières. —Andrew Hawley

THE UNIVERSITY OF Ottawa men’s hockey team lost road games against the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Ridgebacks on Jan. 16 and against the York Lions the next day, both by a score of 4-2. Penalties were a big issue for both teams on Jan. 16. The Ridgebacks scored their first three goals of the game on the power play, while Ottawa responded with two power-play goals of their own: second-year defender Gabriel Houde scored late in the second period, and fourth-year centre Dan McDonald scored early in the third. UOIT scored once more in the third period, sinking the Gees. On Jan. 17, the Lions dominated the Gees early with three goals in the first period. Despite four power plays, Ottawa was unable to find the net. In the second period, second-year for-

Concordia women’s hockey stings back LESS THAN A week after defeating the Concordia Stingers 2-0, the University of Ottawa women’s hockey team was defeated by the Stingers on Jan. 16 by a score of 2-1. The first period was played aggressively as eight penalties were called, four per team. Both sides registered nine shots on goal but failed to score. Concordia took four more penalties in the second period, while Ottawa went to the box just once. The flurry of penalties in the second period allowed the Gees to outshoot the Stingers 18-10 in the frame, though Ottawa’s power play could not find the back of the net. In fact, the Stingers scored shorthanded midway through the period, taking a 1-0 lead into the third. Third-year Gees forward Ashley Burrill tied the game with her third goal of the season early in the final period. However, Concordia was able to tally the winning marker soon after, while the Gees were unable to find their scoring touch and lost 2-1. The Gees finished 0-for-9 on the power play. The loss leaves the team with a 5-4-1 record in the Quebec Student Sports Federation, good for second place behind the undefeated McGill Martlets. —Andrew Hawley Women’s volleyball splits road trip THE GEE-GEES WOMEN’S volleyball team came up with a win and a loss on its road trip to Kitchener-Waterloo Jan. 16–17. Against the Laurier Golden Hawks on Jan. 16, the Gee-Gees took a 26-24 loss to open the match before striking back with a 25-17 win in the next set. But Ottawa couldn’t hold off Laurier in the final two sets, losing 25-18 and 2514. Rookie middle Aminata Diallo led the Gee-Gees with 11 kills and 11 digs. The following day, the Gees came up with a hard-fought victory against the Waterloo Warriors. After Waterloo won the first set 25-22, the sides traded wins up until the fifth and final set when the Gees reversed the pattern to win 15-12. The weekend leaves Ottawa with an 11-4 record, putting them in second in the Ontario University Athletics East. They next play Jan. 24, when they visit the Ryerson Rams. —David McClelland

www.thefulcrum.ca www.thefulcrum.ca // 01.22.09 //

SPORTS // 25

The Fulcrum Publishing Society The Fulcrum Publishing Society will be having its annual general meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 in Desmarais Hall, room 1160. Pizza and refreshments will be provided.

The meeting will be dealing with the Society’s audit, the election of five (5) student directors to the FPS Board of Directors for the 2009–10 year and proposed amendments to the Society’s bylaws. All U of O students have a vote, so come and use it! All proposed motions will be posted at www.thefulcrum.ca/ business seven (7) days prior to the meeting. Visit the site for more information, or contact [email protected].

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27 Opinion Sock it to ‘em! Michael Olender Executive Editor [email protected]

Jan. 22–28, 2009

Why I wussed out of running for SFUO president

by Dave Atkinson Fulcrum Contributor AS A STUDENT of the University of Ottawa, I have been fed up by the state of the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO). Mostly, I think that the executives take themselves far too seriously, suffer from mild delusions of grandeur, and spend the majority of their time and energy on things that don’t really help the 30,000 students who show up to the U of O every day. I thought that what was needed was a joke candidate for the upcoming SFUO elections. I first envisioned running any number of inanimate objects as fictional characters, but these plans were foiled when I realized that none of these could pass the dreaded bilingualism test due to their inability to speak. Richard Thesock-Lebas to the rescue. A sock puppet could pass the bilingualism test and participate in the debates, yelling loudly and calling upon the SFUO executive to get their heads out of the clouds and focus all of their attention and resources on improving the day-to-day lives of those who spend their time between King Edward Avenue, the canal, Laurier Avenue, and Lees Avenue. I picked up a candidacy form and got Richard his signatures, but then I paused and made a few casual inquiries. I talked to a few people who were familiar with the rules and was sad to learn that since Richard wasn’t a registered student, I would have to run under my own name. This seemed like a hurdle at first, but one that with a lot of work I could get over. Then my greatest weakness reared its ugly head: I’m a full-time student with a nasty habit of going to class. Running a campaign and being involved at the level necessary to make a difference requires more time than a full-time student has. Were I to run the sock puppet in any way that mattered, I would need to all but ignore my classes for about a month during midterm season. But I will graduate in May and get the hell out of here, so I simply can’t spare the time and energy that is required to undermine the election process. Sorry folks, but I came here for a degree. If I run, I might not get it when I’m supposed to, and I think that proves a flaw in the system: to lead students, you have to stop being one. So the long and short of it is, I wussed out. I put school ahead of being obnoxious to prove a point. But Richard lives. Even though he cannot sit upon my hand and run for office, his ideas and platform survive. He pens the rest of this article, which is something of a feat, as he has no arms.

Why the fuck not? A list of things the SFUO should do by Richard Thesock-Lebas Fulcrum Contributor SINCE I WASN’T able to run for SFUO president, the Fulcrum will have to act as my soapbox. There are things that I would have changed had I been elected to the big seat, but alas, the following list will have to do. Tell us what’s available to students. As a student, you have a dental plan. You have a food bank. There is a Pride Centre, a Women’s Resource Centre, and a number of other services. When you consider that there are 30,000 students, only a small number of students use these services. The SFUO needs to tell students what they are paying for. Communication and marketing need to be beefed up and taken seriously. Stop telling students that the Security and Prosperity Partnership is bad, or that they should vote a certain way on an issue in a provincial election. Instead, tell them that they can get some food if they need it, and that there’s a place with a couch for them to sit down with people who can help them with whatever’s going on in their lives. Use classroom presentations, wander around and stop people, anything to communicate that all 30,000 of us have services at our beck and call. I say this because, at the moment, too many students just don’t know that. Pay employees what they’re worth. The SFUO needs to pay the people who work for it what they are worth. Skilled workers, IT workers, accountants, translators, and so on, are making the same wages as the guy who scrapes out the Slush Puppy machine at the Pivik. Nothing against the Slush Puppy guy, but skilled workers should make more. If they do, then we can keep them and get good work out of them, and the SFUO will run better. Also, if you want someone to work full-time hours and hand in a full-time workload, make them full-time employees. You’re a union, act like it. Why the hell not? Stop hiring your goddamn friends and family. François Picard lost in the vp communications election last February, and was back at the SFUO soon after in a high-paying postion, chosen over that year’s office manager. The entire reception staff left over it. No shit. The current manager of 1848 is the brother of last year’s manager, who is now the business manager. Until recently the head of the food bank was the sister of the vp communications. These people may be great at their jobs, but come on, it looks really, really bad. Post the jobs everywhere. Post them at SITE, on bulletin boards, send them out in the email bulletin. Pick the best person, not the person you know best. Why not?

Let us see what you’re doing. Why is there not an executive meeting podcast? Trust me, podcasts cost pretty much nothing. Why are there closed-door meetings for anything other than human-resources matters? Why not let us hear what you’re talking about? There isn’t an opposition! We are all on the same side! Why are you hiding? It makes you look pointlessly shady. If your interest is making things better for the 30,000 of us, then why hide how you plan on doing it? Open the doors and let us see how you’re handling our business. You called shenanigans when Marc Kelly was told not to film a senate meeting, so put up or shut up. And update your goddamn blogs. If a teenager whose makeup is produced entirely by Sharpie can update nine times a day, you can manage a weekly glimpse into what it is you’re doing. Be as transparent as you want the administration to be, then double it. You demand transparency from the administration, and then run executive meetings like you’re in that bomb-proof room in the basement of the White House. Why not? Don’t automatically assume non-student organizations (the administration, the city, the province) are out to eat puppies. Fight fights that you can actually win. Work with the administration, don’t take cheap shots (like that Larry O’Brien Grinch Christmas card; he clearly looks more like Lex Luthor or the Vulture anyway), and focus on things we can really change. Do you have any idea how much time, energy, and money the SFUO put into promoting the Yes side on the Mixed Member Proportional system referendum during the last provincial election? Those resources couldn’t be better spent somewhere else? The split fee, for example: The $35 it costs to split our tuition in half and pay at the beginning of each semester instead of all at once. Fight it as hard as you can. Go 10 rounds over that pointless cash grab, raise a stink, use media, and let people who aren’t students know that it costs money to give the university money. We can win that fight. The lower tuition campaign has never saved students a dime. We can save everybody $35 if the SFUO gets rid of this thing; thereby actually reducing the amount of money we pay for tuition. It’s something, which I think you’ll find better than nothing.

Why not? Ignore the people who pay attention and concentrate on the ones who don’t. Ten per cent of students vote, 90 per cent don’t. You have to work for the people who don’t care about you, too. You don’t know what they want you to do, because they can’t be bothered to tell you. So what do you do? Do things you know everyone will benefit from. Keep fighting for the U-Pass, for cheaper food, and for no exams on weekends. The 90 per cent might not acknowledge or even notice you helped them, but if you’re in this for glory or validation, you should have tried out for Canadian Idol. It’s your job to make the student experience fundamentally better. The student experience at its most basic level is getting up, getting here, going to class, having lunch, writing exams, and getting back home. Making that process easier should be the top priority. Don’t ignore the people who ignore you. Why not? Demand this from your current executive, demand this of the candidates in the upcoming SFUO election, and if they don’t do it, you know where the office is, and you’re a click away from their email addresses and phone numbers. Just keep asking them: why not? Until they give an answer that clearly explains why not, keep asking. We might just get something done.

Shut up about Twilight, already! by Maureen Robinson Fulcrum Contributor YOU KNOW WHY Twilight— the vampire-human love story saga (turned blockbuster movie enterprise)—outlived its expiry date before it even hit the shelves? It’s not because the forbidden-love theme has been done before (Lolita and Brokeback Mountain, to name a few) or because the series is just filling the colossal post-Potter fantasy-literature void. It’s because the story is so atrociously executed over four books’ worth of painful, clichéd narrative in the voice of the world’s most annoying protagonist. Believe me, I know. I read all 2,600 pages, all apparently written by a lovesick 13-year-old girl at the back of a school bus. Haven’t read the books yet? Here, allow me to summarize: Bella bites her lip. Bella gasps. Bella is so angry her hands shake. Edward has cool, marble skin. Bella sees red and, as quick as lightning, her heart breaks into a million pieces. There, I just saved you 2,600 pages of fivecliché-per-page, predictable teenage smut. In fact, if any of that sounded familiar, it’s because you read it in your little sister’s middle-school diary. You know, when she wished that the gorgeous, smart, rich, talented, articulate, and mysterious outcast

illustration by Alex Martin

from across the lunchroom would fall timelessly and inexplicably in love with a plain, clumsy, and onedimensional girl with nothing to offer the storyline but hackneyed, self-deprecating commentary. Bella’s story is a pre-packaged teenage fantasy whose insert-self-here provision only feeds the unrealistic delusions of a generation of young girls who

believe the Edward Cullen (the sexy, flawless man, who is also a vampire) prototype actually exists. None of which, actually, would be all that bad, except for the appalling misogynistic themes embedded throughout the story. Edward is controlling, abusive, and frequently enraged at his “true love”, Bella, at one point hiding her truck’s engine so she couldn’t visit

a male friend. Bella’s only motivation is to serve Edward and keep him happy for eternity. Midway through the series, Edward suddenly abandons Bella, breaking her heart so completely in the process that she lapses into a catatonic depression for months until she “wakes up” and commences a campaign of self-harm, thinking it will bring Edward back. When they are

eventually reunited, she accepts his actions without scrutiny and begs for him never to leave again. In fact, nowhere in the book does Bella mention any self-empowering goals or aspirations outside of serving the men in her life, whether it be Edward, her friend Jacob, or her father. What sort of message does this send to young women? To worship their boyfriends through abuse and neglect? To set aside all personal ambitions to keep content the men of the world, lest they leave and take all happiness with them? But back to the story. Author Stephenie Meyer spends three books developing a complex mythical world with steadfast rules of self-sacrifice in exchange for true happiness. The only anguish readers are delivered is when the main characters suffer through the possibility of these sacrifices. I say possibility because in the fourth book, the author sews neat little loopholes into all those rules, permitting an implausible happily-ever-after ending for everyone. Barf. This isn’t good storytelling, and it’s obvious to this reader that the author became so attached to her characters that she is incapable of causing them any real pain. I don’t take offence to the existence of the Twilight series, just its outrageous popularity. I hear about “Edward Cullen Exists” fan clubs and middle-aged English teachers crying over these books. #1 New York Times best-seller? $184 million box-office intake? Twilight is not worthy of this fanfare. Where’s an Air Farce Chicken Cannon when you need one?

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Distractions Thryllabus Thursday, Jan. 22 Summer Job Fair. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Unicentre. Basement. Free. Film: Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist. 8 p.m. Alumni Auditorium. $2.

Sunday, Jan. 25 Master’s recital: Anton Kuerti on piano. 1 p.m. Pérez Hall. Freiman Auditorium. Free.

Monday, Jan. 26 Friday, Jan. 23 Workshop: Self-defense for women. 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Protection Services. 141 Louis-Pasteur. Free. Men’s basketball: Ottawa vs. Queen’s. 8 p.m. Montpetit Hall. $4 for students.

Saturday, Jan. 24 Opera: Carmen. 7 p.m. Alumni Auditorium. $5 for students. Women’s volleyball: Ottawa vs. Ryerson. 2 p.m. Montpetit Hall. $4 for students.

Free Moustache Rides

Chinese New Year’s Party. 6 p.m. Arts Hall. Room 509. Free.

Tuesday, Jan. 27 Chinese film: Up the Yangtze. 7 p.m. Lamoureux Hall. Room 223. Free.

Wednesday, Jan. 28 Lecture: “Cuba: A Beacon of Hope?” 7 p.m. Tabaret Hall. Room 083. Free. Capital Hoops Classic. 6 p.m. Scotiabank Place. $15 for students including transportation.

by Shane Scott-Travis

Sarah Leavitt Features Editor [email protected] Jan. 22–28, 2009

Dear Di

30

If you have a question for Di, e-mail [email protected].

Dear Di, My ex-girlfriend is a total cunt because she left me for another man (we’re not on speaking terms), but I’ve been worried about her. I saw her at Christmas and she was a carrot. I think she’s been tanning way too much and that’s not healthy, but I don’t know if it’s my place to say something. What should I do? —Still Cares for Carrot Dear SCFC, As a frequent fryer myself, I had originally planned to answer your question with a simple “Yes, everyone knows tanning is bad, and your ex is old enough to understand the consequences”, but then I did some research. According to a study published in the September/October issue of the American Journal of Health Behavior, in which 400 college students were asked about their blue-bed habits, 27 per cent had withdrawal symptoms when they tried to cut back. They experienced discomfort when not having tanned recently and difficulty controlling their behaviour despite awareness of its negative impacts such as freckles, wrinkles, and pre-cancerous lesions. The study concluded that tanning addiction is common among students, notably finding that young people who tan a lot are more likely to keep tanning as they get older, and that women, particularly those who tan indoors, develop skin cancers earlier. If your ex is a carrot as you say, I believe that it’s worth speaking up because, if you wait, next Christmas she’ll look like Donatella Versace. If she feels dependent on rays, there are alternatives, like self-tanners, or she could go au naturel and rediscover her natural skin tone. If she can’t kick the habit, she can seek counselling. Interpreting the strong language in your question, I think you’re still angry with her, but this isn’t about you two—it’s about her health. I want you to cut this column out and send it to

her in the mail (maybe with a nice Hallmark card apologizing for publicly calling her a cunt and a carrot). That’ll get the issue of overtanning and your concern and anger about the relationship out in the open. Maybe she won’t change her habits, but it is important that you try and, regardless of what she chooses, you did your part. Love, Di Dear Di, I recently lost my virginity to my girlfriend and thus do not have much experience with sex. She, on the other hand, has been sexually active for quite some time. She told me she has dated guys for long periods of time without ever climaxing during sex. I kind of feel selfish being the only one climaxing while in bed and I want to be able to pleasure her as much as she pleasures me during sex. Can you give me any tips? —Quest for Climax Dear QFC, Congratulations on getting your Vcard punched and kudos on keeping your girlfriend’s satisfaction in mind! A lot of researchers used to think that some women couldn’t have orgasms, but over the last 15 years sex studies have shown that virtually any woman can come. There are some things that can hinder her orgasm, like stress, unhappiness, and certain medications— and if she worries too much about it you can almost guarantee it won’t happen—but if she’s a healthy young woman she should be able to climax. Men have it easy (That SNL Digital Short “Jizz In My Pants” is bang-on!), so in contrast, women need a little extra attention. First of all, explain to her that she, just like many women before her, must learn how to reach or-

gasm. Now, there is a clitoral orgasm and a vaginal orgasm, but the majority of women need clitoral stimulation to come, so she should explore her body on her own, learning what pleases her. The majority of women first climax through masturbation, so she should take note of the pressures and motions she requires to orgasm (for example, I lie on my stomach and rub my clit slowly, thinking about Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire). After she’s explored and knows what she likes, she’s ready to have an orgasm during sex, and here is where you come in. You’ve got to get her in the right frame of mind, so the atmosphere has to be right—make sure she’s warm and cozy, be sweet and romantic, and tell her she’s beautiful. Remember that while men are ready to blow in almost an instant, women must be warmed up, so don’t neglect foreplay. Take your time caressing her breasts, give her oral sex, suck on her toes, and always be open and ask her what she likes, and tell her to be as specific as possible. Encourage her to take charge and take turns moving each other around the bed. First try bringing her to orgasm with your hand, which will remind her of masturbation, then gradually introduce your penis into the equation. And when she has one orgasm, she’ll have a million. Remember not to get discouraged—learning how to come can be frustrating and time-consuming. Try what I’ve outlined above for two months, after which if she hasn’t had an orgasm she can talk to her doctor, seek sex therapy, or even read one of the dozens of books written about the female orgasm. Write me if she comes! Good luck! Love, Di

The Thryllabus needs lots of events to remain so thrilling. Email [email protected] with suggestions.

sudoku answers on p. 23

Editorial

f

Frank Appleyard Editor-in-Chief [email protected] Jan. 22–28, 2009

31

On the path to student engagement

Preparing for Obamarama since 1942. Volume 69 - Issue 18 Jan. 22–28, 2009 phone: (613) 562-5261 fax: (613) 562-5259 631 King Edward Ave. Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 [email protected] www.thefulcrum.ca Recycle this paper or something about Joe Biden being boring.

Staff Frank ‘washington’ Appleyard Editor-in-Chief [email protected] Ben ‘jefferson’ Myers Production Manager [email protected] Michael ‘lincoln’ Olender Executive Editor [email protected] Martha ‘j.f.k.’ Pearce Art Director [email protected] Emma ‘taft’ Godmere News Editor [email protected] Peter ‘nixon’ Henderson Arts & Culture Editor [email protected] David ‘jackson’ McClelland Sports Editor [email protected]

Sarah ‘grant’ Leavitt Features Editor [email protected] Danielle ‘hayes’ Blab Laurel ‘garfield’ Hogan Copy Editors Amanda ‘cleveland’ Shendruk Associate News Editor [email protected] James ‘harrison’ Edwards Webmaster [email protected] Jessica ‘truman’ Sukstorf Volunteer & Visibility Coordinator [email protected] Megan ‘eisenhower’ O’Meara Staff Writer Alex ‘hoover’ Martin Staff Illustrator Inari ‘coolidge’ Vaissi Nagy Jiselle ‘harding’ Bakker Ombudsgirls [email protected] Travis ‘cleveland (2nd term)’ Boisvenue Ombudsboy [email protected]

T

HE UNIVERSITY OF Ottawa campus is seemingly divided into two distinct camps: those who are passionate enough to be distressed about the alarmingly low voter turnout in annual Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) and Graduate Students’ Association elections, and those who are only dimly aware that elections occur in the first place. After years of promises and halfhearted attempts at encouraging students to vote in its elections, the SFUO has taken an appreciable step towards uniting the apathetic, reluctant students with their active, involved—and vastly outnumbered—counterparts. The SFUO Board of Administration’s Jan. 11 decision to re-institute online voting in next month’s SFUO elections after a four-year absence from the polls offers a new element of appeal to the election of student representatives, if only by increasing accessibility to the electoral process. In past years, the SFUO elections have been little more than an exercise in futility. Voter turnout rates not exceeding 20 per cent of eligible voters in

Deidre ‘carter’ Butters Advertising Representative [email protected] Ross ‘reagan’ Prusakowski Business Manager [email protected]

demonstrated a commitment to involving each of its 30,000 members in the organization. While voter turnout is by no means a definitive appraisal of participation within the SFUO, a respectable number of ballots cast increases legitimacy for successful candidates, and simultaneously lets students feel that—results notwithstanding—they have had a say in their student union and in their campus community. That is a claim that the vast majority of students cannot currently make. Encouraging uninvolved students to vote in elections by relaxing the demands placed on balloting is not only good for the democratic system on campus, but is good for laying the foundation for a participatory U of O community. Admittedly, e-voting is not the saviour for engagement in student affairs at the U of O. That is a battle that must be waged on a much larger scale, and over a much larger time frame. But evoting is a viable first step on the road to establishing an active, involved, and united student community. [email protected]

Contributors

Nicole ‘johnson’ Gall Staff Proofreader Robert ‘ford’ Olender On-campus Distributor

the last three SFUO general elections have illustrated how wide the chasm is between active students and those who kindly pay their student levy and spend the next eight months in silence. There are many complex reasons behind U of O undergrads’ reluctance to vote. Still, simply removing an obvious barrier to voting—convenience—through the institution of e-voting may just be enough to persuade disinclined voters to cast a ballot. The SFUO needs to take that chance. Its detractors have claimed that online voting harms student engagement by relegating the complexities of an election to a glorified online poll. However, e-voting is simply a new way to cast a ballot, not a new medium for the campaign itself. The SFUO elections committee and the candidates are still on the hook to encourage students to take an interest in the issues and convince them that casting a ballot is worthwhile. But being able to tell students that they can vote with little impact to their already packed schedule is a mighty weapon in the ongoing fight against apathy. In backing e-voting, the SFUO has

Dave ‘adams’ Atkinson Devin ‘tyler’ Beauregard Julian ‘arthur’ Blizzard Ania ‘taylor’ Bula Hilary ‘clinton’ Caton Kristyn ‘pierce’ Filip Phil ‘van buren’ Flickinger Mike ‘ford’ Gribbon

Jolene ‘buchanan’ Hansell Tina ‘wilson’ Hassania Andrew ‘f.d.r.’ Hawley Danyal ‘mckinley’ Khoral Garret ‘h. w. bush’ Kielburger Jaclyn ‘johnson’ Lytle Carl ‘q. adams’ Meyer Maureen ‘monroe’ Robinson

Anna ‘coolidge’ Rocoski Maria ‘polk’ Rondon Jessica ‘fillmore’ Rose Nick ‘hayes’ Rudiak Kalin ‘harding’ Smith Alana ‘w. bush’ Sucee

cover photo by Martha Pearce