The Eyeopener - September 30, 2009

EN GARDE!

Eye editor takes last stab at tryouts page 9

Volume 43, Issue 4 • The Eyeopener — Ryerson’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1967 • Wednesday, September 30, 2009

HOW TO CTRL+Z THE NIGHT BEFORE pages 12-13

photo illustration: Jordan roberts

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NEWS

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The Eyeopener•3

Money problems follow CKLN to airwaves by shirley lin associate news editor

Live shows are back on CKLN 88.1 FM, but the campus-community radio station is not in the clear yet. After a year of controversy from funding and firings, current board member Peter Toh alleges former managers mismanaged thousands of dollars over the past two years. On top of that is the ongoing Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) review of CKLN’s license. Fearing the death of the student funded station, new interim board members voted CKLN back on air at an emergency meeting on Monday. “I think it’s what everyone’s been waiting for a long time,” said board member Barry Johnson. “I’m excited for what’s going to come,” said ex-programmer of Reggaemania Lisa West. “I hope from that CKLN will serve as it once did in its glory days.” Toh, last year’s board treasurer, told The Eyeopener that about $150,000 in discrepancies were found between 2003 and 2008 when he conducted an internal audit. Toh said CKLN also owes Revenue Canada more than $55,000 in tax returns dating back two years. There is missing paperwork for expenses made by former station managers and board members even after repeated requests, Toh said.

Peter Toh, CKLN board treasurer, alleges former station staff mismanaged funds. PHOTO: ANDREW WILLIAMSON “I tried to present [the audit] to the board, but they never ever allowed me to present this report because they knew that it was trouble,” Toh said. The largest chunk of unaccounted money came from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to build a third stu-

dio and purchase equipment, Toh said. In March 2005, the government grant agency handed CKLN $60,000 over nine months. Equipment bought cost $55,000 but with no receipts, according to Toh. He said the remaining $5,000 was

spent on moving CKLN to the Student Campus Centre. Other transactions Toh questions include unregistered advertising revenue, unaccounted wages to non-CKLN employees, equipment rental and inconsistent wages.

A recent letter sent to the CRTC by former board members, including Phillips, accused some of CKLN’s paid and volunteer staff for the financial mess. For now, CKLN can only move forward and deal with the problems, said Ron Nelson, interim chair.

Academic misconduct charges skyrocket By Vanessa Greco and Carys Mills News Editors

Academic misconduct charges at Ryerson increased by over 70 per cent in one year, revealed a freedom of information request filed by The Eyeopener. Last year, there were 359 misconduct offences found on campus, most of which were plagiarism. The year before saw only 256. Stephen Satris, former interim director of the Center for Academic Integrity at Clemsen University, said this could be just the tip of the iceberg. “The number might seem low, but these are just the students that are being caught.” Donna Bell, Ryerson’s academic integrity officer, agrees that many misconduct offences go undetected. “Are some students getting away with things? Absolutely. Are some things being swept under the rug? Absolutely.” Bell adds that she’d have no way of accurately detecting the actual number of students commiting offences. When a student is suspected of vio-

lating school policy, they’re asked to sit down with the instructor who suspects misconduct. During that meeting the instructor will decide if a charge is worth pursuing. Last year, almost 700 of these meetings took place. Only half resulted in charges. Some students don’t get off the hook. If an instructor decides to charge the student, they’ll be notified and given the chance to appeal to the Academic Integrity Council – made up of two faculty members and a student unrelated to the case. But students can also appeal the decision made at the Academic Integrity Council hearing. At that point, the case goes to Ryerson’s Senate, who’ll have the final word. Almost one month into the school year, there’s already one academic misconduct hearing scheduled. Satris believes that how students interpret the value of their education can influence their behaviour in university. “Their parents and teachers tend to emphasize getting good grades rather than learning.”

Breaking it down: misconduct style! Plagiarism (85.3%)

Cheating (10.5%)

Other (2%) False info (1.6%) Misrepresentation (0.3%) Behaviour (0.3%) * Offences from Sept. 1, 2008 to July 20, 2009

Ryerson’s CFS membership supports programs like the Drop Fees campaign. PHOTO: ANDREW WILLIAMSON

Students shun membership by aleysha haniff arts and life editor

Some schools call it a fringe movement. Others, a grassroots organization. At Ryerson, the idea of defederating from the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) doesn’t even fall on the radar. According to the McGill Daily, groups from 13 different schools from across the country distributed petitions for a referendum about CFS membership. Trent University student James Murphy said the number of schools currently petitioning for defederation ranges from 12 to 24. The fourth-year economics student has become the de facto leader of the defederation movement at Trent, “We had made up our mind well before we started to talk to people at other schools,” Murphy said.

Thirteen per cent of Trent’s student body signed the petition this year, said Murphy. “No petition has been received from the students at Trent University...no petition whatsoever,” said Dave Molenhuis, treasurer for CFS. In fact, he’s heard nothing official about schools trying to leave the federation. According to Molenhuis, everything about the federation is decided on by its members. “Anything can be addressed within the framework of the federation,” he said. Leaving the CFS would indicate students wouldn’t want to work with other unions on initiatives, said Molenhuis. “Working with the CFS on campaigns is beneficial,” said Osman Hamid, former student groups director for the Ryerson Students’ Union (RSU). Every student at Ryerson pays a membership fee for CFS services and

programs like Travel Cuts or Drop Fees. “But the problem is no one is reevaluating how the funds are going into [CFS],” he said. “When you’re actually putting money into it, more than $250,000 every year for both CFS Ontario and CFS National, then you have to ask more questions because then there’s accountability.” RSU president Jermaine Bagnall says he’s a fan of CFS. Mohammad Ali Aumeer, president of the Continuing Education Students at Ryerson (CESAR), doesn’t see any drawbacks to CFS membership. CESAR joined the CFS in 2006. Though more than 94 per cent voted in favour of federating, only 928 students voted in that referendum. Hamid, however, was around when the University of Toronto joined CFS. “If you say you don’t want to be federated, they send you to a hole. A non-existent hole...you hear stories,” said Hamid.

EDITORIAL

4•The Eyeopener

• Masthead

Go big before you go home amit shilton editor-in-chief

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amit “SIC BO” Shilton NEWS Vanessa “SNOOZE” Greco Carys “FLOOZE” Mills ASSOCIATE NEWS Shirley “BOOZE” Lin FEATURES Rodney “CHECKMATE” Barnes BIZ & TECH Lauren “MOTHERFUCKER” Strapagiel ARTS & LIFE Aleysha “UNIBALL” Haniff Amanda “$100” Cupido SPORTS “GI” Anthony Lopopolo

Go big. If there was one thing I learned on Saturday, it was to always go big. With a mickey of Crown Royal swirling through my head and over $200 in chips in my hand, my night at Niagara’s Fallsview Casino had only begun. The game was Sic Bo, a dice game that plays like the bastard son of Milton Bradley. Think of a high stakes version of Trouble. The gist of the game is to throw around cash trying to predict the outcome of three bouncing dice. It didn’t take long for the night to turn from raucous to belligerent. A few friends and I started off with a few simple cheers for a big result (the dice totalling between 10 and 18), but we soon progressed to hostile chants.

That’s when I decided to have fun with Nathan, a dealer across the room who was giving me the dirtiest of looks. “Nathan you asshole stop staring at me!” I hollered. Instead of getting in shit, I got high fives from my dealer, Gloria. I finished the night drunkenly high-fiving every casino employee I ran into, yelling in their ear how much I adored their casino that was “giving me free money.” These things only happen at a casino and they only happen when you go big. Those who know me know I’m a really cheap drunk and a night like Saturday was definitely an exception. The truth is, most of the time it just doesn’t seem like it’s worth the hassle. On the way home on the limo bus, I had the pleasure of tasting what was probably the world’s oldest Whopper going down and later coming back up. But for those who throw caution to the wind, we salute you with this week’s Arts and Life section (pages 12-13) to help you be smooth the next time you go big.

PHOTO Andrew “SHADOWS” Williamson Matt “WET BUM” Llewellyn ASSOCIATE PHOTO Chris “9/11” Dale FUN Leif “SHAWTY” Parker ONLINE GURU Kerry “SAVE THE DATE” Wall GENERAL MANAGER Liane “ENABLER” McLarty ADVERTISING MANAGER Chris “CHEWING” Roberts DESIGN DIRECTOR Ryan “I CAN HEAR YOU” Price INTERN ARMY Michael “STYLE” Stuckless Ryan “CIRC MAN” Hanson Brian “WELCOME ABOARD” Capitao VOLUNTEERS Daniela “EARLY BIRD” Gysler Carly “BELLA” Maga Michael “INK’D” Duncan Sarah “LAST SECOND” Nolan Marwa “TIPS” Siam Brianna “TO THE RESCUE” Shields Kevin “HIGH-SCHOOLER” Zaworski Travis “SILENT PANEL” Dandro Andrew “DOUBLE PRAISE” Chilton Michael “MYSTERIOUS” Winkler Monika “CRYPTIC” Mielnik Cory “HEBREW HAMMER” Wright René “NEWS CRUSH” Moortgat Kevin “SWEET SMELLIN” Young Christine “MASTERS” Dobby Tanya “JAGER-BIKES” Bahnesli Nick “BOOKED IT” Lypaczewski Lee “HYBRID” Richardson Lori “YOU GO GIRL” Connor Anne-Marie “INTREPID” Vettorel Alexandra “BACK” Yeboah Alexandra “ON TIME” MacAulay Abdelwahab Manley “CUTE NAME” Huynh Hilary “WILD VINES” Hagerman Jordan “LIGHT DIVA” Roberts Raylene “WINO” Knutson Eric “DOWN BY THE BAY” Zaworski Chris “COME BACK” Hau

Playing the role of the Annoying Talking Coffee Mug this week... Way to go Lauren and Chris! Keep it up! And you suck, McLarty. The Eyeopener is Ryerson’s largest and independent student newspaper. It is owned and operated by Rye Eye Publishing Inc., a non-profit corporation owned by the students of Ryerson. Our offices are on the second floor of the Student Campus Centre and you can reach us at 416-979-5262 or www.theeyeopener.com.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

FREE

STUDENT TUESDAYS AT THE ROM

VISIT THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM FOR FREE! Every Tuesday, full-time post-secondary students receive free general admission to the ROM. Simply present your current student card and picture ID!

Bloor St. W. at Avenue Road

www.rom.on.ca Valid for full-time students attending a post-secondary institution in Canada. Must present a current student card and picture ID. One ticket per student. Admission to special exhibitions are subject to a surcharge. Image: Sam Javanrouh 2008. The ROM is an agency of the Government of Ontario.

NEWS

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The Eyeopener•5

Second-time student denied on-campus jobs By Alexandra Yeboah

Nadia Kyerematen’s return to Ryerson hasn’t been welcoming. The 24-year-old public health student is being denied on-campus job opportunities while she pursues more courses at Ryerson. On her return, the school defined Kyerematen as a special student, someone who takes classes but is not officially pursuing a degree. Because of the title she’ll be unable to select winter classes until January. She doesn’t qualify for the on-campus jobs because her winter schedule will be empty until 2010.

I’m not doing this for Ryerson. I’m doing this for public health, I’m doing this for the people I would be helping. - Nadia Kyerematen, public health graduate and returning student “I was frustrated. I needed to pay for tuition. Ideally I wanted to get an on-campus job to get experience. Knowing that I couldn’t get any oncampus job was just upsetting,” said Kyerematen. She graduated from Ryerson’s occupational health and safety program in 2007 but decided to come back to Ryerson to take public health. Because of her previous program, which grants

the same degree, she showed up in the system as if she’d already completed the program. This forced her to enroll as a special student. The most difficult thing Kyerematen finds about this whole experience is the lack of academic advising. “No one knows where you should go. You’re running around Ryerson talking to people who can’t help you. They don’t know who you can talk for more information,” she said. Liana Salvador, Ryerson Students’ Union vicepresident education, said there are two issues with the way administration has dealt with Kyerematen’s case. Her first problem is with the lack of academic advising. The second is an academic problem with the program. Specifically, the inability to pursue a different branch of the faculty. Salvador is striving to help Kyerematen in whatever way she can. “We’re still in the process of dealing with this issue. She’s been bounced all around the place, and I’ve tried to stop the bouncing.” Tim Sly, interim director of the school of occupational and public health, said that situations This is Nadia Kyerematen’s second time at like Kyerematen’s are unusual. “Special students who come from all kinds of a bit of a disadvantage.” directions have to wait until we ensure that fullBut through it all, Kyerematen still hopes to time undergraduate students are [registered] for study public health at Ryerson. the year. For whatever reason, those people are at “I’m not doing this for Ryerson. I’m doing this

Ryerson. PHOTO: andrew williamson for public health, I’m doing this for the people I would be helping,” she said. “I just got to do the program, and then leave Ryerson behind and look to the future.”

Projected deficit for retirement cash by alexandra Macaulay Abdelwahab

Members of Ryerson’s Retirement Pension Plan can rest assured their savings are safe. At least for now. Ryerson’s retirement fund is at a 6 per cent surplus, which is higher than many other universities in the current economic market, according to a presentation at the Sept. 10 Board of Governors meeting. However, Ryerson’s pension could be heading for a deficit in 2011. Between 2007 and 2008 the value of Ryerson’s assets dropped 15.9 per cent. Last year’s massive drop is expected to affect the plan, said Jan Neiman, manager, pension and benefits. Ryerson averages the value of their pension plan over five years so that it isn’t affected by small fluctuations in the stock market. While President Sheldon Levy believes the school’s pension plan is in a reasonably good position, he continues to

keep an eye on Bay Street. “We’re OK now, but the question is always ‘What will happen to the market?’” If Ryerson were to enter a deficit several things could be done, said Larissa Allen, executive director of human resources. Members could be forced to make increased contributions to cover the deficit. Pension benefits could also be limited. Most likely Ryerson would have to pay, “which takes away from the operating budget,” said Allen. Three schools this year, Laurier, McMaster and Trent, had to dip into their operating budget to cover their pension plans. Dave Mason, president of Ryerson’s Faculty Association is not too worried about the value of his Pension Plan. “I presume in the longer term it will be stable, so I’m not too concerned about it,” he said. PHOTO Illustration: Matt Llewellyn. Map Courtesy of: Google inc.

>> By the numbers 45.9

Average age of pension plan members

1,995

Number of active pension plan members

38.8

Average entry age of pension plan members

Source: Employee Relations and Pensions Committee

Waterfront offers athletic centre site BY CARYS MILLS NEWS EDITOR

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Everything Ryerson wants from its new athletic facility could be found on Toronto’s waterfront – except for a close location. A city project, located at Commisioners Street and Don Roadway, could be Ryerson’s chance at securing a site with potential for an arena, field and track nearby, according to athletic director, Ivan Joseph. The City of Toronto is planning to build an arena in the Port Lands area of the waterfront and has approached Ryerson about partnering. While Ryerson waits to hear about federal funding for Maple Leaf Gardens, another potential site, the university is considering the offer. Joseph admits the waterfront location isn’t close to campus. but he said the choice could be as simple as “far away or nothing.” Elaine Baxter-Trahair, the city’s waterfront project director, said the arena would be about 20 minutes away from

campus. It’s set to open during the spring of 2011, according to Baxter-Trahair. If the partnership happens, the arena could have three ice rinks, a lacrosse dry pad, exercise rooms, a track and commercial space. “There would be dedicated space for Ryerson,” said Baxter-Trahair. But exactly how the space would be shared would be determined by negotiations. The financial contribution needed from Ryerson will be unknown until an estimate for the entire project is available, which should be by the end of 2009. City councillor Kyle Rae isn’t a fan of the potential partnership. “If you’re going to provide a service, why wouldn’t you do it where students live?” he asked. “We really do have to get on with choosing a site for the facility,” said Sheldon Levy, Ryerson’s president. Levy said that although the waterfront would be too far for an academic facility, having a satellite athletic centre is a definite possibility.

NEWS

6•The Eyeopener

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Housing lags on formal appeal policy BY VANESSA GRECO NEWS EDITOR

Residence students have no formal way of defending themselves against bad behaviour charges. This year’s housing contract promised rez students a new appeals system, to be introduced before summer’s end. But now, almost a month into the school year, there’s still no policy outlined. “Housing has an obligation to inform students about the process,” said Liana Salvador, vice-president education of the Ryerson Students’ Union (RSU), calling the appeal blunder a violation of student rights. When a residence student is found misbehaving, they’re given points based on the severity of the offence. Racking up three points can lead to eviction. Sarah Brown was threatened with a three-point charge after a night of partying on floor five of the International Living/Learning Centre (ILLC). “Being only my first week living there, I was pretty scared,” said the first-year radio and television arts student.

You got busted for WHAT?! Sleeping in common areas (1 point offence) Sleeping in areas such as lounges, stairwells or elevators. Waterbeds and hot tubs (2 point offence) Bringing in or using waterbeds, small children’s pools or hot tubs.

Sarah Mens, former housing resident, believes students need a clear appeals policy. PHOTO: CHRIS DALE Housing eventually reduced her Glen Weppler, director of student charge to two points. Brown said she’d and community life, admits housing have appealed otherwise. That is, if she dropped the ball. knew how. “We promised students a new policy “I don’t know much about the pro- and haven’t followed through yet.” cess. Is it even worth it?” As housing continues to draft a new

policy, Weppler vows to clarify the interim appeal process for students. Former rez student Sarah Mens, has seen how valuable appeals can be. Last year, her friend was nearly evicted for drinking, saved only by an appeal.

Pets (2 point offence) Non-human life forms other than plants and nondangerous fi sh in aquariums under 10 gallons. Open fl ames (3 point offence) An exception are birthday candles, which must be monitored at all times with safety equipment nearby.

Ryerson loses coveted spot at uni fair from year to year, Ryerson has just been to figure out new options,” said Keith lucky enough to have a preferred spot, Alnwick, the university registrar. Ryerson has lost a prime piece of Charmaine Hack, director of underDespite a less than ideal location, real-estate at the Ontario Universities’ graduate admissions, said in an email. many university hopefuls are still seekFair (OUF). ing out Ryerson. Josie Carolli, whose For 12 years, Ryerson’s OUF booth son is in Grade 12, consulted a floor was in a coveted location, right next to I wanted to fight it a lot map to find the back-wall booth. the fair’s entrance. This year, for the first more. “My son is interested in the school, time since the fair opened, the 200 foot- – President Sheldon Levy so we looked specifically for Ryerson in long booth was moved to the back wall. the fair,” she said. “I was not very pleased with it initialWith the fair’s increased popularity Ultimately, Ryerson’s booth’s location ly and I wanted to fight it a lot more,” space needed to be made for another didn’t detract from its popularity. On said president Sheldon Levy, who was fire exit. Friday, staff and volunteers handed out at the fair this weekend. “We’re happy with the location we’ve 21,000 admissions handbooks, a figure The OUF sees shifts in floor plans had for a number of years, but we had that’s up from last year’s 20,000. BY ANNE-MARIE VETTOREL

Ryerson could have partnered on this building. PHOTO: ERIC ZAWORSKI

Private developers rejected by Rye BY LORI CONNOR

Private sector developers are trying to partner with Ryerson to build another residence, but the school isn’t taking the bait. Over five private developers have approached the university, said President Sheldon Levy, who admitted a joint venture is Ryerson’s only hope for another housing facility. “If it was possible, we would be doing it,” said Levy. “Because we can’t make the business case, we have been looking at the private sector.” Although there’s a demand for more housing, no proposals have gone past the discussion phase. Right now, there are 840 beds on campus. But up to 2,000 additional beds are called for in Levy’s Master Plan, a long-term vision for the university that

requires the expansion of housing for Ryerson students. “It is very challenging for a university to absorb the cost of additional residence building,” said Heather Lane Vetere, who oversees housing as vice-provost students. There are two reasons why Ryerson is financially unable to support a residence itself, according to Levy. The school, unlike a corporation, is unable to charge a high price for rent and cannot guarantee 12 solid months of rent from students. Despite interest from both the university and the private sector, discussions are yet to progress as far as a draft agreement. Ryerson turned down Horizon Legacy Infrastructure Corp, a development group. They approached the university about partnering on Campus Common, a private student residence at Church and Gerrard Streets.

NEWS

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The Eyeopener•7

Stolen rides, empty bike room Briefs and Groaners Breaking in the new bathrooms On Sept. 24, just after midnight, a noncommunity member tested out the new bathrooms on the first floor of 350 Victoria St. The problem is, he actually used the floor. The man was found defecating on the floor in the men’s room. Already known to security, he said he comes to campus to see the “pretty girls.” Only 13 of the Ryerson Bicycle Room’s 65 racks are being used. PHOTO: ANDREW WILLIAMSON By Tanya Bahnesli

As bike thefts continue to plaguecampus, Ryerson’s Bicycle Room goes underused. Out of its 65 racks, only 13 are actually being used, according to ancillary services. Campus bike thefts reached their peak in 2005 and the problem continues. Despite a colourful mural marking

the location, student cyclist Shannon Jager has never heard of the service, which can be found by a laneway near Bond and Dundas Streets. “I didn’t even know we had such a thing,” said Jager, who uses public bike racks to store her bike. “But I’m not really worried about my bike because it’s not very nice,” she said. The Bicycle Room is patrolled by se-

curity and has an emergency call box. According to Imre Juurlink, supervisor for crime analysis and communication, it’s too early to tell whether or not the Bike Room has made a difference in bike theft rates on campus. The indoor facility opened in 2008. Canice Leung was involved in the proposal of the Bicycle Room. While Ryerson eventually adopted the idea of safe on-campus bike storage, they

Hungry for combo classes? By Lee Richardson

Hybrid programs, courses drawing elements from multiple faculties, could arrive at Ryerson if recommendations made by the provost and vice-president academic are accepted. “We could allow our students to combine course elements from different programs,” said interim viceprovost academic, Mehmet Zeytinoglu. The recommendations were delivered in a report developed by the provost and vice-president, Alan Shepard, as part of Ryerson’s

academic plan. The restructuring could also create new science and law faculties. One possible combination is retail management and fashion, according to Shepard. Students currently enrolled in a program would have the option to join the new cross-faculty program. “What we’re doing now is consulting the community, gathering a lot of information about how it works now, how it might work,” said Shepard. Market demand could influence the type of programs created. Ryerson has been approached by the private

sector to create a mining focused engineering and business program, according to President Sheldon Levy. The proposal will be considered before another discussion paper presents ideas in November. After town hall meetings, another paper is set to be released in January. Ryerson’s academic structure hasn’t been adjusted in 40 years. “We’re a much bigger university than we were in 1969, we weren’t a university for one thing,” said Shepard.“I think this is a good time to be opening those questions.”

didn’t follow her vision entirely. “We wanted it to be free for students,” said Leung, who rode her bike to Ryerson from Richmond Hill. It costs students $80 per academic year or $120 for 12 months to park their bikes in the room. “I don’t agree with paying for it at all,” she said. “It’s for low income individuals, and it’s nice to use a bike as transportation in Toronto.”

Cars are not trampolines Security personnel were called to check out nine people jumping on a car at 12:10 a.m. on Sept. 24. The staff member that responded realized the car was his after arriving at the scene.

...but wait, there’s more! At his next shift, the same staff member found his car had been broken into. A pair of soiled women’s underwear, a used jar of Vaseline and empty food BY NICK LYPAcZEWSKI containers were left in his Ryerson students hoping to access the Univer- car. The incidents aren’t sity of Toronto’s library collection will discover that believed to be related.

Hefty book fee hits U of T

knowledge comes at a price. Starting Oct. 1, library users who aren’t from U of T will have to pay a fee to access the school’s resources. “Our students can’t subsidize other students,” said Carole Moore, chief librarian of Robarts, U of T’s humanities and social sciences library. According to Moore, the cost of maintaining the library increases over 7 per cent per year. Borrowing privileges will cost $200 per year. Ben Lewis, a Ryerson communications and culture grad student sees U of T’s material as a critical resource for grad students. He plans to write to John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, to see if he’ll intervene in a new borrowing policy.

In touch with nature On Sept. 24 at 9:40 p.m., a man was found in the Quad having sex with the grass. Not exactly sure how that worked. The man was known to security. No experience necessary Posters around campus offering information about working for an escort service have been taken down by security. The service provider boasts that no experience is necessary for the “career in professional companionship.” Cryptic posters at large Over the last few days, posters have shown up on campus using some type of a code. The posters aren’t trying to convey anything too cryptic, just that Eggy’s birthday is coming up. Light up the night with Rye On Saturday, Nuit Blanche will take over the city as it does every year. Ryerson’s no exception. Starting at 6:55 p.m., garments, shadow light shows, photography and sculptures will be on campus. A game called MultiTorch will let players use LED torches to move things around.

sports

The Eyeopener• 8

Rams shoot for redemption

Graham Wise hopes to coach his team to the playoffs. file photo by cory wright

Coming off a league-worst campaign, the Ryerson men’s hockey team has added depth and looks to make a serious turnaround this season. And with no draft at the university level, there is no high draft prospect to compensate for a poor finish to the season. Graham Wise, entering his fourth year of coaching the Rams, has been very active in the recruiting department. Despite apparent obstacles, such as playing off campus, he has enticed seven players to come to Ryerson. Wise has sought the OHL route to lure players into camp. “We’re really happy we addressed our depth,” said the coach. “We’re in a situation that if you aren’t going hard we can put someone else on who can.” One such player is former Kitchener Ranger Myles Barbieri, who is being looked upon to bolster the team’s blue line. Captain Kevin Krasnowski recalls when the Rams struggled to dress two full lines. “Graham has brought in more professionalism,” said Krasnowski. “He’s implemented a new attitude and a new system and it’s just a matter of the guys buying into it.” Barbieri said his main reason for coming to Ryerson was the coach him-

self. “If I want to get to that next level, it all starts with coaching,” said Barbieri, “I heard a lot of great things about Graham.” Wise has not been able to land every player he would like. He pursued a former Ottawa 67 who, after being cut from the Minnesota Wild, decided to play for Guelph. “That’s just recruiting at the university level,” Wise said. “You win some and you lose some.” The OUA has also changed its playoff format this season, eliminating firstround byes and expanding the number of teams that will qualify. Of the 19 teams in competition, 16 will now be vying for playoff berths. That has given Wise reason to believe the time is ripe for the Rams to break into the post-season and end their seven-year absence from it. “With the new format, we’ve got to be in the playoffs,” he said. “And once we get there, anything can happen.” It will take a lot for the Rams to improve on their previous average of 2.48 goals per game set last season. The team didn’t lose a player, but a newfound belief is circulating in their locker room, enough for Krasnowski to think they can leave every game with points. “This is the year,” he said. “If we are going to improve, this is the year.”

Athletes of the Week

Michelle Smiciklas

Markus Molder

Women’s soccer

men’s soccer

• The women’s soccer team extended their unbeaten streak to six games and moved into fourth place in the OUA East last weekend, defeating the Laurentian Lady Vees 1-0.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

• The men’s soccer team ruffled some feathers of their own, also moving into fourth place in the OUA East. The Rams won against no. 7 Laurentian Voyageurs 1-0 on Sunday.

• The men’s basketball team is prepping for a trip to the Team Canada Masters on Sept. 30. It will mark the first tournament of the season for the Rams.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

sports

The Eyeopener•9

A final thrust into Ryerson sports Sports editor Anthony Lopopolo tries one last time to make the cut, this time with the fencing team I felt like a prancing leprechaun. Swivelling back and forth, jutting up and about, I moved with the clumsiness of a toddler learning to walk, nevermind someone trying out for Ryerson’s fencing team. Luckily, our very own features editor, Rodney Barnes, happened to be the captain of the team. I admit, I tagged along with him for reassurance. Did I want to look like a drunk walking the line? Did I want to haphazardly engage in a sport I had only a vague concept of? As I soon realized, no one could help my case. Stab. Slide. I could have blamed my imminent misadventure on my jeans and shoes. Wearing casual clothing is a big no-no in fencing, and I got bad looks to prove it. In a sport defined by grace as much as technique, wearing Diesel doesn’t score you points. Neither does Puma, apparently. Halt. Lunge. Trying to pin down exactly what this rhythmic motion included – and how my feet could keep up – I managed to trip over my feet and stutter out of sync. I heard Barnes chuckle behind me. Here comes the leprechaun. Alice Lu, the coach of Ryerson’s team, hovered in front of us with a horizontal beam, which was used for dictating the flow of our movement. As she backpedaled, we shifted forward; as she accelerated, we receded. Well, that’s what the rest did. I struggled to remain whole. Charge. Glide. And we were only practising our footwork.

I wouldn’t be so rash to liken the sport to dancing, but whenever I was off cue – which was most of the time, by my watch – I lost harmony with the group. The misfit. I clearly wasn’t qualified to wield a sword, but to my delight I was handed one. What would happen if a child was behind the wheel of a car? Well, I found out. Clash. Clang. All of a sudden, I found myself pitted against Barnes in the middle of the gym, spotlight on – in my mind, anyway. I elected to play it conservative, to wait for him to initiate contact. No harm, no foul, right? I couldn’t be more wrong. Stab. Ouch. “Don’t worry Anthony, you can lunge forward at me. Don’t be scared, I won’t get hurt,” said a sympathetic Barnes. That wasn’t my concern, though. Whether I’d be the one scathed was what had me unnerved. Still, I heaved myself toward him, trying to strike his chest. Once, twice, three times: all to no avail. Nine or 10 blows later – all against me, of course – I knew I wasn’t cut for fencing. Even Lu, as I later discovered, dispelled my legitimacy upon my entrance. I came in without a chance in hell. “You couldn’t make it with those clothes on,” she said. Swing. Miss. So diving at balls asked me to be acrobatic, skating on ice demanded undivided balance. But who would have thought that swinging a sword at someone would be the most difficult? I certainly didn’t.

Anthony braces for a set of driven lunges at him from features editor Rodney Barnes. photos: chris dale

Rugby club runs into dead end by anthony lopopolo sports editor

Ryerson’s rugby club is on the verge of folding after three years of dogged promotion across campus. Supervisor Ryan Stratton and the RAC failed to come together to devise a plan to attract potential players, with a steady decline in interest compounding the problem. Duties were not carried out efficiently on the school’s end, said Stratton, who has seen a meagre 10 players pledge money to the club. “It’s always been a struggle to get with the school. In order for people to be interested, [a team or club] needs to be prestigious, it needs to be well-known, it needs to be a privilege to be a part of that team,” he said. The cost to join the program stood at $80 per player. Among the items on the bill are bus fares and field charges. Stratton was also particularly troubled by the fact that registration for the club was not made accessible in the RAC and students were not given information. The stark drop in applicants is reflective of that ambiguity, as only last year Stratton had the consent of 100 people via email. Despite his complaints, he

still shoulders some of the blame. “The club has to be self-sustaining anyways. We could have gotten more numbers and have a larger commitment from the players. “Everyone has to be enthusiastic and get to pub nights so people know that [the rugby club] actually exists,” he said. “That’s on us.” He wishes Ryerson’s athletic board was more willing to nurture budding programs and prevent this kind of fate. “What’s really frustrating is that the school won’t go out on a limb and fund a new team. Go out and have a facility, have a field, a coach and just start a team,” Stratton said. Athletic director Ivan Joseph is open to embracing new varsity teams, but rugby isn’t a necessity. “Do I see rugby in the future? Anything is possible,” Joseph said. “The issue is that I want to make sure we’re doing our [current] sports well before we choose to add any.” Being a graduate from Ryerson’s radio and television program has deprived Stratton of the time to promote the club capably, and no one has overtaken the operation. He cancelled the past two meetings with the University of Toronto’s rugby team due to a lack of numbers.

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features

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

features

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The Eyeopener•11

Centre Photo: Chris Dale. All other photos: Andrew Williamson

Checking in at Church and Queen

The chess tables outside Metropolitan United’s church reveal how simple it can be to create community By Christine Dobby

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he chess tables are a good example of a basic design premise that works, says Matthew Blackett, publisher of Spacing magazine. The tables give people a place to sit, but not be loitering, and gives them something to do apart from just hanging out. He notes that investments are often made in safe, already polished areas. The park at Queen and Church,

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hen the weather is good, chess players gather around the four permanent tables and spread out to a nearby picnic table where they play on their own vinyl chess boards. The players also bring plastic chess pieces and game clocks for speed chess. “Blitz” chess allows five minutes per side. A player punches the clock at the

here’s an air of casual excitement surrounding the small group gathered in the park on this sunny late-September afternoon. Plastic playing pieces are pulled one by one from a red cookie tin and placed on black and white chess boards. People gather around the four concrete tables, pull out more piecFriends greet each other as they arrive. They like seeing each es, and the games other at this park, getting the news and playing some chess. get going. Errol, one of the regulars, is setting up while not overly-designed, provides a end of each move, stopping his clock a match when a bird dropping lands di- valuable counter balance and shows and re-starting his opponent’s. Vicrectly on his leg. He jumps up in disgust that the creation of effective public tory is sudden and sometimes barely looking to the trees above searching space can be that simple. perceptible. If neither player is checkfor the culprit. The crowd around him These are the same chess tables that mated, the game ends when one player whoops at his misfortune. Two elderly the regulars once played at outside runs out of time or “flags.” The pieces men sitting on a nearby park bench join Sam the Record Man since the early are gathered up and returned to their in the laughter. “Don’t worry, it’s good 1980s. After the record store under- proper order. New opponents settle in, luck,” someone tells him. went renovations the four concrete taking their place on the concrete stools This is Queen and Church, only tables were moved to the park in 2003 with wooden seats worn smooth from blocks away from the “worst neigh- from one corner of Ryerson’s campus years of near constant use. bourhood in Toronto” as Errol notes. to another. Pacing around the tables and observThe area has one of the highest concenThe church itself was behind the ing the play, a regular smiles and comtrations of shelters in the city. Every day idea and in 2002 received $22,600 ments that there are a lot of players here students on their way to Ryerson walk from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. today “but no fish,” suggesting that past drug dealers and other transients. The grant was awarded to “enable all everyone present is pretty good. The Yet the scene here is one of cama- area residents to enjoy the parkland” third table erupts into laughter after the raderie and good-natured taunting. through the installation of permanent players realize both of their clocks have Friends greet each other as they arrive. chess tables for public use. Around the run out and one laughs “I flagged over a They like seeing each other at this park, same time the City of Toronto installed minute ago but you never noticed!” getting the news and, of course, play- chess tables at Nathan Phillips Square. ing some chess. Passing by the park and But the former Sam’s crowd migrated ev. Dr. Malcolm Sinclair, one of seeing these men contentedly chatting, east to Queen and Church instead, Metropolitan United’s two minplaying and laughing, you might forget preferring the comfortable shade afisters, explains that the park is you’re in the same city reputed for its forded by the park’s elm trees and the owned by the church but maintained cold shoulders and impassive stares. superior lighting at night. by the City, who rents it for $1 per year.

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He says the park used to be surrounded by fences but they were taken down in the 1970s. The church became concerned that the wide open area would become a tent city and permanent home to drug dealers. Sinclair says Metropolitan United, which offers a variety of services to marginalized people, wanted to include the park in their space and protect their property. Benches with arm dividers were installed to discourage people from spending the night. Low hanging tree branches were trimmed to increase visibility. The installation of the chess tables was in line with the church’s efforts to make the park a welcoming place. Sinclair knows that crack is sold on the church grounds and notes that vans have been known to pull up and openly

sell drugs. It’s a particular problem at night. But the chess-playing community is a positive feature of the park. Some of the regulars “smoke a little dope, play a little chess,” and he says the crowd is generally peaceful. Rev. John Joseph Mastandrea, Metropolitan United’s second minister, also sees the chess tables as part of the Church’s efforts to draw people into the park and make it a friendlier place. Many of the regulars are well-seasoned Eastern European players and although the style of play is aggressive, Mastandrea notes that it is a competition of the mind, not one of force. Spectators gather freely and people linger well into the night when the weather is good. Importantly, Mastandrea points out, “it’s free, and how many activities are free these days?”

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n the waning hours of this early autumn afternoon, music rings out from Metropolitan United’s church bells. A middle-aged man, perched on a stool at one of the tables, observes the play at the other three. He eats peanuts and strawberries out of a plastic grocery bag spread out across the table. A black squirrel scrambles up the wheel of his bike which leans against the table. He tells a friend that the squirrel prefers to steal from him when he’s not looking. He lets the squirrel take a nut only centimeters from his fingers and pretends not to see. Another friend of his arrives and he waves him over, telling him he’s saved the table. The plastic bag and peanut shells are cleared and the two friends are soon readying another set of black and white plastic armies for battle.

Other treasures at Toronto parks

Chess not your game? Here are a some other parks throughout the city that might have something for you. Allan Gardens: Home of “one of the jewels of Toronto’s downtown public open space system,” the conservatory - made up of six greenhouses - is a more exotic locale to get warmed up in as the weather cools. And it’s only a skip away from campus.

Christie Pits Park: Pool? Yep. Ice Skating? Check. Bocce? You know it. This park, located just east of the Annex, has activities available for all seasons. High Park: With nearly 400 acres of trees and wildlife you could imagine yourself travelling around a very, very small chunk of middle earth. You could fight off-leash dogs and pillage the community garden plot before being thrown onto the street.

ARTS & LIFE

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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

How to fix your room after a sloppy night 1 3

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Repel the smell That unbearable stench can linger for days after a night of drinking. You know the stench. The one that no one can identify, but takes over the room and stays even after the trash is taken out. One way to improve the smell in a room is to purchase a box of fabric softeners. Place the sheets in corners of the room, in front of air vents and in between cushions on the couch. Those thin, scented sheets work magic. Joann Collier, a custodian at Ryerson, suggested purchasing Glade’s Melon Burst scented spray. She uses it on campus, which makes it bearable to clean the washrooms. She also said to avoid partying in rooms with carpets. “They catch all kinds of germs and they stay there,” she said. Another way to get rid of the smell is to make sure the room is properly ventilated. Collier pointed out the importance of opening windows. She said students can also try cooking at the same time, which will help circulate a smell other than the one from the night before. —Amanda Cupido

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You can be Mr. Clean Forget OxyClean, Zout and Comet. All you need for a cleaner carpet are items found in your home. Whether something Pulp Fiction worthy went down last night, or you’re blaming it on the a-a-aa-a-alcohol, there’s no need to panic. Soak the stain with cold water. Use paper towel and blot excess liquid away. Resist the urge to scrub, since that can damage carpet fibres and allow the stain to set. Then add the household item of preference. Choose from baking soda, vinegar, rubbing alcohol or shaving cream. After pouring on the stain, allow it to sit and dab the rest out. If that doesn’t work, you can try a different tactic. Shake salt on the stain and put a piece of paper towel on it. Then add a heavy item, like that brand new textbook, on top of the paper towel. Let it sit for an hour and blot with cold water and vacuum. Of course, if you live in residence, you can ignore it for the next seven months and leave it for the next poor sap to deal with. Worst case scenario, scream, “Screw you society, my carpet is my art,” and add sparkles or dried fruit to the stain. —Brianna Shields

photo: Chris Dale

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Smashed: you and your wall Trying to cover up last night’s damage with a poster? No need to fret. After you read this, you’ll be able to get rid of that hole in a few easy steps. For this process you will need a wall knife, a scraper, spackling drywall and sandpaper. Primer and paint are also required later on. Begin by smoothing spackling across the hole with the scraper. If the cavity is big and hollow, place a dry wall patch on the wall beforehand. The estimated drying time is 15 minutes for each two to three millimetres of depth. Make sure it dries properly. Next, use the sandpaper to smooth the area. Be careful not to apply too much pressure during this step. Then apply primer with the wall knife for a smooth texture. For best results, give the wall two days before adding a coat of paint. Although the process may seem lengthy, it should take approximately two hours to get the job done, minus the waiting. Hopefully your parents won’t be home too soon. —Sarah Nolan

On the North side of Dundas between Yonge & Bay

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ARTS & LIFE

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

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How to fix yourself after a sloppy night 1

Icky hickey While sucking neck with that Edward Cullen look-alike may have been fun at the time, the angry, purple hickey attracting Grandma’s evil eye is not. Fortunately, there are some ways to keep the evidence in the dark. According to Su-Ting Teo, Ryerson’s Director of Student Health and Wellness, it is impossible to make bruises heal faster — coverage is the only option. Fourth-year theatre production student Paul Beauchamp has had to deal with hiding hickeys in the past. “I was excited to get my first hickey, but then my mom pointed it out. I denied it, but ever since I’ve been really careful,” he said. Beauchamp uses winter scarves, turtlenecks and the occasional popped collar to hide his hickeys. In more desperate situations, he gets a friend to cover it with makeup. Makeup artist Alisa Lyons said colour is most important when covering a hickey. Dark purple bruises in the early stages need a yellow-based concealer, while salmon tones are best for yellowish-green bruises. For best results, warm a small amount of matte makeup between your fingers before applying, blending, and setting with loose powder, Lyons said. If the shiner does not fade, repeat the process in thin layers. Jamie Metzger, a third-year fashion student, has a different staple to camouflage her bawdy blemishes. When every type of foundation at the drug store failed her, she sought a last resort — Sally Hansen spray-on nylons. “I’ve always got a bottle of it now,” she said. So the next time you watch an episode of True Blood before a night on the town, don’t feel guilty. It is possible to have your neck and suck it too. ­ — Carly Maga

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PHOTO: CHRIS DALE

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Plan B to the rescue For contraceptive mishaps and drunken lapses of judgment, you may have more than a hangover on your mind. Plan B, also known as the morning after pill, is emergency contraceptive available at your local pharmacy. If taken within 72 hours of a bedroom blunder, Plan B can prevent pregnancy. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it will be. The dose consists of two small pills and is known for having side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Plan B is prescription-free, however pharmacists and physicians advise that you keep your doctor informed. Mistakes come with a price, and this one costs about $40.00. You’re better off with birth control, which is a lot cheaper. Plan B is not an abortion pill and doesn’t protect from STIs or HIV/AID. —Daniela Gysler

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You got ink’d So, you passed out last night. All right. But when that random design — thought to be done with a sharpie — won’t wash off, you’re going to need some damage control. While 36 per cent of people 18 to 25 years old have a tattoo, yours may not be one that you want to keep. The removal of the tattoo will be more painful and costly than the actual procedure. The most common modern removal method is laser tattoo removal and in Toronto it can be done at places like Toronto Laser Tattoo Removal, located at 1033 Bay St. and Fading Fast Tattoo Removal at 120 Eglinton Ave. East. For a five square inch tattoo the cost can be around $325 per session and can take anywhere between eight and 12 sessions. If your account can’t take the hit, keep it as the night’s memento and invent a sweet story about it. — Michael Duncan

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Get over the hangover Nothing ruins a good night like a morning of headaches and vomiting. Different body types, alcohol tolerances and health conditions make it difficult to pinpoint one hangover solution. Try these potential treatments: - Have prickly pear juice before going out. It reduces dry-mouth and nausea. - Rub a lemon under your armpits; it prevents dehydration. - Pinch your hand between your index finger and thumb. According to an Irish remedy, it minimizes headaches. - Snack on crackers and orange juice while you put your feet in cold water. Even though you’ll look ridiculous, the crackers help with nausea, the vitamin C with headaches, and the cold water is a migraine relief tactic. - Check out De-Rex, a hangover pill developed by Ryerson graduate Peter Wojewnik. It can be found at Nutrition House at the Eaton Centre.­ —Marwa Siam

Arts and life

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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

With a little help from my huckleberry friends Drink of the week Proudly brought to you by the Arts and Life editors. Drinking legally since 2008.

“I need more than a glass of wine” Do you want to take your wine drinking to the next level? People may tell you to buy a pitcher of sangria instead. There’s one problem with that... no one really knows what goes in there. Here’s how to make your own sangria ­— the right way. INGREDIENTS 2 parts - red wine 1 part - Malibu banana flavoured rum 1 part - Smirnoff raspberry vodka 1 part - fruit punch 1 part - Sprite

Hilary Crist, Sienna DeCampo and Amanda Jane Crist (not pictured) have worked on their album for three years. photo: matt llewellyn by simone zucker

For those who know their slang, a huckleberry friend is either a lifelong friend or a fuck buddy. Though third-year dance student Hilary Crist, her sister Amanda Jane and bandmate Sienna DeCampo aren’t fuck buddies, their music is just as good as having one, or even better. Their band Huckleberry Friends is currently focusing on their upcoming album. The girls have worked on the re-

cord for the past three years, which will be released this December. “That’s the thing, going to school and having stuff go on, for us takes a really long time,” said Crist. “And the Ryerson dance program gets pretty demanding.” The female trio played at the Narwhal Art Projects, a gallery on Queen Street West on Sept. 24. The girls are multi-talented and multi-instrumentalists who create very sinister, dark, yet endearing music.

Each song is driven by the ominous beat of the drums and minimalist bass, synthesizer, keyboard or guitar lines. Their show last week seemed like a soundtrack to someone meandering through a forest, which fits the group’s style. “Definitely our inspiration comes from nature, weather [and] politics,” explained Crist. It’s not hard to see that there is a sense of sisterhood and friendship among the bandmates, which adds to

their performance. “My favorite part…is practising,” DeCampo said. “We were friends first.” The group mixes friendship and a passion for music. “We’re probably the most democratic band you’ll ever run into,” Crist said. Check out their myspace at www. myspace.com/huckleberryfriends for their upcoming gigs. And who knows, maybe you’ll meet your huckleberry friend at one of their shows — be it a lifelong buddy or a bed mate.

Then, of course, you have to add the fruit. Cut up pieces of oranges, apples, cantaloupe and hey, even throw in a few grapes. Pour it into a pitcher and enjoy!

Photo: andrew williamson

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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Arts & life

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Never too young to join the wine club

Sip like a pro 1. Hold the glass up against a white background. Check to make sure it’s clean – with no cloudiness, murkiness or brown edges. Also take a look at how the wine beads and drips down the side of the glass – the thicker the beading is, the richer the wine will be. 2. Take a sniff of the wine when stagnant and make sure it smells ok. Then swirl the wine around and smell it again. Swirling it will allow more air into the wine and you’ll be able to smell a lot more after that. You’ll smell the aroma (the smell of the grapes themselves) as well as the bouquet (the smell that evolves through the processing of the wine) and the balance between the two.

Don’t worry, wine isn’t just for old farts and snobby socialites. Try having a wine party to develop your palate. photo: raylene knutson by hilary hagerman

There’s an epiphany students have sometime in their journey through university — the moment you realize you no longer want to drink just to get smashed. Maybe it’s after one too many nights of chundering yourself to sleep, or waking up minus $100 with six hours unaccounted for. If you’re at the point of wanting to try just drinking socially, why not try wine? Wine might seem a little out of your league, but it’s not reserved for 60-

something investment bankers. With so many blends, there’s literally something out there for everyone. There’s traditional aspects of a wine that make it good, said Tony Aspler, a leading Canadian authority on wine. “A good wine has to be true to its variety, and the fruit extracts, alcohol and acid have to be balanced.” But no matter how well-made a wine is, it might not be right for you. “As we are all different, so are our palates,” said Edward Finstein, self-proclaimed Wine Doctor, award-winning author and international wine judge.

“It always comes down to personal taste,” said Finstein. “If you like a sweet wine or a dry wine you need to start there. It also depends on the mood that you’re in, the food that you’re eating with the wine, and the friends that you’re enjoying it with.” To find your wine, Aspler suggests getting together with a group of friends, with everyone brining a bottle of wine in a paper bag. “Pass them around, taking a sip of each, and your palette will decide what you like,” he said. Then pull off the bag and voila. Pairing wine with food can also be

a challenge if you don’t know the basic rules. “Basically, wines with good acidity are good food matches, because you need acid to cleanse the palette. If you put a lightbodied wine with a heavy dish it’s going to be lost,” said Aspler. Typically, pair red meat with a solid red wine, pair fish with a wine with good acidity, like a red burgundy, and pair spicy food with a sweet wine to counteract the spicyness ­ — like a medium Riesling. “When serving sweet wines with dessert, make sure the wine is sweeter than the dessert,” adds Finstein.

3. Take a sip. Take note of the balance between the sweetness and sourness (between the fruit and acid). If it’s out of balance, the wine will taste weird. If the wine tastes coarse, has a pruney taste or a cardboardlike taste, send it back. 4. Note the aftertaste. There are two things to take into account here: how intense the taste is, and how long it sticks around on the palate. 5. If everything’s clean, balanced and to your liking – enjoy!

—Hilary Hagerman

Get classy for cheap by manley huynh

Think it’s cheaper to buy a six-pack tonight? A good bottle of wine can cost as little as three toonies, plus taxes of course. “(Wine is) very helpful and can enhance many of the foods that you eat,” said Sean Newton, product consultant at the LCBO. “A lot of university students might have wine at their first dinner party maybe, when they’re with their girlfriends. It gives them a sense of growing up.” With so many reasons to enjoy wine, you might wonder how you can afford it after paying a hefty tuition and working minimum wage jobs. But not only is it inexpensive, you can get great quality and taste for under $10. “There is great value with wines from Portugal and Spain; they’re rusty, run-down chunky wine and are usually around $9. Younger people prefer the Australian brands of red wine, especially Shiraz, because they are easier to enjoy and really ripens the taste of grilled food,” said Newton.

For those that have always wanted to join in on the fun but never really knew where to start, many LCBO stores are having special tastings until October 10. And when in doubt, you can always just ask for help. “In many cases, those new to wine tasting quite often start with lighter whites and then as they learn more they become interested in more full bodied whites and then reds,” said Magdalena Kaiser-Smit, public relations director of Wines of Ontario. “Wine appreciation is something that evolves with each individual in their own unique way,” she said. *** Interested in developing your wine palate? Newton recommends: For red Wine: Hardy’s Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon (from $9-$56) 14% For white: Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (Approx. $20) 13.5% For champagne (Sparkling): Friexenet Codoron Negro ($8-$13) 11.5%

Wondering where Chris Battaglia ended up? Don’t worry, he’ll be back next week, rested and ready to tackle his second RAC class in the next installment of his workout series.

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biz & tech

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Ryerson MPI training program first in Canada by rené moortgat

Ryerson’s Ted Rogers School of Management has been chosen by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) as the fourth world site of their Global Training Centers. “Today is a special day for this university. To be selected speaks volumes of you and of Toronto. This didn’t come by chance,” said David Whitaker, president and chief executive officer of Tourism Toronto. “This university is an outstanding example of excellence,” he said. Starting in January 2010, Ryerson’s hospitality and tourism management school will receive an MPI Global Training Center, joining three other universities in the United States, France and Qatar. MPI is developing partnerships with schools and organizations around the world to provide training programs aimed at enhancing professionals’ business skills. “MPI is looking for partners that are globally recognized, have a strong meeting or event management course and also have a strong business management focus,” said Didier Scaillet, chief development officer of MPI. “Ryerson brings over 50 years of hospitality and event management education experience to the

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CLASSIFEYEDS M.U.C.K. it up! The inaugural M.U.C.K. Film Festival & Forum (Movies of UnCommon Knowledge) happens October 1st - 4th at The Royal, 608 College Street. Enlighten! Enrage! Engage! & Change! For student prices and schedule go to www. muckfilmfestival.com Supported by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto, the Ryerson Catholic Chaplaincy Centre responds to the pastoral needs of students, staff and faculty at Ryerson. See our website www. ryercath.ca for upcoming events. The Catholic Student Association are welcoming new members and are having a social on Wednesday September 23, 5:00 pm Location: 64 McGill Street / www.ryercath.ca Singer? Join the Oakham House Choir of Ryerson University! Performing since 1984. New members welcome. Ryerson students join free. Experience isn’t necessary, just a love of singing/willingness to learn great music. Practices at Oakham House from 7- 9 pm Mondays. Concert November 28 at Christ Church Deer Park. Contact [email protected]. M.U.C.K. it up! The inaugural M.U.C.K. Film Festival & Forum (Movies of UnCommon Knowledge) happens October 1st - 4th at The Royal, 608 College Street. Enlighten! Enrage! Engage! & Change! For student prices and schedule go to www. muckfilmfestival.com

table, meeting key selection criteria and making it a perfect fit as an MPI Global Training Center,” he said. The new Global Training Center at the TRSM will offer certificates and certifications, teaching new skills to current and future meeting and event professionals. “I think it’s a wonderful marriage,” said Judy Healy, who graduated from Ryerson 20 years ago and is now a part time instructor at the TRS. “When I got into the industry I realized meetings and conventions are the thing to do,” she said. The Global Training Center program was launched in December 2008, and MPI anticipates partnering with at least 14 to 15 additional educational institutions around the world in the coming two years. Courses offered by MPI in the different Global Training Centers will follow the same curriculum and at this stage will all be offered in English, regardless of location. “This will allow our profession to become more standardized,” said Scaillet. “What we concluded very quickly is that in tak- David Whitaker, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto. photo: chris dale ing the partnership between academics and business, great universities like Ryerson seem to be the tion. that registration information and links for the new logical place to deliver it,” said Bruce MacMillan, Dr. David Martin, director of the TRSM, said the MPI Global Training Center will be available soon President and CEO of MPI, and former president university was contacted over the summer by MPI on the Hospitality and Tourism program website of the Toronto Convention and Business Associa- about the possibility of a partnership, and added at www.ryerson.ca/tedrogersschool/htm

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

biz & tech

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Some of Ware’s jewelry for sale at RYE Market. photos: chris dale

Candance Ware near the Blue Banana in Kensington Market. photo: andrew Williamson

The sweet taste of success Kevin Young finds out how one student made her business work Looks like food, smells like food, not actually food. Please don’t eat the products. This is Candice Ware’s warning, printed on a sign that lies alongside her handmade goods on top of a whitelaced table cloth embroidered with pink roses. Ware, a 22-year-old entrepreneur, sat behind her table of deliciously shaped jewelry. Miniature cookies, cupcakes and other sweet treats are on display and ready to buy. Here, not only do the rings, necklaces and phone charms look edible, they smell scrumptious too. Scented with food oils, Ware’s accessories are a real show stopper. Pendants on Ware’s accessories vary from ice cream cones to pie and even cupcakes on a tray. Customers aren’t aware of this sweet secret until Ware holds up the goods and says, “Smell it!” That’s when she makes a sale. Ware is at Ryerson’s Young Entrepreneurial Market (RYE Market), a two-day event for Ryerson students and alumni to showcase independent business. The market is organized by StartMeUp Ryerson, an entrepreneurial student and alumni group, and is in its third year. The market comes at an appropriate time. Historically, entrepreneurial spirit rises during times of economic lows. Statistics Canada reported that the number of self-employed Canadians rose by 75,000 between October 2008 and July 2009. Ware isn’t an unfamiliar face at Ryerson. This is her second time around

selling her goods on campus. The Ryerson Student Campus Centre was where Ware first showcased her products. The table she used to sell was then rent-free and she couldn’t resist the chance. “The table they offered was free,” said Ware.“Why not?” She made the right move –– Ware was successful enough to turn a profit. Another chance came around at Rye Market and Ware decided to sell her goods, again. Back at the market Ware sat at her table under a tent, one of many lining

Selling online is difficult, you fall through the crack. –Candice Ware Victoria Lane. “It’s a hundred dollars a day to rent this table and I don’t even like [the location],” said Ware, raising her hand to show the semi-deserted area. “Why not Gould Street where there’s a lot of people?” Despite the low-traffic spot, Ware made $85 her first day, followed by $150 the next. Ware’s pieces ranging from $5 to $18. Like many new entrepreneurs, she started this self-employed business unexpectedly. She began making jewelry for her own pleasure and unique fashionable taste. But after being complimented one too many times, she started selling her one-of-a-kind accessories to students at her college. She took a big-

ger leap in her new business when she introduced sweet scents to her line. “People liked my stuff and even grabbed my hand at one point and smelled it,” said Ware, “that’s when I got the idea to scent them.” Ware, who studied animation at Seneca College, graduated this past April. Her other creative talents brought her to be part Disney’s new film, The Princess and the Frog, where she painted most of the characters. A good start in her career, but Ware’s drive to succeed had some roadblocks. She tried selling her goods online at www.etsy.com, a website that allows users to sell all things handmade. But she had little success. “Selling online is difficult, you fall through the crack,” said Ware, “I like interacting with people better and having them try it on [accessories] for durability and getting feedback.” As a local artist who uses local products to create her goods from scratch, Ware decided to sell her jewelry in one of her favourite Toronto neighbourhoods, Kensington Market. Currently, Ware rents a spot in The Blue Banana, a popular store that sells goods from local artists, where she showcases her exclusive products. Towards the end of last day of Rye Market, a customer purchases one of Ware’s cupcake necklaces. Ware thanks her, smiles, and puts away her money in a Cuban cigar box. “Just making the world sweeter, one cupcake at a time,” she said.

biz & tech

18 •The Eyeopener

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Rye celebrates diversity at World Tourism Day by lauren strapagiel business and technology editor

Laraine Kaminsky doesn’t think of diversity in the workplace as a fad, but an important shift in thinking that can be helpful for business students. “You could grow your resume by saying, ‘I’ve lived here, I’ve worked here,’” said Kaminsky, a global diversity strategist and speaker, in her keynote talk at this year’s World Tourism Day on Sept. 24. “We don’t promote ourselves in terms of our own cultural diversity.” Kaminsky was the final speaker at the day-long conference held by the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. World Tourism Day was founded by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and this is the seventh year Ryerson has celebrated it. The UNWTO chose this year’s theme to be Celebrating Diversity. Ryerson focused on how to leverage cultural diversity and profit from an

@mnlipka

“I’ma let you finishdoku” I love ryerson’s newspaper!

@stiao

inclusive workplace, something that event organizer and fourth-year hospitality and tourism student Xiana Li says is an important topic for Toronto businesses. “It just makes sense for the industry to know how to manage that,” said Li. Also on the organizational team were Alla Zhura and Rachel Beaten, both fourth-year hospitality and tourism students. Beaten said that this year’s theme was perfect for a Toronto audience, adding that by 2011 most, if not all, of Toronto’s labour growth will come from immigration. “If we’re going to manage a company we need to know how to deal with this,” said Beaten. Members of Toronto’s tourism industry and students were invited to attend. “I think it’s important that we realize diversity isn’t just a buzzword anymore,” said second-year hospitality and tourism student Saham Yazdani. “It’s a topic that can apply to all the different parts of the field.”

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Ryerson’s library is a joke. People talk so loud in the library and the staff does nothing about it.

@sabbianchi

Fuck you ryerson bookstore employees.

@Clauds87

“I go to Ryerson University... which means I’ll be folding shirts at the Gap when I’m 30.”

@daniel_joseph Just discovered that Ryerson has virtual applications - including CS4. Wiiicked.

@discrepant

students.

It’s worth a talk.

@duanebrown

Ryerson’s library is packed today... I can see why enrollment is up this year. As an alumni... We need more space. Let’s go vertical.

Keynote speaker Laraine Kaminsky at World Tourism Day in the Cara Commons. photo: chris dale

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apparently it’s unfashionable to allow coffee into university libraries ANYWHERE in toronto. Ryerson, UofT.... what’s with that?

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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

FUN

The Eyeopener•1 9

Graffiti

The Many Faces of Sheldon Levy

by Michael Winkler

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20•The Eyeopener

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

by Monika Mielnik

Powdered Donuts

by Amanda Cupido

by Alex Cool

My Jokes

The female bumblebee is not only known for her powerful sting, but also for her disproportionate sex drive. In one typical frenzied mating season (lasting three and a half days), a female bumblebee may have sex with up to four hundred partners, copulating madly with any male in sight, and at times gyrating uselessly against nearby inanimate objects, such as flower petals, bark or assorted gravel. One Peruvian researcher witnessed a female bumblebee attempting to gain carnal knowledge of a rutabaga seed, the experience of which formed the basis of his award-winning non-fiction novel, “My Life with the Bees.” Though an account of female bumblebees mating, or attempting to mate, with human males has never officially been recorded, anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that this is not an altogether uncommon occurrence. One resident of North York claims that he was a willing victim of such advances, and that his child, Lisa, is half bee.

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www.ryerson.ca/alumni/alumniweekend