volume 29, issue 20 • Tuesday, January 27, 2009 • thelinknewspaper.ca water Tap is safe

Link BOTTLED WATER ISNOT•PAGE 21 THE CAPITALIST MACHINEBEHIND shootin’ snakesoutyourmoufsince1980 concordia’s independentnewspaper

Faulty university policy leads to to student mugshots

reporter shakes hands with Georges St.Pierre

Concordia student recalls frontline reporting in Vietnam

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Sports page 16

Literary arts page 11

News page 3 THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/NEWS NEWS 03 University policy leaves students guessing Protestors argue they weren’t demonstrating but ‘standing peacefully’

• TERRINE FRIDAY cause for confusion. In the university’s Code of Rights and Protestors in the lobby of Concordia’s Responsibilities, peaceful assemblies and Hall building, standing silently with paper demonstrations and lawful picketing are signs on their chests, were surprised when not considered offences. In the universi- they got their photo taken by security on ty’s Security Policy, the document says Jan. 21. people can be asked to leave the premises The group, composed of members of in the event someone is “unable to pro- Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights as duce an identity card” or “if the individual well as supporters, were standing in order or group refuses to respect the regulations to draw attention to the current situation of the University.” But no further regula- in the Gaza Strip. tions are outlined. The photos taken by security, University In compliance with article 14 of the spokesperson Chris Mota said, are taken Security Policy, police may be called to when people fail to identify themselves as a break up illegal activities on campus—but last-resort security measure. illegal activities are not clearly defined. Mota said blatant protesting, including Instead, Concordia’s policy on student the use of placards, is banned from inside organizations and university space states any building on campus. the university “is free to exercise its dis- “The photos would be used in the inves- cretion” in permitting its use. tigation, because there’s always a file Doug Smith, member of Concordia’s opened, and consequences would thus be chapter of SPHR, says the university determined,” she explained. might be too caught up in semantics and “Last week was not a demonstration,” not the overall message. asserted one of the protestors. “The stu- “There’s a humanitarian crisis in sever- dents were standing peacefully and they al places in Gaza,” Smith said. “Some peo- were […] mourning the deaths in Gaza. It ple were paralyzed and don’t have access was to stand in solidarity, it was not a to medical care. Our work isn’t over, so we march.” tried to reach out to people in the hopes They were nonetheless ordered to take they understand we still need their help.” what the university calls a demonstration SPHR-Concordia will be hosting a outside. charity show to raise funds for victims in “The minute you have placards, it no Gaza. Proceeds will go to a Palestinian longer becomes a peaceful demonstration,” medical outreach group. disagreed Mota. “There’s a judgment call that’s made. The bottom line is any sig- For more info on how to donate to the nage, banners, loudspeakers, amplifica- medical outreach charity, or for more info Above, members of Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights enter silent protest by holding hands tion, that’s a demonstration.” about the charity show, please visit sphr.con- and wearing placards while, below, Concordia security guards take photos and take tabs. Concordia’s ambiguous policies may be cordia.ca. PHOTOS RACHEL TETRAULT Parliament on the foreground U.S. elections over, law profs mull over Canada’s constitution

• GIUSEPPE VALIANTE, arguments offered a glimpse into preside over a “caretaker govern- Cyr, law professor at Université St-Hilaire, who is pursuing his CUP QUEBEC BUREAU CHIEF the psyche of Quebec society ment”-one that wouldn't make de Québec à Montréal. “Without a PhD in law at Université Laval, which, according to the polls, was any serious decisions-Harper majority support, he has compared Canada's parliamen- A day after President Barack most in favour of a coalition gov- decided to appoint 18 senators absolutely no authority to govern tary system with what he consid- Obama took his oath and danced ernment out of all the provinces. and confirm a Supreme Court because the people of this country ered ideal parliamentary and at inaugural balls on Jan. 20, Stéphane Beaulac, U de M law judge. didn't vote for him directly.” semi-presidential systems in Canadian legal professors and professor, said Harper's decision Beaulac said he's worried that Cyr said the Conservatives Europe. philosophers turned their atten- to ask for a prorogation of gov- since Governor General Michaëlle cannot consider the results of the The ideal system, St-Hilaire tion back to their own democracy. ernment was an “abuse of proce- Jean granted Harper a proroga- October federal election as a said, would be one where The academics met at dure” because it effectively closed tion without publicizing her “win”; the Conservatives gar- Parliament would govern and the Université de Montréal to discuss what he called the most demo- rationale, it sets a precedent that nered 36 per cent of the popular head of state would be apolitical, the events that have led up to the cratic of our institutions, the all Governor Generals are bound vote while the Liberals and Bloc having the sole authority to dis- prorogation of Canadian parlia- Parliament. to the word of the Prime Minister, Quebecois got a combined 41 per solve parliament according to ment just a few days before it “He did indirectly what he when constitutionally this isn't cent. clearly defined rules. resumed on Jan. 26. couldn't directly do: hold on to the case. “Harper has to look at it as if The panellists called for the While all three francophone power.” “It's the support of the [mem- he now has the right to try and get Governor General to make her panellists were in agreement that Worse, Beaulac said, was bers of the national assembly] the support of parliament,” Cyr reasons for proroguing Prime Minister Stephen Harper's instead of using his authority dur- that gives Harper legitimacy [in said. Parliament public when it actions lacked legitimacy, their ing this parliamentary hiatus to Quebec],” said panellist Hugo The third panellist, Maxime resumes this week. 04 NEWS THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/NEWS Student union demands bursaries from the province Quebec opts out of federal program

• MATTHEW BRETT tion they are a member of, the Fédération étudiante universitaire du The Concordia Student Union is Québec. calling on Quebec to invest in needs- Quebec students currently have a based bursaries if the province decides more subsidized system than their out- to opt out of a new federal program of-province peers, but CSU President that is replacing the Millennium Keyana Kashfi said ongoing tuition Scholarship Fund in the fall of 2009. hikes will push Quebec students fur- The CSU announced last week that ther into debt. Quebec Premier Jean Charest intends In 2006, Charest introduced a to withdraw from the Canada Student tuition increase of $50 per semester for Grants Program but wants the funds a total increase of $500 per student by anyway to invest them into post-sec- 2012. ondary education. Concordia's Financial Aid Director, • Singapore’s economic stimulus package But CSU VP External Colin Laura Stanbra, said student debt at • Annual cost of congestion in new york city Goldfinch says the government has Concordia has remained largely consis- region made no clear-cut plan to direct the tent despite the tuition hikes thus far. • Projected value of the worldwide feminine funds toward needs-based bursaries. Average student debt in Quebec hygiene product market in 2010 Ottawa’s new Student Grants upon graduation is around $13,000, • Estimated effect of piracy on american Program will give $250 per month to while the federal average is roughly economy out-of-province students from low- $26,000, according to the Canadian • Value of american porn industry income families and $100 per month Millennium Scholarship Foundation, • Cost of the Challenger disaster for students from middle-income fami- which will be phased out by the new • Worth of the richest woman in Germany lies. Grants Program by 2010. • GDP of Republic of the Congo (not to be The CSU has not contacted the “It’s still a significant amount [of mistaken for the Democratic Republic of the provincial government about their debt] to walk out with,” Stanbra said. Congo) demand, but Goldfinch said their plea “However, the majority of students are 13 billion loonies can almost take you to the moon. is central to the platform of the federa- able to pay off their loans.” GRAPHIC GINGER COONS —compiled by Ginger Coons Posters advertising vacant student council position disappear from campus as application deadline nears

• CLARE RASPOPOW

Advertisements for the position of Concordia Student Union Chair have disap- peared only days after they were hung. “I know nothing of this. It’s not the CSU’s business to tear down its own posters,” said Elie Chivi, CSU VP communications, when notified of the posters' conspicuous absence. Chivi suggested that announcements might be “easy to miss” as they had been made in a different format, but promised to “replenish the supply” if posters are missing. The election was called after Jessica Nudo, the former Council Chair, suddenly quit on Jan. 14. Brent Farrington—former CSU president during 2004-05 and current Deputy Chairperson for the Canadian Federation of Students—is the interim-Chair.

The deadline for applications is Jan. 30. The job posting can be found at csu.qc.ca in the CSU CSU posters for the loyola luncheon, electoral office and 101s are posted, but notices for potential Chair applicants are nowhere to be found. Jobs section. PHOTO TERRINE FRIDAY

editor-in-chief opinions editor layout manager The Link is published every Letters to the editor are wel- MATHIEU BIARD Tuesday during the academic year come. All letters 400 words or CONTRIBUTORS The Link SEBASTIEN CADIEUX JUSTIN GIOVANNETTI by the Link Publication Society less will be printed, space permit- CONCORDIA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER web editor Heather Anderson, Matthew Brett, Sagine Cave, Christopher news editor copy editor Inc. Content is independent of the ting. Letters deadline is Friday at Volume 29, Number 20 BRUNO DE ROSA University and student associa- 4 p.m. The Link reserves the right Curtis, Benjamin Croze, Lee Eks, Philip Fortin, Chris Gates, TERRINE FRIDAY R. BRIAN HASTIE Bettina Grassmann, Owain Harris, Clay Hemmerich, Cody Tuesday, January 27, 2009 tions (ECA, CASA, ASFA, FASA, to edit letters for clarity and Hicks, Vincent Hopkins, Elsa Jabre, Angela Johnston, David features editor student press liaison business manager CSU). Editorial policy is set by an length and refuse those deemed Kaufmann, Melanie Kozlan, Tristan Lapointe, Ian Lawrence, Concordia University elected board as provided for in racist, sexist, homophobic, xeno- Hall Building, Room H-649 OPEN RACHEL BOUCHER VivIen Leung, Pascale Rose Licinio, Madelyn Lipszyc, CLARE RASPOPOW The Link’s constitution. Any stu- phobic, libelous, or otherwise Charlene Lusikila, Alex Manley, Julien McEvoy, Marlee 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W. ad designer dent is welcome to work on The contrary to The Link’s statement Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8 fringe arts editor photo editor Macmillan, Elgin-Skye McLaren, Alexandra Murphy, Paisley CHRIS BOURNE Link and become a voting staff of principles. Prevost, Sinbad Richardson, Mohammed Shamrani, Jesara distribution editorial: (514) 848-2424 ext. 7405 JOELLE LEMIEUX JONATHAN DEMPSEY member. The Link is a member of Board of Directors 2008-2009: Sinclair, Rachel Tetrault, Giuseppe Valiante, Nicola Jane OBERT ESMARAIS Canadian University Press and Giuseppe Valiante, Ellis Young, Beisan Zubi arts: (514) 848-2424 ext. 5813 literary arts editor interim graphics editor R D advertising: (514) 848-2424 ext. 8682 DAVID KAUFMANN Presse Universitaire Steinberg, Matthew Gore, fax: (514) 848-4540 CHRISTOPHER OLSON GINGER COONS Indépendante du Québec. Jonathan Metcalfe; non-voting business: (514) 848-7406 Material appearing in members: Rachel Boucher, sports editor managing editor The Link may not be reproduced Sebastien Cadieux. cover photo by Ian Lawrence, hand by R. Brian Hastie without prior written permission Typesetting by The Link. Printing [email protected] DIEGO PELAEZ-GAETZ JOHNNY NORTH http://thelinknewspaper.ca from The Link. by Transcontinental. THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/NEWS NEWS 05 Former exec no longer tied Gazette employees to ongoing investigation say no to Financial irregularity not so simple, says Castagna contract • TERRINE FRIDAY [she] couldn’t back it up with something tan- lors during Council meetings since early gible, I’d be adding to the problem.” November because “transparency is a priority • TRISTAN LAPOINTE Fauve Castagna, former VP finance of the The negligence by former executives for the union.” Concordia Student Union, admits she did resulted in a deficit of approximately He blamed the lack of information in The Gazette’s editorial and reader three years’ worth of finances during her $500,000 for the union and prompted legal Council on the councillors themselves. sales employees voted down a new mandate trying to figure out how much stu- action against former comptroller Marie “Certain councillors don’t actually listen dur- contract offer on Jan. 25, even dent money had been lost. Lyonnais. ing meetings, hence their confusion,” he though they have been working “Certain taxes hadn’t been paid and the explained. without a contract since June. government was owed large sums of money in Certain councillors don’t The CSU has named Lyonnais personally The Gazette’s Ottawa bureau, penalties and interest,” Castagna explained. actually listen during accountable for the money loss in their suit filled by senior reporter Elizabeth “It was a nice way to come into office.” because she’s no longer a member of the Thompson, was recently closed. When Castagna’s term started in the sum- meetings, hence their Order of Quebec Chartered Accountants, Thompson has since been picked up mer of 2007, an audit hadn’t been filed by the confusion. Chivi continued. by Sun Media, owned by media giant CSU since the 2004-05 academic year. The —Elie Chivi, Despite the pending court date, Castagna Quebecor Inc.—home of Le Journal CSU’s bank accounts were seized by the CSU VP communications says that her role in the financial mess is sole- de Montréal. Canadian Revenue Agency just one month ly “on paper at this point” and is no longer Problems between CanWest and after her term started. Councillors who govern the union admit- tied to the ongoing investigation. the Guild arose last fall when Despite the severity of the financial mess, ted surprise that they weren’t the first to “I’m kinda tired now,” Castagna said. CanWest announced the outsourcing details about the situation only came to light know about the legal suit for the total amount Lyonnais was unreachable for comment. of The Gazette’s layout to Hamilton, at the end of 2008. of $363,238.25. Ontario. The Gazette’s writers par- Castagna explained her silence about the “It’s common for sensitive information to The case of the CSU and CUSACorp, their ticipated in a by-line strike in order financial problems by saying, “If I were to go go out when it’s appropriate,” said Elie Chivi, corporation, against Marie Lyonnais will be to protest conditions at the paper. out there and [take] a million questions from the CSU’s VP communications. Chivi said as heard at the Palais de justice on Feb. 23, The by-line strike ended in a million people and couldn’t answer them, or much detail as possible was given to council- 2009 at 9 a.m. November as a sign of good faith towards contract negotiations. Concordia faces library space strain Le Journal Making it all fit ‘a top priority’ for University Librarian de Montréal • MATTHEW BRETT departmental use. cussions about the student expe- on the Board, Kruyt said there locks doors Space shortage was not the rience, employee management should be the same kind of con- An increasing space burden only area of concern for Beasely. and community engagement. cern for student union oversight. has forced Concordia administra- The library's financial data Student Board representative “It's something the govern- on newspaper tors to seriously consider relocat- was also given to the Board. As a Noah Stewart was highly critical ment may want to pay attention ing departments from the Library percentage of the university of the conversation panels, stat- to,” Kruyt said. building and find off-campus budget, library funding might be ing the university has a legal obli- The pending proposal in the staff storage for books. “lower than any of the compre- gation to consult the CSU con- national assembly includes • JOHNNY NORTH University Librarian Gerald hensive universities outside cerning student appointments to changing the size of the Board Beasley made a presentation dur- Quebec,” Beasely said. any panels or bodies. and imposing greater accounta- The management of Le Journal de ing the Board of Governors meet- Purchasing digital material “They are not legal bodies. bility on the chair of the Board. Montréal, the most widely read ing on Jan. 22 detailing the was listed as another top priority. They are just set up to collect French daily in Quebec, locked out its library space shortage. Digital material costs on average information,” Woodsworth The CSU faces a roughly editorial and office staff Jan. 24 due “I'm looking for downtown 50 per cent more than paper replied. $500,000 deficit following to a dispute over salary and benefits. space as a top priority,” Beasely material, Beasely said. The CSU also neglected to alleged financial mismanagement Since Dec. 31, about 250 employ- said. make a submission to the strate- by former union comptroller, ees at the Journal have been without No timeline for the proposal 'Critical phase' gets gic plan, Woodsworth noted. Marie Lyonnais. a contract. was given, but space shortage in critiqued Provost David Graham has The CSU has pressed charges President and publisher Lyne the McConnell building's Concordia's ambitious strate- previously chided student sena- against Lyonnais and a forensic Robitaille said in the Journal’s Webster Library is a growing con- gic plan has entered a “critical tors for not attending Academic audit of the CSU account is ongo- Saturday editorial that the current cern as enrolment continues to phase” as steps to implement the Programs Committee meetings, ing. contract prevents the paper from climb. plan are formed, President Judith which makes recommendations modernizing its business model. Enrolment has increased by a Woodsworth said to the Board. to Senate concerning curriculum Closed door session Robitaille also stated that the third since the Webster Library The strategic plan, a guide and academic matters. criticized Internet, free newspapers and the opened in 1992, and a number of intended to set the university's Stewart said the Board took an presence of 24-hour cable channels faculties have migrated down- direction and goals from 2009 to To register for the conversa- “unbelievable” step by allowing have severely reduced the tabloid’s town from the Loyola campus, 2014, is to be presented to the tions, please visit president.con- only external Board members to profits. Beasely said. Board for approval at the upcom- cordia.ca. enter closed session at the end of The current contractual dispute is Approximately 1.9 million ing June 18 meeting following the Jan. 22 meeting. over an increase in weekly hours people used the library in 2007- two reviews by the Senate, the Government should regulate Woodsworth said the closed without a raise, the risk of layoffs and 08, according to library figures. university's highest academic student union, Board session was held because it dealt a reduction in vacation time and “We could certainly use an body. suggests with employment issues that may other benefits. extra floor, or two, in the Board member and professor CSU president Keyana Kashfi have presented members of the Journalists and photographers at McConnell building,” Beasely Charles Draimin noted direct made a brief defence of the Board with a conflict of interest. the newspaper make $88,000 on continued. costs of the strategic plan had yet union's financial management at Closed sessions of this nature average for a 30-hour work week. The fifth floor of the to be presented. the request of Board Chair Peter are common practice, Employees started picketing out- McConnell building was original- “That bears very directly on Kruyt. Woodsworth said, noting the side the paper’s east-end offices last ly intended for library use, but the plan,” Draimin said. As the provincial government Board may advise its members of weekend. Management at the tabloid upper floors have recently Upcoming presidential panels, considers controversial legisla- future closed sessions by itemiz- said they will continue to publish dur- received major renovations for or “conversations,” include dis- tion imposing further regulations ing it on the agenda. ing the lockout. 06 NEWS THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/NEWS national notebook Post-secondary enrolment College with help of the acupuncture pro- teaching assistants, contract faculty, and Police say was beyond the planning stages. gram's new research into pre-menstrual sessional workers—have been on strike Ricard confirmed the duo planned to higher than ever syndrome. since Nov. 6, sparking the cancellation of all shoot and kill as many people as possible at A new study conducted by acupuncture classes, some of which have resumed. Many the U of M, two secondary schools, and the • NATHAN SWYERS, THE SATELLITE instructor Gordon Grant at MacEwan could of the strikers are graduate students. Winnipeg Church of the Rock. While it was (MOHAWK COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS be the answer to alleviating dysmenorrhea, Despite CFS-Ontario's recent $2,500 originally reported that the killings were to AND TECHNOLOGY) or extremely painful PMS. donation to the striking CUPE local, there be random, Ricard says there was an adult The acupuncture therapy will likely treat are no plans for the national branch to fol- targeted at one of the high schools. HAMILTON (CUP) - When the going other symptoms unrelated to PMS, such as low suit and donate funds. Had the suspects mounted their plan, gets tough, the tough get learning. That's sleeping and libido problems. the U of M would have been ready to notify what some experts say is the reason for the The study is the first of its kind because students, staff, and everyone on the campus hike in post-secondary applications this it will use a control group whose shallow U of Manitoba target of quickly and accurately, says John Danakas, year. pricks will not penetrate as deep as real director of public affairs at the university. Compared to last year, the increase of acupuncture. alleged mass shooting plot That would have included text-message non-high school applicants is nearly 12 per A similar study was conducted in alerts, e-mail alerts, and pop-ups on com- cent for Ontario colleges and almost 10 per Germany, but without the control group. puter screens for staff. cent for universities. The study proved that acupuncture was a • WENDY GILLIS, CUP CENTRAL There is also a system of in-class notifi- The number of students applying to uni- cost-effective way to treat PMS. BUREAU CHIEF cation that works sort of like an intercom, versity has not been higher since Ontario Danakas says. It is two-way, so students in abolished grade 13, resulting in the 2003 SASKATOON (CUP) - Two teens a class can hear alerts, as well as send them 'double cohort.' Student lobby group remain detained at the Manitoba Youth out. George Granger, executive director of Centre after allegedly plotting a shooting Beyond that, Danakas says there are Ontario Universities Application Council remains neutral on York rampage at four different locations in plans in place to deal with notification of all (OUAC), says going back to school to get a strike Winnipeg, including the University of types of hazards and emergencies. better education is best when employment Manitoba. Though he says the U of M was “tangen- prospects are few. Const. Daniel Ricard confirmed a boy tial” to this particular incident because the • SCOTT MCLEAN AND SHEENA and girl are each facing four counts of con- suspects are high school students, church- GOODYEAR, EXCALIBUR spiracy to commit murder, and the girl is goers at the Church of the Rock were shak- Acupuncture to treat PMS (YORK UNIVERSITY) also facing various break and enter and en, since the boy was part of the congrega- firearms charges. Both suspects are 17 years tion. TORONTO (CUP) - While the Ontario old, so neither can be identified under the The church already had plans to install • LAURIE CALLSEN, INTERCAMP branch of the Canadian Federation of Youth Criminal Justice Act. security cameras prior to the threat, but the (GRANT MACEWAN COLLEGE) Students has pledged its support for strik- Police initially arrested the boy on Jan. 9 church's senior pastor said everyone is try- ing faculty at Toronto's York University, the in regard to the firearm theft, but later ing to resist letting the incident create a EDMONTON (CUP) - Women looking national executive remains officially neu- released him. They then arrested the girl on “lock-down mentality.” for a new take on an old pain may be able to tral. Jan. 15 and the boy again on Jan. 16 after The two accused appeared in court on find relief at Edmonton's Grant MacEwan CUPE 3903—which represents York's learning about the plot, which Winnipeg Jan 19. Charges are pending.

If you answered “yes” or Are you: “no” to these three ques- The following staff mem- tions, please come to the bers have contributed to at least four issues and - black? are thus eligible to run: Black History Month The Link Shawna Satz, Cody Hicks, special issue brainstorm- Amy Smith, Teresa Smith, - history? by-elections Jesara Sinclair, Barbara ing session this Friday. Pavone, David Kaufmann, Feb. 6, 2009 Ketan Patel, Andrew O'Kill- Meeting time is at 4 p.m. Griffin, Christopher Olson, - month? Julien McEvoy, Sarah Tooth, in H-649. Charlène Lusikila, Michael The following Sabelli, Elsa Jabre, Madeline positions are open: Coleman, Ginger Coons, Alex Manley, Pascale Rose Licinio, Hosted by Vivien Leung, Laura Giaccari, Graphics Editor Michael Sabelli, Alexandra Murphy, Paolo Mingarelli, Student Press Justin Bromberg, Pamela Terrine Friday Toman, Jackson Macintosh, Liaison Leila Amiri, Cat Tarrants, Rachel Tetrault, Sebastien Friday Jan. 30 Cadieux, Mathieu Biard, Clare To apply, post a letter of Raspopow, Joelle Lemieux, intent along with three Terrine Friday, Diego Pelaez relevant contributions Gaetz, Johnny North, Jonathan up on the board in The Dempsey, Bruno De Rosa, R. Link office by Friday, Brian Hastie, Justin Jan. 30. Giovannetti, Giuseppe Valiante Link meet and greet with free donuts and soda. Friday Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. ROOM H-649 THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/NEWS NEWS 07 Adventures in babysitting Arts and Science student council decides to monitor its executives’ behaviour

• CLARE RASPOPOW Audrey Peek. When given a chance to respond The motion accused Peek of to the accusations, Peek said dis- Arts and Science Federation of putting the interests of the cussion of the motion “was not a Associations councillors elected Concordia Student Union before valid use of [ASFA] time.” one of their own last Thursday to those of ASFA, not acting in the “I understand it means they attend and observe all future ASFA best interest of the group, with- don't like me,” said Peek, who executive meetings in order to holding emails from the VPs and failed to see any other value in solve ongoing problems within attempting to take control of VP the proclamation. their executive. Social Alejandro Lobo-Guerrero's In an effort to deal with these At their Jan. 22 Council meet- events portfolio. problems quickly, Council also ing, councillors elected independ- More specifically, they say Peek passed motions dictating that ent representative Leah Del unilaterally deleted her fellow Peek re-add the other VPs as Vecchio as a neutral party to force execs from administrative posi- administrators on the Facebook executives to behave themselves tions on the ASFA Facebook group by midnight that night, group, failed to forward a wine- and that Peek and VP Finance “I understand it and-cheese invitation to fellow Cathy Lin, both responsible for means they don't like executives and, according to Lobo- signing cheques for ASFA, sign me.” Guerrero, tried to take control of contracts for the New York trip the yearly ASFA/CSU New York by Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. —Audrey Peek, ASFA president trip when the executive opted to Both motions were moved by exclude the CSU from their plans Del Vecchio. and put an end to the conflicting due to their “obvious internal accounts of executive meeting problems.” ASFA is looking for staffers for events as reported by different The aim of the motion, their upcoming annual General members. explained ASFA VP Election. To apply, send an email to The problems within the execu- Communications Stephanie [email protected]. tive were brought to a head at the Siriwardhana, was to encourage ASFA Council meeting on Jan. 15, Peek to be more open and forth- If you're interested in becoming where four members of the execu- coming in her interactions with a candidate for the upcoming elec- tive passed a toothless and admit- the other execs. tion, please visit the ASFA office at tedly symbolic “motion of non- Peek remained unswayed by 2070 Mackay, suite 401. ASFA Councillors elected a pacifier to keep wordy exchanges in check. confidence,” concerning president the motion of non-confidence. GRAPHIC GINGER COONS Recall moves forward as Groundhog doesn’t sell Lack of interest in ‘Groundhog general election approaches experience’ blamed economic downturn Student union president has until Friday • JOHNNY NORTH Famous groundhogs and where they live: to present her case Canada’s answer to Punxsutawney - Punxsutawney Phil-Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania Phil, Wiarton Willie, won’t have a pay- - Jimmy the Groundhog-Sun Prairie, Wisconsin • JUSTIN GIOVANNETTI “Had she checked the petition properly, she ing audience watching him as he pre- - Wiarton Willie-Wiarton, Ontario would see that that isn’t true,” Blais told The dicts a long or short winter on - Staten Island Chuck-New York City, New York The Concordia Student Union’s Judicial Link after the ruling. “But to say that two out Groundhog Day this year. - General Beauregard Lee-Atlanta, Georgia Board has decided to hear arguments concern- of three signatures are false is only a way of The town of Wiarton, Ontario auc- - Dunkirk Dave-Dunkirk, New York ing the validity of a petition that seeks to recall creating doubt about the validity of the peti- tioned the “Groundhog experience”- - Malverne Mel and Malverne Melissa-Malverne, the union’s executive and trigger a by-election. tion.” which includes accommodation for New York At a JB meeting on Jan. 20, CSU President Nudo, who quit hours after rejecting the three nights and a front row seat for - Brandon Bob-Brandon, Manitoba Keyana Kashfi asked for the recall petition to petition, did not appear in front of the JB. Willie’s prediction on Feb. 2.—but it - Balzac Billy-Balzac, Alberta be thrown out, arguing that any special elec- Kashfi now has until Jan. 30 to submit an did not receive any bids on eBay. - Shubenacadie Sam-Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia tion against her executive would fall too close official rebuttal to Blais’ argument for JB con- Last year the “experience” sold for - Gary the Groundhog-Kleinburg, Ontario to the already-scheduled general election on sideration. This will be the second of the four $1,700 to a Calgary family. - Spanish Joe-Spanish, Ontario March 24, 25 and 26. steps remaining before the JB makes a ruling. Wiarton’s Economic development - Sir Walter Wally-Raleigh, North Carolina “Keyana argued that with the timeframe, The remaining steps allow Blais a response to officer Danielle Mulasmajic blames - Pardon Me Pete-Tampa, Florida the JB shouldn’t pursue the case because there Kashfi’s official rebuttal, followed by the final the economic downturn for the lack of - Octoraro Orphie-Quarryville, Pennsylvania wouldn’t be enough time for the recall,” said word reserved for Kashfi. interest, but says the town will try - Holtsville Hal-Holtsville, New York JB Chair Tristan Teixeira. “But that didn’t CSU VP Communications Elie Chivi is opti- another auction in a few years. - Buckeye Chuck-Marion, Ohio convince anyone on the board to ignore the mistic about the outcome of the case. “I am complaint, including myself.” very confident in our position. We have many Patrice Blais, former CSU president and arguments that deem this petition invalid and leader of the recall campaign, asked the JB to I am sure that as we move forward with the overturn the Jan. 13 ruling made by former case, the entire student body will see that this Council Chair Jessica Nudo, which invalidated petition, from the start, was a waste of time.” the recall petition. Teixeira hopes for a speedy end to the recall 33 100 per cent of Wiarton’s predictions Blais rejected the Chair’s claim that 1,300 case. “Hopefully this case should be wrapped per cent of groundhog of the 3,600 signatures on his petition were up by the second Monday in February,” he have been correct. predictions have resulted in false. said. the arrival of spring. THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/LIT LITERARY ARTS 09 Dispatches from the future of Engrish No one owns the keys to the English language, says author Mark Abley

• PASCALE ROSE LICINIO we have only a partial knowledge of the inner- guage? It’s hard to say—no workings of the language we share. Some of us linguistic authority controls Aspiring English teachers can relax—they’ll understand Montreal teenage slang or are flu- English. That’s partly what probably still be able to find a job if they are ent in Spanglish, but few of us can understand makes it graspable and willing to relocate. administrative jargon and doublespeak: while volatile at the same time, In the coming years, one-third of the some call the abuse of detainees at Abu Ghraib making it flexible. world’s population will try to learn English, torture, Donald Rumsfeld called it “the excess There's even some says Mark Abley in the book The Prodigal of human nature that humanity suffers.” confusion and con- Tongue: Dispatches from the Future of English, the new world language, the new flict as to just how English. As English can’t impress itself upon lingua franca, is as permeable as it is invasive, large the English people without changing itself in turn, it’s like- but as it spreads, other languages change and vocabulary has ly to change and diversify more than ever, sometimes disappear, just as English evolves. grown. As of 2009, Abley predicts. Abley takes us to Asia, one of the laborato- the Merriam- It’s normal to feel anxious in the face of ries of linguistic change at the moment. Webster Dictionary change, says Abley, whether it’s a changing cli- English words like “shampoo” and “pun- has 450,000 words, mate or how a word like ‘gay’ can take on a dit” have their origins in India, while in Japan, but the Oxford decidedly different meaning from one genera- English phrases have infiltrated the language Dictionary has only half as tion to the next. It’s better to be prepared for in new and creative ways. “Haroo waaku” for much. A company based in GRAPHIC VIVIEN LEUNG it. example comes from the English “hello work” Texas, however, recently COLOUR ALEX MANLEY Abley reminds us that, even within the and means job centre. announced that the English language English-speaking world, linguistic variety is Now, Englasian, the unwritten combina- would pass one million words by the end The Prodigal the rule. For example, do you know what tion of English vocabulary and Chinese, Hindi of April 2009, precisely. Tongue “garry” means? It depends. In Melbourne, it or Tamil grammars, is about to replace Abley gives us an energetic and pleasurable Mark Abley means to flirt. In Liverpool, it’s an ecstasy English as the business language of Asia. tour of the labyrinths of the English language. Vintage Canada tablet. To most of you reading this, it probably Western businessmen might just have to get Surveying current trends and exploring May 2008 has no meaning at all. used to “Come on Friday, can or not?” when change on the web and in Los Angeles, 227 pp Whether you’ve been speaking the lan- dealing with overseas business trips in Asia. Singapore, Montreal or Paris is, in his compa- $22.00 guage from an early onset or are a latecomer, So who gets to control the future of the lan- ny, a relaxing and enlightening experience. Lit Writ Damn the Oilman • CLAY HEMMERICH my brother talk about the dangers of have you no remorse for the lives of oth- greenhouse gases and the evil oilmen. My ers?” The lion, the king of the jungle, with seat cost a grand, but he’s family and you They sent grimaces my way in their his luscious head of hair and his deep can’t put a dollar sign on family. Wow, machine-manufactured designer clothing, imposing growl spends his days arrogant- he’s such a good soul, giving eight hours a listening to music off a gas-guzzling sound ly lying in an open field because he knows day, five out of seven days a week to the system. They’ve marked themselves with virtually nothing will intrude his space. cause of Mother Earth. Oh, what a martyr oil-based ink to remind them of when The so-called hunter barely hunts. His he is. He says to the crowd, “raise your they were young and passionate and some less-than-lustrous female counterpart glasses with me. We are drinking our even marked words to damn the oil-man hunts for him, due diligently stalking champagne in the name of our fragile forever. They live in a box, shielding them something delicious to satisfy his taste for environment! Damn the oilman to hell for from the harshness of the home they're the flesh of something feeble. He’s won screwing all of us over and poisoning our protecting. Her true colours are masked her unconditional loyalty for life, without bodies! He takes and takes and takes! by oil-based paints, removed by oil-based really ever having to do anything except Now donate to the cause of your home cream. Their skin smoothed by oil based let out a bass driven blood-curdling roar and drink this champagne with me!” lotion, and their scent, of the oil based when he's hungry. Deep in the jungle, I didn’t raise my glass. I was the oilman garden variety. The people’s way of life is where the lion barely ever steps foot in, is that they were damning, but I cared distributed to them in boxes and boxes his forgotten brother who lives in the tan- enough about family to come and support and boxes, by a diesel truck, extracted by gle of trees and dark crevices dwelled by my brother. His head held high and hands me the oil man who freezes away in the equally worthy hunters; he is the tiger open and forward, cursing me right in harshest, most dangerous, hot, cold, war who sleeps alone, and hunts alone. front of my face, and telling other people driven, angry places in the world. to join in. I get no gratification, just scowls when I was so proud of my brother. He was a So the people proudly got drunk off I come home; then, I get shunned back to millionaire tycoon. He managed to save their champagne, corked and delivered to the outside. But I’m okay with that the world, one banquet at a time, while calm their stress. They’re feasting on their because these people need me. And their making a million dollars. He was the man porcelain plates and their rare silverware. families need me, and especially my that people listened to. He said to the peo- They’re eating delicacies of foreign coun- brother. He needed me the most. ple, “you should all live in high rises in the tries; tiramisu from the canals of Venice, If only they understood why I do what heart of the city because mansions are the and a charmingly-arranged dish of some I do. I bring them joy and happiness in the death of our beautiful landscape.” And so sort of endangered fish, probably from form of boxes. I bring them peace of mind the people piled and piled up higher and Africa. in the form of liquid black gold. And I get higher and higher until they touched the As they got drunker and drunker, they paid. A lot. And the world spins, one way sky and made love on cloud nine. Now got meaner and meaner. or another. they could afford to help pay for my They said, “You rig pig! You scum! brother’s cause, and the hardwood floor You’ve mudded up our floors and To submit your fiction or poetry in his mansion. destroyed our lungs! You chop down trees to the Lit Writ column, email them to Enjoy the taste of oily death. I sat there in the banquet listening to and start wars! You kill and kill and kill, [email protected]. GRAPHIC GINGER COONS 10 LITERARY ARTS THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/LIT Lit Writ From communist Laos The NGO Intern to Concordia

In Aden city One man’s search for continual education takes The beggars sit In the open sun him from the Vietnam War to the SGW campus Shaded by colored veils Faded, dirty. Yellow-eyed • CHRISTOPHER OLSON an Australian journalist one night, Camvan became an unwitting inform- Somali women, Somsy Camvan hands me a ant. Emaciated children copy of his book, Blanket Coffin, “I thought I was just having a private Leather skeletons and a business card with a single conversation,” says Camvan, but when Clinging to sagging word on it in all caps: AUTHOR. his anecdotes about rampant poverty in Empty breasts. But in person, he’s nothing if Laos gained international attention, he not self-deprecating, apologizing was placed in detention for three I sit near them for typos that should really be months. The experience made fodder And they observe me blamed on his copy editor, and for his third novel—the rights to his sec- Seemingly asking me to forgive him for his ond novel, American Ghost, remain Wary of what sometimes jittery use of the with his former publisher—but it also I will want English language. brought him in contact with his future Or require. For someone who became a wife. journalist at age 19, just as the Though a slip of the tongue rocket- I want their stories, and Vietnam War was coming to a ed him to international headlines, They talk of Ethiopian soldiers slow, painful close, and who spent Camvan is still trying to get the word Ripping the veils from their heads the next two years in a Laotian out about Blanket Coffin. Ripping the clothes from their backs internment camp for daring to His former publisher, Publish continue his education abroad, America, is a print-on-demand serv- And news of air strikes Camvan is the last person who ice, and doesn’t spend much on From Amriki warplanes needs to apologize. advertising. Since the book’s On villages. “I prefer not to call it a biogra- release, Camvan has been whip- phy, but rather ‘historical fic- ping up his own publicity, And it amazes me tion,’” says Camvan. And who picking up the tab for People believe could blame him? Nowadays, flights to faraway Such fabrications, it’s better to have an ounce lands on the slightest Propaganda. of truth to a lie, than a drop possibility that it will of fiction in an autobiogra- lead to some free Only yesterday phy. While Blanket Coffin publicity. It was reported in the follows Camvan’s life closely Somsy Camvan Despite the New York Times from chapter eight AUTHOR hints of what he Online onwards—around the time left on the cutting room That Islamist the protagonist is impris- floor—“I love it, because it’s oned by the country’s new so traumatic,” says Camvan Insurgents Somsy Camvan spent two years in a Laotian “Learning Camp” for of the descriptions of prison- Disguised communist regime—the daring to study abroad. GRAPHIC CHRISTOPHER OLSON In civilian clothes book’s first seven chapters er abuse he removed from the deal with the country’s opium book’s final draft—a great deal Were killed in those strikes. trade, which affected virtually everyone’s including a brother who currently works of sexually evocative undertones perme- lives in Laos. in the government and who found the ate throughout. Sex did indeed occur in I mean, This is how Tiny, the story’s protago- book’s more controversial assertions the camp, confirms Camvan, but you’ll Who to believe? nist, loses his parents: “The centre “troubling.” have to consult his original draft for the Glossy claimed that my father and mother died But he wasn’t the first to think so. In precise details. Reputable of an overdose,” writes Camvan. The 1999, around the time Camvan became a Blanket Coffin has a compelling nar- Government only question is whether it was an over- part-time student at Concordia rative, made more engrossing by its can- Sources dose of opium or painkillers. University, he began preperations for a did depiction of a prolific event in Or illiterate, impoverished refugees “There were rumours of this going on trip back home. When he told the First human history. That we still don’t know Thrown in the sea, in Laos,” says Camvan, with an air of Secretary at the Loas Embassy in the full story yet, whether by force or Human cargo, suspicion, although the mere mention of Washington that he was planning to do self-constraint, makes it an important Pirate jestam it in his book suggests he believes it research for a book, the next question read as well. Washed upon the Yemeni shore. without a doubt. that came naturally to their mouth was Opium had been a major staple of the “what kind of book?” Blanket Coffin can be purchased at the Obstinate fools country’s economy, but “our lives were Warning Camvan that he might have Concordia Solidarity Co-op Bookstore, or Will not and now being threatened because it was trouble returning home to his family in from publishamerica.com. Don't want decided by the rest of the world that our Laos if he were to announce certain farms were illegal,” continues his narra- blotches on his country’s past, Camvan Blanket Coffin To understand. tion. Just as the United States was with- practiced self-censorship, stripping his Somsy Camvan drawing from Vietnam, a large part of book of 350 plus pages of prose. Publish America —Philip Fortin the Laotian population was suffering “Some of it was just to bring it to a October 2007 from the symptoms of its own withdraw- good word count,” claims Camvan, but 224 pp al, and rather than treat patients’ symp- self-censorship was an ingrained trait in $24.95 toms, the easiest solution came in the Laotian journalists in the years of nation To submit your fiction or poetry to form of a lethal injection. building following American withdrawal the Lit Writ column, e-mail them to While Tiny’s only sibling died before from the region. [email protected]. he had a chance to walk, Camvan has In fact, the biggest story Camvan ever eight siblings of his own back home, broke wasn’t even his. While dining with THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/FEATURES FEATURES 11 Out of thin air

A shortwave radio enthusiast conjures tales of mystery, conspiracy and community

• R. BRIAN HASTIE G. records interesting finds and, thanks to The cold also helps the signals travel Royal Air Force, the station played two bars the magic of the Internet, convenes with through the atmosphere better, so winter is a of the English folk song over and over at reg- A strange obsession other DXers on forums, uploading interest- preferential time for DXers—that and the fact ular intervals, followed by sequences of five I have a confession to make: I spent most ing clips and analyzing their content to see if that there are more night-time hours. The numbers. As of late summer 2008, the sta- of my summer evenings last year outside anyone can make sense of it. shortwave band extends from 3 MHz up to 30 tion has been discontinued. until the early daylight hours, listening to The Internet has been a godsend for users, MHz, but most signals transmit at lower than In 2001, the United States government the skies. Armed with a shortwave radio, a like G., who originally communicated with 10 Mhz. Signals can be picked up better if a prosecuted a group of Cuban transplants in cable and a laptop, my friend Evan and I each other via occasional newsletters. The tall antennae is installed near a receiver. Miami who had been sending coded trans- spent our evenings travelling the dials, look- ‘net allows users to interact with each other, These antenna can go as high as the user missions back to the island. Although never ing for strange messages permeating the as well as share information and queries that would like, but sometimes local statutes limit directly acknowledging the fact that these bands. are answered almost immediately. the height of antennae. covert radio stations exist to keep in contact Whenever a hopeful candidate presented A typical posting on an internet message International news stations and religious with spies, the group was still prosecuted and itself we would hit record, saving the trans- board will have the poster list off their geo- organizations wishing to pick up new recruits found guilty of failing to register as foreign mission directly onto the laptop for posteri- graphical location and then ask if anyone else use the bands. Political stations make spo- agents as well as conspiracy. ty. Sometimes it was talk shows, sometimes in the area can identify a signal, or if anyone radic appearances, as well as shows and sta- it was news reports and other times it was else had come across a similar signal on a dif- tions dedicated to fringe topics. The infinite skies simply someone reading the weather across ferent wavelength during a similar period. Some stations serve little purpose beyond One night in late August, Evan and I hit North America. This sort of activity is common and allows for the mundane. Transmissions in-between paydirt; shortly after 3 a.m. we locked onto a We kept logs on a spreadsheet of when an informal network to establish itself and planes travelling cross-continentally, weather transmission located at 3685Mhz. We’d had we heard what, on which channel, at what prosper. reports emanating from various airports as false alerts before—a number of times people time. The next night we would reconvene to “The ‘net’s a great tool for connecting,” G. well as sea ship transmissions can all regular- reading off statistics were mistaken as agent- review the audio and check out the spread- says. “In the past couple of years it’s allowed ly be picked up. provocateurs, only to be revealed as news- sheet, updating it nightly. Though we didn’t me to be able to clear up some personal The bands are also used for less-than-offi- readers seconds later as they continued know how this tradition started, we contin- queries I’ve had for years. I usually just post cial proceedings. Though denied by officials onwards with their story. ued it with a certain fervour that we attrib- on one of the bigger DXing sites and usually internationally, certain stations appear regu- But this time there was no mistaking what uted to a constant sense of never fully know- within the week I get an answer. A lot of sig- larly, their intent secret in nature. Coded we were hearing—a woman read off strings of ing what’s out there. nals that had formally been ongoing myster- number stations, disseminating secret infor- five numbers, paused for a second and then We thought we were alone in this ies were cleared up pretty quickly.” mation to operatives around the world, still evenly read out another five numbers. She endeavour, a strange mission that seemed The Internet also gives validation to mem- exist to this day. did this for another 27 minutes, until the never-ending but very rewarding when suc- bers who DX and don’t even know why; it clock reached exactly 3:30, and then she cessful. lends to them a sense of community and Spy vs. spy stopped. Evan and I beamed, after so many It turns out we weren’t alone. Every year common purpose. In 1997, the Conet Project was released false starts we had finally succeeded. We across the country, thousands of people use “At first I thought it was a solitary activity, and brought the phenomenon of number sta- wrote the station down and revisited it the their shortwave radios to pick up scraps of and in certain ways it is, but now I know I can tions to international attention. The project night after, and just like clockwork she came static and pieces of information. Shortwave at least use the Internet to communicate with was a 4-CD set of recordings by Akin on. enthusiasts say that half the fun is the hunt, people who share the same enthusiasm I do. Fernandez, a British man who spent years This fuelled our search and DXing habit, the search for the elusive signal that carries It helps me sleep better at night,” laughs G. collecting records of coded messages in- knowing that there was always another signal with it a coded message or an interesting between countries and spies abroad. Dubbed to pick up, another message to record, anoth- tidbit. The other half of the fun is actually The mechanics behind the magic “spy radio’s greatest hits”, the messages are er set of secrets to be a part of. Stations read- listening to the messages found. Shortwave signals work by emitting radio often sequences of seemingly random pat- ing numbers are part of an intricate spy Dave G., a shortwave enthusiast from waves at such a frequency that they are terns repeated at regular intervals, in a vari- game, and listening in felt like joining in on Montreal who I met during my online trav- bounced down by the ionosphere, effective- ety of languages, preceded or followed by these shenangians, the ionosphere allowing els, agrees. “I’ve been doing this for five ly allowing the messages to orbit the Earth. small musical interludes. us to play part in the game without any of the years, and the best part about DXing (the Time of day, as well as the season, play a One of the most famous number stations stakes. slang term for hobbyists listening to short- role in how well these messages are is the Lincolnshire Poacher, a station ema- And the night skies never stop the signals wave stations) is definitely the search for the received; at night frequencies lower than 12 nating from the island of Cyprus. Suspected from coming, a mixed bag of static and crack- mysterious and the new.” MHz work best. to be broadcasting messages on behalf of the ling coded messages.

Submarine AC power mine radio AM navigational shortwave, FM broad- cordless satellite tele- radio astron- chatter grids communi- navigation broadcast beacons amateur casting, telephones, vision, door omy, remote cation radio aviation wireless openers sensing networking

GRAPHICS GINGER COONS 12 FRINGE ARTS THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/FRINGE The DOWN-LOW Five cool kids, Events listing Jan. 27-Feb. 2 one film collective MUSIC Tom Fun Orchestra Armed with an accordion, banjo, stand-up Member of Pablo Pictures talks film, ice cream bass (and the like), one can only begin to imagine what these Nova Scotians bring and Fuck, Marry, Kill to a packed venue. Wednesday, 8 p.m. • NICOLA JANE YOUNG Petit Campus, 57 Prince-Arthur Street E. Tickets $12 The lighting was dim enough that everyone 514-790-1245 and their grandmother looked sexy and there cafecampus.com was enough liquor to drown a sorority. It was the premiere party at a Van Horne loft Typecast & Lennie Moreno & A.O.T. Live w/ for a Montreal-based collective of young film- DJ Sarcastic makers that call themselves Pablo Pictures. Montreal hip-hop and soul acts gather Brought together by Ben Jackson, the group under one roof to launch new material for also includes Dsanni Njoroge Karanja, 2009 Saturday, 9 p.m. Guillaume Parisien, Isaiah Cunally and Ayan Petit Campus, 57 Prince Arthur E. Bihi. They united this past fall in hopes of keep- Tickets $8, $10 at the door ing each other warm in the face of winter in cafecampus.com Montreal. More importantly, they sought to open them- The Dears selves up to collaborative opportunities by shar- Ayan Bihi is currently working on both an experimental feature film, and a music mocumentary. Indie rock darlings formed in 1995 in ing ideas big and small, and introducing one Montreal. another to different techniques and mentors that of special effects, Shattered practiced compara- Bihi claims to have loved watching the audi- Saturday, 7 p.m. have helped propel each of them forward in their tive restraint in that realm, which ultimately ence reaction for better or worse. “I actually St. James United Church, 1435 City solo endeavours. worked to its benefit. found that part quite entertaining, I guess Councillors Street Guests at Friday’s showcase got a chance to Bihi, who got her start in photography, is the because at that point I really got to see my idea Tickets $20 see a few completed short films, as well as pre- sole female member of Pablo Pictures and came actualized and complete the process by sharing it Yellow Door Choir views for some works in progress. Upcoming up with the concept for the film before approach- with others, knowing I could affect them in one “A Million Acts of Green” is the choir’s eco- projects look to include quality fight sequences ing Jackson with her vision. Together they wrote way or another. It’s a rewarding feeling.” logically themed concert and will be a and somewhat tired hip-hop video clichés, like a script, which over the course of a year became The interview ended with an innocent game warm oasis of music in the cold dark superfluous champagne consumption while an often-disturbing film that is sure to linger in of Fuck, Marry, Kill. I offer her Matt Dillon circa night. wearing sunglasses and not giving a fuck. the minds of viewers, whether they personally Rumble Fish, Kevin Bacon circa Footloose and Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m. Showing merit were completed films like relate to the storyline or not. Rob Lowe circa St. Elmo’s Fire. She decided to Unitarian Church of Montreal, 5035 De Shattered, the only work thus far on which the Bihi was kind enough to meet on Saturday kill Rob Lowe as she was “just not feelin’ it,” Maisonneuve Blvd. O. whole team has collaborated turned out to be the over mint chocolate-chip and coffee ice cream, a marry Matt Dillion because “duh,” and do Kevin Tickets $20, and $15 for students with ID standout feature of the evening—surely no coin- bizarre choice considering the weather and the Bacon because “he’s kind of sexy, isn’t he?” 514-738-9052 cidence. arguable flavour clash. She defended her deci- Bihi looks forward to further fun with her Shattered follows the experience of a young sion self-mockingly, “What did you expect? I’m Pablo Pictures counterparts in the future. As for Theatre woman swallowed by an overwhelming city as soooo experimental!” solo work, she’s currently at work on an experi- The Real Inspector Hound she deals with the aftermath of being sexually Bihi seemed happy with the way the pre- mental feature without dialogue called Zebzebba by Tom Stoppard assaulted. The film addresses the sometimes miere went, and was gracious about praise for and a mockumentary called La Force which she Today, 8 p.m. devastating effects such an experience can have Shattered. She wasn’t nervous about the describes as “kind of a This Is Spinal Tap about Mainline Theatre, 3997 St-Laurent Blvd. on personal relationships, particularly those showcase, but she did admit to preparing the an all-girl electronica sensation.” Tickets $20 romantic in nature. ideal relaxing meal for dinner that evening, mainlinetheatre.ca While some of the other works shown at the “double-cream brie with baguette, walnuts For more information or to watch the preview for showcase were perhaps over-indulgent in terms and honey. De-li-cious!” Shattered visit pablopictures.com/shattered.html Film Darryl’s Hard Liquor and Porn Film Festival who? memory of a relatively popular song. colour album art transported me back to The hottest counter-culture cinema ticket spins in town and might just be the most fun One guess. Nothing here is particularly new, the tracks the summer days of my childhood; swim- you’ll ever have—standing up or sitting Castle Donington If an album was judged by its best track sound like ones I’ve heard a thousand ming, video games and sticky-sweet popsi- down—in a theatre. Audience members Fantasy Black only (‘Focker,’ in case you were wondering), times before, but her voice is pretty sweet cles. are encouraged to dress up as their inner Channel I’d give it my two thumbs up. But the and, admittedly, a couple songs do get His voice is genuine, a little on the soft porn star. Parlophone Records album’s highs don’t make up for the jarring stuck in your head. side, and sometimes, endearingly, it Saturday, 9 p.m. lows and two thumbs, becomes one thumb. So, if vaguely new wave, and definitely sug- sounds as though he’s reaching for notes 1195 St-Laurent Blvd. I was told I would probably enjoy Fantasy Sorry, “Bathroom Gurgle.” ary pop sound like a good time to you, check just outside of his range. For the most part, Tickets $10, 19+ only Black Channel by a friend and, after listen- 3/5 out “February Air.” If not, don’t bother. the lyrics maintain a child-like quality, and hardliquorandporn.com ing to the album, I’m concerned he thinks I —Mathieu Biard 2.5/5 although Savage sometimes veers into have attention deficit disorder. While the —Sebastien Cadieux darker territory he keeps it PG. And, while In This World album consists of songs with a good Lights Savage allows a hint of Tiny Tim as he lets By Michael Winterbottom QPIRG-Concordia's Keeping It Reel! melody, and solid build-up, the frequent Lights Sean Nicholas his voice quiver, it doesn’t feel gimmicky or Subversive Film Series presents a film interruptions of what I can only assume are Underground Ops Savage unpleasant. about the hazardous journey of two Afghan garbage cans hitting the synthesizer don’t Little Submarine The longest track clocks in just over two boys, and will be followed by a discussion add up. The opposite was also frequent, as A sugary, high-pitched voice with synthpop Arbutus Records and a half minutes so this 11-track record period involving local migrant justice my finger hovered over the skip button, a backing makes Lights a likely candidate flies right by, invoking a sense of child-like groups. distorted jumble of noise would turn into a to spend a few years flirting with The simple sound of Sean Nicholas wonder. For dreamy pop tunes that leave Free euphoric aural experience. the Canadian Top 20 pop charts. Don’t Savage’s sophomore record makes it seem you aching for mom’s signature oatmeal- Thursday, 7 p.m. I’ll be honest, I have mixed feelings about get me wrong, it’s not a bad EP, but as though this album was geared towards chocolate chip cookies, Savage has your 1500 de Maisonneuve Blvd. O Suite 204 this album. I’d been listening to “Bathroom I’ve seen too many Canadian pop acts the pre-school set. But, after listening number. [email protected] Gurgle” on my daily walks to school without toil in obscurity for an album or three for a few minutes, the toe-tapping tunes 3.5/5 knowing what it was—a great song, but by before fading to little more than a faint with synth accompaniment and water- —Sebastien Cadieux —compiled by Johnny North THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/FRINGE FRINGE ARTS 13 Concordia grad breaks sound barrier Café and Analysing the way we communicate through art cigarettes

• HEATHER ANDERSON ly or slowly,” the artist explained in an inter- view at her St-Henri studio apartment earli- Actor, writer and director While hasty judgements abound in our er this month. of Theatre 314, on his lat- frenetic age, Concordia Fine Arts graduate Comeau’s apartment is not unlike her est production and the Magalie Comeau questions quickness of work—open surroundings punctuated with speech. Comeau is presently displaying her elegant details emphasize her preoccupation Montreal art scene 10 latest works at Galérie art mur under the with what she calls her latest experiment: the banner, The Emergence of Significant dialogue between the individual and space • ALEXANDRA MURPHY Being. itself. The show examines the deconstruction of Comeau offers a formal conclusion to her In a building language through the process of decelera- experiment in her painting, Images: A new located on the cor- tion, the interplay between space and the form of language without words. ner of Ave. des Pins individual. Consciously repositioning herself and St-Laurent Comeau has recently come into the spot- throughout the creative process, Comeau Blvd., between the light with her breathtakingly unique repre- seeks to create images that destabilize the Ungava pillow fac- sentations of pre-linguistic space. In The viewer. She describes her work as, “A lan- tory and a martial Emergence of Significant Being large, aus- guage caught in the act of forming itself, con- arts studio, Alain tere canvases give way to eruptions of fine cretizing, […] in order to see if we are capable Mercieca lives in a detail that hint at familiar forms but resist of letting go of our perspectives.” studio apartment definition. When asked to place her work within a that doubles as a Alain Mercieca Comeau’s crafting is so precise that her larger social context, Comeau asserts, “There performance space pieces appear to have been created with the are so many ways for humans to interact that called Theatre 314. aide of computers or a pressurized painting are never explored. The speed of our world Theatre 314, which he runs with his two device. To the contrary, her skilled rendering prevents us from truly developing ourselves. other roommates, is preparing for the show- is a mockery of such conveniences. I think that it is very urgent that we start to ing of the second play in the Café Café series; Reacting to the business of modern life, imagine something other for ourselves, in Cigarettes and Spit. and the arbitrary nature of language, order to have new ideas about how we func- “After the first Café Café, I had an excess Comeau has set out “to know why one adopts tion.” of ideas,” said Mercieca, the 27-year-old a particular perspective over another.” Her playwright, director and leading actor. hypothesis: “Our way of dealing with our The Emergence of Significant Being is open “People said that it felt like a sitcom. It was environment, our context, comes from how until Feb, 21 at Galérie Art Mûr, 5826 St- One of Magalie Comeau’s oil on canvas the most well-received play I have ever we consider ourselves, whether we go quick- Hubert Street. paintings. done.” Mercieca is the author of several come- dies that have been produced in Toronto, Halifax and Montreal. He also penned a col- Hugging trees and growing democracy lection of short stories called The North Yorker that was shortlisted for the 2005 CBC Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai takes Kenya back one root at a time Literary Awards. Like the first Café Café, the second pro- • CHRISTOPHER OLSON continued the British colonists’ misguided of humanitarianism and the environment duction takes place at a fictitious Montreal practice of deforestation. were, so while the environment may not coffee shop. While both plays focus on young British colonists in Kenya practiced mass The government threw everything it had at depend on the survival of the human race, no struggling artists, with the first poking fun at deforestation in the name of modernization, Maathai and her progressive crusade, belit- human could survive without the environ- painters and sculptors, this one targets con- inadvertently turning vast areas of arable land tling her as a woman of little or no conse- ment. Maathai also speculated that temporary dancers. into arid desert. quence or social standing, despite being the HIV/AIDS was a Western weapon made to Mercieca, who has lived in Montreal for Deforestation not only eroded native first East African woman to earn a Ph.D. But devastate the African people, although she the last six years, wrote the series to have a Kenyan culture, but the removal of root sys- later recanted such statements—that’s one laugh at the city’s pretentious artistic scene. tems caused soil erosion and dust storms. environmental correlation that, unlike the “I love Montreal, but I won’t let its faults “There was something in our people that eucalyptus, didn’t hold any water. slide.” helped them conserve those forests [in the Taking Root, it should be noted, is also a When the first play was performed last first place],” says Wangari Maathai, a native film about the uphill battle of the sexes. Her December, the topic of Montreal’s superficial Kenyan and humanist whose charity work is opponents continuously attacked Maathai’s art scene hit home with many audience inseparably connected with her environmen- womanhood, still she wasn’t afraid to strike members. Mark Louch, the manager and set tal work. She’s also the subject of Taking Root, back at them by baring her breasts. designer of Theatre 314, believed that it was the next film to screen at Cinema Politica. Think burning bras sends a strong cultural important for the audience to feel connected It’s difficult not to note the symbolic loss of message? to the performance. aboriginal traditions with the uprooting of According to Kenyan tradition, any “I wanted to paint a beautiful picture of native trees, or the destabilization of the soil woman who is your mother’s age is also your where I’m from and what I know,” said with the destabilization of Kenya’s ruling mother, and for a woman to bare her breasts Mercieca. He described his series as the cul- body. It’s even more tempting to compare is a deep insult. It’s a sexist tradition that nev- mination of incessant lingering in cafés, here Maathai’s Green Belt Movement and its tree- ertheless proved a successful last resort when and abroad. He explained that being an planting project with the rediscovery of The Green Belt Movement planted an astound- Moi’s government bore down on protestors unemployed writer and independent film- ing 35 million trees. Kenya’s cultural roots. demanding free elections. maker, he often works out of neighbourhood “It’s such a perfect analogy, but it doesn’t that line of attack proved ineffective and even Maathai finally had something to celebrate coffee shops, which inspires his work. end there,” says Lisa Merton, who directed downright embarrassing for President Moi, after 30 years of protests and progressive The play allows Mercieca and Louch to the film with husband and long-time collabo- who held a dictatorial control over Kenya for movements, when in 2004, President Moi also make fun of themselves. After all, they rator Alan Dater. “The British brought inva- 22 years. ended his 22-year reign, and Maathai was too are entrenched in the Montreal art scene. sive plants such as the eucalyptus tree, which By downplaying her ability to affect mat- elected Assistant Minister for Environment “[The audience] knows that we’re not taking consumes large quantities of drinking water ters of state, Moi made her victories—like and Natural Resources. Little did people ourselves seriously,” said Louch. [and proves almost impossible to eradicate].” halting construction in Kenya’s Uhuru Park, know that it would all start with the seed of an That wasn’t the only European influence to the country’s only national park—all the more idea. Café Café: Cigarettes and Spit will be run- grow roots though. monumental, especially when the construc- ning from Jan. 30 to Feb. 7. Tickets can be Despite the 1963 election, which resulted tion plans included a monument to the coun- Taking Root will be screened on Tuesday, purchased at the door; $10 regular admission, in Kenya freeing themselves from British rule try’s president. Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m., Room H-110, 1455 de $7 for gargoyle-makers. Theatre 314 is located and creating its own government, the new Maathai and the Green Belt Movement Maisonneuve Blvd.. For a full list of screenings, at 10 Ave. des Pins O., suite 314. regime disallowed multi-party elections, and recognized just how interconnected the issues check out cinemapolitica.org/concordia THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/FRINGE FRINGE ARTS 15 Bringing the bass Vancouver duo ‘Apocalyptica Presents’ on discovering the dubstep scene in the 514

• JESARA SINCLAIR kindred spirits in the freaks, anar- chists and artists that were attract- The room is filled with deep, ed to the music. Both have trouble loud bass, pumping to an off- describing just how important the tempo beat, with fast-paced high community around the scene is to tones scattered over it all. Sweaty them. bodies dance along into the wee Keyani likens the D.I.Y. attitude hours of the morning. to the punk scene she's been a part This is what the parties that of for years, where as a self- Shakila Keyani and Sabine described “crusty punk kid” she'd Barbeau-Lawless throw are like. play mom and make sure everyone The next one is this Saturday. was okay at house shows. Now, she Now known as Apocalyptica jokes, things are more organized. Presents, the duo is trying to keep In September, Keyani and up with the demand for dubstep Barbeau-Lawless left Vancouver shows in Montreal since their first and moved to Montreal where they one in early December. set out to find their scene. “People want it,” says Barbeau- They were directed towards a Lawless. “We want to bring it so Komodo Dub show at la Société des hard.” Arts Technologiques, which has Dubstep is a style of electronic been an instalment in Montreal for music that started in the U.K. in the past decade. With the connec- the late '90s. It came out of the tions they made, they put on their drum-and-bass movement and has first show; Taal Mala of the slowly made its way over to North Vancouver dubstep crew LIGHTA! America. was flown in to play a huge party at

In Vancouver, where Keyani the L'Envers loft in Mile End. The Shakila Keyani (left) and Sabine Barbeau-Lawless (right) maake up Apocalyptica Presents. PHOTO JAMIE ROSS and Barbeau-Lawless were first show was a huge success, and they introduced to the sounds, there are found that people wanted more. they promote Freedembass, a party but not without the help of their ing Blade Plates, featuring DJ hundreds of people that come out “We were coming into the on the second Sunday of every friends. Pandemic, DJ Tsunami and DJ MC to the shows, thrown in basements scene, trying to bring what we month, at Blizzarts on St-Laurent “It's investing in something Rhyme on Jan. 31 in the Arthum and warehouses. know,” says Keyani, but they found Blvd., as well as other dubstep, you're passionate about,” says building, 4525 St-Denis Street. “That's what we started doing that the Montreal scene had a dif- grime and jungle shows. Barbeau-Lawless. “It's all about The next Freedembass show is on on Saturday nights,” says Barbeau- ferent feel to it than what they had Because of the demand, they've freedom, and celebration [...] and Feb. 8 at Blizzarts, 3956-A St- Lawless. “We'd go out and find the left out West. “We didn't find the been keeping busy. They've been lots of bass.” Laurent Blvd.. For more informa- loudest bass possible.” grimy underground.” designing flyers, handing them tion, look for the Apocalyptica and Beyond the music, they found Now, as Apolyptica Presents, out, booking venues and artists, Apocalyptica Presents is host- Freedembass groups on Facebook. Life outside of A secret beacon of positive jams the womb at Casa del Popolo rock played by fucked-up goons. We’re try- “We don’t sound the same, but we ing to be the Stones but failing beautifully.” operate the same,” says Rochman of • CODY HICKS into a scene, of sorts. A cursory listen to their new tape on local Grand Trine. “Shub [Ray] recorded them, Seeger is a local champion of experimen- cassette-label Campaign for Infinity con- and he recorded us. Dead Wife live If you’re connected to the experimental tal music, who books the bands that play. firms the heaviness of their psychedelic riff together and we live together. Six months underground artery of Montreal’s music But, in a twist Seeger refers to as a “Russian rock. ago my friends weren’t in bands and now scene you’ve probably already heard of the roulette of awesomeness,” he doesn’t listen they were. Suddenly, everyone’s tired of Montreal Knows No Wave series at Casa del to the band until they’re incorporated into “Classic rock played by being spectators. Now we’re all contribu- Popolo. his series. Notable alumni include Wax fucked-up goons. We’re tors.” For those who aren’t familiar, it’s a pseu- Attic, Black Mammoth and ttttttttttttttttttt. “What I see is a whole bunch of people do-monthly showcase of experimental This upcoming edition features trying to be the Stones but working together and not just standing music curated by Brian Seeger since (rough- Montreal’s newest heavy-psych-space- failing beautifully.” around and posing,” says Walter of Dead ly) May 2007. This Thursday will mark vol- punks Grand Trine, bratty trash-punks —bassist Tobias Rochman on Grand Wife. “Everyone in the band is very busy ume 19 of Montreal’s premier open-mic- Dead Wife and The Other Thing, broadcast- Trine’s sound and goal-oriented, beyond just going out style showcase of emerging local talent who ing positive vibes cloaked under a sea of and getting wasted.” may be a bit too weird to break into the dark soundscapes and sweaty showman- Which means it’s no surprise they don’t This new scene is all about mobilizing scene on their own. ship. sound much like Dead Wife who play a raw, and creating. Ironically, Dead Wife, sees For the uninitiated, No Wave was a brief After a bitter lashing at the hands of straightforward form of trash-punk. A gang the act of getting so busy and so involved movement that existed in the late ‘70s in Mother Nature I climbed the stairs to Grand of roommates: Lisa, Walter, Ashley and as actually liberating, evidenced by the New York as a reaction to what was then Trine’s lair/jam space/crash pad and sat Rebecca, Dead Wife are already making rip- band’s motto, “Do what sets your heart being labelled Punk and New Wave. down with eternally enthusiastic bassist ples through cyberspace despite only having free!” Although bands like The Contortions and Tobias Rochman and guitarist Shub Roy to started Dec. 16 of last year—a fact that is After sitting down with Seeger, Grand Sonic Youth sounded radically different discuss planetary configurations, Punk Rock carved into the wall beside drummer Trine and Dead Wife it’s become clear that from each other, they all shared a general and the privilege of living in Montreal. Walter’s kit. the main unifier in this pseudo-scene is a attitude, abrasiveness and experimental Although they’re named after a mystical Although not necessarily musically boundless idealism—and it’s infectious. style. planetary alignment promoting creativity coherent, Grand Trine and Dead Wife Fuck it. I’m starting a band. No Wave became a blanket term that and communication Rochman insists that share a social circle, circumstances and a mirrors the newly coined “Weird Punk” that theirs is not a group of New Age kooks. D.I.Y. operational aesthetic that’s bound The show is Jan. 29 at Casa Del Popolo, exists to group these unclassifiable bands Instead, he describes the group as “classic them together like family. tickets $5. 16 SPORTS THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/SPORTS King Georges A Link reporter throws himself into the middle of press-day for Quebec-born UFC welterweight champion Georges St.Pierre

Georges St-Pierre chokes out sparring partner. PHOTO ANGELA JOHNSTON “Of course I get scared. We simulate octagon fighting. crews are setting up while TV journalists bludgeoned St. Pierre with his hands of stone, A collage of fight posters surrounds us. exchange business cards. We’re waiting for leaving the young Quebecer badly bruised and all get scared. But it’s the They range from obscure, mulleted kickboxers Georges St. Pierre. In a few minutes he will bleeding as the first round came to a close. fear that keeps me sharp.” and local tough guys to household names like show up for his workout and hold a press con- Penn would end up losing the fight by split —Georges St.Pierre, De La Hoya and Hopkins. Two posters, in par- ference. I overhear a female reporter asking decision, but the loss gave him a new sense of UFC welterweight champion ticular, stand out. the bald guy from Sportsnet about the fight. purpose. The first is a promotional poster for UFC Neither seem that informed. Shortly after losing to St. Pierre, he • CHRISTOPHER CURTIS 87. Hanging just outside the gym’s main “Who’s BJ Penn?” she asks. dropped 15 pounds and competed as a light- room, it depicts Tri Star’s most famous mem- “He fought St. Pierre three years ago. St. weight. At lightweight, Penn displayed a new “Ye Gods,” I think, “Is this the right ber, Georges St. Pierre, opposite Jon Fitch. In Pierre won a controversial split decision, but level of fierceness in his game. place?” The Toyota and I are deep in ware- a match reminiscent of the Ali-Patterson beat- ever since then he’s been talking shit. He said After taking down the division’s top two house country, somewhere in that paved ing, St. Pierre outclassed Fitch for the entirety St. Pierre was a quitter and then told him he’d contenders, via rear naked choke, he knocked armpit where the Decarie meets the Trans of the fight. It was his first welterweight title try to kill him. He’s a big trash talker,” out its champion last May. Next Saturday Canada. defence and a peerless performance. responds the Sportsnet representative. Penn will make the move to welterweight in It would have been impossible to stumble The second poster is more of a grainy little It sounded dumb, like after-school-special hopes of avenging his first loss to St. Pierre. upon the building accidentally. There were printout. It dangles from a pillar, only a small dumb, but he wasn’t lying. Penn says these This kind of information was lost on some dozens like it—two-storey, yellow-bricked fur piece of scotch tape holding it in place. If you kinds of things routinely. Mr. Clean didn’t TV journalists. One such reporter, from a coat depots and paper distributors with small look closely you can make the person out, BJ bother mentioning that he also backs up the dubious French-Canadian network, asked me windows and a concrete awning. As I make my Penn. In a matter of days Penn and St. Pierre talk with vicious beatings. if St. Pierre’s opponent would be stopping by way through the door and upstairs I can smell will fight for the UFC welterweight title in Las Penn is a short, stout, bald man who lacks later. it; that unmistakable blend of humidity and Vegas. Although St. Pierre has only officially the muscle definition of a world-class fighter. “No, he’s in Hawaii.” sweat, like some kind of Mediterranean beer been training for this fight since September, He looks more like a young bricklayer; broad “On vacation?” cheese. he has no doubt suspected the fight was com- shoulders, thick legs, but also a certain flabbi- “He lives and trains there.” The Tri-Star Gym has all the trappings of ing for years. ness from poor dieting or bad metabolism. The man gave me an embarrassed smile a modern mixed martial arts facility. Two There is no music, there are no radios, just When he speaks, his high-pitched Hawaiian and walked away. This set the tone for the rest boxing rings stand at opposite ends of the a soundstorm of kicks and punches. In the accent sounds almost comical. of the afternoon. matted room. Between the rings are about a open space ahead, two spandex-clad fighters He may not be much to look at, but Penn’s St. Pierre finally makes his way through dozen six-foot heavy bags, treadmills, speed- roll around the mat, intertwined, while a third a brawler of the highest order. While a few can the door a few minutes later. He looks a lot bags in every corner, an open space for Jiu- yells instructions at them. match the speed of his punches, none rival smaller in person. As he walks by me, I Jitsu sparring and a semi-circular fence to By the time I get to the second ring, camera their devastating effect. In their 2006 fight, he extend my hand. THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/SPORTS SPORTS 17

over and open up the head for that game-end- ing knee. It is easily the most violent element of mixed martial arts. St. Pierre follows the knees up with some leg and head kicks. Zahabi uses his padding to absorb the blows and yells instructions at his fighter. “Harder George, harder. Football, foot- ball, football.” Football is code for double kick. On the sec- ond kick St. Pierre sends the heavily padded trainer into the ropes. The kick’s impact echoes through the gym like a sonic boom. This kind of kicking won him the welter- weight title against Matt Hughes. Midway through the second round, Georges faked low. When Hughes reached down to block he leaned right into a head kick. Mixed martial artists don’t kick with their feet. The foot has too much give. Instead they harden their shins into blunt weapons. With the display at its climax, St. Pierre jumps out of the ring and heads for the show- er. His shower is closely followed by a Q&A session. This is where things get hairy. Most of the reporters are out of touch with St. Pierre’s world. They know little or nothing about the sport and come ill-prepared to ask insightful questions. “I hear Beebee Penn’s been talking a lotta trash. Care to comment?” “Do you consider this a violent sport?” “Are you a violent guy or more of a roman- tic?” Yes, it’s bad; unimaginative and disre- spectful really—but St. Pierre, being a con- summate professional, answers them with a smile. It isn’t fake, as it is with so many ath- letes. St. Pierre has an honesty to him that eludes arrogance. “It’s a violent sport but not gratuitous. Sometimes I’ll watch hockey and they slash each other with sticks. That’s gratuitous. Now, if I were to gouge my opponent’s eye or bite him it would be another story. There’s a set of rules we adhere to.” He could have deferred to the stock answer about violence in MMA. In its sixteen-year existence, no one in the UFC has died or suf- fered a career ending injury in the ring. St-Pierre takes questions from a reporter. PHOTO ANGELA JOHNSTON Impressive when you consider that just this past year, two people died playing hockey. “Ca va bien?” I ask. ly unrecognized by the local press. He also “As a nod to the film (Kill One of the reporters interrupts. “Do you “Oui, vous?” he replies. looks smaller in person—certainly smaller ever get scared?” This impresses me. When addressing than the man who knocked out the legendary Bill), he (St-Pierre) “Of course I get scared. We all get scared. someone in French, using the word vous is a Chuck Lidell on my TV screen only a few affectionately refers to his But it’s the fear that keeps me sharp.” sign of great respect. Almost like using thou in months ago. trainer as Pae Mae, the film’s “What about that last fight against Penn? It English. He’s flown in from New Mexico to grapple wizardesque martial arts was awful close.” Before things get serious St. Pierre’s train- with St. Pierre. Evans is about 35 pounds “Yes it was, but I’ve become a much better er Faras Zahabi, asks him if he’s seen any good heavier than the welterweight champion, but master.” fighter since then. I know he has improved too movies lately. insists that St. Pierre is one of the strongest but I feel that I’m better than him standing up “Kill Bill,” he responds. wrestlers he’s trained with at any weight class. they’re all champions, former champions and and on the ground. I want to knock him out or As a nod to the film, he affectionately refers As the exercises continue, roles are future champions. The sheer depth of talent in submit him. Winning won’t be enough, if I to his trainer as Pae Mae, the film’s wiz- reversed. St. Pierre now attempts to submit St. Pierre’s camp is frightening. win by decision I’ll be disappointed.” ardesque martial arts master. Throughout the his opponents. He runs through them with a Zahabi and St. Pierre enter the boxing ring. St. Pierre stays on message, smiling, laugh- day, they would often mimic Pae Mae’s infa- vengeance. They squirm, but who wouldn’t? Zahabi’s arms are covered in six-inch ing and promising that, come Saturday, we’d mous beard stroke on their own imaginary While defending an armbar one opponent padding. They warm up by having St. Pierre see the best Georges St. Pierre we’ve ever seen. beards. nearly kicks a poor bystander in the face. bob and weave to avoid punches. Soon it’s That’s always been the party line, but it hasn’t Training begins with a series of Jiu-Jitsu Despite his best efforts he gives in. They all bob, weave and counterpunch. Then it’s on to failed him so far… Save for a few small excep- exercises. St. Pierre lays on his side and allows give in to the ankle locks, chokeholds and combination punches where the level of inten- tions. a sparring partner to get into a dominant armbars that define a Jiu-Jitsu master. sity explodes. One of the TV cameramen starts He is an athlete and a fighter. It’s often choking position. He then struggles to find an Zahabi’s training philosophy is simple: shouting orders at Zahabi. hard to tell which comes first; the cold, calcu- escape from the chokehold. Push St. Pierre through the abyss of his natu- “Make him kick you,” he shouts. The man lating professional or the balls-out brawler? Jiu-Jitsu is extremely technical. If used ral talent in hopes of finding a limit. His spar- is promptly ignored. He repeats his order, this Those two posters come to mind. In his win effectively, one can escape from virtually any ring partners are encouraged to beat Georges time yelling louder. ‘He probably beats his over Fitch he displayed an athleticism and submission attempt. For ten minutes the drill however they can. dog,’ I think. technical prowess that is unique to the sport of presses forward. Every time St. Pierre escapes Zahabi flies in a squad of contenders to “Make him kick you. It’ll look good on TV.” mixed martial arts. In his first bout with Penn, a submission he has to stop and allow a fresh meet this goal. Heavier guys like Nate Instead of kicking, St. Pierre opts for the St. Pierre withstood a barrage that only a fighter to apply a new hold on him. Marquardt, Keith Jardine and Rashad Evens Thai clinch. With both his hands, he grabs fighter could overcome. At the workout, we Sitting to my right is UFC light heavy- simulate BJ Penn’s strength; lighter guys like Zahabi’s neck and delivers a series of knees to saw St. Pierre, the athlete, but I have a feeling weight champion Rashad Evans. Evans sports Donald Cerrone and Yves Jabouin simulate the trainer’s padded body. In a real fight, the fighter is lurking somewhere beneath that a leather jacket, baggy jeans and goes virtual- his hand speed. These guys aren’t soup cans, knees to the body are terminal. They keel men big, goofy smile of his. 18 SPORTS THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/OPINIONS Stingers still Give ‘em enough rope Women’s basketball team lose third straight by giving up 24 turnovers against UQAM slumping • JOHNNY NORTH Con U struggles to get on track Concordia 48 UQAM 61 • DIEGO PELAEZ GAETZ However, the Stingers struggled to Getting outscored in the second quarter along continue their momentum in the final with countless turnovers cost the Concordia Concordia 68 quarter. UQAM aggressively attacked the Stingers women’s basketball squad against UQAM 74 offensive boards, and Con U wilted under l’Université du Québec à Montréal Citadins in a The Concordia women’s basketball the pressure, giving up a whopping 16 61-48 loss last Saturday at the UQAM Centre squad continued their disappointing sea- offensive rebounds. The Stingers were Sportif. son with a heartbreaking 74-68 defeat at out-rebounded by a staggering 41-21 “On the positive side, we controlled their the hands of the visiting UQAM Citadins margin in the game. offensive rebounds much better [than Friday],” Friday night at the Loyola Sports “It’s not like they’re running some said Stingers head coach Keith Pruden. “On the Complex. fancy offence that we can’t defend,” said a negative side, we turned the ball over 24 times The beginning of the game seemed frustrated coach Pruden. “They were just and we shot 37 per cent from the floor. […] We promising for the hard-luck Stingers. throwing it up and getting the rebound. didn’t play with a lot of poise offensively, and Con U forward Anne-Marie Prophete They were getting three shots per posses- that’s a problem.” imposed her will in the first quarter—she sion.” UQAM started the game off with an early lead, knocked down a three-pointer before Despite their difficulties rebounding but tenacious hustle by Concordia’s forwards saw completing a traditional three-point play the ball, the Stingers wouldn’t lay down them go on 8-4 run at the end of the first quar- minutes later to give the Stingers a 21-10 in front of their home-crowd. Guard ter—Con U was up 13-9 going into the second lead. Magalie Beaulieu opened the fourth quarter. The Stingers continued to maintain quarter with two consecutive baskets to Suddenly, every shot for the Stingers was com- the lead into the second half. Forward cut the deficit to four points. ing up short. While they didn’t give UQAM any Kristin Portwine showed off her post However, the game turned sour in the easy baskets, UQAM clearly frustrated Con U with skills with a textbook spin and layup to final minutes. After yet another offensive timely steals and showed a lot more composure keep the Stingers up by 10. rebound by the Citadins, a foul was called when it came to questionable fouls. Stingers forward Anne-Marie Prophete led the Despite the early lead, the Stingers on Stingers guard Melissa Campbell. “We’re letting the other team take advantage of Stingers in scoring in both games over the week- promptly started unravelling. Citadins Campbell was infuriated with the call, us,” said Krystle Douglas, captain of the Stingers. end. PHOTO CHRIS GATES forward Karine Boudrais capped off an resulting in a technical foul. UQAM con- “Once we’re down we’re down, on ourselves and streak, hope for a possible revival is slowly fading. 11-0 UQAM run with a midrange jump- verted on both free-throw attempts, and on each other. It’s hard when you only score four “We try to be confident on the court, but it’s so shot to give the visitors their first lead of Citadins forward Irline Noel scored two points in the second quarter.” hard when you’re losing every single game,” said the game, 29-28. UQAM guard Alix of her team-high 19 points on the ensuing “It’s not street ball. You can’t just dribble Douglas. “It’s like we’re always fighting for a play- Vandal hit a three at the halftime buzzer possession to put the game out of reach. around and do whatever,” said Pruden. “It doesn’t off spot, it shouldn’t be the case because we have to tie the game 37-37. The outcome has become a recurring work that way, it doesn’t even work that well in a really talented team […] but that’s what’s hap- The Citadins picked up where they left theme for the Stingers, who have contin- street ball. Until we address that and be consis- pening.” off in the first half, as they scored the first ually been on the short end of close tent offensively, then we’re not going to win any “My personality has never adapted well to six points of the second half to stun the games this year, and seem adept at being games.” being ‘I tried the hardest’,” said Pruden. “It’s not home crowd. their own worst enemy. With the Stingers down 27-17 going into the enough for me. There’s not a team in the league “We’re not consistent,” said Stingers “We take ourselves out of games third quarter, they made a valiant comeback that we can’t beat, so why aren’t we? I’m not real- head coach Keith Pruden. “We knew they offensively,” said Pruden. “For a good effort in the second half. Second-year Stingers ly interested in explanations anymore, I just want were going to make a run at us. It’s not part of the second quarter we stopped forward Anne-Marie Prophete led all players in to see a change.” like they wanted to lose.” going to the basket, and I wish I could tell points with 19 and led her team in rebounds with The Stingers managed to rally near you why.” 14. Unfortunately for the Stingers, they got beat Con U now has a week off until their next series the end of the third quarter behind Despite the loss, the Stingers are still the majority of the time on rebounds down the against the top team in their division the Laval back-to-back three pointers from cap- alive and kicking in the playoff race in the stretch both defensively and offensively. Rouge et Or. First game takes place in Quebec City tain Krystle Douglas and Andreanne Quebec conference. “If we start playing With the loss, Con U is now fifth place in their at Universite Laval with the game starting at 6 p.m. Gregoire-Boudreau to cut the lead well, we can beat anybody,” said Pruden, division, two points behind the McGill Martlets Second game takes place on Feb. 7 at Concordia’s to 58-53. “But right now, that’s a big if.” for the last playoff spot. With their current losing Loyola Gym at 6 p.m. Wild battle for first place continues Men’s basketball team can’t keep up with UQAM in final minutes

• JOHNNY NORTH “I think it was won in the dying Concordia’s Male Athlete of the those are the two teams that minutes when we did a good job on Year, led all players on the night deserve to be there. [Laval] are a Concordia 61 the offensive boards,” said UQAM with 22 points. different team without J.P. Morin. I UQAM 68 head coach Olga Hrycak. “They outplayed us, we beat give them an outside chance, but An exciting back and forth affair “Concordia has a lot more experi- ourselves too,” said John Dore, seriously based on the success ended in a 68-61 loss for the ence compared to us. I started three head coach of the Stingers. “There we’ve had against McGill and Laval, Concordia Stingers last Saturday first-year rookies, I think there was was a lot of mental errors and men- it really should be the two top against l’Université du Québec à a bit of ‘rookieness’ there [at the tal lapses, and they capitalized on teams.” Montréal Citadins at the UQAM start], but we overcame it.” it.” “Whoever we face,” said Vann. Centre Sportif. “What was it, 23 turnovers we Dore was satisfied that the “We’re just going to go at them 100 UQAM had the lead after the had?” asked Levi Vann, a Stingers Stingers (6-4) were able to keep the per cent. It doesn’t really matter.” first quarter, but they were only up guard. “That’s the game right there. score close with UQAM (6-4). Now 15-14. By the end of the second Those are opportunities you can’t that his team has split their series Con U now has a week off until quarter they were deadlocked at 31 give up. We had a couple of mental with UQAM, McGill (3-7) and Laval their next series against the top team each. lapses with fouls too.” (5-3) thus far, it could play a major in their division the Laval Rouge et Or. By the end of the third quarter, By the fourth quarter, fouls hurt factor on which team gets home First game takes place in Quebec City turnovers hurt Concordia on the the Stingers, as UQAM was going to court in the playoffs. at Université de Laval with the game scoreboard. UQAM made them pay the line on almost every attack in “It’s going to be down to the wire starting at 8 p.m. Second game takes Dwayne Buckley (#10) and Eric Cote- Kougnima (#15) fight for loose ball. by nailing the majority of their the final minutes. Despite the loss, and I hope it’s Concordia-UQAM in place on Feb. 7 at Concordia’s Loyola PHOTO CHRIS GATES three-pointers. Damian Buckley, last year’s the final,” said Hrycak. “I think Gym at 4 p.m. THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/OPINIONS SPORTS 19 Buckley Bros. unstoppable Dwayne & Damian Buckley lead the way for Stingers men’s basketball squad

• DIEGO PELAEZ GAETZ ranked second in the nation with 3.6 steals per game. Concordia 76 The Citadins then responded in turn, UQAM 59 with guard Eric Cote-Kougnima picking In a battle between the two top-ranked off an inbounds pass and finishing at the teams in Quebec, the Concordia men’s rim. The steal sparked a 6-0 run for basketball team showed off their defensive UQAM that cut the Stingers’ lead to four, prowess in throttling the visiting UQAM the closest the Citadins would get all game. Citadins 76-59 Friday night at the Loyola A Buckley would again come to the res- Sports Complex. cue for the Stingers; this time, senior The teams started the game evenly leader Dwayne. The imposing 6”5’ guard matched, but Stingers star point guard attacked the UQAM frontcourt, drawing Damian Buckley quickly imposed his will two fouls and unleashing a hellacious on the game, slashing to the rim with reck- dunk. Vann drained another triple to put less abandon to give the Stingers a 21-14 the Stingers up by 13 and quell any come- lead after the first quarter. back hopes for the visitors. The wheels came off quickly for UQAM “That’s one of the things I do,” said in the second half. The Citadins were held Dwayne when asked about his leadership without a basket for nearly a five-minute role on the team. “I try to share the ball stretch. and play D all the time, but sometimes The Stingers were able to build their when the team needs a lift, I can do that.” lead to 33-18 on a three pointer by sharp- The game ended with a little more shooter Levi Vann with under two minutes excitement for the fans in attendance, as remaining before halftime. UQAM man- Stingers rookie high-flier Evens Laroche aged only nine points in the second quar- wowed the near-capacity crowd with a ter. soaring alley-oop to further demoralize the “I thought we did a very good job defen- opposition and seal the 76-59 final score. sively,” said Stingers head coach John “If you look at the second half point Dore. “We stopped their penetration, and spread, we were alright,” said Citadins we’re learning to help each other better. head coach Olga Hrycak. “We had ten It’s a team effort defensively.” layup opportunities, and we came away The Citadins were not going down with- empty. We can’t be afraid to score the easy out a fight. Guard Adil El-Makssoud baskets.” opened the quarter with a three-pointer, Considering the quality of the opposi- and the Citadins clawed their way back to tion, the Stingers’ dominance becomes within seven points on another three- even more impressive. “I’m a little sur- pointer by El-Makssoud minutes later. prised (by the margin of victory),” said However, Buckley came to the rescue Damian. “They’ve been the toughest team for the Stingers, as he made a brilliant to go against in my four years here.” steal before going the length of the court However, they knew the fight that was for a layup. in store for them on the road the next day. Buckley repeated the same situation “Our last game there was our worst show- again minutes later, and finished the game ing all year,” said Damian. “Our intensity with a whopping eight steals. Buckley is has to be higher.” Stingers center Jamal Gallier fights for position. PHOTO CHRIS GATES UQTR powerplay sinks Stingers A key injury and flu bug also play a factor in men’s hockey loss

• DAVID KAUFMANN one of the best teams in the coun- scored the team’s fourth power- have. We didn’t really follow the “When you’ve got three of your try when Patriotes centre Etienne play goal of the night after Stingers game plan; we could have played top penalty killers out, that then Concordia 3 Bellavance Martin got one past right-winger Nicolas Sciangula got more solid,” said Blundon. “We breaks up all of your penalty UQTR 6 Stingers goalie Maxime Joyal to tie a marginal slashing penalty. didn’t really make the effort.” killing rotations so we gave up five The Concordia Stingers men’s the game a mere 15 seconds later. goals on the penalty kill,” Figsby hockey team suffered their worst UQTR defenceman Tommy “Their powerplay killed us, [...] we’ve got to be said concerning his team’s loss. loss of the season last Wednesday Lafontaine gave the home side the more disciplined.” While his team didn’t have the as they fell to the country’s num- lead minutes later when he scored —Nicolas D’Aoust, best of nights, it didn’t bother ber two-ranked team, the a powerplay marker. Not long Stingers right winger Figsby so much because of the Universite de Quebec a Trois- after, Patriotes centre Alexandre team’s condition. “I looked at Rivieres Patriotes, at the Quebec Demers netted his 15th goal of the To make matters worse, the D’Aoust, who had a goal and an some of the guys taking the penal- Colisée by a score of 6-3. season before Stingers right- Stingers found themselves in the assist on the night, blamed the ties tonight; you want to get frus- The Stingers came into the winger Nicolas D’Aoust put them penalty box six times in the third poor penalty kill on the loss. trated with them, but you know game with many players out of the back in it to trail the opposition by period alone. Finally, UQTR’s “Their powerplay killed us,” they’re giving all they’ve got line-up due to injuries and a flu one. right-winger Mathieu Simoneau said D’Aoust. “Their powerplay because they probably shouldn’t bug that has recently hit the team. Although they were being out- capitalized on one of the Stingers’ was strong and we took bad penal- be on the ice tonight (due to the The game got off to a great start shot 31-19 after two periods, the third period penalties, as he scored ties all game long, so we’ve got to flu),” said Figsby. for the Stingers. Centre Brad Stingers managed to keep it a close the fifth powerplay goal of the be more disciplined.” Gager scored a powerplay goal less game as the two teams traded game for the Patriotes. While the Stingers’ penalty- The Stingers will hope to have their than three minutes into the game goals in the second. Stingers defenceman Michael killers weren’t playing up to par, number-one scorer Mike Baslyk back to put the visitors up by one. However, the wheels started Blundon was among those unhap- Stingers head coach Kevin Figsby tomorrow night when they face off However, the opposition coming off in the third. UQTR's py with his team's results. “I think blamed the loss on the fact that against the McGill Redmen at the Ed proved to Con U why they were the right-winger Alexandre Blais we didn’t show up like we could three players were missing. Meagher arena at 8:00 p.m. 20 OPINIONS THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/OPINIONS The CSU’s insular system Our student government is imploding, what are you gonna do?

GRAPHIC BEISAN ZUBI

• BEISAN ZUBI the referendum.” Saleena Hussein have been noticeably silent What can However, university spokesperson Chris about their knowledge of the missing money, The Concordia Student Union is in a lot of Mota has confirmed that Kashfi contacted but current CSU VP Finance Andre Leroy has crap right now, but maybe this financial pile Institutional and Information Technology asserted that “Saleena must have known, and must of shit is just the sort of situation these peo- Services telling them that Nestor Sanajko— should have known,” even though it was “still ple deserve. then one of Druker’s Deputy Electoral possible to function on internal accounts.” The last six months have been a continua- Officers—was the new CEO. Kashfi did this Why students have been left in the dark change: tion of the misuse of student money and cor- before the referendum was set to take place. about our missing money for two Unity slates ruption that I have been watching for the last is still being revealed. three years. But this time the executive does- Our student leaders have led us In addition to the money overspent, back n’t seem to care enough to pretend to follow into a boring, apathetic, taxes on those two years are still owed. This 1. the rules. could increase the CSU deficit substantially. Students must hold the CSU Our student leaders have led us into a bor- hundreds-of-thousands-of- ASFA accountable for the money ing, apathetic, hundreds-of-thousands-of- dollars-in-deficit CSU. dollars-in-deficit CSU. In light of this I offer Political manoeuvring trickled down to they are entrusted with. you a state of the Student Union address. 3. The CSU changed the Standing the lower levels of student government when Demand to see financial docu- Regulations after a group of students collect- Adam Gold, the Commerce and ments, question their budgets Elections and petitions ed 3,600 signatures to recall the executive. Administration Students’ Association presi- and hold them responsible for Elections at Concordia have always been Problem is, they haven’t approved the min- dent, accused an ASFA executive of money an exercise in masochism for anyone trying utes of the council meeting where the mismanagement. performing simple processes, to get involved outside the Unity, formerly changes were made, making the changes His accusatory letter, sent directly to all such as the Annual General known as Experience, formerly known as unofficial. The Judicial Board is still review- ASFA councillors and executives—except the Meeting. Evolution slate. Just in case you’re not aware ing the petition’s case, but a recall election one he was pointing the finger at—called for of the CSU executives’ blatant disregard for seems more unlikely every day. investigation and censure. 2. the rules, here is a short list: Former Chair Jessica Nudo told Council Gold was embarrassingly rejected by 1. The CSU has not had an Annual General that she had gone through all 3,600 names ASFA, when the executive in question pulled Run for office. All levels of Meeting since 2006. These meetings are on the petition and crosschecked it with a out 20 pages of receipts and proof. After student government will where the Chief Electoral Officer’s election CSU list. which a motion demanding a letter of apolo- have elections soon. report is supposed to be submitted for Nudo refused to comment and quit her job gy—and encouraging a personal apology approval. Since this has not happened for the the day after dismissing the petition, mean- from Gold—was drafted. Nominating oneself is last two elections, logic would follow that our ing that she is not held accountable for her There is also evidence of a growing rift super-easy and election executives are illegally squatting on the sev- decision, nor can the next chair qualify or between ASFA and the CSU. expenses are compensated. enth floor and could be evicted. explain it. Her letter of resignation accused CUSACorp, the CSU’s profit-making wing, I have seen no riots on the mezz or bike some of having a personal hidden agenda. If recently cancelled ASFA Hockey Nights 3. locks on their pretty glass doors, so I can only you would like to see the entirety of this let- at Reggie’s, citing low profits. Reggie’s assume they’re forthcoming. ter, ask any CSU councillor or look in the dic- Hockey Nights have now been taken over by If all else fails, there should be 2. Keyana Kashfi, the CSU president, has tionary under the word “irony.” CASA—unchanged and suddenly financially a serious inquiry into the consistently misled students about what took viable. Money responsibilities that student place during the last referendum. When ASFA then decided to undertake its annu- Kashfi discovered that there was no CEO for The CSU is dealing with a huge deficit of al New York City trip without CSU involve- groups are entrusted with. If the referendum to eliminate the nearly $500,000. Currently the CSU charges ment, citing the latter’s money problems. the election process remains Sustainability Action Fund she tried to go students $1.75 per credit, which equals The CSU is now planning an independent so flawed that the same shrill- ahead with the election anyway. $52.50 for a 30 credit year. The CSU argues New York trip. When asked about the grow- voiced Banana Republicans “We knew that he was a student, in our that the money isn’t missing; the 2005-07 ing rift, Chivi stated, “ASFA may be taking minds,” claimed CSU VP Communications executives overspent it. The problem was things in that direction, but we actually have stay in power, then perhaps we Elie Chivi. The election was eventually can- first noticed in June 2007 when then-VP money at stake.” should consider dismantling celled when Council discovered CEO Jason Finance Fauve Castagna noticed that all of CASA’s rising star is a good indication that the CSU. Start fresh. Fire Druker was not registered for courses. the CSU’s bank accounts had been seized by you may be seeing Gold’s face peering back at everybody. Declare bankruptcy. Kashfi’s solution? Illegally and unilateral- the Canadian Revenue Agency, as they had you from this year’s Unity slate posters—he ly appoint a new CEO. been since April of that year. should try to control any premature celebra- Clear all debts and rewrite Chivi has said, “When [Keyana] found The most culpable executives from ‘06-07, tion. They haven’t Photoshopped the new the constitution. out Druker wasn’t a student, she halted President Khaleed Juma and VP Finance slate into the old posters yet. THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/OPINIONS OPINIONS 21

The new meaning of H2O The water bottle sensation has transformed water into something it isn’t

“Water hunters”—a term the UN's new water advisor used to describe water conglomerates like Coke, Pepsi and Nestle.

• PAISLEY PREVOST

Bottled water is in. Clothed in plastic, wrapped in a label and topped with a cap, simple abundant water has been trans- formed into a mass commodity. Fresh-water sources worldwide have ly coursing through been pumped into tanker trucks and the extensive—and expen- diverted towards factories. In the process, a sive—public piping is no better toxic mix of North American money and than mud-puddle water. Brands like South American necessity have clashed, Evian and Figi have done nothing to dispel giving water a new meaning. this myth. Worldwide sales of bottled water The purity of even the most isolated you chug away. quadrupled between 1988 and 2004. Is it water source is marred by the presence of What is forgotten something in the water? tadpoles, rotten whale carcasses or pollu- about this false personality The popularity of the water bottle itself tion. In reality, a water label reading 'pure is that bottled water is not a friend GRAPHIC VIVIEN LEUNG can be attributed to successful branding. and fresh' is only a guarantee that the of our environment. It takes 178 million Water has been marketed as a necessary chemicals present in the final product will litres of oil to produce the plastic needed company, was forced to stop bullying pub- component to your image. The logo on the be less noticeable. for the water bottles consumed in the lic water services in Bolivia; the American bottle's label corresponds to a specific type A classic example is the colourful and United States yearly. This figure doesn't Congress was reminded to protect that of manufactured lifestyle. Along with the distinctive Fiji bottle, “untouched by man” come close to describing the pollution nation's water supply with a clean water fancy car and the shiny jewellery, the bottle the label claims. Unlike the St. Lawrence caused by the transportation, cooling and trust fund and Canadians were reminded of water in your hand says much about who that flows through your tap everyday, this disposal of all those bottles. that the Great Lakes are not for sale. you are. bottled water also offers you geographic Water activists working outside the The money spent hourly on bottled “Water hunters”—a term the UN's new customization. profitable water sector remind us that our water, a wasteful and inefficient delivery water advisor used to describe conglomer- The trick for marketers is to find how quickly evaporating fresh water supply is system, should be diverted to the proper ates like Coke, Pepsi and Nestle—that bot- people like to be seen, and to create a water one of the critical issues of our time. The monitoring of public water supplies to keep tle much of the world's water have also bottle that is valued enough to flaunt, carry Food & Water Watch is an organization them clean and secure. Tap water is safe used marketing to give certain empty and gulp. By buying bottled water, you are challenging the corporate control and and people should feel safe drinking it. attributes to their products. Water is now now buying something to represent you as abuse of our water resources. Water has been transformed into classified by “purity,” “freshness” and a person; establishing a bond between The FWW strives to empower people to colourful corporate kitsch. If water bottles “cleanliness.” water bottle carrier and water bottle. If the take action and transform the public con- are now an element of our style, we This useless language has served to rein- water bottle depicts pure, fresh or clean, sciousness about what we drink. Through have been left with something very force the view that the clear liquid current- you could be viewed as a darling daisy as public action, Bechtel, a U.S.-based utility shallow indeed.

52 20 $116.2 25 litres of bottled water consumed per per cent of annual Bolivian income spent billion USD spent annually on alcohol. per cent of bottled water in Canada filled capita annually. on water. from municipal water sources. 22 OPINIONS THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/OPINIONS [email protected] Green CEO patronage is business as usual I would like to respond to two letters in last week's edition of The Link space by Adrien Severyns and Laura Schülke. In these letters, it was stated that the Appointments Committee, a small group of CSU Councillors, had reviewed the list of applicants for the position of Chief Electoral The hypocrisy of the Officer and had only allowed a small number of them to actually be con- ‘Green’ bandwagon sidered for the position. Mr. Severyns further stated that their selections did not seem to be based on skill, experience or any rational set of cri- • MADELYN LIPSZYC terion. Having sat on Council myself, I can say that this is absolutely stan- The recent surge in environmental con- dard operating procedure. I would first like to state that I have no knowl- sciousness has left many with an incomplete edge of any of the candidates for this particular position nor am I famil- picture of the Earth’s troubles. While Al Gore’s iar with the present composition of the Appointments Committee. An Inconvenient Truth sparked worldwide That said, during my time as councillor, whenever a position became debate about global warming, green concerns available that council had to vote for, the Appointments Committee have yet to touch all aspects of the planet’s would thoroughly vet the list of applicants and recommend a group of grimy state. their friends and allies, making sure to reject any political opponents or Businesses have captured the public’s par- unknowns. Competence was generally not a factor in the decision mak- tial ignorance and have begun to develop new ing. I recall objecting to this hiring process numerous times to no avail. products that meet today’s loose green stan- In one particularly egregious incident, the committee presented their dard. shortlists for openings on the Senate and various other committees. I Clorox, a household name associated with requested to see the complete list of applicants and, sure enough, every bleach, is an example of the value of “corporate single applicant affiliated with the governing slate, Unity, had made it green.” Clorox proudly proclaims, “for genera- onto the shortlist, while every applicant affiliated with either of the tions we have been committed to making opposition slates, Go and Impact, had been blacklisted. A few council- products that promote a cleaner world and lors objected and it was back to business as usual. healthier homes.” But bleach is a poisonous This letter is not meant as an attack on the members of the chemical whose production creates dioxins— Appointments Committee; during my time on Council I found them quite highly toxic compound that exist forever and nice and very approachable. However, in the context of a partisan are extremely harmful to marine organisms— Council, giving a small committee, generally dominated by members of and is linked to cancer. the governing slate, the power to essentially blacklist whoever they There is nothing clean or healthy about choose from political appointments is a recipe for disaster. bleach, but Clorox’s hypocrisy illustrates the Given the current state of the CSU, I find it hard to believe that this illusion companies are producing. There is a type of behaviour will stop any time soon. I offer my sincere condolences widespread belief in corporate circles that any to anyone naïvely applying for one of these positions that actually thinks product labelled green will sell better, regard- appointments are based on merit, and not decided beforehand behind less of it’s environmental effects. closed doors. Some companies invoke the green label —James Doyle when their product uses a natural ingredient Former Councillor, Arts and Science, 2007-2008 or is more than five per cent environmentally friendly, making nearly all products qualify for GazaU intimidates Pro-Gaza demonstrators green status. This shortsighted view is not only On Jan. 21, Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights, a Concordia stu- morally empty, it is wrong. dent club, along with supporters held a silent visual display to show There are better ways to use the environ- their solidarity with the people of Gaza following the recent massacre. mentally-friendly logo that are not only hon- By holding hands and wearing placards on which there was informa- est, but are also profitable. The bicycle indus- tion pertaining to the latest Israeli strikes on Gaza, the siege, and the try will be worth $25 billion within a decade; humanitarian crisis, the student participants hoped to send a message this is a sector of the economy that can be to fellow students and faculty that although a ceasefire has been green, exportable and has near-universal declared, the situation in Palestine is still very dire. appeal. A bicycle made in Laval will sell just as Gaza's population is now struggling to rebuild a destroyed infrastruc- well in Montreal as one from Mumbai. ture while continuing to live under siege and blockade. Over 1,300 civil- But customers should beware of even the ians were killed as a result of the Israeli Defence Force's recent strikes, honest green labels. Shoppers Drug Mart many of them women and children. recently unveiled a new food line with 170 As a student at Concordia University, I was very surprised to see the organic food products. Unfortunately, the response this silent visual display received from Concordia's security foods' packaging is non-recyclable and is often team. Although the visual display in no way breached any of Concordia larger than necessary. To be mindful of health University's bylaws, and although the visual display was silent, peace- while being neglectful of waste is hypocritical. ful, not blocking bystanders, not flyering or approaching other students, Off the Wall Mobile Billboards, an a Concordia security guard used acts of intimidation in order to shut Edmonton-based company has a slogan, “wel- down the display. come to greener grass.” The company claims to Not only did a security guard come around and take photographs of be green because its digital advertising allows each individual student participating, they furthered their intimidation one truck driving through the downtown core by calling the police—who proceeded to stand on the side and tell the at rush hour to play 20 advertisements; better participants that they were in fact not doing anything wrong. than 20 traditional trucks they argue. The The security guards at Concordia are essential in maintaining the claim that a truck driving around with an ad order and function of the school, this I understand and I am grateful for can be green is nothing short of ludicrous. their presence. I would hope, however, as a student at Concordia, that In this time of environmental interest, it my security guards would help maintain the peaceful objectives, like must be remembered that green is a subjective those of SPHR, instead of trying to stir up confrontation and intimidate concept. While a company may feel that being students who were holding hands in a line, silently showing their sup- green means emitting five per cent less pollu- port for a people who so desperately need it right now. tion, most will not follow that definition. —Yasmine Hassan Consumers must be sceptics, ask questions Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights and read labels. Even truly green products may Opinions workshop hurt the environment more than they help. For The Link’s letters and opinions policy: The deadline for letters is 4 p.m. on Friday the green label to stand for anything, con- before the issue prints. The Link reserves the right to verify your identity via tele- phone or email. We reserve the right to refuse letters that are libelous, sexist, This Friday, Jan. 30 sumers will need to be the real defenders of homophobic, racist or xenophobic. The limit is 400 words. If your letter is longer, what it means to be green. it won’t appear in the paper. Please include your full name, weekend phone num- ber, student ID number and program of study. The comments in the letters and Be there or be a parallelogram opinions section do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board. THE LINK • JANUARY 27, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/OPINIONS OPINIONS 23 crswrdpzzlol editorial LOW-TECH EDITION • R. BRIAN HASTIE & BUTTER-CHURNROSA City tells protesters ACROSS 1 4. The old automobile, provided it wore a saddle 23 to leave faces exposed

6. Provides food and rural companionship. Should 4 stay in the field, except during floods Montreal is a cold city. 5 10. Provided a source of illumination before the Protests are a constant part of the political scene. 6 7 filament put that to an end City Hall wants to make wearing scarves illegal. 14. The bad news is that I put a monk’s lifework to 8 If Mayor Gerald Tremblay and the Montreal police get their way, it will soon shame and can now freely distribute the results 9 be against the law for protesters to cover their faces. The purpose of the pro-

15. Favourite hobby of people back in the day; first 10 11 posed bylaw is to make protesters responsible for their actions, and avoid

step in a witch-hunt; also used on single mothers 12 the damage caused by last year’s two major riots. 16. Like glue, but with sharper edges The irony is that last year’s most damaging riot was aimed at the 13 14 18. The artificial equivalent to dipping a bucket into overzealous trigger finger of Montreal’s police force, the same group that 15 a lake convinced Tremblay of the need for the rule change. It would not be a terri- 20. Another favourite hobby of people back in the day, 16 17 ble leap in logic to assume that passing this bylaw would make it easy for though the selection was limited. The Bible or 18 19 the police to arrest those who oppose their violent tactics.

Shakespeare anyone? 20 21 The hypocrisy is stunning when the police, in full riot gear, faces covered,

23. Pieces of lumber set ablaze for warmth 22 names stripped off and badges removed, face-off with protesters. All this 24. Animal house… but it can also store wheat despite the fact that the police code of ethics makes it a requirement for an 26. A third favourite hobby of people back in the day; officer to display a name and badge number while in uniform. 23 the rhythmic beating of a set of limbs Protesters, dressed for a masquerade ball, lampooned the proposed bylaw 27. The Amish enjoy doing this daily. Weird Al sug- last night when they gathered outside of City Hall. If a protest against a bla- gestively does this in his video for the single ‘Amish 24 25 26 tant form of censorship can be so laughable, what does it say about the Paradise’ bylaw?

28. Houses, before walls and huts were thought up 27 Just because someone wants to take part in a protest doesn't mean that they want their face plastered across the front page of The Gazette for DOWN potential employers or professors to see. 28 1. Some might call this raping the land for personal As if that weren’t enough, this bylaw could have a profound impact on gain. I call it survival those who cover their faces due to religious custom. By passing this law, the 2. Beep beep beepbeepbeep beep beep. Certainly a issue 19 city would deprive an important community of its right to protest, simply due far cry from ‘ring ring’ Usually have wheels for further mobility, especially solutionz to its culture. 3. Long gun without rifling, fired from the shoulder when the operator rips off the townfolk and runs With the enforcement of this law being at the discretion of the police, the 12 BIATHLON 5. A shoe repairer. He can also read you bedtime sto- 17. Group opposed to automated looms; they also 3 question remains: where is the line drawn between a demonstration and a B O 45 ries and rub your tummy when it aches hold congresses every few years to discuss their FORMU L AONE T protest? And who will draw that line? P S P 67 7. Stone-age cellphone, provided you bring the cans decidedly anti-technologist ways R S K I CKBOX I NG If City Council ultimately approves the bylaw, be prepared for the chanti- 8 SK I I NGONF I RE T 8. When in doubt, it gets the job done; it’s a tool that 19. This process is instrumental in making bread 9 ng of protesters to be drowned out by the chattering of teeth. B D T WEAPONS 10 doubles as a weapon; also uncomfortable to keep 21. Sharp-edged tools used to hack trees, bodies. MARATHON E B T —Sebastien Cadieux 11 T D A O B inside of a small pocket Also strikes fear in the hearts of people when held in 12 13 Editor-in-Chief RUSSIANROULETTE U 9. These simple-living folk will definitely not be doing public O R W L N 14 15 16 I CECL I MB I NG JETRACING the crossword online 22. Milk and meat giving organism; can’t be cata- C W C R E 17 DESERTPARKOUR I E Who is Brent Farrington? 11. Circular tool used to produce yarn. Nearly hypnot- pulted or shot 18 H R E B C J ic when in action out of a cannon easily O S E K U 19 12. “You mean we won’t have to bash the can of Chef 25. Clang together to create the spark that ignites C TOURDEFRANCE M Brent Farrington had been understandably absent at our university since K L T T P 20 Boyardee open on the curb to eat tonight? Sweet” the fire; can ELECTRICJOUST ING I holding the Concordia Student Union presidency in 2004, at the head of the Y N S N 21 13. The small-time operator’s vending tool of choice. also be chucked. Watch out world GLASSEAT I NG G New Evolution slate. Graduates are expected to move on with their lives. Not so anymore. Farrington, the current Deputy Chairperson for the Canadian Federation of Students, is back at Concordia, doing double duty as the interim-Chair of the CSU—the person in charge of the administra- THIS WEEK IN HISTORY FEBRUARY 1, 1994 tion of day-to-day Council business. “McGill music department trades After the disarray caused by the jarring resignation of former Chair autonomy for equipment from Sony” Jessica Nudo at the Jan. 14 Council meeting, Farrington was found to be a suitable replacement. • JUSTIN GIOVANNETTI Had CSU councillor Jessica Cohen (JMSB) had her wish, Farrington would In 1992, McGill University traded have been a full-time chair. Cohen’s motion to install Farrington was defeat- away control of its 90-year-old, interna- ed when he himself ruled that he couldn’t take the position without an elec- tionally-renowned music school for tion—one that he is sure to win. $250,000 worth of equipment from Without any consultation with the student body, one of the founders of the Sony. Unity dynasty and a top official for a political lobby group in Ottawa has In exchange for the high-end audio become, for a limited time, the second most powerful student at equipment, Sony was granted de facto Concordia… err, non-student. control of the faculty’s curriculum com- This is an excerpt of The Link’s reporting on Farrington’s last election at mittee and appointed its VP Audio Concordia: Operations, Christian Constantinov, as “Even if Brent Farrington’s slate is the choice of students, the irregulari- a professor in the department. ties and electoral violations in this election are too serious to ignore this Nearly two years after the deal time. between McGill and Sony was signed, Senator Sam Noumoff said that a corporation control of the university’s If the allegations against them are true, some of New Evolution’s support- the university’s Senate and Board of McGill was giving Sony a free training curriculum. Constantinov remained on ers have broken the most basic rules of elections. Hiring people to physical- Governors were made aware of the con- camp for their employees. “Because the faculty of music’s curriculum com- ly intimidate opposing candidates, getting access to contact info through a tract. By that time, Constantinov had Sony has input at the teaching mittee until mid-1995, when he quit his fake tuition campaign and running a $10,000-plus push-poll with permis- been sitting on the faculty’s curriculum level…they can ensure that McGill position at the university. sion from the University.” committee as a representative for grads are well-trained in the types of Although there are no longer any Although Farrington’s interim appointment signals a break with a recent Sony—while also being paid by skills Sony doesn’t want to pay to Sony representatives on McGill’s cur- history of inexperience and a near-constant bungling of the Chair’s most McGill—for nearly one year. teach.” Noumoff continued by stating riculum committees, the faculty of basic duties, the Concordia Student Union should not forget about the stu- “Completely shocking,” said Micheal that, “the public purse is paying for music—now the Schulich School of dent simply for expediency’s sake. Temelini, one of McGill’s governors. their training.” Music—maintains close links with The CSU cannot have a lobbyist calling the shots, especially one with a “They hired this guy totally without The McGill Senate voted on Jan. 19, Sony, Philips, Harman Kardon and checkered history like Farrington’s. It is time to leave the past in the past. regard for regular hiring procedures.” 1994 to condemn any deal that granted Bang & Olufsen. —Justin Giovannetti Opinions editor