volume 31, issue 3 • tuesday, august 31, 2010 • thelinknewspaper.ca Pakistani students clashover religiousscholar• News 4 concordia’s independentnewspaper shah oftheofficesince1980 • News 5 10 FRINGE ARTS 12 FEATURES 13LITERARY ARTS 14 SPORTS 16 OPINIONS

CFS: NATIONAL LOBBY GROUP GETS TOUGH WITH STUDENT UNIONS President Lucas takes office New Concordia Student Union president doesn’t believe in ‘half-assing it’

• CHRISTOPHER CURTIS Heather Lucas has already made her mark on the Concordia Student Union’s presidential of- fice. After taking over as CSU presi- dent when Prince Ralph Osei’s res- ignation took effect on Aug. 25, Lucas gradually plastered her new office in Post-It notes. Dozens of the fluorescent, color-coded squares now cling to picture frames, cork boards, a computer screen and an assortment of other office supplies. “I definitely have a different leadership style [than Osei],” said Lucas. “I’m a little more organized, a little more structured—and I’m not saying [Osei] wasn’t—there is just a higher level of work ethic I expect from the other executives because I don’t believe in half-ass- CSU President Heather Lucas believes Quebec University students could strike during the 2011-2012 school year. PHOTO GAUL PORAT ing things.” Lucas is still learning the ropes it’s the situation at hand. These ap- a series of accounting reforms de- tration as long as they support tu- something they can connect to,” at her new job, but the former VP pointments all happened within signed to correct sloppy account- ition increases,” said Lucas. “Que- said Lucas. “Concordia is an ethni- Services is also carrying out her old our bylaws. I don’t think it hurts ing practices that resulted in about bec’s tuition is affordable because cally diverse school and we’ve ad- duties while a replacement is being [the CSU’s] credibility,” said $15,000 of misplaced funds dur- of [the province’s] student move- dressed that with an ethnically trained. In addition to having the Lucas. ing the 2008-2009 term. ment. And we intend to keep it that diverse executive. Our referendum tall order of campaign promises to The neo-liberal Republican The new CSU President, a self way. We’ll go to every protest we to build a student center didn’t fulfill, including the fight against described Republican, has had to can and get as many students be- pass, but we want to keep pressing impending tuition increases, this Lucas arrived at Concordia divorce her personal politics from hind us as possible.” for one. Students need a place of year’s CSU executive has gone University three years ago after her slate’s left leaning platform. When asked about the possibil- their own on campus.” through an elaborate shuffle. transferring from the University of “My personal beliefs will not ity of a student strike, Lucas said it With her plate already full, In April, newly elected VP Fi- California’s Riverside campus. She have an effect on what the students was “unlikely” for the coming Lucas will also face obstacles nance Nikki Tsoflikis left her post. was born in Texas but Lucas spent want,” said Lucas. “Who cares school year. within her own student govern- Zhuo Ling, who was elected to most of her life travelling the globe what party I’m a part of? I’m here “There’s a very high possibility ment. After former CSU President serve as a John Molson School of with her father, who works as an to do what the students want me to of a student strike in 2011,” contin- Osei’s presidential decree author- Business Senator, was then ap- engineer for Boeing. do, whether it’s marching down ued Lucas. “There’s not much else izing a loan of $45,000 to the Con- pointed to replace Tsoflikis. “I grew up in Asia,” said Lucas. the streets or doing something we can do within the confines of cordia Volunteer Abroad Program Lucas vacated her post on Aug. “I lived in Japan, Singapore and in crazy that I ideologically disagree government. If we all chose to was only openly opposed by one 25 when she took Osei’s place, the Philippines. I also lived in San with.” strike at the same time there won’t CSU Councilor, a number of coun- leaving a vacancy at VP Services. Francisco and Los Angeles. I have Forcasting a student strike be any students to pay tuition. cilors allegedly voiced silent oppo- The Link has since learned that a diverse background and I’m ba- That will force a compromise.” sition to the decree after it was Arts and Science Senator Georges sically able to get along with any- On Aug. 30, Lucas met with Perhaps Lucas’ biggest chal- endorsed at an Aug. 23 meeting. Alexandar will likely be filling that one.” Concordia University President lenge will be mobilizing the stu- “I think they’re new and unfa- vacancy. As a result of these After her first year at Concor- Judith Woodsworth to discuss dent body, as less than 10 per cent miliar with Robert’s Rules of changes, nearly half of the CSU ex- dia, Lucas was elected VP Internal Woodsworth’s proposed tuition of Concordia students turned out Order. They could also be shy and ecutives were not elected to their for the Arts and Science Federa- increases. to vote in March’s CSU general we’ll work on that,” said Lucas as current positions. tion of Associations’. During her “I made it clear that we will elections. she scribbled a note onto a Post-It “It’s not an ideal situation, but term as VP Internal, ASFA passed fight against her and the adminis- “We need to give students and stuck it to her desk. 04 news the link • august 31, 2010 • thelinknewspaper.ca/news Pakistani Student Association shaken by resignations Two VPs resign and accuse president of religious discrimination for blocking speaker

• CHRISTOPHER CURTIS themselves Muslims, using the do with Ahmed’s religion. ber of the CCMW, has a hard time me I would get what was coming Earlier this month, two Pak- traditional Islamic greeting or “I respect [Ahmed’s] religion,” believing Aziz’s cancelation was to me later in life.” istani Student Association VPs re- publishing religious materials. he said. “These allegations are just for security reasons. The second email, written on signed from their posts accusing On May 28, suicide bombers personal attacks against me. I can- “[Former PSA VP] Sana Khalil Aug. 5, was a letter of resignation. the association’s president of reli- attacked two Ahmadi mosques in celled the event because of secu- called me and asked me if Ahmed The following day, Khalil resigned gious discrimination. Pakistan, killing nearly 100 peo- rity reasons. We booked the event was an Ahmadiyya Muslim,” said as well. In July, the PSA along with the ple. at the last minute and didn’t fol- Ashraf. “I said yes, but that doesn’t The CSU VP contends that nei- Canadian Council for Muslim “Aziz told me it would be un- low the right security procedures. matter because this is about edu- ther resignation was due to reli- Women booked Durre Ahmed—a ethical to allow a non-Muslim to Ask anyone at the Concordia Stu- cation, not religion. Then she told gious discrimination. religious scholar, author and lec- speak about Islam,” said Sana dent Union.” me that President Aziz wanted to “One of the executives resigned turer—to speak at Concordia Uni- Khalil, the former PSA VP Inter- Aziz consulted with CSU VP know what sect of Islam she was because the PSA is really busy versity. nal, who resigned due to the can- Clubs and Outreach Ramy Khori- from. After he found out, he can- right now,” said Khoriaty. “The “Dr. Ahmed was scheduled to cellation. “That kind of narrow aty a few days before the event. celled the event on Facebook say- other because she had to move speak at Java U [on Aug. 5],” said mindedness is very sad to me.” “I asked [Aziz] if there would ing it was because Ahmed could away.” Saad Sarfriz, one of the PSA VPs Despite the PSA’s last minute be any security problems a few not make it to Montreal. That was On Aug. 30, The Link obtained who resigned. “Just a few days be- cancellation, Ahmed spoke at the days before the event,” said Kho- a lie.” a copy of Khalil’s resignation let- fore, [PSA President Yassir] Aziz Java U in Concordia’s Hall build- riaty. “He said no. A few days later Ashraf called Concordia Secu- ter. In the letter Khalil wrote that found out that she is an Ah- ing on Aug. 5. The CCMW hosted he came back and said there rity on the morning of the talk to she decided to leave the PSA be- madiyya Muslim. The night before the event without Aziz’s support would be a risk of [violence]. I told ensure that security would be at cause it was “full of intolerance for the event, around 11 p.m., Aziz but Sarfriz said the PSA’s attempt him the PSA couldn’t host the the event. The speech was held other religious views.” cancelled the speech without con- to cancel the event negatively af- event but the CCMW could. We without incident. Khalil is now living in Ottawa sulting with me. Aziz and [PSA VP fected turnout. can’t run the risk of a Concordia After Ahmed’s speech, former studying for her Masters in Social External] Mohammad Malik told “We were expecting over 100 club being liable if something bad PSA VP Sarfriz wrote two emails Work. me Ahmed was an infidel.” people to show up,” he said. “Only happens. to members of the PSA. The first “I was afraid to speak out be- Ahmadiyya Muslims are a sect about 40 came. By the time Dr. “I don’t think [Aziz] is guilty of detailed his allegations against cause of [PSA executive] might of Islam considered heretical by Ahmed spoke, she had heard [religious discrimination],” he Aziz. Sarfriz received support from start rumours about me and try to the Pakistani government. In Pak- about the Ahmadi controversy. I continued. “If he was, then the some members but troubling ruin my reputation,” she said. “But istan, four million Ahmadis face apologized but it was very embar- CSU would definitely take action. emails from others. I’m not afraid anymore. They have institutional discrimination on a rassing for the PSA.” That kind of behaviour is unac- “I received some email telling already done that, and someone daily basis. Pakistani federal laws Aziz told The Link his attempt ceptable.” me I would be punished in hell,” needs to speak against this narrow prevent Ahmadis from calling to cancel the event had nothing to Shaheen Ashraf, a board mem- said Sarfriz laughing. “Others told mindedness.” LIVE at Concordia

University to recognize volunteer work for first time

• CHRISTOPHER CURTIS Volunteer Recognition Awards.” art, the co-curricular program di- Ten years ago, Valerie Millette On June 1, the group’s collec- rector. “They all contribute to a vi- began volunteering for Meals on tive efforts paved the way for Live brant life on campus and they are Wheels. Concordia, a bonanza of volun- all learning something outside the “I’d like to say I woke up one teering information and opportu- classroom that needs to be recog- day and decided to save the nities headed by Millette and a nized.” world,” said Millette. “But that’s team of student volunteers. Most American universities just not the truth.” “I just want to show them the have a similar program and some Millette was looking to gain ex- diversity of volunteering opportu- even award credits for the student perience and for something to put nities at Concordia, in Montreal volunteers. Seven other Canadian on her CV. Somewhere along the and abroad,” she said. universities have implemented way, she made a career out of it. As of this year, students look- some form of the co-curricular In 2008, Millette along with ing to volunteer through Concor- record. Concordia’s Dean of Students of- dia can expect a leg up from the Live Concordia is still awaiting fice, various student groups and university. Concordia is the first the influx of students that will ar- university staff, along with the university in Quebec to recognize rive in September. In the mean- support of University President the work of student volunteers. time, volunteers will help expand Judith Woodsworth, founded the Through the co-curricular record, the initiative’s resources. This Concordia University Volunteer students will have an official doc- summer, Vanessa Bohla has been Initiative Committee. ument describing the activities making pamphlets for community “The initiative was a way to they participated in throughout centres that don’t have the means promote volunteering and recog- their university careers. to publish them. nize what was happening,” said “There are hundreds if not “When you get a thank you Millette. “We also wanted to rec- thousands of student volunteers from community organizers, it Valerie Millette is spearheading the Live Concordia initiative. ognize volunteers through the at Concordia,” said Jasmine Stu- just feels great,” said Bohla. PHOTO CHRISTOPHER CURTIS the link • august 31, 2010 • thelinknewspaper.ca/news news 05 Briefs

Concordia to host film festival Concordia’s Hall building will be a venue for the 23rd an- Three students and a baby get in on CUTV’s Box Populous experiment, a virtual soapbox that has gone viral within Concordia University. PHOTOS CUTV nual Image + Nation Film Fes- tival, running Oct. 28 to Nov. 7. Dedicated to the promotion of international LGBT cinema, the festival will screen local and Crazy like a box international movies. Past ven- ues have included the Centre Imperial, Cinéma NFB and CUTV wants you to speak in its corner Cinéma J.A. de Sève.

• CHRISTOPHER CURTIS on campus was confusing. The The box has gone viral within lous and our general mandate is Weed isn’t wack Media democracy will now be station had set up about a dozen Concordia, catching the eye of to make media accessible,” said A new study from the available at the push of a button. muted television sets between the university’s Dean of Students Kneale. “We really want to con- McGill University Health Cen- Hit the bright red knob, speak escalators in the Hall building. Office, which gave CUTV a grant nect with people through tre has proven what stoners into the camera and you’re on- Most students would walk by, to build a second one. CUTV’s media.” have said for years: weed is like, line. Concordia University Tele- catch a quick glimpse of a silent second Box Populous is under The station’s news team has totally helpful, man. The study vision’s Box Populous is a virtual talking head and continue their construction and will make its also worked to established its found that cannabis reduces soapbox, where students can trip up the escalators. debut at Loyola Campus some presence outside Concordia’s and relieves the suffering for record what’s on their mind into “There wasn’t any interaction time this fall. walls, covering the coroner’s in- those in neuropathic pain. an arcade-style console on the between students and media on Since earning a 9 cent-per- quest into the Fredy Villanueva We’ll smoke to that. seventh floor of the university’s campus,” said Leon. “Obviously credit fee levy increase during shooting, the police brutality Hall building. we recognized it was a problem the Concordia Student Union’s riots, the G20 protests and as- Chew on this When they are done recording and wanted to change that.” November byelection, CUTV sembling their videos into a On Sept. 15th, Concordia their piece, the video is screened Leon constructed the first box members have aggressively re- weekly 22 minute show broad- will host a series of foods sam- for inappropriate content and is out of recycled wood he found in cruited and trained staff from cast online. plings, workshops and video posted on CUTV’s website. a dumpster, a mini DV camera both the university and the com- “Our goal is to get two weekly viewings called Concordia Eats “CUTV developed a similar and a laptop. He fashioned the munity at large. shows going and eventually to 2010. The event will feature 50 idea years ago,” said Noah Leon, wood to resemble an arcade con- CUTV also regularly holds produce five shows a week,” said participants from local farmers, the former CUTV member who sole, slapped on a coat of paint workshops on editing, writing CUTV production coordinator community groups, stores and created the station’s first box last and Box Populous was born. copy and shooting video that are Laith Marouf. “We want to get restaurants. Show up hungry. year. “Except it was basically a “It’s almost like a polling sta- open to the public and they have something going on public ac- guy sitting in a cardboard box tion,” said CUTV station man- also lent their studio to special cess television but we won’t do it Wireless woes with a camera. The technology ager Laura Kneale. “But people education groups, such as the at the cost of giving up any edi- As of Sept. 7, those who use has evolved since then.” get creative with their opinions Giant Steps camp for autistic torial control. We have a good Windows as an operating sys- Before Box Populous, CUTV’s too, like beat-boxing women in youth, to teach filmmaking. thing going and we don’t want to tem with third party software most dominant visual presence hijabs. It’s pretty experimental.” “The idea behind Box Popu- spoil it.” to connect to Wi-Fi will be un- able to connect to the Concor- dia network. Those inconvenienced can visit wire- less.concordia.ca for instruc- tions on how to reconfigure their systems to connect. Giving back The University of Quebec in Rimouski will give 10 Haitian students scholarships in order to contribute to the country’s relief efforts in the wake of the devastating earthquake that rocked the island in January. The scholarships were given to students who exhibited aca- demic and personal strength and will last three years.

The new Box Populus will allow students to record themselves saying whatever they want to. PHOTO GAUL PORAT 06 news the link • august 31, 2010 • thelinknewspaper.ca/news Hitting the pavement Students raise $9,000 for Pakistan

• CLAY HEMMERICH Hospital. “Everybody talks about doing University students from On Aug. 26, a team of stu- something and it never hap- Concordia, McGill and the Uni- dents hustled through the pour- pens.” versite de Montreal garnered ing rain collecting donations to Their efforts have been in- support for those in Pakistan help rebuild Pakistan. People creasingly successful as they suffering from a catastrophic passing by the corner of McGill have attracted more volunteers. natural disaster. College and Sherbrooke Street According to Hassan, seven out The team of students raised West gave smiles of approval, of 10 people who notice their more than $9,000 to aid the vic- tips of the hat and some change green banners have been giving tims of one of the worst natural as they ran for shelter. aid to Pakistan. disasters in Pakistani history. Once the streets cleared of all “We were actually very sur- The flood has displaced 20 mil- potential donors, the team fi- prised about the amount of sup- lion people and killed over nally relented and regrouped at port we have been receiving,” 1,000 individuals so far. the Second Cup where the ini- said Hassan. “We were expect- tiative, which does not have a ing a daily average of $400 to “We’re trying to just set name, was born. $500 a day, but we ended up re- keep [the campaign] According to Jaffer Hassan, a ceiving about $1,100 to $1,500 a going until the whole founding member who is study- day. disaster is ing film studies at Concordia, “We’re trying to just keep [alleviated]” the Pakistan flood relief cam- [the campaign] going until the —Jaffer Hassan, paign was created without any whole disaster is [alleviated]. Fundraising student affiliations with non-profit or- We’re just trying to [instill] ganizations or the university. It more awareness to people in All funds are being donated was organized simply because Montreal,” Hassan continued. to the Sungi Development Hassan and his group felt like “Our aim these past two days Foundation, which specializes action was due. was to make the froshies aware in rebuilding communities; the “A friend of mine called a of what’s going on. We don’t ex- Nur Foundation, which supplies meeting with myself and seven pect them to give money, but we food and shelter to flood vic- others to do something about expect them to be drunk and A student volunteer collects donations on McGill College Street. tims; and the Liaquat National [the disaster],” said Hassan. happy, but also aware.” PHOTO CLAY HEMMERICH Concordia to stop paying for prayer space

University offers conditional loan to Muslim student group

• CHRISTOPHER CURTIS As of September, Concordia dia’s Dean of Students sent a let- tion actively raised funds to- behind the MSA’s cause. By the time Concordia Uni- will no longer pay the $15,600 it ter to the MSA warning them wards renting their own prayer This summer, former CSU versity stops providing a Friday costs to rent the space each year. that their agreement with the “The university has President Prince Ralph Osei prayer space for the Muslim “We’ve had a contract with university would expire in Au- sent a letter to the university’s Student Association, there will the university since 2001,” said gust 2010. The MSA along with an obligation to the administration requesting they still be 10 days left of Ramadan, MSA president Rasim Hafiz. members of Montreal’s Islamic 6,000 Muslim meet with the MSA and the CSU the Islamic month of fasting. “They’ve renewed our agree- community began pooling their students and faculty to settle the prayer space issue. “Our budget is so stretched ment about the Friday prayer resources and fundraising to at Concordia.” “The university has an obli- right now,” said Concordia Uni- space every year with no prob- buy a building downtown. A —Prince Ralph Osei, gation to the 6,000 Muslim stu- Former CSU President versity spokesperson Chris lem, but this year it got a little building was found but the dents and faculty at Concordia,” Mota. “We can no longer afford hostile. They just said no with- provincial government blocked said Osei. “$15,000 isn’t even a to rent a prayer space for the out hearing any of our propos- its sale because they considered space. dent in the university’s budget. MSA.” als.” it to be a heritage site. “We can’t spend all our time Judith Woodsworth is making a Concordia provides the MSA Concordia contends that “When our people heard of fundraising,” said Asma Omar, pitch for students in India, Pak- with a room on the Hall build- there was never a contract be- that we decided to help them the MSA’s VP External. “We’re istan and China to come to Con- ing’s seventh floor as a daily tween both parties. out,” said Mota. “We sent them students, we’re busy. Concordia cordia. Most of those countries prayer space for up to 100 peo- “We had an understanding a letter on July 20 offering to needs to take the initiative. We have large Muslim populations ple. The university also rents a that renting the Masonic Hall advance the funds necessary to would be willing to help but it’s and those students must have room at the Masonic Hall on was temporary until other rent the Masonic Hall for an ad- the university’s obligation, it’s a their spiritual needs met.” Sherbrooke Street West for the arrangements could be made,” ditional year.” service they’re supposed to pro- The MSA has consulted with nearly 800 students and faculty said Mota. “There was no con- Mota added that the loan vide.” a lawyer and plans on meeting that attend Friday congressional tract as far as I know.” would be given to the MSA on The Concordia Student with Concordia’s administration prayer. In August of 2009, Concor- the condition that the associa- Union has thrown its support in September. the link • august 31, 2010 • thelinknewspaper.ca/news news 07 Another nail in Dorchester’s coffin

Demolition crews take down the final wall of a friary on René Lévesque Boulevard West. The building was attached to a 116-year-old Franciscan Church that burned down in February. The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi was one of the few remaining Victorian-era buildings on René Lévesque Boulevard. Most of the houses lining the street were destroyed in the 1960s when Dorchester Boulevard, as it was known back then, was widened. The Franciscans deserted the church in 2007. By the time it burned down, squatters inhabited the once towering buildings. PHOTO CHRISTOPHER CURTIS

For more photos visit thelinknewspaper.com Concordia Bookstore starts renting textbooks

Program saves student money, time and the planet

• JUSTIN GIOVANNETTI 1,000 textbooks ready to be change. think it has with the majority of “We are always After a successful pilot pro- rented, Bissonnette said that the “It’s not like it was 15 years students,” said Abdullahi, who looking for ways to gram this summer, Concordia new program could reduce the ago when we were the only worked as a manager at the make it easier, Bookstores will be renting text- number of counterfeit books ticket in town and you needed to Inter-Faculty Book Exchange cheaper and cleaner books to students this Septem- made with photocopied pages. get your book here,” said Bis- last year. “But it will eventually for students to get ber at 40 per cent of the books’ “We got our hands on a copy sonnette. get there. It’s a good thing.” books.” full price. of one of those books last year,” Already popular in the With the rentals expected to —Ken Bissonette, “We sell textbooks new, used said Bissonnette about the United States, rentals are new to circulate for four or five semes- Operations Text Manager and in eBook format. Now we counterfeits. “The quality was Canada. Along with Concordia, ters before being worn out, Bis- for the Concordia Bookstore are going to be renting them to terrible. They sell for about $35, the University of Toronto ran a sonnette said that there was no students,” said Ken Bissonnette, so now we are going to offer a trial program this summer. vandalism or abuse of textbooks the Operations Text Manager real book for the same price.” “Renting seems to be the during the summer trial. for Concordia Bookstores. “We Apart from the Concordia cheapest and most sustainable “We got one book that the are always looking for ways to Bookstore, students can also alternative,” said Concordia student may have dropped, it make it easier, cheaper and buy and trade books at the Con- Student Union VP Loyola and was dinged on the corners,” said cleaner for students to get cordia Community Solidarity Advocacy Hassan Abdullahi. Bissonnette. “But some of the books.” Co-op Bookstore and through “The rental idea still hasn’t books were pristine, like they With 100 titles and over the Inter-Faculty Book Ex- sunk in with me and I don’t were never opened.” 08 news the link • august 31, 2010 • thelinknewspaper.ca/news A year of petitions, 170,000 students at risk, The CFS looks to stop the loss Windsor students look to quit national student lobby despite tough new rules

• JUSTIN GIOVANNETTI How did the CFS react to the uate and graduate students voted an ominous task to follow every- tional bylaws. A year after the first petitions attempts to leave the Federation? with McGill’s graduates to leave thing they have laid out. It would “However, the Ontario compo- were printed at 14 universities They made leaving harder. the CFS at their general elections actually be next to impossible,” nent is not beholden to the na- across Canada to leave the Cana- James Coccola, the chairper- in late March and early April, the said Coccola. tional component and it can have dian Federation of Students, a son for the University of Victoria student delegations from both The University of Windsor dissimilar bylaws.” national lobby group that many Students’ Society, was at the CFS’ universities were not welcome at Students’ Alliance is currently A commuter school without felt was ineffective and interfer- Annual General Meeting in Ot- the CFS Annual General Meet- facing the impossible. large gathering areas, the bulk of ing in local student politics, no tawa from May 22 to 25. ing. Students at Windsor will begin the University of Windsor peti- university has successfully left. “My board sent me to oppose “As it stands, the rules to enter a defederation campaign in Sep- tion’s signatures were to be gath- Five referendums held at uni- motions that we felt made the ref- the organization are much easier tember by collecting signatures ered during Welcome Week when versities that had successful peti- erendum process more difficult,” than the rules to leave,” said Coc- for a petition. They will be the large numbers of students were tions were not recognized as said Coccola. “We tried to stop cola, pointing out that only five first university to operate under on campus. That cannot happen legitimate by the CFS—under the further changes to the referen- per cent of students need to vote the new rules. due to the new rules. Federation’s bylaws, the CFS dum rules because its gotten to to join the CFS. “I think that the rules are ab- “The only uncertainty sur- must agree to the referendum the point where it’s next to im- After a petition from under- surd,” said Robert Woodrich, rounds the referendum question question and date. The CFS never possible to hold a referendum graduate students at the Univer- UWSA’s VP University Affairs. itself,” said Woodrich. “Unfortu- gave its consent to the votes. under the rules the CFS has.” sity of Victoria was submitted to “At a school like Windsor it is nately, because CFS-O just The only referendum allowed The UVSS went to Ottawa to the CFS in Fall 2009, the CFS re- very difficult, almost prohibi- changed its bylaws we don’t know to stand was held at the one stu- stop five motions: a ban on online fused to provide the student tively so, to collect signatures which referendum question they dent body that voted to stay: the referendums, the doubling of union with a referendum date. from 20 per cent of students.” will allow to be asked. Alberta College of Art and Design. quorum for a referendum vote to Coccola said he was now con- The stricter rules approved at “I have a feeling they won’t The University of Regina Stu- 10 per cent of the student popu- cerned that the rules he flew to the CFS AGM in May were given provide their updated bylaws dents’ Union has been promised lation, the doubling of petition Ottawa to oppose could be used added weight when the Ontario until after our Welcome Week,” a referendum in October; how- signatories to 20 per cent of the against him. component of the national lobby said Woodrich, adding that it was ever, the legality of the promised student population, the approval “We should not be following group approved nearly identical a political game. vote has already been called into of counter-petitions, and new any rules that were put in after rules at its own AGM in late “CFS does nothing on our question. rules that required more personal our petition passed, but I fear March. campus except for undermine our Six universities are currently information from petition signa- that they will try to impose the “Everything passed as pro- stance on many issues. All we in limbo, having submitted legal tories. rules,” said Coccola. posed and almost always they want to do is leave.We don’t wish petitions while receiving no dates All the motions passed. With the new rules in place, were basically a reflection of what harm on any other student bod- to bring a referendum to the stu- “There weren’t a whole lot of the possibility of new petitions was passed at the last national ies, we just want out. They are dent body. debates because schools like Con- being considered and approved is meeting,” said Woodrich. “The making that very hard for us,” Only one university of the 14, cordia and McGill were not remote. justification was that this is only Woodrich continued. Kwantlen University, never sub- there,” said Coccola. “If I was a new school looking housekeeping, we are only chang- “It’s incredibly antidemocra- mitted a petition. After Concordia’s undergrad- to hold a referendum, it would be ing our bylaws to reflect the na- tic.” the link • august 31, 2010 • thelinknewspaper.ca/news news 09 Rebuilding from the ruins of war and AIDS Concordia students in Uganda are increasing their presence with people and money

• CHRISTOPHER CURTIS sees CVAP’s operations. “And for Thomas Prince stepped out of a students to travel, it’s an inexpen- plane and onto African soil for the sive way to really immerse yourself first time in his life last year. in a country’s culture.” “It was real,” said Prince. “You On Aug. 13, CVAP, which gets weren’t stepping through a gate its funding through a 35 cent-per- into a modern airport. We were on credit fee levy, secured a $45,000 a field just a few hundred feet away loan through a presidential decree from cows. You smelt the manure, from former CSU President Prince you smelt farmers burning their Ralph Osei. The money will go to- fields for the upcoming harvest wards building a $125,000 resi- and you felt that thick humid air dence for Concordia volunteers in hit you the second you stepped out the town of Gulu in northern of the plane.” Uganda. Prince was in his second year at “[The residence] will save Concordia University. He had hit a CVAP in hotel fees,” said former rut, was feeling burnt out and CSU President Prince Ralph Osei needed to leave the city for a while. at an Aug. 23 Council meeting That’s when Prince applied to vol- where council endorsed the loan. unteer in Uganda for the summer Each year CVAP sends up to 50 of 2009 through the Concordia volunteers who pay $3,000 each to Volunteer Abroad Program. Uganda, a country ravaged by Once in Uganda, Prince was AIDS and recovering from a civil part of a construction crew that war that has killed thousands and built a house for a local family. displaced millions of Ugandans. “You get your hands dirty,” he Volunteers work on construc- said. “You’re out in the sweltering tion sites, but also in classrooms heat all day and it’s exhausting but and in offices. it’s a good kind of tired. You feel “Sometimes the help a volun- fulfilled at the end of the day.” teer can give is as simple as teach- Today, Prince works for CVAP ing locals how to use email,” said as an administrative assistant. Prince. “We had an artist in our “CVAP gives Concordia stu- group who helped design teaching dents a chance to help people,” materials for a classroom. He said Concordia Student Union VP painted alphabet cards for children Sustainability and Promotions learning to read. There’s a diverse Morgan Pudwell, who was ap- set of things you can do with what- pointed to a committee that over- ever your skill set is.” Volunteers help rebuild local infrastructure in and around Gulu. PHOTO ELEONORE GAUTHIER ‘I have to fight this’

Concordia student go out and walk for a cure against Leukemia

• JASMINE PAPILLON-SMITH continue with the treatments to stantial amount of time and ef- a friend and decided to raise encourage people to raise Alyssa Brandone was 11 when remain in remission. fort to raising money for Light money, and we thought, next money and have fun with it; it’s she was diagnosed with Acute “I made it thanks to the sup- the Night Walk, a fundraising year we want to be number a fundraising and awareness Myelogenous Leukemia, a dis- port of friends and family, who event held all across North one,” said Brandone. campaign,” said Gilmore. ease she fought with everything sent positive vibes my way,” she America to garner financial sup- “[The honoured heroes] are “The main idea is to get peo- she had and ultimately de- said. port for the Leukemia and Lym- meant to be mentors and ple registered and fundraising. feated. “I remember asking a lot of phoma Society of Canada. coaches to the rest of the partic- The goal is to cure blood can- “I remember my brother questions, like whether or not it Coming into her third year as ipants,” said Patricia Gilmore, cer.” coming to me at night and we was treatable and how long I’d a participant, Brandone has Coordinator for Light the Night Brandone is heading this made a pact where he was going have to spend in the hospital,” been made an Honoured Hero Walk. The walk will be held at year’s Concordia team, which to make his hockey team if I Brandone continued. and her team is already the Parc Jean Drapeau on Oct. 2. hopes to raise awareness and made it through this,” she said. “That night I just broke down biggest monetary contributor, Participants will be given money while engaging in a bit of “I really wanted him to make crying, and then I realized, I raising upwards of $25,000 in balloons with LED lights inside, friendly competition with the that hockey team.” have to fight this.” its first year and growing ever adorning the night with a five- McGill team, who raised Brandone went into remis- Brandone, a second-year art since. kilometer procession of light. $10,000 last year. This year’s sion after her first chemother- history student at Concordia “My parents found out about “There is no fundraising min- fundraising goal in the Quebec apy treatment, but she had to University, has dedicated a sub- [Light the Night Walk] through imum to walk. We are trying to region is $3,000,000. MUSIC: SAM AMIDON BRINGS TRADITIONAL MUSIC TO MONTREAL Coast to coast to coast Blog documents the weirder sides of the Canadian music scene

Weird Canada lends an ear to Canadian musicians GRAPHIC DARYNA RUKHLYADEVA

• ASHLEY OPHEIM would fade away and start writing about An- ability of different music, offering new opportunities Our Great White North, really quick. I felt like this imal Collective, Yeah music scenes,” Levin said. for musicians and more exposure whether you know it or not, is sort of scene kept on disappear- Yeahs Yeahs, and !!! (Chk “And so the music scenes across the country. Weird Canada bursting with a rich underground ing because there was no voice or Chk Chk), these bands may not be begin to overlap and collaborate has played an integral part in this music scene. media for it,” he explained. aware of what you’re doing,” he and draw influences from each process by harvesting a new plat- For any music lover particu- “My vision [for] Weird Canada said. “But when you start talking other.” form in which artists can be heard larly interested in the Canadian was to capture [this] music scene about someone [unknown] and “And your living expenses are and emerge out of. scene, alternative blog Weird in Canada, as no such blog or you’re the very first outlet for this a lot lower,” added Levin. A lux- “When I think about the future Canada is beginning to scrape the website devoted to Canadian artist, then immediately they ury that allows artists to be, well, of Canadian music, I think that surface and upturn an immacu- music at this stage existed,” he share it with their friends and artists. the middle ground is going away. late collection of strange Cana- said. they all start talking about it and Local bands—such as Pink [I think] that there is a shift to- dian gems. Levin believes that Canada everyone is really excited.” Noise, Grimes, Sean Nicholas wards a DIY aesthetic and music Edmontonian Aaron Levin is harnesses an interesting music The website also allows brows- Savage, D’EON, Silly Kissers, being treated as a vanity object.” the mastermind behind the site, scene because of our “economic ing of its archives by province. Blue Hawaii, Futensil, Black Feel- As for Levin and the future of using the Internet to provide a isolation, physical enormity, and While Weird Canada covers ings, Dead Wife, The Peelies, Weird Canada? “I’m embarking much-needed space for musicians extreme climate [that] causes a music from every corner of the Omon Ra II, just to name a few— on two larger projects, one to cre- to get their music heard. psychic shift in our creative con- country, Montreal-based bands have appeared on the site. ate a national show listing and After working some time for a sciousness. As such, the scene definitely have Levin’s attention. Tapes and seven-inch vinyl events calendar and another that music blog called Waxidermy and here is audibly unique.” “I’m so enamoured by Mon- seem to be a preferred medium I’m keeping secret.” landing a gig at a radio station, After getting the site up and treal as a community and as a for budding musicians these days, Levin recognized a common trend running 18 months ago, Levin im- city,” he explained. “I think Mon- with plenty of bands offering al- Levin will be for small-name bands. mediately saw a positive response treal has two really strong things bums online for free or as a pay doing a talk with Pop “I began to notice a bedroom, from the public. going for it. I think, culturally, what you can download. Montreal at the end do it yourself scene in Canada “People responded really there is openness to new ideas. Transcending both economic of September. Visit [where artists] were all making quickly and I think the reason for Also, there is a real density in status and geographic location, http://weirdcanada.com for more this [great] music, but then they that is that when you start a blog Montreal that allows a sustain- the Internet is transforming details about the talk. the link • august 31, 2010 • thelinknewspaper.ca/fringe fringe arts 11 Folk yeah! Artbreak Folk artist samamidon is making the old new again hotel

• ASHLEY OPHEIM and Stars Like Fleas—Amidon is Hotel opens its Known for his impressive re- setting off on his first solo North imaginings of traditional Amer- American tour in support of his doors, hosts art ican folk songs and hymns, Sam recent release I See The Sign. Amidon—or samamidon, as he’s “I am taking the Amtrak train • FARAH DAOUD known onstage—is keeping the from New York to Montreal,” The Espresso Hotel on folk legacy alive and bringing it said Amidon. “I can’t wait!” Guy Street will be transformed to Montreal. Prepared for long hours into an Arthotel on Sept. 3, be- Resembling the music of folk alone and on the road, Amidon coming an unlikely venue for 16 legends, Amidon’s work is rich doesn’t plan on staring wistfully films, visual art and perform- with stories and imagery. His out the window at the scenery ance pieces, dance and music interpretations of old folk clas- whirring past, he has work to for one night. sics feel relaxed, intimate and do. Taking place in various ambitious. “I have a show coming up at spaces–hotel rooms, the pool, Growing up in the small town The Kitchen, [a performance the parking garage and the con- of Brattleboro, Vt., Amidon art-based gallery] in New York, ference room–will change the learned to sing and play the fid- and am plotting for that. I’m hotel from a tourist haven to a dle at an early age, later adding going to be working on a fiddle vibrant microcosm of local art. the guitar and banjo to his flock lecture and power point presen- Crystle Reid, a recent Con- of instruments. No stranger to tation,” he said. “I also have The cordia theater graduate and the the folk music scene, his parents Decline of the Roman Empire as brains behind the event, ex- Peter and Mary Alice Amidon a book on my iPod.” plained that the pieces are var- are notable Vermont folk The recently released I See ied, ranging from “serious singers in their own right and The Sign is Amidon’s third Samamidon embarks on his first solo tour. PHOTO SAMANTHA WEST pieces to spooky ones,” and in- traditional music educators. major album, produced on the clude some interactive art. Moving beyond Vermont, he Icelandic music label Bedroom Well, I went [to the recording “I felt a little more involved Spectators are welcome to now calls New York City home Community. He believes the studio in Iceland] alone and a throughout the process of this move through the space at their after living there for the past product is proof of a develop- little scared. The volcanic rock record and I think the result is a own pace. All the pieces will be decade. ment in his musical poise. and a certain kind of light little more broad and playful.” performed on repeat all night, “The mess of [New York City] “I think [I See The Sign] makes you feel like you’re on the I See The Sign looks to the so visitors can move freely from is amazing. You can pass ended up being more broke and moon,” he explained. past for inspiration and brings it one room to the next, partaking through all this different music dense in texture,” he said. “Part “It’s an amazing place to to the here and now. Amidon is in a choose-your-own-adven- in different communities and of that was more confidence on bring ideas,” he added. “There is happy playing the in-between. ture evening of art and culture. really feel like you are passing my part.” so much clarity to everything For Reid, Arthotel exists as through these many worlds in This is his second release there, clarity and openness. Samamidon plays with Win- “a place to connect and experi- one night,” he said. with Bedroom Community, a “By the time I recorded I See chester Warm at Il Motore on Fri- ment with other artists,” bring- Contributing to a number of label based on the outskirts of The Sign, going to Iceland had day, Sept. 3. Show begins at 8:30 ing people with varied interests independent music projects— Reykjavik. become very comfortable,” he p.m. Tickets are $14 at the door. together. including Doveman, Assembly “With my first release, All is explained. Reid said to expect heavy metal music from “Opera Sui- cide” and beautifully introspec- spins tive theater from “in actu.” Danger with Beck in Modern Guilt, Danger The Slang cements that transition. The Arthotel will host the Mouse and Mouse brings out an enhanced ver- Gaslight These guys have been both hailed work of Ryan Hurl, who will Sparklehorse sion of all his artists. In “Pain,” Iggy Anthem and decried for their Jersey-lovin’, present a theatrical exploration Dark Night Pop is full of electric youth. The song American Boss-apin’ ways, but if you’ve of gender issues. It will also fea- of the Soul is a garage rock horror film; the Slang got ears, you’ll probably enjoy ture an interpretation from EMI drums and distorted guitar build sus- SideOneDummy Records this no-weak-link ten-song selec- “Sheep in Fog”, the winners of pense, while Iggy Pop channels Vin- tion which obviously was scientifi- the Best Local English Produc- Dark Night of the Soul is another cent Price’s foreboding tone of voice. Sometimes a band will come up in cally calculated to awaken in the tion Award at the 2010 Mon- coup for Danger Mouse. Along with Perhaps the album’s only setback is a certain scene despite not being listener a sudden and all-consum- treal Fringe Festival last June. Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse, Mouse Angel’s Harp, a song in which Pixies directly sonically related to its ing urge to road trip across the To make the most out of the has created a universe for his collab- front man Black Francis bores your brethren. The Gaslight Anthem, U.S. of A., drunk on emotion and hotel, Reid said, the audience orators which include Iggy Pop, The ears off. That small exception who are by and large a product of the fiery fuel of memories. Beware: should “take advantage of the Flaming Lips, Julian Casablancas notwithstanding, Dark Night of the the punk rock community, do not wistful nostalgia in your rear-view moment.” and Suzanne Vega to thrive in. In Soul is one of those rare collaboration play punk music, at least, not since mirror may be closer than it ap- “Revenge,” Mouse lays down a albums that feels as strong as the their debut album, 2007’s Sink or pears. Arthotel will take place at trippy, stalling keyboard riff that sets sum of its parts. Swim. Their next album, 2008’s Hotel Espresso (1005 Guy the album’s somber tone. It sounds The ‘59 Sound found them leaving —Alex Manley, Street) on Sept. 3. The event be- exactly like a Flaming Lips song, but —Christopher Curtis, the ghetto of punk for more 8/10 gins at 8 p.m. and costs $15 at infused with pain. As he had done 9/10 maistream pastures. American the door. BUGS, SPORTS & SIGNATURES: WHY SOME PEOPLE LOVE TO COLLECT Gotta get’em all Inside the obsessive world of collecting

• ADAM KOVAC last year of the pop star’s life, not something that I’d like to do,” called. “And they’re so old. When when people create collections, Most people put their Poké- which resulted in Ulrich possess- he said. you put a bunch of them [next to each item represents a time and a mon cards in a drawer, never to ing the single largest collection of Bugger off each other] and look at them, you place. When the objects have see the light of day again. Others Jackson signatures in the world. can really see the diversity of crea- more value, there’s a self-aggran- end up waiting for Hall & Oates “I cultivated a relationship While the Kirk Douglas-signed tures when the world was so dif- dizement. They become impor- outside a concert venue, hoping to with him pretty quickly. He was Spartacus photo from Ulrich’s ferent. You might as well be tant by acquiring something that’s add a little “rock and soul” to their very cool to be around and super- website may seem dated, it pales looking at alien life forms.” worth a lot, as opposed to a collec- autograph stockpile. For lifelong generous,” said Ulrich. “He col- next to the objects in former Con- Despite the financial benefits tion like bottle caps.” collectors, it’s a thin line between lected his own memorabilia, so he cordia professor Mark Bourrie’s that would come from dealing his Robert Cresthol, a dealer in a hobby and a way of life. would get stuff from me—weird possession. trilobites, Bourrie is not ready to baseball memorabilia who also Sign language stuff or posters he had never seen Bourrie, a reporter on Parlia- sell. maintains a private collection, ad- of himself. I’d give him 30 or 40 ment Hill in Ottawa, collects “I save just about everything I mitted that nostalgia is part of the Existing in a universe com- things in one shot and he’d sign something far creepier than the find,” he said. “I’d like to keep it reason he updates his stash. pletely unlike our own, celebrities 20 or 30 and keep 10.” politicians he deals with: trilo- all together, I’d hate to see it all “Baseball history is very live more than just the high life. As part of his business, Ulrich bites, or fossilized bugs that are sold here and there.” colourful,” he explained. “There The real perk is the constant ego does take requests—he even older than dinosaurs. Finding value are a lot of baseball purists that boost that comes from the knowl- tracked down Miley Cyrus for Although he does have speci- get more of a thrill out of the edge that people you will never personalized happy birthday mens in his collection that are val- Beyond sentiment and world of baseball in the past than meet care about the minutiae of wishes for a customer’s daughters ued at up to $20,000, the big part money, psychologist Corinne the present day game, which is your existence: see Kanye West’s once. But he does have rules: he of why he got trilobite-fever is Rowniak believes that there are tarnished by steroids and spoiled, Twitter account. claims he will only get the signa- simple: they’re neat. several competing motives be- rude athletes.” For years, the cult of celebrity ture of people he considers cultur- “I started collecting them be- hind stockpiling objects, no The element of nostalgia in has manifested itself in the pur- ally important and interesting. cause I thought they were cool. I matter what they are. building a collection is one Bour- suit of autographs. Bryan Ulrich, “If somebody asked me for liked that they had eyes—they “It can be a kind of making rie agrees with. His collection the operator of the website thes- Justin Bieber’s signature, well, it’s looked like an animal,” he re- memories,” she said. “Sometimes, was largely built not by buying ignaturelibrary.com, has man- and trading pieces, but by search- aged to turn that pursuit into an ing for fossils in areas undergoing art form, passion and business. excavation. He can recall where “I got into it as a hobby, as he found most of the specimens somebody who appreciates and in his collection. To Bourrie, the admires and reveres people with thrill is in the chase. talent and who make contribu- “I think [finding a good speci- tions to pop culture,” he said. “I’ve men] is like winning something never been about chasing auto- in a lottery or casino,” he said. graphs for the sake of autographs. “It’s a total rush. I can see how it It’s always been about their story would be addictive to win some- and their adventure in life.” thing. I should probably stay out Ulrich, a native of Toronto, of casinos,” he added with a sells items that range from chuckle. posters and albums to guitars and If that kind of rush seems dan- clothing, each emblazoned with gerous, Rowniak says it’s actually the autograph of the celebrity benign, as long as passion doesn’t connected to them and each sig- turn into obsession. While com- nature having been personally ob- piling a large amount of slightly tained. different objects might seem like On the website, Ulrich can be a strange hobby to some people, seen with his arm around almost it can actually indicate a healthy every major figure from sports, thirst for knowledge—albeit in a music and film from the past fairly limited field. Think of it as three decades, but none is more a mildly eccentric way of con- striking than a photo of a smiling necting to others, and that can’t Ulrich standing next to a masked be bad—even if it involves hang- Michael Jackson. The two shared ing out with Hall & Oates. a symbiotic relationship in the Brian Ulrich poses with just a few of the signed items from his website. COURTESY OF BRIAN ULRICH SUMMER READS: Do any of these lists put you into the seats with book in hand?

Listomania Top tens, tweets and old targets Quick read

• ALEX MANLEY considered overrated if you’re criti- hasn’t. Atwood is a public figure, Finally, since so much of the dis- L (and things The Can Lit Blogosphere was cally acclaimed but generally un- well beyond her work, which is, course about these lists took place come apart) set abuzz this past week by the ap- known? yes, uneven, but the body of her on Twitter, how is it that you came to Ian Orti pearance of two Top 10 lists—Ten I wasn’t at all surprised to see work is formidable. If a writer tweet? And why do you tweet from Invisible Overrated and Underrated Cana- Mouré on the list. It’s not the first takes risks there will be failures, or the perspective of Poetry? Publishing dian Authors. time she’s been a target. I did no- at least less successful texts. I can I started Tweeting to appropri- 138 pp Published by the National Post tice that these are writers who do live with that. ate the voice of Poetry in the way $16.95 and written by Canadian literary well. And often do well outside of You took issue with the homo- so many of my peers seem to do. reviewer-types Alex Good and Canada. That seems to be a bad geneity of the Underrated list (eight That is to say they speak as if they • CHRISTOPHER OLSON Steven Beattie, the first was pub- thing. of the 10 authors on it had been pub- are Poetry, or as if Poetry is one Henry, the quiet and lished to the Post’s site on Tuesday, On the other hand, were you sur- lished by two organizations helmed thing. Poetry isn’t any one thing. It unassuming protagonist of the second on Wednesday, both prised that Margaret Atwood was left by Canadian scribe John Metcalf, certainly isn’t what I think, or you, author Ian Orti’s L (and appearing in the Saturday print off the Overrated list? Given that she’s Biblioasis, a literary press, and the for that matter. It’s no one voice, or things come apart), rents the edition of the newspaper. one of the most famous and most magazine Canadian Notes & perspective or style. Poetry is vast. flat above his cafe to an en- Canadian author and Concor- lauded Canadian writers, you’d think Queries). Do you see it as an attempt It’s complicated and unruly and chanting and mysterious dia Creative Writing professor that suggests the writers thought she by the writers to push a particular unforgiving and irritating as much woman by the name of L. Sina Queyras was voted co-Poet was due her acclaim. breed of under-publicized authors as soothing. My Poetry is a bit of a Henry’s wife is cavalier Laureate of the site, following a Atwood is another old target. onto the reading public? curmudgeon. But I hope not only. about her extramarital indis- two-week online voting period in As far as Atwood goes, I think I re- I was quite prepared to see a cretions and is excited by the April. She has been active in dis- call her saying once, many years new wave of voices that, perhaps, I You can check out the lists in their en- thought that her husband cussing the matter via Twitter, and ago, that she didn’t understand wasn’t aware of. There were a cou- tireties at the National Post’s website, and might catch her in the heat of was willing to share her thoughts why her work got all the attention ple that I haven’t read, but surely follow Sina Queyras’s online exploits at lovemaking, even though he’s with The Link about the two lists. it did and wouldn’t be surprised if there is a new and diverse crop of lemonhound.blogspot.com/ and long ago stopped caring The Link: You tweeted that both it suddenly vanished. Well, it overrated writers by now. twitter.com/lemonhound. about his marriage or of lists offended you. Which one did you achieving intimacy with her. find worse? Why? If things don’t get more in- Sina Queyras: Actually, I didn’t teresting, thinks Henry, they say that. One thing I tweeted was might just keep on going. “Poetry thinks overrated, under- The customers in Henry’s rated, best of lists don’t make up cafe are variously cantanker- for the paucity of rigorous, con- ous, fearful for their sanity structively provoking public dis- and frustrated by a recent course.” Lists make great poems. transit strike and herds of Letterman makes great use of lists. wild mammoths that dot the To foster literary discourse? Not so snowy city landscape in pairs much. of two. If the sudden appear- It must be frustrating as a writer ances of mammoths aren’t to see fellow authors denigrated. But enough to jar Henry out of isn’t the alternative—say, the Na- his malaise, building fixtures tional Post not writing about CanLit— spontaneously decide for worse? themselves that they are in Intelligent discourse about need of a change of scenery. books is always a good thing. In That this all began with general though, the National Post the arrival of L might just be is currently picking up the slack on a coincidence, but while a lot of the national literary cover- spending time with her, age and doing it with energy and Henry begins to fear the style. thought of being without her. One of the overrated authors was Orti, who won the 2009 Erin Mouré, a transplanted Montreal Expozine Alternative Press poet. She’s hardly a household name Award for his debut book, The the way fellow listees are. In fact, a Olive and the Dawn, infuses quick Google search shows her to the mundane with imagina- have the fewest hits of all the writers tion. Subtly unsettling, L (and on the overrated list. Were you sur- things come apart) is a prised by her inclusion? Can you be The Top 10 overrated and underrated Canadian authors, as decreed by the National Post. GRAPHIC GABBY LEON charming and intriguing read. FOOTBALL: STINGERS WIN 40-23 IN EXHIBITION PLAY

RUGBY

The men’s rugby team hosted Royal Military College in preseason action at Concordia Stadium on Sunday. Though the teams have established a relationship after meeting each other an- nually for the past five seasons, there was no holding back during Sunday’s game. PHOTO ROB AMYOT see story, pg. 15

The Preseason success scoreboard coach’s take Football team starts out slowly, gets job done FOOTBALL “On the field today, we’ve got • DAVID KAUFMANN route to a 48-yard touchdown. W 40-23 v Guelph thursday plenty of talent. The Concordia Stingers’ foot- Slotback Liam Mahoney then We just have to ball team overcame heavy wind picked up a 62-yard pass from come together a and rain in its 40-23 romp over Mackay for the team’s second MENʼS SOCCER little bit tighter the visiting University of Guelph touchdown moments later. technically and a Gryphons during preseason ac- Before the half was over, the W 2-0 v McMaster friday few of the guys tion at Concordia Stadium last Stingers added another touch- have to see a Thursday. down and went into the break W 3-0 v Nipissing saturday psychologist” “We got off to a bit of a slow with a commanding 24-10 lead. start [and] the weather didn’t Once the third quarter came L 0-1 v Laurentian sunday –Clive Gibson, help,” said Stingers quarterback around, the Gryphons decided to Men’s rugby head coach Rob Mackay. make some noise as wide re- The Gryphons got on the ceiver Keith Walker responded board first when receiver Dave with a touchdown. Giuliano Tro- WOMENʼS SOCCER Honig found his way into the end pea and Brett MacDonald added L 0-1 v McMaster friday zone to score early in the opening one field goal apiece. quarter. The Stingers quashed any Guelph then added a field goal hopes for a Guelph comeback as L 0-2 v Nipissing saturday in the second to take a 10-0 lead. they added three field goals and In that same quarter, Stingers a touchdown in the fourth. L 0-3 v Laurentian sunday running back Michael Donnelly broke away from the pack en continued on football, pg. 15 the link • august 31, 2010 • thelinknewspaper.ca/sports sports 15 Training camp routine, with a twist Controlled scrimmage gives chance to identify pros and cons for men’s rugby

• ALEX DI PIETRO ahead of the encounter with RMC. With his roster yet to be final- As a result of the game not ized, men’s rugby head coach Clive being an official exhibition match, Gibson decided to scrap having an Gibson was able to give the nod to official exhibition match against some players he would wouldn’t Royal Military College on Sunday have otherwise been able to use. and just called it a “controlled On hand for the start of camp scrimmage” instead. was new assistant coach Shane “I think what needs to be done Thomas. Gibson and Thomas only is actually what we did today; two first met last May when they took coaches who agree among them- part in a coaching clinic with vari- selves that this is good for both the ous high schools in Montreal. sport and the athletes and to make “Every coach was given one sure we follow the rules,” said Gib- section [of the game] to lead and son after the scrimmage. “If it’s a one section to be the assistant for controlled scrimmage instead of a and it just turned out that game and I can’t give you a score, [Thomas] was leading a section then so be it.” about rucking and I was named his Gibson made sure to get RMC assistant,” said Gibson. “Within head coach Sean McDonaugh’s ap- three minutes of working together, While the exact score is unknown, the Stingers bested their RMC rivals by at least 10 points. The two teams will meet once again this weekend in Kingston. PHOTO ROB AMYOT proval before making the change. we were finishing each other’s sen- The Stingers and the Ontario tences and it just clicked. val Graham, who both graduated bord was also a member of last having the dome to practice in University Athletics conference “When he takes a group off to last year. year’s wrestling team. three times a week all last win- RMC Paladins have a long history one corner and I take a group While he was not pleased with While Gibson is expecting the ter also helped his cause. of holding preseason games off to the other corner, we can his team’s attempts at lineouts, return of many of his veterans this The men’s rugby team will against each other, making Sun- guarantee that when the two Gibson was impressed with the year, the rugby team experienced finish its preseason agenda with day’s game part of an annual rou- groups come together again, play of second-year student and a large turnover in advance of the a game against the Université de tine. there’s going to be cohesion,” scrum half Marc Guibord. 2009 season. Montréal Carabins on Thursday, “We’ve already been discussing added Gibson. Gibson admired that Guibord, However, Gibson said the and will then travel to Kingston, a game for next year, but we’re One of the things coach Gibson an independent student from turnover was for the best as it Ont. for a series of matches, in- going to call it a scrimmage right was looking for on Sunday was to Wendover, Ontario, was able to allowed him to employ a new cluding one against RMC. After- off the bat,” said Gibson. see if any of his newcomers could get up to speed after only meeting team system and for his players wards, the team will return to Gibson held team practices all fill the boots of 2nd row jumper his teammates for the first time to heighten their level of chem- Montreal to hold open practices weekend, including one on Sunday Marc Roche and scrum half Perci- during the morning practice. Gui- istry with one another. He said and finalize its roster.

CONTINUED FROM FOOTBALL, 14

QB Rob Mackay (above) led his team to a preseason win over the Guelph Gryphons on Thursday. PHOTO OZGUR VEYSEL DEMIRTAS

While the Gryphons didn’t get nice to play out of conference,” rust off after the first few series for us to let us know where our Today we had a few silly penal- the win they were looking for, Lang said. “So we’re experiment- and played quite well. I thought game is at the moment. Especially ties, which cost us. Ball security head coach Stu Lang saw this as a ing with a team we don’t have to [Mackay] was masterful in the for our defence; they played really was an issue. We fumbled a cou- learning experience. play with later in our league.” second quarter,” said McGrath. well today.” ple of times. Those things kill “The Quebec league is known As for the Stingers, head coach Mackay passed for 192 yards. While the team was all smiles you.” for having excellent talent and ex- Gerry McGrath was pleased with He sees this victory as a sign of with the victory, McGrath was cellent teams. [This] was a good his team’s overall performance. things to come. quick to point out some of his The Stingers will open their sea- opportunity to test ourselves “I thought our starters per- “It shows where we are right team’s flaws. son next Saturday on the road ver- against some good players and it’s formed quite well. They got the now,” he said. “It was a good test “We’ve got to stay focused. sus the Bishop’s Gaiters at 7 p.m. THIS JUST IN: BIG MAC APPOINTED AS CHIEF OF POLICE No fighting, doctor’s order The Canadian Medical Association patronizes mixed martial arts

Mixed Martial Arts may cause brain damage, laments the CMA. GRAPHIC DARYNA RUKHLYADEVA

• DIEGO PELAEZ GAETZ each other may seem unbecoming Why is it that tanning beds, fighters as the helpless, brain- advocating measures that actually Though I expect shameless, of a “modern man.” However, ad- which are linked to skin cancer by dead messes they’re supposedly impact a majority of Canadians. bold-faced hypocrisy from my po- vocating a ban on mixed martial just about every reputable med- trying to save them from becom- Banning organizations like the litical leaders, I expect better arts is treating all fighters like ical association on the planet, are ing. UFC from Canada serves no pur- from the political leaders of our they are boorish, childish figures allowed for consenting adults, but Advocating a ban on pose except to drive organized doctors. who need the firm hand of self- mixed-martial arts is not? What mixed martial arts is prizefighting underground, much The Canadian Medical Associ- righteous groups like the CMA to makes some sad, leathery-faced treating all fighters like the alcohol prohibition of old ation, the largest doctor’s associ- save them from themselves. middle-aged person more capable like they are boorish, and the drug prohibition of today. ation in the country, advocated a Take, for example, another ar- of making their own decisions childish figures Without proper enforcement ban on mixed martial arts fights ticle on the agenda of the CMA than a prizefighter—particularly of safety protocols, the sport at their most recent delegate con- convention: tanning salons. The when their decision is much more Of course, the decision might would, ironically, devolve into the vention on Aug. 25. CMA, to their credit, did also ad- likely to be fatal? have been an attempt to piggy- savage bloodsport fantasy that On the surface, banning mixed vocate a ban on the use of tanning No, the CMA’s decision was back on the press the government the CMA is perpetuating to try to martial arts is hard to argue salons—for those under the age of not based on things like facts. of Ontario recently received for ban it. Should the CMA really be against. The sport is, after all, 18. They didn’t even approach the Ul- legalizing the sport in the suggesting measures of social based entirely on painfully inca- From 1980 to 2004, the rate of timate Fighting Championship province. Ontario, unlike the control that have failed spectacu- pacitating your opponent. It is malignant melanoma, the dead- series, the largest mixed-martial CMA, studied the issue for over larly on a larger scale? gratuitous, often brutal violence liest form of skin cancer, in young arts group in the world, about its two years and spoke extensively The CMA is, after all, a group for the purpose of entertainment. women in America rose by 50 per policies for fighter safety. with the UFC before making their of doctors by trade, not politi- Arguing for the right of two cent. Melanoma kills over 8,000 Their decision was based on decision. cians. men to beat the living hell out of people annually in the U.S. alone. the CMA’s patronizing view of I suggest that the CMA stick to the link • august 31, 2010 • thelinknewspaper.ca/opinions opinions 17 A rant en route The collective motion edition

• LAURA BEESTON given the lawlessness of Milton there is much to be done to im- Corporate press and alt-news years? Is it possible to find a We live in a city continually Street and University Street. prove the quality of public darlings alike are responding to common road and more effec- beset by the grind of downtown The downtown bike path, for- space. the streamlining and one-way tive plan for the plurality of transit, but it might not be our ever on the brink of being over Downtown needs more at- transformation of streets with ways people drive in and out of fault. capacity from Berri Street to At- tention, but perhaps the atten- gripes and driving discontent, town each day? It might be any one of the in- water Avenue, is actually a place tion is skewed by the mass instead of getting behind traffic- I can only hope that, one day, finite variables in the trio of that messengers and serious cy- conversation in which people calming initiatives. commuting from point A to point transportation: cyclists hating clists avoid for good reason. discuss the green space move- Is it possible to live in a Mon- B would not require dodging py- on pedestrians, motorists hating For pedestrians and students ment in the Plateau that’s keep- treal that doesn’t dig up the lons, cars, people and having to on cyclists, pedestrians hating who want to sit in the sun ing it from expanding beyond. same corner nine times in three search for a different way home. on motorists. It is clear that amidst the concrete jungle, we commuters in Montreal are can’t even get a nod from the endlessly frustrated with each government to close Mackay other on a daily basis while try- Street for a freaking half-day of ing to get to and fro without in- community congregation, and cident or collision. all hell breaks loose in terms of Great steps are being made organizing cars, cyclists and outside the downtown core— pedestrians every time a festival look at Projet Montreal’s rede- sets up shop, which is often. velopment scheme of Laurier Who is planning how we East or Parc La Fontaine in the get around this city? Why Plateau. However, the initiative is it still so dense and to pare-down the number of car dangerous? zones in pedestrian-heavy and In 2002, during traffic-riddled downtown the Montreal Sum- streets hasn’t quite hit its stride mit, the Ville de in the heart of this city, where Montreal set up what we arguably need it most. they dubbed the The closing of McTavish “Master Plan” Street, though hugely popular to set out a vi- during frosh time and yet an- sion for this other reason why the proverbial city. Ambi- grass is always greener on the tious as it other side, seems a misstep may be, Getting from point A to point B has become a marathon journey. GRAPHIC ALANNA WONG Nah'msayin? Dreaming and driving

Here’s something alarming. drunk driving? Dream catchers hanging from “Hey Bill you know what the rearview mirrors. I see these on worst part of driving is?” the highway all the time and it’s “Traffic? Head on collisions? god damn terrifying. Homicidal hitchhikers?” So it got me to think, not only “No, it’s the night terrors. I are you falling asleep behind the can’t stop getting all these night Notice something that just doesn’t wheel. You are falling asleep be- terrors when I drive.” make sense? Got an axe to grind? Send hind the wheel so often that “Oh just get a dream catcher, in a rant to Nah’msaying? 300 words max. nightmares have become a prob- stupid.” [email protected] lem. —Christopher Curtis, How is that any safer than News editor Sweet dreams, driver. GRAPHIC VIVIEN LEUNG 18 opinions the link • august 31, 2010 • thelinknewspaper.ca/opinions Chief Big Mac Montreal’s new top cop to crack down on gangs, low blood pressure

notorious burger thief the Ham- burgler. “I bet you think the Hambur- gler case was a joke,” said Big Mac to a reporter. “Well let me tell you something, smart guy. When your head is made of delicious meat, secret sauce and sesame seed • BUCK NASTY buns, the Hamburgler is no fuck- There is a new sheriff in town ing joke. He eats people like me, and his name is Officer Big Mac. he steals them and he eats them.” On Aug. 19, Montreal Mayor Officer Big Mac also told re- Gérald Tremblay announced the porters he planned on completely appointment of Officer Big Mac revamping the police department, as the city’s new chief of police. starting with the canine unit. “The choice wasn’t easy but in “There will be no more canine the end I had to go with my gut,” unit,” he said. “I can’t run the risk said Tremblay to a chorus of of working with dogs. No matter laughter and applause at a city how well trained they are, I’m still hall press conference. made of ground beef and cheese.” Tremblay said that in early Au- The Mayor also announced the gust he had narrowed down the formation of a new gang busting list of potential candidates to two: squad, called The Beef, to be Officer Big Mac and Marc Savard. headed up by Big Mac himself. Savard ran the city’s north end “There are a lot of people out and had received the backing of there who want us to get rid of the brotherhood of police officers gangs with investigations and ar- and community groups across the rests,” said Big Mac. “Well that’s You don’t wanna be in the back of chief big mac’s patty wagon. GRAPHIC ERIN JASIURA Island of Montreal in his bid for not how we did it in Macdonald- chief of police. in the knees just thinking about the Mayor rhetorically. “Let’s just the 1970s. He famously declared land. I will riddle these streets “Savard would have been a his meaty head.” say he was the chief of police of a war on inferior fast food sand- with bullets if I have to. I will great choice,” said the Mayor. “I The day’s announcement was little place called McDonaldland. wiches and low blood pressure make it so that no one is ever mean the guy is the perfect logical not without naysayers, however, He’s caught em’ all, the Hambur- when he was appointed MacDon- afraid of gangs in this city again. fit for the job. But does this city as one reporter openly questioned gler, Captain Crook, the McDon- aldland chief of police in 1983. “And if any of you can’t keep need the same old flavoured Officer Big Mac’s credentials. aldland strangler...” To this day, his biggest your mutts on a leash, I will put cops? Big Mac’s head is literally “Does he have any relevant Officer Big Mac rose through achievement remains the arrest them down myself,” concluded made of deliciousness. I get weak crime fighting experience?” asked the McDonaldland police ranks in and subsequent imprisonment of Big Mac.

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The CSU opposes increased has become rhetoric for university administra- cent of new jobs from 2006 to 2015, as Quebec cent of income tax while receiving 9.1 per cent recent study on accessibility to post-secondary tuition tions to call for a tuition fee increase to address transitions to a knowledge-based economy. The of government aid. education, the Quebec Ministry of Education During the Quebec Ministry of Education’s the issue of underfunding. Ministry of Education has observed that from In 2009-2010 Concordia required its under- stated, "not surprisingly, tuition fees have a hearing on education, Concordia proposed a The real questions remain unanswered: are 1990 to 2007, jobs occupied by people with uni- graduate students to pay $855.70 per year in negative effect on the probability to register.” 144 per cent increase in tuition fees to meet the Quebec universities truly suffering from under- versity education increased by over 109 per auxiliary fees—$266.08 more than the Quebec The Concordia Student Union believes in af- Canadian average—$5,329 per year. funding or bad governance? Should students cent, while jobs occupied people without a high average! While the administration is calling for fordable and accessible quality education where The administration’s decision to increase tu- be overloaded with insurmountable debt, or school diploma has dropped over 41 per cent higher tuition, what guarantee do we have that students are not selected on the basis of social ition neglected any sort of discussion between could other revenue streams be sought to com- for the same period. the extra fees will not end up funding other standing but on their willingness to learn and the actual students; hence, the CSU is forced to pliment tuition? Is competition between univer- University graduates’ employment rate is provincial ministries, or line the pockets of those help build a better world. The time has come for take a pragmatic position against increases in sities healthy or destructive? 88.1 per cent against 61 per cent for people calling for students to pay more, more fore even you to join your student union in its efforts to tuition fees. According to the federal Ministry of Human without a high school diploma. A 2004 Cana- more? preserve your rights. The debate over tuition fees revolves around Resources and Skills Development, highly dian Millennium Scholarship Foundation study A higher education is necessary for today’s —Adrien Severyns, quality, adequate funding, and accessibility. It skilled occupations will represent nearly 70 per estimated that university graduates paid 33 per worker to be competitive in the job market. In a VP External and Projects

The Link’s letters and opinions policy: The deadline for letters is 4 p.m. on Friday before the issue prints. The Link reserves the right to verify your identity via telephone or email. We reserve the right to refuse letters that are libellous, sexist, homophobic, racist or xenophobic. The limit is 400 words. If your letter is longer, it won’t appear in the paper. Please include your full name, weekend phone number, student ID number and program of study. The comments in the letters and opinions section do not nec- essarily reflect those of the editorial board. the link • august 31, 2010 • thelinknewspaper.ca/opinions opinions 19 editorial Assigned and undemocratic crswrdTHE “ETCETERA” EDITION pzzlol• R. BRIAN “TOTALLY AWOL” HASTIE Over the summer months, the Concordia Student Union has been playing a game of musical chairs without giving students a voice about who’s sitting where. After the resignation of President Prince Ralph Osei last week and VP Finance Nikki Tsoflikis in April, the CSU executive will not hold much of a resemblance to the Fusion slate elected by students in March. After a new VP Services is appointed—The Link has learned that Arts and Science Senator Georges Alexandar is the top candidate for the position—three of the eight executives running the student union will be unelected to the position they are filling. While newly appointed president Heather Lucas has said that her credibility or that of appointed VP Finance Zhuo Ling is not in question because both were elected by students, they were not elected to the po- sitions they are currently holding. During the last election, Fusion’s 40 candidates heavily outnumbered the Community slate’s eight. Students didn’t have much of a choice but to vote for Fusion in March, so if I were Lucas, I would not lay all claim to the credibility of the CSU on the election results. Besides, Alexandar and Ling climbed the student political ladder by default—they ran unopposed for their positions and both will likely be appointed to the only executive positions they will ever hold. But, who are these new appointees making major decisions about the quality of our university experience? Why are we allowing people Across 3. Polished or smooth in manner. have put this speech analysis system to use. who are strangers to the CSU election process be responsible for the 2. One of the most painful methods of exe- 4. To harden or to become bone. 10. A mythical Greek monster made out of student union’s finances? What do we know about these executives, cution involving plywood, nails and steplad- 5. Charles... or Marilyn, if you’re too young to different parts of animals, or a metal band seeing as they have not gone through electoral scrutiny? der. remember the family. from Cleveland, Ohio. Nothing remains! It is hard to put faith in our leaders, when we don’t know who they 5. A completely melted object is referred to 6. Subgenre of film that groups together ex- 15. The Japanese word for “strange beast” are and what they stand for. as this. Volcanoes leave things in this state. ploitation and B-movies, shown in groups, or “monster.” Alternatively a genre of film Although no individual on the CSU should be blamed for reacting to 9. South American country bordered by Brazil most famously along 42nd street in New York popularized by Godzilla—the real one, not the situations that forced Osei and Tsoflikis to resign, undergraduates to the east, Argentina to the south and Bo- in the late 70s and early 80s. that Matthew Broderick one. should not be forced to rely on leaders who avoided the democratic livia by the northwest. 7. To talk idly. 16. Unnecessarily long. process through little known rules and regulations. 11. A Spanish courting dance. 8. Bruce Haack, Giorgio Moroder, Daft Punk, According to section 11.4 of the CSU’s bylaws, empty seats on the 12. The orca are huge fans of sea lions and Phil Collins, Teddy Riley. These performers Council of Representatives may only be filled through a byelection. De- seals, but only while digesting the poor spite the fact that executive members of the CSU are not technically a things in their cavernous bellies. Their name issue 02 solutionz part of Council, they should still go through a similar electoral process. is also a misnomer, as they’ve never actually A byelection is a necessity. The members of the CSU who control the killed any humans. (2 words) finances and internal tasks of the organization need to be vetted and 14. Tatooine’s sand people, in George Lucas’ approved by voters. Individuals who haven’t gone through that process world. (2 words) should not be unilaterally given the opportunity to make major decisions 17. The act of leaving or exiting. for undergraduates. 18. A legendary evil creature or the band be- Representing Concordia students is a privilege and a responsibility. hind the Suspiria soundtrack. The students who are given the power to speak for Concordia should 19. To attempt to overthrow a government. be elected and not appointed by the insular world of student politi- Down cians. —Clay Hemmerich, 1. To overdecorate or to soil something with Opinions Editor anything thick and dirty.

Corrections Volume 31, Issue 03 editorial: (514) 848-2424 the same legal entity as CFS- Wednesday, August 31, ext. 7405 2010 arts: (514) 848-2424 ext. In “Dawson College to vote Quebec. 5813 CONCORDIA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER Concordia University ads: (514) 848-2424 ext. Hall Building, Room H-649 8682 on CFS membership,” (Vol. 31, In “Time to grow up,” 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W. fax: (514) 848-4540 Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8 business: (514) 848-7406 Iss. 2, Aug. 24) The Link re- (Vol. 31, Iss. 2, Aug. 24) The Link is published every Tuesday during the academic year by the Link Publication Society Inc. Con- editor-in-chief photo editor tent is independent of the university and student associations (ECA, CASA, ASFA, FASA, CSU). Editorial ported that the Rassemblement The Link reported that the Con- policy is set by an elected board as provided for in The Link’s constitution. Any student is welcome to JUSTIN GIOVANNETTI RILEY SPARKS work on The Link and become a voting staff member. The Link is a member of Canadian University Press news editor graphics editor d’associations étudiantes was cordia Student Union was and Presse Universitaire Indépendante du Québec. CHRISTOPHER CURTIS OPEN Material appearing in The Link may not be reproduced without prior written permission from The Link. features editor managing editor created after losing a lawsuit to a member of the Fédération Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters 400 words or less will be printed, space permitting. The ADAM KOVAC LAURA BEESTON letters deadline is Friday at 4 p.m. The Link reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length and re- fringe arts editor layout manager the Canadian Federation of Stu- étudiante collégiale du fuse those deemed racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, libellous, or otherwise contrary to The Link’s ASHLEY OPHEIM JULIA WOLFE statement of principles. literary arts editor online editor Board of Directors 2010-2011: Matthew Gore, Matthew Brett, Jake Stevens, Clare Raspopow, Mathieu dents. In fact, the RAE agreed Québec. OPEN OPEN Biard, Dale Corley; non-voting members: Rachel Boucher, Justin Giovannetti. Typesetting by The Link. Printing by Transcontinental. sports editor business manager to change its name to settle In fact, the CSU is a member ALEX DI PIETRO RACHEL BOUCHER opinions editor distribution and avoid a copyright lawsuit of the Fédération étudiante uni- THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTORS CLAY HEMMERICH ROBERT DESMARAIS Rob Amyot, Farah Daoud, Ozgur Veysel Demirtas, R. Brian Hastie, Erin Jasiura, David Kaufmann, Gabby Leon, Vivien Leung, Alex copy editor DAVID KAUFMANN and the CFS dropped its versitaire du Québec. Manley, Christopher Olson, Jasmine Papillon-Smith, Gaul Porat, Clare Raspopow, Daryna Rukhlyadeva, Alanna Wong DIEGO PELAEZ GAETZ ad designer damage claim. The RAE is The Link regrets the errors. student press liaison ADAM NORRIS cover by Julia Wolfe and Gaul Porat OPEN