volume 29, issue 19 • Tuesday, January 20, 2009 • thelinknewspaper.ca kerning theGoldenArchessince1980 concordia’s independentnewspaper

Men’s basketball team respond to McGill Tribune’s criticisms

Use door handles, not door buttons & drink to Obama’s inauguration

Living in the library for literacy

• be bare Dare to

News page 5

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Sports page 19

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Opinions page 21 IT ALLBEHIND•PAGE 9 MONTREALERS LEAVE NAKED YOGAHELPS THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/NEWS NEWS 03 CSU Chair rejects recall petition and resigns Recall moves to Judicial Board as battle continues

• JUSTIN GIOVANNETTI tern to stall the whole process: the worried about Cohen. “The CEO has longer it goes, the better it is for the the documentation everyone else has, On the afternoon of Jan. 13, CSU.” so he will have to make a decision. He Concordia Student Union Chair Nudo declined a request for com- will also have access to the bylaws and Jessica Nudo rejected a petition to ment by The Link. the student lists, just like the Chair recall the student union executive. In the Jan. 13 letter sent to Blais, did.” Twenty-five hours later she Nudo also stated that the recall violat- Upon a request for interview, resigned. ed the provisions of section 247 of the Cohen declined and asked that a list of “I cannot be a part of this continu- Standing Regulations of the CSU. questions be submitted only by email. ous war over power and some individ- Those provisions, approved by the Blais confided that even if Nudo’s uals’ ‘claim to fame’,” wrote Nudo in CSU Council three days before Nudo rejection is overturned, it might be too her resignation letter, received nine received the 3,600 signatures, set new late. “With an election scheduled for minutes before the scheduled start of a guidelines for all recall petitions, March, the CSU will say, ‘It’s too late CSU Council meeting on Jan. 14. “An invalidating the campaign Blais had now,’ even though they are the cause on-going battle remains between the already set in motion. of the delay.” CSU and certain individuals, who have “I filed a complaint with the According to Blais, a solution exists formed their life goals around an Judicial Board, if that doesn’t work to the current disagreement. “The log- attempt to impeach anyone who then I will file an action in Superior ical conclusion is to go the university stands in their way.” Court,” said Blais, who has thus asked registrar and say, ‘Hey can you check In an email sent Jan. 13 to Patrice the JB to overturn Nudo’s rejection of this,’ and have them compare the stu- Blais—a lawyer and president of the the 3,600-signature petition and invo- dent names, but the CSU doesn’t want CSU in 2001-2002—Nudo wrote that cation of section 247. to.” she had “generated an electronic data- The head of the JB, Tristan Kashfi argued that Blais had yet to base from the data in [Blais’] petition Teixeira, confirmed that the JB contact the CSU with the proposal. and compared it with the electronic planned to meet on Jan. 20 to discuss The president also told The Link CSU membership list.” She claimed Blais’ contestation. “I’ve read the com- that she had had no contact with the that only 1,300 of the 3,600 handwrit- plaint and I’ve gone over the evi- Chair before she resigned, but did ten signatures on Blais’ petition dence,” Teixeira said. confirm “the last week was stressful matched those of undergraduate stu- In the event that the JB overturns for her.” dents. Nudo’s ruling, the CSU’s new Chief “I respect her for completing her “Had she checked the petition prop- Electoral Officer, Oliver Cohen—elect- duties,” Kashfi concluded about the erly, she would see that that isn’t true,” ed Jan. 14—would need to validate the now ex-Chair of Council. Blais said of Nudo’s ruling. “But to say petition, Teixeira said. The current interim-Chair of that two out of three signatures are “I don’t even know if he’s been Council is Brent Farrington, former false is only a way of creating doubt given access to his CSU email yet,” CSU president from 2003-04 and cur- about the validity of the petition. I was Teixeira said of the new CEO. rent National Deputy Chairperson of not very surprised, this is part of a pat- CSU President Keyana Kashfi isn’t the Canadian Federation of Students.

“Were it not for these guys,” change another institution.” Shh! We’re tearing said LeClare, “I probably would One former prisoner could not have gone back into the institution make the meeting, however, as he 232,800 within a year. I had a bad reputa- had found a job and was working number of adults admitted to down prison walls tion, nobody would hire me. [But], that night, although his absence some form of custody in when the need was there, they spoke to the successes achieved by Canada in 2005-06 Roundtable discussion on prisoners’ rights took me under their roof, under ReCon in reintegrating those their wing.” under their care back into society. weighs pros and cons of radical reform LeClare later joined ActionVie, Said one prisoner, “It’s nice to a group that prepares prisoners for know that those who are forgotten • CHRISTOPHER OLSON Concordia, aimed to help various their parole hearings and, eventu- [by the prison system] aren’t actu- working groups to improve condi- ally, life outside of prison. ally forgotten.” 33,440 Two prisoners currently serving tions in Canadian prisons. Helen Hudson of the Certain number of adults in custody life sentences used their once-a- Just how much must be com- Days calendar committee said that Proceeds from the Certain Days: across Canada in 2005-06 month reprieve from their prison promised in the pursuit of prison schools and institutions of learn- Freedom for Political Prisoners walls to discuss the effects of reform was up for debate: ing are the direct opposite of pris- Calendar go towards helping prisoner Concordia’s grassroots activism in “Termites will [tear down] the ons, where personal improvement advocacy groups and can be pur- their now-native environs. walls, not a hurricane,” said one is squandered instead of fostered. chased at the Concordia Community The two men were invited to prisoner. It is an imperative of the edu- Solidarity Co-Op Bookstore or from take part in the roundtable discus- Former inmate George LeClare, cated, argued Hudson, to lend certaindays.org. 3,500 sion, called “Tear Down the who spent 32 years in prison their support to those without it. number of those prisoners Walls,” at Concordia’s Community before finally achieving parole, “As students, we have access to To find out more about currently serving life sen- Solidarity Co-op Bookstore on Jan. owed his easy transition into a free information about human rights. ReCon or to get involved, email tences in Canada in 2008 15. The talk, hosted by the Quebec life to groups like ReCon, a work- [We] take what we’re learning [email protected] or call 514-848- Public Interest Research Group of ing group of QPIRG-Concordia. from one institution and use it to 7583. STATS PRISONER JUSTICE AND RECON 04 NEWS THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/NEWS

Don’t get any bright ideas; most councillors have been left in the dark. GRAPHIC GINGER COONS Former CSU bookkeeper sued for $363,238.25 ‘I can’t even fathom the secrecy,’ says councillor

• TERRINE FRIDAY hefty amount, the statement of claim—filed the bylaws they broke this year? Of course.” at Quebec Superior Court on Dec. 29—shows Kashfi maintains that former CSU presi- The Players: Councillors of the Concordia Student her only official debt is a negative credit card dent Shuriye should have seen the warning Union are outraged that they’ve been left in balance of $6,893.98. The remaining balance signs of unbalanced books. An overview of the names the dark about the union’s finances. is “unaccounted for in the [CSU and “You’re managing a corporation, really,” Several members of Council—the govern- CUSAcorp’s] accounting books and records.” Kashfi said. “Just like if the cash is short at Council ing body of the CSU—say they haven’t been The legal document also claims Lyonnais Starbucks, it’s your job to find out why from - Officials elected by student body given any concrete numbers about money is responsible for failing to file provincial and your employees and to rectify it.” - The CSU’s only mandated decision-making missing from the union’s piggy bank. Some federal payroll deductions amounting to body also claim they were not aware that a law- $56,350, with interest included. Financial controls and improvements suit, signed by the CSU’s legal team on Dec. Osei argued that “if the CSU really wanted Kashfi said the current executive is doing Keyana Kashfi 23, had been filed against former CSU the students’ money back, the CSU should everything it can to rectify the financial - Current president of the CSU employee Marie Lyonnais for the total have also sued the [Order of] Quebec shortcoming and isn’t being secretive about amount of $363,238.25. Chartered Accountants,” which represents its the numbers. Fauve Castagna members. “I don’t know who advises them “I’m not withholding information from - CSU VP Finance: 2007-08 Crunching the numbers legally.” the student body,” Kashfi repeated. On Jan. 12, The Link inquired about a Arts and Science Councillor Nicole Devlin, Various measures the current executive Mohamed Shuriye pending lawsuit of nearly $350,000 in an who was also at the Jan. 14 Council meeting, have taken include: interview with the CSU’s VP was shocked at the claim amount. - CSU President: 2005-06 Communications, Elie Chivi. The conversa- “That’s even more than I thought it would • Creating the Director of Financial - Co-founder of the Sustainability Action Fund tion was soon redirected to the CSU’s nearly be,” Devlin said. “I can’t even fathom the Accounting position, whose responsi- $500,000 deficit. secrecy, why they wouldn’t let any amount bilities include payroll and tax issues Patrice Blais “[CSU President Keyana Kashfi] did not out, even to Council.” • Outsourcing payroll to CERIDIAN, a - CSU VP Finance: 2000 mention the lawsuit at the last Council meet- “We were told they couldn’t give us any firm who specializes in payroll services - CSU President: 2002-03 ing,” said Arts and Science councillor Prince numbers because the investigation is still • Renegotiating the Student Health - Former lawyer of SAF Ralph Osei. “And if that has been done, coun- ongoing,” echoed Arts and Science councillor and Dental Plan, which increased ben- cillors should be the first to know.” Amine Dabchy. efits and saved students $100,000 Marie Lyonnais Lyonnais, a Chartered Accountant and Although it may “make them look bad,” • Tighter control on all cheques issued - CSU bookkeeper: 2000-07 former CSU bookkeeper, was hired by Patrice Dabchy said the CSU should disclose perti- • Completing all GST and PST filings Blais in 2000—after almost $200,000 was nent information to its governing body— quarterly Khaleed Juma embezzled by a former CSU executive. Council. • Monthly reconciliation of bank state- - CSU President: 2006-07 Lyonnais worked under former CSU presi- “Unfortunately, Concordia politics is turn- ments dents Mohamed Shuriye and Khaleed Juma ing into African politics,” Dabchy continued. • Increase in sponsorship to boost Saleena Hussein when the money went missing. “It’s a Mugabe government in power.” external revenue - CSU VP Finance: 2006-07 Even so, Lyonnais is the only defendant Shuriye, CSU president from 2005-06, • Fiscal prudence to prevent over- named in the lawsuit that, in the statement of said he could not foresee the financial disar- spending claim, details “negligent behaviour” on ray and that there was no negligence on his Sheryll Navidad behalf of the CSU and its corporation, part. The statement of claim filed by the CSU and - CSU VP Finance: 2000 CUSACorp. “Let’s talk about negligence,” Shuriye CUSAcorp against Marie Lyonnais is available at Although Lyonnais is being sued for a said. “Has the CSU been negligent with all thelinknewspaper.ca. —compiled by Terrine Friday Corrections The headline appearing on the cover of last week’s issue of The Link should have read “Dislosing the Deficit: CSU” and not “Disclosing the Debt: CSU.” The cover photo was by Ian Lawrence, not Jonathan Dempsey. The Link apologizes for the errors. THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/NEWS NEWS 05 The view from the top: a midterm retrospective The CSU’s head honchos share their successes and failures • TERRINE FRIDAY ects to make sure that we’re tuition fee hikes? Clinic, which was launched just so it can last year after year. always growing. Although it was reactive, we last year. It’s the baby of our You’ve lost two executives this The Link sat down with What are you doing for students did fight to stave off the hikes for organization. year. How are you coping? Concordia Student Union now? a full year. With regards to the Our speaker series can also Managing the workload has President Keyana Kashfi and VP To name a few events, we just international tuition fee deregu- speak for itself. We’ve hosted been trying, but we’ve found a Communications Elie Chivi to had a very successful Frost Fest, lation, we’ve been in talks with such successes as Chuck D. and happy balance. It’s been a good discuss their initiatives for the which was bigger than in previ- Concordia president Judith Stephen Lewis, and we look for- learning experience. remainder of their mandate. ous years. We also screened Step Woodsworth. ward to hosting Spike Lee during What’s the status on gender-neu- The following are the key Brothers, which drew a huge How have student services Black History Month. tral washrooms? points Kashfi and Chivi wanted to crowd that almost filled the audi- improved? Are there any newer initiatives in Gender-neutral washrooms share with the student body. torium. We’ve also launched our We’re currently lobbying the the works? have been given the go-ahead and The Link: If you could sum up in Fair Copyright campaign in order government and working with Actually, our food and clothing space has been secured. We’re one sentence what you provide for to save students money and pre- the university to revamp the bank will launch at the end of just waiting for the university to the student body, what would it be? vent them from being charged computer labs at Loyola. We’re January. Students will be able to add it to their construction plan. We provide essential services, multiple times for the same item. also making strides to ensure stu- drop off clothing and non-perish- great events and successful cam- We’re trying to be proactive, not dent advocacy groups are actual- able food items and pick them up For more info about the CSU’s paigns because we want to be reactive. ly working for students. For if they’re in need. We’re working campaigns and services, please able to develop on previous proj- What about the international example, our Legal Information on a sustainable business model visit csu.qc.ca. Obama set for disappointment ‘Not the second coming of Jesus Christ,’ says Cobb

• GENEVIÈVE TRUDEAU SENÉCAL

On the eve of the inauguration of the United States’ first black president, distin- guished journalist and former member of National Geographic Magazine’s editorial staff, Charles E. Cobb, Jr., spoke to Canadians about how far his nation has come. Cobb, a veteran of the battle against seg- regation in the 1960s, focused on the forgot- ten fighters in American equality move- ments in his speech at Concordia University on Jan. 19. “I do not know why those important peo- ple vanished from history books and conver- sations despite their significance,” said Cobb, who was hosted by the Concordia Caribbean Students’ Union and the African Students’ Association of Concordia. “We must remember them because they are those who led to the inauguration of Barack Obama as 44th president of the United States tomorrow.” Cobb admitted in an interview with Le Devoir that he was skeptic of Obama. “I thought that racial obstacles would once more overcome the charm and potential of this good young man,” he told the Montreal daily. Concordia Political Science Professor Graham Dodds was also surprised that Obama was elected. As an expert in American politics, he didn’t think he’d live to see the day a non-white president would be Cobb, an American journalist, engaged students in an intimate conversation about President Barack Obama. PHOTO IAN LAWRENCE elected in the U.S.—especially since Obama is very unlikely to fix all the country’s prob- will be disappointment.” monumental event [and] it’s an historical cy there has been some 400 years, so it is lems within his mandate, Dodds said. Regardless of nationality, Concordia stu- moment.” gratifying.” “People will have to realize that Obama is dents are thrilled Obama will be sworn in Fred Kassangana, the President of the not the second coming of Jesus Christ […] within their lifetime. Caribbean Students’ Association, was equal- The “Yes We Can!” event will take place Jan. They think he can change everything, but he “People are really excited about the inau- ly as enthused. “I won’t lie; it stills feel a lit- 24 at Flunkies on Mackay street to celebrate cannot possibly do so,” Dodds continued. guration, they’re buzzed about it,” said Tseli tle bit surreal that he’s even elected, to have Barack Obama’s inauguration. Some of the “What America has to overcome Moshabesha, president of the African the first black African-American President,” drinks will be named after politicians from the will take years to get through. There Students’ Association of Concordia. “It’s a Kassangana said. “From slavery to presiden- campaign trail. THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2008 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/NEWS NEWS 07 Students pitch a tent for a good cause Concordia students live in the library to help raise money to combat illiteracy

• SARAH TOOTH the beginning of the new semester when students’ workloads are the Living in the library may be a lightest. She explained this not only reality for some university students. benefits the volunteers of the event Concordia students Neeka but also allows “more time so [stu- Fedyshyn and Sharone Daniel have dents] are able to stop and ask ques- taken up house in the Webster tions about what we’re doing as Library to help raise funds as part of opposed to exam time when every- the Live-in For Literacy fundraiser. one is too busy to sleep, much less In efforts to help this year’s goal stop and chat to us.” met Fedyshyn and Daniel will be According to the Live-in For living, sleeping, and eating in Literacy’s website, India is home to Webster library from Jan. 16 to 25— 35 per cent of the world’s illiterate Neeka Fedyshyn and Sharone Daniel take in some lit for a cause. PHOTO IAN LAWRENCE not to mention their 24-hour live people, a statistic they say can easi- feed via webcam. ly rise to 50 per cent by 2020 if taking part in the Live-in For ticipating with the common goal to Beasley also ensured that Allowing themselves only a five- necessities such as education and Literacy fundraiser, which was raise $40,000 to build nine new Fedyshyn and Daniel are being well minute break every hour, the girls appropriate public school curricu- kicked off by two Queen’s libraries in India. cared for. have decided it’s their duty to skip lums are not addressed. These University students in 2006. Since Librarian Gerald Beasley said “We naturally made sure that the class to raise money for literacy. numbers made it easier for Daniel $6,000 was raised that year to help the library staff are equally as safety of the students were taken “It’s not too bad,” claimed to volunteer her time. build a computer lab in Cambodia, enthused to host Daniel and care of […] The building’s security Daniel, “we talked to our professors “It was a simple decision,” said the charity’s website has reported Fedyshyn. makes sure they are safe.” beforehand and they were pretty Daniel. “I am from India and […] I increasing support and participa- “We’re all very excited about it, understanding.” wanted to do it because I think illit- tion from universities around we think it’s a great project which To see the live feed of Fedyshyn Daniel said the event is specifi- eracy is a huge issue there.” Canada. This year seven different has great objectives and we really and Daniel, or to make donations, cally timed in order to coincide with This is the first year Concordia is universities across Canada are par- want it to be the best.” please visit liveinforliteracy.com. Senate soundbytes Top stories from last Senate meeting

• MATTHEW BRETT Senate meeting will gradually increase pressure unless they submit their individual case on departments to have students’ grades submit- for review. Concordia Senate changes hit roadblock ted at an earlier date. Provost David Graham chided student Recommendations to change the universi- As of Jan. 12, approximately 4,806 grades representatives for criticizing the motion. ty’s Senate operating procedures received a were still outstanding from the fall semester. They had ample opportunity to share their cool reception from senators during the Jan. 16 Some of the pending grades are required in input during Academic Programs Committee Senate meeting. order for students to advance to another course. meetings, Graham said. Provost David Graham said the recommen- Some students in this predicament were unable to Student senators neglected to attend dations aim to make the operation of Senate graduate. recent APC meetings and did not send a more efficient and participatory, but senators notice to account for their absence, reacted to the proposals skeptically. Course drop deadlines tighten Graham said. The recommendations include the addition Students will have to finalize their schedule New music therapy program of a consent agenda, which would allow the by the third week of each semester if new regu- introduced Senate’s steering committee to select uncontro- lations are implemented by Senate. versial items to be voted on as a single item Political Science Chair Peter Stoett requested A new graduate certificate without discussion. that departments have the discretion to impose program in Music Therapy Items can be removed from the consent earlier deadlines, but undergraduate represen- was approved by Senate, with agenda at the request of two voting members of tative Robyn Wilcox stressed that the registra- the sole abstention made by Senate. tion deadlines should be clear and straightfor- psychology Professor June The consent agenda would make Senate less ward. Chaikelson. participatory, opponents argued. The course add/drop deadline modifications The certificate program A two-hour time limit for Senate meetings will undergo further consultation before requires students to complete was also recommended, but some senators approval. 24 credits in Psychology prior worried a time limit would further constrain to entry, and Chaikelson said debate. Course repeats limited the Psychology department is The recommendations will undergo further A motion to limit the number of times a stu- already bloated and will be review to be revisited during the February dent can repeat a course was passed by Senate unable to seat Music Therapy Senate meeting. despite clear opposition from student repre- students that may require sentatives on Senate. psychology courses. Thousands of grades outstanding Effective as of the 2009-‘10 academic year, New measures implemented during the students can repeat a course “only once,” GRAPHIC GINGER COONS 08 NEWS THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2008 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/NEWS Something academic It’s not easy being green

• KARIM BOULOS So what does it all mean? Can a modern city truly make the leap into being fully sustainable? In all honesty, I’m not Karim Boulos is currently the deputy mayor of the Ville- sure. Marie borough, and also the executive director of external The first thing we need to remember is that our city was affairs for the John Molson School of Business. Boulos designed and developed in a time when talk of sustainabil- received his undergraduate degree in Education at McGill ity hadn’t even been conceived, which means we need to do and his MBA from Concordia’s JMSB. He is also currently something much more difficult than building a sustainable the president of the City of Montreal’s committee on urban city, we need to implement sustainable practices to a city planning and development. that was not built for it. By now, we are all very familiar with challenges Well it seems Kermit the Frog was wise beyond his Montreal faces; a dilapidated infrastructure, a deficient years; it is definitely not easy being green. underground water and sewer system, an aging public Sustainability is a word that is often thrown around in transportation system, old and energy-inefficient buildings conversations and political circles to demonstrate that we and an overbearing winter. None of these things are easy or politicians are aware of the latest environmental trends cheap to fix, and they are as pressing as is developing sus- affecting our surroundings and challenges facing our con- tainability practices for the city. stituents. However, real urban sustainability is much more However the one silver lining in all this is that we have a than a trend or a promise made during an election year, as rare opportunity to tackle everything at once. If we’re going is the case in 2009. It is something that Montreal needs to to rebuild the city, this is our chance to do it right. start acting on immediately. Montreal is not the only city seeking to develop sustain- According to the United Nations department of able practices. Other cities in Europe, Asia and South Economic and Social Affairs Population Division, present- America have similar ambitions, and in the age of informa- ly over three billion people live in an urban environment, tion we should be looking to our fellow metropolises and and that number is expected to exceed five billion by 2030. working together to develop the best practices in order to This means, for the first time in history, the urban popula- benefit from what others have already learned. These tion will surpass the rural population of the planet, making changes aren’t about being right, or getting there first, the cities the epicentre of 21st century life. changes we need are for our very survival as a city. From Reykjavik, Iceland to Klamath Falls, Oregon, they “I’ve noticed that most people seem to are developing geothermal snow melting systems that heat be looking for a sustainability the roads and walkways, instead of constantly trying to touchdown, rather than working towards fight the elements with snow plows, sand and salt. Curitiba, Brazil has developed a low-cost, environmen- gaining some yardage. The task of tally-sensitive public transportation system based on dou- GRAPHIC SAGINE CAVE being sustainable is enormous, and we ble-articulated buses that serve approximately 75 per cent need to tackle it one step at a time.” of commuters. small progress now. Tucson, Arizona developed a Neighbourhood The methods and technologies already exist, from —Karim Boulos, city councillor Investment Program to offer low-interest loans to finance waterless urinals, which save millions of gallons of water, to community environmental and social programs. energy-efficient light bulbs that save money and power. By We need to start thinking about new strategies to man- Baden-Wurttenmberg, Germany has partnered with the planting more trees in urban environments, we can curb age our swelling urban populations; sustainable societies Center for Technology Assessment to tackle their heavy global warming and reduce CO2 levels. with effective and affordable public transportation and industrial sector while simultaneously managing urban We can encourage more people to bring their own bags policies that will ensure that our urban environment is growth and development. when they shop, or use portable coffee mugs instead of the green, clean and protected. And Geneva, Switzerland has initiated the Agenda 21 disposable alternative. There are countless projects being Before I continue there’s something I should mention; I project with the goal of developing the first fully sustainable developed by institutions, communities and individuals, am not a sustainability expert. I did not study environmen- city in the world. such as the Loyola Campus composting project and the tal sciences nor do I have advanced knowledge of renew- Around the world, ideas are being generated and efforts Shaughnessy Village “Green Alley” (with a composter) cre- able energy practices. In fact, I grew up in an era predating are being made. Montreal needs to be open to the practices ated in association with Eco-Quartier Peter-McGill. recycling—it was called the 1970s—and I would assume that other cities are developing and should use the best Finally, there is a greater need for the youth to take a that many of my colleagues fall into the same category. models to create what I like to call a ‘Sustainable leadership role and open lines of communication with That is why now more than ever it is important to involve Infrastructure.’ Other places in the world tackle the same older generations in order to express how easy it is to effect fresh perspectives from a younger generation. problems we do, and many of them have already made major changes through simple actions. I’m not saying that I have begun to see a difference in attitudes among the inroads towards building sustainable practices that will older generations don’t care about the environment; I’m generations. When I was growing up the trend seemed to improve their urban services, as well as their urban envi- saying that the habits that have been instilled in people all be that the ends justified the means. We didn’t consider the ronment. their lives are often difficult to change. I still smile whenev- consequences of our actions, we simply wanted results. I’ve noticed that most people seem to be looking for a er we go shopping and my six-year-old daughter gently tugs Today’s youth are putting new emphasis on how and why sustainability touchdown, rather than working towards on my arm and says, “Did you remember the bags?” things are done, instead of being endlessly preoccupied gaining some yardage. The task of being sustainable is Not everyone will be open to changing their habits, and with when we can see results. To every action there is a enormous, and we need to tackle it one step at a time. there will certainly not be a 180 degree shift in people’s atti- reaction; this is a truth that we are quickly coming to Billion-dollar, 20-year plans are necessary but take very tudes, but the one thing I am sure of is that every little terms with. long to negotiate and implement; we need to make some bit helps.

editor-in-chief opinions editor layout manager The Link is published every Letters to the editor are wel- CONTRIBUTORS The Link SEBASTIEN CADIEUX JUSTIN GIOVANNETTI MATHIEU BIARD Tuesday during the academic year come. All letters 400 words or CONCORDIA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER web editor Leila Amiri, Matthew Brett, Sagine Cave, Madeline Coleman, news editor copy editor by the Link Publication Society Inc. less will be printed, space permit- Volume 29, Number 19 BRUNO DE ROSA Content is independent of the ting. Letters deadline is Friday at Benjamin Croze, Ion Etxebarria, Bettina Grassmann, Owain TERRINE FRIDAY R. BRIAN HASTIE University and student associations 4 p.m. The Link reserves the right Harris, Elsa Jabre, David Kaufmann, Ian Lawrence, VivIen Tuesday, January 20, 2009 Leung, Charlene Lusikila, Alex Manley, Julien McEvoy, Paolo student press liaison business manager (ECA, CASA, ASFA, FASA, CSU). to edit letters for clarity and Concordia University features editor Editorial policy is set by an elected length and refuse those deemed Mingarelli, Sohrah Massaded, Evita Mouawad, Alexandra ACHEL OUCHER Murphy, Sinbad Richardson, Michael Sabelli, Mohammed Hall Building, Room H-649 CLARE RASPOPOW OPEN R B board as provided for in The Link’s racist, sexist, homophobic, xeno- 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W. ad designer constitution. Any student is wel- phobic, libelous, or otherwise con- Shamrani, Genevieve Trudeau, Giuseppe Valiante photo editor Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8 fringe arts editor CHRIS BOURNE come to work on The Link and trary to The Link’s statement of distribution become a voting staff member. The principles. editorial: (514) 848-2424 ext. 7405 JOELLE LEMIEUX JONATHAN DEMPSEY OBERT ESMARAIS Link is a member of Canadian Board of Directors 2008-2009: arts: (514) 848-2424 ext. 5813 literary arts editor interim graphics editor R D University Press and Presse Giuseppe Valiante, Ellis advertising: (514) 848-2424 ext. 8682 DAVID KAUFMANN Universitaire Indépendante du Steinberg; non-voting members: fax: (514) 848-4540 CHRISTOPHER OLSON GINGER COONS Québec. Material appearing in Rachel Boucher, Sebastien business: (514) 848-7406 sports editor managing editor The Link may not be reproduced Cadieux. without prior written permission Typesetting by The Link. Printing cover graphic by Ginger Coons [email protected] DIEGO PELAEZ-GAETZ JOHNNY NORTH from The Link. by Transcontinental. http://thelinknewspaper.ca last week’s cover credit should of gone to Ian Lawrence 10 FEATURES THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/FEATURES

Heb2 empowers Palestinians who otherwise might have turned to violent retaliation and Refocus lets the world see through their eyes. GRAPHIC ALEX MANLEY Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers combine forces to empower Hebron citizens

• PACINTHE MATTAR dozen films, musical performances, book Israeli government. “People were horrified. (RYERSON FREE PRESS) launches, readings, multimedia presenta- For Palestinians who live in H2, this Israelis were horrified, I think tions, and discussions. means being forbidden from walking or TORONTO (CUP) – It’s a city of The festival’s focus surrounded the reali- driving on main roads, being forced to climb because for the first time ghosts. Empty streets. Stores boarded shut. ty of life in Hebron, the only city in the West ladders to enter their homes from the they saw these things from Vacant apartment buildings. Bank that has a Jewish settlement in its rooftops because Israeli soldiers have weld- the eye of the Palestinian. Not This is Hebron, a city in Israel’s occupied midst, and the only city where Jews and ed their front doors shut, and being prohib- a journalist, not an Israeli, territories. Home to about 166,000 Palestinians share adjacent house walls. ited from leaving home except for a few Palestinians and 800 Jewish settlers, what “If you want the worst possible scenario short hours a week to buy groceries and but you’re seeing it as a was once a bustling downtown shopping for what could happen in the rest of the other necessities when Israeli soldiers Palestinian.” district is now a lifeless reminder of the vio- country, eventually, God forbid, Hebron is impose a curfew. One such curfew lasted —Mich’ael Zupraner, lence and desperation that grips the second that,” Zupraner said at the festival. 500 days during 2002 and 2003. Israeli director largest Palestinian city in the West Bank. Unfortunately, Zupraner is not exagger- Zupraner gathered with Palestinian Issa and co-creator of Heb2 “Hebron is the utter failure of the con- ating. Amro at XEXE Gallery to present their proj- cept of co-existence,” said Mich’ael A single horizontal line divides the city of ect: the creation of an experimental docu- Zupraner, 27, an Israeli who participated in Hebron, known as El-Khalil in Arabic, into mentary channel that broadcasts out of Voices Forward, a Toronto festival about life two sections: H1 is home to most of the Hebron. in Palestine and Israel. This year’s theme, Palestinian population and under This is no typical television channel. Hebron: In The Eye of the Storm. Palestinian jurisdiction; and H2 is home to Zupraner and Amro distribute video cam- The festival included screenings of over a Jewish settlers and is controlled by the eras to Palestinian families living in hot THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/FEATURES FEATURES 11 Hebron is the utter failure of the concept of co-existence. [...] If you want the worst possible scenario for what could happen in the rest of the country, eventually, God forbid, Hebron is that.”

—Mich’ael Zupraner, Israeli director and co-creator of Heb2

spots—near Jewish settlements or Israeli “The settlers who are living inside back into your cage!’” Zupraner agreed. military checkpoints—so they can document Hebron are the most radical, the most fanat- “The settler woman continued to curse at “Kids throwing back stones do so out of their lives and highlight the human rights ic settlers in the whole strip,” he said. “And the camera calling them—these two daugh- frustration, because you’re not gonna violations that occur in their surroundings. they have this ideology where they want to ters and their mother—whores,” Zupraner change anything,” he said. “When you can’t The footage from these cameras is then transfer all the Arabs out of Hebron. They continued. do anything else, you throw stones. But the collected by the two of them, edited, and look at it as their land, and believe that the Being that both women involved in the moment you have a camera and you have a broadcast over the Internet on the Heb2 Arabs don’t have any rights to stay there.” altercation were religious women, this kind sense that that can be helpful, that that website. This is a recipe for disaster. of exchange was very disturbing to watch could provide evidence. And cameras deter The project, run in collaboration with an “It’s come to the point where Jews and once it made its way to Israeli television. people, most people, from doing anything Israeli human rights organization, Arabs are separated to such a degree that “People were horrified. Israelis were hor- too stupid.” B’Tselem, has been in effect for a year and a the downtown area has become a ghost rified, I think because for the first time they The project is also causing changes in the half. It offers a perspective on life in Hebron town,” said Zupraner, who visited Hebron saw these things from the eye of the Israeli side of town. that is rarely, if ever, shown elsewhere. two years ago for the first time and was Palestinian. Not a journalist, not an Israeli, “Settler violence has gone down, because “The project started from giving out cam- struck right away by what he saw. but you’re seeing it as a Palestinian, having now they realize that a Palestinian 10-year- eras to ordinary people,” explained “The logic of what’s happening in someone curse at you and at the camera, old who’s filming you with their video cam- Zupraner in the small, brightly lit gallery, Hebron, the logic that the Israeli army is directly into the lens, with such conviction era, that’s something that can be shown on before the audience of 19 people arrived. imposing and the way it’s dividing the city, […] It shook people,” said Zupraner. “It was their own national television,” Zupraner “Most of them have never had a video the way it’s preventing Palestinians from shown internationally, all over the world, in said. camera, never used one, and the kind of using the main roads where Jews are […] Canada as well on CBC, but also everywhere “The moment that you’re aware that footage you get back is very strange sorts of that logic is basically saying that Jews and else, throughout Europe and Japan.” you’re being watched, forget by the home movies because people will use the Arabs can’t live together, and if they do, the The tape had an effect. Palestinians, but by your own home front, camera, and we encourage them to use the result is this kind of ghost town, which is “It started a committee in the Israeli par- you’re aware that you’re responsible, you’re camera, not only to film human rights viola- what the downtown area of Hebron has liament, the Israeli prime minister said he accountable for your actions, to your own tions, but to also film their daily lives.” become,” said Zupraner. was ashamed of what he saw, Condoleeza society and that serves as a check, a balance, “That means that we get back video tapes “It’s like walking on the moon,” he said Rice mentioned this video clip. This coming to people,” he said. that have, say, a wedding, a family celebra- slowly. For him, it was that feeling that out of a 14-year-old Palestinian girl with a “Because you’re not in the West Bank, tion, and then the tape jumps to, let’s say, prompted the idea for the project. cheap video camera. So that kind of shook you’re not in the middle of nowhere outside soldiers searching the house or some kind of Footage from their website made head- things up and helped the project along.” of your society where no one can really see confrontation with settlers, and then the lines all over the world in the summer of Currently, there are 150 cameras in the you. No. Your parents will see what you’re tape will jump back to baby pictures,” he 2006, when a particularly troubling incident West Bank and 25 in Hebron City, and doing. Your family. Your friends. And that said. “And so this kind of reality—where this took place involving the Palestinian Abu Zupraner and Amro move the cameras has a great effect.” is daily life—where these things can happen Ayesha family, whose house has a fence around based on the levels of violence in For Zupraner and Amro, it is no big deal right after the other almost, is what kind of around it to protect them from bottles and certain areas and families’ willingness to that they are working side-by-side, as Israeli launched the idea for the project.” stones that were sometimes hurled at them take part in the project. and Palestinian. The project has the potential to cross by neighbouring settlers. Its effects, says Amro, are priceless. “I’m using his privileges as an Israeli,” over political borders. They had frequently been attacked by “The families, before the cameras, they Amro laughed. “He has an army protecting “We can use the cameras not only to doc- settlers, but were always unable to prove were acting in a violent way, you know, to him. But we’re close friends. We don’t feel ument human rights violations, but also to this to police, who chose to believe the throw back stones,” he said. “They had any difference between Palestinian and try to show what life is like in a place like Israelis. That is, until they were provided nothing to react with. But with the cameras, Israeli.” Hebron, which has a very specific and with a video camera. they started believing in the effect of the Amro then pulled up his sleeve, nodded extreme situation, but that’s never really “One major incident involved a neigh- camera.” at Zupraner and smiled, pointing to his shown elsewhere, and that’s impossible to bouring settler woman, by the name of Yif’at “We consider it is a non-violent tool to wrist. access from the outside.” Alkobi,” Zupraner recalled. “One early sum- react to the violence of the settlers. [...] And “And I think his blood is red, like mine.” Amro further explained the reasons why mer day, there was an argument with her they don’t give in to their emotions, they just life in Hebron is so different from life every- outside their house, and she forced the fam- keep filming, not fighting. It’s a very good To see the homemade videos on the Heb2 where else. ily back into the house yelling at them, ‘Go method of empowering the society.” website go to heb2.tv 12 FEATURES THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/FEATURES

GRAPHIC VIVIEN LEUNG One person’s trash is another person’s meal A look inside the dumpster-diving scene

• MEAGHAN KERR, THE MARTLET anymore,” he said. “When I do, it’s spe- hauling milk crates. We greet him and con- more by conscience than need) the satis- (UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA) cial.” tinue our work. Mostly avocados and pep- faction of maintaining uncompromised My own freezer is stocked with bread pers. He comes back with a loaded box of ethics while getting free food overpowers VICTORIA (CUP) – I get my food out loaves and cases of identical teriyaki fruit and a medley of bakery goods. all the messiness. of garbage cans. sauces, while the fridge houses baffling Paralyzed by surprise, no one moves to There are perks to the dumpster life as It can be a necessity, a social activity, or varieties of humus—all loot from various take the box. well. A dumpster diet doesn’t equal a sacri- a way of life. It draws a cult-like following dumpster scores over the past semester. “Here; I’ve got one more coming,” he fice in food quality. In fact, it enhances it, from all backgrounds. Where laissez-faire Still, after two weeks of winter vacation, tells us. incorporating high-quality cheeses, organ- attitudes and consumer-environmental my kitchen feels a little sparse. It’s time for A girl appears with an equally weighed- ic produce, and fine deli selections. Divers concerns mix with balmy weather and bike another dumpster run. down box of produce. The group is ecstat- who garden also have a plethora of ready lanes, you’ve got the perfect conditions for We pile into a friend’s car, a sure sign ic, and we dance our way to the car and compost at their–ahem–disposal. The an underground culture: dumpster diving. this will be a big night. Driving seems head for a pub. With weeks of grocery back-alley biking is fun and initiates a Its attraction is as varied as the individ- counter-intuitive to dumpstering environ- shopping—and grocery bills—taken care of, back-of-the-hand knowledge of city ual divers themselves. There are those who mental ethics, but a milk crate bike basket it’s time for a few pitchers. streets. Then there’s the meals. can’t afford food, period. There are free- only holds so much. Grocery store managers are reluctant to “Dumpstering leads to more interesting gans who choose to eat only free food. Our first stop is a bakery, where we comment on the amount of food discarded culinary creations, [and] forces you to Then there are university students sub- score the morning’s leftover loaves. each day, but all it takes is a look in the work with what you’ve got,” said sidizing their studies with a little dump- Six months ago, I would have dived dumpster to see what sort of swag is avail- Casteneda. stering on the side. Most agree on one right in, ready to chow down on whatever able. McEwan reminisced about his own con- stance, though: Dumpstering food circum- score I’d find inside. Milk and tofu days before due, canned coctions. vents the commoditized assembly-line of “I’d normally never make a lobster tail store shelves that have become our soci- For us (dumpster divers motivated more by conscience than sandwich,” he said. “I mean, lobster tail is ety’s food source. need) the satisfaction of maintaining uncompromised ethics 20 bucks. Who’s going to waste it on a “There’s a surplus of food available in sandwich?” the world, and the production of more food while getting free food overpowers all the messiness. Casteneda recently started work at a is completely unnecessary when so much is market that allows employees to take home thrown away,” said Barry McEwan, dump- Now, my experience has given me a dis- chickpeas with torn labels, bananas end-of-the-day food. ster diver. criminating palate, demanding nothing ripened to a golden hue. Of course, there’s With less time devoted to garnering His roommate, Nate Carrick, agrees. less than whole wheat. The less desirable also the rotted tomatoes, meat rinds, bath- food, the housemates have plans for more “Throwing away food is basically items we leave behind. Undoubtedly, room garbage bags, and more. enterprising dumpster dives. wrong,” Carrick said. “There’s so much they’ll be picked up by someone else. “The thing that gets to me is dumpster “Construction sites have a huge waste energy that goes into [producing] it. I don’t We scope out the neighbourhood with juice,” said Suzie Casteneda, another diver. bin that they don’t remove until the site’s want to support a system like that–one measured success: a box of oranges here, a “There’s this smell that pervades your complete,” she said. “So you can go that’s so wasteful and harmful to the envi- bag of apples there. The rain is flooding clothes and follows you back home.” through it anytime.” ronment.” some of the hunting grounds. Produce bob- Walking into Casteneda’s house, I catch McEwan is already amassing a collec- The members of McEwan and Carrick’s bles up and down in puddles, ruined. It’s a whiff of the familiar fragrance. Here, tion of bike parts and furniture. The ideas household are not only seasoned divers, not the best night, but we have one more boxes of dumpster scores line the kitchen they have marinating range from practical but also boast a chicken coop in their back- stop. wall. Despite meticulous washing, opening to pure pleasure. yard, constructed from foraged wood. They We head to a favourite place, where the fridge in my own home is always dicey. “Drum shack!” estimate that 95 per cent of their food is there’s always a friendly backroom clerk My roommate has taken to setting aside “Sauna!” free and self-sought. who couldn’t care less what we’re up to. It’s a specific dumpstering outfit, complete “Compost toilet!” These days, Carrick only goes into gro- also enclosed by a six-foot-high fence, per- with headlamp and gloves, to keep her Looking out the window at the hens nes- cery stores to buy ice cream. fect for eluding disdainful store customers. clothes juice-free. tled inside their coop, I think they just “I don’t feel tempted to buy food at all “Four of you, eh?” says a teenage boy For us (dumpster divers motivated might be on to something. THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/FRINGE FRINGE ARTS 13 We’re cool, right? Mass Media finally returns climate researchers’ love letter in Global Warming documentary

• CHRISTOPHER OLSON

Three men stand by a roadside huffing the exhaust from a 1975 Mercedes. No, they’re not a metaphor for our suicidal embrace of fossil fuels, but the proud new owners of a car that runs on biodiesel and emits harmless french fry grease. Ten years have passed since General Motors killed the electric car, a three decade-old station wagon now has zero greenhouse gas emissions due to the efforts of one citizen concerned with his planet’s future. In Everything’s Cool, to be screened at Cinema Politica next week, reality hits the frontlines of the mainstream media when the Earth holds a major American city under water as ransom for a new carbon tax. But how many knocks to the forehead does one need before seeing a doctor, or at the very least, slapping on a band-aid? Two decades and counting, answers Heat wave or atomic blast? You decide— No, it’s a heatwave. directors Judith Helfand and Daniel B. Gold. site of an atomic blast. Dr. Heidi Cullen. The film follows her The Day After Tomorrow, but it also points “The problems unaddressed, have the But the George H. W. Bush attempts to get the word out about climate out how much has yet to be done now that potential for turning the world into a form Administration stifled that earlier report on change at, of all places, The Weather people are gripped with concern about the of chaos not greatly different from that pro- Global Warming, and the subject remained Channel, where she is stifled by image planet’s future. duced by Global War,” said George dead last among issues important to voters experts more concerned with her looks than Like watching a polar bear adrift on a Woodwell in 1988 before a Senate during Bush Jr.’s re-election campaign in her message, but who still won’t provide her piece of slowly melting ice, it’d almost be Committee on the ramifications of Global 2004. But it’s the gullible press, which per- with a makeup artist. It’s the Mary Tyler funny if it weren’t so sad. Warming, along with the testimony of mitted a few paid apologists for the oil com- Moore Show meets An Inconvenient Truth, James Hansen. Woodwell’s claims seem panies to dictate the discussion on climate and a compelling drama all its own for fans Everything’s Cool will be screened prescient when the filmmakers show a man change—according to the filmmakers—that of women in the workplace. on Monday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m., Room on the street a picture of an arid landscape receive the most scorn. The film acknowledges the media’s new- H-110, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd.. For in France, which was hit by a massive heat One of the film’s major insights is a found fascination with Global Warming and a full list of screenings, check out wave, and he immediately mistakes it for the behind-the-scenes career retrospective of its regretful sensationalism in movies like cinemapolitica.org/concordia. Life outside of The dawn of Arbutus Records the womb • CODY HICKS grew up on in Vancouver proper. Sean Nicholas Savage rolled into Constellation Records as the I’m established with friends in But don’t read too much into town with a burning desire to get biggest influence on his business Edmonton, so there are lots of They say the record industry transplant metaphors. He claims busy in the studio. In little over a model because of their accessi- kids there who go nuts,” he says is dying in this post-digital age. he named the label on a whim. month’s time Sean and Seb bility and willingness to offer before cackling maniacally. “But Although MP3s and vinyl are This serendipitous moniker mir- bashed out Little Submarine, advice to fledgling label-heads. it’s nice to be challenged. Here, fucking things up for CDs, one rors his approach to his various which will be the flagship release Seb’s ethics extend all the way people don’t like me as much… brave local has decided to create projects including his venue Lab for Arbutus records. Although to the consumer. He plans to sell yet.” I can confirm that the kids Arbutus Records. Synthese and Beaubien it’s been available in a few select all releases for eight bucks a disc, did go nuts. I’ve never seen so Vancouver transplant, Lab Magazine. stores around town for a while, something inspired by local many people crowd surfing at a Synthese and Beaubien record-slinger Warren Hill, who solo acoustic show played by a Magazine figurehead Sebastian I’ve never seen so many people crowd surfing sells his Mississippi Records guy with an infected foot. Cowan is ready to unleash his at a solo acoustic show played by releases for peanuts. Although There’s nothing quite like see- new record label this weekend Seb’s dreams are coated in vinyl, ing a gang of piss-drunk 18-year- on a hibernating Montreal. I sat a guy with an infected foot. the first few releases will be CDs old boys singing Sean’s lyrics down for an angry breakfast with due to the immediacy of their wistfully into each other’s eyes. an impossibly sunny Seb, beam- “As soon as you start thinking the launch party is set to go production and cost effective- Now, I don’t think papa Seb is ing like the father of a strong 10- about things, that’s when they down at Seb’s own Lab Synthese ness. too fond of cigars, but come and pound newborn bursting with screw up,” he says stoically. “If this Saturday, January 24. So come celebrate the birth of give him a pat on the back and tales of its birthing, naming and you start considering what Seb will split everything with Seb’s bouncing baby Arbutus. soak up some of his paternal dreamy plans for its future. you’re doing you make mis- his artists 50/50, a business plan Sean Nicholas Savage is proud to glow. After coming up with a few takes.” Seb initially came up with started by the post-punk Factory be the first out of the gate at BYOB, and 5 bucks at the meaningless empty-shell names the idea to start the label last fall label in Manchester in the late Arbutus and is ready to rip Lab door at Lab Synthese–435 Seb chose to label his label after in order to spread the music of ‘70s. “Factory was the first label Synthese apart. Fresh off a blaz- Beaubien St. O. Openers are the Arbutus tree, a prominent local experimental-folk act Oxen to do it that way, but most indie ing homecoming show in Floridian psycho-pop ex-pat Mediterranean transplant on Talk. What started as a small labels have adopted that method Edmonton, Sean is gearing up Andy Summers and mysterious Vancouver Island, and subse- project eventually snowballed because it’s the only ethical way for the more challenging experimental cellist Hume from quently the name of the street he when Edmonton freak-pop artist to do it.” Sebastian cites the local Montreal crowd. “It’s nice that Washington D.C. 14 FRINGE ARTS THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/FRINGE The JBM’s captivated crowd A first-person perspective on a Montrealer’s debut album launch

DOWN-LOW • LEILA AMIRI acting dreams, this was not his first encounter eyes and intense gaze lock you in. This is trans- with the arts. Trained since the age of 7 on the lated through his work, focused and intense, Events listing Chilling out by the bar, eating and grabbing guitar, Jesse plays a smattering of instru- and back out to the crowd. There is a deep con- a beer. All very cliché, but the lights get low; my ments—guitar, piano, harmonica, and even the nection with his music, a part of his soul print- Jan. 20-27 back is turned away from the stage as I eat a ukulele. ed on the very way that he moves with it, an chorizo. I grab my beer and turn around. It Marchant has maintained clear control over honesty that the crowd appreciates. barely touches my lips when I am stopped by his music and professional appearance since Marchant says he doesn’t particularly get a the smooth, mellow and deep sounds of the his first days recording and producing music rush nor does he bring out his alter ego like so ART GALLERIES lead singer. on his laptop in his bedroom. Nothing fancy many other artists when they hit the stage. It is Show Me What You See in the Other Intense, eyes closed, fingers trickling down just him and the music, which is still the same the collaboration of playing with the others in That I Do Not on the guitar, mouth pressed up to the mic, today. For Not Even in July, Marchant teamed the band that creates a nice energy on stage Now until Feb. 9 Montreal native Jesse Brian Merchant begins up with producer Henry Hirsch, whose credits and as for the crowd, “I like playing for people La TOHU, 2345 Jarry Street E. the show and has everyone mesmerized. include Lenny Kravitz and Vanessa Paradis. who listen,” he says. Free People begin to get closer, some sit down on Setting up a production house in an old Writing from his own life, JBM writes what the floor by the stage as others are just church in Hudson N.Y., the architecture of the he knows, and it is his truth that comes stunned, fixed to their spots and simply listen- church leads to an added level of acoustic through in his voice and in the intimacy he ing and looking. The crowd is proud and damn sound; his recording studio is a sanctuary away shares with his craft, his instruments, his MUSIC happy that this local guy is one of our own. from the city. sound. Israel Proulx Annie & Lissa Wai-Yant Li The close and intimate atmosphere of La Hirsh’s personal statement on his website Marchant’s sound has brought him to L.A., Wednesday, 8 p.m. Sala Rosa was the place for the launch party for seems to compliment Marchant’s work ethic and New York, where there has been an audi- Cabaret Mado, 1115, Ste. Catherine E. JBM’s debut CD, Not Even in July last and values; where the music reigns in as a col- ence at the foot of the stage. He hopes to go on Tickets $5 Tuesday. laboration of interests, styles and acoustics. tour in the U.K., leading the life of a musical JBM started with an education at McGill The production of this creative labour slips out nomad until he settles down again to put Flotilla University in Engineering, switched to Finance confidently as the sounds, beat and rhythm of together another album. Wednesday, 8 p.m. and dropped it all a semester before graduation his songs comes out smoothly but strongly, The Pound, 377 Richmond Avenue to follow a new path in the Big Apple. Having taking centre stage. For more information about Jesse Brian Tickets $5 moved to New York at the age of 19 to fulfil his Simple, casual, and unassuming, his clear Merchant go to jbm-music.com.

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But as time passed Common Existence finds New Jersey’s Thursday at a cross- minutes; apparently, this author is a short story writer. The Scroll & Mother/Father by and I came to my senses and grew out of my primordial roads: having been ditched by major Island after their less- 3/5 Friday, 8 p.m. music listening patterns, I still revisited certain albums that I than-stellar studio album (2006’s A City By The Light Divided) —Alex Manley Hemisphere Gauche, 221 Beaubien E. thought had passed the test of time. (hed) p.e.’s self-titled and ending back up on their former home Victory Records, the Tickets $7 first record is one of those albums I can still stand; atmos- band released a b-sides/rarities compilation in late 2007 enti- Candiria pheric and sonically-pleasing, the record is the best in a bad tled Kill The House Lights, and then last year dropped an EP Kiss The Lie Krishna Das genre. with Japanese band Envy. The b-sides release showcased the Type A Records Saturday, 3:30 p.m. The same, unfortunately, cannot be said of (hed)’s seventh driving, urgent rhythm that ignited what is arguably their best St. James United Church, 463 Ste. studio album, New World Orphans. The music, which is a album, War All The Time, while the split with Envy showed a Putting in White Zombie’s Let Sleeping Corpses Lie anthology Catherine W. mash-up of bad punk, bad reggae and bad rap-rock, has its pensive, adventurous side that was willing to let songs build can be a life-changing experience. Witnessing the progression Tickets available via krishnadas.com lyrics tinged in odd discussions involving conspiracy theories. up, crescendo and explore space. from weird garage stomp to a band capable of monstrous, Lyricist Jahred (alias M.C.U.D.) seems preoccupied by Common Existence melds these two versions of Thursday epic jams is a sight to behold. The four-disc set spans the Basia Bulat Bohemian Grove, championing fringe authors like David Icke quite well; “Resuscitation Of A Dead Man” serves as an awe- band’s entire career from New York City art hipsters to going Saturday, 8 p.m. for their work in uncovering “the truth.” Unfortunately, this somely powerful opener, kick-starting things and allowing the on tour with groove metal legends Pantera. Il Motore, 179 Rue Jean-Talon W. mixed bag of bad intentions almost makes me want to forget band to put the naysayers to rest. Conversely, “Time’s Arrow” All tracks appear in remastered form, ready to rock, roll, horri- Tickets $10-12 the band they once were. brings out moody, slow-driving Thursday, incorporating an fy and delight. Single “I Am Hell” (culled from the Beavis And I miss you/5 acoustic guitar, a slow midsection made up of a wall of back- Butthead Experience compilation) is a definite highlight, Annuals & Jessica Lea Mayfield & What —R. Brian Hastie wards sound and singer Geoff Rickley’s most melodic perform- showcasing the best parts of the band: loud drums, Zombie’s Laura Says ance in a while. raspy growl, the use of vintage movie samples as well as an Sunday, 8 p.m. Paul Reddick The record satisfies me in ways that their previous studio insanely catchy chorus. Sala Rossa, 4848 St Laurent Blvd. SugarBird records couldn’t; it’s a “best of both worlds” scenario that Likewise, the band’s cover of Sabbath’s ‘Children Of The Tickets $12 Northern Blues Music caters to fans of all versions of Thursday that doesn’t sacri- Grave’ adds a pseudo-electronic aspect to the original, as well fice any of its potent musicality to please any fans of a partic- as higher production values, making it a winner. The pre-1990 SugarBird is the fourth album from Toronto blues singer Paul ular version of the band. tracks (which had been, up until now, very hard to find) are Reddick. From the outside, it looks fantastic. It has a 4/5 also contained within, bringing with them a Butthole Surfers- THEATRE sexy gatefold case in shades of beige with vivid —R. Brian Hastie like vibe. The track ‘Shack Of Hate’ is a… Diabuzzlique! illustrations of birds and flowers. In fact, it has the best pos- Oh wait. Sunday, 4 p.m. sible bird illustrations: those of John James Audubon. Straight Reads the Line Fuck. 1248, Bernard Avenue West Unfortunately, the packaging is quite possibly the nicest part The Author I was supposed to review the album mentioned in the title. Tickets $10, $7 for students of the album. Epitaph Records …Uhhh. Hm. Well, uh, the Candiria album was… It was How is the music, you might wonder? At times, SugarBird full of harmonies, blastbeats and classic NYHC action. I give Un capitalisme sentimental sounds like it might approach the truly dreamy. Sadly, it’s at Straight Reads the Line is a five-piece metalcore band from that album a 3, or something. But fuckin’ White Zombie still Monday, 7:30 p.m. those moments that the cheap gimmicks get added to the from Stoney Creek, Ontario. Unlike Distort Entertainment rules. Let’s be honest, here: Candiria is a decent hardcore 1248, Bernard Avenue West mix. The dreaminess ends abruptly with the addition of vocal labelmates and fellow Ontarian metalcore band Cancer Bats, band that likes to experiment, but White Zombie is an Tickets $6, $5 for students distortion. Having said that, there are worse contemporary Straight Reads the Line features a plethora of singing American rock and/or roll institution. Solo Zombie… Not so blues albums. The accordion on “Climbing Up The Hill” styles—growling, screaming, a more melodic singing, and, of much. is lovely and Paul Reddick does have a profoundly course, the requisite gang backup shouts. The diversity of the (White Zombie: 16/5) relaxing voice. Sadly, no matter how relaxing the vocals vocals, however, do not make for interesting songs, and nei- (Candiria: 3/5) —compiled by Johnny North are (when not distorted), the cover art is still the best part ther does the intensity of the music. —R. Brian Hastie THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/FRINGE FRINGE ARTS 15 Tic-tac-Oh! Local duo Hexes & Ohs on live shows and Montreal’s harsh musical climate

$16-18 is all you need to check out Bigger and Better Things along with Funeral for a Friend and A Texas Funeral.

• NATASHA YOUNG

Bigger and better shows Cute, fun, energetic electronic pop may not often be considered serious business, but for Getting to know West Island band Bigger and Better Things Montreal’s dating duo Hexes & Ohs, it most certainly is. • EVAN LEPAGE singer, and weeding through countless our own shows, photocopying our own fly- Despite their hometown success, Edmund “Creed or Alice in Chains impersonators,” ers and giving them out for our own Lam and Heidi Donnelly have taken off across “I just really want to get intimate with a the band saw a Facebook video of Mike shows. Down to just working hard, we Canada in the past few years, with their cur- 40-year-old woman before I get old.” Bellizzi performing at his high school tal- practice and work very hard on rent release, Bedroom Madness, garnering Not the most typical start to an inter- ent show. Bellizzi joined the band soon each individual song and part. mainstream attention. And with this indie out- view but not much is typical about the after along with bassist Tristan Giardini Musically we’re interested in pushing and fit’s infectious, lovey-dovey microcosm of pop-punk fivesome Bigger and Better who rounds out the five. changing things.” synth and funky rhythms it isn’t hard to see Things. With only five shows under their Why Bigger and Better Things? “Changing things” may come naturally why. belt, BABT was scouted to be an opening “I broke up with a band,” said to a pop-punk band whose musical influ- All of the performing experience has helped act for the internationally-known band Kowarsky, “and just out of spite I named ences range from Lil Wayne and the Spice shape their sound. “On our first record,” Lam Funeral for a Friend. the next band BABT so that when people Girls to Guns n’ Roses and NOFX. explains, “the songs were good, but... not so The status of the opening slot was put ask if I’m still with that band I say ‘no I’ve So what exactly can someone expect much fun to play live. Now, we just write songs into question when guitarist Logan moved on to bigger and better things.’ It’s from a BABT show? that we enjoy playing.” The joy is felt by the Kowarsky deleted multiple MySpace mes- a joke that never ends!” “Bad mid-song banter,” replied audience, and the success so far is definitely a sages from the concert’s organizer, con- Beyond the jokes, insults, and stories Bernstein, laughing. “Wait I mean result of this spirited effort. fusing them for junk mail. Luckily about pedophile concertgoers with a fetish between song banter. Though we actually The band’s couple dynamic has also proven Kowarsky ran into the organizer at a for eating hair (I dare not explain), this have some mid-song banter.” to make for a good working relationship. “We Lights concert, and the project was set in band takes their music and independent live together, so we’re used to working togeth- motion. status seriously. Bigger and Better Things will be performing er,” Lam says. “When we’ve worked with other Kowarsky formed BABT in 2007 with “We have like, a punk rock ethic, I find. with Funeral for a Friend, The Sleeping, bands, it’s a very unnatural environment. part-time Concordia student (and drum- We like working hard and planning things Emarosa, This Is Hell, and A Texas Funeral on We’re used to travelling together, too, so it’s a mer) Matt Bernstein, and guitarist/pianist and executing them ourselves. That Jan. 27 at La Tulipe, 4530 Papineau. Sample very organic way of working.” Luc Sylvestre. After struggling to find a involves everything from Matt booking the goods at myspace.com/biggerandbettershit In an effort to keep it as organic as possible, Hexes & Ohs doesn’t tend to tour with supple- mental musicians. For their current album, a drummer and trumpet player were brought in, but “we’ve adapted the live show to be the two of us. It’s more innovative, and it keeps it min- imal,” says Lam. This includes Donnelly alter- Sentences won’t sit straight? nating between her bass, synthesizer and lap- top and Lam switching from guitar to drums. The Link The following staff members have contributed to at least four issues and Grammer no good? With all these ways of mixing it up, their by-elections are thus eligible to run: live performance definitely brings something different to the table than their studio efforts. Feb. 6, 2009 Shawna Satz, Cody Hicks, Amy Smith, “It’s more stripped-down live, more energetic, Teresa Smith, Jesara Sinclair, Barbara more raw,” Lam says. Pavone, David Kaufmann, Ketan Patel, Come to The Link’s Editing workshop for Andrew O'Kill-Griffin, Christopher Olson, tips on making your sentences sparkle According to Lam, it’s the competition of The following Julien McEvoy, Sarah Tooth, Charlène the local music scene that keeps their drive positions are open: Lusikila, Michael Sabelli, Elsa Jabre, alive. “There is probably the highest amount of Graphics Editor Madeline Coleman, Ginger Coons, Alex artists per-capita in Montreal out of all the Manley, Pascale Rose Licinio, Sinbad bigger Canadian cities,” Lam says, “which Student Press Liaison Richardson, Vivien Leung, Michael Hosted by Gieuseppe Valiante forces you to up your game. You can’t really Sabelli, Alexandra Murphy, Paolo Montreal Gazette Mingarelli, Justin Bromberg, Pamela get away with doing anything half-assed.” National Post To apply, post a letter of Toman, Jackson Macintosh, Leila Amiri, Taking their adorable synth-pop style very intent along with three rele- Cat Tarrants Canadian University Press Quebec Bureau Chief seriously, you’d be hard-pressed to find any of vant contributions up on the Hexes & Ohs’ music half-assed. board in The Link office by Friday, Jan. 30. Jan. 22, Hexes & Ohs will be at Jupiter Room Friday Jan. 23, 4:00 p.m. 3874 St-Laurent Blvd., along with bands Winter Gloves and Politique. Tickets are $10 in advance, available through indiemontreal.ca, as well as at Cheap Thrills, Phonopolis and Atom Heart, or $15 at the door. 16 LITERARY ARTS THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/LIT Tales of the Bard for the digital nomad DailyLit.com promises Shakespeare in a 1,000 words or less

• JUSTIN GIOVANNETTI and $7 to read. The website’s current selection of near- With reading rates in sharp decline and ly 1,500 books is eclectic and ranges from the compressing tendencies of text mes- Christopher Marlowe’s The Tragical saging and Twitter feeds at their strongest, History of Doctor Faustus to 355 DailyLit.com has set for itself a near Harlequin romance novels. impossible task: make reading cool again. A series of Wikipedia tours are also To appeal to the digital nomad—that available, providing a 1,000 word daily individual with a constantly chirping package about a world capital or a Wine Blackberry on their hip and a constant 101 course detailing everything from the connection to the Internet—the website grape varieties to proper tasting methods. has divided books into easy-to-read 1,000 The construction of reading around word blocks. These bite-sized chapters are manageable segments is a concession to emailed to recipients at a user-designated the results of a National Endowment for time. the Arts survey in 2002 that found that With DailyLit you can now read a five- only 47 per cent of the adult population minute installment of Leo Tolstoy’s War reads for pleasure on a regular basis. One and Peace on your Blackberry during your of the most registered reasons was a lack coffee break, in 663 manageable parts. of time. Many of the books on DailyLit are classics, On a personal note, I signed up for making them free to consume. Thomas More’s Utopia, a piece of satire Unfortunately, newer books are not in the from the 16th century delivered in 35 DailyLit is perfect for those with low attention spans who nevertheless want to tackle War and public domain and will cost between $4 installments. Peace. GRAPHIC GINGER COONS Lit Writ Wishing She Was Her

• MICHAEL SABELLI cigarette and asked, “Aren’t you going to offer me a drink?” He went to bed wasted. It was his first That was it, he was hooked: a night back in his own bed in over a month, drunken Romeo in love with his and the comfort that that brought replaced exotic Juliette. In his dreams he all sense of physical place with a feeling of replayed the events they shared home. scattered in a timeless, passion- That night had been a smokey haze of live ate, redundant loop. Her emer- jazz, a debacle of mixed concoctions and of ald eyes; their focus that fol- course beautiful women, that by now lowed him throughout. Those seemed more than ordinary in his streak of eyes would forever be vivid in his happiness. That in itself implied that he mind, for they were truly the end could be anywhere. of him, from the look she gave him Lucid drunk dreams flooded his mind when he told her that she was every- with hundreds of different emotions, memo- thing he ever wanted, to her delight- ries, and fantasies. It provided an environ- ed exhale of their first kiss. ment that proved to be the bait for his “You kiss me with your mind,” she heart's one true desire. Katarina's turquoise said before telling him that he was her eyes cleared away all other thoughts as he first, and to be gentle. She laughed her focused on them so intently that he saw his anxiety away when he told her that he own reflection. had never made love on a boat either. They were at the corner of the island of He gave her the slow ride all night. Zadar where wind chimes catch the sea’s Now, they were back on the steps breeze, on the steps that descend into the and she was walking away. His What you see isn’t what you get. GRAPHIC VIVIEN LEUNG water which whistle a soothingly deep dream changed the memory as she turned whale's hum. She stared softly at his lips. around and ran back to him. They were lying she was not there. His hazed senses crippled oped from his travels, Her eyes smiled bright, contently absorbing in bed together. In his wrecked sleep, he felt his ability to understand the situation, for all and this woman became attracted. She must the silent communications their bodies like he was waking. He felt her presence all the while he continued to kiss the warm have gone home with him. expressed. The waves of the Adriatic around him. His dreams of Katarina were body next to him. Trying to remember her name, he closed splashed rhythmically on to the steps and actualized. His eyes opened at the idea that his true his eyes again. In every corner of his mind he within the space of a breath, the sun went He felt physically happy at the thought love was like most true loves. Looking into thought of Katarina—her embracing touch from high noon to setting behind other that they were still together. His mind the blank eyes staring back at him, he didn't and angelic scent, but most of all, the hypno- islands as the water rose two steps. smiled because his lips were busy kissing recognize the face. The kisses felt different tizing gaze from her mystical eyes. The In a blink of the mind, they were back on hers, and now he was awake to a dream now. He knew it wasn't Katarina and he excitement of his dream had manifested a the ferry where they first met—the commu- come true. She’s really here, he thought, as wondered if this girl felt those thoughts. His passion that this woman thought was meant nal area dark with sleepy passengers. She all his dreams collided with reality creating mind cleared the drunken fog from his for her. She was turned on and had wakened slept as he drank whiskey from the bottle, sparks of real love. He thought it was real in memories and found his last recollection. him for more. Whoever she was, he made smoking cigarettes off one another as he every sense. He remembered that he had been speak- lover to her wishing she was Katarina. unconsciously waited for her. The swaying Consciousness sprang and reality ing French most of the night. He had left the of the boat ceased, as excitement induced a crushed the grin he held inside. He was gates of an outdoor show with a gorgeous, To submit your fiction or poetry to the floating sensation within him and she aware that he was in his room. Even though dark haired, olive skinned woman. He was Lit Writ column, email them to lit@the- awoke. She approached him with an unlit he felt Katarina everywhere, he knew that still radiating the beautiful aura he devel- link.concordia.ca. THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/SPORTS SPORTS 17 Stingers trounce Martlets Women’s basketball team starts to turn around a lackluster season

• DIEGO PELAEZ GAETZ The long-range prowess of the lead to less than 10 after that Stingers was the catalyst for their point, as they struggled mightily Concordia 74 charge in the second quarter. with Con U’s full-court pressure McGill 53 Guard Ebony Morris knocked defence. The visitors continually In a fight between two teams down a three, before Con U’s lead- turned the ball over or settled for currently vying for the last avail- ing scorer Krystle Douglas hit two difficult shots. able playoff position in the Quebec consecutive bombs from long-dis- Stingers centre Kristin conference, the Concordia tance to give the Stingers a 32-19 Portwine sealed the Martlets’ fate women’s basketball squad made a lead. Douglas finished with 23 late in the third quarter. Portwine statement with a thorough 74-53 points, including five three-point- first showed off her impressive dismantling of the McGill Martlets ers. shooting touch on a midrange Friday night at the Loyola sports shot, then made a powerful catch complex. in traffic before hitting a layup and Both teams felt the rust from drawing the foul for a three point winter break in the first quarter, as play to extend the Stingers’ lead to it took nearly three minutes for 47 19 points. Three-point shots made either team to register a point. Despite the lopsided score, the by Concordia’s women’s Both teams struggled throughout fans in attendance were still rabid- the quarter, with neither team basketball team, good ly behind their squad, as a ques- managing to score more than 10 for second place in the tionable charging call against Con points. Quebec conference. U was loudly booed by the crowd. “We got off to kind of a rocky Despite the Christmas break, start,” said Stingers head coach “We have a lot of shooters,” Con U showed great focus and Keith Pruden. “We made some said Douglas. “When we’re on fire, preparation for their first game mental errors throughout the we’ll keep taking those shots.” back. “We had a great week of game, and we have to deal with The Stingers kept the pressure practice and a good tournament,” that.” on, with guard Melissa Campbell said Douglas. “We’re finally doing The second quarter continued swiping an inbound pass before what we’ve got to do.” to be evenly matched—both scoring on an impressive mid- The win was critical for the offences woke from their slum- range bank-shot. McGill guard Stingers, as both teams entered bers—McGill forward Elise Lepine Nathifa Weekes closed the scoring the game with identical 1-5 and Concordia forward Kendra with a layup in the dying seconds records. Despite their early season Carrie both hit three-pointers in to cut Con U’s lead to 34-24 head- struggles, the Stingers remain the opening minutes. Carrie has ing into halftime. confident in their chances. connected on a stunning 48 per The Stingers wasted no time “I think we’re better than last cent of her three point attempts on continuing their long-range year,” said coach Pruden, referring the season. assault in the second half, as to the squad that snuck into the “I don’t have a problem with Douglas and Carrie both scored playoffs a year ago. “We’re fairly shooting a lot of threes,” said from beyond the arc to extend the comfortable with where we are, coach Pruden. “They just have to lead to 40-26. but every game is important now be good decisions.” The Martlets could not cut the due to our crappy start.” Stingers captain Krystle Douglas drives to the hoop. PHOTO ION ETXEBARRIA Con U can’t make it two in a row over rivals Women’s basketball comeback falls apart in fourth quarter, playoff race even closer

• JOHNNY NORTH offensive rebounds when they needed it. We coach of McGill, who was pleased to end against their cross-town rivals. didn’t make very good decisions with the McGill’s losing streak and keep his team in the “Do you think they were just going to lose?” Concordia 65 ball.” playoff hunt. “It’s a group that is now coming Pruden asked. “I’m a little frustrated with McGill 72 “We let them take control of the game,” together and understanding their roles and them right now. It’s not like it’s the end of the The McGill Martlets were primed for a said Krystle Douglas, captain of the Stingers how they should be playing.” world or the end of the season, but we just come back last Saturday at McGill’s Love squad. “All together, we didn’t play as a team talked about how consistency and preparation Competition Hall, as they avenged an embar- the way we wanted to.” “Yelling at a referee is like are critical […] you have to be ready.” rassing defeat the night before by beating the A 10-0 run by Con U early in the third yelling at a cloud when it’s “We’re going to start hard on Monday and Concordia women’s basketball team 72-65. quarter quickly changed the game and helped get our game back,” said Douglas. “We Both teams started slowly, similarly to give them the lead. Fans quickly blamed the pouring on you [...] There is shouldn’t be losing these games. This was an their last encounter. At the seven-minute officiating, as the majority of points came nothing to be gained by easy game, we should’ve won it by 20 again, mark of the first quarter, McGill only led 4-2. from foul shots. abusing the officials. maybe even more.” McGill’s Nathifa Weekes netted the first bas- “Even if we’re down by 20 we’re not going The fact that Con U has yet to put together —Keith Pruden, ket, and led all players by the end of the game, to stop playing,” said Douglas, who led her Stingers head coach two wins together on a weekend has caused a finishing with 21 points. team with 14 points on the night. bit of stress for Pruden. The scoring started to pick up late in the Early in the fourth quarter, the Stingers’ McGill’s guard Stephanie Bergeron was “I’m a bald fat man with high blood pres- first quarter, as McGill got six points straight lead quickly vanished—McGill came out and huge near the end, nailing a couple of three- sure and I drink bourbon […] I lose sleep over to give them a comfortable 12-9 lead. made two big steals right after two baskets. pointers—she ended the game with five three- [our inability to win two games straight]. It In the second quarter, McGill demonstrat- Con U responded with frustration towards the pointers and 16 points. drives me insane.” ed more hustle than the Stingers—the officials instead of focusing on a comeback. “This is a breakout game for her,” said Martlets were quicker to rebounds both offen- “Yelling at a referee is like yelling at a cloud Thorne. “One of the things we changed was to Concordia continues their season with a sively and defensively and made the most of that is pouring on you,” said Pruden. “Except attack the basket more. With us attacking it home and away series against l’Université de their opportunities, taking a 34-28 lead at the cloud can’t throw you out. There is noth- opened it up for Steph.” Montréal Carabins. The first game takes place half-time. ing to be gained by abusing the officials.” With the split, both teams are tied for the this Friday at 8 p.m. at Concordia’s Loyola Gym “They outworked us,” said Keith Pruden, “It’s the type of game we were expecting to last playoff spot with a 2-6 record. Pruden and the second game takes place at UQAM’s head coach of the Stingers. “They got critical have for a while,” said Ryan Thorne, head questioned his team’s lack of drive and focus Centre Sportif on Saturday. 18 SPORTS THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/SPORTS Blanked at home McGill’s top line totals 18 points in victory

• PAOLO MINGARELLI Concordia 0 11 McGill 10 The number of McGill players Defending national champi- ons McGill Martlets defeated the who have more points than Concordia Stingers women’s anyone else in the Quebec hockey squad on a Saturday Conference. afternoon so cold it could only be compared to the hearts of the more goals. When asked about McGill players who ran up the McGill’s first line, Les Lawton, score in a 10-0 drubbing. head coach of the Stingers said, The first period began and “It’s tough to defend when they immediately the Martlets had score eight out of 10 goals”. Two control of the puck in the other goals were scored on even Stingers zone. Con U did not give strength to finish the game 10-0. up, and looked very well placed The best chance to score for on defence for the greater part of Con U came in the third period that interval. when Donna Ringrose was taken However, five minutes into down on a breakaway and given a the game they would concede a penalty shot. However, Ringrose goal, as a wrist shot went top cor- was stopped, ultimately leading ner glove-side. The following to Con U being shut out. goal again was on the glove side, Peck, who finished the as the puck just skimmed the game with 31 saves, many post on its way in to the net. of which were spectacular, McGill would add another to fin- was one of the reasons that the ish the period up three. game did not finish as it did the On a brighter note, during the previous time these two clubs three penalties against Con U, met. “She did very well and made McGill only scored one power- a lot of big saves,” said coach play goal. Lawton. The second period started Despite the lopsided defeat, with the Stingers shorthanded, the Stingers remain upbeat. but they managed to kill the “Compared to last time we Stingers forward Catherine Rancourt fights off McGill defender. PHOTO ION ETXEBARRIA penalty. The downside was that played them, we played the full the puck had not left the zone for the period. McGill of at least two sure goals, rather unfortunately for the 60 minutes, we didn’t stop skat- the first three minutes, and However, looking back on this the first coming off a breakaway home squad with a quick goal by ing all game and we made them McGill would make it 4-0 shortly period, one can only imagine and the second off a two-on-one. McGill. work much harder to get their after with a wrist shot to the how much more damage the In that period alone McGill post- The Martlets didn’t let up. goals,” said coach Lawton. blocker side. Martlets would have inflicted ed 16 shots on net compared to McGill enjoyed two more power- “We’re not discouraged, and The Martlets added two more had Stingers goalie Stephanie six from Con U. plays and didn’t give their first as a coach I’m impressed with goals from their first line in Peck not been in net. She robbed The third period started off unit a break, as they added two the team.” Shootout goes to McGill Special teams play a major factor in a close loss in men’s hockey match

• DAVID KAUFMANN Stingers up by two. score at three. To add to their newfound pleased with the result. “I thought we had a However, it soon became clear the momentum the Redmen were outshooting good game tonight,” said coach Figsby. Concordia 3 Redmen weren’t going down that easy. the Stingers 16-7 in the second. “Anytime you steal a point on the road, McGill 4 McGill centre Sam Bloom netted his ninth Both teams focused on defence in the especially against a team like McGill you The Concordia Stingers men’s hockey of the season against Stingers’ goalie third period. There were times when it know it’s a good effort.” team played a hard-fought battle, but Maxime Joyal. Bloom nearly tied it up a seemed like the opposition was going to Although they didn’t come out on top, couldn’t put the finishing touches on the few minutes later, but Joyal shut the door take the lead but Joyal stood tall when they Figsby then went on to point out that the McGill Redmen last Wednesday at the on him. fired 15 shots on him in the period. Stingers got three out of four points McConnell Arena in a 4-3 shootout loss. Later on in the period, Stingers left- It was the same scenario for Mireault against the Redmen, which is something Although they ran into penalty trouble winger Marc Andre Rizk took a tripping when D’Aoust got a breakaway midway that they hadn’t accomplished in five years. the Stingers got off to a good start—right- penalty. On the penalty, Stingers left- through the third period. Although he The Stingers’ locker room was also sat- winger Nicolas Daoust found the back of winger Cory McGillis hit a slap-shot past almost scored, the opposing goalie wasn’t isfied with their performance. Joyal, who the net midway through the first period to Mireault three seconds later to get the two- going to let him through. stopped 37 out of 40 shots, said the out- give them the lead. The defence also man- goal lead back. The two teams couldn’t settle it in regu- come was a team effort, and then pointed aged to keep the Redmen at bay—both Although the Stingers were able to lation or in overtime so the game had to be out how it’s always a big rivalry with teams were limited to seven shots apiece. recover from their mistakes, it wouldn’t be settled in a shootout. Unfortunately for McGill and that the game could have gone Within the opening seconds of the sec- long before their sloppy play caught up to Con U, Nicolas Lafontaine and McGillis either way. Daoust also agreed, saying that ond period things got a little heated. them. Minutes later, McGill captain Eric failed to get the puck past Mireault. McGill his team had good intensity and emotion Players from both sides began pushing and L’Italien scored a powerplay goal off of the snipers Guillaume Doucet and Simon throughout the game. shoving, yet the Stingers put that behind same penalty where the Stingers scored Marcotte-Legare took care of business, giv- them quickly as right-winger Nicolas shorthanded. ing McGill the 4-3 win. The Stingers are in Trois-Rivières tomorrow Sciangula got the puck behind McGill’s Not long after, left-winger Evan Vossen Despite the turnout of the game, night to play the top-ranked Patriotes at UQTR. goaltender Danny Mireault to put the scored a shorthanded goal to tie up the Stingers head coach Kevin Figsby was Game time is at 7 p.m. THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/SPORTS SPORTS 19 Bad blood rising Concordia-McGill men’s basketball rivalry heats up

• DIEGO PELAEZ GAETZ Concordia 82 McGill 69 72.1 Points-per-game allowed by The Concordia men’s basketball squad was angry after being beat- Concordia’s men’s basketball en by the McGill Redmen in their team, the best mark in the first game back from the break, Quebec conference. but they exacted their revenge with an 82-69 victory over their cross-town rivals on Saturday night at McConnell Arena. Both teams came out of the gate misfiring offensively. Concordia’s defensive pressure was ramped up in the early going, as they trapped aggressively and managed to cause numerous steals and deflections. “We came out with more energy today,” said Stingers point guard Damian Buckley. “We just came to play,” said Stingers head coach John Dore. “Yesterday we didn’t execute well, we didn’t play defence well. We had the same game plan yester- day.” McGill managed to gain the upper hand in the first quarter Stingers forward Sebastien Martin has a laugh during a break in the action. PHOTO ION ETXEBARRIA thanks to star forward Michael White. White showed off his versa- Anthony took advantage, hitting minutes later. “We took yesterday’s the Quebec conference, was limit- tility by scoring on a layup and three of four from the foul line. Con U had some inspiring bul- ed to 15 points on the night, down three-point shot in the early going, Anthony finished with 17 points letin board material to get them- game personally. I from his average of 22.7. as he finished with 19 points and and six rebounds. selves fired up for this encounter. read an article [in the “El-Zanaty was upset because 13 rebounds after torching the Con U’s final quarter didn’t “We took yesterday’s game per- McGill Tribune] we tried to score in the last minute Stingers for 35 points the previous have an impressive start. Rookie sonally,” said Gallier, who led the disrespecting me and with the game out of reach,” said a night. forward Evens Laroche fouled out Stingers with 19 points and an Stingers player who didn’t wish to The teams remained evenly right away, as he finished the night incredible 17 rebounds. “I read an the team [...] It got us be named. “What they have to matched throughout the first half. with only six points in eight foul- article [in the McGill Tribune] dis- fired up.” understand is margin of victory Con U guard Dwayne Buckley was plagued minutes. White added a respecting me and the team, say- —Jamal Gallier, can be the deciding factor for the sent to the free-throw line with a hellacious dunk to tie the game for ing their guys had neutralized me Stingers centre, referring to playoffs, and they had just beaten chance to give the Stingers the lead the Redmen in the opening min- in the previous game. It got us Friday’s loss to the Redmen. us.” in the final minute of the first half. utes of the final frame. fired up.” With the teams squaring off While he missed the second free However, the remainder of the “We felt kind of disrespected,” pointer and two slashing baskets twice more, the bad blood is sure throw, centre Jamal Gallier gath- final quarter belonged to Gallier, added Damian. “[Gallier] came out in the final minutes to secure the to be resolved the good old-fash- ered the offensive rebound and Con U’s imposing centre. Gallier with energy, and we fed off that.” victory. Damian finished with 20 ioned way—on the basketball found the slashing senior guard for answered White’s dunk with a The Redmen quickly fell apart points on the night. court. “We’re just going out to win a layup to give the Stingers a 29-26 vicious two handed slam of his in the last quarter, turning the ball The teams showed some bad games,” said Gallier. lead heading into halftime. own before connecting on a sweet over on three consecutive posses- blood at the end of the game, as a The Redmen came out swinging hook shot down low to give the sions at one point. Damian was a skirmish developed between the The Stingers will face the UQAM in the second half, as their raucous Stingers a four-point lead. big factor, as he used his superior teams as they were leaving to the Citadins in a home-and-home series home crowd spurred them to an Gallier’s tear wasn’t over, as he quickness to get into passing lanes locker room. McGill guard this upcoming weekend. Friday’s early 15-9 run to take the lead in found Stingers forward Sebastien and bother McGill’s offence. He Moustafa El-Zanaty, grabbed onto game takes place at the Loyola Sports the third quarter. The Stingers Martin with a beautiful pass also provided the final nails in the a Stingers player, and a shoving Complex at 6 p.m, while Saturday’s found themselves in foul trouble down low before throwing down Redmen’s coffin at the offensive match ensued between the teams. game takes place at UQAM’s Centre- early, and Redmen forward Sean another rim-rattling slam a few end, as he connected on a three El-Zanaty, the leading scorer in Sportif at 7 p.m scoreboard schedule Home Away Record Who When

Concordia 82 VS McGill 93 @ UQTR Wednesday, 7 p.m. 5-3-0 Men’s hockey Men’s Basketball McGill 69 VS Concordia 82 @ York Saturday, 2 p.m. McGill 4 VS Concordia 3 Men’s Hockey Guelph 3 VS Concordia 5 11-9-0 Women’s Basketball VS UQAM Friday, 8 p.m. Brock 3 VS Concordia 2 @ UQAM Saturday, 5 p.m.

Concordia 74 VS McGill 53 VS UQAM Friday, 6 p.m. 2-6-0 Men’s Basketball Women’s Basketball McGill 72 VS Concordia 65 @ UQAM Saturday, 7 p.m.

Concordia 2 VS Women’s Hockey Ottawa 1 3-10-0 Concordia 0 VS McGill 10 thelinknewspaper.ca/sports 20 OPINIONS THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/OPINIONS The conflict in Gaza has ...continued from last week adopted a global character The debate has moved to the streets • EVITA MOUAWAD down in Cairo, the UN found itself on the receiving end of Israeli Defence Force I went home for Christmas. That may bombs. The UN buildings that were bombed sound innocuous, but when home is had been sheltering Palestinian families that Lebanon and the country to the south sud- had been told to leave their homes by the denly finds itself at war, Christmas is any- IDF. thing but merry. Surrounded by peacekeepers and the pro- Two days after Christmas, Lebanese tele- tection of international law, those families vision came alive with heartbreaking stories must have felt safe. But according to the and footage from Gaza. I soon learned that Israeli foreign minister, a rocket was some- unlike Western media, television in the how launched from the compound—defend- Middle East is not so selective in the images ed by blue-helmeted UN peacekeepers—and it chooses to broadcast. Israeli forces bombed it and killed more than Disturbing images of corpses laying on 40 refugees in response. top of each other, children with bloody faces One strike, that is all it takes. After three and emergency rooms conquered by panic weeks of strikes you end up with 1,000 casu- and chaos became part of every evening alties. Last Saturday, there was talk at the news show. With the images came shock. UN about labelling certain Israeli actions as When I learned that Red Cross teams were war crimes. banned from entering the Palestinian terri- You might say that people die every day tory, I was livid. and that those affected by the conflict in Two weeks later I found myself in New Gaza are not the only ones dying. But the York, meeting with a friend interning at the tragic difference between Gaza and natural General Assembly of the United Nations. disasters or ethnic conflicts is that it could Thousands of kilometres from the chaos and have easily been prevented, especially on the destruction in Gaza, she told me about the scale that the Israeli offensive has been mood at the world’s premier forum of waged. debate. I learned how three days of meetings Israel has the right, like any country, to resulted in a resolution that was buried and defend itself, but by responding to rockets forgotten in hours. with massive air strikes targeted at one of The Israeli offensive continued, and as the most-populated areas on earth, many General Secretary Ban Ki-moon touched have questioned the means of the response. Throttling information COMIC MARLEE MACMILLAN has its price The Isreali narrative: from Joe the Plumber to Twitter

• MOHAMMED SHAMRANI by more than traditional briefings, conference calls and interviews. YouTube and Twitter Moshe Dayan, a former Israeli Defence were mobilized to reach a wider audience. The and Foreign Minister, explained Israeli occu- goal of the Israeli media control campaign has pation policy as follows: “We have no solu- been simple, to remove “occupation” from the tion, you shall continue to live like dogs, and language of debate. whoever wishes may leave, and we will see Even Joe the Plumber—real name Samuel where this process leads.” J. Wurzelbacher—was flown to the south of Against the backdrop of a 41-year-old Israel in a public relations stunt. Working for occupation that took the form of a blockade of an American conservative website, Joe con- the Gaza Strip for the past 18 months, Dayan’s cluded while he was in Sderot that, “residents words carry much weight. History seems to can’t do normal things day to day like get soap have been forgotten as Israel launched into in their eyes in the shower for fear of rockets.” this current conflict with an official narrative This strategy reached its height when the of rockets falling on Israeli cities, backed by Israeli Defence Force barred foreign journal- the United States and the world’s media. ists from entering Gaza. Despite the objec- There has been a considerable effort to sus- tions of Israel’s Supreme Court, the IDF tain this narrative, but Israeli newspaper argued that journalists “inflated Palestinian Haaretz exposed the cynical reality. In a piece suffering.” As a result, the West’s foreign cor- entitled “Disinformation, secrecy and lies: respondents were on hills overlooking Gaza How the Gaza offensive came about” on Dec. City as the Arab media reported from the 27, Haaretz wrote that Defence Minister Ehud streets. Barak ordered his generals to start preparing The IDF had previously ignored a Supreme the current offensive six months ago. Court ruling ordering the dismantling of a 41- Those preparations included a propaganda kilometre concrete barrier. strategy drafted by recent Israeli UN ambas- For the most part, Israeli propaganda has sador Dan Gillerman. “This was something been exposed rather quickly, but its volume is that was planned long ahead,” admitted still immense. Mass public demonstrations Gillerman. “I was recruited by the Foreign from Paris to Indonesia are proof of a critical Minister to coordinate Israel’s efforts and I rejection of the narrative emanating from have never seen all parts of a very complex these official sources. By seeing through the machinery.” distortions and rhetoric, the global public has The official Israeli position was defended vowed to end the madness. THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/OPINIONS OPINIONS 21 Hoist a pint to the new Word in the Herd —compiled by Christopher Olson and Owain Harris commander-in-chief After Ben and Jerry’s revealed “Yes Pecan,” we wondered what flavour the Drinking games and excuses for Obama’s inaugural Bush Administration would be? • R. BRIAN HASTIE buzzwords in the name of truan- Instead, creativity is necessary; cy—“It was a creed, written into responding to what the camera’s The Link has largely minimized the founding documents, that showing is also an effective way of its reporting of the recent declared our destiny ‘Yes we can playing this game. American election due to the over- skip class for change’ and ‘togeth- In short, this is nothing but a “GuantanaMarshmallow. I think he whelming coverage already devot- er, from coast to cost, we can primer for the myriad of potential used Guantanamo in a bad way.” ed to the occasion. Fortunately, strengthen our future ties with ideas at one’s disposal for good we’ve decided to wave that policy three simple words, ‘yes we times. Think outside the box, act —LaTavia Desmarais, to participate in the Jan. 20 inau- drink’”—is perfectly reasonable like an inauguration maverick. Political Science guration, an event unlikely to be and should baffle teachers into forgotten. forgetting tardiness. Rules: As President-elect Barrack If that should fail, unleash a • When you hear the following phrases: Obama descends upon the White Howard Dean-like scream of - “Regime change” Take a shot. House with his brood in tow, the “HOOOPPPPEEEE.” That should - “Despot” Take a shot. Party Of The Year—trademark set your prof straight and silence - “Economic battleground” pending—is going off today. Never the critics that claim that you reek Take two shots. “Berries of Mass Destruction: May one to miss a party, we feel like it’s of booze and that your manner of - “A giant snake from the future is going to or May Not Contain Berries. I like our duty to help you, the Con U dress has deteriorated since they crush us all if we don't give me divine pow- that one.” student, maximize your potential saw you on the metro this morn- ers” Run off with the nearest bottle of for mischief and good-natured ing. —Erin Watson, scotch and take liberal swigs from it. fun. Now onto the drinking contest, Employee of Design One Habitat • Every time Obama has to stop his speech Now, we don’t condone reck- the best place to do it is in the due to thunderous applause. Take a shot. less drinking, but we definitely comfort of the cavernous den that (Turn that into two shots if the camera cuts condone responsible partying. is Reggies. Grab yourself a booth to people giving him a standing ovation.) With that in mind, we’d like to that’s not too close to the screen, • If someone who is clearly not Caucasian is suggest a drinking game that along with a couple of people and could potentially benefit all of its a few pitchers or a variety of shots shown on-camera tearing up. participants. and wait for the magic. Take a shot. The fact that his speech comes The trick is to not use the • You see a family hugging each other. Take down the pipe at noon is no rea- overtly obvious words. The old a shot. “Katrina Krunch. Yeah, that’s it.” son not to imbibe. This is prime stand-bys of ‘change’ and • The camera cuts to troops abroad clap- drinking time. Getting sauced for ‘progress’ should be discarded, ping. Take three shots. —Michael Luccisano, one’s afternoon Poli Sci class is they are the easy targets and Comments are made about Obama's choice English Lit acceptable under the circum- everyone expects them. The of dog. Take a shot. stances. phrase ‘Yes we can’ is also played • Every time Obama's cult of personality is To misuse Obama’s winning out; campaign slogans are a no. mentioned. Take a shot. A conversation with a door snob

Stop pushing my buttons, or else “Freedom Vanilla. I thought it was • SOHRAB MOSSADED excuses are you going to come up with? funny.” You were being chivalrous to yourself? Self- What’s wrong with you? I saw you using the large chivalry? Chivalry might be dead but your arms still —Majeanne Behzadi, handicap button to open the door, and when it didn’t work. Use them or lose them. Sociology work you tried again, and then again a third time. Most of all, you’re not being green. You can carry Wondering whether you didn’t apply enough pres- around the metal mug, the organic hemp bag and eat sure, you hit it harder. all the dry vegan muffins you want, but if you are It couldn’t possibly be broken, how then would pressing the large metal button, your carbon foot- the handicapped get into the library? print is growing with every step. Is the effort of extending your arm and contract- A recent replication of the 1961 Milgram experi- ing a few muscle fibers so unthinkable? It’s not like ment showed that ordinary people are very willing to licking your elbow, just open the door. Perhaps torture others by administering painful shocks when “I dunno. It’s George Bush…no com- you’re in a study zen and don’t want to risk distrac- ordered to do so, by pushing a button. Some con- ment.” tion. You’d rather stand there, wait and watch the clude that under the right circumstances any one door open. could display the same behavior as the Nazis did. But —Vince Spinelli, Maybe you are a germaphobe? You think you’ll the missing variable that the researchers did not con- Environmental Science contract something from the door handle? Wrong. trol for: buttons. The bigger the better, even if some- Cold metal surfaces are a poor environment for bac- one is being hit with a 450-volt electrical shock in the teria to survive or grow. In fact the more metal sur- other room. Buttons are evil. faces are touched, the cleaner they become. Whether it’s bubble-wrap therapy at home or the Of course the door and the button are made from morphine button at the hospital, buttons can relieve the same metal, but you can punch the button and pain, but you know what happens when you use the use the back of your hand to push it, much lower risk buttons that are meant for disabled students? You of infection. Nice thinking, not really. disable them, and you cause pain to those who rely Or maybe you just love pushing buttons? Are you on their good functioning. The motors running the “George Bush? Chocolate Shit. I’ll the kind of person to double-push elevator buttons. doors very often do break and malfunction through just stick with that.” That’s right, you enter the elevator, your floor’s but- overuse. ton has already been pressed but you get in there and Thank you to whomever recently put up the signs — Omar Mustafa, push it…again. FYI, Urban Dictionary defines “eleva- at the downtown library reminding able students not History tor button” as an extremely short johnson. to use the handicap buttons; I now have far fewer You’re pushing my buttons right now, what other and less threatening conversations with myself. 22 OPINIONS THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/OPINIONS [email protected] Green Know nothing. No problem. this semester, leaving CSU Council with one option. trying to catch the ear of the public and government with I applied for the position of Chief Electoral Officer for the Well done Ms. Kashfi: you lied, then manipulated council hopes of changing our current ways. The same logic applies Concordia Student Union. Not only did I not receive any and now have a CEO of your choosing. Let me ask, when are for both sides. But when those in positions of power and space confirmation of receipt of my application, despite my email- we planning on stuffing the ballots, now? influence start to take rights away from those who don’t ing several times, I wasn’t even granted an interview when —Louise Birdsell Bauer share their opinion, this begs an important question. Who’s This crisis is an I showed up to the council meeting. Arts & Science Councillor actually importing the conflict here to Quebec? Apparently the Appointments Committee had done their —Doug Smith opportunity to “work” and pre-selected the three most qualified candi- Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights dates. I am not discouraged by the fact that the We didn’t start the fire rebuild green Appointments Committee did not consider me qualified; I In an article from one of Montreal’s free publications, 24 • BETTINA GRASSMANN am discouraged by how they define “qualified.” heures, a Université de Montréal history professor stated New CEO is bad news The “qualified” candidates were as follows: one with no that he feared an “importation of the Palestine/Israel con- I would like to inform the Concordia student body of the As this sea of financial doom and gloom knowledge of current by-laws and standing regulations, flict” to Quebec. After having thought about this, I’d say he’s recent crooked happenings in the Concordia Student Union. washes over us, we are all finding it difficult to another was an employee of the previous corrupt CEO, and right; but not about who’s doing the importing. A new Chief Electoral Officer was just elected to run the elec- come up for air. Yet this current slump may the last candidate was well-deserving. Guess whom the People are dying in the Gaza Strip—men, women, and tions this coming March. The process of how this individual prove to be an opportunity to rethink and CSU Council, on the urging of the executive, selected as children—whether they have a gun or they’re transporting was elected, however, was completely undemocratic and rework a system that is fundamentally flawed. CEO? If you guessed the candidate with no knowledge of the food aid to a population that was made dependent by a made me sick to my stomach. Many economists now argue that the current standing regulations and by-laws, you are right. siege imposed by an occupying army. It’s worth reminding A sub-committee of the CSU, called the Appointments economic system cannot be financially sus- Apparently not knowing anything qualifies one as a good people that in less then a month there have been over a Committee, decided that they were only going to let a select tained and the current failure is an inevitable CEO. What has our student government become and why thousand casualties. few individuals who applied for this position present their consequence of an unrealistic goal: eternal are we, the Concordia students, not raising hell? However here at home, what’s happening is that those case to council. Everyone else was forbidden from even hav- growth. The heavy environmental impact of the —Adrien Severyns who sympathize with Israel and its war crimes have taken it ing the chance to present themselves. current economic system should not be over- Poltical Science and History upon themselves to abuse their positions of power to delib- In the CSU’s standing regulations, it specifically says that looked. erately misinform the public. Worse still, they have punished the Appointments Committee has the right to “recommend A fact frequently ignored is that the words those who are trying to stop the war, by putting obstacles in appointees” to council for election, but it does not have the “ecology” and “economy” come from the same CEO comes president approved their way. right to choose who can be present. The committee is sup- Greek root: oikos, meaning “home.” The two are Is it me or is the Concordia Student Union hiding more Let’s talk about Concordia. Many of us read the fear-mon- posed to tell council who they believe to be the best candi- inextricably linked. We cannot address these than financial mismanagement? Not only have they not gering from The Concordian’s Opinions Editor Conor Lynch, dates, but council is supposed to have the chance to make issues separately. released any financial figures or a statement, the current who on Jan. 6 proceeded to tell a romanticized depiction of up their own minds. The committee completely over-stepped Not only have David Susuki, the Sierra Club executive has once again politicized what is supposed to be rockets raining down on a thriving European-style democra- their boundaries and this time they have gone too far. and radical lefties alike been saying this for an independent position: Chief Electoral Officer. cy from a hostile dark neighbor who just can’t accept living What is even more sickening about this act is that years, but also financial insiders. One of these At the last council meeting a councillor asked CSU in an open air prison. I wish I were exaggerating, and I wish President Keyana Kashfi is the chairperson of this commit- people is Herman Daly, an economist who President Keyana Kashfi if Council would see all applicants it were the only article in that issue sorely lacking facts. tee, meaning she chose the individuals who she thought worked for the World Bank for six years. for the CEO position. Keyana responded in the affirmative. The war of information aside, ethics quickly turn to cor- were “eligible” to apply for CEO. The CEO is the only person Disillusioned, Daly quit 15 years ago and in his Shamefully ignoring their duty, the Appointments ruption when we have those in the Concordia Student who governs the elections, and it is of utmost importance resignation speech said that banks needed to Committee met the night before Council and contrary to Union’s Council and the administration taking action that their position be unaffiliated. see the world with “new eyeglasses and a hear- Kashfi’s earlier promise, only forwarded three of the eight against students who advocate for Palestinian rights. A Is it just me, or should the politicized executive of the CSU ing aid.” candidate applications to Council. Furthermore, the com- quick look at the action and reaction reveals that after hav- not choose the CEO? What is happening in this school? Why The problem is the fractional reserve system. mittee violated standing regulations in that they did not ing printed some material and publicly stating facts that is no one doing anything about it? It is events like this that In effect this system allows banks to lend out even interview the candidates. certain individuals didn’t agree with, they turned around make me wish I went to a different university. All I can do more than they actually have. The central banks But wait, it gets better: the Appointments Committee and tried to suspend a sanctioned student club and sent a now is hope that someone will finally step up to these vigi- can effectively create money out of nothing and claimed that the three candidates were chosen because threatening letter to another student. Our tuition pays their lantes and get them out of our student government’s office lend that money at interest. Every bank has a they were not graduating, therefore providing much needed salaries; this conduct should not be tolerated. once and for all. reserve requirement: that is, they must have in stability to the independent position of CEO. However, two Logically, if groups are demanding that this war on the —Laura Schülke their reserves a certain percentage of the money out of the three candidates confirmed they were graduating Palestinian people living in Gaza be halted, they are simply Political Science they lend. These percentages are low, too low 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 according to Daly, but not low enough for the letters that are libelous, 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 banks. ID number and program of study. The comments in the letters and opinions section do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board. The only solution is the abolition the frac- tional reserve system, putting real wealth in bal- ance with virtual wealth. This is one of his pro- A message from the president of the CSU posed 10 steps to attaining an ecologically viable Dear members of the Concordia Student Union, viding new services and larger events to students than ever before. For example, Orientation economic future. Over the last few months you may have heard rumors about the financial status of the 2008 featuring Talib Kweli and The Stills and the upcoming Spike Lee CSU Speaker Series lec- Herman Daly developed the concept of a Concordia Student Union. These rumors have been propagated largely by an inaccurate article ture are some of the biggest events we’ve ever hosted yet we’ve managed to actually save stu- steady-state economy, a model based on that in the Nov. 25 issue of The Link and exploited by sometime student, part-time lawyer and long- dent money and fund them almost entirely through sponsors due to our aggressive fundrais- very feature that allows nature to sustain itself— time back-room politico Patrice Blais. ing. balance. In a steady-state economy, this balance As I am President of the CSU, it is my responsibility to set the record straight about the After a two-month negotiation process, I also managed to obtain several more benefits for maintains a realistic level of financial prosperi- finances of our student union. In early 2002, Patrice Blais took control of the CSU after the recall our Student Health and Dental Plan while incurring no extra costs to us, the members of the ty. There comes a point, says Daly, where of his previous executive amidst serious questions about the union’s finances. Marie Lyonnais Concordia Student Union. In addition, I secured an extra $100,000 from our insurance provider growth makes us poorer, not richer due to the was hired in 2002 to act as the CSU’s financial controller/bookkeeper yet she began to be absent to go directly into the cost of CSU’s Health Plan which will help offset the expenses incurred due overwhelmingly negative environmental costs from work regularly because of “personal issues” from 2005 until her resignation in June 2007. to the CSU’s financial problems. Mohammed Shuriye, President in 2005-‘06, and the President and VP Finance of 2006-‘07, In November, the investigation into Lyonnais’ negligence finally provided us with enough con- of pollution, waste and climate change. all failed to properly follow up on her work, despite it being their legal and fiduciary responsi- crete information to present our findings to CSU Council. The investigation is still ongoing, mak- Among Daly’s proposed policies are the re- bility to do so, setting the course for the problems to come. During this time Lyonnais failed to ing it difficult to discern the extent of the legal action to be taken. Financial transparency is a regulation of international commerce, the limit- open tax assessments for unpaid taxes from the Provincial and Federal governments, mis- top priority for the CSU Executive and Council and we have already spent many hours working ing of the range of income distribution and eco- placed payroll records, and neglected to perform many day-to-day tasks essential to keeping to rectify this problem. logical tax reform that acknowledges the whole the CSU in good financial standing. I also feel as though I must clarify that I provided Ms. Friday with all financial documenta- cost—environmental, social and financial—of a From June 2007 until now, the CSU executive lead by Angelica Novoa in ‘07-‘08 and me in tion she requested, contrary to the statements made in the article and editorial. Ms. Friday was business. Daly also wants to reform GDP so that ‘08-‘09 have taken direct action to ensure the CSU’s financial security and accountability. In also under the false impression that former VP Finance, Fauve Castagna, had prepared a the national account shows both costs and ben- June 2007, the Executive mandated a tax lawyer to initiate discussions with the federal and lengthy document that I refused to disclose to her, when no such document exists. It is my full efits, allowing a cap to ecologically expensive provincial tax authorities to negotiate payment schedules and hired a Forensic Accountant to objective to provide the student body with all the documents you have rights to and it concerns growth. perform a forensic audit of all CSU accounts. The executive also hired a Director of Finance and me that Ms. Friday was claiming otherwise. Nothing can grow forever. One-year-olds Administration, a certified accountant with in-depth knowledge of the CSU’s accounting sys- The current CSU executive will continue to work tirelessly to keep you informed, as I hope you learn about the limits of growth when their first tem in August 2007, and a qualified bookkeeper that all provide scheduled updates to the will since this is your union. Despite everything that my executive and I have had to deal with tower of blocks comes tumbling down, yet some President or VP Finance. this past year, it is imperative that students know that their union is now doing very well and of the world’s smartest, economists are behav- In addition to the changes to improve the CSU’s organizational structure, the CSU’s financial has weathered people’s negligence to survive and become stronger than ever. As always, feel ing on the assumption that gravity does not controls have also been drastically strengthened—for example, all disbursements now require free to approach me should you have any questions or comments regarding the CSU or exist. The solution to our financial crisis is not at least two authorizations before a cheque is produced—and all dealings with the government Concordia as a whole. deprivation, but a system wherein financial and external organizations are up to date and properly documented in an efficient manner. —Keyana Kashfi, prosperity translates into real world prosperity. This year, my Executive and I have continued to improve on these positive changes while pro- President of the Concordia Student Union THE LINK • JANUARY 20, 2009 • THELINKNEWSPAPER.CA/OPINIONS OPINIONS 23 crswrdpzzlol editorial EXTREME SPORTS MADE EXTREMER • X. BRIAN HASTIE & BRUNO XE ROSA ACROSS 12 e(Concordia?)

1. Skiing and shooting…but with way more 3 shootin’ this time Quid pro quo, a Latin term that translates in 45 4. This European racing sport would be much bet- English to “this for that” is a commonly used phrase ter if Segways replaced the cars in the world of negotiation.

7. This combat sport would be fantastical if 67 Imagine my surprise when, upon calling punches and kicks were centered on the crotch eConcordia (which I always assumed to be an elec- 8 area tronic extension of my dear alma mater), I was told a 8. Smokey the Bear does not approve of this 9 press pass to the eConcordia extravaganza in March admittedly “smoky” winter downhill sport 10 would cost me—or rather it would cost The Link. 9. These accessories make every potential event With press passes at a premium, I was told that 11 extreme, and deadly the major news organs had already been granted 10. A long, long run. No seriously, it’s long. Like 12 13 theirs. If Concordia student media wanted access to running-backwards-up-the-stairs long the eConcordia event, the disembodied voice at the 12. The most badass of extreme sports; all you other end of the phone told me, we would need to 14 15 16 need is one gun and one bullet make advertising space available to them for free. 14. One wrong pick choice and this sport will send Why are we complaining, you ask? It’s normal you tumbling into the dark; global warming may 17 that a business expects something for a service render this sport obsolete they’re providing. That is true. But is it normal for a 18 15. The fastest of all races on Earth, in the air. school to require free advertising from their student Boeing does not endorse this form of competition. press in order to attend a school-sponsored event?

Also known as air racing 19 Concordia University has always paid its student 17. Free running, only there are no buildings, only newspapers for the advertising space it uses. From sand and cacti speaker series to school events, the budding journal- 19. World’s most famous bike race. Could use more 20 ists have always been welcomed and their papers cougars…the animal paid, simply in the interest of sharing information 20. The fun of medieval chivalry with the benefits with students. of modern technology. A shocking event for all 21 So why the change? The price tag on this event is

12 21. Competitive stomach-centered event, with HAM a hefty $425 a head—a price some might call prohib- 3 issue 18 U MAPLE light bulbs, windows and bottles 4 itively expensive for the average student—so it’s MEATS I 5 solutionz E T S X unlikely that many ConU kids will be filling the seats 6 L CARROTS E DOWN 7 for this spectacle. O R R D DODO 2. Bowling would be much better if they played this takes away its life-saving elastic N D A N O Instead, an elite of the informed and those with W U N “hot” children’s game with the ball 13. Team sport whose death toll would increase if the 89 B TRUFFLE serious money to burn through in this toughest of 10 11 3. “Dribble, dribble, broken leg” is the hearty refrain ball were to be replaced by a timed explosive that MAYONNAISE S T I 12 tough times, will sit and enjoy the smart presenta- I R R C S C 13 of this sport was activated when kicked L A GRAPES O tions of an imported intelligencia. K N I R R 5. Event normally found at the Highland Games 16. This slow-as-molasses team sport can benefit 14 15 Steve Wozniak and assorted other gifted speakers P G BAGUETTE I 16 involving a telephone pole or similarly-shaped piece from the occasional interruption of stampeding ele- JUICE B S A C are sure to deliver brave words about the future of 17 18 19 of wood…Only upside down! phants Z S Q LETTUCE Z S O H eLearning as their plump audience enjoys the opu- 20 6. A classic test of strength, with a 21st century 18. Icy team sport that is in desperate need of BANANAS M E 21 lence of their surroundings. Only one thing will be U P I TABREAD 22 twist, thanks to the use of robotic limbs rocket-propelled players, as well as a bonus CHICKEN T S missing, the muted voice of those receiving the learn- 11. This sport gets infinitely more extreme when one machete round E O E ing. With students largely absent, you would think eConcordia would be eager to find a way to involve the student body at large. It is after all Concordia stu- dents who take the online courses and pay the fees that keep eConcordia alive, and by extension, could THIS WEEK IN HISTORY JANUARY 25, 2000 end it—even eConcordia’s target demographic, pro- “Concordia going private?” fessionals, need to enlist as independent Concordia students. • JUSTIN GIOVANNETTI The truth is that eConcordia is a wolf in sheep’s Loyola International College was clothing; it is an independent corporation that, while founded in 2001 as an acknowledge- owned by the umbrella Concordia University ment of the historically strong Arts and Foundation, remains distinctly separate from the Science program at Loyola campus; at university we know and love. least that’s the official story. But eConcordia should still have our best interests In early 2000, Concordia planned in mind, right? Our tuitions are their profits, and to create the Loyola International greed has been known to motivate. That may be so, College as a private appendage of the but teachers and critical education are being side- university, based on the planned lined in favour of cyber-efficiency. So with that in McGill College International—rejected mind I ask, where’s our quid pro quo? later that year. Seen as a solution to eConcordia, you’re hosting an event with a who’s Concordia’s financing woes, the private who of the technology world coming to town to speak college would have accepted 3,000 stu- about the sweet symbiosis of electronics and learn- dents paying nearly $28,000 a year in ing, and every one seems to be on your guest list but tuition. al environment. Pardon me, but does fers does not make it revenue neutral. students. A raw deal, if you ask me. Providing courses in philosophy, lit- this seem right: philosophy as both a Furthermore, the university down- —Clare Raspopow, erature and languages, the private ven- ‘cash cow’ and a means of adjusting to played the capitalism and elitism of the Features editor ture was seen as a means to provide globalization? private college by claiming that its “new options for people at Concordia The university’s official response to mandate was devoted to diversity and and to attract new students,” explained questions about the private college was pluralism. In 2007, Psychology professor Bill Bukowski. a somewhat revelatory tragicomedy. Doublespeak is a shaky foundation eConcordia had 26 full-time workers The university described the pro- When asked about the heavy tuition, on which to establish a venture, espe- posed college as an internationally the school responded that the college cially when that undertaking is likely to advertised program with a unique cur- was revenue neutral. Just because the be as controversial as a private college and students. riculum to respond to a changing glob- money is redirected to Concordia’s cof- would be. 13,038