Dal vs. the world - Dalhousie Gazette
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
145-05 • Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2012
FREE!
Cover Illustration by Emily Davidson
dal vs.
the world
3rd Annual Park Lane Theatre
csff.ca @CanadaSurfFilm
facebook.com /canadiansurffilmfestival
Please follow @gazettecontests on Twitter
to enter for a chance to win a Ticket!
September 28 - October 4, 2012 •
staff
WEEKLY
DISPATCH
Katrina Pyne, Editor-in-Chief Chris Parent, Photo Editor
editor@dalgazette.com photo@dalgazette.com
Torey Ellis, Copy Editor Ethan Calof, Online Editor
copy@dalgazette.com Joelline Girouard, Asst. Online Editor
Daniel Boltinsky, News Editor online@dalgazette.com
Calum Agnew, Asst. News Editor Ben Gallagher, Other Editor
news@dalgazette.com theothergazette@dalgazette.com
Sam Elmsley, Opinions Editor Jonathan Rotsztain, Art Director
opinions@dalgazette.com design@dalgazette.com
Andrew Mills, Arts Editor Paul Balite, Financial Manager
Meagan Deuling, Asst. Arts Editor business@dalgazette.com
arts@dalgazette.com
Aaron Merchant, Business Manager
Personally I love this city, but I think it’d be a Ian Froese, Sports Editor advertising@dalgazette.com
helluvalot better if we had: Graeme Benjamin, Asst. Sports Editor
Isaac Green, Advertising Manager
sports@dalgazette.com
advertising@dalgazette.com
• Late night bus service
• Made Argyle Street and University Avenue
into pedestrian zones
contact us advertising
• Bicycle lanes running along South Park street
www.dalgazette.com Isaac Green
right into the North End The SUB, Room 312 Advertising Manager
• Better support for student housing co-ops 6136 University Avenue 902 401 9666
and tenants rights Halifax NS, B3H 4J2 advertising@dalgazette.com
• More support for the arts and culture scene
that makes this place unique the fine print
The Gazette is the official written record of Dalhousie University since This publication is intended for readers 18 years of age or older. The
That’s why I’m stoked that for the first time 1868. It is published weekly during the academic year by the Dalhouse views of our writers are not the explicit views of Dalhousie University. All
Gazette Publishing Society. The Gazette is a student-run publication. students of Dalhousie University, as well as any interested parties on or
ever university student unions from around Its primary purpose is to report fairly and objectively on issues of off-campus, are invited to contribute to any section of the newspaper.
importance and interest to the students of Dalhousie University, to Please contact the appropriate editor for submission guidelines, or
the city have united into a common front, provide an open forum for the free expression and exchange of ideas, drop by for our weekly volunteer meetings every Monday at 5:30 p.m.
and to stimulate meaningful debate on issues that affect or would in room 312 of the Dal SUB. The Gazette reserves the right to edit
recognizing that with 30,000 of us here in otherwise be of interest to the student body and/or society in general. and reprint all submissions, and will not publish material deemed by
Views expressed in the letters to the editor, Overheard at Dal, and its editorial board to be discriminatory, racist, sexist, homophobic or
the city, our voice has the potential to shape opinions section are solely those of the contributing writers, and do libellous. Opinions expressed in submitted letters are solely those of
not necessarily represent the views of The Gazette or its staff. Views the authors. Editorials in The Gazette are signed and represent the
HFX for the better. Especially since recent expressed in the Streeter feature are solely those of the person being opinions of the writer(s), not necessarily those of The Gazette staff,
quoted, and not The Gazette’s writers or staff. Editorial Board, publisher, or Dalhousie University.
legislation makes it so that out-of-province
students can now vote for the first time.
Together we’ve created a bold platform that
is focused on making HFX a forward-thinking,
youthful city. Do yourself a favour and get 1) Sharpe graduates to Olympic pool—Paula Sanderson, Sports
informed at www.YouthfulCity.ca 2) Dal represents—Monica Mutale, Sports
3) Rococode and Halifax love each other—Alana Westwood, Arts
The plan is that elections will be a starting point in a long-term process of transforming
the way students and the community interacts. The community needs to know how much 4) Thinking globally—Sam Vlessing, Opinions
students love this city. The Metro Student Coalition is here to make it happen. 5) A waiting game for cleaner power—Katherine McKenna, News
Our campaign kicks off Friday September 28th with an event called “Spokes Out HFX” to
bring attention to our cycling platform. Bring your bikes and come for a ride.
October 1st, 7-9pm, SUB (2nd floor): Come see the Dawgfather duke it out with Waye
Mason, Sue Uteck, Mike MacDonell and Gerry Walsh in the district 7 debate.
October 2nd, 7-9pm, SUB (2nd floor): Halifax will be choosing a new Mayor this year. Come
see the candidates in action in a debate focused on government secrecy, transparency,
and citizen engagement.
October 8th-14th: We’re supporting ‘block parties’ at homes around the city, designed to
bring together you and your neighbor’s so you can get past awkward neighborly nods and
get into some real meaty conversation about the future of our city. There’ll be free food and
good music also!
Details are at www.YouthfulCity.ca. Every student should get on the site now.
Voting day is October 20th. Get ready.
P.s. If you’re not already on the voters list, you can come to the SUB on October 15th
and get added on, real simple and easy (ID required with proof of address).
Much Love,
Jamie
Stay connected with the DSU through Facebook & Twitter
Facebook Page: Dalhousie Student Union
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dalstudentunion
news
news covers Dalhousie and
the greater Halifax community.
Contributions are welcome!
Email Daniel and Calum at
news@dalgazette.com
Daniel Boltinsky News Editor
news
news
news covers Dalhousie and
the greater Halifax community.
Contributions are welcome!
Email Daniel and Calum at
news@dalgazette.com
Daniel Boltinsky News Editor
UNWELCOME GUESTS AT DAL
RODENT PESTS STALK DAL’S HALLS AFTER DARK
labs and experiments running at any control the pests. the rodents’ disease-carrying reputa-
given time in the building. “We have an ongoing battle against tion. But she says that she’s “not ter-
The rodents can cary a variety of them across the campus, for any ribly bothered by it.”
troublesome diseases, but there's lit- number of reasons,” says Wilkinson, Rats are normally an issue that a
tle hope of preventing the infestation “one of them being that some of the homeowner will deal with as quickly
from penetrating the animal labs in buildings are really old. To get them as possible. But the rats that make
the LSC, says Simon Gadbois, a pro- sealed up to the point where rats and their homes at Dal have been here
fessor of psychology working with mice can’t get in is pretty difficult.” for a while—and aren’t expected to be
dogs in the LSC. “Rats and mice can get through a leaving anytime soon.
"They're everywhere. Everywhere," tiny, tiny little hole. Or if there’s no “It’s something we’re always going
says Gadbois. "There's no stopping hole they make a new hole.” to be dealing with,” says Wilkinson.
it." Professors and students engaged The best way to keep the vermin at
In the psychology and biology in late-night research and studying bay isn’t judicious use of chemicals
wings there are labs that frequently have grown accustomed to seeing the and traps (although they are used by
contain animals—such as the canine odd rat scurry across normally bus- contractors working for Dal), says
research lab. Pests of any kind could tling hallways and lecture rooms after Wilkinson, but cleanliness: denying
be a major nuisance. And with thou- most people have left for the day. the rats and mice a food source.
sands of people passing through the “There’d be droppings—or you’d Despite facilities management’s
LSC every day, the health implica- actually see an animal. For people, best efforts, it’s nearly impossible
tions of encountering rats and their that’s the worst thing,” says Wilkin- to keep the many halls of the school
Rats and mice can be heard in the ceilings of the LSC, says Simon Gadbois.
remnants can be serious. son. completely free of rodent-enticing
• • • Photo by Ichtertz Agnes via PublicDomainPictures.net
Gadbois says that there's no way Or maybe not. A few years ago, food at all times. Wilkinson has little
of knowing what effect the rodents noticing that his cup tea of tea tasted hope of winning the battle any time
Kevin Bradley Dal scientists’ favourite participants might have had on animals—but it's fuzzy, Gadbois emptied a kettle out. soon.
News Contributor for much of the research that goes on not something the faculty is wor- "The teabag was a mouse," says Gad- “Even if you’ve just got one mouse
in the Life Sciences Centre. Recently, ried about. "It's never been a massive bois. dropping on your desk, it would be
Rats, affectionately known around though, rodents have been spotted issue," says Gadbois. Many students find the thought of unacceptable. So to get to a level
the biology wing as Rattus rattus, more often out of the lab than in. It’s not difficult to understand how rats crawling around lecture halls at where that never happens…Well,
have made their homes in the Life This isn’t just unpleasant for the LSC might have become home night a little uncomfortable. Jacque- that’s going to be difficult in these old
Sciences Centre (LSC) at Dalhousie the students, faculty and staff that to the rodents. Mike Wilkinson is line Wigle, in her second year at Dal buildings—but that’s definitely what
home for years, but not just in labs. work and study in the LSC; it’s also manager of Environmental Services studying psychology and theatre says we strive for.”
Rodents have traditionally been a potential problem for the many at Dal and is in charge of efforts to she doesn’t like the idea because of
SAVE UP
TO 90%
ON USED
TEXTBOOKS
AND 35%
ON NEW
TEXTBOOKS
BEING OF ADVENTUROUS SOUL but of meek wallet, I will hereby spend less
for my textbooks in order to save money for what can’t be learned from a book.
• September 28 - October 4, 2012 news 5
Q&A: Waye Mason
Kristie Smith : So then how exactly would this be
Staff Contributor done?
WM: One of the things that we've
Two weeks ago, we brought you the talked about a lot in this election that
Dawgfather. This week we’re inter- I totally support is community coun-
viewing another candidate for city cils having more powers. So, you'd
council running in district seven: have a council in the peninsula or
Dalhousie alumnus Waye Mason. maybe Halifax downtown commu-
Mason currently teaches music busi- nity with three members, and the
ness at NSCC. He was also one of the idea is that that part of the tax rev-
founders of the Halifax Pop Explosion enue generated in that area would
and currently serves as the chairman then be invested and controlled by
of the festival’s board of directors. that community council.
: What is necessary to make city Waye Mason on public transit in
council more transparent? Halifax:
Waye Mason: What it comes down to : What do you think of the current
is that you need councillors not will- transit system?
ing to go in-camera and who under-
stand when something needs to go WM: It stinks. I bike to the ferry every
in-camera and when it's just done for day and take the Woodside ferry every
the convenience of staff. day and I've come out really strong in
My personal favourite is that if you favor of transit reform. I think it's one
ask the legal department, "can we be of those things that we talk, pretty
sued for this," really the answer is much to death, about.
almost always yes. So the question
now then is, "are we likely to be sued : So what can we do?
for this and will we lose."
A lot of the stuff they've been going WM: We're going somewhere on the
in-camera for has been because coun- commuter rail plan which was first
cil hasn't been following its own rules presented in 1992-1993 when I was Waye Mason thinks students can decide the result in district seven. • • • Photo by Michael Cestnik
or policies and they're turtling up to a student at Dalhousie, and I went
protect themselves from lawsuits. to that meeting and I was so excited, Waye Mason on students: allow students to vote, and then there Nova Scotia?
and 20 or 21 years later it's still the was a lot of good work done by stu-
Waye Mason on how to develop same plan. : Have you been on campuses dent activists who forced the issue WM: Well I'm glad that it's started to
downtown Halifax: much so far? and finally the NDP government go down finally from it's all time high.
Waye Mason on how the election will changed the provincial law to allow Look, I went to Dal when our tuition
: How exactly would you like to see play out: WM: Well I live just right around the students to vote and now here we are doubled. Students don't want to hear
tax money spent? corner. I think the councillor for dis- and hopefully students will vote. how low tuition was for me but we
WM: The students shouldn't under- trict seven, especially now that it cov- That being said, when the registra- watched students in the 90s go from
WM: This new district seven is going estimate the impact that they can ers all the universities on the penin- tion for electronic voting was Aug. being able to make enough money by
to generate about one in five residen- have on this election. Do I think sula, should have a meeting with the 24 and they refused to put polls on working minimum wage all summer
tial and commercial tax dollars and 8,000 students are going to vote? presidents of the student unions after campus at SMU or Dal for physical and living at home to dropping out
it's not seeing anywhere near that I do not think that, but I really wish they've been elected in the spring and voting, it's now very hard for most of school because their parents never
level of investment in the infrastruc- they would. What I do think though they should be known on campus, at people. thought they'd have to pay that kind
ture around downtown. I know it is that if five or six or seven hundred least to a limited degree. If you look That being said, when the registra- of money for them to go to school.
sounds trite and tacky but downtown students get out and vote, educating at the numbers in residence and in tion for electronic voting was Aug. 24 Tuition is a barrier; it creates a
and the peninsula really is the goose themselves and voting for someone the area, there are well over 20,000 and they refused to put polls on cam- socio-economic divide between who
that lays the golden egg. who supports their issues, that could and the councilor needs to be a much pus at SMU or Dal for physical vot- can afford to go to university and
Now all that money doesn't belong, really change the election more active ambassador and be avail- ing, it's now very hard for most peo- who can't. It's unfortunate that... No,
as a right, to the residents of the dis- Last year only 4,600 people voted able to talk to the Gazette and be ple. not unfortunate... It still drives me
trict, but we're not investing suffi- in this district, so students can have a available to talk to student leaders. The polling station for Dalhousie is crazy how high tuition is. It's not
cient money for downtown, Spring lot of power and I hope they embrace at LeMarchant St. (Thomas) School, acceptable.
Garden Road, the university areas, the chance to make Halifax a better : Why do you think the students which is just… Like guys, it's just one
and the roads going in and out of the place. wouldn't go to polls? block away. Let's do this. This interview has been edited for
downtown area. WM: Well, election laws were not clarity and length.
interpreted until the last election to : How do you feel about tuition in
HOW DAL STACKS UP It’s ranking season: what you should expect to see
Calum Agnew Maclean’s was “the only way I knew “What Maclean’s does with the data
Assistant News Editor about universities far away,” says Josh is objectionable. It is not collected for
Maclean’s QS World THE
2011-12 2012-13 2011-12
Bowdridge, a third-year neuroscience the purpose of creating rankings. And
#1: McGill #1: Waterloo #1: MIT #1: CalTech
On Sept. 13, Quacquerlli Symonds student. the raw numbers are not necessarily a
(QS) released the eighth edition of But Canadian universities have reliable guide to the experience that
their world university rankings. Dal- had a troubled relationship with any student would have at any given #16: Dal
#243: Dal
#226: Dal
#6: Dal
housie came in 243rd out of 700 the magazine. In 2006, Dal and 21 university.”
ranked universities, just above the other Canadian schools opted out of The seductiveness of a rankings
Politecnico di Milano and below the Maclean’s rankings over objections system is obvious, but Swapan Das-
UK’s Loughborough University. MIT regarding the magazine’s methodol- gupta agrees that the rankings may
took the top spot. ogy. But that hasn’t stopped Maclean’s not be a reliable guide for students #15: Manitoba #49: CBU #700: Worch. #400: Wym.
Only two Canadian schools made from ranking them. looking at graduate studies. Das- Overall Reputation Overall Overall
the top 20: McGill, at 17th, just ahead Instead of universities collect- gupta is an associate dean in the fac-
of the University of Toronto, at 18th. ing information for the magazine, ulty of science and a professor of eco- the school’s score. For many Canadian students, the
QS is just one of many available Maclean’s now files freedom of infor- nomics. The obvious and often repeated rankings are more of a curiosity than
ranking schemes, but the release of mation requests to extract data from “What matters very much for the criticism of such schemes is that they anything else. Wohlfahrt says that
these results heralds the start of rank- universities. Much of that data is student is, at least in terms of the are self-fulfilling prophecies: highly although the rankings influenced
ing reason—a yearly deluge of data drawn from surveys conducted by the kind of work that’s likely to be pro- ranked universities do well because where he wanted to go, the choice
designed to capitalize on the question national Canadian University Survey duced, is not necessarily the institu- they are known as highly ranked uni- was really never there due to other
gnawing away at senior high school Consortium—whose president hap- tion as much as the particular super- versities. In an essay for Inside Higher constraints.
students everywhere: where should I pens to be the acting director of Dal’s visor or faculty member that he or she Ed, the editor of the THE rankings “The rankings made me proud—
go to university? Office of Institutional Analysis and is working with,” says Dasgupta. himself said such ranking systems and excited—to accept my fate. It’s
For many Canadian students, uni- Research, Michael O’Sullivan. “Small institutions may have very were “inherently crude.” not a bad fate.”
versity rankings are synonymous with “The university would have to put special strengths.” But even as these ranking systems And for some, it isn’t even about
just one publication: Maclean’s. on a blindfold if it wanted to withhold For most worldwide ranking sys- face increasing criticism, they are the school. “I love the Halifax area,”
In the national magazine’s 2011 this information from Maclean’s and tems, reputation is the single big- gaining influence—in some cases, says Garlande Haney, a second-year
rankings, Dal was middle of the pack other publications that make use of gest factor in determining a school’s even becoming part of national international development studies
for large research institutions, plac- it,” says O’Sullivan. placement. In the QS ranking, 40 policy. Brazilian students can apply student. “I looked at the rankings out
ing sixth, while McGill took the top Universities collect the data— per cent of a school’s result is deter- for government-funded exchanges, of curiosity.”
spot. which includes student debt levels, mined by a survey asking members as part of the county’s Science Of course, ranking season is just
The rankings “had a pretty signifi- incomes, and experience with stu- of faculty to rank other schools. At Without Borders program. But for getting started; both THE and
cant influence on where I wanted to dent services—for internal use. The the Times Higher Education (THE) a host institution to qualify, it must Maclean’s will release their results
go,” says third-year English student survey is standardized so that schools worldwide rankings, a reputation rank in the top 200 of the QS or to great fanfare in early October. But
Michael Wohlfahrt. For some, the can benchmark themselves against survey accounts for 32 per cent of the THE world rankings. Russia also has don’t let yourself get too excited: the
rankings are one of the few places to similar institutions; it is not used for rankings, and the number of citations an exchange program that relies on results will probably be exactly what
get clear information about school. promotion or public comparison. per faculty accounts for 30 per cent of these rankings. you expect.
news
news covers Dalhousie and
the greater Halifax community.
Contributions are welcome!
Email Daniel and Calum at
news@dalgazette.com
Daniel Boltinsky News Editor
opinions
opinions
gazette opinions welcomes any
opinion backed up with facts; but we
don’t publish rants. Email Sam at
opinions@dalgazette.com to contribute
Sam Elmsley Opinions Editor
Reflecting on Dal’s spot on a scale of oil sands to No-Impact Man.
• • • Photo by AmandaRolfe
Sustainability
at Dal
Robin Tress drive from home every day even
Opinions Contributor though 75 per cent of us live within 10
kilometres of campus. Dal produces a
Dalhousie prides itself on being lot of its own energy for heat and elec-
green, but how environmentally tricity using natural gas; while natu-
savvy are we really? ral gas is less carbon-intensive than
coal or bunker C, it still produces
Friends Only Let
THE GOOD significant quantities of greenhouse
The Dal Student Union's Sustainabil- gas, and requires unethical extraction
ity Office (DSUSO) is a great place to procedures. More than half of stu-
look for success stories. In the three dents come from outside Nova Scotia,
Friends Play Pool at
years of its existence DSUSO has and many of them fly home at Christ-
pulled together annual Green Weeks, mas, Thanksgiving, reading week and
started a campus food garden with in the summer. All in all, this is not a
help from the university and with very 'green' place to start.
Nova Scotia Public Interest Research Despite innumerable reports writ-
Group (NSPIRG) have created a ten by students, faculty and indepen-
bike sharing program for students. dent consulting companies, Dal has
Rob MacNeish, policy and internal managed to increase its greenhouse
communications officer for DSUSO, gas emissions by 4,000 tonnes from
says they have also begun research 2009 to 2012. Campus is still pow-
on starting to pull DSU investments ered by fossil fuels. The LSC still
from fossil fuel corporations. All in sucks energy, not only from the heat-
all, DSUSO has made huge strides in ing and cooling, but from the souls
a short time. of everyone within it. The dozens of
The Dal Office of Sustainability, houses that now serve as offices and
not to be confused with DSUSO, is in mini-residences have abominable
the business of making Dal greener insulation.
as a whole. This office is responsible
for seeking Leadership in Energy and THE UGLY
Environmental Design (LEED) cer- On top of the aforementioned issues,
tification for buildings like the Mona Dal has an interesting relationship
Campbell, reducing Dal's greenhouse with many fossil fuel companies. The
gas emissions and running projects engineering department receives
that encourage low-impact habit on
campus. This office has numerous
reports that quantify and cost out
energy-saving measures around cam-
sponsorship from Shell. The geology
department offers scholarships paid
for by Petro-Canada and Chevron.
The Canadian Association of Petro-
Downtown Halifax!
pus. For example, one report shows
that the Killam Library could be sav-
ing 90 tonnes of carbon dioxide by
switching to a solar air-heating sys-
leum Producers is a member of Dal's
Critical Infrastructure Protection
project. On top of that, many of Dal’s
departments and faculties, and even
5430 Doyle Street
tem that would pay itself off in five to the DSU, have investments in fossil
six years. fuel companies.
The College of Sustainability takes This leaves the university at a turn-
a holistic approach to sustainabil- ing point. Dal must decide if it will
ity education by teaching its stu- continue to use its current model of
dents how to integrate sustainabil- operation, which includes support for
423-2522
ity into their lives, society and the the industry that is ravaging the peo-
workplace. Students learn concepts ple and environments of this planet,
and challenges of sustainability, and or if it will break free from the norm
class projects are more often than not of inaction.
based in real world changes to busi-
locasbilliards.com
nesses and institutions. The College, MOVING FORWARD
now in its fifth year of existence, has As a whole, we've started to turn a
upward of 500 students. corner in our mindset and attitudes
Students and faculty have been towards sustainability. We have the
successful in putting together a heap brains to ask tough questions and New Members and guests welcome
of sustainability initiatives like cloth- make big decisions. The variety of
ing swaps, DIY workshops, how- sustainability efforts has shown
JOIN US!
to courses on reducing energy use, that. What we lack is the brawn. If
movie screenings and discussion we need to overcome apathy, road-
groups, as well as presenting infor- blocks, and red tape to become more
mation on greening your home and sustainable, if we need the university
workplace, like the Green Guide to cut ties with the fossil fuel indus-
(greenguide.dal.ca). try, it's up to the enlightened masses
to stick together until those goals are CONTRIBUTORS’ MEETINGS
THE BAD achieved.
Thirty-four per cent of Dal students MONDAYS, 5:30PM, ROOM 312, The SUB
other
other other other. are you
talented and hilarious? submit:
theothergazette@dalgazette.com
Ben Gallagher Other Editor
Jonathan Rotsztain Other Other Editor
ADVICE FOR POETRY
STUDENTS Two moments while
Ben Caplan home for a funeral
On the back porch there are large spider webs and, in one, a
Musician bug fully cocooned. The spiders are brown and white. Facing
Figure out what you want. the driveway are three more webs and spiders, slightly smaller.
Be specific. Then figure out I imagine them as spider eggs in early summer. Now, having
what it costs. The price is hatched, they are beginning a new colony. They could be rivals
usually not calculated in instead of family, or in spite? I realize I know nothing about
dollars. Then go for it. The spiders except the way they make me feel.
Pulling up to the beach on the way back from the service,
rest is just problem solving. there is already a car in the lot. A man sits inside, windows up,
moustache on, cigarette lit. We walk down to the water anyway
and strip. The clouds with the sun behind them colour us silver-
grey. Our hands stay over our breasts until the water reaches
our elbows. Looking back, the man stands at the edge of the lot
watching us watching him.
—Geoff Rose
—Andrea Flockheart
SUBMIT, QUESTION, COMPLAIN:
THEOTHERGAZETTE
@DALGAZETTE.COM
REACTIONS
Part-time job by hardship
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
SERVER
RETAIL
—Bethany-Riordan Butterworth GAZETTE EDITOR —Kathryn Johnson
This summer, The Other Gazette made it to
IMPORTANT INFORMATION EAST COAST Sappyfest, Sackville, N.B. for a musical street
Thanksgiving weekend plans Mt. A dorm stickers time. We stayed at the Mount Allison University
dormitories and just had to document and
Part 1 of 2 share these dorm stickers...
LOOKING BACK
Tourists
SCAN—IF YOU DARE!
KIND OF
SPACE ALIEN
IS you! —Rebecca Roher
What would
you do if aliens
invaded Dal?
“See if they have “Is it not already?”
interesting things to offer”
Thomas Burke Desiree MacNeil
3rd-year music 6th-year IDS
“Scream, dramatically” “Get some knowledge”
Lebene Numekevor Mory Sembawa
Health admin. master’s Commerce master’s
“Leave” “Run!”
Patricia Davidson Jordan Bruce
DALHOUSIE
1st-year nursing 1st-year arts CO-CURRICULAR
RECORD
Your Dal experience on record
@DalCCR
“Grab a blunt object and fight” “Make friends”
Cameron McNaughton Vicky Smith
4th-year IDS Health admin. master’s
facebook.com/dalccr
by Calum Agnew and Jonathan Rotsztain
10 opinions September 28 - October 4, 2012 •
Inflexible dining hours are a setback for some student schedules. • • • Photo by Adele Van Wyk
Cafeteria blues
Short cafeteria hours keeping students hungry
Adele Van Wyk nience store across the street. It seems big part of home for me. While con-
Opinions Contributor that the Food Services department tracting out food management is an
has lost sight of its purpose: to feed efficient way to fulfil services, it can
In a university that is rightly and the students of residence. The food sometimes be too efficient. As first
increasingly more concerned with schedule should be worked around year student Carolina Chang said, “It
accessibility, Dalhousie is missing an the schedules of students, not the feels like it’s efficient for them, but
issue literally in the middle of resi- other way around. I don’t know how not effective for us.”
dence—its evening dining hall hours. many times I’ve had friends tell me I don’t have any major beefs, as it
The cafeteria makes a great effort to they had to eat at 4:30 p.m. because were, with the food or the staff in the
prepare a broad range of foods and to they had to get to a night class. This is cafeteria. I think the selection and
work with students who have dietary absurd. The cafeteria’s purpose is to quality is quite good considering the
needs. Sadly, it takes no consider- feed students in an accessible way. volume (there are over 700 students
ation of students in night classes or Shirreff dining hall is open until in Howe) and the staff are wonderful. As women take on increasingly more responsibility in the workforce, are men being
those travelling from other campuses 8:00 p.m., perhaps because it is near But the hours don’t match the qual- forced to reshape their masculine values? • • • Photo by Evan McIntyre
when it closes the Howe and Risley the Dalplex and Wickwire Field, ity of the service. The university goes
dining halls at 6:45 p.m.
Residence is a place of transition
where students are encouraged to
where athletes might have evening
training. What does this tell Howe
and Risley students who have eve-
to great lengths to make residence
a good experience, from the range
of food to the residence attendants,
Switching their stride
make good life choices and establish ning classes during meal times? front desk staff and housekeeping.
healthy habits. It’s difficult to make Could we be putting athletics before However, it’s amazing that for those Contemporary men adapting to
health food choices when I’m hungry academics? with night classes, the answer to the
again after having eaten at 5:30 p.m. Residence is meant to become a most basic hospitality question—will shifting gender categories
and the only food available is vending community, a new home for students. there be food?—is no.
machine junk food and the conve- I don’t know about you, but food is a Mat Wilush traditional ideologies clashing
Opinions Contributor against reality.
The concept of a changing male
DO YOU SUFFER
The Halifax Farmers’ Market is paradigm has been the topic of much
always packed like a soup tin, teem- discussion and dissertation for many
ing with various forms of life. Exhibit years now. Our society is seeing a rise
A showcases a wailing infant, coupled in the number of men who consider
FROM ACNE?
with her panicky mother; Exhibit B is themselves “stay at home” parents,
an elderly couple making their week- replacing the traditional image of the
end rounds. Salespeople are set up in mom in an apron.
every spare patch of floor available. Some cultural thinkers such as
Organic food vendors and artisans Hanna Rosin have begun to consider
are pitching the newest batches of the idea of the rise of women/end of
their craft. During my last visit here, a men, which has the effect of attach-
We are looking for patients aged between subsection of these vendors inspired
in me a flurry of thought and revela-
ing a sensationalist tag to it. But to
my mind, that label is misleading. I
- years old, with severe facial acne tion. They were men, selling home-
made jewelry.
don’t think that such a conflict exists,
at least not to such an extreme level.
to participate in a clinical research trial. Anyone with any sort of analytical
skill will deduce that in the last few
Gender identity is a culturally-based
phenomenon. There is no true bio-
decades, our concepts of gender iden- logical basis for how we believe men
tity have been in flux. With North and women should behave. So if the
This clinical research trial will compare a marketed American women increasingly begin-
ning to seek and acquire author-
context in which we view gender is
changing, if women are becoming
topical gel associated with an oral (by mouth) ity in the workplace and at home,
the model of masculinity has conse-
more dominant in our workplaces
and homes, then society will adjust to
marketed antibiotic to a placebo gel associated quently begun to warp. Men are no
longer the standard decisive forces at
accommodate this. The generations
beyond us will learn in a new envi-
with an oral marketed drug (Isotretinoin). home and we, as a young generation
entering this re-engineered world,
ronment.
Once this issue moves beyond its
are going to feel the strain of our consequences for our fragile sensibil-
ities, we can begin focusing on how
The duration of the study is - Months (- visits). this can positively affect males in all
walks of life. No longer required to
be completely committed to income,
men will be able to rely on the women
All eligible subjects will receive at no cost: in their lives for assistance. While
some men will surely still thrive and
excel in the professional sphere, those
who do not will be able to turn their
Study related Acne evaluations by a Dermatologist, attention to more creative pastures
without undue social criticism.
Study related medication. Those men in the market, selling
their homemade jewellery? Decades
ago, such a thing would have been
reserved solely for women, as the men
Qualified subjects will be compensated for their travel. would have had to focus their atten-
tions on securing a steady income.
These men were riding a new wave of
freedom; their smiles were light and
If you are interested, or would like further information honest. Speaking with them, I was
struck by the diversity of our world
regarding this study, please call: . and the ever-changing categories
within it.artsculture
arts & culture
arts covers cultural happenings in Halifax.
Email Andrew and Meagan at
arts@dalgazette.com
to contribute.
Andrew Mills Arts Editor
Sightings in the dark
Viewpoint Gallery showcases Ella Morton’s eerie exhibit
“IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE’S RAPPORT WITH THE UNKNOWN.”
campy; rather, they are nothing but shadows
in the blue and green hued sky.
Alongside her ethereal work, Morton plays
a series of recorded ghost stories. The stories
are strikingly intimate, told overtop a back-
ground murmur—like being told something
special by a stranger at a party. One of the sto-
ries is told by Morton’s own father and uncle:
a fiction they created themselves to pass the
time. It sounds as if they’ve begun to believe it
The truth is out there…at ViewPoint Gallery themselves. As Morton says, “people need to
• • • Photo supplied make up these stories,” whether it be through
word or film.
Mat Wilush The atmosphere at the ViewPoint Gallery is
Arts Contributor well suited for Morton’s showcase. Divided by
a hanging wall, the room is split between fea-
Ella Morton speaks with ghosts. Her photo tures and the gallery’s usual works. Through
exhibit, Sightings, is an exploration of the the combination of the pale blue photographs
human urge to reach into the dark. “It’s about and the mesmerizing audio collage, that half-
people’s rapport with the unknown,” she says. room begins to feel denser than its size sug-
Morton is a Vancouver-based artist who gests. Though there is only a small hanging
uses photography as a tool for investigation. wall separating the two sides of the room,
Manipulating light and movement in her art, Sightings is private and personal—almost as
she creates an atmospheric experience in all if it were the other half ’s shadow. Morton’s
of her photographs. In Sightings, Ella shot world becomes more suggestive the longer
with a homemade pinhole camera and colour you stay, hinting at some secret truths behind
photo paper in order to create a feeling of the veil of the world. Morton, with true artist
vagueness similar to the multitudes of UFO- insight, says, “as you become more open to the
sighting photographs that litter the Internet. world it becomes undeniable that there must
Morton further disturbs the image by expos- be more to the banality of day-to-day life.”
ing the paper to select patterns of light and
shadow, creating images that blur the line Sightings is on display until Sept. 30 at
between fact and fabrication. Morton cre- Halifax ViewPoint (1272 Barrington St.).
ates alien encounters that are not the least bit
Fast Track Your Future
in 10 months
Vet Assistant | Paralegal | Small Business
Medical Admin | Accounting | Office Admin
Open Classes starting soon.
House
Oct 10 Maritime Business College
6-8
463-6516 • maritimebusinesscollege.ca
145 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth12 artsculture September 28 - October 4, 2012 •
BUCK 65: MORE ODD YEARS TO COME
Nova Scotia’s hip hop son talks radio and his new record
are a few songs that aren’t just the RT: I knew I wanted to make a more I worked at CKDU in Halifax like 20
regular old breakup songs. There are melodic record than I had ever made years ago [giving a wide range of peo-
songs that kind of investigate some of before and I knew that the most pow- ple a voice] was something CKDU
the other wild emotions that a per- erful source of melody is that that prided itself on (…) the community
son will go through and some of these comes from the human voice, a.k.a around it at CKDU it quite literally
songs ended up coming out sounding singing, but I'm not the greatest changed my life.
kind of silly. singer in the world. I toyed and exper-
imented a little with the idea of using : You are playing NSCAD’s Back to
: Like “setting fire to the rain” kind auto tune or something like that, but School Special this weekend, the pro-
of silly? it just didn’t feel like me at all. So I ceeds of which go to support NSCAD.
thought, “I’m just going to have to Were you drawn to doing this show in
RT: Yeah, and in some cases even sil- accept help with this,” and I turned to order to help out the school?
lier than that, when you are at a time friends of mine that are good singers
in your life when your emotions are and got them to help out. RT: Yeah 100 per cent! The fact that
all out of whack, sometimes your there is an arts school in Halifax
behaviour (…) or the things you're : With recent cuts to CBC, what do and that it attracts a certain kind of
thinking about can just go all over the you think the impact will be on Cana- creative person reflects on the city.
place. All in all it’s pretty heavy (…) I dian culture and our ability to access Walking down the streets of Halifax
think there are definitely a few songs Canadian content? would feel different if the art school
that will rip people’s guts out. wasn’t there. Even with the amount
RT: There are things that CBC does of bands that came out of Halifax
: What are some of the influences that nobody else does that they won’t that originated at NSCAD in one way
you are using to create the new songs? be able to do anymore, which is a or another—in my experience, going
huge shame, potentially. Every time back 20 years ago, some of the big-
RT: I don’t think there are any influ- there are cuts, there are programs, gest bands that ever came out of Hal-
He’s dancing underneath his face. • • • Supplied photo by Ryan Couldrey
ences on this record at all. I’m think- platforms and jobs that just go away, ifax, like Sloan, had a strong NSCAD
ing, “Hey, wait a minute, I haven’t which means that there’s some musi- connection. The thought of Halifax
Hilary Stamper from songwriting to answer a few really been referring to anybody or cian out there that maybe had a plat- losing NSCAD is just a catastrophic
Arts Contributor questions: turning to anybody for inspiration, form before, who now doesn’t. thing to consider and so if there is
this is all just coming from inside me,” something I can do to help out with
Rich Terfry, better known as Buck : What can fans expect from the and that might be a first. : Do you see the cuts as an oppor- that fight and help the school just
65, is an internationally renowned album you are currently working on? tunity for our community radio sta- stick around and stay strong.
Canadian hip hop artist and host of : Your last album, 20 Odd Years, tions, such as CKDU, to step up and
CBC Radio 2’s show “Drive.” He is Rich Terfry: This is, I think it’s safe had you collaborating with a lot of fill the gap? This interview has been edited for
working on a new studio album, and to say, a breakup kind of record. The very talented Canadian artists from length and clarity. A longer version is
will be touring Europe in November. breakup in question was a particu- different genres, how did you find RT: For so many musicians out there, available online at dalgazette.com
On Sept. 22 he played Granville Mall larly difficult one—to the point where that experience? Canadian and otherwise, it’s basi-
in Halifax. He took a small break it was almost insane at times. There cally the only home for them. When
Sweeney Todd serves
meat pie to get even
Candace Thomson The relationship between Johanna
Arts Contributor and Anthony (Patrick Cook) was the
only bright light in a dark world, and
When one hears the name Sweeney Denny’s radiant performance high-
Todd the first image conjured might lighted that contrast.
be a pale and eyeliner-coated Johnny The role of Mark Allan’s character,
Depp. Tobias, was understated. Yet Allan’s
Sadly, Neptune doesn’t give us performance was colourful, making
Depp. Tobias endearing and lovable.
What we get is the Demon Barber Shelley Simester, also a debu-
of Fleet Street. The Fountain Hall at tant, played eccentric Mrs. Lovett.
Neptune Theatre compensates for its Simester praised the character in an
small stage (compared to Broadway) interview with the Gazette, saying she
with wonderful acoustics, talented is “one of the best parts of musical
musicians and heartfelt portrayals of theatre.” Her energetic performance
the ill-fated characters in Sweeney’s showed the audience all the complex-
world. ities of the sad Mrs. Lovett.
The tale of Sweeney Todd is one of Sweeney Todd, played by Shane
Everyone’s a kid when the party’s on the street. • • • Photo by Kat Moore
revenge, murder and cannibalism. Carty, entered the stage on a dory
A street not just for cars
Benjamin Barker is a barber with surrounded by mist. His singing was
a happy life and a family. His life is good, but it was as if he was a vessel
simple until despicable Judge Tur- for the voice and nothing more.
pin sets his eyes on Barker’s wife. In Sweeney Todd is hateful and seri-
Strong communities throw good parties a tragic turn of events, Barker is sent
away while Judge Turpin causes the
ous—he has the death of his wife and
kidnapping of his daughter on his
Kat Moore lie and Grace Stratton, The Moon- right support systems are in place. downfall and supposed death of his mind, so he is supposed to be con-
Arts Contributor shine Ramblers and The Caravan Why don’t more streets in the HRM wife, and takes Barker’s daughter, trite and secretive, but Carty takes it
performed on the other, bigger stage follow their lead and take to the Johanna, as his ward. too far. He is not supposed to be the
Black Street is nestled in the North throughout the afternoon and into streets in celebration and community The play starts when Barker sleepy barber of Fleet Street.
End of Halifax between Fuller Ter- the evening. building? According to the website returns to London under the alias Carty’s rendition of ‘My Friends’
race and Gottingen Street. If you’ve Quincy Russell, who helped set-up myhrm.ca anyone can do it, but it’s Sweeney Todd. His intent is revenge. redeemed his performance. He cap-
heard rumours of homemade dragon the party, said most of the material necessary that all the affected neigh- He becomes reacquainted with the tured the desperation and sadness at
playgrounds, paper moustaches, mas- used to build the interactive dragon bourhood residents sign an agree- eccentric Mrs. Lovett, a pie-shop the core of his character.
sage trains and cake walks, odds are playground and pyramid structures ment permitting the party. Respect owner, who becomes his accomplice Accompanying musicians sat vis-
you experienced the lingering after- on the block were scavenged. A mas- to municipal by-laws such as no noise by using his victims to make human ible to the audience. The music and
effects of the annual block party. sage chair, decorative lights and after 11 p.m. must also be abided. pies for her shop. As Sweeney moves lyrics were written by Stephen Sond-
On Sunday, Sept. 16 the street cooking gear were loaned to the party Seems easy right? Well, it could closer to vengeance, the twists in the heim. Simester said the songs are
hummed with hundreds of kids, by neighbours and contributors. be—or not. Brian Riley, a block party plot leave the audience chilled and wordy and often change metre. Dur-
adults, wanderers, artists, pets and The Black Street party mingles volunteer, pointed out a house where eventually shocked by the outcome. ing duets, each character brought
performers. The public took over people of all ages who play and dance a woman has lived for 60 years. He The Neptune cast brings to life a meaning to the song, but occasion-
the streets with bicycles, hula hoops, into the night. Gail McNeil, a stu- said on Black Street some of the resi- play about vengeful deaths, and the ally two different songs were blend-
dance moves and painted cardboard dent of herbalism who was selling dents are natural builders or land- very best performances came from ing, which distracted from the perfor-
bumblebees. There were bubbles her homemade elderberry syrup, scape architects, and others are fam- Neptune debuts. mance.
everywhere. said events like this transcend gen- ilies. A successful block party seems Dal graduate Ellen Denny’s perfor- Despite the slight downfalls, Swee-
There were two stages at each erations, and there are no real social to need an established, diverse com- mance of the imprisoned and inno- ney Todd is a brilliant opener to Nep-
end of the block. One was for kids, boundaries. According to the “Action munity as a foundation. In a tran- cent Johanna was the most captivat- tune’s golden anniversary.
who performed songs ranging from for Happiness” website, organizing sient city like Halifax the challenge ing. Denny understood the dainty
the ABCs to K’Naan’s “Wavin’ Flag.” street parties connects neighbours of is to bring neighbours together. The and neurotic Johanna. Many of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of
Kate and Rich, the dynamic accor- different interests and age. Black Street party could be easily rep- Johanna’s songs were high-pitched, Fleet Street, runs until Nov. 7
dion-clarinet duo, entertained on The Black Street party shows what licated in neighbourhoods who have opera-style variation, but Denny
that stage in the late afternoon. Wil- can be achieved in one day when the the community-minded drive. nailed them with her soprano voice.sports
sports
sports covers athletic events and
topics relevant to Dalhousie.
Email Ian and Graeme at
sports@dalgazette.com to contribute
Ian Froese Sports Editor
A BIG NET TO FILL High expectations for Dal's new keeper Jason Ross
Kristie Smith describing him as “very intense, very
Staff Contributor competitive, very skilled as a goalten-
der, and a great team player.”
The men's soccer season is young And the goalkeeper coach? None
and so is the new starting goalie. But other than Ur himself.
even without the steadying presence “Ben has had so much experience,
of CIS first team all-Canadian Ben playing in the CIS for as long as he
Ur in net, nobody is worried that the did, being at the top of the country.
backup has the top job. It isn't weird at all [to have him as my
Jason Ross, 19, knows the weight is coach],” says Ross.
on his shoulders now that he's replac- “Last year I was backing him up.
ing the graduating keeper, but he says We'd be training and doing drills and
he relishes the opportunity. he would kind of run it, so it's really
“Me, personally, I really don't get no different this year. Only now, come
that stressed,” says Ross. game time, I'm the one in the net.”
“If anything, I like that spotlight. If Ross has seen a lot of early success
you're going to be a goalie you kind of this year playing for a squad that has,
have to. And I think I can definitely, at times, struggled to score. He has
in a year or two, get up to his level. It's kept his 2-2-2 team competitive, con-
something to strive for,” he says. ceding only eight goals in six games.
Only in his second year, Ross has Soccer fans will get to know Ross
started every game this season, a fair pretty well in the years to come, as he
jump from the two games he played intends to use all five years of eligibil-
as a backup. His training right now ity. He will finish his second year as
focuses primarily on the technical a science student and hopes to trans-
aspects of his game. fer into Dal’s architecture program,
Ur has confidence in the new goalie extending his degree by another four
as well. “Looking at him as a player years.
right now,” he says, “I definitely feel Ross is a bit young yet to imagine
that he's at a much higher level than I where he'll be in four years but he
was when I was in my second year.” hopes to continue playing soccer once
Ross' coaches are by no means new his Tigers career draws to a close.
faces to him. He already has a lot of “I think I would love to go to try-
experience with Tigers head coach outs and see if there are any possibili-
Pat Nearing. ties there. I mean, if you're going to
“He was actually my first real play a sport, you always want to be
coach. He coached me for about five the best.”
or six years of my youth career, which His coaches and teammates expect
started when I was about 10 or 11 nothing less from him, and with this
with a club team in Bedford,” remem- season and three more ahead of him,
bers Ross. anything is possible.
“He coached me right up until 17 “I definitely feel that he has the skill
years old. He's been pretty much my set and the confidence to be the best
first and only coach.” goalkeeper in this league, for sure,”
Nearing has nothing but praise says Ur.
Jason Ross is the new man in net for Dalhousie soccer. • • • Photo by Chris Parent for his long-time student either,
Preview: men’s hockey Eight-goal weekend for women’s soccer
2011 record: 7-18-3; didn't qualify for playoff Monica Mutale
Sports Contributor
2012 home opener: Oct. 13 vs. Acadia
The Dalhousie women’s soccer team
Arfa Ayub hard,” says Croft. “This year we are couldn’t have recovered much better
Staff Contributor looking to build on the second half so from the first game of their double-
that hopefully we can play well for the header weekend at Wickwire Field.
The Dalhousie men’s hockey team is entire year.” After losing 3-2 on Sept. 22 in a
used to heartbreak. Just two years This particular change led to a tense match against the top-ranked
ago they ended a seven-year playoff close win against rival Saint Mary’s, Cape Breton Capers, the Tigers
drought, leading to renewed opti- and even a dramatic shootout vic- roared back with a 6-0 demolition of
mism, but an 11-game losing streak tory against current champion UNB, the Memorial Seahawks the next day.
last season brought them back to which placed the Tigers just one point Dal's split record on the week-
where they started. out of the playoffs at that point of the end leaves the defending champions
“Last season was a little bit of a season. It was a huge feat considering tied for third place in the AUS with a
rough one,” says Dal defenceman they had effectively dug themselves 3-2-1 standing.
Nicholas Croft. “We had a tough start, out of the league's basement. Before steamrolling past the
although we turned it around after Whether the Tigers are able to Seahawks, the Tigers were poised to
Daphne Wallace led the Tigers with two goals. • • • Photo by Martina Marien
Christmas, but by then it was too lit- overcome the odds this season will put up a challenge against the unde-
tle, too late.” likely determine their place in the feated Capers. Dal's Rieka Santilli team’s spirits. half, with the Tigers struggling to
Adding to the team's troubles, the AUS standings. opened the scoring in the ninth min- “When we’re a few goals down, we keep the ball in play on the wings.
university announced last season they Notable newcomers include two ute, but Cape Breton brought the try that much harder to get it back. Three minutes into the second, Kristy
would demolish Memorial Arena, the players with Junior A experience, match into their own hands, scoring The goal was like a pick-me-up. MacGregor-Bales headed in a free
Tigers' home for 30 years. Andrew Langan, a former captain three consecutive tallies. Unfortunately, there were only [a kick for Dal’s first goal.
Left with a disappointing seventh- with the Woodstock Slammers, and Dal striker Bianca Jakisa cut the few] minutes left, but it got people’s From there, the Tigers never looked
place finish, the Tigers now have a Kendall MacInnis, previously with deficit to 3-2 in the last two minutes minds back in the game.” back. Midfielder Daphne Wallace
chance to change their fortunes in the Truro Bearcats. Both players are of regular time but her effort was too Tigers coach Jack Hutchison said scored twice, while Doriana Homer-
their new arena, the Halifax Forum. expected to make a difference with little, too late. they didn't perform for a full 90 min- ski, Lauren Landry and Santilli each
Helping them along the way will be the team immediately. Despite a controversial call early utes. made the scoresheet.
newly-named captain Pierre-Alexan- An added challenge for the Tigers in the second half, the Tigers did not “We had some good stuff happen The Tigers play at home again on
dre Vandall, who joined the club two this season, playing away from cam- give up. Cape Breton's second penalty early then we kind of deflated,” said Saturday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. against
years ago. pus at the Halifax Forum, may prove shot was retaken twice due to a line Hutchison. “A couple of calls didn’t go Acadia.
Vandall will be tasked with lead- to be a help or a hindrance. Although violation. Keeper Taryn McKenna our way, but that’s what you have to “We’re expecting a win, again,” said
ing a focused Tigers squad. Although attendance will predictably be low, made diving saves on the first two play through. You’ve got to take those Wallace, Sunday's player of the game.
injuries played a part in the team's the Tigers are hoping for otherwise. shots, but Cape Breton took the lead and bounce back.” “We‘ve tried some different forma-
misfortune, a change in the players' “We would like to see as many fans when the third kick was called good. And bounce back they did. tions and we’re starting to connect as
mentality was necessary to turn Dal's as possible,” says Croft. “Students: we “We should have won,” said Jakisa The Tigers produced six goals from a team.
season around. need support.” of the penalty issue, “but we kept five players in their matchup against “We’ll definitely bring our 'A' game
“After Christmas everybody focused fighting.” ninth-ranked Memorial. and I’m sure we’ll get the points we
more on hockey, everybody worked Jakisa hoped her goal would lift the Fatigue played a role in the first need.”You can also read
