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a, McGill, SSMU

AUS Council presents 2015-2016 budget for notice

by Aislinn Kalob on

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The Arts Undergraduate Society of McGill University (AUS) held a Council meeting on Oct. 7, and discussed its budget, amendments to the climate change proposal brought forth by the Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU), and updates on SNAX’s Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).

AUS budget

AUS Vice-President (VP) Finance, Mirza Ali Shakir, presented the AUS income statement from the past year, and presented the 2015-2016 AUS budget and an overview of student fees for notice to council.  

"The income statement […] actually highlights how much we spent, how much we get in revenues, how student fees are standard from year to year,” said Shakir. “program revenues in 2014 were $16,000 more than in 2013 because of a more expensive Frosh 2014. At the same time AUS program( expenses were significantly greater in 2014 than 2013

Shakir introduced his findings, which included an increase in revenues, a surplus of $6,000 in a projected profit from this year's Frosh, and a deficit paid off by the AUS Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) savings account. The deficit was a result of expenses from last year, including Frosh, Bar des Arts (BdA), and salaries of persons employed by the AUS.

"We still have to pay [off] some expenses from last year, so if you total that up, we have a deficit of around $65,000, which was paid off by the GIC," said Ali Shakir. "So now we now have $190,000 left in GIC savings."

Further questions on the budget will be addressed in another presentation at the next council meeting on Oct. 21. Voting on the budget will also take place at the next meeting.

"We're trying a new process this year," AUS President Jacob Greenspon said. "Usually we have the budget come to council sometime before November [….] What we’re trying this year is presenting the budget and the audited financial statements for notice at this council, and then [at the next meeting] we’re going to take any questions on both the budget and […] what may be more difficult to understand from a financial literacy point of view."

Proposed amendments to SSMU climate change policy

AUS addressed concerns brought to their attention by anonymous students over the climate change policy proposed by SSMU at its Legislative Council on Oct. 1.

"We've received some feedback that it was controversial for a few reasons." said Adam Templer, Arts Representative to SSMU.  "I've been holding meetings with Engineering reps, Science reps, Arts-Sci reps, and the Law rep [of SSMU]. We’re reviewing the motion, looking at amendments that need to be made, [and] a few things we feel could be clarified."

Among these amendments are to define the term "false science,” clarify Article 5.1, which addresses the SSMU's business partnerships with companies, and remove the term "capitalism."

"Capitalism was removed from Article 1.2 because some of the feedback we received from […] our own constituents was that they felt it did not belong in there,” Templer said. “Because our own constituents suggested that they had issues with this amendment […] it's something that we're looking at removing."

Changes to Article 5.1 include adding the sentence “by companies who do not research methods of reducing emissions from fossil fuels” to its original text.

Formerly, Article 5.1 read, “The SSMU will actively oppose and collaborate with other organizations to advocate against the development of all fossil fuel extraction or distribution projects that are not in line with the keeping 80 per cent of fossil fuel reserves in the ground and/or those that are being conducted without the free, prior, and informed consent of the indigenous communities whose lands they affect.”

The amendments in the document presented to council are not the final draft of the motion, which will be finalized Sunday, Oct. 11.

SNAX MoA

Greenspon stated that McGill delayed responding to the most recent proposal by the SNAX MoA working group, which is currently in the process of negotiating terms with McGill to allow SNAX to sell sandwiches.

"The MoA offer was that If McGill considered the price of a SNAX product to be too low, they would have the ability to force SNAX to raise the price for that product to a 'fair market price' that is a certain amount lower than the average of competitors’ prices for that product," Greenspon said. " We said we couldn't do the price control system.  AUS is a non profit corporation, if we have artificially high prices […] we are by definition running a profit."

Other stipulations given to the SNAX MoA working group regarding the potential future sale of sandwiches were inspections of the kiosk, a new point of sale system, and adherence to university-wide contracts.

"Why they probably postponed is just because we sent them something that they weren't expecting," Greenspon said. "They were probably expecting us to acquiesce to their demands, which we didn't."

a, McGill, News

McGill Board of Governors discusses RVH, green chemistry, building maintenance

by Laura Hanrahan on

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McGill’s Board of Governors (BoG) held its first meeting of the 2015-2016 academic year on Oct. 8. The meeting saw an update on McGill’s bid for the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) site, a presentation on green chemistry at McGill, and a report on the state of McGill’s building infrastructure.

RVH site

Principal Suzanne Fortier presented the BoG with an update on McGill’s bid for the RVH site. According to Fortier, all necessary agreements have been signed to launch a feasibility study.

“We have three main important goals of this study,” Fortier said. “First of all, determining if the site conversion will advance the university’s academic mission and meet our space needs. The second one is evaluating] the financial contributions that will be hard for us to go forward, and the appropriate strategies. The third one is to propose a socially acceptable business plan that respects the site, the site heritage, and sustainability and cultural heritage.”

Fortier estimated that the study will take 18 months to be completed, however, plans for the academic trajectory of the site have already begun.

“We’ve also launched the task force to reflect on the academic mission and vision for the RVH site, if we were to acquire this property,” she said. “This in ongoing now and I will update the board on a regular basis about the progress we’re making on this front.”

Fortier additionally explained that despite McGill’s bid for the space, it will not be responsible for the property until an official transfer is made.

“As you know the site is not the property of McGill at the moment, it is still the property of the Quebec government and the government will fully assume the responsibility for the maintenance and security of the site and of its buildings until such day that a transfer may be made to another entity,” she said.  

Green chemistry at McGill

The Canada Excellence Research Chair in green chemistry and green chemicals of McGill University, Dr. Robin D. Rogers, gave a presentation to the Board on the future of green chemistry at McGill, citing McGill as one of the premier institutions in the world in this area. Rogers explained the economic opportunities that his work at McGill will be able to bring to the university.

“It’s not just designing chemicals that are non-toxic and sustainable, it’s about new business opportunities and new economic opportunities for Canada and Quebec,” he said. “We’re going to produce technologies that are environmentally sustainable, economically sustainable and socially sustainable at McGill, while we are [also] developing entrepreneurs, new companies, and new knowledge.”

Rogers then spoke to his current project, a chitin extraction plant, which he foresees as being able to replace the oil-based polymers currently used in the creation of plastic materials.

“I’m trying to raise seven million dollars right now to build a chitin extraction plant,” he said. “It’s a $63 billion market. Chitin is natural polymer that comes from shrimp shells [and] we’ve patented a new way to extract it which is more environmentally benign.”

While Rogers has yet to acquire laboratory space at McGill, he has already put together a team and acquired funding for his projects.

“I’m happy to report, even though we have no laboratory, that we have [an] academic associate, a post-doc, two research associates, two graduate students,” he said.  “Besides the [Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)] funding, we [also] have […] funding from the U.S. Air Force, from L’Oreal and from Monsanto.”

BoG Chair Stuart Cobbett promised to form a list of potential resources for Rogers, including the McConnell Foundation,  where he would be able to seek out further funding.

Building maintenance plans

During his report to the board, Vice-Principal (VP) Administration and Finance, Michael Di Grappa, addressed questions concerning the need for repairs to the infrastructure of many of McGill’s buildings that are historically protected.

“We have spent several hundred million dollars [since] 2007,” Di Grappa said. “What I can also tell this board is that we continue to monitor all of our physical resources and we do attack all problems that have to do with security and integrity of the buildings, or issues of safety, we address those immediately.”

Peter Coughlin, a BoG member at large,  addressed the issue of rising costs associated with maintaining historical buildings.

“It’s wonderful to have those buildings, but they cost a lot of money,” Coughlin said. “Trying to duplicate a 100-year-old building with the same materials […] it’s going to cost you three to four times more; [however], you can keep the same look of [the building], but use different materials. I think a long term plan includes building new buildings and closing buildings that just are not functional from an economic point of view and from a teaching point of view.”

Di Grappa also underlined the the government’s involvement in the maintenance of McGill’s buildings.

“We are working with the city and the ministry of culture to give us some flexibility with respect to the projects and the interventions of those buildings that are historically protected,” he said. “[We will] continue to press the government on not just approving our plan for $400 million but their own formulas for giving us a greater share of the monies that they have available.”

a, Arts & Entertainment, Music

Pop Dialectic: Ryan Adams, Taylor Swift, and 1989

by Hailey MacKinnon & Alfie Crooks on

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Singer-songwriter Ryan Adams has released a track-by-track cover of Taylor Swift's megahit, 1989. What does this mean for Swift, Adams, and the world of pop music in general?

Click each perspective to read more

Taylor Swift doesn't need anyone's help

Hailey MacKinnon

On Sept. 21, Ryan Adams released his 15th studio album, a track-by-track cover of Taylor Swift’s 1989. Both versions are currently sitting on the Billboard Top 200 list, with Adams’ version leading Swift by one slot—the first time two albums with the same name and the same track listing to have ever appeared in the top 10 of the list together.

Adams has transformed Swift’s megahit album—which sold over eight million copies worldwide since its release just under a year ago—from a synth-pop string of confident and invigorating anthems to a collection of weary and nostalgic rock ballads. Whereas Swift’s “Bad Blood” bitterly details a feud with another female artist, Adams reconstitutes it as a sorrowful fight in a torn marriage. “Out of the Woods” has been altered from a look at an on-and-off fling to a desperate portrayal of a crumbling relationship. In “Blank Space,” Swift’s tongue-in-cheek narrative about a manipulative man-eater, Adams replaces Swift’s snark with a gentler, self-reflective voice.

According to Adams, the album is borne from a deep appreciation for Swift’s songwriting talent, and was not made ironically like many assumed. In a recent interview on CBC Radio’s q, Adams said, “here is this unbelievable person [Swift] who is just being themselves [sic], who is writing these songs that are true to her own life and representing that by being a […] stellar songwriter, who is also a stellar person.” He cites the songs as helping him through a recent divorce, and credits Swift for taking him to the next step in his career as a songwriter, by allowing him to analyze and recreate 1989 from front to back.

It is always interesting when musicians, especially cult-classic icons like Adams, reinterpret albums in their own genre. In this case, he connected with songs based on the life of a young woman coming into her element, stating, “How easily it was for [him] to find [himself] in her shoes, in those songs. And how easily it was to lose [himself] in the feelings presented, and the melodies.” The heartbreak and the emotional gravity he places in this album resonate in each song. At the same time, whereas Swift’s album felt fresh, exciting, and deeply personal, Adams’ version comes across as simply another folk-rock album, forgettable and unoriginal in comparison. Without the subtle, novel, and distinguishing factors that set apart Swift’s 1989, Adams version is just what you would expect from him—if not a little less. Perhaps this criticism would not be so harsh nor warranted if Adams weren’t covering Swift’s songs for profit. Artists cover songs all the time, but what can be made of Adams charging close to the same price as Swift for his album, only to produce less-than-original reworking of 1989? Adams rides on the success of 1989 and benefits from Swift’s millions of fans worldwide, yet adds little to nothing particularly new to the picture worthy of the price he charges.

Swift may in fact be the frontrunner of a new genre of musical criticism known as “popism” or “poptimism.” Popism is described by Jody Rosen as where “[pop] producers are as important as rock auteurs, Beyoncé is as worthy of serious consideration as Bruce Springsteen, and ascribing shame to pop pleasure is itself a shameful act.” This is not to say that all pop music should be considered as worthy of praise—much of it is vapid, but to dismiss all pop music as such is to risk overlooking talented singer songwriters such as Swift herself. In Swift’s case, her choice to mould her songs into uplifting and hopeful pop anthems does not chip away at their value nor their depth. The ability for Swift’s songs to be equally believable as pop anthems as well as sad, rock ballads, speaks to the timelessness and wisdom behind the lyrics and Swift’s strength as a songwriter, no matter her chosen musical genre.

Adams’ album is thus not necessarily more important, nor worthy of praise due to the spin he put on it; however, his album is noticeable in that it puts Swift on a pedestal higher than she was before, leaving Adams’ version as the one propping her up—interesting and entertaining, yes, but entirely forgettable is more like it.

 

 

 

Ryan Adams stands up for pop

Alfie Crooks

In his unique reworking of Taylor Swift’s bubbly, pop album 1989, Ryan Adams turns the raucous riffs of the album into acoustic or minimalist melodies while slowing down the effervescent rhythms to transform the album into a far more atmospheric piece. His beautifully fragile voice puts the finish on the captivating musical metamorphosis, making the tone of the album unrecognizable from the original. The cheeky winks towards fleeting romance of “Blank Space,” for instance, are mutated into a lonesome love letter in Adams’ interpretation. Sure the album is purely covers, but Adams uses everything in his creative toolbox to make this album an entirely different entity from the original.This is why the project should be commended as a piece of art, not simply a cheap way of riding someone else’s success to riches.

Yet, for all the creativity used by Adams to make his version of 1989 different sonically from the original, the star of the project is still Swift’s writing. Adams doesn’t sell short the gifted songwriting ability of Swift. He takes the beautiful chords and delicate lyrics and removes the glitzy production and beat machines that come with a radio friendly pop record, laying out Swift’s remarkable gift for all to see. Adams croons, "You took a Polaroid of us / then discovered the rest of the world was black and white / but we were in screaming colour” in “Out Of The Woods” over the simplistic sound of an acoustic guitar to thrust the beauty of Swift’s writing to the forefront of the listener’s mind. The true value of the album isn’t the aesthetics of what Adams produces, but rather what those aesthetics highlight. There is also great cultural significance in a ‘serious’ artist such as Adams creating an ode to the beauty of songwriting on a pop album like 1989.

Ironically, for all the critical acclaim that Adams has received on this album, it isn’t a very deep remake. There is original feeling here, but his motivation for the album isn’t especially profound. As he tells the online publication Grantland, “Over the Christmas holiday I had a three-week break, and that’s when I originally started to track 1989… I’ll make it an after-tour, fun project.” Depth and artistic inspiration on 1989 comes from Swift, a fact that is acknowledged in a number of reviews of this album. Rolling Stone Magazine declared that “the real star here is Swift's infallible material, evidence that the country music defector still worships Nashville's fondest saying: The song always comes first.” Of course people recognized Swift’s brilliance, but the true lyrical and artistic prowess of such a piece is only really talked about when Adams allows us to focus on the songwriting. The spotlight that such an album casts on the songwriting ability of Swift, is one that isn’t often projected upon pop musicians.

Given that Adams’ artistic motivation for the album is innocent, and a lot of the emotion from the project is derived from Taylor Swift, it doesn’t seem like this album would have been particularly significant to pop culture, but it is. Pop scholars have existed for years, so it’s not as if 1989 is original because it highlights the genius of pop music writers. Pop writers have been lauded since The Beatles started doing their thing, but often it feels like pop music hasn’t been getting the credit it deserves. Sure, maybe some pop music is manufactured in a lab by people who are looking to get the biggest profit with the least amount of effort, but the rhetoric saying that ‘real music’ only exists outside of Top 40 radio is utter bollocks. Adams’ 1989 doesn’t save pop, nor does it revolutionize the genre; however, it gives many people a much needed reminder that love, passion, artistry, and lyrical prowess are all just as prominent in the songwriting of a pop artist as they are in that limited edition Neutral Milk Hotel vinyl. Pop music may have found it’s unlikely defender in Ryan Adams.

 

 

 

Rick and Morty
a, Arts & Entertainment, Film and TV

Pop Rhetoric: Rick and Morty, Bojack Horseman, and comedy in an incomprehensible world

by Eric Noble-Marks on

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(Warning: Spoilers)

October saw the bittersweet conclusion of Rick and Morty’s stellar second season. Like always, it was funny in a way that only shows like Rick and Morty can be. After all, the show’s madcap and absurd delivery is what brought most of its audience to the table in the first place; however, this time it wasn’t all laughs. Faced with an impossible choice between subjecting his family to a life on the run and turning himself in to the bureaucratic Galactic Federation, Rick chooses to sacrifice himself so his family can lead a normal life. It was not just a little bit sad, but sad in a way that makes it feel strange to care so much about the fate of fictional cartoon characters.

Perhaps this should have been expected. Rick’s sacrifice for his family feels at once surprising and entirely necessary for the arc of the show. Rick and Morty has always reached beyond the typical limits of what comedy can be, and this isn’t its first depressing moment. Season two seemed to be one traumatizing moment after another for its characters, from Beth and Jerry’s crumbling marriage to Morty’s loss of innocence. Still, Rick’s sacrifice was the show’s most tear-jerking moment by far. Even in a show as smart as Rick and Morty, it is jarring to see the humanity of such a potent anti-hero laid so bare, especially in a cartoon and especially in what’s supposed to be a comedy.

Though Rick and Morty is probably the best comedy on television, it’s not the only one in recent years that has pushed boundaries. Netflix’s Bojack Horseman is just coming off its own critically acclaimed, hilariously absurd, and emotionally-charged second season. In many ways, Bojack Horseman is Rick and Morty’s spiritual cousin—a kindred spirit in a landscape of increasingly mediocre network comedies. In Rick and Bojack, both shows share cynical, hard-drinking protagonists with questionable morals. Bojack’s roommate and best friend Todd is his morally simplistic, naive sidekick. In other words, he’s the show’s Morty. Both shows also display a playful approach to physical comedy and world building, with Rick and Morty’s alien landscapes and Bojack Horseman’s anthropomorphized animals providing equally immersive universes.

Perhaps the appeal of shows like Rick and Morty and Bojack Horseman is because they demonstrate the problems of modern life in a clear, satirical way without being so naive to think that there are answers that can be summed up in neat 30 minute blocks.

Most importantly, both shows feature incredibly bleak outlooks on the world—or the universe in Rick and Morty’s case—and their protagonists. The central characters of both shows struggle to connect to others and are terribly lonely as a result, hating the world around them, but not nearly as much as they hate themselves. In addition, neither show allows its protagonist a happy ending. Bojack ends season two on a cliffhanger after losing the girl of his dreams seemingly forever, and Rick winds up locked up in a maximum security prison in space. As of yet, there are no heartwarming conclusions, and both shows are unflinching in their portrayal of dark, nihilistic realities in concert with their trademark absurdist humour.

When faced with these facts, viewers must wonder why such depressing shows are so critically successful. This phenomenon is certainly not limited to animated comedies: Superhero movies follow the same trajectory. For example, compare the lighthearted nature of Adam West’s Batman to the cold, psychologically damaged Batman portrayed by Christian Bale. Perhaps mass culture has increasingly turned cynical as a reaction to increasing mass disillusionment and cynicism in the past decade. Technology has increased the availability of information but it has also deeply perplexed us. Western media constantly presents complicated issues in an oversimplified and politically partisan way, making it impossible to understand the issues. Perhaps the appeal of shows like Rick and Morty and Bojack Horseman is because they demonstrate the problems of modern life in a clear, satirical way without being so naive to think that there are answers that can be summed up in neat 30 minute blocks. Maybe the real message of shows like these is that only way to confront the void is to laugh at it. Instead of finding meaning in the world around us, shows like these suggest that the only way to save ourselves is to find meaning in our relationships with the people we care about. Or maybe not. Whatever happens, bring on season three.

a, Opinion

Commentary: McGill’s response to Syrian refugee crisis lacking

by Maya Reid on

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Over four million refugees are facing unparalleled violence and uncertainty due to the Syian Civil War and other armed conflict in the Middle East. Additional resources must be deployed to alleviate suffering and provide opportunities for Syrian  students. McGill University and other higher learning institutions throughout the world are in a unique position to help and must consider diversifying their support for refugees.

In the midst of debates waging across the world in domestic legislatures and supranational organization assemblies, local communities can circumvent the politicization of refugees to enact considerable change. Now it is time for McGill to follow the example of other Canadian universities and make a concerted effort to provide quality education and safety for vulnerable populations. The administration should build on its longstanding history of global justice advocacy, as seen through establishments like the Institute for the Study of International Development and the Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism, to aid the Syrian people.

Scholarships and sponsorships through independent programs and university policy initiatives will create educational opportunities that extend past traditional asylum services. The Canadian government’s resettlement program supplies basic needs to refugees for up to a year; however, university settings provide a sense of community that allows people to be vibrant participants in society. Academic success empowers refugee students to forge new futures and improve conditions in their home countries. This branch of peace and hope also extends to their families, creating pathways out of poverty traps.

McGill can build upon programs and frameworks already established on campus and in Canada. The McGill Student Refugee Program (SRP), a student-led initiative to provide full financial aid for refugees during their first academic year supported by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), is an integrated solution and deserves additional funding. By forging partnerships between private donors, local NGOs, student volunteers, and post-secondary education institutions, WUSC supplies a lifeline out of refugee camps. Organizer’s of McGill’s WUSC should be applauded for their decision made in late September to triple the number of refugee students it admits from two to six; however, there are still hundreds of qualified refugees waiting to be placed abroad. According to a comprehensive  study at the University of California Davis on Syrian university students in Jordan, “displacement of faculty and students is a generally unacknowledged and unmet component of the larger civilian Syrian humanitarian disaster.” Although well qualified, this ‘lost generation’ cannot continue their education due to lack of programing as well as logistical problems such as not having access to transcripts, test scores, or personal identification. WUSC has screened 19 of these accomplished Syrian students ready to arrive in Canada for Fall 2016, and are looking to add even more for the subsequent year. The small 50 cent fee paid by students each term to sustain the Student Refugee Program fund should be increased to meet heightened demand.

Academic success empowers refugee students to forge new futures and improve conditions in their home countries. This branch of peace and hope also extends to their families, creating pathways out of poverty traps.

Additionally, the McGill administrations response to the crisis severely lags behind other universities in Canada. The University of Alberta, which already sponsors students in partnership with WUSC, recently established an award that will cover tuition and living costs for 10 undergraduate or graduate Syrian refugee students. The University of Toronto also felt compelled to act, citing their duty to share responsibility and extend compassion. They expanded their “Scholars-At-Risk” program, which “offers support to academics and graduate students who have fled conditions of political oppression,” by increasing funds to one million dollars awarded over the next 10 years.

University of Toronto, York University, and Ontario College of Art and Design partnered to support Ryerson University’s “Lifeline Syria Challenge,” a program to sponsor 25 Syrian families (approximately 100 people) in Canada. McGill has the opportunity to join this coalition of schools while developing a program exclusively for refugees through the Scholarships and Student Aid Office.

The Syrian refugee crisis is a humanitarian catastrophe that will require global unity to solve. As shown, McGill has the collective power to implement real change at relatively low costs, and there is a moral imperative to join other Canadian universities as they stand in solidarity with Syrian students by providing critical education opportunities.

Redmen rugby McGill
a, Men's Varsity, Sports

Rugby: Redmen dispatch Gaiters, remain undefeated

by Zikomo Smith on

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McGill Redmen
26

Bishop's Gaiters
14

There are three interpretations of McGill’s (5-0-0) 26-14 victory over Bishop’s (3-2-0) last Friday at Molson Stadium: One, McGill’s 26 first-half points ran Bishop’s out of the game. Two, centre Augustus Hill’s 12 penalty kick points were the difference between the two sides; Bishop’s made McGill sweat with 14 unanswered points in the second half. Three, the Redmen re-affirmed their no.1 RSEQ spot, but the Gaiters highlighted some of McGill’s weak spots.

Among these interpretations, the third one holds the most truth—The undefeated Redmen comfortably leads the RSEQ, scoring an astonishing 177 points and conceeding only 30 points so far this season. McGill’s dominance was characterized by quick ball out of the rucks, a good use of the wings, shiver-inducing tackles, and disciplined defensive lines.

“We worked on [defence] this week, same thing as usual,” Backs coach Matt Garston said. “[We made] sure we don’t go offside. We did really well in the first half.”

McGill’s defensive pressure consistently corralled Bishop’s into the 22-metre line and forced four penalties in the first 40 minutes while Hill proved to be a force.

“Today, if he hadn’t made those penalties this game would be tied 14-14,” Garston said. “He kicked four penalties and that basically won us the game[….]”

McGill’s first try started two minutes into the game with number-eight Sebastien Boyer breaking three tackles on his way to the five-meter line. The Gaiters bunched around the ruck, resulting in McGill passing the ball down its huge overlap for winger Thomas Stoke to finish in the corner. Fullback Alexander Russell scored the second McGill try with an astonishing chip and chase in the 37th minute.

The Gaiters, down 26 in the first half, were unfazed. They saw their game plan of pressuring McGill’s goal line with kicks deep into Redmen territory was rewarded in the second half with a 52nd minute try. Bishop’s kept McGill on the back foot with incisive running and better organization in the Gaiter’s defensive line. Furthermore, the visitors stopped conceeding penalties, taking Hill’s kicking abilities out of the game.

McGill ultimately weathered the storm with one more try conceded in the 70th minute; their 26 first-half points provided an adequate buffer. The Gaiters demonstrated that success against McGill required limiting penalties and attacking the Redmen goal line.

McGill, however, will be confident going into next week’s matchup against the Montreal Carabins (4-1-0). The RSEQ is McGill’s to lose; they have the most disciplined side and well-rounded squad in the league.

Sound Bites

“First half we were in their half the whole half and second half they were in our half the whole half.”- Coach Garston on a match of two halves.

Play of the game

Russell received the ball on the sideline in the 37th minute. He demonstrated excellent footwork manoeuvring past a defender. Russell, seeing space behind the Gaiter’s defence, chipped the ball 25 metres forward and out-sprinted his nearest challenger to touch the ball down for a try.

Stat of the game

Hill was a perfect 6-6 on all of his kicks.

Facebook Like Dislike button
a, Opinion

Commentary: Give Facebook’s ‘dislike’ button a chance

by Albert Park on

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For many years, Facebook users have clamoured for the addition of a ‘dislike’ button. In a way, their wishes were addressed last month, when Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that his team has been working on a feature akin to a dislike button. Setting aside vague debates about how this feature could lead to negativity, a new ‘empathy’ button has the potential to expand the emotional dynamics of the Facebook community.

Of course, the announcement did not come without its share of criticism. Many publications have commented on how this addition could increase cyber-bullying and general online antagonism; however, one thing Zuckerberg made clear in his announcement was that the purpose of the button would be for users to express their empathy on a sad or unfortunate post, rather than to display disdain or disagreement. According to him, the team is working to implement the feature in a way that would prevent it from being used as a way to demean or harass others. In fact, he never actually referred to the feature as a dislike button himself. Effectively, the new feature would function as more of an ‘I’m sorry’ button.

Almost everyone has been in the situation where they’ve wondered if it would be insensitive to like a friend’s post about a deceased family member or a news story about a tragic event. This is understandable as the like button by definition carries a positive connotation. It is only logical that a similar system should be developed to allow people to express their emotions towards less positive events and ideas. A button to express empathy will allow the social network to better represent both the sadness and happiness which exists in real life, making social media experience more complete. This will ultimately lead to an online experience with more room for serious discussions and awareness about a broader range of topics.

A new button expressing empathy could help introduce more emotional depth to Facebook by making it easier for its users to express their feelings towards heavier and less positive subjects while enhancing and clarifying the purpose of the current like button as well.

Some people are concerned that the introduction of an empathy button would make the sentiment less meaningful. Hand-in-hand with the younger generation’s penchant for digital communication is the concern that people are losing their ability to express emotions without the use of likes and emoticons, a trend that could worsen with the empathy button.

It should also be noted that just because a function is simple or easy to use, does not necessarily make it devoid of sincerity or importance. Consider the like button. There are significant social and personal implications behind it: People are able to show their support for their favorite singers, express their appreciation for a touching story, or show amiability towards their friends by liking their posts. On social media, it has almost become an instinctive reaction for people to like anything that makes them happy; in that way, they are analogous to smiles in real life. It is a social trend that allows people to collectively express their sentiments, which helps open doors for further discussion as well. The real problem is that these sentiments are currently limited to positive ones. The new feature would address this issue by serving as a supplement to the like button, further strengthening their emotional implications.

It is also important to keep in mind that without a negative counterpart, the like button will continue to devolve into a passive expression of interest. Many critics have pointed out that people can use the like button to bring attention to any post they feel is important, even if it is of a sombre nature. This introduces a lot of emotional ambiguity to the act and at worst completely devalues any feelings behind liking things, not only online but in a general sense too.

Overall, a new button expressing empathy could help introduce more emotional depth to Facebook by making it easier for its users to express their feelings towards heavier and less positive subjects while enhancing and clarifying the purpose of the current like button as well. This will lead to a more meaningful social media experience that is a more accurate reflection of the real world as well.

a, Opinion

Commentary: Improving access to organ transplants

by Justin Hatherly on

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Every year, thousands of Canadians endure immense suffering waiting for organ transplants.  Despite encouragement from the government and civil society groups, the number of organs donated is inadequate to meet the need.  For example, in 2013, over 4,500 Canadians were waiting for a kidney, which is the most commonly transplanted organ. To ameliorate this shortage, which extends to all organs, the federal government should legalize and regulate the market for organs

While it is understandable that many would be uncomfortable with treating organs like commodities, this should not obscure the fact that given the mass shortage in available organs for transplant, the trade will inevitably continue. The shortage of organs results in a global black market that disproportionately affects the poor, who sell their kidneys without being able to access the service for themselves.

Almost every other country has prohibitions like Canada’s; however, in Iran, selling one's kidney is legal. The regulation of the kidney market is not complete. In the official market, there are still wait times, but the prices are regulated. Yet at the same time it is legal for donors to ask for a higher price. Canada should learn from the failures in Iran’s policy to ensure that a legal organ market is regulated so as to ensure that it is not just the poorest parts of society selling their organs—an open market should be accompanied by an increase in pro bono donations.

The status quo is failing. The huge need for organ transplants in Canada is not being met by voluntary donations. According to The Kidney Foundation of Canada (TKFC), over 23,000 Canadians were on dialysis in 2010, an expensive procedure that places a heavy mental and physical burden on patients. Additionally, the number of Canadians who will need organ transplants is poised to grow larger.  According to TKFC, 16 Canadians are told they have kidney failure daily.  In 2010, 82 Canadians died waiting for a transplant. There is therefore a need to increase the supply to meet growing demand for transplants.

The cost of dialysis—which for patients suffering from kidney failure is medically necessary—is approximately $60,000 per year. In contrast a transplant only costs $23,000, plus $6,000 per year in medication.  A greater number of transplants would save the health system an immense amount of money, and provide a higher standard of living for patients.

The status quo is failing. The huge need for organ transplants in Canada is not being met by voluntary donations.

Thus, the solution to dealing with the shortage would be to legalize and regulate the trade. While kidneys can be donated by living donors, donors could be compensated for other organs posthumously. After all, it seems illogical to argue that voluntary donations are good yet doing the same thing for monetary compensation is bad. A regulated market would also ensure that the decision to donate is made with all available information and resources of the government. Many still argue that allowing people to receive compensation for organ donations could lead to exploitation of the poor who may feel compelled to sell organs because of financial difficulty; however, a 2010 survey from the University of Pennsylvania found that while monetary compensation increased the likelihood of donating an organ, the effect was the same regardless of socioeconomic status. It also found that the monetary incentive did not affect the number of people willing to donate for free. A regulated market would make organ transplants more available and more equitable by ensuring that the poor have as much access to transplants as the rich, who can pay or travel to receive their transplants.The government could also ensure access to transplants for poorer Canadians by offering to purchase organs that could be reserved for low income individuals who need a transplant.

There is no way to stop the organ trade. As long as people need organs to save their lives, and others are willing to sell them, a market will exist. The best that the government can do is to bring the trade out of the shadows, to ensure the safety of all participants.  Though many may be uneasy with the notion of legalized organ sales, the fact remains that people are dying because they don’t have access to lifesaving treatments.  We should not let fellow citizens suffer and even face death when so many others are willing to donate.

NFL Fantasy Football
a, Football, Sports

Week 4: Fantasy Football takeaways

by Josh Blatt on

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Unemployment offices across the U.S. will have more work this week, as a number of NFL kickers got the boot after some shocking performances. Week 4 saw 14 missed field goals and four missed extra points, many of which decided the outcome of close fantasy matchups. It was an otherwise quiet week, as top receivers put together some under-the-radar performances. Here’s the rest of your fantasy football roundup:

A Bronco that lost its legs

Undrafted free agent C.J. Anderson emerged as an elite running back for the Denver Broncos last season and was hyped up as a smart fantasy pick in the off-season. Through four weeks, however, the former California Golden Bear has rushed for a paltry 117 yards with no touchdowns. The disappointing production has cleared the way for Ronnie Hillman. The fourth-year player has been the Broncos best back and is poised to get the starting gig. With Anderson quickly slipping into fantasy irrelevance, selling low while you can might be your best option.

Dolphins poached across the pond

Fourth-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill was blitzed all game behind a shaky offensive line in the Miami Dolphins’ loss to the New York Jets at London’s Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Tannehill has been a serviceable fantasy quarterback to this point but his value will fluctuate week to week so long as Miami’s line continues to struggle. Fortunately for the team’s skill-position players, Head Coach Joe Philbin, who has overseen the Fins almost completely abandon the run game, was fired Monday morning. Heading into their Week 5 bye, Tannehill and his teammates will look to work out their kinks. Expect increased production and a few more fantasy points from the Miami backfield in Week 6.

The Duke of Cleveland

Cleveland Browns’ rookie running back Duke Johnson Jr. was a fantasy sleeper coming into the season. He finally woke upin Week 4. The Browns coaching staff followed through on their promise to increase Johnson’s touches and the versatile back went off for nine catches, 85 yards, and a touchdown. While Johnson’s rushing stats over the past four weeks are nothing to write home about, his receiving abilities separate him from fellow halfback Isaiah Crowell. Johnson even got the nod over Crowell on a late goal line attempt on Sunday. With the Browns expecting to trail in many games going forward, Duke Johnson Jr. should prove to be an asset in points-per-reception (PPR) leagues with plenty of growing upside as his usage rises.

A Jet doomed for descent

After three seasons in Chicago, wide receiver Brandon Marshall fled for the Big Apple and joined the Jets receiving corps. Lingering ankle issues and a punctured lung brought an early end to Marshall’s roller coaster 2014 season. With a competent quarterback this year in Ryan Fitzpatrick, the 31-year-old Marshall has silenced whispers that his best days are behind him and has dominated with three touchdowns and an average 100 receiving yards per game. Marshall was a huge steal for those who drafted the wideout in the middle rounds as their second or third receiver; however, it’s fair to question whether Marshall can maintain this level of play. Fitzpatrick has a history of regressing, demonstrated in his short tenures at his previous five NFL teams, and Marshall has always been injury-prone. It may be worthwhile to field some trade offers for the wide receiver while his value is sky-high.

Gurley ramming through the defence

Returning from a 2014 ACL surgery, St Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley carried the load in Sunday’s 24-22 upset of the Arizona Cardinals. The rookie rushed 21 times, amassing 161 all-purpose yards despite a poor performance from his offensive line. Aside from showing off his legs and vision all afternoon, Gurley demonstrated some acute football IQ on the final drive, when he stayed in bounds and kept the clock running and gave himself up when defenders approached. Look for Gurley to be used early and often in next week’s meeting with the undefeated Green Bay Packers and their vulnerable run defence.

Tom Brady
a, Football, Sports

Old dogs, new tricks: How Tom Brady evolved past NFL competition

by Joe Khammar on

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In his 15th season in the NFL, Tom Brady still manages to shatter every misconception about him. After the New England Patriots’ disastrous loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 of last season the press was calling for Brady’s head. His critics were saying that he was too old, that he couldn’t throw deep, and that the Patriots need a fresh approach. In response, Brady won the Super Bowl and has remained one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Through the first three weeks of the 2015 season, Brady’s stat line is nine touchdowns, zero interceptions, 72.2 per cent completion rate, and a 119.6 quarterback rating.

At 38 years old, the sixth round draft pick has remained effective because he is willing to evolve his approach to the game. Funnily enough, this old dog has incorporated two small yet very important new tricks into his throwing mechanics: He pivots more with his hips and has lowered his release point.

In looking at Brady’s 2014 game tapes, it’s clear that his release point was a good two feet over his helmet. A typical 2014 Brady pass looked something like this:

His knees are nearly locked straight and in doing so he removes his lower body from the pass, resulting in less momentum and force in his throws.  

Compare him to the NFL’s best quarterback Aaron Rodgers and it is immediately noticeable how Rodgers more so incorporates his hips into his throwing motion. This brings physics on the Green Bay quarterback’s side and helps him throw the ball with velocity every time he drops back.

When Rodgers takes his shot downfield, he turns his whole body through his hips with the throw and delivers a phenomenally accurate strike for the touchdown

The second thing to pick up on in Brady’s 2014 game tape is that his release point is two feet above his head, lessening the power that his wrist provides on the release. When releasing the ball, the wrist should create a snapping motion, which is instrumental in generating tight spirals and velocity on quick passes. An outstretched arm makes it more difficult to replicate the snapping motion and hampers the quarterback, who has to rely on his arm strength to generate power. This, combined with his locked legs, resulted in weaker passes.

In comparison, Rodgers releases the football from a lower point than Brady. He lets the ball go from around his ear. This does two things: It helps him use the motion of his wrist to generate more velocity and accuracy and it allows him to get the ball out of his hands quicker. This is because  the passing motion takes a lot less time when the release point is closer to the ear.

Over the off-season, Brady must have worked non-stop because he's looked phenomenal throwing the ball in 2015.

His 400th touchdown pass demonstrates a quicker, more economical motion that takes valuable time off his pass.—a quarter of a second can be the difference between being sacked or throwing for a touchdown. Perhaps this has contributed to Brady taking two fewer sacks after four weeks in 2015 than in 2014 at the same point.

Brady, however, has the seen the greatest improvement in his deep ball. By this point last year, Brady was 1 of 16 in deep passes according to NESN This is terrible, considering that a deep pass is defined as one that travels over 20 yards in the air. That means that Brady completed just one pass of more than 20 yards through four weeks in 2014. This year, Brady’s deep accuracy is near the top of the league, his throwing power looks stronger than ever, and he’s only getting started.  If he can continue to play at this pace, he won’t only have another historic season, but may be able to ride off into the sunset with a fifth Super Bowl ring.

Amazingly enough, Brady was able to do all of this in his 15th NFL season. By age 38 most quarterbacks are struggling to remain relevant. Brady, seemingly impervious to time, has managed to revamp the way he plays.

 

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