The Silhouette - January 19, 2019 by The Silhouette

INSIDE>>

NEWS: Landlord licencing may be coming to Ward 1 // PAGE 6 ARTS & CULTURE: Zine Club opens its doors to the community // PAGE 17 SPORTS: Women’s basketball rolls to six straight wins // PAGE 24

The Silhouette Thursday, January 17, 2019

A run down of this year’s MSU presidential candidates // PAGE 3

The Silhouette

Volume 89, Issue 17 Thursday, January 17, 2019 McMaster University’s Student Newspaper

EDITORIAL BOARD editor-in-chief | thesil@thesil.ca

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January 24, 2013

Emily O’Rourke @emily_oro digital media specialist | dms@msu.mcmaster.ca

Aaron de Jesus

managing editor | managing@thesil.ca

Sasha Dhesi @SashaDhesi

production editor | production@thesil.ca

Hamza Furmli

online editor | online@thesil.ca

Yvonne Lu sections

Cassidy Bereskin news reporter Ryan Forrest Tse news@thesil.ca news editor

features reporter

Hannah Walters Vida

features@thesil.ca

Sabrina Macklai

opinion editor

opinion@thesil.ca

Justin Parker Jessica Carmichael sports@thesil.ca

sports editor sports reporter

arts arts

& culture editor Razan Samara & culture reporter Rya Buckley aandc@thesil.ca media

Kyle West Catherine Goce production coordinator Sukaina Imam production coordinator Sabrina Lin production@thesil.ca photo editor

photo reporter

Sasha Roshan Martin Burwell online@thesil.ca

video editor

social media coordinator

COVER Kyle West Sabrina Lin

CONTACT

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MUSC, Room B110 McMaster University 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4S4

The Silhouette welcomes letters to the editor in person at MUSC B110, or by email at thesil@thesil.ca. Please include name, address and telephone number for verification only. Letters should be 300 words or less. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters and opinion articles. Opinions and editorials expressed in the Silhouette are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, the publishers, the McMaster Students Union or the University. The Silhouette is an editorially autonomous newspaper published by the McMaster Students Union. The Silhouette Board of Publications acts as an intermediary between the editorial board, the McMaster community and the McMaster Students Union. Grievances regarding the Silhouette may be forwarded in writing to: McMaster Students Union, McMaster University Student Centre, Room 201, L8S 4S4, Attn: The Silhouette Board of Publications. The Board will consider all submissions and make recommendations accordingly.

Editor-in-Chief (905) 525-9140, ext 22052 Main Office (905) 525-9140, ext 27117 Advertising ccpc@mcmaster.ca 8,000 circulation published by the

Voter turnout

Voter turnout for the McMaster Students Union presidential election was the highest it has ever been in 2012, which was also the year in which Simply Voting, McMaster’s online polling system, was put into place.

You can hang with us! We’re always looking for more contributors! If you’re interested in contributing to the Sil, email a section editor below, or come visit our office in MUSC B110 during a meeting.

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

The Silhouette

News Under Pressure

The 2019 MSU Presidentials Important Dates SUN

MON 13

TUES 14

WEDS

THURS

Presidential Meet & Greet

20 The Silhouette Debate

SAT

FRI 18

Candidate Debate

Voting Opens

24 Voting Closes

Platform Highlights Lower food prices

Uber For Buses

HSR driver accountability

ATMs without transaction fees

Community ice rink

Better lighting on campus

Josh Marando

Tuition freeze

TwelvEighty 2 Go

Renovate ClubSpace

Madison Wesley

Textbook rental service

Mandatory TA training

Increasing study spaces

Justin Lee

Jeffrey Campana

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NEWS

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019 | www.thesil.ca

Meet Your Candidates Ryan Tse News Reporter

Hannah Walters-Vida Features Reporter

Natalie Clark Contributor

Jeffrey Campana In his eighth year at McMaster University, Level IV materials engineering student Jeffrey Campana believes his communication skills and experience within and apart from the McMaster Students Union governing body give him the ability to propose a fairly ambitious set of platform points. His most prominent MSU involvement has been with Union Market, where he has worked for the past four years and is now the manager. He is also an MSU Maroon and serves as the vice president (Promotions) for the McMaster chess club. Campana’s platform is comprised of 15 platform points and three advocacy initiatives focusing on infrastructure, accessibility, student engagement and campus safety. Campana’s aspires to expand MSU present Ikram Farah’s Tax Free Tuesdays pilot project, what he calls “the best

platform point from the past seven MSU elections.” Campana’s two other advocacy points involve improving Go service and adding incentives to encourage student participation in the newly-released MSU landlord rating system. Perhaps the most ambitious platform point out of the 15 is Campana’s plan to build an ice rink on campus by January 2020. Two of Campana’s infrastructure projects involve lighting and wifi. Campana wants to upgrade all lights on campus to white LED lighting. Campana’s “Actually Better Wi-Fi” initiative involves conducting a “Wi-Fi audit” across campus to provide wifi wherever it is currently missing. Another initiative includes the proposal to distribute free menstrual products to students and every all-genders washroom on campus. Campana’s “Mac Votes”

point outlines his commitment to place a polling station on campus for future elections. Campana has a few points to make the operations of the “MSU Bubble” more engaging and accessible. He plans to “Break the Bubble” by standardizing different roles and ensuring hiring practices are unbiased. Regarding the overall vision of the MSU, Campana plans to release an additional annual document on top of the “State of the Union” to outline the long-term goals of the union. His “Easy Reading” point will make the student union website available to be translated into any language. “Your Bank, No Fees” is the title of Campana’s plan to increase the number of ATMs representing different banks on campus. Campana has also dedicated two platform points to improving the Welcome Week

experience for reps and incoming first year students. He plans to continue subsidizing meals at TwelvEighty for reps and extend it from two days to one week.

large areas of space all around campus that can easily be converted into effective student study spaces. For instance, Wesley uses the Waterfall Room in the Michael DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery as an example of a large space that could foster and support a future study atmosphere. In addition, Wesley promises to work with each faculty at McMaster to create a mandato-

Wesley’s platform. “I will hold the university to the standards that we students expect.”

More information about Campana’s platform can be found at www.jeffreymichael2019.com.

C/O JEFFREY CAMPANA’S CAMPAIGN WEBSITE

Madison Wesley Madison Wesley is a second year political science student involved with several art clubs at McMaster, including the starving artist society. She is also actively involved with community outreach programs, such as the Give n’ Get store in Barrie, On. Wesley’s platform promises to improve physical and mental health on campus, introduce a textbook renting program for students, increase the amount of study spaces on campus and ensure that teaching assistants are required to complete a mandatory training program before stepping into a classroom environment. Wesley’s most ambitious promise to students is to make the physical and mental health of students her priority. She promises to increase the number of counsellors and psychiatrists on campus and make them more accessible to

students. Wesley also hopes to increase the number of student group therapy sessions available. In addition to improving the number of available counsellors on campus, Wesley wishes to introduce a student walk-in clinic on campus. Another aspect of Wesley’s platform includes the plan to introduce a “Rent-a-Text” program for students purchasing books at the McMaster campus store. This program would allow students to rent textbooks for a period of four months, with a 25 per cent deposit. After the four-month period comes to a halt, students would return their textbook in good condition and receive back their deposit in return. Wesley also aims to increase the number of accessible study spaces on campus. She believes that there are

More information about Wesley’s platform can be found at https://madisonjw.wixsite. com/2019.

Wesley wishes to introduce a student walkin clinic on campus. ry training program for TAs. “As major players in our day-to-day education, they need to be effective in the classroom as instructors,” reads part of

C/O MADISON WESLEY’S CAMPAIGN WEBSITE

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

The Silhouette

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Justin Lee Justin Lee is a second-year political science student who is bringing a platform that aims to help the McMaster Students Union serve students while creating more opportunities for students to get involved with the MSU. Last year, Lee served as the chair of the MSU First Year Council. This year, he is serving as a social science representative for the Student Representative Assembly and as a representative on the MSU’s university affairs committee. Lee’s platform consists of 13 objectives aimed collectively at increasing communication between students, the MSU and the university and making students’ lives easier and safer. A large section of Lee’s platform is focused on supporting clubs at McMaster. One way he plans to do this is by providing fundraising training services for all MSU clubs. He hopes that by decreasing funding and increasing training, most clubs will become fiscally independent. Lee also aims to host another ClubsFest during the second

semester to increase student involvement. Lowering food prices is another major point in Lee’s platform. To achieve this platform objective, he says he will meet with Hospitality Services to discuss menu items. He also floats the idea of an after-hours takeout service, which he says will aid students living on campus. Another platform point is the provision of free menstrual products for single use washrooms. Lee’s other ideas to help students succeed include hosting events to promote mental health and using the funds to invest into MSU mental health services. He also plans to work with the Student Success Centre to create subsidized “life skills” programs, such as first aid training or tax-filing. Lee’s platform includes an initiative to “increase proactive security efforts with regards to public events.” Lee wants the MSU to engage students more effectively by bolstering its social media

presence.

A large section of Lee’s platform is focused on supporting clubs at McMaster. One way he plans to do this is by providing fundraising training services for all MSU clubs. Regarding campus infrastructure and rules, Lee says he will enforce the maintenance of emergency poles and will start a discussion with the university administration over the smoking ban, which he says “should either be enforced or more lenient.” Another platform point is Lee’s “Uber for Buses” project. Lee envisions a sort of digital “dynamic routing system”

during late-night times where students on the bus can request a stop by putting it into the software, from which the drivers can plan the most efficient route. Lee also wants to implement HSR driver accountability by creating a platform that allows students to report drivers

and give feedback on their transit experience. More information about Lee’s platform can be found by reaching out to Lee’s campaign at justinleecampaign2019@gmail. com.

C/O JUSTIN LEE’S CAMPAIGN WEBSITE

Josh Marando Josh Marando is a Level IV arts and science student with a combined honours in biochemistry. Marando has held a number of leadership positions within the McMaster Students Union, including MSU advocacy coordinator and Welcome Week faculty societies coordinator. He has also held executive positions with MSU Spark, the Creating Leadership Amongst Youth conference and the society of arts and science students. The 12 pillars of Marando’s platform highlight a wide range of priority areas all tied to supporting students, strengthening community and improving space on campus. Marando’s first pillar aims to revitalize the McMaster University Student Centre. He plans to create more lounge areas by renovating the third floor terrace and clubspace. He also plans to add an additional food court. The second pillar aims to reduce the costs of education. Marando plans to advocate for tuition freezes, upfront grants and program based Ontario Student Assistance Program

funding. He also plans to work with the university to eliminate late fees on tuition payments. Marando’s third pillar aims to reform teaching and assessment strategies in order to better support students’ academic needs. He plans to allow students to opt out of exams if they have two in 12 hours, implement a deferred exam period at the end of the exam period, introduce podcasting in more courses, work toward open education resources and extend the add/ drop deadline. Pillar four focuses on improving campus infrastructure such as lecture halls and study spaces. Marando aims to accomplish this by increasing the deferred maintenance budget by $12 million per year and implementing a campus accessibility audit and advisory committee. Pillar five stresses the need to expand the student wellness centre space and hire more primary care physicians, counselors and psychiatrists. Marando’s sixth pillar includes the promise to hire

an additional sexual violence response coordinator. Pillar seven focuses on supporting international students by lobbying for tuition freezes and allowing international students to access the Ontario health insurance plan. Marando also aims to shift the responsibility of sidewalk snow removal to the city.

amount of money that they are expected to pay out of pocket and by streamlining processes for room booking and event planning. Marando also aims to strengthen student-led arts based initiatives by providing financial support and improving access to performance and practice spaces.

Marando’s last pillar focuses on improving MSU operations, specifically through the creation of a human resources coordinator position. More information about Marando’s platform can be found at Josh2019.com.

Marando plans to advocate for tuition freezes, upfront grants and program based Ontario Student Assistance Program funding. Marando’s eighth pillar looks at shifting the responsibility of sidewalk snow removal to the city. In his ninth pillar, Marando outlines strategies to support student leaders by reducing the

C/O JOSH MARANDO’S CAMPAIGN WEBSITE

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NEWS

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019 | www.thesil.ca

Mac alumna founds global Muslim fitness community Amanah Fitness is breaking barriers by promoting diversity and inclusivity in the fitness industry Donna Nadeem Contributor

After completing her bachelor’s degree in McMaster University’s psychology, neuroscience and behavior program in 2014, Amina Khan founded Amanah Fitness, a culturally-sensitive, online female fitness community. In just three years, it has grown to become one of the largest global Muslim fitness education programs, helping over 50,000 women across the globe. Amanah Fitness’ online workouts feature diverse female fitness instructors and are performed with no equipment so that individuals of all fitness levels can access them. For instance, Khan’s 30 day online fitness bootcamp, which is offered at $129 for lifetime access, gives users 22 unique equipment-free workouts and personal coaching from Khan. “As an alumna of McMaster University, I am honoured to be using my degree to promote social change on a global scale. Our goal is to use the psychology of motivation to help women

of all cultural backgrounds feel their best through healthy active lifestyles,” said Khan. During her second year at McMaster, Khan hit her heaviest weight and felt that something had to change. “At the peak of my frustration, I decided to try losing weight one last time. This time, through fitness. After years of failed dieting attempts and feeling intimidated at the gym, I found a small ladies-only gym,” said Khan. With the support of inspiring female fitness instructors who helped her discover a love

“As an alumna of McMaster University, I am honoured to be using my degree to promote social change on a global scale,” Amina Khan Founder Amanah Fitness

of exercise, she was able to lose 60 pounds. With a newfound passion for health and fitness, Khan sought to share her journey to inspire other women. To meet the growing demand for our culturally-sensitive health and fitness classes, education and workshops, she founded Amanah Fitness. Khan started by teaching fitness classes for female students in the David Braley Athletic Centre with the McMaster Muslim Students Association and continued to expand her fitness classes to other community centres and mosques, with a focus on cultural and religious barriers to fitness. Her goal was to provide a space for women from diverse backgrounds to learn about their health. By popular demand, she also created an online workout bootcamp program that is now used by Muslim women across the globe. As a Muslim woman who wears a headscarf, Khan had always struggled to find a fitness community. “As someone who struggled with weight loss before

becoming a fitness instructor, I know first-hand that Muslim women and women from diverse cultural backgrounds can feel neglected by the mainstream fitness industry,” she said. “When I was struggling with my weight, I never saw anyone in the fitness industry who looked or dressed like me. As an overweight Muslim woman wearing a headscarf, I felt excluded from the fitness industry.” According to Khan, another challenge Muslim women face is maintaining health and fitness while fasting during Ramadan.

Ramadan Reset has become a globally recognized resource to help Muslim individuals live a healthy active lifestyle while fasting.

Amanah Fitness believed a collaborative approach needed to be taken. In particular, Khan worked with dieticians, doctors and medical professionals in Canada to launch a comprehensive online resource called Ramadan Reset to provide research-based resources for fasting nutrition and fitness. Ramadan Reset has become a globally recognized resource to help Muslim individuals live a healthy active lifestyle while fasting. Last August, Khan was named Fitness Professional of the Year at the World Fitness Expo, making her the first Muslim woman to be awarded the title. In the future, Khan aspires to continue to expand Amanah Fitness’ audience internationally and release a second online workout program.

@theSilhouette

Landlord licencing slated to come to Mac community The proposal seeks to improve student safety by mandating annual rental housing inspections Donna Elliot Fung Nadeem Contributor Contributor

Landlord licensing for rental housing may be coming for students in the near future. If approved by Hamilton city council, a two-year pilot project in wards one and eight will subject landlords to a $200 annual fee and city inspections for their rental units. In September 2018, the rental housing sub-committee voted in favour of pursuing a rental housing licensing by-law pilot project. Other options considered at the time included increasing rental housing bylaw enforcement and introducing a rental registry. A draft of the by-law is in the works for approval and will be presented to the city council and the public later this year. This is not the first time landlord licensing has been proposed in Hamilton. In September 2013, a proposal

for a city-wide rental housing licensing system was submitted to city council. The draft was abandoned amidst heavy opposition from landlords and affordable housing advocates. This time, if implemented, the pilot project will only affect wards one and eight, where a significant number of McMaster and Mohawk College students live in rental units. It is worth noting that McMaster students continue to express frustrations over negligent landlords who do not maintain rental properties and adhere to proper standards of health and safety. Stephanie Bertolo, the vice president (Education) of the McMaster Students Union, has been involved with extensive consultations about the by-law pilot project and ardently supports landlord licensing. In particular, Bertolo believes that landlord licensing will significantly improve students’

safety and rectify many problems stemming from absentee landlords. “The MSU has been a strong advocate for rental housing licensing because we believe it will help ensure safer housing for students,” she said. “Landlords should be held accountable by the municipal government for adhering to municipal

This time, if implemented, the pilot project will only affect wards one and eight, where a significant number of McMaster and Mohawk College students live in rental units.

and provincial laws to ensure students’ quality of life, who are paying to live in the landlords’ properties.” While the rental housing by-law may serve to strengthen and ensure standards of health and safety are being met, critics of landlord licensing suggest that affordable housing issues would emerge if the pilot project were pursued. For instance, at the December 2018 planning committee meeting, Arun Pathak, the president of the Hamilton and District Apartment Association, explained that the licensing bylaw may result in increased rent for tenants and students looking to rent. The rental housing sub-committee will be taking into consideration the potential financial implications of landlord licensing. “[Financial] offsets [for stakeholders] will be discussed with various departments

within the city of Hamilton’s economic development department,” said city of Hamilton communications officer Marie Fitzpatrick. City council will likely update the approval status of the landlord licensing pilot within the next few months. In the meantime, the MSU has been working to introduce other initiatives aimed at addressing McMaster student housing issues. For instance, a new website for rating rental houses just launched this month. The MSU hopes that once the wiki garners more popularity, students will be able to make more informed decisions about their housing situation. Students can access and add to the rating system at https://yomes. com/review/mcmaster.

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IKRAM FARAH President president@msu.mcmaster.ca 905.525.9140 x23885

It’s that time of year again, where some students tend to stay out of MUSC to avoid engaging with candidates and members of campaign teams. The time where the study body collectively finds humour in those advocating to increase student space while simultaneously taking up a considerable amount of space to campaign. Overall, there are mixed reviews of the MSU Presidential Election; some look forward to see who will replace the current president and a select few anticipate drama, but overwhelmingly, most see it as an opportunity for change. In my opinion, it is helpful to think of the presidential campaign process as the longest job interview ever, where the undergraduate student body is the hiring board. Members of the MSU, through their fees, pay directly into the president’s salary. This relationship brings a level of accountability and a responsibility to students. Therefore, I encourage you to buy into a vision in which you believe. As a part of this process - or as I’ll continue to call it, a

January 17, 2019 | thesil.ca

hiring board - students are able to determine the candidate whose vision, priorities, and platform they value the most. Running for MSU President involves putting yourself in a public position where criticism is inevitable. Being in the public eye and developing a platform in the interest of students is no easy feat - I applaud the candidates for the work they have done thus far and the effort they will continue to put in throughout the remainder of the campaign. The value of student voices is an integral and ongoing part of this process; undergraduates are able to bring their ideas forward and in turn, have the opportunity to inform the direction of the MSU. The person you will elect from January 22 to January 24 is in charge of setting the vision for the organization and will act as the key contact amongst stakeholders such as the University, Hamilton community, and all levels of government.

“Elect someone who is principled in their values and stands up for you in places you may not have access or representation.” Undoubtably, undergraduate students at McMaster consistently interact with the MSU, whether it be through our clubs systems, connecting with the multitude of services, utilizing the health and dental insurance plans, or catching a ride on the HSR to campus. At one point, many of these essential services began as a candidate’s values, ideas, and principles. I would advise students to not simply vote for a candidate that you feel has the flashiest or grandest ideas - and that is in no way

The President’s Page is a space sponsored and used by the McMaster Students Union (MSU) Board of Directors (BoD) to communicate with the student body. It functions to highlight the Board’s projects, goals, and agenda for the year, as well as the general happenings of the MSU.

meant to disregard the hard work and consultations that inform platforms because having seen the realities of this role, I know that fulfilling points on a platform is merely one aspect of the day-to-day duties as MSU President. I encourage students to support the individual who will, against all odds, stand

up for your voice amongst senior leadership. Elect someone who is principled in their values and stands up for you in places you may not have access or representation. Visit msumcmaster.ca/ elections for more information on the candidates running for MSU President and how to vote in the election.

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018

EDITORIAL

Editorial

OPINION

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We can do better

Students are struggling, so why are this year’s presidential platform points surrounding mental health nothing more than talking points? Emily O’Rourke Editor-in-Chief

On Jan. 11, McMaster Daily News published an article by Catherine Munn, an associate clinical professor from McMaster University’s psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences and lead psychiatrist at the McMaster Student Wellness Centre. Titled ‘Why are so many students struggling with mental health?’, the article discusses the factors that may lead to why students are struggling with mental health and the support systems in place, both on and off-campus, for those who find themselves struggling. It also demonstrates that students are in severe need for better mental health support on campus. From inadequate funding for Student Accessibility Ser-

vices, severely long wait times to see a counsellor and over 23,000 students accessing support from SWC, it’s interesting to see that candidates in the McMaster Student Union presidential election aren’t prioritizing mental health in their campaigns. Out of the four candidates in this year’s race, only three of them have a single platform point related to mental health support on campus. Out of these three, only one platform is feasible in theory, while still remaining financially unclear. Generally, once these platform points are simmered down, they don’t amount to anything more than a relatively ambitious and opportunistic points to gain your vote. Each platform that has a talking point about mental health support has no plan that is feasible or real-

istical to implement structures that support students on and off-campus. Sure, there is only so much that can be done within a year’s term. But within a year’s term, the MSU president’s role is to advocate on behalf of students and to bring your concerns to higher levels of governments and to university administration. We can turn these talking points into feasible opportunities to support those who are struggling on campus by prioritizing their needs over self-indulgent platforms from our presidential candidates. So let’s be clear, we can do a whole lot better for the many students who are struggling with mental health.

to classes that both inspire and confuse you

to wearing a baseball cap to your picture day

to Alshon Jeffrey’s butter fingers

to self-deprecating profs

to Sony Michel’s hattrick

to the remake of The Intouchables

to health insurance

to sweaty palms

to who wants to go to upstate New York with Marty? DM him.

to new Slack

to those chocolate pretzels from UM

to the death of my pet fish

to moaning Shamus

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10 |

HUMANS

Catherine Goce Photo Reporter

Tell me about Think Pink. Think Pink as an entire movement started 10 years ago, maybe even more. It started with the women’s basketball teams with the Canadian Interuniversity Sport at the time and now it’s University Sports. All the teams and coaches got together and it started as Shoot for the Cure, so they did their own Think Pink game. It kind of took off and all the universities that are USports-related were told that we have to do a Think Pink week, so for us we’ve chosen January and February where all of our basketball and volleyball teams are playing together for the weekend and we make it a whole week thing. It’s wild to see what it’s become, it started as a bake sale and that was it.

“One in eight women will get breast cancer in their life [...]”. Mackenzie Wiens Graduating McMaster Rugby Player, McMaster Athletes Care Executive Member, Think Pink Coordinator Then we were in the $1000$2000 range and we started doing raffles and t-shirts, we were gearing up and we added the tutu to the sports teams to do promotions and now we’re in the ten-thousand-dollar range. We recently partnered up with Bright Run. Originally, we used to give all of our money to the

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019 | www.thesil.ca

Toronto Cancer Society but for me I’m all about transparency. If were branding this as Think Pink we have to be giving it to a breast cancer organization. We are able to partner with Bright and giving our money to something that is just so transparent and local. Any organization you want to donate for is great, but I think there’s just something so important about staying local and knowing where your money’s going. Working with this generation, we’re not just going to blindly accept what is happening, we want to have purpose and that’s really what it’s come to now. How do you like being the planner of Think Pink? It’s been good, I’ve worked with a couple people who have planned it and I think every person brings their own personality to it. For me, I’ve been a lot about the organization of it. I’ve been organizing,

“Working with this generation, we’re not just going to blindly accept what is happening, we want to have purpose and that’s really what it’s come to now.” Mackenzie Wiens Graduating McMaster Rugby Player, McMaster Athletes Care Executive Member, Think Pink Coordinator

reaching out on social media, just getting the word out there, and making sure that we have a long-lasting and positive

legacy. Partnering with Bright has been one of the things that I really brought to the table and that I said I wanted to be local. We live in such a hot bed of medical institutes that it had to be local. Why are we sending our money away if we can keep it here? So I’ve been really excited to say that that’s been my contribution to Think Pink. Why is community engagement so important to you? I think this idea of nobody’s an island and I think the community is so important. I remember growing up it’s always been important to me to reach out and do different things. I really love event planning, it’s something that I’ve done forever. So when Think Pink happened, I knew that’s what I wanted to do and that’s where my skills could be used. I love it, I think it’s been a great thing for me to meet different people. In general, I think we often get stuck in the same group of friends and you don’t grow, you don’t learn, you’re not challenged that way. But it’s when you step outside and invite new people into your life and get invited into other people’s lives, that’s where you see the most growth and where you can really understand. I think it all comes down to the idea of diversity. If you only hang out with the same people, then you’re only going to be reaf-

firmed in what you’re doing and if what you’re doing is problematic or wrong then nobody is going to tell you because you’re all doing the same thing. It’s funny, my friends are the best and worst people because they tell me when I’m wrong and tell me not to do it again, so it’s just the idea that you’re just a better person when you’re around new people. I just love how diverse Hamilton is and I remember in first year not stepping outside of campus then being forced to leave in second year. I thought the city was so cool and then recognizing spots and not having to GPS every location is something I’m truly proud about. What are some important Think Pink initiatives you’ve done here at McMaster? I think the biggest one would be teaming up with Bright and raising funds for Bright, that’s definitely something that was really cool. Every day we do something fun, we’re doing spike ball which has been a new thing, and we still do the bake sale because it’s so true to what our roots are. People ask us a lot why we do it now and not in October. October is great because it’s breast cancer awareness month, but for us January is a way to start the year and kick it off with Think Pink by raising money for a great organization. One in eight women

will get breast cancer in their life and one out of 31 women will die from breast cancer in their life, men can also get breast cancer, but it affects women at such a disproportionate rate. I think it’s so important to show that women in your life are important, as a whole university and whole athletics department we’re doing to come together and support women. I think that’s something that’s just so great to get behind especially in today’s age where there’s so much happening.

“[...] when you step outside and invite new people into your life and get invited into other people’s lives, that’s where you can see the most growth [...],” Mackenzie Wiens Graduating McMaster Rugby Player, McMaster Athletes Care Executive Member, Think Pink For more information go to mauraders.ca/thinkpink

facebook.com/ HumansOfMcMaster

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12 |

OPINION

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019 | www.thesil.ca

Opinion Taking survivors seriously

McMaster University fails to respond to sexual assault reports in ways that are helpful

McMaster University’s sexual assault reporting process offers little support towards survivors. KYLE WEST / PHOTO EDITOR

Steffi Arkilander Contributor

Content warning: contains mentions of sexual assault McMaster University has a strong reputation among Ontario universities for offering a variety of diverse student-oriented resources and supports. However, McMaster has consistently failed in making support for sexual violence survivors accessible and effective. On Aug. 19, I was sexually assaulted by someone I trusted, just a few weeks before I started my second year at McMaster. I decided to give university resources a chance and reached out to the sexual violence response coordinator, Meaghan Ross, in October. I needed academic accommodations to support the extensive and difficult emotional turmoil I was experiencing. My grades were falling and I was not ready to write any tests. To receive academic accommodations, I had to mention Ross in my letter for Student Accessibility Services, which meant disclosing my sexual assault

to numerous administrative individuals. Unfortunately, registering with SAS is a long process and my deferred midterms often fell on days where I had other assessments or midterms. As a result, instead of my work being manageably spread out, my work and emotional distress were compounded together. In December, I decided to report my assault to the university. Not only was it unfair to me to have to constantly interact with my perpetrator, but it was also unfair to other students that had to interact with him. But when I contacted the McMaster Students Union and the Residence Life Office, I learned that undergoing the reporting processes is an extensive and exhausting endeavour. The process forces you to disclose your story to multiple organizations, to staff and non-survivors and brings your sexual assault to the public forefront. Even if my perpetrator is removed from positions without contact from me, he will know I caused his removal and that I decided to take action. Moreover, people will be able to

piece my story together. While I am personally okay with this, many others are not. Thus, to receive accommodations, such as an apology or to remove him from a position, I took the informal route that is offered through the McMaster University sexual violence protocol. To my disappointment, this route requires survivors to detail the incident. This creates an incredibly re-traumatizing experience and gives your perpetrator access to your disclosure, allowing them to reject the requested accommodations. This process has clearly become incredibly legal, despite pursuing the university route in order to avoid legal involvement. As this process is painfully slow, my perpetrator continues to hold positions of power and interact with the student body without consequence. My perpetrator is free to roam campus while I am forced to anxiously avoid him. My story is not uncommon. In fact, in comparison to other survivors, the university has responded well. Students generally don’t report their sexual assaults because of the

The process forces you to disclose your story to multiple organizations, to staff and non-survivors and brings your sexual assault to the public forefront. university’s response; the survivor often feels interrogated and is led to hope for an unsatisfactory compromise with their perpetrator. Survivors need to be prioritized. MacLean’s nationwide survey found that 29 per cent of McMaster students were not educated on how to report a sexual assault and 24 per cent of students weren’t educated on McMaster’s services that support survivors. This needs to change. The system should be more navigable and transparent, so that survivors are more likely to reach out for help. Reporting

assaults needs to be standardized university-wide so that survivors do not need to recount their experience to multiple organizations. Training does not teach perpetrators not to assault people. My perpetrator has attended over five trainings on anti-oppressive practices and sexual violence throughout university. Instead, training needs to emphasize on supporting survivors, and tangible means by which we can all work to dismantle the barriers impeding support mechanisms. The fact that only three in 1000 assaults results in conviction only becomes horrifyingly real when you have to support a survivor or become one yourself. Survivors have nothing to gain from reporting, only lots to lose. So please believe us.

@theSilhouette

OPINION

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

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Denying students the right to vote Students on co-op or internships should be granted the right to vote, be members of campaign teams and otherwise participate in their union’s elections Sabrina Macklai Opinion Editor

It’s that time of the year where a large majority of students are strategically avoiding the atrium of the McMaster University Student Centre. The campaigning period for the next McMaster Students Union president is currently underway and will continue until the end of polling on Jan. 24. Elections for MSU president are held annually, and are voted on by the MSU membership. While this sounds fair on paper, this translates into the consistent underrepresentation of co-op and internship students during elections. These students, who are not technically MSU members, are not allowed to support presidential candidates, which includes voting or being a member of a presidential campaign team. This is especially concerning considering co-op and internship students make up a large per cent of McMaster’s undergraduate population, with some programs like the bachelor of technology mandating co-op. If graduating students are afforded the right to vote and influence the MSU, despite not being present to actually experience the changes themselves, it makes little sense to deny returning students the same rights. The argument in defense of excluding these students is

If graduating students are afforded the right to vote and influence the MSU, despite not being present to actually experience the changes themselves, it makes little sense to deny returning students the same rights.

that they do not pay the MSU fee. For the 2018-2019 academic year, this fee was $573.07, paid by each full-time undergraduate student at McMaster University in addition to their tuition and other fees. Note that $230 goes towards the MSU Health and Dental plan where students have the option to opt-out. While it is true that co-op and internship students do not pay MSU fees or tuition, they still are required to pay co-op fees. For example, students in the faculty of science are required to pay a $3050 co-op fee over three years, which includes a yearly $150 administration fee. Similarly, students from the DeGroote School of Business must pay around $900 to participate in the commerce internship program.

Students in the faculty of science are required to pay a $3050 coop fee over three years, which includes a yearly $150 administration fee. Similarly, students from the DeGroote School of Business must pay around $900 to participate in the commerce internship program. A solution could be to allow these students the option to opt-in to the MSU fee and thus become MSU members with all the rights and privileges afforded with MSU membership, including the right to participate in MSU elections. But should students be forced to pay the full MSU fee in order to be represented? Other student unions like University of Victoria’s Students’ Society collect partial fees from co-op students. Payment of this partial fee allows these students to only access services that are relevant towards them. This

includes access to the health and dental plan, ombudsperson, university bursaries and democratic participation in students’ society elections. If a system like this was introduced to the MSU, it would allow co-op and internship students the ability to benefit solely from services and activities that pertain to them, while not unnecessarily paying for services which are less relevant to students away on placements like participating in MSU clubs. This could then essentially be a reduced version of the $130.26 MSU operating fee that full-time undergraduate students pay as part of their MSU fee. Alternatively, the MSU can make it so that returning MSU members are afforded electoral

rights without having to pay an additional fee. Co-op and internship students spend the majority of their degree at the

Co-op and internship students spend the majority of their degree at the university. They have definitely paid MSU fees in the years preceding their placements and will continue to pay fees upon their return.

ﬁll a gap

university. They have definitely paid MSU fees in the years preceding their placements and will continue to pay fees upon their return. Why should they be charged additional monies during their short term away just to be represented? Students on co-op or internships are still returning students that deserve to have an input on their union’s representation. Whatever change is made for future elections, it stands that the current unfair treatment of co-op and internship students by the MSU is a disservice to us all.

@_sabrinawitch_

in your program

Athabasca University has over 850 courses to choose from to meet your needs and courses start every month. AU has over 6,600 transfer agreements around the world (including with this institution).

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OPINION

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019 | www.thesil.ca

Revamping third-floor Thode The university should maximize all available space on campus, starting with unused space in H.G. Thode Library Sam Marchetti Contributor

If you have ever studied in the H.G. Thode Library of Science and Engineering, you have probably visited the third floor at some point. For many students, it strikes them as unfair that most of this floor is only accessible to students in the integrated science program. However, what most students don’t realize is that the third floor of Thode is not a full floor. The third floor covers only about 50 per cent of the ground space covered by the building itself. Of this, about a third is devoted to faculty office space for the school of interdisciplinary sciences and another third is inaccessible storage space used by facility services. The final third is actually split between two wings. One of these wings is the ThInk Space, an active learning classroom available for use by anyone in the faculty of science, and the other is the iStudy, a dedicated study space for integrated science students. Thus, not only does this study space

account for a very small amount of the total finished space on the third floor of Thode, but the third floor itself is largely unfinished.

McMaster already has a reputation for being innovative thinking, so why not add a teaching space that reflects our progressive focus? A large portion of the space above the second floor, over 30 per cent of the ground area covered by the library, is actually an open rooftop. Windows along the curved portion of the roof look down into the second and first floors around the perimeter, leaving an open area of almost 10,000 square feet surrounded by story-high walls. Inspecting an aerial view of Thode, you’ll find that there

is almost nothing up there. While it is easy to understand students’ frustration given that they are restricted access from what is the most noticeable part of the third floor, what should be more frustrating is this massive area, apparently left unused for no discernible reason. With so much unused space, I think it’s fair to consider transforming it into something all students can enjoy. In November, I wrote an article about the lack of natural elements integrated into McMaster University’s study spaces. This unused space provides a unique opportunity to change that. For example, a rooftop garden could be created, complete with heating elements to keep it useable year-round. The rooftop space already has walls on all sides, protecting it from most wind damage. A garden in the library could have serious benefits for the mental health of its users, especially during exam season when students spend endless hours there. Imagine, instead of taking a break by walking around the jam-packed Thode

study spaces, you could take a walk in a garden, without even leaving the building. Another possibility for this space could be something that’s been attempted at McMaster before: an outdoor classroom. Recently, this was accomplished in the form of the Indigenous circle. This outdoor amphitheater is ideal for the kind of learning that the Indigenous studies program promotes, and has received positive feedback from its students and faculty.

With so much unused space, I think it’s fair to consider transforming it into something all students can enjoy The unused space on the third floor of Thode is large enough to create a small outdoor lecture theatre, and the integration of a canvas roof and heating lamps could easily

KYLE WEST / PHOTO EDITOR

ensure year-round use of the space. Based on the feedback from the Indigenous circle, it’s easy to see the potential benefits of having a similar space that is adapted to science lectures. Not only would an outdoor lecture theatre be an interesting addition to our teaching spaces, but it could serve as a point of attraction for future students and guest speakers. McMaster already has a reputation for being innovative thinking, so why not add a teaching space that reflects our progressive focus? Although Thode’s seemingly ‘private’ third floor is irksome to many students, what should cause greater outrage is the existence of a very unique, inaccessible space to all students. Whether we decide to integrate nature into our study spaces, or choose another avenue to benefit the student population, this empty space should be transformed into something more than just an empty rooftop. @theSilhouette

OPINION

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

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The cost of financial independence Government financial aid programs should be expanded to benefit the larger public

Sabrina Macklai Opinion Editor

The Ontario Student Assistance Program, a financial aid program offered through the provincial government, has helped many Ontario students get through university. OSAP offers funding through grants and student loans, and can be used to help offset the cost of tuition and school-related expenses. Almost all Ontario residents may apply for OSAP but the amount of aid offered to each individual is dependent on the individual’s education expenses, course load, and personal financial situation. This last factor essentially boils down to your family’s income. If your family makes enough money deemed by the government to sufficiently cover educational expenses, then this renders you ineligible to collect OSAP. While this appears to favour students from low-income households, as it should, it neglects the possibility of students from high-income households

where parents do not or cannot pay for tuition. There are many reasons why this occurs ranging from the parents’ genuine inability to allocate funds for their children’s education to refusing on the grounds of principle. Though these students truly demonstrate financial need, their concerns often go unrecognized. As these students are not able to collect OSAP, they typically have to work several part-time jobs to pay for tuition, or try their luck at applying for private loans that do not carry the benefits of student loans like interest relief during schooling and grace periods after graduation. As of now, the only way to receive OSAP if you are from a high-income family is to be considered an independent student with an income below what the government deems as excessive or to declare a family breakdown. To be considered an independent student, one must meet several criteria. For example, both your parents must be deceased, you’ve worked fulltime for at least 24 months in a row, or you’ve been out of high

Expanding OSAP would stand to benefit the larger student population KYLE WEST / PHOTO EDITOR

school for four or more years.

As these students are not able to collect OSAP, they typically have to work several part-time jobs to pay for tuition, or try their luck at applying for private loans that do not carry the benefits of student loans. These provisions show the assumption of the provincial government that parents will support their children for four years of postsecondary education. This often false assumption also has no rational grounds; why the decision for a seemingly arbitrary four years? What occurs only after four years from high school that makes someone

financially independent? The alternative, to declare a family breakdown, is also insufficient. To declare a family breakdown renders you an independent student but you must show proof of estrangement from your parents “due to documented mental, physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse or drug or alcohol addiction in your family”. This provision is too narrow and does not reflect the many other reasons that parents may be unwilling or unable to support their children’s postsecondary education expenses. Your parents could very well be supporting you, just not financially. Rather than requiring students to jump through hoops to receive aid, there should be an honour system for students applying for OSAP. If students claim that they are financially independent from their parents, they should be believed at face-value. Perhaps the stipulation can be a restriction for these applicants to receive student loans only, so that grants can be reserved for students from lower-income families.

There will undoubtedly be individuals that misuse such an honour system. But is the potential for misuse strong enough cause to warrant not supporting individuals who could legitimately benefit from such an option? That’s subject to debate.

Rather than requiring students to jump through hoops to receive aid, there should be an honour system for students applying for OSAP.

@_sabrinawitch_

McMaster Students Union’s

OPINION

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018

Events Calendar

McMaster Music Society Open Mic Night Friday, January 18, 2019 Where: Bridges Cafe Time: 8:00pm — 11:00pm MMS is welcoming music students and friends back to campus after a wonderful winter break. We are super excited to be hosting an open mic night / jam session for any interested musicians or music lovers. Come out and show off some awesome tunes, or just sit back and enjoy the show! Admission is free but donations are welcome!

MSS Mentorship Board Games Night Tuesday, January 22, 2019 Where: Bridges Cafe Time: 8:00pm — 11:00pm

The MSS First Year Mentorship Program will be hosting a board games night to kick off second semester! Mentors and mentees ar invited to come out, meet each other, enjoy some food and play some board games.

Project ACNC Coffeehouse Thursday, January 24, 2019 Where: Bridges Cafe Time: 8:00pm - 10:30pm This coffeehouse aims to highlight multiculturalism at McMaster. Come out for a night of performances, snacks, and lots of fun. Check us out on facebook Project ACNC for more details.

Habitat for Humanity McMaster & The Starving Artists Society presents: Open Mic Night

Stay Connected:

MSU_McMaster

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Friday, January 25, 2019 Where: Bridges Cafe Time: 7:00pm — 10:00pm Come out for an evening of open mic-style performances by students to raise by-donation funds for McMaster Habitat for Humanity and The Starving Artists Society

Check out the full Events Calendar at: msumcmaster.ca/events

Connect to ents, Community, Ev ts, r Services, Conce s. b Advocacy, & Clu MSUMcMASTER.CA SPONSORED

The Undergrad Peer Tutoring Network offers affordable tutoring to students The Student Success Centre is pleased to launch the Undergrad Peer Tutoring Network (UPTN), a new network for students to access affordable, quality student tutors, both in-person and online. The platform is powered by TutorOcean, a relatively new start-up company that was selected in partnership with the McMaster Engineering Society. Differing from other academic services available, this network is a chance to connect with another student who successfully completed the course; tutors must have received an A- to provide services. “Through the Student Life Enhancement Fund, all McMaster undergraduate students who access the network receive a subsidy for the first seven sessions, meaning they only pay $9 per hour,” says Jenna Storey, Academic Skills Program Coordinator for the Student Success Centre. “Tutors

are available from all Faculties and an important part of this service.” Gina Robinson, Director of the Student Success Centre, adds, “Providing quality and affordable tutoring is an important objective of this initiative. Finding sustainable funding for subsidy will need to be part the plan moving forward.” Understanding that there are a number of gatekeeping courses (mandatory courses for students to complete their degree), the Student Success Centre continues to work with Faculties to ensure that these courses are available on the network. The Student Success Centre has also incorporated measures to ensure that tutors are well-prepared, offering a number of different sessions for tutors to become “McMaster Certified.”

As Jenna shares, “Students are encouraged to find a tutor who has a ‘McMaster Certified’ badge on their profile, indicating they have completed the tutor training session in accordance with best practices. This training focuses on running an effective session, ethical standards, and communication skills.” The Undergrad Writing Centre continues to be another support available for students, and can be used at any stage of the writing process. All Writing Tutors have undergone training through the Student Success Centre, which has been externally recognized by the College Reading and Learning Association (CLRA). Students can book up to ten appointments per semester for free. This semester, new drop-in writing support is also available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Undergrad Writing Centre is located in the Learning Commons on the second floor of Mills Library. Jill McMillan, Academic Skills Program Coordinator of the Student Success Centre, shares, “Writing remains is a key academic and life skill requirement. We are thrilled to have received certification recognition that demonstrates the quality of this peer based Sponsored by:

service. Students are supported in meeting their writing potential.” Students looking for quick study tips and other academic support can connect with Academic Coaches, located in the SSC Lounge as well as in the Learning Commons on the second floor of Mills Library every MondayFriday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. By: Elizabeth DiEmanuele

A&C

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

Arts & Culture

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Lights, sound, action Atmospheric Studies II: Singularity is a light and sound installation taking participants out of this world

The room design for last year’s performance, Atmospheric Studies I, at the Cotton Factory. C/O MATTHEW CUMMER

Rya Buckley A&C Reporter

Imagine you are in an art gallery but all the lights are turned off. You are immersed in lights and sound, absorbing different aspects of the audio-visual gallery. That is the best way to describe Atmospheric Studies II: Singularity. The one-hour light and sound show is the second in the Atmospheric Studies series that began last March. This year more shows are lined up, with two to three shows a day from Jan. 17 to Jan. 21. On Jan. 17 and Jan. 18, the shows will be held at New Vision United Church while the Jan. 19 to Jan. 21 shows will be held at the Main Event Space of the Cotton Factory. Sheridan College alumni Matt Cummer, Nick Grimshaw and Bea Macapagal, alongside their respective companies,

Black Lake, Walker/Grimshaw and Camp 905, are the architects of the installation. Cummer, who works in stage visuals, and Grimshaw, a composer, collaborated to create the project last year. After attending last year’s show, Macapagal reached out to the duo and became involved in this year’s logistics and visual planning. Cummer took inspiration from the Day for Night Festival in Houston, TX. The festival, which takes place in an old industrial postal sorting facility, has digital installations spread throughout the space that participants can check out. Cummer was also inspired by the work he does in stage visuals. “[W]henever you go to see a concert you have all these huge lighting fixtures on stage and that’s the context you see it in and it’s just complimenting the band but… I always had an interest in taking that out of context and using it in a totally

different way and then… marrying it with audio and making it kind of more come to life as its own thing rather than just complimenting something else,” explained Cummer. From this desire to make lights and sound come to life comes the name Atmospheric Studies. The project is creating its own contained atmosphere for attendees throughout the duration of the one-hour show. The other part of the name, Singularity, refers to a black hole, a feature of the storyline being woven throughout the show. The lights will be arranged in a circular fashion and take attendees through the creation of fusion that goes out of control and creates a black hole. This abstract plotline is a departure from last year’s project which was a more straightforward display. Introducing a story to the show is one of the ways in which Atmospheric Studies has grown from last year, in addition

to introducing a new venue in the New Vision United Church and putting on more shows. The best aspects of the first installation will be preserved, such as the live responsiveness of the light to the music. “One aspect of the show is that we take every little audio cue live that [Grimshaw is] playing and we input it into the visual system... [which] drives lights to do things right at that moment as well …[W]e try to make it very organic and feel like this is more special…[T]his isn’t something you’re ever going to experience again which is a once in a lifetime sort of thing,” explained Cummer. Putting on the installation has been a learning experience for Cummer. As a film school graduate, he didn’t have experience in production design, lighting design or lighting operation. However, he has put his skills from his film background into good use for the design of

this project. Last year’s project brought on some stress and hiccups but it was met with a positive response which ultimately led to the led to the continuation of the Atmospheric Studies. If all goes well with this series of shows, Cummer would love to have a third part of the series. He would also love to expand the concept to be more music-oriented, perhaps with musical acts. No matter what the future holds, this installation is sure to take attendees into another world.

@theSilhouette

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The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

It takes a village Cafe Baffico aims to bring people together and offer a place of relaxation in Hamilton’s east end

Sasha Dhesi Managing Editor

Nestled away right off of Main Street East and Ottawa Street South lies Jordan Weisz’s newest venture, Cafe Baffico, alongside his long-time friend and colleague, Fady Dawood. Together, the two have set out to bring the joy of good food and rest to the bustling Crown Point neighbourhood. Dawood and Weisz met about six years ago when the two both worked on Locke Street South; Weisz was running Johnny’s Coffee while Dawood worked at Brux House. The two bonded over their love of coffee and their shared fine dining experience, having both worked in high-end restaurants at some point. Over the course of their friendship, they both knew they wanted to eventually open up a restaurant, with the goal to make great food more accessible to the general public. “... [W]e both worked in fine dining, and we wanted to do high quality food but for everyone at a good price point, because neither of us could afford to eat at the restaurants we worked at,” said Weisz. Following years of planning

and one successful pop-up, the pair opened up Cafe Baffico in December 2018. While Weisz and Dawood are the main owners and operators, the café by day, restaurant by night has had support from the Hamilton community. All the dining ware was made by Speck and Stone, a local pottery shop run through the Cotton Factory. Their tables were made by their server, Lauren Goodman, who even helps out with repairs in between lunch and dinner service. She busied herself repairing some picture frames when I came by. On the walls are a series of photographs and pieces of artwork; some from friends, some from Weisz’s trips to Italy. These trips play a huge role in Cafe Baffico, which serves up a series of traditional Italian dishes alongside seasonal classics. “It’s an Italian restaurant more in its ethos. There’s a lot of Italian food on the menu, but personally, I love the seasonal cuisine over there and particularly the regional cuisine,” said Weisz. Weisz began his forays to Italy during his time as a student at McMaster University, after taking a trip with its art history department. He

“It’s an Italian restaurant more in its ethos. There’s a lot of Italian food on the menu, but personally, I love the seasonal cuisine over there and particularly the regional cuisine.” Jordan Weisz Owner of Cafe Baffico ended up staying in Italy well after the trip ended, working in restaurants. It was in Italy where Weisz credits his love for food began. “Most people think that Italian food is just pasta and pizza and that’s it, but every single town, every city has its own kind of pasta, its own style of pizza and so many different dishes, so there’s a long culinary tradition there,” Weisz said. “I studied history at [McMaster] so I have respect for preserving and respecting those traditions.” Weisz also took particular

interest in the culture surrounding eating in Italy, where patrons sit with their coffee and enjoy it in-store as opposed to the takeaway drinks popular in North America, appreciating the way food and drink brought people together. “Obviously I’m generalizing, but Italians, they go out to eat, they go out late at night and eat well into the night with lots of wine on the table and it’s simple. It’s really about the food and the people you’re with, whether they’re loved ones, friends, or strangers, and that’s what Baffico, to me, means,” Weisz said. Although Crown Point may be a bit of a trek for McMaster students, Weisz and Dawood both appreciate the distance from the main restaurant scene and the freedom it allows them. “[The Crown Point area’s] not just an up-and-coming neighbourhood, it’s a well-developed community,” said Weisz. “It’s also very much a mixed-income neighbourhood, whereas downtown has become gentrified and the artists that make downtown what it is now... can’t even afford to live downtown.” It is clear right away that Weisz, Dawood and everyone

Obviously I’m generalizing, but Italians, they go out to eat, they go out late at night and eat well into the night with lots of wine on the table and it’s simple. It’s really about the food and the people you’re with, whether they’re loved ones, friends, or strangers, and that’s what Baffico, to me, means.” Jordan Weisz Owner of Cafe Baffico else at Cafe Baffico is committed to making high-end dining more accessible to all those who enter their restaurant.

A&C

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

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From the Speck and Stone pottery to the artwork from Weisz’s travels, little pieces of Hamilton and Italy can be found in Cafe Baffico. Experience true Italian hospitality as Weisz (pictured) and Dawood invite you into their home in the Crown Point neighbourhood. “Because of the neighbourhood we’re in, someone who drinks [Tim Horton’s] everyday can come in and it’s not so acidic and different that it really trips them out, but also a coffee snob could come in and enjoy it,” said Dawood. “And that’s what we’re trying to do with all the food. I wanted it to be something super approachable by everyone.” The food, of course, is nothing short of fantastic. The ingredients are fresh, with all Italian cheeses directly imported from Italy, locally-sourced cheese plates, sourdough bread made in-house everyday along with another dozen little things that elevate their deceivingly simple dishes. You can even grab a loaf of sourdough bread to take home, if you were so inclined. The menu is written up on a blackboard everyday, rotating with whatever seasonal ingredients are available. Some recent dishes include squash soup, cacio e pepe, carbonara, sun-dried tomato and onion pizza and eggplant parmigiana. The staff is mindful of any sort of dietary restriction, so feel free to ask for accommodations if needed. Don’t be surprised if you see either Weisz or Dawood come out from the kitchen to clear dishes or strike up a con-

The ingredients are fresh, with all Italian cheeses directly imported from Italy, locally-sourced cheese plates, sourdough bread made inhouse everyday along with another dozen little things that elevate their deceivingly simple dishes. versation with you; the two will often come out to help support their serving staff and bond with their customers. So come by Cafe Baffico and try some wonderful dishes, but don’t forget to bring a friend, family member or lover, someone to share the bread and butter with and truly experience what Weisz and Dawood mean by Italian hospitality. @SashaDhesi

CATHERINE GOCE/PHOTO REPORTER

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The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

For the love of zines Zine Club gathers zine creators and sparks interest in the community Rya Buckley A&C Reporter

As the freezing cold wind twirled snow into the night air last Thursday, the inside of Centre[3] for Print and Media Arts was filled with warmth. Chai was brewing and connections were being made as members of the community gathered inside for the first Zine Club meeting. The free club is the first of its kind at Centre[3] and is designed for zine creators, writers, artists and all others interested in the culture surrounding these DIY publications. The meetings are set for the second Thursday of every month. The club coordinators are Centre[3] program coordinator Sonali Menezes and administrative coordinator Mariel Rutherford. They had no idea what kind of turnout to expect for this first meeting and were overwhelmed as people continuously trickled in from the cold, quickly filling up the prepared

CATHERINE GOCE/PHOTO REPORTER

seats. The idea for the club was sparked by a desire to create a space for Hamilton’s zine creators, who often call themselves “zinesters”, and welcome them to the facilities at Centre[3]. “[I]t really came out of trying to engage with a younger membership and trying to show people what we offer… [S]ometimes Center[3] as a printing house can be really intimidating to people who are younger so… we just want people to know that our doors are open,” Rutherford said. However, it was not just a younger crowd that came through the doors on Jan. 10 but individuals of all ages. Nor were only zine creators interested. While some were zine artists like emerging artist-in-residence Laura K. Watson, others had never read a zine before or did not align themselves with an artistic form. The first meeting was structured to get everyone on the

same page. After an introductory icebreaker, Menezes and Rutherford passed out various magazines. Together, the group made a list of themes present and feelings evoked. Flipping through, people repeatedly noted the presence of advertisements, advice championing success and models with “perfect” faces and bodies. People commented on how it made them feel broke and insecure. Next Rutherford and Menezes handed out zines from Menezes’ personal library. The reactions were notably different as participants commented how the zines were diverse, inclusive, informative and funny. The difference highlights what has drawn people to zines throughout its long history. Zines are traceable back to the science fiction fans of 1920s and 1930s. From the poets of the 1950s to punk movement members of the 1970s, individuals through the decades have been drawn to the idea of being

able to share their own ideas in a DIY way. It is also what has made Menezes and Rutherford zine creators themselves. Rutherford got started recently started making zines of her illustrations last year while Menezes has been making zines for the past seven years. “I got started in school… I just really caught on to zines and I just love making them. I love going to zine fairs and sharing zines with people and meeting zinesters. Zinesters are really nice people. Like the best way to make friends when you move to a city is to go to zine fair,” explained Menezes. In the spirit of zine culture, the meeting was also very DIY. Rutherford and Menezes had participants create a list of what they wanted zine club to be. Ideas ranged from having question and answer, information and skill share sessions and workshops to hosting zine exchanges, hangouts and working

on a collaborative zine. When it finally came to creating at the end of the night, laughter echoed alongside the music playing in the background. The coordinators wanted participants to feel safe, creatively stimulated and supported while occupying the space. “[W]e want to create… a space where people can find their niche. And like zines are very niche-y and they’re very specific. Come find your niche! Like find the spot where you fit in... It’s so nice connecting with other weirdos,” Menezes said. Everyone created a page to be included in a collaborative zine. As neighbours shared glue, scissors and markers, they also shared their ideas and got to know one another. Each person brought their own talents to the page.

@theSilhouette

A&C

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

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Celebrating the boss of Baroque Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra runs week-long festival celebrating the life of Bach

Andrew Mrozowski Contributor

From Jan.12 to Jan.19, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra will run their fourth festival in their composer festival series. This year, the focus will be on Baroque-era composer, Johann Sebastian Bach. “Bach is arguably the most influential and relatable composer of all time. His beautiful orchestral music and his fascinating life will be a joy for everyone to experience. I do think that Bach is the ultimate composer. He has that perfect balance of musical skill, transcendent spirituality, and human emotion,” said Gemma New, the music director for the HPO. The HPO has partnered with various venues and amateur

orchestras across Hamilton with the goal of teaching the community more about composers’ music and life. “What we really wanted to do was connect people in the community to a single composer’s work and give the public many different perspectives on that particular composer,” said Diana Weir, executive director of the orchestra and McMaster alumna. With previous festivals spanning the lives of Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn, the HPO has seemingly been on a roll with the popularity of their artist festival series and the community’s engagement. “We really wanted to do something to see amateurs and professionals work together in other organizations. [Hamilton]

Tuesday January 15 7:30 p.m. Bach’s Coffee House Redchurch Café and Gallery, 68 King Street East Inspired by Bach’s coffeehouses in Leipzig, Germany, HPO’s Associate Concertmaster Lance Ouellette is hosting a casual night in conjunction with Redchurch Café and Gallery. Enjoy Bach on the violin accompanied by beer, prosecco, or a latte as well as the current art exhibition, Fell Through by Paul Allard and Jonny Cleland. Tickets $20

“Bach is arguably the most influential and relatable composer of all time. His beautiful orchestral music and his fascinating life will be a joy for everyone to experience.” Diana Weir Executive Director of the HPO and McMaster alumna has a very strong amateur music scene, so everything must reflect what Hamilton is interested in and what Hamilton needs,” said Weir.

“Music contributes to a person’s sense of wellness and we are committed to explore how to use our artists to contribute to the wellbeing and life satisfaction of the community.” This year, there are nine different events spanning the course of the seven-day festival. There is an event for everyone in this year’s Bach Festival whether you are an avid fan of this era or not. This festival is different from other music festivals you may find. As the HPO’s main goal is to break down barriers to access in the community, they’ve aimed to make the events affordable, especially for a student-budget. They’ve also brought the music outside of the typical performance in a concert hall where guests may feel intimidated.

“I really hope that people will feel like they are connected to the HPO and [the HPO] is connected to the community. The HPO is somewhere where people can develop memorable experiences with their friends and loved ones,” said Weir. So enjoy a drink and listen to Bach at a café, or perhaps go to the library and attend an insightful talk and beautiful performance, wherever and however you experience the Bach Festival the HPO will be sure to take you back to the Baroque-era. @theSilhouette

Thursday January 17 5:30 p.m.

Saturday January 19 7:30 p.m.

Bach Happy Hour

Glorious Bach and Pro-Am Jam. FirstOntario Concert Hall 1 Summers Lane

Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. 65 Hatt Street, Dundas The fan favourite event returns to Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. Enjoy a night of Bach music performed by an HPO trio while drinking specialty beer at this local craft brewhouse. Bar opens at 5:30 p.m. Music and drink pairings from 6-7 p.m.. Tickets $20 in advance $25 at the door.

Concluding the week-long festival, expert Baroque conductor Ivars Taurins and the HPO are putting on one final show featuring the works of Johann Sebastien Bach. At the end of the concert, stick around for the Pro-Am jam. You can have the chance to perform with professional musicians and conductor Ivars Taurins in this professional-amateur jam session of Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by J.S. Bach. Tickets start at $10 Must purchase a ticket to register and participate in Pro-Am

C/O HAMILTON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

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SPORTS

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

Sports Young and hungry Despite an influx of new players, the men’s basketball team is staying competitive and has no intention of easing up Coby Zucker Contributor

Looking at the McMaster men’s basketball roster, the word “young” comes to mind, as nine of the 16 players on this year’s squad are rookies. With the addition of third-years Damiann Prehay and Yaw Antwi-Boasiako, and the return of Connor Gilmore, only four current players were on the roster last year. Despite solid contributions from core veterans Matt Quiring and David McCulloch, this drastically different roster makes it is easy to see how top contenders might overlook the team. Even still, despite the youthful lineup, the Marauders are not interested in taking the path of least resistance and slapping the “growth” and “rebuilding” tags on the season. “Yeah, I know that there’s a lot of first-years,” said junior forward, Kwasi Adu-Poku. “But at the same time, I’m feeling like this is a really good chance for us to do something big. We wouldn’t really see it as a growth year because [head coach Patrick Tatham] brought in a lot of people who are ready to work, ready to go hard, already have a good idea of how to play and everything.” Coach Tatham’s confidence in his rookies certainly shows. Freshman guards Tristan Lindo, Sefa Otchere and Jordan Henry are averaging 26.1, 20.3 and 25.6 minutes per game respectively, accounting for 28.2 points per game together. The confidence is paying off, and the rookies are looking to keep up the trust and continue to earn the right to lengthy minutes in their first season of university-level play. “[Coach Tatham] expects me to be more aggressive, play with confidence, be solid defensively and offensively, and just play with a lot of heart and

Guard Yaw Antwi-Boasiako is one of many new names on the Marauders’ roster this year. KYLE WEST / PHOTO EDITOR

effort,” said Otchere. For Otchere, despite his solid numbers in the first half of the season, the adjustment to university ball has taken time. “You want to do a lot of things because you’re not used to this level yet,” Otchere added. “But just trying to more composed, more relaxed, just understanding you don’t need to rush, everything will just come to me on the court.” The amount of inexperience within the Marauder’s system has also catapulted the few returning players into leadership positions. Adu-Poku, only in his third year, is already

finding himself in the veteran role. “It’s a bit weird to process at times,” said Adu-Poku, “because I still feel like I’m pretty young myself. When I come into practice and see a lot of first-year guys kind of eager to learn, I realize I could at least give them a bit of mentorship in that respect. So I’m realizing that I’m more of a leader than I think I am.” Adu-Poku was also quick to stress that leadership spots are not just doled out to the players who have been in the system the longest. “I think with [coach

Tatham’s] culture right now… I think he’s just really trying to show that anyone can be a leader in the sense that, if you’re willing to step up and fit the idea of what he wants to get done and just do what you do best, he’ll use you as someone that people could get advice from,” Adu-Poku explained. In all, there is a pervasive sense that this Marauders squad, containing the few core veterans supported by a cast of motivated rookies, are still more than capable of putting together a strong campaign. While the dominant Carleton University and Ryerson

University teams might still be out of reach for the time being, the Marauders continue to gain university-level experience and build chemistry. Only getting better, the Mac men will look to continue to prove they are capable of knocking down teams previously thought to be well beyond striking distance as the season progresses.

@theSilhouette

SPORTS | 23

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

Finding our stride Rebecca Maxwell and coach Tim Louks reflect on the McMaster women’s volleyball season and strategize for the upcoming games

With nine games left in the season, the Marauders are poised to make a strong playoff push. KYLE WEST / PHOTO EDITOR Adriana Skaljin Contributor

Rebecca Maxwell, setter for the McMaster women’s volleyball team, is starting off 2019 with perseverance and a new attitude. As a newer team, the first half of the season was spent trying to figure out how to work together. Now that they have had the chance to play with one another, they are entering the second half with confidence. “The [influx] of new players brought a new dynamic,” explained Maxwell. “We have had great practices and it’s working. We have found our stride!” Maxwell described how at the beginning of the season, they focused a lot on developing their team dynamic and skills, such as blocking patterns. Now that they are more comfortable with each other, they have a new mindset focused on pushing for the win and doing what is needed to perform at an Ontario University Athletics gold level. “We want to win OUA gold

and nationals,” said Maxwell. “This is the goal [towards which] we are working.” Not only is this a new comeback for the team, but Maxwell is coming back from a serious injury as well. During the team’s third practice, Maxwell got a concussion which kept her from playing in the pre-season and the first couple of games of the regular season. “I came back for one set during the last game against [the University of] Windsor back in November,” Maxwell said. “I am excited to be back in full force, now that I [have the clear] to play again.” Coach Tim Louks has commended the women’s volleyball team on their performance thus far, as they perform to the best of their ability, resulting in an honest outcome. “We are going forward fast,” said Louks. “We are building capacity physically and intellectually to contribute to our vision of winning.” When asked about their

toughest competitors going into the season, Maxwell explained how it changes every game. “Any team that is across from us at that moment in the court is who we want to beat,” explained Maxwell. “There are shocking results across the board, so everyone becomes a good competitor.” “You have to expect certain elements from certain groups,” added Louks. “This requires our ability to learn more and become better. [Therefore,] we are our own toughest competitor.” On Jan. 13 and 14, the Marauders kicked off the new year against Windsor and the University of Western Ontario on their home court. The team went into the matches with an enthusiastic approach and a high level of determination. “Windsor is a game that we want back,” said Maxwell. “We want to take that three-setter away from them. [The game against] Windsor is going to be a battle, because we know what they can do and what we can do.

Our last game against Windsor gives us some confidence, and the loss against Western gives us motivation towards taking the win away from them.”

“The [influx] of new players brought a new dynamic. We have had great practices and it’s working. We have found our stride!” Rebecca Maxwell Setter Women’s volleyball team “A common question we get is, ‘are you ready?’ I think that we are as ready as possible which is important,” said Louks on the team’s readiness. “Western is a great opponent, so there could be some uncertainty in terms of results. We will need to turn it around in a day, after the

game results against Windsor [the day prior].” Unfortunately, a 3-1 loss against Windsor would result in the team’s fourth loss of the year; a tough way to reopen the season. The next day, the Marauders bounced back in a strong comeback-win against Western, winning 3-2. It is this motivated attitude that will help push them towards the OUA and national championships, while proving that they are strong competitors. It is certain that the McMaster women’s volleyball team will use their losses as motivation towards a strong second-half of their season, while continuing to build momentum off of their victories.

@theSilhouette

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The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

G N I H T O N

T E N T U B KYLE WEST / PHOTO EDITOR

The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sep. 4, 2018

| 15

Veteran guard Hilary Hanaka reflects on the Marauders season, six straight wins and having another shot at Nationals Jessica Carmichael Sports Reporter

Things have been going very well for the McMaster women’s basketball team and they have no plans to slow down. Currently in first place in the Ontario University Athletics West with a 12-2 record, and the worst arguably behind them, another trip to the University Sports national finals looks on the horizon. But this time, senior guard Hilary Hanaka and the Marauders aim to leave with a medal.

Things have been going very well for the McMaster women’s basketball team and they have no plans to slow down. “Once you get that taste on court playing against the best teams in Canada, it only makes you hungrier for more,” said Hanaka. “You know that you’re there and you can compete, but I think just being on that playing field for the first time there was a lot of nerves going into it. I think we didn’t play quite to our

full potential.” Although the Marauders faced teams like the McGill University Martlets, who they have seen before in exhibition play, the games against teams like the University of Calgary Dinos, who play a much grittier style than Hanaka and the Marauders were used to, caught them off guard. But Hanaka believes that having been there before, in addition to having such a tough OUA season this year and playing against highly skilled Ontario teams, will help the Mac women get to that top level to compete at Nationals. “Knowing that we got there is a huge step in our team success,” Hanaka said. “Of course, our ultimate goal was getting to Nationals and getting a medal would have been a bonus, but I think for a young team with lots of changes, that was a huge stepping stone for us. So right now we are just making sure we have an opportunity to get back there to prove that we deserve to be there and that we can do better than we did last year.” So far ensuring that OUA playoff spot has been going well for the Marauders. Even with the loss of key veterans like Lexie Spadafora, Jelena Mamic and Adrienne Peters, Mac does not appear to have missed a beat. One of the reasons is the addition of Christina Butten-

ham, a Hamilton native and transfer from the University of Iowa, where she played from 2014 to 2017. “It’s always tough to lose senior players. With their experience on and off the court, it’s obviously a huge loss for us,” said Hanaka. “But I think gaining players like Christina, who’s been in high-level basketball for years, is something that is huge. She stepped right in and already fills a leadership role on the team.” Not only does Buttenham have National Collegiate Athletic Association experience, but she also played for the Canadian Junior National team in 2014, and was named an Academic All-Big Ten selection as a junior and as a sophomore while at Iowa. Buttenham has already been such a great addition for the team helping defensively, averaging 5.4 rebounds a game and having the fourth highest points per game average on the team, with 9.9. The help has been able to give Hanaka the opportunity to have big games like she did this past weekend against the University of Guelph Gryphons. With a game-high of 28 points, shooting an astounding 62.5 per cent from the field and 72.7 per cent from the threepoint line, Hanaka led the team to defeat the Gryphons 109-80

With a gamehigh of 28 points, shooting an astounding 62.5 per cent from the field and 72.7 per cent from the three-point line, Hanaka led the team to defeat the Gryphons 109-80 on the road. on the road. “Getting back into things after the holiday break is never easy, so just going back into these last two games I’ve been on myself to make sure I’ve been coming out with that fire,” said Hanaka. “Of course, once you start hitting those first couples of shots and my teammates are cheering for me on the bench and making great passes, it just makes it so much fun to play with them and to do well.” Guelph was one of two wins this past weekend, the second came against the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, who they defeated 5943 to earn their sixth straight

win. Having already played their most personal game this season against the reigning OUA champs the Carleton University Ravens, defeating them 64-52 in November, the worst is over and focusing on staying on top is the Marauders’ top priority. “Just knowing that our end goal is to get that national championship helps us take every game as it comes and to not overthink them,” said Hanaka. “Another focus has been trying to remembering to take no game for granted, because there has been a lot of upsets in the OUA this year and we don’t want one of those to be us.” With the Marauders’ next two games coming against the Lakehead University Thunderwolves this weekend, they will be making sure they go into every practice seriously so that they are focused come game time, regardless of who is wearing the opposite jersey. This is the mindset the Marauders plan to have until the last buzzer goes off for the season. @JaayCarmichael

GAMES

Games

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

SMH, you people care more about this page than the rest of the newspaper

Across

1- Flawless; 6- Salty drop; 10- Swiss river; 13- Actress Berger; 14- Witty Bombeck; 15- Passport endorsement; 16- Doctor; 17- Highway; 18- In ___ (stuck); 19- “___ Tu” (‘70s hit); 20- Eternal; 22- Ford flops; 24- Rare metallic element; 28- Naked-faced Amazon monkey;

31- Quebec’s ___ Peninsula; 32- Michelangelo masterpiece; 34- ... man ___ mouse?; 36- Miss; 37- Prohibition; 38- Montgomery’s state; 41- DDE opponent; 42- Hardy boy; 44- Lord, is ___?; 45- Vote in; 47- Kentucky college; 49- As a whole; 51- The Last Frontier; 53- Deceives; 56- Capital of Nicaragua;

59- Gumshoes; 61- ...baked in ___; 64- ___-Tass (Russian news agency); 65- Must; 66- Pack ___ (quit); 67- Insult; 68- Late bloomer?; 69- China’s Chou En-___; 70- Slippery; 71- Marriott competitor;

23- I could ___ horse!; 25- Sir ___ Newton was an English mathematician; 26- Unexpected victory; 27- Pigsty; 29- Redbreast; 30- Lyricist Gershwin; 32- Cartoon part; 33- Chief of the Vedic gods; 35- Aviator Earhart; 37- Ali _____ & the 40 thieves; 39- Corroded; 40- Burn soother; 43- Toadies; 46- Rapturous delight; 48- Wanted poster abbr.;

50- Indistinct; 52- Licorice-like flavoring; 54- Seed covering; 55- Eight singers; 57- Salt tree; 58- Ancient France; 60- Put in order; 61- Feel lousy; 62- School grp.; 63- Second sequel tag; 65- Fat chance!;

Down

1- Woe ___; 2- Tractor maker; 3- Broke off; 4- Under discussion; 5- Fond du ___, Wis.; 6- Mother of Calcutta; 7- Switch ending; 8- ___ for All Seasons; 9- Spokes; 10- Broadcast; 11- Sun Devils’ sch.; 12- Deserter; 15- One who wantonly destroys property; 20- Acid neutralizer; 21- Director Lee;

2019

BATTLE

APPLICATION, FULL RULES & DATES CAN BE FOUND AT:

MSUMcMASTER.CA/BOTB APPLICATION DEADLINE JANUARY 21

I’M VOTING FOR CLARICE KHOMYAK THANK YOU FOR COMING TO MY TED TALK C12

THURSDAY

THE

HAMILTON SPECULATOR DON’ T TALK TO ANYONE FROM THE SIL UNTIL 1934

NOTSPEC.COM

MSU PRESIDENTIAL BINGO

Januar y 17, 2019

I will give you a $15 Pizza Pizza gift card if you come to the Sil office with a full sheet

“I owe all of who I am to the MSU”

“Hey everyone, don’t want to take up too much of your time but I’m running for MSU Pre-”

“Breaking the Bubble”

Sorry Uwais

WHERE IS THE JOKE CANDIDATE?

Changing your platform after the debate

Provincial government grants??? IN THIS ECONOMY?

“Leadership conferences changed my life”

Pet a campaign dog

Got stuck in MUSC because of campaign

Broken links

THE ONLY CANDIDATE WORTH VOTING FOR IS CLARICE KHOMYAK

Accessibility with a capital A

2nd year babies, get out while you can

Obscure by-law fines

No Do we really Errors with consultation the need an ice with any livestream rink? services

Campaign managers haven’t slept in weeks

Two Accusing the campaign Sil of being too posters on mean during the same wall platform critiques in MUSC

Candidate promises something that already exists

Having better wifi, more outlets, more greenspace and study spaces as a full platform

Photo-op with Foug Dord

FREE SPACE

(free tuition would be better tho)

Disclaimer: The Hamilton Speculator is a work of satire and fiction and should not under any circumstances be taken seriously. Or should it?