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a, Arts & Entertainment

Talking street, straight from the heart

by Evie Kaczmarek on

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It seems as though the notoriously slow Montreal hip-hop world is being jostled awake by up-and-coming powerhouse female rap duo Heart Streets. With their smooth voices, and bold but unassuming presence, they are beginning to create some serious waves on the scene. Heart Streets took to the stage last Friday night at Cabaret du Mile End for the release of their second EP Beats, Blunts, & Broads in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

The group consists of Montrealers Gabrielle Godon and Emma Beko, who founded Heart Streets two years ago. In combining Godon’s soulful, sultry voice with Beko’s swift and raspy rapping, the close friends discovered a unique dynamic that has since captured international attention. With the help of the smooth production of Andre Milton, the girls have developed a style that fills a serious void in the genre.

Godon and Beko say they are often asked what it’s like to be two white girls in the hip-hop industry—and they insist their profiles don’t  change much.  However, they do see that it has a certain power in attracting people to their music.

“It brings curiosity,” explains Godon. “People are like, ‘Who is this girl rapping and this girl singing with a soulful voice?’ [We’re] white, and [we’re] young; they are curious to see what we have to offer.”

This fresh, unapologetic attitude certainly parallels the nature of their music. Their lyrics are edgy and real; in fact, they seem to encapsulate the nature of Montreal. The laid-back music video to their single, “Nonchalant,” takes viewers on a street tour of the city, and features the girls’ friends and favourite local hang-outs. The feel is certainly quite old-school, but they also find inspiration from newer artists such as Azealia Banks and Kendrick Lamar.

Heart Streets has been featured on major music blogs such as Pitchfork, The Fader, and The Mirror Noisemakers Issue. They have gained increasing attention, especially following their collaboration with LOL Boys on the groovy single Changes. Heart Streets’ growing success has brought them to the stages of Pop Montreal and M for Montreal in the last year. They’ve opened for big names like Radio Radio and Bran Van 3000 at L’Olympia, and they continue to fill venues throughout the city.

Five years from now, Heart Streets hopes to be touring around the world.

“[We want] to be living out of the music,” says the duo.

There is no doubt that with their spunky outlook and expansive talent they will go on to redefine Montreal’s hip-hop story and pave the way for future female artists.

What we all think we look like during finals. (Courtesy of Art Mûr)
a, Arts & Entertainment

Art Mûr goes for the jugular and leaves a bloody mess

by Jack Tokarz on

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With the pervasive yet varied theme of the human body, Art Mûr’s latest exhibitions push the social boundaries of comfort and originality. A striking feature of this free contemporary art gallery and studio is its intimate layout, which immediately takes hold of visitors ,and forces them into a new mindset upon entering.

After the first step into the gallery, one is within arm’s reach of an overwhelming piece from Sonny Assu’s #NEVERIDLE exposition. Half of the pieces use drums as a medium, while the other half use unique geometric forms; all, however, are made from real caribou skin. The canvas’ uncommon shapes amplify the abstract patterns’ ambiguity, causing the piece in entirety to reflect personal projections, which may include immense sadness, jocularity, or harmony depending on the viewer. Although well-made and interesting, this exhibit seems like an art class’ textbook definition of abstract art; it does not have anything to distinguish itself from countless past works in the same genre.

The exhibition’s narrow hallway opens up into a room containing Bevan Ramsay’s unsettling (to put it mildly) Soft Tissue. This white room contains four paintings and five sculptures, devoted to displaying meat in ways people would not usually like to think of it. The red paintings portray slabs of meat at different distances—from large, thick, whole pieces, to the meat’s structure at  cellular level. These pieces complement the exhibition well, but are not nearly as attention-grabbing nor emotive as Soft Tissue’s sculptures.

Thankfully not made of real meat, the sculptures combine various parts of humans and animals into    deformed monstrosities. The first piece features a human with bloody pig hooves for hands, kneeling down, appearing to worship the rest of the exhibit. Directly in front of this creature is what appears to be a massive chicken wing with a graphic, gory gash in its side. The wing stands on a beautifully accurate hand. At about eye level, the wing has an open human mouth, reminding the viewer of what one typically does with chicken wings. Whether a statement about vegetarianism, the similarities of man and beast, or simply an attempt to make viewers as uncomfortable as possible, this exhibit’s careful attention to detail—no matter how nauseating—evokes a strong emotional response.

The final room of the first floor contains Renato Garza Cervera’s Springbreaker Tsantsas—a basic display of nine shrunken heads with a video of a child holding several others on string. Each head within a glass jar on a podium, this sterile exhibit does not possess any of the previous room’s impact. One would think that shrunken heads would be more spine-tingling, but, perhaps because only their hair is actually human, they did not elicit any emotional impact. The heads are surprisingly small, about the size of a fist, and look metallic with a few cracks spread across the face. Perhaps somebody with a greater pre-existing affinity for shrunken heads would experience an enhanced appreciation for these pieces, but it certainly did not create one for this critic.

This series aims to create an emotional response, and in some sense, it does succeed. But simply being visceral or ambiguous isn’t enough to be inspiring.

Art Mûr’s current exhibitions are on display until Apr. 27 (5826 rue St-Hubert). Admission is free.

Groenland: The Chase (Bonsound)
a, Arts & Entertainment, Music

Groenland: The Chase

by Chris Liu on

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A title like The Chase begs the question: chasing what? The album is purposefully coy in providing an answer, but one can rule out ‘talent’ as a possibility—Groenland already has that in abundance.

The Montreal six-piece’s release is staggeringly accomplished for a first effort. The Chase occupies a nebulous arena between indie-pop and folk—though such labels seem pathetic when applied to tracks that brim with such originality. Melodic mastery and expert songcraft characterize the album, which maintains an undercurrent of unceasing fun—a ‘shout from the mountaintop’ joie de vivre. Inventive and memorable melodies twist, turn, and soar, taking on a life of their own in lead singer Sabrina Halde’s vocals. Iridescent at certain times, smoky and snarly at others, Halde’s voice is always remarkable for its realness, an uncanny relatability and likeability that won this critic over in record time.

There isn’t a single song on this album that is melodically uninspired or poorly arranged, and this collective virtuosity makes it all the more difficult to pick standouts. “Criminals” is one example where all elements work in perfect unison: the light, carefully counterpointed piano chords, alongside the cello and violin as they slide out sly riffs and punchy accents. “Our Hearts Like Gold” begins as a gentle ballad modestly adorned with an impossibly infectious melody, but soon blossoms into a hopeful, upbeat eulogy to conclude the album.

For a debut release, The Chase is incredibly polished and well thought-out. Whatever Groenland is chasing, they’re sure to find it. With artistry such as this, there’s nothing that can stand in the group’s way.

Peace: In Love (Columbia)
a, Arts & Entertainment, Music

Peace: In Love

by Matt Bobkin on

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It’s baffling that there hasn’t been a band named Peace already, but four Brits have taken the moniker and are running with it. Their debut album, In Love, is chock-full of summery guitars and catchy hooks. Song titles such as “Higher Than The Sun,” “Float Forever,” and “California Daze” are accurate indicators of the album’s laidback, sun-streaked atmosphere.

While the album begins with punchy rock, the first major deviation can be found in the fourth track, “Float Forever.” It starts with sparse guitar and bass, while lead singer Harrison Koisser and his brother, bassist Samuel, sing in harmony. Even after the drums enter, the song’s slow tempo works, proving the band’s versatility.

The rest of the album is a rollicking affair, filled with guitar blasts, catchy choruses, and a harkening to ’60s rock. Album closer “California Daze” employs Beatles-esque harmonies and drums alongside lyrics such as “she tastes like sunlight,” to exemplify their blissed-out ambiance.

The songwriting occasionally slips into clichéd territory, especially on third track, “Lovesick.” The song is one of the album’s poppier tracks, repeating the phrases “I wanna get lovesick with you” and “I don’t wanna make no sense, I don’t wanna pay the rent” amidst surf-rock riffs.

The album is a decent debut, and establishes Peace as a group to watch as they continue to spread their psych-tinged rock and throwback vibes in the years to come.

Ingrid Gatin: 1000 Lives (Pipe & Hat)
a, Arts & Entertainment, Music

Ingrid Gatin: 1000 Lives

by Diana Wright on

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Few modern artists use the accordion in their songs, and even fewer can use it with the grace and flair of Ingrid Gatin. Her second full-length release, 1000 Lives, is dramatic and old school, relying heavily on piano, and the aforementioned accordion.  Winnipegger Gatin has a dynamic, strong voice, and has created atmospheric tracks on the album with the help of Arcade Fire producer, Howard Bilerman.

Despite containing some songs that sound somewhat similar, Gatin’s creation is a compelling and refreshing album.

Standout tracks include down tempo “Cherry Blossom,” which has a haunting, mournful mood, “Take These Walls,” progressing almost like an old-timey waltz—and a rather sexy one at that; and “My Ship, My Crown,” which exhibits Gatin’s vocal chops.

Love is the overarching theme of 1000 Lives, but more of a mature, jaded kind. Don’t expect any Taylor Swift-esque declarations of undying affection here. It seems like the relationship behind Gatin’s album didn’t end too well, and although not quite a break-up record, 1000 Lives is definitely recommended for someone trying to move on from a failed relationship.

The album’s titular track features atmospheric, screechy strings. Gatin plays piano dramatically behind the strings, building up to a climax near the middle of the song.

But, worry not—the record can  be rather upbeat at times, notably on second last song, “Broken Tambourine.” Still, it retains a dose of bitterness. 1000 Lives is worth a listen for its creativity, and for someone who’s tired of manufactured, cookie-cutter female vocalists.

Caribou drummer Brad Weber’s solo project takes off. (www.facebook.com)
a, Arts & Entertainment

Brad Weber pipes up

by Bronte Martin on

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In March 2009, Caribou drummer Brad Weber released his first tangible evidence of embarking on a project of his own: a self-titled EP named Pick A Piper. Over the last few years, Weber has found time to pursue and channel his own personal songwriting abilities, while flexing his production skills.

“Caribou has been touring a lot, so whenever I have free time—often in the back of the tour bus—I find myself working solo on drum loops and bass lines,” explains Weber.

He has also delved into a DJ career, as yet another side project.

“Deejaying is something I like to do once a month to avoid mental blocks when I’m actually busy writing music for Pick A Piper,” says Weber. His multiple creative outlets extend and enhance his artistic freedom Caribou originally provides, as all have matured into something of notable substance.

Specifically, Pick A Piper erupted out of a desire to “take any interesting sound and incorporate it into a more electronic palette.” Juxtaposing acoustic with synthetic qualities came as a transition for the band.

“Our goal now is to create a sound that’s musical starting point is unidentifiable,” says Weber. The sound of their initial 2009 release ignored this goal, as it intensely focused solely on the raw acoustic aspects. The vocals were unresponsive and their songs musically limited, which led Weber to seek out new inspiration. Listening to more contemporary electronic music such as Bonobo, Four Tet, and Shlohmo, Pick A Piper’s aesthetic became increasingly sparse, achieving the analog vs. electronic sound they had in mind. Today, the band led by Weber are set to release their debut self-titled LP, stressing a perfect balance between prominent harmony, noticeable vocals, and interesting percussive sections.

To further enhance this approach, Pick A Piper worked with talented vocalists on this LP, including Ryan McPhun of Ruby Suns, and John Schmersal of Enon. Weber stated that a highlight track, titled “Lucid in Fjords,” gave him the most hassle, but the final product was worth the effort.

“I almost threw the track away!” says Weber. “The original instrumental was super basic in comparison to what it has evolved into now, and it seemed to not be going anywhere meaningful.” Once McPhun implemented his interpretation on the lyrics and melody, Weber was more than satisfied. There was that balance they so desperately needed.

The Pick A Piper LP, according to Weber, “combines dance-music structures, polyrhythmic percussion, and atmospheric sound design,” incorporating any and all sounds they find energizing. Toying around with anything from Moog patches to the use of a glockenspiel, Weber has surrounded himself with not only experimental band members, but great friends as well.

“I would describe the process as ‘sampling’ my friends. I ask them to record their own interpretations based on a song idea, and I piece everything together by manipulating each and every sound,” says Weber.

Released on Mint Records, the Pick A Piper LP has also been transformed into a live show, touring across the country in the next few months. Pick A Piper plans to wow the crowd with “spacious vocals and prominent percussion,” proving to reflect their musical style altogether: something simultaneously blissful and energetic.

 

Pick A Piper performs on Apr. 5 at Quai des Brumes (4481 St. Denis). Tickets $8.

a, Sports

Around the Water Cooler

on

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In case you were too busy scouring for Easter Eggs or immersing yourself in the return of Game of Thrones, here is what you missed this past week in the world of sports …

 

NCAA BASKETBALL— The horror! The Elite 8 matchup between the Duke Blue Devils and the Louisville Cardinals turned into a gruesome scene Sunday, when Cardinals guard Kevin Ware went up to block a three point attempt. Landing awkwardly, Ware tumbled into his bench, snapping both bones of his lower right leg in the process. The break was so significant that it protruded from his leg and required immediate surgery, causing several players from both sides to collapse in tears. Apparently, his only thought after the injury was that the team stay focused on winning the game, which puts him as a firm frontrunner for ‘Best Guy’ 2013. His message, and a strong 23-point performance from Midwest MVP Russ Smith, paid off as the team advanced to the National semi-final with an 85-63 win.

In the other Elite 8 showdowns, 9th seed Wichita State continued their Cinderella story, toppling Ohio State 70-66. The Shockers will take on Louisville, while on the other side of the draw, 4th-seeded Michigan will take on the smothering defence of the 4th-ranked Syracuse Orange. The Final 4 begins on Apr. 6.

 

 

HOCKEY— Déjà vu! A similarly disturbing injury overshadowed another week of hockey, as Sidney Crosby took a puck to mouth, which splintered his jaw. The puck came off a ricochet shot from teammate Brooks Orpik. With his regular season most definitely over—although the Pens are hopeful he will return for the playoffs—it is becoming unclear which is more tantamount: Crosby’s prophetic talent, or his unworldly bad luck. Crippling concussions, and now a broken jaw, have caused the Penguins star to miss extensive time, which hurts not only his team, but also the league as a whole. Additionally, his injury really throws a wrench into all fantasy hockey pools, which is roughly equal in magnitude.

In other news, Jarome Iginla made his debut for the Penguins, helping the team secure its league-leading 56th point and 15th straight victory. Calgary fans are definitely ecstatic that Iggy has found success after being dealt by the abysmal Flames … right, guys? Finally, the Leafs are on a three-game wining streak, which has put them in a dead heat with the Sens, and a handful of other hopefuls for the last three or four playoff spots in the East.

 

 

NBA BASKETBALL — Devastating inj … just kidding. NBA basketball avoided the catastrophic injury bug, while Easter came a little early for Heat Haters. Miami finally dropped a game last Wednesday against Chicago to halt their ridiculous 27-game winning streak (a third of their schedule!). The team was threatening one of the all-time great records in league history, when Jerry West and the Lakers won 33 straight in 1971-1972. The loss did not derail the Heat for long, however, as they started right up again, stringing together two quick wins, including a last second three ball by Chris Bosh, to ice the San Antonio Spurs 88-86.

On Saturday night, Kobe Bryant surpassed Wilt Chamberlain for fourth on the all-time NBA scoring list, as he continues to live up to his self-proclaimed nickname “Vino”—because, you know, he gets better with age. Very clever, Kobe.

The playoff picture is shaping up nicely too, with about ten games left to play. Some teams like the Thunder are eager to get back to the NBA Finals, while others, like the Toronto Raptors, have all but given up and bought into Blue Jays fever.

a, Behind the Bench, Sports

Roaring Back: Tiger’s return to the top

by Hubie Yu on

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Everything seems to be going well for Tiger Woods these days: he and President Obama enjoyed a game of golf in February, and he recently announced his relationship with Olympic ski champion Lindsey Vonn (ugh). However, it got even better when Woods sank his final putt at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and won the tournament by two strokes. The win is his 77th on the PGA Tour and third in the 2013 season. However, it served an even greater importance, as the win sent him right back to the top of the Official World Golf Ranking for the 11th time in his career—a spot he once held for 623 weeks and lost in October 2010. After his infidelities became public in November 2009, Woods took an extended break, and his rankings dropped down to as low as number 58 in November 2011. His trophy drought finally ended last year, when he won his first tournament—again the Arnold Palmer Invitational—since the scandal. His ascension to the top spot can only mean one thing: Tiger is back.

There is much speculation on what Woods’ return means to fans and golfers alike. It’s obvious that fans love watching him play; in mid 2008, when he underwent knee surgery and took a leave from the tour, TV ratings for the remainder of the season suffered a significant decline. He consistently draws large crowds at whichever course he plays, and is always coveted by tournament organizers.

There is also much discussion on what Woods’ return means for the tour. His reputation precedes him, as he can easily intimidate many players. An economist at the University of California actually found that golfers played worse when competing against Woods, compared to when he was not in the tournament. When Woods was on top of his game before the scandal, many players found it hard to compete with him, because fans’ attentions were often directed at him and his seemingly effortless play. Other stars, like Rory McIlroy and Bubba Watson, have emerged in Woods’ downswing.

The old days may be upon us again, as many analysts believe that this is the beginning of another historic run for the highly talented golfer. Woods’ win last week provided him with something he hasn’t had since the scandal—confidence leading into the Masters, the first, and arguably most illustrious major of the season, which starts next week. Woods, a 14-time major winner, and four-time Masters champion, has not won a major tournament since the U.S. Open in 2008, and is the favourite for this year’s Masters.

Nike, Woods’ longtime sponsor, quickly rolled out an ad after Woods reclaimed the number one ranking, proclaiming, in Woods’ own words that “winning takes care of everything.” This ad was immediately controversial, as it seemingly implies Woods’ past mistakes—which cost him his family and affected his play—are wiped away with regained success. However, the quote was taken out of context, since Woods only commented after he was asked about his game and his opposition last year; “everything” likely referred to the world rankings.

Woods’ putting has been exceptional lately, and it will be interesting to see whether he can carry his momentum to glory next week in Augusta. His success is in his hands. The way we perceive him however, is in our hands and will always be up for debate, whether he’s on top of the golfing world or not.

a, Sports

Major League Baseball Season Preview

by David Stein, Peter Laing, Mayaz Alam, Evan Horner, Steven Lampert, Adam Sadinsky on

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Compiled by: David Stein, Peter Laing, Mayaz Alam, Evan Horner, Steven Lampert, Adam Sadinsky

 

AMERICAN LEAGUE

East

1. Toronto Blue Jays

You may or may not have heard, but the Blue Jays made a couple of significant moves in the off-season. Without a doubt, this team is the most talented in the AL East and looks poised to get back to the playoffs for the first time since they won the World Series 20 years ago. Jays fans might not want to plan the parade route just yet, though, as a couple of injuries could significantly harm those chances on a team lacking depth.

 

2. Tampa Bay Rays

Who can bet against Joe Maddon? A cursory look at the Rays lineup leaves a bit to be desired, but this team will be saved once again by a solid pitching staff. Losing James Shields and Wade Davis won’t hurt the club, as Jeremy Hellickson moves up in the rotation, and Matt Moore and Alex Cobb take well-deserved places at the back of the rotation. This is a solid, consistent team, and they should be playing meaningful games in September.

 

3. Boston Red Sox 

Red Sox fans will be asking themselves a lot of questions this year: Will their team return to relevance? Will John Lester return to his ace form? Were Shane Victorino and Mike Napoli worth the big contracts? Is this Jacoby Ellsbury’s last year at Fenway? Is Jackie Bradley Jr. the future of the franchise? How many more years can David Ortiz surpass expectations? Were the last two years just a very long and very bad dream?

 

4. New York Yankees 

The Yanks and Sox are really interchangeable on this list, but we’ll put New York in fourth because of their long injury list. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Texeira, Curtis Granderson, Phil Hughes, and Michael Pineda are all reasons why this team should be good, but they’re all on the disabled list to start the year, so the Yankees will have to live with Vernon Wells, Brett Gardner, and Jayson Nix among others. This team is getting older and could miss the playoffs for just the second time in 20 years.

 

5. Baltimore Orioles

But the Orioles are basically the same team that nearly won the division last year… so why last place? Baltimore’s success last season had more to do with luck than talent. They went 29-9 in one-run games and 16-2 in extra innings—numbers that statistically should be difficult to duplicate. Baltimore did little to improve, making the playoffs for the first time since 1997 may have created a bit of complacency, and the team should fall back down to Earth, and the bottom of the division in 2013.

 

Central

1. Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers — After winning the American League pennant in 2012, the Tigers will be motivated to have a strong 2013 regular season. With high-profile names like Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, and Justin Verlander on their roster, they have the talent to repeat as division champs and should challenge for a World Series title.

 

2. Chicago White Sox

Offensively, Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko will be leaned on heavily to manufacture runs for the White Sox in 2013. However, with the likes of Matt Lindstrom and Matt Thornton in their bullpen, the White Sox have the necessary pieces in place to complement their starting pitchers. Jake Peavy, youngster Chris Sale, and the usually reliable Gavin Floyd should help Chicago compete in the American League Central.

 

3. Cleveland Indians

Despite adding Nick Swisher and Mark Reynolds in the off-season, the Indians lack the necessary balance between good pitching and consistent run production. While there is certainly potential for improvement from last year’s 68-94 record, new manager Terry Francona has his work cut out for him if the Indians are to contend in this division.

 

4. Kansas City Royals

A perennial American League Central cellar dweller, the Kansas City Royals were unable to drastically improve themselves during the off-season. Although they acquired new ace James Shields from Tampa Bay, the Royals will struggle to score runs. Unfortunately for fans in Kansas City, this could spell another long season for the Royals.

 

5. Minnesota Twins

Even if the Twins receive solid production from sluggers Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer, they lack depth throughout the rest of their roster. A lacklustre starting rotation, coupled with a mediocre bullpen will make things difficult for Minnesota. Unlikely sources will need to step up if the Twins have any chance in the Central.

 

West

1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

For the second straight year the Angels landed the off-season’s biggest prize. Last year, it was Albert Pujols, and this year it’s Josh Hamilton. The former Texas Ranger joins an already stacked Los Angeles lineup that boasts the likes of Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo, and Albert Pujols. Last year’s pitching problems were addressed with a complete overhaul of the back end of the pitching rotation. Look for these major off-season acquisitions to actually turn out into a playoff spot this year.

 

2. Texas Rangers

Once the tears dried over last year’s Wild Card loss to the Orioles, and the mass exodus led by the team’s poster boy—Josh Hamilton—the Rangers jumped into the free agent market, and acquired Father Time and his brother in Lance Berkman and catcher A.J. Pierzynski.  After silencing his critics last year, Yu Darvish will once again be expected to lead a very strong Texas rotation.  Barring another major injury to Berkman, the Rangers will no doubt keep it very close in this ultra-competitive division.

 

3. Oakland Athletics

How many more times will Billy Beane’s squad totally shatter expectations?  The league’s lowest payroll pulled off another Moneyball miracle last year, and won the division crown. While it is tempting to pencil in the Athletics as underground kings, the question marks in their offence shadow their outstanding defence and pitching. All in all, expect some regression, but keep in mind that a lot is possible in the wild AL West.

 

4. Seattle Mariners

Unfortunately for the Mariners, there is no ‘most improved’ award in the MLB. Seattle had an excellent off-season—acquiring much needed power-bat Kendrys Morales, signing struggling Canadian Jason Bay, and adjusting the fences at Safeco field to better accommodate hitters. In addition, the Mariners locked up ace pitcher Felix Hernandez for another seven years. Despite these changes, the Mariners still remain boys among men in the AL West, and will find themselves out of the playoffs.

 

5. Houston Astros

Everybody’s favourite AAA team will suffer in their first season in the American League. On the bright side, the team has one of the strongest farm systems in the league.  Astros fans would be wise to seek advice from their friends to the north about the importance of weathering the storm, while developing the team’s lower tiers. It will be a while before the Astros are relevant again.

 

 

 

NATIONAL LEAGUE

East

1. Washington Nationals

The Nationals shocked the world last season, as they proved they had the youth and talent to dominate for years. Bryce Harper should continue his meteoric rise in year two, and the other megastar, Stephen Strasburg, will be unleashed from his innings limit restriction. Moreover, the best rotation in the league added all-star Dan Haren. This lineup still has the power, speed, and versatility to rake their way to a divisional title.

 

2. Atlanta Braves

The Braves added not one, but two Upton brothers this offseason to join Jason Heyward in their incredible outfield. However, the team will sorely miss franchise cornerstone Chipper Jones, who retired after an illustrious career. The pitching is strong, as Kris Medlen and Tim Hudson should produce quality seasons. The key will be the emergence of highly-touted fireballers Mike Minor and Julio Teheran; these two could push this team into the game’s elite.

 

3. Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are definitely talented—the veteran core that led them to World Series appearances is largely intact. Their rotation is headlined by the three-headed monster of Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, and Roy Halladay, but questions do exist as to whether all three can stay healthy. Offensively, the Phillies still have the firepower to succeed. Look for Domonic Brown to break out for a club that needs to get the jigsaw pieces to fit.

 

4. New York Mets

The Mets lost Cy Young award winner R.A. Dickey over the off-season, and their record should take a hit as a result. The rotation offers some promise; young prospects Matt Harvey and Zach Wheeler seem poised to take the next step. Offensively, the club ranges from abysmal to mediocre, with the lone bright spot being David Wright. However, he can only carry the club for so long, as the talent deficiency will doom the Mets over the entire season.

 

5. Miami Marlins

Jeffrey Loria may be the most hated man in all of South Florida after he organized another firesale. The team was stripped to the bare minimum after trades that moved Hanley Ramirez, Josh Johnson, Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, and numerous others to greener pastures. What’s left is Giancarlo Stanton, Logan Morrison, Ricky Nolasco, and not much else. Look for this team to struggle throughout the year, falling to one of the worst records in baseball.

 

Central

1. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds won the division last year without a healthy Joey Votto—arguably the best first-baseman in all of baseball—which speaks volumes to the amount of talent on the roster. The Reds feature a dominant bullpen, and have added Shin-Soo Choo to an already dynamic offence. After being eliminated by the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series (NLDS), and gaining valuable playoff experience, the Reds look more dangerous than ever in 2013, and will likely repeat as Central Division champs.

 

2. St. Louis Cardinals

The Cards always find a way to win, no matter the situation they find themselves. With a great mix of veterans and up-and-comers, the Cardinals are poised to make another deep playoff run. However, they will have to overcome another hurdle, as staff ace Chris Carpenter’s career seems to be over, and serviceable Kyle Lohse signed with Milwaukee. Look for the Cards to challenge the Reds for the NL Central division crown.

 

3. Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers will once again have a loaded offence led by 2011 MVP Ryan Braun. The late addition of Kyle Lohse should bolster an already formidable rotation behind ace Yovanni Gallardo. However, they will have to deal with the loss of Corey Hart, who will be out until May with a recurring knee injury. The Brewers also have a very unreliable bullpen, making them an unlikely bet to make the playoffs in 2013.

 

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

After 20 straight seasons with an under .500 record, the Pirates finally have what it takes to win more games than they lose. The addition of catcher Russell Martin will have a strong, positive influence on the pitching staff. The X-factor for the Pirates is Pedro Alvarez, who, with a little more discipline, could help propel the Bucs behind phenom Andrew McCutchen. Look for the Pirates to hover around the .500 mark all year.

 

5. Chicago Cubs

There is an optimism in the Cubs’ clubhouse that they can pull off the type of season that the Baltimore Orioles had in 2012. Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro will be a dynamic duo for years to come on the North Side, and they are ready to break out in 2013. Everything would have to go perfectly for the Cubs to win the division, so the most we can expect is some minor improvement after a dismal 61 wins in 2012.

 

West

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Spending money isn’t a problem for this franchise, as the Dodgers doled out almost $200 million in new free agent signings this offseason. Headlining the list are stud pitcher Zack Grienke, and Japanese import Hyun-Jin Ryu, who should both bolster the team’s staff led by NL Cy Young runner-up Clayton Kershaw. The offence looks promising, but the Dodgers will need Hanley Ramirez to play up to his ability if the team wants to win the division title. Our bets are on them doing so.

 

2. San Francisco Giants

The 2012 World Series champions barely touched their roster, but that probably isn’t a bad thing. The lineup is filled with overachievers, who show up in clutch situations. New $167 million man Buster Posey should also contend for another NL MVP award. With the young and established arms, if Tim Lincecum can somehow regain his old form, this team will be scary. The Dodgers’ acquisitions should be enough to win the division, but they also have the talent to claim a wild card spot. Then, anything can happen in October.

 

3. Arizona Diamondbacks 

After a very average 2012 campaign, the Arizona Diamondbacks underwent a pretty significant overhaul this off-season. Gone are once promising outfielders Justin Upton and Chris Young, replaced by a bunch of MLB journeyman like Martin Prado and Cody Ross. The D-Backs’ pitching staff is filled with some intriguing young talent and will likely determine where the team finishes in the division. If all fails, keep an eye on Adam Eaton as a potential rookie of the year candidate.

 

4. Colorado Rockies 

The Rockies enter 2013 without much in the way of expectations. The offensive talent is there, as all-stars Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez anchor a lineup that can produce a ton of runs. However, the team did little to improve its pitching staff, which allowed the most runs in the MLB last season. The top three of Jhoulys Chacin, Jorge De La Rosa, and Jeff Francis strikes fear in no lineup in the league, so expect the team to hover around the same 64-98 record as last season.

 

5. San Diego Padres 

The Padres did virtually nothing to improve their roster this off-season, which doesn’t bode well for the struggling franchise. Their lineup is headlined by last year’s breakout star Chase Headley, but he will start the season on the disabled list after fracturing his thumb. The erratic Edinson Volquez leads an average pitching staff that likely won’t change the team’s fortunes. San Diego just doesn’t have enough firepower to compete in the division.

 

 

a, Recipes, Student Life

Carrot Cake Recipe

by Jacqui Galbraith on

More in a:

Ingredients:

Cake:

4 eggs

1 ¼ cups vegetable oil

2 cups white sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

3 cups grated carrots

1 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

 

Icing:

½ cup butter, softened

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 

Method:

Cake:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan. In a large bowl, mix together eggs, vegetable oil, white sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add grated carrots, and pecans. Pour mixture into pan, and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Check if done by inserting a toothpick into the middle of the cake and seeing if it comes out clean. Let cake cool in the pan for ten minutes, then remove and leave to cool entirely on wire rack.

 

Icing:

Stir together butter, cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar and vanilla extract. Beat mixture until smooth. Wait until cake is completely cool before icing. Garnish cake with pecans or cinnamon as desired.

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