McGill’s own Valerie Grand’Maison took home two swimming silver medals this week at the Paralympic Games in London. Her first came on Sunday in the 50-metre freestyle. On Monday, she was looking to improve on her second place performance in Beijing 2008 in the 100-metre freestyle, but fell short—missing out on the gold by .51 seconds. Four years ago, Grand’Maison was Canada’s most decorated Paralympic swimmer, winning three gold medals, two silver, and one bronze. Just making it to London should be seen as a success for the McGill swimmer, as she dealt with a shoulder tear only a year and a half ago.
Grand’Maison is McGill’s only Paralympic athlete, joining 14 Olympians who competed earlier this summer in London. She is accompanied by Martlet swimming Head Coach Peter Carpenter, and will compete in two more events before returning back to Canada.
In case you were too busy looking after kids, getting coffee for your very prestigious boss, or … tanning, here’s what you missed this past summer in the world of sports:
EURO 2012 — The tournament started off amid accusations of racism by European Football Championship hosts, Poland and Ukraine, and ended the same way things usually have in soccer these days: with Spain lifting a trophy. Mario Balotelli was a breakout star for runner-up Italy while Christiano Ronaldo finally performed on the international stage (but inexplicably didn’t take a pentalty kick in Portugal’s semifinal match against Spain). International soccer fans now turn to qualifying for World Cup 2014 in Brazil where, if we had to wager, we’d put a couple of Euros (or maybe not …) on Spain.
OLYMPICS — Following the Euro Cup, the world turned its attention to London, as the Games of the XXX Olympiad welcomed athletes from 205 nations. Usain Bolt was clearly still eating his chicken nuggets as he defended both his 100 and 200-metre titles, becoming the first runner ever to accomplish the feat. Michael Phelps concluded his last Olympics in style, becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 22 medals. Rosanngh MacLennan bounced to Canada’s only gold medal of the games in trampoline, while our women’s soccer team was unfairly bounced from the semifinal against the USA due to what many called questionable refereeing. The red and white finished with 18 medals, the same amount they earned in Beijing four years ago.
BASEBALL — The Nationals, Orioles, Pirates, Rays, A’s, and Reds are all in playoff contention. The Angels, Red Sox, and Phillies are not. What? A surprising summer has led to the MLB standings being turned on their heads. Former Expos fans will finally see their old team make the playoffs (sorry, we had to), but the decision to shut down ace Stephen Strasburg before the team’s first playoff appearance in 31 years was probably made by the same person who built the Olympic Stadium. The Nats’ beltway rivals in Baltimore are also experiencing a renaissance, and are currently tied with the Yankees for first place in the AL East. Elsewhere in that division, Edwin Encarnacion seems to be playing on a team by himself in Toronto and the Boston Red Sox are completely imploding… again.
HOCKEY — It looks like the NHL is heading towards another lockout. Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Donald Fehr better figure this out soon, or poker might once again rise to television glory. Seriously though, if there’s no Canadiens hockey keeping people busy a couple of nights a week in Montreal, Montrealers might just take to the streets…
The McGill Redmen football team dropped their 2012 opener on Sunday 33-15 against No.2-ranked, and perennial RSEQ powerhouse, the Laval Rouge et Or. Head Coach Clint Uttley wasn’t too happy with the result. “We did not play well, we did not execute in the red-zone, [and] we had 10 penalties which is too much,” he said. McGill led throughout the entire first quarter, finishing it at 9-7, thanks to three field goals by freshman kicker Boris Bede, who eventually ended up 5-5 on field goal attempts in the game. Following the first quarter however, Laval took back control, exposing the middle of the Redmen defence and compiling 182 rushing yards on the day. Freshman wide receiver Shaquille Johnson impressed, leading McGill with 85 all-purpose yards, which included six receptions for 57 yards. Junior linebacker Alexandre Bernard was a standout on the defensive side, tallying nine tackles in the loss. The Redmen return to Molson Stadium on Sept. 7 for their home opener against Sherbrooke.
Every year, McGill’s campus goes quiet as students flock home for the summer. The laws of physics that govern summertime seem to slow down time and campus becomes calm, almost quaint. It persists in this way for almost three months, unperturbed by the bustle of Downtown Montreal. But then—a strangely familiar call sounds. “McGill once, McGill twice….” rumbles from the depths of SSMU, through the Roddick gates, letting Montreal know: Frosh is upon us.
I have a lot of trepidation about this “Frosh.” Why do they need to chant so loudly? I’m skeptical about how many friendships will outlast this first week. They seem to be drinking a lot of alcohol. Where are their parents? Trying to cross campus is like negotiating an obstacle course during the zombie apocalypse, except the zombies are drunk and in search of pizza. What is the point of this anyway—how many of you will remember how to get around campus? Good, then can one of you help me to get around Ferrier? I’m confused.
Before Frosh, McGill was peaceful and quiet. I could read my books while I walked around campus without worrying about bumping into anyone. I had my pick of seats in the library. I could even do a few yoga moves in the SSMU lounge, to the occasional passing security guard’s amusement.
Overnight, this changed. I arrived one day to find that McGill was once again, a living, breathing, and drinking organism. Now, SSMU is occupied by girls in cut-offs, drinking from what look like sippy cups. Wide-eyed freshmen have overtaken campus, walking behind excited parents wielding cameras, waiting in line at the Fido booth and eating all of the free ice cream.
I can’t imagine what this is doing to McGill’s reputation. Frankly, those shorts are too short for my taste. What, did your sleeves take the day off? I really don’t approve of all of this yelling and carrying on. When I was your age, I worked during the summer. I had a career to think about. You kids don’t know how lucky you have it: when I did Frosh we had to walk up three sets of stairs to get to 737. Upstairs both ways!
Frosh makes me uncomfortable because it’s a reminder of how old I am. I know that in three years, this generation of freshman will look back with the same mixture of amusement, horror, and nostalgia I’m feeling now. Some will find Frosh to be just as ridiculous as I do; others will continue to love it and will partake in the madness again and again. All I can offer this chanting army of incoming Hype weekers and Four-Floors participants is this: you’ll understand when you’re older.
If you could eat science and technology, fall at McGill would be one big free lunch. Here are some upcoming events on and off campus. Check out the Tribune website for more SciTech events throughout the year!
DOWNTOWN CAMPUS
Soup and Science — come for the soup, stay for the science
This wildly popular lunchtime lecture series brings students and professors together to discuss research. Each professor is given five minutes to present their research, then presenters and students discuss the research over free soup and sandwiches. This fall’s lectures will cover topics that range from ‘weakly electric fish’ to earthquake physics. It’s a great opportunity to get hired for lab work, to get inspired by cutting edge research, or simply to eat free food. Be sure to get there early as it fills up quickly. If you miss this session, there’s another in the winter.
At Freaky Fridays, informal lectures are paired with popular movies. Examples of past ‘freakies’ include Climate Science and Geology — A Tale of Three Histories and The Day After Tomorrow, as well as Oxytocin Me Baby —The Truth About the So-Called Love Hormone and The Notebook. Get a beer at Gerts afterwards, and you’ve got yourself an awesome casual date. The first Freaky Friday will be Monster Ants and Genetic Engineering and Super 8 on October 26th.
Sunday Afternoon Science Movies — add a little wonder to your weekend
Watch documentaries from NOVA, CBC, Science, Disneynature and similar networks on the big screen in the museum. This could make a nice study break come midterm season, or a decent hangover cure. This weekend’s documentary is Amazing Journeys, the story of six migrating species.
Sundays at 3 p.m. Redpath Museum Suggested student donation $2 (includes refreshments)
Redpath Museum Special Events —dinosaur bones by flashlight and much more
The Redpath Museum holds inexpensive or free events throughout the year including late night flashlight tours on Nuit Blanche. Upcoming free events include a presentation on First Nation culture (September 30th from 1-3 p.m.) and the Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine Symposium (October 13th from 1:30-7 p.m.). Dinosaur bones, mummies, and a geological garden can also be seen by daylight, during the museum’s regular hours. For more information visit the Redpath Museum website (www.mcgill.ca/redpath/).
Cutting Edge Lectures in Science
McGill researchers lecture on their latest findings for the general public. The first lecture of the fall, In Search of the Source of Earthquakes, includes a chance to look at rocks formed during earthquakes.
September 13th at 6 p.m. Redpath Museum Free
Hack Ta Ville [Hack Your City]
SSMU is inviting you to hack the city of Montreal—for the greater good. Help write programs to improve various aspects of Montreal—transportation, urban planning, agriculture, sustainable development, land use, housing, parks, public spaces, and more. New hackers can take workshops to improve their skills. Cheap food and coffee will be on hand for hackers of every skill level.
September 8th from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. SSMU Ballroom Free
5th McGill Conference on Global Food Security — “Food Prices and Political Instability”
During this two-day conference, speakers and participants from over 25 countries will deliver concrete ideas to improve global food security. Students can attend this high-level, international event for less than 15 per cent of the normal registration fee. Those who can’t make the conference can always attend the public lecture that kicks it off.
Public Lecture October 16th at 5 p.m. Moyse Hall $10
Conference October 17-18th New Residence Hall $55 for students (includes food and a networking cocktail party)
McGill Sustainability Fair 2012
The McGill Office of Sustainability is holding a fair that will answer questions like: where can I recycle my old electronics, how do I get money for a sustainable project, and what are those green lumps on McTavish Street. The question they’ll answer best: how can I get involved with making McGill more sustainable?
September 21st all day Tent on Lower Field Free
The Montreal Biodome (techeasy.com)
MACDONALD CAMPUS
Food for Thought Lecture Series — “Macdonald – Across the Oceans and Around the World”
This fall lecture series focuses on international research; many lectures will discuss health issues in developing countries. The first lecture starts close to home with Why Canada Could Be the Next Bioenergy Powerhouse. However, the international way in which biofuel technology is being developed upholds the theme of the series. Lectures run bi-monthly from September to November.
September 11th – November 20th from 7-8:30 p.m. Raymond Building R2-045 Free
OUTSIDE THE MCGILL BUBBLE
Concordia Public Lectures
Darwin’s Mad Dream: What Error and Invention Tell Us About How Science Works is one upcoming public lecture at Concordia.
October 11th at 8 p.m. Oscar Peterson Concert Hall Free
Montreal
The Biodome is celebrating its 20th birthday with free admission for anyone born in 1992. The Montreal Science Center is turning 10 this year. Although the center is designed for a younger crowd, cool and interactive exhibits never get old.
Biodome Tuesday – Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $13.50 for students
Montreal Science Center Thursday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday – Wednedsay from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. $11.50
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR…
The Trottier Symposium — Food: A Serving of Science
A lecture series put on by McGill in November.
Concordia President’s Conference Series, — Experiencing the Media Mix: Anime, Manga, Video Games
A lecture series and video game development conference that will end in a massive gaming event in February.
Purchasing a cell phone plan in Montreal can be a complicated undertaking. Browsing through the many contracts offered by over half a dozen companies (some of which are actually the same company) is enough to make any student swear off phones and opt for email and Skype. Before resorting to drastic measures, use the following tools to start your research.
Cell phone providers in Canada are mostly owned by three big corporations: TELUS, Rogers, and Bell. TELUS owns Koodo; Rogers owns Fido and Chat-r; and Bell owns a stake in Virgin Mobile. These providers operate Canada-wide, which means that they might be better for Canadians from outside Montreal who want to keep their phones year-round.
Carriers with a more limited range can be good choices if you only plan to use your phone in Montreal. These providers include Quebec-based Videotron and Public Mobile. Public Mobile is only available in certain cities.
Most of these providers offer a variety of plans: prepaid, text-heavy, talk and data, along with other plans to fit any usage. Finding the right package is a matter of deciding what you need and pricing those needs for every provider.
This is a daunting task for a student in back-to-school mode. Luckily, there are third-party websites which compare plans side by side.
Choose the Montreal region and input attributes like unlimited texting, 200 anytime minutes, or price under $25 per month, and these sites provide a list of plans that meets your criteria.
Select plans to compare, and the site will generate a detailed report that shows you every attribute of the plan, whether it’s an hour longer for unlimited night and weekend talk, or more memory on your voice mail.
These sites also provide reviews of carriers, maps of coverage areas, as well as store locators. Since wireless providers are constantly changing their available plans, both sites update plan information frequently. It’s a good idea to check the provider website to ensure a desired plan is still offered.
Most providers also sell phones. Buying a phone with a contract may seem like a good deal, but the price of the phone is spread over the term of the contract in small monthly payments.
This fall, McGill opened its third hotel-style residence, La Citadelle. Located at 410 Sherbrooke Street West, the residence is also home to the new “food” chapter of McGill Residence’s Living-Learning Communities (LLC).
Formerly a Courtyard Marriott Hotel, La Citadelle houses 286 male and female students in both single and double rooms. The need for a new residence arose from overbooking in previous years.
“[We] needed more space to be able to serve all of the first-year students looking for residences and the upper-year students wanting to stay in residence,” Executive Director of Residences and Student Housing Michael Porritt said. “Hotels are the [buildings] that have been available in locations that make sense and they serve the students well.”
La Citadelle, McGill’s most expensive residence to date, features 24-hour security and front desk services, a fitness centre, study rooms on the second floor, and a new wireless system that is four times faster than the one in other residences. Each room contains a private bathroom, a 40-inch, wall-mounted LCD television, and controls for air conditioning and heating.
Perhaps La Citadelle’s most defining feature is its large communal kitchen, situated on the top floor.
“The [kitchen] can hold 40 [people] at a time and there is a separate sitting area to eat,” Porritt said. “That should be plenty of space [but] we’ll evaluate it as the year goes.”
Students living in La Citadelle must also purchase a mandatory reduced meal plan, which ensures they have the option of dining in McGill cafeterias as well. The Citadelle meal plan allows students complete flexibility to eat in any of the dining halls on campus.
“I think I’ll keep a balance [between cooking and eating in the dining halls], but I might use the kitchen more because I like cooking,” Camille Brechignac, U1 political science, said. “The place is just so awesome and friendly that I think I will enjoy going there.”
With the new communal kitchen at its disposal, La Citadelle is also host hall to McGill’s Food LLC. The LLCs are programs “designed to foster a unique sense of community that celebrates the wide range of interests” in McGill residences, according to the McGill housing website.
On top of facilitating a community kitchen, La Citadelle’s Food LLC will host activities and events such as field trips to local farms, cooking challenges, tutorials from local chefs, and groups discussions on food politics, nutrition and sustainability. This will provide students with opportunities to better their understanding of culture and society.
“[The Food LLC] hasn’t started yet, mainly because the kitchen is not ready yet,” Rana Badawi, U1 political science and member of the Food LLC, said. “We just started with some activities … to get to know each other.”
Construction of the communal kitchen is expected to conclude this week. However, the kitchen is not the only room in La Citadelle that remains under construction. The fitness centre is not yet open, with gym equipment scheduled to arrive this week; the study rooms are yet to be finished. Students at La Citadelle pointed to the ongoing construction as an inconvenience.
“The construction is … kind of noisy in the morning,” Mike Kik, U0 management, said.
Despite the disruptions, some residents of La Citadelle praised the welcoming atmosphere of their residence.
“All the [staff] are very friendly,” Brechignac said. “The floor fellows are very cool … and [the directors] are very open to any [suggestions] we might have, as we are the first generation of La Citadelle.”
“We have the features of a hotel but we feel that we are a community, too,” Badawi said. “It’s different than all the other residences … we have the best of both worlds.”
This is some dummy copy. You’re not really supposed to read this dummy copy, it is just a place holder for people who need some type to visualize what the actual copy might look like if it were real content.
If you want to read, I might suggest a good book, perhaps Hemingway or Melville. That’s why they call it, the dummy copy. This, of course, is not the real copy for this entry. Rest assured, the words will expand the concept. With clarity. Conviction. And a little wit.
In today’s competitive market environment, the body copy of your entry must lead the reader through a series of disarmingly simple thoughts.
All your supporting arguments must be communicated with simplicity and charm. And in such a way that the reader will read on. (After all, that’s a reader’s job: to read, isn’t it?) And by the time your readers have reached this point in the finished copy, you will have convinced them that you not only respect their intelligence, but you also understand their needs as consumers. (more…)
