Amanda Watkins
LifeStyle Editor
It was homecoming weekend. There I was at 9:00 in the morning, dancing to Nicki Minaj and far from my normal sober reality.
My housemates and I were hosting our own informal house party to get ready for the football game as we passed around a can of something called “Sucker Punch” and a tube of maroon lipstick. Because hey, what’s a little oral herpes among friends?
The concept of “day drinking” was foreign to me, and quite frankly, I had no idea that a football game and face paint also meant we needed to start hitting the Sambuca 12 hours earlier than normal.
Prior to starting university, I led a pretty alcohol-free and sports-free life. And although I wasn’t all too familiar with either of these worlds, a part of me knew that they weren’t always grouped into one.
As we eventually made our way to campus to watch the game, I was greeted by a string of piss drunk students who, in addition to making me feel sorry for toilet bowls across Hamilton, also made me feel a lot better about my own alcohol tolerance. Everyone had their Mac sweaters on and seemed to be pretty jazzed, but a lot of people seemed completely oblivious to what would be going on that day.
Homecoming means showing school spirit. It’s a time to welcome back alumni and celebrate your school with your classmates and friends. It could mean decking yourself out in maroon and grey, or learning the obscure lyrics to the McMaster anthem, but getting sick from the drink seems like a burnout excuse for enthusiasm. Alcohol is fun and delicious. I will say that openly without feeling shameful or like a washed up Disney star. But I will also say that I know it’s not a necessary part of having school spirit.
As fun as it was to be drunk in the wee hours of the morn’, it was also kind of sad. My friends and I left the game at halftime because we all felt like shit. And by 6:00 in the evening, we were all lying on the ground, completely hung-over from the morning passed.
As fun as it is to escape from reality for a while, being wasted all the time makes you lose sight of what we’re actually here for. And so, with that being said, I announce my quest for sobriety. For the next month, I will be leading a completely alcohol-free life. And yes, that does include Halloween.
You don’t need to follow my example, especially seeing as we’ve laid out this week’s issue with a kick-ass Mac-inspired drink, beer reviews and hangover cures. But as you indulge in our suggestions and advice, just be safe, use your judgment and remember that we're all coming together this weekend to respectfully celebrate our school.
So thank you, alcohol, for helping make and erase a long string of memories. But I think it may be time for things to change.
Regardless of what anyone says, the only universal language that matters is delicious food. Sure, we all have our own tastes and preferences, but a good meal can bring people together more than the release of GTA V or a hatred for Miley Cyrus.
And although delicious food seems to only come from fine dining experiences or our grandma’s kitchens, it’s more accessible than many of us know.
Locavores. Yes, that is a real term. They have one up on foodies of the city, and continue to indulge in consistently delicious food by eating locally and experiencing fresh and tasty meals. A locavore is someone who eats local food that has been grown or produced within a designated radial area of his or her choice.
Local food is commonly defined as any product farmed within a 160-kilometer radius of your residence. But currently, in grocery stores and farmer’s markets across the province, local has become more synonymous with “organic” and can include food from within a 1,500-kilometer radius, stretching all across Ontario.
Hamilton is a hotspot for local farmers' markets and homegrown produce. Its proximity to rural areas in Ancaster, Waterdown and Vineland are easily accessed from markets across the city.
Buying specialized produce can seem like a hassle, but it is easier and cheaper than many assume. You don’t need to take a stance as strong as a locavore, but purchasing local food is a process that can be easily eased into.
The largest and most accessible farmers' market for Mac students is the Hamilton Farmers' Market located at 35 York Boulevard. Since 1837, the market has been going strong at the corner of York and James, selling produce, meat and dairy products. Not even a 15-minute journey, one bus ride and a short walk will bring you to this two-storey market.
With such a long history, it’s natural that students have and should be drawn to it.
“You can always tell when school starts,” says Cheryl Berry, of Fleetwood Farms in Harley, Ont. whose family has been taking part in the Hamilton Farmer’s Market for three generations.
“We get a lot of students,” she says. “Food from the market is so much fresher.”
Although Fortino’s and Metro offer up some wonderful genetically modified creations, there’s no denying that farm-picked goods are fresher and healthier.
And surprisingly, most of the produce available at farmers' markets is noticeably cheaper than that of large grocery stores. Farmers price their crops competitively to increase sales and sell their crop yield for the year. At the HFM, you can expect to find baskets of apples for three dollars, green beans for two dollars, and bunches of grapes for less than three dollars. I mean, really, you can’t go wrong.
Ian Walker, a fourth-year Classics student and employee of De la Terre Bakery in Vineland (a bread supplier at the HFM) explains that it’s not just about the taste or price of the food that should convince you to buy locally, but the bigger picture of sustainable local economies.
“Buying locally is important for the environment, as well as knowing where your food comes from… but it’s also important because the money you spend goes back into your economy,” he says.
Joleen Schmidt, a third-year Honours Cognitive Science of Language student, grew up on a large-scale dairy farm in Tavistock, Ont. where she saw first-hand how local food is curated and how important it is to support farm sales.
“All of our dairy is sold to a supplier in our town,” she says.
“It’s up to farmers to produce their quota for the year and sell it, otherwise an entire farm can go downhill. It’s something that we’ve seen happen to some of our neighbouring farmers,” she adds.
Farms depend on sales to keep themselves supported and up and running. By buying local and contributing to the economy of our city and its surrounding areas, you’ll be helping farmers, and helping yourself.
And as someone who spent a lifetime growing up on locally-grown food, Schmidt had something to say about the difference homegrown makes.
“There’s a huge difference! A lot of our local crops are smaller, but it tastes a lot better. Corn on the cob, my lord, don’t get me started on that! Farmers feed cities! It tastes better, and you feel healthier knowing where your food came from and what’s in it,” she says.
Local food is decidedly delicious. And shopping for products from close to home is easy and rewarding. The next time you need to go grocery shopping, consider stopping by a nearby market and picking something up from your native territory. I assure you, you will have a fresh and exciting experience.
Farmers' Market
Dos & Don’ts
DO shop around: walking into a farmers' market, especially one as large as the York Street location, can be intimidating. Take some time to walk around and compare prices and food quality. All the farmers are pretty friendly and non-confrontational, so you should be fine.
DO read the fine print: a few sellers will also be marketing outsourced produce often from the U.S. I made the rookie mistake of accidentally purchasing strawberries labeled “Product of California”- don’t follow in my footsteps. Double-check your labels before handing over your cash.
DON’T go for the biggest seller: some stands will be exceedingly larger than others, but that doesn’t mean their produce is better quality. Let me tell you, bigger is not always better.
DO ask for a sample: use your judgment with this one. Grapes, cherry tomatoes, cheese, some products are definitely conducive to sampling. But when it comes to potatoes or squash or a loaf of bread, mull over what you think is appropriate and remind yourself that this isn’t Costco.
DO bring your own reusable bag: don’t be that person who puts their fresh local produce into a bag that will sit in a landfill for decades on end.
Seasonal Foods to look for
During the months of September, October and November, you can expect to find:
- Potatoes
- Squash
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Apples
- Cranberries
- Garlic
- Mushrooms
- Pumpkin
- Swiss Chard
- Turnips
- And so much more…
In an attempt to become more “hip” and “edgy”, following a series of “critically-acclaimed fashion blogs” seems like a good idea. They keep you up to date on what’s what in the fashion world, and updated on many of its important and stylish events. For instance, New York Fashion Week. But, when it comes to the content of said critically acclaimed fashion blogs, many of the featured fashion trends can merit a reaction of terror and shock. But fear not dear reader, designers do have a story to tell. And beneath all of that crinoline, mesh, and Nicki Minaj hair dye, mainstream trends still rise up. Follow this guide to understand the styles that fashion is cryptically putting forward.
Joanna Mastroianni Spring 2014
What the average person thinks: Should I start watching “Orange is the New Black”?
What fashion is trying to tell you: This means orange is in. No, you do not need to find yourself a prison suit or become a SOCS rep; small details will do just fine. A cardigan, a belt, maybe even a statement necklace - minimal amounts of citrus are all you need. And start watching the series if you feel like it, but regardless, orange really is the new black.
Alexander Wang Spring 2014
What the average person thinks: Toilet paper!
What fashion is trying to tell you: Sculptural pieces will be popular, and white is not only meant for pre-labour day. Designers have a weird way of getting their messages across, and sometimes toiletries seem like the best way to create a visual.
Victoria Beckham Spring 2014
What the average person thinks: Victoria Beckham is still doing productive things with her life?
What fashion is trying to tell you: Maxis and midis will be long gone after this winter, so bust out the mini skirts and dresses of your skimpy past for the upcoming season.
The Blonds Spring 2014
What the average person thinks: What the actual fuck?
What fashion is trying to tell you: The 90’s are back in! Tweety bird bodysuits will not necessarily be the norm, but look to the trends of our great past for your future inspiration. Gwen Stefani, Aqua, Beyoncé pre-Jay-Z are all icons you can pull clothing creations from.
Betsey Johnson Spring 2014
What the average person thinks: Is Betsey Johnson on hard-core drugs?
What fashion is trying to tell you: Yes, she is on hard-core drugs. I wish I could explain this to you, but words are currently failing me. And let’s be real here, only cotton candy can pull of that texture.
Being yourself is easier said than done. Achieving a bold mental and physical peace can feel like a lot to take on when you're also juggling school, work, roommates, and everything in-between.
Mac Alliance for Body Peace is a club focused around helping students find and achieve physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness. Founded earlier this year, the club is pleased to open up to the McMaster community for the first time this September.
"I came up with the idea in March of last year," explains Katarina Polletto, President of Mac ABP and a second-year Health Sciences student. Polletto, whose two close friends struggled with eating disorders, knew that she needed to do something to help both men and women dealing with similar issues.
"Every guy or girl may look in the mirror and see one thing, or many things, that they do not like, and it can really be something that bothers and gets to you," she adds.
The club is founded on a mandate defined by "The 4 E's": Encourage, educate, empower and enhance. The first two E's involve encouraging people to make peace, and educating the public on what is a healthy approach to improved body image and wellness.
"We want to empower people to say 'I am who I am, and I'm going to do what I want', even if it is something weird or uniquely different, you can still feel comfortable and feel like you," adds Polletto when defining the third E.
The fourth E involves enhancing the McMaster community to be more aware and accepting. To make this happen and bring body image issues into the public eye, Mac ABP has planned a series of events for the upcoming year that will be open not only to their members, but also to anyone interested in learning more and getting involved.
The club's first public event will be "Yoga for Every Body" and will be taking place on Oct. 2 on the BSB field.
"Yoga does a lot for your body, not just physically but also mentally… it really helps you relax and think of absolutely nothing," she says laughing. "We want people to know that regardless of flexibility you can come out and do something- I can't touch my toes! It's one of my goals for this year".
The event will run from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a professional Moksha yoga instructor and admission is by donation. 50 percent of the proceeds raised that day will be going towards Danielle's Place, the only eating disorder support and resource centre in the Hamilton area.
In addition, Mac ABP will be hosting coffeehouses; monthly hikes through Cootes Paradise, stress workshops, and an on-campus colour run in the spring.
One of their on-going projects will be an oath-signing campaign. Over the course of the year, the club will be going around campus and having students sign a giant mural with their oath for body peace. The oath, available on the club's webpage, outlines a series of beliefs and commitments that will help participants understand what a healthy body image means, and assist students in making a commitment to find wellness and positive self-esteem. Students can sign the mural with a donation of their choice, with all of the proceeds also going to Danielle's Place.
The final line of the oath reads, "I am brilliant. I am brave. I am breathtaking. I am BOLD". The word "bold" was selected for its gender-inclusive properties, and also serves as an acronym that defines the club's beliefs.
"BO stands for body, L stands for love, and D stands for diversity," explains Polletto. "Because that's what you are, you are a bold and unique person. That is a fact that should not be celebrated just by you, but by everybody. We want everybody to be bold".
Life as we know it. It's a term used to start up sic-fi novels, generalize an undefinable aspect of human society, and shrug off a topic we'd prefer not to discuss. Life as we know it. But aside from our own, whose lives do we really know?
Disability Awareness Coordinator, Cassie Liviero, hopes to use her upcoming campaign with Student Accessibilty Services to address this question. Inspired by the television documentary series, "Life Story Project", the film campaign, entitled "Life as I know it", is set around creating an open environment for discussion, and allowing participants to express their thoughts and beliefs in a safe and welcoming space.
"It's a film and interview campaign. It involves students passing by on campus, sitting down for three to five minutes, and having genuine conversations on topics that affect us all. It comes from personal experiences… and as the narrative unfolds we see questions to do with disability, accessibility and perception," sys Liviero, relating the concept back to the principles and topics that shape SAS.
Some of the topics that will be used as discussion points include: inclusion, stereotyping, independence, values, recreation and leisure. In addition to these points, the notion of a "genuine conversation" is something that Liviero stresses during the interview. Unlike quick and easy conversations often said in passing, the campaign hopes to use this series of topics to engage participants and develop ideas full of depth and emotion.
"I found this type of approach has really become helpful, because it shows people that they can make a difference and they do count. And this project is not so much about making a difference, but we're trying to show that everybody's voice matters. And when you go this way, through experiences that everyone has had, they feel that their voice fits in," says Liviero.
In addition to working at SAS, Liviero is a fourth-year Sociology student living with a disability. And when it comes to supporting a cause that has affected her personally, she is determined to ensure that a strong and reliable message is sent across campus, and students with disabilities are able to express their feelings accurately and appropriately.
"We want to have the people who are actually experiencing disability be in the driver's seat. Instead of having someone telling us how we feel, people can say, now I have learned what you feel as individuals instead of making assumptions," she adds.
"Often times, we think that being in higher education, professors need to educate us, or parents, or someone higher than us, but really, we're our own educators. Through this campaign, people with disabilities know themselves, and really just people in general. They know themselves more than they think they do."
The film will involve active contributions from fellow students and on-campus partners. The video will be shot and edited by McMaster Multimedia students, and the hosts for each of the segments will be volunteers from CFMU. The video will be shot on Sept. 23, Oct. 3 and Oct. 10. A couch will be set up in the arts quad where students will be able to sit down and take part in discussions.
"I really feel that this event can also help anybody, not just people with disabilities. It helps anybody increase his or her awareness about themselves. And if you start increasing awareness about yourself, you can have a greater impact on people working with you. If you know more about yourself, you can have more positive interactions with others," says Liviero.
As Liviero and her team work towards building the campaign, they hope to bring discussion about disability to the forefront of the McMaster community along with a true understanding of this life as we know it.
One of the hardest parts about living away from home is making your own food. Time after time, no matter how hard you try to master your family recipes, it often feels like something's missing. And no, don't worry, I'm not going to say "love".
Mohamud and Shemina "Sam" Thobani, the husband and wife duo behind Taro (formerly House of Games) have been cooking with passion since 2002. Almost 12 years ago when the student centre first opened, McMaster's local bubble tea and curry hotspot opened its doors to the student community. And it’s the passion that they cook with that has kept them running strong for over a decade.
Up until the current school year, their student centre location in B118 was known as House of Games. Recently, along with a new renovation, the restaurant has been re-named as Taro.
"Games is no longer our primary concept, we re-branded ourselves to focus on bubble tea, halal and vegetarian foods," says Sam.
"We chose Taro because it's the number one selling bubble tea flavour across the world," she adds.
In addition to offering the widely popular Taro flavour, the store continues to sell over 40 different bubble tea flavours that can be mixed and matched with tapioca or jelly. The restaurant is also well known for their flavourful and cost-efficient curries. With halal, vegetarian and vegan options, there's a curry and tea for all tastes.
"It's the first place I tried a bubble tea. I tried the crab apple - I wouldn't recommend it for beginners, it's very sweet - but all of their smoothies are great," explains first year student and new Taro fan Daven Bigelow.
Working as chefs since 1988- previously in other Hamilton and Toronto establishments- managing their own restaurant has truly been an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
"The fact that I have a passion for cooking, and everyone comes back for more, it's very rewarding. It's my dream come true," Sam explains.
And their passion for cooking is not just evident through their flavours and amazing meals, but also through the kindness and respect they treat customers with.
"We're run through the MSU, so everything we do is about the students," Sam says as she steps from behind the counter to assist a customer in choosing the best sauce accompaniment for their butter chicken.
Taro brings forth a warm and homey environment that many on-campus eateries lack. Their meals and drinks are reminiscent of home-cooked meals, and the effort they put into each of their dishes adds a unique and complete flavour. A passion for cooking may be their secret ingredient, but it's the compassion they show for all of Mac's students that keeps people coming back and wanting more.
Being an available bachelor or bachelorette in university is a generally positive experience. You can mix and mingle whenever you want, friends set you up on charming blind dates, you don't need to shave your legs very often, and you can save money by only investing in a single bed.
Single life is good. You feel like George Clooney and get to do whatever and whoever you want. But mingling does have a drawback: a constant nagging cycle of dating. Sure, dating does help you meet people. But, if it doesn't lead to finding that "special someone", it can drive you insane when you don't know how to get out of an evening with that weird guy your sister's boyfriend's mom found for you at the YMCA.
It's great to keep your options open, but when you're uninterested, how do you end a date without hurting someone's feelings?
Dating can be fun and beneficial when it comes to meeting new people and developing relationships, but every now and again, a break is needed. Try these strategies to weasel out of your next unwanted encounter, and if all else fails, simply just act like a crazy person. I guarantee, you will not be the one ending that date.
Amanda Watkins/ Senior LifeStyle Editor
@whatthekins
When Hamilton's favourite burrito supplier shut down, foodies and drunken students alike awaited the arrival of the restaurant that would fill its place and decide the fate of Westdale's food facade forever. Delirious Burger Company opened its doors this past August at the corner of King Street West and Marion Avenue.
Walking along King, a colourful blackboard points customers towards the restaurant's front entrance while the Delirious black and white vintage insignia sets the standard for the space's sleek and modern design.
I awkwardly stumbled into the restaurant trying to make my judgmental presence as unknown as possible, and was pleasantly greeted by the equally awkward (but in a charming and friendly way) staff. I placed my order for a Classic Burger ($5.65) and an order of fries ($3.00). I was prepared to whip out my debit card when I was greeted by a poster reading: "Cash Only". You have been warned, make sure you visit CIBC prior to placing your order, otherwise you will need to leave and come back. Which is kind of weird.
After placing my order, I was impressed to see the chef grill and prepare my burger as I waited. The interior of the restaurant consists of smooth grey countertops and brushed steel stools accompanied by scattered greeting cards from customers and friends congratulating the owners. The store has the same sterile feel that many new restaurants have in their first months, but it is evident that it is growing to have a style and personality of its own.
The burger patty was well cooked and seasoned with an organic homemade feel, but the standard hamburger bun and toppings were relatively lackluster. Overall, the burger had good taste and consistency and was filling without being massive and overwhelming.
The fries, garnished with a heavier sea salt, were a little too heavy on the sea salt. But the generous portion and cute to-go packaging made up for my sudden rise in cholesterol.
As I sat outside the restaurant, I noticed the consistent flow of customers coming in and out of the store. Just two months in and it already seems to be a Westdale favourite.
3.5/5
Riding a bicycle in Hamilton is often a question of morality.
You can choose to ride on the road where you may potentially be run over by a bus, or, you can choose to ride on the sidewalk where you may potentially run over a puppy. Do you risk your own safety, or sacrifice the joy of a small furry animal?
“People want to do what’s right. They recognize that walking or biking is better for their health, better for the environment, but it’s not easy. And if it’s not safe, they aren’t going to do it,” explained Justin Jones, an organizer of Yes We Cannon.
Yes We Cannon started up two months ago as a local grassroots organization petitioning for a two-way bike lane along Cannon Street, one of the most frequently used routes in the lower city.
“There’s no bike lane, no route for people to safely ride their bikes on. It’s an area used by 50,000 people,” further added Jones, an avid cyclist.
Cannon Street runs four lanes of one-way traffic from Queen Street North to Sherman North, where it then switches to two-way traffic up until Kenilworth North. The street currently caters solely to vehicular traffic, but with six elementary and secondary schools in the area, along with numerous businesses lining the road, it is still heavily used by pedestrians and cyclists.
Acknowledging that a change needed to be made, in 2009 the city of Hamilton developed the City Cycling Master Plan or “Shifting Gears” which attempts to improve cycling infrastructure and develop complete streets. Although the plan received unanimous support from city council, the bike lanes on Cannon have yet to be discussed. The cycling plan identifies Cannon as an area receiving a “road diet,” which refers to the addition of a single bicycle lane on the one-way side of the street, and a bike lane on each side of the street where traffic runs two-ways.
“What we are asking for is a separated bi-directional bike lane - similar to the ones that run on King Street - where there is a contra-flow lane that is walled and protected. That’s what we want to see [across] Cannon,” explained Jones.
To showcase their plans for sharing the road and its feasibility, Yes We Cannon has hosted two rides along Cannon: Bike to Work Day on May 27, and an Open Streets ride on June 23.
“The ride was done during the morning rush and to absolutely nobody’s shock there was no gridlock,” adds Justin when discussing Bike to Work.
With four lanes devoted to traffic, Cannon is in a prime position for bike lanes. According to traffic counts from late 2012, each lane averages about 2,500 vehicles per day. The lanes are carrying less than half of their capacity, encouraging drivers to speed, and making the area dangerous for its users.
“It’s a freeway out there and it’s very intimidating to be there as a bike when you don’t have airbags or seatbelts,” adds Justin.
The petition currently has just over 1,600 supporters, and the organizers plan to go to city council with their proposition come September. So far the city has been supportive of the campaign and understands that the city needs more active transportation infrastructure, especially along its major roads.
“We’re going in the right direction. We’re doing things to keep cyclists safe. But we still have a network that has some very significant gaps in it. If we really want to take our cycling infrastructure from good to great, we should be installing something to connect and close those gaps,” explained Jones.
The ultimate plan for Yes We Cannon would be to have the bi-directional lanes up and running prior to the start of the Pan Am games in 2015.
“We know there is going to be resurfacing going on around the Pan Am precinct in the lead up to the games... Why pay crews to come in and do resurfacing and repainting twice? Why not do it once, do it right, leave the city with a legacy of active transportation that everyone can be proud of and can use decades after the Pan Am games have come and gone?”
The reasons to add bike lanes to Cannon outweigh the reasons not to.
“We aren’t talking about taking anything away from anyone, we’re talking about giving choice back to the community. Leaving a legacy we can all be proud of.”
If you’re a cyclist, you know how frustrating it can be trying to ride along a major road, and how terrifying it can be weaving in and out of pedestrians and the aforementioned puppies on the sidewalk. If you would like to sign the petition in show of your support, you can visit Yes We Cannon’s website at www.yeswecannon.com. Sign it for yourself, sign it for your city, and sign it for the puppies.
