Reading Time: 1 minuteSOPA MAY HAVE been put on hold, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a hot topic. Students across campus gave the Fulcrum their say on the proposed legislation, letting us know what they think about SOPA, Bill C-11, and Internet copyright rules in general. “I use Wikipedia every day for my academic studies and I …
Arts
Reading Time: 2 minutesGods on display at the Museum of Civilization WHO DO YOU pray to? It’s a simple question that I was left pondering after leaving the Gods exhibit currently on display at the Museum of Civilization. Canada’s multicultural mosaic has left us with many different religions being practised every day. Whether it’s the monotheist practices of …
Reading Time: 3 minutesChildren’s author offers advice to succeed in creative writing MONTREAL (CUP)—YES, IT CAN be frustrating, difficult, and extremely exhausting to cultivate a wonderful piece of writing. But despite the obstacles of writer’s block and trying to find widespread success, well-known author Robert Munsch encourages young writers to keep working at it—as he continues to do …
Reading Time: 4 minutesJoyful Noise 3/5 IMAGINE WATCHING GLEE as a feature film, but set in a small, southern town in the United States. This is exactly how Todd Graff’s latest movie, Joyful Noise, comes across. While there are some glaring differences between the two—most notably the absence of a character similar to the witty Sue Sylvester and …
Reading Time: 2 minutesGreat Canadian Theatre Company 4/5 A MURDER, A nail-biting trial, and politics. This may sound like another quintessential Hollywood blockbuster trailer, but there are no heroics or happy endings in this dark tale. It’s the tragic story of Thomas D’Arcy McGee’s murder that took place not too far from our own campus many years ago. …
Reading Time: 3 minutesThrough the lens SOPA AND PIPA sound like two unfortunate nicknames for a couple of snot-nosed, pigtail-wearing schoolgirls. You’ll be disappointed to learn the ill-sounding words are actually acronyms for the Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect IP Act, not awkward baby names that Beyoncé Knowles discarded in favour of Blue Ivy. The two …
Reading Time: 3 minutesProposed copyright reform creates controversy IT’S A NEW bill that’s creating quite the stir. The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) has dethroned the Occupy protests as a top news story gathering interest worldwide. SOPA—an anti-piracy bill, also known as House Bill 3261, originating in the U.S.—was created to eliminate pirated online content, particularly foreign content, …
Reading Time: 3 minutesTaking a glance at the biggest achievements in music and film of 2011 WE’VE RUNG IN the new year and welcomed 2012 with open arms, but let’s not forget the past year. With rioting, Occupy-the-world protests, and provincial and federal elections, 2011 was one politically charged year. But in the world of arts, there were just as many front-page-worthy events. So, in an ode to 2011, here’s …
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe Weeknd | Echoes of Silence XO 4/5 Abel Tesfaye, more commonly known by his stage name The Weeknd, has returned with another much anticipated mix tape. Echoes of Silence follows the popularity of House of Balloons and Thursday—all of which were released in the past year—and is the last instalment in this Canadian artists’ trilogy of mix tapes. …
Reading Time: 2 minutesOttawa’s best blogs to look out for WITH ANOTHER YEAR past, many often reflect on the year gone by, but part of the new year is being excited for what’s to come. Considering that practically everyone and their grandmother has a blog, we’d thought it’d be appropriate to look into Ottawa blogs to check out in 2012. Whether it’s a blog …
Reading Time: 2 minutesCBC’s new show to focus on Aboriginals TORONTO—CBC IS OPENING a new chapter in Canadian history by spotlighting the relationship between First NationS and the rest of Canada. This January, a new series entitled 8th Fire is airing across the country in hopes of disbanding stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding Aboriginals in Canada. The TV series …
Reading Time: 2 minutesCallin’ all creepers MTV CANADA’S NEWEST show, Creeps, premiered on Jan. 5 at 11 p.m.. During the half-hour episode, three individuals had their Facebook profiles and Twitter accounts critiqued by a panel of judges. The people behind the online accounts appear on the show to answer the judges’ questions about their unusual profiles. At the end of …
Reading Time: 2 minutesFOR THE BIRDS FOR THE BIRDS is revitalizing the independent music scene in their hometown Barrie, Ont. After taking a listen to their latest album, All Kinds of Classy, it’s easy to hear their music is more than for the birds. In an effort to set them apart from other rock bands in the music …
Reading Time: 3 minutesGangster never felt so good Èva Morin | Fulcrum Contributor FOUNDED ON A 16-year-long friendship between Tynan “Tragic” Phelan and Jonny “Rockwell” Desilva, Ottawa-based hip-hop group Philly Moves is gearing up for the release of their latest album, How To Drink Yourself Famous. “This album is a new direction for us,” says Phelan. “This is definitely our most eclectic …
Reading Time: 2 minutesThrough the lens THE AGE OF the Internet has allowed for downloading to run rampant. Whether it’s a film release or a new album, anything can be found after a couple of clicks—most of our iTunes playlists have illegal downloads to thank. Our demand for free entertainment is not a new problem, but is only …
Reading Time: 2 minutesPATRICK THOMPSON HIGHLY ESTEEMED CANADIAN artist Patrick Thompson makes his presence known in Ottawa this holiday season, showing off his latest batch of works, dubbed Sausage Fingers. Although he lives and works primarily in Toronto, Thompson has travelled the world and displayed his creations in many exotic locales, including the Centre for Contemporary Culture in …
Reading Time: 2 minutesSmoQue Shack 4 / 5 NOW I KNOW what the “meat sweats” truly feel like. SmoQue Shack is a new specialty restaurant opened in the ByWard Market that is serving up one of my favourite foods of all time: Smoked meat. The food at this restaurant is quick, affordable, and will put you into a meat …
Reading Time: 4 minuteshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=narLgK_0Cxo The Descendants 4.5/5 Alexander Payne’s first directorial effort since the Academy Award-winning film Sideways recounts the tragic tale of Matt King, a land baron in modern day Hawaii. The Descendants, while having a certain Payne-esque quality to it, is a top-notch film that sells a realistic story about grief and anger. Starring George Clooney …
Reading Time: 2 minutesExploring the death of independent threatre ATTENDING A FILM at the ByTowne Cinema on Rideau Street is something I try to do as often as I can. Unlike the big-name chain theatres such as Silvercity and Empire, an independent theatre like the Bytowne caters to a different crowd. Independent theatres usually play movies that aren’t …
Reading Time: 2 minutesSpeaking to the founders of Kapacity IT HAS BEEN over 12 years since three friends got together to create a promotions company that would change Ottawa’s local music scene forever. In 1999, Graham Bradley, Mike Mikkelson, and Jeremy Pigeon created Kapacity Entertainment—a local concert promotions company, designed to promote international hip-hop artists. To date, the …
Reading Time: 3 minutesComedian speaks about her career and new tour YOU MAY RECOGNIZE funny lady Debra DiGiovanni from her days on MuchMusic’s Video on Trial, but for those who want to see the Toronto native performing some of her own material, now’s your chance. DiGiovanni is embarking on her first headlining tour, called Single Awkward Female Tour, …
Reading Time: 2 minutesArt Walk: A free treat for the public OTTAWA’S WELLINGTON WEST has been transformed over the past few years into an artistic stomping ground, with highlights such as the Wellington Marbles, new indie venues, and frequent musical and theatrical performances in the area parks. Students who enjoy art will especially love the First Thursdays Art …
Reading Time: 2 minutesStudent fundraiser to help Children’s Hospital IF STUDENTS ARE looking to see how their peers are giving back this holiday season, the CASCO show would be the perfect place to start. The Telfer School of Management Charity Organization, CASCO, has organized a two-night show on Dec. 4–5 at the Delta Hotel to raise funds for …
Reading Time: 3 minutesUnveiling a painting about the past THE DEPARTMENT OF History at the University of Ottawa is presenting an oil-on-canvas painting representing the diversity, importance, and dynamism of what history professors teach and students learn. The painting, done by award-winning U of O fine arts graduate Mee-jeong Chae, will be unveiled in Desmarais on Dec. 8 by Huguette Labelle in one …
Reading Time: 2 minutesCapital Hoedown’s big announcement OTTAWA—NEXT YEAR’S ROUND of summer music festivals may be a while away, but that didn’t stop the Capital Hoedown organizers from announcing next year’s lineup on Nov. 22. Featuring mega country stars such as Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, and Brad Paisley, the announcement proves Ottawa’s country music festival is growing in …
