Taking women’s hockey out of the Olympics would be stupid, to say the least

With the Olympic Games having come to an end just over a week ago, sports fans and writers have resumed an ongoing debate that has many North American athletes and fans up in arms: let’s take women’s hockey out of the Olympics.
“It’s just too one-sided,” many critics have stated, and to some degree, that statement is true.
Since women’s hockey was included at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan, Canada has won three gold and a silver medal, while the United States ranks second with a gold, two silvers and a bronze medal to their credit. Meanwhile, only two other teams have won a medal, with Finland recording a pair of bronze, and Sweden receiving a silver and bronze for their efforts.
Sure, Canada and the United States have dominated the tournament, with Canada, for example, scoring 41 goals with only two against in the round-robin portion in Vancouver, but it’s not like this kind of domination hasn’t been seen in the Olympics before.
When men’s hockey was added to the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium, the Canadian team cruised to an easy gold medal, scoring 29 goals while allowing just a single marker in three games.
In fact, Canada’s domination in the early days of Olympic men’s hockey is astounding. Between 1920 and 1952, a span of seven Olympic Games, the Canadian team captured six gold medals in ice hockey, loosing only in 1936 to Great Britain, a team which was, for the record, made up of many Canadians living abroad.
In the ten Olympics that followed the 1952 games, the Soviet Union became the benchmark for success in men’s hockey, winning eight gold and a pair of bronze medals, effectively making any team that beat them a huge upset (1980 Miracle on Ice anyone?).
Looking at these stats, two teams won 14 of the first 17 gold medals awarded for ice hockey, yet not once did anyone consider removing the men’s game from the Olympics. Quite the opposite, actually, as the dominance of these teams forced the remaining nations to strengthen their efforts and build much stronger hockey programs. Several years later, the effects have been seen, with eight or nine teams being very competitive in the men’s hockey pool, creating an exciting spectacle in which anything can happen.
Sure, many fans expect to see an always exciting Canada vs. USA final in women’s hockey, however, stranger things can happen. Ask the 2006 USA team that was defeated by Sweden in the semi-finals whether or not women’s hockey is a two-team game. I’m sure they wouldn’t even have to think before disagreeing.
Many critics also argue that it could take several decades for other countries to catch up to the dominant Canadian or United States team, however, a look at some of the competition may prove otherwise.
Finland, this year’s bronze medalists, fielded a team in which half of the players were ages 21 or under. Now, call me crazy, but once the younger players become more experienced, the Finnish team will only become more and more competitive. And, with the team being that young, they have the potential to stick together for two to three more Olympic games, which will only build more chemistry and overall potential.
It is not as if other sports at the Olympics haven’t been dominated by a single nation. The half-pipe competition in snowboarding has seen a total of  24 medals awarded since its conception at the 1998 games, and the United States have won 14 of them, effectively amounting to seven times more than any other nation.
Luge, on the other hand, has seen a total of 120 medals awarded in three categories since it’s inclusion in the 1964 games, and Germany has run away laughing, collecting a total of 70 medals, 52 more than Austria, who clocked in at second place with 18. Yet, has there been any discussion to remove luge from the Olympics? Not a chance.
Not only is it unfair to take a sport out of the Olympics because of domination by a single nation, but it would also be doing an injustice to the female hockey players who compete day-in and day-out for their chance to be in the spotlight. While men’s hockey has the NHL, World Championships, World Juniors, and countless other events televised on a regular basis, women’s hockey receives international coverage for just two weeks every four years.
Removing women’s hockey from the Olympics would do more damage to the sport than good. Sure, the entire world would not have to watch Canada demolish a lower ranked team by 10 or more goals, but how are any other teams supposed to get better without constantly having to face the world’s best team? Just as other nations became stronger in the men’s portion of Olympic hockey due to constantly having to face the Canadians or Soviets over the years, the women’s teams will only improve as well. Remember, just two Olympics ago the thought of Canada’s men’s team loosing to Switzerland or Belarus was laughable at best, and yet, just 8 years later, both nations have held their own against the best in the world, beating a few of the stronger teams along the way.
The dominance of Canada and the United States in women’s hockey is easily explained: both countries currently have leagues in place that are superior to those of other nations. Just like in men’s hockey, where it took nearly 40 years for other countries to catch up to the dominant Canadian squad, women’s hockey will eventually have more than a couple teams consistently considered threats to win gold.

Somehow it’s March already, my term is nearing its end – and schoolwork is piling up! March is that exciting time of the year, term papers, tests, presentations…but of course we all did our work ahead of time, and are not worried. Right? Yah, me too…

Hopefully everyone noticed how unreal our Varsity sports teams are this year. Our wrestling and Nordic skiing teams recently won championships. The women’s and men’s basketball team both won thrillers at home this week to advance to the next round of the playoffs. Our hockey team also beat Guelph to advance into the next round of the playoffs. So there is some incentive to get your homework done quick, because the Thunderwolves hockey team will be hosting another playoff game, and potentially the men’s basketball team will be hosting another playoff game.
Winter Carnival has recently just wrapped up, and I can say confidently that everyone had a great time. Especially with dog sledding, one of the most popular events LUSU has run this year. Mostly because, well, who doesn’t love dogs? LUSU takes the hill at Loch Lomand was slightly lower in attendance than the last time we ran it – which isn’t always a bad thing. Lower numbers mean more rentals. So thanks to Trevor Cava for setting up Winter Carnival this semester, if you see him walking around – give him a high 5.
You also have St. Patrick’s day to look forward to in March. LUSU will be running a few drink responsibly campaigns soon. Why run drink responsibly awareness events? Well…unfortunately drinking and driving is still a large issue, students need to be aware where their drinks are at all times. The sad reality is, some people out there might try to slip something in your drink. I would hope no one at Lakehead would ever do that, but better safe than sorry. At the end of March/beginning of April we will also be doing some stress busters for exams. April exams, in my opinion, tend to be the hardest. Summer is about to start, weather is warming up, and it seems hard not to feel worn out sometimes. Don’t worry though! We provide some stress busters that will help you get through April exams. Then when it’s done, four lovely months off. Unless you’re in summer courses, well then…good luck in your studies.
Until Next week,

Dave Grad
LUSU President

The Argus is hosting an acoustic show at The Study on Friday, March 12th.  Although it is a fundraiser for The Argus, we are approaching it more as a community event. I am aware that these shows do not bring in much cash; it’s more for the fun of it.
It will start at 8pm and is an all ages show; if you are 19+ and want to drink you must get marked. Also, there will be pizza available on top of The Study’s usual homemade goodies.
Thus far, the bands are The Promise and The Other Colour, as well as solo acoustic sets by Marley Giunta and Jon Reid. We are open to have another band and solo act, or even 2 solo acts; send me an email if you’d like to do an acoustic, quieter set. The feel will be fitting for The Study, although maybe not for the members of The Argus – such a crazy staff. The cost will be $5 for students and non-student alike. Enjoy some solid sounds and quality coffee or beer, and engage in conversations with local musicians as well as surrounding community.
I am a huge fan of local talent; whether it be artists, musicians, writers, or craftspeople. The quality of creativity in Thunder Bay is perhaps larger only because we are all so bored. Okay, so at Lakehead we’re all extremely busy; but hey, if we had free time what we do with it but sleep anyways? Exactly!

Brandi Cameron

Editor-in-Chief

I will start off by giving a disclaimer. This article will be very opinionated, however there are some indisputable facts that I feel will change even the most opinionated minds. I managed to fix the most opinionated person I know, myself. Those of you feeling unsure in anyway should read on as I believe we can join together as equals, never mind the president, VPSI, or health care reps. They are a simple face, with little to no real power to help students. I realize my ideas are radical, however, they are necessary in order revitalize the school. Here is my justification:
I realize now that I am different than anyone else. I always knew that I see things  different from the outside; however, could not articulate this feeling. It wasn’t until grade 6 that I found an answer. I was ADHD, however, despite by severe oppression defiance, the schools explained it as depression. My claims were always disputed and I was not given a simple diagnostic test until  part way into my second year of my social work program. I have suffered psychological harm, resulting from misdiagnosis and over medication. This failure of a medicinal approach was further complicated by a denial of access to behavioural therapy. This resulted in a lifelong disorder that I have come to realize is a gift, that is indispensible in terms of its applications to social problems.
That said a failure of the school system to provide behavioural therapy without a professionals recommendation. The rights of students need to be restored. A student seeking help should not be made to wait at a window, and asked doctor or counsellor. I propose several solutions to the issues here.
I feel it necessary to not single any doctor, counsellor, or other professional out. I have come to except that there is a flaw in the system, and arguing with a single doctor is not, and never will be, effective. Therefore, 18 years of suffering has lead me to the realization that a systematic approach will be necessary for the realization that our current “holistic approach” promised by the school to prospective students is flawed. It is actual a model of the opposite. I find counselling only works if I like the counsellor I go to. I think there are many others who feel the same and submit to physicians magic pills to fix their problems. This further complicates issues because it slows the emotional release necessary for the restoration of sense of self. Feelings of guilt can be prolonged by medication. Don’t believe me, ask your therapist or any other professional. If they say you need antidepressant they are probably wrong, however if your feelings of guilt came on suddenly your anti-depressants can complicate the release of these emotions, and in my case, and I am sure I am not alone results in rebound symptoms after feeling safe that the medicinal approach was never necessary. I promise you, find the right counsellor, try the Aboriginal Centre, or a spiritual advisor. Doctors use theories when often people like myself and other people in tune with their inner sense of self are really the best course of treatment. Far to often anti depressants, and a whole host of other drugs are prescribed as a first line of treatment. Medication is never the answer unless every attempt has failed. I realize our system is not equipped to deal with the ramifications of the advice of this article; however, there is strength in numbers. Look at the provinces setting the pace for the rest of the country: Saskatchewan and Alberta. Both provinces record the sale of every prescription and OTC medication effectively putting an end to the overuse and some cases abuse of drugs that change our brain chemistry. The brain is constantly adapting, the ramifications must be acknowledged (Maybe there is some truth to the theory that some people develop gender issues, despite testimony by psychiatrists that these things are genetic”. I agree in that they are genetic in that if someone’s brain changes, and that person has children it is likely that the child will share similar issues to the parent. ADHD was thought to be boys disease, that was fairly uncommon. We see it in girls now and realize that many people will never fully get over their symptoms. Why not teach them to deal with these symptoms, and perhaps we can reverse this evolution. That said is this what they want? I am gifted and am having trouble accepting it, so I can tell you it is bad for the individual. In conclusion, going back to AB and SK are on the right track (and I realize that they have amazing physicians there) however the powerhouse of the nation remains Ontario, and it will ultimately continue to be the countries main priority when it is time for a change of perspective, or change in government focus. Anyone feel the same way?
From my point of view as a stabilized young professional in the social work program:
Anyone feeling unsure should be treated with the same priority as someone who is seeking or has obtained a medical diagnosis. Remember, accurate diagnosis is the first step to recovery, and sometimes with the right counsellor medication is not effective and can even prolong your suffering. Ever notice doctors always right the brand name of a drug on a script. I have no proof but I am pretty sure there is a contraindication there. That said why do some doctors schedule 15 minute meetings and other half hour interview. Something is not right here and we as students need to right the wrong alleged holistic approach that is really the over prescription of many drugs to which the long term side effects are often not studied. Pharmaceutical companies chemically alter a drug after they lose there patent and remarket it as a better version. Why not stick with the tried and true?

I was misquoted or the person heard wrong - the term is “mug-wump” I have included an explanation of what the term is and where it originated from.

“This archetypal American word derives from the Algonquian dialect of Native Americans in Massachusetts. In their language, it meant “war leader”. The Puritan missionary John Eliot used it in his translation of the Bible into their language in 1663 to convey the English words duke, officer and captain.

Mugwump was brought into English in the early nineteenth century as a humorous term for a boss, bigwig, grand panjandrum, or other person in authority, although often one of a minor and inconsequential sort. This example comes from a story in an 1867 issue of Atlantic Monthly: “I’ve got one of your gang in irons — the Great Mugwump himself, I reckon — strongly guarded by men armed to the teeth; so you just ride up here and surrender”.

It hit the big time in 1884, during the presidential election that set Grover Cleveland against the Republican James G Blaine. Some Republicans refused to support Blaine, changed sides, and the New York Sun labelled them little mugwumps. Almost overnight, the sense of the word changed to turncoat. Later, it came to mean a politician who either could not or would not make up his mind on some important issue, or who refused to take a stand when he was expected to do so. Hence the old joke that a mugwump is a person sitting on the fence, with his mug on one side and his wump on the other.

There is also a slangy sense — less known these days, I believe — of a person who has been persuaded by his possession of a minor official position into a sense of self-importance, often becoming obnoxious as a result.”  from World Wide Words http://www.worldwidewords.org/weirdwords/ww-mug1.htm.

This term was introduced to our class in my 4th year Issues of United States History class. I felt after the number of board meetings I attended as a student and watch the voting of board members last year, that this term suited a number of them.  I hope you enjoyed reading this.

I will address the issue of campaigning.  There is email, facebook, and word of mouth as avenues to campaign. This is also alot better for the environment.  Also, all you have to do is look at the bulletin boards to realize that adding posters will only contribute to the cluttered look of the boards.  There is very little space on these boards and currently no one is designated to attend to these boards from LUSU.  With only 15 people running for 14 positions, I believe that is why people were less enthusiastic about campaigning.  For me, I would like to see the term for Board of Directors run parallel with the Executives in the spring.  I believe then the board can be more effective for the school academic year.

Finally, although I did not talk to you, I have attended a few of the centres to discuss issues.  As well, I spoke with someone in your office one evening and asked questions about the Argus - distribution and readership, funding and budget losses.  I also enjoyed dinner one evening at the Residence Cafe to see what the experience was like for students living in residence.  I never took the opportunities as photo ops, but did them in earnest to search out first hand information about issues I have heard students talk about.

It is always great hearing your point of view and thanks for listening to mine,

Louise Haukeness

Board of Directors

Lakehead should become Canada’s first naked university.

Robert Carty

Whether we like it or not we all must live in a world of constraints; in fact, this rule perhaps can be considered the fundamental constraint.  Some of these constraints we face are socially constructed like rules and regulations, while others still are imposed by the natural environment such as physical laws.  Most constraints have a clear function; however, others for one reason or another can serve to make life more difficult.  Constrains act upon individual behavior, cognitions and affections, while placing limitations on us psychologically and socially.

An example of a constraint that everyone must conform to due to both social and natural pressures is the wearing of clothes.  We wear clothes as a social norm in adherence or observation of cultural standards of decency, and also not to violate the law.  In this way it is a social convention, however, we also wear clothes due to environmental conditions that we require protection from such as intense heat, cold, light, rain, snow, and hail.  Clothes help our bodies maintain homeostasis and keep us alive and well.

It is not clear whether it was social construction or natural conditions that first led to the wearing of clothes, but it is clear that the clothes we wear are now more greatly influenced by social construction.  Clothing can be used to define our identities and may reflect social status, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, age race and countless other constraints that the social world places on our identities.

It is to liberate us from these constraining articles of identity formation that I propose that Lakehead University become the first ever naked university.  However, before continuing on this exposition let me assure you that this is not an idle fantasy generated by the base desires of a sexual deviant; I am merely a student of critical sociology.

Clothing is a technology that imposes often unattainable and unreasonable standards of beauty that may actually be male defined on individuals which can lead to various psychological pathologies such as low self-esteem.  It also individualizes and builds the ego, as every morning when we dress for school we must consider our social-self and take the place of the other when we consider if we are dressed appropriately.

Clothes also represent the repression of desire that post-modern critical theorists attribute to modern industrial hyper-capitalism. It’s not a coincidence that it was the production of cloth that ushered in the current mode of industrial production. When we consider the constraints modern capitalism places on us and prevents us from having healthy relationships with each other, perhaps the argument can be put most simply by saying:  if we weren’t so concerned with sexualized outer appearances and with seeing what we conceal inside our clothing, we could all concentrate more on what’s on the real inside.

It is for these reasons that I make this wholehearted appeal to our school’s administration that they take the first and most obvious step and immediately and without hesitation change the name of our university to Nakehead.