If there could only be three words that could be used to describe Blair Robertson's hilariously-entertaining hypnosis session yesterday, "finger-lickin' good" would be it. During third period in the Aud, about 500 curious thrill seekers were exploding with laughter as the Ottawa-based hypnotic comedian led the audience and fifteen volunteers through a wacky and fun-filled hypnosis session meant to show us the hilarioius side of hypnotism.
Currently in the fourteenth year of his career, Robertson explained through anecdotes and demonstrations by his "volunteers" the "power" and the humour behind what is still considered an enigma within the mainstream medical profession. Using an initial elimination stage when selecting his volunteers and an aborted "journey to Mars" as a mental backdrop for the chosen "volunteers", he showed the audience how the power of hypnotism could entertain and overpower the mind even after the show had ended. Or could it? As entertainment, most of the audience will never see the fifteen individuals in the same way again after witnessing their "opera audition" or their wacky renditions of Tarzan.
Despite proving the power of hypnotism as effective entertainment, there is controversy raging over whether parts of Robertson's show was "fixed", thereby throwing doubt on hypnotism as a legitimate psychological science. Indeed, some had the impression that there was "bias" in volunteer selection after it was rumoured that at least two of the volunteers had links to the SAC: it was the SAC who organized the show. Eyebrows were also raised when Robertson announced that he did not want to pick a volunteer who was willing to dispute his hypnotic tactics. Ironically, his comments suggested that this "hypnosis" session was "fake". Under scientific doctrine, any sort of observation or theory rendered to be legitimate must have gone through a heavy dose of open but constructive skepticism. This was the type of skepticism in which Robertson was refusing to subject himself and his "profession" to. If judging from this session alone, his refusal to give anyone a chance to question or dispute his tactics would have eliminated the possibility of hypnotism as being a legitimate scientific and medical profession.
Although there can be no doubt that Robertson is more of an excellent entertainer than a legitimate hypnotist, it was his volunteers who stole the show. At one point, one of the volunteers was so flamboyant in his physical reactions under Robertson's "hypnosis" that he was the show. Nevertheless, this show was effective as entertainment but not as a legitimate hypnosis session. Like an entertaining magic show, it was slick, safe, and downright fun. However, it was hallow in legitimate scientific content, the type of content which would have made it appeal to skeptics.
Nevertheless, the fact that Robertson was able to make his volunteers say "finger-lickin' good" in regards to the performance after being subjected to a long "trance" said it all.
Kathy Tam
That's right, the latest fad this side of the universe is the cute, lovable, ever entertaining, Tamagotchi!
The reason these are so popular is simple; they are only available in three cities: New York, San Francisco, and Toronto. That is until June 15, when they become available all across North America. They have been available in Japan for some time, but only recently in North America.
I'm proud to say I'm the proud owner of a six-year old, 30 ounze, electronic, Tamagotchi! I hope each of you get a chance to see one of these, and possibly get one when they're easier to acquire.
Smutton
The Human Resource Centre for Students (formerly known as the Canadian Employment Centre for Students) has opened for 1997. Not only do we provide a range of services, including job postings and resume assistance, but we also provide services to employers.
For more information, please contact us at:
325 Milner Avenue
Scarborough, Ontario
M1B 5N1
Phone #: (416) 412-6500
Fax #: (416) 412-0950
E-mail: cecscar@accent.net
Cindy Tan
Summer Employment Officer
Congratulations to those exceptional students who were chosen as students of the term: Elita Fung, Jessie Ding, Shaun Chen, Sheena Li, and Ali Abedini were the second group of students of the term this year. Also, congratulatons to the other students who have been nominated, but not chosen this term. Keep up the great work!
NahNiLahSooree
Congrats to both Chantal Côté and Sofi Papamarko for placing 1st in the All-Scarborough Writes of Spring Contest!
A new rule has been implemented regarding school governmetn. It seems, in an attempt to "give other people a chance", the administration is imposing a restriction on the number of executive positions one can hold. Unfortunately, this prevents the most able people from having a multitude of leadership roles in our school.
Now this writer would agree with the new rule if it was based on the notion that the work load would be too overbearing. It certainly may be in the case of presidency. But we must realize that these people are usually the most keen of the crop. Furthermore, the large workload has been heeded many in the past.
I thought this was the real reason as a close friend of mine was disallowed from running for SAC Grade Rep because he is to be Music Council VP. His situation doesn't even concern two executive roles but, nevertheless, he was told the workload would be too great. Who's place is it to determine the amount of work one can heed?
It was explained to me later that the new rule is based on providing an opportunity to "other"people. If a competent individual wishes to run for more than one executive position, they should be allowed to do so.
By not allowing them to do so, we are possibly losing out on the best people for the job. This new rule will hold back people who want to contribute even more to our school.
The concept of closer interaction between the councils will also be relinquished by the new rule. Think about it: If an executive member on MacReps is also an executive member on SAC, new ideas, proposals, and joint efforts can be very easily arranged between the two councils. The councils would be able to work mre closely together to organize bigger, more involving events.
It basically comes down to power: One person should not have too much of it. I believe it is very unfortunate for Mac, as we may be losing out on some of the best people for the positions.
Ameet Nathwani
Gr. 11 Rep
Every year, the student body is forced to choose a leader. And every year, people choose their friend, the funniest speechgiver, or someone they pity, instead of choosing the candidate most capable of doing something.
Case in point, last year's SAC was no more involved in the school than the cabinet the succeeded. But for some reason, our student body keeps voting for the same mould: fun-loving, (sometimes, but not necessarily) attractive, and with an ulterior motive. Usually, the ulterior motive is to "pretty up" their High School résumés.
In my grade, there are two people running for 12th Grade Male Rep for SAC. There were originally 5 people about to run. One decided not to run because he had lost 3 times already. He is more than competent, but apparently he doesn't know the "right people". Another dropped out because of the strict standards in applying (you must have a 'B' average). Another dropped out because he is already on a council in SAC, and is therefore ineligible.
Who will win? Most likely the more popular person. A sad turnout for a hopeless group. There, folks, is what is wrong with our society.
SomeoneAtMac
Hey MAC! LISTEN UP!!! This is Olivia Lam, and I've got something to say. VOTE for ME! VOTE for ME! VOTE for ME! These are not the true cries of my campaign. As I chase after the coveted position of grade 11 rep, I have found these words to be meaningless. "WHY?" seems to be such a little word, but with each campaign day it has taken on more and more importance. Why vote for me? You want answers? You got 'em! You're just going to have to wait 'till Tuesday, a.k.a. Speech Day. Hey, I wouldn't want to ruin my speech for you, now would I?!! Wait, I've still got more to say! I have heard that S.A.C. elections are in reality, outright popularity contests, and I am here to urge you to destroy this....actually annihilate this immature notion. My cry is not "VOTE for ME!!!" but "VOTE for WHOEVER you think is the BEST PERSON to REPRESENT YOU!!!" Get Heard!!! Make your vote count!!
Olivia Lam
The SAC elections are finally here and I am one of the candidates. What I have to say is going to be short and sweet so that you can listen to my speech in more detail on speech day. feel that the students at Macdonald must take a look at the student, and listen to the speeces, rather than deciding on your vote on the basis of just the name, and popularity of the person running. If I am voted in as your grade 12 rep., I will perform my position to the best of my abilities working hard to make Mac a more fun and pleasant place for everyone in the school. In closing, those students who are voting for grade 12 rep. Remember, vote for Tas Borovilos: The right choice for a better and greater Macdonald.
Tas Borovilos