Emerge - Spring 2011 by Miguel Agawin

For young professionals

YOUR GUIDE TO THE TORONTO FARMER’S MARKET HOW TO HANG ON TO YOUR CASH POST-UNIVERSITY RELATIONSHIPS

By young professionals

Spring 2011

FIND YOUR DREAM CAREER. KEEP YOUR IDENTITY.

DISCOVERING TORONTO’S SUBWAY PERSONALITY

TEACHING ABROAD EXPLORING YOUR OPTIONS AFTER UNIVERSITY

Welcome to the Alumni Family Stay Connected... Stay Involved... Enjoy the Benefits

Stay Connected Your Gryph Mail account will remain active for one year after your graduation date. Be sure to update your contact information today by visiting http://www.alumni.uoguelph.ca/stay/stay_update.shtml

Stay Involved Join the Alumni Working Group, mentoring current students, or by volunteering at an alumni, recruitment, and/or career services event(s). For more information on how to get involved, email ghalumni@guelphhumber.ca.

Get a Deal! Your University of Guelph-Humber Alumni card will give you access to many alumni programs and services including: • Discounts for seasonal attractions • Discount at Humber’s bookstore and athletic centre • Free library services from Humber ITAL and University of Guelph for life • Savings on insurance, the University of Guelph credit card, and other group plans • Discounted continuing education courses through Office of Open Learning at the University of Guelph

guelphhumber.ca/alumni | ghalumni@guelphhumber.ca

LIVE MOVE

EATWORKTHINK

EMERGE LOVE PLAY SPRING 2011

EMERGE CONTENTS

FEATURES

“I Survived the Recession” A teen’s adventure in the stock market

Friendship After Graduation

ON THE COVER

Teaching Abroad Exploring your post-university options

Courtesy JET

Day in the Life of a Subway Train

Fun vs Frugal Expert advice on how to hang on to your cash

Farmer’s Markets

Organic Food Benefits Is going organic worth the cost?

Vegetarian Food Scandal

Courtesy The Ballroom

Losing Yourself in a Relationship

“Oh my God, you didn’t eat that...”

Appreciating our local foods

Keeping “me” separate from “we” 4

Toronto’s TTC culture

Alex Works

Personal stories from fellow alumni

Toronto’s Hot Spots Where to go in our beloved city

Affordable Getaways

Courtesy Adrew Greene

Tips on getting more bang for your buck

EMERGE MAGAZINE

LIVE

EAT

Best Places to Live in Toronto

Apartment Hunt

Market Map

Dining on a Dime

Rent to Buy

Kijiji

What’s in Your Booze?

The Cost of Living Green

Neighbourhoods under a microscope Temporary living vs owning your own home

Must haves and definitely nots when flat hunting Buying and selling online

MOVE 20

How to Commute

To Lease or Own Your Vehicle?

Best options for your financial situation Your ideal 2012 line up

Counting the calories in your alcohol

Cheap places to score your next divine dinner

Reduce your carbon footprint with style

WORK

Survival guide to public transit

Cars and Image

Looking for food ideas? Emerge has you covered

LOVE

Cheap but Chic

Balancing your wardrobe and your cheque book at the same time

Friends after graduation Married and in College

Lasting Impressions

Corporate Motivation

PLAY

Get Your Tweet On

Skilled Trades

Dayna Brubaker

How to make a lasting impression without kissing ass

Employer flexibility for productivity © Candybox Photography Dreamstime.com

Sarah Doktor

Relationships on the web

Ukulele

Battle of the Tablets

Kat von D

Professional exposure via social media An employer’s take on career trends

THINK

Sami Harj-Assad

Courtesy Marianna Riossi

AIDS 30 Years Later

The New F Word

Why and how this still affects you Feminism today

Where are They Now?

GH alumni share their post-graduation status

CMW

Album reviews

The sound of commoners

Emerge ‘likes’ and ‘dislikes’ Tattoo queen shares secrets in new book

Canadian music on the rise?

Femme Fatale Britney Spears

Give the Drummer Some Travis Barker

Tyler Munro SPRING 2011

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Letter from the Editor Photo By: Elizabeth Daly

very Friday, I worked until five at my internship and was relieved by the same intern. He would replace me in the chair with a look of fright and confusion plastered on his face, overwhelmed in the well-orchestrated newsroom. Young people are often thrown into the workforce alone, with little to no advice about how to succeed. Emerge magazine has launched a revolutionary first issue written for young professionals by young professionals, focusing on this unique target audience. The staff is able to empathize with readers in a way that makes the stories raw, original and easy to understand. Fresh out of university, individuals are faced with many decisions to make about how they want to lead their lives. We often hear the phrase, “real life starts after graduation,” and this magazine aims to help make this statement a lot less scary. Regardless of the direction they choose, graduates need to eat, move, work, live, play, and let’s face it… love. Once the diplomas are signed and the hats are thrown, we have to figure out how to keep our friends

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITORS GRAPHIC ARTIST ART DIRECTOR PHOTO EDITOR COPY CHIEFS PRODUCTION EDITORS RESEARCH MANAGERS FRONT OF BOOK EDITOR

(p.60), or remain independent (p.62) in love. Of course, we may find ourselves choosing between fun and frugal (p.55), or even investing a small amount of money in the stock market (p.52). That said, we always have to eat. Whether you chose to go organic (p.34) or check out a local farmers’ market (p.30) it’s always exciting when you score a cheap place to eat (p.38). But it’s not always amazing to munch on your fuel when you encounter some food scandals (p.36). There are always some of us who chose to run away and travel (p.24) to a different country, whether for vacation or teaching abroad (p.44). We will enter the workforce and may have to go on an apartment hunt (p.16), to find the best places to live (p.12) in the GTA. Regardless of what we chose to do, Toronto is a beautiful place to live (p.26)… even with all the subway weirdos (p.18). From food to fun, this magazine has a story for everyone trying to make it in the big league we call life.

EMERGE SPRING 2011

Alexandra Works Devon McLean Alyssa Ouellette Alistair MacLellan Karina Gutierrez Dayna Brubaker Tyler Munro Lisa Murray Kelly Scott Tracy Woolcock Stephanie Butler Emily Carson Elisha Allensen

DESIGN EDITOR BACK OF BOOK EDITOR ASSISTANT ART EDITORS

SECTION EDITORS

Katie Myhaluk Sarah Doktor Peja Bulatovic Ben Flikkema Matt King Kyle Brazeau Sami Haj-Assaad Justin Herrington Erin Kann Jesse Maida Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb Klara Spanjevic Mariama Barrie

Emerge Magazine University of Guelph-Humber 207 Humber College Blvd. Toronto, Ontario, M9W 5L7

Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Works

EDITORIAL RESEARCH ART LAYOUT TEAM

SPECIAL PROJECTS CONTRIBUTOR: PHOTOGRAPHY ILLUSTRATION PHOTOGRAPHER PUBLISHER FACULTY ADVISOR CREATIVE ADVISOR

Melissa Doyle Andrene Sterling Brian Andrews Olena Protsiv Ankur Taxali Adam Mirani Andrew Manzanares Marianna Riossi Jerry Chomyn Kimberley Noble Miguel Agawin

LIVE LIVE

SPRING 2011

LIVE

TORONTO HOT SPOTS EMERGE GUIDE

Andrene Sterling & Melissa Doyle

The Ballroom is Toronto’s newest interactive centre. Located at 145 John St. on the corner of Richmond Street, The Ballroom gives you a reason to want to be downtown. The name might throw you off, but stick with it: it goes with the theme. The Ballroom is a cross between a downtown bowling alley and restaurant. The menu is filled with everything from appetizers, salads, sandwiches, to steak and chicken dinners. The 52” LED television screens

are tuned to sports matches and are inviting for groups of friends. The Ballroom also has a dance floor and games room. The Ballroom, you may have guessed, is about interaction, the goal being to create an intimate hang-out spot that is more friendly and accessible than a bar. There is accomodation for 900 people. The Ballroom offers a number of spaces that can be rented out for private, corporate or special events.

Courtesy

hen it comes to Toronto, there’s hardly ever a shortage of things to do, and places to go. According to The Economist, Toronto is one of most liveable cities in the world, Our city gives off a certain type of vitality that can’t be found anywhere else. However, being the biggest city in the country can be both a blessing and a curse. With over 8,000 restaurants and plenty of venues to choose from, sometimes deciding where to go and what to do in Toronto could be the hardest part of planning an outing. That’s why we at Emerge have gone out and done the research for you, to not only save you the work, but to ensure you have a great time. The Ballroom and The Drake are our top picks for young adults looking to enjoy themselves with friends in Toronto. Not only are these venues visually appealing, but they both offer a number of attractions under one roof that can save you and your friends from having to make multiple trips. So, what makes these places unique? Here are some reasons why you’re likely to visit:

LIVE

EMERGE MAGAZINE

The Drake Hotel

Courtesy

Located in the heart of the art and design district of Toronto at 1150 Queen St. West, The Drake Hotel is known as the “Hotbed for Culture.” The Drake first opened its doors in 1890, and since then it has gone through several owners, and transitioned over the years. After re-opening seven years ago under its current owner Jeff Stober, The Drake Hotel has made a name for itself as being a cultural, entertainment, and hospitality landmark in the city. The Drake is unlike any other hotel, and it can be described in three words: edgy, exciting, and spontaneous. There is always something happening here. Aside from being an actual hotel with 19 rooms, The Drake has a lot more to offer than just accommodation. The Cafe has a cozy setting and offers a num-

ber of home baked goods. On the weekends, brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lounge overlooks Queen Street West and it has recently been remodelled. It’s a great spot to mix and mingle, while listening to the DJ, or watching a live performance. The Sky Yard is a roof-top patio that is open all year round. The fire pit will keep you warm on chilly nights, and the special menu changes along with the season to keep things new and exciting. The Underground plays a large part in what makes the hotel a desirable location for young adults. It is used for performances, and many acts have graced the stage, from home grown talent like Fiest, Toyko Police Club, and Broken Social Scene, to international acts like Beck and world renowned DJs. Doors open at 9 p.m. every night, and each night is different. “Every night is a good night at The Drake,” says the hotel curator Mia Nielsen. “It’s a magical place. You don’t know what you’re going to see next, or who you’re going to see. The Drake provides you with the opportunity to have an engaging cultural experience.” SPRING 2011

LIVE

EMERGE EDITORSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; TOP PICKS Toronto Island Ferry What that transformed Toronto for me when I moved here in my 20s were the Toronto Island ferry and the boardwalk on Wardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Island. It turned a hostile city into some place that started to feel like home. Ankur Taxali

Kimberley Noble

Chic Lounge The atmosphere is great for an evening or a night on the town, right next to Roy Thompson Hall. You can go for drinks or a light meal here before going to a show nearby. Also, during the evening the tables are moved and the venue becomes a dance club. Melissa Doyle

Courtesy Chic Lounge 10

LIVE

Courtesy Bar 244

EMERGE MAGAZINE

Aroma Expresso Bar I like studying here. The ambiance is so nice, the place is so chic and it doesn’t get too noisy. Food is great, and it’s not terribly expensive and the service is friendly and quick. The only thing I don’t like is that when my laptop is dying there are only a few outlets and sometimes the internet gets slow (but only when it’s a peak time). Karina Gutierrez

Stephanie Butler

Bar 244

High Park

This club is at Duncan and Adelaide. It has great music, a unique venue, and cheap drinks! Also, it is in a great nightclub area. So if you get sick of Bar 244, then Mink, Crocodile Rock, and London Tap House are just some of the surrounding venues you can explore. Kelly Scott

It’s nice to spend a whole day here. Starting at 11 a.m. and ending around 8 or 9 p.m. I think it’s a nice “date spot” too, especially from late April to late May. This is when the white cherry blossom trees are in bloom. They don’t last long so I tend to go frequently during that time. Stephanie Butler Courtesy Aroma Expresso Bar SPRING 2011

LIVE

BEST PLACES TO LIVE

IN T-DOT Jesse Maida

he Toronto Entertainment District located on King Street West between University Avenue and Spadina Avenue is home to world renowned theatres. Four major league sports teams and Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Walk of Fame are surrounded by an array of cultural and family attractions plus countless bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

LIVE

However, Toronto offers much more than entertainment. There are many unique neighbourhoods that make living in the city worth while. Emerge introduces three neighbourhoods, some better known than others, that are all perfect for young professionals. Each is a distinct urban sub-culture with merchants specializing in their own crafts.

EMERGE MAGAZINE

Leslieville

Liberty Village

The Distillery

Frequently referred to as “Toronto’s Brooklyn” by locals, Leslieville is a Toronto hot spot for brunch and vintage shopping. This neighbourhood is a great place to shop without the downtown feel. Here are some shops and brunch spots you have to check out in the area.

Liberty Village is full of young, laidback individuals in a neighbourhood that stays true to its industrial roots. With the exception of a couple of grocery chains, don’t expect to find many big name stores. The area is full of locally owned café’s, shops and independent specialty stores. Here are some noteworthy specialty shops.

Once home to the largest distillery in the world, The Distillery has a European look and feel, a good example being the Victorian industrial architecture. This is a neighbourhood that is a real hot spot in the summer and is the home to BBQ cookouts and music. Art galleries and jewelery stores are the main draw.

Nathalie-Roze & Co.: 1015 Queen St. E. 416-792-1699 An indie designer boutique featuring crafts, clothing, and gifts from more than 80 Canadian designers. Pertino: 1610 Queen St E. 416-645-2027 Italian style breakfast and brunch.

Demo Soap Studio: 171 East Liberty St., Liberty Market Building 416-536-3916 Don’t be afraid to get creative at this specialty soap store. Every bar is cut and made by hand and comes in a variety of colours, shapes, and designs.

Thrill of the Find: 1172 Queen St. E. 416-461-9313 A much-loved shop specializing in vintage designer items.

Haveli Home: 171 East Liberty St., Liberty Market Building, Unit 113 416-539-8055 Handcrafted wooden Indian furniture to go along with brilliantly-detailed quilts and textiles plus much more.

River Rock Café: 181A Carlaw Ave 416-465-8082 Coffee, tea, breakfast, brunch, and their famous desserts.

The Village Cheesemonger: 171 East Liberty St., Liberty Market Building 647-347-4003 A store that specializes in cheese, with over 150 varieties from around the world.

Phil’z 20th Century Design: 792 Queen St. E. 416-461-9913 Specializing in mid-century modern furniture mostly from the 1950s and 1960s.

For the Love of Cake Custom Creations: 171 East Liberty St., Liberty Market Building 416-306-6446 A specialty cake and cupcake store that will fulfill your every request. Casalife: 170-171 East Liberty St. 416-922-2785 Modernized small furniture for your condo with many pieces reconfigured to your needs.

Arta Gallery: 55 Mill St. 416-512-9423 A beautiful gallery that just underwent a major expansion three years ago featuring world class artworks from Canadian and international artists. Tank Jewelry and Beads: 55 Mill St., Building 74 Studio 105 647-430-8589 Handmade jewelry, artwork and beads with some unusual, yet stunning pieces. Dish Gallery + Studio: 55 Mill St., Building 74, Studio 112 416-603-DISH (3474) A beautiful exhibit of hand-built porcelain stoneware and smoke-fired pottery and even includes pottery classes and couples workshops. Corktown Designs: 55 Mill St., Building 54 416-861-3020 This jewelry store offers original fashionable jewelry crafted from materials like silver, acrylic, wood and glass.They also do custom pieces upon request. Distill Gallery: 55 Mill St., Building 47 416-304-0033 A must see gallery for visitors which his handmade pieces by more than 100 emerging Canadian artists.

SPRING 2011

LIVE

A NEW WAY TO PURCHASE REAL ESTATE Andrene Sterling

oving out and having a place to call our own is usually the first life step we take on the road of independence, but it can also make for a lot of stress and disappointment. Not only do some face being haunted by the debt of our student loans, but some may now have to deal with dreadful living conditions and appalling landlords. Based on horror stories heard from friends who may have been in similar situations, or from personal experience, owning a house may seem more enticing than having to rent. Although the notion of buying a house may have crossed the mind for a number of reasons, many think that as a young adult starting out, purchasing a home may not be a practical idea. However due to the new Rent to Own Home concept, your dream of owning a home as a young adult may not seem as far-fetched as you once thought. The Rent to Own idea is exactly what its name says: this concept allows you to turn a portion of your rent into a down payment on the house that you are living in, which essentially means you’re renting the house to 14

LIVE

eventually own it. While the Rent to Own model is fairly new in Canada, it is a concept that has been used for quite some time in the United States. Unlike most young adults, Tim Hong was fortunate enough to have help from his parents when it came to purchasing his first home. Although he didn’t have to deal with the headaches that sometimes come along with renting, such as landlords and certain living conditions, he did have friends that were going through it as well. As much as he wanted to help them out, he couldn’t until he came across the Rent to Own Home concept. Today, as a University of Waterloo graduate with a major in Economics and a minor in Marketing, Hong helps young adults and others purchase homes through his step-by-step rent to own business called Rent-2-Own Home Solutions. The Rent to Own program has been put together by investors to help people that don’t have enough money to make a down payment, have been turned down for a mortgage by the bank, or don’t have an established line of credit. Rent to Own provides many young adults with another option, as the purpose of the concept is

to put your monthly rent payments towards strengthening your credit score, which could ultimately make you eligible for a mortgage. The Rent to Own structure shares many similarities with the typical renter and home owner concepts. In both tenant and home owner cases, the first step would be deciding on a budget and looking for a place to live. Hong says that young buyers usually look for “starter homes.” A starter home is regularly considered to be a three bedroom home, with two bathrooms, based on realtor standards. What makes the Rent to Own model different is the way the home owner goes about purchasing the house. Unlike a traditional home owner case, the house that you are renting to eventually purchase is not in your name. For instance, if you were to go through Hong, the house would be listed under his name, meaning that Hong is actually getting the loan from the bank. The goal for the program is to have a down payment within two to three years, but during this time Hong would be the person you would be paying rent to, since legally he owns the house. It is as though you are leas-

EMERGE MAGAZINE

ing the house from Hong, and the agreement is that by the end of the program, or whenever you feel you have saved enough money to go to the bank with a down payment, Hong would then turn the house over to you through a private sale. There are two ways to use the Rent to Own program, and based on your situation you can decide which path would be the right one for you. The first model is the “up-front” option. This is where your monthly payments, which are the equivalent of rent, are credited to the final purchase of the house. This means that for the duration of the program, whether it be two to three years, the rent that you pay goes towards a down payment on the house. The second model is the “Monthly Payment” option. In this model you are paying rent, but part of what you pay is taken as a credit. For example, if your rent was $1600/month, a portion of your rent, let’s say $400 would be put towards your savings, and given to you at the end of the program. This means in two to three years not only would you have enough to make a down payment on the house, but you would have $10,000 to $14,000 in savings as well, “This can be considered a forced saving method, it’s very hard for people to save extra money,” says Hong. While Hong prides himself on helping people achieve their dreams of owning a home through his Rent 2 Own Home Solution business, he admits that it’s not for everyone. “There are a number of prequalification requirements that I have for my program which will vary by person, but one is that you can afford to pay $1,500 to $1,600 in rent,” Hong says. Anything lower usually means not finding a house that is of good quality, meaning repairs are needed, and a lot of time will go into fixing problems it may have. People interested have to look at a house as something that they are truly and willing to invest in. Hong also advises that the Rent to Own program is something that a person has to be committed to. If a person was to back out of a deal, the money that has gone towards the house is non-refundable. “At the end of the day the Rent to Own idea is supposed to be a win-win situation. I win in that I am making an investment, and you win because in a few years you are able to be a homeowner,” Hong says. Hong stresses the idea of being logical if the Rent to Own program is something you are interested in. You should take the time to sit down and think about what you are getting into, and whether or not it is right for you. Don’t act on impulse and consider all your options and circumstances, before making any sort of decision. E

TIPS TO FOLLOW - Ask for referrals from the company you are using, but also try to get a feel for the person you are dealing with. Make sure that they are open with you, and have your agreements looked over by a lawyer. - Make sure the person you are dealing with makes note of the extra costs that are involved at the end of the program, such as legal fees, and land transfer tax. These are things that future home owners need to save for themselves. - Make sure the home you are interested in is of good quality. Big items such as windows and the furnace should be upgraded, and have a good life span that runs way into the end of the program. - Make sure there is no middle man, or any person that stands between you as a renter and your investor. You should only be dealing with your investor, especially when there is money involved. If there is a middle man you run the risk of being scammed. - One important thing to keep in mind is to make sure that the credited amount that you save throughout the program amounts to at least five per cent of the purchase price. If not, the bank could turn you down for a mortgage. To be on the safe side try to save anywhere between seven to eight per cent.

SPRING 2011

LIVE

APARTMENT HUNTING Kyle Brazeau

’m already working a part-time job, trying to land a full-time gig and build relationships. The last thing I want to be stressing about is finding a place to live. Unfortunately, it can turn into an overwhelming task quickly because there are so many factors that need to be considered. With so many places to live in Toronto and so many young adults trying to watch their money, apartment seekers tend to forget the more subtle aspects that go into renting an apartment. Prospective tenants tend to look at the price and not look in depth at local businesses in the area. When I moved into my first apartment I was in tremendous debt because of student and bank loans, I wanted to make sure I lived in a neighbourhood where there were things to do but knew I couldn’t afford to live somewhere as expensive as Queens Quay. First, I had to take a look at the type of streets possible to live on. There are pros and cons to main street and side street living. Side streets are quieter because there is less traffic. However, living on a main street has its advantages. It is closer to variety stores and there are more TTC op-

Kyle Brazeau

LIVE

tions on main streets than there are on side streets. For me, a 10-minute walk to the bus stop can mean the difference between having to wake up at 8 a.m. and being able to sleep in until 8:30 a.m. to make it for a 9 a.m. shift. Living beside a subway station helps make commuting quicker, especially during harsh weather like snow and rain. It also means you won’t be left waiting at a bus stop on a freezing winter morning. Living close to a laundromat and a grocery store is crucial. Walking even a few blocks with a big basket of dirty underwear can be awkward and a hassle. Having a place to do laundry within a 10-minute walk of the place you live is not only convenient but it can shorten the time spent doing something most people don’t like doing. The same idea goes for the grocery store. Carrying groceries for more than several blocks can mean a second workout. Think about is how long they are open. A lot of people work 9 to 5 shifts during the week so this can mean you may not be home until 7 p.m. or even 8 p.m. Watch out for 24-hour signs around your prospective neighbourhood.

For the party animals or anyone who just enjoys a cold beer on a patio, having a good quality local pub can make all the difference. When I lived in High Park near Keele and Bloor Streets, my roommate and I became regulars at a bar around the corner from us because the bartenders were very friendly and eventually knew us by name. We would go there to watch Leafs’ games and they’d give us cheap beers and free shots. One of the most important things I find I need to have in my neighborhood may be one of the most surprising. Fast food is often underrated as an asset. I don’t mean greasy burgers from McDonald’s. Fast food doesn’t always have to lead to a heart attack. Small restaurants like Tim Hortons, Subway, Starbucks, Feta & Olives and Booster Juice offer a healthy alternative to fast food. These restaurants can be great if they’re close to your apartment because when people are running late and they want to grab something quick to eat; McDonald’s or Wendy’s are usually one of the first places they think of. Being able to eat at a healthier restaurant will not only still satisfy your appetite but your heart will thank you. E

EMERGE MAGAZINE

YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD

RETAIL COMMUNITY

Justin Herrington

ouches, chairs, laptops and iPods are all things most university students and young professionals own. Some people take jobs to pay for these new items, some use their OSAP money, and some receive them as gifts from their parents. Dan Blake, a 22-year-old graduate of Seneca College’s Fire Protection Services program, has acquired all of these things without his parent’s help, or spending a fortune. The reason: Kijiji. Kijiji is an online classified website which was launched in 2005. The main premise behind the launch was to make it easy for people in local areas to buy or sell goods and services. Blake has been a big fan since day one and is constantly looking for deals on the ‘online marketplace’. He’s always dealing and trading things he doesn’t use, for things that he needs in his life. He has traded a laptop for an iPod and a chair out of his house for cash which he used to buy Olympic Hockey Jerseys with. His best catch has been a broken Xbox360 which he bought for parts. “When I typed the Xbox serial code into my computer I realized it was still covered under warranty. So I sent it back to Microsoft and got a brand new Xbox. Fifty bucks it cost me,” Blake says. Drew Barclay, 22, a store manager at The Source, also uses Kijiji to buy things. When he moved out of his parent’s house in September, 2008, to start school, he outfitted his basement apartment with Kijiji bought goods. ”I bought everything from a TV to a couch to curtains for my shower and it was dirt cheap,” says Barclay.” The best part is that if you show up and the product stinks or is broken or you don’t like the look of it, you can just leave and not buy it.” While Kijiji can save students a lot of money, there are some risks involved with using the site. Not only are you meeting up with a stranger when trading goods, but scams are always prevalent on the site. Former Georgian College nursing student Yolanda

Ferreira almost found this out first-hand. Ferreira and her boyfriend were looking for an apartment and found a great building at a great price overlooking the lake. “The supposed landlord said he was doing a Christian peace-seeking mission in the United States so if we sent him a cheque for first and last month rent he would leave the keys in a coded mailbox for us,” Ferreira says. The only problem was that this ‘landlord’ sent the same e-mail when they enquired about a different house, only using a different name this time. Ferreira was still considering sending her money to the so-called landlord until her mom told her to call the building’s superintendent. “The super had never heard of this person claiming to own the building and immediately confirmed this was a common scam,” she says. “Thank god because I saved nearly $2,000 and embarrassment.” Blake warns people wanting to buy something from Kijiji to always bring a friend and not to go enter any apartment complex or area that feels unsafe. Trust your gut, he says, because it is not worth your wallet or watch to go in a sketchy building and get robbed just to save $15. Blake offers tips for people trying to score a deal on Kijiji. “Never tell a seller the price sounds good. Always counter-offer them.” Blake says the best deals are found by people who check often and can identify re-listed goods. “You will get the thing you want cheaper because obviously the seller is having trouble getting rid of the item.” E SPRING 2011

MOVE

TOKENS OF TORONTO ON THE SUBWAY TRAIN Story and photos by Alex Works

MOVE

EMERGE MAGAZINE

hree minutes, sometimes less during rush hour. A miniscule amount of time in the grand scheme of things, but it is still three minutes wasted waiting. We run to catch our train, scattering in and out of subway cars like ants. If someone were to get a bird’s eye view of the situation, the scene is better orchestrated than it seems from the ground. We run to our loved ones, to meetings, to getting out of the mess of people. We run to relief. Some are forced to stand, swaying back and forth as the train snakes from station to station, picking up and dropping off what seems like hundreds of people at each stop. It’s like a deranged exchange system: give a little, and get a lot in return. Some choose to retreat into their own universe, engrossing themselves in the day’s newspaper, or bobbing their heads to their music. Most riders stare into space, watching private movies in their head, and sometimes drifting off to sleep. Only a true Torontonian understands that even if you nod off, your body knows to wake up when it’s time for your stop. Nothingness and acceptance line the faces of those who do this every day. Soon, the smells become the norm. There is an Asian girl chomping on a Jamaican patty as the subway car speeds through the loud, underground sections filled with echos and soon makes its slow trek through the quiet, above ground sections. Her mouth opens wide to reveal its contents and then slams shut to crush the soft food. To her left, a girl is working on her homework. The world disappears around her as she becomes engrossed in the words on the page. She is soon joined by two strangers, both female, one in front and one beside, who talk loudly about their lives without thinking that the stranger doing her homework can hear every detail they share. Hanna Watkins, a psychology graduate from the University of Guelph, says she sees this loud gossip all the time. “When you’re with friends, you don’t think anyone else is listening,” she says. “You’re comfortable with friends, more open in the environment. If you’re alone, you’re not relating with anyone, so there’s no need to open up. You just put headphones on and clam up.” The car screeches to a halt in the middle of the tunnel. It is rush hour, and trains clog the tunnels. Cars speed into stations every two minutes to handle the massive volume of people that pour on and off each car throughout the line. A look of confusion clouds over a few people’s faces. Just as fast as the car stopped in the tunnel, it speeds up again and passengers continue on their way. The doors chime, slide open and more people enter than exit as the train chugs closer to the downtown core. A pregnant lady is grasping a pole, reading a French book. The

man in front of her offers his seat. She politely declines. “No thank you, I’ve been sitting all day.” After a few declines and some “I insists”, he recedes and they spark up conversation. At each stop, some people choose to change seats. Nobody seems satisfied with where they are sitting. Others choose a seat and stick with it, something Humber College graduate Thomas Sutherland once experienced. “There were tons of seats available, but he chose to sit right beside me,” he says of a man whose close presence made Sutherland’s subway journey uncomfortable. He then shifts and recalls a man “scaling” the cars, opening emergency exits and switching from car to car, attempting to do it so that nobody could see him. “He was spaced out,” Sutherland says. When the man finally finished his endeavour and got off the subway, the whole car went silent before people burst into laughter, not knowing what to think of the strange situation they had just witnessed. Sutherland and his friend laugh as they exchange stories, reminding each other of the many things that they had experienced together. There once was a man, who was dressed in a long black trench coat, trying to disguise the fact that he had a large video camera inside the chest of his jacket, filming the two. “He was weird,” says Sutherland. “When he got off the subway he was still filming us through the window.” In the station a quiet, awkward silence turns into loud chaos. People trek towards an oncoming train, still walking as it passes them instead of standing and waiting for it to stop. At Union Station, Toronto’s number one hub for transportation, people pour out of trains as the doors slide open, like rushing water, looking to fill open space. Once they hit the escalator, they are all trapped and must wait to get to the top, shifting their weight from one foot to the other, reading which way an oncoming person will turn, and quickly swerving around them. Union Station is filled with people who have somewhere to go. People to see, and places to be. Approaching anybody to ask them a question is not welcomed. Passengers often ignore who’s asking or shake their head as if they have more important things to do: like sending text messages. Without the weirdos, there would be no culture. It is these unique experiences and this form of transportation that makes Toronto an active home. E

Without the weirdos, there would be no culture.

SPRING 2011

MOVE

5 TIPS FOR TRAIN ROOKIES

Get a seat by any means necessary. Trying to gracefully read a magazine while standing on a moving train is not easy. So unless you have great balance find a seat as soon as possible. This helps to provide safety to you and others around you.

If you don’t have a tablet, you’re not cool. Sorry. Having the latest technology is the only way to get noticed on the train.

Bring an mp3 player if you want to avoid listening to 18 people talking on their phones. Remember when you were in high school babbling with your friends? Well in adulthood thats goes from fun to a real annoyance in close quarters.

Sit across from the shortest person you can find. Short people equal more leg room.

When you get to your stop, walk fast. You may or may not be trampled.

Alyssa Ouelette Getting to your job in the city may be a problem for those of us lacking money and/or patience for traffic and bad drivers. The easiest and most stress free form of transportation would have to be the train. For those who are new to public transit, here are a few tips to get you started. Stock photo: © Odina | Dreamstime.com 20

MOVE

EMERGE MAGAZINE

GETTING YOURSELF ON THE ROAD NEW OR USED? BUY OR LEASE? Matt King

car can add to assets someone possesses but in many cases can also contribute to debt. Financing and monthly payments often come into the equation. The biggest factors to consider when looking for a car is whether to buy a new or used car, and whether to finance or lease. Gordon Wright, a sales consult at Erin Mills Mazda, says there are pros and cons to both financing and leasing. A lease is good if you know your situation is not going to change over the 48 or 60 months that will be signed for. “If you have cash, the used car route is the way to go,” says Wright. “You can save money buying used and they have reasonably current technology, safety wise.” When a person considers buying a new car, the option of leasing or buying comes into play. Leasing means paying for a negotiated amount of time and then, at the end of that time, having the option to return the car or buy out the rest of the lease and own the vehicle. Financing offers much more flexibility, says Wright, which is important for someone who is newly employed or recently graduated and whose situation is less stable. Since the economic downturn, as they lost too much money, there are few companies that still allow leasing as an option. To finance a car is to buy a car with a payment plan, where monthly payments are spread out over a pre-determined number of months.

In 2010 the top passenger vehicle in Canada, according to the Globe and Mail, was the Mazda 3. The price starts at $16,295 and increases dramatically to $28,765, when fully loaded. The monthly payment is $545 for the fully loaded vehicle 0 per cent financing for 60 months. When leasing, the cost is $525 a month on a 48 month lease. However the lease end value would still be $11,207. There are also perks to financing that help make buying a car more affordable. “Zero percent financing is huge right now and allows you to save money in the long term instead of an instant rebate,” says Wright. Many car companies also have programs such as first time buyers rebates to try and create a customer for life. Whether you choose to lease, finance, or pay upfront, first you need to make sure to shop around. Josh Labrecque, a recent graduate from the University of Guelph-Humber computing program is looking into buying a car and has decided to try out a couple of different models before making a decision. “Right now I am saving up but to help me decide, I like to rent cars and drive them for the weekend,” says Labrecque. “It is great for finding out things like gas mileage and all the features each car has.” Wright agrees that the best thing to do is research and consider all factors before deciding what car you want to buy and what financial route you plan to take.

If you have the cash the used car route is the way to go

What to do if you are a recent graduate and... Situation 1:

Situation 2:

Have cash? A used car is the way to go. They have fairly new technology and present a responsible financial choice for someone fresh out of school.

Have little or no job security? Financing might be a good option. It allows you to negotiate monthly payments and if your situation changes you are not stuck.

Have a stable job and job security? Then a lease might be a good option. It provides a constant payment and you know what to expect every month.

SPRING 2011

WHAT DRIVES YOUR IMAGE? WHAT YOUR CAR SAYS ABOUT YOU Story and photos by Sami Haj-Assaad

s you walk through the office doors, co-workers immediately notice your crisply pressed dress shirt, your shined shoes, and your humourous tie. They immediately think of you as a professional, and clearly, your style has a lot to say about that. But what about your ride? Does your car say the same thing about you as your clothes? “Some cars show off a more sophisticated, or professional look,” says Nick Fraculj, of Oakridge Auto Service. “But those cars have pretty hefty price tags.” Fraculj would know. His shop specializes in European makes like Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Porsche. “Those cars are expensive because they are specially designed, and engineered to cater to that professional crowd,” he adds. The $30,000 plus price tag on these vehicles can make new graduates shudder. They are just starting out in the world but some feel like they need a fancy car to prove their worth. According to StatsCan, the average salary of a fresh university graduate is about $48,000, and that it is at a full-time salary as well. While it sounds like a lot, many graduates can’t afford a $30,000 car on top of other financial obligations like student loans, rent or other housing. They also have to budget for things like insurance, gas and maintenance. So that shiny Mercedes-Benz is looking a little tough to get right now, but that doesn’t mean there are no alternatives! Many cars look the part on the outside, with stunning looks inspired from the high end luxury cars. Not only that but they’re much more affordable than those luxury brand cars. They are not just cheap knock-offs, either. “No way!” says Hyundai representative Scott Pollack. “There are cars that look a lot more expensive than they are.” New cars? “Even with options!” he says. The new 2011 Hyundai Sonata, which starts at $22,000, and comes with many standard features, like heated seats and Bluetooth connectivity, which are pric22

MOVE

Volkswagen offers competitively-priced options while also appealing to an individual’s sense of style.

ey options on those other European cars, Pollack says. Automotive critic Stephen J. Ewing of Autoblog describes the Sonata as “the best mid-size base model money can buy” and states that the design is upscale despite the price. Even looking at the car creates emotions similar to those higher-end cars. Its sloped roof-lines and curvy shape give it a sleek and sexy appearance. Looking a little closer, one can find a little Mercedes-Benz in the design. While Hyundai won’t admit

it, people can easily see the visual similarities between the Hyundai Sonata and the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (which runs about $91,000). “Oh yeah” says car fan Nevart Chirinian. “That’s definitely a sexy car. It looks so much like a European car, like a Mercedes or Jaguar. It’s unbelievable that Hyundai is making cars look so beautiful.” What if you still want that European look and feel? Many of those luxury cars have incredible ergonomics. Items like the centre console are elegantly laid out,

EMERGE MAGAZINE

The interior of your vehicle says just as much about you as the exterior.

with nothing being out of reach. Also you can expect certain elements like trip computers, and steering wheel radio controls with such high end cars. The Audi A4 has a very clean-cut look, and is incredibly luxurious. Its interior design has won countless awards from many car organizations. This is due to its simple feel inside and out. Not only is its dashboard void of useless and poorly laid out buttons, it also has a nice soft finish to all of its touch-points, like the gear selector, radio buttons and air conditioning controls. The downside? The A4 is available at a price starting at $37,000, which is steep even for the average consumer. Luckily, Audi’s sister company, Volkswagen, has taken a few tips from the luxury brand. The Volkswagen Jetta shares similar exterior looks with the Audi A4, like a chiseled front end. Both cars look simple yet handsome, with no excess decoration, like flared body panels or tacky low bumpers and side skirts. The cars look so similar, because the Jetta shares the same basic platform as many Audis. The similarities continue inside the car as well.

“The design philosophy with the new Jetta is to simplify everything,” says Volkswagen representative Shelly Smith, who showed me the new and improved Jetta at the 2011 Toronto International Autoshow. Reviews of the Jetta’s interior show that the simplification has paid off. “The layout is pleasingly simple to use and should be required study for the entire industry,” says AutoBlog reviewer Dan Roth. This all comes at $15,875, less than half the price of an Audi A4. While prices start climbing when you add extra features, many people will appreciate your car’s looks. Similarly, ask any one with a closet full of shoes, whether good looks and nice value trump creature comforts. The Jetta is also an interesting option with its diesel engine, which is expected to get about 4.6L/100km on the highway, or 6.7L/100km with city driving. The diesel Jetta starts at $23,875, so you’ll have to make the decision whether to pay the extra money to save on gas. What if you’re looking for something more rugged? Many like the safety and security of SUVs, possibly

because of the ability to see over other cars, or the option for four-wheel-drive, so that it’s harder to get stuck in tough weather conditions. The new 2011 Jeep Compass is a more than affordable SUV, at around $25,000 for an all-wheel-drive model. The new model combines the classic look of Jeep’s flagship model, the Grand Cherokee. You’ll find most of the differences on the inside, with the Compass having significantly less leather (unless you opt for a more expensive package). As mentioned before, your car can have as much of an impact on your job as your work-wear. The type of car a person drives can say a lot about them. So why not speak volumes with an impressive looking car, that mimicks the experience that a much more luxurious car would provide? Not everyone is as well-versed in cars as you think, so if it looks like a Mercedes, or Audi, to some people, that will be enough. The car should look the part of the driver, and with the cars described here, you’ll definitely be dressed to impress. E SPRING 2011

MOVE

TRAVELING ON A BUDGET A HOW-TO FOR SOMEONE TRAVELING CHEAP

Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

Photos courtesy of Adrew Greene

ot having money or time can be roadblocks if you let them be. However, seeing the world can still be an option if you play your cards right. It’s all about budgeting, says Torontobased financial advisor Andrew Greene, who has seen the world since his teenage years for very little money. 24

MOVE

One example of his travels is from 2001, when he saw Europe “on a budget of about $50 a day”. While $50 a day might not be feasible in today’s world, especially thanks to the rise of the Euro, knowing where to cut corners on your journey can save you a bundle. There are savings to be had at every stop

you make – it’s all about knowing where to find them. Staying in youth hostels, which can be found in almost every country, is the best route to go for cheap and efficient accommodations. It’s important to stay at a hostel that is part of a big company, such as Hostelling International. HI offers memberships that not only save you money at their hostels, but can also offer discounts with tour groups and activities around the area you are visiting. Mitch Pencharz, a fouth-year student at York University, traveled through Europe with his friends last summer. From a budget of about $5,000, he says the group spent “about $1,200 for 30 days of accommodations”. This was done through staying primarily at youth hostels, which are far more than just a cheap bed for the night. “Most hostels,” Pencharz says, “will include breakfast, and have guidebooks and maps available for you.” Speaking of breakfast, food is certainly where you can be caught in a bind while exploring. You want to try new and exciting foods from around the world, but you also want to save money. “The bulk of your travel expenses will be spent on food,” says David Coffey, Ontario sales manager at TravelCuts, a company that specializes in youth travel. “Many hostels have kitchens you can use when you stay there. If you buy some food from a supermarket you’ll save lots of money.” Pencharz suggests choosing one meal a day to make at the hostel. But Greene has a different idea of how to save money and still be able to sample the local cuisine. “Street food,” he says, very succinctly. “Restaurants can range in price, but street vendors are cheap. The most important thing is to make sure it’s either deep fried or on a hot plate, for sanitary reasons.” Another great idea is to look for cheap destinations, even if they may be slightly out of your comfort zone as a traveller. Greene related a story about travelling in Colombia a couple of years ago, an experience he was originally apprehensive about. Like many South American countries, Colombia has a high crime rate, which could cause many to have second thoughts about visit-

EMERGE MAGAZINE

The bulk of your travel expenses will be spent on food ing the nation. That didn’t stop Greene from traveling there, and having what he calls “the best vacation of my life”. Other great cheap destinations include countries in Central America and Southeast Asia. Coffey recommends one particular diamond in the rough: Laos, a small country neighbouring the more popular Thailand. “Laos is a laid back country,” he says. “It’s less developed, but has very friendly people and you get great value for your money.” Regardless of how much money you can save, the one piece of advice that keeps coming up is to take advantage of your youth. That’s the one piece of advice that Greene, the experienced world traveler, wants to hammer home to young travelers. “If you are reasonable with your money, then spend a bit extra while you’re on the road,” Greene explains. “As a student you have to scrape for everything, but then when you are working ten years later you look back and realize all you could have done. Sometimes that extra five or ten bucks you spend could get you a memorable adventure.” In other words, seek out your cheap adventures and get the most out of them. It’s a life experience that you won’t regret. E

SPRING 2011

TORONTO THROUGH MY LENS

Dayna Brubaker Dayna is a fourth-year journalism student who takes her passion for photography to the streets of Toronto in this series of photos which displays the ins and outs of the city.

EMERGE MAGAZINE

When I think of Toronto I immediately think of skyscrapers, busy streets, and the CN Tower; the obvious.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sometimes hard to see past the skyline, street meat vendors, and streets full of colourful cabs.

The clash of modern and old; from something that has stood the test of time next to something that is brand new by comparison.

SPRING 2011

But what makes this city interesting is not the towering buildings. The people, no matter their circumstances, make this city beautiful.

EMERGE MAGAZINE

The art makes this city beautiful. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s here today and could be covered up and destroyed tomorrow. Great street art feels like being a part of a secret club. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re one of the lucky ones to see it before other artists, property owners, or the elements get to it.

SPRING 2011

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

SUPPORTING LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKETS 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

9 8

11 10

6 7 5

WESTON FARMERS’ MARKET - OPEN SATURDAY 7AM - NOON - MAY - OCTOBER - JOHN ST. GO TRAIN PARKING LOT (WESTON RD. & LAWRENCE AVE W.) DUFFERIN GROVE ORGANIC MARKET - OPEN THURSDAY 3PM - 7PM - YEAR ROUND - SOUTH SIDE OF BLOOR ON THE EAST SIDE OF DUFFERIN IN THE PARK TRINITY BELLWOODS MARKET - OPEN TUESDAY 3PM - 7PM - JUNE TO OCTOBER - NORTHWEST CORNER OF TRINITY BELLWOODS PARK (DUNDAS & SHAW) LIBERTY VILLAGE MARKET - OPEN SUNDAY 9AM - 2 PM - MAY TO OCTOBER - LIBERTY ST. & ATLANTIC AVE METRO HALL - OPEN THURSDAY 8AM - 2PM - JUNE TO OCTOBER - 55 JOHN ST. CLOSE TO KING NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE MARKET - OPEN WEDNESDAY 8AM - 2:30PM - JUNE TO OCTOBER - TORONTO CITY HALL (QUEEN & BAY ST.) ST. LAWRENCE MARKET - OPEN SATURDAY 5AM - 5PM - YEAR ROUND - FRONT STREET EAST - (JARVIS - NORTH BUILDING) RIVERDALE ORGANIC - OPEN TUESDAY 3PM - 7PM - MAY TO OCTOBER - RIVERDALE PARK WEST - (201 WINCHESTER ST.) BRICK WORKS MARKET - OPEN SATURDAY 8AM - 1PM - MAY TO DECEMBER - BETWEEN THE PRINCE EDWARD VIADUCT (BLOOR/DANFORTH) & POTTERY RD. WITHROW PARK - OPEN SATURDAY 9AM - 2PM - MAY TO OCTOBER - 725 LOGAN AVE (WINTHROW PARK) EAST YORK CIVIC CENTRE - OPEN TUESDAY 9AM - 2PM - MAY TO NOVEMBER - 850 COXWELL AVE.

Graphic by Alistair MacLellan 30

EAT

EMERGE MAGAZINE

FIGHTING TO GET FACE TO FACE WITH YOUR FOOD Alistair MacLellan

W ÂŠ Max Earey | Dreamstime.com

hen is the last time you met the person who made, grew, raised or caught your food? If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even considered this, the following question may be even more important: why should you care? The original question is even more ambiguous than it seems: the answer to the second question might be even scarier. When walking through the aisle at a local grocery store picking up the things on a list, do you ever stop yourself and ask: I wonder who made all SPRING 2011

I can't understand how supermarkets can get away selling something that they call fresh when it was previously frozen. That just blows me away.

Courtesy Andrew Akiwenzie

this dextrose? You may start to panic, reach into your pocket and search for your Rosetta Stone of nutritional labels; but more likely you will throw the grape juice into your cart and head towards the checkout, almost certainly forgetting that you need toilet paper. We are becoming increasingly aware that just because Health Canada says something is edible, it doesn’t mean it’s good for us. It’s an uphill battle where education on food and consumer health is more like trench warfare than an assumption of citizenship. Still, we have it easy. Those ambitious enough need only do a little research to make better decisions about their health and nutrition. There is an emerging renaissance of slow food/foodie culture in which

EAT

what’s on your plate is a form of ministry, paramount only to the gods of the fields and rivers that bring nature’s bounty to sooth your soul. Hipster chefs choose to crush their own organic mustard seeds because that’s how mom made it. The books line the shelves at stores, TV personalities tout the benefits of buying organic, and documentaries unveil the evil corporations behind our food supply. We get angry! We resolve to seek out alternatives and feel good about ourselves when we stop by our local farmers’ markets to figure out what winter squash defines us as people. We have it easy in the fight to come face to face with our food. It’s the people on the other side fighting to supply us that are the heroes in this war. It’s the farmers and agrarians struggling to mix their passions and livelihoods so that we can feel good about our locally procured produce. Humans breathe air. Fish have gills. In the middle of winter when the wind is wiping across the water like cold razor blades shot from a gun, rescuing your fishing nets doesn’t seem like an ideal way to make a living; but it’s all in a day’s work for Andrew Akiwenzie. He fishes Georgian Bay all year, or as long as he can before the ice freezes him in. Caught in a storm, he and his small crew need to get his nets out of the water

or they’d be lost, a loss he can’t afford. It takes Akiwenzie about 45 minutes to pull the nets in and, with ice closing in around him, every second must seem like an hour. He uses the weight of his twotonne steel boat to break the sheets of ice by driving up on them as they freeze. With Akiwenzie alerting his crew that if they get stuck they’ll need to huddle together for warmth until the weather lets up, they slowly make their way home. Ice freezing his eye lashes, he strains to see through the weather while the fish underneath swim peacefully, unaware of the life and death struggle going on above them. But nature seems to be the least of Akiwenzie’s worries. In fact it’s what keeps him coming back to fish year after year. “I was using a motor, my first motor that I had on the boat that had me by almost five to 10 years,” says Akiwenzie. He started his fishing business from scratch in 2001 after his wife had attended college for a year. In debt and with three young boys, he began fishing as a way to pay the bills. He had fished before, working for wholesalers until realizing that he wanted to own the entire process. “With the wholesalers we were only getting a dollar per pound,” he says. “I got three boys and having to hire somebody to go out in the boat you have to pay their wages and it just wasn’t working out.” Akiwenzie quickly realized that most of the other

fisherman just began throwing more nets into the water, hoping that catching more fish would offset the lower prices of selling to wholesalers. He took a different approach, choosing quality and freshness over quantity. “I fished the resources but I put more value into it,” he says. “Now, instead of just selling it to a wholesaler, I started a processing plant.” So instead of selling off his catch he focused on direct distribution by selling the fish he caught and his homemade smoked products at farmers’ markets and to chefs wanting locally caught fresh fish for their menus. “If I have fresh fish in warmer weather, it was alive the day before,” he brags. “It pretty much evaporates.” While freshness and quality are important, it’s also all about cultivating a relationship with customers. Whether it be a Toronto chef looking at smoked fish for potato salad or a market patron looking for dinner, Akiwenzie prides himself in the fact that he can educate and inspire his clients. “I have a Romanian gentlemen who goes crazy if I catch a carp” he laughs. Once people try his products, they keep coming back for more. It’s no wonder, considering the quality of the fish available at local supermarkets. “I can’t understand how supermarkets can get away selling something that they call fresh when it was previously frozen,” Akiwenzie says. “That just blows me away – it’s either fresh or frozen.” So next time you stop by your local supermarket for trout, consider that when a conventionally caught fish goes to a wholesaler, it can sit for up to 24 hours before being processed. “A lot of them have to wait 36 hours before the au-

tomatic pin-bone machines will be able to take the bones out, so it’s been dead for two days before it even gets processed. On a good day it can take three days to get to your plate,” Akiwenzie explains. And that’s if the fish is locally sourced. Most of the fish in Ontario supermarket chains come from the Pacific or Atlantic oceans, sometimes further. You can tell how long a fish has been frozen from the vacuum pack because the only marks on the plastic are the dates. A little while ago, Akiwenzie was in a city supermarket checking out what his competition was offering. The date on one of the packages he picked up was three years old. Even still, Akiwenzie has fierce competition and major obstacles to battle year-round. Between turf wars on the lake and angry anglers, he doesn’t forget that supermarkets are a dominate force facing all small scale food providers. No matter how much people love his fish, he still has trouble securing capital to expand his business. There is little to no political will to support Georgian Bay’s small-scale fishing operations. Curiously, there’s more than enough fish. Akiwenzie can average 115 kilograms a day, weather permitting, and he is on the smaller side of a group of about 30 boats operating in the 240-kilometre shoreline his reservation and another have rights to fish in. In the end, Akiwenzie’s business can only be kept afloat by continued customer satisfaction and loyalty. Although he may struggle to get his fish into our hands, we don’t have to fight very hard to eat his locally-caught product. In fact, you can often find him at the Dufferin Grove farmers’ market as well as at Brickworks during the summer. Stop by and get face to face with dinner. E

fresh flavours PREPARATION

INGREDIENTS Fresh trout Sea salt Cracked pepper Lemon Butter Thyme Parsley

Season flesh with salt, pepper and lemon butter. Stuff fish cavity with lemon slices, parsley and thyme. Tie with butcher string.

Lemon butter Using a mortar & pestle, smash thyme, lemon rind, salt & pepper. Mix with butter.

Place greased grill on cedar coals. Grill fish, turning once until flesh begins to flake.

Serve with field greens - best enjoyed outdoors with friends.

SPRING 2011

EAT

ORGANIC FOOD: Worth the Cost? Klara Spanjevic

ou walk into the supermarket on a Saturday morning to go about your daily shopping routine. You make your way up and down the colourful aisles. A bevy of options are waiting for you to throw in your basket. In recent years, shoppers have yet another diet option presented to them. Organic foods bring images to mind of home-grown foods that are wholesome, and untainted. However, enjoying this kind of food does not come without its price. A recent study, conducted by professor Josee Johnston in the Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto, found that a number of consumers are paying a price premium when purchasing ethically-marketed goods, such as organics. The study found that $232 spent at Wal-Mart could cost shoppers as much $564 at their local Whole Foods Market, an organic foods store. It would appear to some shoppers, the price is not too high - in 2002, the organic food industry reaped as much as $23 billion in sales. The question is whether organic foods are serving up what they’re selling to customers for the added expense. And exactly what are they selling? “It could be a range of things to do with health, environmental consciousness and taste,” says Professor Shyon Baumann, co-author of Foodies: democracy and distinction in the gourmet foodscape. “The organic produce for instance, is going to have less pesticides on it than the conventionally grown [foods]” Baumann says. “There will be a difference, especially true with food like red peppers [and] other foods where you’re eating the skin. It’s also true for meat and dairy as well.” Another point of interest for many organic consum-

ers has been the debate over whether these naturallygrown foods contain more nutritional benefits than conventionally grown foods, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). A study released in 2009 by the American Society for Nutrition focused its research precisely on this question. While the study cited that it had found slight differences in some nutrient levels between organics and GMOs, it concluded that “there is no evidence to support the selection of organically produced foodstuffs over conventionally produced foodstuffs to increase the intake of specific nutrients or nutritionally relevant substances”. However, not all experts feel that studies like this

on the love/hate relationship between organics and GMOs. “I think right now there is a push to make sure that our food is less adulterated, closer to nature as possible, not that nature does everything right in the first place,” she points out. In some cases Cronier notes that it may be required for humans to intervene in the creation of their food. In Cronier’s view the case isn’t closed. “Although there’s been no conclusive evidence that the nutritional value of foods grown conventionally is any better...[organic farming] definitely has the objective of making sure the environment is more sustainable and there is less stuff put in the food.” And experts studying the politics of food consumption have a different take: that consumers could be choosing organics for more than their nutritional value. In response, Baumann contends that some consumers may feel liberated by their ability to follow their conscience. “They get to exercise their choice in a matter that they feel is very important.” The matter itself, surrounding organics, may be the opportunity for consumers to take “a moral stance that’s indicated by organic food around concern for the environment, and concern for health, that when we are buying organic food and other people see us, that [moral stance] is one of the signals being sent.” All things considered, the choice to purchase organics is not a guarantee of health, Cronier says. There are many other potentially harmful elements that are present in our daily lives, she says. “It’s not just in our food. It’s in the air we breathe, it’s in the car we drive, it’s in the plastics or whatever that we store our food in, it’s in the cigarettes we smoke, it’s in the alcohol we drink. It’s complex.” E

$232 spent at Wal-Mart could cost shoppers as much as $564 at Whole Foods Market

EAT

one are authoritative enough to settle this debate. “The thing is the jury is still out on this,” says Jennifer Sumner, an organic agriculture assistant professor at the University of Toronto. She says a great deal of the research being done on organics is skewed by a conflict of interest. “The research agenda at universities has been changed so that you can’t get research money, basically, unless you are funded by a corporation. “When you’re looking at some of these studies nobody’s doing any unbiased research for the public good on this stuff.” Claire Cronier, a registered dietician and member of Dieticians of Canada, has a slightly different view

EMERGE MAGAZINE

WHAT ARE YOU SIPPING ON? Jesse Maida

ad diets, calorie counting gadgets, personal training and nutritional professionals are more popular than ever. However, overlooked in this movement towards health and wellness is the billion-dollar alcohol industry. Most of the weight gain attacks are aimed at cheap, easily accessible fast food restaurants, soda pop and lack of physical education in schools. While it is true that all three can contribute to weight gain, alcohol also plays a role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While excessive alcohol consumption is not healthy for many reasons, the calorie count alone of a single glass may shock many drinkers. Nutritionist Amber Croteau, a fitness and health promotion graduate from Humber College, says, “pure alcohol contains about seven calories per gram, which is almost twice as fattening as carbohydrates or protein which both contain about four calories per gram.” According to Croteau, those calories can add up. “The standard North American drink has 14 grams of pure alcohol, standard meaning beer bottles, wine glasses and shot glasses,” she says. “Fourteen grams of alcohol equals 98 calories and mixed drinks have even more calories due to all the sugar.” A calorie is a unit of energy and energy is needed for the body to survive, but too many calories can lead to weight gain and health issues. Croteau says people often don’t realize they are doing their body harm in more ways then one. “Many of my clients are unaware that the main obstacle that is holding them back from weight loss is their excess drinking,” she says. “By not knowing the calorie amount in alcoholic drinks, it is easy for drinkers to consume more than they should without knowing it.” In addition to a high calorie count, alcoholic beverages have no nutritional value and encourage the body to hold onto fat and sugar. In a study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eight men were given two drinks of vodka with sugar-free lemonade separated by 30 minutes. Each drink contained just less

than 100 calories and fat metabolism was measured before and after consumption of the drink. For several hours after drinking the vodka, whole body lipid oxidation (a measure of how much fat your body is burning) dropped by a massive 73 per cent. According to the Canadian Food and Drug Regulation laws, a beverage containing 1.1 per cent or more alcohol by volume is considered an alcohol beverage. These products must meet labelling and compositional requirements including labelling the alcohol content by volume, durable life date and country of origin. Currently no nutritional information is required by law on alcoholic beverages. Football player Lucas Spagnuolo, 19, says he gave up drinking because he says he is aware of how many calories and carbohydrates are in alcoholic beverages. Spagnuolo says he has to keep his body in the best shape possible to be a serious athlete for his football scholarship to the University of Manitoba. “My coach at Manitoba recruited me and expects me to arrive at camp in tip-top shape,” he says. “They are paying for my education and I owe it to them to be the best I can be, this is why I gave up alcohol.” While other kids his age are partying on weekends, Spagnuolo says he is the designated driver and doesn’t mind making sacrifices to be the best. “If my friends want to drink a 12-pack to themselves, good for them, but they don’t have a major commitment like I do. I know how unhealthy alcohol is for me and all the best athletes are just like me,” says Spagnuolo. For more information about what’s in your booze call the customer help-line for your favourite brand and ask for a comprehensive ingredients list and nutritional breakdown. To find out whether your favourite drink is vegetarian-friendly, check out www.barnivore.com. E

Many are unaware the main obstacle holding them back from weight loss is their excess drinking

SPRING 2011

EAT VEGETARIAN SCANDAL:

Regular or Veggie Burger? Alyssa Ouellette

was sitting in an average chain restaurant with a group of friends. We took our time ordering and continued to enjoy the conversation and the company. When our food arrived, none of us thought twice before digging in. As Everyone else dove in, I began to eat my Swiss mushroom hamburger without a second thought. One of my friends, a vegetarian of 14 years, had ordered a veggie burger. As she ate, she mentioned that her burger tasted odd and asked one of the girls to taste it to ensure that the waitress had gotten her order right. She tasted it with hesitation and scrunched her face with disgust. “That’s gross, it must be a veggie burger,” she said— we were all under the assumption that what she was eating was, indeed, a vegetarian meal. Moments later, our waitress barreled over to the table. “Oh my God, you didn’t eat that did you?” We all froze because we knew what she was going to say next. “That was an original burger!” She apologized frantically as my friend’s face sank with the knowledge that she had eaten meat for the first time in 14 years. She refused the free veggie burger that the manager offered her and even the $25 gift card she received did nothing to lift her spirits. Not being a vegetarian myself, and having very few friends that are, I was curious about the preparation and handling of vegetarian meals in different kinds of restaurants. Are vegetarians concerned that their French fries may be cooked in the same oil as meat products or that their veggie burgers may be grilled on the same surface as chicken or ribs? Jennifer Houston is part owner and head chef of

EAT

Fresh, a restaurant with three locations on Bloor Street, Crawford Street and Spadina Avenue. Houston explains that the whole menu at Fresh is vegan, but has dairy options (cheese, for example) that can be added to any order. She says that they don’t use any ingredients that aren’t vegetarian so there is no need to worry about being served anything that has come into contact with meat products. “The fact is I am not allergic to meat, so it’s not going to physically hurt me if my vegetarian item has some meat molecules on it. It’s just more the mental “gross-out” factor of it,” Houston says. Houston doesn’t eat meat because she doesn’t want to contribute to animal slaughter. But, she has no problem if her veggie burger is cooked on the same grill as meat, because no animal has died for her dinner. Her internal debate comes from deciding whether to give her business to places that make their money from meat. “There is a part of me that wants to make sure I go to places that serve meat and order the vegetarian thing so that they will realize there is a market for it,” she says. That said, Houston explains she appreciates restaurants that prepare vegetarian food properly without any contact with meat. “Lick’s and South St. Burger Co. have separate tongs and separate grills and everything,” she says, “I love that a place that serves mostly meat actually takes their vegetarian menu items seriously. It’s a refreshing change, and is really appreciated by vegetarians.” Barbi Lazarus, donor and volunteer resources co-

EMERGE MAGAZINE

ordinator at the Toronto Vegetarian Association, has been working with the organization for about two and a half years. “I’ve been making use of TVA’s vegetarian directory and attending the food fair since high school,” she adds. Lazarus explains she became vegetarian 13 years ago and that she decided to try veganism just a couple of months later upon realizing that animals raised for dairy and eggs are treated just as cruelly as those raised for meat. “There are many vegetarians who are concerned about the possibility of their food coming into contact with animal products, and I completely respect that and think that level of commitment is great,” says Lazarus, “For me personally, the most important thing is that I’m not contributing to or supporting the animal agriculture industry.” A brief example of the cruelty Lazarus is referring to is the beef industry. According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) website, 42 million cows are killed for meat and dairy every year in the United States alone. Male cows are castrated, branded and have their horns removed before they are fattened up for slaughter. Female cows are sent to dairy farms. They are repeatedly impregnated until their bodies can take no more and are then sent to be killed. Lazarus says she has not had any problems quite as upsetting as my friend’s veggie burger mix up. “It’s a bit embarrassing, but I must say I’m a big fan of Taco Bell,” she says. “I order a bean taco or burrito with no cheese, so it’s just beans and lettuce but I swear for some reason it tastes so good!” Laughing, she adds: “Anyways, the odd time they have put cheese on the taco after all.” Unlike Houston and Lazarus, Jason Doucette, vegetarian directory coordinator for the TVA, says he rarely eats at non-vegetarian restaurants. “Toronto’s vegetarian restaurant scene is as vibrant and diverse as I’ve ever seen it,” says Doucette. “Vegetarian Torontonians are really lucky in that they don’t have to go to a restaurant that serves meat if they don’t want to.” Doucette’s plan is safer for those concerned with

cross-contamination of vegetarian orders and meat. Matthew Hoag is the corporate chef for Boston Pizza whose job is to ensure there is an ongoing supply of new recipes for the menu. “To be honest, we spend more time focusing on allergies than vegetarianism. Vegetarianism doesn’t apply to the same set of circumstances.” Boston Pizza does not have very many meatless options on its menu, but they are offered. Tuscan linguini, spinach and artichoke dip, yam fries and vegetarian pizza are all available. “Our assumption is that vegetarian dieters probably won’t come to Boston Pizza in the first place,” says Hoag. “Truthfully, there isn’t that much of a market for it.”

I go to places that serve meat and order vegetarian so they will realize there is a market for it There are different segments or groups within the dining population. There are diabetics, vegetarians, vegans, Muslims and the Jewish community, which all have different dietary needs. Hoag says Boston Pizza could try to cater to as many of those needs as possible, but the menu would be far too complex. “We want to have options for all diners. So if that means having a few salad and pizzas and pastas that are vegetarian and are good quality, we leave it at that. We’re not going to put a section on the menu specifically for vegetarians.” He explains that customers would have to specifically address their server and tell them they do not want their food coming into contact with any meat products. Otherwise, Hoag says, there is no guarantee. Everyone has different feelings toward the preparation of their food. If you are like Lazarus, then accidentally getting some cheese on your meal is not the end of the world. If you are like Houston, your main concern is not contributing to the death of animals. Otherwise, you may need to do a little more digging to find that all-vegan or all-vegetarian restaurants to ensure you are getting exactly what you want. E

Vegetarian Restaurants in Toronto The following Toronto neighbourhoods have the most vegetarian restaurants, cafes and food/products stores:

The Annex About 15 eateries Annapurna Vegetarian Restaurant Fresh on Bloor Live – Organic Food Bar (All Vegan) One Love Vegetarian (All Vegan) Sunny Café (All Vegan)

Kensington Market / Chinatown 16 eateries Buddha’s Vegetarian Restaurant Debu’s Indian Cuisine Green’s Vegetarian Restaurant Urban Herbivore (All Vegan) Vegetarian Haven (All Vegan)

Queen St. West About seven eateries Fresh (Craw, Spadina) Il Fornello Sadie’s Diner and Juice Bar Fressen (All Vegan)

Photo illustration (previous page): © Vladimir Voronin | Dreamstime.com SPRING 2011

EAT

Toronto Blue Banana

Pizzaiolo

Aji Sai

Mr. Greek

Daybreak Diner

Located in the midst of Kensington Market, The Blue Banana offers a unique experience with “one-of-akind items from more than 200 of today’s most inspired artists, jewelers, craftsmen and importers.” The attached coffee shop has a variety of teas, beverages and scrumptious baked goods that customers can enjoy as they make their way through the store. As explained on their website, “Blue Banana Market brings the freshest, funkiest, and most exclusive gifts, home-décor accessories, furniture and works of art into one lofty space.” Must Try: The homemade vegan cupcakes are a delightful option to complete the Kensington Market experience. Not only are they delicious, but they contain no animal by-products.

Has the best gourmet pizza in Toronto. Using only the best quality and freshest ingredients, Pizzaiolo pizza gives you the real traditional taste of Italy. Must Try: The famous Godfather pizza. It is a delicious deep dish pizza that is covered in pepperoni, bacon and sausage. Definately a favourite of meat lovers everywhere.

Located at 813 Yonge St. Aji Sai is known for its delicious sushi and friendly service. The all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant is the place to go if you love some mean sushi. Must Try: The freshly made sushi and delectable dumplings will make your mouth water.

The place to eat if Mediterranean cuisine is your niche. Along side traditional Mediterranean dishes such as souvlaki, gyros, seafood, pasta, and tzatziki, the creative atmosphere makes the experience complete. Must Try: The classic souvlavki is always good no matter what.

Located at 399 Church St., Daybreak Diner is the place to go if you enjoy pancakes. The old-school diner offers breakfast regulars like home fries, eggs and toast, but adds a little bonus to meals. “Everything comes with pancakes!” says Sarah Stockdale, an enthusiastic customer. Must Try: The Eggs Benedict.

Toronto

Editor’s picks

DINING WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK Lisa Murray Food is a crucial part of the day. What you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner plays a major part in how your day will turn out. Starting your day off with a hearty breakfast like eggs, toast and fruit gives you the energy you’ll need to take on the day. Forgetting to eat or eating the wrong foods can make you feel sluggish throughout the day. “When you skip breakfast, you are likely to become tired when your brain and body run low on fuel,” says About.com nutritionist Shereen Jegtvig. “By midmorning, you might grab a cup of coffee or wolf down

EAT

a sugary bar to wake up again. “This might work for a few minutes,” she says. “But by lunch time you are hungry, crabby, and perhaps your mood might make you a little more prone to make unhealhy choices at lunch.” Jegtvig recommends a healthy breakfast every morning that contains both protein and fiber. On these two pages, Emerge presents the results of the magazine’s research into the best and most affordable healthy food the city’s restaurants has to offer.

EMERGE MAGAZINE

Paramount

Wanda’s Pie in the sky

Craft Burger

W Burger Bar

Tim Hortons

Falafel, Shawarma and Manakeesh are a few of the delicious dishes served here. Focusing on health and freshness, you are bound to enjoy your time at Paramount. Must Try: Spinach and cheese manakeesh and Paramount’s fresh bread.

Located in Kensington Market at 287 Augusta Ave. If you enjoy pies, then this is definitely a place you should try. Wanda’s Pie in the Sky offers a variety of specialty pies, cakes and baked goods that are exquisitely crafted by Wanda Beaver and her devoted staff of 15. Must Try: Pear cranberry pie.

With three locations on King Street E., King Street W., and Yonge Street, Craft Burger is known to make the best burgers in Toronto. The delicious burgers are made with AAA beef and are delicately handcrafted fresh every day using only the best quality ingredients. Must Try: The Craft Spicy, which is mentioned in Toronto Life, and the deliciously salty fries.

Located at 10 College St. in Toronto, W Burger Bar offers the best of both worlds: burgers and booze. It’s a very urban and hip restaurant. It looks like the food would be expensive but it’s not. The burgers are phenomenal and there are all types of toppings you can put on like guacamole and mayo. Must Try: The martinis are a must! There are many flavors, such as carrot cake and espresso, and they don’t skimp on the alcohol.

Tim’s is the perfect place to go if you are looking for your typical baked goods and coffee shop. Must Try: The new fruit smoothies. They come in two flavours: mixed berry and strawberry banana.

SPRING 2011

EAT

HOW TO

SAVE MONEY AND

LIVE

GREEN... ...ONE STEP AT A TIME Klara Spanjevic

Planting your own herb container garden There’s nothing more down-to-earth than planting your own container garden! Herbs are perfect for pasta and other sauces, and are easy to grow. Garden guru Mark Cullen and horticultural designer Michael Renaud offer the following tips:

You need:

• Pot with a drainage hole • Seeds: your choice of mint, parsley, sage, oregano, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, sweet marjoram, et cetera • Bag of soil • Small garden hand shovel • Ruler • Newspaper (to line your pot and cover your workspace) • Sunlight

Step 1

Line your workspace with newspaper. Before you start filling your pot with soil you should, “take precautions to make sure the hole in your container doesn’t get clogged,” Renaud says. Line the inside with a few sheets of newspaper. The paper will allow water to come out the bottom.

Step 2

Food The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has done almost 96,000 tests for pesticide residues on fresh fruits and vegetables, and has compiled two lists: the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15. The EWG recommends that shoppers buy only organic items listed on the Dirty Dozen, since they are higher in pesticides. Whereas shoppers can save money and not worry about pesticide consumption when eating the Clean 15. Here are the top five items on each of those lists:

Dirty Dozen 1. Celery 2. Peaches 3. Strawberries 4. Apples 5. Blueberries

EAT

Clean 15 1. Onions 2. Avocado 3. Sweet Corn 4. Pineapple 5. Mangos

Fill your pot with soil, but leave space at the top. Follow seed package instructions for planting depth, using your ruler to measure. Group each type of seed together. Cullen recommends that you “don’t space them too generously. Plant them densely.” This will create distinct “bushes” of each herb. Cover seeds with more soil up to the brim of the pot.

Step 3

Water your pot and place it in a warm, sunny place. Monitor the soil’s moisture daily, especially during warm summer months.

EMERGE MAGAZINE

Hydro

Transportation

Ten quick ways to cut your hydro bill for FREE, courtesy of the Ontario Power Authority:

The most eco-friendly vehicle on the market: the Toyota Prius. Rated number one by the Government of Canada for 2011 fuel consumption, this car is the top green car in its of its class.

1. Use cold water wash cycles. 2. Unplug your icemaker. 3. Clean air conditioner filters monthly. 4. Use major appliances during evening and night-time hours to get off-peak rates. 5. Open blinds and drapes to make the most of natural daylight. 6. Only use dishwashers and washing machines when you have a full load. 7. Use the microwave to reheat meals. 8. Set your computer to go into sleep mode after 3 minutes of inactivity. 9. Set your freezer at -18 degrees Celsius. 10. Turn your thermostat down by 2 degrees and adjust your wardrobe.

Five quick ways to conserve electricity for $20 or less (from the Ontario Power Authority): 1. Make the switch from incandescent to compact fluorescent light bulbs. 2. Install a door sweep on the bottom of outside doors. 3. Use power bars. They stop “phantom power usage” which happens when electronics draw current when not in use. 4. Use a clothesline. 5. Install dimmer switches.

Quick Figures: Starting price: $27,000 Cost to lease: $450/month for 50 months. Maintenance fees: Minimal City driving fuel usage: 3.7L/100km Highway driving fuel usage: 4.0L/100km Emissions: 1748kg of CO2/year

Water

Salesperson Jay Desai at Woodbine Toyota says eco-friendliness must be the deciding factor if you are considering purchasing a Prius. But green cars are not cheap. He recommends students and young professionals consider less pricey options, such as a Toyota Yaris or Corolla, or other more economically-priced vehicles.

Seven entirely FREE ways to use less water, from the City of Toronto: 1. Shut off water when brushing teeth, washing or shaving. Use running water only to rinse. 2. Take a shower.

3. Wash dishes in a sink filled with water rather than running a tap. 4. Use appliances when you have a full load. 5. Store a jug of water in the fridge to keep cool. 6. Use moisture-retaining soils for potted plants. 7. Make use of public pools rather than a private pool in your yard.

Clothing Update your wardrobe for under $25 Thrift stores are a great option for people who are looking to reduce consumption. Thrift stores don’t just appeal to those on a tighter budget, says Jana Rees of the Salvation Army Thrift Store. “Thrift stores...offer a unique way to express yourself,” says Rees, “You can find your own style instead of wearing what everyone else is wearing and looking like everybody else looks.” Rees estimates that an average shopper could purchase a complete outfit for about $20. On a sale day, you can walk away with the same outfit for as little as $10. SPRING 2011

WORK HOW TO BE FASHIONABLE Ben Flikemma

ou’re standing there, staring at your closet thinking, “How am I going to impress my employer enough to get this job?” You’re looking at the clothes you’ve assembled over the past four years of your college/university life, such as a sweater with your school name on it, sweat pants for those late nights of studying and hoodies and jeans for those cold winter walks to class. Suddenly, you realize, none of this stuff is really appropriate for the work environment. “It was two weeks prior to an interview I had been called about at a law office downtown Toronto,” says Jessica Switzer, a 22-year-old student from Toronto. “I had nothing to wear that actually looked professional enough to impress a boss. I was really worried about where I was going to go and what I was going to do. I didn’t really know where to start searching for what pieces of clothing might impress.” There is a fine line between a post-secondary wardrobe and a workplace wardrobe. Sometimes that line gets blurred or even forgotten. A lot of the clothes purchased and worn to classes and exams are not exactly proper for a professional environment. “You would be amazed at what I see sometimes from students and young adults alike when they walk into my office for a job or internship interview,” says Mark Carney, a human resources employee with WalMart Canada. “Some of them have even come in wearing flip flops and baggy track pants, needless to say they didn’t exactly get a real look at for the job,” “It’s situations like these that have the potential to be avoided if the youth just had a general idea on what would be the right thing to wear to look professional.” As strange as it might sound, a great starting point for building your wardrobe, is watching a show like “What Not To Wear”. Although it is meant to be entertaining, seeing the types of outfits put together by professional stylists for the real world is a great visual start in producing an up-to-date work wardrobe. Let’s go through the basics:

WORK

The “top” of the order

A great start to a wardrobe begins with the top. For men, dress shirts, pullovers, and blazers are great replacements for hoodies and t-shirts. “A good dress shirt has always been my personal favourite to see on my employees. A tie is sometimes optional as well as a blazer, but you can’t go wrong with a nice button up,” Carney says. It is not a bad idea to have a bunch of plain white or black t-shirts lying around but try to avoid graphics and images on the t-shirts; it is safer that way. Blouses, button-ups and blazers are great choices for women. Casual dresses are a great option to wear to the office, as long as they are knee length and not too revealing.

You would be amazed at what I see when young adults come in for a job or internship interview. The “bottom” of the order

Dress pants are usually the first pick for both men and women. For a more casual interview, or times when they don’t necessarily want to go overboard, guys can get away with khakis or a nice pair of slacks. Lengthy skirts for women are a good direction to go, and of course the dress is still great for the bottom if it is not too short and is appropriate. Jeans can be okay depending on the interview or workplace, but

men should aim for jeans that are fitted while women should avoid any pair that might be too tight. Both should avoid torn or distressed denim at all costs. Interviews can last a long time, so regardless of what you choose for your bottoms, make sure you’re comfortable.

A mile in your shoes

Shoes are very important to an outfit and are usually over-looked. For men, black dress shoes are the best way to go. Brown isn’t a bad choice, but be careful what you wear with them. A comfortable high-heel or classy flats for women are a perfect way to impress, but don’t go too high with those heels, since you don’t want to overdo it. You want to be comfortable walking around. If you can pull them off I’d say go for it.

Accessorizing with the best

Men can accessorize with ties, watches and belts, none of which should be over the top, but rather plain and simple. Avoid ties with obscure gestures, sayings, or crazy colours. The same goes for belts. Be careful with jewellery as well; earrings and facial piercings should be taken out for the interview and slowly brought back once you are secure within the job. With the popularity of tattoos rising, you may want to hide your ink at least until you feel it is safe to reveal it in the workplace. For women necklaces, bracelets and rings are always great to show off at work but in small doses. Don’t wear inappropriate charms or symbols. Skulls or heavy studs; for example, are not very professional. You may be thinking, “There is no way I could ever even imagine purchasing clothes in those price ranges,” just coming out of school and not being handed a credit card with thousands of dollars on it like on that show you mentioned earlier.. While it is true that the workplace does call for more expensive clothing, it is

EMERGE MAGAZINE

IN A PROFESSIONAL SETTING also possible to find the right store and the right price. It all depends on where you look. I recently went on a trip with Jessica Switzer who was making the transition into the workplace and we discovered some incredible deals at some nearby places. A lot of these stores can be found in outlet form and are therefore cheaper than most of the regularly priced shops. “As scary as it was to think about getting all new clothes and not knowing where to go for them, I was able to actually buckle down and find some really great deals. To be honest I didn’t think I could get away with doing so cheap either,” Switzer says.

1. Value Village – Although it may just be a thrift store, it has some of the least expensive clothes around. Don’t be embarrassed to visit one. You might be surprised at the hidden gems you may find within the racks of used clothes. 2. Suzy Shier – A store for women making the transition to a more professional wardrobe. If an outlet can be found, there are very cheap prices and relatively great clothing to wear. You can easily find nice sweaters, dresses and skirts at very cheap prices. 3. Bluenotes – This store is actually run under the same company as Suzy Shier but is unisex. They have some great button-up shirts and really inexpensive t-shirts to wear underneath. Their jeans are cheap and nice as well. 4. Dynamite – Another one for women. This store has some very classy outfits but you won’t

be paying rediculous amounts of cash. Blouses, skirts, button-ups, and even some jewellery all for relatively low prices.

5. H&M – This store is a bit pricier but holds great styles and well-manufactured products to wear during the eight-hour workdays. It’s a little more “indie” but still says professional if worn the right way. 6. Old Navy – This may again be a tiny bit more expensive than some of the previously mentioned stores but it is full of great button-up shirts for both women and men as well as t-shirts to go under fancier clothes. 7. Wal-Mart – The cheapest of the cheap, so to speak. They may not have the classiest clothing but for those Fridays when you still need to look presentable, when you’re out of clothes, Wal-Mart has a great selection of sweaters and pants that are very inexpensive and easy to find. 8. Winners – A lot of discounted prices on popular and usually higher-priced brands. It might be a little tougher to find the really nice stuff but is filled with plenty of comfortable transition clothes from the teen phase to the adult phase. 9. Reitmans – Specific to women and is a great sweater, blouse and skirt store. It is sometimes seen as a “mom” store but great finds can be found at relatively cheap prices. 10. Smart Set – Very much like Reitmans but geared toward the young adults. It’s another women’s store with a great selection of transitional clothes, specifically sweaters and pants.

SPRING 2011

WORK

TEACHING ABROAD YOUR FUTURE IN A SUITCASE Karina Gutierrez

eep, beep, beep. 6:30 A.M. He groans and hits the snooze button again, not likely to get out of bed for another 15 minutes. He’s in no rush, because the traffic in this small Japanese city is nothing like it is in Toronto. 6:45 A.M. Finally, he crawls out of bed and drags himself to the bathroom where he turns on the water heater. Although his apartment is tiny, it still takes time to heat up during a cool winter morning. Impatiently, he jumps in. He ends up standing in the shower freezing for a few moments before warmth hits his skin. He’s fully awake now as he gets dressed and makes himself a typical Canadian breakfast: eggs and a glass of milk. Not a trace of rice, fish or miso soup in sight–the idea of which boggles his students’ minds. 7:45 A.M. He rushes out the door. Pleased with the good weather, he jumps on his bike and weaves his way through the back streets. In 8 minutes he will become someone he has spent the better part of a year researching, planning to, and applying to be. In 8 minutes he will become someone he didn’t think he, an economics major from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, would ever become. In 8 minutes he will take his place as a teacher at a foreign school, in a foreign country. Allen Agunday is well on his way to completing his sixth month in Fujioka, as an assistant language

WORK

teacher on the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. He recently signed on for one more year, ensuring himself a steady financial income, something which many Canadians desire. Agunday’s decision to not only move to a new country, but into a new culture entirely, was closely linked to the economy. “I decided that I wanted a career related to foreign relations or international business. Simply put I dread a life of normalcy and needed to experience the world,” Agunday explains. The competition for new graduates to land a job in their respective fields is fierce; now having to compete with expe- Courtesy of JET Agunday helping his student with classwork. rienced individuals who were victims of budget cuts and pink slips. However there is a field of work that is over- There is no shortage of countries one can decide to flowing with opportunities: teaching English abroad. teach in. Popular places at the moment are the MidTeaching English abroad may not be the easiest dle East and anywhere in Asia. These are hot spots vocation, but it can be an undiscovered path to an mainly because of benefit number two: money. alternate profession. This avant-garde career is beA large percentage of international business coming a notable trend, especially amongst gradu- and commerce is conducted in English. Therefore ates as a means to pay off student loans, as well as non-English speaking countries are more than willamong those who may have had a change of heart ing to pay high salaries for native English speakers in their career goals. “From what I’ve seen, there’s to come and teach the language. The salary nummore of everyone,” says Nicole Cloutier, the overseas bers vary from country to country and contract to services manager at International House in Toronto. contract. Depending on the contract, some teach“There are more univerers are provided with sity students going [and] housing and health you do get people who are benefits up to 50 per older, who are in their, fifcent. Not to mention ties, perhaps forties, who paid holidays and are tired of their jobs and vacation time. Some want a break.” Some want contracts will even to completely get away pay for the teacher’s from what they were doround trip air fare. ing in their careers, she On the flip side, says, while others “intend to come back after a year teaching is hard work and although many jobs overor so”. seas seem perfect for the adventurous youth, the acThe main motivation, Cloutier says, is the travel tual act of teaching may not be for everyone. Some appeal. After so many years cooped up in school, the institutions will require additional training in teachidea of picking up and moving to a new city is highly ing in the form of a certificate. The most common appealing. Being completely free and independent of these being TESL (Teaching English as a Second in a foreign country would be a thrilling experience. Language) or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign

I didn't have much hope of finding a decent job right

out of university.

EMERGE MAGAZINE

Language). Lastly, there is the culture shock and language barriers can be a challenge for teachers. “It’s not for everyone,” Cloutier warns. “Living overseas [is] definitely not something I’d recommend to someone who is not flexible, who is not adaptable, who’s not willing to explore, and who is [not] curious about other cultures.” Although teaching abroad may sound difficult and overwhelming for some, many experienced teachers say that it is quite rewarding. Agunday recalls an account where he experienced that ‘magic moment’ when things just ‘click’ for the students. “I was helping a group of students with speech competitions. I had about five of them and we would spend long afternoons practicing and rehearsing and fine tuning their speeches for a whole two and a half months. When the speech competition came around, two of them won awards,” he recalls nostalgically. “It made my heart swell with pride to know that I was able to encourage them to continue learning English.” So how does one go about this overseas adventure? The first step is research. There are thousands of articles and forums on the internet. Websites and online agencies such as www.eslcafe.com and www. footprints.com have active forums where you can speak to experienced teachers, as well as read helpful articles and job listings. Networking and speaking with

veterans is the best way to gather information. Going through agencies on the internet has its definite perks, convenience being the most prominent one. But if you are skeptical or hesitant to rely on someone you can’t meet in person, there are international schools in Toronto that offer teacher training programs where you can get certified. Institutions, like Humber College, offer courses that can be taken on a semester basis. There are also several condensed courses at private institutions (like International House) that offer accelerated teacher training courses. Do your own homework on the type of certification because there are some out there that are not recognizable in many countries.The application process is both long and short term processes. The shortest way is to look independently via the use of online postings on international ESL websites or go through an agency. If you have received your certification at an institution that has job placement support, it may be much easier to go through them. “It can take weeks, it can even take months, it all depends on where you want to go and when you can go,” says Cloutier. There are also a number of government placement programs. For example, there is the JET program in Japan that Agunday went through: “It was a long atrocious process that lasted three-quarters of a year from when I applied to when I landed in Japan,” he says. The application process for government programs are usually much lengthier because they want to look at all of your paperwork, including all your degrees and certificates. Going abroad independently or through a government program has “pros and cons to both,” explains Cloutier. “I tell people to apply to a vast number of jobs in different countries, with different programs, and see what you get back,” she says. “You need to look at the whole

Courtesy of JET Agunday with his students at an English speech competition.

picture. You have to look at every opportunity on an individual basis. “Keep the door open by applying to numerous things, and you’ll be surprised,” she says, at what opportunuties are open to you. Cloutier advises looking at these certain points of your contract: “You have to specify your teaching hours.,” she says. “Iif you’re teaching 20 hours as opposed to 40 hours, that’s quite a difference. You need time to prepare.” The majority of a teacher’s time is spent outside the classroom. Effective teaching requires careful lesson planning, which requires hours of preparation. She suggests paying attention to paid holidays, overtime, accommodations, and flights. Details such as what expenses are covered or reimbursed, and when, don’t necessarily have to be on your contract, but they are points that should be discussed in advance with your employer. Many schools or employers overseas provide free language classes to their teachers to help them get around. Dealing with culture shock and language barriers are challenges that are inevitable but are often overlooked. “In Tokyo we were given a three-day orientation on everything from how to deal with culture shock to how to take out our garbage to how to drive in Japan to how to deal with troublesome social situations,” recalls Agunday. “Everything else we picked up in the field. You learn as you go. It’s challenging but immensely fun and rewarding.” Usually there is a re-signing bonus, so the funds for your travelling are secure as long as you stay and teach. Foreign expeditions are rewarding life experiences allowing for cultural exposure, as well as personal skill and character building. “Teaching English abroad is a great way to expand your horizons, have a great time, learn new skills, meet amazing people and experience the challenge of living on your own in another country,” Agunday says passionately. As the end of the day approaches in Japan, Agunday says he makes his way home knowing that the next day he can embark on this adventure all over again. He smiles to himself, he says. “There is nothing else quite like it.” E

What I tell people to do is apply to a vast number of jobs... and see what you

get back.

SPRING 2011

WORK

LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION

WITHOUT KISSING @$%!

There's a big difference between charming the pants off your boss and offering to iron his pants Tracy Woolcock

uthenticity, integrity, and honesty–along with a healthy dose of selflessness. These are

the qualities that come to mind when career coach Naomi Fuller thinks about getting ahead in the work place. This is what will “allow you to promote your skills and accomplishments in a way that has a positive result,” she says. Thinking about this statement, Fuller smiles knowingly and sways from side to side in her chair. She gives the words, which clearly resonate with her, a moment to sink in to her mind. “Success is passion, the hard work you put forth is really the passion you have for what you’re doing,” she adds. “That is what propels you in life.” But Fuller admits to having clients who have been more than willing to trade morality for promotion. “I will not disclose any information about what each individual said,’ she says, “but I will say that I was taken aback when I heard some of their stories.”

WORK

EMERGE MAGAZINE

There are countless names for the kinds of people she’s talking about: brown noser; suck up; and everybody’s personal favourite: the a** kisser. The job market is fierce and although university graduates leave school equipped with knowledge needed to do specific tasks, breaking into most industries requires navigating an obstacle course that can take some time to master. If there’s time to be hungry, it’s now–but can an insatiable hunger for success have the potential to starve a new employee on the social ladder? Many might argue that it would, and that people new to the work place need to watch every step. Regardless of how well people know this, men and women alike have a bad habit of going above and beyond what is socially acceptable to impress superiors and stand out from colleagues. Even after they land a job, new employees have to make lasting impressions in order to win favour in the eyes of their bosses. Yet, doing more than expected can make co-workers hostile. What is the solution? According to career experts and employers, there are ways to be noticed in the work place without being obnoxious. Sucking up to superiors won’t necessarily catapult your career. There’s a big difference between charming the pants off your boss and offering to iron his pants. There is no shame in hard work and no one says that an occasional compliment will classify you as a** kisser, but there is a right way to make sure that you seek the right kind of reward.

1. AVOID TEMPTATION. DO NOT BROWN NOSE Instead of paying attention to the personal needs of your manager, do some work. Supervisors and department heads already have their personal affairs in order and don’t need your assistance. Pay attention to the duties that are assigned to you and get them done.

“It’s not what you say, it’s what you do,” says Phillip Crichlow, a supervisor at Zochem Manufacturing Co. in Brampton, Ont. “Know your job. Try to be consistent. Your commitment to your job is what’s going to speak for you and what’s going to earn you respect”.

2. BE SEEN BUT NOT HEARD He’s right. There is no mistaking a good worker when you see one. The operative word is “see”—not “hear” you. Keep in mind that meaningless chatter, including gossip, will not move you an inch up the corporate ladder.

3. KNOW HOW TO SPOT A SUCK UP The classic office suck-up comes in three forms; first, you have the controller; next, someone who agrees with everything superiors say; and finally, there is the complainer. The controller always has to dictate, even to her or his supervisor, and needs to be right all the time. The person who agrees has no limit to what she or he will say yes to; this person often stands out as a robot, an empty being with no opinions and value of her or his own. Last but not least, you have the complainer. These are not the typical person who says: “I don’t want to do this”. Workplace complainers can also be people who always want a boss to help them solve their problems. Avoid this type of behaviour: it only shows your inability to work independently, and will more likely than not lead you to be last on the list of employees scheduled for promotion.

4. RESIST THE URGE TO BE ONE

come acceptable in some companies, but it creates inequality and resentment in the workplace. Good managers will see through a fake persona. “Sometimes it’s a means of getting out of work or getting a better position,” Crichlow says, adding that he will let employees know, as gently and humourously as he can, that kissing up is not going to help. Instead, he pays attention to “how you perform on your job”.

5. BE HONEST AND BE YOURSELF Honesty and trustworthiness may seem like undervalued qualities, but they can pay off in the long run. A person doesn’t have to tell an outright lie to be labelled as dishonest. Pretending to care about the feelings of your manager, and acting as if you value opinions when you do not, or know they are wrong, can also make you untrustworthy. Bridget Narah, a graduate of York University who is now an executive assistant at Entertainment Tonight Canada, is a good example. Two years ago, the job she has now appeared to be an unattainable dream,.Narah thought that making her co-workers like her would be her route to success. “I tried so hard to make the people here like me,” she now says, “but when I realized that it wasn’t about them, it was about me and the work I did, I understood that it was the only way I would get ahead.” Remember: success is more than the number of zeros on your pay cheque. Your integrity is on the line. Waking up in the morning and looking at yourself in the mirror should make you proud. By compromising your beliefs and opinions you steer away from who you really are. Obtaining true happiness in your career starts with honesty.

In some cases, an individual might combine all these personalities in an attempt to create the ideal worker. And some times it works. Sucking up has be-

SPRING 2011

WORK

TOP

INCENTIVES FOR CREATIVE WORKERS Elisha Allensen

oday’s workers are after more than just a steady job and good pay, as explained in The Rise of the Creative Class, by economist Richard Florida. In an Information Week Survey conducted in 2001, employees were shown to rate challenge, flexibility and stability as the most important job factors - even above base pay, which was ranked as the fourth most important job factor. To attract creative young employees, many companies have had to adapt and change recruiting tactics. Companies are offering “perks” to potential employees in an attempt to win over creative candidates. Reviewing a practices by a variety of successful companies reveals a number of trends in what employers are prepared to offer young employees.

FLEXIBILITY

Many successful companies, Facebook for example, allow employees flexibility with assignments, scheduling and even dress code. Palo Alto, Calif.-based Facebook allows optimum flexibility with work assignments by encouraging employees to express and execute their own ideas. Additionally, Facebook encourages employees to work

WORK

comfortably by their own work methods as opposed to working in a way dictated by the company. In his 2003 book, The Rise of the Creative Class, Florida says flexibility allows employees, through their work and attire, to bring their true identity to the work place as opposed to living through separate identities. Individuals are thus more comfortable in the work-

place, spending less effort switching between work and personal identities and more effort on job tasks. Flexibility also allows employees to pursue their interests at work, creating a more interesting and enjoyable work environment. Adam Nickel owns and operates Phoenix Street Wear, a small clothing store in Walkerton, Ont. Nickel

EMERGE MAGAZINE

COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER FINANCIAL BENEFITS

Creative companies are offering competitive pay as well as a number of other financial extras to employees. Google, based in Mountain View, Calif., provides financial benefits such as stock, medical programs, paid parental and maternity leave, and vacation. According to the company’s website, Google even offers free laundry service and lunch to its employees. Facebook offers similar benefits including paid childcare. According to Florida, a work/life balance has become increasingly important as a valued form of compensation. Being able to grab a quick lunch or do laundry for free at work allows employees more time to relax at the end of the day. As the value of time has become increasingly elevated over the years, so have the methods used to harness it, he says. In terms of benefits to employers, the less time employees spend on tracking down lunch or getting laundry done, the more focused they are at work. Florida says that no matter what else may be important to the creative worker, compensation has always been directly related to job satisfaction. So it’s no surprise compensation is on this list. Nickel says he offers employees bonuses such as commission in addition to regular pay. As well, employees are offered extras, such as spa certificates and clothing allowances. Little extras, Nickel says, make his business mores attractive to potential employees.

Stock photo © Bonfils Fabien | Dreamstime.com

says he offers his employees flexible hours and time off as a perk to attract employees, even though he’s had no shortage of applicants since the store opened in 2005. However, Nickel says offering job perks such as flexibility attracts a larger pool of candidates and arguably, candidates of higher quality..

CHALLENGES AND WORK SIGNIFICANCE

Many companies are enticing employees to jobs by promising challenge and participation in meaningful and influential projects. This is the case with Facebook. Its career website tells potential employees: “No matter what part of Facebook you join, you’ll be building something big and new. You won’t simply be finding answers; you’ll be framing questions that no one has ever asked before - and identifying unprecedented opportunities.” Zappos, an online shoe and apparel shop, also boasts a challenging work environment. The company hires employees who are “smart, forward-thinking problem solvers,” the job website says. Who wouldn’t want to be associated with that description? According to Florida, an emerging trend in the cre-

ative workplace is the growing desire on the part of worker’s to be a part of something important, and to work on something interesting and thought- provoking. Aside from participating in work projects that are meaningful and interesting, there is also desire to be recognized within one’s work community or social group. Catherine Murray, lead researcher of a study focusing on the creative work force at Vanouver’s Simon Frasier University agrees. “Socially meaningful work is becoming very important – especially to younger people,” Murray says.

CREATIVE WORK SPACE

Companies today aren’t just offering employees bonuses and challenges at work. They’re also offering employees a comfortable and integrative work space. Unlike the factory setting – the closed-in workspace with rows of unending cubicles – work settings in today’s creative companies consist of large open spaces with high ceilings, experimental design, designated communal and hangout areas, integrated onsite gyms and other health facilities. Companies such as Google, Facebook, Intel and Zappos all boast about such creative workspaces. Florida says these spaces provide visual stimulation, a comfortable work setting and encourage employees to interact with one another. Employees can to work together and express themselves comfortably in the work place. Along with offering employees creative workspaces, Simon Fraser’s Murray says work location is also important. Workplaces that are less about pure enterprise, and more ecology and community- centered, do well in attracting employees. Creative workers want work places that allow quality community living, access to green space and which are well orientated in a mixed economy.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Many companies are offering employees options for personal and professional growth. Whether the company provides money for further education, like Microsoft, or offers a free fitness center, like Zappos, creative employees want employers that include options for self improvement.

SPRING 2011

WORK PERSONAL BRANDING: THE DIGITAL FRONTIER Sami Haj-Assaad Are your sales low? Is customer response lacking? Feeling like your company, business or name is rotting away instead of flourishing? Keep your head up, because EMERGE has a few tips for young entrepreneurs to get their names out in the public eye. The most important asset in your pursuit of brand exposure is the Internet. “Social media should not scare you,” says online marketing consultant Marianna Boguslavsky. “It should excite with all the possibilities in terms of promoting your business online and attracting a whole new target market.” Social networking sites have become very business-friendly these days, with the ability to make accounts solely for companies or products. Marketing experts all agree that having an online presence is a must in today’s world, so it’s time to take action! Facebook has more than 600-million users. While many use it to simply connect with friends and family, it can also be a huge platform for your company. Some users spend several hours a day on Facebook and are exposed to tons of advertisements, marketing and promotions while using the site. Making a Facebook page for your company can go a long way to creating awareness. Soon people will begin “liking” your page and that will act as added publicity. Buying advertisements can help create additional exposures and promotions on Facebook. When one user promotes a story, an update appears on the right side of a user’s recent update list. This creates a chain reaction that can quickly reach millions of users.

LinkedIn - There’s an age-old saying that goes: “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” LinkedIn takes that theory to the internet. Similar to how Facebook connects friends and family, LinkedIn connects colleagues and co-workers. Users create a profile, which broadcasts the organizations and people you’ve worked with. You can then get recommendations or suggestions to other people about your work. You’ll be using this to showcase your work and encourage others to become interested in you or your company.

WORK

Twitter - Another social networking site which is similar to Facebook but with a different approach. Users can “follow” one another, and you can give your followers updates or tweets. You can tweet your ideas, and this gives an active presence. With a few tweets, you’ll quickly gather followers. Followers can retweet updates and get their followers to see your updates. Twitter is a huge platform to Facebook and your updates can reach many users with the help of only a few followers. Having a Twitter account and tweeting relevant updates often will help your company’s profile gain traction.

VisualCV - Branding is an important aspect of any successful business or individual. VisualCV allows you to make a branded page that shows off your unique qualities and skills. Additionally, you can add media, like audio and video, to help show interested parties more about you. Companies may use this to get a good employee who is upto-date with the times and to see their true skills.

YouTube/Flickr - If you create digital content such as videos and images, then these two sites are your best friends. While it’s possible to upload all your work onto these sites, you may want to consider making more teasers that encourage viewers to visit your site to see the rest of your work.

As you can see, there are a number of online services designed to get you noticed. Just remember: When you create an account on any of the above sites, ensure that you use it in the same way as a business card, and forward contacts to your sites as often as you can.

EMERGE MAGAZINE

SKILLED TRADE Students opt for briefcase instead of wrench Elisha Allensen Over the years, fewer and fewer young workers have chosen jobs in the trades, instead opting for work that reflects the more creative, white collar work identity and lifestyle economist Richard Florida describes in his 2002 book, The Rise of the Creative Class. As current employees in the skilled trades are on average 48 years of age (according to careersintrades.ca), many of these employees will be retiring in the next decade, leaving a large number of positions open. However, as young workers seek other career paths, there are not enough employees to fill the job demands left behind by the baby boom generation. A report from the Conference Board of Canada states the lack of interest in the trades may be a result of the information provided about the skilled trades to young people, and the assumption that skilled trades jobs are “dead end” or “last resort”. High school teachers and advisors promote university but speak much less about the skilled trades. As the report states, today’s youth views jobs in the skilled trades as being for university failures – i.e., for people who are not capable of pursuing higher education. This perception could not be farther from the truth. In fact, according to careersintrades.ca, a website created by the federal government’s Sector Council Program, skilled trades require intelligent candidates and difficult, strenuous training. Additionally, the skilled trades provide employees with stable jobs and large competitive pay cheques. Many young employees, however, do not know of these perks. To a large extent, young people are not to blame. Many companies that once attracted and trained new employees have stopped making that effort. “All of my employees are over the age of 55 and are either semiretired or retired,” says Krueger Custom Steel and Machining Ltd.

All of my employees are over the age of 55 and are either semi-retired or retired. We do not have full time employees... recruiter Jeff Cranny. Krueger no longer offers full-time jobs to new employees, he says, and new workers are expected to have between five and 10 years of industrial experience. “They are dropped into a temporary position and have to hit the floor running,” Cranny says. Other companies are clearly in the market for new skilled labour— but have made no effort to train or attract young workers. Mike Schwher, owner of MJ’s Flooring in Walkerton, Ont., complains that he has had a hard time finding employees. “There’s not a lot of people who want to work,” Schwher says. “Unless you pay them 50 bucks an hour–and that’s more than I make.” But Schwher says his company makes no effort to attract potential employees who might be willing to learn this trade, and had a tough time describing any perks his business offers. That said, Catherine Murray, lead researcher of a study focusing on the creative work force at Vancouver’s Simon Fraser University, says she believes there is still hope for renewed interest in skilled trades. Employers could attract young employees by joining forces to promote the value of skilled trades work. Murrays suggests that smaller companies can attract new employees by selling their workplace cultures as places that recognize the contributions made by individual workers and are better connected to communities, thus fulfilling the social needs of employees.

SPRING 2011

WORK

COMMODITY WHERE SHOULD YOU TURN WHEN CRUNCH LOOKING TO INVEST YOUR MONEY Vanessa Wojtala

ccording to financial experts in Toronto, commercialized public accounting services are becoming increasingly popular among Canadians in 2011. These services are providing individuals with sophisticated debt management services at a low cost. By combining financial marketing tools and strategic financial planning campaigns, companies such as Pricewaterhouse Canada and ING Direct are able to provide average Canadians with top financial advice. Young Canadians looking for financial planning advice can also turn to the big chartered banks. After years of experiencing high credit card and other user fees, some people might conclude that the big banks do not have their financial interests at heart and are just “looking to make a dollar,” says Emily Pellecchia of Ernst and Young Investors Group. Early banking experiences and the stories that appear in the media may be driving people in the wrong direction. An inability to distinguish between good and bad financial services is the reason why so many Canadians end up in debt– and why more people do not take advantage of sensible investments. But for people looking to learn about financial services, banks can be a good place to start. “We are simply here just to help,” says Mark Galei, a financial advisor at TD Canada Trust. As for as safe places to put your money, Ernst and Young’s Pellecchia suggests that investors follow the banks’ example and buy commodities (see p55). “If Canadians knew what commodities to invest in, they would...invest every penny into commodities growing,” she says. Today, Pellecchia says, most people are unaware of commodity val-

ues. The media’s preoccupation with gold misleads people into thinking gold is the only such investment on the rise. As a result, people may be in a hurry to buy gold coins, stocks or jewelry, without knowing whether this is the best investment value. Whereas right now, cotton and copper stocks might be two of the best bets offered by commodities markets. “I talk to billionaires on a daily basis that invest in the lowest-valued commodities just because they are confident they will go up in price,” Pellecchia says. Then again, without good financial advice, it can get tough to predict which commodity is best to invest in. This is why it’s always worth shopping around at reputable banks and financial institutions to see which ones offer the best deals and soundest advice. What do the experts advise? According to TD Canada’s Galei, for example, it can be smart to invest money in oil and gas. As crude oil prices soar above $100 a barrel, it might seem as if these prices are going to continue to rise forever. But investors need to first consult financial planners who have access to solid research and can explain the complicated concepts. For example: what does it mean to invest in energy stocks or commodities? Where does one start? What risks are attached to different producers, or emerging economies? How do investors understand shipping and exporting expenses and their impact on stock, bond or option prices? Remember, all investors take a financial risk. The outcome can be rewarding or a financial nightmare. Whatever investors decide, the one thing that is always worth the money is smart financial advice. E

People hear gold and assume that it is the hottest valued commodity on the market. And that is not true at all.

WORK

EMERGE MAGAZINE

I SURVIVED THE RECESSION

THE TRICK TO INVESTING IN THE STOCK MARKET Jesse Maida

ew people my age have any investment stories, let alone good ones. But I started young—mostly because I was given no choice. When I was 15 years old, heading into grade 10, my father came home from work one Friday night, and told me that I was officially employed. The next morning, I began work as an industrial cleaner at the Honda plant in Alliston, Ont. Most people my age spent Saturday morning asleep, recovering from a night out with friends. I, on the other hand, started a 12-hour shift at 5:30 a.m., climbing ladders to clean light fixtures, squeezing into confined spaces to wipe down weld machinery, pushing 150 kilogram carts up hills, and scraping grease off kitchen oven hoods. My friends wondered why I worked. The answer was easy: for money. Every weekend, I took home $250, as much as my friends made in five. For a while, I blew every penny I earned. Then my dad stepped in again and asked me where all the money had gone. When I had nothing to show for all my months of work, my father created a financial plan. Each week I saved half my pay cheque. The idea was that once I had $15,000, I would start to invest. At first, this felt like a punishment. But mid-way through Gr. 12, I hit that magical number and made my first appointment with a personal financial advisor. I went in with a list of companies in which I assumed I would buy stock. But the adviser made it quickly clear that investing in equities—the shares that confer actual ownership of

a company--was not the path he would recommend. Turns out that countries are much safer than stocks. Rumours drive share prices up and down. You never know when a company’s latest competitor is going to release a ground-breaking product. But you know that India is rich, and that, 10 years from now, the odds are that it will still be rich. We worked by process of elimination. Africa was an economic mess; so was most of Europe. My adviser had a saying: “Stay away from the PIGS” –by which he meant Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain, nations whose economic future looked shaky. I would be better off building my portfolio in the same way as a house: with BRICS: securities pegged to the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Russia, India and China were too well-established; $15,000 wouldn’t buy a very big return. This left Brazil, a bargain with the possibility of a big return over five years. What’s more, other Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Chile, Uruguay and Panama looked promising. I plunked my money down on the entire region. My next choice was between low or high-risk. I chose the higher risk, convinced by my adviser’s experience and enthusiasm that this strategy could not lose. That conviction lasted for two years, during which my piece of the Latin American economy grew to a high of $18,100. Even after the financial meltdown of 2008 and 2009 recession wiped out billions in investment value, my portfolio survived. On one of the worst afternoons, when the dire economic news had my fa-

After my first 8 months, my investments had

grown to $16,200 and they continued to rise

ther glued to CNN, my investments actually gained value and closed the day at $17,500. I was confused but relieved, concluding that the international financial crisis was clearly going to skip over Latin America, and, more important, my money. I was wrong. After a year in which a combination of managing university, plus a social and romantic life, kept me so busy that I stopped checking my investments, I got a call from my father. From the tone of his voice, I knew this was not going to be good news. He had called to tell me that the value of my funds had plummeted to below $8,000. My decision: cash out the remaining money, or give it a chance to grow back. I felt furious, with the investment advisor (because 20-year-olds are not supposed to lose $7000) and with my father (who had forced me to invest). It took me a week to calm down. I realized that it had been my choice bet on high-risk securities. But at that point, I was determined to play it safe: sell and walk away with the $8,000 I had left. Once again, the advisor had a different idea. He begged me to leave my money where it was, vowing that Brazil and Mexico would bounce back quickly. I wasn’t convinced, but I knew that my father, who would never risk his family’s financial security, was leaving his money in similar investments. I decided to take one last risk and do the same. Two years later, my faith in my father’s judgment has more than paid off. Brazil and Mexico bounced back faster than predicted. Chile’s recovery went well too, and Panama is one of the hottest places to invest for real estate in 2011. I have made back every dollar I lost, and then some. Despite my brush with losses, my experiences has turned out to be a good one. My goal is to keep working and investing, and to retire at 55. If I succeed, I will be able to look back and thank an unlikely saviour: the volatile but resilient economies of Latin America. E

SPRING 2011

ONE YEAR LATER

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Brian Andrews

fter finally completing the many years of university, you finally have that hard-earned, and expensive, piece of paper in your hand. One thought goes through your head is: ‘What’s

next?’ With the rest of your life ahead of you, this is a huge decision for most young professionals. Do you take the time now, while you’re young to travel, or do you attempt to jump right into the working world and dig yourself out of a pile of debt? This article is going to take a look at three graduates who made three different decisions when faced with this difficult question. They share the reasons they went in a certain direction, and where they are today because of the choices they made. Katie Knechtel, 21, graduated from Humber College’s two-year Travel and Tourism program last spring at the age of 20. After spending the summer back home in Ayr, Ont., Knechtel decided to look into a program that would allow her to both make money and travel. In September of 2010, Knechtel was placed with a family in Alberta through the Au Pair program. There, she earns money looking after children and taking care of some household chores. The money she makes 54

WORK

Courtesy Katie Knechtel

Courtesy Megan Rowney

allows her to travel around the area in her free time and experience Alberta’s different tourist sites, while she stays with the family free of charge. “I decided to travel after school because I was unsure of what I really wanted to do. I believe it is a good time to travel because I don’t have the commitment of a full time job” Knechtel explained. Having actual travel experience is another way of furthering her education. For Knechtel, the time she spends travelling is really the beginning of her career. “I have been able to apply the basic knowledge about destinations I learned about while in school to the places I have visited, and also become familiar with all the different attractions that draw people to these areas.” Megan Rowney graduated last year from the University of Guelph-Humber’s Journalism program at age 22. In the winter semester, she completed an internship with Global News in which she worked with TV anchor Susan Hay. Following the internship, Hay suggested Rowney stay on as an intern because there were no positions open, but when one did she would be a very good applicant. After only two months, Rowney was offered the position of editorial assistant with Global News working on the 16:9 program. “Working behind the scenes with Global News has always been a dream job for me, this was really an offer I couldn’t refuse.” Getting right into work after university can be beneficial because of the number of bills that pile up over four years of school, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the right choice. “If I didn’t get this opportunity to work for Global right out of my internship, I would have definitely loved to travel for a little while. Jumping right into a career I feel has really hindered my opportunity

Courtesy Luke Veens

to travel in the future,” said Rowney. “I’ll always have bills to pay but there are only so many chances to take a couple months and see the world.” Humber’s personal fitness program graduate, Luke Veens, 22, decided to continue his education while travelling. He is currently attending school in Perth, Australia and studying kinesiology. “Studying abroad has been the chance of a lifetime,” said Veens. “I have been able to further my education, while also taking the time to see different parts of the world and experience cultures different then Toronto’s.” When the three reflected upon their decisions over the past year and where they are today, they all felt as though they made the right choices and had benefitted from their experiences in different ways. “I first decided to travel because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, and two years of school didn’t seem like enough,” Veens said. “The year I have spent studying in Australia has been very helpful, and has opened my eyes to a lot of possibilities.” On the other hand, Rowney has been able to push ahead with her career and has been taking full advantage of her opportunity with Global. “I have been able to undertake many new tasks with Global over the past year,” Rowney said. “I am currently part of the 16:9 program and have interviewed some really interesting people.” Life after university or college leads to a number of important decisions that could ultimately affect the rest of your life. Knechtel had this advice to offer students about to take the next step: “If you really want to travel you will find a way to make it happen, when a good opportunity presents itself then sometimes you just have to go with it.” E

EMERGE MAGAZINE

FINANCIAL HEALTH

MANAGE YOUR HARD-EARNED CASH Devon McLean

ad advice, debt and a newly acquired disposable income can make navigating the financial landscape confusing for recent graduates. Financial guru Gail Vaz-Oxlade says “lifestyle inflation” is common among young professionals who treat themselves by spending money on all the things they were deprived of as students when they didn’t have extra cash. Vaz-Oxlade, who describes herself as “an irreverent, kind of funny, very potty mouth woman with absolutely no credentials who really gets money,” teaches couples and young people how to be financially responsible on TV’s “Til Debt Do Us Part” and “Princess.” She warns that ifestyle inflation leads to a cycle of bad spending habits. Young professionals buy flashy items with brand names in order to feel that they have arrived in the social world, she says. Vaz-Oxlade advises that “if you can’t afford it, you are sacrificing your future for the sake of some acknowledgement from your peers

Emerge Magazine’s Survey Results: How much are you in debt?

that you are special,” and that buying these consumables is “just like flushing money down the toilet”. So what are Vaz-Oxlade’s golden rules for staying in the black? “Don’t spend more money than you make, save something, get your freaking debt paid off, and mitigate your risk”, to attain financial stability, as well as have an emergency fund and the right kind of insurance. Making a budget is necessary to keeping track of spending and earning, and so is crucial to staying out of the red. Vaz-Oxlade says it is important to prioritize and find the money for your “have to’s before your want to’s.” First year University of Guelph-Humber student Will (who asked that his last name not be used) may not use a budget, but he says he manages fine without one. He says that is because he doesn’t spend money on non-essentials. Will says his biggest expense is his cell phone plan because he is stuck in a plan that is more than what he needs. Will adds that he doesn’t spend on anything that he considers over the top “because, so much of what I entertain myself with is online, I can get it for free.” Will says he uses the monthly statement his bank sends to keep track of his spending, but that he’s “never really had to say ‘whoa, I spent

Don't spend more money

than you make...

necessary

making a budget is to keeping track.

way too much here’.” A survey by Emerge magazine showed that, like Will, many Guelph-Humber students and alumni do not use a budget. Just over half of all respondents, 51 per cent, said that they have and use a budget, even though more than half, 54 per cent, say they either currently have debt or will have debt by the time they graduate. While some of this debt is unavoidable due to the high cost of education, consumer debt can be avoided or minimized. Vaz-Oxlade says budgeting is crucial because the people who don’t take the time to think about their finances and make conscious decisions are the people who do not realize they are sliding into debt until their situation is too overwhelming to ignore. Vaz-Oxlade has some general guidelines for what percentage of income should be allocated for spending in specific areas, such as transportation and housing. She does say, however, that these guidelines may not work for everyone and it is unrealistic to expect that one set of rules can work for every person or family. People have different lifestyles with factors such as partners, children and relocation that contribute to their ability to meet financial goals, such as paying off debt or saving for retirement.

SPRING 2011

Both short term savings, such as saving for a wedding or a car, as well as long term savings, such as for retirement, need to be a priority. Although people may feel they do not make enough money to be able to save, especially while still in debt, Vaz-Oxlade says everyone should start saving whatever they are able to, as much or as little as that may be. Despite what banks or financial advisers may say, an RRSP is the single best way to save for retirement Vaz-Oxlade says, adding that “I just want to friggen slap somebody” for giving young people such bad advice. Despite Vaz-Oxlade’s disagreement with other financial professionals over the advice given to young

I just want to friggen

slap somebody for giving wrong advice. professionals, the biggest influence on a person’s financial decision making may be closer to home. An overwhelming majority of the Guelph-Humber stu-

dents and alumni who 7% responded to Emerge’s survey–almost 80 per cent–reported that they seek financial advice from their parents more 38% than anyone else. This means that the experiences and knowledge of older generations largely guide the financial decisions of young adults. First year GuelphHumber student Debra Coore says she learned her spending habits from her mother and the way she was raised. Growing up without an allowance, Coore says she learned to be careful with money and to spend only on basics and special occasions, such as Christmas. Coore says she turns to her mother for financial advice. “My mom’s been through everything I’m going through financially,” says Coore, “so she knows how to handle it.” Coore says her mother told her to look for scholarships and bursaries to help pay for school and to build up her credit by using a credit card with small minimum payments so that Coore can afford to pay it off herself. According to Vaz-Oxlade, the biggest mistake people make in dealing with their money is not knowing

Rule of Thumb Guidelines for Income Allocation *

35% on housing including insurance, property tax, and utilities

15% on transportation (car payments, insurance, gas and repairs)

15% on debt repayment that’s not to say you limit your debt payment to 15%

10% for saving

* 25% is life, food, entertainment, daycare, clothes “everything else falls under that category

THINK

How to Keep Track of Your Money Each Month *

Write down what you make that month, take out deductibles and then the rest of the money you can spend

At the end of every month put budget by month on excel spreadsheets

“As long as you come out with a zero at the bottom, you’re okay.”

“You can arm yourself with apps.”

41%

OSAP Line of Credit With Bank Parents or Family Other (don't owe anyone)

14% “how much they are spending and how much they are making. It seems so obvious, but people have no idea.” Vaz-Oxlade says that people need to look at their net income, which is income after taxes and is the actual amount that people have available to spend. Knowing your net income will help determine how much you can spend on debt repayment, and knowing the typical salary of your (future) profession will help you determine if the high cost of education is worth it. Since most students acquire debt from the Ontario Student Assistance Program (55 per cent of our survey respondents currently owe OSAP), doing some research on other loan options (literally) can pay off. Transferring student debt to lines of credit or other forms of credit may be beneficial. However, you need to consider your total debt, the interest rate you can get and how long you plan to take to pay off your debt. Lines of credit can sometimes offer a lower interest rate than OSAP, which has a fixed rate, and can therefore lower the overall payment. But if you think you may need some flexibility in your payments or plan to take more than three to five years to pay off your debt, Vaz-Oxlade says you may be better sticking with OSAP. OSAP offers forgiveness programs such as a six-month delay in payments after graduation and the ability to renegotiate monthly payment by extending the repayment schedule. These programs are good for people experiencing major life changes, such as having children or being unable to make enough income to pay for cost of life and debt repayment. Vaz-Oxlade says that although financial professionals are always trying to put a new spin on financial matters to attract new business, going back to the basics is the most important thing for an individual’s financial health. “It’s not how much you make,” VazOxlade says, “it’s what you do with what you make that sets you apart from a moron.” E

AIDS WHY IT MATTERS TO YOU

Emily Carson

hirty years ago, the international community had no idea what to expect when the first cases of GRID--or Gay-related immune deficiency, as it was referred to in early 1981--started showing up in hospitals around North America. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and San Francisco saw an influx of young men, as well as some women, in emergency rooms. Doctors had rarely seen such ailments, or so many young people dying so quickly. The medical community and society as a whole became fearful, worried about this new supervirus infecting and killing young people. It came to be known as AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Today, 30 years after the fear of this new plague first started spreading, AIDS shows no signs of stopping. Every 9.5 minutes, someone in North America is infected with HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS, according to 2008 finding from the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/ AIDS (UNAIDS). The disease has killed more than 30 million people since 1981 and there are now 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS. But abstract statistics are just that: abstract. They do not give the human aspect of HIV/AIDS, which is why it’s so easy to write off this disease as something that happens to other people. “AIDS continues to tear apart families and commu-

EMERGE MAGAZINE

nities,” says Peter Piot of the Geneva-based International AIDS Society, creating “15 million orphans and robbing countries of their future.” What’s more, HIV/AIDS has been --and remains--a disease that infects young people. People under 25 account for half of all new HIV infections worldwide. In addition, UNAIDS data show that approximately 6,000 people in this demographic contract HIV every day, and that, if nothing changes, millions more are going to get infected and die of HIV/AIDS in the years to come. Why aren’t young people scared? Experts blame this on a combination of factors. AIDS has been around for the better part of people’s lives, so it has become easy to forget or push aside the prevalent risk. In North America, according to the Centers for Disease Control, only 40 per cent of young adults have accurate knowledge of HIV/AIDS. In a world inundated by media, one might think that information on HIV/AIDS should be easy to gather. But it’s not. Young people prefer their information to be fast, easy and entertaining. Most of what they know, they get from their friends, The result: an entire group of people

at risk who don’t know about this issue, which exacerbates the risk to everyone else. More than anything else, HIV/AIDS activists say, this age group needs open access to relevant HIV information. When young people see that HIV is stigmatized, they are less likely to educate themselves about prevention, get tested or seek treatment, says Reshma Pattni, program director for the Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS. “Governments are making cuts for economic reasons,” says Pattni, adding that “ensuring access to prevention, treatment, care and support services is

important for a healthy young work force.” That said, getting funds for HIV education is a battle. In many coiuntries, lawmakers resist allocating funding to programs that educate young people about sexually-transmitted infections, Even when they don’t , the money can end up spent on ineffective programs. The only way to make a dent in the HIV epidemic, according to the Global Network of Sex Work Projects in Edinburgh, is to invest in youth programs that have been shown to be accessible and effective. This

“needs to be more thought out,” one project member says, “so it can. reach the people and organizations that are trying to reach youth.” Other researchers agree. “Programs to protect young people from HIV must use combination prevention approaches that are friendly to young people,” states a new UNAIDS document. “Programs for young people must promote comprehensive services that include knowledge about HIV, sexuality education, access to sexual and reproductive health services and discussion on harmful sexual norms and practices” In addition, a number of international organizations-including the Global Network of People Living with AIDS, the HIV Young Leaders Fund, the Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS and Y-Peer--have all ramped up efforts to help people under 25 overcome their own and society’s stigma and aversion to talking socially about HIV/AIDS. Workers in these agencies believe that with the help of social media and outreach in key at-risk communities, they will reach thousands of youth. They hope to stop the spread of this disease. But they will only succeed if everybody under 25 takes a stand--and a test. SPRING 2011

THINK

THE NEW F WORD Stephanie Butler

here’s a new “f word” and it has more than four letters and doesn’t rhyme with duck. Feminism. When I was a kid growing up in the 90s, being interested in feminism wasn’t just cool – it was the norm for girls. Perhaps there was some leftover energy from the punk “riot grrl” movement or maybe it was the influence of the Spice Girls, but every girl I knew, from ages five to 15, was declaring that girls were just as good as boys and calling herself a feminist. “Girl power” indeed. A few years later, when I was in my early teens, my aunt, wanting to give me an inspirational book for Christmas, bought me a copy of Rebel, Rogue, Mischievous Babe: Stories About Being a Powerful Girl. The book features stories written by teenage girls from across Canada on topics ranging from body image to student jobs to sexuality to diversity. Thanks to my aunt, Rebel, Rogue, Mischievous Babe became the book I read at night under cover of a sheet, flashlight firmly in hand. Through the stories of young women not much older than I was, I learned a woman could be smart and independent as well as beautiful. It was okay to want a career and a boyfriend (or girlfriend). That a girl can do anything a boy can do. And then, somewhere down the line, feminism dropped off my activist radar. I began to identify myself in new ways: as a student, an herbivore, an environmentalist, a supporter of LGBT rights. Feminism felt like an old issue – something my grandmother and aunts had championed in the 60s and 70s. The battles to vote, to gain access to the workforce and to education, to control our own bodies – these battles had already been fought, and won, by generations of women who’d come before me. With the ice caps making a dramatic exit, and earthquakes rocking nations into poverty, feminism didn’t seem like such a big deal anymore. Until one of my professors, after having heard me wax eloquent on the evils of factory farming and the dubiousness of California’s Proposition 8, asked if I was a feminist and I almost said “no.” Feminists were stern, manhating, angry women. The picture I had in my head of a feminist had gone so far astray of my adolescent notions of feminism. With such a distorted perception of feminism, no wonder I was loath to call myself “one of them.” The opening scenes of CBC’s 2011 documentary “The F Word: Who Wants to be a Feminist” show clips of young women who, like me, hesitated to declare their allegiance to the pro-womyn camp. In an interview on The Hour, F Word director Michael Mc58

THINK

Namara remarked that he found there were “a lot of young women who are reluctant to recognize that they’re standing on the shoulders of giants.” Estimates on how many young Western women consider themselves feminists range from 15 to 30 per cent. To flip this around, at least 70 per cent of young North American women shy away from the feminist label. Are these women all closeted patriarchy enthusiasts? In my experience, most women believe in gender equality – that women should have the same opportunities as men, should occupy positions of political and economic power and should enjoy the same basic freedoms as men. These are all aims of the feminist movement, and yet the feminist label serves to deter young women. Despite being popularly denounced by so many young women, there is still a strong feminist movement at work. Browse through a magazine shop and titles like Bitch, Ms. and Herizons have staked out shelf space and a dedicated readership. This past Christmas, I signed my six year old sister up for a two-year subscription to Shameless, a Toronto-based feminist magazine for young women. Initially, she grimaced and made fun of the magazine’s cover stories – which included a piece for trans women on how to bind your breasts. Hours later, I found her in her room, magazine spread belly up on her pillow, absorbed by its contents. The feminist movement still has ground to cover – in Canada, the double X chromosome crowd occupies a mere 21 per cent of the seats in Parliament, an estimated 11 per cent of corporate boardroom seats and earns about 20 per cent less for the same job than their male counterparts. On an international scale, women have a one per cent share of the global economy, yet make up 51 per cent of the population. Women can’t take on these challenges alone. In an International Women’s Day event I recently attended, Judy Rebick, former president of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women, said “the past 100 years have been about changing women, making them stronger. In the next century, we need to change men.” E

EMERGE MAGAZINE

LOVE LOVE

SPRING 2011

LOVE STRONGER BONDS LAST PAST GRADUATION Maintaining friendships after university Olena Protsiv

t’s the week before university is about to begin and the move in to residence is complete. Your nerves are all on edge and you don’t know what to make of the new scary life that is about to begin. There’s a knock at the door and you walk over to answer it. The door opens and you stare at a tall girl with brown hair. She will be your roommate for the next year. Only time will tell whether you will remain only roommates or become the best of friends. Fast-forward five years later and you are the best of friends, graduated from school and beginning lives as adults. The last few years both of you have shared moments where you screamed in joy or frustration, hearts were broken but healed with help from each other, and memories that would last forever were created. They say that the friends that you make in college will be your friends forever. They know your darkest secrets, they know what to say to make it better and move on in life after a hard time. However, there are also those who do not balance life and work as well. What ends up happening is the connection is lost in the craziness and friends lose contact with each other or there is a big fight, which ends the relationship right away. So what does it take to sustain a long-term friendship? Best friends Laura Brown and Maren Campbell have known each other since 2007, when they met at George Brown and were taking the Early Childhood Assistant program. Campbell lives in the North York area while Brown lives in Mississauga, and yet their friendship has gotten stronger overtime. “We just started talking and that is where it all began. We had maybe all our classes together so I constantly saw her,” says Brown, looking back to when she first met Campbell. Due to their closeness, the girls were able to find out things that they didn’t know about each other. “We both had challenges with the classes at George Brown so we went to tutoring together. We would also 60

LOVE

hang out after classes at the pub and at the Eaton Centre,” says Campbell. After George Brown, Campbell went to Centennial College to finish her ECA and that is where she obtained a job at her placement of four months at the Richmond/Adelaide Childcare Centre. “I worked there for two years and then I had to quit. I had some problems with the staff and parents. While this was happening, Laura helped me get through it. We also helped each other when we had boyfriend or dating problems,” says Campbell.

Friendships are more likely to survive if there is room to grow and learn about the other person so the relationship stays fresh. “We never had any fights. Now that I think about it, she’s the only person I’ve never had a fight with,” says Brown when talking about drama. Fights and challenges can test a friendship to see how strong a bond two people have. Stress from school, work and personal lives can mean a fight or argument over the smallest things can easily cause the best of friends to become enemies. Friendships are more likely to survive if there is room to grow and learn about the other person so the relationship stays fresh. “We both love children and Maren can use sign language, which is a bonus. We have this in common and

this has made our bond stronger,” says Brown. Campbell says, “It’s funny we don’t live in the same city, but we do see each other often. We meet at the Eaton centre, and I also go to Square One. Laura and I will text each other every other day. We talk on Facebook; we call each other, but not that often. Mostly text.” There are 16 distinct personality types in the current most widely accepted personality type model. Personalities such as INFP (the idealists), ESTP (the doers), and ISTJ (duty fulfillers) among the other ones out there, help people determine what kind of relationships they are likely to have with co-workers, friends, family and significant others. They also help one in choosing the best possible area of work they are interested in and what kind of health they will have. BSM Consulting created a personality questionnaire back in 1998 to show people what kind of personality they have. They tested the four letter personality type on more than 100,000 people and came back with positive results, before publishing the questionnaire and making it available to the public. To get a perspective on different personalities and to see why some make it and others don’t, it is good to get an opinion from someone in the psychology field. Psychology student, Natasha Khan at York University has learned and knows about different personalities. Khan says that because first year students are in a new environment, “They make friends to fit into that environment. Then as they adapt to it, they select a few friends to keep the stronger bond for the rest of their life.” When it comes to personalities, they can either be a perfect fit, normal fit, or a personality that makes one be on the outside just trying to fit in. If someone is outgoing and has a lot of friends and the other friend is the complete opposite, they will need to adjust their personalities so that either one doesn’t feel left out. Khan says people are likely to make friends if they are outgoing but, “sometimes an extrovert can change

EMERGE MAGAZINE

Personality Traits to Watch For INFP (Introverted Intuitive Feeling)

the person with an introvert personality. Also, having mature friends can change the way you think and your perspective towards life.” Julie Perreault, a Media Foundations graduate from Humber College, says unlike Brown and Campbell, she is no longer as close to her best friend Jenelle, as she was when they first met. She says she remembers her first day of her program like it was yesterday. “I kind of just went into class and thought, where am I going to sit? I decided to sit in the back next to a girl that was already sitting in the back. I really liked her hair and commented on it, and that is how we started talking,” says Perreault.

spite losing contact for a while, they ended up becoming friends again. “If I had a get together I invited her. She would always have to take a bus and it was a hassle because she lived in Hamilton,” says Perreault. “One day she just said out of the blue, maybe it would be better if we just drifted apart. It’s sad knowing that way back when, we were inseparable.” Perreault’s introvert personality is another factor as to why they are no longer as close as they used to be. She says that she has other friends that are more like her, quiet and shy and they get along fine. Friendships are hard work and need to be maintained like anything else. If one slacks off and doesn’t

Personalities help people determine what kind of relationships they are likely to have with co-workers, friends, family and significant others. Jenelle and Julie had opposite personalities and as the saying goes, opposites do attract. “She was a lot more outgoing than me. She pushed me into the outgoing scene; I’m quiet and keep to myself. She made me a bit more outgoing. We had the same interests and the same values in a way,” says Perreault. Perreault remembers the fight that broke up their relationship. “We got into a fight over something stupid and small. When you get in a fight, you say things that you don’t really mean because you are mad. We both said hurtful things to each other. It affected our relationship afterwards,” says Perreault. After the fight, de-

hang out with a friend or treats them badly there will be repercussions and the strength of the friendship will be tested. A close bond friendship is something that is to be treasured and never taken for granted. In this world it is hard to find a genuine individual who will treat you with respect, trust and be someone that you can share your hardships and secrets without having to give them something back. Find out what your personality is - there is tons of literature available to help you. Once you know your personality type, it will be easier to understand what personality traits you should encourage or change to become a better person to both yourself and those around you. E

Persons with INFP personalities are typically quiet, reflective, and idealistic. People with this personality exhibit a welldeveloped value system.They are loyal, adaptable and laid back. Additionally, persons with this personality are intelligent and optimistic and show a genuine interest in humanitarianism. ESTP (Extroverted Sensing Thinking Preceiving) Persons with ESTP personalities are generally risk takers - “doers” who live fast-paced lifestyles. They do not fare well with rules and/or laws but are loyal to their peers. People with this personality possess great people skills. ISTJ (Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging) Persons with ISTJ personalities are generally serious and quiet, resposible and dependable. They are additionally well-organized, hard-working individuals who are interested in supporting traditions and establishments. Individuals with this personality type possess a great level of concentration.

SPRING 2011

LOVE

DON’T SACRIFICE SELF FOR THE S Losing yourself in a relationship Mariama Barrie

ave you noticed changes since the first month or two of your relationship? Maybe your circle of friends has decreased to a circle of distant acquaintances? Do you still make time for the things you enjoy doing? Have you noticed that your happiness depends on your partner’s mood most of the time? Do you spend all of your free time with your partner? Could you be losing yourself in your relationship? Saraynia Tharmathevarajah, 23, noticed changes in her behaviour early in her relationship. She admits to spending less time with her friends and completely dropping most of her male associates.She went out less frequently to focus on her relationship. Tharmathevarajah explains she made many sacrifices for the sake of her relationship. In other words, putting a majority of who she is, what she does and what she enjoys on the back burner. The balance between commitment to a relationship and commitment to yourself can be difficult to find. While some people are completely content with being entirely immerged in their relationship even at the cost of losing their identity, others prefer to maintain their individuality. Many people run the risk of putting an overwhelming amount of energy into their relationship and very little towards their goals, hobbies and interests. Losing yourself while in a relationship can become detrimental, hindering the relationship’s longevity and your well-being. This can happen to anyone regardless of age or gen-

der. It is important to identify the symptoms before you lose yourself completely. Recognize the changes in behaviour and attitude and avoid them in your relationship. Relationship counsellors have assessed many cases ranging from minor to extreme. They share their knowledge to help you be with your partner while maintaining your true self. Relationship counsellor Lainie Magidsohn explains individuals who don’t spend any time going out into the world, learning, growing, enriching themselves and becoming a sole happy individual, have nothing to bring back to the relationship. The excitement every relationship experiences at the beginning will eventually settle down, stressing that both partners need other things to nurture and energize themselves and the relationship. “The person you fell in love with all of a sudden is very boring if all you do is spend time together,” says Magidsohn. “Eventually you end up sitting on the couch watching a lot of TV. There’s nothing else coming in and enriching yourself and the relationship. Joan Crabtree, a psychotherapist, explains boredom

Love is required but it's not enough to nurture a relationiship.

LOVE

EMERGE MAGAZINE

SAKE OF LOVE

Everyone needs some time alone outside of the influence of others. It is when you're alone you reclaim parts of yourself, creative ideas and thoughts.

is an obvious outcome. Boredom can lead to infidelity. Some individuals will become only interested in their partner’s life. In this case, the individual loses grip on their own life. “Allow yourself to have the space to be yourself, and allow your partner to do the same,” says Beverly Engle, author of Loving Him Without Losing You. She explains each partner rightfully needs space in order to maintain their individuality. She states sometimes people feel lonesome when their partner is occupied with other matters. Engle stresses changes are normal and are expected in intimate relationships. In fact, the ability to compromise is a requirement. However, that process shouldn’t interfere dramatically with one’s individuality. Love is important but it’s not enough to nurture a relationship. According to Magidsohn, a healthy relationship is one in which both individuals are responsible for themselves and have done some of their own internal work. Both partners take care of their individual needs and are respectful to one another and the differences between them. “I think we have [a] misperception that because we love each other, everything will be fine and we can get through it. The reality is, love is required, but it’s not enough,” says Magidsohn. “You also have to have your

own strengths and respect for one another, and strategies for how you work through difficult times and challenges in your relationship and your own life.” Crabtree lists some of the risks that are associated with losing yourself to your relationship. Some of the risks include: depression, self criticism and self doubt, in-security, mood disorders, eating disorders, and addictions of every kind. “Whenever one person from any age group or any gender [becomes] part of a group as small as two or made up of millions that person, just by being a part of that group loses part of their individuality,” says Crabtree. “Everyone needs some time alone outside of the influence of others... It is when you’re alone you reclaim parts of yourself, creative ideas and thoughts.” Erika Larcheveque, 21, prides herself in being able to maintain her vegetarian diet while living with her recently engaged fiancé. (see p.62) “Dave would come home for the weekend and there will be no meat in the fridge and I’ll tease him by suggesting salad for dinner,” laughs Larcheveque. “And he would be quick to drive to the grocery store and stock up on some meat.” The challenges are clearly presented to both partners, but they effectively maintain a healthy relationship while staying true to themselves. The couple have successfully tolerated one another for three years and are looking forward to a happy life together. They advise couples to be transparent with each other and communicate about all matters, big or small. E

SPRING 2011

LOVE

Wedding Story LOVE & MARRIAGE AFTER UNIVERSITY Melissa Doyle Photos by Marianna Riossi

rika Larcheveque, a fourth-year public relations student at the University of Guelph-Humber, got engaged last January. Because she is nearly finished school, she and her financé have decided to pay for the wedding themselves. “My mom is buying my dress,” she says, but otherwise, “we are not really getting that much help.” This strikes Larcheveque as a reasonable trade-off, because her parents have done their share by supporting her through university. “They paid for a lot so far,” she says. Now that she’s getting married, it’s her turn. The process of planning a wedding in your early 20’s is an enormous task. Some might say it’s a full-time job, all by itself. Not that some parts aren’t fun. The bar, the food, the best man’s speech and the honeymoon can all be worth the trip to the altar. But no matter how perfect the event, walking down the aisle so soon after walking across the stage on which you get your degree raises the inescapable question of how you pay for it all. Larcheveque is the perfect example. She and her fiancé, Dave Malins, have been dating since they met at a Newmarket. Ont., house party in the summer of 2007. Larcheveque, who is from the East coast, was about to turn 19; Malins, who grew up in Newmarket, was a year older. While she

LOVE

EMERGE MAGAZINE

enrolled in media studies, he enlisted in the army. Malins was stationed first in the eastern Ontario town of Petawawa, before being sent to Fort Irwin, Calif., for training, and then, in May, 2010, to Afghanistan. Why get married now? After three and a half years together—and many months apart—the time seemed right when Larcheveque and Malins went on vacation this past January. “We didn’t have the that time together to talk about it,” she now says, “but I had a good feeling.” They travelled to the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. At the end of their first full day at the resort, the couple went down to the beach to watch the sunset. What happened next is one of those stories they will tell their grandchildren. The sun went down and she wanted to leave to dress for dinner – he wanted to stay. Then some swimmer dislocated his arm in the surf, and Malins kept insisting that they remain on the beach until the commotion settled down. “So there we were waiting on the beach,” said Larcheveque, wondering what they were doing. Suddenly, she says, it dawned on her what was happening. “Then I kind of knew,” she says. “And he finally proposed.”

While some people might think of the couple as being too young for this kind of commitment, Larcheveque says that all the time away from each other makes it feel as if they have been waiting long enough. “You don’t want to wait for years,” she says. On top of that, she explains, marrying young is part of the military culture. All of her husband’s friends are either engaged or married. This makes sense, given the uncertain nature of military life: if young soldiers fall in love, they want to be with their loved ones, even if they are transferred to another province. This requires a greater level of commitment than is common in civilian life. “They have to be serious,” Larcheveque says. “They ask [their girlfriends] to marry them.” Finding the love of one’s life is one thing; but these days, when you are still in your early 20s, finding the cash to pay for a wedding is something else. Larcheveque had attended wedding shows with friends, and had kept a scrapbook with ideas she could use when it came time to plan her own marriage: cake (marzipan) and colour schemes (“We want either gold and white, or black and white, depending on whether it’s a mod-

ern place or not,” she says) but quickly found that her dreams conflicted with financial reality. Larcheveque planned carefully, starting with a list of 75 family and friends and then calculating what she and Malins might afford. She was quickly shocked by what even a modest wedding in southern Ontario would cost. “It is so ridiculous,” she says. The cost of food, alcohol and a venue—even if it isn’t an open bar—at a Niagara-region vineyard adds up to as much as many recent university graduates can hope to earn in a year. “We calculated that if we went super-cheap, it would be $30,000.” A generation ago, a bride’s parents might be expected to pay for her wedding, but this is no longer true for most people in their 20s—and it’s certainly not the case for Larcheveque and Malins. In their view, their parents have done enough. “It’s not like the old days when they paid for your wedding,” she says. “They helped me through school,” paying her living costs and even, at one point when she needed it, buying her a car.

SPRING 2011

LOVE She says that her parents’ position is that both Larcheveque and Malins are educated and employed— or going to be—and so they are old enough to pay for their wedding themselves. “They will help out in some ways”—like buying the dress—but parents are not about to spring for the $30,000 dream wedding Larcheveque desires. What, then, is a 20s-something bride to do? The answer, according to Larcheveque and a couple of seasoned wedding planners, is to do research into all of the available options. Shop around. Be practical and realistic. Make a budget. And in the end, once you know what you want and can afford, you should not be afraid to get a bit creative when it comes to sources of financing.

LOVE

Based on her own life experiences—as someone who got married at 25, and who, like Larcheveque, started up a household from scratch after a threeyear and sometimes long-distance relationship—Justicia Ferrer, a bridal registry consultant at The Bay, suggests that people in similar circumstances make sure they organize not just the wedding, but the actual marriage. Young couples should spend time deciding exactly what they need to set up a household together, she says. Many couples that come into the store tend to think that they need to register for wedding presents, Ferrer says, but waste precious time and money because they do not necessarily know precisely what they want to register for. There is, moreover, a difference between couple

who marry in their earlier, versus their later, 20s. “The younger a couple is, the more of a chance that the parents are paying,” says Jenie Vicente, a certified wedding planner. Whereas Larcheveque and Malins actually fit her idea of a slightly older couple—the kind that is paying their own way and looks for ways in which they can have the wedding they want, while sticking to their budget. There are, she says, all sorts of ways in which careful planners can make ends meet. “I once had a couple who decided that it wasn’t manageable to have chair covers, because it just cost too much,” Vicente says. What’s more, Vicente adds, some young couples have been known to raise extra wedding money by padding the bills that wealthier relatives offer to cover—such as the stag, shower or the wedding. “ One couple made $500 on the stag alone,” she confides. It’s unlikely Larcheveque and Malins would stoop to those lows. But they have discovered some other, more reputable ways in which to fund their dream wedding. After doing more research, they realized that it would actually be much cheaper to be married out of the country. “If we went to St. Lucia for three weeks and had the biggest wedding package they offer, it would only be $13,000 for a really nice resort,” Larcheveque says. On one hand, moving the event to Caribbean will help share the expenses, by asking friends and family who can afford a trip to St. Lucia to foot part of the bill, by making a trip that will cut down on the basic wedding costs. The only drawback is that some of their friends—who are, after all, in the same financial situation as they are—might not be able to attend. “That’s the only struggle, when you are trying to plan a wedding when your friends are young,” Larcheveque says. “They want to come with you.” Unfortunately, this solution presents another dilemma. “You can’t afford to have it here, but they can’t afford it if you have it somewhere else.” Yet even though getting married on the island where they got engaged is supremely romantic, it also appears to be the most practical solution. “At the end of the day, you can only do what you can afford to do,” Larcheveque says. “But even if we do go there, everyone important will still come, so that’s all that matters. As long as your best friends and your immediate family are there, nothing else really matters.” E

EMERGE MAGAZINE

ONLINE DATING Finding love in all the right virtual places

Erin Kann

elcome to the world of online dating; that ever-growing network of strangers who are surfing through the virtual world, searching for a piece that fits. Young people in their twenties are moving to online dating sites in growing numbers. What happened to meeting people organically: on the bus, on the streetcar, in line – by accident? We were always taught as children not to talk to strangers. Why start taking these risks as adults? A friend of mine announced he started dating online and was met with laughter and chiding for, at the age of 21, opening up an online account.

Though the virtual dating community is large and verging on the mainstream, users are willing to lie about it. I turned my nose up at the thought of venturing online, irked by the thought someone I know might recognize me. Another friend of mine stood her ground and swore her cousin met a really great boyfriend online. She insisted virtual dating was nothing to be ashamed of, as it is often cast into being. “Anybody that passes your account and makes fun

of you, well they’re the back sheep. They’re dating online too,” my girl friend said. Intrigued, I went home that night and checked out the same free site my guy friend was on, called Plentyoffish.com (POF). I put up a simple, evasive profile description and a few pictures of myself. Appropriately, I set my username as x0blacksheep. SPRING 2011

LOVE POF is an online dating site and claims to be the largest of all free dating sites combined. At any given time, there could be 80,000 members online, usually over 100,000. Kate Bilenki, “Director of Love” at POF, says they have definitely seen an increase in younger generations dating online over the past two years. “Online dating is becoming more and more mainstream, and the stigma associated with it has virtually disappeared,” says Bilenki. Though the virtual dating community is large and becoming popular, users are willing to lie about it. I used the excuse I was writing an article. Others wrote in their headlines, “Willing to lie about how we met.” Dating online felt like a cold, aloof job interview. There is an element of online dating that feels—well, unnatural. First, it struck me that the rumours are true. There are many less-than-classy people online. I was routinely approached by men in their late 30s, 40s and one at the tender age of 52, many of which were looking to have a discrete affair. One suitor said he was willing to be “very generou$” for my time. Upon enrolling, the first message I received was from POF’s creator Markus, who bestowed the secret of successful dating: “The more effort you put into finding someone, the more likely you are to find someone.” On POF, users are offered matches that are generated based on a personality test that is filled out when opening an account. Also, how much money per year a user makes; which is kept confidential but is used for the matching process. According to Markus’ welcome email, it takes on average about seven dates with different people before finding the right one. I went on about seven dates with the same guy, rationalizing that I’d dated about six other guys in real-time before online dating, so I should get it right on the first try. During my five-month online dating experiment, I went out with one man from my hometown whom I promptly ruled out as being ‘the right one.’ A few weeks later, I went out with another suitor. We ended up hitting it off over a shared plate of nachos at the bar and a movie and I found myself in a relationship that

LOVE

was fun, interesting, and over as quickly as it began. Our relationship ended for reasons I cannot blame solely on the fact that I found him online. One can find a guy with no education and no motivation at a bar, as well. In fact, the bar is likely the best place to find a gentleman like that. Though, curious to overturn the verdict on online dating, I stuck with it and dug a little deeper. Is it really that bad? Socializing online is not something new. There are plenty of chat rooms and gaming sites that are founded on strangers meeting for a common interest. The gaming console, Xbox Live finds its success in strangers vitrtually socializing. Ryerson University student Aaron Risen said he’s thought about dating online, but can’t bring himself to try it.

When people hear a friend is dating online they immeditely roll out a red carpet of cautionary advice. “It’s sort of like saying, ‘I’ve given up on my social skills and I’m looking for someone else who has too.’ I mean, frankly I don’t oppose the idea, but I really don’t want to be made fun of about it. And really, I’d make fun of one of my friends for doing it,” he said. Risen said the aspect that makes dating online different from other forms of virtual relationships is that it doesn’t stay virtual. Rebeckah Goldberg, a 21-year-old former Humber College student, started dating online after not being able to find a decent relationship “in real life,” as she put it. She spent about a year online, trying out different free sites – including POF – all to no avail. “I probably went on about ten dates throughout

my time online. I went out with one of them for more than three dates. There was just no connection with the guys I met up with,” she said, affirmatively adding, “It sucked.” Goldberg agrees there is a stigma automatically associated with online dating. When people hear a friend is dating online they immediately roll out a red carpet of cautionary advice, Goldberg said. “People just assume that ‘online’ means ‘dangerous’,” she said, calling online dating a faux-pas in dating culture. “It’s still frowned upon… Our parents didn’t have the internet, so their views are passed down to us, that you can’t meet people online, they are no good,” Goldberg says. Although I did not find ‘the right one’ online, Goldberg did. She signed up for JDate, a paid, jewish dating site and tried her hand again. “My mom and grandma forced me on to JDate, my boyfriend’s mom and grandmother also forced him on, and we just ... met,” she said. Almost instantly in their first offline meeting, Rebeckah and Paul, a 24year old student at Humber, hit it off. “When he picked me up, he walked up to the door holding a video game I had been searching for. That sold me right away.” It was his second day on JDate when he met Goldberg. “My view of the sites is still about the same,” she said. “I am still wary about telling people too much but now I am more likely to recommend someone to a dating site.” Though she wound up happy, she warned users to be cautious. She agreed that online dating could attract less-than-desireable suitors. “You never really know who you are meeting,” Goldberg said. “Anyone can make an account, they can write whatever they want... so you have to be really careful giving out information, because you really don’t know who you are talking to until you meet them.” When asked how her boyfriend compared to his online profile, Goldberg smiled and said, “He was pretty much the same in person.” Goldberg said if she could go back and do it again, she would most likely date online. E

EMERGE MAGAZINE

PLAY PLAY

SPRING 2011

PLAY

THE UKULELE

FUN TO PLAY, EASY TO LEARN Story and photos Sarah Doktor

PLAY

EMERGE MAGAZINE

an you imagine 80 tubas in one room? 80 pianos? The idea seems ridiculous. But 80 Ukulele players fit nicely and harmoniously into the small back room of The Dominion, a quaint pub on Queen St. East. 80 people of differing age, ethnicity, gender and financial status slowly tune their miniature, guitar-like, four-string instruments. The room is humming with energy. The musicians exchange pleasantries and small talk with those sitting close by; most are friends, or will be soon. “DAY-OH!” shouts Steve McNie, borrowing the line made famous by Harry Belafonte. The hum of chatter is broken and everyone snaps to attention. Tonight is Island Nite at the Corktown Jam, a night created by Steve McNie and his band mate David Newland. McNie and Newland set out to find 40 or so other ukulele players who would want to participate in a jam night once a week. Two years later they are 850 members strong, with a weekly attendance of 80 to 100. “I was absolutely unaware of this ukulele boom,” says McNie. He says that Corktown is right in the midst of the surge in popularity of the ukulele. They didn’t create the night because it was popular, but rather the night has had great success because of the ukulele’s renewed popularity. McNie calls it “Uke 3.0”, the third wave of the ukulele. McNie notes that there is a “massive diversity in our group.” Ukulele players have different musical experiences, styles, age, ethnicity, gender, jobs, and different people like different things. This is why they split the jam night into three parts: a workshop, open mic session and group jam. In doing this, Steve hopes there will be something for everyone. The Corktown Jam starts with an hour long workshop in The Dominion’s back room. Ukulele players cram into the small room which has a cherry wood bar on one side and a raised seating area with blue velvet bench seats on the other. Chairs are arranged to face a screen that projects the music the group will be playing. McNie leads the group. Standing in front of the screen, he goes over the notes and strumming pat-

terns. Everyone slowly joins in, playing “Day-Oh (The Banana Boat Song)”. The workshops help the ukulele players learn new songs in a unique atmosphere. “Everyone is learning all the time,” says McNie. He goes over finger positions, cord transitions and helps to harmonize the song. The group goes over three new songs before they break to grab a drink, some food and regroup in the front room in front of the stage. During the break there are three twenty-something women sitting in the corner. Two years ago, Alison Chown and Talia Greenberg saw a man playing a ukulele while traveling in Costa Rica.When they came back to Canada they decided to take up the instrument and had hoped to have ukulele singalongs in parks, but needed a way to get started. Greenberg had been going to The Dominion on Tuesdays with her boyfriend at the time, one day shy of the event. They stumbled across the jam after heading to the bar on a Wednesday night and knew they had to join. They brought along their friend, Robin Eley who had been in a ukulele club in elementary school. They started with Uke 101, the three hour workshop for beginners and transitioned into the Corktown Jam. The group says they also use the internet to learn, so why do they keep coming back to Corktown? Chown says she likes the atmosphere, “Everyone is really excited about doing something so obscure, it’s charming...quirky.” Jay, a Corktown regular, warms up the audience before the open mic session begins, talking about the instrument and joking about how he was the closest person to ‘island’ that Steve knew (his father is from Trinidad). Jay introduces the open mic performers; the opportunity to perform is in such high demand players are asked to sign up online in advance. The crowd is welcoming, cheering and applauding the performers. McNie encourages that anyone can play the ukulele. He says that after the three hour

workshop in Uke 101 everyone can join the Corktown Jam with confidence. “The beauty of the uke is it’s really easy to become good friends with,” says McNie. “You can start playing the uke in a meaningful way in a really short amount of time.” Denise Bacon took up the ukulele just before Christmas after being recommended by a friend. She says that because the ukulele only has four strings it is an easy instrument to learn for all walks of life. After being to the Corktown Jam only four times she says she is, “totally hooked.” To sign up for the Corktown Jam or Uke 101 visit www.torontoukes.com.

SPRING 2011

IPAD 2

TECH REVIEW

TABLET WARS Ankur Taxali

Heard about the iPad? Of course you have. But have you heard about the Xoom (Motorola), the Galaxy Tab (Samsung) or the TouchPad (HP/Palm). They are small computers that weight about the same as a paperback novel. Tablets are really good at doing certain things (like checking email or paying your bills), but not good at others, like writing a long novel or essay. A showroom full of companies, including LG, Apple, RIM and HP, are all eagerly anticipating the next hottest gadget trend by launching one of their own: the first truly portable, personal personal computer.

PLAY

XOOM

The iPad has largely lived up to the hype. The second version looks to continue the trend of being the biggest selling tablet ever. Now, Apple is hoping iLife, the creative software suite that includes Garageband and iMovie, can win over more iPad holdouts.

Motorola has made their intentions to make a splash in the tablet universe clear. Partnering with Google, and choosing a Tegra 2 CPU, is a very good start. Motorola has partnered with Verizon and will eventually have the tablet work with 4G signals. Motorola claims users will be able to enjoy much higher download speeds, and therefore are likely to use the device more often.

$499 and up

$599 and up

iMove and Garageband, previously available only on the Mac, are now even stronger and more powerful on the iPad 2. Apple is banking on these applications to push the limits of application on tablets.

Not only have Moto stuck a beautiful plasma-like display in there, but they’ve designed it to confirm perfectly to a 16:9 ratio, so movies can fill the entirety of the device and makes them feel bigger. (Also: brand new maps application with vector-drawn, 3D maps.)

If you don’t like iTunes, you’re out of luck. While the iPad does replace a lot of the functions of a laptop, like reading an email or surfing the web, you still need a computer to actually use it. (why do you still need a computer? Explain this) Be prepared to download iTunes.

At $599, you’re paying a hundred dollars more than what an iPad costs (and some people think even that’s too much). Most consumers would not turn down an Apple product, especially if it is cheaper and more widely available. Moto needs to offer a more competitive price.

EMERGE MAGAZINE

TOUCHPAD

GALAXY TAB 10.1

PLAYBOOK

Palm’s WebOS based tablet was rumoured for months. It was finally announced earlier this year, and Palm is hoping to get it into customers’ hands this summer, though no date has been announced. Users can expect a bright screen that looks like an iPad’s, a scaled-up version of WebOS made specifically for tablets, and compatibility with HP printers and mobile devices.

Sporting a Tegra 2 processor, a ridiculous screen resolution, and a bright 10.1 inch display, and Honeycomb, Google’s next-generation Android operating system, this device has the ‘guts’ to compete. It’s also chock full of Google services, including Google Maps and Google Video Chat. (Yup, it’s got a front-facing camera).

There is no doubt the PlayBook is going to make a dent in the tablet space. Although it has a small screen, it is a capable device: it is able to browse the web and run flash content, run native apps, as well as apps made for Adobe Air and Android. If it seems a bit confusing, it is: RIM seems to have their bases covered, but they may be giving their customers too much, too soon, and clouting the end-user experience.

Price to be announced

$499 and up

The size is what counts. In the tablet world, it seems that bigger is better. Palm had decided to go for a big, 10” screen, and this will make reading and watching movies easier and more fun.

The Galaxy Tab features Google’s Android “Honeycomb”, the edition that Google built just for tablets. The Galaxy Tab also has a strong 8 magapixel camera and flash combo, something you don’t often enough on mobile devices, and will allow users to take highter quality pictures.

The PlayBook runs flash content, and also supports HTML 5 and offers fast rendering speeds thanks to a dual-core operating system.

There is no way around it: there are no great apps for WebOS, at least anything to the caliber of Garageband or iMovie.

Early adapters of the Galaxy Tab will have to make do without a lot of big screen apps.

The PlayBook is half the size of an iPad, and that’s bad for watching movies or television on. RIM also doesn’t have a very big developer base pushing out native PlayBook apps, and users will have to rely on Adobe or Android apps for now.

SPRING 2011

PLAY

CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK Story and photos by Tyler Munro

PLAY

EMERGE MAGAZINE

lot of fuss was made when Arcade Fire won a Grammy. Mere minutes after the eight-piece Montreal band won Album of the Year for The Suburbs, Kanye West tweeted: “There is hope!!! I feel like we all won when something like this happens!” Spin magazine’s editor-in-chief told MTV that ‘it seemed to me like music may be trending toward more indie-minded rock music”, and, in the same interview, Brooklyn Vegan’s “Dave” said that the “Grammys aren’t supposed to go to ‘indie’ bands, but for once the Grammys were rigged in our favour”— presumably referring to the fact that Arcade Fire lost in the other two, non-televised categories in which they were nominated. So my question is: was this a victory for independent music? Further evidence that Montreal is quickly becoming a powerhouse in the music industry? Or was it a joke—as some Grammy watchers claimed—that a band nobody had heard of beat out big names like Lady Gaga and Eminem? What about all three? Not long ago, the Atlantic Monthly published a report that highlighted a cultural and geographical shift in the music industry. Written by urban theorist Richard Florida (see p.48), the article came with a chart, one that—and I apologize for this mouthful—tracked the geography of the music industry in North American cities by assigning a “location quotient” to areas with populations higher than 500,000. The chart ranked the biggest cities in the music industry. Nashville, with a location quotient of 11.2, sits on top by a considerable margin, meaning that it has a music industry three times the size of runner-up Los Angeles (3.43). But the big surprise hits with the third, fourth and fifth spots: Montreal (3.13), Toronto (2.38) and Vancouver (2.23). Three Canadian cities, including one (Vancouver) that’s really not known for music, managed to top New York City, with arguably one of the most iconic music scenes in the world. What does that mean? Clearly, Canadian music

is on the rise. At the same time, this doesn’t mean that our industry is necessarily more supportive of its indigenous artists. The Junos, the Canadian equivalent—at least in intent—of the U.S. Grammys, is hardly the same big deal, even to the nominated artists. Many have to pay their own way, even to be considered for nomination. Others say they come for the party, but go away unaware of whether they were ever nominated, and if so, what for. One thing that might shock those outside the industry’s inner circle is that it actually costs the artists money to be nominated for a Juno. These prizes have always worked on a nomination pool system. But, unfortunately, getting music into that pool is going to cost each musician anywhere $30 to $80 per entry. Artists don’t usually have to pay these fees themselves. It’s one of the benefits of having representation, either by a big firm or a big label. But many independent artists have no such backing. For example, a Toronto band called The Brothers Cosmoline was nominated for a Juno in the Best Roots/ & Traditional Album: Group category, one that rarely makes it into the award show’s T.V. coverage. It didn’t win—but ended up spending a few hundred bucks by the time the process was over. Then there’s the story of Shad, a Juno winner who beat out this year’s host Drake in the Rap Recording of the Year category, a prize given out the night before the awards at an untelevised gala. Shad came away deciding the entire event was unnecessary. “I only eat cheap pizza one or two times a week, and I’m privileged to get to purchase this pizza via work that I not

only enjoy but also find some real purpose in,” Shad wrote in the Vancouver Sun. “Moreover, every time I do my job—for example, play a show—a few hundred people clap and scream for me. Every three minutes. And I’m not even famous. Given all that,” Shad added, “I can’t help but think that maybe we musicians can do without the hardware.” Whatever they think about the Junos, you’d think musicians would care more about Canadian Music Week, the annual week-long festival of concerts, films and conferences that culminate in the Independent Music Awards. Colloquially referred to by publicists and musicians as The Indies, these awards are sponsored by AstralMedia and a long list of companies providing other products and services to the music industry. The corporate sponsorship means there is money. This year, The Indies were held, for the second year running, in Toronto’s prestigious Fairmont Royal York Hotel—which, while certainly a nice place, is hardly a hotbed of independent music and culture. Musicians come, but say that it’s mostly for the food and the friends. They seem almost oblivious to the prizes. In prepping for the fest, I interviewed Arif Mirabdolbaghi of the Whitby, Ont.-based metal band, Protest the Hero. The band was up for an Indie—but Mirabdolbaghi was surprised when I told him. Turns out, they’d been up for awards before, and were still uncertain whether they’d won. The year before, he had not been able to tell me what category they’d been nominated in. This band is not the only one. This is a pattern at CMW: musicians have to decide between having fun

SPRING 2011

PLAY

and playing shows, and paying attention to the corporate side. The bigger names rarely play the festivities. The up-and-coming acts do, but they get put into the awful, mid-morning time slots. Last year, before the official CMW schedule went out, I talked to Sandman Viper Command, a Burlington, Ont., garage band. Singer Rob Janson was excited for the opportunity to play such a huge festival. Weeks later, I saw them play—at 3:30 in the morning. This trend continued this year. Splitting time between two bands—Pkew Pkew Pkew (gunshots) and the B.B. Guns—drummer Mike Warne played seven times in fewer than four days. One night, Warne played set at Sonic Boom, a downtown record store, at 3 p.m., followed by another set at The Velvet Underground at 11 p.m., and, to close off the night, a 3 a.m. at the Silver Dollar. Three shows in 12 hours—but what good did it do them? Have you heard of this band? Probably not. The first actual show Warne played during CMW was in the Royal York’s Banff Room. Asked about what it was like, Warne says he’s glad he got the chance to share the stages, both at the Royal York and throughout the festival, with his friends. But the shows, he said, are more for “industry fat cats” than anyone else. Did Arcade Fire’s big win at the Grammys

PLAY

actually do anything to improve the lot of musicians who are not in that band, or on their label? Warne sees a change coming, but he’s not sure it’s a good one. This kind of success means that the Canadian music scene is getting over-saturated, he says. There are so many people putting their hands in the pot that it’s hard for artists to see the path in front of them. Warne thinks that the business is getting too competitive, and that “bands need to be helping each other more”. That, more than anything, could be the positive legacy from Arcade Fire’s victory. They are a community as much as a band, with at least eight core members, and many other friends popping in and out for the occasional performance. Broken Social Scene, a Toronto indie powerhouse, works the same way. In BSS, the parts are more than equal to the sum, because the band exists both as a whole and also as a unique grouping of musicians. They’ve seen success together, but many of the musicians—including vocalist Emily Haines, who has also done big things with rock band Metric, and Feist, who has won countless awards, sold tonnes of albums and even starred in an iPod commercial—have bigger careers on their own. This list goes on, but the point obvious. Ca-

nadian bands have the potential to succeed, but musicians go farther when they operate as part of a community—extending helping hands, rather than stepping on one another’s feet or spitting in the competition’s faces. Warne, for example, says he is doing his best to be this kind of musician, telling Emerge that “most of the connections we’ve made are through our friends’ bands and we try to repay them every chance we get.” If only such camaraderie extended to the scene as a whole. E

EMERGE MAGAZINE

MUSIC REVIEW Andrene Sterling The entire album is pretty much upbeat, and contains tracks like ‘I Wanna Go’, and ‘Big Fat Bass’, that would make for popular club songs. For some Femme Fatale may be a hit and miss for the fact that this isn’t your typical “pop”-sounding Spears, but for others the album will be a hit, as the songs are catchy and very upbeat. Femme Fatale may just be Spears’ well-overdue comeback album.

FEMME FATALE BRITNEY SPEARS Pop princess Britney Spears is back, with her seventh studio album entitled Femme Fatale, which is French for “deadly woman”. It has been three years since Spears last released an album, but during her absence from the music scene Femme Fatale is what she has been working on. In numerous interviews Spear’s has said that Femme Fatale is her best album yet, but whether or not that is the case, her fans will be the ones making the call. The album features 12 songs, including the first single released called ‘Hold it Against Me’. This song pales in comparison to other tracks featured on the album. ‘Till the World Ends ’, which was Spears’ second single released from Femme Fatale, gives listeners more of an idea as to what they can expect from the rest of the album. Unlike her previous albums that were pop-based, Femme Fatale is showing a new side of Spears that is significantly dance-influenced. The reason for the new sound could be related to the fact that on this album Spears worked with some new people ranging from Ke$ha, to Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas.

GIVE THE DRUMMER SOME TRAVIS BARKER Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker has released his first solo album entitled Give The Drummer Some. Regarded as one of the best drummers of all time, it came as no surprise to fans when Barker announced that he was going to come out with his own project.

Due to the fact Barker has had success not only as a member of Blink-182, but by doing drum covers to popular songs like Soulja Boy’s ‘Crank That’ and drumming for The Transplants. Give the Drummer Some was executively produced by Barker himself, but he also teamed up with some of the best producers in the business such as: The Neptunes, Swiss Beatz, and RZA to put the album together. Give the Drummer Some is what many would expect from Barker, i.e., an album that merges rock and hip hop. The album showcases Barker’s raw drumming style that his fans are used to. This is spunky and energetic, but it also shows a side that may be unfamiliar to many as he by incorporates slower tempo drum beats. The sounds heard on Give the Drummer Some can be explained as a cross between N.E.R.D and The Roots. The first single ‘Can a Drummer Get Some’ features Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and The Game, and is a song that pretty much sets the tone for the entire CD. The features that Barker has on his album are what will draw many people in, as it is a mixture of commercialized hip hop artists like Snoop Dogg, Kid Cudi and Ludacris, but the album itself is far from what one would call mainstream “commercial”, as there are a number of cameos made by hip hop pioneers like Raekwon and Cypress Hill. Barker didn’t stray too far from his rocker roots either, as former lead guitarist Slash from Guns N’ Roses also makes an appearance on ‘Can a Drummer Get Some’, but if you are buying the album with the intention of hearing songs that have more of a Blink-182 sound, you may be disappointed. Give the Drummer Some is a predominately hip hop album over top rock drum beats. People with an appreciation for real hip hop and an understanding of Barker’s style will take a liking to this album, as it is worth a listen, but it’s nothing like what you would hear from him on a traditional Blink-182 compilation. Despite having the release date pushed back six months, Give The Drummer Some was well worth the wait.

SPRING 2011

LAST WORDS

KAT VON D ON ART, LIFE, WORK & LOVE Kelly Scott

at Von D’s new book, The Tattoo Chronicles, is an open volume to her life as a tattoo artist. The stories are straight from her diary and shaped into a timeline following a year spent tattooing and pursuing other dreams. Chapters are divided into months, and each entry is dated. Some entries focus on the story behind a customer’s tattoo, while others are random thoughts and emotions Von D experienced that day. Von D’s life has taken dramatic turns from struggling to become a respected tattoo artist to being a famous reality TV star. This whirlwind of popularity was not something she hoped for. Instead, she says, it just happened. After appearing on TLC’s Miami Ink, Von D–whose original name was by different accounts either Katherine Drachenberg or von Drachenberg–was offered her own show, LA Ink, about how she starts her own tattoo shop. In the book’s introduction von D writes: “By retelling the stories and sharing some of the crazy rants that have saved me from myself in these blood books of mine, I’m hoping that those things in life and love that were the hardest for me to overcome will become a little bit more understandable for those going through similar experiences.” She has tattooed many famous people, some of whom are her closest friends. Celebrity clients include: Bam Margera (Jackass), Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Tre Cool (Green Day) and her former boyfriend, Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue). The Tattoo Chronicles was written while von D and Sixx were together. Many entries focus on the trials and tribulations of their relationship. von D writes about every “tattoo date” with Sixx, including a tattoo she did to celebrate his seventh year of sobriety. Being a recovering alcoholic herself, she connected with Sixx on many levels and writes about how their relationship helped her develop a new outlook on life. Her writing reveals unexpected vulnerability. Beneath her tough-chick persona, she is a hopeless romantic at heart. Exposing personal family issues, relationship problems, even opinions of clients, von D is not afraid to let her true colours and feelings show in this book. Some tattoos are not shown in photographs, so she has to use descriptive language to create a photographic image in the reader’s mind. The photographs of tattoos and artwork from her personal collection add

emphasis to what she loves to do. von D also talks about her love of music; her hairless sphinx cat, Ludwig, is named after composer Ludwig Van Beethoven, for whom she expresses admiration throughout the book. von D also writes about what is was like to tattoo herself after being turned down by a respected artist who rejected her because of a friendship with somebody on Miami Ink. (There was a lot of drama and controversy when von D left and began her own show, which turned out to be the beginning of the end for the boys in Miami). von D walked away disappointed, but, being the brave spirit that she is, goes back to her hotel room and does the tattoo herself. This tattoo is a surprise for Sixx, representing the first day he told her: “I love you”. The tattoo is a star on her right hip with the numbers 2, 27, 09, symbolizing Feb. 27, 2009 as von D and Sixx’s “love day”. “I would have to tattoo myself–something I haven’t done since my early tattoo days,” von D writes. “The main difference now is that the real estate available on my body for a new tattoo has become quite limited. “But if I wanted a tattoo, that was the answer.” The book features previously unpublished pictures of von D throughout her life, some with family and friends or others of her being goofy. She also shows the world some of her most valued possessions (like her nun figurines), as well as personal drawings. Also, she includes some of her hand-written journal entries at the end of each month, some describing the pressures of her book tour, and many involving arguments with Sixx. Anyone who watches von D on LA Ink knows that this relationship came to an end shortly after the book was published. As a writer, von D is a welcoming presence for her readers as she opens her life to them. She wants to share what she has learned and experienced throughout years of unexpected fame and great success. She is well on her way to becoming one of the best-known tattoo artists in the world, whose work inspires people and gives them the strength to get through troubles in life. In laying her life on the line for her friends, family, fans and critics, von D’s The Tattoo Chronicles is a valuable addition to her expanding creative output and, fans hope, only the beginning of more to come. E

C 2 O 0 N 10:00 a.m. Convocation Ceremony Honourary Degree Recipient & Convocation Speaker: Dr. Charles Pascal 1 V Early Childhood, Family and Community Social Services, Justice Studies O 1 Reception to follow 1:00 p.m. Convocation Ceremony Convocation Speaker: Dr. Charles Pascal C Business A Reception to follow 4:30 p.m. Convocation Ceremony T Honourary Degree Recipient & Convocation Speaker: Dr. Arya Sharma Computing, Kinesiology, Media Studies, Psychology I Reception to follow Guests O Graduates will receive three guest tickets by early June. If you wish to be put on a waiting list for additional tickets, please e-mail your name, program, student number, telephone number, N and number of extra tickets required to graduate@guelphhumber.ca by Friday, May 27, 2011. We will distribute any extra tickets through a lottery system beginning Friday, June 10, 2011. Gowns Graduates are required to rent their gowns. Please reserve your gown now by visiting www.guelphhumber.ca/graduates/convocation. Gown rental early bird price: $15 For more information, visit guelphhumber.ca/graduates/convocation

aspect of my courses prepared me to navigate the DYNAMICS of the media industry. THE PRACTICAL

RENﾃ右 WEEKES Media Studies Graduate Founder & Managing Director of Strata Public Relations Year Graduated: 2006 Area of Emphasis: Public Relations

guelphhumber.ca

HIGHLY ACCLAIMED CREDENTIALS earn a University Honours Degree and a College Diploma in 4 years!

AREAS OF EMPHASIS choose from Digital Communications, Image Arts, Journalism or Public Relations