A writer’s wrath Woman’s list features anti-resolutions. Page 7 Monday, January 27, 2014
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A dirty deed Residence closes its onsite laundry facility. Page 5 45TH Year — No. 4
A LOVE OF HOCKEY oUTWEIGHS the severe cold
Tomorrow tweet, text, call or share By Ashley Kowitz
PHOTO BY Tyler batten
A boy practises hockey on a frigid Sunday afternoon on a community-maintained ice rink at the foot of Chicopee Ski Hill. This week temperatures will climb back by the end of the week to the usual highs and lows, although Friday and Saturday will have scattered flurries.
Ease financial stress on you and your wallet by cole froude
Going to college can have its fair share of financial stress, but Conestoga College has plenty of ways to give you and your wallet some breathing room through bursaries and awards. “We have many awards and bursaries to give out ranging from program specific awards to entrance awards,” said Student Awards officer Joanne Buchholzer. Students can make an appointment in the Student Client Services Building, located across from the Early Childhood Education building, to talk about what kind of awards and bursaries they are eligible for. “Students should also check their Conestoga email frequently. That’s where all
the information can be found such as if you are eligible, the criteria and how to apply as well as the deadline and the value of the award,” Buchholzer said. The emails will also have additional information about applying for other awards such as the Carol Gregory Student Leadership Award, Rick Casey Courage to Cope Award and the Conestoga College Student Assistance Fund. This semester Student Services is making the application process even easier by introducing a general application. It saves students from filling out application after application for each individual award as this covers most of them and only needs to be submitted once per semester. The general award applica-
tion is now available online through the Student Portal – select the Financial tab then click on the My Awards Applications. With a bit of research students may be able to get more financial help through other agencies such as Scholarships Canada and Scholarships America. A sample listing can be found at www.conestogac.on.ca/financial-aid/ awards/outsideassi.jsp Students are also encouraged to check in with their teachers to get information about program specific awards. In the future Conestoga hopes to integrate the awards database and the college’s website to offer students a complete list of available awards, scholarships and bursaries.
Tomorrow people all across Canada will be taking part in Bell’s Let’s Talk campaign. The company is donating five cents to mental health initiatives each time someone sends a text message, makes a phone call, shares the Bell Let’s Talk image on Facebook or tweets using #BellLetsTalk. In Canada one in five people suffer from a mental health issue at least once in their lifetime. However, according to the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, only four per cent of medical research funding goes to research for mental illness. Bell has contributed $62.5 million toward mental health initiatives since the program began in 2010. Mary Deacon, chair of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health program, said the campaign has been very successful, adding that they take the strengths of the Bell brand and use these platforms to spread the word. “Mental health is an issue whose time has come,” Deacon said. “The time is right for mental health to come out of the shadows. It’s a health issue to be treated as a health issue like any other that we face as citizens in Canada.” While the campaign focuses on care and access, workplace health, and research surrounding mental illness, removing the stigma is one of their major initiatives. Due to stigmas associated with mental illness, twothirds of people living with a mental illness do not seek
the help that they need to live a healthy life. According to the Canadian Medical Association website, only 49 per cent of Canadians said they would continue to socialize with a friend who has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Patti Holm, a Kitchener resident, has a son who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia when he was 19 years old. Every day she has to deal with the stigma. She said people stay away from him and are afraid of him because they feel like they can catch the illness. “My 94-year-old grandmother won’t say the word ‘schizophrenia.’ She calls it ‘the problem’ or ‘the sickness,’” Holm said. With the money raised from the event, Bell will donate between $5,000 and $50,000 to organizations, agencies and hospitals that focus on increasing access to mental health care. Some of the institutions that they’ve helped across the country so far include Royal Ottawa Hospital Foundation, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health as well as Kids Help Phone. Last year there were 96 million tweets, shares of the Facebook image and long distance calls. This resulted in Bell donating $4.8 million to mental health initiatives. This year Bell is hoping there will be more than 100 million tweets, shares of the Facebook image and long distance calls, which will result in $5 million in donations. For more information, visit letstalk.bell.ca or check out #BellLetsTalk on Twitter.
NEWs
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Monday, January 27, 2014
Now deep thoughts ... with Conestoga College Random questions answered by random students
What is your hangover cure?
“Bread and Gatorade.”
Shae-Lynn Brading, first-year office administration-legal
PHOTO BY Brandon hommel
Few people know that Kitchener is home to a federal prison. The Grand Valley Institution for Women is located at 1575 Homer Watson Blvd.
Kitchener home to federal prison
“Dry toast and an hour-long shower.”
BY BRANDON HOMMEL
Kyle O’Brien, First-year police foundations
“I’ve never had a hangover before, I don’t know how.”
Alex Wagenaar, first-year accounting
“Peanuts are the best cure for a hangover.” Obinna Obi, first-year human resources management
In Canada, women sentenced to prison terms of more than two years serve their time in a federal institution operated by the Correctional Service of Canada. What a lot of K-W residents don’t know is that some of those inmates are housed in Kitchener’s own backyard. Grand Valley Institution for Women is a prison located at 1575 Homer Watson Blvd., in Kitchener. Even though it is disguised as a beautiful building, some residents weren’t too thrilled about its construction back in 1997. “I remember when they announced the construction of the prison,” said Gord Gugins, a local Kitchener resident of 40 years, and retired Dare’s employee. “My wife wasn’t too
happy about it, and neither was I. I drive by it every day, and I’m glad it blends in, but I feel it’s embarrassing having a women’s prison here in Kitchener. It doesn’t fit. And I’m sure visitors must think we’re insane.” Adult women sentenced to incarceration for less than two years serve their sentences at the Vanier Centre for Women, at the Maplehurst campus in Milton. Grand Valley Institution for Women houses approximately 171 inmates, and is the only federal women’s prison in Ontario. Plans are now underway to increase capacity at the institution. Construction of 44 new accommodation spaces is expected to be completed this year. Back in 2007, the prison became infamous for the
death of 19-year-old inmate, Ashley Smith. An inquest recently concluded, with the jury finding that her death was a homicide. However, it made 104 recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies. Despite it being in the news, and having been around since 1997, not all Kitchener residents know it even exists. “That’s scary!” said Anastasia Dao, a first-year Conestoga business administration student. I drive past it every day to get to school and work and I never once thought it was a prison. It’s only 10 minutes from Conestoga, and that kind of freaks me out.” The institution offers tours of the facility for the community. For more information, call 519-894-2011.
Students rock the Sanctuary BY KATRINA EDLEFSEN
“I usually stretch.”
Hari Chavva, first-year engineering technology
“I don’t drink, so I have never had a hangover before.” Hari Havugimana, first-year electronics engineering and communications Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!
Even with a finicky sound system and no lyrics to follow along with, students crooned, rocked and even line danced their way through the semester’s first CSI Open Talent Nooner. The Sanctuary was packed on Jan. 14 as students took in the weekly deals of Toonie Tuesday as well as the bar, but many arrived not knowing that they were about to be entertained by the talented students of Doon campus. Open to anyone who wanted some time on stage, whether it be for dancing, singing or even making a few good jokes, all were encouraged to take the stage and many arrived fully prepared to show off their skills. Even CSI members Brendan
Hancock and Samantha Schwier got in on the fun. With Hancock on guitar and Schwier on vocals, the duo pumped up the crowd for Country Night, which was held later on that week, with their rendition of Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy. While some of the performers just flew by the seat of their pants, others arrived much more prepared, including an unnamed band of four students that included firstyear general arts and sciences student, Brian Sandoval, who explained that the group really just wanted to see how they would do onstage. “We all kind of wanted to try it out since the four of us enjoy music,” Sandoval said. “We kind of figured that we didn’t have to be flawless so we just took a chance and got up on stage.”
Despite the packed house and lineup of acts, not all students were pleased by the timing of the event, including Imarith Singh, a secondyear marketing student, who thinks that the time of these events should be changed to accommodate more students. “I think events like these should be held later in the day and not 11 to three,” Singh said. “A lot of people are busy during that time.” According to Schwier, who co-ordinated the event, the timing was specifically chosen to line up with when the bar in the Sanctuary was open to help attract more students to the venue. Despite the success of the Nooner one question still remains on everybody’s mind: did Sandoval and his group ever come up with a name?
NEWs
Monday, January 27, 2014
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Could you be the next CSI president? BY LAURIE SNELL
If you’re passionate about the college community and eager to represent the student body, running for Conestoga Students Inc. president might be for you. Nominations for the election opened Jan. 10, and application packages need to be submitted by Jan. 31. With the selection meeting Feb. 8, students interested in running are required to meet with primary electoral officer Sheena Witzel before the application deadline. “In the pre-candidate meeting we’re going to go over what happens during the selection meeting. So I’m going to tell them how many students and how many board members will be asking questions and what to prepare for their 15-minute speech. I just want to make sure they have a good understanding of what will happen the day of, on Feb. 8,” Witzel said. “I do have four applications handed in so far … most of them are completely random students from the student body.” This one-year, full-time paid position provides the successful candidate with leadership experience as he or she acts as the spokesperson for the student body. The position pays about $40,000 and begins this May. The president is responsible for attending meetings and joining committees as a representative of students.
While there was some uncertainty as to whether or not current CSI president Jason Wright would run, he confirmed last week, “I have submitted a package – whether or not that package will be followed through with at this point in time – we’ll see. My intent at this point in time is to run as CSI president, but I am weighing out some options – but it is something I want to pursue again.” Wright said he planned on finalizing his decision by Jan. 26 (which was after Spoke’s press deadline). Two candidates who have already thrown their hat into the ring are Hayley Press and Zoey Ross. Press is the current vice chair on the CSI board of directors and is currently completing a public relations program at Conestoga. “I’m on the board of directors right now – I love it. I love what CSI does, and I think that we definitely try to make student life better and improve it the best we can. We really try to get student feedback … I like that there’s a voice for the students and I like that students are able to be that voice for themselves,” Press said. “I like to interact with students and really get their voice heard … generally, communication is key – whether it’s internally or externally, with the students it’s obviously very important that they know what’s going on … I’m putting a lot of work into this, so I’m hoping that CSI gets the president they deserve,
PHOTO BY Laurie Snell
Current CSI president Jason Wright intends to run for the position again. who will do the right thing for the organization and for the students … I have such a passion for this and leadership as a whole. I’m inspired by students on a daily basis and the organization.” Ross has been busy making presentations about his candidacy in classrooms and has been seen wearing sandwich boards as part of his campaign. Ross, a former board member and follower of CSI events, said he plans on bringing greater accountability and transparency to CSI, and is excited about this election. “I think I could be the change this college needs … I have both educational and leadership training outside this. I have experience with customer service, and a lot of people will point to my experience on the board of directors in 2011-2012 as sustainability director,” Ross said, as he walked the hallways wearing a sign urging stu-
PHOTO BY Laurie Snell
CSI presidential candidate Zoey Ross campaigns at Conestoga College. dents to ask him anything. “I want to hear what (the students) have to say … every time someone tells me what they want me to change, I write it down.” So who determines the winner? You – sort of. Current students who pay fees and can commit to attending the selection meeting that will determine the winner, are invited to join the
democratic process. Students who participate as a member of the presidential selection committee will hear speeches and campaign platforms on Feb. 8 and determine the next CSI president. For more information on getting involved, contact presidential electoral officer Sheena Witzel at switzel@ conestogac.on.ca or stop by the CSI office.
National Non-Smoking Week comes to a close BY GREG STAMPER
PHOTO Illustration BY Greg Stamper
Third-year Conestoga College electrician - industrial apprenticeship student Jeff Norgate turns down a cigar in true National NonSmoking Week fashion. The week took place from Jan. 19 to 25.
Yesterday marked the end of National Non-Smoking Week for Canadians coast-to-coast. Every year since 1977, when it was first founded by the Canadian Council for Tobacco Control (CCTC), the week has been held during the third full week of January and features a theme that differs from years-past, with this year’s theme being Truth in Advertising. This theme was chosen by the CCTC as a way to enlighten consumers about the truth behind cigarettes once you take the branding away and show the product for what it truly is, dangerous. “If tobacco companies were truthful in their advertising, their packaging would be in the shape of a coffin,” said Bob Walsh, executive director, CCTC. “It’s no secret that cigarettes are the most dan-
gerous product on the market – when used as directed, they have a 50 per cent kill rate. Yet the tobacco industry continues to use branding and product packaging to attract youth and to make their deadly products appear safe.”
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If tobacco companies were truthful in their advertising, their packaging would be in the shape of a coffin. — Bob Walsh
”
The main goals of National Non-Smoking Week are to educate Canadians about the dangers of smoking, to prevent people who do not smoke from beginning to smoke and becoming addicted to tobacco, and also, to help people quit, a goal that is also shared by
the Canadian Cancer Society. “Until Feb. 28, the Canadian Cancer Society is encouraging tobacco users across Ontario to quit smoking for the chance to win a new car or other incredible prizes in The Driven to Quit Challenge,” said Karen Griffiths, Waterloo Region community manager for the Canadian Cancer Society. The key event of National Non-Smoking Week once again was Weedless Wednesday, a one day approach to quitting smoking for those who might be scared off by the concept of a full week, or a full lifetime, without cigarettes. The next National NonSmoking Week will be held Jan. 18-24, 2015 with more details on the event to be released throughout the coming year. For anyone wishing to register for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Driven to Quit Challenge, visit www. DrivenToQuit.ca.
COMMENTARY
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Monday, January 27, 2014
Region’s budget full of potholes BY Cody steeves
A new regional tax increase has been approved by council and, for the most part, the money will be well spent. However, the 2014 budget does miss the mark in several major categories. The tax increase is part of a seven-year plan to increase urban taxes annually by 1.75 per cent. Each year councillors review the increase, and can decide to raise or lower it. This year the region decided to tack on an additional 1.1 per cent, which, in total, will add about $32 to the average tax bill. This increase seems small at first, but by the end of the plan, if every year is approved, residents will be paying 12.25 per cent more in taxes. Going through the 2014 budget, it looks pretty good. It decreases administrative costs within the region and increases the funding of progress and development grants. It also provides $2 million in funding for benefits for the poor. However, the budget also slashes $1 million from the roads reserve, and defers $1.25 million, thus impacting road construction, repair and upgrades. We think roads should be one of the top priorities since many of them are so littered with potholes that they make driving unsafe. Within the budget there is also upcoming price increases for daycare and GRT transportation. Ontario, as it sits, has the highest rates for daycare in Canada at approximately $960 per month. On Feb. 1, the region will be increasing the daily rates of child care at centres that they run. This is expected to be an approximate 2.6 per cent increase. Once again, this seems rather trivial, but as we are already the highestpaying province, it will be a burden to some families. Another increase is GRT bus fare. On July 1 it will likely see a seven per cent increase, similar to the increase in 2013. Some people may find the increase another expense that is becoming too costly for the monthly budget. Although the region is looking to make positive changes with their budget and kept the tax increase to below two per cent, there seems to be a lot of areas where priorities need to shift. Whether it be we are paying too much or that they are not providing more funding to crucial areas, there are definitely some potholes in their plan. The views herein represent the position of the newspaper, not necessarily the author.
Letters are welcome Spoke welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be signed and include the name and telephone number of the writer. Writers will be contacted for verification. No unsigned letters will be published. Letters should be no longer
than 500 words. Spoke reserves the right to edit any letter for publication. Email letters to: www.spokeonline.com with the subject line “Letter to the Editor,” or bring them to Room 1C30 at the Doon campus.
“Reading Spoke is in your future ... check out our horoscopes on Page 10!”
World nervous about Sochi security
As the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia draw near, questions concerning the security level at the venues become louder. With the badly timed political decision to prohibit “gay propaganda” in Russia, civil rights protests have been getting violent. Although their stance is making international headlines, protesters will definitely take advantage of being front-andcentre during the Olympics. Despite the world criticizing this outdated decision, Russians protesting their rights is not a main concern. The biggest threats to the Winter Games are the militant groups that live in the shadows of Russia’s most troubled regions. The Islamic militant group Vilayat Dagestan detonated two bombs within two days in Volgograd, approximately 600 kilometres from Sochi. More than 30 people were killed in the December attacks. Most recently, a video threat was released, featuring two men threatening the safety of the public. “If you will hold the
Devon Haynes Opinion
Olympics, you’ll get a present from us for the Muslim blood that’s been spilled,” the two men said. These militant groups have been doing a great job instilling fear into civilians and travellers. Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, has attempted to shoot down international concerns about security with assurances that the government is not concerned due to a heavy military presence during the Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has backed Putin, stating that the Games will run as usual. Is that supposed to make patrons and athletes feel better? Approximately 37,000 security officers and military personnel will be present during the Games, and the security perimeter will travel 100 kilometres along the coast.
Visitors should expect to see drones everywhere. Cars won’t even be allowed inside the secure zone. It will probably take hours just to get into venues. If the government was not worried, extreme measures would not have to be taken to guarantee a problem-free event. Heavy security doesn’t make people feel safe. It creates a feeling of constant threat. It makes people feel like they are being monitored, and if they make one wrong move or say one wrong thing, it will create havoc. It’s scary enough dealing with airport security. What would be the point of even going? The Olympics are supposed to be fun, but it doesn’t sound like it will be. As much as Putin has ensured the 2014 Olympics will be safe, athletes and spectators are going to be looking over their shoulders all the time. The IOC and the Russian government can say what they want, but the Olympic Games are going to look like a war zone. And that’s not something I want to be apart of.
Spoke
i s p u b l i shed a nd prod u ced weekl y b y t he jo u rn a l i sm s t u den t s o f C ones t o g a C olle g e Editor: Laurie Snell Assignment Editors: Steph Smith, Kelsey Dunbar Advertising Managers: Tyler Batten, Ashley Kowitz Spoke Online Editors: Brandon Hommel, Katrina Edlefsen, Spencer Beebe, Devon Hayes,
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The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of Conestoga College. Spoke shall not be liable for any damages arising out of errors in advertising beyond the amount paid for the space. Letters to the editor are subject to acceptance or rejection and should be clearly written or typed; a MS Word file would be helpful. Letters must not contain any libellous statements.
NEWS
Monday, January 27, 2014
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Students encouraged to get involved The humane society, Canadian Cancer Society and Ray of Hope were just some of the organizations that participated in the Get Involved Fair BY CALLIE WRIGGLESWORTH
Conestoga College students had the opportunity to become involved with the school and community at the Get Involved Fair. On Jan. 16, agencies in the community and departments at the college set up booths in the Student Life Centre and the E-wing, handing out pamphlets, pictures, fun tokens and information about their organizations. Students could visit each display and learn what the agency does for the community or school and get information about how they could potentially volunteer at those places.
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It really helps boost a resume, it really helps boost a network ... and Conestoga is about building them. — Laura Black, a Student Life programmer
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“At each of the respective campuses we try to find community partners that are close to that area and that are very passionate and want students involved with their work,” said Laura Black, a Student Life programmer at
Conestoga. “It’s mainly about getting students involved in more than just the basic classroom requirements so that they can start building networks, professional networks, working together, building on new skills and using their leadership a little bit more.” The Get Involved Fair takes place in the fall and winter, usually during the third week of classes at the Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and Doon campuses. “We had 61 exhibits over all the campuses ... which was great,” Black said. Community partners at the fair included the Canadian Cancer Society, Sexual Assault Support Centre, the KitchenerWaterloo Humane Society and Ray of Hope. Many of the organizations that come to the Get Involved Fair do so each year. “A lot of people have a lot of good things to say about the Get Involved Fair and love when we send the invitation out to get them involved year after year. I already have some people looking forward to next year’s which is great and ... we are always looking for new community partners who want to join in,” Black said. Partners come specifically to Conestoga for the fair. It gives the agencies the opportunity to not only look for volunteers, but spread the word about what
PHOTO BY CALLIE WRIGGLESWORTH
Amy Gruber, left, a special events manager, and Melissa Gouveia, a development co-ordinator for the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society, give information about the association to Rebecca Brestovansky, a first-year human services foundations student at the Get Involved Fair at Conestoga on Jan 16. they do. It is also a chance for students to sell themselves and to find work placements. All the services run all year, so students who are interested in volunteering are still able to.
“I think it is another opportunity to build on their (students’) skills ... it really helps boost a resume, it really helps boost a network ... and Conestoga is about building
them. One way of doing that is volunteering and getting involved in different ways,” Black said. “I strongly encourage students to come out and do so or to still pursue it.”
Conestoga residence deals with students’ dirty laundry BY CASEY SCHELLENBERGER
PHOTO BY CASEY SCHELLENBERGER
The basement in Conestoga’s residence building was roped off, preventing students from using the onsite laundry facilities, due to construction.
Conestoga’s residence building officially closed its basement on Jan. 15, preventing students from using the onsite laundry facilities and game room, due to construction to repair damage from a broken pipe earlier this month. In a letter to students living in residence, an alternative to the on-site facilities was given. “We are offering students access to a laundry service,” the letter says. “The laundry service will pick up items ... and then wash/dry/fold your laundry and deliver it back to you within a 24-48 hour time period.” Students’ laundry is being sent to My VIP Service, located in Guelph. Students who
use this service will pay $1.65 per load washed and another $1.65 for it to be dried or $3.30 per load. This price is the same as the onsite facility’s. Also in the letter is a schedule detailing when each of the floors can drop off their laundry and when they can expect it to be returned. Clothes that have special washing or drying requirements must be separated in their own bag and have a note of instructions. The letter advises against this, however. “To avoid disappointment, we do recommend not sending such items.” Students who purchased laundry cards should expect refunds eventually, according to the letter. “We are currently working on a process to refund funds on your current laundry cards.
More details will follow once this is finalized.” Despite trying to accommodate students, not everyone is happy. Sydney Thain, a first-year biotechnology technician student, said she will be travelling two hours to go home to do her laundry rather than use the service. “If they lose your clothes, it’s your fault and then waiting almost a week to get it back. It’s stupid,” Thain said. “I’d rather go home to do laundry.” The letter does say that neither My VIP Service nor Conestoga College Residence is responsible for lost or damaged clothes. As of Jan. 21, there was no set date for the construction to be completed nor for the basement services to reopen.
FEATURE
Page 6 SPOKE
Monday, January 27, 2014
INTERNET PHOTO
Sun dogs, a rainbow around the sun created by sunlight refracting through ice particles in the air, indicate a change in the weather, according to weather lore. BY STEPH SMITH
Weather has always played an integral part of everyday life long before the advent of technology and the meteorology we know today. For centuries, oral and written histories have been full of rhymes, proverbs and sayings that have served as a guide for predicting the weather – accurate or not. Many of these sayings were created by those whose livelihood depended on the weather, such as farmers and sailors who not only had direct ties to nature, but a keen sense of observation as well. To some, knowing weather two days from now meant all the difference between success and failure. “Our ancestors didn’t have weather forecasting or reliable weather information, and when they did, it was based on the next day or two days from now. Not like today where we can turn on the TV and see the long-range forecast,” said David Phillips, senior climatologist for Environment Canada. Phillips said our ancestors used weather lore to protect themselves, passing it on through the generations using easy to remember rhymes such as, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky at morn, sailor’s take warn,” and other such variations. “Sometimes the rhyme was
What do those rainbows around the sun mean? When a weatherman isn’t available, try proverbial lore forced and threw any science it had out the window. Some didn’t even have science, it was just a keen sense of observation and chance,” Phillips said. “There was a certain order to nature that caused our ancestors to feel that the weather wasn’t chaotic, that there was something to it. A logic to it.” However, with all folklore, there is some nuance of possibility. The more reliable weather lore are the ones not based on animals, plants or insects. They are the ones that make sense and are atmospheric. These include lore based on
the size of snowflakes, the wind, temperature, the sky and their connections to each other. Phillips said there is some truth to the lore that predicts the short term. “‘A ring around the sun or moon, rain or snow coming soon’ means high cloud is moving in, followed by middle cloud. Next thing you know, it’s between 24 and 36 hours and you may get rain or snow,” Phillips said. Imarith Singh, a second-year marketing student who has previously studied meteorology, said the halo around the sun is caused by light being
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refracted due to ice crystals in the air. He said that when these ice crystals are arranged horizontally, the light is refracted causing a rainbow effect. “These rainbows with spots are also called sun dogs ... except these dogs won’t poop in your living room,” Singh said. Sun dogs are often seen as rainbows, but sometimes they appear to be mock suns. Sun dogs are the most visible when the sun is low in the sky. You are more likely to see them in the winter because of the low angle of the sun, however they can be seen throughout the year.
Phillips said our ancestors noticed this halo-and-rain pattern several times before this proverb was created, and how some people see these types of occurrences for the first time and automatically think it’s some weird phenomena, when it’s been happening around them for years. “Weather repeats itself,” Phillips said. He added the weather lore that doesn’t work are those that are based on the season ahead. “The proverb ‘onion skin very thin, mild winter coming in; onion skin thick and tough, coming winter cold and rough’ tells you about the growing season the onion experienced, not what the next season is going to be like.” Phillips said that as a meteorologist, he feels that they often spoon-feed people the weather and that technology has caused us to become oblivious to the world around us. “I’ve often asked children at schools I’ve visited to describe what the sky looked like on the way to school. I’ve yet to meet a student who can do that,” he said. “I always tell teachers to introduce folklore to their class as a means of rudimentary meteorology. Even if it just teaches to look up and look out, and not keep our head down.”
NEWs
Monday, January 27, 2014
SPOKE s Page 7
List gives resolutions the finger By becky sheasby
By this time in the new year, your New Year’s resolutions have either kicked you in the butt or you are succeeding with flying colours. To say the least, our nation seems to have a dysfunctional relationship with resolutions. Maybe you started the year off strong, powering through a new workout routine, eating better and making a happier, healthier you. However, the New Year’s high does tend to wear off, leaving you with a sense of failure and guilt. One writer has become fed up with her dysfunctional relationship with New Year’s and has decided to put a new spin on her resolutions. Chantielle MacFarlane, a Ontario resident, created her New Year’s “F--k it list” on Medium, an Internet site that shares short stories and ideas. “Fourteen things I’m going to stop giving a f--k about in 2014,” said MacFarlane in her story’s opening. “Because as important as it is to push yourself to be a healthier, more compassionate person, that can be downright impossible. Refusing to give a f--k, however, isn’t just easy – it’s kind of awesome.” Among MacFarlane’s 14
PHOTO BY Becky sheasby
Everyone has to grow old, but that doesn’t mean we have to grow up. A Kitchener resident gets in touch with his inner child and plays with Lego and dinosaurs on Jan. 19. things are some of the following: Quitting Vices is No. 5 on her list. She asks the question, “Why are New Year’s resolutions always about end-
ing bad habits?” She goes on to talk about how much she enjoys her vices and how her bad habits have shaped her just as much as her good ones.
The key is to have everything in moderation. Another on MacFarlane’s list is growing up. For this part of her story she simply writes,
“And give up my love of dinosaurs and Lego? F--k that.” “The idea of being what you’re not is glamorized,” said Kail Walters, a secondyear broadcast student at Conestoga College. “Ever since we were young, we’re told that we have to be older to do things like go on a ride, sit in the front or drink. Which is kinda funny; I think everyone gets to a point at which they want to be younger and have the world still glitter and shine.” MacFarlane also writes about forgetting failures. “I made those mistakes for a reason. The least I can do is learn from them,” MacFarlane said. Also on the list is saving relationships that don’t make you happy, forcing yourself to become a morning person and quitting swearing. Fitting in can be difficult. MacFarlane talks about her social awkwardness and how in the past she would try and force herself to be outgoing and to fit in. She soon realized that trying to be something you’re not is exhausting. So that’s made the list too. If your New Year’s resolutions have you down, maybe it’s time to take a look at MacFarlane’s list. It can be found at https://medium.com/ life-tips/494224e0f983.
Non-profit recycles and rebuilds computers By Tony McLellan
In this day and age, many products are not built to last. Some cease to function just months after purchase, despite steep, unforgiving prices. Computers and other such technology are some of the best examples of expensive, waste-causing products that litter the landfills of cities near and far. This is clearly an issue in great need of change, and Computer Recycling aims to address it and more. The program became part of the downtown Kitchener Working Centre over 15 years ago, as part of a volunteer initiative to bring the world of computers to those who could not afford one, and to teach those people how to fix their own computer problems, should they occur. Starting with just four computers, the program has expanded significantly, with over 200 machines available for sale and use. The service specializes in the refurbishing, recycling and repair of computers, as well as offering informal ses-
sions to train anyone on how to properly operate a computer. “We do a lot of peer-topeer training” said Charles McCombe, the current head of Computer Recycling. “It’s volunteers helping other volunteers learn the process of building, tearing apart, organizing and even basic programming.” For a small donation, volunteers in the program will fix your computer for you, but the aim of the program is to educate as opposed to simply act as a standard computer store. Computer Recycling is an affordable outlet for purchasing computers and individual parts. According to McCombe, most of the computers and parts that they receive are donations from the community. The prices offered for individual items is set in such a way that nearly anyone, no matter their financial situation, can get their hands on the item of their desire if it happens to be in stock. “We try to keep prices to what people can actually afford. Something like an
PHOTO BY Tony Mclellan
Joe Pires, one of the many volunteers working at Computer Recycling, sorts through various computer parts. HDMI cable that would normally be sold for about $65 anywhere else you can find here for $2,” McCombe said. The system is heavily based
on communal goodwill, as well as availability of parts. “If someone is in a rush and needs a cable which we have many of, we’ll probably
just give it away for free,” McCombe said. Prices range from a few dollars for cables to over $150 for a PC in good condition. Computer recycling also offers special, reduced licencing for Microsoft software going to low-income customers as well. When defective parts are found, Computer Recycling is able to quickly and cleanly dispose of electronic waste. “We send away unusable parts, but as an organization that specializes in refurbishing, we make sure to take extra care when sorting through the used computers that would normally be trashed straight away.” When asked about his love for the program, McCombe said, “You get this good feeling when you can help someone out without the need to sell them something. It’s this kind of help that brings a community together.” You can contact Computer Recycling at 519-743-1151, ext. 225, or by email at cr@ theworkingcentre.org. The program is located in the basement of 66 Queen St. S., and is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NEWs
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Monday, January 27, 2014
The lasting effects of the Great Recession 70 is the new 60, but is 30 the new 20?
BY TYLER BATTEN
Like many of the global events which have dotted human history, the Great Recession, which began in the U.S. in 2007 and was felt across the world by 2009, has changed, perhaps forever, the way we must envision the timeline of our lives. In an October 2013, Toronto Star opinion piece called “Time to bust myths about youth unemployment,” Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said, “Across Ontario, young people are struggling to find jobs. The unemployment rate for Ontario youth is 16.4 per cent and here in Toronto, it’s even higher: 18.2 per cent.” Wynne emphasized, “The challenges this generation faces are not the result of entitlement or laziness.” This staggering unemployment rate is due in part to a change in opinion regarding the age of retirement in North America. This was brought on by the global recession of 2008. “Employers that used to hire more than one stu-
dent are now committed to one a term. Even if they’re doing well, they’re not as liberal with their spending,” said Sandra Cocco, manager of Conestoga College Employee Relations and Job Development. “That’s one of the disadvantages of the recession. If you learned how to do without during that time period, people aren’t going to go back and pump up the hiring or bring in more people because they proved to themselves that they can work on a slim book budget and less resources and still achieve the same objectives, so they just do without.” At the time of the last recession many baby boomers lost their investments, jobs and overall security at the pinnacle of their working lives. Here in Canada, the recession was not as extreme as it was south of the border but grave, negative impacts were felt and are still emerging judging from the statistics today. According to the 2013 Sun Life Canadian unretirement (sic) index, just over a quarter of Canadians expect to retire by
the age of 66. The same index reports that more than three out of five respondents say they will work through retirement because they “have to.” Potential retirees are staying in the workforce much longer than they used to, and they’re living a lot longer too. According to the World Health Organization, the average life expectancy for a Canadian today is 82 years old. Life expectancy remained fairly constant for most of human history up until the last century when humans saw a dramatic, two-fold uptick in global life expectancies due to the advent of modern medicine. In a 2004 study entitled World Population to 2300, the United Nations’ population division projected that life expectancies in most developed countries will be between 100 and 106 years and still rising by 2300, though at progressively slower rates. It’s also widely held, though contentious, that human longevity will reach an age expectancy ceiling of around 100 years old unless scientific discoveries are made and imple-
Largest fair of its kind in the country
mented in the way humans age, as opposed to treating the aging process itself. With respect to starting work later, researchers worry that millennials will, and perhaps already are, facing a phenomenon called “scarring,” which forecasts longterm negative economic and social effects. The term scarring signifies a postponing of the traditional coming-of-age experiences 20- to 30-yearolds are expected to have. The 20-somethings, or twixt, are a cohort of the population who are stuck somewhere in-between adolescence and adulthood. They value experience and higher education and most importantly freedom from the conventional expectations and obligations traditionally associated with early-adulthood like marrying, mortgaging, children and careers. Psychologists more accurately call this phase “emerging-adulthood.” A growing subject in the field of research psychology, “emerging-adulthood” is characterized by five dis-
tinct features according to Clark University psychologist Jeffery Arnett. These include: “identity exploration, instability, feeling in-between, a sense of possibilities and self-focus.” The changing face of traditional expectation has been brought on by life expectancy improvements but synthetically jump-started by the Great Recession. Boomers are staying employed longer and the millennials are starting work, getting married and mortgaging homes later. The average retirement age in Canada is increasing as life expectancy and a will to “unretire” marked by consumer debt rises in parallel. Unforeseen reverberations of the Great Recession are invoking a paradigm shift in our social lexicon of what it means to be an adult. While millenials are redefining the purpose of boomers’ basements everywhere, they triumph in the fact that they are the most educated in human history yet grouse about the worst unemployment rates since the Great Depression.
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Monday, January 27, 2014
sports
Meet chess on ice
SPOKE s Page 9
‘Rocks and Rings’ introduces kids to curling By MARK LORENTZ
It might not have the superstars of the NHL, the scouts looking for the next phenom, or the big TV contracts, but the sport of curling is making big waves even on a frozen pond. The sport has been around since the 16th century, but it only really started to take off internationally when it became an official sport in 1998, at the Nagano Olympics. The rock, made from granite, weighs around 20 kilograms, slides down a sheet of ice 150 feet in length to the “house” and ideally stops on the centre point of the target. “It’s easier said than done. Much like golf, people are surprised how hard it is,” said Spencer Anderson, who coaches children at the Galt Curling Club, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. Anderson said there is always an increase in new members during Olympic years. The membership fee for adults comes in at $450 including tax per season (September to April), which allows you to play in a league as well as participate in practice times to master your skills. “There’s no such thing as a natural born curler. There’s a lot of different things you do with your body in curling that you don’t do in other sports. That’s why yoga has really taken off in the curling community,” said Danielle Inglis, a former two-time Canadian Interuniversity Sport gold medallist in women’s curling. Capital One has partnered with the Canadian Curling Association with the launch of their new program “Rocks and Rings.” The program started after the huge success of the Vancouver Olympic Games. As viewership peaked for the gold medal games, so too did kids’ interest in the sport. Instructors bring all the equipment, from brooms to rocks, that are specifically made for indoor surfaces. The idea behind the program is to introduce children to the game of curling for free, before they go out to their local curling club and have to pay all the administration fees. “One of the best parts about curling is how social a game it is. It’s friendlier than other sports, it’s known as a gentleman’s game,” said Inglis.
According to the Canadian Curling Association, approximately 653,000 people curl in this country. And it is more than a sporting event. It is a social gathering. When winter makes its way down and covers the land in an icy blanket of snow, life can be found at the local curling rink, especially in the midlands of Canada and in the Maritimes. “Curling out there, you really notice it. People overall seem to be more knowledgeable about the sport and it draws a lot more people to the rink than here in Ontario,” Inglis said. Curling is a game for young and old, for athletes and nonathletes, for the serious and not-so-serious. Skill levels and ages vary across every
rink, which is especially true at the Galt Curling Club, where a man who turned 100 threw a rock down to the house. It is not an expensive game to enjoy, requiring very little specialized equipment, especially when compared to other winter sports. “The most expensive part of the game would be the shoes,” Inglis said. “You can get some for $75, all the way up to $300. Once your feet stop growing, those shoes can last a long time. I’ve had mine for eight years now.” If you want to know what it’s like to “hurry hard,”make new friends and learn a new sport, visit www.galtcurlingclub.com for Cambridge and www.kwgranite.com for Kitchener/Waterloo.
PHOTO BY mark lorentz
Thanks to Capital One and the Canadian Curling Association, curling is taking off amongst school children.
G. G.AL AlLOGAN LoganMEMORIAL MemorialAWARD Award CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Call for Nominations
G. Al Logan displayed the qualities of warmth and caring both at Conestoga College and in the community. His work at the College included managing Counselling and Health Services, Library and Instructional Resources, founded the Job Readiness Training Program and chaired the Educational Awards Committee. He was very active in the local community and led workshops, as well as did individual and family counselling. For the recipient of this award, it is a real honour to have these qualities recognized by friends and faculty. The G. Al Logan Memorial Award • is given to a student who displays warmth and responsiveness in caring for and enriching the lives of a student or group of students. has demonstrated a warm and caring attitude • has demonstrated initiative and leadership • has been available to help and support other students (other than paid positions) • has a sense of humour! • Submission Guidelines: • anyone from Conestoga may nominate a student for this award • find the Nomination Form on the website under Financial Aid and Awards and provide a detailed explanation including specific examples for how your candidate meets the above noted criteria Please complete the nomination form and deliver to Kaylee Taylor, Student Life Department, Doon Campus, 2A101-2. Nomination Deadline: February 21, 2014
fun & games
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Monday, January 27, 2014
Useless Facts
Oh Cliff!
Horoscope
If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days, you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee.
Week of January 27, 2014
Aries
March 21 April 19 Planning is key, and it starts now. The summer break is only a few months away and decisions you make now could affect that and beyond. This weekend: Think ahead.
Taurus April 20 May 20
You have much to do, but even long journeys happen one step at a time. Slow down a bit. This weekend: Processes.
Gemini May 21 June 21
Sharing can make everyone better, including you. Bolster a relationship, surprise someone or make yourself feel good. Give without expectation. This weekend: Giving mood.
Cancer June 22 July 22
Mistakes are made all of the time, so it’s no surprise you have made them. The key is always to learn from them and be aware when they are made. This weekend: Betterment.
Leo
July 23 August 22 You may find yourself feeling misunderstood, don’t fret though, others will understand in time and faster if you choose to explain yourself. This weekend: Recognizing.
Virgo
August 23 September 22 You have a lot of things you want to do but don’t feel like you have the time. Organizing your days may help; ask yourself what you really want. This weekend: Picking.
Libra
The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.
September 23 October 22
Humans are the only primates that don’t have pigment in the palms of their hands.
Figure things out, it can be very easy to get lost in relationships, school and work. Take some time to look at all of the angles. This weekend: Map making.
Thirty-five per cent of the people who use personal ads for dating are already married.
Scorpio
It’s possible to lead a cow upstairs … but not downstairs.
October 23 November 21 They say the best offence is a good defence but that doesn’t really apply when relating to people. Open up. This weekend: No shield.
Butterflies taste with their feet.
Sudoku Puzzle
Sagittarius November 22 December 21
Fill in the grid with digits in such a manner that every row, every column and every 3x3 box accommodates the digits 1-9, without repeating any.
Chemistry is a science. When it goes bad it can be destructive. Analyze your chemistry with those close to you, see what you find. This weekend: Evaluating.
Capricorn December 22 January 19
Durability can mean a lot when there is a lot of pressure. Persevere right now and you will be stronger for it, things will lighten up. This weekend: Carrying.
Aquarius January 20 February 18
Truth is sometimes hard to share. If you feel like you should be saying the truth ... there may be a good reason. This weekend: Truth detector.
Pisces
February 19 March 20 Going out once in a while is good for your spirits and relationships. Make sure you’re getting out. This weekend: Lights and sound.
Corduroy Blue can see the seams of our reality. Don’t worry, they seem to be pretty strong. Let me check ...
Word Search
NEWS
Monday, January 27, 2014
SPOKE s Page 11
Spotted bullying at Conestoga BY HAILEY MERKT
Caution, there is offensive language quoted in the story below. “All I wanted to do was expand this college and make it a better experience,” John said. “Originally the page was created to get students connected,” Jane added. John and Jane, (pseudonyms) are the creators of “Spotted at Conestoga.” They sat down to evaluate their successful Facebook page. Both wished to remain anonymous because they want the website to be faceless rather than having it connected to actual people. Spotted at Conestoga is a public page where attending students can privately message the creators about anything student- or campusrelated. The creators then evaluate the message and re-post the approved status, leaving the original poster virtually untraceable. For example, “To the person who built what appears to be an inukshuk in front of residence … Thanks for making my wait for the bus a bit better. Sincerely, the girl who just had a really crappy shift at a fast food restaurant.” “It’s a page that people can
come and give ideas, thoughts and opinions on and not be penalized for what they say,” Jane said. “This isn’t some new idea, we just started the one for this school,” John added. Spotted at Conestoga is a spinoff of other trending university and college sites like, Spotted at Guelph, Waterloo, Carleton and Ottawa. John and Jane believe that the anonymous factor is what gives the page its allure. “I’m posting other people’s messages anonymously so they have the safety and security that no one is going to find out who says what … which is why we are also anonymous,” John said. “As soon as I tell people I run the site, it increases their vulnerability.” “It will move and shift everyone’s interest elsewhere … The site won’t have the same vibe,” Jane said. Spotted at Conestoga was established on Oct. 17, 2013 and has since become a public outlet for over 3,500 students. Though the site gives students a forum to be heard without being named, many anonymous posters have recently fallen victim to bullying. Expressing an interest in a crush, asking for advice or just venting about a hard day
has turned into an invitation for harassment. Some students are making fun of the statuses, calling the students a “pussy” or “gay.” This leaves the nameless poster two options: remain anonymous and accept the rolling wave of negativity or respond and be found out, which may come with the price of more public embarrassment.
“
It’s sad how many people still bully in college ... It’s time to grow up. — Spotted at Conestoga creator
”
The page creators are aware of this recent growing issue and feel bullying “is hard to avoid.” “People will think of ways to bully, it’s inevitable, no matter where you are … I don’t post things that I think will come back to harm the original poster. I don’t post anything that defames, names or comments negatively on teachers. And definitely no racism or anything like that,” John said. Offensive spinoff site
“Spotted at Conestoga — Uncensored” has become a provocative public forum for bullies to cowardly call-out students without having to take responsibility. This site has created an outlet for students to discredit and defame. John and Jane said they have nothing to do with that site. “It’s sad how many people still bully in college … It’s time to grow up,” John said. The creators would like to see more inspiring posts but still welcome the everyday “ventors” who crave a public outlet for their frustration. John and Jane posted the following calibrating comment less than an hour after their interview. “I’d like to take a minute to discuss the purpose of this page. Spotted at Conestoga has increasingly been receiving complaints and annoyances from students rather than what the typical posts should be: Spotting funny/entertaining things around the college. If we can all make an effort to acknowledge this page’s efforts to get back on track and to focus on what college should be; than this page will be more effective in spreading a positive message, instead of a tainted source of voice-opinionated defamation.”
“Overall, we’re proud of the page … People have created relationships through Spotted at Conestoga,” John said. One girl messaged John and Jane, thanking them for creating the site after an anonymous “crush post,” which connected her to a newfound love. “The page has done a lot of good,” Jane said. Many posts have done more than spark relationships. A couple of recent posts have proven there to be good Samaritans. “If you’re missing a TD bank card … I found one walking from residence to school today. It’s in the security office, hopefully you get it back,” read a post from Jan. 16. “Thank you so much to whoever picked up my purse/wallet and brought it to the lost and found. My life is in there,” read another post from Jan. 15. Once the Spotted creators graduate, they plan on passing the site onto two new responsible students. “The site comes with a bit of power,” John said laughing. “It feels a bit empowering to know the names and faces to the statuses.” “But it’s all strictly confidential,” Jane said. “Though, we are surprised by how many students trust us.”
Check out a human book at Conestoga College’s library BY HAILEY MERKT
The library offers a wide range of informative items, ranging from DVDs and CDs to how-tos and old news. However, on Thursday, March 6 Conestoga College’s library resource centre is taking it one step further, loaning out “Human Books” between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. as part of Respect Week.
“
It’s a fantastic opportunity to challenge your assumptions. — Elizabeth Spanjer
”
Students, staff and faculty will have the chance to “borrow a Human Book” for an enlightening 15 minutes. Humanlibrary.org explains these books as “a person that has chosen to be a public representative for a certain group … They are courageous people who stand by their convictions
and are willing to discuss their values with others.” Human Library began 14 years ago in Denmark. The event was made to “break stereotypes by challenging the most common prejudices in a positive and humorous manner,” as the organization describes it. “It is a concrete, easily transferable and affordable way of promoting tolerance and understanding.” Human Library has since become an inspiring, international event. Elizabeth Spanjer, a Respect leader intern, is helping organize Conestoga’s third annual Human Library event. “We are aiming for 12 books this year. We might even bring back some returns from last year, like a female illusionist. Or more stereotypically known as a drag queen,” Spanjer said. “He came in full drag to show his other side.” Spanjer also mentioned a couple of brave students who volunteered in the past to talk about their life with
depression. “People are generously sharing their life stories … It’s a fantastic opportunity to challenge your assumptions.” Laura Black, a Student Life programmer, said this
is “a unique and inspiring opportunity that should be shared with others.” Individual students, staff and faculty members can drop-in anytime on the day of the event. However, teachers are encouraged to
sign-up classes interested in attending by Jan. 31 at respect@conestogac.on.ca. Book titles will be released in late February. To learn more about this interactive event, check out humanlibrary.org.
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Monday, January 27, 2014
CAMPUS GAMING LEAGUE CSI
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YOU WILL BE FIGHTING AGAINST GAMERS FROM SIX OTHER COLLEGES ALL AROUND ONTARIO