Hockey helps the homeless Local event raises big money for charity. Page 6 tuesday, october 14, 2014
SPOKE
Terrifying is trendy Waterloo shop has the must-have costumes. Page 7
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Conestoga College, Kitchener, Ont.
Teacher to run in marathon
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45TH Year — No. 19
VOTING IN cambridge just got A WHOLE LOT EASIER
BY JUSTIN FORD
Conestoga College will be represented in the upcoming Boston Marathon by a teacher. Roger Enns is a 47-yearold mechanical engineering professor who has completely turned his life around. He will compete in the gruelling 26.2mile race April 20, 2015. Enns wasn’t always in peak physical condition, in fact, he didn’t start getting into shape until he turned 42. Now, Enns has astounding drive, passion and fire for running. “The weight loss was a secondary thing,” Enns said. “It does become an addiction.” Running helped the former 205-pound Enns get into great shape, which in turn helped him eventually shatter his goal of wanting to be able to run five kilometres. The Ayr, Ont. native joined a running club in Paris, Ont., and never looked back. “If I hadn’t committed, if I didn’t have that group, I would have quit,” Enns said. He became extremely dedicated and eventually fell in love with running. His wife and two teenage children have been nothing but supportive. “They’ve been great,” Enns said. “But they do kind of roll their eyes a bit. “I don’t even think they notice I’m gone,” he said jokingly. He runs at least four days a week, sometimes as far as 25 kilometres a day. It’s extremely time-consuming, but beyond rewarding. Although the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings are still on people’s minds, Enns said he’s not worried about something like that happening again, though he understands global events are always targets. He said his initial goal for the race was to just finish, but now he wants to finish strong. Despite qualifying for the marathon, Enns does have some regrets. One is that it took him 42 years to get into shape. He hopes now that it is something he’ll always love doing. “For me, it’s the completion of a bucket list goal that I didn’t dream possible,” he said.
PHOTO BY Nicole Nemeth
Eligible electors in Cambridge have new ways to vote this year in the Oct. 27 municipal election. Residents can now vote online or by phone. For more information, see video at www.spokeonline.com.
Reducing mental health stigma Awareness week focuses on education
BY NATHAN BROWN
One in five Canadians is diagnosed with a mental health illness in their life. Conestoga College faculty and staff recognize this, and are helping students get the information they need. Mental Health Awareness Week was held at the college from Oct. 6 to 10, with Counselling Services manning booths that featured a different topic on different forms of mental health every day. Anxiety, depression, eating disorders and suicide prevention were among the topics covered. “We’re trying to create education and awareness around mental health,” said Shawna Bernard, a counsellor at the college. The purpose of Mental Health Awareness Week was to reduce the stigma around
mental health. The counselling office took the opportunity to tell students about what they have to offer. “It’s an opportunity for us to advertise our services and a good time for students to ask questions they need answered,” Bernard said. Approximately 20 per cent of Canadians will experience a mental health illness in their lifetime, affecting all ages. Students in post-secondary schools become highly susceptible to mental health illnesses due to certain factors such as stress and anxiety. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, approximately five per cent of male youth, and 12 per cent of female youth, between the ages of 12-19, experience a major depressive episode. Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) took part in the awareness week, holding a Yellow Umbrella Project that focused
on eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and raising awareness about mental health issues within post-secondary schools.
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It’s an opportunity for us to advertise our services and a good time for students to ask questions they need answered. — Shawna Bernard
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Jeff Scherer, CSI president, said their plan for the week was to hand out as many resources as possible for students, and have students sign up for a number of events that they will be holding later in October. Activities included safeTALK training, two guest speakers and a Yellow
Umbrella colour run. The project also featured a human library Oct. 10 in the atrium of the college. Students were provided with one-on-one time to talk to others about mental health. Two counsellors from the college participated in the event, providing students with information on counselling services. Information during the mental health week also focused on outside resources, like Here 24/7, a group that helps people access addictions, mental health and crisis services provided by 12 different agencies across Waterloo, Wellington and Dufferin. The focus of Here 24/7 is to try to create “one-stop shopping.” On Oct. 22 a three-hour workshop will be held for students by safeTALK, a program that provides suicide alertness training to participants. Students can sign up at the CSI office.
NEWs
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Now deep thoughts ... with Conestoga College
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
c-wing classrooms new and improved
Random questions answered by random students
“If you were at a friend’s or relative’s and you found a dead insect in your salad, what would you do?” “Slap the person hosting the party.” Alex Dawkins, first-year business marketing
“Flick it off and keep eating.”
Patryk Banarik, first-year business marketing PHOTO BY carmen ponciano
C-wing underwent major renovations this summer. Above, Andrew Kocher, a third-year graphic design student, works on his assignment in one of the renovated classrooms. See www.spokeonline.com for video.
“Take it out.”
Jordi Cain, second-year biotechnology
“Tell them.” Kelly Cooke, first-year fitness and health promotion
“Not eat it.”
Stephanie Samson, first-year business foundations
“Start flipping out and throw it.” Dylan Embro, first-year protection, security and investigation Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!
NEWs
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
SPOKE s Page 3
Information is key in struggle against Ebola The World Health Organization says more than 6,000 infected BY JACK PARKINSON
Ebola. It is a word that is unfortunately, becoming more and more familiar these days. The first reports this year were in March, with hospital staff in Guinea telling the country’s Ministry of Health about a virus from its southeastern regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) later confirmed the disease to be Ebola. In 2013, researchers at the New England Journal of Medicine traced the outbreak to a two-year-old girl who died from the virus in Meiliandou, a small village in southeastern Guinea. Since then Ebola has spread like wildfire across West Africa. The latest figures from WHO place the number of total infections at more than 6,000 across the three hardest-hit countries: Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The number of deaths in those
countries is more than 3,000 and WHO recently declared that the situation constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (a PHEIC). The outbreak meets all the criteria that warrant a PHEIC, and was described by WHO as an “extraordinary event” in their declaration on Aug. 8. This is the third time in its history that WHO has made such a declaration – the other two times were related to the H1N1 spread in 2009 and the resurgence of polio in May of this year. The virus has appeared in the United States but has so far only affected a few people. It has not appeared in Canada. “I’m advised by our International Education Office that none of Conestoga’s international students come from the areas of West Africa that are experiencing the outbreak,” said Brenda Cassidy,
director of corporate communications at Conestoga College, in an email. Conestoga and many postsecondary institutions with international student bodies face a unique problem when it comes to international outbreaks like the current Ebola one. Conestoga has thousands of students using the campus every day, and even a single person could be enough to infect many more. But, according to Cassidy, the actual risk of infection at Conestoga is almost nonexistent. “Given that the incubation period for the disease is two to 21 days, anyone who has been here since early September cannot have contracted the virus,” Cassidy said. Ebola is not transmitted by air, water or food, but rather through direct contact with bodily fluids. The disease remains in animals most of the time and must make the jump to humans.
Preparing for mid-terms
These restrictions make spread difficult in North America – one of the contributing reasons Ebola spread so quickly in West Africa is that many religious and funerary practices in the region involve hugging and close physical contact. In Ontario, this is not the case. Several of the countries hit by Ebola’s spread have underdeveloped health infrastructure. Sierra Leone, for instance, has a population of six million people, yet has only about 130 doctors and just over a thousand nurses. Above all, the most important thing is prevention and information. Cassidy stressed that Conestoga has a plan in case Ebola does appear in Ontario or Canada. In that event, Conestoga would follow all guidelines, screening recommendations and precautions issued by local public health officials for preventing the spread of the disease.
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I’m advised by our International Education Office that none of Conestoga’s international students come from the areas of West Africa that are experiencing the outbreak. — Brenda Cassidy
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46th bavarian festival held in k-w
PHOTO BY Nathan Brown
Conestoga biotechnical students formed a study group to help them prepare for upcoming midterms at the college. Studying with classmates helps students be more successful..
PHOTO BY Beth crouse
Debbie Spencer, of Kitchener, window shops at Oktoberfest headquarters before the opening ceremonies and keg tapping on Oct. 10. at 11:30 a.m. being held at Kitchener City Hall.
COMMENTARY
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Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Again at war BY Jordan Johnstone
With the Islamic State (IS) taking over swaths of land in Syria and Iraq, committing countless atrocities and war crimes as they do, it has rallied the international community against them. On Oct. 6 the House of Commons voted to join the United States-led coalition against IS in Iraq. “Today we are bringing forward a motion asking this House to confirm its confidence for a government decision to join our allies and partners in launching airstrikes against ISIL,” Prime Minster Stephen Harper said in parliament, according to a press release on the PMO’s website. Those partners include the United States, United Kingdom, France, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Harper said the mission will focus on Iraq and made it clear Canada would only carry out airstrikes in Syria once that government gave Canada permission to do so. Other allies have already launched airstrikes in Syria, which has been locked in a three-year civil war against IS, other terrorist groups and rebel factions. He also said Canada would not work with Bashar al Assad’s government forces to combat IS in Syria. “The revulsion of the Government of Canada to the actions of the Assad regime is well known,” Harper told the house. Despite joining the Unites States’ 11-year campaign in Iraq, Harper promised Canada’s participation wouldn’t be prolonged. With no combat troops on the ground and Iraq and Kurdish troops barely hanging on, many wonder what the end strategy will be in order to eliminate the IS threat. Canada’s part may be a token role, with the support given just to add one more name to the coalition list. Or maybe Harper has finally gotten Canada involved in a war he wanted be involved in 10 years ago as opposition leader. These bloody campaigns have caused countless loss of life and suffering throughout the Middle East. Let’s just be sure to do it right this time. Canada’s last campaign in the Middle East didn’t end well and being dragged in to another long ground campaign is what IS wants. 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.
Condors need to be cautious when walking in college parking lots.
Parking lots have become a battleground Conestoga College may seem like a friendly, cosy and comfortable place for most students, but there is a war raging outside its walls. Parking lots have been causing otherwise good drivers to become reckless. The problem originates with parking permits. Although Conestoga College has thousands of students flowing through its doors on any given day, the number of parking spots is fixed. The very nature of having a limited number of parking spots available causes the mildest mannered driver to become vicious, almost stalker-like, when hunting for a space. Students are forced to circle full parking lots for a half hour or longer, desperately seeking a free spot, while at the same time checking the clock hoping that they will only be slightly late for class. If a spot does open up, multiple vehicles race toward each other to see who will be the lucky one. The hunt for parking spots has become such a challenge that students are disregarding simple rules of the road in order to obtain that great
Beth Crouse Opinion
spot close to the building. I have witnessed on more than one occasion a motorist narrowly missing an unsuspecting student who assumed that because the vehicle was slowing down, the driver wouldn’t accelerate despite a vacant parking spot coming into view. Students who are crossing in the crosswalks have the right of way, but now it’s the pedestrians who must be vigilant to ensure they aren’t flattened by a driver who is more concerned about a piece of pavement than a human life. Something needs to change before it’s too late. Drivers at Conestoga College need to pay more attention to their surroundings when entering a busy school area. People walking in the crosswalk shouldn’t have to jump back to avoid being hit. Drivers should follow the posted speed limits and allow
enough time to commute, and, subsequently, find parking, without running someone over. The excuse, “I was going to be late for class” doesn’t excuse poor driving.
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Parking lots have been causing otherwise good drivers to become reckless.
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With winter approaching, treacherous road conditions will only amplify this war between students and vehicles. Taking an extra few minutes before your morning commute to properly clean your vehicle (whether that means defogging your windows or brushing away the snow) is a must. But, more importantly, taking the time to set your schedule accordingly is essential if you are to avoid being charged with vehicular manslaughter. Pedestrians shouldn’t feel the need to take to social media in order to shame poor driving, the responsibility falls on drivers to be mindful of their surroundings.
Spoke
i s p u bl i s h ed a nd prod u ced weekl y b y t h e j o u rn a l i s m st u dents o f C onesto g a C olle g e Editor: Beth Crouse Assignment Editors: Alex Riese, Maryssa McFadden Advertising Managers: Jack Parkinson, Jordan Johnstone Spoke Online Editors: Carson Deshevy-Renouf, Cody Mudge, Ian McBride
Production Managers: Cassie Tulecki, Carmen Ponciano
Social Media Editor: Nataleigh McCallum, Matt Howell
Photo Editors (print): Nathan Brown, Kali Caudle, Justin Ford Photo Editors (online): Josh Kennedy, Nicole Nemeth, Heather Stanley
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Spoke’s address is 299 Doon Valley Dr., Room 1C30, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4M4. Phone: 519-748-5220, ext. 3691, 3692, 3693, 3694 Fax: 519-748-3534 Email: spoke@conestogac.on.ca Website: www.spokeonline.com
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.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
NEWS
Opportunity of a lifetime
Conestoga degree students can experience nuances of China and Japan By Ian Mcbride
Some Conestoga degree students will have the opportunity of a lifetime when they travel to China and Japan in May 2015. And, it gets better. The twoweek trip is a new course that meets one of their elective requirements. Taking place from May 1-17, the course, titled, cultural, historical and economical overview of Japan and China, builds on last year’s expedition to England and France. Students will explore four cities (two in China and two in Japan), and spend three or four days in each. They will study various aspects of the countries, such as culture, politics, history, economy, spirituality and food, and will come to understand the differences between the East and the West. Daily meetings will be held to discuss course material and activities for the day, and the course evaluation will consist of an exam, daily journal and paper. Pierre Brunet and Renee Ha are the instructors who will be accompanying the students to Asia. Brunet is a professor in Conestoga’s School of Business and Ha is a lecturer in the School of Liberal Studies.
The cities that will be explored in China are Suzhou and Shanghai, and Kyoto and Tokyo in Japan. Suzhou is a 2,500-year-old city that is now the cultural epicentre and Shanghai is a thriving international city that is the economic powerhouse of China. Kyoto is known as the imperial city and cultural soul of Japan and Tokyo is the capital, which has the most populous metropolitan area in the world at approximately 36 million people.
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Students will be exposed to the writing (through signs and indications) as we travel around ... it is certain that they will find this point challenging as no one will have any points of reference. — Pierre Brunet
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According to Brunet, population density will be a drastic change for students. “The density of population will be the first shock,” he said.
“In the Tokyo subway, during rush hour, individuals are hired to push people in the wagons. All this is done with care, but that will be unusual for students.” Adjusting to the new languages will be difficult as well. “Students will be exposed to the writing (through signs and indications) as we travel around. They will also hear the language. It is certain that they will find this point challenging as no one will have any points of reference,” Brunet said. Safety will not be an issue because China and Japan have excellent track records in terms of low levels of theft and aggression. The cost of the trip (including taxes) is $3,650, which covers airfare, local transportation, accommodations, breakfast (China only) and museums. Students interested in signing up for this course should attend one of the 30-minute presentations being held on Oct. 20, 22, 23 or 24 at the Doon or Cambridge campuses. For times and room numbers, or for further information, email Pierre Brunet at jpbrunet@conestogac.on.ca. The application deadline is Nov. 3.
CampaignING heatS up with the election OCT. 27
PHOTO BY Alex Riese
Candidates in the upcoming municipal election gathered at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts in Kitchener for a discussion of the arts on Oct. 1. Above, informed citizens take notes on the candidates’ answers to decide which one will get their vote. For video, see www.spokeonline.com.
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Weird Facts about China and Japan Here are some things about these two Asian powerhouses that you probably didn’t know. Table tennis is China’s national sport. Late-night dancing is illegal in Japan. 100 million people in China live on less than $1 USD per day. Japan suffers 1,500 earthquakes every year. The world’s first paper money was created in China 1,400 years ago. Japan has just two gun-related homicides per year. Almost a third of San Francisco’s air pollution comes from China. The world’s oldest company operated in Japan from 578 AD to 2006. Seventy-eight per cent of software installed in China in 2010 was pirated. Japanese trains are among the world’s most punctual: their average delay is just 18 seconds.
NEWS
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Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Hockey helps the homeless
BY JOSH KENNEDY
People living on the streets, fighting the cold weather and looking for something to eat are getting help from Hockey Helps the Homeless. The organization was founded in 1996 by a group of Toronto business professionals who decided to make an annual industry hockey tournament into a charity event. It is a volunteer-driven organization that hosts fantasy hockey tournaments in various Canadian cites including Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. Each team has at least two NHL alumni and three Canadian Women Hockey League alumni playing on it. All of the proceeds go to charities involving the homeless, such as the House of Friendship, which specializes in helping children, youth, men and women with low income and offering them healthier lives by feeding them and providing shelters and supportive housing. In Waterloo Region there are more than 2,800 people who are homeless. “Homeless people are affected in many ways, such as mental illness or abuse,” said Mark Wolf, the committee head of the KitchenerWaterloo men’s team. “And these charities are perfect to get them the help they need.” The Top 5 fundraising teams this year are Parkway Ford ($3,490), Team WalterFedy ($3,245), Freedom 55 Financial ($785), Waterloo Fire Rescue ($435) and KW Oldtimers ($270). To date,
PHOTO BY Josh Kennedy
Zack Thibodeau, a pre-service firefighter education and training student at Conestoga, stands by a sign at Waterloo Fire Rescue Station No. 3, which held a car wash Oct. 4 to raise money to help pay for a charity hockey team. Hockey Helps the Homeless has raised over $3.5 million in donations. The organization has many sponsors for their events. Locally they include CTV, Kool FM, KFUN and the Kitchener Rangers. To assist the organization, the Waterloo Fire Rescue recently held car washes at
their station on Sept. 27 and Oct. 4. “We are trying to raise money so we can get a team together that is sponsored by the city fire department,” said Fred TenEyck, the captain training officer at Waterloo Fire Rescue Station No. 3. “We are hoping to raise $6,000. One hundred
Kitchener Resident Takes helicopter for a spin
PHOTO BY Carson Deshevy-Renouf
Kitchener resident Andy Borosch takes his electric-powered remote control helicopter out for a spin on Oct. 4 before fall kicks into full gear.
per cent of the raised funds will be going to local homeless charities.” The actual hockey tournament will take place on Oct. 24 at RIM Park for those interested in watching the action. Teams will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a banquet. Each team member
will receive his own professional personalized jersey. Teams are guaranteed three games and each player must raise at least $350 in donations. For more information on how to register for this tournament and other upcoming events, go to www.hockeyhelpsthehomeless.com
Feature
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
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It's Almost Time for Ghoul By MATT HOWELL
Halloween is the one time of the year when you are encouraged to be someone else – whether it is someone humorous or sexy. David Buckle, operations manager for the Spirit Halloween store in the Bridgeport Plaza, 75 Weber St. N., in Waterloo, said there are definitely some costumes that you will be seeing more of if you are handing out candy to the little monsters this year “Licensed Disney costumes are always really big with the kids for sure. The movie Frozen was really big this year and every little girl, and boy for that matter, wants a Disney Frozen costume,” Buckle said. But Halloween isn’t limited to the kids having all the fun, adults can get into the dressing up game too – usually with more X-rated and wacky costumes. “With girls, especially in a university area like this, it’s kind of cute. With the guys, it’s usually something funny,” Buckle said. A lot of people will go out and pick a costume off the rack, but there are also
the imaginative folks who will put their own costume together for something completely original. “We get a lot of people who piece together their own costume so they will grab a mask and add a voice disguiser and different props. It definitely is really popular. I had a woman at the bank ask me how she could make a unicorn costume. Well, we have stuff for that too,” Buckle said. The store is packed full of things to dress up as, with superhero and zombiethemed costumes taking up most of the space. A wall of masks offers everything from creepy clowns to disgusting monsters. Now, if you can’t find the perfect costume in the stores or aren’t great at putting something together, there are other options such as ordering online. Luke Reeve and his girlfriend were walking around in awe at the Spirit Halloween store as they looked at all the
masks and costumes. Pointing at his girlfriend, Reeve said she wants to be Belle from Disney, and Reeve’s girlfriend pointed at him and said she wanted him to be the beast. With a beard and long hair, he was well on his way to making that happen but they had to order his costume online. As for what they had planned for the evening, Reeve said, “We want to go to a bar or something.” With Halloween only a few weeks away, people are flocking to area costume shops. Chris Garrett, a first-time costume shop employee, said it’s a lot of fun working at Spirit Halloween but he has noticed how busy the store is starting to get. “Weekends are a little bit crazy compared to during the week, and the closer we get to Halloween, it’s picking up a lot,” Garrett said.
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A walk through Mordor
by carson deshevy-renouf
There is nothing more satisfying in a video game than watching the hours upon hours of work you’ve put in paying off. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is one game that delivers that experience on a very bloody silver platter. Shadow of Mordor is a roleplaying game set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy realm of “Middle-earth.” The events take place between the stories of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings saga, and tell the tale of Talion, a ranger captain garrisoned at the Black Gate. On the night the dark lord Sauron returns to Mordor, the Black Gate is overrun, and Talion is forced to watch his wife and son die before he himself is executed. Talion is resurrected, however, by the spirit of an ancient elf lord and gifted with strange and powerful Wraith abilities. Players take the role of Talion as he fights his way back to Mordor on a quest to exact vengeance upon those who took the ones he loved. Along the way he uncovers the story of both the ancient spirit that now resides within him and the infamous Rings of Power. The gameplay at first seems very reminiscent of that of Assassin’s Creed titles mixed with Batman: Arkham Asylum. A seemingly linear progression of main story quests set in an open, exploration based world with a massive amount of side quests and missions. That is
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Video Game Review followed up by surprisingly fun, free flowing combat that is improved by an expansive set of skills, weapon upgrades and abilities to unlock, and polished by never eliminating the true challenging nature of the game. As you play more and more you discover that Shadow of Mordor takes a very original stance on RPGs. The game’s most fundamental and recognizable feature is the “Nemesis System.” This system is based around the primary enemies of the game, the “Uruk-hai,” an advanced breed of Tolkien’s “Orcs.” It generates Uruk warriors, captains and war chiefs in organized “warbands” or military units specific to each individual playthrough of the game. Every enemy you encounter is armed with unique abilities, traits and personalities and are shaped by every action the player takes within the game. This plays a huge part in creating a living, breathing and evolving game world. One of the best parts of Shadow of Mordor is the fact that it makes use of Tolkien’s world without relying solely on fan service. Of course there is talk of Sauron, and you venture through the Black Gate and Mordor but you are never barraged with
the set pieces that defined the books/films. At most, the game fleshes out the stories behind pieces fans had already known and loved. Monolith Productions, the developer of the game, did well to create a solid RPG without having to ride the coattails of the name. This is not, however, a perfect game. The story, although interesting, falls off as you progress through it. Besides being given a main, clear goal, I found myself lost in it, and not in a good way. Every once in a while, after a long session of slaughtering
Uruk warriors and infiltrating their ranks, I’d pop back into the story and try to progress. Unfortunately, I would find myself wondering why exactly I had to do what I was doing. Also, although just nitpicking at this point, I’ve taken keen interest in game soundtracks. Games like The Last of Us and Wolfenstein: The New Order had soundtracks that drew me in and immersed me further into the game. Shadow of Mordor, however, never really had me stopping my game just to appreciate what the compos-
ers had done. Everything just seemed to blend in and never made me feel like the awesome killing machine I was like Wolfenstein did. Shadow of Mordor puts a fresh face on Tolkien’s fantasy world like no other. Additions like the “Nemesis System” overshadow the few flaws that do exist and give hours upon hours of gaming possibility. Even with a story that is lacklustre, this is by far one of the best games I have played in a long time, and I strongly recommend it to Tolkien and RPG fans alike.
items. His vision was to make buying and selling lightly worn or new clothes easier for people by making a platform to take pictures of clothes and upload them to a virtual closet for others to look at and buy if they’re interested. The app has quickly gained popularity since being created three years ago and has even been invested in by famous actor, Ashton Kutcher. Not only can Poshmark help clear a closet of unwanted items, according to the app’s publicist, it can also act as a source of income and is a right fit for anyone. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a high school student looking to make some extra allowance, a stay-at-home mom who wants to make another income, a businesswoman looking for a new outfit for a client meeting, or a trendy fashionista
looking for the latest styles – Poshmark is for you,” said Joanna Riedl, Poshmark’s spokesperson and publicist. While there are multiple websites available to buy and sell clothes, Riedl believes Poshmark has qualities which set it apart from its competitors. “We’ve built something that brings these real-world interactions to the online marketplace, and it’s addictive. Our users are spending 20-25 minutes in the app daily. These women want to connect with each other. We have found that women come to Poshmark to buy and sell and they stay on the app because of the relationships they establish,” she said. Another unique and added benefit is the way Poshmark acts as a middleman to the buyer and seller of which helps to make both people
happy. When an item is sold on Poshmark, the seller receives an email with a free shipping label to print out and fasten to her package before taking it to the post office. Poshmark then tracks the item in the app until it reaches the buyer who, at that time, will get a notification in the app to accept the sale. They have three days to report a problem if the item is damaged or different than it was described. Once they accept the sale, Poshmark releases the payment to the seller. “By acting as a mediator and customer service provider, Poshmark has kept the process of buying and selling items within the marketplace safe and simple for all of its users,” Riedl said. While some competitive platforms have restrictions on what products people on their
site can sell, Poshmark allows users to sell virtually any type of clothing and accessories, anything from forever 21 to Michael Kors. “We allow all gently used and new women’s clothing and accessories and you’ll get them at prices up to 70 per cent off retail. Our most popular categories are handbags and accessories, shoes and dresses and skirts,” Riedl said. Since being created, many college students have started using the app as a way to pay for college and university tuition. A 21-year-old fashion merchandising student was even shown on Good Morning America after raising $80,000 since she started on the app in 2012. For more information on Poshmark visit www.poshmark.com or search Poshmark on your iPhone’s or Android’s app store.
Internet photo
Shadow of Mordor looks into the life surrounding Middle-earth and the struggles of a man trying to exact revenge.
Poshmark app turns clothing into cash
by maryssa mcfadden
The story of broke college students struggling to pay for all their school and personal needs and eating ramen noodles for weeks on end is one which has been told plenty of times before. Yet, now, something new has been added to the tale. It’s Poshmark – a free, trendy mobile app for iPhone and Android which allows people to buy, sell and browse clothing and accessories right from their phone. Although it is currently only available in the U.S., they hope to be available in Canada soon. Created in 2011 by Manish Chandra and co-founded by Gautam Golwala, Chetan Pungaliya and Tracy Sun, the idea was first formed when Chandra looked at his closet and saw piles of his wife’s shopping bags filled with unworn
feature
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
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The WORKS Gourmet Burger Bistro, which opened on Fairway Road in Kitchener on Sept. 19, held a charity event on Sept. 30 to raise money for Special Olympics – KitchenerWaterloo.
PHOTOs BY kali caudle
Bistro serves more than burgers BY KALI CAUDLE
Not only does The WORKS serve a wide variety of burgers, they also serve them in a community-oriented atmosphere. The WORKS Gourmet Burger Bistro opened its newest restaurant in Kitchener on Sept. 19 and held a Free Burger Day on Sept. 30 where diners made donations instead of paying for their meal. Shirley MacLean is the owner and operator of the new restaurant and also owns franchises in Waterloo and Kingston.
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My father was a junior hockey coach who always had an intellectually challenged person on the team as the water boy or as the stick boy, so I grew up always seeking that. — Shirley MacLean
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In addition to being known for its philanthropic work, the restaurant chain is known for its local favourite burgers that specifically reflect each community. MacLean personally named the “local faves” burgers which are all connected to the Kitchener community. They include: the Cops & Rangers burger which represents the Waterloo Regional Police and the Kitchener Rangers; the Onkel Hans burger which was named for the Oktoberfest mascot; the Kitchener Sink which is a play on the kitchen sink; Fire Station No. 4 which represents the local fire department; and the Magic Carpet Ride which represents one of Chicopee’s trails. She didn’t hesitate when
Yvonne Fernandes, Kitchener Ward 4 councillor, enjoys her Tower-o-Rings at The WORKS. she was given the opportunity to choose a charity to donate the proceeds to. MacLean grew up in the hockey world. “My father was a junior hockey coach who always had an intellectually challenged person on the team as the water boy or as the stick boy, so I grew up always seeing that.” So, it was an easy decision for her to choose Special Olympics – Kitchener-Waterloo. The Free Burger Day initiative is a prime example of why they are not just a regular restaurant – they also care about the neighbourhood and the community. In a Sept. 29 article on 570 News’ website, Special Olympics coach Julie Wetzler said they’re very grateful to be on the receiving end of the donation. MacLean said The WORKS does not do these events all the time, but they do different charitable events throughout the year to support Kitchener charities. The restaurant, which is located at 589 Fairway Rd. S., is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Owner Shirley MacLean (from left), Special Olympics K-W Coach Julie Wetzel, marketing officer Bruce Miller, and (in front) Special Olympics K-W downhill skier, Alaina MacDonald, all attended the launch of The WORKS.
The WORKS Gourmet Burger Bistro in Kitchener held a Free Burger Day on Sept. 30 where diners made donations to Special Olympics – Kitchener-Waterloo rather than paying for their meals.
fun & games
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Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Useless Facts
Oh Cliff!
Horoscope Week of October 14, 2014
Aries
More than 30 per cent of the people in the world have never made or received a telephone call.
Libra
March 21 April 19
September 23 October 22
Let Aries know that you admire them, they thrive for admiration. Give them lots of compliments and engage in deep conversations.
Termites have been known to eat food twice as fast when heavy metal music is playing.
Libras love to talk. They will talk about anything, but mainly focus on themselves. Be yourself around Libras and you won’t run into any complications.
All female bees in a given hive are sisters. Owls are the only birds that can see the colour blue.
Scorpio
Taurus
The Automated Teller Machine (ATM) was introduced in England in 1965.
October 23 November 21
April 20 May 20
Don’t rush into a relationship with a Taurus, they are patient and expect others to be as well. They are amused by humour, make them laugh.
Listen closely, Scorpios always have something interesting to say. Don’t hide things from them, they need to know what’s going on at all times.
Sudoku Puzzle
Sagittarius
Gemini
November 22 December 21
May 21 June 21
Geminis love to talk. Be knowledgeable about multiple topics in order to impress a Gemini. Speak your mind and engage in a friendly debate.
Cancer
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.
Keep your emotions to yourself and they will be attracted to you. They love activities so suggest outdoor ones, to spice it up.
Capricorn
June 22 July 22
December 22 January 19
Be honest and upfront about your feelings from the beginning. Don’t lead them on, if you’re not willing to provide a long-term relationship.
When a Capricorn feels safe, they will open up about their emotions. They appreciate practical and useful gifts.
Aquarius
Leo
January 20 February 18
July 23 August 22 Shower Leos with compliments, they love the attention even if you’re faking it. Leos love to be entertained, give them something to laugh about.
Virgo
When attracting an Aquarius, communication is key. When planning a date, variety is best. Think of interesting things to do, not the usual.
Pisces
August 23 September 22
February 19 March 20
Make sure your conversation has a conclusion, Virgos dislike topics that go nowhere. Impress them with facts and details.
Pisces like adventure and social events. Take them somewhere new and try a variety of different things. Make them feel comfortable with you.
The stars have spoken.
Word Search
NEWS
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
SPOKE s Page 11
Curator thinks outside of the box BY CODY MUDGE
Hands-on isn’t a term that you would usually associate with an art exhibition. And for good reason. Works of art are easily damaged from fingernails, negligence, oily or sweaty palms or deliberate vandalism. At the current exhibition at Waterloo’s Clay and Glass Museum, entitled Archive Fever!, the idea is to buck that trend and put the show into your hands. Admission is free for the exhibit, which runs through Jan. 4, 2015, and is curated by Krista Blake, a veteran curator of 20 years. Blake’s inspiration came from Andy Warhol’s Time Capsules and Jorge Luis Borges’s short story The Library of Babel. The exhibit consists of many different boxes. Blake contacted artists, musicians, authors and scientists and asked if they would be willing to fill their boxes with whatever they wanted. The idea is to select a box at random and catalogue its contents in your mind through hands-on discovery. Sometimes a telling clue will give away the box-
filler, but many times Blake will have to provide an answer as to whose belongings you’re rummaging through. “I like working with different people and changing the status quo of what you expect from an art show,” Blake said. Some of the boxes contain favourite records or books usually identifiable as formative teenage forays that helped mould an artist or scientist. The stuffed head of a real wolf can be found in one. Another box, the only one of its kind, featured some erotic art which set it apart from the grey, spartan uniformity of the rest. Several others featured the first book published by the box-filler, giving away their identity. When asked which box was her favourite Blake simply shook her head. “I love them all. Some are very simple and get right to the point. Others are very elegant or personal.” As visitors work their way through the various archives they’re being archived as well. A time machine sculpture by Pascal Dufaux centres the exhibition room. It’s a closed-circuit television cam-
PHOTO BY cody mudge
Krista Blake, a curator at the Clay and Glass Museum in Waterloo, wants people of all ages to come and experience their interactive art exhibit. era on a rotating table that displays what was filmed 45 seconds earlier onto a projector screen. It’s surreal to see yourself on film but not have it react to your current move-
CONESTOGA LAYS OUT NEW WELCOME MAT
PHOTO BY justin ford
Brenda Van Beers, a Welcome Centre representative, works diligently in the newly renovated Student Client Services Building. The renovation was approximately a nine-month project with the goal of providing a front door to Conestoga visitors, clients and prospective students at the Doon campus. A new Welcome Centre was the main focus of the renovation project. It was ready for the first week of school.
ments. All of this combines to make the show an expression of how we perceive time and information. “You’re spellbound for a second. I call it the Houdini
moment, you don’t know what you’re going to get and then you find out. The small space in between those moments is perfect,” Blake said, describing her favourite moment.
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NEWS
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
cyclists raise money AT ride for refuge event
PHOTOs BY heather stanley
Riders power through the cold and rain to raise money for charities during the Ride for Refuge event in Bloomingdale, Ont. on Oct. 4. For video see www.spokeonline.com.
Condors Soccer team suffers defeat
PHOTO BY jordan johnstone
Condors’ Alex Rose steals the ball from a Sheridan Bruin on Sept. 30 in Kitchener. The Condors lost 6-1.