More than Ghostbusters These paranormal investigators enjoy the unexplained. Page 3 MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016
SPOKE
A LEARNING NEWSROOM FOR JOURNALISM STUDENTS
CONESTOGA COLLEGE, KITCHENER, ONT.
WWW.SPOKEONLINE.COM
Discover Stratford There’s a lot more to enjoy than you might think. Page 6 47TH YEAR — NO. 12
CLOWNING AROUND
AT THE KITCHENER MARKET Clara Purvis holds a balloon creation made by Bubbles the Clown (a.k.a. Wayne Greulich) during a fun day at the Kitchener Market on March 26. Bubbles has been entertaining children as a clown, or “clowning,” since 1987, and has been doing it full-time for the past few years. He is a regular sight at the market. For more information, visit his website at www.bubblestheclown.ca. The market itself has a lot to offer. It has been a staple of this community for over 140 years, and takes place in the lower level of the building every Saturday. On the main floor, there are often crafts as well as international cuisine vendors. The market has developed into a hub in Kitchener, as it is common for there to be an event taking place within the building. PHOTO BY CHRIS HUSSEY
Planting the seeds for a great cause BY CHRIS HUSSEY
When Jessie Lacayo and her group visited Innisfree House several months ago, they definitely didn’t expect the endof-life-care facility to be so full of life. “It might seem like a contradiction, but it’s a very lively place,” said Lacayo. “There’s a lot of laughter and I think I’d want to be there if I was in that position.” Innisfree House is an expansion of Lisaard House in Cambridge, and the former opened its doors last year as part of a collaboration with Conestoga College. While Lisaard House has six beds, Innisfree has a much needed 10 beds available. At both facilities, they focus on
providing palliative care in a comfortable and peaceful environment. Lacayo, a second-year general business student, had the chance to lead and work with some of her classmates on a project for one of their courses. They were tasked with fundraising for Lisaard and Innisfree House, and after months of planning, they were able to host an event at the Kitchener Market on March 26. “We worked really well together,” she said. Patrick Hussey, also a second-year general business student and part of Lacayo’s team, handled the marketing and design part of the fundraiser. He said the impact the hospices have on this commu-
nity are enormous. “It’s celebrating the last part of your life in comfort … and it’s completely free of charge,” he said. Because every group in the class was assigned the same organization to fundraise for, there was certainly some healthy competition between the groups. Lacayo’s and Hussey’s group was initially regarded as the underdogs, but Lacayo said that near the end of the project, their professor recognized the great work their group was doing. Their strategy to raise money for these organizations was by selling seeds at the market in downtown Kitchener. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
PHOTO BY CHRIS HUSSEY
Francis Oyat (from left), Jessie Lacayo, Eunseuk Suk and Patrick Hussey hold “forget-me-not” seeds in support of the Lisaard and Innisfree Houses. The second-year general business students were selling the seeds at the Kitchener Market on March 26 as part of a project for one of their courses.
NEWS
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Now deep thoughts ... with Conestoga College
Monday, April 4, 2016
FILBERT CARTOONS
Random questions answered by random students
If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, what would it be?
“A naked cat.”
Take sleep deprived quiz BY CHRISTEL ALLISON
Sydney DeRose, first-year accounting
“A house hippo.”
Zach Schuetzkowski, second-year protection, security and investigation
“A tiger.”
Tahj Gayle, first-year general arts and science
“An ocelot.” John MacIsaac, second-year protection, security and investigation
Although sleep is not a luxury, there are reasons why we sleep. Russell Foster, a U.S. circadian neuroscientist, highlighted restoration as one of the reasons why we sleep during his TED talk. It’s the idea of restoring all that humans have burned off during the day. It’s been shown that a few genes that are associated with restoration and metabolic pathways are only turned on during sleep. Foster also discussed energy conservation as one of the reasons why we sleep. It’s the idea that we sleep to save calories, although only 100
calories are saved by an individual who sleeps at night in comparison to an individual who doesn’t sleep or move very much. A person’s ability to fall asleep and how quickly they fall asleep can be affected by a variety of factors. “Age is one of those factors. For example, older people have more difficulty falling asleep and they usually sleep lighter than teenagers,” said Conestoga College psychology professor Maggie Przednowek. She added that people sleep best when their body temperature is lowest. So, the temperature of a room can
affect a good night’s sleep. Also, shift workers who work a lot at night have trouble sleeping because their natural biological clock is disrupted. Some consequences of sleep deprivation include poor memory, poor judgment and increased impulsiveness. People having trouble sleeping should monitor the temperature of their room before going to bed, set a realistic bedtime and avoid working late into the night. You can take a quiz to find out how sleep deprived you are by visiting www.sleepandhealth.com/are-you-sleepdeprived-short-quiz.
STUDENTS JUMP
THEIR WAY INTO SOME INDOOR FUN
Skyzone, an indoor trampoline park, is expanding to more cities in Canada. In Kitchener, Skyzone is located at 150 Gateway Park Dr. Prices range from $10 for 30 minutes to $24 for 120 minutes. They also have skyrobics classes and host birthday parties. PHOTO BY CHRISTEL ALLISON
STUDENTS ALSO RIDE THEIR WAY TO HAPPINESS “An elephant.”
Rob Szabo, first-year general arts and science
“A seahorse.”
Briar Smith, first-year community and criminal justice PHOTO BY GARRETT BURCHETT
Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!
Students at the Doon campus got a chance to ride the Chartwells’ Green Bike and make their own smoothies on March 23. For video story, visit www.spokeonline.com.
Monday, April 4, 2016
FEATURE
THE PARANORMAL SIDE
BY LEAH MORROW
True love is a beautiful thing, but sometimes it ends in tragedy. When walking in the heart of downtown Cambridge, it appears as if time itself came to a standstill somewhere around the 1800s. The picturesque scene of old bricked buildings backing onto the Grand River provide the perfect back drop for a love story. The story begins in downtown Galt. William was a married man who worked as a mail carrier for the postal office near the corner of Dickson Street and Water Street. Though he was married, his heart belonged to another woman. Her name was Emily. All good things must come to an end or so they say. One night William decided, even though his love for Emily was strong, their affair could not continue. He told her he had far too much to lose. Days later, his now ex-lover was found dangling from the clock tower. “Some people say he killed her. Some say she committed suicide and others say it never happened at all,” said Christy Therrien, a KitchenerWaterloo based investigator of the paranormal. “The post office was a nightclub at one point. One night the DJ who was working saw a gorgeous woman and then he saw her disappear right before his eyes. He never went back.” Therrien said other people have claimed they saw faces through the glass windows of the post office. She also said the window in the clock tower where Emily supposedly hung herself is nailed shut. “Every now and then the screws that hold the board in place unscrew themselves,” she said. Mark Larcoque and Trevor Bishop started the first openly gay paranormal society in Ontario in 2010. They are now one of the most sought after teams in the country. “We do not bust ghosts,” said Bishop. “We do our research and investigate.” Larcoque had his first encounter with the paranormal world when he was six years old. He said he saw two spirits standing at his door. It was later, at the age of 19, that he discovered he was a gifted medium, a psychic with the ability of transchanneling. Having this ability means Larcoque can go into a trance and allow a spiritual entity enter his body. Bishop said he has witnessed this happen and that Larcoque will actually begin to pick up mannerisms such as the facial expressions of
the spirit that is borrowing his body. Bishop was 25 years old when he realized he could sense spirits. Bishop is able to hear spirits through what is called clairaudience. He can pick up the energies of spirits as well as words when they wish to speak. “When we are born, we are all able to sense spirits and see spirits,” said Bishop. “As you grow older, you go on with life. You focus on life stuff, you don’t focus on the paranormal.” Bishop said children are much more susceptible to the spirit world. He said those imaginary friends that children often hold so dear are more than just imaginary, they are spirits. Larcoque said everybody has a touch of medium in them. They just need to open themselves up and keep an open mind about things. “If a person had a really bad, traumatic death, like a car accident, and they don’t know they are dead, they can be stuck here until they realize that they are dead,” he said. “Then they can move on.”
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Children are more susceptible to spirit encounters. Shadow people are not human. They are a completely different entity. Circles are bubbles of protection during séances. Keep an open mind. Bishop said there are many different types of spirits and different types of hauntings; that is where the investigation part comes in. “Trevor uses tools,” said Larcoque. “I use my psychic ability.” Larcoque is professionally trained in mental health, so when the team receives an email about a haunting he is able to meet with the person and find out whether his or her claims of paranormal activity are just that or if they are related to mental health. “We really have a step above other teams because Mark has training in that field,” said Bishop. The two investigators have travelled across large parts of Ontario. Locally they have investigated everywhere from the Homer Watson House and Gallery to the Doon Mills ruins, which Larcoque said are definitely haunted. “There were two great fires there,” he said.
It is said that if you ask any of Cafe 13’s employees whether the restaurant is haunted, they will be less than willing to respond. “Approximately 100 people perished.” Bishop said they have investigated The Cornet Motor Hotel that is located on Victoria Street in Kitchener. They have done around five investigations there and said there is a lot of paranormal activity at that site, both positive and negative. “There is some negative energies in the basement,” said Bishop. “There are positive energies as well. There’s a child spirit there that I have caught quite a few times. I have also seen some dark shadows there as well.” Bishop said they have caught videos of shadows moving down the hallway at an alarming speed. “We had to slow the video down,” he said. “We were only able to see it because it moved across a white door frame.” Bishop said shadow people are different from spirits, adding they aren’t negative, they just have a different energy. “They are different entities. Where spirits are humans, we can communicate with them,” he said. “Shadow people are different, they are really hard to catch. They are really fast and people really don’t know what they are.” Both Bishop and Larcoque are trained in doing séances. Bishop said they have done them at the house they live at now. Séances are a way to communicate with the spirit world. “The most important thing is to be in a circle,” said Bishop. “Circles are a bubble of protection. It allows the energies to come through.” Bishop said the key to séances is not candles, it is to remember to open and close the portal between the spirit world and ours. He said a lot of people forget to do this. “We have had table tipping,” said Larcoque. “The table started levitating and
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PHOTOS BY LEAH MORROW
Mark Larcoque and Trevor Bishop started the first gay paranormal society in Ontario. They are seen here on the stairway of their haunted home.
The former post office building in the downtown Galt part of Cambridge is haunted by the ghost of William’s ex-lover, Emily. moving by itself, just from us having our fingers on it. The first time we did one here, we had the table on a 45 degree angle.” They said on the website veryparanormal.com, people can watch a video of them crossing a spirit from their house over to the white light. The paranormal team has investigated many places and can even recommend haunted places like Café 13 in the Galt
section of Cambridge to go to and grab a good cup of coffee. The mystery surrounding Emily and William may never be solved. Bishop and Larcoque said it is important to do your research before you take up the task of trying to solve the mystery alone. For more information about the Ontario Gay Paranormal Society, go to ontariogayparanormalsociety.ca
COMMENTARY
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Monday, April 4, 2016
Orca decision the right one BY MARISSA CUDDY
SeaWorld is evolving. After years of pressure from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and other activist groups, they are finally changing how the orcas will be treated. They recently announced they will stop breeding orcas and phase out theatrical orca shows at all three U.S. locations. The company seems to be leaning toward more animal-free attractions, such as Mako, a 200-foottall roller-coaster that goes 70 mph, two other rollercoasters on smaller scales and a SeaWorld-branded hotel in Orlando. Activists are calling for emptied tanks but SeaWorld can’t release the orcas into the wild. It would be unrealistic and irresponsible. Many of them have never been in the wild and have never had to hunt for their food. The orcas will more than likely stay at SeaWorld, however, changes should be made to give them a better habitat such as a bigger tank and healthier food. In a NBC News article, SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby said the orcas are best off in the parks, where trainers and veterinarians can take care of them. However, there are other options to improve their quality of life. For example, they could put the orcas in a sea sanctuary. Sea sanctuaries are pens that allow orcas to be in the ocean without giving them total freedom. The pens would still have to be monitored by veterinarians and trainers to ensure the safety of the orcas but this would allow them more freedom. SeaWorld needs to continue to look after the orcas they have by making sure they are healthy and happy in their environment. The shows may be coming to an end but that doesn’t mean they should neglect the animals. The end of the breeding program means the end of orcas in captivity at SeaWorld once the orcas they currently have die, a big win in the fight to empty the tanks. It may be hard on the company at first, but if they stay focused on other attractions they should survive and flourish. They will also get back on track to becoming respected again. Orca captivity will always be part of SeaWorld’s history, but it is what they do now and in the future that counts. 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. Address correspondence to: The Editor, Spoke, 299 Doon Valley Dr., Room 1C30, Kitchener, Ont., N2G 4M4
You are only feeding his ego.
How everyone is falling for con man Trump Donald Trump is the biggest con man in American politics and everyone is falling for it. Whether you feverishly support or protest his efforts to “make America great again,” it works for him. He’s playing the competition, his supporters, his “haters” and the media like an orchestra and turning his campaign into a political freight train to the likes of which nobody has ever seen before, and here’s how. Say what you want about some of Trump’s failed business ventures: Trump University, Trump Steaks, Trump Vodka and the United States Football League (to name a few); the man still has a net worth of $4.5 billion according to Forbes. Sure, he might have gotten a little help from Papa Trump to get started, but still, you don’t get to be that wealthy overnight. The man clearly knows how to get what he wants, and the likes of Jeb Bush, Ben Carson and Chris Christie found out the hard way. With Ted Cruz, the next domino to fall, it’s only a matter of time before victory is his. Step one in the Trump campaign, say something that will get mass press coverage, rile up the uneducated and alienate the left-wing, politicallycorrect mass public. Ergo, the “Mexico’s sending us their rapists and murderers, let’s build a wall and make them pay for it” and the “ban all Muslims” and other such bigoted rhetoric. Not only does this “telling it like it is” mantra shake the
Mike Stromme Opinion
cages of the CNN and Fox News masses who cannot think for themselves, it royally pisses off the politically-correct left-wing, which he then uses to his advantage. Every protest at every Trump rally, every jab given out by The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, every time his outlandish comments get “negative press,” it strengthens his support. Trump has mastered the art of using the enemy, whether that’s illegal immigration, the threat of terrorism, or those who don’t agree with him, to his advantage. His supporters have an us-against-them mentality, and the left is the enemy. He has his public convinced that the reason why their quality of life isn’t where it should be is because those who are different are infringing on them. All the protests and all the negative press that surrounds Trump is used as fuel for his supporters. It’s all a ploy, a scam, a con, use whatever term you want, it’s all working to his advantage. Will all Muslims get banned and deported? Probably not. The economical and logistics of his eccentrically-bigoted campaign promises are enormous and just not practical. There’s no way Congress would let any
of Trump’s plans come to fruition anyways. Trump even said a wall dividing America and Mexico would cost $11 billion and to have them pay for it just won’t happen. Ban all Muslims? How? There are many living in the U.S. who are citizens. How can you possibly deport someone from their country of origin? Where would you even send them? See, there’s a ton of holes in this proposal as well. Again, it was only said in order to prey on the primal instincts of his supporters and those who protest the idea of hateful ideologies. For those who don’t want a Trump presidency, there’s only two things that can be done. The first is, ignore him. While free speech and the right to protest is a big reason why western civilization is free, it’s only throwing gasoline onto the dumpster fire that is the Trump campaign. To him and his supporters, #feelthebern and the pro-Clinton campaign are public enemy No. 1. All protests do is support that fear. It may be hard to ignore, but that’s what Trump wants, a reaction. The second step, and the most vital step, is to actually go out and vote. The best way to keep Trump out of the White House is to vote somebody else in. It may seem simple at its core, but it’s the only true disinfectant. For many, Donald Trump is an easy man to hate. But, that’s exactly what he needs. Stop falling for it.
SPOKE
IS PUBLISHED AND PRODUCED WEEKLY BY THE JOURNALISM STUDENTS OF CONESTOGA COLLEGE Editor: Chris Hussey Assignment Editors: Matt Linseman, Jenna Braun Advertising Managers: Christel Allison Spoke Online Editors: Emmie Siroky, Sean Malinowski, Marissa Cuddy Production Managers: Sarah Veenstra, Garrett
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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.
Monday, April 4, 2016
NEWS
SPOKE Page 5
Opera lives in the Region of Waterloo BY JOSHUA VAN OSTRAND
Many think that opera is a dying art form but the Vera Causa Opera company stunned audience members with a flawless performance at the Kitchener Public Library on March 22. Over the free three-hour performance, several musicians sang and played pieces of music from both classical and modern opera. Vera Causa Opera is a non-profit opera company that was started to bring opera to audiences that don’t get the chance to experience it very often in their lives. From a two-minute microopera about death repeated five times, to an operatic performance supported by an orchestra, it was clear that opera has a place in the Region of Waterloo. According to performers for Vera Causa Opera, the art form lives on thanks to the KitchenerWaterloo Symphony and to students who call the region home – it’s even how several of the performers came to opera themselves. “I was just a voice student for a long time,” said Rebecca Postma, Mezzo Soprano performing with Vera Causa Opera. “To go into undergraduate studies you have to specialize in either classical or jazz and I chose classical. I really enjoyed opera. I used to say that singing opera is like when you’re on a three-hour road trip and then you first step out of the car and stretch out.” “The music program at Wilfrid Laurier is undergrad only,” said Connor O’Kane, one of the talented pianists for Vera Causa Opera. “So I think a lot of singers are attracted to Laurier because if they’re interested in opera, Laurier is a great place for them to get more opportunities for a starring role, whereas in Toronto or McGill, then starring roles might only go to master’s students.” If opera is dying, it definitely doesn’t show its bones in the region. Many of the performers at the library on March 22 were young artists very dedicated to their craft.
PHOTO BY JOSH VAN OSTRAND
Katalin Puscas performs Vissi d’arte as part of Vera Causa Opera’s show at the Kitchener Public Library on March 22.
NIAGARA FALLS
A POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATION
PHOTO BY CHRIS HUSSEY
Mais Jebrail (from left), Juho Terrijarvi, Jorg Soto and Alejandro Tocigl visited the majestic Niagara Falls on March 5. The waterfalls are a popular tourist attraction located approximately an hour away from Kitchener.
FEATURE
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Monday, April 4, 2016
There’s so much to enjoy in Stratford
BY EMMIE SIROKY
The aroma wafting out of local restaurants makes your mouth water; as you try to choose which one to dine at, another comes into view, making your choice even more difficult. It doesn’t matter which you pick, you will have a fantastic experience. You walk downtown and stop at the many beautiful stores that you never knew were there. Originally, you came for a play at one of the many upscale theatres, but you stayed for the atmosphere of this small city. The stores are beautiful and full of extraordinary things that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. There is music playing in the downtown and people walk by you laughing with hands full of new items.
A walking trail is located beside the river for residents to enjoy. After spending time in the shops, you take a walk down to the river and take in the warm breeze coming off the water. The comforting environment relaxes you after your busy day of shopping. You sit and take it all in, time passing quickly as the sun starts to fade. You get in your car and drive the short distance to the theatre and
watch an amazing play, most likely a Shakespeare production. After, you get in your car and enjoy a relaxing drive home from Stratford. The town is located a little over 30 minutes west of Waterloo Region down Highway 7/8. It has a population of 30,886 and is known for the Stratford Festival, its gorgeous downtown and the Avon River. The festival has three well-known theatres – the Avon Theatre, the Festival Theatre and the Tom Patterson Theatre, but there is also a hidden world of smaller theatres that aren’t as well known as the others. Peggy King started one called Factory 163 after discovering a passion for theatrical arts. It is used for events, workshops and smaller plays. The building was created in 1903 and was originally used as a furniture manufacturer. It was the first building in Stratford to have a sprinkler system. The theatre was built to have a welcoming feel and to be open to anyone. According to their website, “Our mission is to develop an economically profitable, globally respected green facility where individuals can meet, learn, create, promote and showcase creative and innovative ideas, products and skills.” Stratford doesn’t just have a hidden theatre scene, there is also a wide variety of singers and bands trying to make it big. One person who did just that is Justin Bieber. There is a tour map on the official Stratford website of places where Bieber used to hang out that are available to visit, but a lot of bands in the area have more of an edgy sound than he does. The band Slouch
PHOTOS BY EMMIE SIROKY
Allen’s Ally is located off of the main street in Stratford. The ally contains art from local artists and serves the purpose of keeping people from vandalizing the area. is known in the underground world of Stratford bands. They play at parties as well as at local bars. Ian Penner, Jay Holdsworth and Caulder McKenna are the members of the band. “The music scene in Stratford ... (is) mostly acoustic or indie music, mostly pretty mellow music,” said Penner, the drummer.“There are a few aggressive bands, but they have been around for a while or they’re cover bands. I think this is because most of the places that a band
A colourful donkey is just one of many art pieces in downtown Stratford.
can play are not actual venues, more so a restaurant, church or theatre. The venues that did host louder acts have come and gone. Don’t get me wrong, Stratford can pull in some top class musicians, but the local talent usually has to leave town to play.” A lot of people go to Stratford for classical plays as well as music. Being in a band that is edgy can make it hard to find places that will let them play. “It is hard to find a space to play, especially for the band Slouch being usually very loud
and aggressive. There are not many places willing to have us,” said Penner. “We are going on a cross-Canada tour in May. Most of the shows will be at fairly rough bars or concert halls. (There will be)some house shows on the tour as well, but those are the best.” There are lots of public events that happen throughout the year in Stratford including, discounted theatre days and kid’s day camps. For more information visit their website at www.stratfordcanada.ca.
A cannon points out at the Avon River.
NEWS
Monday, April 4, 2016
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“Chairity” gala helps fund home sweet homes BY ASHLEY NEQUEST
The Waterloo Region Museum hosted interior decorating students, upcycled chairs and those ready to donate to Habitat for Humanity on March 22. Conestoga second-year interior decorating students spent the last few weeks of their first semester “up-cycling” old chairs to auction off at the annual “Chairity” gala. “Some of these chairs were destined for the dump,” said Leslee Squirrell, interior decorating program co-ordinator. “Instead they will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity so they can supply the niceties that make a house a home.” Habitat for Humanity is an organization that builds safe, affordable housing through the help of volunteers. Their vision is for the world to have a save and decent place for everyone to live. According to their website, Habitat for Humanity Canada has helped over 2,700 families since 1985. The auction featured chairs created by students, teachers and local designers. Both the students’ and teachers’ chairs were auctioned off through a silent auction while the
designers’ chairs were sold by a live bid. The designer chairs alone raised over $1,500. Raffle tickets for paintings, gift baskets and other prizes raised more money. Overall, the event raised $5,000. The student chairs sold for between $80 and $180 each. The gala brought in a wide variety of attendees ranging from Conestoga College President John Tibbits to local designers and even some graduates of the interior decorating program. “It was great to come back as an alumni,” said Nicole Ruthardt, a graduate of the interior decorating program and current in-house designer at Elmira Kitchen and Bath Inc. “It’s amazing to see the work this year’s graduates have done. They’re a very talented group ... They have done such a great job, especially since they were given such a difficult design task.” This year the students were asked to recreate famous paintings on their chairs. Throughout the hall attendees continuously commented on how intricate the replications were while students showed off their finished products to their families.
Above: Chairs repurposed by students, faculty and designers were on display before being sold in either a silent auction or by live bid. Right: This superhero-inspired and futuristic chair was designed for the event. The photos to the right of each chair displayed what the chair looked like before designers added their touches. Student-made chairs at the event sold for between $80 and $180 each. Below: Second-year interior decorating students, such as Noah Ramage, were able to sit and enjoy watching their hard work pay off while their chairs earned money for Habitat for Humanity. PHOTOS BY ASHLEY NEQUEST
Chairs created by local designers were sold through a live auction during the second half of the event. This chair sold for just shy of $400, making it the highest sale of the evening.
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RARE SOUTHERN ONTARIO THUNDERSTORM
Monday, April 4, 2016 NEWS GOODBYE, MARCH! HELLO APRIL FLOWERS
PHOTO BY MICHELLE MAISONVILLE
It’s not often southern Ontario has a thunderstorm in March but on March 16 rain poured down followed by lightning, thunder, hail and then even more rain. Winds reached 74 km/h, taking down a tree just off the path by Door 6 at Conestoga’s Doon campus.
PHOTO BY LEAH MORROW
March showers bring April flowers, but they also bring slippery driving conditions and soaking wet shoes. Above, one Conestoga student embraces the coming of spring.
Students raise money for hospices CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
They worked with the Ontario Seed Company (OSC) to get seeds at a discount price, and even sold packs that the team had already started growing. They put these seedlings in eggshells to keep them entirely biodegradable. And if that was not enough to make the connection to Easter, the group also sold candy the day of the event to make it fun for all ages. Lacayo said the work that takes places at both hospices is meaningful, but for the families of patients, visiting the facilities can be a difficult experience. However, she said she was happy to be fundraising for such a meaningful organization and she hopes this will start conversations and discussions. “There is a sad aspect to it, but there’s an element of celebration coming through the work that they’re doing,” she said. “We’re all going to face (death) at one stage or another, so it’s something we need to talk more about.”
NEWS
Monday, April 4, 2016
The times they are a changing
Technology is advancing at an exponential rate. Things that were believed impossible even 40 years ago are now possible. This can be a good thing, but it has its pitfalls. Although it may seem like communications technology brings us closer together, it can also be divisive. One only need look at the debacle that occurred in Toronto with the protests and strikes over the past year revolving around Uber and taxi companies. Many things could be blamed for this, but one of the main reasons is that Toronto failed to put into place laws to regulate Uber in a timely manner. It’s only partially their fault – technology is improving every day and people are taking advantage of it, while the law plods along at its own hunch-backed rate. Uber wasn’t unknown before it hit Canada, preparations could have been made. Uber and Airbnb are only two of the many popular
Ethan Kompf
Opinion companies that fall under the “sharing economy.” The Economist, a newspaper which focuses on economic issues, reported a few years ago that this is a $26-billion industry, and that’s only grown with time. This industry is not going away. It can – and has – put up a fight to keep itself alive and it’s only getting more powerful. It’s easy to understand why the sharing economy is so popular, it’s cheap, it’s fast, it’s convenient and it’s anti-establishment, all things which appeal to people who were born with a smartphone in their hands. Competitors can continue to complain, but sharing
companies will continue to be used. Municipalities can try to crack down on them with legislation, but they will lose. Time itself is their enemy, as sharing companies continue to sprout up and municipalities scramble to keep up. With the unfair advantage that technology has over legislation, it’s difficult to find a solution at the municipal level. There needs to be laws put into place to regulate these organizations, especially after a number of sexual assault allegations were launched against Uber drivers. This can only be done effectively at the provincial or federal level. However, these “sharing” companies cannot be grouped with previously created establishments. Sticking with the example of Uber versus taxis, taxis need their rules relaxed, without compromising safety, in order to allow them to compete. Uber, on the other
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PHOTO BY ETHAN KOMPF
Companies such as Uber continue to extend their reach, despite lobbying attempts by interest groups such as taxi drivers. hand, needs more regulation to increase safety, without making them more expensive, which is a large part of their appeal. If we look back at history we can see the plight of the luddites, 19th-century textile workers, who objected
to the changing technologies which were putting them out of business. Things, for them, didn’t end very well and it’s the same today with the sharing economy. People need to find a way to get on board, because it’s not just a trend.
NEW RESTAURANT PERFECT FOR LUNCH OR DINNER Grand Trunk Saloon is a new restaurant located at 30 Ontario St. S. in Kitchener. It is a great place to stop in for a quick drink and snack at lunch or for a relaxing dinner and dessert. The restaurant opened in January. PHOTO BY JESSICA PETT
FRESH CUTS CLOSE TO CAMPUS
A FRIENDLY GLIMPSE INTO A COW’S INSIDES
PHOTO BY PAUL BOREHAM PHOTO BY PAUL BOREHAM
Mashrur Hossain, a University of Guelph international student from Bangladesh, gets his hair cut at Lombardo Fine Barbers across the street from the campus. For video story, go to www.spokeonline.com.
Andy Robinson, a University of Guelph professor, gives a demonstration of the inner workings of a cow’s four-chambered stomach, at U of G’s open house, called College Royal, on March 19. A fistula is installed in Friendly the cow’s side for research and teaching purposes. For video story, go to www. spokeonline.com.
FUN & GAMES
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Monday, April 4, 2016
Useless Facts
Oh Cliff!
Horoscope Week of April 4, 2016
Aries
March 21 April 19 You can be as irritable as you are ambitious. Continue standing up for what you believe in, but try to keep a cool head on your way up the totem pole.
Taurus April 20 May 20
Your stamina is a strength, and you’ll need it. It’s going to be a long, steady grind. Take pride in the work you do this week.
Gemini May 21 June 21
You’re very interactive, but your attention drifts easily. Try really buckling down and focusing on one thing this week. Your curiosity can take you far.
Cancer June 22 July 22
You have a tendency to make mountains from molehills – especially when it comes to your friends. Focus on picking something that’s bugging you and simply letting it go.
Leo
July 23 August 22 Your ego is your muse, and you’re allowed to feel good about your accomplishments. Go out and celebrate a victory – even if it’s a small one.
Virgo
August 23 September 22 You’re a perfectionist, but you might not be happy with your achievements this week. Try not to look too deep into it. Focus on the next challenge.
In Norfolk, Virginia, a woman can’t go out without wearing a corset. (There was a civil-service job – for men only – called a corset inspector.)
Libra
September 23 October 22
In Oxford, Ohio, it’s illegal for a woman to strip off her clothing while standing in front of a man’s picture.
Remember that criticism can come just as easily from allies as from enemies. Don’t take it the same way. Your friends are trying to help you.
Jane Barbie was the woman who did the voice recordings for the Bell system.
Scorpio
Telephone is derived from two Greek words, tele + phone, meaning far off voice or sound. (Tele, far off + phone, voice or sound).
October 23 November 21 Don’t be influenced by the judgment of strangers. Enjoy whatever you want – there’s no shame in being bold.
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.
Your restlessness could cost you. Take a moment to sit down and appreciate not only how far you’ve come, but how far you’re going to go.
Capricorn December 22 January 19
Stop being so critical! Trust that you, and those around you, will do the best they can. At the end of the day, the only one suffering from criticism is you.
Aquarius January 20 February 18
No need to wax poetic this week. Complexity could mean trouble. Keep your actions simple and your goals clear in your mind.
Pisces
February 19 March 20 Peacefulness is an admirable trait, but don’t let it subdue you. Don’t doubt the fire inside you when things get a little crazy this week.
Ephram Strange dabbles in forces beyond mortal comprehension on a regular basis. He also enjoys young adult novels and taxidermy.
Word Search
Monday, April 4, 2016
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ENTERTAINMENT
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Monday, April 4, 2016
The movie everyone has been waiting for BY JENNA BRAUN
I went into the theatre unbiased. Knowing very little about Batman or Superman prior to the movie, I figured I’d leave it up to director Zack Snyder to form my opinion. Honestly, I still can’t decide which team I’m on. I’ve never liked Ben Affleck. Something about his smug demeanour and obnoxious face just turned me off of most of his other movies, but he did an impressive, moody, darker version, more like the old Batman (the one who wasn’t afraid to brutally murder the bad guys). His disposition remained somber throughout the entire film. I had never heard of Henry Cavill. Yes, I know, I need to get out more. I can honestly say though, his depiction of Superman was full of gold. He really excelled at convincing me that he wanted everything good in the world, and his
character really succeeded at doing just that. It was rumoured that Snyder had $410 million to play around with, which would make Batman vs. Superman quite literally Hollywood’s most expensive movie. In the nearly three hours of action, they managed to keep everything esthetically wowing, even in the scenes without much action. While yes, there were some “stretched out” scenes, I found them all very crucial in understanding the lengthy film and its many characters. For those, like me, who went into the theatre knowing nothing about Superman’s or Batman’s upbringing, those scenes provided background and helped everything make sense. If you’re already an expert, it’s still a treat to see how these new actors portray the heroes. My favourite character, however, is not one of the heroes; it’s Lex Luther. I never
would have envisioned Jesse Eisenberg playing this part, but he absolutely killed it, filling out both brilliance and insanity throughout the movie, bringing a shadowy, sinister feeling. One of the most marvellous scenes was the later appearance of Wonder Woman, played by actress Gal Gadot. Even for those who go into the theatre knowing she plays a part – when she shows up during one of the most dramatic scenes, dressed in her armour in glory, no one could be unimpressed. Now if you’re looking for the opinion of someone more knowledgeable in the superhero/ action movie department, you can turn to my dad. He’s been reading comics and watching Superman and Batman movies since the ’70s, and he sat through the entire movie with his hands laced together, held just below his cheek as if completely falling in love. I give this movie 4.75 out of five stars.
Baklava isn’t so sweet the second time around BY JESSICA PETT
Everyone loves a good sequel but when the first movie was made almost 15 years ago, some have their doubts about whether it is going to live up to its expectations. My Big Fat Greek Wedding came out in 2002 and surprisingly wowed its audience, earning just over $240 million at the box office, making it the second highest romantic comedy in history behind Pretty Woman. Much like the original, a wedding, an abundance of family and a few bumps along the way are all part of the sequel. The film takes place about 18 years after the original. Toula, played by Nia Vardalos, and her giant family are shaken when they find out that her parents aren’t actually married. Marriage is a cornerstone in the eyes of her Greek parents played by Michael Constantine and Lainie Kazan, and the rest of the family for that matter, so a wedding must quickly transpire. Meanwhile, Vardalos’ character struggles with her teenage daughter’s decision to move far from home for college (though who can blame her). Vardalos’ character continues to be a helicopter parent, sister and daughter, throughout the film. She is forced to face mean neighbours, deal with a strange bathroom incident and entirely plan her mother’s wedding in a matter of days. Despite the feeling of comfort all
of the original characters bring, the movie had an uphill battle considering the much-anticipated Batman and Superman shared its opening weekend. Although it made $18 million, it’s hard to understand how. The situations were over-dramatic and the jokes were quite lame, provoking a mere chuckle here and there. The film struggles to incite excitement toward its anti-climactic end. There are several scenes that appear to be there just to fill space. Gus takes a fall getting out of the bathtub and the men of the family unwillingly help him out, only to have an ambulance come and take him away. The arrival of Gus’s brother doesn’t enhance the movie even in the slightest and far too much time is spent during a scene where the family teaches Gus how to use a computer (a tease from the original movie). Toula’s brother Angelo, played by Joey Fatone, holds a big secret … one that came out of nowhere and appeared far too late into the film. It’s a bland plot but nevertheless, new character Paris, played by Elena Kampouris, sort of saves the day. She plays her role well and does the film justice despite the work of her colleagues. This much-anticipated film fell flat unlike its predecessor. Some films just aren’t meant for a sequel and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 is one of them. I give this film two out of five stars.
INTERNET PHOTO
Even those who know little about these superheroes will enjoy Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice.
EASTER EGG HUNT GOES TO THE DOGS
PHOTO BY JESSICA PETT
Sara Westman and her furry friend, Ruby, hunt for Easter eggs at the National Service Dogs’ Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs at Bingemans on March 25.