Women in Trades Event in Guelph gets hammers swinging. Page 7 MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016
SPOKE
A LEARNING NEWSROOM FOR JOURNALISM STUDENTS
CONESTOGA COLLEGE, KITCHENER, ONT.
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Chairs for charity Students paint and reupholster for a good cause. Page 6 47TH YEAR — NO. 1
Climb to new heights at gym BY MARISSA CUDDY
There aren’t any mountains to climb in Kitchener, but there are lots of rocks. “I want people to know that you don’t have to be an adrenaline junky or an experienced athlete to try rock climbing. It’s just as fun for couch potatoes as it is for adventure seekers,” said Scott Hamill, one of the owners of Grand River Rocks, an indoor climbing gym in Kitchener. “We have difficulty levels and training to suit everyone.” The other owners of the business are Michal Cieplak, Christoff Le Roux and Josh Tuffin. Grand River Rocks offers over 100 climbs with difficulties from beginner to seasoned climbers. They also offer lead climbing, bouldering, yoga classes, climbing camps and exercise equipment. “I love to climb everything at Grand River Rocks,” Hamill said. “That’s one of the perks of owning a climbing gym.” A discount day pass is available to students, seniors, EMS, firefighters and police, which cost $14 plus the rental of equipment ($5 for shoes
and $5 for a harness). A discount membership costs $50 a month. The regular rate is $17 per day or $60 per month. Rates include access to the weight room and unlimited free fitness and yoga classes. Climbers can also wear their own shoes if they don’t want to rent them from the gym. They recommend wearing clean, tight-fitting running shoes. “It is a full body workout; you’re using your arms to pull you up and your legs and abs to sustain your balance at the angle you are at. You are also making a lot of your back muscles work,” said Genesis Rodriguez, a Conestoga firstyear early childhood education student who has been to the gym a few times. Hamill said they have a few different styles of climbing that require different levels of training. For a first timer, he recommends calling ahead to schedule a lesson or book a guided climb with one of their certified staff, but they do have climbing available for people who have no appointment or previous experience. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
PHOTO SUBMITTED
A climber reaches for a handhold on a rock wall at Grand River Rocks in Kitchener.
Show highlights the rich history of Africa BY CHRISTEL ALLISON
In the heart of Waterloo, African students are striving every day to stay connected to their roots. Traces, an engaging show that highlights the rich history of Africa and its cultural diversity, is one of the ways they try to stay connected. It is theatre, dance, poetry, music and other forms of performance art fused together to paint a well-rounded picture of Africa. Since the birth of this show in 2011, members of the University of Waterloo African Students Association (UWASA) have strived every year to create a unique experience that showcases how culturally diverse the continent of Africa is. For Africans who attend the performance, the show creates a safe haven that makes them feel less distant from home
and remember that no matter how far they travel, they can still remain deeply rooted in their culture. Also, for nonAfricans, it is a way for them to learn and appreciate the African culture in a way they don’t get to every day – a way that depicts beauty and rich traditions and not supposed hut accommodations and starvation, which the media continuously falsely portrays. Traces has attracted crowds from within and outside the region. In the short period of time that the show has existed, it has gained unbelievable recognition, both from sponsors and the community. “We’re constantly getting calls from sponsors, which is really crazy,” said Karo Oki, president of UWASA. “Something that started as a way for Africans to meet other Africans while being entertained has grown to be an event that people mark in
their calendars.” This year it will be held on Jan. 31. Every year there’s a theme, which is usually linked to the African heritage. Last year it was Sankofa. As described by UWASA, this is the name of one of many Adinkra symbols, designed to portray messages of wisdom. It represents the idea of looking to your past with understanding, that both the good and the bad has helped you become who you are today. With that show, organizers were able to pass along the message that looking to the past can make an impact on the way we do things going forward. “Sankofa was really just a message to people that we are who we are for a reason,” said Oki. “Our roots have shaped us and we should not strive to stray from them. Rather, embrace who they have made us today.”
The event was a huge success and people are eager to find out what the theme for this year will be. Open calls and auditions have taken place, rehearsals are underway but there’s a lid on the vital bits and pieces. So far, organizers have managed to keep it under wraps in the hopes of building anticipation, and they are doing a very good job of that. “I’m a little too excited,” said Aleisha Cousins, a University of Waterloo student. “I’m Jamaican but I think I get more excited than Africans. I’ve gone to all the events so far and I always want to know everything. I keep asking what it’ll be about this year but no one is saying anything. I can’t wait to find out.” Traces in 2013 was titled Keza Kunda, which translates to beautiful love in Kinyarwanda. The association highlighted that Keza Kunda was a love story that
captured some of the struggles of Africans in the diaspora as they return home. With mind-boggling themes like that, it’s not surprising that they have been able to build a devoted fan base that yearns for more. This year, the UWASA team plans to deliver. They have promised a show that will captivate the audience from the very first second and have them intrigued and unwilling to leave when the show is over. “The show is going to be epic,” said Kenechi Chidolue, creative director of UWASA. “We’re working so hard to make sure this is our best show yet. We know expectations are high so we’re striving to surpass them.” The verdict will be reached come Jan. 31. Until then, there can only be speculations. Tickets are available now and sell for between $60 and $110.
NEWS
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Now deep thoughts ... with Conestoga College
Monday, January 11, 2016
FILBERT CARTOONS
Random questions answered by random students
What are you most excited for in the new semester?
“A new schedule that’s going to be light.” Tiffany Kleinsteuber, first-year broadcast - radio
Kick the winter blues with your favourite food BY MATT LINSEMAN
“I can’t wait to learn more about the real world.”
Ben Imlau, broadcast - television
“Graduating!”
Jen Bridge, social service worker
“Getting more specialization.” Brandan Dietrich, broadcast - television
The holidays can make you hungry and it can be tough figuring out what to eat. Some students don’t have the time and/or money to cook full meals at home with fresh ingredients. Some students don’t even know how to cook. Rose Murray, a freelance author and food writer, has made a name for herself in the food industry locally and across Canada. She has published 14 cookbooks containing a wide selection of recipes and an abundance of information on cooking. There’s got to be at least one recipe you’ll salivate over when reading. “I try to develop recipes that people will actually read and want to cook right away without going all over the place for ingredients. So I guess you could say most of the dishes are fairly mainstream,” said Murray. “(Like recipes) for families and people who work. However, there are lots
of recipes that certainly are unique.” As a student, of course, it’s easier said than done to cook and eat well, but attempting to prepare recipes that aren’t complicated that call for fresh and nutritious ingredients is a great first step. Avoiding processed foods that have a high sodium and fat content can also help balance out your diet. Cooking alone is another barrier that can lead to frustration if you’ve never done it before. Trying a new recipe with friends or family is an excellent and fun activity for everyone and the end result will be a delicious reward. “Some of my favourite meals and recipes are those simple (ones) made with good, fresh, local ingredients, perhaps a perfectly roasted chicken or a runny poached egg,” said Murray. “I have tons of quick and easy recipes (as well) such as homemade pita chips, instant mac and
cheese (a homemade alternative to Kraft Dinner), sweet potato fries, black bean hummus, tuna and fresh tomato pizzas, tortellini toss with clams (canned) and makeahead French toast with dried fruit.” Do you remember those meals from when you lived back home or grandma’s delicious baking? How could you forget. These are “comfort foods” that are tied to memories of family or loved ones and relate directly to when you were a kid. These would be dishes like a nice stew or homemade bread. These foods are your favourites and they make you feel good just by thinking about them. Murray has travelled across Canada and the world and has tasted countless dishes and explored so many different foods. You can join her on her journeys by visiting her website at rosemurray.ca or by checking out one of her cookbooks.
STUDENTS WEAR PURPLE FOR A WORTHY CAUSE “I’m excited to build on what I learned this semester.”
Marty Cotter, journalism - broadcast
“Actually being able to produce stuff on Rogers TV.” Krystyna Bruce, journalism - broadcast PHOTO BY SARA SASILA
Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!
A Wear Purple, She Deserves It event took place last semester at Conestoga College’s Doon campus. The event was created by business marketing students to help raise money and awareness for women dealing with domestic violence. Dozens of students and faculty donated to the cause for a chance to win prizes. For video story, visit www.spokeonline.com.
NEWS
Monday, January 11, 2016
CLIMATE CHANGE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
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Resolving your resolutions BY BREA BERGEN
PHOTO BY JESSICA HAMMER
Presenter Isaiah Ritzmann talked about climate change and how it affects society. The discussion happened on Nov. 24 at the Queen St. Commons Café. For video story, go to www.spokeonline.com.
Coffee Culture food good but pricey BY JESSICA PETT
Seated next to a classic blue piano and a pile of books, Coffee Culture Café and Eatery, a cozy yet modern venue, begs to be enjoyed by all. Modern tile floors, furniture and fireplace contrast well with the brick walls and rustic décor. Families, elderly couples and plenty of students pile into the conveniently placed restaurant at 215 The Boardwalk in Kitchener. A young child bangs away at the piano playing his version of a song. According to a barista, the lineup never dies as the popular space is in high demand up until its 11 p.m. close. The café, although part of a chain of restaurants, express-
es its quaint individuality at each of its locations in the tricity area. The calming music and comfortable armchairs and booths make this the perfect spot for studious young adults to get some homework done. However, late afternoon and early evening may require a set of headphones as the friendly chatter, piano playing and busy blenders tend to grow in volume around this time. At $12 for a bowl of soup and a sandwich, the prices are expensive, however, the food is definitely worth it. I recently enjoyed the timeless chicken soup and tasty Caesar salad wrap, which hit the spot on a dark wintry evening. You can also enjoy a giant cup of coffee or a delicious latte and a muffin. In
the summer, the café has a large selection of delectable fraps and ice capps to choose from. Other items on the menu consist of mostly gourmet options. Sandwiches include the smoked turkey bocata, chicken margarita and the ultimate grilled cheese. Versatile salads to choose from including the tuscan salad and berry pecan salad, as well as mouth-watering desserts including a double chocolate cheesecake, chocolate fudge cake and white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. Coffee Culture at the Boardwalk is open Sunday until Wednesday from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Thursday until Saturday from 6 a.m. until 12 p.m.
The new year brings many things, including parties and fireworks as people count down to the stroke of midnight. For some, it brings a fresh start, a promise of change – the idea that this will be “the year” for them, the one in which they will change something to better themselves. Traditionally, this is called a New Year’s resolution. Some may try to quit a nasty habit, to do better at work or to save more money. Many resolutions involve fitness. Whether it’s losing weight, hitting the gym or eating better, the most common resolutions have to do with getting in shape. According to statisticbrain. com, one of the most popular goals for the new year is to lose weight, with 38 per cent of people vowing weightrelated resolutions. But how many people are able to actually stick to their New Year’s plan? The answer: So few that Jan. 17 is known as “ditch your New Year’s resolution day.” While people may have started off the year wanting to get fit, their plans quickly die off. Cathy Treusch, the general manager of Goodlife Fitness on Highland Road in Kitchener, said most people join in January and, unfortunately, don’t continue to use the gym. Although she didn’t know the statistics, she said, “A huge percentage don’t continue after three months.” According to moneysense.
ca, 75 per cent of people who join the gym only actually use the facility a total of six times. “If the average annual gym membership is roughly $500, that equates to $83 per workout.” So, how can you stick to your New Year’s resolution? First, make sure that you’ve made the right resolution. Don’t just vow to do something you hate, just because you think you should. For example, exercising: don’t make it a resolution just because it’s a chore and you think if you make it a resolution, you’ll actually do it. Ensure that it’s something you really want.
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One of the most popular goals for the new year is to lose weight.
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In a TED Talk, Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist, said, “The kind of New Year’s resolution that works is when you start really slowing down and asking yourself what you want for yourself and your life in the next year. “What is it that you want to offer the world? Who do you want to be? What do you want more of in your life? And then asking: How might I get there? What would create that as a consequence?” If you choose the right resolution, you’ll have less trouble achieving your goals.
SEEING DOUBLE AT THE SALON
PHOTO BY SARAH VEENSTRA
Alecs and Rhyan Sweete are the co-owners of Lock Stock & Barrel, a salon that opened in November on Erb Street in uptown Waterloo. For video story, go to www.spokeonline.com.
COMMENTARY
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Monday, January 11, 2016
Why we should reflect on 2015 BY TAYLOR SCHWEITZER
This past year was one of turmoil, with few bright spots. From the Russian passenger plane being brought down by a bomb and the attacks in Paris to the Syrian refugee crisis, heartbreaking events in 2015 have been front and centre and most of the devastation can be blamed on one group – ISIS. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is an extremist militant group that is targeting the West and anyone who does not believe in the group’s interpretation of the Qur’an. A few major events have happened due to the war against ISIS, a group aimed at promoting terror and violence. The Russian plane crash was an event that grabbed the world’s attention. On Oct. 31, a Metrojet Airbus 321-200 crashed after an explosive device detonated, killing all 223 people aboard. ISIS claimed responsibility. The terrorist attack on Nov. 13 in Paris killed 130 innocent people. The event made a lot of people around the world fear for their safety. The Syrian refugee crisis has been an ongoing event with more than nine million Syrians fleeing their homes. Rebel groups, including ISIS, have been battling the government since 2011. The war has been labelled the worst humanitarian crisis since the Second World War, with over 250,000 killed, approximately the same number injured or missing and half of the country’s 22 million displaced. Although 2015 has had a lot of negative events, there was one positive one in Canada. The biggest event for this country this past year was the federal election, with Stephen Harper losing to Justin Trudeau. Canadians wanted change and they got it. With 2015’s end, there comes new beginnings. 2016 must be the year where people stand up and make a difference. Trudeau has started that ball rolling, by welcoming 25,000 refugees. We should help not just them, but all people who are disadvantaged and impoverished. We also need to help other countries that are being attacked, showing strength in numbers. Hopefully 2016 will bring peace to those living in foreign lands, as well as peace in your own life. 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
Take care of it and it will grow to be beautiful.
Self-education leads to selflessness Altruism is the principle of concern for the welfare of others. It is a core value in many traditions, cultures and world views that exist today. The word was coined by French philosopher August Comte, and is an antonym of egoism. In Buddhism, they call it Anatta. It is one of the seven beneficial perceptions, and one of the three marks of existence. When the Buddha was asked about the existence of a self, he instead pointed out the drawbacks of thinking in terms of existence and non-existence. The Buddha saw the world and everything in it as impermanent. That statement is true, no matter which way you look at it. Everything has a beginning and an end. Nothing is eternal. Biologically, it means an individual performing an action at the cost of themselves that benefits another party. Sacrificing pleasure, quality of life, or even time, being altruistic means intentionally and voluntarily acting to enhance the welfare of another person in the absence of rewards. Most Canadians know it as selflessness, and it is the
Joe Weppler
Opinion most important quality in the world. Selflessness goes beyond simple generosity and acts of kindness. Charity, affection, mercy – all of these things are important, but the ultimate act of selflessness is that of understanding the strengths of others – and yielding to them for the greater good. To put it bluntly, everyone on the planet is smarter than you in some way. It is our job, as selfless, altruistic human beings, to enable and encourage those around us and to allow those with greater understanding to do what is best for mankind. That is not to say you should cast away your right to vote and to have an opinion – I urge every single person to challenge what they hear and are taught. However, the next time you wish to do something like deny climate change or claim
vaccines cause autism, practise a little selflessness. Take a good, long look at what the majority tells you, in particular those who have studied these things for their entire lives. There is a difference between having a blind opinion and having an educated one. Do not take the word of your racist neighbour or confused aunt as law. Don’t even blindly agree with your teachers or friends. The first and only step you need to take is to educate yourself without bias. If, even after your research, you still disagree with the majority, you should have every right to challenge that viewpoint. Take out your picket signs and voice your opinion as loud as you can – but only after you’ve learned something. As a selfless human being, you should cherish every other educated opinion, even if you disagree with it. Always remember, just because someone came to a different conclusion than you did, doesn’t make them stupid. Who knows? Maybe they, in their research, saw something you didn’t.
SPOKE
IS PUBLISHED AND PRODUCED WEEKLY BY THE JOURNALISM STUDENTS OF CONESTOGA COLLEGE Editor: Chris Hussey Assignment Editors: Matt Linseman, Jenna Braun Advertising Managers: Brea Bergen, Christel Allison Spoke Online Editors: Emmie Siroky, Sean Malinowski, Sara Sasila, Marissa Cuddy
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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.
NEWS
Monday, January 11, 2016
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Refugee opinion piece upsets student Re: the Nov. 23 “Trudeau needs to smarten up” editorial A gigantic wheel rolls down sorrow’s enormous corridor a clattering as if to challenge with grief its mere intention in the era of slaughter, though it doesn’t matter. I can’t find my eyes among the rubble. So speaks Daniel Moore in his poem The Sorrows of War. I was deeply saddened and disturbed by the opinion piece Trudeau needs to smarten up, which appeared in Spoke on Nov. 23. Written by one of the reporters, it echoed many of the stereotypes about the Syrian refugee crisis and the acts of terrorism around the world. I have no wish to launch a personal attack on the author of that piece. However, as a half-white, half-Punjabi Canadian who spent last summer at a Jordanian school working with Syrian refugees, I feel a duty to clarify the dangerous misconceptions we seem to have about their plight. One point that was mentioned was that “Members (of ISIS) are disguising themselves as Syrian refugees who are being given homes as a humanitarian service.” Not only is there absolutely no proof of that, but all evidence points the other way: out of the thousands and thousands of refugees admitted into Canada and the U.S. in the past decade, not a single one of them has committed a terrorist act. They are not “radicalized terrorists coming to misinform, train and brew home-grown terror from within our borders.” Secondly, few seem to be informed
as to how refugees actually get here. They are not simply picked off the street and brought on planes. Refugees have left their country for refugee camps, often staying for years, where death by disease, extreme weather, malnourishment and many other factors are prevalent. There, they are subject to background checks by the UN. Then, the country admitting them screens them again. Thus, they face two extensive background checks before they are allowed to settle. And finally, are “fighter jets overhead bombing key targets” really the answer? Would we allow fighter jets to bomb key targets in Toronto and Vancouver to flush out the crime rings and drug/sex trade? Why do we protest a hundred French deaths … yet we are impassive to a hundred Syrian deaths … every day … for the past four and a half years? Do we believe that the lives of our innocents are more valuable than theirs, just as we believed our lives were more valuable than the Japanese in the Second World War, or than the Aboriginals from the dawn of colonization of Turtle Island? When we can justify slaughter of our fellow humans, we have truly lost touch with our humanity. Then, the question becomes not who are we, but what are we? Faced with no alternative, the cornered soap seller sang his favourite aria from Verdi opening his vest button by button and his mouth at last over a gulf of silence. – Daniel Moore, The Sorrows of War Aisha Hollyer
Conquer the climb at Grand River Rocks CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“The gym consists of many levels of rock climbing and each pattern up the wall brings a certain level of difficulty which then contributes to how much you use your body,” Rodriguez said. Grand River Rocks hosts many events throughout the year including Climb for Cancer, Tour de Bloc, a Halloween climb and youth climbing contests. Since opening in 2011 they have hosted the Tour de Bloc bouldering competition every year. Tour de Bloc is the biggest bouldering competition
in Canada and will be hosted at 16 different climbing gyms this season. The competition will be on February 20, 2016. Bouldering is a form of rock climbing without the use of ropes or harnesses. However, most people wear climbing shoes to help secure footholds, chalk to keep their hands dry and mats to prevent injuries from falls. Hamill said anyone who is looking for more information can visit the “first time” page on their website – www. grandriverrocks.com – call 519-742-1389 or email them at grandriverrocks@gmail.com.
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BEING MERCIFUL CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
PHOTO BY MICHELLE MAISONVILLE
Conestoga’s Muslim Student Association held an event on Nov. 24 at the college featuring Shaykh Yusuf Badat, the main iman and director of religious affairs from the Islamic Foundation of Toronto, who discussed the lessons of mercy from the life of Prophet Muhammad. Badat said this discussion was even more relevant and timely in the wake of the Paris attacks on Nov. 13. For video story, visit spokeonline.com.
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NEWS
Monday, January 11, 2016
Chairs ready for ‘Chairity’
STORY AND PHOTOS BY ASHLEY NEQUEST
The end of a semester is typically a swirl of study notes and final papers; for the second-year interior decorating students it has been slightly different. Through “upcycling” old chairs into works of art, quite literally, students have finished their semester in a flurry of fabric, paint and pride. During the past few weeks the students have taken on the difficult task of completely redesigning old chairs to be auctioned off for charity. According to Leslee Squirrell, the program co-ordinator, this year was the first time the students were asked to incorporate famous paintings while they reupholstered, painted and decorated the chairs. The end results were something quite spectacular as students stopped to admire the chairs in the atrium on Nov. 30. The proud students stood by their works of art as onlookers studied their designs. The chairs feature aspects of famous paintings ranging from Banksy’s Balloon Girl to Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night. Some groups spent upwards of 50 hours working on their chairs. “Just because of all the layering,” said Courtney Krouskie. “We did the upholstery ourselves so it took a lot of time.” Krouskie and her group created a chair featuring Edgar Degas’s Dancer with a Bouquet of Flowers. The painting was recreated on the seat of the chair by students hand painting artworks that are famous for technicality. “I was surprised by how technical it was to paint the picture but it came out really well and I’m really happy with it,” said Krouskie. The students worked in a group for the assignment, utilizing each other’s strengths in one of their more creative assignments. Though the students spent more time than they thought they would on the chairs, they all seemed to have a similar take away. “(I gained) more confidence about my artistic skill,” said Noah Ramage. “I never thought I was good at painting before and now we’ve got a chair that shows our knowledge throughout the program.” The chairs will be auctioned off to the highest bidder at the program’s annual Chairity Gala on March 22, 2016. The gala will be held at the Waterloo Regional Museum with all proceeds being donated to Habitat for Humanity.
Kristen Biersteker (clockwise from top left), Nora Ujvari, Emily Block and Courtney Krouskie show off their chairs.
Polowa (left) and Johnston created a chair inspired by Monet.
Interior decorating program co-ordinator, Leslee Squirrell (clockwise from bottom centre), and second-year interior decorating students Alex Johnston, Sara Martin, Noah Ramage, Courtney Krouskie, Nora Ujvari, Kristen Biersteker, Emily Block and Marcela Polowa display their artistic chairs in the Conestoga College Doon campus atrium on Nov. 30.
Above: Ramage and Martin show off their chair inspired by Andy Warhol. Left: Krouskie proudly displays her chair inspired by Edgar Degas’s Dancer with a Bouquet of Flowers.
NEWS
Monday, January 11, 2016
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PHOTOS BY EMMIE SIROKY
A Women in Trades event was held Nov. 23 at the Frank Hasenfratz Centre of Excellence in Manufacturing in Guelph. Above, Rebecca Hutchinson (from left), Analecia Chapmen and Jessica Sanderson were just some of the high school students who were in attendance. The event had over 130 female students from Grades 9 to 12. Photo at right: Rachelle Desrochers (left), a licensed electrician, and Michelle Palmer, a construction worker, were just two of the 19 mentors who were at the event. They helped to open the eyes of high school girls to the world of trades and what might be available to them.
Skills Ontario promotes women in trades BY EMMIE SIROKY
“Women can do it all” was the theme at this year’s Women in Trades event put on by Skills Ontario and its Young Women’s Initiatives. The event was held at the Frank Hasenfratz Centre of Excellence in Manufacturing in Guelph, and was open to girls from high schools across the region. There were 137 female students from Grades 9 to 12 in attendance to learn about what it takes to be a woman in a trade and to open their
minds to career possibilities. “The idea behind it is to spend a morning doing hands-on workshops to get an idea on how to wire a receptacle, use different tools and do carpentry. These mentors are all women who are practising in the skilled trades and technologies,” said Nicola Macdonald, lead liaison for Young Women’s Initiative. “The girls take turns rotating though the mentors and get a chance to talk to them all. They get to tell their story and they
answer any questions that the girls have. It’s all about breaking down those barriers. (This event) is about networking and it’s about finding out more about different careers that are out there in skilled trades and technology.’ The girls rotated though stations such as electrical, food processing and carpentry. There were 19 mentors registered, all local women from the area. “I think it’s important (for girls to come out) because they need to see a differ-
GO GREEN WITH IRISH CUISINE
PHOTO BY MATT LINSEMAN
Accounting, audit, and information technology students, Junjie Pei (from left), a second-year student, Rob McKenna, a first-year student, and Melissa McNeish, Kyle Sippel and Jack Au, all second-year students, displayed Irish food delicacies in the lower atrium at Conestoga College on Nov. 24. Student Life held the event in celebration of Multicultural Week.
ent side of things,” said Michelle Palmer, a construction worker. “I was into the construction thing because my parents were, but I wanted to try a different thing, so I went into environmental sciences. It’s more about experience and being able to see the other side of things. You might not think you want to do a trade, but you need the opportunity to see what a screwdriver is, because how do you know you don’t like it if you have never had a chance to even touch it?”
According to Skills Canada, only three per cent of trades workers are women. Its program, Young Women’s Initiatives, had over 2,000 participants in 2014-2015. After taking the program, 93 per cent of female students said they would consider a job in the trades or technologies. Some of the mentors were graduates of Conestoga College. The event will take place again next year. For more information, visit Skills Ontario’s website at www.skillsontario.com.
NEWS
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Monday, January 11, 2016
Many things prevent a good night’s rest BY ETHAN KOMPF
This is the second article in a three-part series. This part covers what gets in the way of getting a quality sleep and how to get better sleep. Next week’s article will cover how sleep has changed over the years. Sleep is extremely important in order for our bodies to function at optimal levels. Unfortunately, modern society has created many barriers to getting quality sleep every night. There are, however, ways of combatting these obstacles. Humans are creatures of habit and rituals are extremely important for living a healthy lifestyle, especially since willpower is a limited resource. According to Stephanie Dance, the manager of community outreach and education at Aqqu Sleep Labs, which has clinics in Waterloo, Paris, Ont. and Owen Sound, proper bedtime rituals are especially important for shift workers and students, who often have irregular schedules. Aqqu Sleep Labs is a company that conducts sleep studies to help people figure out how to sleep better at night. People should try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. “If you have class at 12, don’t sleep until 10,” said Dance. “Get up at 7, like you would any other day where you have class at 8.” This step is important for controlling anxiety, because irregular sleep times make it difficult for the body to properly regulate cortisol, the stress hormone. Justifying poor sleep during the week by
sleeping in on weekends is not an effective way to right these imbalances. “It’s a myth that you can catch up on sleep on the weekends,” said Dance. Night-by-night sleep schedules can be useful as well. There are four stages of sleep, two light stages and two deeper, rejuvenative stages. The body cycles through the cycle multiple times a night. One cycle takes between one and a half and two hours to complete. Keeping this in mind, people can set their alarm clocks to go off during the lighter stages, which is less abrasive than being woken up in a deeper stage. Diet is also important for helping with sleep. Sugars, fatty foods, spicy foods or anything that could upset your stomach should be avoided before bed. This may be difficult to achieve at first, but it will become easier, because proper sleep leads to your body craving unhealthy foods less and less. Caffeine intake is also important to regulate, because it stays in the body for a long time. According to Shawn Stevenson, a health expert, people should stop consuming caffeine by 3 p.m. if they’re going to bed between 10 p.m. and midnight in order to achieve proper sleep. A study published by the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that people who consumed caffeine even six hours before bed lost one hour of deep sleep. This is because after six to eight hours, half of the caffeine you have consumed is still in your system. One of the most effective ways to achieve proper sleep is to set up the bedroom to
be a sleep-positive experience. According to Dance, the bedroom should be for sleep and intimacy only. Homework, watching movies, etc. should not be done in the bedroom, because the brain begins to associate the bedroom with anxiety and activity. Eliminate noise, light, pets and other distractions in the bedroom, which may cause you to wake up in the middle of the night. The bedroom should be as dark and quiet as possible. According to Dance, when preparing for sleep, the body’s temperature drops and it raises when waking up, so having the room cool at night and warm in the morning is useful to allow for the transitions to and from sleep. One of the most insidious things about modern technology is that many people often take their phones, tablets and laptops into bed with them. They also often have TVs in their bedroom. The problem with screens is that the back light is something called blue light. Blue light is something that the sun also produces and it signifies to our bodies that it’s time to wake-up. Screens should be avoided two hours before bed. For people who just can’t put the technology away before bed, there are blue-blocker glasses and apps like twighlight or F.lux. These apps for phones and tablets slowly remove the blue light from screens in sync with the sunset in the user’s time zone. The screen takes on an orange tinge, but in time the eyes become used to it. These methods are not as effective as removing screens entirely, but they can help. Matt Bentley, a Conestoga
PHOTO BY ETHAN KOMPF
Sleep is important to remain productive throughout the day. Improper sleep can make it difficult to function at full capacity. second-year journalism – broadcast student, admits he doesn’t get enough sleep. “I have to get up at 5 or 6 a.m. to get to school on time … I barely want to get up in the morning,” he said. Waking up can be difficult, especially when it’s cold, or someone’s schedule is irregular. There are some techniques to make it easier, however. Making sure that the room is warm in the morning is useful, because it helps regulate the body’s temperature and takes away the dread of leaving a warm bed. Another technique is to put a light on a timer and set it to turn on 15
minutes before your expected wake-up time. The light will signal to the body that it is time to wake up. When all else fails, a sleep study could help to figure out what’s wrong. Sleep studies are conducted in sleep clinics. The patient spends a night in the clinic hooked up to electrodes and monitored by an infared camera. Many different sleep disorders can be diagnosed through the study, which are covered by OHIP with a referral from a doctor. Dance recommends keeping a sleep journal to make it easier for doctors to diagnose the problem.
GIVING TO A GREAT CAUSE
PHOTO BY CHRIS HUSSEY
Emma Colter (from left), Jennifer Garbett and Aubrey Watson are shown in front of the CSI Food Bank at the Doon campus on Nov. 24. Watson and Colter are in the business administration – marketing program, and were part of a group that helped raise over $1,000 for the food bank. The group worked with Garbett to collect donations and sponsors. For video story, go to www.spokeonline.com.
Monday, January 11, 2016
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FUN & GAMES
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Monday, January 11, 2016
Oh Cliff!
Horoscope Week of January 11, 2016
Aries
March 21 April 19 You’re often blinded by tunnel vision. Take a break and relax so that you can appreciate the work others are doing.
Taurus April 20 May 20
The break is over, and as much as you love those lazy mornings, it’s time to kick it into overdrive for the semester ahead.
Gemini May 21 June 21
Don’t deny your creativity, take an hour or two and make something creative. You’ll feel a lot more relaxed by the time you’re done.
Cancer June 22 July 22
Make sure you pay attention to what others say to you this week, everyone is trying to get back into the swing of things.
Leo
July 23 August 22 You’re a warm and often cheery sign, but don’t let yourself burn out. Let someone else take charge this week.
Virgo
August 23 September 22 Everyone is getting back into the routine after the break, Virgo. Give yourself time to get back into the routine.
In the 14th century, French officials executed a pig in public that was charged with having eaten an infant.
Libra
September 23 October 22
Peanuts can be used as a component to make dynamite.
Try not to sacrifice too much of your free time now that you’re back in class. Be fair to yourself and take the time you need.
People with higher incomes generally prefer their toilet paper to come over the roll, while those with lower incomes prefer it to go under. Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously.
Scorpio
October 23 November 21 Your self-control and discipline are often overwhelming to others. That cool head will help you solve big problems in your life this week.
Useless Facts
The U.S. pizza industry serves up to 100 acres of pizza every day.
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.
It will be difficult sitting in a classroom after so long in the open world but your energy will carry you through the first week of classes.
Capricorn December 22 January 19
Don’t get caught up in the details. Take the time to make an effort to reconnect with friends and family this week.
Aquarius January 20 February 18
You’re one of the friendliest signs out there and it’s time to tap into that. Chat with some of your classmates you haven’t talked with before.
Pisces
February 19 March 20 Don’t worry, you’ll do just fine this semester. Don’t let the new classes intimidate you. Your creative mind will pull you through.
Ephram Strange dabbles in forces beyond mortal comprehension on a regular basis. He also enjoys young adult novels and taxidermy.
Word Search
NEWS
Monday, January 11, 2016
COMEDIAN ENTERTAINS CONESTOGA STUDENTS
PREPARED FOR WINTER’S CHILL
PHOTO BY TAYLOR SCHWEITZER
Comedian Stephanie Toley makes Conestoga College students laugh in the Sanctuary at a Comedy Nooner held by Conestoga Students Inc. on Nov. 26.
BROWSING THROUGH BOOKS
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PHOTO BY BREA BERGAN
Conestoga students bundle up as the weather gets colder. Overall, this winter is supposed to be milder than normal.
STUDENTS SHOW CULTURAL DIVERSITY
PHOTO BY JOE WEPPLER
Tamara Sadler, a first-year food processing technician at Conestoga College’s Cambridge campus, browses through some books during a book drive at Idea Exchange in Cambridge. The sale had discounts for students who had children of their own.
PHOTO BY MARISSA CUDDY
Students put stickers on a world map on Nov. 24 to show where they are from, and how multicultural Conestoga College is, during last semester’s Multicultural Week.
NEWS
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A STUDY IN CONCENTRATION
Monday, January 11, 2016
WHERE WILL I BE AFTER GRADUATION
PHOTO BY SEAN MALINOWSKI
Third-year pre-service firefighter Danny Guerra flips through his notes during a study break. Guerra had nine examinations to study for prior to the Christmas break. For video story, go to www.spokeonline.com.
PHOTO BY KANDACE GALLANT
Brittany Greig, a first-year international business management student, says she already feels stressed about getting a job after graduation. For video story, go to www.spokeonline.com.