Bollywood boogying New fitness club starts at Conestoga. Page 5 Monday, november 10, 2014
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A purrfect pet Owning a cat has many health benefits. Page 9 45TH Year — No. 23
Halloween Spooktacular BY RACHEL ROY
Halloween is the time of year where children rush door-to-door, trick-or-treating for candy. In college, students don’t get that chance, as they are too old. So, how do they celebrate the spooky evening of fright and terror? They get dressed up and party of course. Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) helped out by organizing a Halloween bash on Oct. 30. “We do pub events throughout the entire school year. This one was just themed around Halloween because of the time of year,” said Jeff Scherer, president of CSI. Students from many different programs dressed up and danced the night away in the Sanctuary. The event gave students a chance to meet new people and enjoy Halloween. “Everyone gets to meet people,” said Maddie Poser, a first-year business administration-management student. “It’s more of a way of integrating people together.” The students enjoyed each other’s company along with loud music, drinks, creative costumes and dancing. DJ Denim, also known as Cameron Vannatter from Denim Entertainment, pro-
PHOTO BY RACHEL ROY
Students Justin Van Leeuwen, (from left), a second-year woodworking technology student, Justin Kelly, a second-year architecture construction engineering technology student, and Mac Robinson, a first-year civil engineering technology student, all dressed as band members of KISS, winning first prize at a CSI Halloween bash. For more photos, see Page 7. vided the music. Kiss. year civil engineering technol- ing a Ghost Rider costume, The Halloween party also They were Justin Kelly, a ogy student, who explained and third place went to two had a costume contest where second-year architecture con- that their Kiss makeup took girls dressed as Thing One students had the opportunity struction engineering tech- them two hours to complete. and Thing Two. to win prizes. nology student, Justin Van Second place went to Joseph The prizes were all prepaid First-place winners were Leeuwen, a second-year wood- Rideout, a first-year protec- MasterCards, with $100 going three students dressed as the working technology student, tion/security and investiga- to the winner, $75 for second famous band members from and Mac Robinson, a first- tion student, who was wear- place and $50 for third.
Wear your poppy proudly BY CODY MUDGE
Once the costumes get put away and the candy has been handed out, poppies find their rightful place above the hearts of many Canadians. This tradition is supported, and organized by the Royal Canadian Legion whose main battle is to garner support for veterans who don’t receive enough financial assistance through other means. Millions of poppies are worn each year, thousands of people volunteer their time in order to ensure they’re distributed and millions of dollars are raised through the poppy campaign. The poppy has become synonymous with honouring our current military personnel and all of those who have been lost in service to this
country. The very fact that it’s impossible not to find the poppy surrounding you in early November speaks to the success the Legion has had in maintaining awareness of our military legacy. “Every year, for two weeks, thousands of Legion members volunteer their time to offer poppies and raise millions that will be provided to veterans and their families in need,” said Tom Eagles, the president of The Royal Canadian Legion. Eagles and his ilk have man-
aged to keep Remembrance Day, and all it stands for, forefront in the minds of a young generation of Canadians whose parents weren’t even alive during the Second World War era and whose experience of this nation at war starts and ends with Afghanistan. The poppies on the jackets and backpacks of students all around Conestoga College is a testament to that. “While I am proud to be a Legion member, I am also particularly proud to see Canadians help us remember Canada’s veterans both past and present who, at the call of their country, left all that was dear to them, faced danger and, much too often, passed out of sight of all Canadians through their self-sacrifice, giving up their lives so that others may live in freedom,” Eagles said.
Volleyball Team suffers defeat
PHOTO BY nathan brown
Conestoga College’s women’s varsity volleyball team’s second home game against Fanshawe College ended in a 3-1 loss for the Condors. The team will face off against Boreal College at the rec centre on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m., and against Cambrian College at home on Nov. 16. For video, visit www.spokeonline.com
NEWs
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Monday, November 10, 2014
Now deep thoughts ... with Conestoga College Random questions answered by random students
“If you could be any celebrity who would you be?”
“Keanu Reeves. I’ve been his fan since the Matrix came out and I like his movies.” Lorenzo Loria, first-year software engineering PHOTO BY cassie tulecki
Kathryn Craig, a first-year broadcast student, supports troops by wearing a poppy in November.
“Betty White. She’s old and amazing.”
Remembrance Day is a time to reflect By Cassie Tulecki
Josiah Chalmers, first-year marketing and advertising “Emma Stone. She’s really hot. She’s a cool girl and she’s her own person.” Jenna Brown, first-year business foundations
“Johnny Knoxville. The guy has a straight part in my funny bone.” Cody Piper, first-year radio broadcasting
Remembrance Day is a time to remember those who served in the armed forces who lost their lives for our country; it is also referred to as Armistice Day. The date represents the day and time when armies stopped fighting during the First World War; the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Every year people all over the country wear red poppies on their clothing in November as a sign of respect and to support Canadian troops. The poppies are handed out for free but many choose to donate money when they pick one up. The poppy has become a familiar symbol for this day due to the poem, In Flanders Fields. The poppies grew across the battlefields of Flanders in the First World War.
Kitchener will be holding a ceremony at the Kitchener cenotaph, at the corner of Frederick and Duke streets downtown, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The surrounding streets will be closed for the ceremony. There will be two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. “It’s a pretty powerful event, there’s a lot of emotion, a lot of people crying but it really makes you feel proud to be a Canadian,” said Tyler Walkinshaw, a second-year woodworking technician student. One woman who goes to the ceremony every year, who didn’t want to give her name, spoke about her son who has been in cadets for two years. “It was a choice he made when he was younger.” She supports his decision to be a part of this country in a way that benefits others. She
said even at a young age her son was first to stand up for friends and family members. “It gives him a sense of discipline and patriotism; he gets to meet other people as well.” Remembrance Day to her means a day out of the year where we can all come together and grieve and remember the people we’ve lost. Conestoga College’s Doon campus will be the site of a Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at 10:35 a.m. in the Student Life Centre atrium. It will begin with a brief ceremony followed by two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. to honour those who served and continue to serve this country. Shawn Hargreaves a second-year welding student, said, “I’ve been going to the ceremony downtown for six years now, I think it’s important to support the troops.”
SERIOUS SCULPTING at clay and glass gallery “Russell Brand. He’s extremely smart, he uses his voice to bring awareness to certain issues and he’s hilarious.” Neville Daniels, second-year social service worker
“Jennifer Aniston. She’s really beautiful for her age and she’s a good actress.” Heather Cleasby, first-year human services PHOTO BY ian mcBride
Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!
Waterloo residents Christopher Vollick (left) and Stephanie Trotter create clay sculptures at The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery in Waterloo on Nov. 2.
NEWs
Monday, November 10, 2014
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A new way to network in Waterloo By MARYSSA MCFADDEN
Business networking has become an increasingly popular tool in the past few years – a way for business owners to gather together, exchange ideas and garner interest in their companies. It is also a tool for applicants to meet employers in their desired field and build a contact list which could help lead to an interview or even a job in the future. Now, Waterloo Region has taken business networking to the next level with the help of a local business owner and a hashtag. It is a virtual networking event for business owners, potential applicants and students in and around Waterloo Region called #WRTalk. The event was created by Mallory Manchur earlier this year after she saw similar hashtags, which were used on Twitter, to gather people together to talk about specific issues or ideas. “I originally geared it towards small businesses thinking it would be a great networking tool. However, I soon discovered we had attracted charitable and community events,” Manchur said. The way it worked was easy. People were to tweet an introduction about their self or their business using #WRTalk between 7:30 and
8:30 p.m. on Oct. 1. The number of people who participated on the first night was much higher than expected. Over 10,000 ideas and opinions were tweeted and the number has climbed ever since. In Manchur’s opinion, this was due largely to the vast target audience which #WRTalk is geared toward. “It’s great for students who might be looking for new places in the region to check out or looking to network with potential employers and people in their chosen fields,” she said. “The event has connected some people with service providers they were looking for and another business told me they got an applicant for one of their job openings because of the event. The Wednesday night event took off quickly and, although it is still new, #WRTalk has had no issues with getting local business owners to join. “It hasn’t been too difficult finding participants because I think people really like the idea. It seems to be catching on and doing a little better each week,” Manchur said. The event has gained popularity ever since taking off on Oct. 1. Not only has there been more students, clients and job searchers who have shown interest, but each week also brings more ideas, opinions and additional business owners which helps to extend
PHOTO BY Maryssa McFadden
Nicole Hunt, a prospective Conestoga student who took part in the first #WRTalk event on Oct. 1, holds up the WR Talk Twitter page. She enjoyed the first event and she plans to go to the next one on Nov. 12 as well to continue to build a contact list with business owners in and around Waterloo Region. the #WRTalk network even unlike some networking get out and attend networkfurther. Even the candidates events, I didn’t have to RSVP ing events,” she said. “The for Waterloo’s municipal and I didn’t have to miss #WRTalk tweets reach thouelection signed on to explain work,” said Summer Anstee, sands of eyes every week and their platforms and exchange who took part in the first the best part is that you can ideas. #WRTalk event. tweet from wherever you are A possible reason for why Manchur said, after speak- at no cost.” #WRTalk reached thousands ing to people who joined her The next #WRTalk event will so quickly is the flexibil- event, many had the same take place this Wednesday, ity which many networking opinion. Nov. 12 from 7:30 to 8:30 events do not have. “Lots of our participants p.m. and will continue every “My favourite part was I have said they lead such Wednesday evening thereafdidn’t have to pay anything busy lives it’s not possible to ter.
Many people avoid yearly flu shot By HEATHER STANLEY
With the recent arrival of this year’s first snowfall, it’s a sure sign that winter is approaching. Along with the coming frigid weather and scarves, flu season is just around the corner. Flu activity is generally at its highest during winter months, although outbreaks can start in early October and can last until May. The flu shot is a way to prevent contracting viruses, but only a portion of the population gets their yearly shots, subjecting many to influenza. The vaccine causes antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination, helping a person become more immune to current strains. Since there are different strains of the flu due to the progression and mutation of the virus, it is recommended everyone get a flu shot yearly “I think it’s around 25 per cent of the population that doesn’t want the flu shot,” said Nancy Bolden, a health-care aid in Walkerton for 24 years. “Mostly it’s because they don’t understand what the flu shot does or they think that it’s something that the government’s created that actually doesn’t work.” According to the Ontario’s government’s website, 10 to 20 per cent of the population gets the flu each year. Many people mix up influenza, thinking it’s a stomach-type virus. Symptoms of the common cold and the flu are similar. For example, both can give runny, stuffed noses and sore throats. However, there are differences. Influenza also has frequent fatigue, head and muscle aches and sudden high fevers.
Although anyone can get the flu, influenza generally effects children, the elderly and those with low immune systems. In Ontario’s recent YouTube video on the flu, Dr. Robin Williams, associate chief medical officer of health, said that last year more than 700 children under 10 with influenza were hospitalized and eight deaths were reported. “It takes two weeks for the flu shot to process in your body and if you’re sick when you have the flu shot you’ll be sick almost immediately with flu,” Bolden said. “You could have a flu virus in your body and it doesn’t show for three days and you’ve gotten your flu shot three days before. Now you think that the flu shot has given you the flu but in essence you were already sick and didn’t know it.” Bolden said this is the reason why a lot of people don’t believe in the flu shot. Influenza can be quite serious. In Bolden’s 24 years as a health-care aid, she’s had two outbreaks of influenza in the retirement home where she works. During those times, the local health unit shut the home to the public so as not to spread the virus into the community. Staff were required to wear face shields, masks, gloves and be covered completely. Only when the home was symptom-free for 10 days could they reopen to the public. An outbreak can last anywhere from three to eight weeks. The flu shot is free and available at health-care providers’ offices and public health clinics. Conestoga College is offering free flu shots this month to staff and students. On Nov. 20, flu shots will be available at the Doon campus from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in Room
PHOTO BY Heather Stanley
People sick with the flu can be ill for several weeks and will display symptoms similar to the common cold. 1D17. Cambridge’s service runs from 3 to 4 p.m. in Room A1303 and on Nov. 25, the Waterloo campus will have shots from 10 a.m. until noon in Room 1C02. Everyone is required to bring their health card.
COMMENTARY
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Voter apathy must end BY Carmen Ponciano
Thousands gathered for the funeral of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo in Hamilton on Oct. 28, many struggling to come to terms with his senseless death. Cirillo was the soldier who was shot during the attack on Parliament Hill, dying at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Oct. 22. Many felt it was their duty to be present at the funeral in order to express their sympathy and show their respect. Cirillo died carrying out his duty, serving as a ceremonial guard over the memorial which stands as a symbol of those who have fallen defending democracy. However, within this very democracy citizens have not performed their own civic duty – to vote. Canadian politics are not nearly as exciting as the politics in the U.S., and so, it’s no surprise that, as a result, voter turnout is low. But that doesn’t make it any less important. Canada has always struggled with motivating its citizens to vote. During the last federal election in 2011, only 61.4 per cent of the population went to a polling station, the third lowest in Canadian history. In Waterloo Region in this past municipal election, only 30 to 36 per cent (Waterloo being the highest and Cambridge being the lowest) participated. One of the concerns of low voter turnout is the possibility that the election is not an accurate representation of the people. Non-voters include various segments of the population, but are mainly the young and the poor. So what does this tell us? Could it be that people are not concerned with who will lead their city or country? Or do they simply take for granted something that our forefathers have fought to protect? Many people forget that Canada provides us with many opportunities which we as citizens can take advantage of, particularly the choice of electing a leader. This is a luxury that many other countries don’t have. As citizens we need to become more involved within our community when it comes to choosing a leader for our municipality, province and country. We should vote for them based on criteria we feel is right for us. We need to embrace the importance of voting and have a say in our community. Let us not become indifferent, and let the deaths of so many soldiers be in vain. 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.
Election day can be oh so lonely.
Uber takes on cab companies
Everyone relies on some form of transportation, whether it be train, plane, car or bus. Taxi services are also another option. Now enter Uber into the equation. Uber, founded in 2009, is a ride-sharing service based in San Francisco that is available to people in 45 countries and more than 200 cities worldwide. The company uses a smartphone application to connect passengers with drivers who have undergone a background and insurance coverage check. All it takes is the push of a button for residents to request a ride, track their reserved vehicle’s location and pay for the service. Customers are notified once their driver arrives at their location. In Canada, the ridesfor-hire service is currently available in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax, but is expected to expand to other cities. In Toronto, its cheapest service, UberX, is approximately 40 per cent cheaper than a taxi. It appears that this area could be Uber’s next target market. According to an Oct. 30 article in the Waterloo Region Record, the company advertised in Guelph last
Ian McBride Opinion
week for drivers. However, any ride-sharing company that accepts payments for rides is considered a taxi service, which requires a municipal licence. However, the UberX service is not municipally licensed in the cities that it’s offered in. Politicians and taxi regulators in Canada have criticized Uber’s services. They claim the company is trying to flout regulations designed to protect passengers and drivers. According to a Nov. 2 article in the Edmonton Journal, last month in Ottawa bylaw officers conducted a sting and two UberX drivers were fined $650 each for operating a taxi without a licence. The City of Toronto issued a statement claiming that UberX violates municipal taxicab bylaws such as failing to abide by a set fee schedule, and Montreal’s mayor has publicly stated that he believes the
service is illegal. The same criticisms are being made in Waterloo Region. Angelo Apfelbaum, manager of licensing and enforcement at the Region of Waterloo, said in an Oct. 30 article in the Record, that if Uber launched in this area, it would violate many different parts of the region’s limousine taxicab bylaw. In terms of cab fares, all taxi operators must follow a set fee schedule approved by regional council. Despite the fact that Uber hasn’t always followed all municipal bylaw rules and regulations, I strongly believe that the company’s rapidly growing service is healthy competition for standard taxi companies, and it allows individuals to have more options if they need a ride somewhere. Many of the current bylaws are outdated and irrelevant in 2014. If someone needs transportation on a busy night, their best bet would be to use the Uber app on their smartphone. Municipal bylaws in Waterloo Region and other regions need to be changed so that Uber can continue to thrive and succeed.
Spoke
is publis h ed a nd produced weekl y b y t h e j ourn a lism s t uden t s o f C ones t o 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
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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.
feature
Monday, November 10, 2014
PHOTO BY Jordan Johnstone
Santhosh Chacko dances up a storm during a session of the Bollywood Dance Fitness Club on Oct. 27 at Conestoga.
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PHOTO BY nataleigh mccallum
Conestoga students get active at the first fitness class in the recreation centre. For video, see www. spokeonline.com
Shake it Bollywood style “ ”
BY JORDAN JOHNSTONE
A Bollywood Dance Fitness Club has kicked off at Conestoga College, with the first session taking place on Oct. 27 in the rec centre gymnasium. It is the brainchild of fast track recreation and leisure student and instructor Santhosh Chacko, who could be seen dancing in a lungi (a traditional Indian garment)
outside Tim Hortons the Friday before to help promote the new club. “The marketing was very well done,” said Himani Gandhi, a construction project management student. “The dancing in front of the Tim Hortons, that was a really good strategy by them. There was theme music and he was in a lungi.” The club is for all levels of expertise, from beginner to
expert, and will help improve your fitness health and maybe boost your confidence. “You get confidence when you dance,” said Rish Sirha, a business management student. Canada is a multicultural country and Conestoga College reflects that diversity. Chacko wanted Conestoga’s clubs to also reflect that, and after getting approval from Conestoga Student Inc. the club was born.
You get confidence when you dance. — Rish Sirha
“Conestoga is a very diverse community, there are students from all over the world here,” he said. “Bollywood music and dance isn’t familiar to many of them, so I thought
this was a great opportunity for the Conestoga community to celebrate our diversity.” With 15 people in attendance, Chacko was happy with the turnout for the first session and hope more will come out to learn new dance moves and help improve their fitness at the same time. The dance club runs Mondays from 3-4 p.m. at the rec centre.
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Monday, November 10, 2014
feature
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Participants at halloween bash have a roaring good time
Colin Gaudet, a second-year environmental civil engineering student, and Selina Mavro, a second-year hearing instruments specialist student, were part of the CSI team who checked tickets at the entrance to the party.
PHOTOs BY Rachel roy
Greg Bartlett, a third-year accounting student, spent most of his time at the Halloween party dancing in his Godzilla costume.
Joseph Rideout, a first-year protection/security and investigation student, dressed as Ghost Rider, winning second place and a $75 prepaid MasterCard in the costume competition.
Artistic talent on display
at csi pumpkin-carving contest Conestoga Students Inc.’s pumpkin-carving contest was held at the Doon campus on Oct. 28 with the first-place winner receiving $100. Bart Piekarski, a first-year practical nursing student, shows off his finished pumpkin of Bart Simpson. For story, see video at www.spokeonline.com PHOTO BY Beth crouse
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Monday, November 10, 2014
Battling prostate cancer
Non-surgical options have come far as treatments BY CARSON DESHEVY-RENOUF
Cancer is the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells. It is uncomfortable to hear about, uncomfortable to say and it provokes fear in those who have to battle it. Even though it is no longer a death sentence, the word is still a harbinger for long rounds of treatment and a barrage of medical terms. There are many types of cancers, with prostate cancer being one of the most talked about. It is the third leading cause of cancerrelated deaths in Canada, the most prominent cancer in men and is a disease that many people fight today. All cancers are in one way or another a fight for your life – an uphill battle for both patient and family that is most often not easily won. The treatments vary, and many assume that surgery or chemotherapy are the only options available. However, as technology advances that becomes less true. Dr. Darin Gopaul, a radiation oncologist at the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, gave a presentation recently at a meeting of the Waterloo-Wellington branch of the Prostate Cancer Canada Network (PCCN) on how far non-surgical options have come in terms of treating cancer. Gopaul’s position at the centre, according to him, is often mistaken as radiology. Radiation oncology, however, is an entirely different specialty, as it specifically deals with the treatment of
cancer using ionized radiation (essentially focusing radiation on affected areas from either inside or outside the body). According to him, the cure rate of some non-surgical methods is comparable to those of surgery. During his presentation, Gopaul addressed the panic that often comes from a cancer diagnosis. With the increasing number of available options for patients, “you don’t want fear to drive your decision.” Radiotherapy, active surveillance and medications, according to Gopaul, are the leading non-surgical treatments for those dealing with prostate cancer. Each option is tailored for different situations and severities. “(Radiotherapy) comes in two flavours,” Gopaul said. External beam radiation, as defined by the Canadian Cancer Society, is a painless treatment involving a machine (that) directs a beam of radiation through the skin to the tumour and a small amount of normal surrounding tissue. Brachytherapy is a treatment that has two options, the first of which is permanent seed brachytherapy: a “lowdose-rate” treatment where small radioactive pellets that are about the size of a grain of rice are inserted en masse into the prostate to release the radiation over a period of time. The second is temporary catheter brachytherapy, which is a “high-dose-rate” treatment where a wire guiding catheters delivers relatively high levels of radiation to temporarily placed applica-
PHOTO BY Carson deshevy-renouf
Dr. Darin Gopul, a radiation oncologist at Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, gave a presentation on non-surgical advancements in prostate cancer treatment on Oct. 28. tors in the prostate. Medications are often overlooked and passed off as “par for the course” as far as cancer is concerned. In reality, they can play an integral part in the process of getting better. While some medications reduce symptoms, others can even delay the need for chemotherapy. “New (non-chemo) drugs have been proven to extend the lives of those who have cancer that has spread (from the prostate),” Gopaul said. Active surveillance is another viable option for any patient who is considered “low risk.” This method of treatment focuses more on regular checkups and tests on patients to ensure that their
cancer does not become an issue. “Some prostate cancers are indolent and may not need treatments,” Gopaul said. Prostate cancer is often downplayed due to the impression that is given by some statistics. The current five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is 96 per cent, but the reality is that prostate cancer works slowly, and statistics are something that need to be evaluated carefully. With most cases present in men over 50 years of age, many people die of natural causes before the cancer reaches fatal stages. As the life expectancy of Canadians grows, we will see the true toll this cancer takes much
more frequently. As it stands, prostate cancer, like all others, is not something to be taken lightly. Whether you have been personally affected or have seen others around you going through the hardship that cancer brings, you can understand that the fight is not easy. The PCCN WaterlooWellington division holds meetings the fourth Tuesday of every month at the HopeSpring Support Cancer Centre. If you’d like to get involved, or make a donation toward cancer research, you can do so through the Canadian Cancer Society under the “Get Involved” tab at www.cancer.ca.
Hat and wand club share their love of magic Members of the K-W Hat and Wand Club gather weekly to discuss their passion for magic. For video, see www.spokeonline. com. PHOTO BY Justin Ford
NEWS
Monday, November 10, 2014
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Cats are good for your health
BY nicole nemeth
Cute and cuddly isn’t just adorable, it’s also good for your health. The human-animal bond has been demonstrated to improve human cardiovascular health, reduce stress, decrease loneliness and depression, and facilitate social interactions among people who choose to have pets. “Cat ownership has physical, mental and emotional benefits,” said Dr. Esther Duschinsky, a veterinarian at Cambridge Cat Hospital. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 29 per cent of all deaths in Canada in 2008 were a result of cardiovascular disease. Of all cardiovascular deaths, 54 per cent were due to ischemic heart disease, 20 per cent were strokes and 23 per cent were heart attacks. Owning a cat tends to lower anxiety levels, a key factor in stress-related conditions such as high blood pressure. “Studies have shown that owning cats reduces blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health. There was actually a study which showed that cat owners were 30 per cent less likely to die from a heart attack than people who didn’t own cats. This is thought to be due to the stress reducing effects of petting and interacting with cats,” Duschinksy said. The results of a study done in 1992 on pet ownership and risk factors for cardiovascular disease showed that pet owners had a significantly lower systolic blood pressure and plasma triglycerides than non-owners. Cat owner Sarah Vance finds her cat, Mookie, very relaxing. “Sometimes he will keep meowing if I don’t give him enough attention, but most of the time he just lays and purrs beside me or on my feet which I think is a relaxing noise.” Along with physiological benefits, cats offer social benefits as well. “Sometimes you can feel like no one wants to talk or hang out with you, but no matter what your cat will want to be rubbed and played with. They always want to hang out with you, or at least mine does,” Vance said. “As a veterinarian, I see single people and childless couples for whom cats play a very important emotional support and companionship role. For these people, their important feline family members reduce loneliness and give them an emotional connection and support,” Duschinksy said. Many studies have focused
on the social benefits cats, and other companion animals such as dogs, have on the elderly, disabled, mentally ill, terminally ill, and even the homeless. All of these studies have proven that these people, and other people who typically have less social interactions for different reasons, all feel more accepted and have greater opportunities to interact with their peers when they own a pet. One of the biggest benefits that cats can provide are psychological ones. The Mental Health Foundation collaborated with Cats Protection in 2011 and completed a study that surveyed 600 people, half of whom described themselves as having a mental health problem. The results from their study showed that 87 per cent of cat owners felt that their animals had a positive impact on their wellbeing, 76 per cent found that coping with everyday life was easier because of their pets and that stroking a cat was a calming activity. “Similar to feeling lonely, you can feel like things will never get better or that no one really likes you, but your cat will always love you no matter what and want to spend time with you. They don’t have judgments towards you and can’t hold grudges. All they know is how to love,” Vance said. Many people who suffer from depression find it’s easier to cope when they have a cat. There are many reasons for this: cats offer an uncomplicated love, the responsibility of caring for a cat adds a new and positive focus in life, and they help you build routine, increase physical activity and offer friendship and social interaction. While cats do have a positive impact on human health, it’s equally important for cat owners to take care of their feline friend’s health, too. “We recommend that all cats come in for a health exam at least once a year. During this exam we will discuss weight management, dental care, nutrition, parasites such as worms and fleas as well as any specific health,” Duschinksy said. The bond between cats and humans is one that has been around for centuries. Many people consider their cats as family members, with health benefits simply being an added bonus. “I consider him my baby. I feed him, love him, play with him and take care of him. I don’t see how someone could consider their pet not a part of the family,” Vance said.
PHOTO BY Nicole Nemeth
Many studies have concluded that owning a cat has multiple health benefits for people.
fun & games
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Monday, November 10, 2014
Useless Facts
Oh Cliff!
Horoscope Week of November 10, 2014
Aries
India has a Bill of Rights for cows.
Libra
March 21 April 19
Dartboards are made out of horse hairs.
September 23 October 22
Aries, your strong exterior hides your compassion that needs to be released. Show that one person how you really feel.
Jackals have one more pair of chromosomes than dogs or wolves.
A friend of yours will experience some sort of conflict. Don’t get involved unless you are asked. Keep your distance.
The average life of a taste-bud is 10 days. Dibble means to drink like a duck.
Scorpio
Taurus
October 23 November 21
April 20 May 20
Be blunt with your opinion, you know it’s better to be heard properly. Close friends and family members will appreciate your honesty.
Scorpio, you are known to be determined. You see things through until they are completed. Take advantage of this for your school assignments. It will pay off.
Pinocchio is Italian for “pine head.”
Sudoku Puzzle
Sagittarius
Gemini
November 22 December 21
May 21 June 21
Approach your problems with caution. Deal with each one by facing them head on or by fleeing. You know what to do.
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.
Cancel your weekend plans. You can’t afford to waste time with the workload you’ve put off.
Capricorn
June 22 July 22
December 22 January 19
A romantic interest in another might have no logical answer because you may be looking at it the wrong way. Open your eyes to the possibilities.
Capricorn, you are known to be a hard-working individual. Stay focused and the fruits of your labour will be recognized by those around you.
Aquarius
Leo
January 20 February 18
July 23 August 22 Try to balance your home life and school life. Those close to you will support you during every step. Be sure to find time for them in your schedule.
Virgo
Aquarius, you are known to be a rebel in order to have things go your way. You respect other people’s differences.
Pisces
August 23 September 22
February 19 March 20
A small disagreement could quickly escalate. Be careful of what you say and how you say it. Others around you are sensitive.
It may seem as though a wall has stopped you but don’t give up. Things will soon change suddenly and maybe that wall will be the first.
The stars have spoken.
Word Search
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Monday, November 10, 2014
SPOKE s Page 11
when working on more detailoriented projects. “I mostly use it to relax myself when I’m doing fine line work. It steadies my hand a bit more,” Veselic said. Some people are more involved with classical music. Anna-Maria Vasco, another first-year graphic design student, spoke of her passion for the genre, a passion she developed when she was young. “I’ve been playing piano since I was six years old, so I’ve been ingrained with classical music since I was a kid,” Vasco said. “I’ve always played it on the piano and always listened to it when studying.” Despite classical music being readily accessible, it is playing less of a role in today’s society. However, with a little bit of education, Vasco thinks that it can be strengthened again. “If you have that little background in you, if you grew up with it, if your parents listened to it when you were a kid, or if you took music as a kid, it sticks with you,” Vasco said. “It’s something you have to pass on. It’s not something this generation will discover on their own.”
Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony assistant conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser is shown after an outreach concert at the Adult Recreational Learning Centre in Waterloo on Oct. 31. He thinks classical music’s place in society is more defined than ever.
Is classical music still relevant in our society? By Alex Riese
Does classical music still have a place in modern society? According to Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, the newly-appointed assistant conductor of the KitchenerWaterloo Symphony, that’s a question that doesn’t even need to be asked. “I’d say that classical music’s place is more defined than ever,” Bartholomew-Poyser said. “Kids these days grow up listening to all sorts of classical music, whether it’s through movies, video games ... It’s everywhere.” Bartholomew-Poyser has been immersed in classical music his entire life. He studied classical tuba and cello at the University of Calgary, and has conducted and performed with 11 orchestras in various capacities throughout his career. He’s witnessed the power of classical music firsthand and he shares that sentiment with the people who come to watch his orchestra. “I find that people who come to concerts are generally very positive about the experiences,” Bartholomew-Poyser said. “When they come into a classical concert, they leave
feeling different about themselves.” Although classical music is still applicable, the genre is struggling in Western society. In a February 2008 TED Talk in Monterey, Calif., conductor and speaker Benjamin Zander estimated that a very small portion of the population listen to classical music on a regular basis. According to Zander, there are three types of people – people who have a deep passion for classical music, people who tolerate the genre and people who have no relationship with it at all. A prime example of the latter group is Conestoga College student Jenn Wright. The health office administration student thinks classical music is only somewhat relevant. “It has a place with other people, but not with people I know,” Wright said. However, the two extremes that Zander mentioned are coming closer together. Classical music is taking on a new role as a study aid amongst many students. Marko Veselic, a first-year graphic design student at Conestoga College, admits to listening to classical music
Women’s softball team Silver medalLists
PHOTO BY Jack Parkinson
Ron Taylor, coach of the women’s softball team at Conestoga, stands with his daughter Tori, who is captain of the team which placed second at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association tournament in October. It was the team’s best finish since 1998. To find out more, see video at www.spokeonline.com.
PHOTO BY Alex Riese
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Monday, November 10, 2014