Get ready for Halloween Thrift stores great place to shop. Page 2 Monday, October 27, 2014
SPOKE
Buttons are big business Woman’s company exceeds expectations. Page 5
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Conestoga College, Kitchener, Ont.
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45TH Year — No. 21
Pet parade goes to the dogs BY KALI CAUDLE
Many dog owners and their dogs, dressed in costumes, were seen walking as a pack as part of the third annual Howl-o-ween dog parade in Waterloo. The event is the brainchild of Liz Foley, a dog trainer, founder and CEO of The Dog Haus, a Kitchener-based dog daycare. The business opened four years ago. According to its website, it is the only daycare in the K-W area to offer a fully cage-free indoor and outdoor facility that allows dogs to interact in a packlike environment. The Dog Haus’s main focus is to provide dogs with a safe environment where their needs are fulfilled in socialization, exercise and mental stimulation and where they can also receive basic training. In addition to being known for its focus on dogs’ needs, the daycare also looks for ways to engage their clients through education and special events such as a dog parade. This year’s parade had a
bigger turnout than in previous years. “It’s a great way to socialize the dogs and talk to other owners about issues that are going on,” said dog owner Maria Gagne. “I love it, it’s fun to just come out and hang out with people who are as crazy as us.” Prizes were awarded for creative costumes in various categories including best group, scariest, best couple and cutest. The winners from each category received a bag full of treats from Howlistic Hounds Bakery. Foley enjoyed the costumes from this season’s parade. “They were hilarious. They were really good. I loved the sharks and obviously the Lion, Scarecrow, Dorothy and Tin Man were the big winners. My own dog, she was a hot dog, which was adorable,” she said. Foley hopes next year’s event will have an even bigger turnout. “You always want to go bigger. Getting more people to come out would be great,” she said.
PHOTO BY kali caudle
Eight-year-old Lola won this year’s annual Howl-o-ween parade for best group costume along with another dog and their owners in Waterloo on Oct. 19. See Page 6 for more photos.
Broken sprinkler head sets off fire alarm By MARYSSA MCFADDEN
PHOTO BY beth crouse
Students were evacuated from Conestoga College’s Doon campus on Oct. 9. A broken sprinkler head caused the fire alarm to go off. No one was hurt.
Rumours run rampant in a college setting, which is exactly what happened on Oct. 9 at Conestoga College’s Doon campus. Around 9:30 on the Thursday morning, fire alarms rang shrilly throughout the school. With fire drills being held each semester, this normally wouldn’t be a cause for concern. However, Conestoga students knew the biannual fire drill had already taken place days before on Sept. 25. This meant the alarms which sounded on the morning of the ninth had to be the real deal. Rumours, which circulated amongst the student body, included that the fire alarm had been pulled by a student, that it was a second precautionary drill, and that a large amount of smoke in the school had set off the fire detectors. However, a Conestoga security official put the rumours to rest.
“Renovations to an unoccupied room in the 2C area at Doon resulted in a broken sprinkler head. This incident triggered our alarm system, thus necessitating the evacuation of the main building,” said Kirsty BradleyMcMurtrie, director of Safety and Security Services at Conestoga College.
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Treat every alarm as a real alarm situation. — Kirsty BradleyMcMurtrie
”
While everyone hurried out the nearest doors and got away from the building, Safety and Security Services staff had different tasks to complete during this time of confusion. “Searching the area of concern to confirm if the fire is real, ensuring the building is evacuated, traffic control of main roadways for emergency vehicles and escorting emer-
gency personnel to the area,” were just a few of her staff’s roles, Bradley-McMurtrie said. They are also in charge of overseeing emergency communications, monitoring emergency zones, collecting data from fire wardens to ensure the safety of those outside the building and monitoring the fire panel. Bradley-McMurtrie said the safety and security team conduct all kinds of different scenarios when Conestoga’s campuses are vacant on the weekends in order to properly prepare for emergencies. On Oct. 9 the main building was evacuated in approximately four minutes, a minute slower than when the fire drill was held in late September. Bradley-McMurtrie said it is important for all Conestoga occupants to evacuate the buildings as quickly as possible whether or not it is rumoured to be a drill. “Treat every alarm as a real alarm situation and listen closely to all announcements,” she said.
NEWs
Page 2 s SPOKE
Now deep thoughts ... with Conestoga College Random questions answered by random students
If you had a time machine that would work only once, what point in the future or in the past would you visit?
“Woodstock 1969.”
Bre Mcfarland, registered practical nurse bachelors science bridge
“Five minutes before this conversation.”
Jay Tremaine, fourth-year health info science
Aug. 28, 1963 to witness the ‘I have a dream’ speech.” Lacey Mcintosh, first-year office administration legal
“Back to 18th century Scotland to meet the Highlanders and see the British occupancy and war.”
Monday, October 27, 2014
The hunt for Halloween costumes doesn’t have to be scary BY Heather Stanley
The night of the dark parade of ghastly ghouls, sassy witches and bloodthirsty vampires has almost arrived. Halloween, the ultimate international scare day, is only a few days away. However, there’s a bit of a problem. Either a friend has invited you to a themed dance or you just want to dress up to join in the festivities, but you are stuck without a costume. Don’t scare yourself just yet! There’s still time to find an outfit before the big day. Kyle Patton, of Elmira, is planning on dressing up as a Duck Dynasty character at a church Halloween event. “It’s perfect to be able to do something for the kid’s here. I have a lot of camouflage so I’ll probably dress up and also dress the table.” Elmira Emmanuel Missionary Church is setting up tables on Halloween where volunteers will give candy to trick or treaters. Other themed tables include camping, the ’50s, pirates, Lego and Mario Cart. Ben Dettwiler and Josh Gofton are decorating their table based on a disco theme. “We’re doing an awesome disco-themed costume,” said Gofton of Elmira. “So, I went to Value Village and picked up some of them ‘funkalicious’ afros for $13. They were pretty sweet. Then we got some hideous shirts also from Value Village the following
PHOTO BY Heather Stanley
Josh Gofton shows off his costume that he bought at multiple thrift stores in Elmira on Oct. 18. week.” The pair were trying to get a disco ball to complete their table but did not have any luck. Many people also take to the Internet to get ideas for costumes. Some sites that show DIY (do it yourself) costumes are Pinterest, Popsugar and Mashable. Buzzfeed also has some ideas and tells you how to pull them off. Suggestions include Bill Cosby, Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family and Fonzie from Happy Days. One costume listed on the site is an outfit modelled after graffiti artist Bansky’s Flower Bomber artwork. For this costume, the site says all you need is “a black top, white bottoms, a backwards cap, a bandana and a bouquet.” Some people don’t want to
Calling All tennis table players
Heather Sinding, first-year office administration legal
“Back to ’67, when the Leafs last won the cup.”
Jamie Butterfield, second-year police foundations
“Back when they were filming ‘Dirty Dancing’ to be an extra in the movie.” Samantha Schwier, CSI programming co-ordinator
Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!
PHOTO BY Nataleigh mccallum
Chainsaw’s Le Shin Swah table tennis league is off to a great start since getting underway in August. Sahil Dhingra, an avid competitor in the league, shows off his shirt before his match. For story, see video at www.spokeonline.com.
put a lot of time and money into their costume. The Internet can help them out as well. One idea is to write “Error 404, costume not found” on a white T-shirt, wear a sign that says “Nudist on Strike” or even go as a grape by dressing in purple balloons. Of course, the easiest, no hassle way to get a costume is just to buy it. “I recommend people go to thrift stores such as Value Village, MCC, Goodwill, any place that sells discount items,” Gofton said. “However, if you’re looking for Batman or Bain or something specific, then you will have to go to Party City or someplace that has all that fancy stuff.” For cheaper costumes, go through thrift store racks. An example of an easy costume that can be made is a Scooby Doo character. Other options include going to Walmart or Target. If you want to wear a sexier costume, the Stag Shop has outfits that sell for $15$60. Wanting a “fancy” costume? Take the bullet and spend the money to get elegant and scary costumes from places like Party City or online. For those with a Halloween costume, Conestoga Students Inc. will be hosting their annual Halloween Pub on Oct. 30 at Doon campus. The best costumes will be awarded prizes. The Guelph campus also has a costume contest on Oct. 31. The best costume will be picked at noon.
NEWs
Monday, October 27, 2014
SPOKE s Page 3
Doctor issues wireless radiation warning
By Carson Deshevy-Renouf
People today, living in an age of advancement, are surrounded by technology. It has become a way of life to jump on to the next iPhone release, or to make sure we are running on the fastest networks. But what people don’t often consider are the dangers that arise from this technology. Most technological devices, every iPad, every BlackBerry and every PlayStation, are broadcasters and receivers. They all emit a level of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) within the broadcast fields that they create, levels that some doctors say can cause serious problems. “(This radiation) can cause male infertility … it increases damage done to sperm DNA,” said Dr. Anne Marie Mingiardi, a physician who works part time in Conestoga’s Health Services office. Mingiardi, alongside many other Canadian doctors, recently attended a lecture highlighting the hidden dangers of wireless radiation. It was held by American public health expert and president of Environmental Health Trust, Dr. Devra Davis. It not only informed but prepared doctors. Just over a week prior, the Canadian government had announced a $150-million “technology and learning fund” that will pay for the implementation of wireless devices in classrooms from kindergarten to Grade 12. According to a press release from the Ministry of Education, the fund is designed to “give kids more opportunities to become technologically savvy with tools such as tablets, netbooks, cameras and software, while preparing them for success in the global economy.” This means that classrooms will begin to be designed to keep up with the ever-changing world and prepare students
PHOTO BY carson deshevy-renouf
Dr. Anne Marie Mingiardi, a part-time doctor at Conestoga, believes that the electromagnetic radiation that wireless devices produce is a serious issue, one that demands attention in light of a new government technology and learning fund. for the challenges that new technology brings. However, this will also introduce students of all ages to wireless networks and devices, further exposing them to the radiation that the devices produce. “I’m very concerned … the evidence for harm is growing,” Mingiardi said. Canadians for Safe Technology (C4ST) is a nonprofit organization of volunteers whose mission is “to educate and inform Canadians and their policy-makers about the dangers of the exposures to unsafe levels of radiation from technology.” Research in the Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure has shown that children, born or not, are
most susceptible to EMR, far more than adults. An experiment was conducted at Yale University that exposed pregnant mice to EMR by placing a cellphone above their water supply and waiting until they gave birth. The experiment was conducted to see how the radiation would affect the mice’s offspring. Once the mice had given birth, their offspring were raised to adulthood and then put through a series of tests. The adult offspring were found to be hyperactive, have impaired memory and a decrease in caution. These symptoms almost resembled those attributed to attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
FLu Season is back with a vengeance PHOTO BY Beth Crouse
The start of cold and flu season can be heard throughout Conestoga College’s Doon campus. Tomas Fehr, a first-year business accounting student, suffers from a case of the sniffles. For story, see video at www.spokeonline.com
found in humans. The other side of this issue is backed by Health Canada. In an email, Health Canada media relations officer Sara Lauer insisted that “there is no convincing scientific evidence that exposure to lowlevel radio frequency (RF) energy from Wi-Fi (devices) causes adverse health effects in humans … These conclusions are consistent with the findings of other international bodies and regulators (ie. World Health Organization).” Lauer also insisted that “RF energy levels from Wi-Fi equipment in all areas accessible to the general public, including school settings, are required to meet Health Canada’s exposure guide-
lines.” This means that all levels of radiation produced from devices introduced to the public must fall within appropriate and safe limits. According to Health Canada, no studies have been completed in respect to the effects of long-term exposure of EMR, especially involving children. There have been “an abundance of studies that have used frequencies and signal patterns similar to Wi-Fi.” These studies, just as studies done with the radio frequencies produced from Wi-Fi devices, do not focus on longterm effects, even though some of them studied the effects on children. An international, multi-centre study called MOBI-KIDS is currently underway and is looking into the effects of the use of “communications devices” and environmental factors on young people and their central nervous systems (including the potential of brain cancer). The research for this study will take place over a five-year period. According to Health Canada, it is one of, if not the only research program dedicated to finding concrete evidence on the subject. Even though Health Canada insists that you have nothing to worry about, those like Dr. Mingiardi insist that you should reduce your exposure to the radio frequencies and subsequent radiation. Turning off devices, using wires instead of wireless, turning on your airplane mode and moving yourself away from devices are all ways to reduce your exposure. “If you can’t disconnect the Wi-Fi, distance is your friend,” Mingiardi said. Lauer said, “Health Canada recognizes the need for longterm studies related to children and wireless devices, and will continue to monitor scientific literature on this subject.”
COMMENTARY
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Monday, October 27, 2014
Homeless need more help By Alex Riese
According to an Oct. 17 article in the Waterloo Region Record, living on the street is more feasible than staying in rooming houses when you’re living off of disability cheques. That’s the picture painted by Dan Simpson of Kitchener, who chooses to live in a tent in downtown Kitchener instead of living in a rooming house. Simpson was injured after being hit by an SUV in 2012. The accident left him with two broken legs, a cracked pelvis and internal bleeding. Since the accident, the former construction worker has been living on disability cheques that pay $660 per month. There is a bit of a disparity here, considering the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Kitchener is around $750 per month. Therefore, Simpson can only really afford to live in a rooming house, which he doesn’t want to do because he says that “most rooming houses are full of alcoholics and junkies.” The Ontario Disability Support Program is a social assistance initiative founded by the Ontario government to ensure that people with permanent disabilities can live a normal life. Its main goal, as stated by the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services, is to help people with disabilities pay for living expenses like food and housing. Unfortunately, when people like Simpson choose to live on the street because the money he’s getting from disability can’t cover his living expenses, that makes it hard to believe that disability funds really are doing what they’re supposed to. This is not a new concern. A Feb. 11, 2002 article in the Ottawa Citizen found cases of people living in similar circumstances who had to dip into food money to make monthly rent. According to the article, the Ontario government cut the social assistance rates by over 22 per cent in 1995, while cost of living was steadily rising. Whether it’s through taxation or better financial management, something more has to be done to assist those with disabilities. Though Simpson is happy living in a tent, he and many others would prefer to be able to afford a safe and clean apartment. They need all the help they can get. And soon. 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.
Watch out for trick-or-treaters this Halloween.
It’s time for a new government This is my government. At least insofar as it’s the one that I voted for in the previous federal election. I’ve learned too much since casting that last ballot to make the same mistake again. We need a respite from the science intolerance and the tangible excitement over finally being able to go to war in Iraq. We need a government that doesn’t bend over for big business and who respects the rights of every individual citizen. There have been numerous warning signs that we badly need to rein in the rampant powers that have been exercised by a government that originally preached integrity above all else. The zealous march for involvement in an unwinnable war against ISIS (or ISIL depending on who you’re talking to) should be much more unpopular with Canadians than it is. Despite a lack of support from any of the other parties our government is clearly eager to embroil us in an expensive and ambiguous conflict. A look at the history books will show that Harper and the Tories in 2003, then the opposition party, were adamant that we should join the United States in their invasion of Iraq. It seems as though they’ve finally gotten their wish.
Cody Mudge Opinion
In the summer of 2012 hundreds of scientists took to the streets of Ottawa to protest the Harper government’s wanton destruction of the public scientific research community. The Environmental Lakes Area (ELA), one of the world’s most influential freshwater research facilities, plays a critical role in the study of the effects of acid rain and heavy industry on delicate ecosystems, but it nearly disappeared thanks to cuts by the government. It took a third party, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, to save ELA and the crucial work they do. This is just one of a myriad of cases which could be perceived as an attack on science and knowledge itself in this country. We’ve gone from a world leader in climate and environmental sciences to a global laughing stock, winning Fossil Award after Fossil Award for falling behind on even the most modest targets. This trend continues with the govern-
ment’s promotion of the oil sands project despite massive amounts of evidence from scientists proclaiming the dangers as well as protests from local residents, especially by the ignored and mistreated indigenous communities. On the financial front, it seems like Canada made it through the recent economic recession better off than other countries, notably the United States. However, a closer examination of the evidence reveals a prolonged stagnation of wages for a middle class that is increasingly indebted. Our generation, according to a recent report by the Conference Board of Canada, is the first to be worse off than our parents. While the gender wage gap between males and females is a constant fight, and one well worth having, we’re also facing a stacked deck where young workers are unable to make the same as their older counterparts. I’m not here to pitch a certain party but we cannot have more government antics like the ones that have us blindly digging for dirty oil in a world facing climate change, fighting an ideological crusade in the Middle East and whose interests lie with big business and the rest be damned. It’s time for a change.
Spoke
is p u b lis h ed a nd prod u ced weekl y b y t h e j o u rn a lism s t u den 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
Production Managers: Cassie Tulecki, Carmen Ponciano
Social Media Editor: Nataleigh McCallum, Matt Howell
Photo Editors (print): Nathan Brown, Kali Caudle, Justin Ford Photo Editors (online): Josh Kennedy, Nicole Nemeth, Heather Stanley
Circulation Manager: Rachel Roy Faculty Supervisor and Adviser: Christina Jonas
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The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of Conestoga College. Spoke shall not be liable for any damages arising out of errors in advertising beyond the amount paid for the space. Letters to the editor are subject to acceptance or rejection and should be clearly written or typed; a MS Word file would be helpful. Letters must not contain any libellous statements.
NEWS
Monday, October 27, 2014
Button business keeps her busy
BY NICOLE NEMETH
Back in May 2011 Megan Campbell bought herself a button maker, but what started as a hobby has now turned into a full-fledged business. Bayleaf Buttons sells a variety of pin-back buttons, magnets, key chains, pocket mirrors and bottle openers. The buttons come in three different sizes: one inch, 1.5 inches and 2.25 inches. The company is a one-woman act, keeping Campbell busy as its sole employee. She completes every task herself including marketing, product photography, packaging, shipping, customer service, website maintenance and, of course, creating the buttons. “I’ve managed to keep a pretty good handle on the workload,” she said. Although Campbell has a full-time job as well, as a digital press operator, she enjoys working for herself too. “When I get home I’m able to be creative, fill orders and do things virtually on my own schedule.” Campbell has designed and filled custom orders for a variety of people and businesses all over the world, such as bands, churches, political campaigns, weddings, birthday parties and fundraisers, to name a few. One job in particular came to mind as she thought of her most memorable custom order. “I had a friend of mine who wanted to surprise her family for Thanksgiving to inform them that she was pregnant. So we made a set of buttons for each relative with
different baby-esque themes. It was really interesting to think that these buttons will be telling them that they are going to be a grandmother or auntie for the first time. Makes you think how something so simple can become very important and memorable,” Campbell said. Now with the holiday season quickly approaching Campbell finds herself busier than ever. She attends many craft fairs in and around Waterloo Region. Recently she was at the Breslau Craft Show on Oct. 18 and the Etsy Made in Canada pop-up sale in Kitchener on Sept. 27. Campbell said she “was looking at one in Winterbourne, Ont. in November and another in Kitchener at some church bazaar,” but nothing is finalized yet. “I really like interacting with people and telling them about what I make, finding that particular button that will make their friend laugh and discussing custom orders,” Campbell said. Although she thinks participating in craft fairs is a lot of fun, most of her sales come from Etsy, an online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods. Currently Bayleaf Buttons has made approximately 2,500 sales on Etsy. “I would say so far selling on Etsy has been the most profitable. I can easily send anywhere from three to eight orders a week.” Campbell loves running her small button business. As she says on her website, bayleafbuttons.com, “I absolutely love making buttons, it is a little addictive!”
SPOKE s Page 5
PHOTO BY nicole nemeth
Bayleaf Buttons owner Megan Campbell makes a variety of pin-back buttons ranging from holiday themes to custom orders. Above, Sidney wears a Halloween-themed button.
PHOTO BY nicole nemeth
Crysta Stephensen (left) assists Bayleaf Button owner Megan Campbell at the Etsy Made in Canada sale in Kitchener.
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Monday, October 27, 2014
One-year-old River poses in her fairy costume. The treats, below, were awarded for the best costumes.
Maria Gange (front) and Nic Gange (back) walk their dogs along with many other dog owners during the third annual Howl-o-ween parade in Waterloo on Oct. 19.
Photos by Kali Caudle
Nic Gange (left) and Maria Gange are shown with their dogs, Jeffrey (left) and Lola after winning this year’s costume parade for best group costume. They dressed as Wizard of Oz characters.
Robbin Hendel poses with her three-year-old labradoodle, Charlie. The dynamic duo dressed as Robin and Batman, winning this year’s Howl-o-ween parade for best couple.
Halloween hijinks
Lili Romeo (left) poses with her dogs (from left to right) Domino, Sadie and Lady, along with her friend Adrienne Dawson after winning scariest costume at the third annual Howl-o-ween parade.
NEWs
Monday, October 27, 2014
SPOKE s Page 7
What does your dream job truly cost? We have all been told in the past that education is important. Since we were in kindergarten, we were told you need to apply yourself and achieve the highest marks you can in order to succeed. High marks will get you a better education and, in turn, a better career so you can have the lifestyle you want. I’m not arguing against that logic, but what happens when you get through high school with great marks and find out you can’t afford post-secondary education, and your parents can’t help you out. Many students find themselves in this position every year. It’s hard enough to be a full-time student when you have a full course load and no time outside of class to support yourself. Even with the potential scholarships or some form of sup-
Cassie Tulecki
Opinion port from family or friends, students are still struggling to get through post-secondary education. Tuition continues to increase, costing thousands of dollars. Many students rely on the Ontario Student Assistance Program to help them achieve that dream job; unfortunately, those students will be paying that loan off for years to come. When you add on living expenses including rent, food and transportation, it becomes rather daunting. In my opinion, we should be paid to go to school. It
sounds insane, but if you think about it, the students who know they will not be able to afford a post-secondary education lose all hope. They accept that they will remain a lower class citizen working a lower paying job. If they had the chance to continue their education without worrying about payments they would be able to follow their dreams and work hard to better their life. Everyone deserves a chance to get a post-secondary education. Most people want a job that they can be proud of; one that they look forward to going to every day. You will be working the majority of your life so why not work at a job that you’ll be happy at without worrying about how you will pay for the education to get that job.
Perfume Direct at Conestoga College
PHOTO BY Maryssa McFadden
Beoja Mittal, an employee for Perfume Direct, sells phone cases and perfume to Conestoga College students on Oct. 16 at the Doon campus. Conestoga Students Inc. chooses which businesses can come on campus to sell new and popular items to the student body. Perfume Direct will return to Conestoga on Nov. 10 and 11 if students would like to do some early Christmas shopping.
PHOTO BY Cassie Tulecki
Alexandra Diaz Hernandez, a Conestoga practical nursing student, has to balance getting an education with two part-time jobs.
Ancient Friends at theMUSEUM
PHOTO BY Rachel Roy
Zoe McQuinn, a sessional professor at the University of Toronto and Wilfrid Laurier University and an executive member of the Friends of Ancient Egypt at the Royal Ontario Museum, came to TheMUSEUM in Kitchener on Oct. 19 to speak about the pyramids of Egypt including their construction from the most ancient sources to the latest archeological excavations.
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Monday, October 27, 2014
All-day art event showcases need for expression By MATT HOWELL
Pencil crayons scribbling, scissors cutting with precision and glue piecing it all together – this is art in its purest form. All of this was on display at the second annual Drawathon that took place on Oct. 18 at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery. The free event was held from noon until midnight and offered a barrage of art supplies for participants to use, as well as musical performances in the evening. The Drawathon was the brainchild of Marie LeBlanc Flanagan, whose mission is to encourage creative expression across Canada. Flanagan is the executive director of Weird Canada, a website dedicated to promoting artistic expression in the community. She is also the founder of Wyrd Arts Initiative. She first saw an allday art event when she was living in Edmonton. When she moved here two years ago, she decided to try the art-themed event in Kitchener. She smiled from ear-to-ear and spoke with complete admiration and love for everything art. “Last year we had about 150 people come throughout the day of varying ages. Mainly the 18-32 demographic. I wanted to create a safe and accessible space for people to create,” Flanagan said. Art galleries can sometimes
seem elitist and unwelcoming, which Flanagan is trying to change. “It’s really nice to take a gallery that’s open to it and say let’s let other people come in and make art. Anyone, even people who make art that you might not like, let’s make a space for that,” she said. A partnership like this is only as strong as the belief by both parties that what they are doing is important and vital to the community. Fortunately Flanagan and Weird Canada found a likeminded entity known as the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery to partner up with. Nicole Newfield, director of public programs for the gallery, was all smiles when discussing the gallery’s involvement with the Drawathon. “It’s been an awesome day with lots of people coming through drawing and sketching. Some people have been here all day,” she said. Newfield is in complete agreement with Flanagan that art should be as accessible as possible. “This gives everyone a chance to be creative. It’s our second year and it’s been a really great collaboration. Art and music, an easy marriage,” she said. Michael McCarville, who had been at the event for a few hours, looked intensely at the scene he was creating using a mixture of pencil
PHOTO BY matt howell
Alex Rolston stares intently while drawing at the second annual Drawathon that took place Oct. 18 at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery. crayons and shapes cut out of magazines. “It’s my first time. I found out about it yesterday. I’m having fun,” he said smiling. The success of this event showcases the need and want for artistic expression in our
Perfect storm creates hike in price of red meat BY JORDAN JOHNSTONE
Walking down the meat aisle at your local grocery store, looking at the prices of red meat may make you want to become a vegan. The cost of beef has been going up ever since the Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) outbreak in 2003 and 2005. Now, not only is the cost of beef still on the rise but the other red meat – pork – has been steadily rising this year due to hardship in the United States caused by piglets contracting PED, a virus that affects the small intestine in all pigs but is nearly 100 per cent fatal in infant piglets causing a decrease in this year’s herds. “People are substituting pork now for beef and that has caused a rise in all red meat prices. All of these factors have created a sort of perfect storm in the industry,” said retired veterinarian and farmer Dr. Jim Ferrier.
Students with tight budgets are feeling the pain from rising prices, but so are butchers, grocery stores and farmers. Global warming contributing to droughts over the past five years in the southern United States has put a strain on Canadian exports, which has affected prices at home. “The drought in the United States, mainly in Texas, but all the southern states, has forced farmers to cull the herds and females which has slowed the growth of herds and decreased exports in normally strong cattle states,” Ferrier said. Agricultural farmers are also taking a hit after enjoying record prices for corn feed last year. Now it is at a low for the industry because farmers are buying smaller amounts of feed because the herds are smaller. Even the Russian ban on Canadian food imports has not stopped the rising
cost of red meats at home. Rising Asian economies have opened up markets for Canadian beef exports because the rising middle class there want to eat red meat. “With India and China’s rising middle classes we’re (Canada) exporting a lot more beef to markets that 10 to 15 years ago wasn’t much of a market for beef. Exports to these market will continue to increase year in and year out,” Ferrier said. With the loonie falling against the U.S. dollar the last thing the industry and consumers want to add to the storm is increasing red meat prices. This storm does not appear to be ending anytime soon so consumers may have to tighten their belts or open their wallets a little wider to enjoy red meats, which some believe they still will. “Some people will still buy red meat no matter the cost,” Ferrier said.
society. “With the Internet, I’m seeing more and more bedroom and basement artists distributing their art. Distribution used to be a big issue, now it’s not,” Flanagan said. “There are waves and waves
of people seeing their peers doing things and think I can do that too,” she added. Check out Weird Canada to learn more about their mission to bring arts to the masses at www.weirdcanada.com. kwag.com.
Fall WEATHER continues this week
PHOTO BY ALEX RIESE
Prospective Conestoga student Grace Li takes in the fall weather near the pond at Conestoga College. According to the Weather Network, temperatures will hover around a high of 9 with lots of sun for most of the week.
NEWS
Monday, October 27, 2014
Zombies TAKE OVER Kitchener turf
PHOTO BY Justin ford
Kitchener Zombie Walk event co-ordinator, Ronald Hoppe, puts some finishing touches on preparations for the event. For more, see video at www.spokeonline.com.
Gaming cafes NEW to kitchener
PHOTO BY jack Parkinson
Kate Cox and Ryan Leantres own The Adventurers Guild, a gaming cafe located in downtown Kitchener. The restaurant is one of several gaming cafes which started operating in the region this year. For video, head to www.spokeonline.com.
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fun & games
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Monday, October 27, 2014
Useless Facts
Oh Cliff!
Horoscope Week of October 27, 2014
Aries
A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21-inch tongue!
Libra
March 21 April 19
In France, there’s a place called Y.
September 23 October 22
Aries, you are known to have an upbeat personality, which will attract others who will follow your lead.
One in every four Americans has appeared on television at least once in their life.
Libra, you are known to be lazy. Tackle one task at a time to ensure everything gets done within a reasonable amount of time.
In ancient Rome, when a man testified in court he would swear on his testicles. The average human will shed 40 pounds of skin in a lifetime.
Scorpio
Taurus
October 23 November 21
April 20 May 20
Taurus, you are known to be stubborn. You want things done your way. This week be open-minded and accept other people’s opinions. It may be helpful for you.
Scorpio, you are known to be jealous when it comes to friendships, but on the other hand, you are a very loyal person.
A Virginia law requires all bathtubs to be kept inside the house.
Sudoku Puzzle
Sagittarius
Gemini
November 22 December 21
May 21 June 21
Gemini, you are known to be extremely independent. Accept the changes that are headed your way and experience new situations.
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.
You treat people the way you want to be treated, which makes you a likeable individual. You don’t hold anything back when you speak your mind.
Capricorn
June 22 July 22
December 22 January 19
Other people might find you cold because you only view things your way and avoid emotional situations. You crave attention and comfort from those around you.
You are known to be independent. You know your capabilities and want things done properly the first time. Allow input from others, you might be surprised.
Aquarius
Leo
January 20 February 18
July 23 August 22 Leo, you are known to be encouraging. Focus that energy towards others around you during stressful times, they will appreciate every bit of effort.
Virgo
Underneath the detached, unemotional exterior lies a kind-hearted individual who will go out of his or her way to help others around them.
Pisces
August 23 September 22
February 19 March 20
Don’t dwell on the past, it will complicate things and may limit your ability to move forward in life. Accept new changes. This week be adaptable.
Pisces need a strong, positive friend, in order to make themselves strong. You like adventure and crave new, exciting situations and social events.
The stars have spoken.
Word Search
NEWS
Monday, October 27, 2014
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Left, Lauren Ruf, a Conestoga College interior decorating student, was named the OCAA female Athlete of the Week for Oct. 6. She is a softball pitcher on Conestoga’s varsity team. PHOTOs SUBMITTED
Right, James Innis, a practical nursing student, was named the OCAA male Athlete of the Week for the same week. He is a member of the rugby varsity team at Conestoga.
Conestoga athletes receive provincial honour BY RACHEL ROY
Perseverance, dedication and hard work is what two Conestoga students were honoured for when they received the Athlete of the Week award from the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA). Lauren Ruf, an interior decorating student at Conestoga College, is a pitcher for the varsity softball team. “Being named Athlete of the Week gives me a sense
of pride, not only in myself but in my team. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my stats if I didn’t have my team behind me 100 per cent of the time,” she said. At the time of the award, Ruf had an amazing OCAAleading record of nine wins and no losses. She also struck out six players in a 3-0 win over Humber College on Oct. 2 then, after that, she struck out nine in a 4-3 win over Durham College on Oct. 5. “I think it’s important to
remember that playing varsity softball is a choice, we play because we love the game,” she said, “You show up to the diamond ready to play, you wear the Condor jersey proudly and you pretend you’re still having fun even when it’s raining and barely 5 degrees Celsius. But at the end of the day, you have to remember it’s just a game and you make it what it is, so you may as well do your best.” James Innis, a practical nursing student at
Stress and mid-terms don’t mix
Conestoga, is a varsity rugby player. “When I found out that I was awarded male Athlete of the Week for men’s rugby in OCAA I felt a sense of self accomplishment. It was an honour to receive this acknowledgement,” Innis said. Innis scored 17 points in Conestoga’s 27-10 victory over Sheridan College on Oct. 4. Additionally, he helped his team achieve a victory over Mohawk College on Oct. 9.
However, Innis knows what it means to be a team player. “Being named male Athlete of the Week is an accomplishment for me, but it is not what I set out to achieve each week or year. I set my goals to play,” said Innis, “to give my team the best chance to win and be successful and if I receive acknowledgement for it so be it.” The Condors, as of press time, were in third place in the West division with a record of 4-2-0.
students love csi’s Free food fridays
PHOTO BY NATHAN BROWN
Fall reading week was last week for some post-secondary students, and a mid-term recess is being held Oct. 30 and 31 for others. The time off is supposed to help students cope with stress, and reduce student suicides. But what do Conestoga College students do without a fall break? Devin Mueller, a first-year nursing student, studies for her fall mid-term. For video visit www.spokeonline.com.
PHOTO BY Josh KENNEDY
Conestoga Students Inc. has been holding free Food Fridays throughout the semester. CSI president Jeff Scherer is proud that CSI has undertaken this initiative. For video, go to www.spokeonline.com.
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