33rd Year
applications
Fall
What’s
Conestoga
to
Inside
— No. 17
on the increase Ontario colleges experience decline
Conestoga numbers up 7 per cent
but
By Laura Czekaj
increase to the population growth in that region.
Although Ontario’s colleges are tions for fall admissions, applica-
Key Performance survey has allowed information about the quality of the college’s programs and the success of graduates to filter out into the province, causing more interest in
case of
Application Service.
OCAS
7. 8-per-cent
a
reports
increase over last year in applica-
emergency.
PAGE
Indicators
according to a report the Ontario College
by
done
6
the school.
KPIs
Conestoga, while other
to
tions
Conestoga
one of
is
position
points ahead of St. Clair in Windsor, which has the second
over the
highest increase in application rates
said.
with three per cent. Other colleges that
application rates grow, too.” Leith added that the college’s
were Niagara College
is
Fanshawe
in
Fred
grown Harris,
Conestoga, said there are numerreasons ous behind the col-
including popula-
growth
therefore, the
more
students that
come
in
the perception factor,” he said. “Students see us as a good
makes
which
us
in
demand.” Harris said this area views educa-
to assist col-
the works.
He added that because the college becoming a desired commodity more people are vying for a place
places a great importance on educa-
tion has
grown
He
all
colleges that experienced increases
located
in is
southwestern
known
for
its
strong economy. He also noted that Waterloo
region
is
munity
a relatively wealthy
com-
and with more parents
being able to afford to send their children to post-secondary schools it’s
years our reputa-
in
an upward spiral
and, therefore, the
pointed out that
natural that enrolment
is
the
come
students
the better our reputation
he said. People from outside of Waterloo Region are being drawn to the colgets,”
lege, according to Harris.
He
semester roughly one-third of the college’s population
said
last
originated from outside the
region.
Harris
demand
up.
more
said for
the
trained
community’s workers in
The only college outside southwestern Ontario that showed an increase was Durham College in
areas such as information technolo-
Oshawa.
ondary education as a necessity.
Harris
attributes
the
gy, robotics and engineering is enticing people to view post-sec-
also varied.
Jeff Wolder, a third-year market-
Reactions to the Conservative government’s May 2 budget were varied at Conestoga College. Highlights include an extra $1.8 billion for more than 73,000 students and a second round of funding for SuperBuild projects. As well, students will be able to earn $600 $1,700 a year instead of
update and rebuild post-secondary
estab-
Conestoga applied to the fund but was denied money. A second proposal is currently in
that
was
Julie Porter
ment
last five
of the six
By
provincial govern-
was by
lished
“The
said.
gets mixed reviews
it affecting their OSAP. The SuperBuild Growth Fund was established by the province to
Fund
in the college programs.
he
for itself
community. The SuperBuild
same region. “The culture of Waterloo region
Ontario, which
act of compassion
name
is
are
Flushing pot an
able
in the
Laurier University and University of Waterloo are all in the
Wilfrid
Page 4
making a recogniz-
grow to meet increasing student demand.
tion as a priority since Conestoga,
tion,”
is
leges and universities to
“It’s
Commentary
Fund, the college
good
reputation and a skills shortage in the community.
second pro-
the for posal SuperBuild Growth
Registrar
Waterloo Region, the college’s
like the
reputation gets.” Fred Harris, Conestoga College
increased
decisions,
political
Provincial budget
that
with good press coverage and good
an upward
the better our
applications,
said
Harris
and,
spiral
at
in
and
Fanshawe.
2.4
at
registrar
college,
years
last five
our reputation has
per cent.
Gladiator dominates the big screen. PAGE 10
competition like UW, Laurier, Wilfrid
nearby
Mohawk
‘The
Durham
Oshawa
tion
success with increased applications impressive because of all the
at
College in
in
College
lege’s
Welland
couple of years,” she
last
“As our reputation grows, our
at 1.4 per
cent and
PAGE 7
is
increased
at 3.1 per cent,
Hamilton College
London
in
Mohawk
2.7 per cent,
Roll for
1
two years in a row. “We have excelled positively
4.8
to experience an increase
Mental Health Week.
of
Conestoga has maintained a No.
six colleges
and
surveys
annual
are
Ontario’s 25 colleges that establish excellence. in benchmarks
Ontario colleges are showing a sixper-cent decrease.
Walk and
status in the
1
Conestoga College have
increased,
installed in
Conestoga, said the college’s No.
at
tions to
New one-way phones
Jennifer Leith, associate registrar
experiencing a decline in applica-
ing student, said he feels that any contribution to the education sys-
tem
was greeted
The announcement as good news by
Conestoga College president John Tibbits.
would be good
“It
to
have more
funding for college operations,” said Tibbits. “We’re running a pret-
now.” Michael Harris, vice-president of academics of Conestoga Students
ty tight ship right
(formerly the
Inc.
Association),
optimistic positive
was
they put into is
better
than the alternative,” said Wolder. “With people getting OSAP,
$1,700 (as an earning ceiling) better than $600.”
is
much
For Joline Malleck, a micro-computer administration
student,
the
budget’s promises do not add up to much. “For me it’s a little too late. applied for
I
OSAP
and received
covered only 20 per cent of my tuition. That’s hardly enough,” said Malleck. According to Ontario education minister Janet Ecker the budget means good things for the educa$500.
It
“We have created many new stu-
tion system.
opportunities for
We
dents.
want any
eligible stu-
reluctant to get
university and college,” said Ecker
seemingly
message of the budget.
“I
know how positive I am until know exactly how they are going
spend it,” said Harris. “Everyone will receive an extra $200 in tax benefits but how many people would rather see it put into health and education? They’ve
to
taken so
much money
tion
about time they put some
it’s
money
and college
dent in Ontario to be able to attend
about the
money back
of
Student
Doon
don’t I
bit
universities
without
institutions.
better than nothing.
is
“Any
out of educa-
in.”
Harris said he is interested in finding out the outcome of the second proposal to SuperBuild. Students’ reaction to the budget
press
a
at
conference
at
the
Westmount Golf and Country Club Waterloo on May 5. Ecker said students need more technical training, to compete in in
the world job market.
“On
top of humanities, students skills,” said Ecker,
need technical
who
stressed the need for shared
degrees.
When
asked
if
Conestoga
College would be receiving new funding from the SuperBuild proj-
Ecker said people are working review those proposals that did not receive funds in the last round.
ect,
to
Page 2
— SPOKE, May
15,
2000
Conestoga gets ready for pilot projects with applied degrees By Sherri Osment
ones that might be in the running for the applied degrees pilot projects include the electronics cluster
engineering in the lead to be
mechanical
area looks like
it’s
the applied degree pilot project at
Conestoga College.
The college
will be using
the
help of a consultant to do research before a decision is made. The research will include looking at
other
said
Tibbits
The
student
cal engineering.
“So
that’s
Tibbits said there are not a lot of
level of graduate.”
now
right
Board
Assurance
will
that
approve the projects has not yet been set up. The board will be set up by the minister of training, colleges and universities to decide which applied degree pilot projects will be approved.
Conestoga College president John Tibbits said it would likely take a couple of weeks for a decision to be reached, but the first choice will probably be mechani-
Tibbits.
and possibly programs in business and information technology. regarding approval of applied degree pilot Quality the as project
like ones in British Columbia and Alberta, which have been successful with applied degrees.
demand and employer
demand,” said
we’re going to have to do, is get support from our employers, and we know we have that in the mechanical area. We know that they would like a higher
details
other post-secondary institutions,
Project presentation
“The basic
criteria right
now
other thing
the
Applied degree programs will be four years in length so changes
“The basic
right now are student demand and employer
demand,” John
need Conestoga
be
to
will
Enjoy bautiful field-grown fresh
Tibbits,
college president
are
Scented Acres Flower Farm
criteria
the
if
made
pilot
at
project
proposals are approved. There may also be additions needed to resources, equipment, faculty
and curriculum.
mean we’re going to away any faculty, but we
“I don’t
flowers
all
season long
-
delivered
take
may have
to
your
to
add faculty,” said
John Bald, a
Tibbits.
office weekly. Also
“I
wide
one
hope
that
we
pilot project,” said Tibbits.
selection of lowers
“I’d be happy to get one this fall and then hopefully within
(especially lilies)
the next five years we would have maybe 15 applied degree
summer weddings. To recieve more information about our farm’s for
third-year
computer programming analysis student,
explains his end-of-year project to an observer. focused on Moose Winooski’s restaurant and bar.
get at least
His project
The students
presented their projects to teachers, members of information technology businesses and the public on May 3 in the Blue
Room
cafeteria. (Photo by Laura Czekaj)
programs.”
Computer
flower subscriptions, please phone:
Services ( 519)
662-6951
Attention
or mail your name and address to: Scented Acres Flower Farm
all
students
needing money!
1740 Line Line 40, RR#l Hew Hamburg, Ontario
supervisor
terminated By
NoB 2G0
Sherri
Osment
Tony Pimenoff,
a
computer
serv
-
supervisor at Conestoga College, was terminated from his ices
position on
ORIENTATION ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION
let
ASSISTANTS WILL:
the
Participate in a brief training
prior to orientation
•
development.”
Be a Conestoga College Tour Guide!!
“These decisions are
Assist in preparing orientation and registration materials
•Talk to
POSSIBLE JOB POSITIONS INCLUDE
not
Melody or Carol,
made
Information Centre, SCSB Or call 748-5220 ext 730
:
lightly,”
Grant McGregor,
dean of academic research and education services
*
Providing directions and information
.
Distributing orientation materials
•
Assisting with a variety of line-ups for services
.
Helping
*
Assisting with photo
at
at skill
sets
week)
Help with the successful orientation and registration of incoming students Conestoga College during orientation week
a question of looking
in
and directions,” McGregor said. “We’re going to place far more emphasis now on program
and orientation session (scheduled the week
to
*
4.
go was due to restructuring computer services division.
“It’s •
May
Grant McGregor, dean of academic research and education services, said the reason Pimenoff was
various registration tables I.
McGregor was not one
D.
also said the decision that
was made abrupt-
ly-
ORIENTATION WEEK FOR FALL
2000
IS
August
28"’
- September
1st
Teaching English
“These are decisions
made
IF
IS
A PAID POSITION
INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ORIENTATION ASSISTANT, DROP BY STUDENT SERVICES (2B02) TO COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FORM PRIOR TO LEAVING SCHOOL THIS
as a
Second Language
A One-Year Starts this
Certificate
Program
September
SEMESTER Call for
more information
519-748-5220, All applicants will be contacted during the summer months to confirm involvement
ext.
656
that are not
McGregor
said. “It’s
been considered for some time by senior management.” Pimenoff was employed at the college for about 20 months and was also working for McGregor on
one
THIS
lightly,”
that’s
research for funding applications.
Conestoga College rj
McGregor
said
Pimenoff was
given an adequate severance package but said he could not go into the details.
Pimenoff, reached at his Waterloo
home, declined
to
comment.
SPOKE, May
401 may slow students down
Canada competitions
Skills By Donna Ryves
school students will be participating in the photography competition
annual
while the precision machining competition will include both secondary and post-secondary school
Skills
students.
Conestoga College
will host
of 40 competitions in the
Summer-semester students at Conestoga College may be slowed down by construction to Highway 401 and Highway 8 over the next few months.
The
of Ministry Transportation is planning road both highways. The stretch of Highway 401 to be repaired goes from Highway 8 to Homer Watson Boulevard.
work
to
According to an MTO representative from the regional con-
who
struction scheduling office
asked to remain unidentified, the extent of work will depend
on the current budget and fund availability. At this point, the ministry is in the planning and designing stage.
Scheduled for construction is the Grand River bridge on Highway 8 which is to be widened to six lanes. This is not a huge endeavour as the bridge was originally designed to
accommodate
six lanes, said the
MTO source. Other work will include widening Highway 401 to six lanes, ramp improvements in the
westbound lanes and a new median wall from Highway 8 to Homer Watson Boulevard.
two 11th
Technological Ontario Competition through Skills Canada on May 16. A conference will also be ^ held for young
women
SKILLS
by Skills Canada to encourage women to join ized
skilled trades.
The photography competition and the conference will be held at the college’s Doon campus and the precision machining competition will be held at the Guelph campus. The college will provide facilities and equipment for the events that are six hours long. Secondary
Project
Both competitions include a theory, hands-on and test component. Gail Smyth, the executive direcCanada, said that the students who have advanced to the
provincial level
“Our mandate
promote
how
out
and to keep it up-to-date. “We’ve gone through many changes at the college over the years and we believe the information we have is
Canada
opportunity
won
Smyth
among
province.”
where
The reporting system has been used by universities since the early
while Algonquin, Confederation and Lambton colleges will begin measuring 20 per cent per year for the next five years. If the four-month project proves successful, it will expand to facilities,
the other colleges in Ontario.
happy
to
be one of
it,”
is Milner said
you are one of the leaders, you have more say in it. It allows us, as a college, to once again be a leader within the “Obviously,
The
if
operating
costs,
the labour costs that are being partially funded by the summer expe-
rience program, are relatively low, said Milner.
Since colleges and universities have different facilities, such as animal space and undergraduate laboratories, the only problem Milner sees is defining those differences and changing them so that colleges can use this system.
Summer with.,
starting Tuesday
8 edition of
••
Spoke a
story titled Peer tutor receives
high praise from special needs student, stated a letter of recom-
mendation from a teacher essary
to
However,
name and tutor
become only
the
a
is
nec-
tutor.
teacher’s
on the peer application form is required signature
h'y Game ^
by student services. Spoke regrets the error.
WATERLOO
INN
NOW
HIRING!!
Our Catering dept,
is
currently looking for
hardworking banquet servers. Must enjoy working with people and be able to work weekends Please phone, fax or drop off resume to:
flexible
i
Human Resources Waterloo Inn St. North
Westmoun! Place Shopping Centre 50 Weetmount Rd. N.
475 King
ON N7J 2W6
Waterloo,
Phone: 884-0221 ext.
WATERLOO Ph.(519) 884-6558 Fax(519) 884-7733
TOttCAMAfilAN
(WN£D, OPERATED
ANOTWtOl
518
Fax: 884-0321
Oakville
.
Burlington
.
Barrie
.
which
include measuring tools and equipment, disks and the computers, which the school already has, and
Wheel in the
Correction
a
said.
to construction. (Photo by Ray Bowe)
is
future
provincial recognition in their
skilled area,”
the operating costs are going.
are quite
for
employment, Smyth said. “They can see on a resume has
the leading ones in
“We
made
is
Being a part of Skills Canada great
this will
the colleges to see
choice
first
colleges throughout the province.
Milner said. confirm that.” Also, calculating the square footage will help complete an report benchmarking annual accurate”
its
this is to reinforce the existing data
as
options. Skills
big school
square footage, but taking invento-
manager resources Physical Barry Milner said the reason for all
May
to
ry as well.
going around to each and every room in the college measuring the
In a
is
‘80s and is now being used at the college level for the first time. Conestoga is the first college in Ontario to measure 100 per cent of
the four students will not only be
Students who travel along Highway 401 near Conestoga College should get ready for some traffic jams over the
high-calibre
who promote technical
career tracks
up of about 500 elementary and high schools and 15 community
skilled trades in technology as a
“However,
Using good old measuring tapes,
are
students.
quite
find out just that.
officials
tor of Skills
will find
Have you ever wondered how big Conestoga College really is? Well, at the end of the next 16 weeks, four students working with the physical resource department will
choice career option to people because there’s a critical shortage workers in of skilled-trade Canada,” Smyth said. Skills Canada is a national nonprofit organization consisting of educators, students, employers, labour groups and government first
COMPETENCES CANADA
organ-
By James Campbell
summer due
—Page 3
2000
Conestoga College hosts
Construction on
By Ray Bowe
15,
Hamilton
.
Waterloo
Page 4
— SPOKE, May
15,
2000
Applied degree status step in right direction With the Ontario government deciding April 28 to allow colleges to grant applied degrees, numerous positive prospects and opportunities are opened for the college as well as the business community. The government is starting the program on a pilot-project basis, and colleges must submit proposals for applied degree programs by the fall. The Quality Assessment Board, an advisory body of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, will be the governing body that will grant or deny approval to
The board is expected to summer. Two of the main programs that may be in line for applied degree status at Conestoga College are the mechanical and electronic engineering areas. Mechanical engineering includes robotics, automated manufacturApplied degree status ing and design and analysis. colleges applying for the pilot projects.
release priority criteria this
has already been accepted in British Columbia and Alberta.
Electronics enginering encompasses computer engineering and
telecommunications. The reason these courses are first in line
is
because Key Performance Indicators show those programs as above average. KPIs are an annual survey of Ontario’s 25 community colleges to determine how they compare to each other in the education they deliver. In addition, there is a strong applicant pool, good job placement rates and strong support from industry for those programs. The college will use a consultant to do research before making the final decision on which program to pursue applied degree status for. Post-secondary institutions in British
Columbia and
Alberta already have the power to grant applied degrees. Mike McClements, dean of engineering technology and trades and apprenticeships at Conestoga College, said the main difference between university and college engineering students is preparedness. University engineering students have take many
OAC math classes in high school, including finite and calculus, whereas college applicants usually only have general mathematics.
While
this is the case, engineering students at
Conestoga have
a high lab-to-lecture ratio, directly opposite of university curriculums.
Pot flushed by police Police officer didn’t consider pot substantial evidence It
added to
Waterloo
The owners of the Revolution and Flying Dog, Gary and Sue Stewart, could lose their liquor
was nice
to
see that police
Applied degree status would turn these three-year programs
in the
their heartache?
had released the
officer
If the
information about the marijuana
into four-year tenures.
Region
have
license for charges of serving alco-
two ways the school of engineering could deal with applied degree if Conestoga were to be chosen
compassion
hol to an intoxicated person and
being found the media would have eaten it up, in turn causing the fam-
under-
allowing drunkenness and disor-
ily
derly behaviour.
pain and suffering.
McClements
said there are
The program could remain the same but add a fourth year to specialize in a specific discipline, or the whole program could be revamped. Although the process is in the initial stages, one has to wonder how it will work. Undoubtedly, there will have to be the addition of resources, equipment, faculty and, most importantly,
curriculum.
Sunjeet Chaudhuria, dean of engineering at the University of Waterloo, said the announcement should not affect his institution.
He
and
standing
for a pilot project.
pointed to the fact that admission into engineering pro-
UW
UW
choosare already in high-demand, and unless grams at es to expand its engineering school, applied degree status will not make any difference. focuses on mechanical engineering but also offers chemical, civil, system design engineering programs. “We’re not going to compromise quality or the quality of our
UW
co-op jobs,” said Chaudhuria. With the government giving colleges the power to grant applied degrees, the gap between a university and a college education is lessened. Hopefully, other college programs will also be included to give more students an equally great opportunity.
towards people
Wayne Szymkowski, who was
com-
injured in the accident, said he and
within the
MacNeill
munity.
An April
28
article in the
Record
said a local police officer testified
April 27 that he flushed a bag of
marijuana down the toilet after he found it on a young Kitchener man
who was
killed after
slamming
his
car into a street sign.
The
article said Const.
Breda, a
John Van
10-year veteran of the
Waterloo regional police, testified that he flushed the drugs down the toilet in
order to spare the family of
Ryan MacNeill, 19, more grief. MacNeill was killed Dec. 1998,
from
after
driving
Revolution,
6,
home drunk a
popular
Waterloo nightclub. MacNeill’s use of marijuana has become an issue in a hearing under the provincial Liquor License Act.
clubs in
first
drank
downtown
two
more
I
devastation, humiliation,
understand that the public needs
to be able to trust the police in col-
night-
lecting
all
Kitchener, then
senting
it
at
the evidence and pre-
to the public, but
does the
was marijuana use change the outcome of the horrible
shared a marijuana cigarette before going to the Revolution about 9:30
fact that there
p.m.
event that followed?
At the revolution, he said, they drank about eight beers and two shooters before they decided to go home. Van Breda was quoted in the April 28 story as testifying that he didn’t think the small amount of
Van Breda knew that no matter what he did, the boy’s life was lost and the boy’s family would suffer. He also knew that society would look down its nose at the boy for his decision to drink and drive.
marijuana was important evidenceand the only person he could have charged for the possession was
sion,
MacNeill, who was pronounced dead at the scene. It is bad enough for the parents to have to face the news that their son made the choice of drinking and driving. Do they really need fuel
Van Breda should not feel any remorse for his actions. He should be proud of the fact
As
well, he
knew
that the posses-
no matter how small, would ruin the boy’s image and reputation.
that he cared for the feelings of the
family and tried to do what he
was
right.
SPOKE
Keeping Conestoga College connected
is mainly funded from September to May by a payment from Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI). formally called the Doon Student Association, in exchange for the insertion of advertising in the paper. The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of
Conestoga College or the CSI. Advertisers
in
SPOKE
are not
endorsed by the CSI unless their advertisements contain the
SPOKE
is
published and produced weekly by the journalism students of Conestoga College. Editor: Laura Czekaj;
News
Editor: Ray Bowe;
Photo Editor: Donna Ryves Production Manager: Mike Radatus; Advertising Manager: Mike Radatus; Circulation Manager: Sherri Osment; Faculty Supervisor: Jerry Frank SPOKE's address is 299 Doon Valley Dr.. Room 4B14. Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4M4. Phone: 748-5220, ext. 691, 692. 693, 694 Fax: 748-3534 E-mail: spoke@conestogac.on.ca
CSI
logo.
SPOKE
shall not
be liable for any damages arising
out of errors in advertising beyond the space. Unsolicited submissions
amount paid
must be sent
9:30 a.m. Monday. Submissions are subject
for the
to the editor to"
by
acceptance or
rejection and should be clearly written or typed: a WordPerfect
or
MS Word
tain
file
would be
helpful.
any libellous statements and
illustration (such as a
Submissions must not conbe accompanied by an
may
photograph).
felt
SPOKE, May
15,
—Page
2000
5
Distance Education
Wire service
takes to the Internet Additional Internet courses
on
line
during the
By Jes Brown
held
By Petra Lampert
the
in
important for people be aware of how to take care of themselves in order to get out of “I think it’s
A
self-defence seminar
may
be
held in September to teach students how to avoid dangerous situations. The seminar, discussed May 4 at a meeting of the college’s Women’s Resource Group held in the Blue
Room cafeteria, would be
an hour long and held in the third week of September. Statistics show that acquaintance
most common form of assault, the meeting was told. The seminar would consist of discussion and allow students to pracassault is the
tise self-defence
topics covered
techniques. Other
would include
street
and how to detect the early warning signs of mental abuse. Joan Magazine, a counsellor with safety
the college’s strident services, said
the seminar
would be
beneficial to
students because of the
violence in our society.
amount of Magazine
she believes every person needs to feel self-confident about said
Banner
Conestoga College
M
The Conestoga Blue
to
difficult situations,” she said.
Students wishing to attend the seminar would be required to make a down payment of $10. The money will ensure that students attend and would be refunded in full upon completion of the seminar.
Donna Spears, whose daughter was murdered by an abusive
may
boyfriend,
December
be
back
in
as a guest speaker to
about abusive relationships and how to detect the warning
talk
signs,
Magazine
told the group.
Women’s
The Group
Resource
recently received an from award appreciation
Conestoga Students merly
Doon
the
Inc., for-
Student
Association.
The group’s next meeting
will
take place on June 19.
attraction
i.tlti'
Policy
VW
ra
Quality Policy banner
w#
, *
...* }il *
f
f
‘
hangs outside the
Room cafeteria. The new banner is also
located at the
(Photo by Tracy Ford)
said.
courses to go
credit
body,” said Stewart,
the costs of putting in place expen-
esting experience,
qualifying mathematics (business),
sive systems for distance educa-
still
methods 1 and continuous improvement process. These courses are offered from Contact South, a consortium of 20 of the 25 colleges in Ontario. Contact South started with just a
tion, but they felt that provincially
colleges.
colleges were the
taking care of himself or herself.
are
itself.”
“Actually, Loyalist and Niagara
fall
Most
towards a diploma.
said
may be
about 400, Stewart
one college couldn’t make distance education necessarily go by
few
Self-defence seminar
the realization of that time
students
that
are
quantitative
(Photo by Donna Ryves)
was
be coming
coming on line at Conestoga this summer. Four new courses have been added to distance education for the spring and summer catalogue. They are qualifying math (basic),
More Internet courses
regulations are being met.
for
the continuing education program. “It
Stephen Case, purchasing manager for the college, inspects dangling wires in a computer lab to ensure safety
summer
will
first to
begin,”
David Stewart, the director of
enough students
was
there
generate
couldn’t
Colleges
a
locally to justify
way
combine
to
know
if it’s
for every-
who
has taken
a couple of courses on the Internet himself. “Although
it
was an
inter-
my preference
is
be in the classroom.” He said that other people enjoy the disto
tance education courses because of
time constraints. With no set class,
resources.
“Two
“I don’t
students from Conestoga
College, four from Algonquin and
students can take the courses in their
own
time.
from some other place would add up to a nice healthy class,” said
raise the
Stewart.
courses in the future. There should
six
In the beginning only es
were
offered, but
two cours-
now
there are
Stewart said Conestoga hopes to
number of Contact South
be 10 more coming on fall
semester.
line for the
Page 6
— SPOKE, May
15,
urges Qonestoqa J ^ security students to empty lockers
watch out signs of
for
heat stroke By
2000
Julie Porter
By Jes Brown lure of the sun
While the tempting
now
that
exams
will
may be
are over,
don’t fool yourself by thinking that it’s safe to stay outside all day. Unfortunately, heat exhaustion and
The
halls
are almost
not
all
dents to empty their lockers,
of heat exhaustion,” says Wang.
According
to
Wang,
staying out
of the sun and wearing a hat are two ways in which heat exhaustion
“I think there’s a bit of a
among
a
many
Hunter
explained.
common
number of on a
the students if they’re here
said
will be re-issued
courses.
staggered
occupied.
misconception
case,”
they come.” Lockers are reassigned during the summer because the college has
notices
summer job entails working outaccording to Conestoga side,
still
“They
the
when
lockers
are
there
not
is
Hunter.
empty these days, but
Even though
are
“That
of the lockers are.
posted and the electronic message board flashes a message for stu-
being unwell are the warning signs
in the
fall.
of Conestoga College
heat stroke are very real concerns for this time of year especially if a
College physician Dr. Jodie Wang. “Increased thirst, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and general feelings of
have the same locker
two- or three-year program,” said Allan Hunter, the head of security
property room.
lockers, according to Hunter.
after the spring
“If
possible,” Hunter
it’s
can’t return to
said students
two-week grace period and then
finish their year
and assume they
the locks are cut off and the prop-
It is
try
students are spread
all
semester finished.
a drain on security resources having to empty the lockers during
said,
He added
inside.
He
Last year there were nearly 300 still had locks on them
lockers that
and notify the owners.” that sometimes notification is not possible because
“we
many
Security gives students a one- or
takes up almost the whole security
removed.
Books, clothing, tools, calculators and other electronic equipment are some things that are found in
Hunter said that if a locker is going to be vacant for a long time and locked, security would like to know because there could be food
for the college.
may be warded off. Wang also suggests sunscreen with a SPF of 30 as a good way to avoid
erty inside the lockers is
the
summer. Hunter
said,
and takes
people away from other duties.
300 lockers So does cataloging the property inside and attempting to contact the owners of “Opening close
over
the country working for the summer, or they have just moved on.
takes
Security holds the property they
some
to
time,” he said.
the property, he added.
owners for five-tomonths and then disposes of it. “We need to be rid of those things by fall.” Hunter said the property
“The
six
frankly
last is
thing
we want
to see
to see the student lose
their property,”
Hunter
said.
and heat stroke
“Drinking a lot of water on a is very important.” says
humid day Wang.
Gatorade
Drinking
or
sports drinks are a
keep up a good level of
body
to
salt in the
By
sweat, she says.
Wang warns cal
symptoms such
tion,
confusion or headaches could
severe condition.
“When
these
symptoms
occur,
time to seek medical attention,”
says
Osment
age at Conestoga because of the programs used on the college’s
The “love bug” computer
as disorienta-
mean that heat exhaustion has become heat stroke - a much more
its
Sherri
any neurologi-
that
Wang.
bug” enters computer systems through e-mails that say, “I love you” or “Love letter for you.”
obese people are particularly at “even a top athlete in superb condition can succumb to heat illness if he or she ignores the warning signs.”
The skin;
Journal cites dry, hot, red fever;
confusion;
rapid
or
shallow breathing; a rapid weak pulse; seizures; and small pupils as
warning signs that
its
time to go to
which we don’t use,” said Abraham. “It can get in but it won’t do any damage. Since
we
don’t use Outlook
ensure that the computers remain bug-free, like having most servers run the Norton anti-virus protection program. The program to
detects
when
viruses
files
are
saved on the G-drive and tries to file. If the file can not be
clean the
most costly and the most rap-
cleaned the
file
is
quarantined.
most effective Abraham way to stop computers from getsaid the
idly spreading virus in the history
of computing.” The virus is not able to do dam-
ting a virus is to use protection.
the hospital.
Your business education
it
can’t progress any further.” The college also has taken steps
consultants computer-security ICSA.net was quoted in a May 5 Record article as saying it is “the most virulent, the most damaging, the
to
Outlook,
Microsoft
Peter Tippett, chief scientist at
risk for heat illnesses but
be be using
(the virus) to
it
you have
effective
support specialist at the college. The virus known as the “love
Medical
to the British
“In order for
which recently caused chaos in computer systems around the world will not be a threat to Conestoga College computers, said Michael Abraham, technical
Journal, children, the elderly and
According
computers.
virus
call
to security at
Conestoga College
depleted through
gets
that
boxes add
College not bothered by ‘I love you’ computer virus
other
good way
New emergency
Not bugged
from the sun.
getting sick
By
Sherri
Osment
Tribe said that the addition in A-wing has created some new
the
Conestoga College has installed one-way emergency inter-
several
coms
to
make
the
Doon campus
a
safer place to learn and work.
remote areas in the school that are removed from the general flow and are quite far from the security office.
A person in danger can push the
One of
the
button on the yellow call box and
located in the
the call will go to a line in the security office. When the call is received at the security office the
exit.
comes up on the display. If there is no one in the security
location
office, the call is
forwarded to the
portable radios that the security officers wear, so a person in dan-
ger should be able to reach some-
one at all times. “We’re always looking for tiatives,”
said
John
ini-
Tribe,
a
Conestoga College security staff member. “Our mandate is to provide a safe and secure environment. We take a proactive approach to safety.”
new call boxes is new A-wing near
room 2A621 by Another
is
outside the
the
machine shop
located on the wall
Sanctuary by room
1B20. The third call box is located on the fourth floor near the elevator beside 4B19. The new emergency call boxes were funded through the women’s safety grant and were activated on April 21.
There are another three call boxes on the Doon campus, which have been in place for two years. One is located by 1D17, another by 2D 16 and the third is across from the bookstore.
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Security Supervisor Clifford Laurin shows off the new yellow emergency box located near the Sanctuary. There are several more located around the college. (Photo by Sherri Osment)
SPOKE, May
Community walks and
15,
2000
— Page 7
health
rolls for
College hosts the Canadian Mental Health Association’s walk-a-thon By Tracy Ford The sun was shining and the sunwas in abundance as participants of the Walk and Roll for screen
Mental Health geared up for this year’s fundraiser held at Conestoga College May 7. The walk-a-thon was part of fund raising efforts planned by the
Mental
Canadian
year hoped to raise over $22,000, said Lynne Sosnowski, a special event produce. “This year we expected 400 hun-
through
dred people to attend,” she said, compared to 226 people last year,
for
this
Health
Association to recognize National
Mental Health Week. The fundraiser has been held every spring for the past three years. Last year the organization earned $16,500 from pledges and
when
it
was also held at Conestoga The walk was a major
College.
provide
an opportunity for families to come out and socialize,” said Sosnowski.
The
while raising
money
for
Centre, Youth Line and the Centre
Mental Health.
Wendy Vnoucek, the volunteer chairperson who works at the Distress Centre, says the money is needed.
funding source for the year. “It’s (the fundraiser) to
it
various mental health needs in the community such as the Distress
association also wants to raise
awareness in the community about mental health issues. Each participant could either walk the course or roller blade
“It’s a great family event, just an afternoon to get out for a walk,”
she said. “It was fabulous last year and I wanted to do it again this year,” said Vnoucek.
Valerie Cole, a radio personality
from CHYM FM, an event sponsor, was appointed honorary chairperson of the event and also appeared as the host of the day. Participants were expected to gather pledges from friends, family
and neighbours and there were prizes awarded to the people who The collect the most pledges. grand prize for the adult with most pledges was a barbeque afternoon for up to 50 guest at Sports World and the child with the most pledges won a Waterpark pass. “We have less individuals this year and more groups,” said Vnoucek, but she said the turnout was more than the expected 400
Dennis Thompson, 43,
Tammy
(left)
Arnold, 15 (middle) and
members of Tri-City In-line Skate Club, take a rest before heading down the course at the third annual Walk and Roll for mental health held at Conestoga College May 7.
Adam
Mitchell, 16,
all
(Photo by Tracy Ford)
people.
Sosnowski said the event was Tropicana, a Caribbean music band, entertains the participants at the walk-a-thon held by the Canadian Mental Health Association at
Conestoga College May
7.
(Photo by Mike Radatus)
into the walk.
taining.”
other communities have had with
Sosnowski’s said Conestoga was chosen for the past two years
walk-a-thons.
because
success
selected because of the
“It’s fun, it’s
healthy and enter-
it is a central part of the area organizers want incorporated
“The campus
is
beautiful and
it’s
a beautiful trailright along the river. The college is the centre of all that,” she said.
Former presidents of Conestoga honoured during memorial service The Church family requested a
By Ray Bowe
A
tree-planting
service
was held
and memorial for deceased
Conestoga College presidents James W. Church and Kenneth E. Hunter May 7. Family and friends of both men attended the memorial service in the Blue Room that quickly moved outdoors to the pond area. About 65 people attended. Church was the founding president of the college in 1967 and remained in that position until 1974. He died Jan. 8 at the age of 83.
Church’s son David spoke about his father, including stories about
black walnut tree be planted because one of Church’s hobbies was woodworking. He used black walnut in much of his work. He
was
also involved in radar design
Steve Hunter told an anecdote about his father having to go through numerous interviews to gain security clearance from the U.S. government as well as taking
on U.S.
He
citizenship.
also told about
how
his father
and building Lancaster bombers. His tree’s plaque reads: “scholar,
overcame a
educator, gentleman.”
become an accomplished
Hunter became
president of the
college after Church in 1974 and remained in that position for 13 years.
Hunter died Nov. 11
last
year, at the age of 77.
Hunter’s family chose a red oak a memorial tree. His plaque reads: “Fair science frown’d not on as
his
humble
birth,”
taken from a
Thomas Gray poem.
stutter as
a child to
the family is honoured have Hunter’s name adorn the
He added to
recreation centre at the college. While Hunter was president of the college,
he was responsible for
acquiring the funding for the complex and it was his wife, Margaret,
who was in attendance but did not speak, who helped attain equal both male and female
facilities for
of
Hunter’s son Steve spoke about his father’s life, noting his work as president of Hycon, a developer of
Church was fond of
high-altitude cameras, starting in
using television and the graphic
1963. Hunter worked to develop cameras for U.S. missions such as
Tibbits,
since 1987.
“They have
Apollo 13 and the U-2 spy plane.
cy that will
last forever.”
his
teachings
at
Memorial
University in St. John’s, Nfld., as
well
as
Waterloo.
at
the
University
image is an essential learning one of the first to do so.
tool,
public
speaker.
students at the college.
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is
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May 7 near the pond behind the Doon campus’s main teaching building. The trees that were planted to honour the two Hunter
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tied with red ribbons. (Photo by Ray Bowe)
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-
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College (j
Page 8
— SPOKE, May
15,
2000
Student Life
Journalism grads honoured at daily By Laura Czekaj
awards dinner was talking to other from other papers and the relaxed atmosphere that is nonexistent in the newspaper industry. She added that she was pleased that she won. Klager graduated from Conestoga in 1996, then went on to work at a small weekly newspaper in Espanola, in Northern Ontario, called the Mid-North Monitor. He moved to the Sentinel-Review shortly after because it was a bigger, daily paper and had better career opportunities, he said.
Scott Utting, news editor at the Woodstock Sentinel-Review, describes Bob Klager as a good,
thorough reporter.
“He is a big part of this newsroom,” Utting said. Klager was one of two Conestoga College’s journalism graduates who were presented with awards at the Western Ontario Newspaper Awards dinner held April 28 in Windsor. The other was Hillary Stead, who works at the Guelph Mercury. Stead won the Toronto Star for Editorial
engaged
papers under 35,000 circulation while Klager won the Canadian Press Award for Novice Reporting - under 35,000 circulation. To be considered a novice reporter, a reporter has to
newspaper for
less than
Utting said he
ward
said the
will
benefit
my
career,”
News
His goal daily, like
is
move
to
The Record, then
included in his submission covered
him,” said Utting.
such as Nicaragua and a councillor charged with fraud and drug possession.
Klager credits his training at Conestoga for giving him the basic
Stead submitted three editorials
enjoyed the program,” he said. “Working on Spoke taught me what I needed to know.”
topics
to the competition
and said she also
entered other categories, which she
•
skills as
She said the best part of the
a reporter.
also credits the college with
introducing
him
to his wife. Tara, a
employment, but also employ-
the student’s related field.
it thoroughly now that the charged is going to trial.
in
the
awards and he is happy about it, but after a week-long vacation he is looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. Stead, who graduated from Conestoga in 1989, declined comment on her experience in the colleges ’journalism program. Prior to attending Conestoga
to bigger and be hard to replace
“I
He
did not win.
it’ll
for
cover
newsroom have been congratulating him on his win at the WONA
“When he goes on
better places
refer-
man
reporter.”
and Mail.
of his writing as well as some photos to be judged. Stories that were
resume
“The cover letter and resume won’t get you a job,” Doersam said. “Its main purpose it to get you an interview.” Students may check the status of potential employment and find out where their resumes have been sent by calling the jobs hotline (748-5220 ext. 562), which is updated every Friday afternoon. Graduates of the college are able to use the resume referral
said Klager
“Bob cares a lot and he knows when something is a real story,” said Utting. “He is a very thorough
possi-
Conestoga College graduates or
the
service serve students looking
drop off a resume in the student employment co-op education and alumni services office where it will be referred to employers in
went into detail about the case and continues to
bly a national paper, like the Globe
Not only does ral
ers looking for trained staff.
He
to a larger
By Donna Ryves
those set to graduate in June can
covered.
Editor
Graduates can use resume referral system after graduation
started
working for the Sentinel-Review was a murder, which Klager
Sentinel-Review
it
he said
weekend Klager
there
best part.
during a recent interview. Klager had submitted six pieces
Klager moving on to
Citing an example of Klager’s thoroughness as a reporter, Utting
Scott Utting,
years.
looks good on a resume and
not looking for-
Klager said that people
Klager said he received a plaque and $100, but recognition is the “It
to
is
another paper because he is a valuable member of the newsroom.
hard to replace him.”
be on a
two
completing the
to while
program.
“He is a big part of this newsroom. When he goes on to bigger and better places it’ll be
Writing for
resume service
journalism classmate he became
reporters
Award
College offers
newspaper awards
Students may bring in their resumes and cover letters to have them critiqued by an employment officer. Tip sheets offering information on how to polish resumes are also available for students in
student
the
employment
Room
located in
The resume
months
free for the first six
The employment
include
said.
Currently, employers are able to
post jobs on the college
officers offer
lege, said that students
During the work term portion of Conestoga’s program, Stead worked at the Guelph Mercury and has remained there for 11 years. The WONAs were attended by about 400 people from 3 1 papers in
Doersam
advice on what to include in a resume.
of
University of
“The service is something you can use for the rest of your life,”
after
graduation and students are charged $25 each year after that.
Laurie Doersam, employment officer
at the
service for years after graduation.
referral service is
College, Stead received a bachelor arts degree Guelph.
office
2B04.
Web
(www.conestogac.on.ca) by ing out a job sheet.
site fill-
a
student
However, students are not yet
at
the col-
able to apply to the postings. In the future, the college is hoping to
sometimes
inappropriate
content such as marital status and age in their resumes.
update the site for students to access the postings and directly
in
and read the tip sheets before you write your resume,”
respond online, Doersam said. “The nice thing about the existing system is there is a personal
Doersam
advised.
touch,”
“Come
Doersam
said.
Ontario.
More housing a
PEER TUTORS AND PEER HOSTS DESERVE A THANK-YOU! !!
Rodeway
at
possibility
Suites residence
By Laura Czekaj
The
deal
involves
the
college
money into the currently privately owned building to construct a new wing that would extend towards Highway 401 The college would also have to investing
TUTORS AND HOSTS HELPED MANY STUDENTS THIS SEMESTER FROM ALL PROGRAM AREAS
Rodeway Suites Conestoga and Conestoga College are currently negotiating
would
a joint
project that
result in additional student
purchase property for additional
housing.
The decision rooms to the located
at
55
to
add about 100
existing
New Dundee
across from the college,
THANK-YOU PEERS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!!
building,
is still
PEER SERVICES
Kevin Mullan, vice-president of
Rd.
finance and administrative opera-
ten-
tions,
Ryan McNaughton, genmanager of Rodeway Suites,
confirmed the college’s par-
tative, but
ticipation
eral
Suites, but
said negotiations look promising.
He
said plans
for the addition
have been drawn up, but financial matters are still up in the air.
-
parking.
in
talks with
declined to
Rodeway comment
further, saying the college
is
still
deciding on whether to proceed.
McNaughton could
start
said
construction
next September.
SPOKE, May.
College designs course to train students in ISO Committee ponders marketing plans ity in
as
Conestoga College
news ways
to involve students in
certification process
ISO
the
finding
is
implementing a new
by
general edu-
cation course as early
as next
September.
The course
currently being
is
ISO committee best way to market
designed and the is
deciding the
it
to appeal to students.
general and would give
certification of college
may
help students get jobs Conestoga
ISO
an example,” Edith Torbay, the quality assurance manager,
ISO
told the meeting.
ISO
Bill Jeffrey, the college’s
management
representative, said
course would include 16 hours of internal auditing, somethe
thing that
would benefit the
stu-
dents and the college. “If
we
can do a general educa-
on
tion course
quality, not just
ISO, these students
would be a
Conestoga is in the process of the by certified being Standards International
great
Organization, an organization that
audited,” said Jeffery.
advantage to the college because it will be constantly
required to maintain con-
Jenn Hussey, former vice-president of operations for the Doon Student Association, now known as Conestoga Students Inc., and a member of the ISO steering com-
tinuous internal auditing in order to maintain the level of quality
mittee, told the meeting the course would be a good way to
specified by ISO. By creating a program within the college to
explain
definable and documented
sets
standards for constancy and quality for businesses to follow.
Once fied
the college
it is
train students to
the college
is
becomes
become
certi-
auditors,
provided with a
“It’s
ISO
policies to students,
way
a good
to get
them
involved,” said Jeffrey,
An example for the final project would be
for the stu-
ready supply of auditors.
in the course
The ISO committee discussed re course and some of the possi-
dents to audit an external company, not necessarily Conestoga,
ble course outline at
its
April 18
The college
currently
trains
auditors, but the training is strictly
ISO
Students would benefit by takthe course, according to
ing
meeting.
oriented, while the pro-
posed general education course would cover numerous quality systems. By making it a education course the
would be available
Jeffrey,
because
it
shows
potential
employers that the student
is
familiar with quality systems, a fact that is
becoming more impor-
and industry. Joe Martin, dean of the school
tant in business
ISO
Conestoga College students may have a better chance at getting jobs once the college becomes ISO certified, according to spokespeople from two local automotive compa-
every program. “The course would be on qual
follow
all
guidelines.
the general education
mentation in each category
to
differs.
Different categories suit different
businesses better than others.
was looking
I
at
two resumes
and they were equal in experience, but one had ISO, that resume would be considered before the one that doesn’t have it,” said Theresa
employment co-ordinator at Lear Corporation Canada Ltd. in
Ullyot,
Kitchener.
She added that if local companies were aware of the college’s goal to become ISO certified and that the college
is
in the process of training
students
in
ISO procedures,
would be a bonus
when
it
to the students
“Standardization
would
in
that
way
definitely increase the level
of respect for the school,” she said. Conestoga is in the process of
becoming
certified
by
the
Standards
International
Organization that sets definable and documented standards for con-
and quality for business
sistency
to
follow.
Bruce Francis, human resources manager at Lear, said ISO training would mainly benefit students if
quite attractive.”
Sutherland Shultz Inc., located in
know
is certified.
“Automotive companies in this area are ISO certified and most other companies are involved in some quality system management,” she said. “People that have come through an institution that is registered as a quality system will be perceived to have gone through a
system where quality did matter.” Bill Jeffrey, dean of the school of services
not
we
would look at their qualifications
pany
grams would benefit as well. For example, he said, students in nursing would benefit from certification because hospitals have their own version of quality management systems in place and therefore, students will be used to a
student’s
ISO on a be would
said the benefits of
enhanced
resume if
the
student actively
“As long
putting a general
education course out and letting students
is all
said.
as
someone knows what
about, that
is
helpful, but
our procedure may work compared to another company may be entirely different.”
During the nies
are
initial audit;
given ideas on
compa-
how
As
certified.
a result, there
is
no
set path to
certification.
Sutherland Shultz certified its panel division in 1998 and is considering
further
certification
we will be
do some
However, both Fronchak and
internal
employees
at
Lear and
Sutherland Shultz, because both
companies incorporate ISO ing during orientation.
returning students and employees ISO Internal Auditor Training
O co
BE AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF CONESTOGA’S QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM
LEARN TO BE AN INTERNAL AUDITOR AND HELP WITH OUR UPCOMING AUDITS te
Conestoga College np
Training Session:
Monday, May 15 and Tuesday, May 16 8:30 a.m.
-
4:00 p.m.
To register contact Wendy Leung at
748-5220
ext.
in
Francis said ISO training only plays a minor role when it comes to
Attention
a>
to
The companies then determine the best way for them to accomplish certification.
become
hiring
participates in the process.
“We may be
company, he
other areas, said Fronchak.
system.
quently hires auditors.
to
written Sutherland Shultz has and approved its own procedure.
how
an asset to students. He added that although ISO is more prevalent in technology and business, other pro-
in
being able to fit the application moreso than if they have ISO.” ISO procedures differ from com-
and the ISO management
for the college, agrees that being certified will be
He
it is
ISO
representative
the process.
would be a benefit, but
a necessity,” he said. “Primarily,
“It
and community
quality'
process.
a real-
college
they are directly involved in the auditing process because he fre-
Lear is currently ISO 9000 certiand is in the process of being certified QS 14,000 which is an documentation environmental
is
good thing because if an industry is ISO registered and they know the graduate is coming with a background in ISO, obviously that is ly
doubt students will benefit once the
assurance for the college’s ISO steering committee, said she has no
health sciences
they apply for jobs.
auditing,” said Jeffrey. “It
Cambridge, does not base its hiring on ISO training, according to Jerry manager. project Fronchak, However, he said it is helpful to
nies.
“If
attempting
is
become ISO 9001 certified by next fall. The difference between ISO 9001, 9000 and 9002 is the docu-
Edith Torbay, chair of quality
fied
to
— Page 9
2000
ISO
By Laura Czekaj By Laura Czekaj
15,
477
train-
— SPOKE, May
Page 10
15,
2000
Gladiator A once
full
great general
fight for his
Groove Station of passion releases album and must
sold into slavery
is
against the
life
By Donna Ryves
Roman empire
hard to go wrong with a compacked with current top hits such as Chris Sheppard’s Groove Station 6 CD album released May 2. The Groove Station albums are released annually in conjunction with the Groove Station radio show in Canada. The songs are picked according to what radio listeners request most. The dance album includes 18 It’s
pilation
energetic tracks
Maximus and his wife and son. Maximus escapes from the men who are supposed to execute him and races home to save his family, but he does not make it in time. Found lying in home, Maximus (Russell Crowe, right) must fight for his life in the in the film Gladiator, which is directed by Ridley (Photo by DreamWorks Pictures
Maximus
Roman arena Scott-
Sherri
Osment
effects in the film bring to life the
brutality
There
is
something about an
individual battling against incredible
odds that
within us
strikes
a chord
all.
General Maximus’s struggles in the movie Gladiator show the glory
and the grief that come
from
fighting
believe
what
for
you
in.
Russell Crowe’s (The Insider) portrayal of the
turned gladiator
Roman
general
a convincing
is
and powerful performance.
The
actors
and the
special
Roman
and beauty of the ancient
empire.
Gladiator
the
is
story
of
Maximus’s fight to bring the final wish of his Caesar, Marcus Aurelius, to
is
sold into slav-
When Maximus
forced to become a gladiator, a competition to
is
Colosseum brings him face
face
with
the
new
Caesar,
Commodus. The reality of the chaos and tality
of battle
is
played by Richard (The Field), wished for Maximus to succeed him in place of his son Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix (Return to Aurelius,
Harris
transmitted with
amazing camera work and the passion of the actors.
lence.
With incredible realism there little left
comes
to the imagination
when
is it
to the battle scenes.
father’s
Gladiator is a film that is well worth seeing on the big screen. Seeing the marvelous structures of ancient Rome, as if they were
cide
still
Paradise).
Commodus,
learning
of his
wishes, commits patriand orders the deaths of
standing,
is
Montell
popular
the
on the
featured artists
Jordan, Santana, Britney Spears,
Cher and Moby.
Some
of the songs are original,
while others are remixes.
It
does
get annoying listening to Sheppard
and throughout
some of the album. Sheppard has been part of Canada’s rave scene since 1988 and continues to produce albums annually.
bru-
Gladiator doesn’t spare any vio-
life.
include
carried
The
label.
at the introduction
ery.
in the
By
the ruins of his
BMG
awe-inspiring.
There will be a Groove Station 6 tour that will host three acts from the album. The show hit the roads
from coast-to-coast May.
starting
in
Additional information on the Groove Station show or album can be found on the album’s Web site
The popular song Maria Maria by Santana is redone in the Pumpin’ Dolls Club Mix that is a world exclusive. Other remixes are included, such as TLC’s song Unpretty, which is done in the Don’t Look Any Further Remix. In total there are about 10 exclu-
on the album, meaning
sive songs
(www.groovestation.com).
they aren’t available on other col-
The redesigned
lections.
site features weekfrom the radio show, and track samples from Groove
fans and a downloadable screen-
National radio stations who have supported the album’s release are Radio Station Groove the Network, Toronto’s Hit 103.5 and
saver.
Calgary’s
ly charts
offers
Station 6.
It
also has a contest for
Power
107.
Thomas debut album
Carl
a boring
delivers
collection
By Laura Czekaj Carl Thomas’s debut album. Emotional, inspires one emotion in its listeners
— boredom.
The CD, which is produced by Sean “Puffy” Combs, is a mixture of moaning, groaning and pathetic attempts to rap.
The
title
track,
Emotional, much so
extremely mellow, so
is
understood
it
pick-up lines that would
listeners want to catch up on their sleep, and it’s all downhill from there. The single I Wish, is a confusing diatribe about Thomas’s love for a woman and her love for him. However, she loves someone else and he then goes back to saying he loves her. The album should include a secret decoder ring so listeners can understand what is
makes
going on.
Emotional seems to be an attempt by Thomas to follow in the footsteps of such greats as R. 370 HIGHLAND RD.
Kelly,
W..
who
includes
interludes
among the majority of his songs. The difference between Kelly and Kelly’s interThomas is clear
KITCH
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short
of an interlude that of entertaining is
Cadillac Rap.
The rap
WATERLOO
seems
BETWEEN HARVEYS 8 BURGER KING
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us at www.bfatqofson.com
is
54 seconds, but
of
on this album, which is not something he should be proud of. In songs like Hey Now and My Valentine he chooses one catch phrase and repeats it 20 times. The lyrics are so confusing and the songs
repetitive
Granted,
it
like witnessing
is
a
its tail.
Thomas
However,
if
he
has the voice to
is
not repeating
same sentence over and over, he is moaning as if he were in
like
the average song
agony. If this
it
an eternity, especially is about three minutes. Thomas is incoherent throughout and what can be
when
884-7376
English?
And that is just the beginning. Thomas co-wrote the majority
the
An example falls
N.,
in
carry off soulful lyrics.
themselves.
cliche
nauseous.
quent whereas Thomas’s interludes are long, tedious and occur so often they detract from the songs
is
make any
Another interlude that inspires sickness is Trouble Won’t Last. The lyrics start off with, “But I’m saying. Here I am saying, laying and praying that I am laying something hot. ‘Cause baby it’s cold outside and even when it’s not it still is.” Now what does that mean
dog chasing
KITCHENER 402 KING STREET
the rap
ludes are short, soulful and infre-
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893-2464
girl
is that
strate
album is meant to demonThomas’s writing and
singing abilities,
it
fails
unless of course this
miserably,
album was the
best he could do. If so, he should find another profession.
SPOKE, May
crowd
Alexandra as well as the turntable magic of DJ Sella.
the beats.
Fall
The long-awaited debut release from Toronto’s post-punk trio theivyleague
came
to fruition April
29.
The band’s label Flagship Sound hosted a Signal Sounds Series in Toronto at the Blue Moon Tavern, Queen Street East a few doors away from the Opera House. The lineup for the CD release located on
as they rocked their heads to
party included fellow label-mates
DJ
Sella,
also
known
as
Next to take young punkers
Ben
to the stage
were
Fall Alexandra, a
Searles, opened the evening with an eclectic mix of house, trance and dub foundations. The loud pounding bass riffs reverberated on the walls of the deep tavern. Moving back and forth from
talented quartet based in Stratford.
turntable to turntable, Sella inject-
quick quip, putting the rowdies
ed energy into the early evening
their place.
As the crowd grew, people moved up to the front of the stage band rocked. Following some humourous bantering from
as
the
the crowd, the singer replied with a
theivyleague released their debut CD Music From Open Windows April 29. theivyleague is Jay Harris on bass, Jay
Bradley on drums and Damian Valles on guitar
(right).
in
At about midnight, the headliners took to the stage, theivyleague, a math-rock trio out of Toronto, played every track from their eightsong, 50-minute debut CD titled
Music From Open Windows. The band’s sound is an explosive and healthy concoction of epic intros, mercurial climaxes and
2000
—Page
11
CD
theivyleague releases freshman By Ray Bowe
15,
able rhythmic tandem, especially Jay Bradley’s impressively off-beat
drum rampages. The band cleverly
dissects songs,
taking each one into a multitude of directions with soft-spoken vocals
with
coupled
Damian
sweet
screams.
Valles’s throaty holler
may
exceptionally unpredictable time changes. All the while, the bass and
be one of the best this side of any hardcore band. Keep your eyes open for this
drums combine
astute trio.
as
a more-than-
Opening acts
at the Signal
Sella (above)
and
Fall
Sounds Series included DJ
Alexandra. (Photo by Ray Bowe)
(Photos by Ray Bowe)
^
^
NO SUCKS
ALLOWED!
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CANADIAN OWNED,
OPERATED AND TAXED!
HOME {
RICE, OF... DONOVAN BAILEY, JARRETT SMITH, JOANNE MALAR, MIKE MORREALE, STEVE PAUL MASOTTI, MIKE O’SHEA, VAL ST. GERMAIN, STEVE STAIOS, MIKE VANDERJAGT, CHRIS GIOSKOS, JEN BUTTON, AND COLIN DOYLE
Page 12
— SPOKE, May
15,
2000
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