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2007

Conestoga College, Kitchener, Ont.

www.conestogac.on.ca/spoke

— No. 2

39th Year

CSI and college negotiations

standstill

BRANDON WALKER

begin negotiations from basic prin-

when

ciples

With the

new year

of a

start

comes new goals and challenges and the chance Unfortunately

2007 problems as last the start of

The

stating

argue that given the very significant financial contribution by the

year.

president

Harris

of the same

is full

Jackson sent a letter “(CSI) would

In response,

afresh.

start

relationship

defined.”

Matt Jackson,

for

the

between the college and CSI

Conestoga

students to the Student Life Centre,

important to the CSI that there

Students Inc. (CSI) said the col-

hasn’t responded to the

clarity with respect to the rights

lege

still

proposed agreements Student Life Centre

have to keep waiting for the opening of the convenience store and

and responsibilities of both parties set out in the agreements which will govern the operation of the centre ... By August 2006 we had been trying to secure agreements

bar bistro.

for a considerable period of time.

means students

“The

ball

at the

college will

the

over the and that

court," said Jackson.

You had not met any of

college’s

“They need

scribed deadlines so

(to CSI’s proposed agreements for the alcohol policy, food service and retail) otherwise we don’t know where they stand on

the pre-

took the

our lawyer to

respond

initial

certain issues.

see if there was any way of expediting them. To our surprise we learned from legal counsel there was little enforceable in these ini-

didn’t expect to

back with recommended changes,

Once

also were reviewed by our He had lawyer.

haven’t.

they

knows

CSI

where the college is sitting, we’re more

on these draft agreements. The documents which we have forwarded to you were develour by oped lawyer and are not intended to change

tions

negotiate.”

CSI

been

had

with

negotiating

Fred

the

Harris,

vice-president

student

affairs,

until his retirement.

the

Mike Then, Dinning took over the

role

ing with Harris.

Nov. 24, Harris sent a the

college

letter to

“cannot

at this time, to the

respond,

docu-

ments submitted. At the core of proposed documents is a revised definition of the relationship between Conestoga Students Inc. and Conestoga College. This

CSI

would

definition dilute

significantly

are

enforceable by both parties.” On Dec. 19, Harris sent another letter to

CSI,

this

time stating that

“a significant deviation, in our opinion, is the removal of oversight by the college, which oversight ensures

fulfills

responsibilities of

The college

still

its

other

due diligence.

maintains that a

mutual understanding of the relationship is essential as a foundation

for

Please

the

outstanding

contact

either

issues.

myself or

oversight

Darcelle Watts (executive assistant

programs and of the college and its ulti-

of student affairs) to set up a meeting to ensure the full comprehension of the relationship, so we can

the

college’s

responsibility for the facilities

any

reached

reason CSI won’t work Dinning. Jackson wouldn’t comment on the reason for only work-

stating

that

agreements

some with

rather

ensure

president of student

CSI

relationship

but

vice-

affairs, but for

observa-

similar

willing

than

mate accountability to the Ministry and Colleges Training, (of Universities) and Conestoga students.

“Since the CSI has rejected the negotiated agreements of August,

proposed that the only way to effectively move forward is to is

return

basic

principles.

move forward on

the

its

August position and

will

was

Bv STEPHANIE IRVINE The

Conestoga

president

Students Inc. (CSI) says he is frustrated negotiations with college the regarding administration

Student Life Centre have

hit a

dead

end.

“We’ve just gotten to the point where we’ve said enough’s enough,’ said Matt Jackson in a recent interview. “We’re going to stand up for

what we

deserve

what we

and

because for too long we’ve backed down to what (the col-

believe

would

lege)

like to see

happen.”

said college administration

realized

“We

believe

it’s

fair,

want

position

know what is

legally-

just

the college’s

writing so that

can go back to the table know-

ing

where they

sit,”

sit

and where we

said.

Jackson said the major turning point in negotiations

college told

CSI

was when

the

August they

were naive to believe the partnership between them and the college

would

get

they got bet-

“We’re going to stand up

what we deserve and what we believe in because for too long we’ve backed down to what (the college) would

for

like to

see happen.”

Matt Jackson,

currently unwilling to respond to CSI’s previously proposed agree-

binding agreement and

things

that

days will get some results. “We have a plan of action to move forward,” he said. “I’d rather it

confidential

we have

this

point

kind of a leg up

on them (the college). The students have motioned that the CSI settle this by whatever means possible, and we definitely have a plan that we’re going to move forward because we’ve received support

Bv BRANDON WALKER

purchased and

left

under the

tree

for the child.

Conestoga Students

Inc.

made

the college in writing to the pro-

Christmas brighter for 41 children. President Matt Jackson said CSI runs a Christmas Wish Tree program where students, staff and fac-

posed agreements.”

ulty

be irresponsible for CSI to go into a meeting without a response from

Continued on Page 2

same goal

make

CSI have

things bet-

Conestoga. He added the college and CSI have to start working together again as soon as possible. “This needs to be settled by the time my term's up because I'm not

ter for students at

willing to

make any

go through what over

needs

gone through

Jackson.

this.” said

four months

other president

I've

left to

“We have

get this settled,

be done.

want

to be

working with (the college) making improvements, not arguing over three simple agreements that need

“We're not willing to get into a personal battle here. I'm not going to make any personal comments about anyone involved," he said. "I haven’t up to this point and I'm not going to allow myself to do it now. I'd rather stick to the facts,

the issues here.

The

and

issues are that

students are suffering from these agreements not being met. The stu-

dents have been promised certain things and the CSI is going to hold

their part of the bargain.”

Christmas Wish Tree shines bright

tions.”

Jackson said he doesn’t plan on meeting with the college. “It would

so.”

be signed.” Jackson added he doesn't want to engage in any personal remarks.

Jackson said he thinks a number of steps CSI took prior to the holi-

keep

CSI president

just so that

the

said the college and

when we

really

he said.

ments, but that he plans to ask them again for a response.

was

maybe worse before ter,”

enough

from the students

equal.

“I think that

negotia-

Therefore, the college has with-

drawn

Jackson says enough

tial

thought the college would come but

agreements. The subsequent agreements that were forwarded to us, retail, food services and alcohol

we wanted, we

everything

get

agreements

can take a tag from a Christmas tree which has a child's name and age on it. A gift is then

The program is for less fortunate Conestoga students who have children.

“Thanks

to the generosity of stu-

es pitched

in.

too," said CSl's event

programmer.” Lindsay Silva. She said alumni services bought an MP3 player for one child. CSI also purchased gift certificates from Toys

who had

R Us their

for the chil-

name

pulled

dents, faculty and staff at the college

dren

we were able to make Christmas for 41 kids," Jackson said. “Departments like alumni servic-

from the tree but never received a gift because it was misplaced or

a happier

forgotten about.

Page 2

— SPOKE, January

Now ...with Random

15,

News

2007

deep thoughts

Conestoga College

questions answered by

random students

Continued from Page 1 Jackson sent a letter

In response,

the weirdest thing

you can do?

dated

Harris,

Jan.

stating

“CSI maintains its position that the documents are not fundamentally different: we have however our

responsibility

retain

tried

What’s your hidden talent or

resolution

own

for

actions while limiting the

college's

responsibility

over-

sight rather than control of day-to-

day operations

CSI

...

strug-

Aiden Me Quo id.

woodworking

would

One the

least

respond

at press time.

noticeable change between

alcohol

original

from

policy

men-

original policy doesn't

Paul Osborne, Conestoga’s direcmarketing and the college rec

tor of

Atex Cannata, woodworking

centre, said nothing formal

was

place for O.T.’s. “It's open at night

now,” he said, referring to the fact the bar bistro

was expected

to be

and running by now during the day. wasn't involved

“I

negotiations

involving that,” said Osborne.

“I

Jackson said he wasn’t sure what originally proposed for O.T.'s

to the

of second semester.

was unavailable

Tibbits

for

com-

ment.

Jackson said CSI

is in

the process

of switching the alcohol license from the Sanctuary to the Student Life Centre, but until the bar bistro

open,

remain

liquor

the

license

will

over. that.

the

faculty at the college, said he has

lot

some concerns about the eventual opening of the bar bistro. “The union’s opinion about

why

the

negotiations

start

We’re willing

to negotiate the

don’t see any value

CSI could

take the

college to court, Jackson said

would be too expensive. “That would cost thousands of dollars. It could cost between $200 and $500 an hour.

don't think

that’s

go down,

avenue we’re willing

but we’re not ruling

out entirely.”

hinted

tricks

its

CSI

some

has

still

sleeve but wouldn’t

elaborate.

CSI

dents can sign, which

over

taking

One

CSI has been

President

John

on a regular

basis.

thing the letter says

shame

is “it

that this college has so greed-

taken our

money

project and in turn has

disrespect for

noon. to

We can’t allow

drunk.

class

teacher,

students to go Being a trades

can fully understand the

problem of alcohol

when people

in a lab;

even

are sober, accidents

fund

this

shown

total

as a student and

seems

(Student Life and there is still no understanding (between CSI and the college),” he said. When asked if he felt the college has taken advantage of the inexperience of the individuals running "It

Centre)

the

built

CSI, Boettger said, “That’s a question many people ponder. It would involve a lot of he said, she said to

answer

drafted a letter frustrated stu-

Tibbits’s office

the

we wouldn't want

can happen.

again.”

asked

situation

liquor served throughout the afterisn’t sure

don't see any benefit

“I

in the

that.

thought

would be important

to the college, after investing mil-

lions of dollars in the Student Life

Centre, to have the paperwork

order for where

spent and

do think the situation is of bad blood between college and CSI. It seems both

utilized.

creating a the

money

lot

sides are very entrenched.”

Students take a day to remember and raise money for a good cause

incredibly early

and go

“CSI”

take on a lot of the responsi-

he said. Jackson said he college wants to

ily

was

can wake up

“We

occur.”

thumb.”

start

holds the liquor license.

When

once the bar whereas the revised policy states "once the bar/bistro is open, the bar known as O.T’s shall close and the college shall take all the steps necessary for this to

proposal

original to

revised version. Jackson said a

in starting

bistro opens,

can sever

the

were changed

Oct. 12 involves the O.T. sports bar

tion the fate of O.T.'s

“I

agreement somewhere in the We will admit there are differences (between the proposed agreements in August and the revised ones from October) but we want the college’s position." In several cases the words "both an

agreements.

The

genera! arts

have the right not to be tied down by the college, the right to operate and exist without the college shutting us down. When our lawyer reviewed the agreements, he said there was nothing enforceable. We thought we could come to

Aug. 9 and the revised policy dated located in the rec centre.

and sciences

bility,”

comment

able for

first -year

had to do with

of the changes were because CSI

with the intention that the

Dinning and Harris were unavail-

Stephen Sider,

pose

agreements.”

good

parties”

with their edited version of the

at impressions.”

lot

the college trying to control CSI.

the agreement on October 12, 2006 assuming that it would be the final version, we did however pro-

low student unions have with their The CSI did not forward

college

“I’m

Jackson said about 100 of those were dropped off before the

letters

spondence between the college and CSI on its website. To view it click on the link titled. Update on the CSI/Conestoga negotiations. Walter Boettger, president of OPSEU Local 237 that represents

proposed agreement which was forwarded to you on October 12, 2006 as it outlines very similar rights and agreements that our felcolleges.

time.”

things changed from the original

proposal.

the association that represents me.”

lot

middle.

so unwilling to even consider

the

same

for the sports bar to

close entirely. "There are a

sight

Sanctuary and most events will go on as planned. CSI has posted most of the corre-

gling with the fact that this college

“I can move my eyes and nose at the

but the plan

gym.”

Emma Syv.ret, first-year

SAMANTHA SAECHAO

general arts

and sciences

Fourteen roses

sit in

a clear, glass

each of the 14 women who died in a massacre in Montreal on Dec. 6. 1989. The roses were placed in front of vase

“I’m

a tremendous beer

chugger.” Eric Carpenter,

management studies

signifying

a large display in the foyer

of Door

4 on Dec. 6, which was declared in 1991 as Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against

Women.

The tragedy happened when an enraged gunman roamed the corridors

Montreal's

Polytechnique.

men from

the

Ecole

separated

women

the

a class-

room. screamed, “I hate feminists" and opened fire on the female engineering students. “I

can play the recorder

with

Mourning turned about

nose.”

Amy

Teixeira,

nursing

RPN

Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!

recent

women,

outrage

women. commemorates the

violence against

all

This day also

most

(Photo by Samantha Saechao) into

violence

against

the killing of a college stu-

dent at Montreal

Amy

Kuntz, a third-year business

management

student,

and Troy

Brundle, a third-year broadcasting student, stand in front of a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against

Women

display at the college Dec. 6.

Dawson

College in this past September. Dec. 6 is a day to remember those who died in the tragedy and women in general and serves as a constant reminder that violence against women needs to stop. This commemoration at the college is put on every year by the

Women’s Resource Group, which

sayings about violence on them,

also accepts donations for shelters

which were made by students. Rose buttons, a white button with a

that help

women.

Last year, Conestoga raised a

total

of approximately $200 and hopes to reach that goal again this year.

The display

also featured posters,

with battered fruits with different

red rose

the centre with a small

reminder around the button English and French, were given

a token of thanks for donating to the important cause.

News

SPOKE, January

15,

— Page 3

2007

Conestoga’s Waterloo culinary skills program offers delectable dishes and decadent desserts MOUNTFORD

By LEANNE

of schools,

The

the food and students

which

Saraiva said

Do you

ever get sick of eating

burgers and pizza day after day?

Are you one of those people who

make

chefs

watch and

“We

force

them

themselves,”

microwave for two minutes is considered good eating? If so, you might be interested in heading over to the Conestoga Room at Conestoga College's campus where Waterloo

said,

culinary

make

gourmet meals from serve to hungry cus-

four-course scratch

students

skills

making

experience (as possible),"

real life

as close to a

a lot of pressure to run the

seem program is

restaurant smoothly, students

agree

that

the

assigned a task, so they

aren't

with-

knowing

out

what they are

dis-

„

the

plate

There's

ing, there is

it.

but

see

Musicians are

the best parts of the pro-

the presentation, said first-

she said.

it,”

One of

most important

the

les-

sons

Ostrowska.

ing with hot oil and sharp knives

good

that

you've made

safety, since they are deal-

the

same

- everyone knows their of the song, but you need a

situation

year culinary skills student Teresa feel

you cannot where you are

going.

as possible.

“You

team,

it’s

food and hands on as much

team,

Saraiva

without. an eye

their

One of

said,

get

vision,

but

stu-

of super-

lots

popular say-

and serving

said

and have to be respectful of

part

conductor so

sounds

music

position

takes a turn

the brigade

every station, said

Saraiva.

Since the Conestoga co-op pro-

gram

is condensed, putting a year and a half of study into six months, it

a heavier program.

The students tend

start

a.m. and stay until 5:30 or 6 p.m.. plus they have homework. Some students don’t realize that

work. They think

hard

bird cours-

it's all

es, said Saraiva.

September, there were 15

dents,

now

there

are

stu-

and

eight,

Saraiva estimates about four or five

of them will graduate.

Although a

lot

culinary

skills

Barbour

said

of work, first-year

Bradley

student best

the

part

putting a smile on the customers' faces.

Information about the Conestoga

Room,

and not just noises, said Saraiva.

One

all

takes charge

and makes sure everyone is doing their task, he said. Every student

running

around

Saraiva.

gram

said.

With

the food

it's it

French way

a traditional

of running a kitchen. Everyone

doing,

Saraiva.

make

a brigade

playing

dents

try to

make up

students

the

food,

These students make everything themselves, from the bread rolls to the noodles and even the ice cream said chef de cuisine Philippe

“We

lot

including

The

tomers.

learn.

think putting a tray of frozen food in a

who

the sous chef,

safety rules, said Saraiva.

very intense.

including a

menu, can

full

be found on Conestoga's website.

(Photos by Leanne Mountford)

dish of pork tenderloin a spicy coating with garlic

Top:

mashed potatoes and

crisp

one of the meals Conestoga culinary

vegetables skills

students create.

Right: Student

Heather

Kennedy checks on her

fresh-

from-the-oven pork tenderloins. Students create fourcourse meals from scratch to

serve

the Conestoga

Room.

A dessert of poached pear with pistachio ice cream.

Left:

Conestoga Bv

international students start Wang

SAMANTHA SAECHAO

What does CSAC stand for? What is it and who does it apply to? Fortunately for Conestoga students, there’s one person who can answer

group

to help

Chinese students interact with each other, whether international students or Canadians.

said the school isn’t too large.

but

when you

student,

are an international

seems much bigger.

“Chinese students are sort of hard to find,” he said.

There are

no membership

fees.

for

Chinese students

The club offers activities such as barbecues, dinners and karaoke; special outings such as shopping in Toronto and

NBA

games; and

special events such as parties and

those questions.

all

Wang

Kuilin

started the

group

nursing student

who

group

unite

all

Chinese students

Union. The group meets

The meetings

Chinese Student Association of Conestoga (CSAC), encourages everyone to

come

called

the

president,

first

came here

Hao

finance,

of I

international

have any contact with other Chinese stu-

and

Wang. “So by having this group, it makes it easier for other Chinese

International

students to get together.”

ESL

Conestoga,

didn’t

Pauline Shore,

according to Conestoga Student Inc. (CSI) and their group policy, the organization must be open to all students, although it can be directed more toward other

30 members.

and

approximately

Wang,

Wang

SiSi

QiQi

affairs.

by the

advised

adviser.

Office

who

head of the

programs. Shore

also the

co-ordinator.

For more information, look for the bright orange posters around the college or e-mail

Chinese students.

members

director

affairs,

social

The group

But,

The organization was founded on

Pang,

Aaron

Liang.

dents,” said

Oct. 31, 2006, with four executive

E-

are president, Kuilin

new way.

“When

ESL

in the

The executive members of CSAS Wang, vice-

make more friends know the college in a

are held in an

classroom that is available wing, around 3-4 p.m.

out and

and get

beginning

at the

needed.

Conestoga.

The group,

which

festival

connection with UW’s Scholar Student Chinese Association, Taiwanese Student Association and Mandarin Speaker in

depending on the events being planned and why a meeting is

along with other Chinese students, to

upcoming spring

of every semester. But it is flexible and more meetings can be held

a “second-year started a

the

Conestoga pose for a picture The executive members of the new Chinese Students Association of Aaron Wang, QiQi Liang and on Dec. 3. The members include from left, Hao Pang, SiSi Wang, group president Kuilin Wang.

Wang

pylinlin@hotmail.com at Pang 21 3@hotmail.com

hap-

Hao

Panghao

You can at

also call Pauline Shore

519-748-5220,

ext.

3874.

Commentary

— SPOKE, January 15, 2007

Page 4

Do you

feel safe

at college? One person was killed and 19 injured during the Dawson College shooting in Montreal September 2006. Fourteen women were gunned down at the horrific shooting at Montreal's Ecole Polytechnique in December 1989. In 1999, Columbine High School in Colorado saw 12 students and one teacher killed and 24 wounded when two teens went on a shooting rampage. How safe do you feel at Conestoga College? In an article in the Sept. 25 issue of Spoke, John Tribe, interim supervisor of safety and security services at Conestoga, said emergency plans have been updated with emergency services within the last year. Tribe also said that along with the emergency plans the college has 96 security cameras covering entrances, exits, corridors as well as the parking lots, four college security positions and 1 8 contracted guards. However, is campus seculocal

really

rity

priority

Conestoga?

The college has gone without a head of security since May 2006 with no sign of a replacement

safety but staff

near

the

institution

can

guarantee anyone’s

and

students need security

future.

Should

this

concern

stu-

especially with all the recent school shootings?

policies

Controversy surrounding the Student Life Centre has made security a non-issue.

and procedures

dents,

be put

college and CSI

Perhaps students should be asking why there is a delay in finding a replacement for such an important

priorities.

Crack. Crack. Crack. Splash.

mate weather. The world

Ellesmere Island

If the

the size of

of the recent discussions between Inc. (CSI) and the college regarding the new Student Life Centre, nowhere has the topic of security been mentioned. The three main issues being scrutinized are the bar and bistro, the liquor licence and the retail store, however, with the proposed extended hours for the bar and bistro it is still undetermined as to who will be providing the security, during

all

Conestoga Students

ease that

ice shelf,

1,000 football fields,

Jessica Blumenthal

or the college?

In the past, CSI has provided their own security for student events, however, once outside the specified location such as the Sanctuary, CSI is no longer responsible for security and party-goers roaming the college halls and grounds become a college security issue. No institution can guarantee anyone’s safety but staff and students need security policies and procedures to be put at the top of college and CSI priorities. We depend on our officials to take a proactive stance on security at the college and to reaffirm and solidify a wavering trust to be properly prepared to deal with such unpre-

dictable and horrific situations such as the murders at Dawson College.

Anything else would be criminal.

alarming start to 2007, then what other signs of global warming

need to happen before society is

which needs

to be

Canada

the Earth

People will have their

ing

life like

speed

should be signed and include the name and telephone number of the writer. Writers will be for verification.

be published. be no longer than 500 words. Spoke reserves the right to edit any letter letters will

Letters should

for publication.

N2G 4M4

hap-

an unnatural, accelerated selfish is

and greedy

deadly, but can

Water

approximately 20-feet world-

Even

the use of energy-saving

may

makes a

difference and

help prevent another blackout.

They may be more expensive to buy but they do save on your hydro bill. Another easy life change is by reducing the amount of garbage thrown out. The three Rs, reduce, reuse and recycle, are simple. A clothing exchange with friends is a fun

such as hurricanes, tsunamis,

Throwing

bottles or papers in the

SARS,

blue bin

just as easy as

oceanic flow patterns. Species car-

them in the garbage. The Earth will bounce back after we're gone. Global wanning won't

malaria and the avian flu. Weather related disasters are caused by change of pressure and rying deadly diseases can

cause the planet's water level to

when

possible helps reduce emissions.

eases internationally with events

now

inhabit regions they wouldn't

been able to before due to

way

to reuse

and reduce. throwing

be the demise of our planet but

have

incli-

merely of the human species

everyone doesn't

start

taking charge.

published and produced weekly by the journalism students of Conestoga College Editor:

Address correspondence to: The Editor, Spoke, 299 Doon Valley Room 4B14, Kitchener, Ont.,

warming

an inconvenient truth for

humans. The

using public transportation

light bulbs

be changed? Climate change has caused many unnecessary deaths and dis-

World if a change doesn’t occur. Land level ice shelves melting will

letters to the

contacted

million

that

the characters did in

blocks of

fact global

nature of people

way of life. own conse-

would

inconvenient!

pening

a devastat-

the not so far-fetched film

we want to live on the we will have to

Spoke

editor. Letters

No unsigned

The

quence in the end because they won't be able to live such lives. Humans might have to start liv-

raise

welcome

Spoke welcomes

How

grown accustomed

to with their wasteful

depleting the un-renew-

able resources, such as oil, when there are other efficient energy

Carpooling, walking, biking or

in levels

people would have to relocate.

ing consequence to the lifestyle rich

countries have

wide. Land level ice

Letters are

the sea.

mean approximately 200

in the

time to wake up.

it's

Harming

dis-

can't sustain us forever.

use hybrid cars.

which aren't in Such an increase

middle of January ? But wait, everyone’s enjoying this mild weather and hoping it continues. Well,

telling

planet longer then

Opinion ice

addressed?

Perhaps a significant lack of in

Man

products. If

will

a serious problem

realize there

snow

everyone through weather and

collapsing didn't bring in an

Also,

change

for a

Ker-plunk.

job.

CSI

Time

at the top of

Dr.,

Meghan

Kreller

Advertising Managers: Adam Hannon, Tiffany McCormick Spoke Online Editor: Brandon Walker Production Managers: Adam Black, BJ Richmond Circulation Manager: Kristin Grifferty

Photo Editors: Jessica Blumenthal, Nick

Casselli, Jon Molson, Eric Murphy and Tara Ricker Faculty Supervisor and Adviser: Christina Jonas

Spoke’s address is 299 Doon Valley Dr., Room 4B14, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4M4. Phone: 748-5220, ext. 3691, 3692, 3693, 3694 Fax: 748-3534 E-mail: spoke@conestogac.on.ca Website: www.conestogac.on.ca/spoke 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.

Op imon

SPOKE, January

Hanging a travesty The government of

has

Iraq

turned a criminal into a martyr. On the morning of Dec. 30, 2006,

Saddam

Hussein was publicly hanged, just four days after his last appeal was rejected by the court, and less than two months since he was convicted of crimes against humanity by the Iraq Special Tribunal.

Although Saddam was justifiably hated by many people, both in Iraq and around the world, his poorly timed execution has caused a great deal of outrage, notably from the country's Sunni Muslims. This outrage js also justifiable. Saddam was put to death on the day Sunni celebrations began for the major Muslim holiday, Edi ulAdha. Islamic law states, “No verdict should be implemented during the

holidays or religious

official

Don’t Terrified,

word

let

day.

like a kick in the teeth to

It's

many of the

because

Iraqi people,

defiles their holy

day with

killing.

how you they

it,

scared.

say

all

mean

and discrete manner. The video

shows

Shi’ite

officials

taunting

social

awkwardness due

a its

work? Did it ever occur to anyone that Superman or Spider-Man might the plan might not

But why?

so ingrained in our systems to attempt to be like the comic book heroes? To laugh in the face of danger, fight off enemies without batting an eyelash or save the world from ultimate destruction without ever thinking

all

citizens in a

democratic country, which is Iraq claims to be now. Saddam deserved a fair trial, and a fitting punishment from an objective state.

subjects

democratic rights in Iraq, instead of an actual example of those rights being adhered to. The government wanted people to see that he received a fair trial, even though

upon closer inspection, from the truth.

this

was

far

slate.

they might actually fail? After all, they were Clark Kent and Peter

am one of those stuone who wishes the semester could drag on forever and that the

mere mortals,

Parker,

world. I, myself, dents;

first.

daunting task of finding a full-time job would just disappear.

unrealistic to attribute the

It's

of superheroes to ordinary people and unfair to hold fear in this light; it gives the impression that fear is bad and not something one should want to abilities

What

students don’t often realize

until their final year, is that post-

secondary education is some of the best years of your life. While they are filled with stress over assign-

People say we should stand up our fears as that’s the only way to be rid of them. But what about just can't face? The bring you to your knees and no matter how hard

you

that

you try you go away?

fears?

just can’t

What

you

always

of something? Are you banished to live a life of shame with the title scaredycat hanging takes humility to admit is

scoff at

it.

lawmaker in his country. Alseems to also have a

Jibouri

remarkable prowess for understatement. the

Iraqi

government would

have waited until after Edi ul-Adha to conduct the execution, the Sunni protests and general situational outrage would likely have been minimized. It has been said, patience is a virtue. When looking back on these events, it becomes apparent that there

Kristin

great

truth

who

this

friends and have been like a secscary, and I know that

not alone.

Most students work hard

Grifferty

ceed

to suc-

whether

their studies,

journalism. Questions of self-doubt

Opinion essays and finals, they are also filled with days spent with friends, laughter and many memories. After going to university and now college, I am one of those who wishes that I could be a professional student all her life. When people ask me what I plan to do after grad-

ments,

mid-terms,

stumble and mumble I something along the lines of, well, I may work the summer, then travel, or maybe, um. ugh. find a real job?? uation,

and uncertainty are constantly on my mind. What are we supposed to do when we supposedly know all there is to know and we go out and apply ourselves with these fresh skills?

Maybe student

the next time you ask a what they intend to do

with their life after graduation, consider the fear and sweaty palm syndrome that question causes. Instead, just say congrats on their hard work, and have fun finding yourself, whenever that time may eventually come.

start to

person’s pain.

may seem

some it someone

person that you love. It also teaches us that if you’re alone, you might as well ride the couch with a box of chocolates and wallow in

your own If

you

The question do we

you can’t

afford. If Feb. 14

is all

about love, than why does it have to be expressed with material things?

self-pity.

are a male,

ed to outdo yourself every year on Valentine’s Day. It is all about the biggest bouquet of roses, the biggest box of chocolates and the most expensive jewelry

you are expect-

Right around Jan.

all

these things

call

much money on

early, but for

cial

cash in on

"Valentine's Day gifts." The most popular include the "I love you" teddy bear and the awkwardly large card that screams "I must really love you if I spent this

Opinion

already too late to find by Feb. 14. Today’s society glorifies Valentine’s Day as the ultimate day to express yourself to that spe-

when

businesses

gifts?

justify

Why

this still

huge card. remains,

why

our feelings with

can’t Valentine's

Day

be about spending time with the person you love? There is no reason to have a specific day to celebrate your love, nor is it fair to dwell on a day where

truly

single people are forced to feel even more single. This year I vote that Valentine's Day be banned.

CLASSIFIED

SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE! CAMP WAYNE FOR GIRLS -Children s sleep-away

(Photo by Amy Meadows)

Now

be as frazzled.

camp. Northeast Pennsylvania (6/16-8/12/07). If you love children and want a caring, fun environment we need Counselors and Program Directors for: Tennis, Swimming (W.S.L preferred). Golf, Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Drama, High & Low Ropes, Camping/Nature, Team Sports, Waterskiing, Sailing, Painting/Drawing, Ceramics, Guitar, Silkscreen, Printmaking, Batik, Jewelry, Calligraphy, Photography, Sculpture, (2I+), Driver Aerobics, Self-Defense, Video, Piano. Other staff: Administrative, campus Nurses (RN’s and Nursing Students), Bookkeeper, Mothers’ Helper. On

CDL

Shopping malls back to normal that the holidays are over, shopping should be a more pleasant experience, as customers and sales assistants shouldn

nursing, police foundations, trade or

Sarah Jaynes

and arrogance Which do you do?

afraid

In addition to being a high-rank-

ing

ond family

your feelings to that special someone. Why you ask? You only have one month until Valentine’s Day, one person’s pleasure, and another It

above your head? It

Minister Nuri al-Maliki's calls for national reconciliation.

The thought of leaving

It’s

afraid

one

hurried execution, along with the

degrading hanging video, have been a strong blow to Prime

teachers

January and time for classes to resume, to shed your turkey pounds and to desperately admit

make them

are

that

You shouldn’t need a special day to tell someone you love them

things

have stated

the government's decision to hold a

go from here

But for

graduation, and are that much closbecoming adults in the real

al-Jibouri.

statement.

commence and most

er to

How do you bring yourself to face something that terrifies you to your core? What if you can never face your

have had

have, at times, been afraid? That their plans might not work and

them safe from any harm. Showing no signs of weakness or

all

them digging their heels in the mud, hoping for the school year to go slowly. I am talking about the students who are on the brink of

Opinion

the fears

strive to be.

still

others, the second semester finds

they are afraid? Society projects the image of the alpha male, the one who provides for the family and keeps

Why

but he should

the rights entitled to

of us have a clean

when

alpha male is the type of society thinks others

Saddam Hussein

McCormick

possess.

person should

that

new

simply or terms tag-along because people feel they can't admit when they’re scared? Are people afraid to admit

fear, the

true

a brutal dictator and a murder-

Tiffany

person hide or the

our positions or ourselves? Has being afraid become

was

Sunnis, such as politician

Saleem

These combined factors make Saddam’s trial seem like a mere symbol of a person's newfound

The start of the second semester comes as a relief to many students. The school year is now half over,

defined as an unpleasant

bravest

of justice,

act

was not but one of

Where

same

most confident person shy away. What exactly is fear and why is it such a powerful word? Is it because when most think of fear they associate it with words like coward, weak and gutless? Is it because being afraid, in the most barbaric terms, makes you "less of a man?” Or is it because being fearful means we have lost the power to be secure and sure about

led

revenge.

emotion caused by exposure to danger, expectation of pain, etc. It is an emotion that can make even the

pendence.

has

you

thing, fear.

Fear

what

fied

many people

believed the Iraqi government was interfering with the court's inde-

This

free,

a digni-

sta-

Many

the case.

believe that the execution

carry out the execution

tions.

er,

how you the

shown online and on some

Making matters worse is the fact that there was little effort made to

fear get the best of

afraid,

Hannon Opinion

There would be anger. There would be riots. And there would be good reason. There is precious little which could be more insulting than to execute an iconic symbol of a country and culture on a religious

was not

an international criminal court, a defendant must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, yet the special tribunal established to convict Saddam only needed to meet a satisfaction of guilt standard. During the course of the trial, members of Saddam's defence council were assassinated, and the chief judge resigned because he In

Adam

— Page 5

2007

of justice This, however,

or Easter.

Hussein on the gallows, and was

festivals."

matter

This has led to public mourning and protests by many Sunni in Iraq. Just imagine the state of outraged hysteria a western country like the United States or Canada would be in if the state publicly executed one of our former leaders on Christmas

15,

Interviews February 7“*. Select The Camp That Selects The Best Staff! Call 1,215.944.3069 or apply on-line at www.campwavnegtrls.com

lNews

— SPOKE, January 15, 2007

Page 6

Beat the shopping blues before they beat you a sight

are

big

ness before you stop caring alto-

You

see too often.

gether.

desperately

store,

searching for help with an item and

help

doesn’t

customers

that

looking everywhere for an employ-

verbally abuse sales assistants by

ee.

calling

One

sees you and scurries off

ful,

not allowed to print.

elsewhere, apparently too busy to

eye

Let

contact.

games

the

begin.

should point customer from hell have spent my entire out that working life in retail. It was as much a mystery to me as to every I

want to get out' of there and are either one of two just

who

types of customer; the type

doesn't mind waiting, or, the type

minds very much.

You manage

grab (not

literally

other

sales

why

assistant

cus-

tomers could so easily lose their tempers with us, the people at their service.

was only when

shortly

she gives the nonchalant shrug as

riences without the sales assistant

Why

began to see what was all about. Having experienced many a customer melt-down and having heard

From my most

that’s

assistant,

say,

would

Eventually,

you

lucky,

work

only

here.

know?

began

before

left

retail 1

to look at

mentality, that

Christmas and my shopping expe-

you

get

are

four

really

different

answers to your question from as many employees and get to choose your favourite. At the risk of sounding like a

A new

year

brings

new

gifts to

ATS

pretty hear,

experiences in retail

some

jobs has gone;

want

tants just don’t It

recent shopping

looks like the pride

assis-

to help.

shouldn’t matter whether you

work

full time in retail or part time Wal-Mart, take some pride in your job and some satisfaction at being able to help someone. Then those hard-to-please customers

frowned upon) a then what? You watch as her eyes glaze over and because

sales

blameless.

By now you

that

Sales assistants aren't completely

you and avoiding any

deal with

them incompetent, unhelp-

clueless and other things I’m

much everything there is to know would never put a I

There are only so many of these you can witsales assistant through

it.

won't be nearly as scary. Employees respect your customers and their needs. Customers respect your sales assistants and their feelings. The two should live in perfect harmony. The end. Have a very nice day, thank you,

goodbye, please

visit

again soon.

(Photo by Tiffany McCormick)

LASA

student wins scholarship

Second-year law and security student Marina Alekseeva accepts a scholarship from Paul Collins, president of the security company, Barber Collins, on Dec. 6. The award was given based

on students’ first-year marks of 80 per cent or higher. Only three out of 60 students qualified for the award, with Alekseeva receiving the highest award. Collins, who has been in the security field for 27 years, said to make in this business you’re going to have to be that exceptional student to be successful. Of winning the award, Alekseeva said she was totally surprised and amazed. it

the

Building

By VANESSA BUTLER It

was

certainly

merry

Christmas for students and faculty who use the college’s ATS Building,

after

the

International

Brotherhood of Electrical Workers made a donation of high quality category three meters to the college.

Greg White, a professor in the technician program,

electronics

said he's thankful for the gift.

“Gifts to the ATS Building help ensure the college’s high level of

Thursday January 18,

and make it possible. “Christmas came early to the apprenticeship program," he said. The meters will replace the previous ones that were considered training,

Noon

2007

2:00 pm

unsafe.

The

International Brotherhood of

Workers donated $4,000 worth of equipment as well as a plaque to the college, to commemElectrical

orate

The

donation.

the

Brotherhood selects many of its apprentices from the students who are enrolled in the electronics tech-

nician program.

Mark Kuehl, who manager of

the business

the union and

also a

graduate of the program, said most of the apprentices, if not all. come

from the college, and all go on to be placed and work somewhere in the related fields of the program. "The apprentices are put through 28 weeks of hard studying, training and work that prepares them for their placements in the work-

Pick up your

map from

Desk

wonderful central space for STUDENTS AND VISIT MANY OF THE SERVICES THAT SUPPORT STUDENT SUCCESS AT CONESTOGA!

(inside door

#3) and

enjoy a walk through the

new centre.

Enjoy treats along the way. but don't forget to get your

stamp

at the

required areas! Drop off your fully

stamped map (which also serves as your

ballot) at the Info

for a

number of great

Building.

CELEBRATING THIS

For more information on the program go to the college's website or

ATS

JOIN US

Student Life Centre Info

force," he said.

visit the

the

Desk

to qualify

prizes!

News

SPOKE, January

— Page 7

2007

15,

Saving energy starts with the mind Realizing there are cheap energy efficient alternatives for students By NATALIE

Due

ANDERSON

our lack of a winter this year, global warming and our impact on the environment are major issues. The absence of snow this year has caused a lot of talk about what we’re doing to the planet and how much longer it can survive. There are many things we can all

do to not only help the planet,

be had there.” Schmidt said we should consider our house a big refrigerator that we to

keep the door

make

windows sealed

system.

(REEP)

“Also,

the environment.

good for want to proit's

duce fewer greenhouse gases and, of course, we want to try to curb climate change.”

REEP

a not-for-profit organi-

UWO

computer off.”

one of these things

can drastical-

In a typical house, he said, heat

escapes through walls,

air leakage,

base-

windows and doors and

from the top of the house and work your way down to the basement because of the stack effect, said

Always

seal air leaks

because there are definitely savings

you change

The

stack effect

caused

such as mould, dust, open cleaners or paint thinners and like

in the

“Energy efficiency

between inside the house and out, causing the warm

just

ture difference

hardware,

air to rise to the highest ceiling in

right

rises,

wherever

can,

sealed

properly,

At the same time

mindware.”

maximize

the light output.

First-year personal support work-

tion

incandescent light bulbs with com-

month.

They use 60

energy and

less

last

recommended adding

also

motion censors to outside lights. There are many changes in habit that can be made as well.

“Energy

efficiency

isn’t

just

she

know I’m

lights (as

now because

make

make significant changes to their home, Schmidt offered many alternative ways to conserve energy. “Maximize the assets we have,”

into the wall that aren’t servicing

cient bulbs."

he said. For example, your cellphone charger. When it’s plugged in and your cellphone isn’t

into her

he said.

“Make

charging,

sure there are cur-

on the windows so in the winter we can open them in the daytime to bring in the solar heat and close

tains

it’s still

consuming ener-

it’s

sure

are off."

worried about

all

the

more so media atten-

make

a lot of changes to

she said. “But I do my part in turning off the lights and using energy effi-

house

sure

Dyce

live in,"

when she moves own home she will defi-

also said

nitely take steps

home energy

toward making her

efficient.

Schmidt said the important thing

you walk away and leave your computer running, it conif

remember

that every little bit

counts.

Networking Opportunities at Job Fair

OF STROKE

WHEN

Preparation

What is Job Fair? An opportunity

Visit

America who are currently hiring for full-time, summer, co-op, contract and part-time jobs To investigate and research career options and current jobs from diverse sectors To offer your resume to numerous employers To present your skills and qualifications in person

C oun*«y

WcAc

RIMi

nark

RIM Port 2001 twversttv **- f-

tax 51S-884-WS3

vww.jm1mers4employment.ca for a list of

participating organizations

* To network with employers from across North

JOB

Pick up an Employer Guidebook in Room 220, Student Client Services Building or at the Main Office of the Guelph Campus in advance of Job Fair (available at-RIM Park on the

day of the Fair as well)

Research employers attending the Fair and target those of interest to you

Update your r&sum& and take copies to the Fair Prepare questions to ask employers

Presentation Dress and conduct yourself professionally Exude enthusiasm and self-confidence Be focussed and ask relevant questions

How to Get to Job Fair FREE transportation is available

Cast cadi ness or sudden fills any of the above signs

especially with

from the Doom Campus

<^7 ft

«x> I

The bits will run throughout the will pick up and drop off at

day and

Door #3

RIM Park 2001 University Avenue East Waterloo, Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these symptoms.

For more information, contact Co-op and Career Services in SCSB Room 220, Boon Campus, Tao Cruikshank, tcruikshank@conestogac.on.ca or 519-748-5220, ext. 334°-

leave

televi-

getting.

"I can’t

gy-

Also,

it,"

the environment and even

Phantom loads are energy consumed by adapters that are plugged anything,

can) before

per

try to shut off as

make

said she

the

rate

set

computer screen

sion and

Dyce

said cost

consump-

not paying for

the house, and

mindware.”

pays a

she said, “but

be energy efficient it can require major changes to the house. But for students who are unable

designing or upgrading a

Dyce

not a factor in energy

many

to 10 times longer.

and fixtures to

to clean lenses

with lower wattage and to replace

80 per cent

whole room

instead of lighting up a

and

tion

house

ed house the basement would not ” be any colder than the upstairs Lifetime goals for a house are making it efficient to reduce daily costs, healthy to prolong life and

also advised to use task light-

choosing the right hardware,” said Schmidt, “it’s having the right

When

cre-

than the upstairs,” Schmidt. “In a properly construct-

ing to focus light in certain areas,

play-

ers and battery chargers, he said.

er student Danielle

Project

said

thing can be applied to

CD players, DVD

ing energy efficient bulbs or bulbs

pact fluorescent bulbs.

Residential Energy Efficiency

ment causing cold air to rush into the basement to fill up that space. “That is why the basement feels

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS

having the

attic

accesses that don’t have weather stripping or just through cracks in the walls.

right

energy adviser with

through ceiling fixtures, windows aren’t

isn’t

Glen Schmidt,

tries to get

such

it’s

The same televisions,

sume 10 to 15 per cent less energy. He also recommended purchas-

creates a positive

pressure up there and

out

choosing the

there.

power bar

turn the

off,

simple,

was

are

easy

tion,

combustion,

and everyone can do it,” Schmidt said. Not all appliances are created equal. Schmidt said to look for the EnerGuide or the Energy Star label on appliances, as these usually con-

order to have good indoor air quality remove sources of pollu-

know

savings

“Electrical

products propane.

kind of weather stripping can be peeled off so the land-

lord never has to

ly affect the others.”

wintertime by the drastic tempera-

colder

“Because so much is spent on space heating, you want to concentrate on that area,” said Schmidt. “But do not underestimate hot water or lights and appliances

the heating,

Schmidt.

who has conducted more than 600 home evaluations. Sixteen per cent

ances.

access, he said. There’s also a dif-

that

ates negative pressure in the base-

per cent on lights and appli-

tape,

ferent

that

spent on hot water and another

duct

still

plugged in, are still live and still drawing power,” said Schmidt. “So plug all of those things into a power bar and when you turn the

house more energy efficient. Seventy-one per cent of energy used in a home is used to heat the space we’re living in, said Schmidt,

use

inexpensive and easy to

of those adapters are

he said. “Sometimes

the house.

'is

“You must balance

of energy.

you shut your computer

all

cold or warm.”

and Elora Environmental for Centre Excellence in 1999. They provide home evaluations and make recommendations on how to make your zation started by

Students could

which

down

a must

is lot

moisture and air quality indoors,"

the attic.

Project

important to

sumes a “Even

and we want it insulated so we can keep the energy in, be it

tight

“Every day the cost of our energy rising but there are things you can do to save money," said Glen with Residential Energy Efficiency

summer

them in you want to do the reverse.” Schmidt said air sealing around doors and windows is important.

life

sure the house works as a

sealed tight, the

“We want

can enjoy

for future generations, he said.

live in.

ment

Schmidt, a certified energy adviser

well as using sustainable practices

Schmidt said

but help your wallet as well.

comfortable so

the evening. In the

ON N2K 4K4

(519) 884-5363

From

Job Fair

9:30

12:00

10:30

1:00

11:30

2:00

1:30

3:00

Page 8

— SPOKE, January

15,

Feature

2007

THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS By BJ RICHMOND They

are in our

goes

— dogs come when you

and

call

They

message

the Miacis’ ability to climb, while

their dogs.

homes, our hearts

the

dog took

territorial instinct.

its

dog's instinct to pro-

"It's a

tect

and defend

the other hand, cats instinctive-

use a

litter

box. while dogs are

dependent on their owners to let them outside to do their dirty work. Shannon Viljasoo. a dog behaviourist at

McCann

Professional

Dog

dogs crave attention and acknowledgment. "When reward-based therapies are used by owners the dogs

through

pursue

it.

several

evolutionary until they

stages

became domes-

ticated animals.

The

which descend-

cat.

ed from the African wild-

was first domesticated in Upper Egypt, which is now Sudan, around 4000 BC. The wildcat followed the mouse into the farms and bams of the ancient Egyptians. The farmers welcomed the wildcats cat,

and get

back

—

you

onto their property to solve their rodent problems.

much

independent

death

penalty

killing cats.

dif-

Egypt

that a

was imposed No wonder our

for cats

each species' separate, and

can be so arrogant sometimes. The cat population spread from Egypt, and the animal became a household pet in Europe around the

quite different, evolutions.

18th century.

the

two animals example of

are an

both

Ironically,

from the same

The dog

species evolved

a descendent of the

pre-historic, weasel-

gray wolf, and domesticated about

creature

130,000 years ago, which is even before people settled down and

called

the

which

Miacis,

began practising agriculture. Although it is unknown how or why wolves were tamed by man, both species were hunters with a common goal. Semi-trained wolves began to have considerable value to

walked the Earth about 50 million

they

the old saying

years

ago.

time,

the

Over Miacis

evolved into several

species,

each certain

one

be leaders to

people

should

know

"We

the

costs

involved

owning a

pet.

“Do

your

work

research and

call

around different

training

vets

humans

out

to train

costs

dogs

are

vac-

cines."

According to

reinforce

(commands

with)

As dogs became domesticated, began to split into With puppies being swapped and traded, each with their own distinctive traits, more the species also

several breeds.

cally cost less than the responsibility

of taking care of -a dog.

Lehmann

150 breeds of domesticated dogs now exist. The domesticated cat species, on the other hand, only

pet’s life

contains

vaccines

breeds.

priorities

and

live

their lives quite

differently. In contrast to dogs, cats

most

are not pack animals, and in

cases they view their owner as more

of a housekeeper than a leader.

Although cats and dogs differ in behaviours, one thing that remains consistent with both pets is the cost and responsibility of owning

sive.

Lehmann, a

said the

year of a

in their first year, as

well as

them spayed or neutered." She added worms are more common with kittens and puppies in their first year, and de-worming them is yet another cost. Despite the cost of owning a pet, cats and dogs have both found their niche in the comfort of people's homes around the world. Evolving from the same pre-historic creature, and travelling down two separate paths into people's lives,

both cats and dogs have their

own

adorable ways

registered

of warming our

veterinary techniat the

first

always the most expen“Both cats and dogs get a lot of is

the cost of getting

their

one. Christie

between $.300

and $1,100 and owning a dog costs between $.300 and $2,4(X). Since cats can lead a semi-wild life, they typi-

than

.36

www.pete-

ducation.com. the average annual cost of owning a cat

their pets.”

cian

what

with

and tell them to consistently

find

included

bonds with their owners, cats and dogs had to adapt to the reality of coinhabiting households with one another. Cats and dogs have different

deeply respected

ferences between

Waterloo, said she recommends that

of time teach-

more placid and began co-inhabiting with humans. Cats became so

than dogs. These

behaviouriai

lot

Since both species formed tight

Eventually, the wildcats

overall, cats are

how

became

and

However, cats only appre-

when

passed,

modem cat and dog went species

respond readily." attention

both the

Trainers, said

ciate

millions

years

lives.

been forming bonds with these animals for thousands of years. Despite their common bonds with their owners, cats and dogs have taken quite a different journey to get into the homes and hearts of humans. Comparing cats and dogs is like comparing day and night. (Literally, cats are nocturnal and

its terri-

tory," said Viljasoo.

are our pets, and whether

dogs are day animals.) These two domesticated animals each have their own specific behaviours and instincts, which they have acquired throughout the evolution of the feline (cat) and canine (dog) species. For example, dogs can learn basic commands such as sit. come and down. Whereas, if a cat were told to sit. it would likely stare at its owner as if asking. “Are you kidding me?"

McCann spend ing the owners

they are cats or dogs, people have

ancient

their

ancestor. For example, the cat kept

and even our beds. They make us chuckle under our breath and burst out laughing. They lift our spirits and make us cry. They are part of our families

and our

from

instincts

them, cats take

Animal

hearts.

Hospital

Kitchener

hunting groups.

with

Thus, dogs,

taking

behaviours

wolves, are pack

animals, and Viljasoo said the ers

who

own-

provide them leader-

ship are viewed, by the dogs,

as their pack leaders.

attachment

“A dog’s

group, espe-

its

cially the leader of that group."

Viljasso

added the trainers

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their

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As a ‘new generation’ university, UWS has a contemporary approach to study, work and

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retractable,

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Cats’ tongues have

little

hooks, and are used to clean them-

selves and for eating.

Dogs’ tongues are used

Cats exercise

Dogs

rely

sweat.

the house as they play. owners to get exercise.

their

Cats take care of their own cleaning, and place high importance on their personal cleanliness.

Dogs must be bathed

keep them smelling

fresh.

SPOKE, January

15,

2007

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Page 9

students, staff, friends and familu wel welcome

,AJi

C5I

health flan

Message benefits The CSI

health plan covers Massage

Therapy when recommended by a phy-

80% up

You are covered

sician.

$300.00 per policy

You

year.

will

need

to submit a doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s referral note with

your

first

claim, and

it is

valid for

one

full year.

CSI is very excited to announce that you

NOW

can

pay just

the

deductible

amount of 20% +GST, when you get your massage done here in the CSI Massage

Room.

This service applies only to

students under the CSI health Plan and all

other health plans must pay and

submit their claim. Paying just the deductible avoids having to pay the full

amount and then submit your and makes getting

receipts,

massage here even

So book your ap-

convenient.

pointment today with Jason or Josh.

The signup book CSI

office in

located inside the

room 2A106.

massage therapy program at Centennial College in ScarborToronto for over three years working in two primary locations: rehabilitation clinic and a high end fitness and social club. In both positions he was primara He also ily doing deep tissue massage on motor vehicle accident victims and sports injuries. received a Rehabilitation Massage Therapy certificate from another 100 hour course taken at Centennial College to further his rehab skills. Jason worked in Muskoka for two summers doing He then moved relaxation massage, and wrap therapy in two different relaxed spa settings. working and continued to Kitchener to move out of the busy city, and to be closer to family as a massage therapist. In November of 200S he opened up his own business where he works along side a chiropractor on primary posture issues and pain associated with office work. Jason is available to give you a massages on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 am- 4:30 pm

Jason

ough

Jason Clowes

completed

2001.

his

three

He worked

year

Josh graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy North York campus in 2001 before starting his private practice on the Bruce Peninsula. He then spent three years working in a physiotherapy and massage rehabilitation clinic in Kitchener treating sports related and repetitive strain injuries through massage and exercise therapy. In 2004, he moved to Central America to work in hotels and resorts doing full body relaxation massage for spa

goers and deep tissue treatment for tourists. Promoting a healthy lifestyle through massage, Josh is available to give you a massage on Wednesdays from 2:30- 6:30, and Friday irom 10-4:30

E vcnlng

ppoi nt

mcn

1 r

Page 10

Feature

— SPOKE, January 15, 2007

Which candle

— soy or By HOLLY FEATHERSTONE

it is

Candles are capable of burning with which they are made. Candles, a widely popular

home

Paraffin

ultimately a safer alternative to

used

website

the

skin

oil,

a derivative of

candles.

a product of crude

decomposed aquatic plant and animal material. Once paraffin is removed from a crude

wax most commonly

According

wax

clean regardless of the type of

wax?

paraffin

paraffin,

Winter won’t go away, but dry

better

column,

By BECKY SHARPE

oil

making business and

through a refinery. Certain grades

official carri-

wax

are approved by

decor item that appeal both to the senses and pocketbook, are free of vapours harmful and toxins whether they are crafted from soy

er of El

Soy-brand wax, soy is free and harmful vapours, burns clean with increased burn times, has natural additives and is

of paraffin

of toxins

food and drug agencies for use in cosmetics, dermatological products and as a coating for food and

wax, according to www.candle-licious.com, a web-

derived from a renewable source.

waxed paper

paraffin

site

devoted entirely to the candle-

making

industry.

“Neither type of wax than

other,”

the a

Badali,

said

research

better

Alexander

squeezed

Norjohn Emulsions in Thorold, a business producing asphaltic and wax-based emulsions. “Soy wax

ronmentally friendly

doesn't have toxins or carcinogens,

ing refinement.

terms of

soybeans

is it

whether the wax

amount of oxygen According

melt-

smoke

the candle

“Soy wax the,

(soot),

regardless of what type of

made

wax

of.

much

or too

wick exposed oxygen,

If the is

little

be left unattended. Badali said although the soy mar-

for

use

paraffin wax first,” she said. “It's dummy-proof and easier to work

orientation.

someone of the opposite

sex,

Sometimes, we may even and then

feel

We may feel attracted

someone of the same

feel as

“Don’t let someone try to sell you expensive soy candle on the premise that it’s safer,” he said. Doucette said though both waxes are popular

and have

their benefits,

to personal preference.

emotionally and physically

people are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or

may

begin to explore their

sexuality only after they have left the formative years, their family,

hometown, or

coming out smoothly: accepting one’s sexuality may feel like a period of finally “coming home.” However, for others it is a task filled with pain, self-loathing and lack of support. This may be complicated by feelings contrary to

make

the transition in

messages received while growing up, one’s definition of “normal,” or one’s religious upbringing.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people need a supportive environment that nurtures positive feelings about their sexual orientation. The road to understanding, accepting, and celebrating one’s sexual orientation often cannot be traveled alone.

available in the

community and

at the

would

Mayo

Clinic,

medical reference website located

ing process. “If

you lack

vitamin

your

www.mayoclinic.com. there are a few ways you can clear up skin

skin will appear dry and flaky,”

irritation.

be something that student's lack,

water

Drinking

regularly

decreases flaking and redness.

you prefer a drink with some flavour low-fat milk and fruit juice your next best choices. are Caffeine should be avoided;

can

decrease the body's moisture and lead to skin dehydration.

How

often do you shower in the

winter? This plays a large role in how your skin can defend itself

like to

know

The water can dam-

can permanently damage its natumoisture barrier. Use mild ral soaps and

possible try to show-

er every other day to allow your

skin to regain

its

she says. "Vitamin

easy

it's

find

should not

everyday

foods.” It is commonly found in yellow and dark green leafy vegetables, whole milk, liver and butter.

“Biotin

the best for protecting

skin against

smoke and

sun," she

an anti-oxidant and can be found in oranges, grapefruit, broccoli, bell peppers, added.

“It acts as

Your lips can crack in the winter and keeping them healthy is as easy as wearing a lip balm. Avoid using lip balms with sparkles and strong colours or scents. They can irritate your skin and create further chapping. The best suggested balms are bee’s wax products and anything

of resources

College, counsellors in Student Services can help.

Counselling Services

our website http://wH’w.conestogac.on.ca/isD/stser\’/index.isp

“In

when

the winter

snows the sun is magnified and can cause your skin to dry out faster or

even burn. Putting on

sunscreen is

the winter

the best protection

against the reflective burn.”

Sharon Connor,

Mary

with a petroleum jelly base.

a hot

room we

sweat. This

Port

“If

skin during the healing process.”

Natural oils and fats found

lukewarm environment; your body will naturally warm up during the night.

intake, says

a cool

foods

excellent

McCleary.

“Fats and fatty acids help with cell

membrane

component of

age needs to protect their skin more

skin's

winter than summer.

are

source for your skin's moisture

Sharon Connor, a representative for Mary Kay in Port Hope, says anyone who is prone to skin damin the

Hope

you become burned or have damage zinc will aid your

some

Kay,

winter

causes our body to lose water and may cause irritation to skin. Sleep

synthesis and are a

the epidermal barri-

er layer,

inflammatory reactions

and

with the synthesis of the

assist

said.

intercellular

“Omega

3 and

matrix,”

Omega

she fatty

“Not many people realize that in when it snows the sun is magnified and can cause your skin to dry out faster or even burn,” she said. "Putting on sunscreen in the

acids are essential to your skin's

winter

grains.

the winter

you

regeneration.

natural oils.

the

best

protection

health.”

Omega

fatty acids are

easy to

get in a healthy diet and are found in

cooking

oils,

Omega

poultry

and

3 fatty acids are

take vitamins and use a cleanser to

found mostly in cold water fish including salmon, sardines and mackerel but can also be found in flaxseed, walnuts and sunflower

keep their skin healthy.

oil,

Connors also says students who Visit

that specific

and minerals can aid your skin in the defence and healvitamins

against the reflective burn."

A Message from

and

good, including your skin,”

feel

McCleary also says

skin dehydration. to

minerals

to stay healthy

she says.

moisture and lead to

are confused about your sexuality, need support, or

vitamins and

you need

that

can decrease the body’s

sleep

previous personal identity.

people

“A well-balanced diet will help supply your body with the

essential it

Using a humidifier while you sleep adds moisture to the air that your body will ingest slowly through inhalation. This will keep your skin moist. Also, keep it cool. When we

transgendered. Typically, while heterosexual people participate in dating throughout

Some

redness. Caffeine

According

well

in cell

sex, or to people of both sexes.

adolescence, people of an alternative sexual orientation

decreases flaking and should be avoided;

how

your skin can provide a defence.

age your skin's defence. Taking a hot shower dries out your skin and

confused about our attractions to others and our choices for a partner. in ten

says your diet can effect

temperature of the

cus-

rapidly,

though we are a gender different from that of our birth -

Conservative estimates suggest that one

Christine McCleary, a registered

paraffin.

grow

COUNSELLOR’S CORNER: Coming Out Everyone has a sexual

can damage highly

tomers should opt for cost-efficient

comes down

with.”

Brussels sprouts and leafy greens." McCleary says zinc is important

very temperamental,

vitamin

against the cold and wind.

ket has gained in reputation and

continues

variables,

we recommend customers

shape.

light-

the flame will produce more carbon (soot). Candles should be kept away from vents or open windows to avoid the excess emission of carbon and, as always, should never

new

recommended

its

too long or the candle

to too

first-time candle makers.

helps reduce

like this

emission

paraffin

many

with

product

and retain

proper-

of the soy wax can vary depending on the genus of the plant as well as the conditions under which the plant was grown.

flame

skin cells,” she said.

at dietitian Canadian Northumberland Hills Hospital,

Drinking water regularly

www.candle-

wax. Any method of refinement which differs slightly from another can alter the properties of the wax, which can affect both the melting. and burning

erties

made should emit little smoke when burning. A

into

against the winter

climate?

the room),

licious.com, candles that are well-

In addition, Badali said the prop-

steady, properly-burning

(in

damaged

the

sensitive skin further.

not the type of wax,” he said.

qualities of the candle.

(Photo by Holly Featherstone)

burning flame should flicker

Doucette said since soy

winter

cracked

will replenish

effects of itchy, dry, flaking skin

not dependent on

ing points and the oils are, theresolidified

that

clean or soot-free depends on the

During refinement, the chemical composition of both soy and paraf-

fore,

soy or paraffin. “Whether or not (a candle) burns

a wax,” he said.

fin oils is altered to raise their

However, Connor says that you need to take caution when using

Badali said the cleanliness of a

chemically altered dur-

become

current-

easier

cheaper,

burning candle

“The 100 per cent natural soy oil no longer completely natural as was sent through a refinery and

altered to

and easier to obtain,” he said. “However, the supply is limited whereas soy is renewable."

its

know

of us

when you're up

wax

refine

envi-

Many

heal

will

won’t be going away anytime soon and neither will our dry skin. So how does one fight off the

cheaper option than soy wax.

“Paraffin

renewability, the oil extracted from

but neither does paraffin.”

Soy wax, the newest fad in candle-making, is advertised as completely natural and safe to burn, inciting controversy over whether

ly a

to extract the oil.”

Badali said although soy

for

assistant

natural

or cloth.

Badali said paraffin

wax,” said Shelly Doucette, an employee at Village Craft and Candle, 21 Water St. S., St. Mary’s. “The beans are

“Soy

"Vitamin

skin and vitamin

sent

Village Craft and Candle, a candle-

distillation

can

have sensitive or oily skin should

says McCleary.

News

Warm

all

the

are

that

that this winter has felt a little bit

with our warmer

like spring

than usual temperatures and

little

Although

great

driving

has

Kitchener,

only

located

not really an issue in trying

said.

The

staff

Chicopee

some snowfall

hopeful for

been open

passes this year, Chicopee

and the

to give

16.

Orth,

marketing

still

so they

can open back up, and hopefully stay open longer than they normally would. For members who bought season

three days this season, Dec. 9, 10

Dwayne

and

some of

giving discounts

come back when

the

er.

Wesley Greenwood, a secondyear police foundations student, is

trying

the value back by

will

also disappointed with this winter,

or lack of. "I’ve been

other ski hills

snowboarding

for sev-

business development manager at

and by putting on special events

Chicopee, said they have had significant revenue loss because the

the club.

haven’t been able to break out

"There’s no one in the KitchenerWaterloo area who wants Chicopee

pulling for a bit of snowfall to get

would normally be open about 39 days by now. hill

“We

for

open more than the people who work here,” Orth said. Approximately 400 part-time employees get hired over the winter season, and to date those people have only worked three days. Orth says that although these employees are not working right

had a great turnout for the three days we were open, but still

that

still

es,”

doesn't

make up

the loss-

said.

To make man-made snow temperature has to be

Although

at least -3

the

costly because of

The chance

By JENN SPRACH Kitchener- Waterloo residents appear to be quite interested in the mysterious world of

psychics, so Fair

comes

much

that.

Bingemans

First Star in

Psychic

see

“I’m

the hills

The

Ray Faucher,

four years have been fanChicopee. The number of memberships and day tickets sold has been on the rise.

The

too.”

There are

has been coming to the fair

their last possible appointment.

the

“I did 43 readings this weekend,” said Corbie Mitleid, a certified professional tarot card reader and certified psychic. She discovered her “gift” at 21 years old

eight years, said she enjoys the event.

don’t just

Many

let

all

Warnerville, N.Y., for the past

fair actually

has a waiting

anybody

in,”

less

common

list;

own

readings as well

their very

own

they

she said.

psychics at the event give lectures,

can gather a

said

technique which

dyed

lot

hair readings, said,

of information from

hair

hair.”

makes no difference but

he cannot read wigs, weaves or extensions. His gift has been passed through generations and he was mentored since he was a chrld. A lot of people are skeptical about his abilities. To those he usually responds with,

CONESTOGA

“Here

am, so

try

me.” There have been them around

instances where he has turned

by revealing information he couldn’t possibly have known such as family and health problems people were having. Linda Kowey, however, takes a different approach to skeptics. “It’s not when see it. I

I’ll

believe

it,

it’s

The psychics

when

believe

it I’ll

fair will return to

RIM Park Waterloo Wed. Feb. 7 2007 10:00 am - 3:30 pm •

•

(Photo by Jenn Sprach)

Corbie Mitleid, a certified tarot card reader, is shown consulting her cards at the First Star Psychic Fair at Bingemans in Kitchener, Jan. 7.

it.”

Bingemans on May 20 and 2 1. There is a $5 admission which is valid all weekend and gives you the chance to win hourly door prizes and go to free demonstrations and lectures. For more information visit www.e-psychic.com

The

18, 19,

V^terioo

see

encourage visitors to read info given out and choose a psychic they feel comfortable with to ensure the best at the fair

experience possible.

design.

Ted Leydon, who does “I

“This

about every kind of

including dominos and hair readings and

some have

and

who

fair offers just

reading possible, including the more com-

their

way from

three times a year

mon tarot card reading, dream analogy, psychometry, animal communication, palmistry and numerology.

Corbie Mitleid,

Mitleid

comes

have been guest speakers on TV and radio shows and have had newspaper articles written about their abilities.

professional tarot card reader to

Chicopee Ski Club, located in Kitchener, is one of many ski hills that has felt the effects of this winter’s shortage of snow. In the month of December, they were only able to open for three days.

“Things are on a steady climb upwards, so this is just a small bump in the road for us,” Orth said.

certified psychic

fair.

still

tastic at

cheaper than a shrink and better at

opened again.”

into the future

a co-ordinator of the

The event was held in Kitchener Jan. 5, 7 and some psychics were full right up

the first that

last

fair,

said

board by now,” he said. “I’m

and continued to develop it because people needed her. “I’ve helped people through difficult times in their lives,” she said. “I’m cheaper than a shrink and better at it too.”

which has more than 20 psychics, has been in business for more than 20 years. It has been coming to the city for more than 15 years and has always been very successful,

eral years, but this

Kitchener three

times a year.

The

— Page 11

"The quality of our instructors and the friendly faces helping on the lifts are the people who make all the difference and the whole experience at Chicopee,” he said. Chicopee is not alone in this season's struggle; all of Ontario and the eastern U.S. is being affected by this warm, wet weath-

money, we just haven't had temperatures cold enough,” Orth

been terrible for avid skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers. And it's even worse for businesses that depend on the snowfall. Hill,

every chance

gets. "It’s

it’s

Chicopee Ski

now, they

2007

colder weather does.

still

to save

no snow. weather,

used, Chicopee has

been making snow

Ontario will agree

and equipment

electricity

15,

Chicopee green

start to winter leaves

By PEGGY O’NEILL Most people

SPOKE, January