Digital Edition - January 22, 2007 by SPOKENewspaper

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Sports

39th Year

www.conestogac.on.ca/spoke

Conestoga College, Kitchener, Ont.

2007

22,

Feature

Monday, January

and

Plant turns non-recyclable

16]

— No. 3

College criticized for staying open People are moving around the city

By STEPHANIE IRVINE

just fine.”

Conestoga College students and faculty

braved

alike

few

way

“My

nasty

Monday on one of very the area that remained open. drive in was rough and I

winter weather their

some

last

to school,

drove transport for 18 years,” said a third-year general

James Taylor,

business and transportation logistics student.

Taylor said he feels the college concerned about the welfare

Dinning said because Waterloo Region school board closed, so did the local universities. According to University

Laurier

Wilfrid

the

website,

their

inclement weather

policy states “the university will

Waterloo campus autoif the Waterloo County Board of Education closes all of its The the day.” for schools University of Waterloo website

its

matically

isn't

says the same.

of students and faculty. “They (the college) never close,”

Mullan said more than that

he said. “I’m sick of them sitting on the fence about this, they need to take a stand and show they do

before closing, because

care.”

sider a five-year-old getting

According to college administration, the safety of students and faculty is of utmost importance. “Each person needs to assess their individual situation based on

rural

circumstance,” said

Mike Dinning,

of student affairs. He added people shouldn’t come in if they don't feel safe. Dinning said they can't judge the weather in all areas, but do the best vice-president

they can to assess the overall situation.

Taylor said isn’t

not coming

to school

"Some of us don’t have the choice to not come in,” he said. “If we have something due then we have to be here. If we’re not, we pay the ultimate price with our Kevin Mullan, vice-president of finance and administration services. said he’s amazed people were

was open.

so surprised the college

“Not one of the local radio stations were saying OPP were advising people to stay off the roads,” he said. “I bet

the

you go

parking

lot

Fairview

packed.

affects so

“The school boards have bus

Winterbourne

to con-

on a go to

Dinning said when there

bad

weather, the college’s director of

Barry Milner, monitors

facilities,

weather

available

all

TV,

including

ADAM HANNON

Internet.

OPP

Grand

and

the

also checks with the

River

Milner will then call Dinning around 6:15 a.m. and about they make a decision whether or not to close the school. Dinning said the Wellington

found

If a student is

be parking

they will receive a fine

from security

services.

If the student is using a forged parking pass, the offence will be

noted

in their

"We would

student record.

urge anyone

who

has

not procured parking privileges to do so,” said John Tribe, interim

supervisor of safety and security services at the college.

Students can purchase an annual pass for $315

from security servic-

es.

Passes

also

are

available

for

shorter lengths of time.

“We have

everything from a ... to annual and

parking meter

College ‘committed to finding a resolution’ By BRANDON WALKER The

college wants to define the

relationship

action,” Dinning said. “We're looking for a structure that works for both interests. We are connected to one another.” When asked if he had any idea

forth legal

has with Conestoga

Students Inc. (CS1) because CSI

open,

School Board was was the University of Guelph, Fanshawe College and

sent a lease agreement to the col-

when

lege trying to create a tenant/landlord relationship in the Student

Mohawk

stu-

Life Centre and because the relationship has never been defined,

Dinning said he has no clue. “I do know we've been proposing to meet with CSI. The college is com-

dents were absent, overwhelmingly

open,

District

College.

“Although some faculty and here,” he said.

OPSEU

Local 237, which represents college faculty, is meeting with

be exercised

on the

duty of care to

these matters.”

don't expect that

will sell out,

Tribe said security services can sell a few more parking passes then

Mike Dinning tenant at

said

CSI

just a

the college, perhaps a is

much

oversight

the

discuss

The reason

the college

opinion from August, agreed to have a bar open

was because

when at

relation-

meet with them in good

the proposals

Dinning said Harris retired in September 2005 and six months February 2006, CSI in later, requested Harris return and the col-

noon,

the original proposal

“In

“The proposal CSI

sent to us

in it

trial run. Since then, there has been a public discussion of

October) removed is college oversight. These kinds of things are

appropriate. And, what you

passes, such as the price of gas,

removed. One of the great chal-

and how many new students enrol each semester. Tribe said the number of occu-

lenges

spill-out

managing

when

Mike Dinning, vice-president student

the

pub is the pub closes;

who’s responsible for that? We realize the college will be involved in any legal issues, people won’t discern between the college and the student government when bringing

discussed

time here, we’ve never (the

relationship).

CSI

and the college have always partnered up to provide services to the students.

lege agreed to that.

"The college understands

affairs.

would be on an

A number of factors affect how many students purchase parking

transit.

back and defining the

Fred Harris, was because Harris has been involved from the start.

changed

will find (in CSI's proposal sent in

drop out or use public

where, ultimate-

He said the reason CSI wanted to continue working with the retired vice-president of student affairs,

alcohol related.”

ing’s E-wing.

because students decide to carpool,

step

college believes taking a

“We’ve asked

college can

being a

parking spots will usually decrease later in the semester,

think this

to discuss

have over CSI. We believe the college needs to have a certain amount of oversight, not of CSI’s day-today operations, but of anything

what

the

negotiate with CSI.

how

most popular parking lot is number 13, the "blue lot,” due to its proximity to the main build-

pied

why it has taken this come to an agreement.

asked

faith.”

“We’re looking

schedules.

live,

When long to

ship will facilitate an agreement.” He said the college is willing to

“different.”

said.

October removed anything about

where students

exactly what the

interim basis.

said the

have to check everything and make sure it’s all going to work.”

affairs.

said the early start

very well,” he

parties

ly,

campus at on different times due to their varied are

itself

“But. both

year.

there are spots available, because

students

“CSI has run said.

The word Dinning would use to describe the relationship with CSI

its

actually.”

dili-

these issues.”

In an e-mail to faculty, the union

college that there

maintaining due

said the vice-president of student

two groups need. “But, we have to sit down and figure out what exactly the relationship is,” Dinning

said they intend to “impress

will

bar bistro

gence.

Dinning said, "I don’t know. We’ve been in discussion for more than a

lease agreement

tomorrow to review the decision to keep the school open and explore new policy.

the

college has

mitted to finding a resolution to

president John Tibbits

“I

illegally,

gem

left,

Transportation.

semi-annual (parking),” said Tribe.

Security services at the college has started to crack down on students parking without passes.

She’s a

helps Antonina Joukova, a friend of a student at Conestoga, try on a bracelet from on Jan. 1 1 Wang, who also set up a display at Conestoga in the first semester, booth jewelry her said she may come back at a later date to offer students her products again.

Ada Wang,

outlets

and

radio

Parking passes are must-haves By

(Photo by Tiffany McCormick)

junior kindergarten," said Mullan.

everyone

grades.”

takes

college

into consideration

people.

County

an option for him.

mall

many

the

What we're

talking about

this

has

been difficult for both parties, but I hope we get a speedy resolution because (the Student Life Centre) is a heck of a facility,” Dinning said.

Some

students are frustrated by

fusing the best interests of the college and CSI. I don't think we're that far apart. We do respect

the delay.

(CSI’s) independence.

bistro will be consistent with the

even what time the bar starts serving drinks, he just wants it open. “I haven’t been here long enough to know who is to blame,” the first-

goals and objectives of both par-

year construction engineering tech-

now

“But, what that

ties.

the

we need

management of

know the

bar

We're not trying to dictate,

we’re trying to work together to make this work.”

Dinning said the biggest issue the

Alex Mackenzie said he doesn't care who’s at fault for the delay or

nology student

"My

said.

brother’s in

Grade

10;

we’re lucky maybe the bar will be open by the time he gets here.”

Page 2

News

— SPOKE, January 22, 2007

Now

Conestoga

deep thoughts

By ERIC

...with

Conestoga College

questions answered by random students

What is

dream you’ve ever had? the craziest

Two Conestoga first

College students

and second

had a dream

involved

was

various

Ryan Fogarty, third-year materials

and operations management

“After hearing

about

Ryan Fogarty's dream no longer

involved

ilies

as well as three honourable men-

itself.

had no idea what to

pictures

assigned to was very excited,” said

“1

a farmer-run. non-profit

some

women who

and

the'

Kreller,

third-year

journalism print and broadcast student, took first place, winning the grand prize of $2,500.

“The deadline of the competition had been moved a few times because not many people entered so 1 thought might have a chance to win something,” said Kreller. “But to win the grand prize was a great Christmas surprise.” Contestants were assigned fami-

family

the

was

took the photos

widow of nine

years but was

chickens themselves are her

family.”

tions.

Conestoga had three

that

being

Conestoga and her photojournal-

“We’re just good," Kreller said. says a lot for Conestoga and the journalism program.” Annelise Thompson, a second"It

year journalism print and broadcast student, claimed the $1,000 second competition. I

ism experience helped with claim-

been

three with are great (about)

in the

was a shot in the dark that would win,” she said. "But I’ve "It

ing top prize.

“The teachers

students

place in the top six.

place prize

Kreller believes

Ontario for their 2006 annual report.

Meghan

but

quite clear that her farm hands and

men

raise chickens in

arrived to take the

"The lady

Kreller.

September

great photos of the

when

expect

organization representing Ontario chicken farmers. With the support of five southern Ontario colleges. CFO launched a to get

really

Christmas and three years of I need to pay some bills.” Three winners were announced,

after

college

chicken farming

than the chicken farm

a photog-

(CFO)

forms of interspecies erotica.”

raphy competition for a poultry organization Dec. 22. Chicken Farmers of Ontario

photography contest “I

cover for the contest with a

lies to

theme focused more about the famplaced

Random

MURPHY

rules the roost

photos since I was pink little Barbie plus the photography

taking

camera

telling us of opportunities like this

course here

and give us as much direction as they can,” she said. "Taking photos for Spoke for the last two years

Annelise expects that all of her newly earned money will go back

helped a

"It

Kreller doesn’t have any exciting

into school

lot too.”

plans for her winnings except for

paying off her debts. “My boyfriend wanted to go on a trip somewhere hot.” she said. “But

was

pretty intense.”

and

living expenses.

a very pleasant surprise

be gone like that,” she said. Murphy, a third-year journalism print and broadcast student, but

it’ll

Eric

received an honourable mention.

Meghan

sleep.”

Kreller,

thircf-year

journalism print and broadcast

Mike Crobbink,

student,

won

the grand prize

the Chicken Farmers of

third-year materials

Ontario photography contest

and operations

with this photo

management

(left)

Dimphie

Luyks, chicken farmer, and her

employee, Conroy Braber.

had a dream was eating a huge marshmallow and when woke up my “I

pillow

was

gone.”

The second place photo (left) was

Katie Rozendal,

taken by Annelise

second-year

Thompson,

practical nursing

a second-year journalism print and

broadcast student.

had a dream got chased by Jesus and then he beat me up.” “I

An honourable mention was awarded

Mike Fopovic,

to Eric

Murphy, a third-year

second-year materials

journalism print and

and operations

broadcast student, photo at

for this

management

right.

New “I

pre-apprenticeship program will help fill critical shortage

was myself as a

character

the movie By

the Notebook.”

ANGELO MAZZIOTTI

good

"This

Nicole Cork,

Attention

all

students interested

second-year

“1

had

family

defend

Tim Pollock,

mechanical engineering

yo U could be our next respondent!

of 24 students will be accepted to this full-time program. which will consist of 23

experience.

taught skills such as

Gilmore said both large and small companies are indicating a

cedures. welding, basic electricity

to life

thanks

region," said

Gilmore

a press

growing public enthusiasm and growing government commitment to forming

commitment to the new program. "Many companies are facing a

apprenticeships as beneficial edu-

critical

shortage of truck and coach

weeks of in-college instruction followed by eight weeks of on-the-job

tions.

Participants

computer

will

communica-

literacy, safety pro-

and motive power systems such as brakes, fluid power, electrical, fuel, engines and drive trains.

expand

technicians, and they indicate that a

Conestoga College does, how-

the

programming capabilities of Conestoga’s new truck and coach

pre-apprenticeship program would be an ideal avenue to fast-track

ever, ask that interested applicants

technician centre, which opened at

promising candidates through the initial stages of apprenticeship,

Grade

equivalent, reside

2006.

thereby

be able to work

Brenda Gilmore, employer liaison and marketing officer with Conestoga's School of Trades and Apprenticeship, said the program

future hiring needs.”

the

are admitted.

dents.”

cation options.

first-year

who

A maximum

pus.

in large part to the

were all getting murdered by a man with an axe.”

will be tuition-free to successful

applicants

release. “The fact that we have expanded our truck and coach facilities at Guelph will be an asset to the program and its stu-

The program came

because they

pre-apprenticeship important to the

and coach pre-apprenticeship programs, February is your lucky month! Slaning Feb. 5, 2007, Conestoga College will offer that very program at its Guelph camin truck

practical nursing

program

and

thing.

new.

also helps

Guelph campus

in the fall

helping

According

address

their

at least

16 years of age, hold a

12 high school diploma or in

Ontario and

in the

province.

For any interested parties wishing

to the press release, the

pre-apprenticeship program

fund-

ed by the Government of Ontario

to receive further information, tele-

phone 519-824-9390, ext. 122 or 519-748-5220, ext. 3656

News

SPOKE, January

Counting pennies pays By JESSICA BLUMENTHAL into

debt seems to be

inevitable for

most post-secondary

bureaus look

Grand River Credit Union Uptown Waterloo, said there key financial

of are

tips for students.

first would be saving before while in school, he said. Students should set aside approximately 80 per cent of their pay-

The

and

cheques during the summer months and focus on putting money in a Figure out a budget according to

how much

they

spend/pay bal-

at the

Students are advised to pay off

what they spend before

rent, food, utilities

Another important component of banking for students is to get the right package. Look for the type of account that has the least additional charges per month. Students are warned to be

when using debit cards, when it comes to with-

careful

especially

drawals from banks other than your

own. transactions cost extra and by not

making those

and

transactions, students

can save money.

covered.

it,

are

essentials

need

Students

for

the

realize

importance of credit and building their credit.

When

they graduate,

paying

possible

“A

make

up.” he said.

student credit card

tool for a student to

have but

good it

has

be used responsibly. Get one with a low limit, around

$500. especially when interest rates can range from 18-25 per cent.

To maintain

a good credit history,

Callaghan said always make the minimum payments plus extra and don't go over the limit. Post-secondary graduates can get into trouble

when looking

New

site

at get-

can really help

especially since they have a co-

ry-

hard to

First-year genera! business student, Jennifer Lucas, said

advisable.

line of credit

signer,”

If you screw up in the beginning,

Callaghan

line of credit or loan, peo-

With a

you looking for Employers are you

are

database for post-secondary' stuacross employers and dents is

where you'll want

why

budgeting

With

its

registration

six-step

process for students,

it’s

both quick

The counselling

office

packing a lunch or making supper at home they can save a lot of money each month. By being careful and managing

sellor,

problem they aren’t handled

said that credit cards are a

for students if

responsibly. is a great thing to build can harm you if you don’t make a plan,” he said. The financial institutions don’t tell you about the dangers of credit cards so students can get stuck in a

“Credit

but

your greatest weakness,

questions.

‘This

meant

window

to offer a

into the student as a person

just

them

showing

and not another

resume, making the employer able to

own

pinpoint their

student,”

Martin said a

lot

of students eat

more than they should. By

out

your money with the same discipline you would with ydur academics, budgeting will become easier.

Martin said the sooner the better is a good philosophy to use when

“We

Storey said his

improvement. “Just like any other business

are always willing to alter the site

the site to better accom-

modate president

and

summer

job. co-op placement or

career. its

core,

NorthemGates.ca

a national student database lor employers to access and find job candidates according to their

needs,” Storey said. “It is to provide Canadian post-secondary stu-

with a place

on the web

where they would be visible to employers at all times.” Unlike most employment sites, NorthemGates.ca asks registering students questions such as where do you see yourself in five years, what is your greatest strength and

The

site

also allows students to

where they would

tips

offers

interview

on resume style, the process and website

employment

other site even

comes

matching NorthemGates.ca it works for students specifiin

eral business student, said she start-

There are some resources availThe food bank can be accessed through coun-

ed preparing for college expenses while in high school.

able for students.

short-term problems.

school and

find myself really hav-

There are also emergency burand students have to explain why they need the bursary. Martin stressed how important it is to seek help if you are really

ing to watch the amount

their

company

Storey said his

to co-ordinate the

ment with

all

site’s

schools

trying

develop-

and

their

respective careers services, student

unions and co-op offices in a direct manner. “Rather than simply having a

page of the

saries but they are limited

tive

to offer the

life centre.

student

Volunteer for yourself and to help others Bv AMY

MEADOWS

type of volunteering

this

as volunteering on

Any time

spent as a volunteer or

volunteer leader can be invaluable to students and can help to secure future jobs.

Many

students want to give back

known

demand.

“Conestoga students can use CharityGuide to find over 200 service projects that are organized

both by duration and case," he said. The causes include environmenprotection, animal welfare, chil-

dren’s issues, health care and overas 15 min-

aren’t

tasks can take as

enough hours in a day. The answer isn’t quite as tough as it may seem according to Michael Organ, the executive

utes to complete.

director of Charity Guide, a non-

uation they can help open doors to networking opportunities with

there

expenditures,

just

based

North

Volunteering

little

the perfect oppor-

tunity to help secure a better job

during the

summer and

after grad-

Help includes donating blood, making efforts to recycle correctly,

and include

else, catering to the student job

buying teddy bears for orphans and even supporting a cause you

perform, explaining any leadership skills you have acquired while per-

believe

forming the work and putting any voluntary work experience under

be a true student

Even though

the

site

has only

been available for a short time Storey said he and his team hope to become stronger and increase student visibility to employers. “I would like to continue supporting students

making work

easily attainable,” he said. “I

country.”

effective resource

contact counselling services located on the first floor in the new

ing,

designed above all

“NorthemGates.ca

mean-

most

spend on

going out.” For more information on budget-

Storey.

proac-

to students possible.”

got to

ing

initiating constant dialogue

every year.

we have been

them

into

America

hope students embrace the site as a resource for exposing themselves to employers across the

site for

der through,

you run

profit organization

search.”

outside

how much

involved until

an effective tool for job searching with minimal work,” said

they receive job offers from and the employer doesn’t waste their time

students

realize

didn’t

“I

money was

services

selling

how

region.”

Jennipher Lucas, a first-year gen-

dents.”

coming poverty and individual

work. Storey said with this feature “the student is in control of where

with

direction.

jobs that pay for rent and other

site’s

cally. It's

state

services can point you in the right

Everything Else link

ofNorthernGates. ca

many

are

tal

“No

and founder

There

struggling.

to their community but find with demanding college schedules and

sites.

Gory' Storey,

fill.

president

watch what she spends.

accommodate visitors,” he “So this (the layout) by no means is set in stone.”

links to other related

visitors.”

difficult

to recover, especially for stu-

company has been

with NorthemGates.ca for comfor suggestions and ments

The

are willing to alter

ria they have for the position they

Storey,

encouraging the above-mentioned services to remain in close contact

to better

Storey said.

are interested in based on the crite-

Gary

“The longer you leave budgeting

offers

small access fee, the site allows them to choose the students they

founder of NorthemGates.ca, said the purpose of this site is to help students find work, whether it is a

has

resources around and counselling

ance.

agreed with Callaghan.

money

your

and money issues the more

and efficient. For employers, after paying a

are looking to

acknowledge

you

issues.

said.'

NorthemGates.ca has been up and running for just over a month.

dents

which

really

budget helps.

basic financial and budgeting guid-

turn.

“At

trap

she

borrow as little as possible so the payments are easier to make. Keith Martin, a Conestoga counple should

what

looking for- students? If so, NorthemGates.ca, a new central

Canada,

finds a monthly

important.

said.

along with standard employment

employment?

She

connects students, employers

Bv TIFFANY MCCORMICK Students,

(Photo by Jessica Blumenthal)

students with building credit history',

is essential.

who have a line of creddown as quickly as

For those

they will need a good credit histo-

“Great credit history

collects

interest, if possible.

each month, ensuring the basics will be

Callaghan said by checking what

separate savings account.

off

ance.

But after graduation bills won’t be so scary if students save, budget and use credit cards responsibly. Tim Callaghan, manager of

it's

— Page 3

responsible because credit

aren’t

students.

living

2007

house or applying for

ting a car or

higher limit credit cards

Going

22,

post information or look lor

possible

employees

www.NorthernGates.ca.

visit

that

dedicated to inspir-

ing and facilitating acts of kindness

in.

Organ said busy students

the easiest

way

for

to get involved is to

www.charityguide.org. “(The website) is a good resource

visit

Conestoga students look-

for busy

ing

fit

volunteer activities

between classes, work and study time because the service projects featured on the site are flexible,” said Organ. “They can be accomplished from anywhere at any

who grew up in Toronto now based in Chicago, said

Organ, is

Some

tips to

leaders.

when

build-

your resume with voluntary work are listed on charityguide.org

titles

listing the duties

you

such as work experience or

business experience.

One is the Out of the Cold program, a seasonal emergencyshelter that runs from November to March. It is for adults 1 8 years and over and

held

at different

churches

K-W

area through the week. Out of the Cold offers breakfast and supper. For more information the

time.”

and

community and business

this

teer. as

tact

program and how

volun-

well as other shelters, con-

519-579-3800.

Page 4

Commentary

— SPOKE, January 22, 2007

Bullies target

teachers too For years, violence

in the

Canadian school system has been

increasing at an alarming rate.

While attention is being focused on kids bullying kids, high school and college teachers, too, have been the victims of bullying and assault. According to the Canadian Teacher's Federation (CTF).

2005, 35 per cent of teachers witnessed another

teacher being assaulted, both physically and emotionally. Thus, today, teachers are

at risk

than ever of being the target of

student assaults.

The

CTF

also

showed

time for teachers has increased about

lost

10 years due to student assaults. Those once inspired to teach are now afraid and have become targets instead of

222 per cent teachers. ers

in the last

The Ontario Teacher’s Federation

who make

said one-third of teach-

a claim about bullying are ignored and their issue

goes unresolved. These claims should not go unanswered, and there should be consequences for bullying.

Over

the years, rules have been put in place to protect children,

now these same rules may be victimizing teachers. Information about students with violent behaviours in the past should be conveyed to their teachers as a warning, however, with however,

our society's privacy

acts, especially

ers are not allowed to

know

involving juveniles, teach-

the circumstances of the child’s

Kids at school aren't the only targets of bullies

problem. This information would help teachers anticipate threats and provide a safer classroom for everyone. Schools should refuse to let a student into teachers’ classrooms

and know w hat kind of student they are dealing with. However, the school system is in a state of denial and has an unwillingness to acknowledge how dangerous the teaching profession truly is. In most cases the teachers get the issues turned back on them when parents and school until they are

made aware of the

Bob Barker can never be replaced

situation

administration say they cannot deal with the situation.

Being a laid-back college student,

short-lived nighttime version of The

Price

with a perfect opportunity to

With

between the cushions of

La-Z-Boy

Nicholas

buttocks well estab-

recliner,

was able

pursue another passion of mine;

schools where teachers can feel safe to express their concerns. In today’s society, teachers are asked to not only

gazing mindlessly into the old boob

in the

teach, but to motivate, take care of social issues, be guidance

counsellors and raise money, which has

More needs

left

them spread

tube.

sion

be done to alleviate the stress teachers are I

under, and the vulnerable situations they often find themselves in.

Young students need

be educated about bullying, and both

students and teachers need to

know

love affair with daytime televi-

thin.

the limits and consequences

was quickly

rekindled.

But as

humbly

listened to that

and usually the teachers are cut out of the

Unfortunately, principals are caught between the rights of the children and the protection of the teachers. However, principals

need to take part in the classroom and be more understanding and supportive of teachers since they set the tone, expectations, consequences and learning opportunities at the school. This problem has reached a boiling point across the country, and no matter how well prepared a school is, teachers will never have absolute protection. Teachers need to collectively stand up and have their concerns heard, so the issue can be addressed, while students need to realize that teachers can be their greatest

Letters are

allies.

hit

punch below' the belt. This may be one of the I

ever witness

ment

Bob

like a

last

times

to help control the pet popula-

tion. is

painfully

approaching, as millions of Price

Bob

isn't a

man who

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

editor. Letters

Right myself,

retire

bother degrading the great-

new

in the

host

in history

who

will

Barker shadow.

think of The Price is two things come to mind. I

pains

to say this, but,

when

Right

show

The

as an entity

suit.

Without Bob Barker. The Price Right wouldn’t

Time

Doug Davidson? Give me

should follow

shudder to

ment.

exist.

enough for anyit. and although Barker's time on the show is com-

stays long

one willing

break.

time-TV icon. Throughout his

opera actor on The Young and the

Sure he's a popular daytime soap

to use

ing to an end, his legacy will live forever.

published and produced weekly by the journalism students of Conestoga College Kreller

Photo Editors: Jessica Blumenthal, Nick Casselli, Jon Molson, Eric Murphy and Tara Ricker Faculty Supervisor and Adviser: Christina Jonas

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

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

Letters should

for publication.

Dr.,

Meghan

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

for verification.

N2G 4M4

would

Barker says “goodbye everybody" Price

and waving their final goodbyes to that charming, silver-haired day-

letters will

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

for the final time this June.

away from blowing

letters to the

contacted

me.

American game show

Right,

brutally beat-up

Editor:

No unsigned

Right, along with Bob.

Barker himself.

who

person alive

think of Barker’s possibly replace-

illustrious

Bob’s beauties, and, of course. Bob

Happy Gilmore. As a religious watcher of the Price

Why est

When

is this;

could contest the showmanship of the

Price

eternally

Barker’s shoes will forever

There

were up

with a cheesy

Right loyalists are only five months their last kisses

no wonder his show only months before it hit

Spoke

welcome

Spoke welcomes

17 daytime

remain vacant.

Barker’s advise-

Yes, the end of an era

the shoes of

Well, the fact of the matter

“come on

down," a sad thought

to be arbitrary

fill

awards over the 35-year existence of The Price is Right?

Right.

seem

process entirely.

man who won

Emmy

who

ask myself,

The

noses with pancakes.

rock bottom.

60-minute Price

familiar phrase of,

their

CBS daytime television network are simply immeasurable. And now, with Barker's impendI

January 1995.

when

of sap,

full

aired for six

the

or concern for consequences because the penalties in schools

Opinion

what could possible

Our

on, this joke of a

five-decade career. Barker’s contri-

Lives, and, of course, the fabulous is

It's

ing departure,

found myself tuning into old-

time classics such as Days of

of bullying. Also, students of today have no fear of punishment

1994

show was was all said and done, viewers were blowing

Casselli

butions to

In the absence of dull lectures,

Come

administrators and parents, and a

be created

Right, which aired from

Sept. 12,

relax.

lished

The communication process has broken down between teachers, more open atmosphere needs to

Restless, but, let's not forget his

the recent holiday break provided

The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do Spoke shall not be liable for any damages arising out of errors

not necessarily reflect the views of Conestoga College. in

advertising

beyond the amount paid

are subject to acceptance or rejection and should be clearly written or typed; a Letters must not contain any libellous statements.

to the editor

for the

MS Word file

space. Letters

would be

helpful.

Opinion

SPOKE, January

Conestoga

Rain, shine or icy blizzard, What

pended programs

of higher learning as

four

Bones

class

Woolwich

Centre. They, every school board, college.

Community Health

the

horror of hor-

ONE WHOLE DAY! snow closures

the last

401

icy roads.)

We should have known that you would soldier on; charging head-

we were foolish to expect any deference to be given to forces as trivial as Mother Nature and Old Man Winter. We always knew you were a pioneer, staking a claim on

long

years,

Opinion Better

for,

the

But you're different, aren't you Conestoga? With something like

Aldworth

tions

rors,

Ross

Conestoga College, you suck, know you've been voted No. college in Ontario for the last 800 years. Kudos to you. But when it comes to common sense and judgment of Canadian weather, you rank below such esteemed instituness: I

edge of civilization, across from a cornfield (which makes getting to your hallowed halls all the more challenging on the very

university and sane person in the area, did the sensible thing and sus-

say now, though it pains me to do so. I say with the utmost sincerity, conviction, and maybe a little bit of early morning crankiI

fray

the

into

school's

nerves

when

failed

lesser

them.

course you would throw caution to the wind and expect your students, faculty and support staff to do the

22,

2007

— Page 5

open

same.

So take heart, citizens of Conestoga! As your car skids into the ditch, as your bus careens into the telephone pole, as your ass crashes to the ground, take comfort in the fact that, though you might not have

made

it,

the

Condor

spirit lives on.

students have arrived safely, half an hour late, to find that their prof cancelled class.

your

and

fellow

Another year come and gone, another candle on the cake On Wednesday I turn 27 years young. That's not old, right? I’ll .assume your silence means you agree with me, 27 isn't old at all.

Yikes. Where has the time gone? It feels like just yesterday I was sitting in front of my locker at

High

Dunbarton

School

weekly newspaper

was

write about, or

what

tell

social

And

least

that’s

myself when I’m getting

personality,

ever sore the next day. In order to be a writer, you have to put yourself out there. If nothing ever happened, you’d have nothing

show up. One by one they'd arrive, each bringing a unique personality to our tight-knit group. Gary was the tall, athletic one; Chris was the

Amanda, who

worked

into mischief.

butterfly;

and a great story for friends, but

Pickering, at halt-past seven in the morning, waiting for my friends to

geeky, artistic one; Gayle was the

“I didn't want your lunch to end up on the floor.'' I said. Mostly when look back on my 27 years. I remember laughter, with do long for the very few tears. ones I've lost along the way, but I give thanks to the ones who have made it this far. Oddly enough, the

interesting article for the alternative

think

get the roots of

who I am deep down, from high school and from the made along the way. With each day compounded on top of the one before it, comes the knowledge can keep moving forfriends I've

hate to say I’ve lost track of

Unfortunately, she was late that day, so I'd been stuck inside her tiny little locker for over a half an

was

hour. That

hour of I

the longest

half-

life.

remember holding

Amanda

pizza for

to purchase

a slice of while she went

something else from

the cafeteria. Unfortunately,

ward.

some of those people, but most of them are still around. 1 remember for Crissy’s birthday

holding my own slice in my other hand, so when her piece started to slide off the paper plate, all I could

might ask. To this day I’m not really sure. I’ve never been the type to try to fit in. My favourite saying is the only

her friends helped me with a prank. They opened her locker and I left

think to

her a surprise. As she opened her locker, she didn’t seem very surprised to see

smear on

way

know

fit

in is to

stand out.

of myself as someone who lives vicariously through books and writes vicariously through living. Ca.se in point: over the summer I teamed to pole dance. It made an But,

like to think

Who

me. “Hi Bran,” she said. “Surprise,” I responded as best I could from inside the cramped space.

“Bran, what the

Bulls

w'as

push

leaving

against

triangular

red

my nice white Chicago “Why did you do that?”

shirt.

Amanda

didn’t

except as warrior in every sport he put his

mind

to.

He ended up

at a different high school than the rest of us and that’s when I lost track of him. until I was about 23 and Jason popped back

into

asked.

know Jason very well, a rival in sports. He was a

life.

in the paper,

smiling.

And because

of the death of a

The newspaper

said

Fine

JAN. 24

place

wears the pants?

THE BISTRO

Wildlife

ment, “he/she really wears the

Giant-Sized Posters

in that relationship.”

pants

When

looking back on these times found that more often than not, the

women

(or girls)

wore said

pants.

hours

couldn't help but ask myself what has shifted during my generation that has left so many men to play the

hormonally unbalanced, emotional role in relationships? I can't speak for everyone, because I’ni obligated to not make sweeping generalizations, but these are definitely unisex I mean, it's gotwhere even certain

out of men, or

technology

leave

trends

“who

the

asking myself,

boy and who

that relationship

...

the girl

literally?”

outward appearance of men seems to be blending in with

Even

the

their

estrogen-filled

counterparts.

What have we succumbed

to?

had found my answer when I stumbled across an interesting article in Newsweek magazine about an overall testosterone decrease in men of more than 20 per cent over the past two decades. wasn’t completely sold so I did a little research and, sure enough, I found dozens of studies showing similar results. However, despite the scary drop in manliness there is no concrete reason as to why. Maybe it's because feminism had such a strong hand in our society I

thought

that

scared the masculinity right

it's

women do

huge I

may

not want

women

case. just

selves and

have to get over ourlet

tual duties as

men do

their instinc-

men.

So, the next time you're watching

horror movie, pretend to be scared even if it’s the worst movie you've ever seen, or the next time you're out for dinner, don't get

angry when he

tries to pay.

We've

got to try to do our best to create a little more balance, or sooner or

of him fixing your flat be swapping tips on to hide a run in your tights.

later instead

how

last

day

Frames & Hangers

9-5 no!

you'll

a n^cessary

to live

vulnerable, but that often isn’t the

tire,

Music

fan.

under the wrath of their boyfriends, because God knows I would never be that girl, but I’d like a little division and a little more security. Women of today might act as though they're completely self-sufficient and never scared and never

every-

handsome man like we used to. Whatever the case, I can't say I'm a

because

thing for themselves. Now we don’t always need a tall, dark and

role-playing times. ten to the point

lets

maybe

come

Art

Fantasy

I’ve

Win

105

no purd

e n®

to the

conclusion there’s no point wasting time with petty disputes. Tell your distant friends and loved ones you're sorry and you forgive them, even if they haven't apologized, because life is short. There's no point wasting it. Anyone want to help me blow out all these candles?

date

.?”

9 years old and have been “dating” since I was about 14. Even before that 1 heard the state-

chest,

It seems odd to me no longer tearing up basketball or volleyball courts somewhere. It didn't seem possible then and it still doesn't, but there was his face

into the sand.

he's

young classmate.

sun.

was

was dating, was the fun one; and Crissy was the female version of Chris: artistic and geeky. Where does that leave me you

person I think about more often than old friends is a young man I barely knew in elementary school, Jason Senechal. Jason was an amazing athlete even in Grade 4. He participated in volleyball, basketball, cross-country running, everything under the

nine days away from his 23rd birthday, died while playing beach volleyball for Team Canada. The news shook me to the core even though Jason and I were strangers by this point. I found out online Jason died from a massive coronary. He was walking away from the net when he fell face first

Jason,

Film

•*

News

— SPOKE, January 22, 2007

Page 6

Nino to blame

warm weather

for

By HOLLY FEATHERSTONE

An tive

Nino

role

the current

playing a defini-

season’s above-

this

phenomenon.

Radecki said there is no conspicuous answer. “There could be a number of dif-

“We

average temperatures, according to

ferent reasons," she said.

The Weather Network's

the

have an answer yet.” In contrast. Anderson said the El Nino definitely plays a dominant

the

role this season.

forecast

centre.

Bob Anderson, director of warm spell is

centre, said the

Nino episode and not global warming. “The media jumped the gun

result of an El

“Global warming

into

According to its full name, an El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a warm temperature fluctuation

tropical

be a factor

El Nino.” he said. to

www.wikipedia.org, the frequency and severity of ENSO may be altered as a result of global warming and such a combination has the potential to break temperature

Pacific

Ocean surface waters. “Waters

may

but the big player this year

According

said Anderson.

bit,”

it,

in the equatorial Pacific

records.

warmer than normal, causing a mild El Nino effect," said

can expect to see a revival

Anderson.

cal winter conditions.

Anderson said central Canada

are

The

became

effects

worldwide

“We

apparent

September 2006 and

the jet stream's position over the Pacific.

This causes an accumula-

sition,

tion of

warm

ensue.

waters on the west

coast of North and South America. coasts results in increased precipi-

and storm activity. Anderson said an obstruction of

tation

the

west coast

terms of mild

weather. “In an (El Nino), you're adding

an obstacle to a flow of the jet

redirects

w'hich

air.

stream, pushing

weather to western Canada," said Anderson. "Central Canada will see some effects and milder

the east coast will see very (few)

(Photo by Holly Featherstone)

Victoria Park

Sandy Radecki,

a climatologist at

Environment Canada’s Ontario climate centre, said ENSO is a natu-

a picture of contrast, as a blanket of snow covers the ground, but the lake

w w. wiki pedia.org.

climate.

Radecki said an El Nino event affects temperatures worldwide.

“The cycle has been noted (to between five and seven

occur)

years," she said.

The

Nino episode transpired during 1997 and 1998. which spurred international attenlast

potency,

but

with regards to also

the

its

seemingly

rapid sequence of episodes preced-

ing

according

it,

google LRC

The

making

some

to search

The search engine

things easier for students to navi-

main source of navigation for many of us. Simply type in a few' keywords and like magic, we

gate and gather information. She

There are many ways Internet.

Google

are instantly directed to our area of

said that updates always need to

occur.

"Over time, the LRC’s website

interest.

has lost efficiency in terms of nav-

The learning resource centre wants to help you become a better googler and blogger. Their networking blog can be accessed from the Conestoga

and context,” said to put up online tutorials, to help students do research better and more effective-

homepage, under current students. Then, by selecting the LRC icon, the networking blog can be found on the left side of the page. From this,

hints

students can

Internet

ways more

find

helpful

efficiently

the

and

effectively.

"We always

think of Google as

only search engine," said Linda Schneider, manager for the learning resource centre. “The networking blog really shows how much we can learn about searchthe

igation, design

Schneider.

is planning a booking forum online, where faculty will be able to book equipment and other resources they need from the college. The LRC promises the new and improved website to be much more user friendly and

searching.

really

know about

not a

and

Australia,

western Pacific according to

though the harsh condipreamble to upcoming weather for the

abstract,

tions of the west are a

wikipedia.

the

Nino will change the (oceanic and atmospheric) circula-

The website of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s

region.

around the world,” she

National Oceanic and Atmospheric

"An

tion pattern

Typically, an El

Nino causes an

overall increase in global temper-

atures and, in addition,

charac-

terized by heightened storm activin

may be

Kitchener- Waterloo.

Administration

said.

ity

its occurrence nine years ago, though it is uncertain whether or not global warming

“Winter took a bit of a vacahe said, “but it’s on its way home.” Southern Ontario can expect near-normal temperatures, though precipitation levels will be above normal from Windsor through to

the

Americas and drought

this season’s El

(NOAA)

claims

Nino event

as suffi-

ciently w'eaker than

a significant influence in

tion,”

summer

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of your

life at

a prestigious

Spoke can be read online!

useful to both students and faculty-

"Those are just a few of the goals to achieve by making a

we hope few,

slight

changes.”

said

Schneider. eas-

ics.

how much we

Anderson said El Nino

well as online tutorials, the

guide to researching various top-

the site challenges us to find out

colder,” said

Anderson, “but this winter will be above average in temperatures for the season, with some areas below average for precipitation.”

LRC

working on

ever since. She said

much

will

ly-"

Schneider started the blog in the middle of October, and has been it

"teaser.”

"We hope

The networking blog boasts

ing.”

get

CLASSIFIED

changes to its website for the new year. Schneider wants to make

the

throughout the

rally-occurring cycle in the Earth’s

Have

By VANESSA BUTLER

isn’t

called

constant influence and tends to be

better guide to

still

frozen.

tion not only

effects.”

are seeing the return of nor-

will

‘'It

the

the jet stream will primarily affect

in typi-

mal winter weather," he said. Before temperatures turn colder, Anderson said a period of tran-

are attributed to an interruption of

The moisture gathered on

don’t

ier

navigation along with a how-to

Visit the college’s website to see

what the networking blog has offer.

For the latest college, entertainment and sports news, as well as games, puzzles, weather and reference links, visit

www.conestogac.on.ca/spoke

)

News

SPOKE, January

22,

— Page 7

2007

City to get

eco-friendly

sports centre By ROSS

ALDWORTH

the people of this community," said

Vrbanovic.

The City of Kitchener

begin construction on what

The facility is to be built on Hanson Avenue and will include a

set to

hopes

twin

be one of the most environ-

will

mentally-friendly plexes

in the

country.

walking

(Photo by Stephanie

CN Tower

itvine

LEED

view. For

more information

visit

www.cntower.ca or

environmental ly-

Garbage equals energy MOLSON

By JON

An honours

student

Wilfrid

Laurier University thinks an energy

from waste

Brampton is method of addressing

facility in

a successful

the issue of climate change.

Adam Dudeck,

fourth-year

geography and environmental studies

student, toured the alternative 2006 for a waste

fuels facility in

management class. “The facility helps combat climate change in two ways,” Dudeck

and the guides were very knowledgeable,” he said. “The facility was clean and well maintained.

The

staff

was

also very profes-

and the operation of the appeared to be very smooth.” He thinks overcoming certain

sional

facility

misconceptions about incineration important for the continued is growth of alternative fuels facilities.

people realize that these

"Once

facilities are clean, efficient

and are

environmentally or esthet-

“The first is that it reduces dependency on harmful energygeneration methods such as coal

no more

and the second is that it limits the amount of greenhouse gases that are released from the decomposi-

Dudeck said. achieved,” be “Thousands of people drive past the Peel Region facility every day without even realizing that it is an incinerator where garbage is burnt. If more people could see it and

said.

tion of organic materials in landfills.”

Energy from waste (EFW)

cre-

harmful than a regular landthen wider public support will

ically fill

different

ated through a process of burning

understand that

non-recyclable and non-hazardous

than a standard industrial building,

an incinerator in order to create steam. The steam is then used to power a turbine generator

the public

waste

which allows energy

be pro-

duced.

Algonquin Power Income Fund has owned Brampton

EFW

the

facility

may be

less

opposed

Dudeck

said this type of facility

would be highly effective Region of Waterloo.

the

“Overall, the type of facility that in the Peel Region has a

exists

established a “tip or pay” waste

and energy management,” he said. "In Waterloo Region, it will take a number of educated and forwardlooking politicians, interest groups

Mississauga, Brampton town of Caledon.

and the

The agreement is the basis for Algonquin Power’s partnership with the Region of Peel and provides the company with a stable

and sustainable income base receive

they

that

incinerating

for

The

facility,

which

comprised

of three main aspects including a tipping floor, two-stage incinera-

and an

tors

air pollution

control

system, processes a daily amount of around 500 tonnes of municipal solid waste. This

enough

to gen-

energy for about 6,000 homes. All energy produced at the

erate

Brampton provincial

Dudeck the

facility

sold to the

utility.

said he

was impressed by

EFW facility.

"The

and the public to overcome the stigmas and insure that this region avoids getting into a situation similar

one

to the

that

Toronto finds

today (where they have to export their trash to outside locaitself in

tions, including the U.S.).”

Kelly Castledine, the manager

regional waste.

entire facility

was toured

impact and buildings are rated on a LEED from ranging scale and Gold Silver, Certified,

been successful for them and for

Platinum based on

us as well.”

fit

She said Algonquin Power does not import waste from other

of the facility’s planned eco-friendly features include a

“We don’t have the room to take other region’s waste at this said.

time.”

Castledine

confident about the

future of alternative fuels.

appears

“It

garbage to use she said. “That

will

always have

in the incinerator,”

“The complex

will

promote

fit-

ness and activity for everyone from It will be a our community,” added Ward 4 councillor Kelly

how

well they

great

asset

Galloway.

Cost estimates for the

walking track and boxing

the criteria.

Some

green roof (a roof with grass and small plants planted on it), a heat recovery system that will reuse the heat from the ice refrigeration system to provide heat in the stands,

energy efficient lighting, and a rainwater collection system that will reuse water collected from the roof for ice resurfacing. These unique features are expected to save the city an estimated $1 25,000

facility

stand at $15.8 million for the twin arenas plus $3.3 million for the facility

for a total of $19.1 million.

A survey of senior’s walking groups and other residents to gauge interest in the walking track will be conducted in the spring to help decide whether or not the track would be worth building. If so, the bulk of the extra $3.3 million is to be raised through fundraising over five years.

Once will

the

constructed,

home

the

facility-

Kitchener

annually in operating costs.

Minor Hockey Association and Boxing Regional Waterloo

According to environmental advisory committee chair Berry

rental rates that are the

Vrbanovic, the LEED designation is not a matter of landmark pres-

one of the things that just doesn’t seem to go away as different communities are trying to reduce the amount of waste that is

Association

and

“This

about doing the right

have

same

ice

as the

current minor sports rate at

The

Aud.

The complex

tige.

will

completed

in the

expected to be 2008.

summer of

thing for the environment and for

can’t be recycled.”

great deal of potential in both waste

supply agreement with the Region of Peel which includes the cities of

such

then also through the energy from waste facility, so 1 think it has

“We only work with the Region of Peel and the reason why is that we take about 60 to 70 per cent of their roadside garbage and that is enough waste to operate our facility at near capacity,” Castledine

communi-

them.”

2002 and has

since

criteria include things

as water efficiency and ecological

regions.

5 councillor and

toddlers to seniors.

friendly buildings.

The

community

walkers.

that sets a standard for the con-

struction

track.

in ice sports,

1998

and

the

Hockey-

summer indoor sports and boxing, as well as recreational

based on a

Green Building Council

416-868-6937.

call

designation

Minor

committee chair Geoff Lorentz said the athletic complex will serve the needs of participants

of criteria created by the U.S.

list

facility,

for

ty services

Canada.

Winter weather hasn’t hindered the popularity of Canada’s national tower. Tourists and Torontonians alike flock to the world’s tallest building in droves each year to take in the spectacular

Ward

and Energy in Leadership Environmental Design (LEED) gold-designated sports venue in

a big draw

storage

Association,

City officials are optimistic that be the first will facility

boxing

arena,

offices

the

still

pad

and Kitchener

com-

athletic

COUNSELLOR’S CORNER: You

can’t stop crying.

You

Grief

feel angry.

You

feel

numb. These feelings are

normal reactions to loss in our lives - a reaction we call grief. Grief does not only have to be a result of losing a loved one to death. We grieve any kind of loss: the breakup of a relationship, the loss of good health or even the loss of a dream to reach a certain goal. Although these feelings are all

sometimes helps to talk them over with a counsellor as part of the healing process. Writing your thoughts in a journal, reading books about grief, and talking to friends can also help. Most of all, give yourself permission to grieve. Feelings left bottled up will only come out later, natural,

delaying the healing process.

of investor relations and communications there

are

the a

Brampton is the company.

EFW

“Part of the reason

Algonquin

proximity to

facility, said

few reasons why a good location for it

works

for

because it’s in close our customer, which

the Region of Peel," she said. "The support we get from the region is great. They have a good strategy for their waste management with diversion from landfill through recycling programs and

you have a friend who

grieving, don’t worry about saying the

wrong

good listener or remind them how much a hug or some time together. If you are grieving a loss

thing to them. Just be there, be a

you care with a card, and would like to talk with a counsellor or find out about resources community, come to Student Services.

A Message from Counselling Services Visit

our website htto://www,conestoeac.onxa/isp/stserv/index.jsp

in the

Page 8

Feature

— SPOKE, January 22, 2007

NTH

I MEGHAN KRELLER

Upon

flow-

arrival,

ers rested on the bed,

Dominican

the dressers

and

in the

about an hour east of the

bathrooms.

nice

the north coast of the

Republic,

Puerto Plata airport, sits a resort nested upon nearly five kilometres of private

100 two-storey condos are connected by paths, bordered by gardens of tropical flowers and countless palm trees. Gran Bahia Principe San Juan, rated between four and 4.5 stars, depending on the source, welcomes couples, families and groups into its tropical village and

beach.

than

surely didn't disappoint this vacationer.

after a

began on Dec. 9 and,

stay

week of

great weather, first-class

treatment and great food,

would

definite-

ly return.

second- floor suite was

welcoming,

with

cathedral ceiling and brightly coloured

walls partially

covered

touch

until

home

were

they

realized

thousands of bugs. However, ing

them

tiny toss-

in the trash

and writing a nice note (Photos by Meghan Kreller) to the maid reading “no flowers please" The beach, although among the lowest rated of all the resort’s amenities, was quickly took care of nothing to frown upon, that problem. Throughout the week, the room was kept very clean; ter at the buffet bars and a la carte meals, as they were the tile floor mopped daily, towels changed upon made with more time and care. request and surprises left by the maid, such as towels The food was definitely my main concern when trav-

shaped

into swans.

elling south for the first time.

Members of the staff were friendly, and when some incentive, even though gratuities are said

given to

most all-inclusive packages, they got even The men danced, the women sang and everyone from maids to security guards to bartenders and servers all greeted guests with the same enthusi-

covered

friendlier.

astic

“Ola!”

Although you won't find a white sanded beach with picture-perfect, blue-green water at the Bahia Principe

San Juan, the beach, among amenities

the lowest rated of all

nothing to be frowned upon.

reclining beach chairs allow for

some

its

Rows of

more than ample

seat-

and others under both real and artificial palm trees. The ocean bottom is a mixture of sand, small rocks and seaweed. and isn’t always the most pleasant on the feel but the water is cold and clean, making it a refreshing change from the hot sun. visited On almost every website before my trip, the pools were ing choices,

in the direct sunlight

The

entertainers

highlighted as being

Gran Bahia Principe San Juan awed the crowd every night with

at the

main

massive pool

sits just

the

One

outside the main

reception and main buffet area,

drag shows, dancing, comedy sketches and

com-

plete with a pool bar. a water sports area

and a kiddie pool.

so much more.

among

attractions of the resort.

Beautiful? Sure.

The few times

Crowded?

visited the

Definitely.

main pool

was near

impossible to grab a chair without having

at least

two rows of people separating me from the water. The pool bar had about eight seats, at least seven occupied at all times and, as you can imagine, relaxing quietly wasn’t exactly an option.

About

walk east along the top of the beach sits a smaller pool, but not small by any account. A bar looks over the less crowded pool and, although you have to get out of the water to order your drinks, you can get right back in and sip away. Personally, preferred the beach as a quieter, more private source of water and sun. However, the pools seemed popular amongst a large number of vacaa three-minute

with paintings of beaches and palm trees. It wasn't huge, with a kingsized bed taking up most of the floor space,

fine, as

ning on

which suited wasn't plan-

spending much

time under a roof. The pri-

balcony overlooked the beach and sheltered

vate,

was

large

enough for two upon comto relax; ample

tioners.

Beer options are limited at the Dominican resort. Both the on-tap beer, El Presidente. and the bottled, Quisquilla, are local brews and were not my drink of choice but seemed to get drank with little complaints. A variety of mixed drinks were available, with more alcohol than mix at times and. although bartenders weren’t always consistent with the ingredients, they were drinkable. The mixed drinks generally tasted bet-

of foods offered.

variety

desserts.

were offered

nitely

upon discovering

surprised, however,

Fresh

was pleasantly the quality

and

breads and

fruit,

every meal, and were defi-

personal favourite. Breakfast consisted of

options such as eggs, from scrambled to fried and even

poached, freshly made omelets, bacon, sausage, dry cereals, pancakes, French toast, even something they labeled as “Canadian toast,” although had no idea what it was. Lunch and supper were similar; there I

were both hot and cold salads of all sorts, at least five types of meat, most of which could be cooked right in front of you, cooked veggies in all sorts of cream and cheese sauces and probably the best mashed potatoes you will ever taste.

The resort offered an Italian, a Mediterranean, a Mexican and a seafood a la carte restaurant, all of which were separate and unique. I

every a

left

la carte satisfied

with the quality of the

food and the overall experience but never

was usually my next stop. To satisfy fast-food cravings, a

the buf-

full;

fet

grill is

located along

the beach, offering hot dogs, pizza, fries and other

similar treats.

The

hot dogs were

mushy and

tasted

any kind of meat and the pizza sauce tasted like cheap ketchup but, hey, they tried. The fries, on the other hand, were something you like tofu than

would

find at any

Canadian restaurant and provided a

nice break from the richness of the buffets.

The entertainment was,

men

too fancy, clad, a

few bad jokes

dancing.

The dances, by

Nothing

well, entertaining.

dressed as women,'

women

broken English and

far

scantily lots

favourite part, were

always a hit and the comedy, perhaps because the audience was taking advantage of their all-you-can-drink bracelets, always seemed to get a good laugh. A larger

Dominican lady

mama" made crowd

the staff so kindly referred to as “big

was definitely a The audience was involved as kids were selected from the crowd and brought a nightly appearance and

favourite.

and adults up on stage to take part in the evening’s activities. An hour of “kid-friendly” entertainment was followed by about two hours of more suggestive shows, which the kids were welcome to watch but didn't always understand. At about p.m. the entertainment I

moved street.

the

taken from the main reception hall to the main

The

street,

continued

festivities

well

its

until

about 3 a.m. on

surrounding casino,

dis-

cotheque and karaoke bar. Like any resort in any destination, prices vary depending on the travel agent, the package and the

to stretch out

time of year.

fortably

prising

on the dresser got a surnumber of North

My vacation totalled $1,660 for me and a guest, plus about $200 each for spending money. booked through itravel2000.com and received a weekly special that offered the allinclusive Club Diamond Package. Available only through Sunquest

American channels. Each room came

not disappoint.

closet and dresser space

was

provided for the week's luggage and the

small television that sat

Vacations, the package certainly did

equipped with a hairdryer. comparable to most hotel dryers, an in-room safe activated for about $25 US and a coffee maker that produced a less-than-drinkable liquid.

brown

included a private,

much

less crowded and beach area, a separate reception, higher rated rooms and

quiet buffet, a

pool

four a la carte options, rather than three.

Had

cost more,

have been worth

More than 900 rooms, in brightly-coloured, eight-room condos, are connected by paths and tropical gardens.

would

however, it was. the time, surprisingly cheaper than

the

communal

it:

option.

SPOKE, January

£>9V A*-

22,

2007

— Page 9

STUDENTS INC

HEART & STROKE O*

JANUARY STUDENTS HEALTH PLAN OPT OUT January students can Simply

visit

OPT OUT of their health

plan as of January 1st on the CSI website

our website at www.conestogastudents.com and dick the

OPT OUT

link

and complete the simple

The deadline to opt out is January 26, 2007.

steps.

No exceptions or extensions will be given

Page 10

News

— SPOKE, January 22, 2007

Acupuncturists an alternative to painkillers By

AARON SCHWAB

Danieli practise

became involved in the after being prompted to

people become queasy or from the mere thought of get-

seek out acupuncture treatment by

ting a needle at the doctor’s office.

headaches resulting from a motor She said most vehicle accident. people seek out acupuncture treat-

Many faint

So how do some people

feel

they receive over a dozen to their acupuncturist?

when a trip

ment

Though often considered a new

physiotherapist

her

treat

to deal with pain.

“It’s

known

work quite well relief of pain on a number of to

medicine in North America, acupuncture has been

for the

practised throughout Eastern cul-

who

more than 5,000 years. It based around the seemingly simple concept of inserting very fine

and of Acupuncture College "The Therapeutics in Kitchener. other reason people search out acupuncture is when they've found

alternative

tures for is

needles into the body

different

meridian

nervous centres called

different situations,” Danieli

practises acupuncture

that nothing else has

can’t

things I've treated,

nausea.

on and on.”

“If there’s a block in a meridian pathway, it’s going to cause either

pain or disease, and

those blockages

release

the pathways,

allows the body to heal itself,” said Louise Danieli, who has been practising

acupuncture for seven years.

“That’s really what we’re aiming for; specific points to

do specific

the

worked.”

issues to stress issues.

just

goes

ture

alleviate

people of negative

symptomatic

just

The number of needles used can

you've helped the symptomatic relief, you want to take a look at how the whole body is working in hopes of preventing the pain from coming back, and identifying weaknesses in the system. “Like anything, if someone keeps going back to the same lifestyle, they’re going to need continuous treatment, whether it’s migraines or neck and shoulder problems from hanging over a computer all day. They're going to keep coming back for treatment, but if people change their lifestyle, they can change the

depending on the patient and the ailment being

because

hips aren’t aligned, so

treated, Danieli said.

leg

could be anywhere from just a couple needles when treating someone with a migraine to quite

limetre longer than

Like most medical procedures, acupuncture is not without its

treatments to treat his shins, but

treatment.”

drawbacks and side

they failed.

as patients

far

minding

procedure, Danieli said that

the

real-

“Some she

hands and the feet; where there's not a lot of fat, it's usually a little bit

place.

"When we

ture, it’s not just a in

with acupunc-

deal

matter of putting

alleviate

the

pain;

said.

a few'

you're treating someone

with quite a few different ments. “I’d say on average, about needles, but

sometimes as

it’s

just two.”

around the

“Usually

effects, accord-

tender.”

“Some people

find that

that comfortable, but

once the needles are

it’s

not

most people,

in,

don't feel

left

"We

said.

ment; the

splints

a fraction of a mil-

right,”

did tw-o kinds of treat-

first

one was acupuncture

with just the regular needles, and

hooked the

for the second one, he

“So

was

that

acupuncture

plus being electrocuted just like sticking

McLean

“We

someone’s very

tired

“So there are side

effects

person should be aware

like that a

had really bad shin

“1

...

felt

your tongue on a

battery."

ing to Danieli.

"If

pist.

needles up to an electric shock.

could get up there

quite a bit, but

low as

ail-

said.

others,”

not without steps taken to prevent

first

"It

more tender than

the kind of activity or stress that the

greatly,

places (on the body) are a

little bit

vary

weak, they could actually faint from acupuncture, just because of how it changes the body.” she

depends on the person and where

needles are inserted.

health conditions permanently, but

caused the ailment

acupuncturist by his physiothera-

anymore.”

she said. “But usually after

relief,”

Danieli said she's seen acupunc-

needles

actions."

tell

you the number of from digestive

pathways to facilitate pain relief and remove the cause of ailments such as headaches, back pains and

said,

sometimes

Adam

McLean.

Kitchener,

received

treatment once a

21,

weeks

in.”

McLean

said acupuncture,

worked very well

ever.

how-

to treat his

condition.

used to play volleyball all the was a lot of hard

time, and there

He an

how, but

for a peri-

od of two and a half years. said he was referred to

he said.

tried ultrasound,"

impacts on my knees and shins, and acupuncture relieved a lot of the pain,” he said. "I don’t know

acupuncture

week

other

tried

“That didn’t do anything though, so we stopped that about two

“I

of.”

said

did.”

Residents voice opinions on electoral reform By STEPHANIE IRVINE

Gareth White of Cambridge, ran for the Green Party in the 2004 federal election, said he didn’t think citizens were being given enough time to make an informed choice. "What's the rush?" he said. “The changes can’t be employed until 2011 ... It feels like they're ramming electoral reform down

who

Local

and

(Lib.)

Andrew Telegdi MPP’s Elizabeth

Witmer (PC). Ted Arnott (PC) and Liz Sandals (Lib.) were just a few of the more than 70 people who attended a public consultation meeting held by the Ontario

Assembly on Electoral

Citizen’s

Reform “I

Waterloo on Jan.

10.

crowd we

thrilled at the

Thanks

temperatures and steady flurries, Chicopee Ski Club season, this time on Jan. 13.

to the lower

the third time this

Kitchener re-opened

CLASSIFIED Position: Marketing Intern

Part-time volunteer position: 10-15 hours/week

for

RBC Dominion

Securities Inc.

must strive for simplicity when making their recommendations. “Use the KISS system - keep it simple, stupid.” said Jamie Krup of Waterloo Region. “You have to

said

taking hold across the province.” The assembly was established

October 2006 by a regulation under Ontario’s Election Act through a random selection process. There are 04 people on the assembly - 103 citizens (one from each of the province’s electoral districts), and one chair appointed by the government. Burke said the mandate of the assembly includes looking at 1

how

votes are collect-

at election time, the

number of

change it. recommended, the

electoral system or to If

a change

government

will

hold a referen-

before or as part of the next

Gates

30 Duke Street West Suite 1001 Kitchener, Ontario

N2H 3W5

important

opportunity for people to voice their

how Jeff

public

meetings at the end of January, the assembly must make a recommendation to the government of Ontario either to keep the current

"I think this is a really

Gates, jeff.gates@rbc.com

for people to stay positive about

the process.

underestimate

“Don’t

concerns and opinions about their

representatives

are

elected,” said Witmer.

assembly is the widespread support, some at the meeting said the process seems rushed.

Although

receiving

the

potential for positive change," he

Centre, agreed.

the

finish

provincial election.

letter to Jeff

“You can't sell what you don’t understand.” Tony McQuail. a farmer from Huron County, said it’s important said Davis.

and the type of ballot used.

dum

Send resume and cover

“At the end of the day, you have it (your recommendation),”

Soeda,

they

Eric

resident.

to sell

said.

After

Applicants:

Another local

Davis, agreed with Krup.

geographic size of electoral districts, size of the legislature

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connect the dots for people.”

representatives per electoral district,

Starts: February 2006

it.”

Burke, senior adviser and counsel “I to the chair of the assembly. think this is very indicative of the interest that this subject matter is

evening,”

things like

Institution:

of Ontarians before

throats

they’re ready for

Others suggested the assembly

this

Chicopee open again

the

Kelly

have

(Photo by Leanne Mountford)

member

Assembly

want everyone

“I

Marcia Kitchener

representing to

know

that

care about what they have to

say and

are listening to them,"

"I’ve read

she said.

all

the sub-

missions online, except maybe the last

them

10 -

haven’t gotten to

yet.”

Ron VanKoughnett, who

repre-

sents Kitchener- Waterloo on the

assembly, said what struck him the most from the meeting was the passion of all of the people

who

attended.

wish we could bottle it up into a weapon of mass participation,” he said. For more information on the assembly or to get involved, visit www.citizensassembly.gov.on.ca. "I

News

SPOKE, January

22,

2007

— Page 11

Stay safe this spring break By BECKY SHARPE

was forced to return where she became

Spring break is only a few weeks away and some students have

planned

already

sizzling

their

beach getaway. There's always

after the trip

thought about preparing

they eat.

worst?

Bonnie Biermans,

first-year

police foundations student, said she

went to Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, for one week back in August 2006. “1 had a great time while was there,” said Biermans. “The resort I

offered us a buffet breakfast, lunch

and dinner everyday.”

What nearly was her

trip

ruined Biermans’ breakfast

mend

"Check everything, meats, fruits and even dairy,” she said. "If you've never been somewhere you have to remember your body is not

how

used to

other countries prepare

Be sure you're

food.

"The

was good but getting

trip

Rajic.

“We were

was half done eating it 1 noticed there was a bit of egg shell and my omelette was not fully cooked." Biermans said later that day she

You

lop shape

Sasa Rajic, a first-year computer programming/analyst student, said he went to Croatia for three months.

had a fresh "That morning omelette cooked right in front of me, it looked great,” she said.

know when

before you travel."

was

watch what

tough part,” said delayed at the air-

the

port for five hours,

which made our

wait time to board the plane

total

Rajic said

what Adam DePrisco. of Woodbridge, Ont., was thinking when he booked his Acapulco vacation. that’s

The death of 19-year-old DePrisco comes less than a year after a Canadian couple, also from Woodbridge, were murdered in their hotel near Cancun. These deaths have created a lot of talk

about the safety of travelling to

Mexico.

Anderson

all

world, but

it’s

reason to stop

last call

can drink

much in

the

you club.

2:30 a.m.. you least 6 a.m. Taxis

until at

the street to ask

down

they can drive

you somewhere. And you can hail a bus on any main street. They run every 15 minutes, all day and all night. This makes it very easy to get very intoxicated, which makes it even easier for bad things to hap.

went with stayed

opposed

best friend and

a hotel in the city, as

on the beach. day we got lost and ended up wandering around the city for an hour and a half, doing our best to avoid back roads.

not a living.”

our

to a resort

first

The culture there is so different, making it hard to know what to

According to a CTV.com article from Jan. 13. 2007, 28 Canadians

expect from people. For the most

have been killed in Mexico since

part,

About half of those deaths

1994.

have occurred in

the

past five

the locals that

although they are not specifically

things.

tims of

Canadians have been

random shootings

notorious

for

drug

vic-

in areas

trafficking.

Other crimes include armed robbery, purse snatchings and pickpocketing.

Mexico nation those

went to I

for

who to

trip,

beaches that don't compare to Sauble or Grand Bend. I remember the atmosphere of a city that didn’t feel

anything Canada could

offer.

Everything

experienced there that 1 wouldn’t

Canadians, especially

trade

Cancun

to party. in

May,

When

went out

there.

Somewhere between $20 - $40 buys you a wristband, which enti-

And

Suzanne

a vacation expert at

for anything.

the controversy surrounding

Canadian deaths in Mexico wouldn’t stop me from going back. People are killed everyday all over the world, but

stop living.

it’s

(Photo by Becky Sharpe)

When

break remember to bring anything and everything that you could need. Be prepared for the worst so nothing can ruin your trip. travelling this spring

not a reason to

best vacation

day on previous vacations, lastminute booking is not for you. “It’s refreshing when people book ahead, even though it doesn’t happen ail that often.” Booking ahead allows clients to explore more options and put more thought into their trip, she said.

The most popular

money

prices can

long run because sometimes increase at

the

the last minute.

McLaughlin

over the next couple of months.

many Canadians

for

Booking ahead can also save you

McLaughlin said the travel agency has been booking about 20 trips a day and that it is sure to increase destinations for

said

medical and

cancellation insurance are impor-

tant

things

booking a

consider

when

trip.

“A lot of clients are unaware of medical and cancellation insurance but it is something that 1

recommend to anyone who booking a trip,” she said. “You never know what can happen when you’re away from home.” If you are planning a trip this winter be sure to book within an appropriate time frame that best suits your needs. “Holidays are good, they keep us living,” McLaughlin said. highly is

to travel to during

winter months

are Mexico, Dominican Republic and Cuba.

the

“These are great places to visit and arm and a leg.”

they don’t cost an

McLaughlin said

the

trick

booking a memorable vacation

to to

book ahead. "If you book last minute you have to take what you can get,” she said. Booking a trip at the last minute is not necessarily a bad judgment call because you can stumble across some last-minute deals, but if you decide to take this route, McLaughlin said you have to be open-minded. “As long as you don't have a certain resort or location in mind, booking last minute isn’t usually a problem.” However, if you are the kind of person who likes an itinerary, scheduling out every hour of every-

(Photo by Tara Ricker)

Waterloo Region have been booking trips to the Caribbean non-stop for the last month. Spending a week in the sunshine can be the perfect way to break up the long winter months.

Travel agencies

CLASSIFIED

think about the beautiful

was so incredible

was

a popular tourist desti-

a bar five out of the seven nights

was

alive,

wouldn't make it home but when I look back on my I don’t think about those

scared

targeted,

talked to

were very friendly. There were times that

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade issued a warning stating that years.

winter

are flock-

tripcentral.ca.

stop you as you’re walking

over the

while

can

possibly

Forget

drink as

Clinics’

many people

the travel industry,” said

Opinion

killed

middle

the

McLaughlin,

Mayo

ing to warmer climates to fake a break from the cold conditions. “It is loony season right now in

Natalie

you

the

infor-

By TARA RICKER As

pen.

“People are

visit

approaches

ties

and safety

travel

Book ahead

two

than on the beaches of Cancun. Acapulco or Punta Cana?

everyday

For more

living life

relax

bottle

try to

website.

It’s a week withhomework or any of the stress that comes with post-secondary education. It’s a week to relax. And what better place to

sure

Also, avoid drinking water from

anywhere except a sealed

mation.

favourite words.

I’m

an accident.

the airport had lost our luggage.”

out teachers,

hotels

Take several copies of your medical history just in case you become ill. This way medical professionals will be able to take care of you. Also, check your medical insurance policy and find out what your travel coverage is. so you know if you will have to pay out of pocket if you become ill or are involved in

can’t let tragedy

students'

safest.

we finally boarded the plane and made to Croatia we realized “After

Spring break are most college university

resorts

travelling so

avoid eating meats that are not part of your normal diet.

got worse.

Clinic suggests staying in

you know they are clean. Popular resorts have high standards and would be the

and

2 hours."

stop you from and

Mayo

well-known

when

there

“Little did

unable to

she can recom-

all

to students is to

before she was due to leave. 1

still

According to Mayo Clinic, an medical reference site (www.mayoclinic.com), before you travel anywhere make sure to check if you need any vaccines to protect your body against disease online

or infection.

Biermans said

day

the

was

eat normally.”

the

and was

unable to properly eat for the remainder of the trip. "During the first week of classes

debate about where the hottest spots are and how to find the best deals. But have you for

room

to her ill

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Opinion

— SPOKE, January 22, 2007

Page 12

Reckless teen behaviour

on the

is When

was 12 years old

interested in Spice Girls,

90210. 13,

who

with.

had

hadn't even held hands

friends and

from wine glasses

spent

punch

to feel

mature

old

much

different:

the difference

sometimes

even frightening.

not saying that there are not any

young preteens out

who

there

aren't innocent and normal; however,

the

much

majority

of "kids" are

themselves to grow

forcing

age.

don’t

know about

you. but these harsh realities disturb me.

The

fact that kids in junior high

school are skipping class to “get

high" makes

going on

question what

our society.

Who

can

however,

was in a grade below him. which meant that she was only 10 years old. I

certainly don’t it

remember

was acceptable

for

wear anything like that, or would be appropriate today.

When iour,

a time

me to why it

Why

would

any parent let their child leave the house wearing something like that? shouldn’t

Parents

when

their child returns

surprised

home

with

in the

This

only the

tip

of the iceberg

downward spiral of today's To walk by a high school

cousin up from school and noticed

and see a group of Grade 9 students smoking is completely normal, as a

a few things that didn't impress

matter of

me. There was a certain girl wearing a pair of sweatpants with the word

twice about.

-year-old

true.

know

this first-hand

fact, it’s

party,

more common and more severe than what it was in

less than

their

know

not

two weeks

car

Opinion

fault.

The first incident happened at Galaxy Cinemas at Conestoga

Mall.

brother returned to the

parked car to discover

Grand

was missing

blue

the pas-

Someone took

the time to pick

up the mirror and pul

on the

windshield but didn’t bother to take the time to leave a

incident

had just parked

side of the road on

car

at the

Mississauga, and was walking

that they'll likely regret.

“thump."

in.

lot

of us

Although there

no definite it

impor-

and siblings to show their support and encouragement. Sometimes this support means just being there for them, other times it means sending them for

tant

parents

new

school,

putting

them

through a rehabilitation program or encouraging them to switch social

groups and friends.

almost guaranteed that over half

when

destination

Camry had curb, so

heard a

the silver Toyota

hit

vehicle or a

turned around to investi-

Just as

reached the end of the

driveway a middle-aged man with grey hair and dressed in a black business suit got in his car and drove away. I wasn’t close enough to get the licence plate number and was still not sure if he had hit my car. It turns out my car suffered no major damage, but he had clipped my car and scuffed up the back bumper.

driver’s side

What bothered me most about it this time is the man took the time

comes

luck

and, sure enough, there

a third incident, except this

time

didn’t expect to find contact

Once again my brother came out which was parked at Galaxy Cinema, and this time found

key lock gone and my window smashed.

driver’s side

Someone had broken car.

into

although nothing of value was

was nothing

the car so there

stolen.

was another break-in same day from some-

There

reported the

who

one

gate.

not

was

wasn't sure

know bad

all

in threes

to the car

Atwood Lane

car did

leave contact information.

happened

that the

fit

who damaged my

information.

within earshot. I

not mine, and again the individual

name and

number.

The second

check the damage on his car but

As we

senger side mirror.

decisions they are making are ones

Jenn Sprach

although, none of them

definitely

These kids are throwing lives away to look “cool” and

this

damaged four times, was my

has been

the past.

nothing to think

At any high school

because

have a 15-year-old sister who spends most of her lime smoking illegal substances in her room. She goes to parties on the weekends and doesn’t remember what happened the next day, and dates boys who are older than me. My sister is a prime example of today's teenager, and the sad thing is she doesn't realize what she is doing is wrong. Reckless irresponsible and behaviour among teens is not new,

however,

driver,

solution to the problem,

the way.

teenagers.

recently picked

them, they’re too wasted to remem-

an older boyfriend and a baby on

corrupting the youth of our nation? I

bad

but

see this type of behav-

ask myself why.

be blamed for this and how can we stop sex, drugs and alcohol from

cousin informed

that she

when

faster than they should be.

Kids all over the world are being exposed to drugs, alcohol and even engaging in sexual intercourse at a

young

“sexy” written across the buttocks. This usually wouldn't surprise me;

ages of 15 and 16. but don’t ask

Opinion

while playing with our Barbies. Nowadays, the life of a 12-year-

Looking at the current state of car it would appear that am a

ber.

Sarah Jaynes

many

fruit

sipping

afternoons

kids present are between the

the

pogs and

boyfriend

first

aggravating

rise

was

woes

Vehicle

drove a white pick-up

was parked

at the oppoend of the parking lot. People need to learn to respect other people and their property.

truck and site

just

It's

common

courtesy, not to

mention the law; if you damage somebody's property, take responsibility for the damage. My car was in great shape before

these

people damnoi so

three

aged

much

as a sorry, leaving

property* with

to fix

dam-

$500

the approximately

ages.

Observe your way

into love

With the Christmas decorations boxed up and New Year’s resolutions well on their way to being

all

holiday

kept,

their

turn

lovers

and

attention,

hearts,

their

Allison

Steinman

Valentine's Day. With the annual celebration just around the comer, it

becomes increasingly

difficult to

Opinion

keep one’s mind from thinking

mushy thoughts about a certain As the time ticks

diaper-clad man.

away, every lover must ask themselves one question; how do I know

someone likes me? mine once told me it's amazing what a person can observe if

that special

friend of

when he

or she takes the time to

actually watch others.

good

especially

says he’s

guessing the

turns out he’s right;

Employment

left

The

lit-

on a locker and a sym-

tions are neutral

you want

you

some key

over the

signs that

dialect of

fluent

know, in

the

body language. People

be under the misconception that if others can't hear words,

seem

they

are

the

same way

can be helpful is.

saying they see the looks

that letting a friend

proofread a paper

to be in the

become

better

you or

that

oh-so-cute together,

others are

way he

or she

you guys are it's

probably

coming from somewhere, so look beyond a friend's gushing and

silence.

appreciate the fact they might see

Truthfully though, a person cannot

something you can't. Stop being tripped up by the complication of this emotion and keep your chin up; this might be the “V" day you finally catch your

only

hearing

silence

contact yells.

Touch www.partners4errptoiffrfent.ca

notes

practice, a careful observer will be

all

are

speaks louder than words, physical for

things that are usually called nice

face of the guilty parly and with

ever really be quiet, and

Sponsored by Partnerships

something he or she has

no interest in. The key to this is to watch for the little things, the

pathetic ear are more than just nice. Sometimes a situation can be made clearer by someone on the outside. Asking a third parly whose emo-

They

appear.

first

a sweetie digs you.

•

effort into

tle

able to decode

a sport, a skill or an

two people.

often then not written

•

it's

gestures and brushed aside.

they

•

Whether

obligation, a person will rarely put

nature of a relationship between

Feelings aren’t as complicated as

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

If someone seems to be brushing hands or bumping elbows more often than can be deemed accidental, it’s probably not.

strongest

simple and one of the

ways

convey emotion.

cutie.

Sports

Relocation

may

Sp 6KE, January

for

Penguins

By ALEX MCNANNEY

some

reality for

NHL

teams

achieving success

any sporting league, the first being a state-of the-art facility and the second, and more important one, a sup-

they are not operating in the

most favourable of conditions and, thus, can't be successful.

Whether

enough of

decent profit, these teams

mately have one thing

mon, which

The Pittsburgh Penguins

players

are the

pos : of relocation. Their probto face the

lem, unlike most troubled fran-

has nothing to do with

association

through a cap of the Penguins ownership, however.

most recent team

chises,

Opinion

com-

uncertainty about

bargaining

collective

agreement between the league and

ulti-

their future.

sibility

The new

make

a fan base to

portive fan base.

play in or just not hav-

facility to

ing

lacking a first-rate

it's

of the

needs

not in the best interests

league.

isn't

What

the

NHL

another

big

market

city

they

c o u

salary,

made

has

team

overall

market teams to be competitive. This, along with a stronger Canadian dollar, virtually eliminates the chances of a

team

Winnipeg hav-

filling the arena, but rather the

At more than 45 Mellon Arena is the oldest venue in the NHL, and with a seating capacity of fewer

arena years

also,

easier for small-

itself.

n g

in age, the

move

larger

also the small-

American,

est facility. In June, the lease for

city.

than 17.000,

Mellon Arena

and

team

Kansas City be the most likely of

the

appears to

options for the franchise.

The main structed

newly con-

arena, called

the

Spirit

Centre, as well as an agreement

Another

costs.

rental

benefit

comes in a partnership agreement between the Penguins and the arena, which w'ould allow the franchise access to a percentage

of the sales revenue.

This deal

the best interests

is in

and displayed an interest in the game. lished If

the

franchise

Penguins,

relocate an obvious choice

would be Winnipeg, whic had a team for 24 years before moving to Phoenix in 1996. In Winnipeg there exists the two most important elements for

should

Overpriced and chaotic; two words that so perfectly describe a see the Leafs, the Raptors or

trip to

the Blue Jays play in Toronto. stress

involved

The

simply enough to

memorable

trip but

time and a can have a

great time in front of the

out emptying ing

with-

pockets or need-

management by

stress

the

Why

opportunity to breathe the same air as S undin, Bosh, or Halladay? Simple ... The tickets: I am not one to plan very far in advance and, when it comes to buying tickets for game day, planning is key. If you are like me, and don’t study schedules before the season begins, be ready for a scramble. 1 usually realize about a month before a

game

nix

that

the

it is

actually happening

and, by that point, the chance of getting

decent seats

out the

window. To the nosebleeds I go and even those leave my wallet noticeably lighter.

The traffic

traffic:

the

hard to avoid

Meghan

avoid Toronto plague but it’s

making a

trip to

Now

were announced and peo-

ple are crying foul.

Rory' Fiztpatrick, a 32-year-old

should’ve gone

Fitzpatrick

had he been voted

in.

me wrong,

don’t get

love

underdog stories. The Rocky film series is one of my favourites of all time. But this isn’t cinema, this

journeyman defenceman with the Vancouver Canucks, missed out on

being named a starter for the Western Conference All-Star team

Fitzpatrick would’ve made it in ahead of I .idstrom, the NH1 ,’s cred-

by 23.000 votes. He will not be going now because only the starters are picked by the fans. The reserves am picked by the coaches and general managers, and they certainly won’t pass up on someone like Dion Phaneuf for a guy

ibility

like Fitzpatrick.

season, recognizing their accomplishments. It’s also about putting on a great game for the fans by having the league’s top

Fitzpatrick

was being mentioned as a potenwas because of Steve Schmid, a 22-year-okl man from

tial starter

New York. When

a great guy,

no way, shape or form deserved to start ahead of a guy but

lie

Lidstrom.

All-Star. game is about honouring the best players of the cur-

The

fan bal-

Schmid

started the

come

players

together for one

exciting contest.

By having

loting for the annual treat for the

fans opened,

would’ve been flushed down

the toilet. Fitzpatrick

rent

The only reason

upstate

the real deal. If

Fitzpatrick

make

in,

the entire purpose of the event

promoting

the

starter for the all-star

has just one assist in 29 games tliis season, and in his decade long

the at least

joke.

Fitzpatrick

game. But as the w'eeks w'ent on, the

site started getting

Soon

more popular.

couple videos promoting Fitzpatrick found their way to youtube.com, a popular video sharing site on the Internet, and ihe Vote 4 Rory after, a

campaign was in full force. In mid-December, Fitzpatrick had a .sizeable lead on Nicklas Lidstrom, captain of the Detroit Red Wings, a four-time Norris trophy winner as the NHL’s top defenceman. Lidstrom eventually overtook Fitzpatrick in the final two weeks, but many fans think the NHL rigged the voting so Fitzpatrick wouldn’t make it in ahead of the much more talented Lidstrom. I don’t believe any of it of course. I think the guys on the Satellite Hot Stove put it best when they said people were likely getting tired of

he excellent

not a high-

defenceman, nor

in his

own

end.

career, he has a career +/- rating of

-50. He’s just average, plain

and

would’ve had no business lining up beside a guy like Scott Niedermayer, who has more simple.

points (42) then

games

Fitzpatrick’s

even played this season. Some claim Rory should be given a break because the fan balloting is only a popularity contest anyways. Well, when the league’s top scoring forwards, defencemen and goalies all

make

think otherwise. If it contest, popularity Jaromir Jagr would be starting. it

was

in, I '

Martin Brodcur would get the nod. But they aren’t. The lop players, Sidney Crosby,

Ovechkin, Alexander Niedermayer and the rest are the ones starting, and they’re all deserving. Vote 4 Rory? Nah,

passed.

about $2.50 are cent;

same

gold; on

last

trip

to the

Kreller

ACC

Opinion

Light cost me $17.50, over four times the LCBO's selling price of $2 each.

the Air Canada Centre (ACC) or the Rogers Centre. Highway 401 to Highway 427 to

either

the Gardiner Expressway:

think

with popcorn, nachos and hotdogs, and alcohol is priced as if it

what

are the chances of not hitting an

time the buzzer sounds.

sell for

marked up 200 per

even the most devoted fan off live sports for good. Sure, going to a live game usu-

turn

ally results in a great

normally

over a

All-Star

c h

Toronto

trip to

NHL

ly gifted offensive

Live sports just aren’t

worth the

starters

are, a little

the

had

would be defeated. He

be a proven hbckey town. Otherwise le team may as well remain in Pittsburgh, where they might not have a decent arena to call home, but at least they have a respectable number of people who are willing to come out throughout the season and watch them play. it

after

that

also don’t

ran through a website dedicated to

1996.

acquiring

that will result in the organization

not having to pay for either the building's construction fees or

week

campaign

But resardless of whether it is an American or Canadian 1 city that ends up

attraction to relocat-

Kansas City

ing to

case

Rory campaign

now infamous “Vote 4 Rory”

the

organization will be free to negotiate elsewhere. So far a bid to

move

the Vote 4

swept the league. But Well, here

The

— Page 13

think not

answer

2007

Rory?

for

not be

22,

two 473 ml cans of Coots

cannot,

there worth

wonder how early people leave their homes to get into all

the

argue

of being part of the screaming crowd or being able to say, “I was there.” But is the journey

accident or, at the very least, gridlock? Slim to nil. The parking: If driving around in circles is your pleasure, then you’ll love trying to find a parking spot in downtown Toronto! often

however,

against the rush and exhilaration

it ?

Although sports are inarguably better live and in-person, living in Waterloo has led me to realize that watching the big game from the comforts of home, whether it’s

NHL,

NBA or MLB, is the K-W sports fans.

the

best bet for

Vancouver Canucks’ defenceman, Rory NHL All-Star game fell 23,000 votes short. A campaign called ‘Vote 4 Rory” promoted the Canuck as a potential starter for the annual contest.

The

bid to get

Fitzpatrick, into the

those lots labeled with four big,

obnoxious letters; F-U-L-L. By the time you finally find a parking spot you are lucky to either pay less than $25 or walk less than 25 blocks. The food: Not only are the tickets and parking overpriced but if you even think of having a snack, let alone a drink, at the game you better fill your wallet beforehand. Slices of pizza that would

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;

News

— SPOKE, January 22, 2007

Page 14

Music to soothe your ears SAMANTHA SAECHAO

Libra

Ryan Huston is a new and upcoming singer from Santa Rosa, Calif., whose profile is growing on myspace.com, a website that

September 23 October 22

allows musicians and anyone else

and

to create a profile

tell

You

the world

With the help of myspace and a growing fan base in California as well as the rest of the U.S and

Canada, Huston music heard.

getting

travel.

The

ability to lead

good

possess but learning to fol-

skill to

low' takes

his

When

are adventurous, pioneering

and willing to take the lead and choose which way you and others

about themselves.

The 23-year-old’s debut CD, No One, came out in March 2005 and contains 17

you're up, you're up and

when

you're

into

depression

down, you're dowm. With work back in order, you fall despair, school

months.

character.

Taurus

Right Song For

April 20

May

Don’t

easily.

only four more

Scorpio October 23

November

acoustic-based songs that he wrote

and produced. Soothing words

sounds makes

and

People love to w'ork with you

because when you start something you never slack, you use

see situations

a coffee shop, at work,

listen to at

your opin-

ions and are rarely persuaded to

You hold strong

acoustic

the perfect

a different light.

wrong

nothing

with

while going for a walk or while

There’s

driving.

another point of view, give

Some

chance, you

of Huston's songs are.sim-

things

Green Day's, while others

ilar

sound

may

never

know how

your determined and willful personality in all you do. Keep your skills intact and use them to your advantage.

turn out.

Jack Johnson’s or the

pop/rock band, Yellowcard. His melodic voice

with

soft

his

blending

two of

his

fits

Gemini

perfectly

May

pop rock sound,

a bit of

drumming

songs and the

rest

June 2

1 -

Sagittarius

— November 22 December 21

range of acoustic guitar feel and

You adore having an audience

sound.

Some

and

and giving your fans an unforget-

Bottom Line, sound similar to Green Day's acoustic big hit. Time of Your Life. The guitar rift and smooth rhythm immediately takes you back to that acoustic

table performance; the limelight has never stayed away from you. Enjoy your spotlight, but be cau-

Two

of his songs.

Girl

tious of

who

you’re on stage for,

comic

don't be anyone's

Huston's other songs. Highway and Yesterday, are similar to the smooth acoustic singer. Jack Johnson, and his smooth voice and catchy acoustic play. Similarities to Yellowcard can be

heard on songs Breathe and I Can't which has a catchy It,

Take

pop/rock

feel.

songs aren't special, but these ones specifically will remind listeners of the artist and bands just men-

Not saying

that the other

Huston

Only two songs on this particular album feature another instrument, in addition to the guitar. They’re Breathe and Waste my

will

able at www.myspace.com/ryanhuston.

This weekend I rented the hot new release Talladega Nights: A Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

Adam

The Fdm was

McKay

directed by and Will Ferrell co-wrote

and starred features

The movie

it.

also

many Saturday Night Live

Time, which feature a drum in the background, which adds a rock

think

aren’t important.

June 22

July 22

December 22

mfrlrvyw

feel to

them.

doing well. For not being a top contender in the music business (yet), he has formed a phenomenal fan base and is making it big on his own so Overall. Huston

far.

Oct.

16,

2006, his song. it on a Target

Thank You, made

that featured compilation CD artists such as Sarah MacLachlan and Jeff Buckley, and in just a few

weeks, he will be releasing a music video for a new song.

Daydreams. Huston is currently working on a new' album that is still in production.

Updates about his CD will soon be available on his myspace page, www.myspace.com/ryanhuston. If you want to order a CD from Ryan Huston, just a reminder that Huston regularly adds other or takes off songs and changes around the

You

With the end of another school

give the impression of a

stone-cold wall

but

underneath

you are warm, caring and affectionate. Who or what are you hiding from? Don't be afraid to show who you truly are. You are the only loser if you don't.

year

in sight

to finish will

your determination begin to show. You

possess great willpower to finish what you start and with another goal on your

why

not

almost reached

list

go out with a bang?

Aquarius January 20

February 18

list.

You hold everyone you meet

His team replaces him with the French driver. Bobby loses everything and has to conquer his fears of getting back into a racecar and try and bounce back from this

it.

looking

persuaded they are ill mannered. Don't be fooled by those who wish to take advantage of your

paint

Although not

kind-heartedness.

everyone is out to get you, not everyone has good intentions.

the

landscape

current

bleak

pictures

your with

ability

words

will

liven up your lunchtime chats and give you and your friends something to smile and laugh

about. Don't lose this ability; use it

as often as

you see

Virgo

fit.

Pisces

August 23 September 22

really liked the

With

a positive light and are hard to be

major setback. This film is a typical comedy from Will Ferrell. It’s funny and creative and has a lot of interesting characters in

alumni.

make you

others

Capricorn

JfllilPII

Talladega doesn’t disappoint By JENN CURTIS

let

January 19

tioned.

No. 65 on myspace’s list of unsigned artists. be coming out with a new CD and updates are avail-

Ryan Huston

force your opinions on others but

don't

your opinions

relief.

(Internet photo)

ring.

You enjoy heated discussions become very passionate when discussing what is important to you. Be careful not to and

February 19

March 20

storyline and the different charac-

ing Bobby's kids gave a very con-

good job

vincing performance.

turning to you for help.

a talent for mimicksometimes it's good and in all fun but sometimes it's bad. Be cautious of who you mimic and when you choose to do so, for

This movie was very entertaining and kept me laughing through most

obliging as you can but don't

let

some people may

ters. All

This movie entertaining

was very

and kept

laughing

life

who becomes

the

witty.

No. try.

NASCAR driver in

the coun-

is on top of the world team hires a new' French be on his team. The driver good and starts beating

Bobby

until his

driver to is

characters.

Talladega Nights follows the

of Ricky Bobby

really

of the actors

in this

movie

did a good job of portraying their

Bobby. During a race Bobby has a big crash and is extremely traumatized.

it.

Even

The jokes The movie

the children play-

are original and is

rated

become

tion as

your

full

force

the centre of atten-

your dedication to doing a will have everyone

own work and

priorities get

You have

ing;

but

others

offence to

behind.

may

see

as a joke

take

personal

it.

PG-13, so

appropriate for almost every-

one.

recommend this movie evening when you want to I

With work back you'll

Tiffany for an

stay in

and have a good laugh. If you like Will Ferrell you will definitely like this movie. And even if you don't, give it a shot anyways.

McCormick

a third-year

journalism student holding in the

palm of her hand.

fate

Sports

By ANNELISE THOMPSON

Tsimikalis said Coffey was a role

model

crowd of more than 6,000 filled the Aud on a recent Sunday afternoon to see legendary defencePaul Coffey’s jersey hoisted to

the rafters.

Coffey was the NHL’s highest defenceman when he

scoring

for

him while he was grow-

ing up. “I think (of him as a mentor) because my first agent was Paul Coffey's agent when he played here in the OHL. So I’ve been to Paul's cottage and met the family before.” he said. “He is such an

unbelievable player, and unbeliev-

great

eligibility.

Legendary coach Scotty Bowman once said that Coffey was “one of the most unique defencemen of all

able person, that

Rangers

(

1979-1980)

well.” left

shoulder of

ber

the

six,

was the numnumber Coffey wore

while

the organization.

respect during their Jan. captain

Peter

all

the Ranger’s jerseys

but left a lasting impression upon

Newly appointed

was

Stitched to the

He played only one season with

think

have his shirt retired tonight because it just gets everyone so inspired to play really

time.”

the ceremony.

The game

and steady

started off with a quick

from Ottawa’s Matt Lahey, just under the four-minute mark but the Rangers were quick to respond. goal

and was inducted into the hockey hall of fame in his first year

retired,

the Kitchener

22,

2007

— Page 15

Coffey time at the Auditorium

It’s

man

SPOKE, January

Kitchener, as a sign of

1 1

game

against the Ottawa 67’s following

While short-handed, Kitchener's Tsimikalis blew the puck past 67

stick

work kept Ottawa

captain meant to him, Tsimikalis

chasing them for the remainder of

was again very modest

game. During the remainder of the second and third periods Kitchener would bang in five more goals to

response.

make

live

the

the final score 7-2, including

“Well,

you look

at the

of the past, like Derek

Mike Richards,

his

captains

Roy and

hope I can by them and it's just such an honour to get a chance to lead these guys,” he up

just

to the legacy left

netminder Brady Morrison with help from teammates Victor

another short-handed beauty by

Oreskovich and Adam Zamec. The next goal would come just 12 seconds in the second when Kitchener’s Yannick Weber ripped

The modest captain credited his teammates for his short-handed

said.

successes.

he leads by example and through

“I'm not typically a short-handed goal scorer,” he said. “I think I’ve

verbal motivation, he hopes

another past Morrison.

Ottawa, however, fought back and just 27 seconds later Brett Liscomb answered with a goal of his own. That would, however, be the end of 67’s scoring. Kitchener’s fast-paced skating

Tsimikalis.

had, like,

also said, hopefully, because .

two or three

entire

Oreskovich outplayed their guys on both my goals, and I just happened to be in the

career. It’s just that

right spot at the right time, so to

funny that I got two tonight.” When asked what being named

it’s

will

help his team through the playoff's.

“I’m not sure; I think maybe that I'm a little of both,” Tsimikalis said. “I’m not all quiet on the ice, I don’t just lead by example, but I try and set a good one too while I’m out there.”

Downie will be key for Rangers

down

the stretch

By CHRISTOPHER MILLS

and

fiery personality

Downie The Kitchener Rangers needed someone to push them over the top in their Memorial Cup run. Who better than a two-time World Junior Championship gold medallist. The Rangers traded for Steve Downie just days before the OHL hoping the embattled national hero can provide the missing piece to their own championship puzzle. “He’s a tremendous player,” trade deadline,

DeBoer

“He’s got tremendous passion, he loves to play hockey and he loves to win.” Downie, fresh off his second consecutive gold medal with the Canadian national junior team, is considered one of the top prospects in the country, and perhaps in North America. His cost reflected said.

have gotten

into trouble in the past,

including a fight with a Windsor teammate two years ago that got him suspended and ultimately trad-

ed to Peterborough.

DeBoer said Downie’s temper and past transgressions were not a consideration

when making

the

trade.

“I’ve had guys like that before,

guys

mer

(Adam) Keefe and

(for-

captain Mike) Richards, and

and you don't have a player with that passion and energy, and not have it cross that line sometimes,” he said. DeBoer said he talked to Bruce Sutter, who coached Downie on the national junior team in 2005. and heard only great things about the others, like

that,

By Christopher Mills) practice on Jan.

(Photo

Steve Downie, No. 1 1

Downie came

chats with

to Kitchener in

new teammate

Justin

Azevedo during the Rangers’

a trade from Peterborough.

teen.

“We know what kind of player he and we know what he brings to the table,” he said. "We feel the is

it.

DeBoer

promising young and three

sent

forward Yves Bastien

second-round draft picks Peterborough to get Downie Ranger blue.

to in

Some think DeBoer gave up too much, especially considering Downie might move onto the NHL after just

Rangers. "It’s

half a season with the

DeBoer

a hell of a price to pay,”

trigger.

When

asked

felt

knowing

any extra

how'

Kitchener traded away,

much Downie

said not a chance.

“I’m just going to

any negatives." When asked hopes had risen

Memorial Cup locker room

in the

DeBoer said yes, was quick to discount

since the trade,

but

Downie

as a saviour.

“We had guys

agrees.

DeBoer said, “but if we didn’t pay it, someone else w'ould have.” The thought of facing Downie in another uniform come playoff time was enough to cause DeBoer to pull the

pressure

positives that he brings outweigh

hardworking group of

there before the trade, and

hopefully we'll work just as hard after.”

said.

Downie

also

emphasized

the

importance of teamwork and effort. “We’ve got a very good team here, but a lot of good teams don’t win,” he said. “So we have to come to work every day and become a team real fast here and be

good

in a

situation for the play-

offs."

come

The Rangers London Knights

here and forward said. “I’m not worried about what they gave up ... I'm just going to do what I do. and what I’ve been

the

doing for years.”

Downie

Downie, who was averaging more than two points per game

returning forward Justin Azevedo.

play,” the 19-year-old

with the Petes, does

come with

share of baggage.

his

hot temper

are

battling

the

for the top spot in

OHL’s Western Conference

thanks to the league’s best goal-

tender

John

the

Murray. mix,

along

Add with

team and the Rangers be reckoned with when playoff will be a

time arrives.

(Photo

By Christopher Mills)

Downie waits for a pass during power-play drills at the Kitchener Auditorium on Jan. Defenceman Robert Bortuzzo (centre) and goaltender John Murray follow the action second practice with his new team.

1 1

Downie’s

Page 16

Sports

— SPOKE, January 22, 2007

Beckham

signs

with Galaxy By JORDEN FELICIANO The signing of former English and soccer icon David the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer (MLS) is a monumental one for both the league and for the growth of the game in North America.

captain

Beckham with

The

MLS

a professional soccer

U.S and added team from Toronto to the league

league based

in the

summer of 2006. Beckham signed a five-year

in the

deal

worth $250 million, making him by far the highest paid professional soccer player. It had been rumoured that

Beckham was going

to sign with

MLS

team for the past several months, but Real Madrid of Spain was intent to keep him on their

team. Real Madrid offered

Beckham

two-year extension to his contract,

which

June

The MLS, which has been

criti-

run out

set

2007, which he declined.

Women’s

indoor soccer coach, Aldo Krajcar, leads his

season, which starts Feb.

team through

ball-handling

drills.

confident the

team

will

cized for

be successful

lack of a marketable star player,

this

its

Indoor soccer season ready to kick ADAM BLACK

“Our goal

this

season

make

“We

the playoffs,” said Krajcar.

Tie up your shoes and strap up

are hoping to have

from

more players

outdoor

try

season.

your shin pads, varsity indoor soccer season is getting ready to kick off. Both the men's and women’s teams have been training hard since the start of the semester to work off

out

the rust from not playing for two

from the fall season. Coach Geoff Johnstone was only looking for a few players to fill key

the

we have

Currently

13 players try-

ing out for indoor.”

The men’s team, which

began

tryouts Jan. 9, mostly consists of

defensive records

in the

we had problems

league, but

scoring goals.

I’m hoping to find one or two guys (trying out) who can stick the ball in the back of the net.” The men’s team has also been

competing Monday nights in the indoor Conestoga community prepare

the

players

league

ing Jan. 8, and are working on their

offensive holes.

upcoming varsity season. They currently sit in third place with five wins, three losses and no

end-to-end defensive-zone cover-

“We had 20 players we are really only

months.

The women’s team began

train-

age and offensive breakouts. Coach Aldo Krajcar is confident the team will

have a good season.

now

has their high-profile player.

Despite

poor quality soccer and

(Photo by Adam Black)

try out,

and

looking for backups” said Johnston. “After our fall season we had one of the best

for

ties.

Johnston believes if the core group carries on as well as they the playing in been have

Thirty years later, slot By

the next best

Haveria’s because of all the space it consumes, and the more space you

thing to being an actual race car

need, the

driver.

building.

all of the same effort, and co-ordination, but minus the risk of a life-threatening car

the rent

Haveria started his

requires

for the

slot car racing

skill

company more

crash.

because it was one of and he was always a fan of racing. “When came to Canada from

Mike Haveria, owner of the 3MD Car Raceway located on Courtland Avenue in Kitchener, Slot

make

at the

it is.

come

here

way

thought this was a

a living for

me and my

he said. He also has a son,

because of how “Real drivers

like to

hobbies

Europe, ly,”

real

than 30 years ago his

said slot car racing can be addictive

who was

son.

free

They stride,”

think this

put other teams off said the

Johnstone.

way we have

host of Sportsworld on the Score.

know

he’s very popular, but

“I

can’t just be for his looks, his play

play to be successful, because we have the skill level that

Seneca and Humber have. We just have to get in their faces and keep simple.”

The men’s team plays their first game Feb. 3 at Conestoga, and the women’s team plays their first game Feb. 4, also at home.

raceway

“Anybody who’s ever heard of knows David Beckham,” said Paul James, co-

the sport of soccer

“I

don’t

field

on the

does contribute to his game.” People throughout the MLS are excited at the prospect of Beckham field

stature in the

going to the Galaxy. “I can guarantee it’ll put people in the stands wherever the Galaxy plays.” said Mo Johnston, coach of the Toronto Football Club.

addictive

still

way up

the

bigger

and Sunday,

a.m. to 4

two weeks

Race times are Monday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at

5 p.m. Haveria has also just started rent-

advance.

Haveria said

p.m.

ily

friends

because of

compared

how

great for a fam-

together

get

low

his

cost

to other entertainment.

"I just started the

December,

birthday parties

but

ing out his track for birthday par-

ties.

already booking from

people are all around

the tri-cities,” he said.

the

Haveria has essentially run his He only has

business on his own.

two other employees,

who

and

his wife

help out around the shop

during the races.

said he had to start small and

to 8 p.m.

streets.

Kitchener.

said his target

anyone from

five

consumer

75 years of

age.

“At the age of five the children

cities.

“You because

can’t start big right this

away

business requires a

lot

of knowledge and experience with racing and how the track works,”

start to

Inside

3MD

enough patience fast."

He Slot

Car Raceway

an eight-lane computerized track, which takes up one half of the busi-

Not many of

large

for

it,

and

too

he said. said almost anyone can get

into the

hobby as long

as they can

handle the pressure and develop the skill needed to be good.

Their business hours are Friday,

the racing busi-

nesses have a track

understand the track and car over 75, they don’t have

better, but

Haveria said.

ness.

their

believe he

eight

30 years ago and moved to Guelph now and then Cambridge

his

game.

still

can contribute not only off the but on the field as well.

time, and he wanted to keep

him out of trouble and off of

their

said. “It is very fast

work

very successful season. “They have been pluying a very hi-tempo, in-your-face type of

many

his career,

years

and on the decline of

fami-

time,” he and authentic.” Haveria moved to the Kitchener location in December 2006. He originally opened in Fergus

and race on

league, they will have a

Beckham being 32

May

PEGGY O’NEILL

Slot car racing

community

off

old in

a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday.

p.m.

(Photo by Peggy O'Neill)

Mike Haveria, owner of 3MD Slot Car Raceway, has kept business driving for 30 years. It started as a hobby.

his