Digital Edition - February 19, 2008 by SPOKENewspaper

Encouraging smarter eating

Responsible gambling

Will schools in Waterloo Region

of online

Be aware

begin following

CSI elections Who will become your new prez and VP?

the healthy eating trend?

Tuesday, February

19,

newsroom

learning

for

journalism students

Conestoga College, Kitchener, Ont.

2008

highs and lows

of the

gambling.

Get

k no

the potential candidates.

www.conestogac.on.ca/spoke

40th Year

— No. 7

Gaming banned

open access labs By JENN SPRACH Playing Halo or poker

a thing

open access labs. Students may have already received an e-mail, saw the signs in the open access labs or noticed the message attached to their login that

of the past

the

says gaming is not allowed in the computer labs. While gaming has never been

allowed,

has been overlooked

the past because

has never been a

(Photo by Jenn Sprach) Signs have been posted in the

open access labs

to inform

students of the rule

now being

enforced.

problem.

Computer complaints

(

Photos by Holly Featherstone)

Elaborate displays at the Kitchener Public Library convey the importance of Black History Month in The library will host a speech competition for accomplished black citizens in the communi-

the region. ty

today and a panel presentation on funding post-secondary education

for black

youth tomorrow.

services began getting last

year from students

and faculty about not being able to find available computers. They began monitoring the situation and by the fall, gaming in the open access labs had become an epidemic, said Richard Gibson, the college’s chief information officer.

“There are about 200 computers open access labs and LRC and it’s a struggle to find more " space The labs are full and there’s a ton of people playing games, said Gibson. in the

Cetehrate tefack History 'Month plenty of experiences with these "intellectual discrim-

By WEI-LON LEE

"It

inations."

Did you know that Feb. 6 was Bob Marley Day? Feb. 6 was officially designated by Toronto Mayor David Miller this year as a day of celebration in remembrance of the late, great reggae artist in conjunction with February's Black History Month. "Black History Month is about recognition, to recognize the different contributions that black people of hisall different nationalities have made to Canadian tory," said Loris DaCosta. president of the Caribbean

Canadian Association of Waterloo Region. Black History Month was originally established

and exclusion," said DaCosta. What Black History Month aims to do is to bring another perspective, one that is seen through the eyes inferiority

of Afro-Canadians. she said. "But Black History Month should not be limited to just a

month," said DaCosta. "Black history

also

Canadian history." The former Concordia University alumnus said though black history strives for inclusiveness, it is also about diversity and expressing one's ethnicity. "Many of us come from different countries, some come from Africa, some from Latin America and some come from Europe, but we are all united by the com-

mon bond The

of our experiences." she said. Jamaican native also believes education

Black History Month. "Kids today all know about the

a vital

part of

latest

"At work, sometimes people would pass over suggestions or dismiss my ideas,” said DaCosta. "After awhile, you start to contribute less." However, DaCosta doesn't believe discrimination is

Board’s a valid excuse in the Toronto District School school. public Afrocentric first city’s approval of the "1 don’t think creating a separate

kids

going to solve the

rap singers and

black entertainers, but how many of them know about black inventors, black scientists and pioneers of sci-

ence? Not many." she said. One of the aims of Black History Month is to underline the harms of racial prejudice and racial stereotyping and to cultivate black sell-esteem following centuries of socio-economic suppression. Part of the problem is that racial discrimination is not

always as visible as people think, said DaCosta. "It could be a ease of people taking your ideas less seriously because of your race or ethnicity, which is not always easily detectable, she said. The Waterloo resident of 26 years said she has had

school for black

problem of the high

rate ot

dropouts,” she said.

The problem in

1976 by African-Americans as a way of celebrating and including black history into American history. “Much of the history taught in American and Canadian history books about the blacks have been

one of

tem

that the provincial educational sys-

no longer responsive said DaCosta. is

to the

needs of students,

tends to be groups for prolonged

periods of time.” interfering

It’s

dents’ ability to

who

students

with

other

stu-

do their work. The need a computer

can’t find one because too

many

people are playing games. "It’s time to do something about it,” said Gibson. Computer services has taken

beginning with

action,

notifying

the students of the rule through an

was in high school, if you weren’t passing classes, there would always be someone, either a teacher, a schoolmate or an adviser who would let your parents

"When

doesn’t tend to be individuals;

know about it and try to help you," said DaCosta. But one thing the controversy has accomplished is finally getting the attention of Premier Dalton

e-mail, login messages and signs.

"We’re trying to be fair by communicating with the students. If students choose to ignore the warnings, penalties have been put

the third offence students will

be written up for a code of conduct infraction and will have to meet with the chair of their program.

"Being written up for a code of conduct is pretty severe," said Gibson. It stays on a student's permanent record. While computer services staff can’t monitor all the labs in the college they are always walking around, keeping an eye out. Computer services staff and lab monitors will be conducting walkthroughs of labs looking for gaming.

definition of a game is any including solitaire." he said. If students are caught they will be given an incident form which has the computer number attached

“Our

game

it.

Staff in the information technolo-

gy department can er

number

computs

and he or she will be penalized. “We don't want to penalize anyone. we want to change behaviour." said Gibson.

gaming but Facebook or You Tube computer services may

If students just stop

turn

instead,

have to monitor that "Overall,

in the future.

are trying to

better use of the

in place.

link the

the student

resources.

make The

McGuinty. The premier has finally admitted that our school system needs some kind of reform, which they've been talking about for years, she said.

receive a warning.

A second offence will result in a student losing his or her network

computers were paid for by students to use for academic programs.? said Gibson. "I m very' supportive of what we’ve done

UPCOMING EVENTS:

access for one day.

here."

For a

first

offence a student will

Play: Bubbling Brown Sugar will be held at the Registry Theatre, 122 Frederick St., Kitchener on Feb. 21 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Centre in the Square

•

box office. For more information, visit www.centre-square.com • Cultural show, dance, food: “Reinventing one’s self in a new environment" will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Kitchener City Hall Rotunda. Tickets are $10. •

The Caribbean

cultural art

cultural dis-

play will be held on Feb. 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. Location TBA. Call 519-740-0901 for more information.

Words Worth Books annual Black History Month event will be held on Thursday. February

•

28. 7:30 p.m. at the Great Hall of Luther Village

Sunshine Centre

Waterloo. Tickets are $10 at are donated to

(Photo by Jenn Sprach)

proceeds

the door. All Productions Cooperatives

Haiti.

Andrew Halo

Marty, a first-year architectural millwork student, plays the open access lab before the no gaming ban.

Page

— SPOKE, February

Now

What

deep thoughts

questions answered by

are

News

2008

Conestoga College

...with Random

19,

random

Waterloo Region to improve ambulance response times By JENNIFER

students

your plans for reading week?

Region’s Waterloo Currently ambulance response times have been

MARKQ

Waterloo Region has an amburesponse time slower than

lance

most Ontario municipalities. In a recent report Waterloo Region was shown to have Ontario’s second slowest ambulance response time. Fifteen municipalities across the

“ I

plan to do an intern-

ship and get work

experience

...

or sleep.”

Andrew GeddesThumell,

second-year broadcast radio

“Relaxing, tying up

loose ends, visiting family.”

province were scrutinized, including London-Middlesex, Ottawa and Sarnia-Lambton. John Prno is the director of local ambulance service. He says that Waterloo Region has been underresourced for quite some time and that wasn’t taken

into account in

the report.

However, he doesn’t think the only reason there

a slower

automotive transportation

want cookies.

to us,” says

"We’ve been working on

this

slowest response time. “If at

possible they should def-

what

them down and

Prno says everyone wants great ambulance service,, but they also want great transit, garbage to be picked up every week and police

time.

patrolling, the streets.

ing that the people

“Council decides where

put

the money," he says. "There's a lot First-year social services student

Rebecca Thomson says she thinks Waterloo Region should be working hard to improve their response time. “I think that it’s

unacceptable to

those with emergencies,” she says.

Thomson safe

says she doesn’t feel as

knowing we have

the second

slowing

try to increase their

“In a life or death situation where seconds could mean the difference I

don't think

have

would

the

know-

feel safe

coming

second

to help

slowest

response time,” she says. "Anyone

would want help

in that situation

needs funding.”

that

slowest response time.

come

you or your family were harmed and it took help a long time to arrive you

may

as fast and possible and

question

truly cares

how much

about the

this service

lives

of others."

Mcconachie says she knows response time

the

isn’t a result of not

caring because as a nursing student

knows

anyone going into want to help others. She says the teams do she

that

the health field has to truly

year master plan for issues like this,” he says. “As the population

“In the summer I had to call an ambulance for a family member and it seemed to take forever for them to arrive,” says Thomson. "Luckily the situation was not worsened by the

more teams.”

waiting time, but I'm worried about

people

Council has also set aside $1.5 million for the master plan.

what would've happened if we needed emergency services faster."

lose

adding

all

initely figure out

for a long time.”

population right now."

ages, we’ll have to add

“I

“This Prno.

nine minutes.

new news

isn’t

have slower response times for

"We've been working on a 25first-year

age response time

response time. "‘We have the lowest number of “Waterloo Prno. says calls,” Region has a younger, healthier

He says they will be another response team.

Jett Kirkpatrick,

that’s

as long as 12 minutes, but the aver-

First-year nursing student Shayla

Mcconachie says it’s scary to know Waterloo Region had the second

about the people

care

living

Waterloo Region but the response time needs to be improved. “In these types of situations the in

hope

need of assistance may in

their

service,”

she

says.

I’m

going to bake cookies.” Mike Bisson, second-year police foundations

(Photo by Jenn Sprach)

“I’m going skiing in

Weather woes

B.C. I’m excited.”

two-car crash on

road.

Devon Fowler,

No one was

Doon

injured

Valley Drive in

caused airbags

deploy and

left

debris scattered

the Feb. 12 accident but both vehicles were badly

all

over the

damaged.

second-year

COUNSELLOR’S CORNER: Coming Out

genera! arts and science

“I’m

going up north to

Sault Ste. Marie to

visit

family.”

Meghan

Campbell,

Everyone has a sexual orientation. We may feel attracted - emotionally and physically to someone of the opposite sex, someone of the same sex, or to people of both sexes. Sometimes, we may even feel as though we are a gender different from that of our birth and then feel confused about our attractions to others and our choices for a partner. Conservative estimates suggest that one in ten people are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered. Typically, while heterosexual people participate in dating throughout adolescence, people of an alternative sexual orientation may begin to explore their sexuality only after they have left the formative years, their family,

hometown, or

previous personal identity. second-year

genered arts and science

Some

people

make

feel like a period

coming out smoothly: accepting one’s sexuality may “coming home.” However, for others it is a task filled with

the transition in

finally

and lack of support. This may be complicated by feelings contrary messages received while growing up, one’s definition of “normal,” or one’s religious pain, self-loathing

“Stacking up hours, basically working

doing

some

and

stress-

releasing activities.”

Sam Toma, first-year

law and securin'

upbringing.

Gay. lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people need a supportive environment that nurtures positive feelings about their sexual orientation. The road to understanding, accepting, and celebrating one’s sexual orientation often cannot be traveled alone. If you are confused about your sexuality, need support, or would like to know of resources available in the

community and

at the College, counsellors in

help.

Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!

A Message from

Counselling Services, 1A103.

Counselling Services can

;

News

New CSI

SPOKE, February

19,

— Page 3

2008

Possible Candidates Nicole

leaders to be

DeSousa

Most Challenging Moment on CSI: Introducing mvself and interacting with hunderds of students at orientation.

turned

out to be a blast!

Most Rewarding Moment on CSI: Being a part of raising money for Help Dany Day It was awesome to help pull the community together for someone in need.

elected today

What By JOHN LINLEY

Stanciu, says the meeting

The Conestoga Students Inc. board of directors will be voting today to elect the CSI president and vice-president for next year.

not available as of press time, but

any of the current directors are

eli-

gible.

most challenging moment. “The election night was one of the most high pressure situations had ever encountered,'' she said. “But gave it my very best and

people

time on CSI:

learned that

any way possible whether

good

trying to help everyone have a

it's

love

academic or

time.

Pham

succeeded."

Will Moment on

Most Challenging

The candidates have a maximum

ent

for

and

will not be pres-

other

the

candidate’s

speeches.

the previous semester.

question and answer period for

Board members vote for the CSI president and vice-president instead of the student body because they are choosing their own representative, the people who will speak on their behalf and be seen as the figurehead of

the candidates.

There

What

then be a 60-minute

will

CSI: Dealing with co-workers

work environment. Most Rewarding Moment on CSI: Helping students and ting them involved in school events. and adapting

of 15 minutes to present a speech

one year, and the students elected must have received a passing grade

CSI. At a selection meeting today candidates get to speak to board members and try to show why they

learned during

to the board,

positions are full time for

to help

The names of candidates were

The

was her

to the

learned during

time on CSI:

working opportunities and met a

all

lot

gained a

lot

get-

new and important

jMft

the

left

of net-

people.

After the candidates have

Iggfc

room, the board members who are not running will then vote to see who is appointed to the two positions.

Stanciu said during her time as

Ross Ware

CSI president she learned about the world of politics and what it means to be part of an organization you

KtiJT

Most Challenging Moment on CSI: Finding wavs to rearanee my schedule to meet school, work and CSI obligations. Most Rewarding Moment on CSI: Being part of a board that

truly believe in. I

should

each

receive

member's

vote.

This

“1

learned what

means

to be a

and dedicated member of your community,” true

year's

Roxy

president,

?• aaBBii .fe

plans strategically for the future, not just here and now.

What make

learned during

mv time

on CSI:

have learned to

decisions as a group and stand behind a decision

made

;

;-C,

as a board.

Sheena Sonser Most Challenging Moment on CSI: Learning to lead and motivate the board members with different personalities. Most Rewarding Moment on CSI: Working with a team that makes strategic decisions to improve the college expeiience and future students. What I learned during mv time on CSI: I have learned the importance of working together as a team unit. for current students

Zack

Jennv Watson

Luft

Most Challenging Moment on CSI: Working with such a diverse las

unpredictable challenges

group of people

proven

be a chal-

enge because everyone's personality is different and that

Most Rewarding Moment It

would be hard

name just one moment the

a daily basis, but these

challenges are opportuni-

growth. There were

ties for

a lot of answers

can create conflict.

on CSI:

Most Challenging Moment on CSI: There are many

know

did not

beginning of

at the

the year.

have been able

to pursue and learn through

ence was gratifying.

Most Rewarding Moment on CSI: Every moment I am

Everything from the Toga

helping out

because the entire experi-

made CSI I

within

a worthwile

the

learned during

time on CSI: This position has helped

many

develop

great friendships that

will hopefully carry

many

years to

Hiring!!!

come.

rewarding.

Orientation

most memorable moment

Dany Day

endeavour.

What

We’re

these challenges.

most rewarding

Party to Help

DEADLINE EXTENDED...

for

CSI

Leaders

co-ordinating

check yourself campaign.

When saw I

the turnout at

advanced polls and realized the awareness 1 had cre-

the

ated

What

felt

Office

proud.

learned during

rime on CSI:

realized

important teamwork

is.

how I

gained more than friends this year.

Applications are available in Student Life Office

gained a family.

r~R

Waterloo

Doon, Academic Admin.

OR online at www.conestogac.on.ca/ studentlife

FRIDAY FEBRUARY

BY NOON

STUDENT LIFE OFFICE (2A101) - DOON nnsnruir cmvrrNT OFFICE - WATERLOO

Student

Page 4

— SPOKE, February

19,

Commentary

2008

Afghan mission a quandary

Prime Minister

Stephen Harper is caught between a rock and

As we embark on a restful reading week, a six-year-old Canadian diplomatic mandate will continue to occupy media headlines.

The mission

Afghanistan,

named Athena,

2,000 Canadian soldiers deployed

a hard place

comprised of the southern Afghanistan is

province of Kandahar. military operation’s principle aims include defending the

The

area from Taliban insurgency and training the domestic security forces to oversee the safety, stability and reform of social, polit-

and economic sectors. far, the mission has claimed the troops, a figure that illustrates the grim ical

Thus

lives

of 77 of our

reality of

such an

undertaking.

The death

toll

has led to the realization that the mission’s

Afrocentric school a

need to be addressed. As the Harper administration and the Liberal opposition continue to grandstand. Parliament Hill is preparing for a motion which will decide the fate of our troops stationed in a province

future holds

destroyed by insurgency abuse.

ing at the past.

objectives

The primary

does Canada extend its Afghanistan past the current 2011 man-

issue of concern

staunch servitude

is,

by h potential 1,000-strong security assistance force, or does it stay the course in a non-combative guise? Or, conversely, do we repeal the mission and withdraw our

They say

Stephen Harper puts Prior

March when Prime Minister

its

today’s society

motion announcement Feb.

the

combative

efforts

*6,

witnessed

Canada

among

the Liberal caucus.

Harper’s appointment of former Liberal deputy prime minisJohn Manley to assess the mission didn’t help matters. Manley's report, released Jan. 22, states that in order to secure the mission. 1,000 NATO reinforcement troops must be assigned and an increased arsenal of surveillance vehicles be deployed.

His report has since been rebuked by aid groups as lacking a course of action for ensuring the development of greater humanitarian projects,

Though

the

such as reconstruction. troops

Canadian International question that arises

engaged alongside Development Agency and its efforts, currently

are

Afrocentric school

40 per cent dropout

Who

rate for black students.

40 per cent? What’s

der distribution? ily’s

they

economic say

are

What

fam-

their

What do

situation?

the

are

the gen-

reasons

they

Canada’s

establish

focused public

black-

first

school

deemed the answer. The plan, adopted by School Board

been

has

the Toronto

the

by the province, has raised fears the school

safely executed?

high dropout

the constant political diatribe

and pre-election posturing merely shrouding the marrow of the mission? Whatever is decided in March, let us hope our politicians

opposed

would further divide an

already segregated student population struggling with violence

and

rates.

The school, which would be to all ethnicities, would open

open in

time

for

September

the

2009

start

school

Approval for the school came

the year. after

narrow vote and months of heated debate and cries of segregation a

together in solidarity.

from

troops deserve that.

“Afrocentric” school will open a

so do we.

racial

critics,

contacted

don’t

country that takes pride

in its

The

curriculum

school's

and

focused on black history and cul-

The

ture.

project

for black students

hopes

some

designed to

class content

relevant

Toronto, in

show up and put

they’ll

school, should be anything but

It’s

said these schools will benefit

and

tory

and accept

How

it.

black-focused

many black

cerned

Toronto and

says he’s constudents won’t

Would

dents

they

have

stu-

from Jamaica or Kenya?

Second generation Canadians? Or only those from the Jane/Finch and

Lawrence Toronto?

Heights

Who

areas

gets to decide

who

attends this “special” school?

Young people strong family

raised

life,

without a

without a solid

education and without a sense of trust

and self-respect

at risk

are

will

always

of losing their way.

But the concept, a school with

more black teachers,

mostly

through

segregated

we doing

ini-

schools.

kids a favour

How

will

they be motivated to do or per-

form better?

The new school

exactly are “black-focused

schools?”

by separating them?

get the help they need.

What

here

it.

that exists is created

against

this live

believe the only discrimination

tiatives

creating

people

they should learn the culture, adapt

Record's Jan. 31 issue, said he’s

alternative school

But

culture.

Canada, and

The

for verification.

letters will

Spoke reserves

the right to edit any letter

going

students back to school

to bring

who

feel

disengaged from the current education system, but

ing them, the ly

think by integrat-

community

actual-

segregating them.

The colour of your skin how you perform in

define

what your grade average

doesn’t school,

how

well you do on the next math

test.

You

control your

why should

own

destiny.

Address correspondence to: Editor, Spoke, 299 Doon Valley Room 1C29, Kitchener, Ont.,

decide what school you go to? Or

how

society judges your academic

performance? Only you can decide

what your destiny should

be.

published and produced weekly by the journalism students of Conestoga College

N2G 4M4

E-mail: spoke@conestogac.on.ca Website: www.conestogac.on.ca/spoke

Dr.,

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

Letters

not necessarily reflect the views of Conestoga College. advertising beyond the amount paid for the space. Letters

acceptance or rejection and should be must not contain any libellous statements.

the colour of your skin

Spoke’s address is 299 Doon Valley Dr,, Room 1C29, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4M4. Phone: 519-748-5220, ext. 3691, 3692, 3693, 3694 Fax: 519-748-3534

for publication.

students by focusing on black his-

effort. in

every single kid

the system.

environment would be

teaching

make

ly a

welcoming

Editor: Charlotte Prong Parkhill Advertising Manager: Marcia Love, Aaron O’Connell Spoke Online Editor: Wei-lon Lee Production Manager: Kerry Reed, Kayla Grant Circulation Manager: Jennifer Marko Photo Editors: John Linley, Jackie Allwood, Josh Khan, Franca Maio, Elizabeth Bate, Hien Dinh Faculty Supervisor and Adviser: Christina Jonas

be published. Letters should be no longer than 500 words.

The

start creat-

letters to the

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

editor. Letters

No unsigned

say

Spoke is

Spoke welcomes

who

and religious can of worms

welcome

Letters are

in a

won’t support

but.

ing schools based on race.

Premier Dalton McGuinty,

The controversial decision

dangerous

very

it's

think any public building, especial-

dropped out?

District

Furthermore, does the combative role of our troops merely serve to exacerbate the conditions for Taliban insurrection or is it imperative in the interests of training the Afghan security forces?

Opinion

multicultural population.

the suggested solution to address

the startling

think

direction to go in

Toronto

a step in

direction, a step toward

a greater level of segregation.

to separate

the

Vanessa Butler

form of discrimination.

as a

should the troops share the role of the aid agencies or should they continue the combative status quo to ensure the initiatives of foreign aid agencies are efficiently and

And

—

wrong

the

ethnic groups, as in schools, hous-

these

ter

come Our

the diversity

people of different races, classes or

by the projected date. The mission has

long been a divisive topic

thing evident

To segregate means

forth as a confidence voting item.

Liberal leader Ste'phane Dion's purported insistence that halt

The one

ing and public facilities, especially

This issue will conclude

focus on black heritage,

you must begin by look-

nothing can take that away.

date, bolstered

troops.

black student body and a greater

what the

to figure out

bad idea

clearly written or typed; a

MS Word

file

would be

helpful.

Opinion

mode

unreliable

Over

Make

Sarah Jaynes

to get to

destination. Lately,

StucJc'ri^

have been more than disappointed with the service have received from Grand River Transit. under-

Opinion

LAST WEEK TO

stand that weather can cause havoc

the stop early and realizes that he

bus schedules and make a bus a lew minutes late, however, waiting over 20 minutes for a bus that is supposed to be on time is not

shouldn’t be there for another five minutes. think.it is only fair that

sit

there until

the scheduled

it's

my bus is

not be People cannot predict that, and we shouldn’t be forced to get to the bus stop 20 minutes early,

is late,

not going to wait

for

to get there,

Another issue is the lack of connection between buses at the terminal areas, where buses are

another bus, which

makes me

expected to connect

at the

same

myself, like

many

other

time.

Conestoga College students, have to transfer buses a few times whether it is at the Charles Street

late for

school.

terminal or at Fairview Mall.

There are more people then just me who depend on the bus to get them to school and work, and who are not able to be late on a daily basis. On numerous occasions have found myself cursing at the bus stop because my bus was late. When got on the bus and expressed my anger in a calm I

to the

bus driver, he or she

explained to me that it is not their fault and 1 should expect delays in the cold weather. 1 can sympathize with tardiness can, but

the sun

and the roads are better be at

stop

when

bus

is late,

there,

meaning

that

next bus

Come

Work on-campus

5-8 hours/week

join our team!

will

have

expect

Applications are available in Student Life or online at www.conestoqac.on.ca/studentlife -Q

DUE FRIDAY FEBRUARY 22. 2008 BY NOON TO THE STUDENT LIFE OFFICE (2A101)

wait 30 minutes for another bus,

which makes me

late for school. understand that the buses need to leave the terminal on time; however, every bus should be arriving at the same time to make transferring buses possible. If GRT has to run on satellite time, then that is what they should do. There are way too I

everyday because of it. If I going to pay $2.50 every time get on a bus then 1 expect it to be

am I

the bus driver arrives at

scheduling

late

real-

* Flexible

to get

the bus 1

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When

many people who ride the bus, and way too many people who are

clear,

not going to wait for

shining

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meaning that will have to wait 30 minutes for

manner

ASK ME

Info Desk Staff for Fall 2008

time.

early.

bus

APPLY!!!

The bus should also

acceptable.

web, net.

a smart choice.

been taking from school to work, back to school and home. Sometimes find myself hopping aboard more than six buses a day

— Page 5

unfortunately,

the city bus to gel

2008

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Page 6

News

— SPOKE, February 19, 2008

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News

By CHARLOTTE PRONG PARKHILL

Until recently,

was

SPOKE, February

illegal for

“We want

24 colleges to collectively bargain. now they can - and OPSEU is organizing in a big way

Ontario

the

Public

But

Service

Employees Union (OPSEU) went on strike across Ontario. They were full-time college faculty, and the

members who work three to six hours a week are not covered under

to sign a

the bargaining agreement,

about 250 part-timers

three-week strike 150.000 students.

ther are “sessionals,”

Now OPSEU is

has planned a

aimed

new

Ontario

organizing the

workers

17.000 part-time college

who

who work known

are

They

seven to

hours

Dave Cushing has been

almost 18 years and was recently hired by OPSEU to help with the

"Conestoga leges

Conestoga.

one of the best col-

work at," said Cushing. "I'm not unhappy here or wouldn’t keep coming back." Bui Cushing does think a union for part-timers would help its memI

bers get benefits and fair pay. He also said it is unfair for

some

part-time faculty to get better pay and benefits than others because of a

glitch

the

bargaining agree-

for full-time faculty

ment

that

OPSEU

may fits,

and with

president

Boettger.

local 237, explains. Faculty

different

partial-load

benefits last semester

less pay, if they pick

quirky thing

target,”

he said.

The employ-

ting

up a

make

human

tor of

lege, said

resources

numbers or addresses

Cushing said these are the issues he thinks would be discussed if, and when, OPSEU forms' a new

party.”

storefront. it

OPSEU don't

“I

know

we became

Dave

Cushing, a part-time teacher

signing drive

what they could do for me,” said Harnock.

On for,

long-term care

she thinks she’s already

“I like to

fairly.

"Payscale-wise.

think

I’m paid well for what do,"

Harnock

And

said.

health-care benefits

that

That,

in turn,

money

Sue Harnock teacher

Prong

ParkhitH)

a part-time

the food services

at the college.

She

up twice because I'm continuing

educa-

who had

faculty

members may

switch

a teacher is a teacher.

You

$30 an hour and next week you're worth $60 an hour." Walter Boettger. president of OPSEU

local

OPSEU SEFPO

237

said.

'She ‘Guess

now

feel very

Ontario

Public

hasn't

helped the

felt

connected.

she

can go for help. I 'Tin not sure if all of the instructors can '

Services

Union (OPSEU) launches

make

Employees campaign to

unionization legal for part-time col-

International

Nov. 16, 2006 Labour Organization

rules

these workers have the right to organize.

Nov. Because

19,

2006

not legal for part timers to

join a union, the Organization of Part-time and Sessional Employees of the Colleges

of Applied Arts and Technology (OPSECAAT) is formed.

June 8, 2007 The Supreme Court of Canada

rules that

collective bargaining rights are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and

Freedoms.

Ontario government announces Kevin Whitaker, chair of the Ontario Labour Relations Board, has been appointed to review the Colleges Collective Bargaining Act.

Oct. 18, 2007 launches the largest union drive in Ontario history in an attempt to unionize 7.000 part-time facultv and support staff.

OPSEU

lege employees.

supervisor.

Harnock said "Wow. someone’s future!"

Though she

man-

Aug. 30, 2007

Timeline

Oct. 24, 2005

stu-

drop out

say that."

Some

from one category to another on a

can't say. well, today you're only worth

ment

work-

One

empathize with others feel differently. "Because I ve been associated with the college for so long. know where said.

ONE OF THREE CATEGORIES:

"A teacher

ment, with limited benefits 13 or more hours a week: Sessional - not covered under the current agree-

the rules."

really enjoys

necessity for a union, she can

work on the largest

who

signs a contract for each semester and is paid an hourly wage. "Over eight years, it's gone

tion," she said.

me up on

a food services C.

has helped

her to earn more

keeps

regular basis.

agreement

7-12 hours a week: Partial load - covered under the current agree-

industry," she said.

what, because of you

worker program.

of five years.

"It

tive

the school of business at

facilities.

phoned me and

(Photo by

year.”

Ontario history.

know what’s going

earned a food services diploma. agement

val-

night classes over a period

part-

because of family issues eventually returned to school and

ued was. we get reductions on courses that we take." The tuition reduction allowed Harnock to earn not one. but two diplomas from Conestoga by taking

in the

dent

or a

from her

ing with her students.

pension from Conestoga, she has received other

“The thing

She also

though she doesn't receive

perks.

to teach."

satisfaction she gets

home, and many of her students also work

the key issues that unions usually bargain

being treated

on Conestoga for job

OPSEU

Conestoga, has been hired by

3-6 hours a week: Part-time - not covered under the current collec-

time teaching position offers her far more than money or a pension. Hamock works full time as a food services manager at a retirement

unionized,

for the long

(Photo by Charlotte Prong Parkhitt)

fit.

the daily operations of the college.”

don't count on that money,” she said. "They may need me to teach or they

to participate in the signing drive.

a third

"Our expectation is would not interfere with

that they

happen next

will

doesn't happen this year

“We,

said Marshall.

Part-time pro enjoys perks not need

members. "I'm

direc-

right to associate as they see

the road.

The job

he said.

haul. If

invasive,” he said.

PART-TIME FACULTY FALL INTO

may

its

don’t want

says some colleges, Sheridan and Fanshawe, have thrown up stumbling blocks for union organizers, including removing paid advertising from campuses. That is not the case at Conestoga. “The college is neutral on this, and part-time employees have the

Across Ontario, OPSEU needs 40 per cent of the eligible employees

program. But she has not yet been approached

this is

OPSEU

rely

because

this

of any kind, because

notably

bargaining unit. "My guess is that in the initial go around (of collective bargaining) let’s provide benefits, and the other thing they'll probably look at is

Harnock doesn't

pit

the col-

a privacy issue.

it’s

in this."

security.

snake

administration. “1 wouldn't be set-

don’t have a compre-

of their names and con-

list

privacy of our part-time employees and would not give out home phone

Sue Hamock is one of over 600 part-time Conestoga College employees. She’s been teaching one night a week for over eight years in the food services worker

when you

agreement,” said Boettger. ‘There needs to be some consistency with-

way down

...

But he still feels a union could provide valuable improvements for

Debra Marshall, executive

is still

tively or negatively

Boettger said he has a very good working relationship with college

as a college, certainly respect the

equal pay." he said. But collective bargaining

with college administration either.

"I’m not doing

can be hard to contact employ-

the

"The

the hall carrying a banner or

Hag is not the way to do it.” Cushing hasn't had any trouble

dering around.”

few extra hours next semester. a real

not going to get in

have a list of names that encompasses about 620 people,” Cushing said. “I’ve garnered this by hook or by crook and by wan-

semesters.

understand

“I

find themselves without bene-

long

currently in place.

Walter

employee with

“It’s

Ontario for part-timers to

different

Someone who was a part-time

school of business for

work

faculty

agrees.

people

isn’t,”

ees

down

Tibbits

the middle of this,” he said.

April.”

be difficult to manage

“The college

getting

Conestoga

that

ees will decide what they want.”

tact information.

The

be there by the end of

like to

It is.

teachers, counsellors and

and work-study students.

“We'd

our

hensive

sessional

support staff

week

2 hours a

means

John

college will not interfere either posi-

“We’re not

as “partial-load" faculty.

librarians.

rest are

President

to sign.

are covered under the agree-

And it can when many

signing drive

this

Sound confusing?

bargaining agreement. About 12,500

of these are faculty - part-time and

in the

who work

ment, and have limited benefits.

arc not part of the collective

teacher

For Cushing,

and nei-

or more hours a week. But those

union drive, the largest history.

over

affected

union card.

make

— Page 7

campaign what they're signing. It's more of an educational thing. To walk up and

part-time workers

at Ontario’s

March 2006, 9,100 members

2008

19,

Feb.

2008

The Whitaker Report is released: recommends the creation of tw o new bargaining units for part-timers

one

— one

tor faculty

and

for support staff.

April 2008

OPSEU

wants

have signed union

cards from 40 per cent of eligible w orkers. OPSEl can then hold a vote, and if 5 per cent of those w ho vote support the union, 1

would become

all

part-timers.

the bargaining agent for

SPOKE, February

19,

2008

m tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m

tMMHf

]

Feature

Will regional By KERRY REED

schools

each individual school can decide what in accordance with the legislation

but,

kinds ol foods

Hungry students can no longer buy french fries or soda pop in high school cafeterias in Quebec. That province’s new food, regulation, which came into effect January 2008, has the government’s hopes up that kids will make healthier lood choices.

The Ontario government

should jump on board and introduce similar regulations in this province, in Waterloo Region and at Conestoga College. Eating healthy

more than

what you put into your body, it is a lifestyle and a growing trend. Should ( onestoga College be following Quebec’s example and cut out the deep fryers and get rid of the junk food? Andy Staveley, the food service director of Chartwells at Conestoga, said Chartwells complies with whatever the government mandates. “We promote healthy and balanced choices at all of the campuses with cafeterias. We offer On-the-Go food choices with blue stickers meaning the food meets the requirements of limited fat and calories.” Coyote Jacks, located at the Doon campus, has is

just

a selection of healthier choices to pick from with each indicating the calories and fat intake.

well, the Pizza Pizza, located at the

campus, has copies of or to look at all

at.

Also,

campuses

the

all

Doon

nutrition guides to

the

keep

baked goods offered

are trans-fat free.

“People always have choices, whether buying their lunch at school, bringing their or going

“Since

somewhere

own

else to eat," Staveley said.

a competitive market

we have to keep the healthy foods and the convenience foods competitively priced to help keep people eating at the school and hopefully making them make

healthier choices.”

can go into their school. “You need to start somewhere. You cannot ban junk food from stores but you can ban it from schools. Providing healthy alternatives so stu-

dents can make their thing to do."

own

choices

the best

through education

About two years ago all solt drinks were banned from elementary schools (normally the schools with Grades 7 and 8). The school board worked with the vending company to approve a 1

of healthy alternatives instead of soft drinks.

Vending machines now carry more natural fruit juices, sports drinks, milk and water. do not know whether or not the government will ban the deep fryers completely from I

schools,

said Cassidy. "It

for

and supervision reasons. In high can be hard to do, so schools have to

important to keep the students on school property during the day safety

schools

manager

Fiddlcheads

Kitchener.

before

She suggests

stu-

dents

own lunches then they can control what is their

their

hours.

“Things granola

instead of sugar, hard-boiled eggs and vegetables and dip will

some extent the snacks and food the students want to eat.”

ensure they receive

He said students need to be better educated about healthy food and drink choices in and out of a school setting.

during the day,” said Willis-Smith.

provide to

December

there will

government mandated that be no more trans-fats in schools, but the

super

easy

have

deep

fryers

“It

fat

give schools time to

ries

the needed changes. in

nutrition healthy choices policy

Waterloo the

was put

place

to stay late.

will

usually pick up fries because they are addictive and salty and are the same price if not cheaper

than healthy foods."

“We make

both kinds of food available and it is a personal choice what they choose to buy and eat. I have been here for three years and can say the requests to see healthier Staveley said,

food have increased and is still increasing. We have to stay ahead of the trends." Robin Lindner, a first-year graphic design stubuy dent, said. “It is about half and half when usually buy baked and bring my own lunch. 1

potatoes from the cafeterias. “Normally I do not buy healthy foods because it

Board.

“One item terias

the

policy

in the sell

was

that all the cafe-

poutine. Poutine

and caloare

for the stu-

dents

who choose

the natur; the food possesses and makes everything no longer healthy. all

enzymes

"What lifestyle,

you it is

eat

not a temporary

solution."

"There are also fry free days where all the schools pick a day of the week and they do not sell any fries during that specific day. We added this in the policy in hopes of turning it from one day to two days and so on until there are no days

buy

not

good

lowest

nutritional value.

schools but. the high levels of

was one of

highest selling products with the

Canada

the

world's only

industrialized country without

national student nutrition guidelines.

Like Quebec, several jurisdic-

imposed limits on candy pop and chips. Nova Scotia’s government put in place a policy which eliminated

tions have

fries."

machines must follow the Eat Smart guidelines put out by All the cafeterias and vending

Public Health Ontario.

"We have a sticker system in place on all the food where green means the food is of good nutritional value, yellow is moderate nutritional value and red means there is low nutritional value.

too expensive.”

cannot

all

the nutrition they need

Cassidy said although the information was received, so far nothing has taken effect. He expects it to be put into practice in September to

make

fruit

made wi

honey

kills

have

like dried

bars

Bruce Rodrigues, superintendent of student success for the Waterloo Catholic District School

They

food.

should take smaller snacks to eat every three

options.”

unless

own

bring their

lunches to school. “If students bring

to eat the

get-

ting belter.”

alter two-and-a-half years of development by staff, parents, students and the vendors said

school with

“It is a

growing academic and it is getting worse

tions student, said, "I usually buy my food at school and I generally go for the healthier

She said buying her lunch is easier since she does not have time to make it. Katy Horst, a first-year graphic design student. said, "I always bring a large lunch to

Health

and Nutrition, 438 Highland Rd. W.,

the cafeterias by the reduction of junk foods and the increase of healthy foods.

list

and

by hanging posters,

announcements and contests or by looking

At the Catholic school board

Marta Cikojevic, a first-year business founda-

Promoting healthy choices is clearly visible in the public schools in Waterloo Region, whether it

SPOKE, February

Our long term goal

make

bars,

deep

doughnuts, chips, soft and other junk food from

fryers,

drinks schools.

the nutri-

In Manitoba, some school divisions have eliminated junk food from their

"Any junk

premises. Edmonton's public school

buy my own lunches and bring them to do not like the cafeteria because it is school. too expensive for what you get." The government can mandate certain legislations and schools will have to abide by them,

food the schools sell is sold in the littlest portion size available. For example, fries are sold in four-ounce containers and soft drinks are sold in 350 millimetre cans. Anything that has a high

board voted last November to ban the sale of junk food in all schools. The college will be holding an open

Cassidy, superintendent of education for the Waterloo Region District School Board.

Ontario students are overweight, said Joanne Willis-Smith. a registered holistic nutritionist

James

Bell, a first-year graphic

design student,

said, “I

said

Bob

tional value 90/10." said Rodrigues.

nutritional value

sold in a variety of sizes.’

forum food committee meeting at 2 p.m. in the new Sanctuary on Feb. 19, at

the

Doon campus

food-related issues.

Photos by Kerry Reed Above: Marta Cikojevic, a firstyear business foundations student, eats a wrap made at the

Doon campus Left:

cafeteria.

Hitesh Vyas, a first-year

software engineering student, enjoys one of the many con-

venience foods Conestoga has to offer.

Right:

Three vending machines as well as

offer junk food

healthy alternatives.

talk

about

19,

2008

Page 9

Page 10

Feature

— SPOKE, February 19, 2008

Know when to fold ’em and bankrolls

Addictions rise "There

By CHRISTOPHER MILLS

no doubt

the reason for the

that television is

boom!" Pop culture plays a big role

Accessibility

why

fast-paced

one of the biggest gaming can / j

own

computer

with

analyst

Internet

be so addictive. "Who doesn’t

guise the true value of the

sites .to

of amateurs think they are

They

are.

really

watch professionals op TV, making it look easy and flawless, and think they can mimic that.

Foundation of Manitoba. "The proliferation of celebrity poker games on TV has probably

All of this boils

Anyone

down

to respon-

gammust know limits and the

taking part in

hundreds of miles to

gamble when you can do it from the comfort of your own home?” Speed is also a major concern. The games move faster which

and young adults.” Many online poker players are between the ages of 8 and 24. According to the Centre for

odds they

Addiction and Mental Health, 6.7 per cent of 1 8- to 24-year-olds have

money. He “It depends on the individual, but for myself, anything more than an hour or two per day would be too

disagrees.

much,” he says. “I’d neglect my family and probably myself. I’m not comfortable losing more than

tax to

“Why

travel

means money can be quicker

lost at

much

rate.

“You can play so many more hands per hour and you can play multiple tables at the same time. a very dangerous combo tor Tony says people," addictive

That

resident

LiCastri,

Streamwood, Ind. and a recreational poker player for more than 25 years. "It’s like

giving a crack-head

10 crack pipes and telling

him

not go nuts. Good luck.” Jan Zacharias, a clinical' counsellor and prevention specialist with

Problem Gambling Program of British Columbia, says Internet gambling is growing at a rate of 20 the

per cent per year.

currently a

SI 2-billion dollar industry world-

wide and

expected

climb

This explosion in popularity can be attributed almost solely to one man: Chris Moneymaker. In 2003, the Tennessee accountant

won

nament

a at

$39 online

satellite tour-

PokerStars.com, guaran-

teeing himself a seat in the $ 1 0,000

World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event. Moneymaker had never played but

a live tournament,

soon found himself

Las

Vegas, battling the greatest poker players in the world. Less than a

week

later,

he had lived up to his

name, winning the

first

place price

moderate

problem,

highest rate of any

age group. Statistics also show that 5.5 per cent of people in that age

group were participating in online gambling as of 2005, ah increase from .4 per cent in 2001.

“When

comes

for

sibility

usage,”

Internet

safe

poker

that

game based on

Moneymaker

ignore.

beat

and entered the

lions,

event against

WSOP

main

-in-839 odds. That’s a

miniscule 0.12 per cent chance of

winning.

defeated

then-

0.01

per cent.

and the biggest reason is that many people think poker is a game of pure luck; that anyone can win because the cards are random.

The truth is more to poker The best poker

that

They

there

much

than just the cards.

players in the world

are the best because they

how much Moneymaker’s

win revolutionized the game. Millions watched Moneymaker's win on TV and it made them realize that the possibility of winning mil-

few mouse

clicks away.

read other players, in

play and

when

play (or not play) the cards they get.

One

big draw for online poker

that those with

good math

and a poor poker face manipulate the game “If you’re great at

ing

raw

’

"Only spend what you

can, afford,

both accounts,” he says, when asked what is safe amf acceptable to spend. "Priorities have to come in

always paid, extra aside, family and friends

Bills are set

taken care of. Anything after that

yours to do as you please with.” The Internet has unique qualities that

make

much more

gamblers and make

enticing to

harder to

also

illegal,

“The

should pay a higher rate of

sites

compensate for the Internet’s enormous accessibility, but I see no reason for

"We have found

said

responsibility. personal about (Everyone has the power of choice.

no different than television. If a program offends you, or is not suitable for say, your children, than

y It’s

off.

The same can be

Internet

that

said for

you can’t afford to do If you choose to continue, then you pay the price for any results. Don’t blame someone else because you made poor choices.”

gambling.

then don’t.

it,

Always gamble with money you can afford to lose. 3. Set a limit for how much you can spend. Do not exceed it. 4. Set a time limit and stop immediately once reached. 5. Never chase losses. If you lose, take a break and come back later. Do not attempt to win back your money immediately. 6. Don’t gamble when depressed or upset. Gambling takes a clear head for good decision-making. 7. Balance gambling with other activities. Never let gambling take the place of social activites, time

Some,

Kortleve

Josh

government on Internet gaming are

Cambridge,

that

feel

restrictions

SIGNS OF

PROBLEM GAMBLING 1

You gamble more than you

can

be outlawed.”

Harrison

turn

with family or obligations.

“As long as the individual is of legal age? it should be legal," he says.

afford.

You attempt to recoup your

losses by gambling even more. 3. 4.

You feel guilty about gambling You have experienced health

problems, including stress and anxiety as a result of gambling. 5. You borrow money to gamble. 6. Your gambling is taking time

from other obligations. 7. People have said you have a gambling problem, whether you

agree or not. 8. Your gambling 9.

causing finan-

or relationship problems.

cial

You need

gamble increas-

amounts

money

ing

same

to get the

feeling of excitement.

not a regulatory precaution, but a

way

cash grab; a

enforce personal limits.

for

governments

sure they profit from any

make

gambling, including online poker,

gambling

unique characteristics which can be argued to be more psychologically enticing than other forms

“The

skills

can

is -

try to

in their favour.

math and playthen you

percentages,

has

of gambling,” Lemaire says. “For

that

done.

comfortable environment, affords greater anonymity, is preferred for

Duchennes

those is

who

enjoy solitary

activities,'

highly accessible and

allows

for online gamblers to play under

and is confined to a wheelchair. Spending an evening at the casino is rarely, if

dence

ment

Casinos are obliged to watch for problem gamblers and cut them off if they witness someone with addictive tendencies.

gambling

When

playing with friends,

the

in front

more about it

takes

more are In

of them, they think

their value. Online, all

a click of the mouse, so

(potentially

made an

bad) decisions

entitled

now

right

— or anyone

is little

for the else

—

evi-

governto

make

an informed decision about online legalizing

“If

activity

this

going to be helpful, than this option would be preferred to no action or no legal prohibition, but the government will need to have enough to be satisfied that need to regulate the industry,” Lemaire says.

information there

But

when

Lemaire emphasizes gambling, the onus

responsibility always

lies,

that

with the

individual.

find out

responsibly,

how you visit

Internet

Gambling: Is It Worth the Risk, Zacharias says “gambling with

can gamble www.responsi-

electronic cash tends to diminish

For help with a gambling addiction,

visit

(Internet photos)

Above: Chris Moneymaker contemplates

moments 2003

legislation.

blegambling.org.

in haste.

article

ever, an option for him.

Unfortunately, there

Anonymity is a big factor. When sitting at home, there is no accountability.

born with was muscular dystrophy

Kortleve

the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

chips

the world of Internet poker, there are no people, just icons.

age public use of government-run gaming,” he said. “That goes against a free market.”

same; the individual is held accountable for his losses and decisions. Another concern is the fact that players are playing with virtualized money. When players have tangible

(Internet photo)

restrict

government wants to private gaming to encour-

example, Internet gambling allows individuals to gamble in a safe and

results are the

gambling

Internet

Treat

Players often ignore these odds

lucky.

Gold’s odds were even

more astronomical:

don’t

get addicted.

money

hundreds of players in the satellite tournament just to have a shot at mil-

poker each weekday, maintains that limits are essential. Playing a lot doesn't mean one has to let himself

first.

odds, yet the odds are what people

observe patterns

obviously

says Lemaire. Parents can use computer blocking devices, keep credit cards out of children's hands and, most importantly, educate their children. Education is the key. The irony of

Jamie Gold beat an astonishing 8,773 players to win the same event, a tes-

was

young

adults,

bear the biggest burden of respon-

know how

lions

or caregivers

parents

it is conducted or managed by the province. LiCastri, a U.S. resident where

no excuse, even addiction, is good enough to ban it. have loads of disposable income." “Why should we allow anyone to Harrison, who confesses to playing upwards of five hours of online '-'Take away freedoms? he asks. “It’s $50 every month or two.

record 839 players. In 2006, winner

tament to

sticks to his limits.

gambling

severe

the

poker

online

discussed

with friends and set up an account to play for free before playing for

are not such because they always get

of $2.5 million.

Moneymaker

credit card

unless

face.

LiCastri

often

$21 billion by 2010.

themselves, their

make money.

companies already prevent their customers from using their plastic to gamble online. The Criminal Code of Canada states that Internet gaming is illegal

sibility.

bling-related activities

Most

currently illegal.

Don’t think of gambling as a

entertainment.

commit fraud. If players gamble and win, and don’t receive? their money, there is no action that can be taken since online gaming is; J

played a role in the increase in the popularity of these games,” she says. "Especially with teenagers

nowadays?” asks John Harrison, a 38-year-old poker player from Ohio.

way

money

time,” Harrison says. lot

FOR GAMBLING

RESPONSIBLY

about learning betting tendencies, and how people use their limited

better than they

Addictions

the

TIPS

and debit cards

credit

wagered and makes it easier to gamble winnings.” This also makes it easy for w'eb-

influencing individuals' behaviour, says Jackie Lemaire, a research

people typically spend

...

because there is less psychological impact using plastic as opposed to cash. Using credit systems can dis-

you

with the get-rich-quick

value