*Volume XII Issue 18 *April 28, 2017
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The Power Of The Future
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Windsor's new groove 2 News
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David Zelko (left) and Tony Coates performing at The Rondo on Friday March 17, 2017. Kevin Blondin Converged Citizen Staff Windsor residents are still mourning the loss of their favourite downtown dance floor and hangout spot, The Loop. The venue closed in late 2014 and to these people The Loop was more than just a large room for an alternative crowd in a dilapidated building. It was a pillar of the local music scene, a place that prac-
ticed acceptance, a downtown complex consisting of four separate venues, each with its own distinct characteristics. “Each level of The Loop Complex was completely different from the other,” said David Zelko, a selfdescribed long-time Loop patron whohas performed in three out of the four venues in the complex. “Upstairs at The Loop was where everyone who was into alternative music would go to shake
their booties. The FM Lounge was more of a rock & roll venue for the general music crowd and in the basement you would find The Coach & Horses where most of Windsor’s punk, metal and hardcore bands called home.” Tom Lucier, owner of Phog Lounge, recalls The Loop attracting a very diverse crowd. “It was a mixed bag of everyone possible. People who wanted to stay clear of
Entertainment the club scene on Ouellette Avenue, but still dance free of judgement,” said Lucier. “It was simply attractive to everyone. It was the ‘other.’ It encompassed a huge group of people’s interests.” The Rondo and Phog Lounge are also a couple of the very few bars in Windsor that can be described as “other.” They happily sup-
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April 28, 2017
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FROM PAGE 1 port people’s lifestyle choices and want safe and respectable places for everyone. The Loop offered a large room which made Phog Lounge look tiny in comparison. But The Rondo, which opened in 2016, is much more comparable in size, holds more than 400 guests, boasts a great view of the Detroit skyline and also hosts the most popular alternative dance parties in the city. The Rondo has a well-lit stage that welcomes performers from all disciplines including plays, musicals, specialized parties, yoga and dance classes, recitals and more. They also have a weekly full band open mic night every Thursday hosted by Zelko called Open Jam Shazam. Zelko is also the front man of the local band The Wanderlust Club which held a record release party at The Rondo in March to launch their new album “Sexpectations.” Zelko, like many others, believes The Rondo is filling a gap left by The Loop after it closed. “It’s nice to have such a great place to call home for all of us kids,” he said. “For me, The Rondo is my home away from home and I couldn’t be more happy about it. “
CONVERGED CITIZEN
U.S. revokes NAFTA work permit from Windsor consultant David Lafreniere Converged Citizen Staff A management consultant from Windsor, who has been working for a client in the southern part of the U.S. for more than two and a half years, has had her three-year NAFTA work permit revoked. The woman does not want her name used out of fear of retribution while she is attempting to regain her status. After three attempts and about 20 hours of interrogation, she is now attempting to apply for an H1-B visa, which could take up to six months. A NAFTA work permit is issued to skilled professionals who have an occupation listed in the free trade agreement between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. These professions are generally in short supply, according to the University of Windsor Cross-Border Institute Chair Bill Anderson. “I think in general the interpretation is getting stricter,” said Anderson. “It may be because people working for CBP feel they need to be stricter.” One recent example is that of a specialty nurse who was refused a TN-NAFTA work permit for registered nurse, because one Customs and Border Protection Officer interpreted that a specialty nurse was not a registered nurse. With the intervention of Henry Ford Health Systems and Canadian government officials, that decision was reversed. The management consultant said she was not only refused
Photo by David Lafreniere A woman looks across the river at the Detroit skyline. A management consultant who had her TN-NAFTA work permit revoked is uncertain she will be able to re-enter the U.S. for work. a new permit but also had the remaining time on her existing permit revoked. She said on her first visit she was given a security pat-down and interrogated for close to five hours by up to four people at a time. She said she was questioned extensively about whether she was having a sexual relationship with her client. In the last two and a half years she said she has helped her client restructure and expand his business and was beginning to work on advising him on the start-up of two new business ventures. Anderson said changes to interpretation of rules has led to a level of uncertainty and many people are not sure how they are going to be treated, so they do not go to the border. He said more people are
making sure their paperwork is in order. There is also a deterrent effect that may skew numbers that suggest fewer Canadians are being turned away. “This may be the case for people from the Middle East and other countries where people feel they may get a closer examination,” said Anderson. “So, if you are just planning to go shopping you may decide otherwise. Nobody wants to go the border and be singled out.” He said there is potential for Windsor’s economy to be affected if there are disruptions to NAFTA. According to Anderson, if you take the 6000 people from Windsor who work in the Detroit area out of a labour force it could negatively affect the city’s
economy. “My client is still working with me because I’ve made a lot of difference in his companies,” said the management consultant. “What I’m working on now is two different startups. That is on hold now. He has been very patient and my value to him is great enough where he is going to hold off, but I don’t know how long he is going to hold off. After three unsuccessful attempts over three months to get her TN-NAFTA work permit back, the management consultant has been granted a month’s stay in the U.S. to pack up her belongings, get out of her lease and move back to Canada.
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April 28, 2017
news ONVERGED CITIZEN An unscientific Entering the real world survey found after high school most young people not smoking. Julianna Bonnet Converged Citizen Staff
Kaitlynn Kenney Converged Citizen Staff
In an unscientific online survey, approximately 50 per cent of participants say they have smoked but do not anymore. Results show that 83 per cent of people ranging from 18 to 24, smoke less than once a month or not at all. The survey also showed that people who did smoke started smoking as young as age nine and younger. According to Statistics Canada, in 2011 about 5.8 million people smoked commercial cigarettes in Canada. In 2015 that number dropped to 5.3 million. Their statistics show that fewer people are heavy smokers today compared to a decade ago and smoking rates are falling more rapidly among teens than any other age group. According to the Ontario Ministry of Health, people who do quit smoking all together or gradually over time gain immediate positive signs in their health. The immediate effects include: after 20 minutes, blood pressure and pulse return to normal, after 24 hours the risk of heart attack starts to drop; and after 14 days circulation increases in the lungs. Results from the small survey also showed that people who do smoke had long-term difficulty with stamina and endurance. Though there are many health concerns and medical studies involving cigarettes, 26-year-old Raylene Fair from
Essex County said she smokes one pack per day and is not ashamed of what she calls her “bad habit.” “I love smoking. There are so many people out there that hate that they smoke and talk about how disgusting and gross they are for doing it, but I am not one of those people,” said Fair. “It's not that I am proud of it, but I feel like everyone has a habit they do that isn't necessarily good for them or their bodies and something that other people will judge them for doing.” Also found in the survey, 56 per cent of people have never vaped, but in recent years vaping has become a trend some claim is healthier than smoking cigarettes and can help you quit smoking all together. According to ASAP Science on YouTube, chemicals used in the vape liquids such as propylene glycol, which is also used in theatrical smoke, can cause eye irritation and respiratory infection. Not much is known about vaping’s long-term impact and many studies are being done on the substances involved. Frequent vaper Karl Hawkins, 19, from LaSalle spends $50 a month on vape liquid and said it has a positive effect on him. “It serves as an alternative to cigarettes,” said Hawkins. “ I have no advice for quitting as I do not see a substantial threat.” Studies are being conducted on the usage of vape pens and other vape technology, to determine if it can be a positive alternative for people looking to stop smoking permanently.
For students entering the real world after high school, it can either be a positive or negative experience. According to a recent unscientific survey done on Survey Monkey, 66 per cent of people polled said high school prepared them for post-secondary education but did not prepare them for dealing with financial issues. Kathleen Westlake, 51-yearold manager at Mad Science Canada, said her high school education was different then what it is now. “When I was in high school, we took our driver education classes in school. Now they don’t provide that which makes it less likely for teenagers to get their license at the right age,” said Westlake. Westlake said the education system should be changed in multiple ways. “They need to start teaching
children about more important subjects. Math, English and history are all valuable subjects but they should provide a class that teaches students how to deal with financial issues and world issues. Students should learn about world issues and how it affects us,” said Westlake. The survey also asked which subjects were most useful to take. About 74 per cent agreed English to be the most useful subject, while civics and careers were voted the least useful subject with 50 per cent agreeing. Daniel Fahad, a 21-year-old welder at Essex Weld, said they should teach students how to do taxes. “They need to teach students to stand on their own financially in the real world. I've never used Pi or had to know where the nucleus is, but I could have used some help on filing taxes,” said Fahad. 94 per cent of individuals surveyed stated they contin-
ued their education after high school. Alyssa Barkhouse, a student at the University of Windsor studying International Relations, said she thought high school was “tolerable”. “People say high school didn't prepare them for the amount of work and research required in post-secondary, which I do agree with to a certain extent. Once leaving high school I struggled to figure out how to pay bills, do taxes and to even write a proper cover letter on my own,” said Barkhouse. “On the other hand, I find university education to be a lot more stressful than high school. The education system is incredibly wrong something needs to be fixed.” According to the survey, 92 per cent of people believe taxes and how to make a bill payment should be taught in high school in order for students to have a brighter future.
Welcome to the circus Ryan Jones Converged Citizen Staff Windsorites are now able to join the circus. Windsor Circus School will be opening its doors to the public in the downtown core on May 1, 2017. It is located in the Chelsea Building at 511 Pelissier St. The school offers various skills with lessons in aerial silks, lyra (aerial hoop), trapeze, inversion, juggling and plate-spinning. Owners Tia Nicoletti and Joe Jelasic both have previous experience in performance and circus arts. “Ever since I was young I was fascinated with circus arts and performance. My father owned an entertainment com-
pany and I grew up with performers from an early age. I suppose I learned an appreciation for the craft being exposed to that environment and working in it for so long. Today I enjoy staying active and training with standing acrobatics,” said Jelasic. Jelasic said classes have already been fully booked and she is pleased with the positive response. The average class lasts 90 minutes and are booked in eight week portions to enable the progression of students. Each eight-week course costs $176 plus HST. Having fun is a prominent theme, said Nicoletti, as people are discovering a new way of movement. “It’s a sensation of reverting back to being free hanging
upside down and laughing amongst new friends,” said Nicoletti. “Secondly, strength building and mobility training—utilizing your body like you never have before. It involves balance, core, inversion, isolation, and so much more.” The co-owners said their future plans consist of creating partnerships with local businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as reaching out to people in the community. “I would love to see WCS reach out to those who never thought they would be able to do something like this,” said Nicoletti. “I hope to allow everyone the opportunity to experience something new and profound.”
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ONVERGED CITIZEN
IRIS House helps Downtown shop Justin Crouch Converged Citizen Staff People who have a chronic mental illness are finding help at IRIS House in Windsor. IRIS Residential Inns and Services is a supportive home for persons with persistent mental illness that emphasizes the physical and mental requirements of its residents. Anne Ryan, executive director of IRIS House, organizes events and tends to the inn’s requirements. She said she does various types of work at the House. “I have four people that are in sheltered workshop jobs. One man had a job in the summer but we have an in-house work program where they can help with chores,” said Ryan. IRIS House has helped many residents to feel welcome and safe. They are undergoing the process of revising their data from their first 10 years of operation and looking at the difference in days spent in hospital care. Ryan noted that prior to the residents’ coming to the house, they spent almost 19,000 days in total at hospital. “After living here, there have been only 850,” said Ryan. They have had many events at the Caboto Club and the club continues to support IRIS House. “They have 92 charities trying to get into Caboto nights and they selected us again,” said Ryan. “This July the house will be hosting a charity pasta night.” Jeff Surprenant works at IRIS House and attends to the needs of the residents. “They have a little red book that during the day, if anybody
to close Photo by Justin Crouch Vince Tipitone works on his butterfly papercraft at IRIS House on Friday, April 7, 2017. has a problem with anything in their room, they’ll write it down in the book and that’s the maintenance I’ll do,” said Surprenant. Surprenant said he is very comfortable with the environment at the inn. “One of the reasons I took this job was because of the family atmosphere here. It was actually way beyond my expectations on how much I’d like it here,” said Surprenant. Traci Wilson is an activity director at IRIS House who helps develop the well being of the residents. “My job is really 80 per cent motivating people to engage in their lives, take risks, feel safe and enjoy...we’re all like parents. We all play these integrated roles,” said Wilson. Wilson said sometimes it is not easy to connect with residents. Some are easy to open up to, but for others, they may never truly open up to anything. Vince Tipitone, a resident at the Inn for seven years, said he considers himself an artist
wannabe. “At one time all my friends were artists and I think a true artist has a portfolio, has an idea, then goes out and does it,” said Tipitone. Tipitone said he enjoys the group activities. He was in the basement working on a butterfly papercraft. “I had in my mind right from the beginning that I was going to make the best one,” said Tipitone. Tipitone said he has connected with many people and established a romantic fouryear relationship with one of the other residents. “She came here and we just started hanging out and eventually we just started dating. We’ve been together for about three, going on four now, four years,” said Tipitone. IRIS’ welcoming environment and frequent activities have kept its residents safe and entertained. IRIS House has become a real home for the people who live there. With 65 residents, the establishment continues to thrive and motivate all those who take part in it.
Photo by Zander Kelly Riaz Bhatti at World Cottage on Ouellette avenue. Zander Kelly Converged Citizen Staff After almost 50 years Riaz Bhatti is ready to retire. Bhatti, 71, is the owner of World Cottage, an antiques and trinkets shop at 553 Ouellette Ave. World Cottage began in the early 1970s with $20 and a lot of brainpower. “When your brain is good… it’s easy,” said Bhatti. “When you have no money, it’s easy. When you have money, it’s hard.” As a young married couple, he and his wife started their first business selling incense from the back of their van. World Cottage is filled with all sorts of items for sale including shirts, statues of elephants, pipes, swords and much more. Some of these items are unique or no longer
available anywhere else in the world. Bhatti said it is a little hard closing his business, but the building is staying in the family. “I’m giving it to my kids,” said Bhatti. “They are opening a law office here.” Scott Meadows has been a customer at World Cottage for as long as he could remember. His grandfather was a friend of Bhatti’s. “The first thing I purchased was a sword, a decorative sword.” said Meadows. Meadows had much to praise about the shop. “It’s got the widest range of t-shirts in the city,” said Meadows. “He’s literally got thousands of t-shirts and paintings,” Whether or not all his stock is sold, the final day of operations is June 30.
Street Help offers vital services Barry Hazlehurst Converged Citizen Staff
Photo by Barry Hazlehurst Anthony Nelson washes dishes at Street Help in Windsor.
Windsorites who are enduring financial hardships have a safe place at Street Help to access services, such as help with basic needs, employment and other necessities for living. Christine Furlonger, the manager of Street Help, has been working to help make the city a better place for those
who are down on their luck. Furlonger volunteered at shelters across the province and settled in Windsor where she volunteered with the homeless. She was eventually approached by social workers with the suggestion that she start her own organization here. That is exactly what she did, more than 17 years ago. “I was a homeless person myself at a young age but I eventually pulled myself out,”
said Furlonger. “I then observed and volunteered at shelters across Ontario to learn how they operate.” Clients volunteering time in exchange for services, food and other necessities plays a big role in how Street Help operates. Anthony Nelson, a Street Help volunteer from Windsor who works at Street Help, said he enjoys giving back to the organization on a regular basis.
CONVERGED CITIZEN April 28, 2017
Abused or used Chelsea Girard Converged Citizen Staff In an unscientific online survey conducted among people between the ages of 18 and 65, all 34 participants said they believe mental illness affects a person's physical capability. Almost 45 per cent said they believe those with mental illness would abuse paid leave. However, 70 per cent of participants said medical leave would be beneficial to those with mental illness in order to return to work with a healthy mind. Diane Weaver, 44, a registered early childhood educator, said proving someone has a mental illness is hard and certain standards will need to be in place to make sure this medical leave is not taken advantage of. "My work receives eight sick/personal days a year and I don't see it any different as to not feeling well," said Weaver. "With our days however, we do not need to share what is wrong with you if there is anything." Many who took part in the survey have varying opinions on how long a mental illness medical leave should be. The answer was dependent on the severity of the person's mental state and what their doctor believes to be the right amount of time off. Kylie Hayes, 19, a pre-med
student at St. Clair College, said any physical illness where an individual receives paid days off should be treated the same as mental illness. "Just like a physical illness, mental illness affects the ability to work," said Hayes. "Four to eight weeks should be allowed to recover and learn how to cope with the illness." According to Statistics Canada, in 2016, full-time workers in Ontario lost 6.8 days of work due to an illness or disability. Among the 45 per cent who believe paid medical leave would be abused, they were torn between one to three days of medical leave or a doctor's note for a designated time. Chris Girard, 47, operations supervisor at Tecumseh Mall, said it depends on the severity of the mental illness if someone should receive a leave specifically dedicated towards their mental health. "Mental illness is a very broad term. It depends on the illness," said Girard. "If everyone said they were having an anxiety-filled day, we would have nobody working." The unscientific survey concluded that many believe a doctor's note should be mandatory and the leave should be categorized under sick and accident benefits in order to receive paid days off specifically for mental health related issues.
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Spring into the gym Torcia Velthuizen Converged Citizen Staff
After a few cold months of comfort food, hibernation is over and many are finding themselves anxious for the upcoming beach season. Kelly Reed, manager at World Gym in Windsor, said people usually join the gym to develop their summer bodies around Christmas time, but many people get a late start, usually around April and May. When people stop going to the gym from lack of results, Reed says motivation is the key reason. “People find it difficult to stay motivated. Another problem is not being educated. If you are not doing the right things you won’t get the right results,” said Reed. If someone was considering giving up on the gym, Reed tries to set them up with a
trainer or even a free session to help re-motivate them, get them on the right track and get them comfortable at the gym. Windsor resident Leo Chevalier said he finds it hard to stay motivated. “I unfortunately am very lazy unless I'm being compensated immediately. I have a hard time working for the long haul,” said Chevalier. Chevalier joined the gym last August but said he has only gone three times since joining. “I just started again this week. I went Monday and Wednesday. I plan on going three times a week for the remainder of my capable days but we will see how long that lasts.” Although Chevalier did not start his fitness journey in December, he believes it is never too late to get into shape. Rich Fleming, a personal trainer at Brady’s Fitness in
Tecumseh, said the main reason that keeps people from going to a gym is lack of accountability. “Usually having a workout partner or trainer keeps people committed because they are accountable to someone to show up, even when they don’t want to go,” said Fleming. Fleming said it is okay to not feel motivated and even high level athletes suffer from the same mindset at times. He said he believes it is important to understand and weigh the fitness choices we make. “Exercising three to four times a week for at least 30 minutes will greatly improve your quality of life,” said Fleming. “Do you want to be able to still enjoy life in your sixties, pain free and mobile?” So whether you want to look good at the beach this summer or just improve your overall health, it is never too late to get in the gym.
CONVERGED CITIZEN April 28, 2017
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Biblio Virgo book reviews
Stephanie Garber’s Caraval Fantasy. Make believe. Imagination. Stephanie Garber’s Caraval has all of these elements and then some. When Scarlett and Tella are no longer satisfied with their lives on an island, pinned beneath the control of their father, they want escape. Being the more adventurous sister, Tella wants freedom more than anything, so much so she would die for it. Coincidentally, a sailor, Julian, arrives at the island offering to take the girls wherever they wish. What a better place to escape to than Caraval? An island owned by Legend, a ring leader who has made the island a performance all in its own a circus. A place the sisters have always wanted to visit. A place that feasts on people’s fears and emotions to make them experience illusions. A place that is only supposed to be a game. But is it really? From beginning to end, Garber’s writing captivated me. My liking for a book is based on the author’s writ-
ing as well as the characters, genre and setting. If the writing does not flow or it does not make sense, getting through a book becomes more difficult. Garber possesses a style that mixes both simplicity and complexity making a person more eager to read. If I did not have school and work this would be a book I would have finished in one sitting. Julian, though a supporting character, was my favourite. The reader finds out that Julian is supposed to be a bad person, required to bring the sisters to the game and leave them there, but when Tella goes missing, things change. Julian stays by Scarlett’s side during the game and acquires feelings for her and it is mutual. If Scarlett was in danger Julian would protect her. If she was upset he would try to cheer her up. Julian finds a way to break his stereotypical shackles and becomes a better person for it. My least favourite character is Scarlett and Tella’s father. Though he is briefly seen in the beginning and end, the reader is able to pick up on his brusque mannerisms. I dislike the way he treats the girls. If they do not obey every order they get punished,
but he will inflict pain on one sister and make the other watch. As bad as it may be, every book must have a villain. An aspect I admired about this book is the chapter length. They were not too long nor too short which makes reading easier. I find that when
chapters are too long I lose interest and it takes me longer to get through the book. For a fantasy novel Caraval was well done. This genre is not usually a favourite of mine but the dark magic and illusions in this book make me second guess myself. I recommend this book for
ages 13 and up. It is easy to become addicted to the twists and turns of Caraval. But remember… It is just a game.
Yours truly, Biblio Virgo
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arts & entertainment
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ONVERGED CITIZEN
Books vs. movies Maryam Farag Converged Citizen Staff
Many people in Canada read books or watch a movie for entertainment in their free time. Printed books and movies have many similarities and differences. An unscientific survey was conducted online showing 77 per cent of people believe a book demonstrates a story better than a movie does. Only 22 per cent think otherwise. However, 61 per cent of people prefer watching a movie over reading a book. Roger Wurdemann, owner of Juniper Books in Windsor, said the results did not sur-
prise him. He thinks reading a book is like meditating and it takes time. “Movies came to our era,” said Wurdemann. “We live in a fast-pace world where information needs to be quick.” Although Wurdemann said he prefers reading books, he still watches Netflix and goes to the theatre once in a while. “I think they can both (books and movies) be quite powerful for sure, but I think there’s a greater likelihood of a book having a more lasting impression on someone than a movie,” said Wurdemann. “It can impact someone and even change their life.” Wurdemann said there are a lot of great things about reading a book. One of them is getting to know the point of
view of the writer. “You’re learning how other people think and feel and you’re getting inside someone’s head. I think that’s an important attribute. You don’t really get that from movies,” said Wurdemann. “When you watch a movie and think of that kind of medium, you put yourself in the situation. You think of yourself as Jason Bourne or whoever the lead is.” Wurdemann said he read about 25 books in the last 12 months. He said it is a small number for somebody who owns a bookstore. On the other hand, Amany Wahba, 44, said she read only one book in the past year. She prefers watching movies. “I don’t like reading. I don’t
have the patience for it,” said Wahba. Wahba said a movie displays a story better as it has visuals that helps you understand the idea more clearly. Ragiah Ayman, 19, said a book is better at telling a story. “A book I read recently and loved so much is The Fault in Our Stars. The book actually brought me to tears with all the little details,” she said. “When I watched the movie, it just ended so quickly, I didn’t have the chance to get attached to the characters.” The survey also showed that 83 per cent of people who took this survey and prefer to read are females. 47 per cent of those readers are between the ages 18 and 20.
“When I first opened my bookstore, 12 years ago, most of my customers were old people, but now most of them are young people in their twenties,” said Wurdemann. “This gave me hope.” Reading can also be for academic purposes and not just for entertainment. This was a comment from a person who took the survey: “Reading isn’t really my thing so when I do read I prefer to read something that will actually help me learn something, maybe history, political science.. etc.” Several people also said they would prefer reading history and health-related books rather than reading stories for entertainment.
National Canadian Film Day Cade Ryan Converged Citizen Staff
The executive director of the Windsor International Film Festival is using special festivals to promote filmmakers in April. National Canadian Film Day is a large one-day event in celebration of Canadian cinema in honour of our nation’s 150th anniversary. To celebrate this year’ NCFD, the Capitol Theatre played two films – Stories we Tell and The Sweet Hereafter. Tickets were free and the event was open to the public. WIFF Executive Director Vincent Georgie said the festi-
vals organized by WIFF have been growing in popularity since one of their main festivals last fall had sold over 20,000 tickets. “These festivals give the filmmakers an opportunity to get more recognition but it is also a great way for people
different cultures whether it is music, art shows or film festivals. Brown said he has seen a wide diversity at the events held by the theatre. “You see people from so many different communities. Something so specific to one
“You see people from so many different communities.”
- Dan Brown from different communities to come together and enjoy new films made by Canadians,” said Georgie. Capitol Theatre manager Dan Brown said the theatre is very welcoming for events that bring together fans from
culture ends up filling out a show and I think that is something unique to our city,” said Brown. Next years National Canadian Film Day will also take place in April.
Photo by Cade Ryan WIFF executive director Vincent Georgie hands out tickets at the Capitol Theatre for National Canadian Film Day in downtown Windsor on April 19, 2017.
CONVERGED CITIZEN April 28, 2017
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The Chicago Blackhawks swept in ‘Smashville’ Cody Rusan Converged Citizen Staff The Chicago Blackhawks’’ three-time Stanley Cup champions from 2010, have been swept in the very first round of the playoffs. Their opponent, the Nashville Predators, were the eighth place team and the complete underdog on paper. The upset marks the first time in NHL history that an eighth-seed team has swept a first seed team. The sweep
was also the first done by the Nashville Predators in its franchise history. The Blackhawks were held to a limited number of goals throughout the series. Predators’ goaltender, Pekka Rinne, held the Blackhawks to only three goals through the four games. Going into the season, the Predators were seen as contenders for the Stanley Cup, but after a lackluster start, success seemed unlikely. After the midway point of the season the
Predators picked up their act and became a force to be reckoned with. They would finish the season with a 41-29-12 record, while the Blackhawks would finish with a record of 50-23-9. Against all odds, the Predators dominated the Blackhawks through four straight playoff games. This brings to question many different things in Chicago and changes that may need to be made. Will coach-
ing be questioned. Or will the star Blackhawks Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews face questions. The leadership of Toews is something that is already being questioned and it is without a doubt going to be a factor next season. With how the Predators played, nobody can really fault goaltender Corey Crawford who did his best to keep the Blackhawks alive. Next season will play as a proving ground for the Blackhawks, if
they wish to continue to be a threat. As for the Predators, they await their second round opponent. They will play either the St. Louis Blues or the Minnesota Wild. The Blues currently lead that series three games to one. Look for the Wild and Blues to play again, April 22 at 3 p.m. in Minnesota for game five. The Predators will certainly be watching.
Sports round‐up Compiled by Noah Gecelovsky NHL The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Washington Capitals are grinding it out in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The two teams faced off on April 19 at the Air Canada Centre for the fourth time in the series. The Capitals came out big with four goals in the first period and only allowed Toronto one. The Leafs did not stop, battling back and scoring again in the second, with two more in the third. Pushed back on their heels, the Capitals were able to score one more, pulling ahead and winning 5-4. This ties the series at two games each. Game five will be played April 21 at the Verizon Center in Washington. Game six will be played at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on April 23. MLB The Detroit Tigers faced off against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 19 at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay. The Rays came out quick with two runs in the first inning. This gave the Tigers a hard time answering back. The Tigers were able find their stride in the fifth and sixth inning scoring a combined six runs and raising the score to 7-5 for the Tigers. The Rays answered back and pulled ahead, beating the Tigers 8-7. The Toronto Blue Jays hosted the Boston Red Sox at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on April 20. The two battled hard through the first eight innings before both teams scored in the ninth and took the game into extra innings. The Red Sox ran away with the game in the tenth inning,winning 4-1. NBA The Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks are going head-to-head in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The two played at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee for game three on April 20. The first quarter ended 32-12. By halftime the Bucks led with a score of 57-30, ultimately winning 104-77. The Bucks lead the series 2-1. Game four will be April 22 at the Harris Bradley Center and game five will be April 24 at the Air Canada Centre. Windsor Express The Windsor Express traveled to play the London Lightning on April 15 at Budweiser Gardens. The two teams kept the game close for most of the game but the Lightning pulled ahead winning 117-113. Their next game is Saturday April 23 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor.
9
sports & fitness
C
April 28, 2017
ONVERGED CITIZEN
To fight, or not to fight
(Photo courtesy of The Peterborough Examiner) (Left to right) Darren McCarty fights Claude Lemieux after McCarty beat Lemieux to the ice earlier in the 1997 season. Noah Gecelovsky Converged Citizen Staff
When people think of hockey, they think of stereotypes like missing teeth, hard hits, beards and pucks — but it seems most people identify the sport with fighting. In an unscientific survey conducted for the MediaPlex, 78 per cent of participants said fighting should be allowed whereas 10 per cent believe it should be removed. The arguments against fighting are usually the potential brain damage that fighting could cause and the possibility of serious or even fatal injuries. Detroit Red Wings' legendary tough-man Bob Probert and New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard are examples of fighting's long-term effect. After long careers of fighting in the NHL, both were diag-
nosed with Chronic Traumatic Encelopathy, a degenerative brain disease diagnosed in many athletes who suffer repetitive brain trauma. Over the years there has been controversy over whether fighting should be allowed in hockey. On Dec. 12, 2008, Whitby Dunlops' Don Sanderson removed his helmet and dropped the gloves in his final fight. Sanderson squared off and after losing his footing fell backwards and cracked his skull on the ice. Sanderson was only 21 and would be the first death recorded in hockey. After Sanderson's death, the OHL adopted stricter rules regarding fighting but the NHL has continued with little change. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has been quoted supporting fighting in a 2016 Sports Illustrated interview. "Statistics will tell you that this is a physical game and fighting isn't the only issue,"
said Bettman. He also mentions the drop in hockey fights over the years. According to TheHockeyNews.com, in the 2012-2013 NHL season there were an average of 0.96 fighting major penalties. In the 2013-2014 season, the average fighting majors dropped to 0.76. Over the years fighting majors have continued to drop and according to NYDailyNews.com, in the 2015-2016 season the average dropped to 0.28. Fighting in hockey is still controversial and many believe fighting has no use in the sport. Others believe it plays a large role. "Growing up you see the big hits on TV and fights and it's a momentum builder for their team," said William Stadder, a centreman for the Junior C Essex 73's in the PJHL. "I've been involved with hockey from Hockey Night in Canada to...the Essex 73's," said Stadder. "I see it today in
my league. A hard shift from your teammates gets the rest of the boys fired up and pushes you to play better." One of the most common arguments for hockey fights is that it keeps dirty hits down because those can trigger fights. "When a teammate gets hit from behind or intentionally injured you should jump to their aid. Sometimes a fight is necessary to send the message," said Stadder. Aside from fans supporting fighting as an important role, many believe it is more entertaining. "If you take fighting out of hockey than it's like censoring almost. It's part of the game," said Hannah Kohut, a student at Humber College currently studying public relations. "I don't follow [hockey] but I like watching it. I find [fighting] entertaining. It makes hockey, hockey." Many people still enjoy the physical and fighting styles of
what some call "old-timehockey." Layne Gouin is a former Windsor Spitfire currently spending his time working and playing hockey on the side. Gouin is a fan of the old school style of rough hockey and he has noticed a shift in playing styles over the years. "[It was] more gritty back then. More fighting and a lot more dump and chase. Nowadays it's more about puck possession and skill," said Gouin. Like Stadder, Gouin notices the importance of both styles. "I've followed hockey my whole life and appreciate the game," said Gouin. "I like the speed and stick handling more but fighting and grit is great as well." The NHL is far from changing the rules of fighting and many believe they never will. As for the injuries, officials are beginning to crack down on stopping fights before they break out.
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A night to remember at JAN Vanessa Cuevas Converged Citizen Staff
Staff and students from the journalism program at St. Clair College held their annual Journalism Awards Night at the Caboto Club on April 20. The hall was filled with staff, students and members of local news companies such as the Windsor Star, CTV News, AM 800 CKLW, CBC, TV Cogeco and Lakeshore News. Dinner served by the Caboto Club was followed by an award ceremony acknowledging first and second year jour-
nalism students and students in the Media Convergence program. The guest speaker for the evening was Dan MacDonald. He is a graduate of the journalism program at St. Clair, host on 93.9 The River and host and producer of a weekly music show Hear + Now on AM 800 CKLW. Lastly, the night honoured Karen Fallon, an instructor at the MediaPlex who is retiring after 22 years of teaching. The staff and students presented Fallon with gifts as a token of appreciation for all she has contributed to the Mediaplex.
Photos by Constance Xiong, Grace Bauer, Vanessa Cuevas & Julianna Bonnett.