Issue 6, October 24, 2012

sputnik

the

Wednesday, October 24, 2012 - Issue 6 // www.thesputnik.ca

News

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On Campus

5

Features

6

A&E

8

Sports

11

Opinion

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Partnership with Laurier likely page 3

Society’s cold-blooded obsession page 7

Tracking a serial killer page 5

Homecoming page 11

Austism Myths page 12

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 24, 2012

NEWS

Jordan Johnston // news@thesputnik.ca

Laurier Brantford’s 6th Annual Relay for Life Dillon Giancola Staff Laurier Brantford held its 6th annual Relay for Life on Friday, October 12, and it was another huge success. 137 students from 16 teams walked around the RCW courtyard from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The relay, which raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society, raised $13,700. Students raised money through personal pledges and online donations. Over $118,000 has been raised through 6 years.

Event Chair Chloe Torchia, a fifth year criminology student, said it was, “a great outcome, a lot of people, and a lot of first years, which is great.” She said there was more participants than last year, and that they

had never had people as involved and into the spirit of the whole event. “They really were decked-out this year,” she said. When asked her reason for being involved and why she relayed, Chloe explained, “I relay for my family members who have been affected by cancer and I want to make a difference. I want to walk the talk.”

For third year concurrent education student Alana Hodgert, a member of the ‘13 Muska-Cures’ team, the relay really hit home.

Recently, her father was diagnosed with cancer, and it was very important for her to be a part of this event. “It’s what I can do right

now, especially for my dad, since I’m away from home,” she said. “This year I’m really walking for my father.”

The event had a party like atmosphere, with lots of music and excitement, and the sense that the students were helping to defeat cancer with each step they took. There was a variety of activities to participate in as well, including an obstacle course, street hockey and a scavenger hunt. Encouraging phrases littered the ground via sidewalk chalk, and signs, including ones that said “Walking for a Cure” and “Curing up a Storm,” were posted throughout the courtyard.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Graeme Gordon eic@thesputnik.ca ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Angela Taylor angela.taylor@wlusp.com (519) 884-0710 ext. 3560 PHOTO EDITOR Olivia Rutt photography@thesputnik.ca ART EDITOR Diane Sison art.editor@thesputnik.ca WEB EDITOR Caitlin Henshaw web@thesputnik.ca COPY EDITORS Ahmed Minhas Alicia Saunders Jessica Lalonde SECTION EDITORS Jordan Johnston, Local News Melissa McGuffin, On Campus Layla Bozich, Features Courtney Langstaff, A&E Kyle Morison, Sports Leisha Senko, Opinion

CONTRIBUTORS

Relay for Life (Photos by Carla Egesi and Kim Jackson)

New ruling allows HIV carriers to go undisclosed Melissa McGuffin On Campus Editor BRANTFORD ON - As if HIV wasn’t enough of a worry about on its own, the recent court rulings on October 5 have made it even more of a worry for those in danger of contracting the virus. The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) ruled that those with “low viral loads” of HIV no longer have to disclose this information with their sexual partner if they are wearing proper protection, such as a condom.

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks the immune system.

Even though one may not realize they have it at first, over time the immune system grows weak, and if it goes left untreated, the immune system will no longer be able to defend the body from infections, diseases, or cancers that can kill you. Once this occurs, that person contracts AIDS. Previous to the SCC’s court ruling, any person with HIV, who transferred the disease to their sex partner, could be charged with a criminal offence and face many years in prison up to life sentences. While this ruling may seem dramatic, especially to those living with the virus, it may also be necessary. In Ottawa, there is already speculation about a case with a man who is accused of attempting

to murder three men by infecting them with the disease. With this new ruling, it could possibly sway the jury’s vote.

With cases that are not quite as severe, the ruling seems fair to those who live responsibly with HIV and practice “safer sex.” However, a lot of people are still on the fence to the new decision, especially those who do not have it but could possibly be at risk. Candice Evans, Healthy Lifestyles Committee Coordinator at Laurier Brantford has mixed feelings about the ruling.

“I feel like the initial punishment was too much (up to life in prison) for not telling your partner you were HIV positive, but at the same time, even with the huge advances in medicine and technology, there's no guarantee that you can't contract HIV even if your partner is on the medication and uses a condom,” she says.

Another point that Evans brought up was how it may affect university students specifically.

In her opinion, Evans says that, “Among our age group especially, the contraceptive is birth control, not condoms, which leaves us open to STIs. Even if there were to be a huge media backlash on this decision, which so far there hasn’t been, that probably wouldn’t be enough to change students’ mind,” she

explains.

For Evans, this topic has raised her concern since the story was published. As soon as she read it, she posted it right away to her personal Facebook page to spread the word to others. Evans has concerns over the technicalities of the new ruling.

“What does “low viral load” even mean?

There’s been no information given on how low is low enough or how often those who are HIV positive should be tested. If their viral load spikes, do they then have to go back and inform anyone they’ve been with sexually?” asks Evans.

While the new court ruling should cause controversy, not much has been published or said about it. Even if a person wears a condom, there is always the chance of breakage and pregnancy, putting the child at risk as well.

“I still feel like there needs to be the emphasis on people who are HIV positive needing to tell their partners and make the educated decision together to have sex,” says Evans.

This new ruling emphasizes the importance of “safer sex” and encourages people to talk to their sexual partners before making the decision.

For more information on HIV and AIDS, go to aidssida@cpha.ca

McGuinty's shocking resignation Jordan Johnston News Editor Dalton McGuinty has been the Ontario Premier for the last nine years, since 2003.

McGuinty recently declared that he will be resigning from his position as of April 2013, when a new Liberal leader will take his place.

Rumors have flown that he will be running for federal Liberal leadership, if this is the case, he has up until a certain date to join the running. Not to mention, this is a huge decision to make, but he does have a strong election team that has previously helped him remain the Premier of Ontario; twice in a majority and once (currently) in a minority government.

McGuinty was encouraging other ministers to also step down take a good look at their lives and potentially run for a higher political position. According to McGuinty, the

Liberals are in a time where they need renewal; perhaps it would do others good, too.

Ever since the announcement of McGuinty’s resignation, there has been a legislative halt. All the government business that McGuinty was in charge of has been shut down by his prorogation of Ontario parliament.

Some of these are sensitive subjects that may be the potential reasoning for the resignation.

Teachers unions are upset with the proposition of a wage freeze, the reasoning of which was that the wage freeze would eventually make back the $14.4 billion of tax-payer money that was lost in funding two major gas plants that were started projects, but never opened.

Although McGuinty may be feeling the pressure now, he has made some good moves over the past nine years. Some of these successful moments include shortened wait times in health care, cleaner air, the strictest and cleanest water system that has ever been

in place, full day kindergarten, and most important to students; the thirty percent tuition rebate. This rebate helps education stay within the reach of all levels of families, giving about $700 to college students and $1,600 to university students.

Regardless of the next step for McGuinty, he is liable to hear flack from his followers and opponenets. He will likely take some time off but will still involve himself in the political world; however, no future plans have been stated. Rumors spread that his family wanted out of the political life and they urged him for change.

As in any political ruckus, there are people who strongly like and dislike McGuinty. He has not stated whether he will run for the federal Liberal leadership or not. Although nothing is confirmed, it is hard to see his political career simply ending here.

Aaleya Waslat Olivia Rutt Diane Sison Courtney Langstaff Layla Bozich Leisha Senko Kyle Morrison Carla Egesi Jordan Johnston Anthony Fusco Cody Hoffman Dillon Giancola Amber Richardson Melissa McGuffin Matt Cook Stephanie Di Bartolo Craig Hagerman Madison Hawkins Elizabeth Medeiros Kim Jackson Kaya Firth Bridget Parker Ahmed Minhas Cody Groat Daniel Potovszky

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 24 , 2012

NEWS

Jordan Johnston // news@thesputnik.ca

One man's trash is another's empire: Public Crim brings Dr. Ferrell to Laurier Brantford Carla Egesi Staff

Texas Christian University professor of Sociology, Dr. Jeffrey Ferrell made a splash here at Laurier Brantford earlier this month as the much anticipated guest speaker for the Public Criminology colloquium.

Ferrell, renowned for his more controversial research methods, gave a riveting lecture on his research findings, which were heavily influenced by ideas surrounding Drift. The theory, originally proposed by David Matza, proposes that given the right set of circumstances and justifications (via methods of neutralization) individuals will find themselves drifting in and out of the moral fold in order to either meet their needs or satiate their desires by engaging in behavior viewed as deviant by the ruling class. Ferrell’s application of this theory examines people’s coping mechanisms during times of economic instability and uncertainty.

“Did you know that due to the widespread home foreclosure that was a byproduct of the crippling 2008 recession, an entire colony of people spawned within the drainage system in Las Vegas, Nevada?” said Ferrell during his lecture.

While the theory behind Ferrell’s research is absolutely enthralling, the liquid ethnography model he used to study the different deviant subcultures that have emerged because of the economic hardships incurred in North America prove to be far more engaging. Ferrell’s lecture focused mainly on Fringe culture — which refers to countercultures that go against mainstream norms — more specifically, the norms surrounding garbage disposal and sedentary lifestyles.

Although Jeff didn’t greatly cover his infamous dumpster diving lifestyle that he brought to the fore in his book of 2007, Empire of Scrounge — where he would essentially live off the avails he found in the garbage — Ferrell did cover another interesting

subculture that revolved around the Gutter Punk movement.

These nomadic communities represent the aggressive desertion from mainstream culture.

They hop freight trains to travel, they dumpster dive and surprisingly enough, sustain themselves by “reclaiming the massive amounts of food that go to waste.” Of course, this begs the question, how could Ferrell have known about all this? Well, in his quest to research with a sense of verstehen (sympathy towards these deviant groups), he recounted he often found himself travelling with them and learning about their subcultural codes and mores first hand.

When asked about how he actually received his research ethics approval, he replied with a curt, yet enthusiastic, “I don’t!”

Ferrell, who in addition to being a worldrenowned sociologist, is a musician too. During previous visits, he headlined a jam-session at the Piston Broke and put on an impressive performance

Dr. Jeffery Ferrell (Photo by Carla Egesi)

on Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. This time around, he explored the Brantford nightlife with a few old friends and new ones as well.

This week Public Criminology welcomes the University of Guelph’s Andrew Hathaway, who will be delivering a lecture on the history of drug criminalization in Canada.

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 24, 2012

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 24, 2012

ON CAMPUS

Melissa McGuffin // oncampus@thesputnik.ca

Cold Case Society adds student sleuths from LB Graeme Gordon Editor-in-Chief

Katy Rozad, a fourth year criminology student, is the newest research assistant added to professor Michael Arntfield’s Western-based Cold Case Society. The Cold Case Society is a university club that Dr. Arntfield founded in 2010 that branched from a criminology course he created in 2009, which deals with investigating unsolved murders.

This year Rozad and her fellow volunteer student-investigators from Brantford will be assisting the Cold Case Society’s (CCS) current investigation on US convicted murderer, Jack McCullough.

McCullough was convicted in September for the 1957 murder of a 7-year-old Illinois girl.

Journalist Michael Tarm in an Associated Press article points out that the case is one of the longest-running cold cases to be finally solved in US history — with a 55-year-span between murder and conviction. McCullough was only a teenager at the time of the murder, and his strange and transient behaviour throughout his adult-life suggests he may have been an active serial killer for over a half-century.

For these reasons, Dr. Arntfield’s CCS is focussing its investigation on learning more about McCullough’s life and on researching cold cases with a similar M.O. (as well as being in proximity to McCullough’s whereabouts) that could be linked to the convicted murderer.

Rozad’s job as a research assistant for CCS is to gather information on McCullough and cold cases by looking for news articles, finding witnesses, and speaking to police, journalists and lawyers involved in cases. Currently Rozad is looking into McCullough’s past. “We’ve been looking into his daughter, who went missing in 2005, which is suspicious considering [his past]. There’s very little information on where she is, if she’s even alive,” says Rozad. “I also found out that his ex-wife said that he ran a photography business, but that he never really made any money with it. She always saw young girls being brought in to be photographed (whom

CCS LB Unit: Katy Rozad, Brittany Stairs, Randall Massia (Photo by Kim Jackson)

McCullough described as prostitutes) so who knows what was happening.”

Rozad explains CCS as working much like a police station: “Arntfield says it’s like a chain-of-command in a police department. He’s like the chief, I’m under him and my volunteers are like the patrol officers … right now I’m waiting for a list of locations where McCullough lived from the Western [CCS], so we can look further into cold cases in these areas.” There is a set protocol that has to be followed within CCS, and only Arntfield is allowed to speak to material witnesses or anyone directly related to the crime.

Arntfield, in his early 30s and a selftitled “profficer,” is the only working police officer (London Police) in North America to also work simultaneously as a professor and to hold a PhD. He explains

the importance of his CCS in being a helpful aid to police departments that have very little resources for investigative work.

“Large police departments have only two or three officers for an unsolved unit, many of the smaller departments have none.” Arntfield sees CCS as filling this void, where cases fall through the cracks from a lack of resources within departments.

Rozad is excited for the opportunity to put her criminology studies into practice within the university-sanctioned club: “When I had [Arntfield’s Police and Society] class last year, he mentioned his Cold Case Society and I found it fascinating.

This is more like real life experience … it’s interesting to be under the guidance of someone who is actually out there doing police work.”

CCS has already had tremendous success in the past two years with other cases it has investigated. In 2010-11 CCS investigated the Capital City Killer case in Madison, Wisconsin.

By finding the roommate of a past murder victim via Facebook, Arntfield and his group of student sleuths were able to contact a suspect who had unsuccessfully tried to date the victim. Recording the conversation they had with the suspect, they had an expert in polygraphing examine the recording and were able to conclude that the suspect was withholding information.

Arntfield and CCS passed on these findings to the local police department and within weeks the suspect was arrested for the murder. The police acknowledged that CCS’s submission of new evidence led to the suspects arrest. “It was a cold case for years, and in less than two months after we handed them our research, he was arrested,” says Arntfield.

The Globe and Mail subsequently did a front page story on CSS’s involvement in the case.

Last school year CCS had similar success by investigating the murders of the Oakland County Child Killer, by finding a new lead that has led to a POI who may be the long-lost serial killer. “The CBC’s Adrienne

Arsenault has done a two-part feature story — a camera crew followed us for 8 months — and it will be airing soon on the National,” says Arntfield. “I’m not supposed to discuss what research led to the breakthrough because [the CBC] doesn’t want the ending spoiled.”

Unlike past investigations, CCS’s new investigation is not looking for suspects, but is instead looking for cold cases linked to McCullough.

Arntfield has not just gotten attention from journalists in the media. The profficer is currently in talks with networks about creating a crime-drama based off of his life, titled preliminarily as Tower. Take 5 Productions has hired a writer and if the show gets the go-ahead Arntfield will be a producer and co-writer. Networks have also shown interest in creating a reality show based on CCS. In the future, Arntfield has plans to look at cases within Canada — up to now CCS’s focus has been on cases in the States because the journalism there is less restrained in its investigative tactics than in Canada (making research easier to gather).

“I’ve been in talks with police involved in the Highway of Tears murders and may be getting [CCS] to investigate it at a later date … we’ll also be doing an investigation in a London case soon,” says Arntfield.

Arntfield has observed that “since the late 90s the inquiry into the Bernardo murders-sexual assaults between Toronto and the Niagara Region, multijurisidicational homicide investigations in Ontario — and later all of Canada have been required to use proprietary and police-specific software such as Powercase to manage affidavits and other documents, photos, and the workflow of various detectives working the same case in two regions,” said Arntfield.

Arntfield has just recently started using Google docs as a multi-jursidcitional database for CCS: “I’ve found that Google docs can approximate the same user experience and real-time but restricted open source format of these products but using a civilianized model. In some ways it is actually more user-friendly than the police version, and is a platform students are familiar with…” says Arntfield. “This software allows students at Western and Laurier who are separated by distance but are working on the same file to upload and share their findings — what are called ‘investigative action items’ — to a common, reconciled master file.

For more on the Cold Case Society and the ongoing investigation go to profficer.ca

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 24, 2012

FEATURES

Layla Bozich// features@thesputnik.ca

Trick r’ trashy: Hypersexualized Halloween Karly Rath Features Editor

“In girl world, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut, and no other girls can say anything about it. The hard core girls just wear lingerie and some form of animal ears.”

Anyone who has ever been to a Halloween party knows that Cady from Mean Girls is not exaggerating. Women dress much more revealing on this holiday than any other day. Generally, many women are no longer interested in the classic witch or pirate costume unless fishnet tights, a bare mid-drift or a low-cut top are involved. “[If I didn’t wear a sexual costume] I would feel out of place,” said 19-yearold student Christina Pelone. “Everyone expects girls to look a certain way on Halloween. Seeing girls dressed up scary and conservative would be a shock.”

Many Halloween costumes are bought at stores that sell lingerie and outfits meant for the bedroom, yet are casually worn in public on Halloween. Lilly Noel, owner of The Habit, a shop that sells clothing, sex toys, lingerie, bondage gear and other adult items, said that around Halloween she sells double the products as usual.

Noel said that about half of all of her costumes are revealing. Pointing to a purple and black silky number, Noel said, “This burlesque costume isn’t revealing. It’s actual clothing—a corset and a skirt but the skirt isn’t that short.”

Now to get to where the issue begins: the reasoning behind why women wear sexualized costumes.

While trying on the costumes, Noel’s customers always vocalize how looking sexy makes them feel confident. “Halloween is a reason to dress up and be feminine and attractive,” she said. Owning your sexuality is empowering and there is nothing wrong with identifying as a sexual being.

“I’m all for women being clear, being assertive and being direct about their own sexuality and their own sexual needs,”

said Dr. Rebecca Godderis, Assistant Professor of Health and Contemporary Studies. She goes on to explain how the media has shaped society into believing female sexuality is passive, and male sexuality is dominant.

But we must delve one step further.

The thing that worries Dr. Godderis about this feminist empowerment is that we live in a world where women are not necessarily safe wearing scant clothing out and about.

“Even if she felt empowered at the moment when she put that costume on, when she walks out into a different context — a room full of males — it doesn’t matter how empowered she felt if those males don’t respect her body and her decision to say no,” she warned.

Our society allows men to be entitled to women’s bodies, and so they may touch them in a club or party scene even if the women show no sign of wanting to be touched.

Due to music videos and other visuals from the media, men are taught to touch women whenever they desire.

Widespread internet use certainly fuels the hypersexualization of women. Everyone is hounded with provocative visual images in advertisements and videos as well as accessible pornography. Thus, as the sexual content in the media becomes more prevalent in our lives, Halloween becomes more sexualized in turn.

Laurier Brantford student Taylor Mihalick, 19, touches on how difficult it is to find a middle ground in what feminists call the virgin-whore dichotomy.

“In a way guys want girls to dress revealing, but when they’re too revealing, it’s trashy and they look down on them.

There’s a fine line between sexy and slutty,” she said.

Trick or trashy? (Photo by Bridget Parker)

On Halloween, if people judge a woman for being on the “slutty” side, she can defend herself by saying that the character she is dressed up as is not her identity. In other words, it is more permissible on that day because she normally doesn’t dress provocatively. Dr. Godderis believes that women often don’t feel shamed by the words “slut” or “whore” on Halloween.

According to Dr. Godderis, the core issue of hypersexualized Halloween lies in the reasoning behind why a woman chooses to dress in such a way that people would classify her as “slutty.”

Choice is not as simple as the woman voluntarily putting the outfit on. Choice is when she chooses between several options presented to her.

Dr. Godderis asked the question, “How many viable options do we have when it comes to expressing femininity in our culture?” The answer is we do not have

enough.

If we really want true choice, we should have the hypersexualized version of femininity as only one of many options.

We need another version of femininity that does not have sexuality at its root but that is also very successful in the world. Women should feel valued for qualities such as intelligence or athletic prowess. However, today’s reality is that a woman could only successfully dress up as a scientist or athlete on Halloween if it was sexualized.

There is a plethora of elements bundled up into that sex kitten costume hanging in the window of that sex shop—feminism and sexism amongst them. But a woman should not have to consider such elements; she should be able to simply grab whichever costume she wants off the rack. Yet that simple choice of a bumblebee, Dracula, or cowgirl is not as simple as it seems.

Incoming grad school deadlines

Matt Cook Staff

A month into the semester, students are settling in at campus. They’re combining midterms with school clubs and events, while trying to maintain a social life. It seems cruel to ask students to juggle more on top of all that.

But those grad school applications will not be ignored.

Orientation week is long gone, and upper-year students are examining their post-graduation options. An undergraduate degree is often not enough to attract employers’ attention, so more and more students are electing to continue their education. There are many options; a master’s, a post-graduate college degree or another form of education like teacher’s college. The list goes on and the application sheets pile up.

It may be unfair to ask students to think of their post-graduation plans in the middle of midterms. Certainly many programs don’t require applications until December or January. But other programs are less accommodating. The deadline for Ontario Medical School applications already passed on October 1 – no exceptions. The deadlines for programs vary wildly; applications might be due as early as August, or as late as May. If you haven’t started considering your plans after graduation, now may be the time to start.

So where are Laurier Brantford students in the application process? Sarah Theaker, a fifth year Concurrent Education student, is right in the middle of figuring out her

plans.

“I’m in Con Ed, but I’m not going to try to get into teaching,” she explained. “I’m heading to grad school for social work. I might do it at Laurier or Windsor, because most other schools require a BA in social work, which I don’t have.”

She still has some time to reach a decision, though. “The applications aren’t due until January 15. Social work is something I know I’ll like. I want to work to help children overcome grief, so I’d like to work as a grief counsellor.”

Many students choose to work a few years before obtaining further education.

One can’t deny the wisdom of exploring the working world before spending thousands more on education. This is the plan of Melissa Heaman, a fourth year Human Rights and Human Diversity and Leadership student.

“I want to travel right after I graduate.

After that I’ll work for four or five years.

Then I think I’ll explore my options for continued education.”

If a student is unsure which form of education to take after their undergrad, working for a few years may help give them an idea. There’s no harm in paying off some of those student loans. For some programs, full-time work experience is encouraged or even required.

An undergraduate degree may not get you as far as it did in years past. Dr. Andrew Robinson, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Human Rights and Human Diversity at Wilfrid Laurier, watches many of his students go on to further education.

“About 40% of students at Laurier go

What’s next? (Art by Diane Sison)

on to further education. I’ve heard that’s similar to other universities in the province.

[Most continuging] students at Laurier get degrees in law, social work, political science and social justice,” says Robinson.

Like most professors, Dr. Robinson is no stranger to the world of further education.

He obtained an MA in Political Science, and a PhD in the same field.

“I wanted to keep going. I wanted a career I’d find satisfying, so I thought I’d see if I had what it took,” he said.

Many students will learn that answer

for themselves in the coming months. And while there’s no need to decide your future right now (especially if your midterms are right around the corner), grad schools are something that should not be too far from an upper-year’s mind. So if you are looking to continue your education, break out your reference forms and bump up that GPA – those deadlines will be here before you know it.

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 24, 2012

FEATURES

Layla Bozich // features@thesputnik.ca

From beyond the grave: The revival of an obsession with gore

Zombie walks are popular for letting out your inner gore-lover. (Photo by Daniel Patovszky and Photo Illustration by Olivia Rutt)

Layla Bozich Features Editor

Curiosity kills more than just cats in the horror genre.

It kills zombies, vampires, werewolves, monsters, and humans.

What is seldom admitted, however, is that we as humans have an inherent fascination with the things that go bump in the night. Whether horror is depicted in film, literature, or art, it is humans who create and celebrate this ghastly genre.

Dr. Andrew Welsh, Associate Professor of Criminology at Laurier Brantford, is a self-proclaimed horror aficionado.

He believes exploitation films â&#x20AC;&#x201C; low budget movies that acknowledge they do not have a good cast or script â&#x20AC;&#x201C; present a taboo subject that exploits our human desire to view things that are not the norm. He references the philosopher Carl Jungâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s term â&#x20AC;&#x153;the shadow figureâ&#x20AC;?, which refers to the dark desires in every person that the public believes we should not have, such as wishing death upon someone you know. He explains that the TV screen and the couch offer a safe haven to watch something that could be very real but instead is virtually inaccessible, trapped inside a glowing box in a dark room.

Dr. Welsh said many people are attracted to antiheroes. Mentioning James Holmes, the man who killed 12 people during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado, Dr. Welsh explained that Holmes had a fixation with the Joker. While the popularity of the Joker as a character was renewed by Heath Ledgerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance, a popular critique of the original movie which featured Jack Nicholson as the Joker was that the bad guy was better portrayed and more convincing than the good guy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When people like Ed Gein, Ted Bundy [and] Charles Manson started to surface, this was kind of new,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Welsh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s [was] when serial killers became the popular subject matter of horror films. We moved away from mythical monsters like werewolves [and] vampires, to men.â&#x20AC;?

Dr. Daniel Martin, Assistant Professor of English at Laurier Brantford, agrees with Dr. Welshâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s idea that the best horror is achieved by paralleling real fears that exist in society at the time.

Dr. Martin believes that humans can learn to anticipate and train our nervous systems by mastering the fears that haunt us through horror in any medium. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We actually want to see the repetition of events, the cyclical development of demonic or ghostly returns,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Martin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We find ourselves eagerly anticipating the tensions and shocks of a genre pushing as far as possible against its own conventions, to see if those conventions will break.â&#x20AC;?

A prominent character in the horror genre today is the vampire. From classic movies such as Dracula, Interview

with a Vampire, and the Blade series, to modern day most popular horror themed tattoo for Wayne. He said the examples like the Twilight series, and the television show art seems to carry best on both genders, and women find Vampire Diaries, the vampire has no doubt undergone a the female vampires just as sexy as men do. makeover. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whenever someone asks me to do something horrorâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Today, our vampires reflect ideal teenage dreams and themed, it really gets my blood pumping,â&#x20AC;? said Wayne. desires, which suggests to me how incredibly malleable the â&#x20AC;&#x153;All the blood and detail, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the shit that makes people vampire metaphor in horror narratives has become,â&#x20AC;? said take notice.â&#x20AC;?

Dr. Martin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our vampires today are almost unrecognizable Human interest in horror and gore clearly transcends when compared to Stokerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Count.â&#x20AC;? every medium.

In the world of music, horror has been the inspiration In the wise words of Randy Meeks from the film for many artists during every era.

Scream: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always some stupid bullshit reason to In 1956, shock rocker Screaminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jay Hawkins released kill your girlfriend. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the beauty of it all! Simplicity! his single â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Put a Spell on Youâ&#x20AC;?, in which he harnessed Besides, if it gets too complicated, you lose your target theatrical performances which sometimes included audience.â&#x20AC;? macabre props onstage.

Many other artists began taking advantage of the shock value of horror in their work as well.

Screaming Lord Sutch, the stage name of David Edward Sutch, used a horror-themed stage show during the 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. He dressed up as Jack the Ripper, emerged from a black coffin, and used props such as knives, daggers, skulls, and bodies onstage. Arthur Brown, also popular during the 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, formed his band entitled The Crazy World of Arthur Brown.

For his live performances, Brown would light himself on fire.

During the 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Alice Cooper emerged as a band using a horrific onstage act. He featured guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, boa constrictors, and baby dolls which he would chop up onstage. He also acts out making love to a â&#x20AC;&#x153;deadâ&#x20AC;? woman. KISS also emerged during the 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, with Gene Simmons depicting blood drooling down his face.

In the 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath sang about satanism and being !"#$%&'()'!"*"+%,%*$ the Prince of Darkness, and even ate bats -'.&()%##/(*"0'122(3*$/*+ onstage.

Marilyn Manson, who was prominent in the 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, released an album entitled Antichrist Superstar, which deals with horror themes such as suicide, bloodshed, rape, and sodomy. t %FTJHOFE QSJNBSJMZ GPS OPO CVTJOFTT VOEFSHSBEVBUFT t 'PS DBSFFST JO .BOBHFNFOU 'JOBODF BOE "DDPVOUJOH John Wayne, owner of Beesting Tattoo in t &YUSFNFMZ IJHI DP PQ BOE QFSNBOFOU QMBDFNFOU Belle River, has tattooed many horror-themed pieces in his career.

5P MFBSO NPSF BCPVU UIF ..1" 1SPHSBN BUUFOE PVS JOGPSNBUJPO TFTTJPO He said a popular reason that he hears for someone getting a horror themed tattoo is the !"#$!"#$%%&'#()#*+,-%&'(&%(()''%"*%+%()''%,* 3PPN 4$ +PIOTPO #VJMEJOH 8JMGSJE -BVSJFS 6OJWFSTJUZ #SBOUGPSE fact that they grew up with the horror movie or book in which they wish to get tattooed.

---./0121301.4"5**," However, female vampires seem to be the

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8

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 24, 2012

A&E

Courtney Langstaff // arts@thesputnik.ca

TV Characters trendy for Halloween Courtney Langstaff A&E Editor

Every Halloween whether it is at a costume party or even the little (or big) trick-or-treaters, we usually see a pattern for costumes that may lack some originality and we see every year. However this year that may not be the case as many of the most sought after costumes for this Halloween revolve around the most popular flicks on both the small and big screen.

A Dolla makes me Holla Honey Boo Boo Child That’s right ‘Honey Boo Boo” and her unique legacy that has arisen since the summer time extends beyond TV, as there are going to be many ‘Alana’ impersonators both

big and small running around this Halloween season. All you need is to wear a pink t-shirt with a little bit of your belly showing, and talk in a strong southern accent making up interesting words like ‘beautimous’ and ‘sexy’.

Although for me the idea of dressing up like her mother, June, sounds much more appealing, she is definitely the most “unique” and hilarious of them all.

All Hail Khalessi! Or to some folk she is known as Daenerys Targaryen The beautiful and youthful white haired Queen or ‘rightful heir to the Iron throne’ on the very popular HBO series ‘Game of Thrones.’ This is another ideal costume for young women, because not only is Khalessi known for her stunning beauty, we also recognize her for her strength and overall badass attitude on the show. Completing her look is fairly easy and cost effective; all you need is a long white-blonde wig and some raggedy clothing or a long white dress. Either is good, and a lot of HBO fans will definitely pick you out of a crowd.

Eh- Sexy Lady, Oppa is Gangnam style [insert wicked dance moves here] Now I wouldn’t consider this in the category of characters based on TV, instead this would be put into epic YouTube Sensations. That’s right, Psy the creator of the famous viral music video “Gangnam Style” is now a top contender for this years Halloween Costumes. In order to pull this look off just grab a sweet pair of shades accompanied by stellar dance moves, a lime green sports jacket and some awesome backup dancers, and an entourage.

If being old time classics like Fred Flintstone or a sexy vampire just aren’t cutting it this year, I would definitely recommend any of these ideas.

You could also just simply watch TV or movies to get some hints for wicked costumes, maybe watch a little bit of Dexter or True Blood — anything on HBO is a great place to start.

Honey Boo Boo Child. (Photo by Eudaemonious, flickr)

Third annual BFF Courtney Langstaff A&E Editor The Brantford Film Festival returns on Nov. 1-3 to the downtown with a lot of promising new films being played on the LB campus.

Paula Thomlison, Brantford Public Library’s manager of communications and development and BFF’s manager of marketing, says she expects “upwards of 1,000 people to enjoy the fesitval this year.”

“We received over 200 films this year ... [from] local filmmakers, people across Canada and around the world.

[We’ve got international] films from Australia, UK, Switzerland, USA, China, Spain, France and Israel ... of course [we’ve got] lots from Canada too,” says Thomlison.

With promising films ranging from student-made pictures to Aboriginal films to short and independent movies, this will definitely be a captivating event. The upcoming Festival marks its third year of making everyday persons into recognized film producers.

A notable film being played at BFF is So I’m Dying, Now What? a Canadian Documentary that involves the documenting of the final moments of Margaret Hackman’s life as she sets out to complete her bucket list. This film will be playing at the Laurier Brantford Campus on Thursday November 1 at RCW. Another main attraction will be the Canadian studentmade film entitled Hiding, which involves a family’s attempt to desperately protect and maintain the virtuousness of their son while hiding from the resistance of a war-ravaged occupied town. Hiding will be making its debut on Friday November 2 at 7 P.M. in RCE. “Brantford’s arts and culture scene is growing and we thought a film festival would add another rich layer to the burgeoning arts and culture community in our City,” explains Thomlison as the reason for creating BFF. Films will be judged and awarded prizes to the top films in each of the categories, in addition to the best overall film award.

Tickets are still available for purchase for $5 at: Brant Communications, Film Flam, Green Heron Books, Jammit Music, Stedman Community Bookstore, The Beat Goes On, and The Bookworm.

Homemade Khalessi Costume. (Photo by Cody Hoffman)

ATTENTION prospective graduates:

Go to www.wlusp.com/gradphotos to book your photo sitting today.

Time slots available between October 29 and November 14.

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 24, 2012

A&E ‘Scare in the Square’ promises a frightening good time

9

Courtney Langstaff // arts@thesputnik.ca

Madison Hawkins Staff It’s time for Brantford’s 5th annual BMO ‘Scare in the Square’ Halloween event. Bring out the family or roommates to Harmony Square this weekend right in the heart of downtown for a promising weekend of “spooktacular” events. Beginning at 5 p.m. this Friday, October 26, and continuing onto Saturday, October 27, the event promises: live entertainment, tractor drawn hayrides, haunted houses, scientific ghost hunts, trick-or-treating, costume judging, pumpkin amusement rides, and showings of scary movies. There will be

entertainment for all ages.

With increasing turn out over the past four years, it is expected that over 6,000 people will come out and share in the spirit of Halloween. Brantford’s Events Coordinator Jennifer Middleton, who has taken on the role of organizing the entire event this year, is excited with the promise of an amazing two days.

“Each component [of the festival] has its own special feature that draws Halloween goers attention,” says Middleton.

“I think the entire festival as a whole [will

be] successful [as it] continues to draw the attention of the Brantford community year after year,” she continued.

Brantford’s downtown is full of students as much as it is families. Students are encouraged to attend this free festival, and take part in all the exciting activities ‘Scare in the Square’ offers. Halloween is that one time a year where everyone, young and old, can let his or her inner child out.

That same time, where you can dress up as your favourite super hero and most frightening villain while feeling assertive when

walking down the street or into a party.

Middleton encourages university students to come out and become part of Brantford’s community.

“Halloween is a time of year that no matter what your age, you can have fun!

Scare in the Square offers a wide variety of activities for all ages.”

For more information on this wicked and spirited event visit harmonysquare.ca.

Trick-or-Slay: 2012’s Halloween Horrors Courtney Langstaff A&E Editor

What’s your favourite scary movie? (Photo by Elizabeth Medeiros)

Halloween is literally just around the corner, and Hollywood has not forgotten.

With a few sequels and a couple originals, this Halloween is sure to be a creepy one.

Earlier this month from the makers of Paranormal Activity, the film Sinister came out featuring Ethan Hawke, depicting him as a criminal novelist who encounters a creepy box of disturbing videos. Hawke and his family take a direct nosedive into a demonic hell in their very own home. Sinister was released in theaters everywhere on October 11, and is definitely a creepy Halloween original.

A Hollywood hit that put Brantford on the map for creepiest cities returns back to the big screen for a 3-dimesional second round. Silent Hill: Revelation 3D brings back Sean Bean for a more advanced interpretation of the original, where his daughter, Heather, doesn’t quite understand the demonic forces that have been hunting her and her father down her entire life. This film incorporates familiar faces from the 2006 original, including Radha Mitchell and Deborah Kara Unger, and a new face Carrie-Anne Moss (Matrix, Disturbia). Open Road Films drags us into Heather’s demonic alternate reality on

October 25.

If Paramount Pictures hasn’t scared your panties off with the first three movies, then fourth time’s the charm with last Friday’s release of Paranormal Activity 4.

Unlike the last two films in the franchise, we now can find out what happened after the disappearance of Katie and her nephew, Hunter. A suburban family begins to experience a series of unexplained events that “coincidently” begin to occur following the move in of a woman and an enigmatic child in their neighbourhood.

If the movie theatre isn’t your scene, there are always Halloween horror classics to enjoy while hiding under your covers with a bowl of popcorn. Here I am referring to the certain individuals that have the case of ‘throwing the popcorn when startled’ (But I know that’s not you...right?). As a fellow fanatic of the creepy supernatural flicks I recommend The Blair Witch Project, The Exorcist, and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Also take a look at some originals and their remakes like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday the 13th and maybe catch yourself up on the Paranormal Activity franchise before you see the latest installment.

illScarlett taking on the music scene at full force Stephanie Di Bartolo Staff Canadian band illScarlett has made quite the name for themselves, as their success continues to grow with every album they release. With both recent and upcoming dates all over southern Ontario, and with Brantford being one of their stops, the band is giving their fans a taste of new music as well as laying down some of the illScarlett classics.

Already having successful albums behind their name, the bands newest release, the 2012 EP, has so far been very well received. The EP, a follow up from illScarlett’s 1UP!, is holding fans over as they patiently wait for the band’s next full-length album.

“It’s a bridge from our year and a half of not putting anything new out to 2013, when we’re going to put out a full length album and hopefully repeat the success of ‘All Day With It,’” Alex explained.

Sticking to their roots on the EP, illScarlett continues to go to a place that many bands stray away from these days.

“We went completely against incorporating synthetic sounds. We’ve always had a punk/rock attitude where like, if you can’t play it on a regular drum set or a guitar, then it’s not right,” said Alex.

When it comes to live shows, it’s the illScarlett classics that really get the crowd going.

“The singles always do really wellNothing Special, One A and Heaters. People really like that stuff. But, Mary Jane is always a really big one. We can’t play shows without playing that,” Alex laughed.

As the band’s fan base continues to grow, it’s no surprise that people are beginning to recognize the guys in public.

“It happens and it’s flattering. Most of the time it’s pretty fun especially when

you’re at a bar because then there’s a good chance someone’s going to buy you a drink,” joked Alex. “I think it’s really cool when people tell me how they feel about a certain song, or if there’s a lyric that really touches them because that’s really neat for me, you know, that’s an ‘I can’t even describe the feeling.’”

The boys have played many shows over the years although there were some that Alex marks as his most memorable ones.

Back in 2004, before anyone really knew who illScarlett was, the band played for the lineup of concertgoers waiting to get into the gates of Warped Tour. Kevin Lyman, the organizer of Warped, heard the band and was immediately impressed. They were offered spots on the tour for the next two years. After years of hard work and dedication, illScarlett has even been able to play alongside one of their favourite bands, Weezer, in Toronto.

It’s safe to assume that being an opening act for Weezer while playing at a venue like the Air Canada Centre would cause a little bit of nerves and Alex was not shy to admit that he still gets nervous before shows every now and then.

“I do get nervous sometimes, especially with big shows like the ACC. Once you step on stage and you start playing, the adrenaline gets rid of any sort of doubt or anxiety and you just go and do it,” admitted Alex.

When it comes to playing in Brantford, Alex says that every show is a great one.

“We always have great Brantford shows.

The last one, I believe, I stage dove and no one caught me so hopefully this time we’ll have the same crowd that is able to catch me. He said. “We always have great shows there and it’s just another great place in

illScarlet rocking Club NV Saturday night. (Photo by Stephanie Di Bartolo)

southern Ontario to play. I can’t wait to come,” He added.

If you were unable to catch them at their Branford show this past Saturday at Club NV, not to worry, as the boys will be touring Canada sometime next year.

“In 2013 we’re going to get the record out and get it all ramped up and then a big Canada tour and hopefully a U.S. tour. We’d really like to go back to Europe and Japan and while we’re out there,

we might as well get down to Australia,” said Alex.

The boys promise a lot of great upcoming things for fans, and it looks like illScarlett is far from slowing down anytime soon.

10

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 26, 2012

SPORTS Kyle Morrison // sports@thesputnik.ca

Golden Hawks fall short at Brantford’s homecoming Kyle Morrison Sports Editor The Laurier men’s hockey team could not pull off a win in front of hundreds of raucous Laurier Brantford fans, losing 4-0 to the Lakehead University Thunderwolves.

The atmosphere inside the Brantford Civic Centre was electric, with almost every fan decked-out in purple and gold from headto-toe.

Through the first period of play, the Hawks were standing strong against the tenth-ranked Thunderwolves, feeding off the energy in the arena and keeping it a scoreless game. However, early in the second period Lakehead silenced the crowd with a beautiful goal on the power play in front of Laurier’s net from forward, Thomas

Frazee. Laurier’s problems on special teams became a recurring theme throughout the rest of the game.

On each of Laurier’s four penalties, the puck ended up in the back of the net.

The penalty kill plagued the team greatly last year in what turned out to be a 17-loss season. The Golden Hawks had only given up one power play goal throughout the first three games of the season. Yet, if they continue to have poor penalty killing like Saturday night’s then they will be on the losing end of a lot of games.

When Laurier had the man advantage, things were just as disappointing. The team finished 0-for-6, mustering few shots on net. But of the opportunities created, two possible goals were disallowed on controversial whistles blown. Both times the

referee signaled that Lakehead University goaltender, Alex Dupuis had covered the puck before it crossed the line. With both of these coming while Laurier had a two man advantage, only down 2-0, the game could have had the huge momentum shift the team needed.

Otherwise there wasn’t a whole lot to cheer about. Laurier didn’t make much of a splash throughout the rest of the game.

Lakehead would score their final two goals in the third period, once again setup with beautiful passes into the slot, leaving Laurier goalie, Ryan Daniels with little chance to make a save.

The team now has to quickly regroup and hope to leave their four game losing streak behind them. Laurier has two games in a row on October 26 and 27

starting with the University of Windsor (31) on the road. The Lancers are a hot team right now, just beating Lakehead and they have yet to lose at home. It is going to take a huge performance from the Golden Hawks to get the victory.

The team will welcome the Guelph Gryphons’ hockey team (2-3-1) to Sun Life Financial Arena for their home opener on the main campus in Waterloo. The Gryphons are a team that Laurier lost to in an exhibition game here in Brantford, but hopefully they can use that as motivation.

With another great home crowd behind them, the opportunity to get that first win is definitely there.

Homecoming fans, Official puckdrop and fans who caught the puck. (Photos by Olivia Rutt)

Hawks basketball team to bring home a championship Craig Hagerman Staff The men’s extramural basketball team’s season is finally underway and despite coming up short to start the season, the team is already gaining a reputation for being a dedicated squad, which is certainly a step in the right direction.

The boys took to the court for their second time this past Friday when they took on Lambton College from Sarnia. The team kept up to Lambton for most of the game, never being behind by more than a few points. Unfortunately, the guys fell 73-52, but left the game in good spirits.

Team captain Mathew Wright agrees that the team was in it up until the end of the fourth quarter when Lambton started to pull away. Injuries the team sustained also played a big role in the loss. Wright

was suffering from food poisoning and other key players, Dan Kandilas and Taram Hoogsteen were also held out of the lineup.

Despite the loss to Lambton the team showed great improvement from their first game against Redeemer College when the Golden Hawks were strongly outplayed.

“The boys played a great game and were really working together as a team. Although they were not able to pull together a win they definitely bonded as a team and showed great improvement over their first game against Redeemer last weekend,” says Recreation Program Coordinator Lynne Gulliver.

Gulliver believes that the team failed to play as a team against Redeemer, but that after the loss the team came together and made it a priority to fix their game and work on things that had not gone right.

During the first couple games Wright is proud of what he has seen from the guys – especially their level of compete against some strong competition.

“A lot of the teams we have played have national recruits and we still match up well to them. We’re a new squad and every game we’re getting better,” says Wright.

Gulliver believes the team is one full of dedication and hard work, which is great to see for a team just getting their feet off the ground.

“The team is one of the most dedicated extramural teams that we have on campus with all members committed to four practices a week as well as three tournaments and at the moment two exhibition games,” says Gulliver.

Moving forward, Wright believes the team needs to work on their defense and rebounding and continue to do the things

they do well: hustling, shooting, passing, and communicating with each other on the court. As long as the team can continue to improve in these areas and do what they do well, there is no question that this team may be destined for some hardware, according to Gulliver.

“I feel that we do have a very strong team this year and there is great potential for us to do very well. I hope that we do win at least one tournament this year so we do qualify for the finals. I think that with the dedication and talent that is on this team there is a great chance of us doing this and I am very excited for what this team has in store,” says Gulliver.

The Hawks’ next action comes when they head to George Brown College on November 3 to take on the Huskies.

Ahmed Minhas Staff

‘enriched wheat …’. Such foods will cause an insulin spike in the body, or a sugar spike, which causes the fat cells in our bodies to expand. Natural sugars that are found in fruit or milk are acceptable.

Add more fruit and vegetables to your diet Try to get the daily-recommended allowance as outlined in Canada’s Food Guide.

Fruit and vegetables contain tons of vitamins and minerals that help to energize the body and help power our immune systems.

Eat smaller meals, more frequently throughout the day By eating smaller meals more frequently, it helps to boost the body’s metabolism by telling the body to keep digesting. Another plus side to eating more frequently is that it can keep hunger away, and prevent cravings for junk foods. Try to eat four to six meals a day, with three of them containing a good helping of protein.

By making small changes to your diet over time, it can help you to transition into building a new healthier and stronger you.

See you next time!

LB extramural soccer Anthony Fusco Staff Extramural soccer at Laurier Brantford is growing in popularity. There was a tremendous turnout this year and especially among women, according to captain Lauren Hutton.

“The turnout was great for both genders but, there was definitely an increase in the amount of females showing interest this year as compared to last year. I think this is important for the future of Laurier Brantford’s Women’s soccer team,” says Hutton.

The upcoming season is projected to be a great success for the Laurier Brantford soccer program. The co-ed men’s and women’s teams are all filled with committed, skilled team players who want to get out there and play for Laurier, according to Hutton.

“I believe we will face tough competition, but we have strong enough squads to put Laurier Brantford soccer on the map,” says Hutton Lauren Hutton and fellow captain, Kamden Holder were able to work with Lynne Gulliver and Greg Stewart in choosing the best squads for this year. According to Holder, the team is definitely one to watch out for.

“The team is a combination of skill, speed, strength and just pure athleticism. When we are firing on all cylinders, we will be dangerous,” says Holder.

The players this year are aiming to work on their ball control and passing skills. They are determined to impose their style of play

against opponents and keep them on their toes. The teams also possess a variety of players with versatile assets that will also contribute to making a well-rounded team.

Another big advantage the Laurier teams have this year is chemistry among the players.

“Almost all of the players we have play high level soccer outside of school and most of the players are familiar with each other from last year,” says Holder, “This should give us a big advantage as team chemistry is so beneficial in soccer.”

The team also plans on entering some tournaments this season in order to hone their skills. “This coming season we are looking to enter three tournaments and come out on top,” Holder explains, “We are in two co-ed tournaments and one men’s tournament. We are currently looking up a few women’s tournaments or exhibition games with surrounding teams.”

This year looks to be a challenge for the Golden Hawks, but everyone is ready to elevate their games and meet them head on. The chemistry is good, the skills are great, and the teams will not fail to entertain this season.

Both the captains and the players want to encourage Laurier Brantford students to come out and support their teams. Students can check out the team’s Facebook page, “Laurier Brantford Soccer” or follow them on Twitter @ LBfordSoccer for schedules, pictures, videos, news and updates .

Have you ever thought about getting in shape, becoming more athletic, or simply wanted to eat healthier, but you have no idea where to start? I’m here to help. For every issue of The Sputnik here on out, I’ll be writing a short column that will provide you with health & fitness advice that isn’t tampered by the newest ‘diet fads’ and the like; nor will I go off on a tandem and give you long scientific explanations. Just simple advice in 350 words or less.

Abs are made in the kitchen, records are made in the gym Before you begin your fitness journey, know this; no matter what, diet is key. To put it into a simple ratio, it would be 75 per cent diet, 25 per cent exercise. If you don’t change your diet, you’ll never see the results you want. Here are three things for you to work on before the next column.

Get rid of your junk food ‘Junk food’ consists of anything that is not produced naturally, such as chips, sugary foods, and foods containing the ingredient

12

The Sputnik // Wednesday, October 24, 2012

OPINION Leisha Senko // opinion@thesputnik.ca

Myth vs. fact: a misunderstanding of Autism Cody Groat Staff

I flick on the television, sit down, and enjoy two of the most popular sitcoms in today’s media: NBC’s Community and CBS’s Big Bang Theory.

Both these shows have something common in regards to the generally agreed upon favourite characters. Both Community’s Abed Nadir, played by Danny Pudi, and Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper, portrayed by Jim Parsons, have traits commonly associated with Asperger’s syndrome, a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) that fits under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). But personally, as much as I love both Abed and Sheldon, I feel that these two socially awkward, loveable characters perpetuate myths about autism that we should have outgrown by now.

Myth One - Everyone with autism has a savant skill.

Rain Man is a cinema classic. In it, we see Dustin Hoffman playing Raymond Babbitt; a savant with the ability of eidetic (or photographic) memory.

This sparked a myth around those diagnosed with autism that all autistics have a savant skill. Be it an artistic genius, a musical brilliance, or being a card counting virtuoso. Yet, this is not true. I’m sorry to say it, but I know a lot of people diagnosed with autism, and not one has a savant skill. On this one, the media is not an accurate source of

information; you’ve heard it before, and I’m stressing it again.

Myth Two - Everyone with autism is the same.

One you may not hear often, unless you have ties to the Autism community (then you’ll probably hear this assumed or insinuated a lot) is that everyone with autism is the same. The thing is, like every single person in the world, we are all different. That doesn’t change whether you’re diagnosed with autism or not. The autism spectrum covers a vast range of cognitive ability, and not only that, but the interests one has, emotions one feels, or attitudes one may e x press, are not based on the diagnosis you are given. These interests, emotions, and attitudes are what make

Slaying the frosh 15 Kaya Firth Staff

The threat of the “Frosh 15” begins to loom over the heads of first year university students from the time we start applying to schools. This phenomenon refers to the tendency of university students to gain up to 15 unwanted pounds during their first year of being away (also known as the freshman 15).

For almost everyone, university is the first time we’ve had to live on our own – which for many of us is a rude awakening when it comes to things such as laundry, cleaning, not to mention shopping for, and preparing, all of our own food. With the shock of a sudden immersion into the “real world,” most of first years may not be aware of several sneaky factors that can influence both weight gain, and our budgets.

The most obvious, but also the most difficult obstacle to overcome in the battle to eat healthy, is fast food. We all love it, but it doesn’t seem to love us back. It’s hard on our bodies and harder on our wallets. For example, for a little more than the price of just one chicken wrap at Warmington’s Bistro ($9 – yes, they waive the tax and you get a free

pop, but that’s still pretty pricey), you can buy an entire package of 10 tortillas, chicken breast, lettuce, and cheese, and make yourself chicken wraps all week at home. Yes, it’s more work than just walking in and ordering what you want, but we all have kitchens conveniently located in our apartments – why not use them?

Convenience foods are the second factor of the Frosh 15 phenomenon.

Many of the “cheap” options at the grocery store are quick and easy to prepare, but convenience foods are usually very high in saturated fats and sodium – two big no-nos if you want to eat healthy.

When it comes to making your food last, your freezer should be your best friend. I’m not promoting frozen microwave dinners (let’s be real, they taste like cardboard anyway). Find food that you can eat and freeze the leftovers.

Take meatballs, for example. You can eat them a million different ways, and if you’re only eating a few at a time, a $10 bag in your freezer will last you forever.

Freezing food is also a great option if you have food that will go bad before you’ll have time to make it all, and eat it. This works well for bread and meat, but a lot of fruits and vegetables might

The scary thing about renting an apartment is that it doesn’t seem like a big deal, until it is. I, and many of my university friends, have learned this the hard way. As naive, gullible, and easily excited young people, it’s easy to get reeled in if you don’t know any different. For me, the wake up call came when a landlord talked my first year roommate and I into signing a three-year lease, in order to win the bid. When living arrangements proved to be too costly, and the situation simply wasn’t working out anymore, we were trapped. We put in our notice,

you, you. Whether or not you have been stamped ‘autistic’ or not, everyone is a unique individual.

Myth Three - People with autism can’t talk.

Although this is true in some cases, it’s not true in all. The range of abilities and skills between those with autism is vast. This includes verbal development. Some children, and some adults with autism, can be greatly developed in language skills, whereas others have no use of speech whatsoever.

This is explained in greater detail over several scientific journals and as well as over the Internet.

Myth Four - People w i t h autism can’t understand you.

You’re not being ignored; what you say is not going over the heads of those you’re speaking to, or speaking

not freeze so well and are better eaten fresh.

Bringing leftovers from home isn’t an option for everyone, but a lot of Laurier Brantford students go home on a regular basis. If a majority of parents are anything like mine, they use home cooking to entice you to visit more often. Bringing food back to school with you can save money on groceries and cut down on the amount of work required on your part to prepare a meal.

There’s also the nice added bonus of a little taste of home – literally.

Drinking water is so crucial, but a lot of students just don’t do it because it doesn’t occur to us. Let me tell you, a Brita filter will do great things for you.

It costs $30 (plus the cost of filters every 4 months) and will provide you with unlimited, and fresh, drinking water.

This eliminates the need to buy bottled water as well as cuts costs on juice, pop, coffee, and other expensive drinks, with all of the added health advantages.

Potato chips are sinfully delicious and an easy go-to snack for busy students, but they’re full of fats, sodium, and all sorts of other bad things. If you like almonds (or other nuts), buy these instead to munch on when you’re not

thought we were golden, only to find out later that we’d signed an extended lease without really understanding the consequences.

Unfortunately, stories like these aren’t a rarity. I’ve heard horror stories about students with no hot water, leaky pipes, constantly partying neighbours, and simply put, unresponsive landlords. This, in a nutshell, is why it’s so important to learn your rights. In many ways this notion goes on the back burner in the face of classes, midterms, and social activities, but going to the sessions provided here on campus, or simply doing some sleuthing yourself, will save you a lot of grief in the long run.

You as a renter, have a number of rights. There’s nothing more stressful than a bad living arrangement, so please, do your homework, because I didn’t.

Yours in earnest, A screwed tenant

about. You should watch what you say if you’re talking about someone. You may not be granted a response (verbally) but that doesn’t mean you’re not being understood. When one takes the time to get to know someone with autism, they’ll start to realize that someone diagnosed (who’s non-verbal) may express feelings in other ways. For example, the way they move, or the way they act can signify what they’re feeling. If you see someone with any disability, just know that it’s not acceptable to criticize. Every insult you say is being understood.

Myth Five - Autism has a cure.

In the eyes of some people, this is a rather unfortunate myth. But, with my job as an Autism Support Worker I’ve come to learn one valuable lesson, autism may not have a cure, but that’s because it’s not a disease, or an illness.

Autism is just another aspect of whoever is diagnosed. It’s a part of them, just like their brown hair, or their big smile. In my opinion, finding a cure is like the old adage ‘why fix something that’s not broken?’

So no, autism doesn’t have a cure.

Not everyone with autism has a savant skill, nor is everyone with autism the same. Many people with autism can talk, and remember —they can all understand you.

really hungry but just looking for a snack. You’ll find that you’re not tempted to eat the whole bag like you might be with potato chips, and nuts actually have some nutritional value.

Instead of eating all of your leftovers or purchased food at once, try to make it last. This is an important skill if you can make each item span a few meals – if you make your food go further, you’ll find you don’t have to buy groceries as often.

First year university students are at a time in their lives when growth and metabolism from childhood are starting to slow down as they begin to take the shape of what they will look like in adulthood. This is one of the contributing factors to the “Frosh 15”, as a lot of teenagers are used to eating whatever they want and never gaining weight – this is unique to childhood and you will not find many adults who are so blessed. But don’t lose hope! Exercise and healthy eating habits are your two best weapons to combat the dreaded Frosh 15. Your eating habits don’t have to be determined by your budget – look into practices such as price matching (most grocery stores do this) and look for coupons!

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