Allure Fitness - Page 8
2015 Election - Brant Candidates Q & A- Page 6 Featured Artist : Tayler Buchanan -Page 13
Issue 2 | Wednesday, September 9, 2015 | www.thesputnik.ca
O-WEEK:
And so it begins!
Laurier’s Hawk Pact Meghan Gauvin Assistant News Editor
shop, which will take place at Laurier Brantford on Wednesday Alongside the typical morning of Orientation promises of a high en- Week programing. ergy time to help first Catherine Mulvihill Diyears adjust to student rector of Student Expelife at Laurier Brantford, rience at the Waterloo this year campus admin- campus, explained that istration is setting forth Hawk Pact aims to cover initiatives to ensure that topics of mental health, students are aware of substance abuse and the university’s growing consent. commitment to sexual assault awareness. “It’s a start to a “We want to let everyone know that we’re really important making conversations conversation” about consent and sexu- - Catherine Mulvihill, Director of Student Experience al assault a priority during Orientation Week,” said Laurier Student’s “These are all relevant Union in a Facebook post subjects that we need to on September 2. review,” said Mulvihill. One way that Laurier Mulvihill addressed the is hoping to educate in- fact that there are comcoming students about plexities to the nature of sexual assault is through conversations about conthe introduction of its sent, and explained that new “Hawk Pact” work- Hawk Pact will be a first
step. “It’s a start to a really important conversation... It’s a broad introduction... we’re not trying to solve anything in that session but we want students to feel comfortable to start talking,” said Mulvihill. “When we talk about substances and we talk about alcohol we do acknowledge when somebody is intoxicated... they can’t give consent,” said Mulvihill. Hawk Pact will be introduced to Laurier Brantford’s first years through a series of presentations by campus leaders like, Adam Lawrence, Dean of Students, Laura Mae Lindo, Director of The Diversity and Equity Office and Melissa DiLeo, from The Centre of Student Life and Engagement. Orientation Week’s
Wednesday night programing will also consist of the annual Mike Domitrz “Can I Kiss You” presentation, which has run on campus for the last five years. The presentation offers students a tangible explanation of consent and works to reiterate its importance. Laurier’s Gender Violence Task Force is working with an organization made up of Laurier students and alum, called Advocates for a Student Culture of Consent (ASCC) to create Laurier’s first sexual assault policy and protocol. Karly Rath, co-founder of ASCC, explained that by working to create a sexual assault policy Laurier is making a commitment to help survivors of sexual assault, “continue their education and life in the best way possi-
ble.” According to Rath, the policy will focus on supporting survivors of sexual violence and work to ensure that their needs are met and respected by Laurier. ASCC will be presenting the policy to Laurier’s Senate on November 20, and to the Board of Governors on November 26. Rath explained that Laurier’s Gender Violence Task Force is also currently working with advocacy groups within the student community to create a consent campaign called, “Consent is Golden: Do you get it?” The Laurier wide campaign will begin this year and aims to focus on establishing the importance of consent and will work to explain what consent is.
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Manic Pixie Dream Girl
FRONT PAGE PHOTO CREDITS Left: Chandler Berardi Middle: Dillon Giancola Right: Brittany Bennett Main: Dillon Giancola
THE SPUTNIK TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dillon Giancola eic@thesputnik.ca
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Meghan Gauvin mgauvin@thesputnik,ca
PHOTO EDITOR Christina Manocchio
FEATURES EDITOR Brittany Bennett features@thesputnik.ca
GRAPHIC EDITOR Sai Gnanaharan visual@thesputnik.ca
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
WEB EDITOR Jaclyn Brown web@thesputnik.ca
SPORTS EDITOR Devon Momy-Gamache
NEWS EDITOR Chandler Berardi news@thesputnik.ca
to be mindless pop-gobblers, like Kardashian fans, as I channeled Amélie and ate raspberIn an attempt to up its game ries off my fingers listening to as the hippest wordlist, Oxford The Shins, but was I really that Dictionary announced that it different? had added 1,000 new words Mulling over the manic pixie to add to its definitions on dream girl definition, staring August 27. From manspreadinto the eyes of my Ikea print ing to fur baby, it’s hard not to from Breakfast at Tiffany’s imagine the list being created that has been hanging on my by a bunch of “cool” older wall for time immemofolks trying to nail rial, I began to feel a pit down the millennial’s in my stomach grow. It’s a colloquialisms. Somevery strange experience, where between wonrealizing your conception dering why the hell the of individuality is hollow statement: “NBD, but and inauthentic. are you ready to fangirl How had I been silly over our dictionary enough to fall for such an update? Abso-bloodyarchetype, the manic pixie lutely. We’ve got some dream girl? Sure, their awesomesauce new hairstyles vary, but how words – no, rly – that had I failed to realize that will inform and enterevery one of these chartain whether you’re acters is typecast? They’re hangry or it’s already generic to the point that wine o’clock. Mic drop,” Summer, Sam and Ramona are a few famous exever needed to appear amples of the MPDG (Sai Gnanaharan/The Sputnik) each one is a thin, white girl who primarily exin print (as it did on So, what film characters ist as the muse in realities the dictionary’s website), and meet this one dimensional driven by the lust of male crying over the death of the female character archetype? characters. There is no diverEnglish language, Oxford’s list Top examples are Holly Gosity in the world of the manic reminded of a term I’d long lightly, Annie Hall, Clementine pixie dream girl. No curves, no forgotten, manic pixie dream Kruczynski, Amélie Poulain, women of colour, no effort to girl. Summer, Sam, etc. In other challenge the heteronormaI had stumbled upon the words, every one of my teentive. Some of these characters term years ago, but being anaged cinematic idols. don’t even have last names, noyed by the way it sat on my I had built myself attemptlike, Summer. Nobody is just tongue and how it sounded ing to channel the ladies in Summer. like some sort of rogue LARPmy favorite films by mimickI’d like to thank Oxford meets –MySpace-username ing their aura of quirky, indie Dictionary for the update, combo, I never truly gave it music loving, free spirited, because sometimes reality much thought. independence. I was Sam from checks come from the places Thanks to Oxford Dictionary, the movie Garden State, in her you’d least expect them, like the term is now clearly debedroom doing her “random on a list wedged somewhere fined. According to the updatdance”, being a goddamn indibetween, lolly-cake and mansed definition list, manic pixie vidual. I sat on my high horse, plain. dream girl is to be understood judging the plebs I considered as, “(Especially in film) a type
Taylor Berzins Brantford Manager
WLUSP BRANTFORD 202-171 Colborne St. Branford, ON N3T 2C9 (519) 756-8228 ext. 5948
photography@thesputnik.ca
Wednesday, September
The Sputnik
Matthew Burley arts@thesputnik.ca
OPINION EDITOR Josh Adesina opinion@thesputnik.ca Lead Photographer Jamaal Owusu-Ansah
THE SPUTNIK ADMIN PRESIDENT Bryan Stephens (519) 884-0710 ext. 3565 president@wlusp.com ADVERTISING Care Schummer (519) 884-0719 ext. 3560 ads@wlu.com MANAGER OF OPERATIONS Taylor Berzins manager@thesputnik.ca
The Sputnik is a member of the Ontario Press Council, which is an independent ethical organization established to deal with editorial concerns. For additional information or to file a complaint, contact info@ontpress.com of call (416) 340-1981. The Sputnik is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications (WLUSP). The Sputnik is a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP). Opinions expressed in The Sputnik are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the Editorial staff, The Sputnik, WLUSP, WLU or CanWeb Printing Inc.
Misusing the Soap-Box
of female character depicted as vivacious and appealingly quirky, whose main purpose within the narrative is to inspire a greater appreciation for life in a male protagonist: In a traditional singlestory romcom, these figures tend to be the manic pixie dream girls or unrequited objects of affection.
In This Issue News Ice Breaker Profiles 4
Federal Candidate Q & A 6
Features
Dillon Giancola EIC It’s another school year. And that means you are either really excited or really not excited, but you have strong feelings either way. We also have strong feelings about this year at The Sputnik, and can’t wait to share them with you. This O-week issue is a part of that, and we hope you like it. If you are new to Brantford, welcome! If you are returning, glad you came back! There is no end to the wonderful, funny, weird and strange things that you will ex-
perience in Brantford and our campus. As the Urban Dictionary says about Brantford, it’s, “A place where you can learn to play guitar, go to the library, and buy crystal meth all on one street.” With the election being just two months away, we are also excited to bring you solid coverage of the campaign. We’ll introduce you to the candidates, and take questions you want us to ask them at our Federal Candidate debate on September 30. We hope you enjoy
the Sputnik this year, as we promise to improve each and every week, and to do our best to continue to produce the stories and ask the questions that you ask for. We hope you stop by in GRH to say hello, drop off a story idea, or see about applying. The opportunities are endless and the experience is amazing.
Allure Fitness 8 Benjamin Rogers 9
Art & Culture Literary Bar Hop 12 Tayler Buchanan 13
Sports
NFL Preview 14 Blue Jays 15
Opinon
Feminism and Equality 16 Religion and Social Issues 16
Wednesday, September 25, 2015
News
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The Sputnik
Chandler Berardi | news@thesputnik.ca | @sputnik_news
Laurier International O-Week:
Easying the transition to Brantford Chandler Berardi News Editor Laurier International is using a separate O-Week to help reduce culture shock. Major collaboration in the international office resulted in a year full of big plans in order for its students to feel welcome and well equipped, starting with IO-Week (International O-Week). IO-Week is made up of sessions, workshops and activities to help students learn more about, not only life as a student in a different country, but also life as a Canadian citizen. “Simple things like having a shower curtain on
your shower ... the little things that Canadians do that maybe from where they’re from they don’t,” said International Orientation and Communications Assistant Melissa Webster. The Canadian Culture Transition workshop allowed students to understand traditions, slang, and where to go for help. Webster also mentioned their group work session where students worked in groups and put together a presentation. This is important because, as Webster explained, the concept of group work is non-existent in some countries.
Emma Ruetz, one of the international peer mentors, discussed the idea of a monthly cultural night where international and domestic students get together to celebrate a different culture. “I thought that was a great way for Laurier to reach out and show that we are here, join us, we can all be together,” said Webster. Looking back at the success of last year’s event, Webster decided to incorporate a “Welcome Back Social” event for upper international students and first year international students to meet and hang out. “There’s going to be
snacks, there’s going to be games, things like that where they can mingle with people who are like them. It makes it less stressful for them I feel,” said Webster. Laurier’s International Students program is also equipped with international peer mentors that act as friendly faces for students who are not comfortable talking to international office members in a higher position. “I invited one of the new exchange students to my place to have dinner with me because she had no idea how to cook,” said peer mentor and international student Natalie Lu. Peer mentors are in
charge of creating events for their students year round to help keep them involved, answer any questions, help them get in touch with school resources and touch base with them to make sure they are transitioning smoothly. For any questions regarding Laurier’s international students program, email Melissa Webster at lbinternational@wlu.ca.
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The Sputnik
News
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Chandler Berardi | news@thesputnik.ca | @Sputnik_news
Breaking the ice with your Ice Breakers Chandler Berardi News Editor
Shannon Van Herzle Blue Team Hometown: Delhi, ON Program: Concurrent Education, Primary Junior Birthday: July 13, 1994 Favourite artist/band: Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton and Ed Sheeran Favourite TV show: How I Met Your Mother Favourite food: chicken wings Favourite class: Children’s Literature and Women and Fiction Go-to karaoke song: Lose Yourself by Eminem Pets: one Shih Tzu dog named Dakota but only answers to Cody Sports: soccer and basketball Hobbies: being outside, camping, fishing and hanging with friends Travelled to: England, France, New York City, Florida and Quebec. What was the biggest lesson learned at University?: “It’s going to sound so cliché but just to be yourself ... Fall into yourself it’ll take some time but fall into yourself, find you, find your thing.”
Cale Michael Blue Team Hometown: London, ON Program: Concurrent Education, Junior Intermediate Birthday: September 29, 1994 Favourite artist/band: Lights Favourite TV show: Game of Thrones and Better Call Saul Favourite food: platter of wings Favourite class: African History Go-to karaoke song: Don’t Stop Believing by Journey Pets: none currently, want a Rottweiler named Bowser Sports: love watching Hockey Hobbies: videogames and hanging out with friends Travelled to: Italy, Croatia,
Slovenia, Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican What makes you unique?: “I just kind of do me ... I know how I act and that’s who I am. I’m not going to censor myself based on who’s around me because then they’re not actually getting to know you, they’re getting to know the version that you think you want them to know.”
Tyler Dosa Red Team Hometown: Thorold, ON Program: Criminology and English Birthday: May 5, 1993 Favourite artist/band: Ed Sheeran Favourite TV show: The Big Bang Theory Favourite food: Fettucini Alfredo Favourite class: Multiple Murder Go-to karaoke song: You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift Pets: A hamster named Penny Sports: Hockey Hobbies: Sports and video games Travelled to: Punta Cana and Ohio Why did you want to be an Ice Breaker?: “To give to back to all of the first years like my Ice Breakers gave to me. My head Ice is my friend now. It’s more than just Ice Breakers and first years, it’s about building friendships.”
Sarah Carroll Red Team Hometown: Ottawa, ON Program: Concurrent Education Primary Junior Birthday: August 30, 1994 Favourite artist/band: Mumford & Sons Favourite TV show: Scandal Favourite food: Pizza Favourite class: Gender Theories and Cultures Go-to karaoke song: Loose yourself by Eminem Pets: None Sports: Softball Hobbies: volunteering for
the Students Union (Co-ordinator of First Year Integration) and hanging out with friends Travelled to: Italy, Spain, Greece, Croatia, The United States, and Costa Rica What is your favourite O-Week memory?: “When we did Zumba in the park. I found it was the first time I felt completely comfortable, as everyone was just there to have fun. I remember it was pouring but no one seemed to care, everyone was drenched and couldn’t help but look ridiculous.”
Aryan Arvandi Gold Team Hometown: Richmond Hill, ON Program: Concurrent Education Junior Intermediate Birthday: November 25, 1993 Favourite artist/band: 2 Chainz Favourite TV show: Dexter Favourite food: Persian Food, Kebab in particular Favourite class: Mathematics and Teaching II, Children, Toys and Media and Transgression and Desire Go-to karaoke song: Birthday Song by 2 Chainz & Kanye West Pets: a Bichon Poodle mix dog named Chloe Sports: rowing and volleyball Hobbies: rowing, working out, dancing, taking care of my friends and eating Travelled to: United States, Dominican Republic, Cuba and Mexico What makes you unique?: “I have been told that I am really approachable and down to earth. I like to dance and sing to pop music a lot.”
Kristen Wrigglesworth Gold Team Hometown: Napanee, ON Program: Criminology Birthday: April 3, 1992 Favourite artist/band: Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Pentatonic
Favourite TV show: Suits, Master Chef and Friends Favourite food: anything Italian Favourite class: Multiple Murder Go-to karaoke song: Respect by Aretha Franklin Pets: Three cats: Harry, Pippit and George Sports: baseball, volleyball, competitive dance and cheerleading Hobbies: writing music, travelling/roadtrips, and anything outside like hiking and camping Travelled to: Punta Cana, many states in the US, Boston, New York City and Alberta What was your biggest worry going into University?: “My biggest worry going into university had to have been ‘Am I going to make any friends?’ The truth is, I met more friends than I could ever possibly explain. University has a way of putting you into situations that push your comfort zone and also put you in situations where you bond and meet incredible people.”
Ben Howard Green Team Hometown: Orangeville, Program: Concurrent Education Junior Intermediate Math teachable, Geography minor Birthday: December 5, 1992 Favourite artist/band: Of Monsters and Men Favourite TV show: Suits Favourite food: Pizza Favourite class: “Anything with Chad Hillier because he’s the biggest beauty. Engaging, understanding and just too funny.” Go-to karaoke song: You Belong with Me by Taylor Swift (sing it with Tyler Dosa) Pets: a hamster named Philip
Sports: Hockey, Soccer and Ultimate Frisbee Hobbies: sports, guitar, beating the roommates at NHL 15 Travelled to: England, Alberta and Florida What is your favourite University memory?: “As soon as NV 50 cent wings became a thing; shout out to Aryan.”
Nicole Heather Green Team Hometown: Mississauga and Oakville Program: Concurrent Education Primary Junior with an English teachable Birthday: August 30, 1994 Favourite artist/band: The Maine Favourite TV show: Scrubs, Greys Anatomy and New Girl Favourite food: Steak Favourite class: Children, Toys and Media Go-to karaoke song: Man I Feel Like A Woman by Shania Twain Pets: cat named Tucker Sports: Softball Hobbies: binge watch TV shows, hang out with friends and family, be outdoors, and go to the gym Travelled to: Cuba, Punta Canna, Florida, British Columbia and San Francisco What advice do you have for first years?: “One thing I look back and wish I could change would be my attitude during my first orientation week. O-Week is what you make of it. If you put yourself out there and attend events you will have an amazing time.”
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
The Sputnik
News Conklin Carnival is honoured in a new way
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Chandler Berardi |news@thesputnik.ca | @sputnik_news
Chandler Berardi News Editor Conklin Carnival is back in its original home of Brantford with original equipment. Jim Conklin, current owner and grandson of Conklin Carnivals, decided to bring salvaged artifacts back to the heart of the carnival industry for public display. Amusement ride pieces, photographs and games from the 1950s, are only a few archives represented at the museum. “We’re showing the early parts of the carnival which is very much different than what it is today. That’s what makes us different, no one else is doing it,” said Conk-
lin. The facility is not large enough to display all of the memorabilia. Conklin explained that artifacts will be substituted depending on what the public enjoys. Along with the fully functioning Merry Go Round, fire truck ride and corn dog wagon located in behind the factory, most of the artifacts on display remain functional. Employee, and former Conklin Shows employee back in 1956, Stan Airdrie explained that Conklin designed everything differently. Clown faces replace door handles and wash buckets replace sinks. Although the warehouse strays from the original location of the carnival’s
Outside you can see the old-fashioned merry go round from the original Conklin carnival. (Chandler Berardi/The Sputnik)
The Elephant room was made for hosting socials, parties and meetings (Chandler Berardi/The Sputnik)
winter quarters on Marlborough St., Conklin remained determined to incorporate as much carnival spirit as possible. “We don’t consider this to be a museum, we consider this to be more of a fun factory,” said Conklin. Airdrie explained that the museum acts as a place of nostalgia for some. He explained that people have come in and shared their excitement when seeing certain artifacts that they rode on as a child, or games they played. “A lot of them will come through once and then they’ll bring their grandkids back,” said Airdrie. Being in the business
for the majority of his life, Airdrie believes that the fun factory is an asset to the city, and is now somewhere for people to go and experience something unique to Brantford. “[People] drive to Toronto to look at stuff all the time and they don’t think about starting right in Brantford,” said Airdrie. Conklin explained that the museum was a difficult concept to support at first due to the uncertainty of what it would look like but so far the fun factory has been well supported by the city, receiving donations and a great deal of positive feedback. “It’s a family thing. Young
and old, they can all enjoy it,” said Airdrie. The museum has a separate room called the Elephant Room for those who are interested in hosting birthday parties, meetings, socials, or just to rent out the space. Prices and details on what is included, size and capacity can be found on the Carnival Museum’s website www.thecarnivalmuseum.org. The Carnival museum offers a Fun Troop made up of clowns, magicians, face painters, comedians, and more for any type of event hosted at the museum or off site. For more information visit the website mentioned above.
The Sputnik
6
News
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Chandler Berardi | news@thesputnik.ca | @Sputnik_news
NPD candidate Marc Laferriere
Conservative candidate Phil McColeman
Libertarian candidate Rob Ferguson
Green Party candidate Kevin Brandt
Liberal candidate Danielle Takacs
Meghan Gauvin
en me so many opportunities I want to give back and know I have the skills to deliver.” 2) What major changes do you intend to bring to Brantford? Marc Laferriere: “It’s not just time for a new leader but a new style of leadership locally too – a little younger, hungrier and more focused on the next 40 years instead of the next 4... I don’t focus on big spending and flashy advertising when I run but instead on community development principles... I hope that doing things differently, more accessibly and community focused could be a lasting legacy that catches on across the country.” Phil McColeman: “Making sure we look at every possible way that Ottawa can help this community.” Rob Ferguson: “It’s not what we will do it’s what we won’t do. We want to reduce the size of government and return some of those personal liberties, that government provides now, back to the individual.” Kevin Brandt: “I’d like to reinstate the Grand River into the Navigation Protection Act... We need to improve public transit rather than build more highways and parking lots... I will bring the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Committee to Ottawa on behalf of Six Nations.” Danielle Takacs: I want to see major investments in affordable housing, infrastructure and a new tone brought to working with our municipalities, universities and students. I want to see our local economy moving again. 3) What are your top priorities? Marc Laferriere: Quality and quantity of jobs, health care and affordability are three of the top issues I hear about...
we can invest instead in training, innovation and helping small business hire. We should be working with the provinces on a pharmacare program that will save money and cover people’s medicine... One of my top priorities will be to utilize my social work, community building and work ethic to be the best constituency MP this riding has ever had. Phil McColeman: I will do everything I can as a member of parliament to make sure we get the support from the federal government... to have a healthy local economy. Making sure I serve the citizens of Brantford at the highest possible level. Rob Ferguson: “We are big on freedom and small on government so our top priority would be to get Government off the back of the individual... To reduce government size and... government budget would be my second priority.” Kevin Brandt: “democratic reform, ending poverty, building a sustainable economy, improving healthcare and education, implementing a fairer tax system, solving the climate crisis, investing in small business, securing retirement for seniors, and housing.” Danielle Takacs: “Addressing the affordable housing shortage... Helping to further develop Laurier and our downtown... Establishing a more respectful and collaborative relationship with local First Nations... Supporting our local agriculture and family farmers... Supporting our local veteran’s... Support our senior’s to provide them the comfort they deserve in retirement. 4) What is being done specifically regarding unemployment? Marc Laferriere: We need to invest in education in-
cluding skills training and help small businesses that hire more often by lowering their taxes from 9-11 per cent... We’re also proposing a $15 minimum wage for workers in federally regulated industries, which will help over 100,000 Canadians... I also personally believe that the issue of temp work in our community needs to be addressed by government...” Phil McColeman: “Unemployment... is at the lowest level it’s been in a long time in Brantford/ Brant. What I would continue to do is encourage expansion of companies... It is my belief that private companies create jobs and individuals who invest money create jobs, and we will continue to support those initiatives in the local economy...” Rob Ferguson: “Government doesn’t create jobs... businesses create jobs. Once we understand that then we can understand that the issue with employment will be government getting in on the equation.” Kevin Brandt: “We will help out the real job creators by reducing small business taxes. By investing in renewable energy, we will create a mass of ‘green collar jobs’, and we will free markets that are crushed under the weight of bloated multinational monopolies.” Danielle Takacs: “... I’m proud to support the Liberal infrastructure plan that will almost double infrastructure investments over the next 10 year, with new investments of $60 billion. This plan will provide new, dedicated funding for social infrastructure that prioritizes affordable housing and seniors facilities, early learning and child care, and educational, cultural and recreational infrastructure.”
5) Do you have any Laurier specific plans? Marc Laferriere: I love Laurier. I look forward to working with Laurier on smart expansion and on ways we can help federally to increase the variety and depth of the programs here. Phil McColeman: Just to continue to support the growth of Laurier locally... I was on the Laurier board of governors for many years... We were talking about a size of campus that would reach around 10,000 students eventually. I know we’re not there yet and there is a lot more to do... and I will go to bat every time there is a project or an initiative that Laurier wants to take to Carleton campus. Rob Ferguson: Libertarians believe that education is a personal choice and really the government shouldn’t be involved... Right now we have basic student loans from the government and it is high interest... By opening up the markets in a sense ... we can have smaller companies offer student loans at a smaller rate. Kevin Brandt: “The GPC will forgive 50 per cent of an individual’s student loan upon graduation. We will increase federal transfers to provincial governments, earmarked and tied to post-secondary education. We will increase federal student grants by 25 per cent. We will extend the payment grace period to two years after graduation in which time loans are interest-free.” Danielle Takacs: “I understand that Laurier is interested in partnerships in development in the downtown area. I want to be an ally to the students and university to do all I can to get funding for what you see to happen. My commitment is to being your ally in Parliament.”
Five questions for local federal candidates Assistant News Editor 1) What made you decide to run? Marc Laferriere: “When I was 14 I first got involved in politics at the local level... We didn’t have any city bus access while all the other high schools in the city did... I made a petition, got signatures, mobilized friends and went to city hall with several of them...That route is still one of the most used bus routes in the municipality. I guess you could say that’s when I got the political bug.” Phil McColeman: “I want to continue to do the good work I was fortunate enough to undertake on behave of the community since I was first elected in 2008... It is my desire to continue to make good things happen in our community.” Rob Ferguson: “The libertarian party... inquired about me running for them... It was a decision I pondered for quite some time because I had never done federal politics from a candidate perspective... The first reason I chose to run is to learn from it, the other reason is I want to make a difference in peoples lives.” Kevin Brandt: “I’m running because I believe in the pragmatic policies of the GPC. As a proud Canadian, I think that ‘Vision Green’ would improve our national economy and sovereignty, our democracy, our environment, and the everyday lives of our fellow citizens.” Danielle Takacs: “... I have come to see first-hand how government works, the good and the bad. I have also seen many decisions made that I felt were wrong. I want to do all I can to use my skills to fight for the people of our community and deliver results for them on their priorities. Brantford-Brant has giv-
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
News
7
The Sputnik
Chandler Berardi |news@thesputnik.ca | @sputnik_news
Brantford Transit
+
Laurier One-Card Students have paid to use Brantford Transit through tuition fees. Hop on the bus with your One-Card, no questions asked! Maps & schedules available at brantford.ca/transit Brantford Transit: 519-753-3847 Brantford Lift pre-booked services available to students requiring specialized transit. Contact Brantford Lift for more details at 519-752-4444
@CityBtfdTransit
Welcome Laurier Students
recycLing tip
Visit brantford.ca/environmental for details
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The Sputnik
Features
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Brittany Bennett | features@thesputnik.ca
Seeing the sexy in fitness Brittany Bennett Features Editor
Pulling into the parking lot I can tell I have the right place, as a lady in hot pink above lures my attention to the sign titled “Allure Fitness Inc.” “Get sexy, get fit.” Allure Fitness is no ordinary fitness studio. While they offer the usual classes such as personal training sessions, and different types of yoga, Zumba and Pilates, Allure Fitness also offers sexier fitness classes such as pole and burlesque dancing. This is not the first time this hot pink logo has attracted some media attention. Within hours of putting up the very first Allure Fitness sign in 2009 at the Westdale Hamilton location, owner Michelle Kriedemann received notice from her landlord that the hot pink lady had to vacate the premises. That first week brought in about 500 signatures on a petition to keep the logo, along with much debate throughout a media frenzy. Two years later, this hot pink lady not only continued to strike a pose on their Hamilton sign, but she made her way on to the side of a Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) bus advertisement. In this case, HSR officials requested a breast reduction on the logo, as well as changing the word sexy in the advertisement, to healthy. But there was no stopping this sassy hot pink lady - she
kept her busty silhouette and in July of last year, perched it up above an additional location on Easton Road in Brantford. As I approached this captivating sign, I failed to notice that the front door had a pull down cover over top of it. Instead I walked right on past to the neighbouring company, quickly realizing this was not the entrance I was looking for. A gentleman at the front desk rolled around in his office chair to ask politely if he could help me with something. “I’m trying to find the entrance for Allure Fitness, do you know if the door is on the other side of the building?” Following an over exaggerated roll of his eyes, he snapped, “If the door isn’t open, they aren’t open.” “Oh okay, sorry to bother you. Have a great day.” With no response I turned around a little confused, and made my way back to the hot pink lady. I then noticed the door cover and waited in my car until it opened up. What an odd reaction, I thought to myself. Once the door cover flew up, I found myself greeted with a smile. Studio manager Lauren Penny was thrilled to talk about Allure Fitness. It was easy to tell she had been a cheer leader in previous years, as her bubbly personality was infectious. Once Penny began
to grow out of cheer leading, she left Power Cheer Toronto and found herself attending a pole dancing class for the same reason: she does not like going to the gym. Cheer leading for her was a fun way to exercise, and after searching online for a new fun fitness challenge she fell upon the idea of pole dancing. A friend just so happened to instruct at Allure Fitness and asked Penny to join her class, and within one class she fell in love. After two 90 day Get Fit Challenges, Penny landed an instructing job at Allure Fitness and now currently works as Kriedemann’s second brain for both the Hamilton and Brantford locations. Penny could not imagine herself doing any other job than this. “People are happy to be here, people like to come to class. It’s not like ‘oh no, darn it, I have to go to pole dancing class.’ People want to be here, people like to be here, and it’s a lot of fun.” But Penny does admit there are some negative stigmas that come with the job. It is quite common that students ask Penny if she is or has been a stripper or exotic dancer. Penny does not mind the questions too much, and she just explains that is not what these instructors are here for; they do this for the fitness and fun. However, the students can take what they are taught and use it however they please. Kriedemann on the other
hand, has heard some comments that she felt were offensive to their practice. “There are people that won’t even walk in the door. There are people that call me and ask ‘are you going to teach me how to take my clothes off? Am I going to need to go work in a strip club when I’m done there?’ And to me it just boggles my mind that that is even a thing.” Imagining these questions being directed to the seemingly shy, reserved woman in front of me was difficult to picture. Just as Penny, Kriedemann too found her love in pole dancing because she hated going to the gym. But as she explains, it is very hard for some people to understand that pole dancing is just an alternative form of fitness. In fact, most of the women that attend the pole dancing classes are either students or mothers, just looking for a fun workout. “Pole dancing is pole dancing. You can take it into whatever avenue you want to. So if you would like to take this to a club or to dance exotically, whatever. You want to make this your workout where you come here a few times a week and workout on the pole, than that’s another thing, and if you want to take this as just time for yourself, whatever. So you can take whatever we teach you and interpret it however you would like.” There is no judgment at
Studio manager Lauren Penny shows off some of the moves that she teaches at Allure Fitness. (The Sputnik/ Christina Mannochio)
Allure Fitness, only from the outside, and Kriedemann sees the judgement as a result of a lack of education on the practice. Despite the exterior negative connotations, both Kriedemann and Penny have received nothing but positive feedback from their students these past six years. All Allure Fitness instructors have been given a thorough in-house certification training. This training involves observing, assisted teaching, and testing in both practical and written form. It is designed so the instructors are not only able to perform and teach the moves, but also correct and recognize what may be causing the student difficulties. Kriedemann ensures their students are in good hands, focussing on safety, posture and alignment during moves. Both girls agree that their favourite part of their job is to watch the transformations. Pole dancing and burlesque classes at Allure Fitness provide transformation in your health, physical appearance, and confidence. And this outcome can be seen at the Brantford studio’s upcoming fall showcase on Friday, September 18. Students and instructors will show off what they have learnt and games and prizes will spice up the evening even more. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased at the Brantford studio.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Features
9
The Sputnik
Brittany Bennett | features@thesputnik.ca
What’s Your thing?
For Benjamin Rogers playing music has always been more than a hobby. (Christina Monoccio/The Sputnik)
Brittany Bennett Features Editor
M
eet Benjamin Rogers, the folk artist.
Benjamin had a guitar in his hands by the time he was one year old, which was actually photographed on the front page of the Brantford Expositor way-back-when. Today, Benj amin is 19 and music is his life. B e n j a m i n ’ s great-grandfather was a fiddle player, who passed down his violin to Benjamin when
he was seven. That was when the lessons began. He started with classical, and soon fell head-over-heels for fiddling. Eleven-year-old Benjamin found himself busking with his fiddle in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. That quickly led him to busking in Halifax, Ottawa and Toronto. There was never a doubt in Benjamin’s or his parent’s mind that, since Benjamin chose this journey, he would do anything else but this. “People have said ‘oh I don’t know, maybe it should just be a hobby, or he Tom Mulcair & Marc Laferriere
should have a back-up plan.’ And I said, ‘why? When he loves what he’s doing.’ I can’t ask for anything more than for him to love what he’s doing. Right?” says Tracy Rogers, Benjamin’s mother. Tracy has taken on the management role of submitting his work for festivals and competitions, as well as marketing Benjamin’s musical career. Paul Rogers, Benjamin’s father, is also a large part of the team, helping out with things such as sound, setup and musical critique. Team is a key word here. Although Paul and Tracy run
their own company, they continue their full-time job as Benjamin’s agents, and they absolutely love it. While most people Benjamin’s age are going to school for their future career, Benjamin is thinking of going to scho ol to learn something he would prefer to do on the side as a hobby: building guitars. And while music is seen as a hobby for most people, Benjamin has made a career out of it. One moment that has always stayed with Benjamin’s parents was when a man from Sarnia came to their home to buy an electric violin Benjamin had up for sale. The man told Paul about his experience in the music field, and Paul thought he had quite the valid input since he mentioned he had put out two CDs. The man explained that he went into plumbing as a back-up plan recommended by his parents, and told Paul it was the worst decision he ever made. “It was just kind of affirming, you know, it is okay that we’re supporting him and, let’s do this!” said Tracy. “Do it now,” the man told Paul. “Why hold back?” Tracy smiled. Within weeks they had Benjamin in the studio for the first time, and they are so glad they did. Two CDs later, Benjamin is playing 2-3 gigs a week, and also teaching instruments such as the violin, mandolin, tenor banjo, and guitar from a studio at home. Benjamin can even be found doing repair work on old guitars in a music store in Waterford when he finds the time. Benjamin’s heart is in folk music, but he also finds himself toying with
classical, jazz and blues throughout his two albums. His performances feature all original songs from his 2014 album “Wayfarer”, and his most recent album “Strong Mans Address to the Circus Crowd”, released this past June. Benjamin has received multiple award nominations and wins. This past spring, his song Move Ben Move won second place in the International Songwriting Competition, and his song Pendulum took third place in the Indie International Songwriting Competition. “You just get a huge high off of it really, being up there. It’s adrenaline but it’s also kind of like,” Benjamin pauses as he searches for the words. “When you’re up there it’s kind of calming, but you also have like a big rush. I don’t know how to explain it.” Whatever it is, it has Benjamin wanting more. He hopes to play for bigger crowds more often, focussing in on festivals, folk clubs, and house concerts. But folk festivals are most certainly Benjamin’s favourite. They feel like a family atmosphere to him, even though technically all the musicians are in competition with each other, but you would never know. Everyone is so supportive of one another, very friendly, hanging out and jamming together all night. “It’s a tough business, there’s no doubt about it,” Paul admits. “But you know, if you’re driven and it comes down to songwriting, if you’re a good songwriter … To me it’s like, where do you stop? You can’t stop now.”
10
Features
The Sputnik
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Brittany Bennett | features@thesputnik.ca |
WELCOME BACK STUDENTS The Roads May Be Under Construction But
WE ARE OPEN WWW.DOWNTOWNBRANTFORD.CA DowntownBrantford
@downtownbrantfd
Downtown Brantford
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Features
11
The Sputnik
Brittany Bennett | features@thesputnik.ca
Not your grandpa’s candidates: Brantford’s young leaders Taylor Berzins Brantford Manager
There exists a stigma that politics is just a boring game for old men to play. Statistics surrounding the Canadian Members of Parliament does little to combat this, as the average age of Canada’s 304 members of the House of Commons is about 54 years old. The youngest listed Members of Parliament are both 24, the oldest is 78. This is what makes the local riding of Brantford-Brant a sort of outlier, as three of its four major party candidates are under the age of 35. Liberal Candidate Danielle Takacs and Green Party candidate Kevin Brandt are both 32 and NDP candidate Marc Laferriere is 34. This is not NDP candidate Marc Laferriere’s first shot at federal politics, but unlike his first election in 2011, Laferriere is running amongst peers this time as opposed to being the only major party candidate under the age of 50. “Younger voices want in,” Laferriere explained. “I think the three of us are going to turn some heads in this election as three candidates in their early 30’s”. Despite noting that voters have been less concerned about his age, and more interested in talking about the issues,
young politicians like Laferriere are familiar with age-oriented attacks. “In the 2011 election the Young Liberals of Canada – which is the official youth wing of the Liberal Party of Canada created a website claiming that I was one of 10 of the most immature candidates in Canada,” said Laferriere. “They ranked me number two on this highly publicized website… They trolled through my Facebook page and found a photo of me dressed as the incredible Hulk at a Halloween Party to try and make their case. [The Liberals] then came in third place in this riding. I share that photo every Halloween as a reminder to be yourself, its vital to be yourself and not just regurgitate talking points from a party online.” Like Laferriere, Takacs grew up in the Brantford-Brant community. She and Laferriere even played husband and wife in a play during their high school years at Assumption College. “Brantford-Brant has always been my home and no community ever has or ever will matter more to me,” Takacs explained. “Brantford has a history of electing young politicians, both Mayor Chris Friel and former MPP Phil Gillies were elected under the age 30. We
The Rose & Thistle Pub &Fare 48 Dalhousie St, Brantford, On. (519)304-7220
Monday: Trivia 101 - 7:30pm Wing night - $6.50/lb (+ tax) Tuesday: Domestic bottles - $4.00 Wraps - $6.00 (+ tax) Wednesday: Karaoke - 8:00pm till 12:00am Domestic pitchers - $12.00 Appetizers - $8.00 (+ tax) Thursday: Burger & Fries -$6,00 (+ tax) Bar Rail - 1 oz. liquor drinks $4.75 Friday: Ask who’s on stage tonight! Saturday: Karaoke - 8:30pm till 1:30am Sunday: Roast beef & Yorkshire pudding 4:00pm till it’s gone!
Perception is often quite different from reality when one contemplates what a young candidate’s Instagram account might look like (Taylor Berzins/The Sputnik)
have never had a mayor, MPP or MP that is a woman that is 32 or younger, but I would be honoured to set that mark,” Takacs explained. “The biggest concern that comes when people hear about a younger politician is lack of experience,” said Takacs, explaining that she hasn’t hear too much flak about her age. “Some have repeated the ‘not ready’ lines back to me about Trudeau, millions of dollars in deceptive ads can’t help but lead to that. However, the “not ready” perception quickly fades when I tell them that Trudeau is 43 and Stephen Harper was 46 when he became Prime Minister,” said Takacs. Green Party candidate Kevin Brandt explained that he first became interested in the political life at age 14. “The 1997 Canadian federal election was the first ever political event that I truly paid attention to,” said Brandt, who became determined to orient his life around politics and social justice issues. “I read a lot of political theory and history
during high school, and then decided to study political science at York University.” According to Brandt, Laurier students should care about the election because, “the local politicians are relatively young because it shows that old-fashioned, status quo politics is changing - a new generation is taking the helm, and we’re speaking about the issues which directly impact youth and young adults... it will be the issues in this election that will impact [students] in their new working lives.” Brantford-Brant is no stranger to young leaders. In 1976, David Neumann was first elected to Brantford City Council in his mid-thirties. In 1981, Phil Gillies was elected as the Brantford riding’s Member of Provincial Parliament at age 27. In 1994, Chris Friel began his mayoral tenure at age 27. “There’s something about Brantford,” Friel said, explaining that the community inspires young leaders. For Mayor Friel, starting his political career early in life was born
from a need to see change in the local community. Having returned to the community after graduating from University, Brantford’s industrial economy continued to flat line. Friel understood that in order to get a job, “you either had to leave town or change things,” and at 25, Friel and a group of friends opted to plan a means to create change, which was set in motion two years later during the 1994 Municipal Election. During his initial campaign, Friel was nicknamed “the boy mayor” and his age was used as a means to delegitimize his candidacy. The attempts to use Friel’s age as a deterrent backfired Friel explained, “the community was looking for change and ready to take a risk.” After his initial win in 1994, Friel has served as Brantford’s Mayor for a collective 14 years. “It’s not out of the ordinary to see young politicians do well,” Friel said, explaining that the local community values, “people who take risks and entrepreneurial spirit.”
12
Arts & Culture
The Sputnik
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Matthew Burley | arts@thesputnik.ca
A literary bar hop through downtown Brantford Matthew Burley A&C Editor
Brantford’s downtown is filled with a colourful collection of bars and pubs for Laurier students to try. Each of them has something different to offer; some have a warm atmosphere, while others offer drinks at a great price and host regular events. Regardless of what you are looking for, you’ll be able to find it in Brantford’s bar scene. The bars in this article are just a handful of what Brantford has to offer, so explore the rest of the city and you could find a diamond in the rough Let’s start with the bars in Harmony Square: Rocklings Tap and Grill and The Piston Broke (cough Grand River Hall and Rizzo cough). Having just celebrated their second anniversary on August 23, Rocklings is still a new establishment that has rooted itself firmly into Laurier drinking
residence dons. They have a diverse menu, plus a solid pool table worth pulling the cues out for. The Piston Broke has become a seasoned bar after being a hot spot for students and families for the last seven years. Due to it being a gastro pub, it focuses on food and offers an extensive menu. Don’t let this lead you to believe you can’t grab a drink there. They offer 13 different beers on tap and have just introduced a new rotating tap to keep things fresh for the beer enthusiasts. The Piston Broke holds many events that students are welcome to attend; they recently had an “East Coast Night” and are hosting Oktoberfest and Laurier Homecoming events. They also have a St. Patrick’s Day event, but get there early because, “by five o’clock you can’t get in anymore,” reminisced
A glimpse at the booth seating in Rose and Thistle (Matthew Burley/The Sputnik)
culture. The bar is open seven days a week until 2 a.m., which can be a make or break factor after a late night study session on a thirsty Thursday. Rocklings offers a variety of specials, including a 10 per cent discount on food with a valid student card. In the past, Laurier groups and clubs have hosted events at Rocklings, including the Athletic Union, Blueprint magazine and the
owner Eloise Huczczo. The Piston Broke also joins in on events in the Square when it can and holds live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. Now that you’re warmed up, let’s take a quick trip down Dalhousie Street to The Rose and Thistle (cough Expositor and Lucy Marco Place cough). A freshman in the Brantford bar scene, The Rose and Thistle makes
A view of the bar at Rockling’s in Harmony Square (Matthew Burley/The Sputnik)
up for its lack of longevity with cold drinks and huge portions. In the six months that The Rose and Thistle has been around, it has made a name for itself as a popular pre-drink spot for Club NV. The bar has a nostalgic, homey, feel. This doesn’t come to a surprise to the staff who see each other as family. Even though it serves a wide variety of customers, owner Audrey Pitcher is excited for the students return, “we’re looking forward to the students being back.” The Rose and Thistle offers many promotions Monday through Thursday, including deals on burgers and fries, domestic beer and other alcoholic beverages. They also host trivia events on Mondays and karaoke nights Wednesdays and Saturdays. Now that we’ve got a buzz on, let’s finish up our literary bar hop on Market Street with Two Doors Down, Brando’s Beach House and Boston Pizza. If you’ve ever walked down Market Street past 9 p.m., there’s a solid chance you’ve heard the echoes from Two Doors Down. The bar offers live entertainment seven nights a week with a variety of genres. This is due to the fact that owner, Dana Johnson, feels it brings
in good crowds. Johnson must be on to something, because Two Doors Down just entered into its 12thyear of business. The bar also offers nightly specials, however nothing specifically for Laurier students. Check out the mural on the side of the building to see some unique art and graffiti. Two doors down from Two Doors Down is the always tropical Brando’s Beach House, which has been a part of the Brantford drinking culture for the last 13 years. Despite popular belief, the bar was named after the original owner of the bar and not the famous actor Marlon Brando (this has been perplexing students for over a decade). Brando’s is currently revamping its menu, but it still offers its oversized deli sandwiches and fresh burgers, which it’s locally renowned for.
Brando’s serves a fairly diverse crowd, ranging from 19-year-old students to regulars in their 40’s and 50’s. Despite this, Brando’s doesn’t offer anything specifically geared towards Laurier students. Being the only franchise bar in the downtown area has paid off for Boston Pizza on Market Street South. For the past six years, students and families alike have been going to Boston Pizza to grab drinks, meet up with friends and catch the occasional Stanley Cup Playoffs game seven. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and there are always deals going on. Their menu is filled with a variety of Italian and American cuisine. Laurier students can use their One Cards to pay for their meal, which can come in handy when short on cash.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Arts and Culture
The Sputnik
13
Matthew Burley | features@thesputnik.ca
The Featured Artist Matthew Burley A&C Editor
The Featured Artist is a Laurier Brantford student who is who is constantly striving for creative and artistic excellence. The medium isn’t what’s important; it’s the art. This week’s Featured Artist is Tayler Buchanan. What is your favourite medium to paint or create art on? When I was younger I pretty much painted on every wall in my room. Now I just try and stick to canvases. What is your favourite thing to paint or draw? I’m always drawing eyes. I don’t really have a reason, I just think they’re really hard to get right because of all the detail. All my notes for class have eyes in the margins. Who got you into art? Was it anyone specific or were you drawn to it? No one really got me into it. I just started drawing at a really young age. My parents encouraged me to keep drawing, but I got into it by myself. When did you start taking it seriously? Never really, it’s something I do for myself. It wasn’t until the end of high school that I started having people ask me to draw or paint something for them. I only do that occasionally though. I like the freedom of being able to create whatever I want. What inspires you to make art? It’s always changing. Sometimes it’s other artists or that I simply want to try a new technique. I’m never not listening to music when I’m creating something. So music is a big inspiration. Some of my paintings try a mimic the emotion of a song, if that makes sense. Have your inspirations changed since you’ve started painting? Well I started painting since I was three so 100% yes!
How so? Can you give an example? I don’t really talk about it often but art is a really big outlet for me. It’s one of those things that if I’m having a bad day, I start drawing and it calms me down. Most of my inspiration now comes from just simply trying to create something as opposed to doing nothing. Have you ever been on a “dry spell” with your art? All. The. Time. What are they like and how did you overcome them? I’m actually having one right now, it’s hard. It feels like I’ve forgotten how to draw since nothing is turning out! It’s just a phase though, I think it happens to artists when they haven’t been inspired or challenged in a while. I just wait for it to pass and keep trying.
Have you ever sold any of your art? Yes, you were my first customer! People have offered in the past but I’m not doing it to make a profit. Is there anywhere that people can check your art out? I have an Instagram account but there’s not many art posts (yet). I’m trying, I just need to get back into it. Otherwise my bedroom, but that’s strictly invite only. Art is a very time consuming process, have you ever found that school gets in the way of your art or vice versa? I don’t let art get in the way of school, however school always gets in the way of art. That’s why I like school assignments that involve arts and crafts! How do you make time to make art? I work during the school year too so weekends are kind of out for me as well. I’m a night person though so it’s generally at midnight that I’m starting a project.
Meet the Karpinka Brothers
I’ve noticed from looking at some older paintings you work with a lot of water colours. Why do you like them so much? Tayler Buchanan poses with her art (Jamaal Owusu-Ansah/The Sputnik)
How do you feel when you’ve completed a project? It feels pretty good. I’m very critical though so I usually see a mistake or something I could’ve done differently. Then I show it to my boyfriend and I feel like Van Gough. Is art purely a hobby for you or do you see yourself making a career out of it in the future? I see myself definitely doing something creative. I chose not to go to an art school though because I was never saw myself strictly drawing for a living. We’ll just have to wait and see.
I had never used water colours until first year and now I love them! They’re just so easy to manipulate and work with, whereas acrylic is very precise and I’m not a fan of how it dries. Water colours just look so much smoother. If Laurier Brantford held an exhibition/gallery for its student’s art, would you want to showcase your work? First of all, Laurier should definitely hold and exhibition because even just by working with Blueprint Magazine, I know there are some seriously talented people on this campus. I can’t imagine how many other people’s artwork I haven’t had a chance to see. How do you feel the students on campus would react? One reason I like this campus is because I do feel like it has an artsy vibe. I think the students would be into it it’s definitely something that needs to happen soon. I’ll be the first to sign up! Check out Tayler on Instagram at @Taylerbchn .
Two pieces of Tayler Buchanan’s on display (Jamaal Owusu-Ansah/The Sputnik)
The Karpinka Brothers released their new album this month. (Courtesy of the Karpinka Brothers)
Matthew Burley A&C Editor
On their third studio album since 2008, “You Can Count on Me”, The Karpinka Brothers have stumbled into their element. The Saskatoon duo worked with renowned artists such as John Golden (Black Flag, Sonic Youth, Replacements) on this cheerful, nine track album. What makes the brothers so unique is their raw musical talent; both the brothers play multiple instruments. Lead vocalist Shawn plays the guitar and banjo, while Aaron takes care of harmony vocals, guitar, mandolin and Dobro. Released on September 4th, “You Can Count on Me” sends the listener good vibes almost instantly. The guitar riff on the opening track, Careful What You wish For is reminiscent of a sunny, August afternoon and makes the listener feel like they’re in a Mill-
er Lite commercial. However, the ball doesn’t stop rolling there. The Karpinka Brothers consistently lay down melodic guitar solos throughout the entire album. The tracks Lost and Found and One of These Days features guitar riffs worthy of a classic blues album. The album ends on a softer note, with the brothers harmonizing to produce a soothing conclusion to a fun record. The first single off of the album, titled Tetherball, focuses on themes of progression and love. Filled with creative metaphors, the song has some deep lyrical content while managing to stay catchy. You can count on The Karpinka Brothers to keep things mellow and fun on this album. Throw it on while your cooking breakfast or going for a jog to get a smooth start to the day. Check it out!
14
The Sputnik
Sports
Wednesday September 9, 2015
Devon Momy-Gamache | sports@thesputnik.ca | @sputniksports
2015 NFL Preview: Potential SB rematch
Devon Momy-Gamache
Sports Editor
The 2015 NFL season will begin on September 10th, and as usual, many teams have a chance to hoist the Super Bowl. The usual contenders will be back from last season as the Patriots, Colts, and Broncos will be competing to win the AFC. In the NFC, the Seahawks and Packers figure to be two of the top teams. The defending champion New England Patriots received good news when a judge overruled Tom Brady’s four game suspension. The team still has to worry about losing some key players from last year’s team, however. They lost arguably the best corner in football, Darrelle Revis, to their division rivals the New Your Jets. Their other starting cornerback Brandon Browner, along with veteran Vince Wilfork, also signed with other teams. The offence did make some additions with TE Scott Chandler signing to back up Rob Gronkowski. The patriots, along with Green Bay, have made the pla yoffs six consecutive seasons thanks to the combination of Brady and Head Coach Bill Belichick, which is why they will most likely reach the playoffs again. The Indianapolis Colts will be looking for revenge after losing in the AFC championship game to the Patriots 45-7 last season. They added WR Andre Johnson and RB Frank Gore to give quarterback Andrew Luck more options. The team also drafted speedster Phillip Dorsett to add another option for Luck to
throw to. Already boasting one of the best offences last season with Luck and receivers TY Hilton, Dwayne Allen and Cody Fleener, the Colt’s new additions should give them a good chance
and the Broncos lost to the Colts in the playoffs. Although Wes Welker retired and Julius Thomas left as a free agent, the Broncos still have multiple weapons with Demaryius Thomas,
time defending conferencechampion Seattle Seahawks return their core from last season in which they lost the Super Bowl in the final minutes. Russell Wilson and Mar-
to have the best offense in football. The defence should be improved with new linebacker Trent Cole and star cornerback Vontae Davis. The colts should be ready to challenge for a Super Bowl this season. The Denver Broncos are another strong contender in the AFC this year, and they will be hoping a healthy Peyton Manning can guide them to a Super Bowl. After Manning injured his quadriceps late last season, he struggled down the stretch
Emmanuel Sanders, Owen Daniels and a solid group of running backs who can help carry the load to preserve Manning from breaking down this year. The defence has star pass rushers in Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, along with a strong secondary comprised of Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr. and T.J. Ward. The Broncos biggest weakness is an offensive line that is replacing four of the five starters from last season. Over in the NFC, the two
shawn Lynch will lead the offence again. Trading for Jimmy Graham, one of the top Tight Ends in the NFL, along with drafting rookie Tyler Lockett could help the offence become one of the league’s elite. The defense is mostly intact, except for Cary Williams replacing Byron Maxwell as the second cornerback and Malcolm Smith leaving in free agency. With Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor returning in the secondary along with
men’s and women’s hockey and basketball. Specific dates for individual team tryouts can be found in the Laurier Brantford 2015 rec guide. The coed teams as well as the men’s basketball team will be participating in three tournaments during the year, while the hockey teams will be competing in four and the women’s basketball team will be only playing in two. The volleyball team will also be participating in an adult’s league in Brantford every
Monday night. Tournaments that Laurier will be hosting in Brantford this year are dodgeball on November 12th, women’s hockey on February 5th and men’s hockey on February 12th. For students who wish to compete in intramural sports, Laurier has a wide variety of options to choose from. All the sports are coed and students can choose to play in recreational or competitive divisions. Sports featured are volleyball, ice hockey,
floor hockey, dodgeball, basketball, indoor soccer, handball, flag football, or softball. Registration for intramural sports begins on September 8th and ends on September 18th. Students can register a whole team, or individuals can register as a free agent and will be assigned to a team. Another option for Laurier students is the wide variety of clubs that are offered on campus, which provide them with the chance to stay active and participate
NFL logo courtesy of Wikimedia
linebackers Bruce Irvin and Bobby Wagner and lineman Michael Bennett, the Seahawks should have the best defence for the third straight season. The main competition for best in the NFC will most likely come from the team the Seahawks beat in the conference-championship game last year – the Green Bay Packers. They are led by reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers, who will be missing star receiver Jordy Nelson after he tore his ACL in the preseason and will miss the season. The Packers still have Randall Cobb and running back Eddie Lacy who will help the offence remain elite. If Clay Matthews returns to being a pass rusher this season, the defence may improve, especially if rookie linebacker Jake Ryan can make a difference. There are a few teams that could contend this year if they can improve in the right areas. The San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs may surprise Denver and win the AFC West. The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills may compete for the AFC East if their offseason acquisitions make a difference. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are always consistent contenders but appear to be missing a few pieces. In the NFC, the Arizona Cardinals or the St. Louis Rams may be able to win the West if things break just right. The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are young teams that may prove to be a challenge Packers, and the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys will most likely battle each other to win the East, possibly in the playoffs.
Campus sports at Laurier Brantford Devon Momy-Gamache
Sports Editor
Students in Brantford have many choices for both intramural and extramural sports over the course of the year. Laurier is part of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA), allowing extramural teams from Brantford to compete in tournaments against other colleges and universities. Laurier has teams in coed volleyball, dodgeball and indoor soccer as well as
in sports. These clubs include cheerleading, ropes, women’s basketball, figure skating, KAOS dance team, powderpuff football, Run Laurier, a KASO dance team, and the ski and snowboard club. The wide variety of options to students at the extramural, intramural and club level allow more Laurier students to have a fun, competitive outlet outside of their studies.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
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The Sputnik
Sports Finally!: The Toronto Blue Jays and the plight of the millennial Canadian sports fan Devon Momy-Gamache| sports@thesputnik.ca
Dillon Giancola Editor-in-chief
Finally!: The Toronto Blue Jays and the plight of the millennial Canadian sports fan. What is the point of watching sports? When do we receive payoff, when the years of suffering, monotony and losing finally give way to a semblance of something representing success? Where we can say, “I guess this was worth it, maybe?” And will we even feel that way, will it be worth it? These are questions that Toronto sports fans, at least those of the millennial generation have been wondering for 20 years. And I would say that not even just Toronto sports fans, but Canada. There have been no major sports championships won by a Canadian team since 1993. You no doubt know where this article is going, after all what is really left to be said about this amazing run the Blue Jays are having. And you are probably saying, “all we want is playoffs, stop talking about championships Dillon, don’t jinx us.” But no, it’s time, time for us to get what we deserve, and we deserve nothing less than a title. I would not have proclaimed this so loud just two months ago. And granted, just to make the playoffs this year will be amazing. But we can all see what’s going on here. Whether it’s the best offense in the league (in fact one of the best ever), or the fact that they added two of the biggest names in baseball to their roster in the last month (let alone the fact that future 2015 American League MVP Josh Donaldson is a Blue Jay), the Jay’s are a
team capable of winning it all. Who knows if they will or not, and I can’t wait to experience playoff baseball from this vantage point, but I think it is ok to be upset if the Jays don’t win it all this year. And how amazing is that? That after 20 years of always thinking just maybe, just maybe, we’ll sneak into the playoffs, to all of a sudden having genuine hopes of a World Series ring come early November. If you don’t believe the hype I’m selling right now, Sportsnet reported last week that after 132 games the Jays had a record of 7557, the two years they won the World Series. If that’s not enough to kill the cynicism that we all have for being Toronto sports fans, I don’t know what is. Which brings me to the question pondered at the beginning of this article, what is this even supposed to feel like? Most of us at the college age, or even under 30, have never experienced this kind of frenzy that occurs when a sports team captures the love and awe of its marketplace. Maybe you’re one of those guys that cheer for the Blackhawks or Patriots, but I don’t think that’s the same. Being thousands of miles away makes it extremely hard to replicate the feeling of what is happening now in Toronto, and across Canada. Of course, Western Canada flirted with this, when the Canucks, Flames and Oilers all made deep Stanley Cup runs in the last 10 years, and Vancouver even started a riot because of it. But this still seems bigger, this is all of Canada after all. Anybody that cares about baseball in this country is all in. And so
far, it has been worth the wait. I’ve always been a guy that goes home after work and watches the Jays, even late into August. But to have some real excitement, having a winning team playing at a high level, this is insane, and at least in the time being, I can say it has been worth the last 20 years of
suspect that most young Canadian sports fans, let alone Toronto fans or Laurier students, can identify with this. Unless maybe you’re a Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, but I don’t even want to try and understand what life must be like for them, to the point that they think wearing Roughriders jer-
always been your favourite player, tell your girlfriend the rules of baseball like you’ve always been a fan, and watch as our favourite sons like Jose Bautista and Ryan Goins, (seriously Ryan Goins!) and Roberto Osuna take us on a journey towards baseball immortality. There will be haters,
The Blue Jays are tearing the league up, and all of Canada is taking notice. ( Sai Gnanaharan/The Sputnik)
mediocrity. I can almost guarantee that I won’t feel this way if the season ends in disaster, such as missing the playoffs or getting swept in the first round, or even heartache, like a World Series game seven loss. But that’s OK. The closest thing I have ever experienced to this is when the Rams won in 1999 before I was a die-hard fan, but it didn’t really mean anything to me as much as I tell people it did. Or when the Eskimos won it all in 2003. Yeah seriously, you know you’re desperate when you bring up the Edmonton Eskimos. They won, and I said to myself, “is this it?” And I
seys to Arizona Cardinals games and putting names like Pilsnergirl on their jerseys with the number 69 is cool. No sir, this is the real deal. The next month, and hopefully October, promises to be one of thrills and excitement for Jays fans. None other than catcher Russell Martin, a Canadian himself, after a sweep of the Detroit Tigers on August 30th said “if this isn’t the feel of a championship team I don’t know what is.” And you have to think that as a Canadian, this is run is even more special to him. So sit back, throw on that Donaldson jersey like he’s
there will be those annoyed and saying Canadians don’t know anything about baseball and others complaining that they turn on the TV and its “always the Jays, like seriously there’s an election going on and all they can talk about are the Blue Jays, like there isn’t a world crises going on in Syria right now!” But do not be fooled! Don’t let your heart be hardened. They do not understand your plight. But we do. I do. Blue Jays fans lets arise, and as one, for Canada, for John Gibbons, for Toronto, shout, “OK Blue Jay, Let’s Play Ball!”
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The Sputnik
Opinion
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Josh Adesina | opinion@thesputnik.ca | @sputnikopinion
The debate between feminism and equality Josh Adesina Opinion Editor From generation to generation, there have always been people that have had to deal with inequality. Whether it involved colonization, voting rights or employment the topic of inequality has always been a current subject. What words come to your mind when you think about inequality? I’m sure feminism is a word that most of us are familiar with. There will always be an argument about who finds what equal but there are facts about individuals being denied equal rights – even in the present. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines feminism as the belief that men and women receive equal rights. Here’s the thing. It is quite evident that some people are not being treated equally. Regardless of what is actually happening in society, you will always find people that have their own opinions. That is fine. However, things such as differences between salaries shouldn’t be taken lightly. The topic of males earning more than females is nothing new. It is unfortunate that time and time again, we hear about men earning more than females in some professions. According to the Sydney Morning Herald,
women in Australia worked up to 65 extra days to match male salaries. The publication mentioned that men earned $483.80 than women did. The gender pay gap in Canada isn’t great either. Female workers in Canada earned about $8,000 less than men in the same profession, according to The Globe and Mail. In addition, only 5.3 per cent of Canadian CEOs are female. A surprising statistic to come across when half of the Canadian labour force is made up of females.Some of the reasons behind the pay gap were maternity leaves and females working in jobs that didn’t lead to promotions. There are some people that would look at these statistics and think nothing of it. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that there is still inequality between genders. What do you think about when you read about issues such as these? Do you feel like something needs to change? Some people giggle at the mention of feminism, and others can turn into quite the protestor. The word ‘feminism’ seems to have been misinterpreted by several people. Feminism describes both males and females that agree to equal rights for women. Most people think about feminism and imagine angry females who envy the
stereotypes of what makes a man. Feminism is not supposed to be a word that should stereotype anyone. It is supposed to be a word that describes the zeal anyone can have towards females being treated with respect. Anyone that uses feminism to promote hatred or bitterness – really isn’t a feminist and does not understand the word. Furthermore, there are issues that need to be resolved concerning women in Canada. RabFeminism is often misunderstood, but it is very well intentioned. (Sai Gnanaharan/The Sputnik) ble published a post in August women have had to deal with, concerned about. A lot of peotitled, “11 ways the Harper gov- like, the lack of females in par- ple scorn those that call themernment has failed Canadian liament and the 35 per cent of selves feminists because of its women.” Some of the most eye earnings that several female misinformed definition. Caopening conversations in the workers see going towards nadian leaders ought to make article were: economic equal- childcare. These are obvious it a priority to eradicate these ity, violence against women, problems that deserve as much issues. On the other hand, we childcare costs and working attention as anything else. can all play our parts by recogconditions for female refugee When you look at feminism nizing that we are all equal – no workers. The post pointed out from a female perspective, matter our gender, identity, reliseveral problems that Canadian there is a lot to consider and be gion or class.
decision. It is inspiring to see how devoted Rau is to his Christian faith. However, it would only seem fair to withdraw from work that would be life-threatening. Although this is not the case, Rau seems compelled
vidual has the right to stand by their beliefs – even if it ends up with them losing their job. Furthermore, the Peel Board made a recent decision that shook up parents – especially those who were religious. The Peel Board had recently updat-
Balancing religion and social issues Josh Adesina Opinion Editor
Whether you identify as religious or non-religious, I’m sure you can agree that religion is an influential factor even in Western countries. As most of us know, believers in particular faiths follow different beliefs that govern a variation of decisions such as: employment, residence, choice of institutions and more. Canada, being the caring country that it is, has given Canadians the right to have their faith. Every now and again, a story makes its rounds in the media about terrorism and other events influenced by religion. However, faith has its ways of influencing its followers that are quite interesting. Calgary has recently been celebrating Pride, and Calgary Transit has been encouraging support of the LGBT community by giving buses rainbow coloured themes. Jesse Rau, a devout Christian and bus driver for Calgary transit, threatened to resign if told to drive one of the buses – according to CBC News. Rau was hopeful that Calgary Transit would support him and other drivers that are not supportive of driving the buses. CBC News had also mentioned that Doug Morgan, director of Calgary Transit, said that drivers were only allow to turn down work because of safety issues. Rau’s pastor, Artur Pawlowski, was in support of Rau’s
pressed by the board’s decision and protested around Queens Park and MPP offices. Up to 3,000 parents were involved in the Queens Park protest. Amongst the protesters was Rev. Charles McVety of Canada Christian College. McVety opposed the
Finding the right balance between religion and social issues is tough, but both must be respected. (Sai Gnanaharan/The Sputnik)
enough by his beliefs to stand by his decision. Pride is an event involving the support of the LGBT community and does not support discrimination of any kind. Regardless of this, an indi-
ed the sex-ed curriculum which demanded that children learn about gay families and gender identities, according to the Toronto Star. Faith groups were not im-
new curriculum because of the wrongful pleasures he thought teach ing about masturbation would expose kids to. Officials said that the purpose of the updated curriculum was to teach
kids about how their bodies functioned, and not a ‘how-to guide’ for anything. The curriculum will educate Grade 3 children about samesex marriage whilst Grade 6 children learn about masturbation. Grade 7 children will learn the consequences of sexting, according to The Toronto Star. All other grades are included in the curriculum and will be involved in various sex-ed classes. It is intriguing to see the differences and similarities between generations – especially when it comes to issues such as these. The Toronto Star mentioned that religious parents felt they were responsible for their kids knowing about gender and sex topics. Parents are always allowed to have a say in their child’s life. The Peel Board seems as though it wants kids to understand gender and sex from a young age. I remember being young, and not knowing much about topics such as homosexuality and transgenderism. Regardless of religion and faith, it isn’t wrong for parents to feel concerned about what schools teach kids. However, a child being taught about touchy subjects such as gender identities can be of great benefit. It is essential for children to understand these subjects as soon as possible. Awareness about the people around you can be just as important as an individual’s faith.