Friday September 2, 2016 ISSUE 2 WWW.THESPUTNIK.CA @SPUTNIK_NEWS THE SPUTNIK
GETTING TO BRANTFORD GO BUS 3
HISTORIC BUILDINGS IN BRANTFORD 6
MEET THE O-WEEK BAND THE ARKELLS 8
e m k o c a lc b
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CHRISTINA MANOCCHIO / THE SPUTNIK
2 WLUSP BRANTFORD 202-171 Colborne St. Brantford, ON N3T 2C9 (519) 756-8228 ext. 5948
THE SPUTNIK
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2 ,2016
Where does your tution go?
THE SPUTNIK TEAM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Christina Manocchio eic@thesputnik.ca PHOTO EDITOR Kathleen Binder photography@thesputnik.ca LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Gurleen Lall leadphotographer@thesputnik.ca GRAPHIC EDITOR Sai Gnanaharan visual@thesputnik.ca WEB EDITOR Kurtis Rideout web@thesputnik.ca NEWS EDITOR Shreya Shah news@thesputnik.ca ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Anya Eland FEATURES EDITOR Dellesia Noah features@thesputnik.ca ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Matthew Burley arts@thesputnik.ca SPORTS EDITOR Devon Momy-Gamache sports@thesputnik.ca OPINION EDITOR
Josh Adesina opinion@thesputnik.ca
THE SPUTNIK ADMIN PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Meghan Roach (519) 884-0710 ext. 3565 president@wlusp.com ADVERTISING Care Schummer (519) 884-0719 ext. 3560 care.schummer@wlusp.com MANAGER OF OPERATIONS Jamaal Owusu-Ansah manager@thesputnik.ca EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lakyn Barton lakyn.barton@wlusp.com Treasurer John Pehar Vice-Chair Abdiasis Issa Director Mynt Marsellus Director Maddy Cutts Director Matthew Burley Director Fred Kuntz Director Gary Doyle The Sputnik is a bi-weekly campus newspaper intended to engage and inform the community. Started in 1999, the Sputnik is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo, a corporation without share capital. WLUSP is governed by its board of directors. Opinions expressed within the Sputnik are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, The Sputnik, WLUSP, WLU or Canweb Printing. All content appearing in the Sputnik bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent. The Sputnik is created using Macintosh computers running Mac OS X Yosemite using Adobe Creative Cloud. Canon cameras are used for principal photography. The Sputnik’s primary font is Abril Text, an open source font created by Adobe Typekit Fonts. We also use Adelle PE and Mueso Slab. 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 or call 416-340-1981. The Sputnik circulates bi-weekly. Normal circulation is 1,000. The Sputnik has an obligation to foster freedom of the press and freedom of speech. This obligation is best fulfilled when debate and dissent are encouraged, both in the internal workings of the paper, and through the Sputnik’s contact with the community. The Sputnik will always attempt to do what is right, with fear of neither repercussions, nor retaliation. The purpose of community press is to act as an agent of social awareness, and so shall conduct the affairs of our newspaper.
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Christina Manocchio Editor-in-Cheif If you have ever looked at those fees on your tution invoice and wondered where the money you pay goes, here is an explanation. Members from the Students Union explained where the money from a student’s tuition ends up. Some of the fees students voted in, like the International Students Overcoming War, and some others are made compulsory by Laurier. Students pay to maintain the Students Union the operations of the building, and the services and programming provided by the Students Union.
Shining through the meaning behind Shinerama
Dellesia Noah Features Editor At the start of every school year Laurier Brantford’s students’ union alongside the university goes above and beyond to welcome the upcoming first years. O-week is supposed to be the most memorable week of their lives. It’s a week of events and activities that initiate lifelong friendships and set school spirit. There are many memories that each student will take away as their favourite, but in my humble opinion I think the most significant event is Shinerama -- Shinerama is the leading post-secondary fundraiser in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada – it’s where each and every student has that “this is my first act as a Golden Hawk contributing to something bigger than myself” moment. I knew Shinerama achieved that moment for me when a young women approached our group and said “I’m living with CF and I’m fortunate enough to say living because of the work people like you have done, so thank you.” That was ground-breaking for me and I guess since it’s nearly the start of another school year all of that had me thinking; so who started Shinerama? And why? And why Cystic Fibrosis of all causes?
These series of questions led me to Douglas Summerhayes. Summerhayes along with his wife Donna are attributed with being among the founding members of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Upon meeting Summerhayes, I could already tell it was going to be a very passionate interview. He came dressed in his Cystic Fibrosis Canada t-shirt and accompanying him was a board of information about CF and its genesis here in Laurier Brantford. Shinerama’s initial chapter started in Kitchener-Waterloo at the Waterloo Lutheran University at the time. Shinerama was created out of the need to stop the hazing that was being inflicted upon the freshman. “There was a lot of animosity towards the students for their hazing rituals” said Summerhayes. As a way to combat that bad reputation they had gained, the students ‘union turned their hazing into a social cause to give back to the community. Shinerama started out as a shoe shining project before it moved on to car washing. The chapter decided that that strategy was failing because it didn’t succeed in bringing people together the way it should. When I asked why CF, out all the causes to pick from, why that one? Summerhayes mentioned he had a daughter, Pamela, who was diagnosed with CF. “When we had taken her to the doctor they mentioned that she had
lived longer than they expected her to. They said to take her home and keep her comfortable. The doctor didn’t outright say that she was going to die but it was implied.” That was a significant moment that went on to inspire Summerhayes and his wife to work tirelessly to start Shinerama chapters all over Canada educating parents and even some doctors on CF. It clicked now, why he was so passionate he had a daughter – and later would go on to have a son --who had been diagnosed
with CF. Summerhayes’ and his wife’s efforts dedication to bringing awareness to CF would go on to change the very nature on how CF is viewed and treated here in Canada. With their efforts Canada has one of the longest life expectancy among any other country in the world. And the combined efforts over all the chapters in Canada have raised over 25 million dollars. “We’ve achieved far beyond our wildest dreams” Summerhayes said.
Photo courtesy of
Douglas Summerhayes
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NEWS
SHREYA SHAH | NEWS@THESPUTNIK.CA | @SPUTNIK_NEWS
GO Transit available in Brantford this year Brantford bus station, Christina Manocchio/ The Sputnik
Shreya Shah Staff Writer The anticipation is finally over – GO Transit is coming to the city of Brantford this September. The arrival of the transportation service was announced by Premier Kathleen Wayne in the early summer months of 2016. For the last few years the absence of a reliable transportation system was sorely noticeable for students. With Greyhound and VIA Rail as the only options to and from Brantford, commuting to Laurier was not feasible for
students who did not have access to their own vehicles. This became especially troublesome for students when Mohawk cancelled their bussing service to the Brantford campus a few years ago. Dean of Students, Adam Lawrence, was quite aware of the issue, “We noticed that once Mohawk cancelled their busses, students were coming in and saying that they needed a way to get to school”. As such, Laurier’s Student Union became actively involved with the city to help make the GO Transit project a reality. The Mayor’s office also played a significant role in this endeavor. Mayor Chris Friel explains, “We took this project on over the course of six years. We had to
pay for a study report to be done through which we were able to prove that we have the in and out traffic that was necessary for the GO service. Having support from Laurier also made a big difference. It meant that we could demonstrate a clear daily and weekend use that would stretch out over a period of time”. The GO service will start running on Sept. 3. The busses will run from the Brantford Transit Terminal to the Aldershot GO station in Burlington and continue to McMaster University in Hamilton. Stops in Brantford include King Street, Colborne Street and the Wayne Gretzky Parkway. Despite all the support, getting the transit system up and running in Brantford was not
an easy feat. Especially due to the fact that Brantford is located outside of the area covered by the Metrolinx Act. “There is an obvious focus on transit from Kitchener to Waterloo, and while we don’t disagree, we had to really break into that focus and say that we are the leading Western edge of the Toronto congestion. We had to get them to change the Metrolinx Act,” said Mayor Friel. The addition of GO Transit to Brantford certainly helps the Laurier campus become more attractive to students. “We’re already a great campus. Our excellent programs, our great buildings, and amazing staff and faculty already make Laurier a great option for students. And having GO Transit available defi-
nitely makes us more desirable,” stated Adam Lawrence. Third year Health Admin student Jaden Saunders couldn’t agree more, “It’s huge for Brantford. It makes us more student friendly and encourages more students to come to this campus. It’s transforming our downtown and providing more services and making it more accessible. It has a lot of potential”. Mayor Friel sees the positive in the situation no matter the outcome. “It really always comes down to use it or lose it. We have to tell people that we can’t just have GO, it really needs to be used in order to make it worthwhile in our community”.
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THE SPUTNIK
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NEWS
SHREYA SHAH | NEWS@THESPUTNIK.CA | @SPUTNIK_NEWS
What does it take to the break the ice? Anya Eland, News Assistant
Nicole Gamsyager.- Green Program: Concurrent Education
ice breaker. I had one first year student who was shy during orientation week. During this week and throughout his time at Laurier, I have had the opportunity to watch him grow within the Students’ Union and accomplish any tasks that were thrown his way. Meeting this individual is one of my favourite o-week memories because it reminds me that if you step outside of your comfort zone you never know who you can become friends with and who can have an impact on your life as well as theirs.
Piece of advice to give to the incoming first years: What you put into orientation week is what you will get out of it. If you put all you have into orientation week then you will get a lot out of it.
Nathan Reeve – Blue Program: Concurrent Education
Favourite Laurier memory: Being coordinator of last year’s amazing Peer Connect team!
Favourite Movie: The Fugitive.
Hometown: Cambridge, Ontario
A few things you’re involved with on campus: I am the Student Coordinator of the Centre for Student Life & Engagement. In other words, I work for Laurier and oversee all student volunteers within the CSLE.
Hometown: Oakville, Ontario A few things you’re involved with on campus: I am the First Year Integration Coordinator … which is a committee that helps first year students become involved in the Laurier Brantford community through promoting various Students’ Union events. Favourite O-week memory: One of my favourite o-week memories was in my second year, when I was a first time
If you could be anyone for a day who would it be: J.K. Rowling, so that I could learn fun inside details on the Harry Potter stories, and maybe get in contact with Emma Watson… Dream job: Helping students with mental health concerns access the skills, tools, and resources they need to succeed. Mason Gomes- Red Program - Concurrent Education Hometown – Mississauga, Ontario
If you could have any super power what would it be: Telekinesis – so I could move things with my mind, including make myself fly.
A few things you’re involved with on campus: I am involved with the Centre for Student Success, Next Step Rentals, and Habitat for Humanity.
If you could be anyone for a day who would it be: Eddie Van Halen – I’d love to play guitar in front of a crowd of 50,000 people, and be really good at it too!
If you could have any super power what would it be: The ability to eat literally anything I want and just somehow be in amazing shape.
Dream Job: I’m torn between teaching and a sales career in the Environmental Sustainability industry.
Favourite Movie: The Star Wars movies rock my world.
Devynn Elligson- Gold Program: Concurrent Education with the French Teaching option Hometown: Stratford, Ontario
Favourite Laurier memory: Would be living in residence because it was the start of the best adventure and I met my best friends that I would make future memories with.
If you could be anyone for a day who would it be: Christina Aguilera because I could see what it is like to be famous and rich but more importantly I would love to be able to sing like she can!
A few things you’re involved with on campus: This year I am the Director of the second Fashion & Dance show on campus and I am also one of the Fitness Instructors.
Dream job: A teacher at a French immersion school and a Fitness Instructor in the school as an extra curricular.
If you could have any super power what would it be: The power of extreme flexibility.
avourite O-week memory: Getting to know my best friend in O-Week 2012! Favourite Disney Character: Scar – because I love a good complicated villain, and with a voice that kills. What is a piece of advice you would give to the incoming first years: Breathe and believe. If you take a step back, breathe a bit, and believe in what you are capable of - you can accomplish great things! Closing Ceremonies – just too many feels. Favourite Disney Character: Mushu from Mulan always makes me laugh. Piece of advice to give to the incoming first years: Step out of your comfort zone and try something new!
Favourite O-week memory:
Favourite movie: The Harry
Potter series, The Proposal and anything Disney. Favourite O-week memory: Headphone disco from last year because it was such a unique experience. Favourite Disney Character: Ariel and Mulan because Ariel is full of adventure and love and Mulan is a strong female character who protects her family A piece of advice to the incoming first years: embrace change and not to be afraid to ask questions and get involvedyou can do it!
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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FEATURES
DELLESIA NOAH | FEATURES@THESPUTNIK.CA | @SPUTNIK_NEWS
Through the time capsule: where laurier stands
Dellesia Noah Features Editor Information and dates in this article were provided by Brant Historical Society board member Douglas Summerhayes and also from the book Reinventing Brantford: A University comes Downtown by Leo Groarke. For anyone new to Brantford this small town may not seem like much on the surface but if you peel back its many layers you’ll find a town so steeped in history it’s almost overwhelming. Laurier Brantford and the City of Brantford have been on a long and tumultuous journey to become what it is today, because
in the start of their relations no one had faith in either a satellite campus or the town, neither did they have faith in each other. Each holding their reservations; how would a satellite campus succeed? How could they possibly resurrect a ghost town? But together they have managed to succeed in what they set out to do bringing back life into Brantford’s downtown core and creating a more intimate institution in which students can acquire their education. This is a closer look at the places you may sleep in, take classes in, study at, or frequent. Here is Laurier Brantford… The Expositor Building: Today Expo -- as the students like to call it -- stands as the largest residence at Laurier Brantford. But before that building was a residence for students it was formerly the home for its name-
sake The Expositor, Brantford’s local newspaper. The building is 121 years old, built in 1895. The Brantford Expositor has had a hand in reporting, laminating, praising and critiquing all that goes on in this city. Recently it went on to recognize some of its most notable past employees with a series of plaques. Carnegie Building: Carnegie building has to be one of my favourites with its grand staircase, Grecian columns and high ceilings. It’s something that could inspire stories or a place you might find in one. The Carnegie Building was named after Andrew Carnegie, who was the epitome of the “American Dream.” He worked in a factory for 1.20 a week and retired 53 years later a self-made millionaire. Carnegie Building was once a library among the 106 given to Canada as apart of Carnegie’s
mission to give back his wealth. Now the building is frequented as a series of lecture rooms and study spaces for the students here at Laurier Brantford. Odeon Building: For anyone who’s really observed the outside of the Odeon building or stepped foot into it’s main lecture room on the ground floor may have been reminded of a movie theatre. Well that’s because it was, Cineplex Odeon once owned that little space, opening its facilities on Dec. 17th, 1948, spending around 120,000 on the space, and charging 35 cents a ticket. The first film shown at The Odeon was Blanche Fury, a gothic blockbuster. Victoria Park: Victoria Park may not have had the biggest transformation on this list but it does hold the richest history. Sometimes overlooked when in
a hurry to get to the next class, Victoria Park stands in the center of it all, a witness to all that has changed in this city but still manages to encompass and reflect the essence of this city. The statue that stands in the middle of Victoria Park is of Joseph Thayendanegea Brant, a celebrated Mohawk Indigenous Chief who stood as the spokesperson for his people, a Christian missionary, and a British military officer during the American Revolution. The unveiling of the statute took place in 1886 and over twenty thousand came to watch the unveiling.
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ARTS & CULTURE MATTHEW BURLEY | ARTS@THESPUTNIK.CA | @SPUTNIK_NEWS
Meet the Arkells Christina Manocchio Editor-in-Cheif The Arkells are an Juno and CASBY award winning band who are playing at Laurier’s orientation week this September. They have toured with Metric, The Tragically Hip, Sam Roberts and many other artists. The Arkells formed a relationship while attending McMaster University in Hamilton, naming themselves after nearby Arkell Street. The name of one of the band’s albums is based on an area in Hamilton called Jackson Square, keeping their roots while rising in popularity. This interview is with Max Kerman from the Arkells. How did you get into music? My dad was in university was a DJ at his university radio station. He had a lot of vinyl records like the Beatles and Motown, classic rock. That was my earliest exposure. He showed me the movie Help! by the Beatles, I love that movie. It was always exciting to look at album covers, and to see what the musicians look like, and watch videos of them preforming. What do you see as your biggest accomplishment as a band? I think our biggest accomplishment is we just call it a job. It’s hard to make a living playing your own songs, and the fact we get to do that is something we
take for granted. We’ve been at it for a while now. It’s really cool to see a collection of experiences add up to mean something. Some of our songs were on the radio and then we toured it. We just sold out two nights at Massey Hall in November. It’s not because we just popped up overnight, people have heard our music and see us preform live in various places. That has enabled us to get to a point where we get to play at Massey Hall, which I think is a pretty big deal. Any advice for university students? Enjoy the time, getting to go to university is a privilege and it can be an amazing experience. Try to take it all in and enjoy it. I know for me, a lot of my closet friends I met in school. Appreciate how lucky you are to be there a lot of people don’t get to go to university.
What was it like to work with Drake’s dad? He’s a nice fella, I really love that song. It really surprised us that it turned out that way, it is an adventurous, joyful tune. When we asked him to be in the video, we kind of had our fingers crossed and he said yeah let’s do it. We had a great time hanging with him, he was down to clown around. Why Drake’s dad? We were down in Memphis, Tennessee and we saw Drakes dad in a bar. The songs about friends and going out on a road trip in the land of America. Where does your musical inspiration come from?
Comes from all around me, there is a lot of great music today that inspires me. I love the new Chance the Rapper album. We played with the Arcade Fire at Way Home music festival, seeing the band preform was really inspiring. When it comes to things I have to write about, I get inspired a lot by my friends and family. I have a lot interesting characters in my life that I really find them endlessly fascinating, and are fun subjects to write about. Musical influence for the band? I couldn’t really point to one, there are so many that influence us. For me personally, at the end of the day probably the Beatles. Most interesting thing you’ve seen in a crowd? We have had a few people propose at our concert. We just played a concert at The Kee to Bala in Muskoka. Somebody had reached out before hand, this fella, and he wanted to propose
Arkells, photo courtesy of Universal Music Canada
to his girlfriend who he had been dating for nine years. He wanted to propose to the song And Then Some, one of our new songs, and on the second chorus he got down on one knee and she said yes. It was a really touching moment.
Pre-show rituals? We usually put our hands in, like a sports team. Usually, it’s about something that has happened to us that day that is pretty mundane and silly. When we play Laurier, it’ll be a hands in to the A-team. How did you decide to play for Laurier’s orientation week? The experiences of seeing bands during frosh week is something I will always remember. I saw Sam Roberts play, Sum 41, bands like that. Those bands will always mean something to me because of those experiences. When we get asked, we really like to try and connect.
Do you have a favourite animal? Nick likes dogs. Nick can remember anybody’s pet’s names, even people he’s only met a few times. Favourite spot in Hamilton? Downtown, I just like downtown. I like to walk around downtown, lots of coffee shops, restaurants. I like bicycling over to a friend’s house, or meeting up at a bar or restaurant. I like not having to get into a car. How does your degree in political science influence your musical career? We have some songs out that are political in nature, like the songs Whistleblower and Cynical Bastard. We spend a lot of time touring around America, we like to get into healthy, heated debates about the state of America and Donald Trump.
The new school year brings another “freshman 15”
Alex Vialette Staff Writer The new school year brings another wave of freshmen into residence, and with it the uneasy mumble of the “freshman 15”. Leaving home without any real experience in living without parents is naturally daunting. With it comes responsibilities, one of them being “learning how to actually cook for yourself”. This task comes as a bit of a double edged sword; yes, people should definitely know how to
cook for themselves, but portion control tends to get pushed onto the back burner. That in conjunction with the alcoholinfused lifestyle most students adopt and the tendency to make a Tim’s run instead of bothering with dishes (Expositor residents hit the jackpot for that) can make those jeans a little tighter around the waist. The fact students call it the “freshman 15” is a little misleading in general. According to a study done by Dr. Nicole Mihapoulos of the University of Utah, men on average only put on an average of 3.7 pounds and women 1.7. However, it is worth noting that the group as whole ranged from having lost five
pounds to gaining 20. Therefore, yes, some people can put on 15 pounds but students aren’t guaranteed to magically put on weight regardless of what they do. That being said, weight change is at a record high potential with a drastic lifestyle change that comes with residence. To keep that waistline from creeping students have quite a few resources on hand. Included in tuition fees, Laurier Brantford students get a membership to Wilkes Gym which is located right outside the Research and Academic Centre. It’s only fair to mention that it can be a little packed depending on the hour, but it’s
a great way to try working out for those who have yet to join a gym. Included is also classes like Zumba and spin, which are both fantastic cardio. In addition, students can join the YMCA which is only a minute walk from Wilkes. While it is hard for some students to find the extra cash, there are tons more machines for both cardio and strength training. Another hugely successful resource is calorie counting. It is definitely not for everyone, but those who can get into the habit have been able to shove off incredible amounts of weight, as well as put on a few pounds while trying to build muscle. At first it is tedious to log every
meal, but much like any kind of chore it is something that simply takes getting used to. There are tons of ways to get into calorie counting, but because of the sheer number of examples all of them will not be named. People looking to calorie count can figure out their total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) then count with a notebook, but using an app is far more intuitive. Myfitnesspal by Under Armour and Lose It! are both free and easy to learn with large communities to offer support and advice.
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ARTS & CULTURE MATTHEW BURLEY| ARTS@THESPUTNIK.CA | @SPUTNIK_NEWS
Joycult Wheels Matthew Burley A and C Editor Brantford’s downtown is home to a wide variety of shops and small businesses. These businesses define Brantford, but what defines the businesses? This is the inspiration behind “Clerks”; getting to know those who know us so well. From our shoe size to our favourite item on the menu, these business owners make feel more like family than customers. With that being said, let us shine the spotlight on Matt Watkinson, owner of Joycult Wheels. So for everyone who isn’t aware, what is Joycult? Joycult is a fingerboard wheel company based out of Brantford Ontario, Canada. When did you start fingerboarding? I started fingerboarding I think in 1998, It was right around the time I started skateboarding. I heard that you got some help from the Laurier LaunchPad program to start Joycult. What role did the LaunchPad program play in Joycult’s start? LaunchPad helped me learn a lot about the “business” aspect of the idea. How to start up with minimal risk and investment. They also supported me as an individual too. Does Launch Pad still play a role in Joycult? How does it help? I still talk to Adrian Beam (Program Lead) all the time though, and he as well of the rest of the team are always there to help. I noticed that you have a large Instagram following, and that people seem genuinely hyped on Joycult. How do you keep up with customer demands? I think I’ve just developed a bit of a rhythm now. The supporters and I also have a good relationship too. I typically release the
What did we do to deserve Frank Ocean?
Photo courtesy of Matt Watkinson
wheels once a month and they sell the same day. The number of sets (4 wheels) that I can physically make each month is pretty much topped out for a one man operation. On JoyCult’s page it mentions that all products are handmade in Brantford. What is the process for creating the wheels? That’s true! The urethane is tested, mixed, and poured right here in Brantford. It’s a tedious process at times, but it’s a labour of love. What are some of the struggles or difficulties when creating the wheels? Some of the struggles vary from time to time, but a lot of the struggles in the beginning had to do with lack of knowledge. At this point, a lot of the kinks have been worked out though. What separates Joycult from other fingerboarding wheel companies? That’s a good question! There are surprisingly a lot of fingerboard companies worldwide. But truthfully, I think I am just passionate about it and the community of people here understand that. I am a skateboarder with an imagination, so the photography and videography is just a way to help people see things the way I have always seen them. Who are some fingerboarders that people should check out? Oh man, there are so many. Some of my favorites are Zac Mclean, Alex Christ, TKY Timo
Kranz, Jay Linehan, but, I honestly just love watching everyone! Just scroll through fingerboardtv. com and fingercan.com all day! So last time we did an interview it was at the Downtown Showdown fingerboard event that Joycult hosted a few months back. How did the contest go? It was awesome! Met so many amazing people! And it was cool that it was on a public fountain in the spirit of skateboarding! If I remember correctly, a couple of people travelled from the States to visit. How does it make you feel knowing that someone is willing to travel for hours to be a part of the event? Totally insane feeling dude, I couldn’t even describe it if I tried. Far from what I expected. I honestly thought the day was going to be a write off. But it was the opposite! That event really put some things in perspective as far as how awesome this community of people really is. Can fingerboarders expect another contest anytime soon? The next Downtown Showdown is already in the works! No official date yet, but some serious planning has already begun. (We’re) hoping for November or December. What do you think the future holds for Joycult? The future is never certain! For now, I am just enjoying being a part of it, and always trying to promote fingerboarding as a whole.
Kurits Rideout Web Editor Chances are if you have been on Twitter in the past month (or live on the planet Earth) you have probably noticed the hype leading up to and preceding Frank Ocean’s highly anticipated follow up to the 2012 smash, Channel Orange. To sum it up as just another album release is almost blasphemous. The Louisiana native spent the last four plus years laying down the groundwork for what will probably be one of the most memorable albums of the summer, or even the year. In a few words, Frank Ocean is a breath of fresh air, a renaissance man of sorts. He is the epitome of rock stardom in the year 2016; someone who is shrouded in mystery yet somehow bares it all and still leaves us wanting more. The recent passing of superstars like David Bowie and Prince leaves a huge pair of shoes empty, but Ocean fills them up with gusto. In what seemed like the album event of the year, Mr. Ocean kept fans on edge, teasing them with a mysterious url that popped up and hinted at a project called Boys Don’t Cry. “I got twooooo versions,” proclaimed a statement on the website’s homepage. When the expected release date came and went, Twitter lit up with anticipation. “Twooooooo versions.” When his Apple exclusive project started to materialize late last week, fans were rewarded for their patience in the form of three separate projects; Boys Don’t Cry (a 360 page magazine featuring material from Kanye West, among others), a 45 minute video album called Endless, and then finally the long awaited sophomore effort Blonde (it’s worth noting that the video album has also been considered to be his sophomore album even though the songs haven’t become available as standalone audio tracks). What fans were met with was an overload of Frank Ocean. His four years spent in silence were much atoned for by the spectacle of such a rollout, leaving some to wonder how long he will make us wait next. I’m sure it will be worth it. The actual album itself is nothing short of perfect. The
Photo courtesy of Def Jam Recordings
range of production is both diverse and well curated as shown on tracks like Pink + White, (a collaboration with ex Odd Future compatriot Tyler the Creator), Ivy (a soggy ballad with a haunting guitar riff) and White Ferrari (a song for the true fanatics). As per usual, the album is peppered with an interesting selection of audio clips and interludes including bits like Be Yourself and Facebook Story which both help to highlight the state of being in 2016, where external pressure to conform is at an all-time high. These interludes offer little hope for the future, but instead force the kind of introspection that is conducive of personal growth. Some of the standout cuts include the album’s lead single Nikes (which opens up the album with an alternate Frank; one with pitched up vocals, a character that becomes more familiar as the album progresses), the triumphant return of Andre 3000 on Solo (Reprise), and the short but sweet Good Guy, a song that leaves you wanting more with its haunting but simple electric organ riff melodies. The album itself is spectacular, and put simply: worth the wait. Anyone who is sorry about the state of popular music in 2016 hasn’t heard songs like Solo or the epic finale Futura Free, which showcase both his ability as a songwriter and his ear for unique and memorable production. To sum it up; thank you Frank Ocean, the world will never be ready for you. But we will catch up eventually.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2 ,2016
THE SPUTNIK
11
SPORTS
DEVON MOMY-GAMACHE| SPORTS@THESPUTNIK.CA | @SPUTNIK_NEWS
Laurier Kickoff weekend ends in mixed results
Momy-Gamache Sports Editor A year after making a surprising run to the second round of the playoffs the Golden Hawks football team will need to rely on a stiff defence to make the playoffs again. A 37-18 win over Queen’s looks impressive until an examination of the box score reveals that Laurier was down 18-16 with six minutes to go in the game. An interception from Godfrey Onyeka was the play that changed the game as Onyeka returned the interception 26 yards for the touchdown. A Queen’s fumble on the following kickoff gave Laurier the ball at the Queen’s 26. After struggling for most of the game Julien John threw a touchdown to Mario Villamizar. John had thrown four interceptions up to that point so this throw provided some redemption for the old starter. If you don’t recognize his name from his previous starts that’s okay after John took two years off before returning this season after Laurier lost both of their starting Quarterback’s from last season. The defence was the real sto-
ry for the Golden Hawks though as they totalled nine sacks while forcing five turnovers. It looks like it will be along season for opposing offences as Laurier limited the Gaels to only 209 total yards. With stars returning at every level of the defence this type of dominance should become the new standard. Defensive End Kwaku Boateng returns after winning the J.P. Metars Trophy as the best defensive player in the OUA. Boateng had a strong start with two sacks and three tackles for loss along with consistent pressure along with fellow end Robert Smith. Boateng is expected to be a first round pick in the next CFL draft so enjoy his dominance while you can. The man with the game changing play should be making many more this season. Onyeka was a first team All-Canadian last season at the cornerback position. Onyeka was all over the field making nine total tackles to lead the defence. Tied for the team lead in solo tackles with eight of his own was another all-star, Malcolm Thompsom. In only his second season Thompsom could be a breakout star. Unfortunately, he was limping near the end of the game and may have picked up an injury. The only remaining all-star on offence is receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. The sophomore is ex-
pected to play a large role in the offence this year and contributed 43 yards on three receptions including a touchdown. On a reverse Gittens Jr. received a pitch and broke away with his elite speed for a 31-yard touchdown, Laurier’s first of the season. In the backfield the giant shoes of the legendary Dillion Campbell have been re-fitted for senior Eric Guiltinan. Although the shoes will most likely not fit for a while, Guiltinan was able to run for 85 yards on 21 carries and scored a touchdown late. Laurier host York on Sep. 5before having a bye week. A pair of ties against Guelph and Waterloo is not what many expected from last seasons OUA silver medalist. A young women’s soccer team should improve as the season progresses. Laurier lost a majority of their starters from a squad that advanced to the CIS championships last season with eight rookies making their debut last Saturday. The key loss for Laurier was Emily Brown a five time OUA first team all-star. Stepping into her role through the opening weekend was Maxine Murchie. Murchie scored two of Laurier’s three goals including a goal in the final minutes against Waterloo to secure the 1-1 tie. Murchie struggled last season but as a rookie scored 12 goals and looks to be back in top form.
Another key player returning for the Golden Hawks was midfielder Katie Bishop. Bishop is in her fifth and final year of eligibility. Bishop has been an all-star every year. Julie Karn enters her third season in the midfield. The defence is one area where Laurier is full of experience with a pair of senior’s in Jacky Normandeau and Tierney Dunham. When third year Pauline McCordic is added to the mix there are a combined 85 starts between just those three. The back four still has new talent coming in with freshman Jeevan Parhar and Ellie Reid starting both games on the back end. In goal a big game from returning starter Ashley Almeida helped Laurier hold on against Guelph. Almeida made 10 saves in total with a couple of big saves in the second half to help out her team. A big game against the defending West division champion York Lions on Sep. 3 will be an early season measuring stick. After an opening weekend of blowouts Laurier men’s soccer team appears headed towards another season of making the playoffs without advancing far once there. A 4-0 loss to Guelph to open the season was not what the team expected but a 3-1 win over Waterloo was a positive end to the weekend. Allowing a goal in the opening
minutes to the defending OUA champions in not how Laurier wanted to start their season. A goal near the end of the second half ended the day for returning goalie Ryan Mandryk. Freshman Jadrien Gomes allowed two quick goals but eventually settled down to make a couple of saves. The tough Gryphons defence did not allow Laurier to get many chances. Niklas Bauer, the only Golden Hawk to score more than two goals last season, did come close but lacked the finishing touch he needed. The game against Waterloo got off to a much better start with Junior Nikola Miokovic scoring a penalty for Laurier’s first goal of the season. After scoring six goals in his debut season Miokovic struggled last year with only two goals but looks to be on better form early this season. Bauer set up Miokovic early in the second half as the offence continued to roll. In the final minutes after the Warriors scored to make it a one goal game Laurier would end the game with a goal. Miokovic would return the favour to Bauer who scored his first of the season. In net freshman Rocco Strazella made four saves and may be the starter moving forward.
New season means cycle of new quarterbacks continues
Adam Stocker Staff Writer In the NFL, the quarterback is the most important position. Have one of the best in the league and you are in contention to win a Super Bowl. If your team isn’t lucky enough to have one of the few top guys, your chances of winning it all with few exceptions (2000 Baltimore Ravens) are virtually zero. That’s why coming in the 2016 season, six NFL franchises have taken large gambles in attempting to find their man. The most conventional way for NFL teams to find their starting quarterback is by drafting them. Eighteen of the 32 teams will be starting a player they drafted (as of August 28). The Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos have each invested draft capital into finding their starter. The Rams and Eagles both
traded up to select quarterbacks first and second overall in the draft. Both teams are gambling that Jared Goff or Carson Wentz turn into long term starters for their teams. But taking a quarterback at the top of the draft does not guarantee success. For every Peyton Manning drafted first overall in 1999, there is a Ryan Leaf who famously flamed out of the league. If either quarterback hits, it will be easier to justify trading most of their draft picks in the 2016 and 2017 drafts. If one of both of the quarterbacks turns out to be Ryan Leaflike busts, both franchises will be set back three seasons and the coaches and general managers who drafted them will be out of work. While the Broncos drafted Paxton Lynch with the 25th pick overall. For the Eagles and Broncos, it’s a little more complicated than the Rams situation. Before trading up in the draft the Eagles gave starter Sam Bradford a mediocre first overall pick for his entire 6-year career, a $36 million extension. In addition to signing Bradford, the Eagles
gave $21 million to backup Chase Daniel. Add in the Carson Wentz contract and the Eagles will be spending over $30 million on quarterbacks next season. The Broncos, meanwhile, are gambling that they made the right decision by refusing to pay former starter Brock Osweiler. The Houston Texans are gambling on Osweiler, by giving him a $72 million contract. Osweiler started seven games in the middle of last season for the Broncos. He showed some ability, but limited mobility in the pocket. By no means did Osweiler blow anyone away, and that was largely the reason the Broncos replaced him with Manning in the playoffs. The Texans are gambling $18 million a year for the next four years that Denver made a mistake letting Osweiler leave town. In response to losing Osweiler, the Broncos traded virtually nothing to the Eagles for Mark Sanchez. Sanchez, once a sixth overall pick is most famous for running into the butt of his offensive lineman and fumbling. Prior to the trade, the Broncos
had only one quarterback left on the roster, former seventhround pick Trevor Siemian, who had almost no experience. With the lack of quarterback options, the Broncos draft Lynch in the first round. Regarded as a talent project, Lynch could ultimately be the best quarterback drafted in the first round. But Lynch and his raw athletic ability are not expected to play much in 2016. Leaving the Broncos to rely on Sanchez, which the New York Jets and Eagles have learned, is not something you want to do. The final two teams taking gambles on quarterbacks are the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns. Last season Tyrod Taylor was a revelation in Buffalo. A late round pick of the Baltimore Ravens, Taylor sat on the bench for four seasons. Buffalo gave him a small contract and the opportunity to win the starter’s job. Taylor won the quarterback job and performed as a top ten quarterback. The Bills in response are making a $92 million gamble that Taylor is the longterm answer in Buffalo. Perhaps the most interesting
and smartest gamble was made by the Browns. The Browns signed former rookie-of-theyear Robert Griffin III to a twoyear contract worth $15 million. In 2012, Griffin was one of the league’s best and most exciting players. But after tearing his ACL and dislocating his ankle, Griffin is damaged goods. In addition to injuries, Griffin has clashed with two different head coaches while with the Washington Redskins. While the Browns are betting on Griffin this season, they have their bet hedged next season thanks to the Eagles. When the Eagles traded up to second overall they sent a 2017 first round pick to Cleveland. What makes the trade more interesting is, that Cleveland made the trade because they did not believe that Wentz was a quarterback worth taking second overall. The Eagles disagreed and made the large gamble. For the Browns, should Griffin not work out for the Browns they can draft next year’s quarterback prize, Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.
12
THE SPUTNIK
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2 ,2016
OPINION
JOSH ADESINA | OPINION@THESPUTNIK.CA | @SPUTNIK_NEWS
How colonialism can shape a country’s identity
Josh Adesina Opinion Editor No matter how beautiful the history of a country can turn out to be, sometimes I can’t help but think about its evil side as well. After watching the Olympics and the UEFA Euro championship this summer, it’s been interesting being able to watch different countries compete against each other. However, watching athletes representing their homelands with pride made me think about the colonial past of various countries. It made me think about the grotesque violence people had to endure several years before them. It’s alright though because everyone is allowed to represent their country with pride, right? As I have started learning more about different countries, I have realized that several of them are wearing their identities. Kind of like a duvet or a
batman cape. Unfortunately, a lot of countries have a past filled with disturbing facts. It all started when I began studying about the colonial past of Nigeria, which is my Native country. I remember speaking with my Dad about why Nigeria had the same school curriculum as the United Kingdom. I thought to myself, “why does an African country have the same education system as a European one?’” I realized it was because of the colonial period that took place in Nigeria until their independence in 1960. I was a little ashamed, but then I realized that Nigeria wasn’t the only country with a colonial past. Several African countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast have French as their official language. I also always wondered why Brazil spoke Portuguese and realized it was because of colonialism. It bothers me how a country can sort of represent another country instead of itself. I feel as though Nigeria should have its own education system and a country should speak its own language. Colonialism is like me walking into another person’s home and
saying, “I think I’ll just live here from now on. I don’t care about whom already lives here.” The Olympics this year was something else. Watching all of these athletes take home gold medals for their countries was something to remember. All those years of hard work finally paying off as the athletes travelled home to their countries with immense pride. Whether you were watching Usain Bolt embarrassing the competition and winning three gold medals for Jamaica, or Neymar Jr. scoring the penalty for Brazil against Germany, you couldn’t help but share some passion for their countries. At the same time, I thought it was sad considering how colonialism played a part in these countries identities. Every country should have its own unique identity. At the same time, I thought, “people are proud of their countries, so why should I be concerned?” I guess it really isn’t any of my business. I, however, would rather make my own bed before sleeping in it.
Why should you be playing sports? Josh Adesina Opinion Editor A lot of iconic sporting events have taken place this year. Whether it was Toronto finally hosting the NBA All-Star weekend or Portugal beating France for the UEFA Euro championship cup. It inspired me to start playing sports again. But then I think I got ahead of myself because I didn’t actually consider whether I could play sports properly. It made me think about what sport-enthusiast students would choose to play based on their physical ability. Football (soccer) is my favourite sport and has been for several years. It’s a British thing but I also thoroughly enjoy playing it. There is just something about the speed and agility of footballers that captivates me. I can play football because I am used to running around a lot. I also see the advantage in playing a sport that requires a certain level of fitness. Sports can play an important role in the life of a university student because it encourages socializing alongside healthy activity. Regardless of whether you are a sporty per-
son, I genuinely believe there is a sport that everyone can play. The question is which one? There have been several students that have turned off completely when I try and speak to them about sports. It’s like you’re either really into sports or not into at all. I think a reason for this is the misconception that you must be fit to play sports. I think this is completely false. There are a lot of fitness freaks that play sports to compete and brag about their athleticism. However, I believe anyone can play sports and have fun all while making friends. I am now going into my fourth-year of university and I feel as though I haven’t made that many friends. I regret not joining the football team in my first and second years. This is why I recommend playing sports as a student. Even if you aren’t good at it or, you can learn and become better and socialize with others doing the same. It’s something I wish I did and I would not want other students to rob themselves of the opportunity.