Issue 14 - March 12, 2013

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sputnik

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Wednesday, March 13, 2013 - Issue 14 // www.thesputnik.ca

News

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On Campus

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Features

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A&E

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Sports

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Opinion

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Partnership with Laurier likely page 3

The ins and outs of music festival-ing page 9

The face of a revolution page 7

The racing industry in jeoprady page 3

Journalism: An unrequited love page 12

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, March 13, 2013

NEWS

COLES Queens U spring ad bw:open learning ad 01/02/12 11:40 AM Page 1 Jordan Johnston // news@thesputnik.ca

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Theodore Fontaine brings his inspiring message to Brantford Dillon Giancola Staff

Theodore Fontaine, author of “Broken Circle: The Dark Legacy of Indian Residential Schools: A Memoir”, was in the Brantford area this week to speak on his books and life experiences. Fontaine attended the Fort Alexander and Assiniboia Indian residential schools as a child in Manitoba, and his book tells of the emotional, psychological and sexual abuse he endured there and his path to healing.

“I don’t have fun doing this, but it’s like freedom, getting to share what I’ve been through.” He spoke twice at Laurier and once at Six Nations Polytechnic. An emotional message was made even more so being in the Brantford area, as he said that it was like coming home for him. He had signed a contract to play minor hockey in Hamilton in the 60s, but never ended up going there. Even though he has traveled many places speaking on related topics, it is still tough for him to think and talk about his story. “I’m scared to tell you the story,” Fontaine said during his first session at Laurier.

Fontaine went on to have much success in various ventures in his life, including roles with the federal Secretary of State department and the Northwest Territories Region of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. He even spent two years as chief of the Sagkeeng First Nation. Throughout this time he was always plagued by the pain of his past and the self-image it had left him with. His healing began when he started to finally believe that he could be just as good as other people, and it was through dealing with the issues that his book came to be. “The book was never intended to be a book,” he said. As he worked out the issues of his past it became somewhat of a responsibility to him to share his story and a further the healing process. “I don’t have fun doing this, but it’s like freedom, getting to share what I’ve been through,” said Fontaine. He said it is a struggle as he continues to share his story as other truths come back to him later in age. It is a consistent struggle, but he is, “committed to telling people over and over again what happened.” Through his book and his speaking, Fontaine hopes to shed light on the very real and dark history of Indian residential schools and the horrible things that happened. He said that many people tend to think stories such as his and from others are exaggerations of the truth, and he is determined to make sure that people are aware of what the schools were really like.

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, March 13 , 2013

NEWS

Jordan Johnston // news@thesputnik.ca

Saying goodbye to racetrack slots EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Olivia Rutt eic@thesputnik.ca ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

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

CONTRIBUTORS Dillon Giancola Alyssa Molfetta Sylvia Hernandez-Rassavong Oren Weiner Efua Afrane Matt Cook Karly Rath Amber Richardson Stephanie Di Bartolo Madison Hawkins Craig Hagerman Anthony Fusco Emma Dillabough Sebastien Bell Cody Groat

WLUSP BRANTFORD MANAGER OF OPERATIONS Allison Leonard allison.leonard@wlusp.com PHONE (519) 756-8228 ext.5948 202-171 Colborne St. N3T 2C9

WLUSP OFFICE 205 Regina Street Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5

Horse races (Photo by Alyssa Molfetta)

Alyssa Molfetta Staff For years the sport of horseracing and the allure of trackside casinos have collaborated to establish a flourishing and profitable industry in Ontario. A decade ago the industry grew even more when the provincial government proposed the ‘Slots at Racetracks Program.’ With the program in place, the revenue from the slot machines averaged over $1 billion per year and created stable work for those in the horse racing industry. However, this summer the government decided to cancel the program. Of the money that is generated by the slot machines at Ontario racetracks with SARP, 75 per cent goes to the Government of Ontario, 10 per cent goes to the host racetrack, 10 per cent goes to horse breeders and trainers and the remaining 5 per cent is allotted to the community in which the racetrack resides. With the loss of this revenue and incentives for gaming enthusiasts, members of the horseracing industry are concerned about the

future of the sport especially now that new casino locations are being proposed for GTA locations, away from the racetracks. “The horseracing industry can do things to work on growing revenue from pari-mutual (betting), but we can’t do that when we are in direct competition with our own government, who has overwhelming gaming products and locations and they also legislate and regulate us,� said Sue Leslie, President of the Ontario Harness Racing Industry Association. It is estimated that 60,000 jobs will be lost with the removal of slot machines from Ontario tracks. Racetrack workers, horse breeders and trainers, and OLG casino employees are amongst those at risk of being out of a job with the elimination of SARP. The province has been working with OLG to carry out a Modernization Plan for the gaming industry to “become more market-driven and consumer-responsive,� according to OLG’s Strategic Business Review.

However, this initiative has not instilled confidence amongst the horse industry. “Horseracing must be integrated into the government’s Modernization Gaming Policy moving forward so that there is a solid revenue sharing agreement between our industry and the province,� said Leslie, “The province is going to share revenue with someone to operate new gaming; why shouldn’t that be the horse racing and breeding industry that employs Ontarians rather than big U.S. corporations?� With the potential breakdown of Ontario’s racing industry, the province will be affected not only economically as local racetracks suffer, but also the nostalgia of such a historically rich sport will be lost. There are ongoing negotiations to determine the locations of potential new GTA casinos and transition plans between the province and some racetracks to determine their future. The Slots at Racetracks cancellation will be official on March 31.

International Women's Day Jordan Johnston News Editor March 8 marked the well-known International Women’s Day. This day held for over 100 years, recognizes the achievements and demands of women globally. The first Women’s day was held in 1909. On this day, many groups and organizations are recognized in their efforts globally to enhance the lives of women and girls. These foundations help with anything from education and leadership seminars to the basic health and food needs that many women live without. It has always been a struggle for women of any race, age or colour to gain equality in many aspects of life, not only in the workplace. According to a question board posted by the Globe and Mail, people have mixed views on International Women’s day. Some find it

offensive and useless whereas others find it inspiring and a step in the right direction. Donna Spagal a responder to the Globe and Mail said, “Today we honor the women that paved the way for change & embrace where we are today while inspiring girls for a better future.� Brantford is host to a now annual Women’s Day event, which was located at the Best Western this year. For the fourth year in a row, Nova Vita – a domestic violence prevention service – has been a large contributor and sponsor of the women’s day events. They offer nominations for excellent women and with this anyone can recognize special or spectacular women in their life. Women’s Day is in place to recognize

PRESIDENT Emily Frost (519) 884-0710 ext.3565 emily.frost@wlusp.com

Anti-bullying campaign

ADVERTISING Angela Taylor (519)884-0710 ext. 3560 angela.taylor@wlusp.com

Sylvia Hernandez-Rassavong Staff

the efforts and achievements of women all around the world. Laurier Brantford professor Catherine Stewart gave a talk about the history of International Women’s Day during a luncheon held in Brantford. Accompanying Stewart was a woman by the name of Shawna Marlay from Immigrant Settlement Services. Through Nova Vita in Brantford, students were asked to volunteer for International Women’s Day with various things including a dinner. Nova Vita is ‘dedicated to stopping the cycle of domestic abuse and promoting violence-free living.’ With equal awareness and an equal society, people can push for the changes or improvements they wish to see.

Brantford takes a stand against bullying by participating in and supporting anti-bullying programs.

The Boys and Girls Club of Brantford organizes Pink T-shirt Day every year. In a The Sputnik is an editorially letter to Mayor Chris Friel and the city council independent newspaper published by from last November, the Boys and Girls Club Wilfrid Laurier University requested that the city of Brantford proclaim Student Publications, Waterloo. Contact February 27 as Pink Shirt Day in Brantford in Emily Frost - WLUSP, an effort to bring community support. 205 Regina Street Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon, a local The Sputnik is a proud member of the law firm, showed support for the campaign Canadian University Press (CUP) by buying pink shirts from the Boys and Girls Club for their staff. Opinions expressed in The Sputnik are those of the author and do not MyRespect, a Laurier Brantford committee, necessarily reflect the Editorial staff, also organized a Pink Shirt Day campaign for The Sputnik, WLUSP, WLU or CanWeb students on campus. Printing Inc. Pink Shirt Day began with student activism. A few years ago, a group of high FRONT PAGE PHOTO CREDITS: school students in Nova Scotia decided to Main: Kimber Lubberts wear pink shirts in support of a boy who was Left: Wikimedia Commons bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. Centre: Alyssa Molfetta Right: Wikimedia Commons According to a survey by the Centre for Mental Health and Addictions, 29 per cent of

students in Ontario between the ages of 7-12 The aim is to raise awareness about bullying, have experienced bullying. Also, 21 per cent discrimination and homophobia. of girls said they had experienced bullying Laurier Brantford’s Rainbow Alliance and had contemplated suicide. and MyRespect are hosting Diversity in the Bullying is a repeated negative action Classroom Part Two on March 16, to further towards a person or group often rooted in the fight against bullying. discrimination. It can take various forms from physical abuse to exclusion and cyberbullying. Bullying is linked to symptoms such as sleep disorders, anxiety, stress and feeling helpless in addition to physical pain. In severe cases, it can result in suicide. A w a r e n e s s campaigns allow for open dialogue on the issue. 5PMM 'SFF

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, March 13, 2013

ON CAMPUS Melissa McGuffin // oncampus@thesputnik.ca

Authors discuss book themes at Carnegie Oren Weiner Staff

Want more photos and content? ‘Like’ us on Facebook and head to www.thesputnik.ca

Dr. Stephen Haller (Photo by Cody Hoffman)

“What the (expletive) is this? Reading time? Yes, Lily, that’s exactly what it is,” read Alissa York from her book Fauna. A handful of fans, Laurier staff and students gathered in Carnegie’s basement on Thursday night to discuss York’s book as well as Andrew Westoll’s Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary. The theme of the night revolved around the connection between animals and humans, with a hint of homelessness from York’s book. “I thought it was a really intimate, warm and informed gathering, which was really everything you’d want from an author’s event,” said Janice Vilaca, Laurier Brantford’s Vice President. York’s Fauna revolves around a Toronto youngster named Lily, who is a runaway homeless girl with a strong attachment to her dog Billy. Westoll’s work of nonfiction tells of his adventures and troubled relationships with the chimps at Fauna Sanctuary, a safe haven for former research lab chimpanzees, located on the South Shore of Montreal. Running similar titles, both books played on the same concept of the intimate relations between humans and animals. After reading selected texts from their own books, the authors engaged in discussion from the small audience, taking questions and

discussing the distinct locations from Fauna’s many settings. One setting that intrigued fans at the event and became a point of focus was the wrecking yard, a place that acted as an animal haven in the novel. Much of the discussion period concentrated on York’s book with Westoll commenting on it, as well as adding his own anecdotes of personal experiences from around the world. Attendees had favourable remarks for the event. “It was really awesome. I wish more people came, but that really didn’t matter,” said Joanne Vamos. Westoll commented on the discussion and scope of the event, “It’s a real pleasure to do a reading with Alissa because of the similarity in spirit between our books.” The event is part of York and Westoll’s participation in the Laurier community. Both are currently enrolled in the writer in-residence program at the Waterloo campus, wherein the authors attend and offer advice to students in workshops, give guest lectures and conduct readings on subject matter of their expertise. Of her experience at the event on Thursday night, York said, “This is what you hope for these kinds of gatherings, and to meet passionate, engaged fans is a dream come true.”

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, March 13, 2013

ON CAMPUS

Melissa McGuffin // oncampus@thesputnik.ca

Prof profile: Dr. John Corr Melissa McGuffin On Campus Editor

Standing at the front of the classroom with a collared shirt and tie, a combination that is ever present in Dr. Corr’s attire, the first impression a student might get from him is that he is just another dull and serious professor. However, walking out of his classroom feels more like you’ve attended a stand-up routine, accompanied by academic philosophies. “If I can’t make jokes, I have trouble keeping my attention,” says the part-time professor at Laurier Brantford. Dr. Corr teaches the Popular Culture course as well as English courses, and although he is only part-time at Laurier, he hopes to eventually become full-time. He has also taught at McMaster University, Mohawk, St. Jerome’s/Waterloo University and Guelph University. But Corr particularly enjoys teaching the students at Laurier. “I really like the students here, I find that they are very non-pretentious, it’s very refreshing,” says Dr. Corr. When it comes to learning and teaching, for him, a bit of joking can go a long way. “I use humour partly instinctively and partly in deliberate ways,” says Dr. Corr. What some students may not realize is that the jokes are not always thought of on the spot. Dr. Corr explains that he will write down jokes as notes in his course material

for lectures and then say them as though he just thought of it. “It gets people’s attention and the jokes are never just for jokes sake, they are always connected to the material in some way,” says Dr. Corr. The jokes serve a purpose though, to help students interact with the course material in a way that is more enjoyable. “Whether or not students see the connection right away or whether or not they see it at all, the jokes that I throw out there are designed to think about academic material in a non-academic sort of way,” he says, “I think humour helps people think.” Underneath all the ties and the comedy, Dr. Corr has three main priorities: taking care of his three children, reading crime thrillers and aikido. Dr. Corr has a second-degree black belt in the traditional martial art which demonstrates the time he has devoted to it. “It’s such a relief to go there, there’s no creativity, it’s all physical,” says Corr. Dr. Corr’s passion for aikido is so strong that he hopes to see it become a course that would count as credits. “That would be my dream course,” he says, “It’s non-competitive, there are no tournaments, it’s very physical and it’s good for self- defense.”

Dr. John Corr (Photo by Cody Hoffman)

When it comes to writing in Dr. Corr’s classroom, there is no room for humour. “There is nothing funny about my academic writing,” says Dr. Corr with a smile on his face. Aikido can be blamed for his tough critiquing on students’ writing. Much like aikido, Dr. Corr teaches clear concepts, he will teach what needs to be done and

leave it up to the students to have the selfdiscipline to complete the task. A sense of humour is a funny thing, something Dr. Corr most certainly does not lack. With his passion for teaching, his easy-going personality and ambition for creating aikido as a course, Dr. Corr is a perfect fit for Laurier Brantford.

Is the JAVE card a waste of money? Efua Afrane Staff

Journalism students are presented with a dilemma, either buy the $55 JAVE (Journalism Audio-Video Equipment) cards or buy their own equipment. The JAVE card is only to be used for one class per semester and needs to be purchased per course. The card is nonrefundable when purchased at the bookstore and also has other limits applied, such as the allotted short timeslot for students to sign out equipment for course work. “I think that all extra fees on top of your education, 99 per cent of any extra fees are not fair,” says Sue Ferguson, the journalism program coordinator. Ferguson also feels that the province should be covering the costs, rather than downloading it onto students. “The province should be funding postsecondary education in such a way that universities don’t start to nickel and dime students. That’s what I totally believe,” says Ferguson.

According to Ferguson, the card was created to provide a revenue stream for journalism equipment. The journalism program, which began in 2005, had an arrangement for third year broadcast and public relation students with Conestoga College to use their equipment; therefore, the Journalism Program did not see the need to buy a lot of equipment. With the decadal money provided by the university, basic cameras and software were bought and the JAVE card was a way to ensure students would have responsibility for the use and maintenance of the equipment. The card has been in use since 2006. Due to a lack of equipment, some students are not able to readily use equipment when needed. Students in Reporting and Writing II as well as students in Photography have had difficulties with the amount of equipment available for student usage.

Simon Wilson, the Photography professor for last semester experienced some difficulties with the card system. With a class of 16 students and five cameras, Wilson’s biggest problem was with the little time allotted for the use of cameras. “We need more cameras for the number of students that are in the class and some of the equipment is outdated and needs to be replaced. I had 16 students and all 16 needed to use the JAVE card system,” said Wilson. Every year, journalism students put forth $75 towards the Journalism Guild fee on top of their tuition payment. Unfortunately, this money cannot be put towards equipment for the students. “The Ontario government has this rule where they dictate how much a school can charge for tuition and the Journalism Guild; we can’t use our funds to purchase camera equipment and other equipment because then it can be seen as the school going

around the governments mandated tuition limits,” says Christina Van Starkenburg, the president of the Journalism Guild. Navneet Bajwa, a first-year journalism student has first-hand experience with the JAVE card. “I think that the JAVE card is useless because there is very little equipment for a large amount of people to use for a project. I think they should lower the price down for that card or get more equipment so that every student can use it, because I don’t have that kind of money,” says Bajwa. The JAVE card system is not a perfect system for students, but it allows an alternative to spending hundreds of dollars on a top quality camera for only one semester’s use, and other expensive equipment. Until there is more money funded towards equipment, the JAVE card is the best option for journalism students.

J.Guild on the rise, hampered by lack of awareness Oren Weiner Staff

Each year, groups of students flood into the journalism program contributing $75 of their tuition to the Journalism Guild. In years past, the Guild remained in the background of the journalism program, but now it is in the process of lighting up the tunnel. However, the light seems dim at the moment while the organization is in the midst of a revival. “The Journalism Guild is supposed to enhance the journalism students’ time at Laurier, and help give them an edge, that little extra above,” says Christina Van Starkenburg, the guild’s president. The guild is built to support the journalism students, each year offering a variety of events. This year included a line-up of games night, first-year meet and greet, as well as a speaker series that brought professionals in the industry to the Brantford campus. For this year, Van Starkenburg explained that there will be a year-end gala event in which journalism students can submit

works that they are proud of from courses or elsewhere, to build a collection. Students whose works are incorporated have the opportunity to win prizes. Past years also included monthly meetings, but these were cancelled due to a lack of interest and attendance from students. “Let’s be honest, the name ‘meeting’ makes people not want to go to things,” says Van Starkenburg. The average attendance for events is anywhere between five to 45 people, depending on the appeal. Meetings generally almost always had minimal turnout, while others had an upwards of the 45, usually for the speaker series. With such a lack of student interest past years, the staff is trying to re-vitalize the Guild. For all its functions, the Guild spends an average of $80 per event, supplying guest speakers with gifts of gratitude and appreciation, travel expenses for the guests arriving from farther places and occasional refreshments. However, only half of the

received funding is dedicated to functions. The other half is designated for endowment for the journalism program or donations to The Sputnik, Laurier Brantford’s campus newspaper. As of early March, during the 2012-2013 school year, the Guild’s balance sheet for spending totaled $979.44, all of which was spent on Guild events and funding for the CUP NASH 75, a national Canadian University Press media workshop series. Maintaining a balance sheet for the Guild’s spending is not something that has always been done. Since Van Starkenburg’s presidency and involvement in the Guild, she has sought to maintain such records that she believes were “shoddily kept” in the past. In addition to better kept records and the development of newer events to create a fresher calendar, the Journalism Guild has tried reaching out to students in other ways. Van Starkenburg explained that the Guild puts up posters, e-mails students

and posts about events on Facebook to inform people. Yet with all these efforts it still appears to be lacking in some ways according to journalism students at Laurier Brantford. Candice Evans, a third-year student in the journalism program says that the students don’t really know what the Journalism Guild does. “I think that most journalism students either don’t know about it or only have a passing knowledge, as in they know they fund it through the fees they pay, but not what it actually does or how it’s meant to help us,” said Evans, “There’s just not enough promotion.” In a similar tone, Nicole Nelson, also a third-year student, formerly in the journalism program suggested that the events are “uninteresting.” Like Evans, she also commented that “it doesn’t advertise to my knowledge.”

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, March 13, 2013

FEATURES

Layla Bozich// features@thesputnik.ca

Self-publishing industry ready to compete

Self-publishing is an art. (Photo by Cody Hoffman)

Matt Cook Staff

As the literary world changes to suit the Internet, self-publishing is emerging as a prominent form of publishing and it is threatening to displace traditional publishers. Scholastic, Random House, Penguin Publishing, and other major publishers continue to accept new manuscripts each year. However, a rising number of books cracking the best-seller list have not been published with a traditional publishing company at all. They have become well known by their own literary merits, as well as the author’s marketing skills. Some popular novels, such as Fifty Shades of Grey, even started out as fan fiction. Yet the traditional stereotypes behind self-publishing still linger. Some people feel that self-publishing is only done by authors who could not interest an agent or publishing company. The traditional stereotype is that self-publishers’ works are not reputable because of this. Another similar fixture in the literary world is vanity publishing, also commonly referred to as ‘assisted publishing’ or as another form of self-publishing. The usage of vanity publishing is also on the rise. While self-publishing authors simply print their own book and distribute it themselves, a vanity publisher will edit your book, design a cover, and ultimately publish the book regardless of the content. In certain situations they will also nominate your book for awards and attempt to market it to other publishers. A vanity press is expensive, with an average price of over $1,000 to publish a novel. Self-publishing is not without its perks. New author Michelle Proulx describes her experience using a self-publisher to publish her debut novel: a romance/science fiction novel entitled Imminent Danger and How to Fly Straight into It.

“There were some aspects of selfpublishing I really enjoyed, like seeing the project I’ve been working on for the last seven years finally come together in a finished package,” says Proulx, “There have also been some problems. I rather foolishly decided to purchase a substandard copyedit from the company that is publishing my book, rather than seeking out a copy editor on my own.” Proulx’s novel was published in January 2013 by the self-publishing company iUniverse. Copies are currently selling well, though Proulx has had to complete most of the marketing work herself. “My main form of marketing so far comes via my Wordpress blog, where I’ve met a wonderful community of writers who have been very friendly and supportive thus far,” she says. “Word of mouth is also huge – my friends and family have been awesome about telling everyone they know about my book, which I cannot thank them enough for.” Proulx’s blog currently has over 500 followers. Despite her success, Proulx acknowledges that the reputation of selfpublishing and vanity publishing leaves something to be desired. She explains her own experiences regarding the prestige of self-publishing. “There is a lot of negative press toward self-publishing, and it is not entirely unfounded. I have read some really, truly terrible self-published books that clearly have not seen the tip of an editor’s pen. But there are also some fantastic self-published books out there, and I think that public opinion has definitely started to shift in our favour.” She says the best way for self-publishing to gain recognition is for the authors to focus on quality rather than quantity. Before publishing Imminent Danger, Proulx attempted to work with agents and traditional publishers, but was unable to

find one to her satisfaction. She was asked if she would ever consider a traditional publishing route for the upcoming sequel to her novel. “No, I don’t think I would. On the other hand, if a traditional publisher were to approach me with an offer, I would seriously consider it,” she says. “Paid advances, professional cover design, bookstore placement all over the world, the possibility of my book being translated into other languages, maybe even a movie ... as if I would turn down an opportunity like that.” Certainly traditional publishing provides authors with unique benefits, most notably contacts and prestige in the literary world. But many self-publishing companies are now offering these same benefits as well. The self-publishing company iUniverse even has a program where eight copies of an author’s book will be placed in a Chapters bookstore. Should those eight copies sell, more will be bought. Other authors are turning to selfpublishing not out of choice, but of necessity. Stephanie McIntyre is an employee at McClelland & Stewart Limited. She confirms that despite the rising trend in self-publishing, her company’s standards remain unchanged. “We still don’t take unsolicited manuscripts or anything like that,” says McIntyre. “That said, we are branching out into e-books. Both those and traditional print books have merit, we’re finding.” To get your work submitted to publishers such as McClelland and Stewart Limited, a writer requires an agent, but finding an agent is not an easy task, especially for a writer not yet well established. Further complicating the issue, many publishers are only taking novels written in fewer than 100,000 words, in an attempt to streamline the industry. While 100,000 words sounds

like more words than a writer would ever need, many writers are struggling to make the cut. With these new restrictions in the publishing world, it is a small wonder that many new writers choose to forego the hassle and self-publish. But some fields are still very reluctant to embrace self-publishing, such as in academia. As professors, academics and experts in their field look to establish themselves, few of them look to self-publishing. Debra Chapman, a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, recently published her first novel, The Struggle for Mexico: State Corporatism and Popular Opposition. When looking to publish, she did not go through self-publishing. “I didn’t self-publish, but I know of some people who did,” she says. “The self-published academic books that I know of were very valuable to their field, but they just didn’t meet traditional academic publishing criteria.” Chapman acknowledges that the reputation of academic self-publishing is prone to change in the future. This presents an interesting potential future for writers, or anybody looking to achieve an international presence. A writer, singer, or performer will not only require artistic talent, but they will also need to know how to market themselves. Ultimately, self-publishing appears at a crossroads in our culture: more reputable than it was ten years ago, but perhaps not in the same leagues as Random House. Ultimately decisions about quality must remain up to the readers. They are the ones who pay for the book, after all.

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, March 13, 2013

FEATURES

Layla Bozich // features@thesputnik.ca

The face that launched an Internet REVOLUTION Layla Bozich Features Editor

With Anonymous, there is no authorship. Their claim is no more valid than the individual’s claim to existence,” a soft, soothing male voice tells me, slightly muffled behind a Guy Fawkes mask, “They are simply a spark, but not the fire.” Anonymous is composed of people around the world who oppose Internet censorship and surveillance, governmentimposed oppression, and all-around citizen injustice. They claim to be you and me. They have been referred to as “anarchic cyber-guerrillas.” In their quest to remove censorship from the Internet, Anonymous has attacked the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, the US Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation after sites such as The Pirate Bay and Megaupload were placed under investigation for providing file-sharing services. The group has a well-voiced hatred for the Westboro Baptist Church, an

independent Baptist church in Kansas that is highly against gay people. In 2011, Anonymous released several videos to combat the church’s preaches against homosexuality. Anonymous also fought Westboro’s plan to picket the funerals of the victims of the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. But with anonymity comes a lack of accountability. According to Laurier Brantford Criminology professor Andrew Welsh, there are two ways to look at Anonymous’ acts. They are either violating criminal law or they are acting against neoliberalism, the government’s practices that take on their own personal interests. Media in Canada are owned by a small number of companies, including Shaw, Rogers, CTVglobemedia, Astral, Newcap, Quebecor, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Because of this small area of representation, the public does not hear many marginalized views.

Anonymous takes the role of providing a venue for people to get messages that are not considered mainstream. Anonymous, though, is still acting like any of Canada’s few media companies by picking and choosing what to show the public from their various social media platforms. After the announcement from Westboro in which they planned to picket the funerals, Anonymous released the home and work addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of members of the church. “This is the unfortunate reality in a democracy where you have freedom of expression,” says Welsh, “People are going to say stupid things and believe stupid things.” In some cases, lives have been put in danger due to false information released by Anonymous. After Amanda Todd’s suicide in 2012, Anonymous worked to release the personal information of who they believed to be her stalker, only to claim the address

of a resident who quickly reported the false accusation to the media. Welsh explains that others should not be punished for the inconsiderate acts committed by one person. The children of Westboro members could potentially be in positions of danger after their personal information has been publicly released. Yet their actions also empower those whose lives are in danger. On November 30, Anonymous shut down websites belong to the Syrian government, a day after the government was believed to have instilled an Internet blackout to silence Syrian civil war oppositionists. In a time where the ways that we can output information are, indeed, being constantly limited by higher authority, Anonymous appears as an Internet vigilante. But just as we were taught not to talk to strangers as children, a group of masked men and women tell us what is and is not wrong with society, and we listen.

Guy Fawkes has become a symbol of Anonymous and other protest groups. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia)

Feminism part one: How far have we come? Karly Rath Staff

“The doctor was God.” changes differ worldwide. According to a for instance. post-secondary education. So Cocarla has The doctor was male. report by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, “Some areas of feminism have also been contributed to the Miss G Project to help Jackie Butler, 47, worked as a nurse as of 2013, South Africa ranks eighth out intolerant or ignorant of transgendered Gender Studies become part of the Ontario in South Africa from 1990-94. As far as of 190 for the countries with the highest women and their needs and rights,” she Secondary School Curriculum. After eight women’s rights go, Butler says they were percentages of women in parliament. says. years of lobbying, the project is a success. 30 years behind. Canada, on the other hand, ranks 45th But the third wave is changing that by Another part of the third wave of Butler says she was not allowed to with only 24.7 per cent of parliament being being “intersectional feminism has been the “When we zoom out, or offer input on what she believed a patient female. Rwanda ranks first with 56.7 per feminism” which SlutWalk that started needed. cent. includes all races, perhaps zoom in, gender in Toronto 2011. The “They were more concerned about Laurier Brantford academic staff classes, abilities, inequality is not just a thing of movement protests whether my uniform was pressed and my member Sasha Cocarla, who holds a and etcetera. As she the past” how some blame sexual shoes were nice and polished,” she says. Masters in Cultural Analysis and Social is completing her assault on the victim’s Butler remembers countless instances Theory, says “feminism is still needed and doctorate in Women’s Studies, it is becoming appearance and wardrobe. SlutWalk has where she felt angry due to her inferiority there is much work to be done.” very clear to Cocarla how feminism can grown into an international movement to men. Cocarla is excited to be part of the third take many forms. involving all genders and ages. She simply tried wave of feminism since it When Butler was in Grade 9, she was Both behind the scenes, like the Miss G to set up a telephone “They were more concerned is currently in progress. involved in the protest for women to be Project, and in the public sphere, like the line for her new South about whether my uniform The first wave was in able to wear jeans. At the time, only skirts, SlutWalk, feminism is constantly taking African home but was pressed and my shoes the 19th and early 20th dresses and dress pants were allowed in place. the phone company were nice and polished” centuries, and the second high schools. If a girl wore jeans to class, Today, Butler says she feels equal to refused. wave was from the 1960s she was sent to the principal’s office and men. Even though she estimates that men “I had to have to the 1990s. We are now was expected to change. hold 75 per cent of the higher positions at [the papers] signed by my husband or my living the third wave. “It would have been different if we her hospital, St. Mary’s,, she believes this father. As a female, I had no rights,” says As an active feminist, Cocarla sees the were in a Catholic school and there was tradition is slowly fading. In her cardiology Butler. third wave as having many benefits such as a definite uniform. But us girls weren’t department, there are no female surgeons Needless to say, our current society has involving youth through social media. allowed to dress a certain way and the boys but there are female cardiologists and evolved immensely. “The third wave of feminism has been could wear whatever they wanted,” Butler nurses. International Women’s Day, March 8, more concerned with looking at the ways says. In day-to-day life, some women may celebrates all that women have achieved gender inequality Jeans may be feel equal. It is undeniable that women over the decades. From the workplace to intersects with other “The Third wave of feminism something we now have moved towards this goal in leaps political life to the home, improvements on forms of oppression,” has been more concerned take for granted. But and bounds over the decades. But when gender equality have flourished. Courtesy Cocarla says. each time a woman we zoom out, or perhaps zoom in, gender with looking at the ways of the first two waves of feminism, Canadian Cocarla points wears a pair, it is inequality is not just a thing of the past. gender inequality intersects women can vote, legally have abortions, out that feminism, a result of acts of Next issue, we will look at the long road and theoretically have any occupations like anything, has had with other forms of oppression” feminism. ahead that feminists must travel. they desire. some setbacks. The first Cocarla believes Feminism part two: How far will we While these steps are revolutionary, it two waves of feminism were not entirely that the conversation of women’s issues go? Look for it in our next issue on stands is important to note that the pace of these inclusive—not all races were represented, must take place early in life, not simply in March 27.

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, March 13, 2013

A&E

Courtney Langstaff // arts@thesputnik.ca

A&E } CORNER FRINGE Amber Richardson This week I want to highlight a very unlikely TV show for me, Fringe. I’m not usually into sci-fi, but what happens in this show is so highly unlikely, that I actually like trying to keep up with the bizarre happenings and cases of Olivia Dunham. The show is based in Boston, where the Fringe division of the FBI investigates things from pyrokinesis to

“When I want a break from reality, I turn to this show.� vampiric syphilis. The FBI employs a scientist that has been locked in a mental institution for almost two decades, and his nomadic criminal son to assist in solving the crimes and putting an end

to the biological attacks. I like this show because of how far fetched it is, when I want a fresh break from reality, I turn to this show for a taste of some of the crazy things people can cook up in their heads.

SONS OF ANARCHY Courtney Langstaff One word: watch. This is by far one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen. For those of you lucky enough to have Netflix getting yourself in to and catching up to the current season is very easy. My family

“My family and I literally power watched four seasons of this show.� and I literally power watched four seasons of this show in a month’s time. This show

Serena Ryder- What I Wouldn’t Do Mise En Scene- When I Met You Boy- Little Numbers Ellie Goudling- Figure 8 Kitten- Cut It Out

is addicting, with so many shows to watch for only $7.99 a month, there was no excuse for me to not give this show a chance. Now let me tell you, I am addicted. I can’t go a full day without a dose of the hilarious couple Lily and Marshall, playboy Barney, commitment phobic Robin, and the hopeless romantic Ted. When I am watching the show I feel like I am part of their circle of friends and can picture who in my real life would be each

“Almost like the new version of friends, but with a little more comedy and a little less drama.�

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Madison Hawkins This is yet another series that I am so far behind on. I constantly heard people talking about how hilarious it is but never had the interest of sitting down and watching an episode, until now. Netflix

of these characters. It is almost like the new version of Friends, with a little more comedy and a little less drama. Honestly take the time to watch an episode and you will be just as hooked as I am.

ALBUM PROFILE

HOLLERADO - WHITE PAINT

By: Stephanie Di Bartolo, The Sputnik’s watchdog of the local, national and everchanging music scene. On this week’s agenda:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The Sputnik A&E staff shares their favourite sitcoms, from scifi to series.

is about a motorcycle ‘Club’ called the Sons of Anarchy that deal guns to other big and notorious gangs around the world from the I.R.A (Big Irish Mafia) to the Cartel themselves, this is one old-school gang you do not want to mess with. But it is more than just the illegal activities they embark in, it’s about the characters, each one you love for all different reasons, and you become quickly attached to them. So I definitely recommend this show if you want to watch a bunch of good looking biker dudes having a bad ass time.

THE CHARTS

INDIE GIRLS MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND

ADDICTED TO SITCOMS

Stephanie Di Bartolo Some of Canada’s favourite boys from Hollerado released their latest effort, White Paint, on February 26 and I must admit I am pleasantly surprised. As a fan myself, I eagerly awaited the release of this album for months and it was definitely worth the wait. Not only does it carry on the same indie/rock vibe from their first studio album, Record In A Bag, but it seems the boys have learned a lot while touring and writing new songs and it really comes across in these tracks.

My personal favorite on the record is Pick Me Up because it’s such a positive and upbeat track that will instantly put you in a great mood. Don’t Think is another track that deserves recognition for it’s fresh and unique rhythm that embodies that famous Hollerado sound. The boys then know how to slow it down with Just Conversation, which has an extremely raw and unedited sound. This album is easily a 10 out of 10, beyond expectations.

Tyred of finnding mistakse in the Sputnik? Do something about it. WLU Student Publications is hiring section editors and visual editors. Application close March 17. www.wlusp.com/volunteer

EMPLOYEE achievement AWARDS As a student, has a staff or faculty gone above and beyond to positively impact your student life by: Ăœ Building a meaningful relationship with you Ăœ Demonstrating opportunities for continuous improvement Ăœ Providing exceptional customer service Ăœ Modelling leadership and accountability by serving as a mentor Ăœ Promoting team and organizational success by sharing ideas and seeking opinions

Nominate this staff or faculty for an Employee Achievement Award by May 3, 2013 Waterloo | Brantford | Kitchener | Toronto

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The Sputnik // Wednesday,March 13, 2013

A&E

Courtney Langstaff // arts@thesputnik.ca

A STORY BEHIND EACH MARKING Stephanie Di Bartolo Tattoos are becoming more common and more accepted in society today and people are beginning to get them for all kinds of different reasons. Though many people still put their skin under the needle just for the sake of having beautiful artwork forever imprinted on their bodies, most tattoos usually come with compelling, sad, interesting, or happy stories attached to them. “I have a tattoo that I got done when I was 18. I got it in memory of my grandmother who passed away when I was really young. It’s a rose; her name was Rose, with the date that she passed away underneath it. We were really close so it’s my most meaningful tattoo,” said Melissa Ardella, a third year fine arts student who has several tattoos. Like Ardella, memorial tattoos are one of the top reasons why people get tattoos. When a loved one passes on, tattoo lovers like their family members to live on in beautiful artwork that they can admire on their own bodies forever. Aside from memorial tattoos, meaningful tattoos expressing a current loved one are popular among people today as well. “Me and my sister have a matching tattoo of the word ‘love’ on our ribs. We had always planned to one day get a tattoo together so when [my younger sister] turned 18, we got them done together. I think it will be a memory that we’re always going to have together and I know that neither of us will ever regret them later on [in life],” said Daniella Simpson, who admits that this is currently her only tattoo but is planning on getting more work done soon. The thought of regret later on in life is one that crosses the mind of several tattoolovers, and often is the reason why a lot of people refuse to get ink done in the first place.

“I don’t think having alot of visible tattoos is a bad thing when youre as proud of them as I am of mine” “It’s not like I get asked all the time but [yes], I have been asked ‘oh, are you going to regret any of your tattoos in the future?’ and I can honestly say that I don’t think I will because they all mean something really important to me, even the ones that [I had done] just for fun,” said Ardella, “I don’t think having a lot of visible tattoos is a bad thing when you are as proud of them as I am of mine. I wouldn’t change any of them.” Like Ardella, Jimmy Wynne, a paramedic with a half sleeve on his arm, agrees that regret does not cross his mind when he thinks about any of his tattoos. “Each tattoo in my sleeve represents different aspects of my life,” said Wynne, exposing a paramedic symbol tattoo on his arm that clearly represents his passion for

his career, “I have my kids’ names, a Canadian flag, a drum set; I’ve always been a drummer my whole life.” It seems the stigma of tattoos may be disintegrating as people today receive ink for all different types of reasons. Every tattoo comes with a story, whether it’s something simple like someone liked the way it looked, or something more meaningful like a representation for a loved one or aspects of their own lives.

SHOPPING WITH A FASHIONABLE HEART Madison Hawkins Millions of animals are skinned alive everyday, all in the name of fashion. Although fashion and beauty products can be a girl’s best friend, it is equally important to remember to be a friend to the animals and shop fashionably with a heart. Buying beauty products from companies that test on animals is unnecessary when favourite companies such as MAC, Smashbox, Abercrombie & Fitch, Almay, Avon, The Body Shop, Urban Decay, Paul Mitchell, and Revlon have great products that do not support the world of animal testing. Kenneth Montville PETA’s college campaign’s assistant shares why consumers should not buy products that support animal testing and explains how easy it is to become a shopper with a heart. “Every year millions of animals are killed upon barbaric, unnecessary tests for consumer products. Animals are forced to swallow or inhale huge quantities of a test substance or they are forced to endure the pain of chemical burns on their eyes or skin,” states Montville. “Even though the majority of these tests are unreliable or just not applicable to humans,” he continued. Many of the tests carried out on these animals have no added benefits, as animals have different reactions to products than humans. “These animal tests don’t work, [animals] have different reactions than humans. For example penicillin kills guinea pigs, aspirin kills cats and causes birth defects in almost all other laboratory animals. The question remains with so many alternatives why are we still torturing animals for a new shade of a lipstick,” explains Montville. For those fashionistas who believe that it is just too difficult and expensive to shop cruelty free, it is time to think again and do your research. PETA makes it easy to shop cruelty free with their iPhone app ‘Be Nice to Bunnies’ and their printable up to date cruelty free shopping list found on their PETA2.com website. “It has never been easier or less expensive to buy a product not tested on animals. Non-animal alternatives tend to be cheaper than animal ones. Now companies like Urban Decay for example won’t even sell their products in China due to the mandatory animal testing regulations. More and

more [well-loved] companies are adopting humane methods to testing their products,” explains Montville. For the beauty shopper who is in a bind with no time to download an app or print off a compassionate shopping guide there is a quick logo to look for. “Students who are out there looking for something [while shopping cruelty free], PETA has a bunny logo that is put on certified compassionate products. We work with companies and they sign an actual form saying that they don’t test their products on animals [and] they don’t use ingredients that come from animal tests. It [the bunny] is a very good thing to look for,” says Montville. “With so many compassionate, cruelty free items there is simply no excuse to support wasteful animal tests,” continues Montville. Animal testing and cruelty does not have to be the price to pay for beauty and to be trendy. There are so many different compassionate companies out there that animal testing should be a thing of the past. Today we are seeing that animal testing free products are becoming a trend everywhere. Popular brands and well-known beauty products are available as an alternative. So shop with a heart and be as beautiful on the inside as your beauty products make you look on the outside.

THE INS AND OUTS OF MUSIC FESTIVAL-ING Amber Richardson This summer, there are tons of music festivals happening all over the continent. Whether you are going to one or five, this article will help you through the ticket buying process, preparation, travel, and what to do once you get there. The most music-related anxiety I have ever experienced was when I was trying to buy my ticket for Bonnaroo. First: Know exactly when your tickets are going on sale. Some festivals sell out within minutes, so make sure you know the time that the tickets will be available. Most ticket sales start at 10am or 12pm, either way, make sure you’re on the site at least 10 minutes early so you can ensure a connection. Second: Have one person grab all the tickets. Chances are, you aren’t going alone. Make

sure one person grabs all the tickets; this will completely eliminate any chance of servers crashing and one or two people being left out. Since the tickets can get pretty pricey, make sure your friends are willing to front the money ASAP, nobody wants to max out their credit card and then have friends flake and not pay them back. The next step is the preparation stage. This is when you figure out how you’re getting there, whether you’re staying in a hotel or camping, you’re plan of attack once you get to the festival, and anything else that might be relevant for the specific festival you’re going to. If the festival you’re going to offers camping, I’d suggest doing that as well. Hotels can cost up to $1,000 per night, so camping will not only be a cheaper alternative, but it will be so much fun and you will definitely meet new friends. If you don’t have camping gear, I can’t stress how important it is that you grab them before you are festival-bound. Rentals cost almost as much as a hotel room, and if you wait until you’re there to buy it, it will probably be sold out. Packing can also be tricky, for festivals can run for almost a week. On the plus side, they’re in the summer so you know you can pack your smallest clothes. Make sure you look at regulations before bringing in alcohol, if the festival doesn’t allow it, they will take it away and not even your sweet-talking will save it. Don’t waste your money by not reading the rules. Also, don’t try to sneak drugs across the border or into the festival. Once you get to the festival, try to stick with your friends because it is very easy to lose your way. If you run into a sticky situation and you want to go see a band your friends hate, pick a time to meet back up and go where you want to, you’re not going to have a good time if you’re always doing what everybody else wants to do. Festival-ing can be so much fun, but it can also be a disaster if you’re ill prepared. Make sure you’ve got all you’re avenues covered, plan your attack, and have the best summer ever at some of the best festivals North America has to offer.

Bonnaroo: June 13-16 Osheaga: August 2-4 Coachella: April 12-14 and 19-21 Sasquatch: May 24-27 Lollapalooza: August 2-4

Osheaga 2012, Montreal. (Photo courtesy of Kimber Lubberts)

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The Sputnik // Wednesday,March 13, 2013

SPORTS Kyle Morrison // sports@thesputnik.ca

Men’s basketball team preps for charity game Anthony Fusco Staff The Laurier men’s extramural basketball team will have a very unique and interesting opportunity coming in the near future later this month. They will be playing a game against the Brantford Emergency Services, consisting of the police and firefighters of Brantford. The game will be played entirely for charity, according to Captain Matt Wright. “The charity game is to raise money toward the Food for Thought and spread awareness of our team toward a special cause,” says Wright. Wright has been trying to arrange this game for a while and finally succeeded. His first job was to reach out and see who

would respond to his requests. The team and Wright are very happy with the support they received for this upcoming event. They are hoping to make this an annual event for a very good cause. “We hope to continue to be depended on every year by underprivileged children so we can help to supply the food and supplies they need to learn and live healthy,” says Wright. The charity being supported is Brant Food for Thought. The aim of the charity is to help encourage and support students with proper nutrition and health care in Brant County and the surrounding area. They also aim to promote awareness of nu-

trition for students. “We are not only playing for ourselves but we are playing for the Brantford community and school,” says Wright. He pointed out that this is the first event of its kind in the decade plus years that this campus has existed. The team believes that they are a leader on the Laurier campus and in the Brantford community as a whole. The date of the game is yet to be determined. It will be taking place sometime this month at Brantford Collegiate Institute. If students are looking for more information regarding the game there is a Facebook page that will have all the details about the

event. As for the men’s extramural team’s rest of the season, the Golden Hawks are currently awaiting to hear back about the Challenge Cup. They are currently sitting in the fifth overall position out of 15 teams in the Ontario Collegiate Athletics Association (OCAA). Once they hear back, the Challenge Cup tournament will be taking place on March 22 at the U of T Mississauga campus. The team is excited to qualify and will be ready and motivated to play and always look forward to representing the Laurier Brantford campus.

would respond to his requests. The team and Wright are very happy with the support they received for this upcoming event. They are hoping to make this an annual event for a very good cause. “We hope to continue to be depended on every year by underprivileged children so we can help to supply the food and supplies they need to learn and live healthy,” says Wright. The charity being supported is Brant Food for Thought. The aim of the charity is to help encourage and support students with proper nutrition and health care in Brant County and the surrounding area. They also aim to promote awareness of nu-

trition for students. “We are not only playing for ourselves but we are playing for the Brantford community and school,” says Wright. He pointed out that this is the first event of its kind in the decade plus years that this campus has existed. The team believes that they are a leader on the Laurier campus and in the Brantford community as a whole. The date of the game is yet to be determined. It will be taking place sometime this month at Brantford Collegiate Institute. If students are looking for more information regarding the game there is a Facebook page that will have all the details about the

event. As for the men’s extramural team’s rest of the season, the Golden Hawks are currently awaiting to hear back about the Challenge Cup. They are currently sitting in the fifth overall position out of 15 teams in the Ontario Collegiate Athletics Association (OCAA). Once they hear back, the Challenge Cup tournament will be taking place on March 22 at the U of T Mississauga campus. The team is excited to qualify and will be ready and motivated to play and always look forward to representing the Laurier Brantford campus.

Exercise 101 Emma Dillabough Staff The Laurier men’s extramural basketball team will have a very unique and interesting opportunity coming in the near future later this month. They will be playing a game against the Brantford Emergency Services, consisting of the police and firefighters of Brantford. The game will be played entirely for charity, according to Captain Matt Wright. “The charity game is to raise money toward the Food for Thought and spread awareness of our team toward a special cause,” says Wright. Wright has been trying to arrange this game for a while and finally succeeded. His first job was to reach out and see who

11

The Sputnik // Wednesday, March 13, 2013

SPORTS Kyle Morrison // sports@thesputnik.ca

Laurier Brantford hosts dodgeball for a cause Craig Hagerman Staff On Saturday, Laurier Brantford students hit the dodgeball court at Wilkes Gym for a good cause. The tournament was a fundraiser put on by Laurier Brantford’s Campus in Action group (C.I.A), raising money for the Free the Children Clean Water Project in Kenya. The Clean Water Project is a group that raises money to provide clean drinking water to those in Africa who don’t have access to it while also working to get others involved. The group claims that with every 25 dollars they receive, a person in Africa will be able to receive clean drinking water for life. President of C.I.A. and tournament organizer, Caitlin Janzen, believes in the cause which is why all C.I.A. events this year have helped to raise money for Free the Children. “All of our events this past year have been done in an effort to raise money for this cause so the profits from this will be combined with the profits from the past events to put towards the Clean Water Project,” said Janzen. The tournament got underway and consisted of five teams. Each team played each other once in a round robin, before semi-final matchups were decided. The teams battled hard and in the end it was team Jacked and Friends pinned against

Abusement Park in the finals. The teams fought to a very close game, with just two players left on Jack and Friends’ side and one for Abusement Park, it came down to the wire. In the end it would be Jacked and Friends who were able to come out on top. Jacked and Friends member Steven Haines says the tournament was a fun way to get people together and come out for a good cause. “It was good, everyone came together, threw down five dollars for the Clean Water Project and everyone just came out for a good time, it wasn’t very competitive,” said Haines, “It was a fun day, just something to do on a Saturday afternoon and it’s for a good cause.” The tournament concluded with closing ceremonies at Piston Broke. There the winning teams were treated with pizza and refreshments while prizes were handed out to the winning teams, to the MVPs of the tournament, and the winner of the 50/50 draw, as well as a few other prizes. The teams were also encouraged to dress up in costumes for another prize, awarded to the team with the best costume. Janzen was pleased with the tournament as everyone who participated went home with some goodies and had a very good time. As well the tournament was able to provide a nice contribution to the

Dodgeball (Photo by Cody Hoffman)

Clean Water Project. “Today we were probably able to raise around $250 dollars for the Clean Water Project,” said Janzen. The C.I.A. has been holding many other events throughout the school year such as bake sales and their recent caramel candy apple sale, with all their proceeds also going towards the Clean Water Project.

“Including today I would say we have raised somewhere between $800 and $1,000, including all the other events that we have held this year,” said Janzen. It was a fun day for everyone that came out and with the $250 raised for the project, the players will help to provide many kids with fresh drinking water and help to get others involved as well.

UFC fighter Mark Hominick goes from small town to big stage Cody Groat Staff When I called Mark Hominick to double check that our interview was still a go, he had to fight to make his voice heard over his young daughter who was rather upset. Parenthood isn’t the fight Hominick has been dealing with most of his life, but it’s one he knows will be more rewarding. The fight he’s used to? Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC). Until recently, when he retired, Mark Hominick was one of the elite athletes that thousands watch weekly. An industry shown worldwide, and known as the largest mixed martial arts promotion company in the world. An industry where the objective is to, simply, win in a real fight using any form of martial arts you’re trained with, from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Muay Thai. Only the best in the sport can fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Hominick is one of the best for his weightclass. That’s why it was exciting to talk to him. Not to mention we went to the same high school (him a while before me) and had some of the same teachers. Interesting Canadians always get to me, but interesting Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute students? Even better. When Hominick went to enter the octagon for his first professional fight, he thought he would be nervous, and who wouldn’t be? Around 20 years old at the time, only a little older than I am now, he entered to fight Richard Nancoo. Nancoo came into the fight with a record of five career wins, one draw, no losses and professional bouts for four years versus the small country boy Mark Hominick. A realization befell him, he wasn’t nervous anymore while walking up. He was prepared, excited, and wanted to get fighting. Obviously, prepared was right. Two minutes and thirty-four seconds into the third round, referee Yves Lavigne called it. Hominick wos with a technical knockout using punches and elbows. A great start, to an eleven-year career. A career of excelling in the Featherweight division (136-145 pounds), working with his mentor the late Shawn Tompkins, a round of pushups in the octagon after every win and fighting for the world title. I had to ask right away, what did his

family think of his UFC career. In a way, it was the answer I was expecting. They weren’t really fans of it, and I guess that’s agreeable and relatable to every parent, Hominick now included. His mother never attended a fight, Hominick thinks it’s probably since it would be rather nerve racking for her. His wife preferred to watch live, saying it was better than on television. His late father on the other hand did what I feel parents are best for, worked as a support system. The elder Hominick would go watch his son fight, then leave after (not watching any other fights). This showed that he was always there for his son, not the sport. Then I asked about what his young daughter thought in regards to it. Being too young to verbalize, she would point to his wounds and say “ow”. This was something that he didn’t want his daughter to witness, but the bumps and bruises were reminders of his violent work. Part of the reason he retired was so his children wouldn’t have to see the reminders of the sport all the time. As he says, when his children are as young as they are, it’s better that they don’t get the full vision of it or really watch his bouts. It’s hard for them to realize that this is martial arts as a sport compared to fighting out of anger. In my opinion, it’s hard to remember watching the fights and knowing they have parents who may be watching, spouses sitting in the crowds or young children at home, all watching their loved one fight. This is only another job though, and every job leaves its mark. Hominick strongly believes that his parents would have much preferred that he stuck with his four business degree from the University of Windsor, maybe that’s in the cards

for the future though. Business degrees are for another day, back to the fights. Hominick has made appearances in stadiums from Quebec to Hawaii, Alberta to Texas, Illinois to Nevada and others in between. When asked, his personal favourite was Montreal, Quebec. This is where he spent his first few years. Hominick feelt like he became one of Montreal and Quebec’s own. Needless to say, fighting in Las Vegas on the Vegas strip (fight capital of the world) sticks in his mind and always will. His most memorable was a fight that made UFC history. UFC 129, hosted at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Only eight months after the legalization of mixed martial arts in Ontario, they planned on hosting a bout. All 55,000 seats sold out, making a gate revenue exceeding $11 million dollars. This was the night Hominick would be facing the Brazilian Jose Aldo for the UFC Featherweight championship. This event broke records, including shattering gate records not only for Mixed Martial Arts in Canada, but in North America. With a final scoring of 48-45 for Aldo, Hominick just

barely missed the title. A year and a half (and three fights later), Hominick released the news that he would be retiring from fighting. He had children, and a wife. They wanted to start settling down as a family. As he says, “the hardest part of the UFC is the constant grind”, training six days a week, for hours at a time. From now there’s the idea that he’ll do some sports analyst jobs for FOX news and Sportsnet, maybe living up to that business degree, but not nearly as much fighting. Going back to his small home, he’s proud to be back. He gets to be with his same friends from elementary and high school. He also gets to raise his children in an atmosphere that’s meant a lot to him and that he knows is a good one. He reminds me that no matter what you do, you should follow your passion. If you really believe that this is something you want to do, UFC or otherwise, nothing should be able to get in your way saying otherwise. From a small town in Ontario, with a population of 17,48 came a man who fought in front of 55,000. Anything can happen if you try.

12

The Sputnik // Wednesday, March 13, 2013

OPINION Leisha Senko // opinion@thesputnik.ca

Journalism: An unrequited love? Leisha Senko Opinion Editor Journalism is broken; that’s what they say. As a J-school student I now know that’s at least partially true. I’ve heard morose fieldwork stories; sat through pleas to abandon ship, and gentle suggestions to lean into PR. Everyone else sure got the message—program numbers dropped off a cliff during my second year. As for the rest of us, what’s our excuse: Stubbornness? Foolhardiness? A case of intoxicating optimism? Personally, I’ve slowly come to the realization that it’s a hard road to take. With news outlets steadily outsourcing jobs, conglomerates crushing independent community voices and news stations sounding more like a cacophony of broken records everyday, it’s hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Not to mention, it’s not like the news industry was a bucket of rainbows before this all began. Things have been tough for a while now. Bright eyed graduates have always had to pay their dues in small towns, far far away from home. But, if you were good enough, and worked hard enough you could excel. Now, those prospects are waning too. Sun Media, the conglomeration that owns the Brantford Expositor, cut 500 jobs early this November. Torstar recently went through a firing blitz themselves. With this, people integral to making a good newspaper were let go. Those remaining found their job descriptions widened, and their titles and paychecks scaled back. Suddenly good reporters, and loyal editors had to run themselves ragged just to produce the bare minimum. Yes, this is happening all over Canada

The art of journalism is dying. Emma Zorn läsande by Andrew Zorn (Photo courtesy of Wilikimedia Commons)

right now. Small community papers, the corner stones of journalism, are becoming very selective institutions that no one really wants to work for, or read for that matter. With wire services doing the heavy lifting, citizens aren’t even reading content that’s relevant to them. Reporters simply don’t have the time or resources to produce it. They then lose more editors and reporters because flocks of readers are leaving. It’s a vicious cycle. But, it’s a vicious cycle that can be mostly ignored when safely inside the walls of an academic institution. Watching award winning documentaries, and reading investigative articles from Mother Jones and the New York Times can pretty

easily dissuade you from the awful truth. This is especially the case when the truth in question is an unsavory one--it’s rough out there. Brantford’s local news tribulation snapped me out of this rose coloured fog. Witnessing the slow death of a community paper has been one of the most heartbreaking things I’ve ever had the displeasure to watch. Hearing residents decry local content was a low point. As a former writer, personally seeing the effects of the downswing on those let go, and those left behind, was probably the lowest though. When people start asking, when did journalism become an impossible dream, it’s hard not to get a lump in your

Welcome back, Joseph Ratzinger Cody Groat Staff A picture spread around the world. Some had seen it before, but the press hardly ran it. It depicts a young German boy with a grim look on his face, and a bird-bearing swastika on his lapel. Later, the name of this man was mentioned and uproar rose. The boy was Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger. On his fourteenth birthday, in 1941, he was forced to enter the Hitler Youth by conscription. As a member of a paramilitary group under the Nazi Party, Ratzinger was trained in the Anti-Aircraft Corps as an Air Force child soldier (Luftwaffenhelfer). When it came time to fight, he fled back to his family home in Traunstein. As of April 19, 2005, the fourteen-yearold Joseph was a well-worn 78 year old man. He had entered a new nation-state, to be sworn into a new job. During this, he received a new name for which he became known globally. That April morning Joseph Ratzinger, of the former Hitler Youth, became known as Pope Benedict XVI of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI tried to stress the importance to youth that consumerism was not the way of the future. He also tried to form friendships (although some were strained at times) with other world religions such as Judaism, Islam and Tibetan Buddhism (even having the Dalai Lama visit Vatican City in 2006). While visiting the United States of America on his first visit as Pope, he celebrated his 81st birthday at the White House with President George W. Bush, and the First Lady Laura Bush. Not stopping to relax for long, he then visited civilians who had been sexually abused by those in the Catholic Church. He spent some time visiting with families around the area who had children with disabilities. Pope Benedict XVI had a personal connection as his cousin with Down syndrome, was murdered in 1941 as part of the Action T4 campaign of the Nazi Eugenics

program. Pope Benedict XVI brought back the papal attire of bright red shoes, which several thought he had made by Prada, but the shoes were actually made by a private shoemaker. Although, what might come to be the most memorable moment of the 265th Pope’s papacy is not during his eight years as Pope, but the day he resigned. Due to his, “advanced age,” and, “lack of strength of mind and body,” he announced his retirement on February 11 at the age of 87. To those who may not have a fair knowledge of the Roman Catholic Church, this may seem overly important. After all, the elderly retire all the time. Yet, to put it simply, the protocol has always been that once elected, you hold the position of Pope until you die. The last Pope who retired was Pope Gregory XII, and he did so July 4, 1415. So, Pope Benedict is the first in 598 years. I hope this adds a bit more context to the importance. Back before he was Pope, when he was only a Cardinal, he spoke of his plans for retirement. He mentioned then that since he was close to the needed Cardinal retirement age of 75, he already had some plans in mind. He stated numerous times to those who asked that he wanted to “retire to his house in the Bavarian village of Pentling near Regensburg, and dedicate himself to writing books.” Maybe that’s his plan now. But some want to know what this means for the church. In particular, if future Popes will retire instead of working until they die, and in regards to who will become the next Pope. Conclave (the election ceremony where the College of Cardinals choose the next Pope) is slated to start on March 19. As always, there are some Cardinals who are believed to be more likely than others to be elected into the role of Pope, and I find

a select few of them especially interesting. These three are Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, age 64, of Ghana, Cardinal Francis Arinze, age 80, of Nigeria and Cardinal Marc Ouellet, aged 68, from Canada. TIME Magazine’s February issue published a cover story titled “The Once and Future Pope.” This issue depicts a map of the current global distribution of Catholics. In the past five years, the continent of Africa has had the largest growth rate of Christianity-21 percent. This growth rate is what leads several to think that Turkson and Arinze have a chance. Either could be the first African Pope. The world thought Obama was big news; I feel this is bigger. Then there’s Marc Ouellet of La Motte, Quebec. This is only an eight-hour drive from RCW. When thinking of it that way, it’s pretty monumental. I’ll openly say it here; I don’t affiliate with any religion. Yet, I know what this could mean for our country. If the newest Pope were to come from our home and native land, the public eye may look more towards us, which I think is what would be truly beneficial for us. Marc Ouellet is only 68 years old. Being the Pope is a strenuous job. Imagine if you will, starting so relatively young, compared to other Popes, at a job were you are socially bound to work until the day you die. If voted in by the College of Cardinals, Ouellet would not be able to say no. Will one of our own from a little Quebec village of 457 people be mentally ready to stay until he dies? After all, that’s the expectation, or at least it was until February 11 when the little fourteen-year-old boy who said no to the Nazi Youth said goodbye to his job as the Pope. So, as we prepare to welcome a new one, it’s very possible that as we speak the little Bavarian village of Pentling is welcoming back Joseph Ratzinger.

throat, or a tear in your eye. So, I come forward asking how, once you’ve reached that point of cynicism, do you make it better? Or more realistically, how do you stop looking at your dream profession as an unrequited love; one that’ll probably never really give you the time of day, or maybe even pay for a meal? How do you carve your own path, and make your own name? How do you inspire people to actively cry for good local content? How do you fix the industry? Unabashedly I’ll admit I don’t know, but I am certain it’s something we all need to talk about.

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