Volume 17 Issue 9 – January 31, 2018
The Sputnik, We Orbit Around You News, pg. 5
News, pg. 5
Arts and Culture, pg. 8
THIRD FASHION LAURIER SU BRANTFORD IN FOR FREEDOM ELECTIONS 2018 THE WINTER
The show raised money for Take a last look at your the Why Not Youth Centre candidates’ platforms
Take a look at some activites to do in the cold
Sports, pg. 11
Opinion, pg. 12
FULL WEEKEND WHICH HARRY OF SPORTING POTTER HOUSE?
LB athletes stayed busy Why hufflepuf is the best with multiple tournaments house to be a part of
Don’t Pod Yourself How the dangerous “trend” started and how it’s growing online News, Pg. 3
JAMAAL OWUSU-ANSAH/DESIGN MANAGER
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THE SPUTNIK STAFF EDITORINCHIEF Taylor Burt eic@thesputnik.ca
SPORTS EDITOR Jessa Braun sports@thesputnik.ca
DESIGN MANAGER Jamaal Owusu-Ansah design@thesputnik.ca
GRAPHICS EDITOR Adrienne Hoe graphics@thesputnik.ca
NEWS EDITOR Shreya Shah news@thesputnik.ca
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WEB EDITOR Ben Cooke web@thesputnik.ca
ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Alexandria Clement arts@thesputnik.ca
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SENIOR COPY EDITOR Vacant
What is your ideal nap?
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DIRECTOR Benjamin Cooke
TREASURER John Pehar
“Under an hour or I won’t sleep at night.”
“Somewhere not too warm and not too cold.”
–Angel Ramchandani, 3, Crim
–Cyril Tuazon, 4, Youth&Children
“Something around 20-25 minutes.”
“Around 3 p.m. and less than an hour.”
–Martin Mejia, 2, Criminology
–Alicia Vidya, 3, Crim
“In a dark room in complete silence.”
“A complete dark room with no lighting at all.”
–Anita Baskaran, 4, Criminology
–Rebaal Pathan, 4, Criminology
CONTRIBUTORS Hyrra Chughtai Sai Gnanaharan Meghan Slotegraaf Miles Smith
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THE SPUTNIK IS PUBLISHED BY WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY STUDENT PUBLICATIONS 205 Regina ST. N., Waterloo WLUSP Brantford 206-171 Colborne St. Brantford, ON N3T 2C9 (519) 756-8228 ext. 5948 COLOPHON 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 Centra Web Printing. All content appearing in the Sputnik bears the copyrightexpressly to their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent. The Sputnik’s primary font is Fira. We also use Utopia, Crimson and Aileron. The Sputnik is a member of the National NewsMedia 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 reprecussion, nor retalliation. The purpose
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 , 2018
03 NEWS EDITOR SHREYA SHAH news@thesputnik.ca
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR AVERY MCISAAC assistantnews@thesputnik.ca
INTERNET TRENDS
People are eating Tide PODs for fun
AVERY MCISAAC ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Over the last month, the meme of eating a Tide POD has become a reality. Hundreds of videos of people partaking in the challenge, including famous YouTubers like GloZell Green have been uploaded to the site. These videos depict mostly teenagers putting Tide PODs into their mouth and biting into them. YouTube is doing their best to remove these videos including GloZell’s, but the trend has continued. According to The Washington
answering questions such as, “Is eating Tide PODs a good idea?” to which he responds, “No,” repeatedly while shaking his finger. He then says, “What the heck is going on people? Use Tide PODs for washing, not eating.” On the end screen of the video Tide displays a warning that says, “Laundry pacs are highly concentrated detergent meant only to clean clothes.” This video has been retweeted 98 000 times. Although the Tide POD trend happened fairly recently, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Australian Competition and
Consumer Commission actually released a warning about laundry PODs in 2013. According to their statement, “Poison call centres across Australia have received more than 85 calls in the last 18 months relating to exposure to these laundry capsules. The experience in Australia is consistent with an international trend, where most cases have involved a child aged five years or younger.” According to a video done by SciShow on YouTube, in the first three weeks of 2018, at least 86 American teenagers have gotten sick enough to call poison control by participating in the Tide POD challenge. This video also outlines a few reasons why people might be so drawn to attempt to consume Tide PODs. Other than the obvious one which is trying to get famous on the Internet, they also suggest that consumption occurs because they look like candy. We may also consume the PODs because of the glossy coating on the outside, which humans are generally attracted to because it reminds us of water. Yahoo published an article that actually gives a step by step of what happens when people put a Tide POD in their mouth. According to Yahoo, when a person places a Tide POD in their mouth, before even biting it,the POD should taste bitter.
This is because in 2015 Tide began coating their PODs with Bitrex, which has an intended bitterness to make people nauseous and causes the stomach to realize extra acid in an attempt to make people vomit. After someone bites into the POD, or their saliva and digestive enzymes start to break the POD down, start to feel a burning sensation in their mouth. This is from the cleaning agents lining their mouth and the pH in the pod killing the cells it comes into contact with. This will cause swelling of the cheeks, tongue and lips. If someone actually ingests the detergent things get a lot worse. Tide PODs are more gel like so it will take longer to get down a person’s throat so the burning reaction could start there. The windpipe may shrink from the reaction causing shortness of breath. The person will start to get tired from lack of oxygen. Even if a person can catch their breath, this may cause the detergent to go deeper into the body and reach the lungs. In severe cases this may cause the need for a ventilator. In rare cases consuming Tide PODs can lead to death. With all of the warning online from various sources, and the warnings on packaging of Tide PODs, this trend seems to be losing popularity.
dignity after their experience of sexual or domestic violence” said Rath. This is the first time the organization has decided to run the donation drive and have already gotten encouragement to continue this movement. “The response from the community has been encouraging and we have about two car loads to be dropped off at the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care and Treatment Centre, run out of Brantford General Hospital. We are so grateful to everyone who donated-whether it was some comfy clothes, a box of tampons, or some tiny shampoos from your last vacation, you’ve made a difference,” said Rath. The ASCC regularly holds events for students to help further educate them on the importance of consent and holding institutions
accountable. A lot of planning goes on to ensure that the events are well suited for everyone that wants to learn or has been in a situation. “We are currently working on holding an art exhibit called (Un) Silenced, launching a sex positivity campaign, and running WLU’s official consent campaign: Consent is Golden…It is documented that it happens on our campuses and in the Brantford community,” said Rath. “It can happen to anyone, anywhere, and it’s never their fault. So, while this donation drive may seem topical because of the media, survivors have always needed us and will always need us, so long as gendered violence continues to exist.” Outside of campus there are centre’s in Brantford that help with the cause as well.
The Sexual Assault Centre of Brant also spread their help to the community. Their goal to provide services to create a suitable environment for survivors to heal and create social
ADRIENNE HOE/GRAPHICS EDITOR
Post a spokesperson from YouTube stated, “Youtube’s Community Guidelines prohibit content that’s intended to encourage dangerous activities that have an inherent rick of physical harm.” Since the craze began countless sources on the internet have been trying to explain to people that eating Tide PODs can be incredibly dangerous and can possibly land you in the hospital. The Tide POD challenge has grown so big that Tide themselves had to put out an ad campaign with the New England Patriots Tight End Rob Gronkowski, telling people not to eat the PODs. The ad features Gronkowski
CHARITY
Donation drive helps survivors HYRRA CHUGHTAI STAFF WRITER
Making an environment into a safe space for everyone is an important task for people to feel welcome and included. Whether that being at the store, at home, or even class, everyone should feel their personal space can be respected within their limit. This opens the discussion for campus culture. Are our students and our community safe? Sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes due to shame, guilt or even the stigma of sexual victimization, according to Statistics Canada. Due to the overwhelming amount of people un-reported for these crimes, organizations such as Advocated for Student Culture of Consent (ASCC), have reached out to help people in need. Started in 2015 by a group of students conducting research based off of examining Ontario universities’ policies on sexual assault, the ASCC decided to form together to help with the stigma. “We demanded change from the administration and soon after we were collaborating with the Gendered Violence Task Force to create WLU’s first-ever Gendered Violence Policy, which has now been implemented” said Karly Rath the co-founder of ASCC. The organization is made up of volunteers and is a Laurier
Students’ Public Interest Research Group (LSPIRG). They are funded from LSPIRG and other grants that they apply to, to fund their events and research on campus. A study commissioned in 2011, and released in 2016 by the ASCC had a survey with over 500 students and interviewing staff. According to their study, “Women between the ages 16 and 24 are four times more likely than any other age group to have this experience … it makes sense that our universities and our colleges have a key role to play in terms of addressing sexual violence,” said Sara Casselman, the public relations and operations manager for the sexual assault centre reporting to CBC News. The activists are made up of Laurier alumni and students who are passionate about creating a change at Laurier. They have been running a survivor comfort donation drive this January, collecting items for the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment and Care Centre out of the Brantford General Hospital until Jan. 30, 2018. “We decided to run it after Christmas, as many people receive gifts they don’t need and replace older items. We wanted to give people a tangible way to support survivors in their community, and donating clothing and toiletries is a way to help provide comfort and
ADRIENNE HOE/GRAPHICS EDITOR
change through education.
Individuals can come for free counselling and their funding comes mainly through the government and donations. They offer a crisis hotline number at 519-751-3471 for anyone that needs their services. If you know anyone in need or you yourself could use a resource or someone to talk to on campus, Hayley Moody is a Sexual Violence Counsellor and Advocate for LB students. Anyone in need of support can contact her at hayley@sacbrant.ca or reach out to ASCC at ascc.contact@gmail. com.
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CAMPUS NEWS
Laurier’s third annual Fashion for Freedom MEGHAN SLOTEGRAAF STAFF WRITER
Fashion for Freedom put on their third annual showcase on Fri. Jan. 26 at Market Square. Students came together for a night of talent, style, and entertainment, all while supporting a great cause. This year’s proceeds went to the Why Not Brantford Youth Centre. Doors opened at 6pm, after hours of preparation by executives and student volunteers. The show consisted of a runway where models could show off their clothing and featured other performances by talented groups of students and members of the Brantford community. The Fashion for Freedom club on campus was created three years ago by a Laurier student by the name of Dran Ngo. The goal was to create a show to highlight the talents of various Laurier students, as well
as, members of the Brantford community, while raising both money and awareness for charities.
I am beyond amazed at how much progression has been made and how they seem to only get better as the years go -Sai Gnanaharan floor executive
This year’s co-presidents, Katie Calverley and Karlee Cockburn played a major role in the success of the event, in addition to the rest of the executive team. “I am beyond amazed at how
much progression has been made and how they seem to only get better as the years go,” said Sai Gnanaharan, a floor executive for the show. “It is honestly such an amazing initiative, and I am so honoured to have been able to witness it from the beginning until now,” said Gnanaharan. Gnanaharan, a club member since the very beginning of Fashion for Freedom, was in charge of ensuring things ran smoothly the night of the show and everyone was where they needed to be. Each year, the show has featured clothing from various local shops in Brantford. This results in a symbiotic relationship, benefiting both the retailers and students as retailers are able to show off their product while students are able to learn about new businesses they may not have heard about before.
CONTRIBUTED BY FASHION FOR FREEDOM/SHANNON COULTER
CONTRIBUTED BY FASHION FOR FREEDOM/SHANNON COULTER
Karlee Cockburn (left) and Katie Calverley hosted the third annual show
In previous years, the club has raised money for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Make a Wish Foundation. The Why Not Brantford Youth Centre, the recipient of this year’s proceeds, is a local organization. The Why Not Brantford Youth
support at-risk youth who are engaging in destructive behaviour. The youth involved in the program may be suffering from personal struggles including drug and alcohol addictions, homelessness, poverty, and poor self esteem.
CONTRIBUTED BY FASHION FOR FREEDOM/SHANNON COULTER
CAMPUS NEWS
Upcoming Laurier event: Relay for Life MEGHAN SLOTEGRAAF STAFF WRITER
Laurier Brantford’s Relay for Life event this year will be held on March 9th from 7pm to 7am the following day at Market Square Mall. Laurier has been relaying for 12 years now and this year, a goal of 150 participants has been set. The fundraising goal for the Laurier Brantford campus is $25,000 which totals to $170 raised per participant if goals are met. The event is a walkathon where team members take turns walking around a track. At least one member per team should be walking at all times. Relay for Life aims to raise money and awareness for the Canadian Cancer Society. This event will be an opportunity for teams of students to come together and celebrate cancer survivors, remember those who’ve lost their battle, and raise funds to fight cancer. Their will be entertainment and activities throughout the night, including live bands, Zumba, yoga, motivational speakers, sports, and board games, as well as, some incredible and inspiring people. Music will be played throughout
ADRIENNE HOE/GRAPHICS EDITOR
the night to motivate participants as they walk. Cancer has the second highest mortality rate of any disease in Canada. 50% of Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and for 25% of those diagnosed, the disease will be fatal. This number has increased
from 20% in the last 3 years. “If we don’t fight back through events like Relay for Life, that number will continue to rise,” says, Jarrett Putt, Head Chair of the Laurier Brantford Relay for Life executives team. Various clubs and programs around campus will be hosting activities at the event, including
the game design program and Laurier Brantford Athletics and Recreation. New clubs and associations are welcome to participate as Laurier Brantford Relay for Life is always looking for different people to showcase at the event. The Laurier Brantford Relay for Life team are currently also looking
for cancer survivors. These include those who are currently battling the disease and those who have beaten it. Also looking for hair donations, and entertainers for the night of the event. For more information, please contact Jerrett Putt at lbrelayforcure@gmail.com.
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NEWS
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WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY STUDENT’S UNION
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES I am a 5th year Concurrent Education student seeking election for the role of President & CEO of the Students’ Union because I believe in creating the best student experience for all students. My platform is categorized into 5 pillars: Student Experience, Accessibility, Safety & Wellness, External Relations and Looking
being an Orientation Week Volunteer to being a Don to my several positions within the Students’ Union, I want to use my experience in order to serve the community that has given me so much over the years. It’s time to Make Fletch Happen. makefletchhappen.ca
Forward. If elected, I plan to focus on giving students their voice, offer more opportunities for students to get involved, and improve the support and resources for the operations of the Students’ Union in order to improve programming and services to students. I have gained a lot of experience from my time at Laurier. From
RYLEY FLETCHER
Efficiency, Effectiveness, and a Positive Change are what I will be striving for when I become the President and CEO of the Wilfrid Laurier University’s Student Union. My goal as your future President and CEO is to ensure that all your needs and concerns as undergraduate students are addressed with efficiency and effectiveness. My experience with an institutional
and non-for-profit board of directors, involvement with the Student Union, and life experience are all assets for me to accomplish our goals. I have spoken to students, both domestic and international about the experiences they have had on campus and know how to ensure their voices are heard. This goal will achieve by opening communication
between student, professors, and staff members. My goal is to not only make the Student Union better but to make sure that you are included in the decision-making process. WE STAND WITH IDRIS.
IDRIS OMAR HASSAN
As a 2018/2019 SU Presidential Candidate, my platform is built on community cohesion & helping others. If elected, under my presidency, I will focus on assisting the Laurier cohort for present and future generations of students through a series of tangible initiatives: 1. An integrated Wellness CentreExpanding the building for students to improve their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual
health. 2. Laurier App- a centralized information hub with real time updates about club events, meetings, and executive positions. 3. A diversity & inclusion program for members of the following diversified groups: international students, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, LGBTQIA and indigenous peoples. 4. Modeled after Make A Wish Foundation, the SU Successful
Students Application will be Laurier’s very own! My agenda continues with a focus on study spaces, Brantford Wilf’s, scholarships, Greek-Life reintegration etc. See the full platform at www. ahelpinghandwithtarique.com Tarique Plummer, a helping hand.
TARIQUE PLUMMER
My slogan is a quote from the Students’ Union strategic plan. It encompasses exactly the purpose of the union for me. I believe the union can empower students by fostering relationships and reducing obstacles for growth.
with students. I’d recommend initiatives such as monthly town hall meetings run by the president. Internally, if elected, I will ensure clear communication of goals within the union and that our volunteers are given every chance to develop their talents and work on exciting projects.
Transparency is the key for developing a strong relationship
There are obstacles for growth we can work on immediately.
“empower to achieve”
Greater efforts in developing programs for free academic materials, i.e text books, should be a priority. Another obstacle is the outdated reimbursement process which I hope to update in order to reduce waste of resources. Learn more about me and my platform at empower2achieve. net
AILI SAGHARI
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THE SPUTNIK
FEATURESTHESPUTNIK.CA
WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY STUDENT’S UNION
BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
OSMAN ALWI
ADAM BECK
OWEN BOURRIE
CHRISTOPHER DONNELLY
KAREEM ELLIOT
My name is Osman Alwi and I am a first year Criminology student at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus. I am running for a position in the board of directors to reassure improvements in the strategic direction of students’ union. My goal is to provide all Laurier Golden Hawks with the best university experience by ensuring the amelioration of current policies. If elected, I will use my position to provide further communications through social media and other platforms. These platforms will be utilized to further the improvements in both Waterloo and Brantford campuses. I will ensure to work with other members of the board efficiently to accomplish desired goals set out for the students’ union. Ultimately, one of my main focuses will be to enhance the benefits of all Golden Hawks, work to strengthen the community and build the future of Wilfrid Laurier.
My name is Adam Beck and I am running for election to become a Director of the Wilfrid Laurier University Student’s Union Board (WLUSU). I am in the 3rd year of my Political Science degree with Social Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement Options. These fields of study have helped and will continue to help me develop skills that make me a prime candidate for the 2018 WLUSU election. With the Laurier student body growing rapidly, I want to make sure that the way our school functions grows with it. A vote for me is a vote that guarantees Laurier’s ability to effectively adapt to the constantly evolving expectations of a university experience. Working with other directors, I will ensure that the voices of ALL students are heard and will represent the student body with integrity, accuracy and equality.
My goal is to look at the future of Laurier and improve it to the best of my abilities. I want to make the university an environment where all students can not only survive, but thrive. In order to do this, I want to advocate for more study spaces on a permanent basis, not just during exams and midterms. I want to expand the writing centre appointments and drop in hours so more students can get help. Additionally, to the future of Laurier I also have goals that are attainable for my current time on the Student Board of Directors. Wi- Fi improvements all across campus as that is one of student’s largest complaints. There can be improvements to mental health facilities so students who are nonemergent still have help available. Lastly, improvements in club resources for all students’ union clubs, including accountability to the students’ union itself for budgeting.
My name is Christopher Donnelly and I am doing a double major in history and political science. I am running for both a position on the Board of Directors as well as the Senate. The Students Union and the Senate interest me because I want to give the most to our members, the students, in both academics and student life. Through passion, dedication, transparency, and accountability I hope to ensure that the student’s interests as well as the management teams are both noted and followed. I want to continue to be a role model and an advocate of the social responsibility at Laurier. Through my previous experiences in my first year, and my experiences so far in my second year, I deeply care for the Laurier Community and the Laurier Students. I strongly believe that if elected we will make our home an even better place than it already is.
According to Jose Rizal, “The youth is the hope of our future.” I, Kareem Elliott as a first year Kinesiology student seeking a position within the Board of Directors will make a future that is resourceful, rational, and inventive. My will and dedication to ensure the greatest Laurier experience for every student drives me to commit myself to the Laurier community in a larger capacity. Unfortunately, many first years or international students are unaware of the responsibilities within the Students’ Union and their ability to be involved. I believe that you should elect me because I will: 1.Work to bridge the gap between Students’ Union and those who are oblivious to their roles. 2.Increase the amount of first years and international students involved in committees and jobs around campus. Maintain the integrity of our President and hold them accountable for their decisions with your best interest in...
SHUKAN SHAH
BRODY SPOURDALAKIS
LANA TOAMEH
SAMEED HUSSAIN
My name is Shukan Shah and I am a first-year Kinesiology student, running for a seat in the Board of Directors and the position of Student Senator. In my experience at Laurier thus far, I have taken on a leadership role within various departments, including House Council, Kin Kouncil, Society of Undergraduate Research and Outreach, and Residence Athletic Council, while also being a delegate on DECA, and a member of Sports Management Laurier. These involvements allow me to garner many different group opinions across our campus, regarding student experience, as well as department specific concerns. As a director on the board, I would like to use this knowledge to connect Laurier students to the Students Union to continue building upon the Laurier culture, while also advocating for positive change and guiding actions that result in the enhancement of the student experience, to keep Laurier as #1 in student satisfaction.
My name is Brody and I hope to represent all fellow Golden Hawks on the Board of Directors. Helping those around me is not only the main pillar in my campaign, but also my life. At every turn, I seek new ways to give back to those around me, and I hope to ensure every Golden Hawk has an equally GOLDEN experience while attending Laurier. Formerly, I worked as the Managing Director of GradeUp Laurier, an organization that aimed to provide Laurier students with affordable and accessible tutoring. From that I have learnt the importance of listening to student concerns, and addressing them head on. That is why I will aim to open more lines of communication between the union and the students. Bridging that gap is imperative to our ability to work together and foster a diverse and enjoyable culture at Laurier.
My name is Lana Toameh and I am one of your candidates for the Board of Directors. Just a bit about me, I am a first year Health Science student with a strong interest in community development. My platform is encompassed by three primary things: transparency, quality advocacy and enhanced student experience. I know I will be able to deliver because I have been greatly involved in Laurier because I genuinely care. My experience extents from First Year Representative on the Faculty of Science Students’ Association (FOSSA), to the club I co-founded. I will do all that is in my means to provide solid representation that all Laurier students deserve. If I am elected to the board, I will be the voice of the students and always put your views forward. I will encourage transparency and use my experience to better the development of the Students’ Union. It is my...
PIRRANAVAN VIGNESWARAN My name is Pirranavan Vigneswaran and I am a first-year BBA student, currently running for the position of Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors and a seat on the Student Senator. Within Laurier, I have taken the active initiative to obtain a position as the Director of Training, Development, and Communications on House Council and the Volunteer Liaison Officer on the New Democratic Part of Wilfrid Laurier University. Additionally, I have engaged an active role as a volunteer with Autism Ontario, Tri-FUN Kids, and Peel District School Board Parkholme. Additionally, I had the privilege of being the Student Body President of Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School. With the various interactions in the school and community environment, I hope to gain a position on both the Board of Directors and Student Senator in order to apply my personal knowledge and experience towards ensuring Laurier pertains its exceptional title for student satisfaction.
My name is Sameed Hussain and I am a first year Criminology student at Laurier! My love for this University has encouraged me to run as a candidate for the positions of Students’Union Board of Directors and the Senate. As a Director of the Board and Senate member I will undertake the strategic direction of the organization to allow for critical discussion which benefits the student community. Additionally, I will work with the president to make sure they act on their promises, while monitoring the president through executive limitations. As a senator, I will work towards applying the perspectives of students and my own personal experience to make decisions with fellow senators. My goal is to utilize my skills and past experiences in ensuring communication between campuses by promoting more multi-campus initiatives. With just your votes, I will be able to improve the Laurier Golden Hawk experience.
FEATURES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2017
MUDDASSIR RAZA
ADAM KOVACS
My name is Muddassir Raza, and I am running for a seat on the Board of directors and the appointment of a student senator. As a first-year student enrolled in BBA, I have taken various roles within and outside the Laurier community. For example, I am the Director of Marketing for the Regina Rexes, a representative of the Red Cross Youth Program, and a Beyond the Hurt Youth Facilitator. Furthermost, Wilfrid Laurier University is known for having the best student satisfaction in the country for a very good reason: the students. While in Laurier, I quickly noticed the cordial and hospitable characteristics within Laurier students. The student embodiment of a Laurier student is truly of excellence, and is a great representation of justice and positivity. As a director or senator, I intend on being an envoy of the students; a voice on the board that speaks of student interests.
07
KAWUKI JEROME LUKWAGO
Laurier is a community that has experienced events trying to divide us. With what has happened recently we need leaders to act as role models to unite us. However, the people we have elected to be our role models and help show we are united are divided themselves. That is why, I, Adam Kovacs am running to be apart of the Board of Directors and on the Board of Governors. To recruit better role models, I propose we look at the current election policy and change it to reflect our current values and encourage more leaders to run. I want the election to be more publicized, so people know what is at stake and be excited for the election. Finally, I want to bring back the Board of Directors Vision Committee to interpret what the strategic vision is and the best way to work towards it.
Hi, my name is Kawuki Jerome Lukwago. I am a BBA student seeking election for the Board of Directors. Since I began schooling at Laurier, I realized not too many students know of the B.O.D, let alone know the difference between it and the Senate. A true shame, since these organizations were created to represent the student body to the best of their abilities. In my term, I Intend on tackling some major challenges. First, I aim on creating a transparent board, where most students are informed of the B.O.D and its decisions. Second, better over sight of the president’s actions, financially and ethically to ensure as an employee of the student body, they are not misusing their power. Third, create a B.O.D that is unified internally in-order for effectiveness and efficiency in policy decision making. Choose me and await a moretransparent, vigilant and unified era in Laurier.
Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications
Publisher and President
TERRENCE MROZ
During my time as an undergraduate at Wilfrid Laurier University I have had the pleasure of holding several positions within WLUSP including: Arts & Life writer for The Cord, Radio Laurier DJ, Radio Laurier Program Director, and now Station Manager of Radio Laurier. These experiences have allowed me to create and maintain strong relationships across all departments and publications. These experiences have
MAIYA MISTRY I am eager to announce that I will be running for a position on the Wilfrid Laurier Student Publications Board of Directors. I strive to utilize my strong administrative skills in order to continue building upon the Student Publications organization. My organization, determination, and critical thinking skills provide me with the tools needed in order to successfully develop and help guide the board into future directions. As both a leader and team member, I understand the importance of maintaining the integrity of the board and of fellow students, and so, my goal is to ensure that the students’ voices which have projected their values and needs are being met and respected. As a student on the Brantford campus, it is also my goal to further integrate and incorporate ideas from both campuses in order to provide students with insight which as been developed from many Laurier perspectives.
translated into considerable knowledge in producing both onair and print content, generating profit, executing administrative tasks, and leadership skills. WLUSP is one of Canada’s premiere student publication bodies and is a home for Laurier students and community members to express and develop themselves through their creativity. Additionally, WLUSP has become a second family to those who belong to it.
I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to work with our wonderful volunteers and assist publications in achieving their respective goals. Looking forward to next year, I will take the skills I’ve acquired in my years as a senior member and continue to make WLUSP a haven of creativity and professionalism. Specifically, I will and Increase the presence of smaller publications on campus and in the community, increase revenue
through local events, and maintain changes implemented this year by the current President & Publisher, and publication heads. I’ve already personally seen the positive impact as a result, and will continue this trend of growth. I look forward to the opportunity to prove myself as your next President & Publisher of Wilfrid Laurier Student Publications.
Board of Directors
DANIEL VANDENBOR As an outsider from the WLUSP team I aim to bring more than a fresh perspective to the decision making process. I will be a representative of the student body as a whole, giving a voice to students who do not find themselves involved with WLUSP operations. My goal as director is to foster and promote an atmosphere of inclusion, equity and integrity. I will do this by ensuring that every motion passed embodies the ideal values representative of a forward minded and intellectually driven campus. Furthermore, I will provide a focus on accountability and balance to any decision I face in order to ensure the continual growth and good function of WLUSP throughout the year.
GARRISON OOSTERHOF Laurier’s student publications are integral to the structure of the university as a whole. From the responsibilities of the campus and community newspapers to the services of the yearbook and day planners, Laurier would be lacking without the presence of each publication. Personally, WLUSP has given me the experience necessary to focus my academic learning. I am currently in my second year of working with The Cord and throughout that time I have found my university experience beginning to trend in a meaningful direction. If elected to be on the Board of Directors I will be proud to preserve the integrity of the organization and will enable each publication to create the best possible content. I will rely on my passion for journalism and my organizational skills to serve the Laurier community and be critical of the direction of the organization for our continued success.
SHYENNE MACDONALD I have been working for WLUSP for two years, as a member of The Cord. First as a News editor and now as the Arts and Life editor. Because of this my values and vision work in tandem with the conglomerate values and vision. Such values are freedom of the press, an understanding of our service to the community, the pursuit of the truth. As well, a vision to be the premier student media organization in Canada. As Director of the Board, I will help to ensure that WLUSP does not stray from our mission to engage and challenge Laurier University, that we remain a trustworthy source of media for our community, and we continue to strive for accessibility. This will be accomplished by holding President and Publisher, as well Executive Director accountable and ensuring we are all in compliance with our values, visions, and mission along with the law.
THE SPUTNIK
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018 ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR ALEXANDRIA CLEMENT arts@thesputnik.ca
VALENTINE’S DAY
Flowers: should we try another gift?
The effects of the flower industry on the environment might have you reconsidering the roses this V-Day ALEXANDRIA CLEMENT ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
Valentine’s Day is the day of love, and many couples celebrate that day with gifts. Global News reported that people spent an average of $191 on Valentine’s Day for their partner, and overall spent $3.38 billion on jewelry in 2015. But the first gift that often comes to mind is flowers, and Canadians spent $70.9 billion on flowers alone. But what are the costs of flowers in Canada? How is the flower industry affecting our planet and the world’s economies? Valentine’s Day is celebrated a Feb. 14 – the middle of winter, when flowers are not naturally in bloom in our local communities. So, most flowers come from countries whose warm climates can accompany year-long growth. In 2015, Washington Post reported that up to 80 per cent of all flowers sold are imported from greenhouses and areas in Colombia or Ecuador. These greenhouses affect the economies of the area, and they take an astounding amount of energy and human labour to run. Because the demand in the United States and the like is so high, particularly in condensed times like Valentine’s Day, a variety of pesticides and insecticides are
used on the flowers that affect the workers, and many of which are banned in the United States. They also have a negative effect on the workers – many of which are women and young people. They experienced respiratory stress, and some report neurological impairment from the exposure. Importing flowers guzzles tons of energy – they are stored in a high-energy chilled warehouse, flown to the States and Canada, and shipped out again in refrigerated trucks. Even when bought, they have been stored in refrigerated cases in the flower store. When you give the flowers to your significant other as a sweet surprise, the ending is often wasteful and not so sweet. Flowers quickly decay, and are thrown out, where they arrive in a bunch to a landfill and emit methane gas. The shelf life of cut flowers is extremely short lived. Furthermore, there are problems attached to outsourcing labour for flowers. Though things are significantly better in recent years, in 2010, agriculture still occasionally used child labour, particularly during times of increased demand. There are other closer reasons it might be a better gift option for your significant other. Many
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
people suffer from allergies to pollen and flowers, and some of the fungicides used on the flowers are extremely harmful for bees. Many plants and flowers are poisonous to dogs (such as tulips) and cats. If your significant other is especially keen on flowers, an alternative and more sustainable gift idea could be to gift them a decorative pot and fair-trade
flower seeds, and plant them together on Valentine’s Day. It could also be a fun experience to watch your gift grow together. If not, there is a world of other gifts for your significant other. It’s true that the packaging on Valentine’s Day chocolate is excessive and plastic, and jewelry is expensive! Taking them to their favorite restaurant, or creating a card, are
two touching options. Making their favorite meal, or creating a sentimental photo album are some creative and thoughtful options. This Valentine’s Day, consider staying away from flowers or other wasteful options, and try making a gift, or creating an experience. Pinterest and other sites are chock full of alternative Valentine’s Day gift ideas. Have a happy and sustainable Valentine’s Day.
BRANTFORD
Things to do in Brantford in the winter
You can definitely beat the wintry blues in Brantford with some fun events, places, ideas and upcoming events! the winter! It’s right near Coffee Culture if you want to get a hot chocolate after skating in the cold all day, and also close to Devlin’s Advocate if you’re looking for something a little stronger to warm up with. The rink is open until 10 p.m., so get together with your pals for a fun day in the cold. Check out the art galleries in town The Glenhyrst Gallery in town is showing Kapwani Kiwanga, an artist that took art classes at that same gallery and grew up in Brantford, and studied in Paris. She focuses on storytelling and dialogue, and discusses the “anticolonial struggle” in her art. Her art is multimedia and is not tied down to any particular discipline. It includes a lot of installations which would be interesting for any visitors. So hop on inside a warm art gallery for a winter-appropriate trip.
ALEXANDRIA CLEMENT ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
The weather might be chilly, and you might still be trying to beat the post-holidays blues, but there’s reason for hope! Brantford is full of interesting ideas for days out of the cold, or fun winter activities and events. Here are a couple ideas for things to check out in Brantford over the winter. Fun isn’t exclusive to the summer.
BRYCE JAMES / PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
Check out the Personal Computer Museum on Saturday Brantford’s Personal Computer Museum seems like a weird idea, but it’s actually a really cool collection of computer and console games all in working order, and it’s more than worth checking out. It’s only open a few days a month, so if you are into video games at all, head on over.
Check your skepticism at the door, and maybe take a parent or a grandparent who might get their nostalgic kicks with some of the old machines. Ice skating in Harmony Square Sure, you’ve seen the kids skating, but have you gone? Harmony Square is a great spot for fun events in the summer, but it’s also a fun spot to check out in
World Nutella Day On Monday, Feb. 5, check out Harmony Square and the Sanderson Centre to celebrate everyone’s favorite guilty pleasure – Nutella. This family-friendly event will have free ice-skating and a DJ starting at 4:30 p.m., and trivia, contests and s’mores. Apparently you can also grab an “I Love Nutella” shirt for $10 with all proceeds going to charity. If you’re a huge Nutella fan, it’s worth stopping by!
Chicken wings Keep the summer spirit in your heart with summer’s best patio snack – chicken wings and beer! Tuesdays is half-price wings day at Rocklings, and the Rose and Thistle has cheap wings on Mondays. If you don’t mind the little trek, Game Time (what used to be Wacky Wings) on King George Road has all-you-can-eat wings on Wednesdays! Frosty Fest in Harmony Square Get ready for Frosty Fest in downtown Brantford – Harmony Square will be the place to be over Family Day Weekend this February. People come from all around to check out the winter carnival here in Brantford. The street will be shut down for the fest, and the carnival will feature all our familiar winter foods – funnel cakes, poutine, and snow taffy! Escape Rooms Check out Escape Key in Brantford for a fun and engaging activity for you and your friends! Stay out of the cold on your girls/ boys’ nights out and try the challenging puzzle here in town. A group of up to eight players can do it together, and you have 60 minutes to escape Lady Evelyn’s Paradox. The puzzles are engaging and accessible for all types of people and all age groups, so this one is also a great idea for a party or a group event.
THE SPUTNIK
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018
ARTS & CULTURE
09
NEW MEDIA
Grace, Frankie, and what aging means to women
The newest season of Netflix Original Grace and Frankie talks about aging in a fresh, yet far bleaker way MILES SMITH STAFF WRITER
Grace and Frankie is an amazing show. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. With a wonderful message of empowerment to elderly men and women alike, it makes it clear that just because your career might be finishing, it does not mean that your life is. “There’s this constant sense that anybody who’s above a certain age is incapable,” Marta Kauffman, a co-creator of Grace and Frankie said in an interview with Variety. Howard J. Morris, the other cocreator agreed. “We want to give voice to those people, and that’s our show.” In season 4, however, the theme takes a departure from a ‘coming of age’ to ‘coming to terms with age’. Season 4 of Grace and Frankie picks up the pieces where the previous season left them: Frankie going to pursue her relationship with Jacob in Santa Fe, leaving Grace happy, but alone. Sol and Robert, continuing their protesting streak begin the season in a holding cell, with Robert chafing in not only his confinements in the cell, but also with the direction Sol is taking their relationship. Season 4 reunites the parties with a party of their own – a gender reveal party for Bud and Allison’s baby. Frankie, being over the
moon with not only seeing Grace again, but also the prospect of a new grandchild, moves back to San Diego with Grace. This season is one of aging and harsh realities. Although the universal premise of Grace and Frankie has always been ‘no two parties can be happy at the same time’, our beloved protagonists really get the short end of the stick. Grace struggles not only with the tribulations of continuing to date a younger man, but with her own body betraying her, beginning with her knees, and eventually producing the dreaded sign of aging: the cane. In a heartbreaking scene, Grace lays it bare: “It’s like my body is slipping away. You’ll see when you’re 70. One day it’s a hinge and the next it’s the whole damn house.” Frankie has it no better. A governmental error, declaring her legally dead, estranges her from all of her bank accounts and worldly possessions, and forces her to reevaluate her priorities and reconnect with her sister. While the two residents suffer their own burdens, the house itself – as in almost a sympathetic resonance - begins to fall apart around them, slowly at first, but then just as Grace and Frankie’s sky comes crashing down, so does the bathtub. Sol and Robert have their own
problems, but mysteriously are unscathed from the shackles of aging as their counterparts are, especially after Robert’s heart surgery in past seasons. Their problems center more on their identity as a gay couple – an issue that Grace and Frankie tackles not only headlong, but with a distinct amount of respect and realism. There is some strife within their internal relationship, but it very rarely affects their relationships with the external parties, unlike Grace and Frankie’s problems. which seem to affect everyone and instill distrust in their hearts for their mothers’ capabilities. It is interesting to examine the narrative that Grace and Frankie has pushed until this point, and the narrative that they convey with the newest season. While the narrative thus far has been one of growing older as a chance for renewal and change and life, now we switch to one of breaking down, of misery. It strays away from the idea that retirement and seniority does not mark the end of the book, but a new chapter. Although the main conflict of the series has come from our namesake characters since the show’s inception, the conflict is now one of physical aging, and is exclusive to the female members of cast. This change of pace paints the women as broken, fragile,
neurotic, and hysteric even, as both the integrity of Grace’s body and Frankie’s mind comes into question.
It’s like my body is slipping away. You’ll see when you’re 70. One day it’s a hinge, the next it’s the whole damn house. -Grace Hanson
Ernie Hudson, who plays Frankie’s love interest, Jacob, said it clear “Women have been disenfranchised for a while. Can you imagine older women?” The idea for the season is there: women, specifically elderly women being disenfranchised. The irony is that this season almost did in a sense, disenfranchise two extremely strong and interesting female characters. This comes to a boil in the season finale, where both the house and both of our ladies are at their most broken in the season, and the children, in a master act of manipulation trick both Grace and
Frankie into going into a retirement community for the sake of each other. It is only when they realize that the both of them were tricked into the retirement community that they preform maybe the most uplifting moment of the whole season. They make their master escape back to their house: their freedom, the symbol of not only their friendship, but their new life, and their business, only to find it sold by their children. It ends with Grace and Frankie at their lowest: holding hands, looking out onto the view that was once theirs, now having nothing but each other. Ultimately, despite its flaws, I wouldn’t say that season 4 is a bad season of Grace and Frankie. Although not the payoff I was hoping for, the show is still about the total love and understanding that is forged through the shared suffering of these two women, creating a relationship that is stronger than many couples. I have faith that Morris and Kauffman will assist their talented writing team and get them a bit more on course for the next season. This show, just like Grace and Frankie themselves, has taken a departure, but I am confident that they will stand the test of time. Check out the new season of Grace and Frankie on Netflix this week.
Which 2017 video games were a hit? 2017 was a big year for video games; from Super Mario to horror hits, see what games could be for you ALEXANDRIA CLEMENT ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR
2017 was a great year for video games. The Nintendo Switch was released in March, and the Xbox One X in June, so there was a whole new world opened up with gaming this year. Here are five new games that are worth checking out.
for all gamers alike – even if all you ever play is gory horror, you will still certainly find something to love and be mesmerized by. The game is so chock-full of features, it’s impossible not to see that the developers forgot nothing, and used Super Mario’s past to create something fresh and heartwarming.
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
Life Is Strange: Before The Storm
This game is a whole new take on the Uncharted franchise – Nathan Drake is gone altogether, and the game features two underused female characters from earlier games: Nadine from Uncharted 4, and Chloe from Uncharted 2, who band together to find the tusk of Ganesh, the son of the Hindu god Shiva. The search consumed Chloe’s father before his untimely demise. The game breaks many conventions. Too many games hold onto their tried and true stories and characters and relationships, but Uncharted broke free and gave players something new with Lost Legacy.
This prequel to the hit story and decision games Life Is Strange tells the story of a young Chloe Price and her relationship with her schoolmate. Chloe is at first hard to recognize - without her signature blue hair and black beanie, she looks so different she could almost be mistaken for Life Is Strange’s protagonist Max. The game was a knockout hit for fans of the original, and for fans of simulation games in general. It won a slew of awards. If you liked Life Is Strange, be sure to play the shorter Before The Storm, and if you haven’t you’ve got a whole series to catch up on, so get cracking!
Getting Over It The world’s weirdest and most frustrating game was released in October of 2017, and features a bald man in a cauldron with a sledgehammer. It’s the player’s responsibility to use the sledgehammer to launch the man over various obstacles and objects, to eventually get over the mountain together. The narrator speaks to the player, gently encouraging (or antagonizing, depending on how frustrated you are) and discussing the nature of failure and progress. The
BRYCE JAMES / PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
game features smooth graphics and a weird concept, so if you just want to spend an afternoon getting frustrated with yourself (and overwhelmed by your small successes), check out Getting Over It. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice Hellblade’s depiction of Senua’s severe psychosis isn’t just for scares – the game uses audio and imagery to blur reality with her mind in such a way that nothing can be totally trusted and the player is not totally sure what to look at. In fact, the game’s use of audio has been praised and discussed since the game’s release. Senua travels to the underworld of
Norse Mythology to find her lover, and though the game is ultimately a horror game, its use of visual and audio twists certainly keep it interesting even to those who aren’t used to them. Cuphead Cuphead is a run-and-gun based on the 1930s Disney animation aesthetic, using loopy enemies that bounce and move with the environment, which itself is never completely still. You won’t be able to help thinking about Steamboat Willy, or an old Betty Boop cartoon, when you play Cuphead. The game is simple enough – it is just a run-and-gun after all – but the art design keeps
it mesmerizing, and the difficulty won’t be reminding you of lazy afternoons watching kid’s cartoons at all. In fact, you might have to work to keep from throwing your keyboard across the room. So for an artistically-perfect challenge, check out Cuphead – it was made by Canadians! Super Mario Odyssey Super Mario Odyssey has been out since October, and it is still exciting even as a concept. The first Mario game of its kind since Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Odyssey shines with bright new features and thoughtful, familiar comforts. The game is not just a triumph for Super Mario fans, but
Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Zelda: Breath Of The Wild is aptly named, because in its wide-scope serenity, it truly is breathtaking. The art design is beautiful and easy to follow Link only takes up a fraction of the screen, allowing the player to never miss a moment of the vibrant open world. The player is allowed a world of possibilities and interactions. The options on how you want to interact with the world are endless. Breath Of The Wild is truly a breath of fresh air for openworld video games.
THE SPUTNIK
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018 SPORTS EDITOR JESSA BRAUN sports@thesputnik.ca
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Super Bowl Preview: Eagles vs. Patriots HANNAH KASTEIN STAFF WRITER
This year the NFL Super Bowl will be taking place on Sunday February 4th in Minnesota. It should be a very interesting game with the defending champions, New England Patriots, taking on the Philadelphia Eagles. In this article I give an overview of how each team made it to the Super Bowl and provide a preview of what’s to come. Philadelphia Eagles The Eagles’ record in the regular season this year, 13-3-0, tied their best ever in franchise history and lead them to finish first in the National Football Conference (NFC) East. In the divisional round of the playoffs the Eagles took on the Atlanta Falcons where Philly relied on their defense the whole game. On a last-minute play on their own two-yard line, the Eagles stopped the Falcons on 4th and goal to seal a 15-10 victory, becoming their first playoff win since 2004. In the NFC championship game, the Eagles entered as underdogs to the NFC North champions, the Minnesota Vikings. Again their defense came up huge and held the Vikings to seven points, which came on the opening drive touchdown pass. The Eagles sealed their way to the Super Bowl with a dominating 38-7 win. Their season has been even more impressive when you look
at all the injuries they have had. In week 14 the Eagles’ number 1 quarterback, Carson Wentz, suffered a torn ACL, officially ending his season and forcing Nick Foles to take his place for the rest of the season and the playoffs. At that point the Eagles were already without running back Darren Sproles, offensive tackle Jason Peters, and middle line backer Jordan Hicks for the rest of the year. The Eagles have been a pretty remarkable team this year and after overcoming many challenges they will be going to their third franchise Super Bowl and looking for their first-ever Super Bowl win. New England Patriots The Patriots had yet another impressive season. In week 15 they secured their ninth consecutive American Football Conference (AFC) East title (their 15th of their last 17 seasons) with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. They are defending champions of Super Bowl LI. This was their eighth consecutive season with 12 or more wins, an NFL record. They are the only team in NFL history to appear in 10 Super Bowls, so they will be a very tough matchup against the Eagles. Most of their success has been because of their star quarterback, Tom Brady, who is looking for his 6th Super Bowl win. The Patriots finished the regular season with a record of 13-3-0, which was 1st in the AFC East. In the divisional round of the playoffs the New England Patriots
SOCCER
took on the Tennessee Titans where the Patriots set a club record by sacking the Titans’ quarterback, Marcus Mariota eight times. They were also able to hold the Titans’ running back, Derrick Henry, to only 28 yards on 12 carries after he went 156 yards against the Chiefs the week before. The Patriots won this game 35-14 and punched their ticket to the conference final against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Here they were able to pull off another big comeback to win the conference finals. The Patriots were down by 10 points with 15 minutes left in the fourth quarter but like we have seen many times, Tom Brady was able to make a late comeback and lead his team to a 24-20 victory over the Jags. Now they have a chance to repeat as Super Bowl champions for the second consecutive time in franchise history. Super Bowl LII The Eagles and Patriots have met in the Super Bowl just one other time, which was in the 20042005 season where the Patriots beat the Eagles 24-21. This year, the Patriots are the favourites to win again. With all their history and star players it will be very hard for the Eagles to defeat them, especially with all the injuries they are dealing with. It’s a given that if the Eagles are going to win they will need to play the best game the team has ever played. The Eagles will have to play with their foot on the gas the
ADRIENNE HOE/GRAPHICS EDITOR
entire game and have the mentality that no lead is big enough and no deficit is too much. The Eagles also have one of the fastest, toughest and most dominant defensive front seven. If the defense communicate well and focus on interceptions
and turnovers rather than trying to stop Brady they could surprise a lot of people. You can watch the Super Bowl this Sunday on CTV, CTV Two, and TSN. Kick off is at 6:30 p.m. ET, and pre-game coverage begins on CTV at 11 a.m.
LB men and women compete at Conestoga Laurier Brantford sends two teams to varsity tournament JESSA BRAUN SPORTS EDITOR
JESSA BRAUN/SPORTS EDITOR
Laurier Brantford’s soccer teams, both men and women’s, competed at the Conestoga College varsity tournament on Jan. 19. The men’s team has been training all season at the varsity level while the women’s team is a recreational soccer club. This was the first-ever varsitylevel tournament that a Laurier Brantford women’s soccer club has competed in. The girls had an impressive first performance, placing fourth out of six teams. They were a recreational sports club competing against five varsity-level teams. The Golden Hawks lost the bronze medal game to the Conestoga Condors in shootouts. Laurier Brantford held a 2-1 lead for most of the game. Midfielder Jessa Braun and defender Emily Marra scored the goals. Conestoga tied the game up in the last minute to bring the two teams to shootouts, where Laurier Brantford missed all three shots. The Golden Hawks lost their
first game of the day 7-1 to the Sheridan Bruins, the single goal scored by Braun. The Golden Hawks won their second game against the Lakehead Thunderbirds with a score of 4-1. Braun and Jessica Boere each scored one and Rachel Jones hit the back of the net twice. The lady Golden Hawks used the day as an opportunity to see what varsity competition would be like.
The girls had an impressive first performance ... They were a recreational sports club competing against five varsitylevel teams -Laura Bannier,
Only the club’s most competitive 12 players were selected to compete and
represent Laurier Brantford in the tournament. The club holds 20 players in total. The club hopes to become an official varsity team next year. Turning it over to the male side… The tournament was the male varsity team’s second one of the year. Unlike the women, the men won their bronze medal match with a score of 5-1 against Georgian College. Phil Catarino scored two, while Kyle Lutz, Denzel Henry and Tyler Botelho each scored one. The Golden Hawks played their first game against Sheridan and lost it 4-1. Botelho scored for Laurier. For the second game, Laurier Brantford player Lakehead Orillia and won 2-0. Catarino and Luth both scored. The next tournament for our male Golden Hawks will be regional championships on March 5 in Ancaster. Here they will try to qualify for provincials. Fans are welcome to come out and cheer as spots are available in the bus! Jessa Braun is also the Sports Editor for The Sputnik.
THE SPUTNIK
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018
CAMPUS
SPORTS
Laurier Brantford’s full weekend of sports from now on March 5. Football The Laurier Brantford Powderpuff Football sports club went to the semi finals undefeated in their tournament Friday. The tournament took place at Laurier Waterloo and was open to all Laurier Powderpuff teams. Laurier Brantford won 10-9 against Bomb Squad, 13-0 against The Eagles and 2-0 against Sack City. The Brantford Golden Hawks lost 12-6 in the semi finals after their successful winning streak. The team’s next tournament is again at Laurier Waterloo, but this time open to all post-secondary institutions. The competition is set for Feb. 9 and 10. Hockey
SAI GNANAHARAN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
LAURIER BRANTFORD’S JAY BROWN SERVES THE BALL TO THE OPPOSING TEAM JESSA BRAUN the day. SPORTS EDITOR In the consolation round the
Laurier Brantford was represented in six sporting events last week. Men’s soccer, women’s football, men’s hockey, co-ed volleyball, women’s basketball and co-ed dodgeball all had tournaments either on Thursday or Friday. This article provides a brief rundown of each of the six teams’ accomplishments in their tournaments.
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Golden Hawks lost 3-0 to Mohawk College. The Golden Hawks don’t compete again until over a month
The men’s extramural hockey team got to the semi finals at Fanshawe College on Friday. The Golden Hawks mirrored their performance from last year at the same tournament. Laurier Brantford lost 2-1 to Waterloo at Fanshawe tournament last year and the same thing happened on Friday. Despite the semi inal defeat,
the Golden Hawks powered through their first two games and finished at the top of their division. They played their first game against McMaster and took the 3-2 win. The Golden Hawks took another win against Durham after smoking them 9-2. Laurier Brantford’s next tournament is right here on home ice at the Wayne Gretzky Centre on Feb. 9. Volleyball Laurier Brantford’s co-ed volleyball team competed at Humber Lakeshore on Friday. They lost their first two games against Durham College and Humber Lakeshore, respectively. The Golden Hawks won their third game against George Brown Huskies. The score was 25-17 in both sets. This was the final tournament of the team’s season, however they may enter one more in Cambridge before the end of the school year. Durham College took the championship and George Brown College claimed the Fair Play award. Basketball
The women’s extramural basketball team made it to the semifinals in their tournament at University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) on Friday. “All ladies played well!” said Coach Rachel Wallace. Alexa Stucke, Victoria Dodds and Tamia Walcott had especially good performances. Dodds led the team after scoring 19 points throughout the day. Humber won the tournament and George Brown came away with the Fair Play award. Dodgeball The co-ed dodgeball team competed at George Brown College on Thursday. The team played five hardfought games, winning one and losing four. Each game consisted of three matches. Three of the Golden Hawks’ game losses resulted in a close score of 3-2. The Golden Hawks’ win was against Seneca College. The five teams the Golden Hawks played were Niagara, Seneca, Humber Lakeshore, Humber North and George Brown. Captain Matty Coombs was proud of the way the team stayed positive, despite the squad having so many injuries.
Soccer The men’s varsity soccer team played their third tournament of the year on Friday at Redeemer University College. Though not as successful as at their last competition, the men walked away with at least a win against Canadore College. The Golden Hawks lost their other two round robin games. George Brown Huskies took the 4-1 win in Laurier’s first match of
SAI GNANAHARAN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE LAURIER BRANTFORD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM GATHERS IN FOR A CHEER BEFORE TAKING THE COURT
NWSL
Boston Breakers have come to an end JESSA BRAUN SPORTS EDITOR
ADRIENNE HOE/GRAPHICS EDITOR
One of the original teams of the National Women’s Soccer League, the Boston Breakers, is folding. The announcement was officially made Sunday, although rumours of the potential news had been floating around the entire week leading up. The delay was due to the league waiting to see if an investor or group of investors might swoop in to save the team. It wasn’t long before the NWSL managers were forced to make an official announcement about the team shutting down. “The Boston Breakers are one of the longest running and most historic clubs in women’s soccer, so we certainly understand that fans of the NWSL and the sports will be disappointed to learn of the club’s decision to cease
operations,” NWSL Managing Director Amanda Duffy said in a public statement.
The Boston Breakers are one of the longest running and most historic clubs in women’s soccer... -Amanda Duffy, Managing Director
The league will now hold nine teams and carry a single table alignment. Each team will play every other opponent in the league a total of three times.
The dispersal draft happened Monday afternoon, giving former Breakers the opportunity to be drafted to other National Women’s Soccer League teams, including the college drafts who were selected to Boston just last week. Former Breakers were given the opportunity to opt out of the dispersal draft until noon on Monday. The draft started at 2:00 p.m. All Breakers fans who purchased seasons tickets will be provided with a full refund. The Breakers do have intentions of reforming in the future when the league accumulates more revenue and sponsorships. Boston fans should not give up hope. With that being said, unfortunately the league’s vision of expanding will not be happening any time soon.
THE SPUTNIK
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018
12 OPINION EDITOR MEGHAN GAUVIN opinion@thesputnik.ca
Overcomplicated words exclude the masses MEGHAN GAUVIN OPINION EDITOR
More often than I would like to admit – as someone who is in their final year of university – I find myself reading sentences over two or three times before I’m able to understand the meaning. In my experience, this difficulty is not a result of complex ideas but rather the overcomplicated way in which our textbooks explain otherwise simple concepts. The more we are exposed to this kind of language the easier it becomes to understand, and as university educated people we are able to break down these sentences and eventually make
This type of exclusion has been going on for centuries resulting in the same groups remaining in power.
sense of important theories. But what about everyone else? In journalism, we learn to write
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for the greater public keeping our language as simple as possible so that everyone is able to understand the news. As it turns out, our society sees the value in having all people – whether they went to University or not – understand and be aware of what is going on in their communities. What I don’t understand is why at the same time our society does not see the value in having all people from all different backgrounds and experiences
understand the concepts that we learn in a university classroom. It seems to me that the only plausible reason for using such complicated terms is to exclude a certain demographic from the conversation. Is it true that we think the masses would be unable to comprehend these ideas, or is a select few benefiting from keeping some of our people in the dark? It is possible that scholars like being seen as a higher class of people and purposefully write in
a way that only other ‘educated’ people of their same class will be able to understand. In many ways, this is how some gain power over the rest of the world. Politicians, public relations representatives and lawyers are all examples of professions that depend on fancy language to persuade, and often times, manipulate. This type of exclusion has been going on for centuries resulting in the same groups remaining in
power. Historically, it was agreed upon and understood that the purpose of this language difference was to create a distinct barrier between classes. A breach in this barrier was seen as dangerous to those in power. An example of this is seen in the life of a 16th-century philosopher, NiccolòMachiavelli. Machiavelli was once a very powerful political figure in Florence until he was taken over by Lorenzo de Medici. It was then, in the year 1532 that Machiavelli wrote his famous book, The Prince, and dedicated it to Medici. The book was 26 chapters explaining how to acquire and maintain power. While some historians believe Machiavelli wrote this to regain his political power, others believe this was done in spite of Medici. You see, The Prince was written in simple language so that even the common folk could understand, making its very existence dangerous to those in power. For this, Machiavelli was tortured and imprisoned but eventually let go. As you can see we have come a long way since the 16th-century. However, we still find our intelects following the same outdated trend of only writing to one very specific group of people and excluding the rest.
Hufflepuff is the greatest house at Hogwarts JESSA BRAUN SPORTS EDITOR
I’m sick of people saying Hufflepuffs are whoozies and I’m tired of stuck-up sacs of scum calling our sacred badgers pushovers. This cocky world would be nowhere without our humble Hufflepuffs. Nowhere. There are a few specific negative stigmas associated with the house that are the reasons I am fired up and ready to rant. For a bit of a background, here you are: firstly, Hufflepuff is typically seen as a disposal box – the house people get sorted into as a last resort if they don’t fit into any of the other three houses. The other three represent bravery, wisdom and ambition while Hufflepuff is the house of fairness and loyalty. Secondly, Hufflepuffs are seen as pushovers because they live their lives trying to make life fun for everyone around them. Thirdly, it’s even stated in the book that Hufflepuff is distasteful. Draco Malfoy says in the first book: “’…imagine being in Hufflepuff, I think I’d leave, wouldn’t you?’” This is all bogus. If that’s the way you want to view Hufflepuffs, then fine, but you are wrong and I hope a dementor sucks up your black soul. I identify as a Gryffindor but I will openly and strongly make it clear that Hufflepuff is my favourite house. Hufflepuffs share the common values of loyalty, hard work, kindness and fair play. I literally do not know what is even the slightest bit shameful about that. I would rather have
friends with these traits than friends that carry anything else. Yes, Gryffindors will go with you to that party. Sure, Ravenclaws will tell you how to pass that test. Of course, Slytherins will help you plot revenge on the one who did you wrong. But Hufflepuffs? Dude, they’ll give you a lifetime of showing they truly care about you. Hufflepuffs being cute and fluffy is already enough, but there’s even more beneath the surface that’s worth noting. These characteristics aren’t talked about in the books, so let me expand on why our strong golden angels are God’s wellrounded gift to Earth. 1. HUMBLE COURAGE. This isn’t the same, explicit kind of courage Gryffindors carry. J.K. Rowling pointed out in an interview that the Battle of Hogwarts is a perfect example of Hufflepuff boldness. The Gryffindors fought alongside Harry because they felt they needed to prove their bravery. Some of the Ravenclaws helped, but a lot of them sat out because they felt not getting involved was the wise thing to do. The Hufflepuffs, however — almost ALL of them — fought with Harry because they’re loyal. That’s real bravery right there. 2. HARMONIOUS WISDOM. Hufflepuffs are able to see and learn the value of everybody. When founding her house, Helga Hufflepuff said, “I’ll teach the lot and treat them just the same.” Right from the start, Hufflepuffs didn’t care if someone was Muggle-born or pureblood.
Who even cared? If they were all witches and wizards, then so what? Gryffindors and Ravenclaws soon caught on to this wise way of thinking and joined the fight for muggle-born rights. Especially these days, the world places a lot of emphasis on equality. If Hufflepuffs are doing what we’re always fighting for, why in Dumbledore’s name are we against them? 3. HEALTHY AMBITION. This quality makes me think of Cedric Diggory. A successful fellow who gets to where he wants to be in a healthy way. He’s handsome, intelligent, athletic and chivalrous, but stays modest while he achieves it all. Cedric doesn’t believe he’s better than anyone else, nor does he think he deserves success any more than his peers. When Harry became a contender alongside him in the Triwizard Tournament, Cedric didn’t try to discourage or shoot Harry down. Instead, he shrugged his shoulders, quietly did his thing and carved his own path to the trophy. Hufflepuffs know how to do it all and they know how to do it right. Their signature colour might be yellow, but deep down these pups are the whole rainbow. Rowling says we should all want to be Hufflepuffs. Yo, I could not agree more. Hufflepuffs are the absolute greatest beings to ever set foot on this sickly polluted sphere. They know how to carry courage, wisdom, ambition and especially kindness, loyalty, hard work and fair play, all bundled into one, and
ADRIENNE HOE/GRAPHICS EDITOR
all expressed in noble ways. We all know Nymphadora Tonks, right? Most amazing person ever. Can transform her features at will, innocently clumsy, not afraid to talk to anyone. The best part? She’s a Hufflepuff. Furthermore, all the best people in my personal life are
badgers. My mom’s a Hufflepuff, my roommate’s a Hufflepuff, my boyfriend’s a Hufflepuff, most of my friends are Hufflepuffs. I’m literally warning you now: if you ever insult a Hufflepuff in front of me . . . run. Unfortunately I was not blessed alongside my loved ones with this majestic house, but instead reside with Gryffindor.