http://www.newsatniagara.com Feb. 16, 2007 Volume 37, Issue 9

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Students shout along with the rest of the crowd protesting against rising tuition costs. At Convocation Hall on the University of Toronto campus, it was a frosty -10 Celsius degrees in Toronto for the Canadian Federation of Students march on Feb. 7. The march covered four kilometres through downtown Toronto, converging back at Queen’s Park. Photo by Ryan McLean $1.5 million boost for winery Frozen students By MONICA KEYES because they want practical training with Staff Writer the theoretical. “If we can keep improving, want frozen tuition Niagara College’s wine and viticulture watch out for this little place.” By RYAN MCLEAN program received $1.5 million from the The main goal of the Ontario government Staff Writer Ontario government on Feb. 9 to ensure the is to provide students with a better learning Sub-zero temperatures weren’t enough to keep them future success of graduates in the Niagara experience and upgraded facilities to keep away. IndexEditorials region’s wine and tourism industries. pace with the industry, said Kim Craitor, The Canadian Federation of Students nationwide rally Page 6 Jim Bradley, St. Catharines MPP and a Niagara Falls MPP. “The best way to on Feb. 7 was determined to send the government a minister of tourism in Ontario, announced compete in a modern world is by investing message. the funding as part of a $30-million in our human capital.” Tuition rates must be frozen. Columns provincial investment in education. Bradley said by training skilled “The day went fl awlessly,” says Canadian Federation Page 7 “The wine and viticulture industry in technicians and providing up-to-date of Students Ontario chairperson, Jesse Greener, in a the Niagara region has grown substantially facilities, the goal is to produce strong telephone interview from his Toronto offi ce. and needs to be invested in,” said Bradley. graduates to work in Niagara’s tourism “The weather helped prove the dedication and Health “The McGuinty government believes that industry. “Tourism creates jobs in all commitment of students. We estimated the crowd to be Page 8 the Niagara region has tremendous room sections of the province.” By improving around 5,000, which was a great show of support.” for growth.” the region’s economy through tourism, he Students “braved the bad weather and terrible road As the fi rst teaching winery in Canada, said, the economy of the province will be conditions” to show their support for today’s rally, says Sports the campus is a stop on Niagara’s wine encouraged. Gabrielle Lemieux, of Sudbury. Page 21 route. Located at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Matthias Oppenleander, the 2006 Grape The literature and history student at Sudbury’s campus, a converted barn has acted as the King and a viticulture teacher, said Niagara Laurentian University says, “The lack of commitment main building for Wine and Viticulture College needs to produce the best graduates and action of this government forced students to take Feature Pages Technician students, while they receive if it wants to compete and be recognized in action. Laurentian students braved the cold for one week Page 12 &13 hands-on training with 38 acres of grape the world wine market. at -40 C and still students were determined.” vines found at the base of the Niagara Allan Magnacca, chair of the Niagara Laurentian and Toronto’s York University students Escarpment. College Foundation, said he saw the participated in a campaign beginning Jan. 31 called Noise “It is a truly blessed campus setting ... announcement as “a tribute to success,” Freeze for the Fees, where students camped outside to Page 17 & 18 and a UN [United Nations] declared world and gives a boost to Niagara’s image in raise awareness leading up to the rally Feb. 7. biosphere,” said Niagara College President attracting further donors, be they individuals, The rally started at the Convocation Hall at the Dan Patterson during the press conference. corporations or the government. University of Toronto campus where it moved down Tiffany Richardson, a second-year Bloor Street during business hours. program student, said students enrol in this Continued on Page 2 Continued on Page 2 Page 2, news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007 More money for wine program Continued from page 1 so the money will “be used in the best way Patterson focused on three aspects: students, possible.” industry partners and quality competitiveness. Before the announcement, MPP Chris Patterson said creating state-of-the-art Bentley, minister of Training, Colleges and facilities means students will receive the best Universities, said the day’s announcement training possible. was a long time coming. With industry partners investing and taking “In the two years that I have been a minister, an interest in Niagara College, more room is there wasn’t a week that went by when this given for growth. wasn’t discussed.” He added when both are combined, the best As part of an infrastructure renewal quality graduates can be produced. program, $472,000 will be given to Niagara “The wine and viticulture program is a ‘best College to repair pre-existing buildings at the in class’ example of industry and education three campuses in Welland, Niagara-on-the- partnerships. We are able to provide the Lake and Niagara Falls. industry with the highest quality skilled Brock University in St. Catharines will workforce that they need to ensure a robust be receiving $904,000 from the same wine industry in Niagara.” infrastructure program. With the funding announcement, Patterson Craitor said, “Three million dollars for Allison Vidug, a Niagara College student, works at the college wine store at the said planning can start in the next two higher education is not bad for a day’s Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. weeks, with a detailed layout and analysis work.” Photo by Monica Keyes Students rally in Toronto against tuition costs, lack of funding

Continued from Page 1 blasted the premier, suggesting he doesn’t understand the “I’m outraged the premier can give himself a $40,000 a fi nancial challenges facing students. year pay increased, but he can’t come out in the cold and Curious onlookers gathered in business windows as the Students need to form coalitions and mobilize themselves answer your questions. That’s absolutely outrageous.” march covered four kilometres of downtown Toronto in -10 in political parties in order to infl uence policy, says Sid Ryan, Another debate is raging regarding students and low- C weather ending back at Queen’s Park. president of the Ontario chapter of the Canadian Union of income earners. There is a need to have “collective support for lowering Public Employees. The Ontario Liberal government recently increased the tuition fees,” says University of Toronto student Janna “The student movement is on your door, Mr. McGuinty. minimum wage to $8 per hour. Cosmey. We won’t stop until the tuition is reduced.” “McGuinty gave Ontario’s minimum wage earners 25 “There’s a lot of support here today that sends a strong There are too many students who cannot afford tuition rates cents while he gave himself and others a 25 per cent salary message,” says the International Studies student. or the debt loads, says leader of the Ontario New Democratic increase,” says Greener. Between speakers, hip-hop artist Kardinal Offi shall Party, Howard Hampton. “He’s giving with one hand and taking with the other.” performed for those who gathered in front of the Queen’s “First we need to freeze tuition rates. Then we need to Greener says when McGuinty attended university, Park legislative building. reduce tuition fees.” minimum wage in Ontario was $2.40 per hour and university The rally today “is important to anyone who has desires of Asked if the rally had an immediate impact, Greener says tuition rates were $610 for a year. pursuing a post-secondary education,” Offi shall says. there has been a “resurgence of discussion around a national McGuinty “benefi ted from better wages and lower tuition “When I went to York University for Mass Communications, post-secondary education act including dedicated federal rates, but then depriving young people today of those same I incurred crazy OSAP [Ontario Student Assistance Program] funding for post-secondary education.” opportunities is selfi sh and hypocritical.” debt. Every year it seems to get higher. We need to keep the With a provincial election in October, Ontario Federation The Canadian Federation of Students unites more than fees low so more Canadians can go to school.” of Labour President Wayne Samuelson says the message for 500,000 college and university students from across the Critics of Premier Dalton McGuinty’s government have McGuinty is, “We will never forget.” country.

Correction

The upcoming home games printed on page 22 of the Feb. 9, 2007 edition of news@niagara were incorrect. These are the correct dates and times: women’s volleyball vs. Redeemer, Feb. 14 at 6 p.m., men’s volleyball vs. Redeemer, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m., women’s basketball vs. St. Clair, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. and men’s basketball vs. St. Clair, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. Also, Gardisil vaccine information from the Sexual Health Centre article published on page 10 in the Feb. 9 issue of news@niagara was incorrect. The shot is not free of charge; there is a charge for people who are interested in receiving it. Talk to your family doctor for prices and more details.

It is the policy of news@niagara to correct errors of fact. University and college students march to protest higher tuition rates and to demand more government funding for post-secondary education. Photo by Ryan McLean We should get to know each other. www.campusresearch.ca (Get it? It’s a research study. And you could win up to $2500 for participating.)

Fine print: Prizes: One $2500 grand prize, one $1500 second prize, one $1000 third prize and twelve $250 extra prizes. Contest is only open to students currently enrolled at a Canadian post-secondary institution. The good news is it’s available for a very limited time, so your odds of winning are awesome. This survey is sponsored by your campus newspaper and Campus Plus, a division of Canadian University Press. All personal information provided is private and confidential and will be used for research purposes for the improvement and advancement of campus newspapers in Canada. View our privacy policy online at www.campusplus.com/privacy.aspx. news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007, Page 3 Spring Break warning: potential dangers By AMY GIOFU happens to many students. travellers’ insurance i.e. to become either the victim body. Staff Writer Vince Garrik, an 18-year-old Travel Underwriters, Blue or the perpetrator of a sexual • Never swim alone. Spring Break means students Motive Power Apprenticeship Cross, CAA. assault. • Be aware of rip currents. If you partying, travelling, drinking and student at Niagara College, has • Make sure you have phone • NEVER leave your drink should get caught in a current, meeting new people wherever they experienced complications while numbers for medical doctors in unattended. don’t try to swim against it. go without a care in the world. vacationing in Cancun. the country you are visiting. • Don’t allow yourself to be Swim parallel to shore until Unfortunately, each year students “I rented a motorized scooter • Find out if/where the Canadian taken to an isolated location. clear of the current. are faced with a cold reality that the and gave the guy my passport as a Embassy or Consulate is in • Don’t walk alone; ALWAYS • Use common sense: if the world isn’t the safe place they once deposit. When I got back to return the country you are travelling use the buddy system. waves look dangerous, they thought it was. the scooter, he told me that I had to in case of an emergency. • Never leave with someone probably are. The appeal of spending a week gotten a ticket for running a red Not all hotels have proper you just met, no matter how Last but not least, to avoid on the sunny beaches of Panama or light. He said that he wouldn’t security or are in the best sweet or nice that person getting any of the many different Cancun is a treat students long for. give me back my passport unless I neighbourhoods. You need to might be. types of viruses, diseases and Elise Thompson, of Welland, Ont., paid him 80 bucks. I knew he was be just as careful when you The beach is a great spot to spend bacteria that our bodies are not has been saving for her March hustling me, but there was nothing are in your hotel room: the day in the sun, but it’s also used to, do the following: break trip since the beginning of I could do about it.” • When staying at a hotel, a great place to get a really bad • Always visit your doctor the year. After being hustled in a country ALWAYS lock your door. sunburn, become de-hydrated before leaving for your trip, “I’ve always wanted to travel new to him, Garrik quickly learned • ALWAYS look through the and even catch a disease from and make sure to get all the outside of the country, and what a lesson about travel safety. peephole before answering the water. necessary vaccinations. better place to spend your reading “You have to be very careful the door. Don’t open it for a • Avoid over exposure. Limit • To avoid hepatitis, make week than on a beach, away from with your valuables. It’s too easy stranger. If someone claims to your time in the sun. sure you have bottled water this crappy, cold weather?” for these guys to get away with be staff, call the front desk for • Apply sunscreen with a SPF with you at all times. If you Although Thompson has been these sort of things.” verifi cation. (Sun Protection Factor) of are ordering a drink from saving her money, she hasn’t Most of the unfortunate events • Don’t leave valuables in your at least 15, paying special a restaurant, ask for no ice thought of any dangers that could that happen to students over Spring hotel or motel room. attention to the face, nose, cubes in your drink. It’s better occur while on vacation. Break can be avoided by taking • Use the buddy system when ears and shoulders. to be safe than sorry. “It’s not something I really think certain precautions: leaving the room for any • Re-apply sunscreen after • If engaging in sexual contact about. I mean, it’s kind of a buzz • Before leaving for your reason. swimming and sweating. with a new partner, ALWAYS kill to think of all the bad stuff that destination, leave a travel Bars are a main spot for predators • Drink plenty of water and non- use protection. You never could happen on such a wicked itinerary with either family looking for an easy target. Take carbonated and non-alcoholic know who has what. vacation.” or friends. Include when and these precautions if you’re going drinks, even if you do not feel Spring Break is a time to spend After asking over 20 students where your departure and to go out to the bars: thirsty. time with your friends and create about travelling on Spring break, arrival times and locations are, • Always bring at least two • If you’re playing in the water, unforgettable memories. only fi ve said they actually think the hotel(s) you are staying in pieces of identifi cation. watch out for sharp rocks or If you follow these guidelines, of what could happen in another and phone numbers of where • If you chose to drink, do it sea creatures that could cause your trip is sure to be a successful, country. you are staying. in moderation. Drinking a cut or puncture in the skin fun one. Nevertheless, this scary reality • Speak to a travel agent about makes it easier for a person where bacteria can enter your Many Hands helps HIAFE Time to lace up those skates By ANDREA BARRETT and in the summer time you never really notice it [the Staff Writer pond]. It is just something that is there. In the winter By LAURA NARDUCCI David Johnson, of Niagara- As the temperature drops, small lakes and ponds time, though, I notice it because there are always a lot Staff Writer on-the-Lake, troupe president, freeze and that means it is time to lace up those of people on it.” Death to the Highest Bidder says it has performed over 6,500 skates. “I have always wanted to go over. I just never really will help the out Many Hands mysteries, catering to places On First Avenue in Welland there is a small pond. have anyone to go with, but I do always have my skates project. such as resorts, major hotels, In the summer it is deserted with only ducks visiting, in my car just in case I fi nd someone to go with me.” The Head Injury Association of restaurants, homes, boats and however and maybe the odd person walking a dog. The pond is maintained by the city. Fort Erie (HIAFE) will be the re- “basically anywhere.” In winter, however, its frozen surface is covered with Personnel shovel it off when there is a lot of snow cipient of Niagara College’s 10th He says before dinner myste- people of all ages. on it. annual Many Hands project. rious things will occur, and dur- Some are out just to have a fun skate with their They sweep it off when there is only a little bit of The project is organized by ing dinner an inspector will lead family, while others play a game of hockey with snow, and they water it down. Niagara College’s Event Man- the audience through a “comedic friends. “I think it is good the city takes care of it. In my agement (Graduate Certifi cate) ‘who-dun-it?’” Stacey Chapman, of Welland, says, “I have lived opinion, if the city didn’t do anything about it would program. Students develop, co- “By the time desserts come. the across the road from the pond for a year and a half, never be skated on.” ordinate and execute a one-day inspector will have enough infor- labour-intensive renovation of mation to name an accused.” a non-profi t organization in the Actors and actresses will be Niagara region. blending into the crowd. “This is a dream come true. “Guests should be on guard Winter Wonderland I’m ecstatic,” says Shirley and looking for clues that will Athoe, who founded HIAFE 20 lead them to getting the correct years ago. answer.” “A project like this brings the A prize will be awarded to the whole community together and guest who guesses the correct raises awareness of the services answer. we offer,” says Tracy Zimmer- Johnson says he “guarantees man, HIAFE president. that they [the audience] will have One of the fundraisers, sched- fun and want to do it again.” uled for March 31, is Death to “They will be exception- the Highest Bidder. It will be at ally happy, I’m sure. Also, they the Delphi Banquet Facilities at know they are giving to a good 4414 Portage Rd., Niagara Falls, cause.” on Feb. 23 and will include a si- Johnson says he is excited lent auction and performance by for the event and “any associa- the Murders Tastefully Executed tion that looks after and tries to troupe. prevent head injury is a good “The committee chose to do a cause.” murder mystery because it was Tickets cost $55 and include something not a lot of people a cocktail drink, a four-course have experienced as a fundrais- meal and the show. Doors will ing event, and we could make open at 7 p.m. For more infor- it successful by tying in themes mation go to www.deathtothe- Residents at a home on the outskirts of Owen Sound, Ont., take advantage of the city’s abundance and a silent auction,” says Jen- highestbidder.com. For ticket of snow. After using a snowblower to pile the snow, large snowmen are constructed on the home’s nifer Plath, chair of the planning or sponsorship information call front lawn. committee. 905-641-2252 ext. 6421. Photo by Lesley Smith Page 4, news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007 Student housing : fi nd yours Generous donation aids By KATELYN GALER made a presentation to city council suggesting landlords Staff Writer be forced to have their homes inspected and licensed Habitat for Humanity Students, start looking before all the good ones are before they are allowed to be posted on off-campus taken. housing boards for the university and college. It’s that time again, when leases are nearing their Oana says the schools’ support “would be a powerful end and it’s time to fi nd a new place to live for another economic incentive for landlords to get on board and Fort Erie school year. work with the program and provide quality student Renting a house can be quite a chore, as most students housing.” know, and fi nding the right one is never easy. Oana told The Standard if St. Catharines approves “My housemates and I used Rent-Tent.com to fi nd a mandatory licensing system, the city would be a our place and we love it, but we did look at a lot of pioneer. really disgusting places before we found his one,” says Melissa Sadler, 22, of St. Catharines, says she had Ben Soja, 22, of St. Catharines. many problems in her house last year. “Our fridge Rent-Tent offers housing solutions in the Niagara would periodically stop working. We had cracks in region and has a team of experts to aid prospective windows and holes in the walls, and yet I still paid tenants. Rent-Tent says, “We are experts in our local $400 a month to live there.” market with a reputation for representing the best She says her roommates found a new house in properties in town.” Thorold and are much happier this year. The website also allows one to use the “Quick “I suggest doing a lot of looking before you buy.” Search” to defi ne an ideal house. Houses can be One thing to consider is what are included in the searched by area, number of people, type of house, monthly fee. A good landlord will typically include maximum cost per month and type of property. amenities such as parking, laundry, furniture, “We’ve been using Rent-Tent to fi nd a house for appliances, heat, hydro, air conditioning, water, cable, May, and we’ve had a lot of success. Now we just need Internet, local phone and a convenient bus route as Habitat for Humanity – Fort Erie received $1,000 recently from to pick one,” says Brock Otton, 21, of St. Catharines. well as a safe location. various church congregations in the community. On hand for the Brock University advertises housing through its “Talk to the previous tenants,” says Mike Campbell, cheque presentation were, from left, Rev. Cameron Bigelow, of St. main site with a link to off-campus housing. Niagara 22, of St. Catharines. Andrew’s Knox Presbyterian Church; Rev. Julio Romero, of Trinity College likewise has a link to listings in newspapers “If someone were to ask me about the house I’m Lutheran Church; Kay Green, Habitat for Humanity – Fort Erie and other off-campus venues. living in, I would tell them to look harder unless they Faith Group chair, John Newton, of St. Paul Anglican Church; The problem is any landlord can post a house on these want to live in a run-down dump.” Rev. Gloria Christian, of Central Avenue United Church; Carole sites, no matter the condition. The [St. Catharines] For more information about Rent-Tent and student Nelson, of St. Andrew’s Knox Presbyterian Church and Alastair Standard reported on Jan. 17 that Michael Oana, housing, visit Rent-Tent.com. Davis, chief executive offi cer of Habitat for Humanity Niagara. president of the Niagara Student Housing Association, Submitted photo Editor shares experiences with students aspiring journalists By KRISTEN COUGHLAR the Journalism-Print program, says he was and pagination. “You have to be able to do a While Yourk prefers working for a Staff Writer “surprised at how young he (Yourk) was, to little bit of everything.” community newspaper, he emphasizes it Working 40- to 60-hour work weeks, be the editor of a paper [The Port Colborne In comparison, Yourk says, when you’re is more work. The Port Colborne Leader, writing 15 to 20 stories a week, getting Leader] that size.” working for a national paper you are assigned with a staff of two, runs a weekly newspaper meagre pay despite your extensive range of A graduate of Ryerson University, in a beat, which “can get boring.” ranging in size from 48 to 60 pages. qualifi cations is an “in-the-blood thing.” Toronto, Yourk, 29, has had the opportunity He explains that at larger, national papers, Since its main competition, The (Welland) On Feb. 2, Darren Yourk, editor of The to work for both a national (The Globe and a number of reporters cover the same events, Tribune, publishes daily, he and the staff Port Colborne Leader, an extension of Mail) and community (The Port Colborne all vying for the same quote and picture. At a have to “work harder to make a story from Niagara This Week, dropped by to give the Leader) newspaper. community newspaper, “it’s more personal. Monday in The Trib still interesting by second-year Journalism-Print students a taste Having worked for both styles of You get to sit down and have a conversation Friday” by covering it from a different angle of the journalism industry and share some of newspaper, Yourk explained he prefers with someone.” There is more “community or getting new quotes. his experiences. community news. buzz” and “it [the newspaper] means a lot “His presentation would be great for anyone Gary Erb, a professor in the Journalism- Working for a community newspaper, “you more to people.” looking to start out at a small community’s Print program here, says he brought Yourk never have the same day twice,” Yourk says, In larger newspapers, you read certain weekly paper,” Petznick explained. in “for the students to get some real-life explaining that working for a community sections and disregard others, whereas a Responding to the general perception that experience and hear from actual editors and newspaper with a smaller staff provides the community newspaper is more likely to be the newspaper industry is dying, Yourk says, reporters.” opportunity to experience all aspects of the read all the way through because the news all “Community newspapers have a special Jason Petznick, a second-year student in industry including reporting, photography relates to their area, Yourk says. niche.” Pulling wisdom teeth painful for some, not so bad for others By TJ LUCIANO They are removed or extracted for two Local anesthesia renders a small part of the drinking through a straw can create suction Staff Writer reasons. Either they have become impacted body, such as a tooth, insensitive to pain. in the mouth, which can dislodge the clot To pull or not to pull — that is the or will cause problems in the future. General anesthesia knocks the patient and delay healing. question. A vital sign in identifying if you need completely out, leaving the patient This can create dry socket, in which the Every year, countless people are faced your wisdom teeth extracted is in the X-ray. unconscious for a brief amount of blot clot at the extraction site is removed or with the dreary reality of having one or more It shows the angular positioning time. Usually a patient getting all fails to form. The site will become irritated, of their wisdom teeth removed. of the wisdom teeth and the four wisdom teeth removed will and pain can ensue in various degrees. Wisdom teeth are the last of your teeth to impaction of the teeth. need a general. Swelling will take its toll, but it’s a normal appear, usually when a person is between Impactions can appear After surgery, the healing part of the healing process. Bruised cheeks 17 and 24, but it varies from case to case, vertically or horizontally. They process should last at least one and discolouration of the skin are expected as some may appear when you’re younger, can also be angled forward, or two weeks, but post-extraction for a few days. older or not at all. Most people have four towards the front of the mouth or problems may arise. Mike Kaleniuk, 24, of Welland, says his wisdom teeth, but some people have more angled backward, toward the rear One is extensive bleeding and experience with his wisdom teeth removal or fewer. of the mouth. oozing. was “uncomfortable.” Adults have 12 molars, in four groups of In an article written by Brian According to Lorenzo Vigna, There was an eruption in his mouth, and three at the back of the mouth. The third Gray, doctor of dental surgery DDS and oral and maxillofacial the upper and lower wisdom teeth on the molar in each group is your wisdom tooth. (DDS), about oral surgery, he surgeon, gauze pads should be right side needed to be removed. Marilyn Goulding is a faculty member states if the jaw isn’t large enough placed on the extraction sites to He remembers the sedation caused him of the Dental programs at Niagara College to accommodate the wisdom teeth, dental limit bleeding and confi ne the blood while “not to think straight,” and he remembers “a in Welland. She says it some people “don’t problems arise, such as infections, requiring clotting occurs. gas” knocked him out. develop wisdom teeth.” tooth removal. In his home care instructions manual for Kim Van Dyk, 19, of Beamsville, Ont., “They are defi nitely the most abnormal He writes that cysts and tumours can grow patients after surgery, he says maintaining fi rm says she felt “absolutely no pain” after out of all of the teeth. They’re the most likely on a wisdom tooth, causing pain and diseases pressure on the extraction site is important, sedation and surgery. to be odd.” to the gums. as the pressure stops the bleeding. She was a little nervous before surgery but She says wisdom teeth are “genetically Oral surgery will be recommended with According to the manual, another problem was glad it was over. large teeth” in the jaw and sometimes “rip the use of a local or general anesthetic in the that can happen is dry socket. “Getting a normal tooth removed probably out” and cause problems for people. case of tooth removal. Activities like spitting, smoking and would hurt more,” she says. news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007, Page 5 Students may drop out for different reasons By LESLEY SMITH at the time, but gradually I came to acknowledge the fact drop-outs return by the time they are 20, said the CCAR Staff Writer that my untouched correspondence courses weren’t getting site. Some teenagers discover high school is not for them. done.” McFarlane is one of those students who are working on There are about 73,000 people in Ontario who have not McFarlane, once a student at Owen Sound Collegiate and getting an OSSD. He is taking night courses at Georgian completed high school and received their Ontario Secondary Vocational Institute in Owen Sound, explained his reason for College in Owen Sound and has applied to colleges for School Diploma (OSSD), said a Statistics Canada article by dropping out as being unable to deal with problems going on fall 2007. “I’ve come to the realization that I need a higher Geoff Bawlby on provincial drop-out rates. in his life while he was in the social atmosphere of school. education to get my life to the point I want it to be at, mostly The drop-out rate in Ontario for the 2004 to 2005 school Not all students who dislike high school leave. Some, like through seeing my sister’s success after graduating from year was nine per cent. Bowlby’s article noted more young 20-year-old Karen McMichael, stick with it. university.” men than young women drop out. In the 2004 to 2005 school “I knew that if I dropped out, I’d be stuck in Port Elgin Dodd picked up a summer school course in 2005 through the year, 135,000 (nearly 64 per cent) of the 212,000 drop-outs [Ont.] for the rest of my life,” said the Saugeen District Adult Learning Centre to complete his OSSD requirements, in Canada were male. Secondary School graduate. “I was determined to get to knowing he had to attend post-secondary school to get the An article on CBC’s website from April 5, 2004, Home Life university and leave that town behind me forever.” kinds of jobs he wanted. Linked to High School Dropouts: Statistics Canada, listed Although she admits “trudging through the snow at 8 a.m. “I didn’t want a McJob. I wanted a career,” said the Niagara common reasons people leave high school as low household was never an attractive prospect,” teachers are what made College student who is in his fi rst year of the Broadcasting incomes, parents without post-secondary education and low McMichael dislike high school. – Radio, Television and Film program. abilities in literacy. She explained she had problems with the way teachers Although he never fi nished high school, Ligetfalvy “Just because I didn’t go to high school when I was 18 taught, especially in the math and science departments. attended college as a mature student. He completed both doesn’t mean I stopped learning about things,” stated Sandor “It was as a result of this poor teaching that I ended up the Journalism-Print diploma and Interactive Multimedia Ligetfalvy, 23. “I was wasting my time in high school because abandoning plans of pursuing biology at the post-secondary (Graduate Certifi cate) programs at Niagara College. I’d have to go to college, anyway, to accomplish anything.” level and instead focused on my other interests in the arts,” Ligetfalvy is working as a creative designer for Copperlen He said he dropped out of William Lyon Mackenzie said McMichael, who is in her third year of Honours Theatre in St. Catharines. Collegiate Institute in Toronto at age 18 to get a job so he at Brock University in St. Catharines. “[It’s] a decision that “Dropping out of high school would have been a disaster could help out his single mother, who was raising three I haven’t regretted but which I could see children, feeling he could not both make money and succeed others being forced to make with less happy in school at the same time. results.” Shelley Mills, 43, left high school at the age of 16 when There is always the possibility that she was in Grade 10. “I lived on a farm and we were fairly changes within schools may lower drop-out poor,” she explained. “I knew there was no money for further rates. education and I really didn’t want to go.” “Ontario won’t give up on its youth,” Twenty-two per cent of students who drop out of high claimed Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty school do so to fi nd work. However, only eight per cent in an article published on his website on already have a job when they leave school, said the Canadian Oct. 14, 2005. “Instead, we’re working to Centre for Adolescent Research (CCAR)’s website. challenge and engage young Ontarians by Although many drop-outs are looking for work, the demand making school more responsive to their for them in the workforce is weak, said Bowlby’s article. The needs.” 2004 to 2005 unemployment rate for drop-outs was about 19 McMichael described feeling it would per cent. Within higher levels of education, unemployment help students if teachers “actually take an rates are lower. interest in their work and their students.” Twenty-fi ve-year-old Mike Dodd stopped attending West Mills, on the other hand, noted she never Hill Secondary School in Owen Sound, Ont., when he was did enjoy school. When she told her science only one credit shy of graduating because of a job offer. teacher at Grey Highlands Secondary “Basically I thought, ‘Ah, I’m one credit short. I’ll pick it School, in Flesherton, Ont., she would not be First-year Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program student up in summer school.’ Little did I know that summer school returning the next year, the teacher notifi ed Mike Dodd, seen here interviewing Craig Acheson, completed a would come fi ve years later.” the principal. Although the principal offered a summer school course in 2005 to be able to attend college and take Kenneth McFarlane, 21, also planned on completing high variety of reasons to stay, she stated, “school the program he wanted. school. “I left school with the grand idea of fi nishing through never turned me on.” Photo by Lesley Smith correspondence. I didn’t really think of it as dropping out Even after they leave school, nearly all Sandwiches: benefi cial for By MICHAEL SPECK and bread. Plus they’re stackable.” is just like a sandwich. It has all the food groups and is Staff Writer When a student is faced with the choice of a sandwich stackable.” “Back off! Get your own sandwich!” or pizza for lunch, McKee says the student should usually Duemo says she would choose a sandwich over pizza. A Miracle Whip commercial made this line famous, pick the sandwich, but adds,”Sandwiches that are made with “They taste better, and I like them more.” but it might have been inspired by fact rather than fi ction. a lot of mayonnaise, butter or cheese can actually be more McKee says the key to a nutritious sandwich is cutting Consisting of bread, meat, vegetables and cheese, sandwiches unhealthy than a slice of pizza.” back on cheese and mayonnaise and using healthy bread. are a favourite snack of Niagara College staff and students. Hagopian says pizza and sandwiches are similar. “Pizza “Both cheese and mayonnaise are high in fat and calories, Penny McKee, Niagara College’s which in large amounts are unhealthy registered nurse, says she would to the body. The healthiest breads are recommend sandwiches as part of a low in fat and high in fi bre, such as student’s nutritious diet. whole wheat and multigrain. I am an “Some examples of healthy absolute lover of veggie subs.” sandwiches are those made with Hagopian says he doesn’t favour one high fi bre, low-fat breads such sandwich over another. “There are too as whole wheat. Other healthy many to choose from. My brother’s sandwiches would be those made favourite sandwich is margarine and with low-fat meats such as chicken, corn syrup.” turkey, tuna, and are garnished Duemo says her favourite sub is an with important vegetables such as “assorted from Subway.” lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and Christine Kennedy, 19, of Thorold, onions.” worked as a supervisor at a Quizno’s Jessica Duemo, 17, of St. restaurant last year. Quizno’s Catharines, says she loves to eat specializes in submarine sandwiches. sandwiches to stay healthy. “I felt the place was clean, the food “You can put lots of good stuff on was fresh. It’s healthy food,” says them, like lettuce, onion and green Kennedy. peppers, pretty much anything you Kennedy says some people are want,” says Duemo. enthusiastic about sandwiches. Corey Hagopian, a Computer “You can tell who the regulars are. Programming (Systems Analyst) Sometimes we ask questions about Co-op student at Niagara College, what they want on their sub and they 22, of St. Catharines, says he get fl ustered.” enjoys sandwiches because they Corey Hagopian, a Computer Programming student, enjoys a turkey sandwich from Niagara Kennedy says her favourite kinds of have something from every food College’s cafeteria. subs are veggie and prime rib. “I’m not group. “Meat, cheese, vegetables Photo by Michael Speck a fan of cold cuts.” Page 6, news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007 NEWSEDITORIALS@NIAGARA

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news@niagara is a practical lab for Journalism-Print program students studying at Niagara College. Opinions expressed in editori- als and columns are not those of news@niagara management or the college administration. Columns, identified as such, reflect only the writerʼs opinion. 2006 WINNER Readers are welcome to respond to columnists by e-mail at [email protected]

Don’t wake up with Support lacking for varsity sports more than a hangover They need our support. In fact, I recently overheard a Niagara College No, not just Canadian troops fi ghting overseas, but student say he had no idea where the Mackenzie Sex and alcohol may sound a group of people who are fi ghting day in and day building is on campus. like a fun mix, but it isn’t. out closer to home. Now I know there are some people who simply It’s a risky combination. No one wants I’m talking about the Niagara College Knights. have no interest in athletics at all, and I know there are to wake up with a sexually-transmitted Niagara College’s varsity teams have a long and some people who are “just too busy” to be bothered, infection or an unwanted pregnancy. storied history of great performances, but it seems but I’m calling that a load of garbage. fan support is lacking. The point is that becoming a fan of your varsity Stop by The Armoury pub at the Niagara College Colleges and universities in the United States have athletic program is only going to make your college Niagara-on-the-Lake campus on Friday, March 9 no problem packing enormous stadiums for their experience more enjoyable, not to mention you might from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to receive free condoms and home games, but here at Niagara we have a tough develop a little thing called school spirit. participate in the Beer Goggle Challenge. time fi lling half of the gymnasium in the Mackenzie What a coincidence that the same day this paper building. hits newsstands is the same day the Niagara College I’m the manager of the men’s volleyball team at basketball teams play their last home games of the Niagara, and I know how disheartening it can be regular season. BAD WEATHER? to play in a gym in which the majority of the seats What an opportunity to get some friends together are empty. to fi nally fi nd out where the Mackenzie building has Despite all this lack of support, every one of been hiding, watch an exciting game, heckle the Niagara’s teams is in contention to grab a berth at visiting team and have a great night. the provincial championships. I’ll be there, and I’ll be looking for you. During instances of inclement weather, please make sure Why are the stands empty? What is the answer? JASON PETZNICK you listen to these local radio stations for updates I think the teams aren’t advertised enough. on campus closings and highway/road conditions. 101.1 FM Niagara Falls 610 AM St. Catharines Closures announced between 1220 AM St. Catharines 6:30 and 7 a.m. 105.7 FM St. Catharines for DAYTIME closures Gone too far: animals as accessories 97.7 FM St. Catharines Closures announced between 91.7 FM Welland 4 and 6 p.m. 900 AM Hamilton for EVENING closures Tattooed fi sh. Yes, you read right. jewelry to accessorize? Now we need our furry, or The trend of purchasing tattooed fi sh, popular in not so furry, friends, to match our outfi ts and décor. NOTIFICATION OF CLOSURES WILL ALSO APPEAR the Mideast, has made its way to New York City. Society is going to hell in a handbasket, if you ON THE NIAGARA COLLEGE WEBSITE Imported from overseas, the tattoos on these fi sh ask me. Not only is it completely immoral, but it is www.niagarac.on.ca range from designs to sayings and symbols. beyond cruel. These are living, breathing and feeling Frankly, the whole concept is appalling. creatures. God only knows the damage people are news@niagara It was one thing to dress your dog in a sweater doing to them physically and emotionally. Publishing dates and booties in the winter to ward off the chill, but Animals and fi sh were bred to be our companions, now people are treating animals and now fi sh as not a substitute for a lamp or a handbag. Friday, Feb. 23 accessories. Think about it: the chemicals in dye, the Every other week, celebrities carry around a uncomfortable tiny outfi ts, the painful prick of a Friday, March 16 different animal decked out in miniature outfi ts tattoo needle. Friday, April 13 and studded collars. People are painting their pet’s Whether you are a cat, dog or fi sh lover isn’t the For advertising, contact Laura Tait at The Tribune toenails and dying their hair. And now, tattooed fi sh. point. The point is that where are we, as a society, Phone: 905-732-2414 ext. 281 Whatever happened to carrying a purse and wearing going to draw the line on animal cruelty? E-mail: [email protected] KRISTEN COUGHLAR news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007, Page 7 NEWSCOLUMNS@NIAGARA Confessions of a shopaholic jacket I saw the manikin wearing in the 2007 Grammys a let-down window, found my size and walked to the cashier. While standing in line I kind of seems that Record of Music Awards are based on picked up a long, black wool cardigan the Year and Song of the Year sales; the MuchMusic and and placed my items on the counter. As are the same thing, but they MTV awards are based on I whipped out my debit card, I glanced made two categories out of it. viewer voting, but what about at my watch: $225.67 spent in only four It takes up more time, I guess. the Grammys? Here’s my minutes. It’s nice to see how forgiving explanation: a bunch of old Hello, my name is Kristin and I am a America is, considering farts who can’t remember the By KRISTIN RASILE shopaholic. how the Dixie Chicks were last time they walked into a Columnist I fi rst realized I had a problem slammed about four years ago record store and never heard The snow had fi nished falling for when I walked into my Top 3 stores By KRIS DUBE when they spoke out against about downloading until two the day, but the bitter cold still chilled — Abercrombie and Fitch, French Columnist the Iraq war. years ago when they found the air. Sitting on my cream-coloured Connection and Aritzia – and couldn’t I hate the Grammys. Justin Timberlake bothered out you can make money couch, I stared out my window at the fi nd anything new to buy. It wasn’t that Every year I tune in for a me with two performances. from doing it. I’m sure they blanket of freshly fallen snow. the stores didn’t have new stock because little bit, as I will with any During the fi rst, he pretended get a few suggestions from The house-phone rang loudly beside they did. It wasn’t that nothing appealed other music-related awards he knew how to play a piano, their grandchildren about the me, but I couldn’t be bothered to answer. to me because something always appeals show, if I’m home or near an resting his fi ngers on the Rap, Metal, Alternative and I knew the phone call would lead me to me. It was that I owned everything in available television. keys occasionally, moving Rock categories. down a dark path, so I held my breath at least three different colours. This year, the 49th Annual his shoulders as if he were These categories should and waited for the ringing to stop. To say I’m addicted to shopping Grammy Awards were held actually doing something. be included in what is shown Five, maybe six, rings later, there was would be an understatement. Therefore, in Los Angeles as they In his second performance, on TV, both awards and silence, but only for a moment. Resting I’ve checked myself into my version of always have been. They were it was a guitar that he wore, and performances. I think my on the glass table beside me was my rehab: NO SHOPPING. PERIOD. also boring and dull as they didn’t play. He can dance and opinion of the show might vibrating cell phone. I picked it up with It’s been two days since my last usually are. sing, has made an attempt at have been more positive if feeble hands and stared at the name. shopping spree, if you can even consider For me, the highlight was acting (I haven’t had a chance Slayer had taken the stage Mary. $225.67 a spree, and the third time I’ve Sting and the gang getting to see Alpha Dog yet), but this after winning their award for Knowing she was at work, I slipped since my 60-day stint in rehab. back together for the reunion pseudo-instrumentation thing Metal Album of the Year. answered. OK, sure, saying I’m in shopaholic of The Police.It was good, but is downright shameful. I’m not saying that “Can you go to Dairy Queen and pick rehab may have some rolling their eyes, you can tell that Sting’s pipes Who were these women the Grammys should be up a cake for Megan’s birthday?” she but why not? I’m a student struggling to aren’t the same as they used competing to duet with him? completely thrown out the asked rather innocently. pay bills, but never struggling to buy a to be when it comes to hitting At the show’s start it was window, but something needs “Sure,” I agreed. Dairy Queen was wool sweater. OK, sure, a lot of people, those high notes in Roxanne. explained one of three lucky to be done to accommodate to downtown in the middle of nowhere, so especially girls, are broke except for Maybe he needs to cut down ladies would be chosen by every music lover’s taste. there weren’t any risks. when it comes to shopping, but did I on all the tantric sex he’s been viewer-voting to sing Who am I kidding? I “Great! I called the one at the mall and mention I’m allergic to wool? having and focus more on with him. should accept the fact that told them you would be picking it up.” Ridiculous? I know. Waste of money? shaping himself up to the way Again, I’m lost as to how the Grammys are for people There it was, hook, line and sinker. Oh, I hear you. he used to be. Overall, it was the voters even formed who aren’t that interested in Driving to the Bramalea City Centre, Will I stop? I’m working on it. a good performance. an opinion. They were modern music, but do enjoy I made a decision. In and out in fi ve In the 60 days I have cut myself off The only other that mildly completely unheard of, and anything that is spoonfed to minutes. No harm, no foul. I parked from shopping I learned the only way to interested me was Gnarls we only saw clips of them them. outside the A&P, which is right beside stop buying is to stop going within 50 Barkly. I’m not a huge fan, but in rehearsal with Timberlake There’s no sense in looking Dairy Queen, and took the long, cold metres of a mall, a hard task considering compared to the rest, I enjoyed with the ceremony’s for music that might inspire walk toward the automatic doors. I live within fi ve minutes of a mall at it. It won for best Alternative announcer speaking over the you when there are plenty Once inside, it hit me all at once. My both my St. Catharines and Brampton Album, but not during the video. of boring, unoriginal artists eyes burned, my body shook and I felt homes. primetime ceremony on TV. I’m guessing that most of whose music doesn’t require the beginning of a cold sweat. Those are Confession: it’s been seven hours If you are one of those people the people voting were guys, any thinking. classic symptoms of detox. Keeping my since my last shopping excursion, which who goes to the grocery store who formed their opinion The night came to a close eyes glued to the fl oor, I practically ran makes it the fourth time I’ve slipped. not just for food, but also for based on which woman they with the Red Hot Chili toward Dairy Queen. Now, out-of-control shopping the sweet tunes played, then found most attractive. peppers, whose music was “I’m picking up an ice cream cake.” wouldn’t be such an issue if I put the Sunday night’s telecast was Even the Grammys are nothing short of spectacular The young man standing behind the things I buy to good use. More often than for you. putting an American Idol spin 15 years ago. Now, they are counter looked at me strangely before I would care to admit, I don’t wear my We saw the Dixie Chicks on things, although Carrie getting too old and their new heading to the back of the store. As I purchases, or I simply forget I bought win fi ve awards including Underwood was one of the album Stadium Arcadium watched him return, I noticed he was something and fi nd it months later in the Album of the Year, Song of night’s most familiar faces. refl ects their age. They should empty handed. original bag with the tags on. the Year and Record of the One thing I don’t understand hang up their socks and call it “The girl on the phone didn’t say Silly, isn’t it? Clearly, I can see how Year. about the Grammys is how a career. what to write on ...” irresponsible my shopping is, especially I’m a little confused as to the nominees and winners I don’t think I’ll watch next “Happy Birthday, Meg,” I rudely cut with my parents constantly reminding how that works though. It are decided. The Billboard year because this was the fi nal him off, but I was in a hurry. me it’s hard to forget, but still I shop and “It’ll be fi ve minutes.” spend and store my clothes. Five minutes? How could it take ... That recognition brings me to the I turned around to gesture a “why that issue of storage. Column Criteria long?” to the man behind me when I Anyone who has seen my bedroom Journalists, including those in the Journalism-Print program at Niagara College, are taught that saw it in the store window. I shot back will know I have storage issues. With their reporting must be balanced, fair and as objective as possible. That rule must also exist for around, then turned toward the store three dressers and a closet in my columns written by reporters. In columns, the feelings and opinions of reporters are welcome, once more. Brampton home, I am still forced to but balance, fairness and objectvity must never be disregarded or treated lightly. Our columns, “Can you tell him I’ll be back in fi ve keep clothes in laundry baskets and which are clearly identifi ed as such, do not refl ect the opinions or feelings of the administration minutes?” I said to the man behind me scattered all over the fl oor. of news@niagara. as I walked away from the counter. In St. Catharines, it’s no different. Columns refl ect the opinions of only one person: the writer. Through the food court, past the I have one dresser, one shelf and a newspaper stand and around the elevator closet and barely enough room for all I went, never taking my eyes from the my “bring to school” clothes. Out of prize. I stopped in front of LeChateau control? Just a little. and took a deep breath. There was no Although I understand all this, I just Putting spotlight on Niagara region’s best food and wine harm in looking. Besides, I only had can’t seem to stop. In fact, just talking fi ve minutes. about shopping and clothes gives me a Niagara College Event Management (Graduate Certfi cate) students will plan and host a food Once in the store, I dug through a mall itch I just can’t afford to scratch. exhibition and conference, designed to showcase the best of Niagara food and wine. The fi rst pile of white silk dress shirts, found my My funds are low, and the pile of annual Rejuvenating Niagara’s Best Foods Conference and Food Exhibition takes place Feb. 25 size and threw it over my arm. I walked clothes is high. and Feb. 26 at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. past the wall of the colourful spring Maybe rehab isn’t the answer to my collection, picked up the black and white problem after all. Maybe I just need a Page 8, news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007 NEWSH@EALTHNIAGARA ANOREXIA Health risks not worth size zero By TARA BRADY connotation attached to them.” Gould says Staff Writer another theory associated with anorexia Low blood pressure. Dehydration. is that people can’t change their height or Osteoporosis. bone structure, but they can change their These symptoms are signs of aging, but also weight. may be those of anorexia. According to the Niagara Regional The Feb. 6 issue of The Toronto Star features Health Department, anorexia is more Natalia Vodianova, a supermodel, as she admits prevalent among females, as 95 per cent are her adverse dieting experience after the birth of women, and usually begins in early or late her son. adolescence. At 19 years old, weighing 117 pounds, “A common characteristic of persons with Vodianova gave birth. Two weeks later she was anorexia is a tendency toward perfectionism back to make-up, hair and designer clothes on and diffi culty adapting to change.” the catwalk. Not all people suffer the same symptoms, “My weight fell to 106 pounds. I was nervous, but common symptoms of anorexia are oversensitive and had thinning hair. I wasn’t weight loss of 15 per cent or more of ones even aware that I was unhealthy. I didn’t know original body weight, an intense fear of what was wrong with me. I thought I was just gaining weight or becoming “fat,” a distorted doing my job.” body image, dietary restrictions, crumbling Vodianova was helped, through the support of or throwing away food, wearing baggy her husband and her doctor’s attention, although clothes to conceal weight loss, compulsive she still worries about “young, lonely girls from activity and exercise, thinning hair, general poor backgrounds who leave their childhood to weakness and social withdrawal and become models,” Vodianova exclaims. secretiveness. The face of Calvin Klein was disheartened According to the National Eating when the 115-pound model stepped into the Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC), it is studio. important to support someone close to you “Couture houses were calling my agency anorexia is a compulsion to eat in a way that disturbs physical, experiencing an eating disorder. “It is good to complain that I had put on two centimetres all over.” mental and psychological health. to express your concern for their health, as much as you feel Diane Von Furstenberg, president of the Council of Fashion “Eating disturbances affect 10 per cent or more of college you need to, while still respecting their need of autonomy and Designers of America (CFDA), admits there is “an issue” women.” privacy. Eating disorders are often a call for help, and they will within the industry. “Yes, there is a problem and because we Gould explains some of the causes of anorexia. appreciate that there are concerned people.” NEDIC says that are in the business of image, we can help.” The CFDA health “Some anorexics have a fear of fat, combined with a need it is important to avoid commenting on appearance. “They initiative promises to hold workshops for the industry on the to control. Since it is a compulsive disorder, they fi nd a need are already overly focused on this. Comments on weight or nature of eating disorders, encourage treatment for unhealthy to control all aspects of their lives.” appearance, even if you feel they are complimentary, will models, identify models at risk, promote a healthy backstage The media portray celebrities and models as being iconic. only perpetuate the obsession with body image. Gould states environment, not hire models under 16 for the runway, and “People with eating disorders are, in most times, the ones people need to be aware that anorexia has to be diagnosed by not allow models under 18 to work past midnight at fi ttings we admire. They are intelligent, high-achievers who feel a health care professional. “Anorexics are constantly aiming or shoots. out of control. Overweight people often have a negative to be in control, the disorder is controlling them. That’s the Carolyn Gould, Niagara College’s health nurse, says sad part, they can’t see it.”

Get the facts on infection prevention • ttattooattoo aartistsrtists rrecommendecommend applyingapplying By ANDREA DYER all piercing and tattoo needles go through a sterilizing aann ointmentointment severalseveral Staff Writer system called autoclave where a combination of steam, FFACTSACTS They’re growing in popularity, but their potential heat and pressure are used to sterilize and disinfect the ttimesimes a dday.ay. dangers remain the same. tools. In addition, a laboratory will send AI a living As a growing part of our culture and several infectious spore on a regular basis, which will be • ddononʼt uusese wwaterater others, tattoos and piercings can be considered sent through the autoclave process and sent back ppressureressure oror perfumedperfumed not only an art form but also a health hazard. to the laboratory to ensure the spore is “dead.” ssoapsoaps whenwhen showering.showering. Both processes involve needles being This ensures that the process is functioning injected into the skin, sometimes properly. “Everything we use is sterile • a mmild,ild, non-perfumednon-perfumed into oral and mucus membrane and removed from the package in front surfaces where infections are of the client,” says McVey. A fresh aantibacterialntibacterial soapsoap shouldshould prone to breed if proper care tattoo requires minimal attention to bbee usedused forfor cleaningcleaning newnew is not taken. prevent infection. At the suggestion ttattoosattoos aandnd piercingspiercings Bill McVey, a tattoo artist of your tattoo parlour, an ointment for Artistic Impressions (AI) should be applied several times a • iiff aann iinfectionnfection doesdoes occur,occur, in Welland, says that although day to the freshly inked area. While rreturneturn toto yyourour tattootattoo pparlourarlour AI doesn’t encounter many showering, do not use water pressure fforor aassessment.ssessment. problems with customers and or perfumed soaps. A mild, non- the ink or metal used, the perfumed antibacterial soap is an threat is real. He says because effective way to clean the pierced • iiff ccomplicationsomplications persist,persist, tattoos and piercings deal area while a water-based ointment can be rremovalemoval ofof thethe jewelryjewelry oror a with open skin, like a scrape, applied meantime to aid in the healing process. If an ttriprip ttoo tthehe ddoctoroctor mmayay bbee these punctures could harvest infection does occur, McVey encourages customers to yyourour nextnext option.option. infection. go back to the tattoo parlour for a personal evaluation The prevention of tattoo and of the situation. piercing infection begins at the parlour. “Most cases are mild enough to treat with an McVey stresses that using clean, sterile tools is antibiotic cream.” If complications persist, removal of critical, as health and safety is “important to us ... We the jewelry or a trip to the doctor may be your next don’t really deal with a lot of complications.” At AI and only option. news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007, Page 9 Ryerson student designs her way to Denim Diva award By ROBYN HOPPER constant search for the perfect pair of jeans. students to explore their creative retail Andrews for her Rock & Royalty concept, Staff Writer The concept provides custom fi tting jeans business ideas, a press release states. Katherine Hui for her C’mere Goodboy dog A Ryerson University student has been through knowledgeable fashion consultants George Fiddler, senior vice-president, apparel concept, Stephen Maciejowski for honoured for her jeans. and on-site virtual model technology. Central Region, Ivanhoe Cambridge, states, his home accessories/furniture store concept, On Jan. 30, Amber Kelly, 22, received “I am thrilled to receive this opportunity “We are looking forward to working with and Chris Clemance and Edyta Humecka the Ivanhoe Cambridge Retail Evolution from Ivanhoe Cambridge and have the Amber to develop her concept further and for their Fashion Forward Runway Couture program award for her original retail concept, chance to turn my idea into reality,” says are confi dent this will bring added value concept. Denim Diva. Kelly, of Cobourg, Ont., adding, “Denim to the customers at one of our shopping “The School of Retail Management at The entrepreneurial program challenged Diva is all about giving women choice, and locations.” Ryerson University is thrilled to partner with Ryerson University School of Retail this award will give me the industry support An exhaustive judging process narrowed Ivanhoe Cambridge to deliver the Retail Management students to develop a new and resources needed to bring this concept to the fi eld to fi ve fi nalists, who presented their Evolution program to its students,” affi rms and innovative retail concept. Students Canadian women.” business plan to the judges. After a thorough Elizabeth Evans, director of the School of submitted a proposal and business plan to a Ivanhoe Cambridge, a leader in the consideration, Kelly was named the recipient Retail Management, Faculty of Business, panel of shopping centre industry experts for Canadian real estate industry, focuses on of this retail opportunity. Ryerson University. consideration. high-quality shopping centres in urban areas. She will receive up to $150,000 toward Evans adds, “Our strong relationship with Within the faculty of business at Ryerson For the third consecutive year, Ivanhoe building her retail concept at one of Ivanhoe the retail industry is an integral part of our University, the School of Retail Management Cambridge has been named one of the 50 Cambridge’s malls in the Greater Toronto students’ education in preparing them for is the centre of retail education in Canada. best employers in Canada. Its real estate Area. the business world while helping to build an Opened in 1998, the school offers Canada’s portfolio consists of more than 43.2 million In addition to the fi nancial award, Kelly exciting and vital domestic retail sector in only bachelor of commerce degree in retail square feet of retail space. will receive guidance from retail industry Canada. management. This Retail Evolution program is important insiders in leasing, marketing, design, I am very proud of the hard work and The Denim Diva proposal tackles the and valuable to Ivanhoe Cambridge and construction, legal issues and fi nance. innovative ideas displayed by all of the signifi cant challenge facing women in the Ryerson University because it encourages The other fi nalists included Katrina Fitz- students who participated in this program.” Debate rages over college, university By JULIANNE VAN DYK Staff Writer In a college full of students, the decision of further education at college or university has been made. Although some students have left university to come to college and others are in college planning to go to university, there still remains a debate. For students in high school preparing to make this decision, and just for interest’s sake, here are the comparisons of college and university made by other students. Michael Meijaard, 19, is a Computer Programming student at Niagara. He says in high school he made the decision to attend university. After a year in Brock University in St. Catharines, where he took a Business Administration program, Meijaard dropped out to come here. His main reason for the SPC CardTM gets you exclusive discounts†† at hundreds of Canadian retailers. making the switch was money. He wanted to buy a car, he says. Michelle Verbinnen, 20, has a lot to say about the benefi ts of college. come in today or call In her second year at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ont. taking 1-800-HRBLOCK the Veterinary Technician program, hrblock.ca she is where she wants to be. Verbinnen says the cost of college is “not nearly as expensive” as university and the “number of years is also more if you were to attend university.” Second, she says the class sizes are smaller in college. These smaller class sizes create better relationships between students and ** teachers. ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN “You don’t get the one-on-one atripfortwo opportunities that some students need, and it’s harder for teachers to SECRET DESTINATION anticipate or assist you with your to a to see weaknesses because of the large amounts of students.” LIVE IN CONCERT New CD Verbinnen says she believes the ty On High” “Infini now chances of getting a job right out in stores rockwithblock.ca of college are greater than out of university. †Individual results vary. †† Offers valid from 08/01/06 until 07/31/07. Valid at participating locations in Canada only. For Cardholder only. Offers may vary, restrictions may apply. Usage may be restricted when used in conjunction with any other offer or retailer loyalty card discounts. Cannot be used towards the purchase of gift cards or certificates. *To qualify, student must present either (i) a T2202a documenting 4 or more months of full-time Her brother Alex Verbinnen, 22, attendance at a college or university during 2006 or (ii) a valid high school identification card. Expires July 31, 2007. Valid only at participating H&R Block locations in Canada. **NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. disagrees. He says most people will Purchase of H&R Block products or services will not increase chances of winning. Begins 2/1/07 and ends 5/15/07. Open to legal residents of Canada (excluding Quebec residents) who are 13 or older and were full-time students take a student with a degree over a for four or more months during 2006 at a high school, college or university. There will be 1 random draw to award the prize. Skill testing question required for award of prize. See www.rockwithblock.ca for Official Rules and how student with a diploma. to play without purchase. Odds of winning vary based on participation. Void in Quebec and where prohibited. Page 10, news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007 New life for Rodman Hall ‘In the mid-1990s for a period of almost 10 years, the garden went into a state of backwardsness.’

By LAURA NARDUCCI “Sadly, in the mid-1990s for a period of almost 10 Staff Writer years, the garden went into a state of backwardsness,” They are trying to return the gardens to splendour. says Schmahl. “Brock University came along and Darren Schmahl spoke about the past, present and rescued the gardens.” Robin Guard, president of the Gallary Association Organization future of the Walker Botanical Gardens at Rodman Brock University in St. Catharines took over Committee volunteer group for the Walker Botanical Gardens, Hall Arts Centre on Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. responsibility for the overgrown gardens in stands with Darren Schmahl after the presentation about the Walker Schmahl was directly involved with the restoration September 2003. Botanical Gardens. and planting of the gardens in the 1980s. “We knew it would take more time and money than Photo by Laura Narducci “When Rodman Hall was in the ownership of the what we could muster in years,” says Jack Lightstone, Merritt family, they planted unusual and exotic trees,” 56, of Ottawa, Brock’s president and vice-chancellor. says Gordon Hatt, Rodman Hall director and curator. According to Schmahl, in 2005 the Walker Botanical “Over the years, the Merritts had left, and much of Garden Steering Committee was formed “to build on the garden became overgrown.” ideas on how the garden could be developed in the According to Schmahl, in 1853 Thomas Rodman future.” Merritt built a modern stone house on land purchased Schmahl says the committee is working towards from Jacob Hainer. He married Mary Benson in new partnerships, one of which is with Niagara the same year. In the 1860s the early gardens were College. developed. “The idea is that we will get two summer co- Merritt died in 1906. After Benson’s death in 1910, op students from the [Landscape Horticulture William Hamilton Merritt, the son of J.P Merritt, Techniques] program every summer to work with the owned Rodman Hall. Based on old photographs, the staff at Brock to help maintain the gardens.” head gardener at the time was Samuel Richardson, Schmahl says one of the most important things who was the gardener for the Duke and Duchess when a person is developing a garden is that “you’ve of Kent. got to have the money not only to build it but you In 1923 W.H. Merritt died and Thomas Rodman have to have the means to maintain it.” Merritt Jr. took over. In 1959 he was ready to sell Lightstone says over a fi ve-year period $1.1 million the land. According to Schmahl, fearing developers, will be put towards the restoration and maintenance Merritt struck a deal with the District Arts Council, of the gardens. He hopes to fi nd benefactors. turning the home into a gallery. “We just have to take the long view. We can’t be In 1984 Walker Brothers Quarries’ owners made afraid of the fact it would take a long time.” a donation towards restoring the gardens as part of Schmahl says the committee will look at the a 100th anniversary celebration. The John Howard practical side when planning the new garden. Society, which works towards preventing youth “That was certainly one of the biggest mistakes we crime, also helped. made back in the ‘80s and ‘90s when the garden was “We had weekend prisoners work there,” says Jim developed initially. There wasn’t enough money there Wells, 59, of St. Catharines, the executive director at to be planting what we did initially.” the John Howard Society’s Niagara branch. “They put The committee is planning to “let things that want all the stones on the path and de-brushed the gardens to grow, that are native, grow.” on the hills.” Schmahl says over the years and hardships Rodman On June 23, 1988, the area was offi cially named Hall has managed to survive. the Walker Botanical Gardens and was opened to the “There’s a motto in stained glass in the front door Shown is the exterior of Rodman Hall where Darren Schmahl spoke public by the Walker family, St. Catharines Mayor Joe there, part of the Merritt house when Thomas Rodman about the Walker Botanical Gardens. Rodman Hall was built in McCaffery and Lily Munroe, minister of Citizenship Merritt built the main hall, Praesto et Persto, which 1853. and Culture. means I undertake and I persevere.” Photo by Laura Narducci Bag it Back program deposits for empty bottles

By MIRA NASSER where they will be sorted on the Mohammed El-Srouji, 22, into the proper stream anyway.” you have 1,000 empty bottles, at Staff Writer spot, it is possible to melt them and Brandon McDaniel, 20, are Liquor bottles are usually the end of the night you can decide Ontarians can save the down and recycle them into glass roommates and students at Brock thrown into the blue box as part whether to put those in a blue environment and a little money, by bottles, fi breglass and fl eece. University in St. Catharines. of the recycling at After Hours, box,” he said, “but if you’ve paid returning empty liquor and wine While there are critics of the They have deposited empty beer Niagara College’s Welland campus a 20-cent deposit on each of those bottles to The Beer Store. new return program who argue bottles at The Beer Store for over bar and student centre, but Cindy bottles, you have an incentive all On Feb. 5, the Ontario deposit consumers do not have much a year. Blanchard, general manager of the of a sudden.” return program, called Bag it Back, incentive to return bottles, “We just accumulate all these Student Administrative Council, Katrina Miller, co-executive went into effect provincewide to Environment Minister Laurel bottles in our kitchen and when says the bar will start to return its director of the Toronto promote recycling. The initiative Broten says, under similar there isn’t space for any more, we liquor bottles as part of the new Environmental Alliance, said that requires purchasers to pay a programs elsewhere, 80 per cent pack them in boxes in the trunk of program. while 20 cents is a good start by deposit of up to 20 cents per bottle of people return their bottles and a friend’s car and refund them at “We just add our liquor bottles, the LCBO, the province should when they buy their alcohol at the Ontario will not likely be any The Beer Store,” says El-Srouji. and The Beer Store picks these up think of boosting the price so that LCBO and wineries. Returning different. “We get 10 cents per bottle, and it when we get our beer deliveries.” consumers would more readily empty bottles to The Beer Store “Ontarians are great recyclers,” adds up in the end.” The program’s success, however, comply. will ensure customers will get their said Broten. McDaniel adds they have almost may be slow moving for the next Along with raising the price, deposit back. “I know they will embrace as many liquor and wine bottles as few years as more restaurants and Miller says the bottle return system It is estimated the program will the program. Whether it is they do beer bottles. bars reorganize their deliveries and should also expand to include all prevent 30 tonnes of glass, or 80 your neighbour embracing the They say if they are refunded returns to include liquor bottles. beverage containers, including million bottles, from going into program for you, it is good for the their deposit, they “would LCBO spokesperson Daniele pop cans and plastic water bottles. landfi ll sites every year. environment.” defi nitely save the bottles and take Gauvin is positive the program Only then would the environment According to Ontario The Beer Store already has one them to the store.” will succeed in the future. be truly affected positively. Environment Commissioner Gord of the most successful container For those who do not want to In an interview with the Broten, however, is satisfi ed Miller, when people tossed their return programs for beer bottles make the trip to The Beer Store, Canadian Press, he points out that taking it one step at a time to bottles into a blue box, many and cans in Canada. Miller said scavengers who scour in provinces such as Alberta and protect the environment, starting boxes were broken. This causing It collects 96 per cent of beer blue boxes for empty bottles will British Columbia, with similar with the return of liquor and wine them to be useless for anything bottles and 90 per cent of cans. do the job for them. bottle return programs, schools bottles. other than making asphalt in road Charging a deposit for liquor and “People who don’t go to The Beer raised money through bottle drives, “We know Ontarians want to construction. wine bottles is probably not a far Store or feel it’s an inconvenience, and most people return their empty contribute to a clean, healthy However, if consumers return stretch for those who also deposit I think a fair number of their bottles bottles at designated depots. environment, and this is a great empty bottles to The Beer Store, beer bottles and cans. are going to fi nd their way back “If you’re a banquet hall and way for them to do that.” news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007, Page 11 NEWSPOLITICS@NIAGARA St. Catharines’ mayor Fannon retires from politics has fresh ideas ‘Ultimately I want to teach people By MICHAEL SPECK project is in the works for St. that there is a better way of doing things.’ Staff Writer Catharines, says McMullen. Time to meet the new guy. “Our moniker is ‘The Garden St. Catharines Mayor Brian City.’ We need to engage citizens By STEPHEN DOHNBERG McMullen, elected to his fi rst in the beautifi cation of the city.” Staff Writer term last November, is bringing McMullen says construction In a note sent to Green Party plenty of fresh ideas to City Hall. of a new hospital is a “huge” members on Jan. 24, Green Party “I’m loving the job so far. It’s priority. Chief Financial Offi cer Jim only been two months, but I’ve “The St. Catharines General Fannon announced that he “will gotten a lot of support. There Hospital is well beyond its useful not be seeking the nomination for seems to be a new sense of life. In order to guarantee the Green Party St. Catharines riding optimism and energy in the city,” healthcare our citizens deserve, candidate, neither federal nor says McMullen. we need a new hospital now.” provincial [on] Oct. 4.” Bringing new business to St. McMullen emphasizes he He has indicated that he would Catharines is one of McMullen’s wants to put an end to delays in be willing to stay on in the capacity priorities as he begins his fi rst municipal politics. of adviser “if requested to do so.” full year as mayor, he says. An “In terms of building and He also noted that he wants to incubator system will be one developing, things were moving dedicate his time to fi nding a “star approach. too slowly at City Hall. My staff candidate that can take this riding “The city can do this in a number and I will work with council to to a new level.” Fannon says he of ways. One way is helping walk encourage and facilitate change wants to promote the idea the St. entrepreneurs through the process in our city.” Catharines’ riding is “wide open of setting up a new business, The prosperity council will for a new candidate to continue to shepherding them through the be a way for the public to make make a difference.” bureaucratic red tape.” important decisions for the city, Fannon’s fi rst campaign with He says an incubator system says McMullen. the Green Party was in 1993, will help keep post-secondary “We are working with the when he fi nished sixth out of graduates in the city. Chamber of Commerce to develop seven candidates in the Niagara “We’ll provide grants and the Prosperity Council. We went Centre riding. He admittedly was materials to graduates who and visited Waterloo, who were a reluctant one. “I really didn’t put want to start a business,” says the precursors of the idea. There a lot into the 295 votes I got. I was McMullen. “Brock University will be an application process scared to hell.” has one of the highest placement available shortly. The purpose is The second race, in the 2003 rates in the province, but it also wealth creation and better quality Ontario provincial election, has the lowest retention rate. We of life for our citizens.” revealed a more seasoned know potential entrepreneurs McMullen says he plans to put candidate. exist in the area. Now we have to bike racks on buses to encourage Although fi nishing fourth out of keep them here.” people in St. Catharines to use fi ve candidates, Fannon received He points to taxes as another public transportation. 2.65 per cent of the vote with1,167 issue relating to new businesses. “Many young people use ballots. “Our business taxes are cycling as a form of transportation. Fannon ran for the Green Party becoming more competitive It seems like the perfect marriage leadership against Elizabeth May among other cities, and we need of environmentally friendly and David Chernushnko, winning to continue this.” transit.” 0.88 per cent of the ballots in the Vandalism is another priority Two-way traffi c and free three-way race. Fannon was upbeat Submitted photo on McMullen’s agenda. With two-hour parking are two ways about the results, having stating the “Get Loose” phenomena and to re-energize downtown St. that it could “boost the profi le of per cent of the vote or 1,927 “My dad says one thing: you can’t other various graffi ti tags seen Catharines, says McMullen, as the green issues facing the Niagara ballots, fourth in a fi eld of seven change jack without money.” around the city, it appears St. well as a new addition. region.” He pointed out local paid candidates, while the federal race He conceded he would miss the Catharines has a graffi ti problem. “The new performing arts party membership increased from of Jan. 23, 2006 saw him earn four role he has played. “Politics is very “It’s a broken window problem. centre will be downtown, and 25 to 75 in a matter of months. per cent, 2,305 votes, in a race of ego based, although we do this to If you don’t fi x it right away, it the School of Fine Arts will be Fannon, a real estate agent with six contenders. make a difference, but we also do invites another broken window,” moving downtown from Brock,” Re/Max and owner of a hemp Fannon has been the face of it because we want to be on stage, says McMullen. “Graffi ti is he says. “The logical place for product company, Nature’s Hemp, the Southwestern Ontario Green we want to be the teacher. There vandalism and a plight to our the arts is downtown, which is indicated he would be focusing on Party, guiding it through roughly are lots of people who don’t want city, and we need to hold those usually the cultural centre of the his business ventures. the same growth it has seen that pressure, and I love it. I feed responsible accountable.” city.” Walt Lastewka, former Liberal nationally. However, he says he off it.” One of McMullen’s more McMullen had an offi cial tour MP for the St. Catharines riding, felt that his stepping aside would His job will be to continue to help progressive ideas is a call for of Niagara College’s Niagara-on- who ran in two campaigns against allow the Green Party to seek a the Green Party grow, especially increased public input in his the-Lake campus on Jan. 31. He Fannon, described him as a star candidate or “someone with as one who can communicate the offi ce’s policies. McMullen is says the college’s future is “very “different” sort of Green Party a local legacy, a local legend, that Green Party message. creating a Prosperity Council bright.” candidate. you wouldn’t expect to be political “Ultimately I want to teach made up of citizens to brainstorm “I was very impressed by what “He was a fun candidate. He or Green.” people that there is a better way new business ideas and is holding I heard about Niagara students was a different person from other “How many party leaders have of doing things. You don’t have to budget meetings at which and the leadership displayed by Green Party candidates I’ve seen we had, and never the credibility say, ‘That’s just the way it is.’ No, residents can offer their advice the administration.” across the country. He was more we have with Elizabeth May?” you can actually do something, and concerns. The mayor said by the end of forthright.” Fannon asked. and here’s a better way to do it.” “One of the great things about his term he wants St. Catharines Lastewka recalled debates and He is pragmatic about his The communicator is already St. Catharines is its people. It is to be a better place. previous campaigns, and noted that decision to step down. looking ahead to the coming one of the oldest cities in Canada, “I hope the city will be more Fannon “was always excitable. He Dedicating 14 years to running provincial election. The Green but it is also one of the most welcoming and more prosperous. preferred to do things by the seat for the Green Party and its Party of Ontario nomination diverse. We can benefi t from I want our citizens to have of his pants.” leadership has put him in debt. He meeting will be April 1. that.” optimism for their future and the In the federal election of June likes to refer to his father’s logic A new community gardening future of their families.” 28, 2003, Fannon garnered 3.66 in his move. Page 12, news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007 BMX contributes to rider’s quality of life By BRE KIBBLER Dow had previously injured his “boys” days Staff Writer before the competition practicing a downside Cole Dow has paid his dues in the BMX world. tailwhip, a new trick for him at the time. Dow, 23, has spent a large portion of his life at the Stabyard, “Things swelled and discoloured but I wanted a community skate park. The Waterdown resident has been to ride the competition still.” riding for over seven years, is sponsored and knows so many Dow has sacrifi ced more than just his body to tricks he’s inventing his own. ride. Three years ago he volunteered at Camp This pro rider says he is just in it for the good times, Woodward, a summer camp for such activities though. as skateboarding, inline rollerblading and “Right now I have a great time just riding for fun.” BMX. Dow was there for six weeks and upon Dow had once dreamed of “making it” and going pro. He his return home he immediately wanted to go spent most of his time riding at skate parks, reading BMX back. He asked his boss at his actual job, at a magazines and watching BMX videos. He says he loves grocery store, for more time off but he refused. riding because of how cool it looks and feels to do. Dow had to decide between money and riding. “There’s always something new to do. You can’t possibly He chose to ride. learn every trick out there.” “I quit my job to work for free for only three Dow can pull some pretty impressive tricks. A fl air, weeks just so I could ride the sweet parks.” fl ipping his bike upside down in a quarter pipe, is one of the Dow can no longer afford to quit his job. most impressive and newest tricks he has learned. Every winter he drives to Buffalo, N.Y., just to Dow is working on a new trick called downside-icepick ride at an indoor skate park, a trip that costs $25 stall-to-fakie, which he performs on a quarter pipe. In plain to $30 each time. Nor does he want to quit his English it means he rides up the quarter pipe as if he will job as video editor/video board assistant for the air it, but instead of airing it he pushes his back wheel over Canadian Football League’s Hamilton Tiger- Dow has perfected the most recent trick he’s the deck (top) of the ramp, until his peg (grind pegs located Cats for the life of a BMXer. learned, called A Flair. It’s an impressive trick, on the axle of the wheel) hits the coping (the piece of pipe Dow got a taste of what the life is like when in which he fl ips 360 degrees vertically mid that joins the deck and ramp). At that moment he stalls for a he performed at a skate/bike/blade demo at The air. brief moment, defying gravity because now he is completely Ex in Toronto a year and a half ago. He was Photo by Bre Kibbler sideways, and then pushes out of the stall so he’s travelling paid to ride six days in a row, performing the backwards down the ramp. same tricks over and over. Dow says it was hard Dow says he likes the fear factor of learning new tricks. on his body and monotonous. your talent. “I like the feeling of being afraid. Kind of like when you’re He says it made him realize that riding was fun if you ride “In the BMX world, people don’t accept cockiness. It’s on a roller coaster and you’re afraid as you go up ... but once for the fun of it. more respected to be a modest person.” the drop is over you’re so happy and excited. “When I was riding for money it changed the whole thing. Dow says he’s seen many people over the years outcast “That’s what it feels like to learn a new trick, especially I had to be at the ramps at a certain time. I had to perform themselves by thinking they were hot stuff. one that’s hard and could possibly hurt you if you mess up.” certain tricks in a certain order. “Why would you be cocky anyways? I ride for fun, not for Dow has been sponsored for three years. He was fi rst “It just took the fun out of it.” bragging rights.” approached by the owner of Alliance Bike Co., a Canadian Dow has recently been offered a chance to go to China for Dow says it’s not just talent that earns his respect. owned and operated bike shop, through phone then e-mail a month to perform in a demo. His expenses are all paid and “I respect people if they have the right attitude.” and was asked to represent their company. Dow accepted the he would be paid $80 a day just to perform. He says he met his best friends through riding. deal, which offi cially made him a pro rider. “It sounds really sweet, but every time I talk to my friend “I’ve had so much fun on my bike and I’ve met a lot of Being sponsored gets Dow plenty of perks; free admission [who performs in demos regularly] he’s always saying how people because we share the same interests. to skate parks, free apparel, free equipment, all just for much his body hurts and how broke he is.” “Some of them don’t even ride anymore, but if I never representing the company. But the end doesn’t justify the The demos don’t pay much if you’re not working a normal BMXed I would never have met them.” means for Dow. job and don’t give you time to heal your injuries. He says his favourite memories aren’t the competitions or Now that Dow has been around the block (or the park so- “I just realized I don’t want to risk my body for the chance nailing a new trick, they’re the simple ones. to-speak), he sees the BMX world in a different light. He to possibly make a living off riding,” says Dow. “I always seem to remember just riding in a parking lot says he’s reached his goals as a rider, learning all the tricks Although he doesn’t want a BMX career, Dow still late at night with my friends as the most fun times. We just he has hoped to learn. He has been to competitions, big and appreciates everything riding has done for him. ride and joke around.” small, and competed against riders he’s read about in BMX “I have no idea what I’d be doing right now if I didn’t Dow says if you do want to go pro as a rider you should magazines. ride.” just do your own thing. “It was quite scary to be riding against the BMXers I Dow says BMX has taught him a lot about modesty, “The only reason [professionals] became pro is because looked up to,” says Dow. etiquette and respect, and credits a lot to riding. they brought something new and exciting.” Although scared, Dow proved his skill by placing 25 out of “I think I’m a better person because of riding.” In terms of sponsorships, Dow says it’s important to keep 80 in the professional category. He says he thinks he would BMX’s unwritten rules include respecting the ramp and your attitude in check. have placed higher had he not been injured. fellow riders, waiting your turn, and being modest about “Just be yourself and have fun with it.”

Dow is as hot as these fl ames when he hits the ramp on his bike. Photos by Bre Kibbler news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007, Page 13 NEWS@SPORTSNIAGARA Thomas successfully defends Canadian crown

By RYAN MCLEAN Staff Writer Final No stone was left unturned. The 2007 M&M Meat Standings Shops Canadian Junior Curl- ing Championships came to an Team (Menʼs) W L end Sunday. Alberta (Thomas) 11 1 Both the men’s and women’s Quebec (Richard) 9 3 fi nals provided excitement to P.E.I. (Gallant) 9 3 the very end at the St. Catha- Ontario (Myler) 8 4 rines Golf and Country Club. Manitoba (Irving) 7 5 Alberta, skipped by 20-year- N. Ont. (Harnden) 7 5 old Charley Thomas repre- Sask. (Ochitwa) 6 6 senting the Calgary Curling N.S. (Daemon) 6 6 Club, defeated Prince Edward B.C. (Kedziora) 5 7 Island (P.E.I.), skipped by N.L. (Withycombe) 3 9 Brett Gallant, 7-6 in extra ends N.W.T. (Miller) 2 10 Saturday. Yukon (Scoffi n) 1 11 The fi rst half of the match saw P.E.I. take control until the Alberta defeats P.E.I. 7-6 in an extra end. defending champion’s experi- ence allowed Thomas to crawl Team (Womenʼs) W L back into the game eventually N.L. (Devereaux) 11 1 winning in the 11th end. B.C. (Sivertson) 8 4 The Alberta rink, made up Sask. (Surik) 8 4 of Thomas, Brock Virtue, 20, Prince Edward Island skip Brett Gallant screams for sweeping in Saturday’s fi nal at the St. Manitoba (Neufeld) 8 4 Matthew Ng, 21, and Kyle Catharines Golf and Country Club. The 2007 M&M Meat Shops Canadian Junior Curling Alberta (Park) 7 5 Reynolds, 20, will attempt to Championship men’s fi nal saw Alberta successfully defended its Canadian title 7-6 in extra Ontario (Nicol) 7 5 be only the second men’s team ends. N. Ont. (Horgan) 7 5 to win back-to-back Canadian Photo by Ryan McLean P.E.I. (Carmody) 7 5 and world championships. Neufeld, who lost the previous Canadian junior fi nals in Thun- N.B. (McGuire) 6 6 Newfoundland and Labrador’s skip Stacie Devereaux of St. der Bay, was ahead 6-4 going into the fi nal end, but Devereaux’s N.S. (Christianson) 6 6 John’s, defeated Manitoba, skipped by Calleen Neufeld of Win- last shot heroics sealed the 21-year-old’s chances at winning the Quebec (Routledge) 2 10 kler, 7-6 Sunday. juniors. Yukon (Koltun) 1 11 Trailing heading into the last shot, Devereaux man- Alberta and Manitoba will represent Canada at the world ju- N.W.T. (Cormier) 0 12 aged to steal three in the fi nal shot to be victorious on the nior curling championships March 3 to March 11 in Eveleth, women’s side. Minn. N.L. defeats Manitoba 7-6. Yukon sends youngest skip in tournament history By RYAN MCLEAN leather jackets to the team. Staff Writer “That’s when everyone started telling us to He’s calm, confi dent and has the tolerance go for it. Ferber and Ashem have supported to know his time will come. us a lot.” After all, he has six more years to win the Missing in St. Catharines this week is his juniors. regular coach, mentor and father, Wade. He’s The 12-year-old skip from the Yukon back in Whitehorse competing in the Brier looks bashful after winning his fi rst game playdowns. convincingly. “My father started me in curling and Thomas Scoffi n is about eight years teaches me a lot, but I do miss him not being younger than his oldest competitors at this here.” year’s M&M Meats Canadian Junior Curling In 2001, Scoffi n’s idol, Brad Gushue, won Championship. He started playing at the age the juniors. of fi ve, and now, at the tender age of 12, is When Scoffi n stepped onto the ice Feb. 5, the youngest skip in the tournament’s 57- he faced the defending champion, Alberta’s year history. Charley Thomas, 20. Asked if he was looking The Yukon team consists of Will Mahoney, forward to playing the champion, the skip 15, and Mitch Young, 14. Nick Koltun, 15, is nervously smiles and softly answers “yes.” also the son of interim coach, Ron Koltun. The Yukon squad lost a close game 6-5 to The Grade 7 student at Jack Holland the defending champions, proving they can Elementary School in Whitehorse is play with the best. doing something most kids his age can’t Most teams usually have one, two at most, comprehend: travelling to the other side of chances to win gold so they have to play their the country to compete for a national title. best. However, the young skip’s maturity and As the young man begins talking, it’s clear fortitude come through when he admits his this is not, by any means, overwhelming for team always starts a tournament slowly, but him. “we still have six years to improve on that.” When he qualifi ed for the juniors, Yukon skip Thomas Scoffi n screams at his sweepers during the opening day of action Despite the team beginning to play well he intimidation was not an issue, he says. at the M&M Meats Canadian Junior Curling Championships. The 12-year-old is the knows the team’s original goal was “to win “I have some experience at this,” Scoffi n youngest skip in the tournament’s 57-year history. three games at this year’s tournament,” but quietly states. Photo by Ryan McLean more important “to have some fun.” “I represented Yukon at last year’s Arctic men’s league. champion Randy Ferber. The youthful curler says he wants to Winter Games in Alaska, where we won “I’m used to playing older people.” “He encouraged us to try for the juniors, succeed in curling. Although he started off silver.” Scoffi n explains his team never considered so we did.” strong at such a young age, his dream of If that wasn’t impressive enough, he says competing at the juniors until he played a In addition, Arnold Ashem, owner of making the Brier doesn’t seem so unlikely. his team plays twice a week in a competitive match against one of his idols, six-time Brier a large curling supply company, donated “We’ll be at next year’s juniors for sure.” Page 14, news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007 Fair Trade assuring money falls in correct hands By MIRA NASSER only trades with fair trade products His fi rst round of made-to-order adding that while his store is a coffee farmers living in poverty. Staff Writer from 35 developing countries in bookmarks has sold out, and he success, he needs the help of the Oxfam International’s Make In the past few years, fair trade Asia, Africa and South and Central is running low on other products college and local businesses to Trade Fair campaign coffee lead, initiatives have captured the America. It is the longest running such as keychains, necklaces raise awareness about fair trade. Seth Petchers, says, “The company attention of ethical consumers and and largest fair trade organization and bracelets. He is waiting for While the fair trade of [Starbucks] must change tactics organizations that have recognized in North America working directly another shipment to arrive from handcrafted goods by artisans may and set an example for others by an opportunity to form more honest with artisan groups to arrange South Africa and his fi rst one from not be well known, the fi ght over supporting Ethiopia’s plan to help trade relations. mutually agreed prices. Argentina. the fair trade of coffee has sparked millions of struggling farmers earn Fair trade is an international Anne Litke, manager of Ten While the fair trade cause is debates worldwide and moved a greater share of the profi ts.” system dedicated to making Thousand Villages in Niagara-on- generating interest among social several organizations to defend For over a year, Starbucks has sure that farmers, workers and the-Lake, Ont., says once coffee farmers in developing refused to sign an agreement artisans in developing countries prices are determined, they countries. recognizing the rights of Ethiopian are paid a fair price for the goods pay artisans 50 per cent in As of May 2006, 160 coffee farmers to legally own the consumed. It is about better prices, advance when an order is licensed companies have names of their fi ne coffees. decent working conditions, local placed and the rest once imported and sold fair trade If Starbucks signed the sustainability and fair terms of the shipment is ready. “We certifi ed products in Canada agreement, Ethiopia would occupy trade for producers. settle all accounts at the and a majority of them are a stronger negotiating position In a world of big industries and time the fi nal order leaves focused on coffee. After oil, with foreign buyers, capture corporations, the producers of the country of origin.” coffee is the most valuable a larger share of the market valuable commodities tend to be The organization mostly commodity in the world with associated with its coffee names overlooked and underpaid. Under works with widowed or Canadians, for example, and thus better protect its brands. fair trade initiatives, less money abused women, says Litke. drinking over 40 million Securing the rights to these names goes to the “middlemen” in the The money they make cups of coffee daily. would ultimately enable Ethiopia’s transfer of goods and more money from selling their product The majority of coffee coffee industry and farmers to earn goes to the producers and their provides them with food bought in Canada comes an estimated US$88 million extra communities. and healthcare for their from producers who are paid per year. In Canada, TransFair audits families and education for 11 cents for every dollar In an unexpected turn, socially and certifi es all fair trade their children. spent by coffee consumers. conscious universities and colleges products sold and is the only According to TransFair Under fair trade, the 11 in Canada have started selling national, independent, not-for- Canada, 60 to 70 per cent cents turns into 28 cents and fair trade certifi ed coffee in their profi t certifi cation organization. of the artisans providing more money is given to the student-union-run stores. At Brock It is affi liated with the Fair Trade fair trade handcrafted producer. University in St. Catharines, Labelling Organization, the products are women. As social awareness grows, the General Brock Store and international body for fair trade Often these are mothers more people are clamouring SUBcetera, both owned by the that sets the standards for world and the sole wage earners to buy the product, and Brock University Students’ Union, certifi cation. in the home. several supermarkets and have been offering fair trade To be certifi ed, a producer Marty Peprullo is the speciality coffee shops now certifi ed coffee since the summer must follow a list of social and owner of Great Escapes, a candle groups worldwide, Litke and sell fair trade coffee. of 2004. The sales from fair trade environmental business practices, and fl ower market in Niagara Perpullo say they need to work In 2004, Canadians purchased coffee account for about 30 per which include no child slavery Falls, Ont., which opened about hard to make the businesses a over 940,000 kilograms of coffee; cent of total coffee sales at the and healthy working conditions. a year ago. He works in co- success. fair trade coffee sales jumped to university. If all the standards have been met, ordination with Niagara College’s In the 20 years Ten Thousand $28.2 million from about $649,000 Peprullo explains this turn best the purchaser pays a higher stable ACE Niagara, and his business is Villages has been in Niagara-on- in 1998. when he says, “People like to buy price for the product purchased. the fi rst in Niagara Falls to carry the-Lake, it has moved four times. While some smaller speciality with passion and purpose and there A fair product price should cover and sell fair trade products. The last move landed it on Queen coffee shops have started selling is a purpose behind fair trade.” the farmer’s or worker’s cost of Peprullo says the store is “not Street, a main road, and Litke says fair trade coffee, larger companies The purpose behind fair trade is production and living. The price is anything to make a profi t out of. It’s she is hoping it would bring in have yet to join the trend. In the welfare of the producers. reviewed periodically and insures just about making a difference.” more people. October 2006, North American The system will continue to that producers’ basic needs have Make a difference he has by “We have to do well in the busy coffee giant Starbucks opposed grow as long as consumers, been met. trying to get businesses in South months [summer and the Christmas a plan by Ethiopian offi cials that organizations and companies Ten Thousand Villages is a Africa up and running by buying season] to pay all the expenses and would allow them more control remember the farmers, workers Mennonite organization that has products made by South African stay open,” she says. over their coffee trade and a larger and artisans behind the fi nished been running for over 60 years and women. Perpullo echoes the sentiment, share of the profi t for millions of product. Oshawa mayor loses bet to Stephen Colbert over OHL

By TOM RISHAUR pleased to parlay it into something fun.” Stephen Colbert Day are well under way. politicians, including one after Grey and Staff Writer The original challenge from Grey came “We’re in the planning stages now. We’re another after MP Colin Carrie. Oshawa Mayor John Grey is a man of after Colbert verbally attacked Generals asking the public for their suggestions.” Ross says he was planning to ask Colbert his word. fans for throwing teddy bears on the ice Grey says the Generals aren’t the only himself what type of blend the coffee Grey recently lost a bet with satirical TV during a previous game with the Spirit. team who will benefi t from the publicity should be, but then had a better idea. personality Stephen Colbert on an Ontario Colbert has been following the Colbert has created. “Why not have some fun and raise some Hockey League (OHL) game between Spirit since September when “It’s great for the money for charity while we’re at it? One Grey’s Oshawa Generals and the Saginaw the team named its mini entire OHL. The day, everyone who comes in and buys Spirit. mascot, Steagle Colbeagle league is getting something will get to vote for which blend The rules of the bet were simple. If the Eagle, after him. coverage all they think should be the Colbert Blend, and the Generals won, Colbert would have to He claims over North the money we raise will go to charity.” wear their jersey for an entire episode of bears are the America. It’s Ross says the fundraiser will probably his show, The Colbert Report. If the Spirit number 1 also going to take place on Stephen Colbert Day itself. won, Grey would have to name his own threat to make for a Grey says there is one part of the Colbert birthday, March 20, Stephen Colbert Day America and great rivalry situation he doesn’t care for. in Oshawa. the teddy between the In retaliation for the teddy bear toss, The Spirit defeated the Generals 5-4 on bear toss was Generals and the Colbert posted a link to General Motor’s Jan. 26. Grey is now forced to fulfi l his end a personal Spirit.” (GM) annual report, which reports losses of the deal, and he couldn’t be happier with attack on him. In Hockey isn’t the of about $3 billion, on his website and the situation. reality, the Generals d o the teddy only thing benefi ting from Colbert’s asked Spirit fans to toss it on the ice after “You can’t buy publicity like this,” bear toss every year for charity. antics. the Generals were scored against. GM has says Grey. “When an opportunity like this Grey says he laughed when Colbert Doug Ross, owner of Rossco’s Sweet its Canadian headquarters in Oshawa and comes along, I think you just have to seize asked for his day to fall on the mayor’s Shoppe in Oshawa, has found another way is the Generals’ namesake. it. Everybody needs a laugh sometimes, birthday, rather than his own. to utilize the publicity. “It was funny the fi rst time, but after the and if I need to be the butt of the joke, so “It’s also Bobby Orr’s birthday, you “We’re going to name a coffee after second goal it got tiresome,” says Grey. be it.” know. He’s a far bigger fi gure in hockey him, to show there are no hard feelings,” “GM will have the last laugh. They’ve Grey says he wasn’t sure Colbert would than I could ever hope to be,” says Grey. says Ross. started their restructuring process. They’re accept his challenge, initially. “I was very For now, Grey says accommodations for Rossco’s has named several coffees after here today, and they’re here to stay.” news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007, Page 15 NEWIN THES@ SPOTLIGHTNIAGARA ACE Niagara president fi ghts for worthy cause By MIRA NASSER and teach others the principles and values of Staff Writer entrepreneurship and market economics. Kari Spry has found her niche at Niagara College. Spry says her position as president requires her A native of Cobourg, Ont., Spry, 21, came here in September to delegate tasks and to make sure everyone is 2005 to study in the Business Administration — Operations on task and has the opportunity to get involved Management program. Since then, she has completed a four- and be the liaison between ACE Canada and month internship, joined a new degree program, become ACE Niagara members. “I am learning a lot as president of Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) president. It’s a great opportunity to lead a team Niagara and is head of Fair Trade Niagara. effectively.” Spry said she initially chose to come to Niagara College According to Spry, ACE Niagara gets funding because of the program but also because of the size of the co-ordinated through Neil Chartrand, the dean of campus. After a year in the program, Spry moved to the new the School of Business and Entrepreneurship and four-year Bachelor of Applied Business degree in International from the Student Administrative Council. It also Commerce and Global Development at the campus in Niagara- tries to raise money through busines card sales. on-the-Lake. She said she decided to move to the new program “ACE Niagara is a bunch of students having because it’s a degree program and it “looks at fair trade and fun while making a difference,” says Spry. importing goods. It’s all about trading internationally.” However, making a difference requires work, International trade is what interests Spry most. As president so weekly meetings are held every Monday. For of ACE Niagara, one of Spry’s projects requires her to act as the fi rst 20 minutes, they discuss each team’s Kari Spry poses in front of the Business and Entrepreneurship Division a mediator between businesses in the region and crafters in project and for the next half hour, the teams break building at the college’s Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. South Africa. off and prepare the project. Photo by Mira Nasser ACE Niagara is a national, not-for-profi t organization “The meeting is half discussion and half that encourages young Canadians to create brighter futures projects, once in a while, we have a speaker or crafters to sell their products to local businesses who want to for themselves and their communities. They organize and a student workshop where students can come in and work on partner with them. motivate teams of university and college students who practice their resumes and interviewing skills.” Crafters typically set the price for the products, which While Spry says she is content with the way the include necklaces, bracelets, key chains and bookmarks, and teams are working together effectively, she would Spry negotiates with local businesses. If the businesses say the like to increase numbers. “I would like to see a price is too high, then they renegotiate with the crafters until more diverse group of people. Most people think they agree on a price. Spry says a social premium is also added ECE students it is only for business students, but it is not just a onto the price of the product and is paid for by the buyer of the business club. Everyone is welcome.” product. “We provide the social premium to the crafters so that Fair Trade Niagara is one of the many projects they can use it to benefi t the community,” explains Spry. “We Spry is working on. The aim is to import traditional work with the crafters and Inxili women to help them have a craft goods from international villages in an stable income.” differ in opinion Her work with the South African Inxili Crafters co-op started attempt to generate income and promote cultural awareness and tourism development in the region. before she was president of ACE Niagara and heading the Fair The two countries the members are currently Trade Niagara project. By LESLEY SMITH working with are South Africa and Argentina. During a four-month summer internship with the Staff Writer Spry says she fi rst became interested in the International Education and Development Division from May Some students enrol in a program only to discover it is not what project in January 2006 after she worked with to August, Spry was a project development offi cer for Fair they are looking for. Kyla Pennie, an international department project Trade Niagara. Alicyia Zanchin, 18, is one of these students. specialist, and she got several tasks done for the As part of her internship, Spry got the products from Inxili Although she admits she will probably fi nish the two years of her project. On Feb. 24, Spry went to South Africa crafters placed in the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus bookstore. program, the fi rst-year Early Childhood Education (ECE) student for three weeks to do casting workshops and She also placed two orders for Great Escapes Candles, a local admits she is not enjoying it as much as she thought she would. product modifi cations. Besides working for Fair business in Niagara Falls, which included bookmarks and key “It’s too easy,” she notes, without hesitation. “There’s not enough Trade Niagara, Spry visited the homes of several chains. of a challenge.” Inxili crafters and met some of their families. “It was a great opportunity, and I learned so much valuable Originally she was interested in the ECE program because she “The experience was very eye-opening. Some information from everyone,” says Spry of her internship. “It enjoys working with children. families were really poor, but they were happy empowered me by making me make all the decisions. It was However, Zanchin, of Ingersoll, Ont., has found the program to be with what little they had. Their homes are warm like a real-life position.” “a lot easier” than she was expecting it to be, claiming a lot of what and they welcomed me in as if I was family.” With the experience Spry has gathered over the last year she is being taught in her classes she has already learned through After her successful trip to South Africa, Spry here, she has one piece of advice for students: “We need to years of babysitting experience. was able to provide a stable market for Inxili be aware of what is happening in the world. We need to be It is the ability to work with children that, Zanchin, says she likes grateful and thankful for what we have.” the most about the program. “Kids just warm up to me,” she mentions with a smile. Besides being naturally skilled with children, she feels her abilities to be patient, compassionate, caring and kind are also assets to Student returns to school after hiatus working with children. Add to that her “bubbly personality.” By KATELYN MUIR simply watching them. The opportunities to spend time with children come through co-op Staff Writer “I feel a little bit like a creep watching children from placements that ECE students have for three hours a day throughout After two years out of school, Kimberly Koopman behind a two-way mirror. Second semester should the semester. began her fi rst year as a student in the Early Childhood be better because we get to be in the classrooms Zanchin took the program thinking it may help her become a Education program here last term. interacting with the children. I really want to get in teacher in the future. However, she is unsure which direction she Koopman, of St. Catharines, spent two years there and play with them.” would like to take for a career now. working at J.C. Bakker & Sons Nurseries in that city. Koopman says after graduation, “I hope to work in Two possibilities she has in mind are being a child and youth “I originally meant to take off only one year, a day care centre for a few years and start my own in- worker or becoming a youth pastor. but I enjoyed working and especially enjoyed the home day care. In fi ve years I hope to be married and “I think I’m leaning more towards a youth pastor,” she says, paycheques so I stayed for two years,” she said. working.” contemplating the answer briefl y. “They work in the church for youth The two-year program was Koopman’s choice Koopman graduated from high school at Heritage groups, and they’re role models for young people.” because it was short compared to going to university Christian School in Jordan Station. Comparing Zanchin would have to attend a post-secondary school for a bachelor and offered close to where she lives, she said. Niagara College with Heritage, Koopman said, “I like of theology degree to become a youth pastor. The only school she has The ECE program is not diffi cult, but can be a lot of being anonymous. It’s so different from my small high researched so far is Emanuel Bible College in Kitchener, Ont. work, Koopman said. school where everyone knew me. It’s actually nice to If she decides on becoming a child and youth worker, Zanchin may “Some of the projects are very time consuming.” wander the halls and not know anyone.” choose the program at Niagara College. Koopman said she has done a scrapbook on her early As with many college students, school is only a Although she does not enjoy the ECE program herself, she has no years as a child. Also she has made puppets, found a small part of Koopman’s life. problem recommending it to others. song to sing with the puppet and has to make four toys “Religion is a major part of who I am. Being a “It’s really good. It teaches you what you need to know, even appropriate for toddlers and infants. Christian shapes my moral code, and that is very though I pretty much know all of the stuff.” She adds the teachers Students in this program complete a specifi ed important to me.” make the classes fun, “even on the long days.” number of hours of observing children in the college’s Koopman said you have to be a patient person to day care centre. Koopman said she does not enjoy succeed in this program. Page 16, news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007 Journalist copes with Social Anxiety Disorder By ROSE SOMR for the ability to e-mail as much as possible. It’s much easier Staff Writer for me to write to someone than to talk to them in person, It’s a journalist’s role to be social. For someone with especially if it’s the fi rst time I’ve been in contact with that Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), this seems impossible. person.” Lesley Smith, a 20-year-old Journalism-Print student, Through writing to her sources, she can edit what she describes the disorder and her experience with it. wants to say and perfect it before sending it off. SAD is the fear of social situations, and in some cases is While e-mail is certainly convenient, Smith also phones referred to as Social Phobia. The disorder presents itself in many of her sources. To prepare herself, she says she makes two types: a non-generalized type, in which a person is only notes of what she wants to say so she is less likely to stutter afraid of one social situation, such as being on stage, and a or make errors. Just making the phone call can be stressful generalized type, in which a person is scared of all social enough. situations. Smith suffers from the latter. “Sometimes it takes an attempt or fi ve to actually pick “The thought of talking to another person, in person or up the phone and make the call, but in the end I always pat on the phone, is terrifying – literally,” says Smith, of her myself on the back,” Smith says. struggle with the disorder. Her nervousness of e-mailing and phoning are When she was 18, Smith, who grew up in Owen Sound, overshadowed by having to face the people she’s Ont., researched her symptoms and the different types of interviewing. anxieties, two years before being diagnosed. It was then she “For an in-person interview I really have to have faith in began to specifi cally suspect SAD. myself, and I often look to others around me telling me that Smith says the earliest she believed she was beyond shy I am able to do it and supporting me. Hit-and-run interviews was in Grade 7, but adds she has felt this way for as long as are the worst—no time to prepare—but I do ‘em anyway.” she can remember. Smith vows she won’t give in to this disorder, emphasizing, In social situations, or even while thinking about them, “I love doing this [reporting], so I’m determined to do Smith describes her reactions as similar to those experienced whatever I can. Sometimes it’s downright draining, with a phobia. especially during really busy weeks and especially after “It’s a sensory overload. I get light-headed. My pulse being diagnosed. I suddenly can’t hide. I have to do this.” races. I feel hot and yet cold. People sound like they’re far Looking into the future is something Smith tries not to do away, even if they’re standing right in front of me. I become too often. very aware of where people are, what they are doing.” As a journalist, she realizes she’ll always have obstacles Though Smith assumed she had SAD, she says seeking to face. help was “extremely diffi cult.” Lesley Smith holds out her pills, which reduce her “I think it will be considerably more diffi cult when I enter Smith confi des, “Even the thought of talking to someone symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder. the workforce. We live a pretty sheltered life in school. I trusted, like a doctor, and getting help can seem like it may Photo by Rose Somr guess that I do two things to keep from freaking out. I try not be the end of the world. It takes a lot of gathering of courage to concentrate on it too much. I’d drive myself absolutely and support from family and friends to be able to make she probably would never have sought help, adding, “It’s batty if I did that. I also keep in mind that practice makes the move to seek help ... it took me two years to gather the important to have the trusted support system.” perfect. If I don’t face it, things will never get any better courage.” Once Smith was diagnosed, she had to face her new than they are.” SAD is usually mistaken for shyness or other neurological reality. However, she says it was “pretty easy” for her to Smith is confi dent she can rely on her family and friends disorders, mainly because not a lot is known about it, but, as come to terms with the diagnosis because of the research to support her every step of the way, saying, “I get a lot in Smith’s case, a family doctor can diagnose it. she had done prior to seeking help. of my strength through the support and encouragement of Smith says, of the diagnosing process, “I informed him Although there is no cure, Smith has begun treatments to these people. I’m not strong enough to stand on my own yet of the anxiety I was feeling, and he asked me questions reduce her symptoms and help her cope in social situations. ... and who knows if I ever will be.” to narrow it down to which anxiety I was experiencing Treatments vary depending on the person receiving them. As her career progresses, Smith is hopeful it will be specifi cally.” Common treatments include medication, which Smith takes rewarding. Though it would seem answering personal questions would daily, and counselling, sought weekly, to talk through things “I think it may be. I mean, I am determined. I have be diffi cult for her, she explains, “I answered the questions that have occurred in the past week and to clear her head. obstacles that I have to overcome on a daily basis and some as truthfully as I could and was amazingly comfortable. It’s As a working journalism student, Smith is constantly faced days it gets the best of me ... I just want to crawl into bed and a very naked feeling, if it can be compared to anything. I with the challenge of arranging and conducting interviews, sleep – sometimes I do, but I trust that as I deal with things, had to bare myself, and all my secrets, in that little neon-lit which, she says, is one of the most terrifying situations she’s those days will become fewer and eventually disappear, room. But I did so, and it made things easier.” faced. and someday I will enjoy a career in journalism that I have Without the support of her family and friends, Smith says Asked how she works despite the fear, Smith says, “I look worked hard to achieve.” Many people do not understand how, why of radiation By KATELYN MUIR amount you’ll have some mild changes in external, internal and systemic. Most put into isolation until they are safe. Staff Writer your blood and experience some nausea and patients receive the external radiation, says A small amount of the radioactive materials With some words there is an automatic vomiting. Under that, you may not notice the National Cancer Institute. comes out in the patient’s sweat, saliva and wince-refl ex. Radiation is one of them. anything happening to your body. External radiation therapy, used to urine. Touching the patient unnecessarily is Most people don’t understand what When you get up to 1,000 times the safe treat most types of cancer, is given on an a bad idea. radiation is or its purpose. amount, you not only are vomiting and sick, outpatient basis, meaning it does not require Radiation can be unsafe to the avearage, Radiation is energy in the form of particles but you start losing your hair, your immune staying overnight in the hospital. It can be healthy person, but can people use such or waves. It’s true that in most cases radiation system suffers and you develop a high used to treat cancers that have localized and materials as a weapon? The answer is yes. is not a positive thing. potential for serious blood disease. cannot be fully removed in surgery. There is potential to create what is known Radiation, in some forms, can be injested Above 1,000 times the regular amount of Internal radiation therapy is placed very as a dirty bomb. A dirty bomb is an ordinary or come into contact with the skin and cause radiation, people suffer from dehydration, near or inside the tumour. In most cases, it explosive with radioactive material laced bodily harm. Then there is penetrating anemia, hemorrhaging, infections and, in is done with small implants in the form of through it. radiation that can travel hundreds of yards most cases, death. These large amounts thin wires, catheters or capsules that are put The council says, “In May 2002 the and go through walls. This form affects the cause death in 80 to 100 per cent of the into the body. United States arrested an alleged al-Qaeda whole body. people exposed, says the Council on Foreign It obviously requires a small hospital terrorist plotting to build and detonate a Many people may be surprised to discover Relations. stay, since there would be a small procedure dirty bomb.” that they are exposed to small doses of However, radiation is a lifesaver for many needed. The Council on Foreign Relations also says radiation every day. There are small amounts people battling cancer. Systemic radiation therapy uses another possibility is likely “the sabotage of radiation in the soil and also in man-made Radiation therapy damages the genetic radioactive materials such as specifi c iodine. of a nuclear power plant with the intent to devices like x-ray machines, microwaves material of the cancer cells, keeping them These materials are injected into the body or release radiation into the environment.” and nuclear power plants. from growing. Unfortunately, while keeping taken by mouth. This type of therapy is used People should know how to limit the These small amounts of radiation do not the cancer cells in check, it also damages the for thyroid cancers. amount of radiation contact in their bodies. cause much harm to our bodies. healthy cells. The external therapy does not make If a person is exposed to unnatural Scientists have not uncovered all the About half of cancer patients receive some the patient radioactive. Internal radiation amounts of radiation, if a dirty bomb went ways radiation affects our bodies. There are form of radiation therapy, says the American therapy makes the small area receiving the off, the fi rst step is to scrub your skin clean two known possible effects, the likelihood National Cancer Institute. therapy radioactive, so some precautions and get out of your contaminated clothing. of getting cancer and something called The dose of radiation depends on what must be taken to ensure the safety of others. Get rid of any radioactive material inhaled radiation sickness. type of cancer it is, where the tumour is Systemic radiation therapy makes the or swallowed. Radiation sickness depends on the amount and whether any nearby organs will be patient’s whole body radioactive for a few The area around should be decontaminated of radiation to which you have been exposed. damaged. days, depending on the dose. These patients to keep dust and debris from spreading. Also For example, at over 400 times the normal There are three types of radiation therapy: are a health-hazard to others and are often protect your food and water supplies. news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007, Page 17 NEWNOISES@ @ NIAGARNIAGARA A Apostle of Hustle begins escaping shadow of Broken Social Scene By CODY MCGRAW with Girl From Ipanema on it. That record made people Staff Writer get up on the table and start dancing. The other music we The new album may be called National Anthem of were listening to at the time was good too, I’m sure, but Nowhere, but Apostle of Hustle sure isn’t going there. it didn’t make people get up on the table. It made a big A fl u-stricken Andrew Whiteman states the album “has impression on me at the time.” more percussion and louder vocals” than previous release In Broken Social Scene, Whiteman says he has “been Folkloric Feel as he struggles to survive cross-armed able to hone in on a certain sound and perfect it. I want and frail looking before the band’s show at The Casbah in to now do the same thing with Apostle of Hustle, but it’s Hamilton on Feb. 2. going to take a few months to get there. There is less Explaining it was a group decision, he addresses the delay for those guitar nerds out there. Broken Social album as “less dense” and having “a lot more space.” Scene. Delay. Apostle of Hustle. Less delay.” The band has a lot to live up to, for Whiteman is During their tour, the members of Apostle of Hustle lead guitarist of indie-supergroup Broken Social Scene. have asked fans to message requests for cover songs to Because of that band’s recent success, Whitman’s project their MySpace page. is generating buzz in the blog world. Whiteman laughs “not enough” weird songs have been “I’m in a band that can play 2,000 to 5,000 people and requested adding he “loves to cover” and has done so that’s really fun. There’s no doubt that is a huge buzz, but with songs by Stars, Metric, PJ Harvey, Tom Waits and I want to skip the hype. I’m happy the record is getting many Cuban songs. attention, but hype washes off.” As hype for National Anthem of Nowhere grows, Although Whiteman says there is no pressure felt, he Whiteman shakes it off. stresses the two bands are very different as he clarifi es “I don’t think anyone would have listened to us if not for this isn’t a hype band. the Social Scene connection. Folkloric Feel is a diffi cult For one, Apostle of Hustle is heavily infl uenced by listen. People have short attention spans and now that Spanish music. Now having added this infl uence to his everything is digital you can listen to anything you want, own music as a “rhythmical thing,” Whiteman credits this anytime you want. You can listen to four seconds of a need to incorporate it to his stay in Havana, Cuba, and to band and you’ve judged them already, so, the association a “huge party” he had as a teenager while his father was has helped.” Apostle of Hustle adds rhythmical percussion to their Feb. 2 away. Whiteman asserts this association is not unwelcome as show at The Casbah in Hamilton. “We were blasting music and then someone put on one he points to his black Broken Social Scene hoodie with Submitted photo by Didi Whealy of my dad’s records. It was a Stan Getz record, the one a thin smile. English musician fi nding success after years of effort By MONICA KEYES could earn £20 a week. “I couldn’t sing, but I kept going at it, Mancini’s Moon River. Staff Writer and eventually people stopped telling me to shut up.” Towards the end of his contract at the Savoy, Lightman Tucked away in a corner alcove, a self-confessed piano After university, Lightman began working at the Savoy said he was ready for something different. “I couldn’t play man fi lls the bar room with melody and voice. Hotel in London. “No one under 50 had gotten that gig ... I with a band, and I had no social life.” The patrons of Hamilton’s Beaver and Bulldog were host was only 21 at the time,” he said. For the audition, Lightman The next band that Lightman worked with was Wednesday’s to a musical treat from England’s own Joel Dream. With this band, Lightman produced a Lightman, who played a mixture of original rock CD entitled Autumn Lights. songs and covers. After playing an opening Around this time, his career as a composer set for Trinity Road, a band from Southern began to develop and has continued since. Ontario, Lightman moved to a booth to discuss Working for the British Broadcasting Channel his music career. (BBC), Lightman said that he wrote the theme Working as a musician since age 15, 27- to the television show Metrosexual. He also year-old Lightman said, “My only ambition in said he has worked with the Toronto Symphony life is to make money from music.” Currently Orchestra on a project with the Discovery working as a pianist and lead vocals for the Joel Channel, and he is currently writing the score Lightman Band, he spends the rest of his time to the BBC fi lm A Dying Breed, to be released composing. Lightman, who has three degrees next year. in music, said his parents believe strongly in “I am fi rst and foremost an orchestration education. He has earned a bachelor’s degree composer, but I love playing the piano.” in Commercial Music from the Musician’s As a songwriter, Lightman said he is infl uenced Institute of Los Angeles, a bachelor’s degree by such artists as Ben Folds Five and Billy Joel. in Composition and a master’s degree in “[Billy] Joel is quite happy to wear his heart on Orchestration, from the University of Leeds. his sleeve – or rip someone’s heart out. Versatility Growing up, Lightman said that the in music is key to being good.” instrument he mainly studied was the French Lightman said that he enjoys music that is horn. When he fi rst heard Guns and Roses’ CD “shamelessly pop,” but is also a fan of German Appetite for Destruction, however, he sold composer Wilhelm Wagner and the musical The his French horn to purchase his fi rst guitar Little Shop of Horrors. pedal. “I have a deep, unrequited desire to be a For the past 18 months, Lightman has been guitar player, but I am awful,” said Lightman. living and working in Toronto. Lightman, His best instrument is the piano, and despite guitarist Rory Sills and drummer Ryan Sullivan failing Grade 1 piano, something Lightman form the Joel Lightman Band. Their CD Every said is unheard of in England, he never gave Photo by Monica Keyes Street Corner, a pop version of Lightman’s fi rst up. “I never gave up the piano because I was album Autumn Light, is available for download good a it.” said that he played 30 minutes of Andrew Lloyd Webber and from iTunes or can be purchased off the band’s website, At age 15, Lightman said he played his fi rst gig as a was then signed to a six-week contract. If he could learn a www.joellightmanband.com. The Joel Lightman Band is keyboarder with a band named Secret Essence. His time with proper repertoire for a cocktail piano setting, he would be also available over MySpace, where they keep an up-to-date Secret Essence did not last long, however, as a keyboarding signed to a longer contract. show list. accident resulted in the drummer breaking his shoulder. Playing nine hours a day, seven days a week, Lightman With his band beginning a new CD and a fi lm score in the Moving onto a solo career, Lightman found himself playing said he soon had a repertoire of thousands of songs, and works, Lightman said that he is not after fame. “I am not piano at a jazz pizzeria. Lightman said the idea of singing he was signed to a two-year contract. During this two-year after public recognition, but if it snowballs to that point, then was suggested to him there out of “avarice,” as it meant he period, Lightman said the most requested song was Henry it does. I just want to spend my life making music.” Page 18, news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007 NEWNOISES@ @ NIAGARNIAGARA A Comeback Kid comes back New Pornographers By KEITH LAING Staff Writer It will take more than a slight stumble to prevent this Win- nipeg band from bettering its play for frozen fans stranglehold on today’s hardcore music scene. By CODY MCGRAW Comeback Kid, whose name Staff Writer refers to picking yourself up after The phrase “colder than a witch’s teat” was redefi ned on Feb. 3. metaphorically falling down, was At Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto, The New put in a tough spot in the spring of Pornographers played a free show for WinterCity 2007, a 14-day 2006, when the singer unexpect- celebration of the city’s culture, creativity and cuisine. edly left the group in the midst of a With the weather being about minus 18 degrees Celsius and feeling tour. Not wanting to cancel a show about minus 30, it was a surprise the crowd was so large. scheduled in St. Louis the next The square was fi lled with people dressed as Eskimos as they evening, guitarist Andrew Neufeld braved the Arctic weather to hear the Vancouver band’s infectious accepted the role of front man and power pop. got behind the microphone. The strong smell of Bailey’s in coffee turned many jealous heads Guitarist Jeremy Hiebart says as the band members hammered through its hour-long set wearing it was a “large blow,” but things heavy winter gear. became normal again very quick- “You don’t know how hard it is to play the keyboard with gloves ly after the bombshell had been on,” exclaimed a cold Kathryn Calder. dropped. “It was really hard to fi g- Singer Carl Newman accidentally let a four-letter word slip while ure out why it happened. We didn’t tuning his guitar and then lied to the crowd asserting he’d said have time to fi gure things out at the “funk” and that it was a plan so they could play Parliament’s Give Up time. When life deals you a weird the Funk. hand, you just have to play it.” The band obliged and played the song while Newman continued Hiebart, 30, who has been play- tuning his guitar. ing in Comeback Kid since its Hits like Mass Romantic and Sing Me Spanish Techno made formation in 2000, says the band the crowd dance, keeping them warm for at least a few minutes. is not going to stop making music Many friends tried having their own dance party circles as a way to anytime in the near future. get warm. “I’ve wanted to play in a band To ignite the crowd, the band members played Streets of Fire, the ever since I was a kid. I’m 30 but best sing-along of the night. Many probably hoped this would cause I’m still living a childhood dream; an actual fi re in the street, “but not in a revolutionary way,” joked this is something I never want to Newman. stop doing.” Members of Comeback Kid, from left, are Kevin Call, Jeremy Muffl ed clapping was all the crowd could offer as the show ended Comeback Kid, who is releasing Hiebart, Andrew Neufeld and Kyle Profetta. and the gathering exploded to run to shelter or the nearest Tim a new album this month, is looking Photo courtesy of Smallman Records Hortons. to capture the energy of their live show while in the studio. Hiebart says the band’s music has always been about energy. “We write music that we feel is energetic, always hoping it will translate into a live setting. I just hope people who watch us live feel Top 10 the same way we do.” RealTraxTM ring tunes With crowd participation play- ing a large role in the band’s live Week of February 5 performance, Hiebart says venues 1. Fergalicious that allow audience members to run - Fergie onto the stage to cause mayhem or 2. I Luv It - Young Jeezy dive off into the crowd are the best 3. I Wanna Love You to play in. - Akon 4. Irreplaceable “When we toured with Bad Re- - Beyonce ligion, a band who’s all about hav- 5. Lips of an Angel ing kids run up on stage, there was - Hinder 6. Money In The Bank a barricade separating us from the - Lil’ Scrappy audience. Since crowd interaction 7. On The Hotline is where we get our energy onstage, - Pretty Ricky 8. Promise we had to reach inside to fi nd it.” - Ciara General Arts and Science student 9. Shortie Like Mine Katie Rayfi eld says she is “excited” - Bow Wow about the new album, Comeback 10. Smack That - Akon Kid being one of the few bands in Text "PLAY" to 4800 on your Rogers wireless the hardcore scene she listens to. phone to download your favourite ring tunes today. “I’ve been waiting for it forever. They make me want to run around real fast and throw my fi sts in the air,” says Rayfi eld The album, entitled Broadcast- ing, is the fi rst since Andrew has taken over the microphone, but Hiebart says it’s still the same old Comeback Kid. “We don’t really set any goals when we’re writing and recording an album. We just make sure it’s consistently high energy.” news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007, Page 19 NEWCOLLEGES @ENTERTAINMENTNIAGARA Geeks conquer college radio Brian and Tetrad radio

By LESLEY SMITH way,” chimes in Saylor. “If you’re away as the United States. Staff Writer great at cooking, you’re a cooking “We had fan mail before the show show supplying college Lower your shields and surrender geek.” even started,” exclaims Dodd. your listenership. The two are keen on celebrating Since the fi rst show aired, they Those words have become their interests. have received more positive somewhat of a catch phrase for “This is a lifestyle to us,” claims feedback. with concert knowledge one of Niagara College’s newest Dodd. “We wear our geekdom “We’ve been told we have radio shows, This Week in Geek proud. In college, we’re the good chemistry, and it seems like By JENNIFER DESCHAMPS (TWIG). The show, on 90.1FM majority. We are the nerds you’ve we’ve been friends for years,” Staff Writer The New Heat, caters to the geek seen on TV.” says Dodd. Get a Backstage Pass with Brian and Tetrad. in all of us. “Minus the pocket protectors,” This Week in Geek’s Myspace These Campus Radio Niagara College (CRNC) hosts say they’re Steve “Snowball” Saylor, 23, Saylor is quick to add. page,www.myspace.com/ a “funny duo” and promise to make listeners laugh every Monday and Mike “Birdman” Dodd, 25, As the two sit on the couches thisweekingeek, has more than 50 night on 90.1 FM The New Heat. host the hour-long show that aims in the college’s cafeteria, friends only a few days after being First-year Broadcasting — Radio, Television and Film (BRFT) “to make geeky less scary and enthusiastically sharing the same created, and the numbers continue students Brian Summerhayes and Tristan Wright, who is also known more trendy,” explains Dodd, of answers and ideas, it is diffi cult to to grow. as Tetrad, say they became interested in the idea of hosting a radio Owen Sound, Ont. “It’s all about believe they have only known each Future endeavours of the duo show when the program director presented the students with the the image.” other a few days. include getting podcasts set up and opportunity. “The image of geek,” adds Saylor originally planned to do arranging interviews with public “We thought it would be fun and interesting to do,” says Wright, Saylor, of St. Catharines. the show with another student, but fi gures. and they could earn extra credit at the same time. “We make geek look chic. We are there were schedule confl icts, so During the course of the interview, Summerhayes says when he fi rst came to Niagara he had intentions considered sexy in some countries, he asked Dodd to be his co-host, Dodd contacted representation of getting into radio, but now he is leaning towards fi lm. so there we’re considered Brad Pitt knowing Dodd was interested in for the likes of Buffy the Vampire “We’re gonna see how this radio thing goes.” and George Clooney,” jokes Dodd. being a guest on the show. Slayer creator, Joss Whedon; According to these boys, the fi rst thing you need to know when The fi rst year Broadcasting Saylor’s original idea for the Smallville actress Allison Mack; developing a show is the premise. “Ours is about concerts. We go to — Radio, Television and Film show focused on technology, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back a lot of concerts,” says Summerhayes. program students’ website, www. but he changed his idea when he actor, Kevin Smith. “Putting a show together involves a lot of research. When you play thisweekingeek.net, has show notes realized “there’s no one really here “If we can get those three, my a new song, you need to know when the band is going on tour, when and an introduction to TWIG. that would get into technology as life is over,” exclaims Saylor. the album comes out.” “The show will focus on all much as I do.” “It makes us feel like we have They say people don’t realize how much work takes place during aspects of the culture which After coming up with the concept, a pulse on the vibe of the geek production before a show hits the airwaves. bubbles just underneath society,” they had to submit a proposal and a community,” Dodd says, describing Backstage Pass will feature all types of rock tunes, playing the site reads. demo tape to the station’s program how it feels to possibly have the everything from modern to punk, as well as classic rock, hard rock “The world of the electron and co-ordinator. interviews. and indie. “But defi nitely no pop rock,” says Tetrad. the switch, the roleplaying game “In order for me to get the demo, Saylor sums up his feeling behind Listener Amanda Taylor says she likes that the band plays a wide and the fi rst person shooter and, I had to record it myself,” notes the show saying, “It doesn’t seem variety of music instead of just one type. well, you get the idea.” Saylor. “It was pretty bad.” like it’s ‘my show,’ or ‘your show’ The show will also include concert reviews, tour dates and maybe The goal for TWIG is “to reach TWIG made its debut on Jan. anymore. This is our show.” even some on-air game shows. “We’re planning on having the as many people as we can, to pull 31 and surpassed the expectations This Week and Geek airs occasional guest.” They are still in the brainstorming process, “just geek out of the closet and onto the Dodd and Saylor had for it. from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on getting an idea of what the show’s gonna be.” stage, to get up on stage, be who The number of people logging Wednesdays and can be heard They both agree that overall it’s about having fun. “We’re here to we are and be proud of who we on online to listen caused the on 90.1 FM or online at www. have a good time and see if we’d like to do it beyond fi rst year,” says are,” says Dodd. server to crash. broadcasting.niagarac.on.ca/cnrc. Summerhayes. “Everyone is a geek in some There were listeners from as far html. Before their fi rst show Jan. 29, Summerhayes says he was “a bit nervous,” while Wright says he was more nervous about “screwing up” with the CDs than actually speaking on the air. “What was running through our minds was how we were going to talk our way into our fi rst segment, which was introducing us and our show.” Business slow at After Hours The boys say listeners will keep tuning in every week to keep laughing. “Most of our segments are made to make the listeners By AMY MINOR gather on a Thursday night to play pool, participate laugh, and the others are to inform them of what they are interested Staff Writer in some random draws and games for some prizes, in: concerts, since our show is based around concerts,” says Niagara College has its own bar right on campus, this appears to be the crowd that we are getting,” adds Summerhayes. but for some reason, students say there is still nothing Blanchard. Taylor, a fellow fi rst-year BRTF student, says the guys are “really to do on a Thursday night. “I like it there during the day,” says Carlos Rendon, creative and really good at improvisation.” After Hours is the pub at the college’s Welland 24, “and I’ve been there once on a Thursday night, but “Brian and Tetrad can come up with stuff quickly off the top of their campus, it is a venue most students say has great it’s not really my scene. It’s no Club Dragonfl y, but it heads. They’re not shy, so they can really get going,” says Taylor. potential to be “an awesome place” they’d patronize gets the job done. During the day though, when I have “Basically, they just don’t shut up.” but only if some changes occur. like a three-hour break or something, it’s a great place She says the fact the duo are close friends helps them in knowing Muna Dini, 20, says that she doesn’t mind going to go. As for a bar though, some things probably gotta how to play off each other’s humour. into After Hours throughout the day to sit down or be changed to make it a bit better.” Wright says his nickname Tetrad originated in Grade 11 biology. hang out with her friends, but to go for a pub night, Blanchard says, “Without student turnout and “We were studying cells and the process of meiosis.” One-quarter of there is “no way you’re getting me in there.” increases in sales, we may consider running less the chromosomes during this process is called a tetrad, he explains. An unscientifi c random poll of 100 Niagara College pubs, but that would be a last resort and SAC feels “I raised my hand to ask a question, and my teacher, one Mr. Defoe, students showed there aren’t many students who go to it is important to have the pub open to students every called me Tetrad in front of the class.” Wright says one of his friends Thursday pub night at After Hours. Only 10 per cent Thursday night to be consistent.” “died laughing and told everybody.” of the students asked had even tried After Hours at “Students need to know that all profi ts generated in “I hated it at fi rst, but in Grade 12 when I joined the morning nighttime. their Student Centre go towards student staff wages, announcements, I just went by Tetrad. Pretty soon the entire high With cheap drinks, no cover with a Niagara College repairs and maintenance to the building as well as school knew me as Tetrad.” identifi cation card and a DJ who is willing to play any promotional items and prizes for the student body. He says Brian’s nickname is B-Unit, but they thought his real name type of music, After Hours should have a much higher “SAC would rather see an increase in student sounded better in the title of the show. turnout. participation instead of pricing increases to help offset Listen to Backstage Pass with Brian and Tetrad Mondays from 6:30 “Generally our pubs are averaging anywhere from the expenses to run the Student Centre.” p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on CRNC, broadcasting from inside the glass walls 50 to 60 students throughout the night for a Thursday After Hours is between the main complex and the of the control booth referred to as the Fish Bowl. CRNC is located pub,” said Cindy Blanchard, general manager of the Black Walnut building. It’s open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 outside the Simcoe Wing in the main foyer at the college’s Welland Niagara College Student Administrative Council p.m. and every Thursday night. For more information campus. The New Heat is transmitted from 90.1 FM 24 hours a day (SAC). on when After Hours will be hosting different events, to a range of about 300 square kilometres. “Our pub nights seem be getting away from dance check the SAC website at http://www.ncsac.ca/ club themes. As a general hangout for students to afterhours.htm. Page 20, news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007 ‘Unconventional hip-hoppers’ BOT thunders with anti hip-hop Wellander rocks local scene By DEIDRA LUNARDON Noise Staff Music can inspire many people on a variety of levels, no matter what the language or sound. Ky Gratton, 18, of Welland, a retail worker as well as a musician, says it inspires him in a big way. The recent graduate of Eastdale Secondary School in Welland has been working at Entertainment Exchange on East Main Street for the past two years. He says he likes his job, but his real passion lies in music. He says during Grade 10 his best friends, Eric Rousseau and Adrian Chojnicki, “played a mean guitar.” “I was always interested, so they [Rousseau and Chojnicki] helped me out, and soon enough I caught up to them.” Gratton says the type of music that inspires him is melodical-rock and acoustic because the lyrics are emotional. “I just feel that sort of music. It comes naturally to me.” Gratton explains he started his solo acoustic project in May 2006 to raise money for a fundraiser, called The Coffee Shop, at his high school. He wrote his fi rst song, My Angel, within two weeks. It had to do with his girlfriend at the time and his grandmother dying. “The meaning was when you basically value something so much, [and] when it’s gone, all it’s going to do is bring you down,” he says. “You should stay strong and just fi nd a way to let it out instead of hold[ing] it back.” James Brown a.k.a. P.O.E. (the Poetically Organized Entity) and Matt Barrett a.k.a. MC Custom Matty After that performance, he recalls people attending local band shows B comprise Hamilton hip hop duo the Boys of Thunder. Check out the band’s website, www.myspace. in Welland and Port Dalhousie noticed his music, and he started to play com/boysofthunder. at venues such as the Port Mansion, The End Concert Lounge and Club Photo by Michael Dach Social. By MICHAEL DACH and that’s how it would sound if you were to read it.” Listening to his music, you might fi nd a lot of sadness in his songs, but Staff Writer He says their musical infl uence ranges from punk Gratton says he is a happy person. An augmented beam of light streams into a poorly lit to metal, but “hardly any hip hop though, maybe an “When I have the guitar in my hands, all my emotions come out. My apartment room. Gothic-style paintings hang on each Eminem track every month,” Barrett says honestly. music isn’t too sad, but I want people to feel some emotion. I’m a happy opposing wall, with a relaxed ambiance controlling Last year, three months after completing a demo, guy, probably because of music.” the room. the BOT were approached about an idea for a show. Gratton says the response to his music has been “good.” They sit across from each other, separated by a Absinthe, a bar in Hamilton, had been pitched the “I’ve been playing at hardcore shows, so most people hate acoustic footstool and a cloud of soft gray smoke. idea for a hip-hop venue by a promoter named Kris stuff, but [people] enjoyed it and said it wasn’t too bad.” These seemingly opposite characters come together Octane. Gratton says he plans to put out a CD “eventually,” but he isn’t hurrying under a common allegiance. They are the anti-hip hop Since their fi rst show, these two unconventional the process. heroes–well, according to them. hip hoppers have performed numerous venues in “I’d like to take the time and make sure everything is perfect, instead James Brown a.k.a. P.O.E. (the Poetically Organized Hamilton. They even organized a rock/metal/hip hop of rushing and wasting time.” Entity) and Matt Barrett a.k.a. MC Custom Matty B show. This helped extend their fan base, a strategy that Although he comes from a small town, Gratton says areas like Niagara are the microphone man-handlers known as the Boys also uses myspace, a communication tool that’s helped Falls and St. Catharines are a good base from which to promote local of Thunder (BOT). in the band’s success. music. Brown, a thick beard and curled blond locks tucked “You can only get so many people out to a 19-plus “The Rose City [Welland] is a huge local scene. Every year we have underneath a black toque, reminisces about he and show, and we have a lot of fans that are under 19 who an event in St. Catharines called St. Catharines Event for New Music Barrett met. “We are both poets who met at work but would have no idea who we were if it weren’t for Entertainment Music Festival [S.C.E.N.E.]. That’s when you get out had different musical styles,” says Brown. myspace,” say the two in unison. there and show what you got.” A tattooed Barrett further recollects on the initial They also mention that every time they play a show S.C.E.N.E. is a full-day event showcasing numerous local, national meeting. “Working in the truck, we used to mess they gain new fans. and international musical acts of all genres. This year’s S.C.E.N.E. Music around and sing back and forth to one another,” he “Everyone seems to love us. Our friends have been Festival is taking place on July 8. says. This eventually led to the naming of the group. extremely supportive. They’re like an army,” says Gratton says his inspiration to play has come from Canadian artists such “It actually started as an inside joke. James used Barrett. “We come down from the stage and people as Dallas Green and Casey Baker because their music is “so powerful.” to sing Don Henley’s Boys of Summer and then we [we don’t even know] give us high fi ves and tell us “The lyrics, melody and harmonies in their music are just amazing. I would mix it up with Tom Cruises’ Days of Thunder. It how amazing we are.” can’t get sick of listening to so much musical talent.” was only supposed to be a joke, but when we decided “We have songs for a full-length album,” says Gratton says he hopes his music can bring memories and happiness to become a band we just had no choice. It stuck,” Brown, “but we’re kind of biding our time to see what to the people listening, and that he likes it when listeners give him says Barrett. happens with our little demo.” feedback. Two years later, the BOT released a six-track demo “Ultimately we don’t want to have to pay for studio In the music business known for its ups and downs, Gratton says, aptly titled The Anti-Hip Hop Heroes. An electronically time. I’ve been looking into record labels,” says drawbacks don’t concern him. balanced sound combined with reverberating bass Barrett. “I’m just giving it my best and having tons of fun. I’m not trying to be lines can suitably defi ne the group’s style. The BOT have two shows scheduled for February: better than anybody, nothing like that. “It’s funny,” says Brown. “We don’t even look at Feb.10 at the YMCA in Hamilton (this is an all-ages He says his ultimate goal in life is to be locally known and is just going our music as hip hop, but it actually is hip hop. We show) and Feb. 17 at the Casbah in Hamilton. to see where his music will take him in life. don’t even really listen to it, but it just comes naturally For more information, go to www.myspace.com/ To learn more about The Ky Gratton Project and hear samples of his to us. Our stuff reads as poetry. Take out the expletives boysofthunder. music, check out www.myspace.com/kygratton. Toronto’s Cancer Bats gearing up for another successful year By ANDREA DYER label Hassle. The guys have managed to autographs and text messages, at L3 Immersion and 100 Grand Canyon are easily Staff Writer create two music videos, both regular plays Nightclub in St. Catharines on Jan. 11. the album’s shining stars, and like the other Cancer Bats fi nished 2006 strong and are on Much Music in Toronto. Unlike the majority of shows and concerts tracks, have diverse appeal so that the music paving the way for another successful year. Since the June 2006 album release, vocalist here in Canada where multiple bands play isn’t constrained to hardcore-rock fans. Despite a lifespan of only two years, Liam Cormier, bassist Andrew McCracken, before a headlining act, in Europe, Cancer Cormier says “tons” will be going on with this Toronto-based hardcore-rock quartet guitarist Scott Middleton and drummer Bats opened the concerts while Alexisonfi re the band this upcoming year, including the has achieved what many bands will only Mike Peters have been keeping busy by fi rst closed them, giving the band extreme completion of the current Canadian tour with fantasize about. appeasing Canadian fans in a cross-Canada exposure. fellow rockers The End and I Hate Sally Their latest album, Birthing the Giant, tour before touching base with the U.S and There are no drastic changes from the before heading to the U.S. Canadian fans was a collaboration with music producer recently infl icting musical chaos in Europe band’s fi rst self-titled EP album to Birthing may have the chance to welcome the Cancer Gavin Brown (Billy Talent, Three Days with St. Catharines friends Alexisonfi re. the Giant, but rather a more clean-cut hit Bats home in March. “We really believe in Grace). It brought them such successes as “It was f***ing awesome. It was our fi rst of aggression and straight-forwardness that our band and what we have going on,” says inked deals with U.K. label Abacus and U.S. time in Europe,” says Cormier, between fans have admired from the get-go. French Cormier. “We love this.” news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007, Page 21 NEWS@SPORTSNIAGARA Boston Pizza athletes of the week It was an outstanding week for two Niagara College She backstopped Niagara for three wins and a 0- athletes. 0 draw, including two outstanding saves late in the Megan Climenhage, of Wainfl eet, a fi rst-year student team’s fi nal game against Toronto’s Seneca College to enrolled in the Paramedic program, and Ian Harriett, preserve the shutout. a second-year student in the Police Foundations Niagara was eliminated from advancing into the program, are last week’s Boston Pizza Athletes of the semi-fi nals on a two-goal differential with Seneca Week for Feb. 12. College. Climenhage, a graduate of Lakeshore Catholic Meanwhile, Harriett, a fi ve-foot, 10-inch shooting High School, and a member of the St. Catharines guard on the men’s basketball team, scored 14 Jets women’s provincial league soccer team, got four points against Sault Ste. Marie’s Algoma University shutouts in the George Brown College Invitational College, and 15 points against Sault Ste. Marie’s Sault indoor soccer tournament in Scarborough. College. IAN HARRIETT MEGAN CLIMENHAGE Niagara Knights update Men’s Volleyball Men’s Basketball It was a mixed week for Niagara Team GP W L PF PA +/- Pts College’s men’s and women’s Team GP MW ML GW GL +/- Pts volleyball and basketball teams. Central East Division Central Divison In volleyball action, the women Humber 13 11 2 987 711 276 22 Seneca 13 10 3 33 17 133 20 are in good position to win the Sheridan 14 11 3 1254 995 259 22 Durham 13 10 3 33 17 112 20 team’s fi rst Ontario Collegiate Centennial 14 9 5 1059 1055 4 18 Georgian 13 6 7 21 22 -14 12 Athletic Association (OCAA) West Seneca 13 6 7 940 859 81 12 Cambrian 13 5 8 22 28 -17 10 Georgian 13 2 11 729 1087 -358 4 Region title. Boreal 13 1 12 8 37 -342 2 George Brown 13 1 12 733 995 -262 2 The women last week defeated Central West Division East Division Sault Ste. Marie’s Sault College in Mohawk 11 10 1 30 4 221 20 three sets, by the scores of 25-19, Algonquin 16 13 3 1364 1097 267 26 Nipissing 12 8 4 28 15 137 16 25-19 and 25-14. St. Lawrence K 17 13 4 1393 1142 251 26 Humber 12 5 7 20 24 -4 10 Heidi Bench was Niagara’s top Cambrian 16 9 7 1187 1212 -25 18 Sheridan 12 1 11 7 33 -27 2 Loyalist 17 7 10 1165 1210 -45 14 offensive player with 12 kills and Canadore 12 1 11 6 33 -220 2 Durham 16 6 10 1205 1313 -108 12 seven aces for 19 points. East Division La Cite 17 5 12 1154 1285 -131 10 Ashley Thomas contributed on Algonquin 13 13 0 39 3 279 26 Fleming P 17 5 12 1127 1336 -209 10 offence with four kills, one block Loyalist 13 9 4 29 16 165 18 and three aces for eight points. Trent 13 8 5 29 23 94 16 Niagara is in fi rst place with 10 La Cite 13 3 10 12 32 -153 6 West Division wins and four defeats, tied with Fleming P 13 0 13 4 39 -257 0 Fanshawe 14 14 0 1099 808 291 28 Ancaster’s Redeemer College. West Division St. Clair 11 8 3 853 770 83 16 Niagara plays Redeemer here Niagara 11 7 4 864 754 110 14 on Wednesday. A win will give Fanshawe 10 8 2 24 10 111 16 Lambton 12 6 6 950 935 15 12 Redeemer 10 7 3 22 14 58 14 Algoma 13 6 7 954 948 6 12 Niagara the OCAA West Region Niagara 10 7 3 23 16 61 14 Mohawk 12 5 7 963 986 -23 10 title and a bye into the provincial St. Clair 1 3 8 15 26 -63 6 Redeemer 12 2 10 799 926 -127 4 championships in Barrie on Feb. Sault 13 1 12 817 1172 -355 2 22. A loss, however, will drop the women to third spot and force the Women’s Volleyball team to win a qualifying match on Central East Division Women’s Basketball the road in order to advance to the East Division title game in Barrie. Team GP W L GW GL +/- Pts The men’s volleyball team was Durham 15 13 2 41 16 278 22 Team GP W L PF PA +/- Pts idle last week, but they also must Cambrian 15 12 3 41 14 242 22 Seneca 14 14 0 1172 679 493 28 play an important game here on Georgian 15 11 4 38 18 170 20 Algonquin 15 12 3 953 754 199 24 Wednesday against Redeemer Boreal 15 4 11 19 35 -209 8 St. Lawrence K. 15 10 5 930 710 220 20 College. A loss to Redeemer would Seneca 15 3 12 18 38 -144 2 Humber 14 8 6 806 728 78 16 George Brown 15 0 15 3 45 -414 0 drop the men into third place and Durham 14 7 7 777 806 -29 14 force a match on the road to qualify Loyalist 15 6 9 849 883 -34 12 Central West Division for the championship round. Nipissing 14 14 0 42 6 362 24 George Brown 14 5 9 830 817 13 10 Georgian 14 3 11 803 984 -181 6 Meanwhile, the men’s basketball Humber 14 12 2 38 10 238 20 team split two games over the Mohawk 13 8 5 28 18 97 14 Fleming P 15 0 15 389 1148 -759 0 weekend, losing to Algoma Sheridan 14 4 10 15 32 -95 8 West Division Canadore 14 2 12 9 38 -273 4 University College last Friday, Algoma 12 9 3 746 567 179 18 then defeating Sault College 91- Fanshawe 12 8 4 642 555 87 16 East Division 62 on Saturday in OCAA action. Algonquin 14 12 2 38 9 258 22 Sheridan 10 7 3 558 488 70 14 St. Clair 10 5 5 540 536 4 10 Niagara’s record is seven wins and Loyalist 14 11 3 35 16 206 14 four defeats. Fleming P 14 7 7 24 23 -1 14 Niagara 9 4 5 486 484 2 8 Trent 14 5 9 16 33 -153 8 Mohawk 10 3 7 452 504 -52 6 Tony McAleese led Niagara La Cite 14 2 12 12 38 -233 4 Redeemer 9 0 9 333 623 -290 0 in scoring with 27 points, while Santo Harun and Brendan Cato West Division had 16 points and Ian Harriette (see Niagara 14 10 4 33 15 141 18 separate story) added 15 points. Redeemer 14 10 4 33 15 109 18 news@niagara publishes Goalie Megan Climenhage, of Fanshawe 14 9 5 34 18 197 16 Wainfl eet, got three shutouts in the St. Clair 15 6 9 21 30 -87 8 next on Feb. 23, 2007 Lambton 15 3 12 10 39 -285 6 tournament. See separate story on Sault 15 0 15 3 45 -404 0 this page. Page 22, news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007 Pogge shines in Toronto Marlies’ win Fans love pro wrestling By ADAM GAMBLE satisfaction is our top priority.” By JIM WHYTE scored eight seconds apart. The Marlies improve to 21-27-2- Staff Writer NVPW wrestler Dave “Gutter” Staff Writer After Marlies’ forward Tyson 3 overall. Although they make this New Vision Pro Wrestling Stiltner, 27, of Detroit, Mich., Goaltender Justin Pogge stopped Nash scored to make it 4-2 Toronto only their seventh victory on home (NVPW) presented another night says, “In NVPW, there is not all 34 shots, and defenceman Steffan in the midpoint of the second ice in 24 games this season, it is of hard-hitting, bodyslamming the bullshit you see on television, Kronwall added a goal and an assist period, the Phantoms pulled their third home victory in the last action in front of about 250 where there is too much talking, as the Toronto Marlies defeated starting goaltender Martin Houle four games. wrestling fanatics at a jam- and not enough wrestling. It’s an the Philadelphia Phantoms 5-4 in after he allowed four goals on only The Phantoms dropped to 18-27- packed Club Social in Welland alternative to the crap.” American League Hockey (AHL) 10 shots. 2-5 overall. on Jan. 27. Fellow competitor Phil Atlas, action Feb. 11. The Phantoms, the AHL’s affi liate After a four-day break, the The die-hard fans were out in 21, of Windsor, Ont., encourages In front of an announced crowd to the National Hockey League’s Marlies will be tested with three full force, very much into the fans to attend the shows because of 5,061 in Toronto’s Ricoh Philadelphia Flyers, would score games in a row. action and entertainment they “the whole roster busts their asses Coliseum, the Marlies escaped the two of the last three goals of the The club heads to Hamilton witnessed at NVPW’s Hog Wild. off to provide a great show for the game victorious although they had game to come within one, but that to play the Montreal Canadiens Longtime wrestling fan Wayne family. It is a new, fresh style for their lowest shot total of the season was the closest they would get. affi liate club, the Bulldogs, tonight States, 65, of Niagara Falls, has wrestling.” as the Phantoms outshot Toronto The Marlies’ top line of in Copps Coliseum. been to nearly every NVPW The crowd favourite Atlas 38-17. Engelhardt, Colin Murphy and They will return home tomorrow show. He is known to fans and competed in the main event The Marlies scored twice on their John Mitchell combined for a total and play back-to-back games wrestlers as Old Guy. at Hog Wild, challenging the fi rst four shots, jumping to a 2-0 of fi ve points. against the Manchester Monarchs, He says, “I like all the action. monstrous Notorious T.I.D. for lead in the fi rst period after Stephan Goaltender Pogge added an assist the farm club of the Los Angeles They all put on a really good show. the NVPW Championship. Kronwall and Brett Engelhardt to his stellar performance. Kings. Sometimes it’s better than World In a classic battle of David vs. Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Goliath, Atlas carried his own by I usually cheer for the good guys, using speed and agility to rattle and I don’t like Notorious T.I.D. the giant, but in the end was [NVPW Champion] at all.” overpowered and defeated. He says he has been a wrestling In other action, Platinum beat fan since he was “knee-high to a N8 Mattson, Gutter defeated grasshopper.” Eddie Osbourne, Joe Doering Co-owner of NVPW Chris pinned Hayden Avery, Andrew Aulph, 28, of Welland, says, Davis and Brad Martin beat the “We love Welland. We started Italianos (Primo Scordino and and built our dream here. In my Tony Carbonie) to become the new eyes, I think we are one of the NVPW Tag-Team Champions, better independent wrestling Jake O’Reilly and Crazy Steve promotions going on these days. defeated James Champagne With the calibre of talent and and Cody 45 by disqualifi cation shows we’ve had, it was time and Joe E. Legend successfully to upgrade. Niagara Falls is the defended his Pan Pacifi c Super original wrestling town and the Heavyweight Championship town of entertainment.” against Tyson Dux. He hopes to see more people Catch all the excitement of attend shows in the future NVPW at the next show on Feb. because “NVPW is good family 24, at the Canadian Serbian fun and we try to keep swearing Culture Centre, at 5956 Main and profanity down. We also try St., in Niagara Falls. Visit www. not to overexpose the women, nvpwrestling.com for more like other companies. Customer details.

Marlies defenceman Chris Harrington (No. 3) pins Phantoms forward Matt Ellison (No. 10) against the boards in AHL action Feb. 11 at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. The Marlies won the game 5-4. Photo by Jim Whyte Let’s get ready to rumble

By TJ LUCIANO excited after the event and was Staff Writer very happy that a SmackDown It was every man for himself as superstar won the event. He felt Raptors trying to bring it home 30 World Wrestling Entertainment good about the Undertaker’s (WWE) athletes battled each other victory and said it puts in the 20th annual over-the-top SmackDown “right at the top.” By STEPHEN BOSCARIOL proven to be the best of the best in the league this Royal Rumble in San Antonio, “You have to give it to Staff Writer year,” says Niagara College Journalism-Print student Texas. the Undertaker who will “Time to take out the salami and cheese.” Jim Whyte. “No one else in the league has two point Live on pay per view on Jan. 28, now challenge for the title at That’s a phrase made famous this year by Toronto guards that they can rely on like the Raptors, and the Royal Rumble proved to be WrestleMania 23.” Raptors’ television broadcaster Chuck Swirsky. they are both willing to split game time in order to one for the record books. Lauren Belcastro, 19, of The Raptors lead the Atlantic Division in the help the team.” It marked the fi rst time that Welland, feels the Undertaker Eastern Conference with 25 wins and 23 losses. Many attribute the success of this year’s team to a No. 30 entrant into the Royal can defeat anybody in his path They have won eight of their last 10 games and its European players, such as Andrea Bargnani from Rumble won the match. because of his “deadly, demonic appear to be gaining more confi dence as the fi rst Italy who averages 10 points a game. The European It was the fi rst time the force.” half of the season comes to a close. players are slowly gaining recognition in the league Undertaker won the Royal “It doesn’t matter who he “They play best when they push the ball and for playing a great offence and a solid defence. Rumble, after seven attempts. fi ghts. No one can withstand the make those quick passes,” says Niagara Knights “When they [Raptors] are healthy, they just can’t The rules are simple. Throw your Undertaker’s wrath. Besides, his basketball player Derrik Jones. “We play better like be stopped,” says Niagara BRTF student Jory Lyons. man over the top ropes until you record is 14-0 at WrestleMania.” that too. Not many teams can stop us because we’re “They just destroy teams and don’t allow any chance are the last man in the ring. Every Ashly George, 20, of St. quick and very athletic, just like the Raptors.” of a rebound off the fi rst shot.” two minutes, one WWE superstar Catharines, feels the presence of In past years the Raptors have sought out franchise “Any good basketball player knows that the key to from each of the respective the Undertaker is like no other. players to lead them to victory. This year’s team, success doesn’t rest on one player’s shoulders,” says brands of Raw, SmackDown and “He’s a freaky, frightening lost however, has seen help from their franchise player Kitchener native and former high school basketball Extreme Championship Wrestling soul. He scares the hell out of me Chris Bosh and a supporting cast of players who player Mark Sampson. “You need a team that passes (ECW) enters the ring and goes because he’s dead.” seem to have fun fi lling different roles on the team. consistently and makes big shots when needed, and into battle with 29 others until one Kyle Miobertolo, 21, of The Raptors have remained reasonably healthy, that’s what the Raptors do.” is victorious. Hamilton, doesn’t often watch with the exception of T.J. Ford, the starting point The Raptors didn’t have an easy schedule before The relevance of winning the wrestling but watches the Royal guard, who has been battling a nagging ankle injury the National Basketball Association [NBA] All Star Royal Rumble is important to Rumble because of the hype and he suffered in a game against the Chicago Bulls on break that runs to Feb. 17. They play Kobe Bryant careers, as it solidifi es a shot excitement. Dec. 8. and the Los Angeles Lakers, who are always a test at WrestleMania versus the “It was uninteresting that the “When Ford is healthy he can’t be stopped,” for them. champion of any brand, whether No. 30 man won the match.” says Kitchener resident Nathan Tarkington. “Jose They played another big game against former that is the WWE champion, the “You don’t really see that Calderon does a great job at fi lling the role for him Raptors all-star Vince Carter and the New Jersey World Heavyweight champion or happen”, says Miobertolo. when he’s hurting.” Nets on Feb. 14. The Nets are 4.5 games behind the the ECW champion. “It’s better when people are in “The one-two punch of Ford and Calderon has Raptors in the hunt for fi rst place in the division. Theodore Long, general the match longer and go through manager of SmackDown, was hell.” news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007, Page 23 NEWENTERTAINMENTS@NIAGARA MuchMusic giving big scholarships to It’s all about horror-punk By ALEX EDDIE Staff Writer They are covered in blood from head to toe. They have metal spikes covering their shoulders and they wear make-up to make themselves look like skeletons. They are some of the nicest people you will ever broadcasting students meet. Since the creation of music, genres of all sorts have grown to entertain their audience in different ways. By ROBYN HOPPER begun last year, is granted in Country, classical, metal, rock , punk. Everyone has heard at least one song from those types of music, but Staff Writer collaboration with the National what about horror-punk? MuchMusic, along with Educational Association of Horror-punk isn’t new, but it certainly isn’t well known. It started in 1977 when a band called The Misfi ts MuchMoreMusic, is giving back Disabled Students (NEADS) and took to the stage wearing fi erce-looking clothes, covered in blood and playing music based on plotlines to the broadcast industry by awards a permanently disabled from horror fi lms. Their name, The Misfi ts, came from the last movie in which Marilyn Monroe starred in honouring two broadcast students broadcast student with $5,000. and some of their songs have titles such as Mars Attacks!, Dig Up Her Bones, Teenagers From Mars, Night with an annual scholarships. Founded by a group of students, of the Living Dead and Day of the Dead. Their music is loud and has an eerie effect in each song. Winner of the 2006 MuchMusic NEADS increases the accessibility After years of playing small shows around their area in New Jersey, The Misfi ts eventually got bigger Aboriginal Youth scholarship is of post-secondary education for crowds for each show and eventually started a cult-like following. Candace Backfat, of Calgary, and disabled students. For almost 30 years The Misfi ts have played shows worldwide, spreading their ghoulish themes. Fans the recipient of the 2006 “I could have given up and have started their own horror-punk bands, some making it big while others kept a low profi le. MuchMoreMusic AccessAbility surrendered to inevitable doubts Jordan Gowland, 20, is a drummer for The Static Age, a horror-punk band from Fonthill, Ont. Gowland scholarship is Toronto’s Andre about my abilities,” revealed says he has “loved” the horror-punk scene after seeing The Misfi ts for the fi rst time three years ago. Garber. Garber in his application. “It was an amazing experience. I had never seen anything like it before and it infl uenced me into starting “It is a sincere pleasure “Instead, my journey my own horror-punk band with some friends.” to honour these smart, h a s strengthened my Fonthill is a small town near Niagara Falls. Much of it is used for retirement homes and small businesses, talented students determination not exactly the kind of town in which to start a horror-punk band. with our annual to succeed and “Obviously me and the guys are outcast. We dress a different way, listen to scary music and play shows scholarships,” to follow my that are louder than anything anybody has ever heard around here.” said David passions. It has Despite this, Gowland says people in the horror-punk scene are some of the nicest people he has ever Kines, vice- also confi rmed come across. president, my commitment “When I fi rst saw The Misfi ts, I got to chat with the bassist (Jerry Only) after the show. He helped me up Music and Youth to contributing to on stage, put his arm around me and let me ask him anything I wanted. The crew were all yelling at him to Services, CHUM the community and the hurry up but he told them to f*** off while he kept talking to me. He was so nice and he would have done Television, adding, “We life of others in need.” anything for his fans. After that, I gained a new respect for music.” can surely expect great things The Ryerson University Gowland’s band, The Static Age, have played shows around the area sparking the interests of many kids from Candace and Andre when they Radio and Television Arts student that go to their shows. graduate and enter the broadcast has many accomplishments Brandon Campbell, 19, says that seeing the Static Age is “like a breath of fresh air.” industry.” including fundraising for Free “I love going to their shows. This town is so small and boring and they spark life into it for us kids by The scholarships award the Children and OneChild, co- playing something totally different.” applicants training for a career in founding the non-profi t Youth for After 30 years of fan service, The Misfi ts continue to play and the horror-punk genre isn’t showing signs the broadcast industry who best Youth Literacy and volunteering of slowing down. Young minds everywhere are being infl uenced by their shock-rock tactics of mixing exhibit skill, talent, excellence and for the Mother Theresa Institute in horror fi lms with punk-rock. enthusiasm. India. “We may not look normal, but we are the same as everyone else. I’m a nice guy, I have a family and I Established in 2004, the Garber also mentors special- have a job. I just happen to also enjoy dressing up like a vampire on stage and scaring the shit out of my MuchMusic Aboriginal Youth needs students at Toronto’s audience,” says Gowland. scholarship is presented in Northern Secondary School. partnership with Aboriginal Since 2004, MuchMusic and Youth Network (AYN) which is a MuchMoreMusic have granted network that focuses on connecting $31,000 to support broadcast Aboriginal youth across Canada students from traditionally under- TRY INDOOR and throughout the world. This represented groups. ROCK CLIMBING year’s award winner will receive As of March 1, the 2007 $5,000. scholarship applications are Backfat, a broadcast student available at www.muchmusic.com is back SAVE $5 ON LESSON at the Southern Alberta Institute or www.muchmoremusic.com. FOR BEGINNERS OR DAILY PASS OR on Friday, Feb. 23. EQUIPMENT RENTAL WHEN YOU SHOW of Technology, said in her YOUR STUDENT CARD AND THIS AD! application, “I always knew that I was meant PEAKS INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING to speak up for my Native people. 630 WELLAND AVE., ST CATHARINES 62293098 CALL My goal now is to become a talk 62148918 show host advocating Aboriginal 905-988-5651 issues.” Backfat participates in several PE KS www.peaksrockclimbing.com out-of-school activities including FOR ALL YOUR FINANCIAL NEEDS volunteering for Calgary’s Urban POUR TOUS VOS BESOINS FINANCIERS Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY), writing for USAY’s New Main Branch: Caisse populaire Welland Tribe magazine and serving as a 59 Empire St. Welland, ON youth worker for Siksika Park, an L3B 2L3 Aboriginal historical park. Tel: 905-735-3453 Founded in 1999, USAY is an Fax: 905-732-0362 organization dedicated to helping Calgary’s Aboriginal youth achieve www.desjardins.com 1-800-224-7737 their goals for a successful life. Branches: Inside Wal Mart Her community has identifi ed her Port Colborne St.Catharines Niagara Falls 905-708-4795 as part of Alberta’s Future Leaders 284 Killaly St. E. 284 Geneva St. 6700 Morrison St. 525 Welland Ave., St.Catharines program. Port Colborne, ON St.Catharines, ON Niagara Falls, It partners with communities L3K 1P3 L2N 2E8 ON L2E 6Z8 Tel: 905-834-4811 Tel: 905-937-7270 Tel: 905-356-8150 to affect the lives of Aboriginal Fax: 905-834-5821 Fax: 905-937-7274 Fax: 905-356-8200 children and youth in positive 62315545 ways. The AccessAbility scholarship, Page 24, news@niagara, Feb. 16, 2007 Icewine Nature hike

Winter temperatures dipped below freezing in mid-January coating grape clusters in ice in the Niagara College vineyard at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. The change signalled the start of the icewine grape harvest by students in the wine and viticulture programs. Photo by Alex Eddie Spike

Mike Miller, 25, looks out towards the water while on a nature hike. Warm weather during December and the beginning of January was an unusual start to this year’s winter season. Photo by Michael Dach Chilling tourism

A middle hitter from Sinclair Secondary School of Whitby, Ont., hits a step around during the championship game of the Niagara Knights invitational tournament against Mayfi eld Secondary School, of Caledon, Ont. Photo by Jason Petznick Follow the leader

A rainbow rises from the mist at Niagara Falls on Jan. 20. Despite Out for a stroll in a winter wonderland, Canadian geese embrace the chilling cold in Toronto. cold temperatures, tourists took in The Falls. Photo by Michael Dach Photo by Lesley Smith