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NIAGARATHE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF NIAGARA NEW COLLEGE S FREE April 11, 2008 Vol 38 • Issue 13 Why I drove Four years at No.1 drunk By ANDRAYA GODDARD Staff Writer I woke up that morning of Dec. 20, 2006, not knowing what the day held for me. Little did I know that day would change my life forever. At fi rst, it appeared to be an aver- age day in the average life of a high school student. I had not a care in the world, until later that night, the night I found myself sleeping in a jail cell. Like so many people be- fore me, that night I chose to drink and drive. I fi gured, “Hey, what the hell? Whatʼs the worst that can happen?” Although the worst never happened to me, it was still pretty bad. Some people would consider me lucky when it comes to drinking and driving. Iʼm not going to lie. I did get off pretty easy, but com- pared with the nights of so many other people, my night could have turned out differently. Iʼm just glad nobody got hurt. It all started when my close friend, Serena Holt, and I were working on a school project at my parentsʼ house. Feeling the need to spice things up a little bit, we de- Event Management program students celebrate the school’s KPI achievement. From left: Jenn Newell, Nancy Toro, Erin Grenville, Carly Simonse, cided to buy a bottle of Canadian Bella Goncalves and Ali Langero. Club whiskey. Photo by Camille Hollett As the night went on, the assign- ment was beginning to become rather stressful. As the stress built, Student satisfaction KPI ‘incredible endorsement’ apparently so did our appetite for By CARLY SNIDER and staff, second to none,” said Pat- the eighth year in a row that Ni- College promotes. alcohol. Nearing the completion Staff Writer terson. agara College has been near or at “It feels like youʼre a part of a of our assignment,Continued we found on page our- 3 Itʼs not easy to be the best four In total, 86.1 per cent of students the top in student satisfaction. The family here, even though your fam- years in a row, but Niagara College said they are satisfi ed with the edu- KPI survey has been administered ily is at home,” Minow said. has managed to keep the tradition cation they are receiving at Niagara for nine years. Patterson also recognizes that it going. College. Heather Minow, Student Admin- will prove to be diffi cult to maintain In an unprecedented announce- The KPI survey was adminis- istrative Council (SAC) president, the No. 1 standing. ment on Wednesday, Dan Pat- tered to all 24 Ontario colleges helps administer the KPI surveys “The results also show that the terson, Niagara College president, this past February by a research and got an early indication that competition among Ontario col- announced that the college has fi rm for the Ontario Ministry of students were pleased with their ex- leges is tightening up in all aspects achieved the fourth consecutive No. Training, Colleges and Universi- periences at Niagara College based of the survey,” said Patterson. 1 standing in student satisfaction, ties. It measures employer satis- on their reactions while completing “When youʼre the top performer, according to the results of the pro- faction rate, student satisfaction the surveys. your fellow competitors look for vincial Key Performance Indicator rate, graduate satisfaction rate and Sanique Prospere, a fi rst-year ways to match and exceed your (KPI) survey. graduate employment rate. Photonics Engineering Technology achievements,” said Patterson. “I knew, based on past history, The student satisfaction portion student is not surprised at the an- “If we are to continue to meet and that we would do well,” said Patter- of the survey measures satisfaction nouncement. exceed the high expectations of our son, though he had been concerned using four “capstone” questions “Weʼve already gotten it three students, we will require signifi cant that it would be diffi cult to maintain focusing on the key areas of college years in a row,” Prospere said. investment in our facilities and No. 1 for the fourth year running. life: overall quality of facilities, “The staff are making sure they are services – and weʼll have to work “I was taken back by the incred- overall quality of services, satisfac- keeping the students satisfi ed. Itʼs harder than ever.” ible endorsement the students gave tion with the knowledge and skills in this good work environment that The results from the KPI survey to the faculty and staff,” said Pat- for future careers, and overall qual- students excel.” are examined to continually im- Andraya Goddard refl ects on her terson. ity of learning experiences. Minow thinks a great deal of the prove the quality of all aspects at decisions and the night’s events. “This has reinforced to me once Niagara College ranked fi rst or studentsʼ satisfaction comes from the college. Photo by Ashlee Kivell again that we have the best faculty second in all four areas, marking the sense of community that Niagara “We celebrateContinued where we onʼ vepage done 3 INSIDE THIS WEEK Editorial Page 4 • Sports Page 11 • Taoist Tai Chi Page 10 • Entertainment Page 17 2 NIAGARA NEWS April 11, 2008 Security ‘eyes’ are watching By PHILLIP BOLDT in all offi ces and classrooms but Staff Writer made no mention of the pathways You leave home, come to school outside the main building. Demers and are surrounded by strangers commented on that, stating the col- every day. Rarely do you have to lege will be installing direct-link concern yourself with whether or phones outside that would contact not youʼre safe. any radio-carrying security person- Nevertheless, there are people nel on campus. closely watching your every move. When asked about funding for Security at Niagara College has security services, Demers said, been thrust into the spotlight this “Being one of the lowest-funded year at the Welland campus. colleges in Ontario defi nitely im- Becky Cowie, a second-year pacts our staffi ng and the hardware student in the Dental Hygiene pro- we can purchase, but Niagara has gram, said, “I still feel comfortable made such a large commitment to Working to ensure the Niagara College students are safely looked after are, from left to right, Chris Merrylees, with the environment. I see our the security program that it doesnʼt Rick Demers and Gloria Gauthier. They use camera surveillance and have special radios to be aware of what’s security guards all the time after really affect us.” happening on campus. our [dental] clinics, but during the Over the next few years, the col- Photo by Phillip Boldt day I only ever see them in their lege has proposed to install new currently a security guard for the pus with the intent to cause may- between full-time and part-time offi ces.” security infrastructures as well as Fairview Mall in St. Catharines, hem, itʼs not enough to just call the positions,” Demers said. Rick Demers, manager of health, build new additions closer to the said during a phone interview. He police. Sometimes the actions you One security member on staff safety and security for Niagara main campus. The goal is to make explained that to qualify for a secu- take are the difference between life walks with the aid of a cane. College, says that visible aware- the college more accessible at rity licence, the main requirement and death.” “Sheʼs been here for 20 years and ness is something the college has shorter distances. is that you not have a criminal Demers, however, disagrees with her situation is only temporary. been striving to achieve for the past “The plan for the Welland cam- background. physical requirements being part of Itʼs because of a knee replacement 30 years. pus is to eventually make the After “You donʼt have to write a test a security guardʼs mandate. operation she had.” “Weʼre trying to present a well- Hours building the longest walk a [to get the licence] and there are “You get into physical require- Security at Niagara is working to organized and competent image student would have to take,” De- no physical requirements [for it],” ments and something like that can present a safe environment for stu- as to discourage people,” Demers mers said. Hurd said. When asked whether cause discrimination [as to who dents. How the students and their said, about securityʼs goal to stop How does one go about becom- physical abilities should be a re- gets the job]. We have to realize the families react to the new changes any misbehaviour by students or ing a security guard though? quirement, Hurd quickly replied, security here is the eyes and ears. remains to be seen, though. outside visitors. “I sent in my papers to the solici- “Yes,” adding that presenting a Itʼs our job to provide control until “I donʼt think we need our guards In an earlier edition of Niagara tor general and two weeks later I safe environment for the students the police arrive.” to carry guns, but I would like to News, security announced an ini- had my licence,” Justin Hurd, a was important. “Weʼve got a couple of dozen see some younger guards walking tiative to install emergency phones Niagara College graduate and “If someone comes into the cam- [security guards] on staff, divided around,” Cowie said. The next generation in caffeine By RACHEL SCAPILLATI none. (NHA) depending on the quantity energy drinks experienced insuf- Staff Writer Is there a cure for this common of ingredients such as caffeine and fi cient sleep symptoms. Everyone has been there. illness in young people? vitamins included in each brand of Those who wanted to increase First, you fi nd yourself yawning. An eager student may go to the energy drink. their energy in general were in the 65 Then your eyelids start drooping schoolʼs cafeteria, say the one at The only energy drink autho- per cent range of those surveyed. and before you know it the will Niagara Collegeʼs Welland cam- rized for sale under the NHA is Students who drank the energy to stay awake has gone from pus, pop open the soft drink fridge Red Bull. drinks with alcohol were in the 54 very low to and spot the very solution. Dozens The Red Bull website provides per cent range of those surveyed. upon dozens of energy drinks meet a list of side-effects a consumer Twenty-nine per cent of the the eye, in a range of sizes and ap- might experience after consuming users experiences weekly “jolt pearance. Full Throttle Fury, Full one of these energy drinks. and crash” episodes, 22 per cent Throttle Blue Demon, Tab Energy, Side-effects include an “increase reported having headaches after Rockstar Burner and many other of performance, increase of con- drinking it and 19 per cent reported variations are available for con- centration and reaction speed, heart palpitations. sumption. increase of vigilance, increase of What do Niagara College stu- Just what kind of energy kick emotional status and stimulation of dents think? will one get if from gulping one of metabolism,” the website reported. “I didnʼt know Powerade wasnʼt these drinks? Red Bull contains taurine (amino an energy drink,” Ashley Roberts, “Energy drinks are supposed acid), glucuronolactone (carbohy- a Web Design student, said. “I usu- to give the drinker a mental and drate), caffeine, B-group vitamins, ally drink that.” physical stimulation for a short sucrose, glucose, aspartame and “I think you end up worse than period of time,” the Health Canada sucralose. you started,” Emily Urquhart, of website explained. A survey conducted at the Vir- the Pre-Community Services pro- “Energy drinks are not to be con- ginia State University in the U.S. gram, said. fused with ʻsports drinksʼ such as studied the energy drink consump- “[The energy drink] might work Gatorade and Powerade.” tion patterns of college students. for two minutes and then you The problem arises when you The study was based on responses crash.” consume over the recommended from 32 college students and a For the most part, students in- amount. It has also become popular fi eld test in which a 19-item survey terviewed had a slightly negative practice at nightclubs and bars to was used to assess energy drink view of energy drinks, but does mix these energy drinks with alco- consumption patterns of randomly that translate into what the Niagara hol, a combination that can lead to surveyed college students. College cafeteria sells? serious medical problems. The results were that “fi ve per “Oh, my God. We sell easily over Health risks may include electro- cent of participants (253) reported a hundred a day,” Jen, an Aramark lyte disturbances (jerking limbs), consuming greater than one energy employee at Niagara Collegeʼs nausea and vomiting and heart drink each month in an average Welland campusʼs cafeteria, said irregularities. Because of these month for the current semester.” “The most popular one is the health risks, the drinks are regu- Sixty-seven per cent of the black Rockstar. Every energy drink lated under the Natural Health Act surveyed students who drank the we sell costs four bucks.” April 11, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 3 Niagara student recognized Out with the old, in with the news With the academic year winding down, most of you are preparing for changes in your lives. Niagara News is also going through a change as we, the fi rst-year Journalism- Print students, assume the responsibilities of producing the paper. We fi rst-years may have started off as a group of strangers, but over the course of the last eight months we have come to know one another and become good friends. Some of us are fresh out of Amber Blue high school, some of us are Rachel Scapillati Editor giving post-secondary education Associate Editor a second try and some of us are more mature and looking for a new career. Whatever our background, we all share a desire to make this paper as good as it can be and to inform the student body of what Andrea Laciok, a student in the Public Relations Graduate Certifi cate is going on in this college. program, shows off the Student Award of Excellence trophy presented The second-years have set to her by the Canadian Public Relations Society – Hamilton Branch at its annual Pinnacle Awards event. the bar high, but our professors Submitted photo have done an outstanding job of preparing us for what we will face. The calibre of the faculty Survey rates us tops for this program exceeded all Continued from page 1 new, it should do your students “We celebrate where weʼve the justice they deserve,” said our expectations. done well,” said Patterson, “and Minow. As a group, we are looking zero in on where we want to im- These are the fi nal results in forward to continuing the award- prove. By applying KPI that way, the other categories: 81.4 percent winning journalism Niagara it ensures that we will sustain of graduates are satisfi ed with News has produced. We wish high KPI ratings.” the education they received at all Niagara College students Minow hopes that Niagara Col- Niagara College, 93.2 per cent of good luck on exams and hope legeʼs Master Plan will continue employers are satisfi ed with the Adam Wight Ashlee Kivell to improve the quality of educa- graduates they have hired, and you all have a fantastic summer. tion and the quality and availabil- 91.5 per cent of graduates were Assistant Editor Photo Chief ity of services at the College. employed within six months of ADAM WIGHT “If youʼre going to build something graduating. much is this going to cost me?” I couldnʼt give him a straight answer. Harsh mix: booze and keys I didnʼt know. Continued from page 1 normal charismatic charm, and as When I fi nally went to trial, the Nearing the completion of our every time before that, it worked. judge did not go easy on me. I re- assignment, we found ourselves to He let me go with nothing but a member him saying to me, “How be rather intoxicated. warning, I was back on the road. stupid can you be? You not only As a reward for a job well done, I was ecstatic. I felt on top of the put yourself at risk, but everybody we decided to drink to it, one, two, world. We continued our cruise on the road that night. You should three shots. I donʼt really remem- throughout the Hamilton area be- be ashamed of yourself.” Thatʼs ber, but the point is we were ham- lieving nothing could stop us now. when I burst out crying in a court- mered. Thatʼs when I came up with Having a couple of more swigs room full of people. I was ashamed the bright idea of going for a cruise from the bottle, I found myself of myself. in my car. Although it seemed like to be rather drunk, but that didnʼt After my lawyerʼs fees for the a good idea at the time, within an stop me. case, a whopping $6,000, the fi ne hour, I was sorely mistaken, and We proceeded to pick up another of $1,000 for drinking and driving, the cops made sure of that. girlfriend of mine, Kelly Wilson, the ticket of $600 for having open Grabbing the whiskey bottle, we feeling she should be in on the fun alcohol in the car, the $500 for the quickly jumped into my Mazda Pre- as well. “Back on Track program,” the 100 cida, avoiding my parents, for they Shortly, my driving clearly be- per cent increase in car insurance, would surely see the intoxicated came reckless and hazardous and the whole ordeal cost me around state I was in. As we cruised down caught the attention of another $14,100 – quite the expensive the road with my $1,500 stereo driver. Being the Good Samaritan Submitted photo night, if you ask me. On top of that system blaring, swigging from the that she was, she reported to the away this time. With police quickly After failing the breathalyzer test Iʼm on one yearʼs probation, my bottle as we drove, we encountered police that “a small red car was running up to my car, I braced my- twice, resulting in a reading of over license is suspended for 21 months a slight problem. There was a cop driving from side to side, and had self for the worst. They didnʼt ask 80 mg of alcohol per 100 mg of and when I do get my licence back, behind me. run a red light.” Believing that I me for my licence and registration blood, I was subsequently charged I must have a breathalyzer unit Sure enough, he turned his sirens was intoxicated, she gave them my this time. With cops coming from with “operating a motor vehicle installed in my car. It cost over on; my heart must have stopped licence plate and proceeded to fol- all angles, all I could hear was, while under the infl uence.” Now $1,000, not to mention the embar- beating for a whole 10 seconds low me until the police could catch “Goddard, get out of the car,” from Iʼm no fool. After hearing that, all I rassment. as panic quickly swept my body. up with me. I never noticed that Offi cer J. Richardson. Because of could say was, “I want to speak to Was it worth it? Hell no! To think, For sure we were busted. As the grey pickup truck following me the my slow reaction, he opened my my lawyer.” Several hours passed, I am one of the few people who got offi cer walked up to my car, I had whole time. I was too caught up in car door and watched me fall to the and my lawyer — who happens to off easy. As summer approaches, my licence and registration ready. the moment. ground, unable to keep myself in be damn good, by the way — fi - and parties and alcohol are fl owing I wanted to look as coherent as Within minutes, I noticed yet the car. I was clearly intoxicated. nally got me out on a promise to and readily accessible to all college possible. He asked me the normal another police cruiser behind me, After he read me my rights, he appear. students, think of what happened to questions, “Where are you going? so I quickly took a sharp turn to the escorted me to the police car and When my dad showed at the me, and what could happen to you. What are you doing? Do you real- left and tried to lose him. Thatʼs took me to the police station. Need- police station, he was furious. He The consequences are harsh. You ize that youʼre driving over the when fi ve cruisers, from all angles, less to say, I was scared and really wouldnʼt look at me. Yet again, I are putting yourself, your passen- speed limit?” boxed me in. It felt like something starting to panic. All I could think had let him down, which happens gers, and the general public at risk. I tried to look as sober as pos- straight out of a movie. of was the fact my dad was going to be a recurring event in my life. Donʼt make the same mistake I did. sible and gave the police offi cer my I knew I wasnʼt going to get to kill me. All he could say was, “So, how Be safe. Donʼt drink and drive! 4 NIAGARA NEWS April 11, 2008 Editorial & Opinion NIAGARA NEWS We welcome your opinion E-mail: [email protected] • Mail: V10, 300 Woodlawn Rd., Welland, Ont. L3C 7L3 In Person: Room V10, Welland campus. • Policy: All letters must be signed Editor: Amber Blue and include a day and evening phone contact number for verification purposes. Associate Editor: Rachel Scapillati Assistant Editor: Adam Wight Photo Editor: Ashlee Kivell

Publisher: Leo Tiberi Managing Editor: George Duma Associate Managing Editor: Phyllis Barnatt Design/Layout Consultant: Peter Conradi Editorial Consultant: Nancy Geddie Photography Consultant: Dave Hanuschuk Technology Support: Kevin Romyn

V10, 300 Woodlawn Rd., Welland, Ont., L3C 7L3 Telephone: (905) 735-2211 Fax: (905) 736-6003 2006 WINNER Editorial e-mail: [email protected] 2008 WINNER Advertising e-mail: [email protected] Publisherʼs e-mail: [email protected]

Niagara News is a practical lab for Journalism-Print program students study- ing at Niagara College. Opinions expressed in editorials and columns are not those of Niagara News management or the college administration. Columns, identified as such, reflect only the writerʼs opinion. Readers are welcome to respond to columnists by e-mail at [email protected] Advertising rules: The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occured. This applies whether such error is due to the negligence of its servants or otherwise. There shall be no liability for non-insertions of any adver- tisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. All advertisers are asked to check their advertisements after first insertion. We accept responsibil- ity for only one incorrect insertion unless notified immediately after publication. Errors, which do not lessen the value of the advertisement, are not eligible for corrections by a make-good advertisement. There shall be no liability for non- insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, revise, classify or reject any advertisement. No more mediocrity Bimbo 101: A Maybe Iʼm nitpicking, but feed us the same formulaic she is great at what she does, when did mediocrity become arena rock over and over? Why but really, what does she do? proper education? the norm? doesnʼt anyone raise hell when She is the queen of those who When did it become OK the songs are as unchanging are famous for being famous By learning how to use diet the option of purchasing diet to be just OK? When did we as the most interesting part and she is more than aware pills, dressing like an underpaid pills from the game. In light of turn away from the idea of of the band, Chad Kroegerʼs of it. Whether she has some prostitute and getting boob jobs, this weekʼs proceedings, it is the greatness and settle for just seemingly glued on hair? intelligence she keeps hidden one can study the fi ne art of being correct action to take.” good enough? Second, letʼs look at the from the public in order to a bimbo, at the ripe age of seven Young girls are now competing It seems we strive for no romantic comedy genre. It maintain her notoriety, or she years old. with online images telling them more than what we need to get doesnʼt matter which one. They has a great team behind her That is what the website www. “beauty” means a stick-thin, big- by, and we accept this from are all more or less the same. A directing every move, Paris missbimbo.com offers girls breasted girl whose life ambitions others. Letʼs look at a few new version of the same plot Hilton knows what sheʼs ranging from ages seven to 17. It are “to be the best bimbo in the examples. comes out every weekend all doing and does it damn well. is a website designed to let users universe,” as the website so First, Nickleback. The with the same premise: Boy Itʼs scary that a woman who clothe, feed and beautify virtual delicately puts it. unoffi cial pride of Canadian meets girl, an hour and a half or has made a name simply for girls called Bimbos. Are parents watching rock music that seems to have so of contrived drama, and they having a recognizable name is Yes, the website calls itself a anything their children do on taken over the world is not, and live happily ever after. what equates to greatness. She game, but is it for the little girls the Internet? Apparently not, if has never been, anything better Granted, yes there is the is great at very little. viewing it? Do they see a version this phenomenon has failed to than just OK. We can deny up occasional great romantic Where has the greatness of beauty that is demanded by the capture their notice until now. and down that we know all comedy, like 1999ʼs smash- gone? When did great songs media? Only part of the blame can really the words to How You Remind hit, Ten Things I Hate About such as Let it Be morph into Such images can be be directed at this website. The Me, but letʼs be honest: what You. This movie was great, barely mediocre songs such psychologically damaging to other part falls directly on the person in possession of a radio but consider the source. Itʼs as How You Remind Me? a young, developing girl who parents. within the past seven years, based on Shakespeareʼs The When did classic movies like is very impressionable. It is a If parents choose to be blind to has not been caught humming Taming of the Shrew, and itʼs Breakfast at Tiffanyʼs turn into wonder why parents did not do their childʼs activities, they are a few bars and then looked fairly common knowledge the 13 Going on 30? When did something about this situation choosing to be blind to the harsh around to make sure no one Shakespeare was a talented great actresses like Audrey sooner, as the website requests a reality that the Internet is a place was listening? If we dig deeper, and pretty cool guy. Hepburn evolve into Paris parentʼs e-mail address link to the fi lled with all-too-accessible we will fi nd that since its radio We settle for the romantic Hilton and other celebrities we childʼs account when registering garbage. debut in 2001, Nickleback has comedy because it is the see daily for doing little more for “the game.” Because of “unforeseen been consistently successful for Nickleback of the fi lm industry. than existing? Users can dress their Bimbos worldwide interest, [they] have releasing the same song over Itʼs reliable. Itʼs formulaic. It is Maybe I was born in the in the skimpiest assortment of diffi culty in maintaining [the] and over, with slightly different appealing to a mass audience, wrong decade, or maybe Iʼm clothing, purchase diet pills game in the manner players have lyrics and perhaps a little more but it is never anything better an elitist, but if we are willing to make their Bimbo skinnier become accustomed to” so the “edge” on the vocals, but really, than just OK. It is never better to settle for good enough and buy their Bimbos breast website is not functioning now. itʼs the same song. than good enough to get by and now, I have to question what implants. That is probably because the The question becomes, why appealing enough to rake in generations to come will Because of negative media little girls that used to play the do we, the consumers (a lot money for the studios to crank have to remember us by, and reactions, the websiteʼs team “game” are now too busy trying of us, as the band has sold 25 out another one a few weeks whether they will be willing to wrote a note on the opening page to become the best bimbo in the million albums worldwide), later. settle for even less than good addressing diet pill use. universe. let this slide? Why is it OK Lastly, consider Paris Hilton. enough. “We have decided to remove RACHEL SCAPILLATI for Kroeger and company to Paris Hilton is great. At least, AMBER BLUE April 11, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 5 Sex, sex and Back to school, for two this time more sex: By BRIAN STEINHOFF the Niagara Region, thus permit- Staff Writer ting a single mother to return to But why do To succeed in college, a single work or school. mother needs great determination “A good family will help you and devotion. College delivers a by watching your child, and if you people do it? better life, not only for her, but also donʼt have that, you have to get By TABITHA NEUDORF for her child. daycare or nursery school,” said Staff Writer People juggling the responsibili- Peterson. This “do it all myself” Why do you have sex? ties of raising a child and attending responsibility takes a toll. Moms Is it because you are bored? college, even with assistance, have can be tired and stressed, and this Maybe you think it will be good more diffi culties than a childless can be worse if the child has a dis- exercise. Maybe you think youʼll adult. Being a single mom means ability and so needs constant care. get a promotion, or maybe you the woman has double the respon- You will rarely fi nd motherhood want to become closer to God. sibility anyone else has at any and electronic engineering linked A study at the University of given time. Thereʼs a heavy toll together in one person. However, Texas at Austin explains there are emotionally on any woman want- as Janet Bradley approached 30, hundreds of reasons people have ing to always be around this new she wanted to provide a better life sex. life she helped create. There is a for herself and her children in a An article on www.women- mental and physical toll as she sets career beyond retail. shealthmatters.ca states that after out to do homework, put food on Bradley returned to school and carrying out one of the most com- the table, work and raise a child. in two years graduated from the plex studies on why people have “It is diffi cult time with many Electronics Engineering program. sex, psychology researchers David different stressors,” said Ashleigh Bradleyʼs fi rst paid co-op position Buss and Cindy Meston uncovered DeVos, a Niagara College student for the Gennum Corporation in 237 motivations. in the Child and Youth Worker pro- Burlington, Ont., provided for her “Surprisingly, many scientists gram. She names “struggles such as children as she could not provide assume the answer is obvious, lots of time away from your child daycare. As school came to a but people have different reasons while longing to be with him/her as chose, Bradley accepted a full-time for having sex, some of which are well as fi nancial balancing.” Rais- job offer with Gennum. rather complex,” said Buss. ing a child and providing for that Bradley is now marketing man- The Texas psychologists iden- child, while working to provide ager of the audio wireless divi- tifi ed four major factors people fi nances and attending school for sion and a true inspiration to her have sex: physical reasons, such a better future means mom is jug- children and people across Niag- as to reduce stress or feel plea- gling several full-time jobs. ara. Bradley managed to raise her sure; global-based reasons, such “It can be hard, as I have to work nine- and eight-year-old children, as “I wanted to have a baby” or to make money but also watch my complete her program, participate Photo illistration “I wanted to become popular”; cousinʼs kids,” said Patricia Peter- in a paid co-op and, with the aid emotional reasons, such as love son. If a single mother earns less of her professors, fast-tracked and commitment or expression; than $30,000, she is entitled to free learning the tools of the trade and and insecurity reasons, including daycare. Costs are subsidized by fi nished early. Neudorf Tabitha Illustration Photo by self-esteem issues, feeling under pressure, or to keep a mate. The study, available at http://sex- inthepublicsquare.wordpress.com, found that the number 1 reason for Turning a great night into a nightmare having sex for males and females was “I was attracted to the person.” been drinking?” As old as time, these lines will The second most common for Pick-up lines continually cause If you think this will “hit a home tell the recipient that desperation is men was “It feels good,” and for run,” you are sadly mistaken. A the last resort. Confi dence speaks women, “I wanted to experience classic “line” such as this is re- louder than any pick-up line, so the physical pleasure.” women nothing but grief served for those still living in the you must add creativity into your Most people fi nd this informa- ages when pick-up lines almost routine if you plan to get a phone tion to be obvious or self-explana- By CHANTELLE LEMIRE the people they tell remember to worked. number or even a dance. tory as to why people have sex, but Staff Writer stay away from you because you when it comes to “my hormones Whenever people gather, con- are a nut-job. were out of control,” or “I wanted versation comes naturally to some “Iʼm not Fred Flintstone, but, to break up anotherʼs relationship,” but not to others. baby, I can make your bed rock.” thatʼs when we start questioning Pick-up lines have been around A “gem” such as this, although Top peopleʼs motives for sex. since the beginning of time. Good not original in the least, may When I asked students around ones can start the conversation make the recipient throw a head campus for their most frequent rolling, “cheesy” ones can make of lettuce. The use of puns is ideal Pick-Up Lines motivations for having sex, most the recipient laugh and bad ones when youʼre telling a joke, but of them asked that I not print their can make the recipient contemplate when youʼre trying to get to know names for personal reasons. a nasty response or run in terror. a person, you mustnʼt offend the “I was wondering if you have a moment to spare for me The most common answers were to hit on you?” 10 “If you were a booger, I would recipient. This pick-up line may 1. “I love my girlfriend/boyfriend” or pick you fi rst.” be taken many ways. For example, “Whatʼs a sexy woman like you doing in a dirty mind like “I was drunk” or “He or she was Not only is this pick-up line a the recipient may wonder why you 2. mine?” hot.” These all seem to be typical joke, but also it is also disgusting. would make a sexual comment to a college answers, but when it comes Not one person at a bar, a bus stop or complete stranger or if you say this “Iʼm new in town and canʼt fi nd my way around; could I to the study done at the University in line to purchase groceries wants sort of thing often. 3. have directions to your place?” of Texas, the reasons for having to hear about the inner workings “Excuse me, are you accepting sex become a huge 237-reason of a nose or be called “snot.” This applications to your fan club?” “I lost my teddy bear, so will you sleep with me ?” long list. pick-up line has many variations; Feeble attempts such as this 4. for instance, the word “booger” will either confuse the recipient “Was your father a thief? ʻCause someone stole the stars may be changed to “wedgie.” or encourage them to whip out an 5. from the sky and put them in your eyes.” For more Unless you know know the per- application to the club of which information: son is not going to be disgusted and they are a member. The objective “Be unique and different. Say yes.” run away at the fi rst chance pos- of the pick-up line is not to become 6. womenshealthmatters.ca sible, do not use this pick-up line. a member of the “Leave Brittney “Are your pants from outer space? ʻCause your butt is out “The voices in my head told me Alone Club.” 7. of this world.” sexinthepublicsquare. to come over and talk to you.” Rather, your job is to position wordpress.com Here is one that screams “psy- yourself to meet new people. It is “Iʼm not actually this tall. Iʼm sitting on my wallet.” cho.” This tells the recipient crucial to be smooth but simple 8. you are insane, unless that is the when trying to initiate a conversa- Sexual Health Centre “Excuse me, I just noticed you noticing me and I just image you are going for. Most tion with the “hottie” from across (905) 734-1014 9. wanted to give you notice that I noticed you too.” people want their fi rst impression the bar. Sexual Health Network to be memorable. This pick-up “They say milk does the body “I must be in heaven ʻcause Iʼve seen an angel.” line will make the recipient and good, but how much milk have you 10. www.sexualhealth.com 6 NIAGARA NEWS April 11, 2008 Niagara College an attraction for ‘wealth of talent’ By MICHAEL OWEN held at various campuses across Staff Writer western Ontario. Niagara College is ranked Part-time professors are trained No.1 by students for satisfaction here through the Part-time Educa- and offers hundreds of programs tor Development Program, orga- and courses, all of which require nized by Valerie Grabove, chair at skilled, knowledgeable professors the Centre for Educational/Profes- that are industry current and have sional Development. a passion for teaching. Faculty and staff from Niagara Niagara College administrators College facilitate it. make a list of all the courses to be “Thereʼs a very interesting taught and attempt to fi ll them with cross-section that comes to help professors on staff. facilitate the part-time program,” According to Leo Tiberi, dean said Grabove of Information and Media Studies, CEDP, organized here by the courses that donʼt have profes- Grabove, is a training program for sors available become job listings. new full-time professors facilitated It is the responsibility of each dean by senior professors from colleges to hire professors and program co- across western Ontario, including ordinators for courses in his/her Niagara. Guest speakers from col- group of studies. leges outside the western region, Some professors apply to the universities or industry also help to college independently while oth- facilitate CEDP. ers are found through the collegeʼs “I thought it was great,” said Pe- industry contacts. ter Raymond, who teaches second- Proven industry experience, a year television in the Broadcasting passion for the subject matter and – Radio, Television and Film pro- the ability to communicate with gram here. the students are top among what The program is jointly run by the college looks for in a professor, chairs from the six western colleg- according to Tiberi. es: Niagara, Conestoga in Kitch- “There is a wealth of talent in the ener, Lambton in Sarnia, Mohawk Niagara region.” in Hamilton, Fanshawe in London Once selected, a potential pro- and St. Clair in Windsor. fessor must attend an interview on “We wouldnʼt be able to have as campus before a commitee includ- rich a program if we werenʼt work- Sunshine Building Maintenance crew members Greg Reid, Maria Raic and Penny LeMay are shown at Niagara ing the program chair, the program ing together,” said Grabove. College on March 31. co-ordinator, the dean, personnel What generation youʼre teach- Photo by Joseph Cassidy from human resources and other ing to, how to create lesson plans, faculty. how to create curricula and how to Potential professors must also teach a lesson on something you create a lesson plan and teach a donʼt normally teach or work with 10-minute lecture to the selection are just a few of the things CEDP Sunrise to sunset committee, after which he or she teaches to new professors. participates in a one-on-one ques- “You had to go outside of the box. The quicker picker tidy-uppers tion-and-answer interview with the It opened my eyes,” said Raymond. vice-president academic. CEDP also offers new professors If the committee selects a profes- the chance to meet one another and By JOSEPH CASSIDY deal of cleaning time. “In the menʼs people smoking in designated- sor, that person is hired and sent for to experience the fi ve other western Staff Writer washrooms, students draw graffi ti, smoking areas,” says Rick Demers, further training. colleges. Most people hate to clean and miss the target and donʼt fl ush,” Niagara College manager of Health Full-time professors are trained “Itʼs good to talk to new college love to litter. Other people, like the said Reid. and Safety. through the College Educator professors because everyone is in Sunshine Building Maintenance The womenʼs washrooms are not According to the cleaning crew, Development Program (CEDP), the same boat,” said Raymond. crew at Niagara Collegeʼs Welland models of cleanliness either. “Lots the most important reason for campus, love to clean and hate to of yucky stuff in the girlsʼ wash- cleaning is to prevent the spread of litter. rooms,” said LeMay. germs and the growth of bacteria. The crew consists of three mem- Raic adds, “The girlsʼ wash- The college is well maintained bers: Greg Reid, 53, Penny LeMay, rooms are more dirty, but in the and in the 2008 Key Performance 37, and Maria Raic, also 37. To- menʼs washrooms youʼll fi nd all Indicator survey, facilities/clean- gether they collectively clean about the graffi ti.” liness recorded an 87 per cent 465,000 square feet of corridors, A night crew is responsible for approval rating from all college hallways, offi ces, washrooms, gar- cleaning the fl oors, but when they users. Considering that the provin- bage cans and recycling bins. get really dirty, such as on snow cial average is 70 per cent in this “Itʼs a busy routine. We start at days, Reid cleans the fl oors. category, the Niagara Collegeʼs 8 a.m. and go right to 4:30 p.m. He also cleans many classes and Welland campus sits atop the list. every day, even in the summer,” reminds everyone to “please pick “We are ranked the highest in said LeMay. up your garbage from tables and this category throughout all the “But we miss the students when use garbage cans.” colleges in Ontario,” said Mal summer comes,” adds Raic. The crew agrees on one fact: the Woodhouse, director of Facilities The crew cleans fi ve buildings most litter is at doorways where Management Services. – the daycare centre, Skills and students and staff smoke and there “When fewer resources are Technology, Mackenzie, Black are no ashtrays. committed to cleaning costs, more Walnut and the main campus – and “The places without ashtrays are resources are available for the stu- they are always on the move. the worst because people throw dents.” “We go through a lot of pairs cigarette butts in the fl owerbeds Overall, the Sunshine Building of running shoes by walking con- and in the grass,” said Raic. “We Maintenance crew likes the stu- stantly,” says LeMay. are busy all the time sweeping up dents. The students are friendly, In the main campus lies the cigarette butts.” the college is clean and the year cafeteria, which requires constant Students should remember that rolls on. attention. smoking in a non-designated smok- “A few people ruin it for every- “Kids in the cafeteria should ing area is against college policy. one else, but we love them all, and Valerie Grabove, current chair of the College Educator Development throw their garbage away and not “We hope that the non-smoking the students always say hi,” says Program at Niagara College, has been working on the program for 10 leave it on the table,” said Raic. signage works and people smoke Raic. “If we ask them, they pick up years. The washrooms take up a great where permitted. We appreciate their garbage.” Photo by Michael Owen April 11, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 7 Aspiring to inspire Niagara College student recognized for contributions to her community

By LAURA WIKSTON system is like from start to fi nish. “Charlene has been a ʻshining Staff Writer “Real police offi cers, court of- starʼ in the program,” says Phil Charlene Tardiel helps fi cers, lawyers and a justice of the Durrant, program co-ordina- youth realize their full po- peace were brought in. Other cor- tor. “She willingly provides her tential. She is an inspiration rectional offi cers and I took part as personal and professional experi- to the African-Canadian well. They held a mock trial and ences to enhance her contribution pretended the kids were convicted to classes. Her determination and and put in jail,” Tardiel said. wonderful personality have cre- The mock trials are done ated a vibrant learning experience in February, Black History for all. She has been an excellent Month. The program is run student who is very involved in all by Constable Ojo Tewog- aspects of class.” bade of the 13 Division. When Tardiel graduates she When Tardielʼs employer plans to continue her education. told her that she and her “Iʼm going to Niagara Univer- colleagues had been nomi- sity [in Niagara Falls, N.Y.] to nated for the award, she thought complete my Bachelor of Social is was from the Toronto Police Work. Itʼs my intention to later get Services. my masterʼs. Thatʼs my end goal.” “I was excited, but I didnʼt realize Social work is important to Tardiel. that it was from the premier until “Itʼs something I want to con- the night of the awards ceremony.” tinue doing. I want to contribute to Tardiel graduated from Niagara my community.” Collegeʼs Correctional Worker Tardiel has done that in many program (now called Community ways. She is a member of the and Justice Services) in 1998. Association of Black Law En- She then worked at the To- forcers. Whenever members of ronto Youth Assessment Centre the community ask for her help until it closed in 2004. From in reaching out to youth, she is there, she was transferred to the there for them. Don Jail. She takes part in job fairs at In 2006, she was transferred her church. She has worked with again to the Mimico Correctional graduating students from the Centre, where she has taken a leave Ontario Police College to share of absence to complete her Social information on racial profi ling Services Worker program. She re- and diversity. turns to work in April. She participates in the yearly Angela North, co-ordinator of conference held by the communi- the Community and Justices Ser- ty organization Ubuntu at which vices program, taught Tardiel and she serves as a career idol. Kids community and all attended the award ceremony. come there to ask her about her Ontarians and sheʼs got “It was wonderful to see her in job, and Tardiel is “very happy an award to show for it. her uniform with her colleagues. about that.” Tardiel, 34, a second- There was such a sense of brother- Tardiel is a role model for her year Social Services hood and sisterhood.” 11-year-old daughter, as well as for

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P at a ceremony at the British North also considers Tardiel to accomplish this much, but “if itʼs Methodist Episcopal Church at be a wonderful role model. your goal, you make the time. You Volunteering opportunities in the Niagara Region 1828 Eglinton Ave. in Toronto on “I have a lot of respect for Char- also have to balance things, but if Feb. 24. Presented to her by MPP lene. She has a goal and she will itʼs something you want, you nor- • St. Catharines United Way http://www.informtionniagra.com Mike Colle on behalf of Premier achieve her goal, “ says North. mally have to work hard for it. You Dalton McGinty, the award rec- “Sheʼs very focused and ambitious. need determination and learn time • Habitat for Humanity http://habitatniagara.on.ca ognizes the contributions she has I would use her as an example of management.” made to her community. someone who is sweet and nice When Tardiel fi nishes her stud- • Welland Parks & Recreation http://wellandrecreationplan.ca/ Tardiel, who lives in Wood- and lovely on the outside, but sheʼs ies, she would like to live in St. bridge, is a correctional offi cer got an inside that is titanium. She Catharines. • Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca at Mimico Correctional Centre needs to be tough because sheʼs a “I like the city, I like the quiet-

in Toronto. Her award is for her corrections offi cer.” ness and I like the weather,” she • Volunteer Canada http://www.volunteer.ca part in a yearly workshop by 13 Tardiel says she enjoys her job as said. “It tends to be a little warmer Division of the Toronto Police a correctional offi cer. here than in Woodbridge.” • Community Connections (Niagara) Services. The workshop is held in “Itʼs challenging, which is what Tardiel believes any student can http://brocku.ca/communityconnections/forcommunity the centreʼs gymnasium. I like because I donʼt get bored,” be as successful as she has been. The program allows young she said. “But I prefer to work “Set high standards and ex- • Meals on Wheels Niagara people in the Greater Toronto with youth.” pectations, and work hard to ac- http://niagara.cioc.ca/details.asp?RSN=3016 Area to tour the facility and get Tardiel is well liked in her complish those goals you set for a preview of what the judicial program. yourself.” 8 NIAGARA NEWS April 11, 2008 Drop the diet, drop the pounds

By RACHEL SCAPILATTI ment with dieting and its various these seemingly trivial questions of get much better results when they Staff Writer avenues of weight-loss, always themselves. A few may, in fact, be have read a book fi rst,” Glickman We see the advertisements consult a doctor fi rst. victim to eating disorders, both obes- stated. every day. “Knowledge is power,” Penny ity and anorexia/bulimia. This book he speaks of is his own “Lose up to 16-20 pounds each McKee says. “The more knowl- Just how many students ask Mc- published work, called Lose Weight, and every month,” says the Bern- edge you have, the better Kee about eating disorders? Have More Energy and Be Happier steinʼs Diet website. equipped you are.” “The level of inquiries about in 10 Days. “Mental increase in clarity, McKee has been the eating disorders is very mini- The Fruit Cleanse website gave health, energy and positive men- nurse of the Niagara Col- mal,” McKee says. “Primary me similar instructions to purchase tal attitude” promises the Master lege Welland campusʼs concerns are more about the the online e-book when I wanted Cleanse Diet website. health clinic for a little current illness, like the fl u.” more specifi c details on exactly “Fruit Flush is a great way to over three months, but Aside from the issue of eat- what the diet contained. lose up to nine pounds in three days,” she knows all too well the ing disorders, dieting is still These diet commercials lit- says the Fruit Flush website. temptations young people the issue, and there are so ter television, spring on us from And thatʼs not all. face with dieting. many diets to choose from. magazine pages and even creep There are other ways of losing “Diets donʼt work,” Mc- For example, the Master into the Internet. We see them and weight in the dieting world: Slim- Kee states. “Most [of them] Cleanse Diet, developed by react to them. Fast meals-in-a-can, diet pills are based on restriction. Peter Glickman, consists of Are we fading away under pres- (whether natural or pharmaceuti- When you just eat health- nothing more than a concoc- sure? Does the way the media por- cal) and the various exercise clubs ily, it is more about por- tion of lemon juice mixed with tray beauty and the “ideal” image found on any given street corner. tion control. In the end, maple syrup, water and cayenne really sway our personal eating What these dieting companies you really can still have pepper. Oh, and also a saltwater decisions? Take a look at yourself forget to mention, or conveniently that slice of chocolate beverage and a laxative tea. The and what you eat, and perhaps put in small print, is that diets have cake you like.” side-effects, which are referred even how you eat. minor side-effects such as stomach McKee maintains that eat- to as “detox symptoms” on the Do you feel guilty when you aches, diarrhea and headaches and ing nutritiously and exercis- website, specifi cally include have a slice of pizza or can you more intense side-effects such as ing can shave off those extra cravings, fatigue, irritability, eat it without regret? Do you starvation, addiction, in the case of 10 pounds that might be weighing Should it be that slice of pizza for physical aches and pains and hot care, truly, about what pop-cul- diet pills, and low blood pressure. you down. Instead of focusing on lunch or would a salad be better? bowel movements. ture deems beauty? Do you think Dieting doesnʼt sound great not eating, people should focus Should we even have lunch at all? Further research further into the simply exercising and eating when you put it that way, but the more on being healthy. Some of these questions are becom- specifi c ingredients in Glickmanʼs right are the solutions rather than allure of losing weight and looking “Who doesnʼt love food?” Mc- ing some of the toughest decisions concoctions brings this written participating in rash diets? I ask our best can sometimes outweigh Kee says with a chuckle. young people face today. When we reply prepared on his website. you to think of those things long what logic may tell us. Nevertheless, dieting can be a see a group of people passing by, “I have omitted the exact recipe and hard because, chances are, If you are tempted to experi- struggle. chances are a few of them are asking because I have seen that people the person right next to you is. School’s out, now the real work begins

By CARLY SNIDER should also check Job Gym at job- tion, job searching, interview Staff Writer gym.com. Job Gym has offi ces in skills and gain access to comput- In only a few weeks, students St. Catharines, Welland and Fort ers, Internet, newspapers and other will be out of college and have Erie, and alsdo also offers online print resources,” said DeJong. Online job search four months of complete freedom. job listings that are updated daily, If you are experiencing diffi cul- Almost. with a job board specifi cally for ty designing a resumé, there are With the college yearʼs end young people 15 to 24. As well, other avenues besides job coaches Workopolis Campus comes four months for students students can fi nd resources such and counsellors. to make back the money theyʼve as resumé database that allows Allie Gammon, 21, founded www.workopoliscampus.com spent over the past eight months registered employers to view your So Fresh Resumé Design in May This Canadian student job site is updated daily by the Job and a chance to save for the up- resumé online. 2007 after realizing many of her Centre with approximately 15 new job postings a day and is coming academic year in Septem- “This year, we are offering friends were asking her to assist available to all Niagara College students and alumni. ber. March and April are key times large-scale job fairs in fi ve cit- them in designing their resumés for students to hunt for a summer ies. These are Welland, Grimsby, and portfolios and writing their Job Gym job. Port Colborne, Fort Erie and St. cover letters. Job-hunting is not always easy, Catharines,” Jane DeJong, pro- Gammon has her clients fi ll out a www.jobgym.com but there are many easily acces- gram manager of Job Gym, St. package with employment history, Employment Ontario funds this employment service that main- sible resources available. Catharines said. qualifi cations and other pertinent ly focuses on youth employment. Job Gym offers a variety of Before starting a job search, Searching job boards is the easy information. She then meets with services ranging from assistance seminars to job postings. students need to know where to part. Being hired is the tricky part. them to discuss what refl ects them look. The Job Centre at Niagara The Job Centre has a rotating stylistically. Osprey Media Classifieds College offers job postings and schedule of job coaches. No ap- “The goal is that the resumé not www.ospreycareers.com other resources. pointment is necessary to have a job only refl ects their employment While students are walking the coach review your resumé, assist and experience, but also aestheti- Osprey Media Classifieds allows job hunters to search by job halls at the Welland and Niagara- with writing a cover letter or answer cally represents them as well,” keywords or location and is updated on a regular basis. on-the-Lake (NOTL) campuses, any questions you may have. Gammon explained. Employers in the Hall displays “We offer free computer use, Since opening her business, HRSDC Job Bank may catch their attention. printers, fax, local and long-dis- Gammon has created approxi- www.jobbank.gc.ca From September to November tance phone calls, photocopying - mately 150 resumés and has seen A project by Service Canada, the HRSDC Job Bank offers and January to March from 10 anything job related is free here,” many problems in studentsʼ origi- both regular and student job boards as well as job search tips a.m. to 2 p.m., on selected days, said Heather Colquhoun, a job nal resumés. employers set up a table to provide clerk in the Job Centre. What is the most common fl aw? and resumé-building assistance. information to students regarding Job Gym also offers many re- “Cookie-cutter layouts,” Gammon their hiring process. Signage on sources to students, such as work- said, without a pause. “Also the Youth Opportunities of Ontario campus and Blackboard advertise shops on employment-related inability to use professional lan- www.youthjobs.gov.on.ca who will be present and when. topics. They feature Smart Serve guage to convey experience.” These youth employment opportunities range from assistance The Job Centre posts jobs on training, Workplace Hazardous Gammon charges $45 to create in job hunting, to starting your own business and student jobs workopoliscampus.com for stu- Materials Information System a resumé from scratch and $30 to offered by the Government of Ontario. dents and alumni. Employers can (WHMIS) training, and Person- revamp an existing one. submit a form to the Job Centre ality Dimensions to add to the When asked if she had any tips and their job posting is listed qualifi cation portion of a studentʼs to assist students in their job hunt, Job Connect within 24 hours. Upon registra- resumé. DeJong replied, “Dress the part www.jobs.niagarac.on.ca/jobpostings tion, students have approximately “As well, students can access and be prepared. For youth, being Job Connect is Niagara Collegeʼs source for job postings by 15 new job postings a day to our resource area any time and punctual, reliable and motivated registered employers for summer jobs and other employment browse and consider. get one-on-one assistance from a are more important to an employer opportunities in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. While they are online, students counsellor with resumé prepara- than experience.” April 11, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 9 Niagara’s music tastes are rockin’ Students show their inner beats By CHRIS CARR Staff Writer “It’s the kind of ’80s Niagara College may have 99 problems but music ainʼt one of metal that makes them. If that Jay-Z reference isnʼt lost on you, your choice of music you want to drive may not be that popular, according to studentsʼ MP3 players. fast and scare the After interviewing a random sample of 50 students with MP3 elderly.” players in tow, the survey showed that 54 per cent of Niagara Col- – Stephen Roberts lege students are listening to rock. However, what defi nes rock? Some say itʼs the abundance of The only contender who may heavy guitar and loud, in-your-face represent the house that rock built vocals. However, if itʼs too loud is Kid Rock, who brings up the or arrogant, thatʼs not rock at all. rear in fi fth spot. Coming from Thatʼs punk, or heavy metal. a rap background, he may not fi t The real diversity lies in the sub- the mould of real rock. However, genres of rock. This 54 per cent Kid Rockʼs latest album, Rock ʼnʼ of rock lovers can be divided into Roll Jesus, warrants reviews such various sects and styles. When I as “roaring guitars, truckloads of asked rock listeners to specify the attitude and an unquenchable lust sub-genre of their beloved rock, for life make up for a multitude of answers included “joke rock,” sins.” So says Anthony Decurtis, a “progressive rock,” “rap rock,” reviewer for Rolling Stone. “classic rock” and, what is most In a dead heat for last place in explicit of them all, “post-emo the survey are classical, folk, jazz, grindcore afro-beat quasi-rock.” blues and electronica, all of which One has to wonder if itʼs sheer held two per cent of the votes. Omit- numbers that make up popularity ting electronica, the forefathers of s music are being neglected or the enthusiasm of the genreʼs todayʼ and have long been forgotten by pop fans. To test this theory, we turn culture, according to the results. to fans of metal, who are die-hard With earbuds in and MP3 player fans with die-hard conviction. Journalism-Print student Jerod Elliot has a wide variety of musical taste on his IPod. Photo by Chris Carr on, you may have thundering hair Metal is a genre forged from hate metal raising hell in your cerebel- and love fused with speed and cent popularity level, this genre top fi ve artists being Rihanna, an ever, one of our sample subjects lum or softly banging your head to precision. may be in need of defi brillation. established R&B singer and 50 still had the Thriller re-release, Julie Andrewsʼs particular brand of When Stephen Roberts, a Mo- Take this as you will, but new cent, the bullet-riddled rap artist. Beat-it, playing loudly in her ears. elevator-esque classics. Eclectic is tive Power Technician – Automo- wave beat metal by two per cent. Also sharing these ranks is Avril Long live the king of pop. defi ned as “a theory or practice that tive student, was asked about what Surprisingly, rap and rhythm Lavigne, whose latest material Fourth on the list is an emo/ combines doctrines or methods.” makes metal so appealing, he said, and blues (R&B) fell noticeably would undoubtedly be classifi ed as screamo/punk/metal band, from According to these results, would “Itʼs the kind of ʻ80ʼs metal that short of “popular” with only eight pop, at best. Ever since the decline Toronto, called Protest the Hero. Niagaraʼs musical tastes be defi ned makes you want to drive fast and per cent of the vote. These results of Michael Jackson, critics say pop Represent. These guys would fall as eclectic? And if so, is eclecti- scare the elderly.” Metal fans have contrast with Muchmusic.comʼs has lost popularity, taking a whop- into the 10 per cent of the survey cism popular? heart indeed, but with a four per top artists list with two out of the ping six per cent standing. How- that makes up the sample. Playlist Shuffl e ✧ To All the Crowded Rooms- Senses Fail ✧ Hate (I Really Don’t Like You) - Plain White Ts ✧ Spirit of the Water - Bob Dylan ✧ Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme - Bach ✧ Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey ✧ Carvel - John Fruscianti ✧ New Skin - Incubus ✧ Misery Business - Paramore ✧ 23 - Jimmy Eat World ✧ Caring is Creepy - The Shins ✧ Wake Me up When September Ends - Greenday ✧ Another One Bites the Dust - Queen ✧ Baby, You Can Drive My Car - the Beatles ✧ Rock n’ Roll - Led Zeppelin ✧ One in a Million - Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus ✧ Get Low - Stat Quo ✧ Schroeder Theme - Vince Guaraldi ✧ My Moves Are White (White Hot That Is) - Cobra Starship ✧ Beat it - Michael Jackson ✧ Mess We’re In - PJ Harvey and Radiohead 10 NIAGARA NEWS April 11, 2008 Killing for Friday’s bad luck tour By BETH LAFAY winter weather in their trusty tour Staff Writer vehicle, the Super-van. My cellphone rings. KFF played a show in Grimsby “Beth, showʼs cancelled.” recently where it was announced Oh, how appropriate I think, Houde would be fi lling in for snickering to myself. We continue Poliszczuk for the next while. down the highway. “Sheʼs the greatest girl in the Killing for Friday (KFF), a four- world! Sheʼs my hero!” They all piece band from North Bay, Ont., stumble over each other trying to has been together for approximately show their gratitude for their friend two years touring Ontario getting its and saviour. name and its music out to people. “Theyʼre a great bunch of guys,” “I want people to start loving mu- Houde says about KFF in return. sic again,” says Peter Johnson, lead “Iʼm glad to help them out.” vocalist and guitar for KFF. “It seems The members of KFF live in North to be more about the single now.” Bay, Ont., but they have aspirations Killing for Friday formed on a to move to Ottawa and make a fol- Friday night as the musicians antici- low-up to the album entitled Eyes pated the school bell so they could that was recorded in London, Ont., go home and jam. at Icehouse Studios. The band, made up of Peter “Killing For Friday has a great Johnson on vocals/guitar, Brandon unique sound,” says Thomas Ireland, Chamberlain on bass, Rob Johnson the in-house engineer for Icehouse on percussion and former Jerry Or- Studios. “Heavy guitars without est Poliszczuk on lead guitar, got heavy guitar tone. Great vocals with together for the fi rst time in a shed awesome hooks. It was a fun project. and knew this would be their forte. I enjoyed working with them.” The bandʼs name, Killing for They are now on a provincial tour. Friday, illustrates the groupʼs an- Killing for Friday band from top left going clockwise: Peter and Rob Johnson, Brandon Chamberlain and They will be making stops in Owen ticipation for the end of the week, Cassie Houde sit in their van after another cancelled show. Sound, Orillia, Burlington, Water- when they could come together and, Photo by: Bethany Lafay loo, Sarnia and Kitchener. Watch for engage in their common interest, a lead vocalist for Assemble Me, an It was on to Belleville where they the Brampton show too is cancelled. them in the Niagara region during real passion for music. Ottawa-based band. played a solid show, then off again in Somehow, KFFʼs spirits are still at this tour before they head east for a “The music-making effort is a col- The fun began in Kingston, when the morning to Toronto for their next peak. The members are still pumped second time. laborative one,” says Rob. “We all they showed up one man short after set. Lady Luck seemed to be smiling to keep going and see what is in store For a new sound that is all its just build off of one another and go Poliszczuk left the band for personal upon them. Despite the freezing cold for them next. own – a combination of dedicated from there.” reasons. The whole ride down was weather in Toronto, two more of their “ONFORTH!” they exclaim in musicians with original vocals and In mid-January, they let this pas- spent teaching a long-time friend shows had relatively fl awless sets. unison. intense philosophical lyrics – KFF sion take them on a journey through and merchandizing girl, Cassandra “We are all perfectionists,” says “Weʼve been through a lot and breaks the musical clichés of the southern Ontario, where they would “Cass” Houde, how to play Poliszc- Chamberlain. “We just try to play ʻonforthʼ just means perseverance. “emo” scene and does its own thing learn some hard lessons and play zukʼs parts. together, but other than that, we can We always manage to pull through with grace and pride. some amazing shows with good During the set, vocalist Johnson only improve the performance.” it together,” says vocalist Johnson. At the ripe age of 19, the KFF guys friends and respected musicians blew his guitar head. If only they had been so fortu- “Weʼve known one another since have accomplished accolades. From from Assemble Me. “They put on an awesome set, de- nate to keep their luck escalating, elementary school and, if we just Canada-wide tours, to a well-record- “I found their MySpace on the spite the troubles they encountered,” but that didnʼt seem to be the case. stick together, we know it will all ed fi rst EP and various merchandise, punkottawa.com forums here and says Emely Perry, a promoter from The Hamilton show was cancelled. turn out.” these young, zealous musicians are a was blown away by their tunes. Turns Kingston. “They were very profes- The Guelph crowd was a little dull. They performed a solid tour-end- band on the rise but with lots of time out they were even better people, and sional and well mannered. You could Hereʼs where I come in. ing show in Waterdown/Flambor- to do so. we couldnʼt have been luckier to tour just tell they were totally into every- A cold winter evening and an hour ough and were proud that they had “All this time until we die!” And with them,” says Daniel Thomson, thing they were doing music-wise.” out of the Niagara region, I fi nd out pulled through the extreme cold so much more to do. Tai chi good for the soul and body anywhere, anytime By MICHAEL OWEN to “warm you up and work you done anywhere by anyone. Staff Writer out,” said Stevens. Tai chi also has relaxing ef- White crane spreads wings, Tai chi is good for your joints, fects, benefi cial to those who suf- grasp birdʼs tail, carry tiger to and helps to build bone density. fer from panic/anxiety attacks or mountain — itʼs not a trip to the It is also well known for stretch- sleeping disorders. zoo, but all are moves from the ing muscles and increasing blood “Most people fi nd Tai Chi very ancient art of tai chi. Anyone can fl ow/circulation. The exercise calming. (Itʼs) meditation in mo- begin learning it here in Welland works the outer muscles fi rst tion,” said Lutz. thanks to the Taoist Tai Chi So- and moves inwards to spine and Tai Chi isnʼt just about exercise. ciety. bones. It is also an aerobic exer- Itʼs also about socializing, spiritu- The Society was founded when cise, which improves the bodyʼs ality, philosophy and religion. Master May Lin-Shin came to cardiovascular system. People donʼt have to subscribe Toronto, Canada from China in “You thought you felt good be- to the religious aspect to practice 1970, and began teaching Taoist fore you did Tai Chi, but now you tai chi, but can participate in it if Tai Chi to two students in a park- know how good you can feel,” they choose. ing lot. Lutz. Stevens became involved in There are now between 40,000 Unlike conventional exercises tai chi after having watched a and 50,000 members in 500 loca- tai chi stretches everything: mus- movie involving a character who tions in 26 countries across the cles, joints, tendons and nerves. practiced it, and later being asked Marolyn Lutz moves through the 108 moves of Taoist tai chi with her world. “Tai chi lubricates the joints, by his brother if he would like to class. The society is focused on health lowers blood pressure, improves try it. Photo by Michael Owen improvement and maintenance, balance, improves co-ordination, “The health benefi ts are just he is also a student in Lutzʼs ad- “Everyone is welcome. If youʼre but has four goals: to make the in- keeps the mind active and reha- gravy. I feel better now than in a vanced class. ready, weʼre here,” said Stevens. ternal arts and methods available bilitates the body,” said Stevens. great many years,” said Stevens. “We pass on what we collec- The Tai Chi Society of Canada to everyone, to promote the inher- Having attended a class myself Lutz became interest in Tai Chi tively know. One day one of these will be working with the Brain In- ent health benefi ts, to encourage to see what itʼs like, I can tell you after seeing a demo and thinking students will become and instruc- jury Society of Hamilton Halton the cultural and social exchange tai chi has an interesting learning to herself, “I like that.” tor and pass on what they know,” and Niagara to put on a demon- and to help others understand the curve. The Tai Chi Society of Canada said Stevens. stration Tuesday, May 6, at 1:30 prosperity tai chi offers. “Tai Chi is a different way of is 98 per cent volunteer driven, Classes take place every Tues- p.m. in the Niagara-on-the-Lake The classes are organized so learning from what North Ameri- including all of the instructors. day and Thursday night at 6 p.m. Library. that the beginner class, taught by cans are used to. You have to listen They teach because “we re- in the basement of the Welland The society will be holding an Kim Stevens, focuses on form, to your body, thereʼs no manual,” ceived health benefi ts that we museum at 140 King Street, hour-long open house Tuesday and the advanced class, taught by said Stevens. want to give back,” said Lutz. Welland. Beginner classes start in May 29, at 7:30 p.m. at 140 King Marolyn Lutz, hones the art. Tai chi works with a personʼs All of the societyʼs instructors May while advanced classes are st. Taoist tai chi is comprised of body weight versus free weights are also students. Although Ste- on going. Anyone interested can For more information you can 108 foundation/standing exercises or machines, meaning it can be vens teaches the beginning class come sit in on classes. call the society at 905-374-7718, April 11, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 11 Sports Niagara men have hoop dreams By JOSEPH CASSIDY Staff Writer Tomorrow is a brand-new day for those aspiring to reach great heights. The Niagara College Knights menʼs basketball team has three players who believe their season next year is going to end in great- ness. “Itʼs guaranteed that we fi nish in the top three next year,” declares Anthony Douglas, 20, a student in the Social Services Worker pro- gram and six-foot six-inch power forward, who will be returning for the 2008-2009 season. “Nothing will come easy against us. We will be good against every team,” adds Nick Fadayel, 21, a Police Foundations student, who returns as a six-foot four-inch small forward. “Last yearʼs result [did not qualify for Ontario fi nals] is good motivation for next year.” The Niagara College menʼs basketball team fi nished 10-8 in the regular season and lost in the playoffs to St. Lawrence College, of Kingston, Ont. The Knights lost fi ve of six games at the end of the season after losing some key play- ers to injuries. “After missing the Ontario Col- lege Athletic Association playoffs this year, we will go deep next year,” maintains Lamar Grant, 24, a General Arts and Science student, who will be a six-foot shooting guard for the 2008-2009 Niagara College Knights. Niagara Knights men’s basketball players show their 2008-2009 game faces. From left are Nick Fayadel, 21, Lamar Grant, 24, and Anthony Douglas, All three players carry many years 20. of basketball experience under their Photo by Joseph Cassidy belts. Douglas, who calls Toronto home played since Grade 5. St. Maryʼs High School and McMaster Uni- you will fi nd the offi ce (M22) of Collectively, the members of the in the summer, started playing or- University in Halifax recruited him versity. “We guarantee success,” Niagara College Athletic Director Niagara Knights basketball team ganized basketball in Grade 9 and from Father Michael McGivney asserts Fadayel. His strengths Ray Sarkis. hold their breath until tomorrow, has played for the Richmond Raid- High School, and St. Maryʼs is where are overall rebounding, low-post “Thanks to the current students because yesterday is history in the ers and Scarborough Blues. His he played last year. His strengths are strength and good passing. for their support, we look forward world of sports. strengths are rebounding, blocking a smothering defensive style and the “He [Fadayel] is a good physical to next year because this season we The Niagara News menʼs bas- shots and low-post defence. “We ability to slash into any defence. player,” adds Douglas. had many fi rst-year players. Also, ketball reporter for 2008-2009 is will have depth to go far.” Fadayel is from Hamilton, where The Niagara Knights teams play we have recruited many new play- Joseph Cassidy. E-mail any ques- Grant, from Markham, Ont., has he played basketball for St. Maryʼs in the Mackenzie building, where ers, and thatʼs big.” tions to [email protected]. Men’s volleyball season collapses Women’s coach confi dent By STEPHEN DYELL to do so unless more talent is added By JASON SCHRYER “Look out for Kerissa Van Staff Writer to the roster. Staff Writer Amersfoort,” warns Bentley. The Disappointment sums up a ‘We are still a couple Sarkis says he believes more A powerful lineup of nine rookies young setter from Blyth, Ont., has frustrating season for the Niagara attention must be put on getting seems to have ensured the Niagara a promising record, earning Rookie Knights menʼs volleyball team, of years from being the message out that high school Knights womenʼs volleyball team of the Year. who missed the playoffs after students do not have to leave town will take a repeat top spot in the The main topic of conversation coming close to proving the other great. Th e lack to play great volleyball and that west in the coming season. Last on the upcoming season is that the colleges wrong. Niagara is looking forward to com- season left the Knights with a record divisions might be whittled down to The Knights started off decently, of recruiting peting with fresh talent. of 11-4, fi nishing fi rst in the west. two from four: East and West. This but then the wheels fell off. After Next year, the Knights do not The most recent fall seasonʼs record means not only will there be many the Christmas Break, the Knights has hurt us.’ catch a break though because the ended 10-5. more games (by some estimates lost two key players and the com- league will change from four divi- Star player Leah Duke wonʼt be over 20), but also making the play- mitment of the rest plummeted. — Ray Sarkis sions into East and West divisions. joining head coach Kerby Bentley offs will be more diffi cult. Regg Miller was the coach at They will go from playing 11 and his womenʼs Niagara Knights Many coaches are upset about the time. However, he found he games this year to fi ve or six more in the upcoming season. this possible change, but Bentley is had limited time for the team, as cess of looking for a new coach but next with games in upper New “Sheʼs come a long way,” said taking it as an opportunity to show his Oakville-based business was knows that is not the problem. York State and around Ontario. Bentley, former Niagara College what his team is made of. growing bigger. “We are still a couple of years While the Knights search for an Male Athlete of the Year. “This year “Thereʼll be a lot of veterans “People were not committed to from being great. The lack of re- identity and a new coach, many she really stepped it up ... [and] she coming along,” said Bentley, adding winning or even just playing good cruiting has hurt us.” are waiting to rise above being the fi nished second in scoring in the his team “has a great mix of talented team volleyball,” Miller said. “We Many programs such as Niagara laughingstock of the league and be west.” players.” had a great chance to make the Rapids Volleyball Association and a competitive team once more. Not all is lost, however, as coach Heʼs confi dent his team will do playoffs with two weeks left, but Seekers in Hamilton have plenty Miller summed up the season by Bentley is confi dent in his team. even better than in previous sea- the guys Knights dropped three of talented players, but the goal saying, “Everything that could have With an abundance of talent in his sons because of his experience as straight. We had a shot, but we is to make them want to play for gone wrong, did.” The Knights team, Bentley says he hopes to use coach and his belief in his playersʼ gave up too soon.” Niagara College. That problem has look for more luck entering the the experience his players have to abilities. Ray Sarkis, director of athletics halted the development of Niaga- 2008-2009 season and maybe a fi nish in top spot, as in previous “[In a game of volleyball], expe- for Niagara College, is in the pro- raʼs menʼs team and will continue couple of new recruits as well. seasons. rience is huge.” 12 NIAGARA NEWS April 11, 2008

Jordan Foreman , No. 21, takes a faceoff against a Belleville player in the IceDogs’ March 13 regular season game against the Bulls. Photo by Sarah Ward IceDogs look to bite back By SARAH WARD of the IceDogs. in Mississauga. have been unbelievable, especially the Eastern Conference playoff Staff Writer After nine seasons in Missis- The press box lighting up at the in the last 12 games,” Swift said, race by storm, sweeping their With the price of a National sauga, the IceDogs offi cially came new Gatorade Complex Centre in when asked about how he thought fi rst-round opponents St. Mikeʼs Hockey League ticket not worth to the Niagara region on June 5, downtown St. Catharines, all eyes the season has gone so far. Majors and are beginning their the quality of hockey being played 2007. That is when the Ontario and ears were focused on what On the playoffs, Swift stated, second round spat with the Oshawa these days, it seemed unlikely Ni- Hockey League Board of Gover- new blood would grace the ice, “We just want to win the last three Generals. agara would get quality hockey of nors signed off on the deal that saw come game time. games coming up and have a posi- As the season draws to a close and its own. It has, though, in the form the St. Mikeʼs Majors taking over The roster includes the young, tive attitude and go in on a winning with the team facing elimination on great Stefan Legin, Captain Mike note. We will have a week to prac- Friday, simply calling this season a Swift and current team goal-scor- tice, so [weʼve] got to practice.” success would be understating the ing leader, Luca Caputi. For Swift to say that the whole impact, the franchise and the game With a young, talented squad season would have been a success have had on this region and the like the one that is on the ice in without a playoff berth was dif- thousands of fans. FALL REGISTRATION St. Catharines, itʼs no wonder fans ferent. For a region hungry for good were fl ocking for early tickets to “No, it wouldnʼt have been. hockey for decades, this season will is going to get easier! the IceDogsʼ September home Thatʼs the goal, to make the play- be remembered for years to come. debut. That very debut would hap- offs. It doesnʼt matter what place pen in front of nearly 4,000 fans youʼre in as long as youʼre ready IceDogs’ on Sept. 19. when Game 1 starts,” Swift said. The arena was packed with fans The Niagara IceDogs have playoff and media, so it was time for the clinched a hard-earned playoff schedule new, improved IceDogs to skate berth with a late come-from-be- on the ice as Niagara IceDogs, tak- hind victory over the Brampton Round 1 vs. Mississauga ing on their former selves, the St. Battalion on March 7, 2008. Game 1 Mikeʼs Majors. The team shouldnʼt only be rec- Niagara 4 Mississauga 0 The IceDogs would fi nd victory ognized for its success on the ice. Game 2 in their debut, winning the game To talk about the IceDogsʼ season, Niagara 3 Mississauga 1 4-1 and proving theyʼre worthy of you must mention the charitable Game 3 playing in Niagara. events they have taken part in for New fans fl ock to every game the community. Raising aware- Niagara 5 Mississauga 0 to see their boys in the red, black ness in the St. Catharines/Niagara Game 4 and white dominate every team community is a top priority for the Niagara 6 Mississauga 3 they face, and now the IceDogs IceDogs players. Helping out at sit in contention to win the Me- the St. Catharines blood clinic in morial Cup. February with high school students Round 2 vs. Oshawa The IceDogs are fourth best in is just one of the many events play- the Eastern Conference and have ers and fans have been involved in Game 1 two players in the top 10 scoring. since the season began. Niagara 1 Oshawa 6 Starting this August The playoffs are shaping up to be The regular season is gone and Game 2 more nerve-racking than the regu- teams are facing do-or-die situa- Niagara 5 Oshawa 3 Niagara College Students can lar season. tions at their peak. There is more Game 3 ONLINE Caputi, Swift and the injured to see from this new franchise this Niagara 1 Oshawa 4 choose their timetables . Legin are key fi gures in the suc- season. Game 4 cess of the IceDogsʼ inaugural You can give the majority of the Niagara 4 Oshawa 6 Watch for details in your Fall enrollment package. season. Caputi scored 50 goals and credit to the players, but some of Game 5 Another reason why you’re going to like it here! fi nished with a total of over 100 it has to go to the coaching skills April 11 7:35 p.m. points, so his opponents are feel- of Mario Cicchillo, who in his Game 6

62961269 ing nervous whenever he steps on fi rst season with the IceDogs, has April 13 2 p.m. | the ice. given them an amazing effort and a niagaracollege.ca 905-735-2211 “Itʼs been a great season for playoff berth. our fi rst year down here. The fans The Icedogs are currently taking April 11, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 13 New chapter written in Knights’ history All-star athletes and Hall of Fame inductees recognized at annual banquet

By JOSEPH CASSIDY lege Athletic Association season formance on the Niagara Knights “Coming into the year it was to be nominated myself is quite a Staff Writer and receiving the Canadian Col- menʼs basketball team and in the my goal to get the Rookie of the thrill.” Niagara College brought its leges Athletic Association All classroom. Year Award, but I never expected She then made reference to fel- A-game to the Annual Athletic Canadian Award. “I was honoured and privileged to be named OCAA Rookie of the low inductee Ralph Nero. Awards and Hall of Fame Inductee “Itʼs great to win and I still have to receive this award among my Year. Our team consisted of mostly “I knew him very well and he Banquet on April 1 at the Welland two years of eligibility left but Iʼm peers and award winners as well rookies, and I think that everyone was just a wonderful person.” Lions Club. not sure what I am doing next year.” as inductees. This is a tremendous deserved the award. Thanks to With a coaching career that “Itʼs always an honour to have all The 2008 Male Athlete of the accomplishment, and because of Niagara Knights Coach Kerby spanned nearly 50 years, Coach these athletes together on a night Year, Stephen Regier, led the vol- what our team went through this Bentley for working us as hard as Nero was a dedicated leader who recognizing individual and team leyball team in points and won year, it makes the award that much he did. He was a huge impact on coached the Niagara Knights menʼs accomplishments,” Niagara Col- the 2008 OCAA Western Region more gratifying to receive. This is our team, and we are lucky to have basketball team to great achieve- lege Athletic Director Ray Sarkis Rookie of the Year Award. just the beginning for what I hope him as a coach.” ments such as, a 64-26 record in told the capacity crowd. “Itʼs also “I was really surprised because will be a successful 2008-2009 Among the tables of golf, curling, league play and an OCAA medal special because weʼre honouring there are lots of guys that fought season for both me and the team.” soccer, volleyball and basketball (Bronze) and Western Region title past builders.” for this award, but I guess the Kerissa Van Amersfoort won the players, were the Niagara College in 2002-2003. Womenʼs basketball player coaches just recognized me as a OCAA Western Region Rookie of Knights Hall of Fame Inductees. “He would be happy to be rec- Kaitlyn McKenna took home the more skilled player.” the Year Award in her fi rst year as Past great Niagara College stu- ognized this way by the college. 2008 Female Athlete of the Year Jeremy Settimi was named Ni- a volleyball player and was named dent athletes like volleyball player Ralph wasnʼt only a coach; he was Award, after fi nishing fi rst in agara College Male Rookie Athlete Niagara College Female Rookie of Ginni Llord, 1999-2003, showed a mentor who helped many kids scoring during the Ontario Col- of the Year for his standout per- the Year. much emotion as she accepted her get on the right track,” said widow, plaque at the podium from former Donna Nero. Niagara Knights Coach Caroline Hall of Fame inductee and 2008 Welden. Niagara Knights menʼs basketball “Caroline has been such a big coach Randy Conlon added, “Itʼs part of my life, especially when not all about the championships and I played at Niagara College, she the medals, the relationships I build was my coach for four years and with the students is important.” it meant a great deal that she even Conlon was teary-eyed when came down from Kingston [Weld- talking about Nero. en now coaches in Kingston at St. “When my dad died Ralph Lawrence College]. It was so nice brought me back into coaching, he to have my family here too.” became like a father fi gure to me. It The six Hall of Fame inductees meant a lot to me and Coach Nero also included builders such as Lou was a great man.” Dimattio with 34 years of service Great athletes, builders, legends with Niagara College Athletics. and hosts, mixed with crying, ”Iʼve been on the induction com- laughter, applause and praise, the mittee since it was fi rst started and Niagara College Athletics Awards had the honour and pleasure of left participants with an evening to voting for many of the athletes, so remember. Winners’ Circle

Female Athlete of the Year Kaitlyn McKenna Male Athlete of the Year Stephen Regier Female Rookie Athlete of the Year Kerissa Van Amersfoort The top award winners are, front row, from left, Kaitlyn McKenna, Female Athlete of the Year; Stephen Regier, Male Rookie Athlete of the Year Jeremy Settimi Male Athlete of the Year. Back row, Matt Hunter, Male Tournament Sports Player of the Year; Kerissa Van Male Tournament Sports Player of the Year Matt Hunter Amersfoort, Female Rookie of the Year; Jeremy Settimi, Male Rookie of the Year; and Kristin Campbell, on Female Tournament Sports Player of the Year Megan Climenhage behalf of Megan Climenhage, Female Tournament Sports Player of the Year. Most Valuable Player Awards Peter Rylander, on right, former co-ordinator of Niagara College Athletics, hands Hall of Fame Inductee Menʼs Volleyball Stephen Regier Randy Conlon a Hall of Fame plaque at the athletic banquet. Womenʼs Volleyball Leah Duke Submitted Photos Curling Jordan Thin Golf Cory Fiwchuk Menʼs Indoor Soccer Phil Hull Womenʼs Indoor Soccer Amanda Wilson Womenʼs Basketball Kaitlyn McKenna Menʼs Basketball Anthony McAleese Menʼs Soccer Matt Miedema

OCAA ALL ACADEMIC AWARDS Recognizing Athletic/Academic Excellence Womenʼs Basketball Kendra Killen, Natalie Campeau Golf Mike Currie Menʼs Indoor Soccer Phil Hull, Ray Agboluage, Craig Eden Womenʼs Indoor Soccer Megan Climenhage, Christy Hazley, Melissa Steers Womenʼs Volleyball Nicole Vandermeer, Jacklyn Van Leerzem, Michelle Schinkel, Jackie Sexton, Jennifer Aide, Alyssa Runyon, Sarah Kupsch Menʼs Volleyball Kevin Krajcik

Niagara College Athletes of Distinction Menʼs Outdoor Soccer Eric Klein Womenʼs Basketball Jessica James, Kaitlyn McKenna Womenʼs Indoor Soccer Jennifer Pringle 14 NIAGARA NEWS • April 11, 2008 15 CCAPTURINGAPTURING PPOVERTYOVERTY Dominican Republic Quick Facts: Geography – shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti Government type – democratic republic Capital – Santo Domingo Language – Spanish Population – 9,365,818 Median age – 24.5 years Unemployment rate – 15.5% (2007 est.) Population below poverty line – 42.2% (2004)

Students raise social awareness in Dominican Republic

By LAURA WIKSTON It wasnʼt meant to be such a big produc- stuff, a lot of social injustice, and we were all Staff Writer tion. It started as a favour to two friends very ready for that,” says Adam. “But then Above: Third-year Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film student Kyle Adam films an unnamed aising social awareness is heady from Atkinsonʼs high school days. Alicia going through it, you realize that you can woman at the Las Pajas Batey, a sugar cane community in the Dominican Republic. business. Muniak and Quinn Devries, key members never actually be prepared for what youʼre That was just one of many les- of the DCCD, asked him to come along on going to see.” Below: (front row) DCCD members Quinn Devries and Alicia Muniak, and (back row) Broadcasting R sons learned by three Niagara Col- their next trip. They were going with the What the crew saw were Haitian refugees – Radio, Television and Film students Andrew Chalmers, Ralph Atkinson, Kyle Adam and DCCD lege Broadcasting – Radio, Television and latest group of high school students in their who work the sugar cane fi elds. The refugees facilitators Meredith Romella and Stephanie Hall and unnamed students pose with locals at the Las Film (BRTF) students and their professor program and wanted Atkinson to shoot a 10- live in communities, called bateys, inside the Pajas Batey sugar cane community in the Dominican Republic. when they decided to fi lm a corporate docu- minute promotional video for their groupʼs sugar cane plantationsʼ boundaries. There is mentary in the Dominican Republic. cause. He agreed. little food or water and next to no pay. Right: Adam Kyle, Andrew Chalmers, Prof. Bill Boehlen and Ralph Atkinson arrive at the sugar cane Ralph Atkinson, Andrew Chalmers, When Atkinson told Boehlen of his plans, Communities in the mountainous coffee fi eld where they fi lmed part of their social justice documentary. Kyle Adam and Professor Bill Boehlen “Bill and the school said, ʻLetʼs take this a region are more prosperous, but “because Submitted photos spent the fi rst two weeks of March fi lm- little further.ʼ” the workers are Haitian refugees, they donʼt ing four Notre Dame high school students. Thatʼs when college faculty became have Dominican citizenship, so they have no The students were taking part in a social involved. Through Jos Nolle, Niagara Col- access to health care,” Atkinson said. “They awareness program that allows Canadians legeʼs International Department, the crew have education only up to Grade 3.” to experience the day-to-day living reali- met Andy Jacques, the Canadian trade com- The crew learned not to dwell on such ties of Dominican life. missioner who works out of the Canadian negative aspects of the localsʼ lives. Itʼs a The program is run by the Dominican-Ca- embassy in the Dominican. lesson they learned from the locals. nadian Community Development (DCCD) “It was like a three-hour graduate level “In a lot of communities, you can see Group. Twice a year, the group arranges seminar of trade between Canada and the forward-thinking hope in them,” says Adam. two-week trips that allow Canadians to live Dominican,” says Boehlen. “It gave us some “We were kind of shell-shocked walking with locals and observe their way of life. insight into the economic structure of that into that kind of environment thatʼs so poor, The crew found the weather was gorgeous country.” but the people arenʼt feeling sorry for them- while they were there, but Atkinson found it Boehlen says Professor James Crowe selves. Theyʼre walking around with smiles was too hot for him at times. helped out too because “he let us borrow a and they feel good, which put things into An early lesson for the documentary crew certain type of light that we needed because perspective for guys like us.” was how much pre-planning is involved to it was small and portable.” Boehlen agrees. “The people are very open, get such a project off the ground. Every person at the college from whom very friendly. They are incredibly willing to “There was collaboration between at the crew requested help provided it. share. They were feeding us. Weʼre coming least 40 people,” said Chalmers. “It took a “People let us pick their brains about their into somebodyʼs home and theyʼre saying, month of organizing. We interviewed the experiences shooting abroad. They gave ʻNo, you guys are the guests. You eat fi rst,ʼ and high school students and met all of their us information and new ideas we hadnʼt then the family eats.” families. We worked with the DCCD, who thought of,” Atkinson says. “It was incred- “If you ask them what they need, in some arranged placements for us with Dominican ible to see what the teachers here were able cases itʼs not for a school to be built, or for families.” to offer us.” the garbage to be picked up,” says Atkinson. “Itʼs the most ambitious corporate docu- Despite the preparations, the crew learned “What they want from us is to come home and mentary the broadcast department has un- it is impossible to be completely prepared to talk to people about how it is there and to get dertaken,” Boehlen said. “Itʼs also the fi rst witness the hardships the Dominican people their story out.” time weʼve arranged fi lm student placements face. Getting the story out is one of the main goals out of North America.” “We were expecting some pretty intensive Continued on Page 17 16 NIAGARA NEWS April 11, 2008

Tabitha Neudorf and her boyfriend Evan MacLennan stroll down the pier in Deep Cove, B.C. during Reading Week. Submitted Photo a life-long friend. started to fall into a state of depression. Ashlee, like me, had moved away from When Christmas rolled around, and Young student breaks home to attend college. We would talk for I was unable to go home to Vancouver hours about our old lives, and how much because of work, homesickness started to happier we were now. Unfortunately, she overwhelm me. I was fi ne in the summer away from her B.C. roots couldnʼt handle being away from home. Her before and after I left home. I didnʼt cry, life was in Kitchener, and she felt she had to but when I saw everyone going home to By TABITHA NEUDORF freedom. I imagined myself in September. I move back home in October, but I respect parents and siblings, I started to feel alone. Staff Writer imagined the fi rst day of school. I wondered her for trying. We keep in touch because she Thank goodness I had my grandparents to My legs were crossed and leaning on the what everyone would be like, who my friends lives only two hours away, unlike me who stay with, as well as my best friend, and doorframe while my Velcro shoes dangled would be, and if I would have any friends. I moved across the country. boyfriend, Evan. out the car window on a hot July morning. thought about my professors and my peers. Yes, every day I am asked the question, He and I met in mid-September and have My sunglasses gleamed, and my long blonde The thought of complete solitude slightly “Why the hell did you move to Welland been inseparable. I love him with all my hair was blowing out the window. I felt consoled me for once in my life. It was in from Vancouver?” and every day I say, “Oh, heart, and I thank him every day for sticking completely at peace with what I had just left this moment when I realized the choice I had I have family here.” Thatʼs really not the by me when Iʼm feeling alone or unwanted. I behind. made. It was then I understood why I was reason, but I just donʼt like people meddling believe in fate. I had no idea he existed seven My dad was sitting next to me concentrating leaving my entire life behind. I needed to in my business. months ago, but since the day we met, he has on the complicated American highway signs fi nd myself, and thatʼs exactly what I found. I moved across the country on my own, shaped and changed my life into something while he silently cursed MapQuest. I knew The fi rst months of college I found to be simply to fi nd myself, to get a new experi- incredible. where we were going, and I was fi lled with a breeze. September was a giant continuing ence and to grow as a person. I do have fam- Everyone who moves away to school nothing but excitement. circle of fi rst-years, struggling to become what ily here, but thatʼs not why I came. goes through ups and downs. Everyone This is the path I had chosen. No longer people want, trying to have the most friends, At the end of high school I knew I had to goes through friendships and relationships was anyone deciding for me. I had complete trying to be wanted, trying to become people escape my tiny hometown of Deep Cove, and through self-doubt and emotions never they are not. B.C., and try to become who I am meant to experienced before. People who move away There were parties, drinking and homework. be. Deep Cove is the kind of place where on their own are strong individuals who are It really seemed no different from high school. everyone knows everything about every- independent enough to leave home. Guys were still looking for just one thing, and thing and everyone. Feeling I had to leave It is nearing the end of the academic year. girls were still trying to be that one thing. was unfortunate because the area I lived I feel I have accomplished everything I My classes were intimidating, but I found in was very beautiful. It was on the ocean wanted to do this year. I did well in school, some amazing people to hang out with. One at the base of a mountain, I couldnʼt have held down a job, made some new friends of them was Ashlee Korn. Ashlee and I met asked for anything better, but now Iʼm in and met someone amazing. I feel I have in July on a Facebook group. We found out Welland. made a large step in fi nding myself. There we were in the same program and we talked October to December was fi lled with have been fun times, drunken times and all summer as best friends. When Septem- stress, work, friendships ending and start- hard times, but I know I have people behind ber came, we fi nally got to meet face to ing and many new experiences. I started to me who love me. face, and it was then I realized I had found question my motives for coming here, and I This experience over the past year has changed my outlook on life. It has shown me I am mature enough to handle my life and am ready to start a new chapter. Moving here was hard, and everyone back home can agree with me on that. My mom and dad also agree it is hard when I call home for money once in a while. They know I love them, and they know how I thank them for giving me this opportunity to grow as a person. Graduating from high school was a signifi - cant accomplishment, but moving across the country, alone, at 17, was more signifi cant. I thought running away from my hometown Above: Neudorf poses on the walkway at was the right idea. Now I realize I was never the Welland campus. meant to run away. I am just understanding Photo by Camille Hollett a new experience that will only help to make Right: View of the mountains and the me stronger. Welland has become my home ocean at Deep Cove, B.C. for the present, but Deep Cove will stay my Photo by Tabitha Neudorf hometown forever. April 11, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 17 GCP’s Anna and the King ends soon By AMBER BLUE with the company for 21 years, and Staff Writer his wife, Claudette, who joined a Nestled on the outskirts of St. little over a decade later. Catharines, in a building known as Garden City is a family, John The Barn, Garden City Productions Koerner says. (GCP) is still alive and well, more “Itʼs like our second home,” he than half a century after its birth. says of The Barn, where he and It is the longest-running non- the rest of the company for this profi t community theatre organiza- yearʼs production have spent tion in Niagara and has, to date, every night from Sunday to Fri- put on 88 shows since 1964, day since January. including Joseph and the Amazing “A lot of people come back,” Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chicago, adds Claudette, including peo- Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease and, ple like director McHenry, who most recently, The King and I, this started on stage with GCP at 15 spring. The current president is and has been with the company Jean V. Wesley. for 25 years. Before 1964, the company “We provide a commodity,” operated under the name The Op- Claudette says of GCP. “Itʼs also eratic Society of Grantham United an outlet for the people in the area Church and has staged eight other to pursue a dream. We offer a step- productions, starting with the Pi- ping-stone.” rates of Penzance in 1956. GCP alumni have gone on to Since the 1990s, the musicals bigger things, ranging from televi- have taken over the Mandeville sion to spots on Broadway. Most Theatre complex at Ridley College; recently, Stacey Joy Long, this previously GCP made its home yearʼs Tuptim, has advanced to at Brock University. The GCP the top 50 fi nalists in the BBCʼs website calls this 344-seat Ridley The Trouble with Maria, which venue “one of the best stages in the will give one person the chance to Niagara region.” play Maria in a production of The The King and I is being directed Sound of Music, much like last by John McHenry. Brian Vogt and yearʼs NBC show Grease: Youʼre Bernadette Mathie have taken on the One that I Want. the roles of the king and Anna re- The King and I ends this week- spectively. end on April 13. Saturdayʼs show is This yearʼs musical is being pro- at 8 p.m. and on Sunday there is a Brian Vogt fastens Bernadette Mathie’s corset at one of the fi nal rehearsals of Anna and the King. Vogt and duced by board of directors mem- 2 p.m. matinee. For more informa- Mathie have taken on the lead roles of this year’s production. bers John Koerner, who has been tion, visit www.gcp.ca. Photo by Amber Blue Strike ends and pens fl y Writers can continue their craft; the shows begin By JESSICA MOYSE well as Internet streaming came to resolution was made that pleased Staff Writer be. all parties involved. Three hundred million dollars is In the past, other entertainment As a result of this strike, Ameri- Friendship, exploration a lot of money to waste. related unions and guilds have gone can productions stopped coming to During the course of the Writ- on strike for similar reasons. The Canada, and the Canadian industry and a documentary ersʼ Strike in California, this is the Canadian actorsʼ union, Alliance of suffered even after the strike ended. estimated amount of money that Canadian Cinema, Television and It is possible that the WGA strike Continued from page 15 DCCD will serve as a tool to explain would have been made by techni- Radio Artists (ACTRA), went could cause similar fallout. for Devries and Muniak who act the groupʼs program to potential cians, writers and actors. Because on strike in February Already, there is speculation as liaisons between Canadians and interested parties. A second 48 min- of the shutting down of numerous of 2007. It concerning the consequences Dominican locals. ute video will ideally go to some large-scale productions, this money of the WGA strike. Because “Once people have that experi- specialty television channels. is lost. of production slowing ence (of witnessing life for many “Thereʼs great potential for that,” The Writersʼ Guild down on all television Dominicans), they can bring that says Boehlen. of America programs affi liated to their jobs in the future. They can A final lesson the crew learned (WGA) ended with the WGA, tell others about what they saw,” was that all the hard work was its 14-week technicians and says Devries. “We want people to worth the effort. writersʼ strike other support take responsibility for their actions. “It was that perfect balance of on Feb. 26, on workers We want them to understand that friendship, meeting new people, a resolution sup- were laid our decisions affect other people in seeing the world, being in good ported by 93 per off while the the world.” weather and producing our docu- cent of guild mem- WGA was in Another main goal of the DCCD mentary,” says Adam. “The experi- bers. negotiations. is to volunteer help on improve- ence was one of the greatest Iʼve “This contract is a The WGA and ment projects for the locals. Ongo- had in my life.” new beginning for writ- the International Alliance ing projects include developing a Atkinson agrees. “We learned a ers in the Digital Age,” of Theatrical Stage Employees, community centre in the sugar cane lot from a production standpoint said Patric M. Verrone, vied Moving Picture Technicians Art- community of Las Pajas and creat- and an interpersonal standpoint. WGAW president. for more ists and Allied Crafts (IATSE, the ing jobs through organic farming Weʼve learned so much by being in “The 2008 Minimum Basic distinct payment crewmember union) workers have and livestock breeding in the rural the fi eld and troubleshooting on the Agreement is groundbreaking guidelines concerning new lost an estimated $343 million in area an hour outside of the capital fl y, being in these incredibly ad- on many levels,” said Michael media. Past contracts had not wages. Networks have also ordered Santo Domingo. verse circumstances. Iʼve learned Winship, WGAE president. “Not accounted for new technologies. more reality-TV based program- “We stress working as equals more in the last month and a half only does it establish Writers Guild ACTRA had not anticipated DVDs ming to compensate for the lack of with the locals though,” says Muni- than I learned in the last two years jurisdiction in new media, it gives to become as popular as they did writers. This could potentially give ak. “We donʼt go in and tell them in the broadcasting program, more writers the same separated rights and had not required much com- writers less to come back to now what we think they need. The locals than my entire life, to be honest.” provisions in new media enjoyed pensation for DVD sales in their that the strike is over. come together and give us a propos- The DCCD Group is planning to by the creators of original TV and contracts. Average television viewers al of what they think they need.” run a two-week trip at the end of motion picture scripts, as well as Their strike hoped to change should never fear, though. Your The documentary crew was so July 2008 in order to raise social residuals for the re-use of movies those parts of the contracts to favourite shows will re-appear. moved by what they saw in the awareness. The trip is being of- and television programs on the encourage more compensation Very few of the shows that ceased Dominican that they will produce fered to college/university students Internet and in new media.” for work put to DVD, as well as production because of the strike two documentaries from their more and adults. Anyone who is inter- The issue of new media has been making provisions for any future have been cancelled entirely, and than 35 hours of film footage. The ested can e-mail Muniak and Devr- a hot-button topic for unions since new media. In February of 2007, most started shooting new episodes original 10-minute video for the ies at [email protected]. the issue of TV-to-DVD sales as the strike ended and a peaceful as soon as the strike ended. 18 NIAGARA NEWS April 11, 2008 Superhero Back to the past Movie not Music industry allows listeners to time travel super movie By JESSICA MOYSE By JORDAN NUNZIATO Staff Writer Staff Writer Excessive fart jokes just arenʼt The rock ʻnʼ roll freight train has funny anymore. Maybe if someone left the station fuelled by a frenzy is in a drunken stupor this type of of mind-blowing guitars, insane comedy might be acceptable, but in drum licks, intense bass lines and a the case of Superhero Movie, it just fury of gut-busting vocals. falls fl at. These are characteristics of a Superhero Movie is Craig Mazinʼs genre of music from long ago, at attempt at sitting in the directorʼs the time known as rock ʻnʼ roll chair. Mazin is a fi rst-time director, but now known as classic rock. but wrote such box offi ce gems as Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Scary Movie 3 and 4. The Rolling Stones and The movie centres on Rick Riker, Cream were all bands that played by Drake Bell, who, after left their mark and changed being bitten by a genetically en- music forever. hanced dragonfl y, has superpowers Local musician and Jour- that enable him to battle the evil nalism-Print student Chris Hourglass, played by Christopher Carr, 20, thinks “the music McDonald. McDonald is the actor of the day involving Led who, like Steve Buschemi, appears Zeppelin, the Stones and everywhere. Black Sabbath especially This results in a mash-up of have set the bar for the ever- Spiderman, Fantastic Four, Batman evolving industry.” Begins and the X-Men movies, Letʼs go back further to a however, it is not a good one. time when gospel and blues Superhero Movie fi res off gag were at the forefront of musical after gag in rapid succession, hoping entertainment. It began with that one will catch the audienceʼs the creation of blues, “slave fancy. On occasion, the jokes incite music” in the 1930s southern a giggle, but a barrage of fart jokes U.S. It was a time when Afri- that even an immature 13-year-old can-American culture was fac- Local musician Steve Braunlin of The Broken Arms rocks out at Sorge Studios in Port Colborne. boy wouldnʼt fi nd amusing soon ing extreme segregation and Photo by Jordan Nunziato crushes the sporadic enjoyment a the only means of expression viewer might feel. was through the blues. fully getting back into more When Rick and his love interest Robert Johnson popular- talented music.” Jill, played by Sara Paxton, begin ized it, and it was rumoured ‘Bring all the good music right back. Give everyone The guitarist of the group has to discuss how they feel about each the devil carried his music. been playing for years and has other in the presence of Rickʼs sleep- Shortly after recording 27 a taste of the old style of rock and hopefully interest been trying, with his band, to in- ing aunt, the fi rst bout of mid-slum- songs, he died mysteriously fl uence people to listen to classic ber fl atulence makes you chuckle, and his music was laid to rest and inspire them to listen to it.’ rock. “I just find new music but the twentieth just makes you for decades. boring. Classic music is way angry. Music historical records more intriguing.” Guitar has This nouveau tradition of spoof show the 1950s bloomed — Steve Braunlin of The Broken Arms been a major part of Braunlinʼs movies must be purely a money with a new age of music, life. From the beginnings of grab, as the producers of such mov- rock ʻnʼ roll. It took the his music career with his ies obviously are not trying to further world by storm and drove “When throwback bands like do so than to write something first band, The Grins, to his the craft of fi lmmaking in any way. every teenager frantic with The Strokes and The Hives catchy and timeless with dis- now widely successful and Fart jokes plus movie references catchy, upbeat blues chords came in, people werenʼt ready tortion turned off. From what followed band The Broken equal box offi ce riches, so blame fused with an ensemble of for it, but now people are start- I see, the older generation is Arms, his career as a classic society. Those watching Superhero instrument and band. Elvis, ing to catch on and it is becom- now coming back to play and rock guitarist has flourished Movie get the feeling that they are Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis ing the new-age rock. They their influences are influenc- into mass popularity. Choos- supposed to experience some kind were some of the hottest acts are cushioning the blow ing youth.” ing the classic way of music of euphoria when just they recog- you could catch in the day for the new age of classic Local show-goer Chris to play instead of the new nize a movie they have seen before, and these giants of the genre music.” Woods, 19, frequents the St. age is something that he has as if they are a part of some hilari- paved the way for what was “When some people come Catharines scene. His views stood for and will stand for. ous, superhero joke that only certain yet to come. in the studio and listen to the on music lean to new and In producing fun, inspiring, people will understand. Weʼve been The long-lost recordings classic rock bands I record, old interests. talented rock he has, with his reduced to a cliché when we donʼt of Johnson were discovered people are more intrigued by “The underground scene band, inspired many to listen approve of any new art unless it is in a studio basement in the those artists than the metal art- of today has a lot of possi- to bands from 30, 40, to even postmodern or makes comments on early 1960s. The release of ists. People are now looking bilities. Itʼs original. Thereʼs 50 years ago and has truly other new art. Johnsonʼs vinyl to the world for a good song and some- a lot of room for creativity. inspired love for the music in What happened to movies that inspired some of the most thing catchy and want to have The mainstream scene is over- their hearts. were just good? They fell down the renowned artists of all time: a good time, and classic rock produced; itʼs all media.” From its humble beginnings drain at about the same time cartoons Brian Jones and Keith Rich- is the answer.” “Screaming is fading out to its worldwide success, clas- started using famous actors for the ards of the Rolling Stones, A studio owner and long- in the underground scene. So sic rock has stood against all voices instead of unknowns, thereby George Harrison of the Beatles time musician, Sorge has many bands are doing it. Clas- odds. It continues to influ- dispelling my childhood ideas these and Eric Clapton of Cream. dealt with bands for some sic rock is more authentic. It ence new-age bands and rock characters actually existed. These newly inspired groups time now. He is a keen ob- has more rawness. Music back ʻnʼ roll fans for the time that All 85 minutes of Superhero turned the world upside down. server of the music scene. then has a lot more possibili- has passed and for the time Movie are abysmal, and the fi lm has If you werenʼt into the Beatles, “More new bands, kids ranging ties. Make music for the sake to come. tampered with oneʼs faith in human- you werenʼt considered “hip.” from 13 to 17, are coming in with of music.” A new era of music is ap- ity as a whole. Anyone who sees it These bands changed the face newer styles, hardcore and metal. Steve Braunlin, 21, of the proaching and it could slay the will be that much worse off. of the music industry forever Anyone 19 to 30 is coming in Port Colborne-based classic world as it did many years ago. and their music has stood the with the older trends. There rock band The Broken Arms, The creation of mainstream 1 out of 5 Stars test of time. are more people doing metal has been an all-out fan of the classic rock bands such as Carmen Sorge, 42, of Sorge than classic.” old style of rock since before he Vampire Weekend isopening Studios in Port Colborne, says, “It is hard to come up with can remember. more minds to the old ways “The trend will go back to classic a decent hook, rather than His view of where music is of music. artistry as opposed to new trends. just coming up with some- heading? “Itʼs gonna go. The “Bring all the good music right Your rap, pop and metal artists are thing cool and flashy, like sixties are going to be com- back. Give everyone a taste of the starting to wear thinner now, pav- todayʼs stuff. Most kids today ing back around. I think itʼs old style of rock and hopefully in- ing the way for the classic genre to want to grab the amp and crank coming back already. Every- terest and inspire them to listen to come through.” the distortion. It is easier to body, in my opinion, is hope- it,” says Braunlin. Courtesy of Dimension Films and MGM Pictures April 11, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 19 Music can Modern day poet be your By HAYLEY KENNEDY Staff Writer Writing poetry for a living is therapy a task all its own, but imagine throwing full-time teaching, writ- By AMBER GIONET ing for a newspaper and being a Staff Writer photographer into the mix. An old adage states: “Music This is something Eva Tihanyi, soothes the savage beast,” and in an English professor in the Broad- the frantic lives of college students casting – Radio, Television and today, it can do exactly that. Film (BRTF) program at Niagara For todayʼs generation, music is College is all too familiar with. a way to express feelings, thoughts She is an accomplished poet, and dreams. While strolling across photographer, novelist and profes- campus, one often sees students sor among many other things. You with headphones in their ears, nod- may well wonder how someone ding their heads to the beat, hum- could manage juggling all of these ming or singing along to whatever occupations. It is far from easy. they happen to be listening to. “The writing gets put on the Music is a factor in our everyday back burner because of the teach- lives. You hear it on television, the ing,” said Tihanyi, adding, radio, in stores, from cars. Clubs “With the poetry, itʼs a bit and some companies even play easier. I can work at a collection music while you are on hold on the of poetry bit by bit, one poem at phone. Whether you notice or not, a time.” music is coming at you from all Tihanyi, born in Budapest, directions. When you arenʼt aware Hungary, in 1956, came to Can- of it, it can draw you in and catch ada to live in Windsor when she your attention. When you shop was six years old. She attended in stores and hear your favourite the University of Windsor where song, the experience is automati- she earned her bachelorʼs and cally made that much better. masterʼs degrees in 1978 then Even the college pub, After moved to Toronto. After living Hours, draws students in by its there for eight years she fi nally music. settled in Welland where she has Jennifer Stewart, the director of been teaching English here. student events, says she believes Eva Tihanyi, established author and poet, refl ects on her work. A passion for creativity and music makes a difference in pub Photo by Hayley Kennedy writing drive Tihanyi to produce night attendance. her beautiful and unique works of fi fth, titled Somewhere Between in 1985 and was shortlisted for the BRTF program, had Tihanyi as an “On nights when thereʼs a live art. Her writing began to fl ourish Yes and No. She has also fi nished Niagara Book Prize in 2001. English teacher and said, “Sheʼs band playing, there are a lot more when she was 13, when she often a book of short stories, awaiting She worked as a columnist for very competent, and a very thor- people, drinking, dancing and hav- would write lyrics and write in her publication. Canadaʼs First Novels from 1995- ough teacher. She really brings it ing a good time. There are fewer journal. When she was 15 she also Her published work includes 1999 and is working as a freelance home.” people on nights that donʼt have took a creative writing class, one titles such as Prophecies Near book reviewer for the National When asked what advice she a live band playing or if itʼs not a that proved helpful. the Speed of Light (Thistledown Post, a daily newspaper. has for young aspiring writers, holiday.” “My high school English teacher Press, 1984), Saved by the Telling Her teaching skills have proven Tihanyi replied, “Keep at it, re- Students seem to be automati- was a wonderful man named Jack (Thistledown Press, 1995), and to be fi rst-rate as well. After all, gardless of what people tell you cally drawn to anything that has Clark. He encouraged me quite a Restoring the Wickedness (This- she has taught post-secondary or how many rejection slips you live entertainment, especially if bit.” tledown Press, 2000). She earned English for almost 30 years. Just get. Even Hemingway got his fair itʼs a band because live music is She has four published works of a fi rst prize poetry award from ask her students. share of them when he was start- more exciting than just hearing a poetry and has recently fi nished a CrossCanada Writersʼ Quarterly Mike Dodd, a student in the ing out.” CD blaring out of the speakers. Some students are so engrossed in music and love it so intensely that their music collection has expanded over the years. While some may have just a few of their favourite bandsʼ CDs lying around Canadian Idol wannabe their dorm room, others have an By JESSICA MOYSE dian icon Ben Mulroney, son into university, so letʼs hope all have a low alto or tenor voice extensive collection of everything Staff Writer of former prime minister Brian of my past in music helps me.” so, while learning and perform- they enjoy. Wouldnʼt we all like to be Mulroney. This past season, Ca- Payne comes from an exten- ing covers, I change the songs to Josh Huisman, a Broadcast- famous? nadian Idol was dubbed the most sive musical background. suit me best.” ing – Radio, Television and Film Victoria Payne would and popular Canadian televi- “I started singing at a very In 2006, Payne attended York student, has over 350 CDs in his intends to find out what sion program, roping young age. I remember singing University in Toronto for jazz collection. While they arenʼt all it would be like. in a whopping 2.75 and dancing around my house as singing, but left after one year. of his favourite bands, Huisman Payne, an aspiring million viewers for a child.” Over the course of her “I enjoyed my year there, but it comments on his collection:”I just Niagara College the showʼs finale. life, she has played the piano, the wasnʼt all I thought it would be. pick up any CD Iʼve heard about student in the Child From the thou- guitar, the flute and the clarinet, I went with the goal to improve or whatever bands I like that I see and Youth Worker sands of people in addition to taking classical, my vocals and capabilities but at shows. They just add up.” program, is aim- who have audi- jazz and pop singing lessons. I felt like they spent the major- Many students have collections ing for fame by tioned in past Her parents have supported her ity of our time learning how to like this, proving music is an sig- auditioning for seasons, only 12 all the way through. write out sheet music and dictate nifi cant part of their life. this yearʼs season ever make it to the “She still sings in church everything perfectly.” For many students, music de- of the smash hit finals. Although when we go every Sunday,” says Payne holds down two mini- fi nes the person they are and helps television show the odds may be Payneʼs mother, Donna. mum wage jobs to pay off her them deal with the problems they Canadian Idol. stacked against her, When looking for inspiration student debt but hopes that face daily. It gives them something Canadian Idol first Payne manages to re- in music, Payne prefers jazz and Canadian Idol might get her to connect with on an intimate premiered in the 1999 tele- main optimistic yet humble blues. life back on track to fame and level. Whatever type of music they vision season, following about her chances. “Iʼd have to say Eva Cassidy fortune. listen to, music provides a distrac- the success of Pop Idol in the “This is my first time influences me the most. Eva did “Wouldnʼt we all like to be tion from the hectic lives college United Kingdom and Ameri- going, and I actually have mostly covers of othersʼ songs, famous? Iʼd love to be travel- students face. It also provides can Idol in the United States never watched Canadian but she completely changed the ling and performing all over the something to fall back on when as a national open-audition Idol. Iʼve watched Amer- melodies and the accompani- world, but I try not to think that things in life donʼt go exactly as televised singing contest. ican Idol and most of the ment and made it her own work far ahead. Whatever I do in life, planned. The show has bred such sing- contestants are great, so weʼll of art. I draw influence from her I just want to be happy.” As Bob Marley said, “One good ers as Melissa OʼNeil, Eva Avila see if they have the same tastes. because I donʼt have the typical The Toronto auditions for Ca- thing about music is when it hits and Jacob Hoggard (of Hedley I used to compete in music com- female voice. I tend to sing the nadian Idol are this weekend at you, you feel no pain. So hit me fame), and is hosted by Cana- petitions and I competed to get male parts in music because I Yonge-Dundas Square. with music.” 20 NIAGARA NEWS April 11, 2008 Around the world and back Minimum By ADAM WIGHT wage rising Staff Writer By MIKE SHEELER For the new manager of Library Staff Writer Services, life has been a journey. It Everyone working for minimum started in the small northern Ontario wage in Canada got a raise on March town of Cochrane, took her halfway 31. Itʼs increasing from $8 to $8.75, around the world to Iran and, even- a substantial raise countrywide. tually, landed her in the Niagara This is year one of a three- College library. year plan to bring the Canadian McGrath, who accepted the posi- minimum wage to an international tion here in February, moved around standard and keep up with national a great deal as a child because of her infl ation rates. The minimum wage fatherʼs job with Ontario Hydro. has long been a point of contention Of all the places she lived in dur- in Canada among those who work ing her childhood, McGrath holds in that salary bracket. the memories of Iran, where she “Eight dollars doesnʼt cut it. lived from ages eight to 10, most Seventy-fi ve cents an hour makes dearly. a big difference over time,” said “It was scary but exciting all at Kalee Hardy, a business student at the same time,” McGrath said, as the collegeʼs Niagara-on-the-Lake she recalled a brief encounter with campus. “This is a big step in the the Shah of Iran when she was a right direction.” young girl during a dam-opening According to Employment ceremony. Standards Canada, the program is “My sister was chosen to present phased over three years to gradually him fl owers at the dam opening,” introduce the new revenue into the she said, glancing towards the ceil- economy and avoid a boom that ing as if to help recall the event. isnʼt sustainable. “They picked these scrawny For the general minimum wage, fl owers from the schoolyard to give Karen McGrath, the new manager of Library Services, poses in the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus library. the program calls for a 75-cent in- him. Photo by Adam Wight crease per hour annually for three He didnʼt even step out of the lim- honours bachelorʼs degree in French Canadian writer Roch Carrier, au- at the Lincoln Public Library in years. These actions began in On- ousine, and the fl owers were handed language and literature from Wilfrid thor of The Hockey Sweater. Beamsville and then to the Ni- tario on March 31 and run to March to him through the window.” Laurier University in Waterloo and a It was from Carrier that McGrath agara-on-the-Lake Public Library 31, 2010, when the fi nal 75-cent McGrath says she feels her life masterʼs degree in library and infor- received some of her best advice. during 2005. boost is implemented. When the of travel did her far more good mation science from the University “ʼWe have to be relevant,ʼ he often Asked if she had a favourite program has run its course, mini- than harm. of Toronto. told me,” McGrath said. job among the ones she has held, mum wage will sit at $10.25, for a “I think it prepared me for change After she completed her French “ʼEven if you understand the val- McGrath grinned and said, “Iʼve total gain of $2.25. and, Lord knows, we need to be degree, unsure of pursuing a teach- ue [of a library], not everyone else enjoyed the whole trip, going from The student minimum wage gains ready for change in our lives.” ing career, McGrath took a job does,ʼ” Carrier told her, she recalls. one job to the next.” 70 cents a year until 2010 when it Readiness for change led McGrath working as a bilingual ticket agent McGrath has taken this advice to Ralph Laird, Niagara-on-the- rests at $9.60, up from $7.50, with to Niagara College to take over the for American Airlines. After work- heart and does all she can to make Lake campus librarian, has enjoyed a total gain of $2.10. This applies managing duties of the library. The ing there four years she entered the sure people are aware of the poten- McGrathʼs approach to managing to students and adolescents. Adults proposed Learning Commons proj- U of T program following the sug- tial sources of information a library the library. (over 18) are entitled to the general ect interests her greatly. gestion of the registrar, her oldest offers. “Karen is very hands-on and minimum wage. “Iʼm here because I want to see it sister. “Students come in today with loves to communicate,” he said. Not all provinces follow the same happen and be a part of it,” McGrath It seemed logical to her after amazing technological knowledge,” “She really makes sure everybody plan. In some provinces, such as said in regard to the project, which graduating to take that combination she said. is in the loop.” Manitoba and Quebec, rates will aims to consolidate some of the col- of degrees and head to Ottawa. “The Internet is a great place to As for her plans for the future, rise to $8.50 from $8 on April 1 and lege services into one area. What followed was a very suc- start, but I think we need to make McGrath, without hesitation, said May 1 respectively. All provinces Her opinion of the college made cessful 20-year career working for sure students know there are other she would “love” to remain in Ni- and territories have increases that her decision easy. “The reputation of federal libraries. more authenticated sources of infor- agara. Originally moving back to the refl ect local costs of living and in- the college is fabulous in this com- While working at the National mation.” area because of her fatherʼs illness, fl ation rates. munity,” she said. Library of Canada, she met and In 2003, McGrath moved to the she has no desire to be anywhere else The territories have different McGrath holds two degrees: an worked closely with the well-known public sector and began working “except for maybe vacations.” equations factored into their raises. They increase on April 1, yearly, by an amount corresponding to the Graffi ti: primal artwork or vandalism? annual revenue for the proceeding year in the consumer price index for By CHRIS CARR some donʼt care either way. the area. Staff Writer “It depends. If itʼs creative and For local students, and the busi- For a good time, or tales of the thoughtful, then I say go ahead,” nesses at which they spend their promiscuity of co-workers, or the says Mark Waters, a student in the new income, the positive impact whereabouts of Mike (evidently, he Electrical Engineering Technology is immeasurable. A part-time em- was here), the bathroom is the best program. ployee, at 20 years of age, working place to see what is really going “Yeah, Iʼm a legitimate tagger, 20 hours a week would stand to gain on. but Iʼve got no problems slam- considerably per annum. Based on Before online blogs and discus- ming someone in public. I canʼt get that math, and accounting for vaca- sion boards, there was the wall in caught, and even if I did, what are tion weeks, the annual gain from the stall. Many public bathrooms they going to do?” asks one graffi ti March 2008 to March 2009 would are riddled with literature that can artist, who would prefer to remain be $780 gross. be described as “colourful.” This nameless. A legitimate tagger is The real impact will be felt in the public display can be lighthearted someone who does legitimate graf- fi nal year of the program. To bring with jokes and puns or vicious in- fi ti, the kind found in city parks and that increase into perspective, wage sults and prejudicial comments for on trains. earners from 2010 to 2011 will anyone who reads it. The question “I consider myself an artist. gross $2340 more (on average) for

is “Why is it there?” Chris Carr illustration by Photo Whatʼs in these bathrooms, thatʼs 20 hours a week than an earner in Lisa-Marie Slack, professor of not art; thatʼs just teen angst,” he 2007 to 2008. psychology at St. Lawrence Col- conveyed ideas through drawings, person is repressing their feelings says. Students affected by the raise lege in Kingston, says graffi ti may from early cave drawings to the about their sexual orientation.” This mentality of expressing one- were asked what they would buy be something primal. defi ant graffi ti found on the Berlin Along with the primal urges of self anonymously has been studied with the new income. The most “Often graffi ti is about establish- Wall. humans, thereʼs a sense of the vic- in psychology in many instances. popular responses included clothes, ing individuality, a communication When asked about the homoerotic timless crime. Itʼs near impossible The study takes the subject out of beer and food with a few more spe- tool, marking a territory,” Slack content of these modern cave draw- to catch someone graphitizing, and the conventional role of cause and cialized buys. “Iʼd go and get my says. ings, Slack said, “Freud believed we consequences are not that dire. Still effect, where there are no ramifi ca- hair done,” said Hardy. “Also, if you think about it, graf- are not entirely aware of what we there is a certain rebellious high tions for their actions. This is a small example of what fi ti has been studied for years but think and how we act. I donʼt think that can be attained from breaking Slackʼs analysis? “I believe, the government intended, a spread- not necessarily called graffi ti but graffi ti is an unconscious behaviour the law, however minor. when it comes to people and their ing of new wealth into the economy cave drawings, for example.” or thought. I think it is very deliber- Not all people believe that graffi ti behaviours, ʻnever say never and creating a higher standard of living Throughout history, humans have ate behaviour. Freud might think a is vandalism. Some say itʼs art and never assume anything.ʼ” for all. April 11, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 21 This article is not yet rated By JASON SCHRYER wasnʼt out to portray. Staff Writer “So I can shoot Brandon [the Cover up the subtle nipple. lead character] in the head – thatʼs Heave a red Do Not Enter sign fundamentally OK – but is there over an action scene fi lled with a problem with this [sex scene]? seemingly sexual lust or blood- Yes.” Her studio told her if she shed. Do what you will to hide doesnʼt fi x her NC-17 rating by and abolish certain inappropriate getting rid of the things that the entities in games or fi lm. With the MPAA deemed unsuitable for blessing of the Internet and gen- public eyes, the movie would be eral human curiosity, people will canned, negated from production. fi nd out. It is called censorship of With its fi nal release in the Unit- media. In more ways than one, it ed States, Boys Donʼt Cry bore is helping seemingly risqué games the R rating and was viewed by and fi lms fl y off the shelves in the public in its cut-down version. blazing numbers. The fi lmʼs cult success was widely On Sept. 1, 1968, the Motion evident, making $11 million in Picture Association of America theatres and being nominated for (MPAA) instituted the rating two Oscars. system of G, PG, PG-13, R and Some may call this situation NC-17 (formerly X). This has public protection; others may call forever, aside from fi lmmakers it destruction of artistic vision. developing fi lms with ratings PG- Although unfair to fi lmmakers 13 and under, made a controversy and sometimes slanderous to their of censorship. good names, all ratings are in the It may even drive people to see eye of the beholder. such censored fi lms in spite of In the United States and Canada, these ratings. video game ratings are branded Jason Parker (Age? Program?) with rankings coming from the thinks thatʼs true. “Of course Entertainment Software Rating [people will], because itʼs taboo. Board (ESRB). This consists of Itʼs kind of like having to keep the ratings EC (early childhood), your hand out of the cookie jar.” E (everyone), E10+, T (teen), M However, fi lmmakers would dis- (mature 17+) and lastly AO (adults agree. only). In the 2006 fi lm, This Film Is Video game companies have the Noah Chester, 4, cautiously reaches for Microsoft’s 2007 game Mass Eff ect. However, Noah is still too young Not Yet Rated, an onslaught of option of not getting their games to play it because of its M rating. fi lmmakers bash the MPAA, for rated but just releasing them. Photo by Jason Schryer this simple reason: if your fi lm Eliot Mizrachi, assistant direc- gets an NC-17 rating (no children tor of communications at ESRB, tarily changed to “curiosity sold Although lots of stink was kicked net and piracy programs that can under 17), its ability to get public- agreed, but warned that itʼs not in the cat,” and you can understand up about the gameʼs content re- be downloaded with the click of ity in the box-offi ce, advertisement the companiesʼ best interest to do why censorship, in certain situa- ceiving an ESRB rating of M, it a mouse have made censorship a on television or even stock space so. tions, can be a godsend for media. did not hold the game back from mere broken padlock on the door on the rental shelves is drastically “Virtually all major retailers will In recent Internet news, a video becoming one of the biggest titles of media. The MPAA or the ESRB hindered. only sell games that carry ESRB can be found concerning Fox for Microsoft and being rated by can do everything to block content In the movie This Film Is Not ratings, and the console manufac- Newsʼ opinion on Microsoftʼs over 10 game review magazines in todayʼs fi lms, but it comes down Yet Rated, Kimberly Peirce, fi lm- turers (Microsoft, Nintendo and 2007 released video game Mass as one of the undoubted all-around to the fact that people are curious. maker and director of the fi lm Boys Sony) will only license games for Effect, regarding its brief sexual games of the year. According to Todayʼs technology allows easy Donʼt Cry, voiced her confusion their systems that are rated by the content within the confi nes of the Microsoft statistics, within six downloads with a simple search over the MPAA ratings, saying ESRB,” says Mizrachi. game play. weeks of its release, Mass Effect engine online. it is unfair her hard work was Allow the old adage of “curios- Flashing across the bottom of sold nearly 1.6 million copies. Censorship and ratings, donʼt being reduced to something she ity killed the cat” to be momen- the screen is the title “(Se)Xbox?” Above all, the advents of Inter- mean that much anymore. And this year’s awards go to ... By KRISTIN KAYE academic excellence, as well as Staff Writer high standing in other aspects of Appreciation comes in many life, including leadership, motiva- forms, and Wednesday night it was tion, teamwork, and community plaques and photos. involvement. SAC hosted the double ceremo- Educator of the Year is based on ny for Educator of the Year and the student nominations and awarded student-driven SAC awards. to the teacher that has gone above The evening had a very relaxed and beyond the call of duty and feel to it. Teachers milled about, has made an impact on studentsʼ snacking and chatting with friends lives and their own lives at the col- while waiting for the festivities to lege. This year there were a total begin. of 90 nominations for 55 faculty Niagara College President Dan members. Hayley Bishop won for Patterson kicked things off with the part-time faculty and was very a small speech extending his con- humbled by the honour. gratulations to SAC, the nominees “Iʼm an alumnus of the college, and of course the staff for helping and itʼs a nice feeling to have the school become number one for things come full circle. The stu- the fourth year in a row. dents that I teach continue to teach “But that is not why we are here me everyday.” tonight. We are here to celebrate Terry Holub was the full-time each of you; your work, your com- faculty winner and was grateful mitment and your passion.” for the experience, reminding us First came the SAC awards, whatʼs important. Proud award winners pose with their plaques - from left: Educator of the Year winners Terry Holub and which consists of a cash prize “This whole process is about stu- Hayley Bishop with SAC award recipients Jackie Barrett-Greene, Lee Ann Kelpin and Michael Dodd. awarded and open to any Niagara dents, teachers and the relationship Photo by Ashlee Kivell College student who demonstrates you build.” 22 NIAGARA NEWS April 11, 2008 How to fi x Niagara? Get pumped up Niagarapalooza asks to pay more at the pumps, experts say Richard Florida off ers his expertise By HAYLEY KENNEDY expressed their opinions about the Staff Writer ever-increasing cost of gasoline. By LAURA WIKSTON Prepare to pay a pretty penny “Student drivers like myself have Staff Writer at the pump. That is the story, ac- begun to feel the fi nancial burden You may not be familiar with cording to experts, who are already of driving and paying for gas. Some the name Richard Florida, but if projecting this summerʼs gasoline days it actually has me choosing to you are under 30, he knows who prices to hit $1.40 per litre. ride the bus because it is cheaper,” you are. These projections are based on said Darren Gray, a student in Busi- He knows you are the future. the current demand for crude oil, ness Administration – Professional Florida, one of the worldʼs its price having already exceeded Golf Management at the Niagara- leading experts on economic com- $100 per barrel. Less than fi ve on-the-Lake campus. petitiveness, recently took part in CARLY ROWNTREE years ago, in June 2003, a barrel of According to a gasoline report by Niagarapalooza: Rethinking Our crude oil was around US$20, about MSN Money, the four contributing Cities. The one-day conference, one-fi fth of the current cost. Simi- factors to the price of gasoline are sponsored by the Niagara Eco- larly, the cost of one Canadian litre the cost of crude oil, taxes, refi ning, nomic Development Corporation, of gasoline has nearly doubled. In and distribution and marketing. was held Jan. 31 at the Sheraton June 2003, the average cost was Crude oil prices have grown by Fallsview in Niagara Falls, Ont. MARIAH BOTT $.66 cents and now itʼs at a nation- a large worldwide demand and The list of Floridaʼs credentials wide average cost of $1.15. a supply that has been weak is long. He is director of the Martin Welland Sunoco station worker beacuse of political instability, Prosperity Institute at the Univer- Maha Makhlouf said she does not bad weather and other troubles. sity of Torontoʼs Rotman School of expect any reductions in terms of Oil companies have prospered with Management. He is founder of the sales and dollars, but does expect the rising prices, a situation that is Creative Class Group, a global ad- fewer customers in the near future. evident when we consider how visory services fi rm headquartered “I havenʼt seen less customers yet,” well the energy stocks have per- in Washington, DC. The company she said, “although I am anticipat- formed during the recent market is known for developing pioneering ing that in the summer.” doldrums. strategies for business, government When Makhlouf was asked about Some people say refi ners have and community competitiveness. the $1.40 to $1.50 summer cost too much power to lessen supply to projections, she said, “You canʼt make the prices go up. Clients include BMW, the Cana- JOSH CLARK

dian Council of Chief Executives, guarantee these projections, and it Michael Noel, an economist a Wikston a Absolut Vodka and Esquire maga- wonʼt stop people from going out.” at the University of California, zine. He has written two national While it is not certain the pump as quoted on MSN Money, says, bestsellers in the last fi ve years, price will continue to increase, it “Each time the price of gasoline called The Rise of the Creative depends on the demand for fuel increases, some consumers im- Photos by Laur by Photos ‘Th is area needs Class and The Flight of the Cre- DOLLARD MORIN over the summer and whether the mediately point to the potential for ative Class. His latest book, Whoʼs cost of a barrel of oil stays around collusion or price gouging amongst Your City: How the Places We Pick agara Peninsula is only good for more jobs. Th ere $100, according to oil industry oil companies. Numerous govern- Shape the Lives We Lead, has just gambling and more gambling. This analysts. ment investigations over the years come out. In it, Florida speculates area needs more jobs. There are are not enough While many consumers con- have failed to turn up any such that where people choose to live not enough big companies to offer tinue to hunt for the cheapest prices evidence. Prices are determined at affects their whole life. jobs.” available – ultimately fi ghting a each level by the laws of supply Niagarapalooza allowed com- Amanda Knight, a Pharmacy big companies neverending battle – some gas and demand.” munity and business leaders, poli- Technician student, says she also is experts say current projections are Noel goes on to say, “One reason ticians, senior municipal staff and concerned about the lack of jobs. to off er jobs.’ based not only on the cost of a bar- that gasoline prices are volatile is residents to brainstorm ideas with “Even for placements, students rel of crude oil, but on the war in that demand is relatively insensitive experts such as Florida. Their goal: are advised to look out of the area. Iraq.Others disagree. to price changes. Overall, people how to revitalize cities and towns Here, itʼs fi rst come, fi rst served.” — Allyson Boyd White House Counsellor Dan just keep on driving to work, no in the Niagara region. For Carly Rowntree, a second- Bartlett, who appeared on MSN- matter the pump price.” Florida encourages communi- year Offi ce and Administration Welland cleaned up. BCʼs Hardball in 2006, says, “It Reports indicate this volatile ties to become creative in looking – Executive student, staying in Ni- “It looks dingy,” he said. “It depends how the war goes ... Un- market could greatly affect your for solutions. He also encour- agara may depend on if she is with needs to be more tourist-friendly.” der every plausible scenario, the summer plans. With gas prices ages communities to turn to young someone after graduating. Several students would like more negative effect will be quite small not immediately expected to people. He believes they will give “But it depends on the job op- recreational opportunities. relative to the economic benefi ts decrease, the high price of gas Niagaraʼs leaders the answers on portunities too.” “They need more places for that would come from a successful could force many Canadian fam- how to create productive and in- Mariah Bott, in the fi rst-year young people to have fun. More prosecution of the war.” ily summer vacation plans to the viting communities. He suggests Child and Youth Worker program, pool halls and clubs,” says Maryse Many Niagara College students sidelines. three key questions to ask of young would stay if there were a bigger OʼNeal, an Electronics Engineer- people in high school, college and population as “then there would be ing Technology student. university. more career opportunities.” First-year BRTF student Dollard Post-Secondary Vegetation They are these: What do you General Arts and Science student Morin would like to see improve- want to do when you graduate, Victoria Featherstoneʼs priority is a ment in the theatres and cinemas. where do you want to live when cleaner environment in Niagara. “The nightlife is kind of you graduate and what would we “There needs to be a lot of dead. They need better trans- have to do in this area to make this cleaning up in the area. Thereʼs a portation too.” the kind of place where youʼd want lot of litter on the beaches. Thereʼs Other students, however, are to live? litter everywhere. This place is content to stay here. Ashley Ma- In a random poll, a cross-section disgusting.” loney, a Social Services student, of 30 Niagara College students A cleaner Niagara is also a pri- owns her home in Fort Erie. considered the questions. On what ority for Robert Anderson who is “I like it here,” she said. “I changes are needed in the Niagara in the 745 Automotive Power Ap- wouldnʼt leave. My family is here. region to encourage young adults prentice program. Itʼs close enough to big city living, to live here, the answers varied, but “The St. Catharines downtown but itʼs not a big city. the top priority was jobs. core needs a face lift. Itʼs not very For other students, other factors Graphic Design Production – Art sanitary there. They need a stronger weigh heavily. What would it take and Design Fundamentals student police presence too.” for Electrical Engineering student, Allyson Boyd wants to move to Broadcasting – Radio, Televi- Dibran Koprani, originally from the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) sion and Film (BRTF) student Josh Kosovo, to choose Niagara? He after graduating because “the Ni- Clark would like to see downtown quickly responds, “Bring my whole family here.” April 11, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 23 Students don’t care Apathy an issue at Niagara College?

By KRISTIN KAYE students coming to college from Staff Writer a university background because It creeps up on you slowly … they know what they want and starting with long pauses, a sigh are focused on starting down their here, a shrug there, a missed class career path. or two and before you know it, you Conlon fi nds that apathy does fi nd yourself uttering this classic not exist within all programs phrase with every decision: “I because students are with the donʼt care.” same people all the time. He says There is a societal stigma on this he doesnʼt believe students stop current generation and, be it col- caring entirely once they arrive at lege students or young adults in college. general, This Week in Geek said it “Just look at student satisfac- best in the radio showʼs intro: “In tion. The Key Performance Indi- a world where Care Bears donʼt cators (KPIs) show that Niagara care no more – Where apathy is College has been No. 1 in this as- now God.” What has caused our pect for three years in a row now, generation to become stuck with and thatʼs because weʼre listening such a negative label? to our students. David Denis, a second-year “For example, the Black Broadcasting — Radio, Televi- Walnut building used to be our sion and Film (BRTF) student, campus cafeteria, from the day believes apathy springs from the the college opened, and students basic concept of necessity. continually told us through the “I think the majority of students surveys they were dissatisfi ed see education as something we and rightly so. Students are now just have to get through in order John Kaye forsakes his Russian homework for just a few more hours of sleep. telling us they are not satisfi ed to become normal members of Photo by Kristin Kaye with our athletic centre, which is society. It really costs a lot and 40 years old. Weʼre in the process there are things we donʼt like, but continuing services for individu- how to answer,ʼ rather than a true of rebuilding it and itʼs going to we have to get through it anyway, als and families struggling with sign of apathy. Iʼm not convinced be great.” which ends up making us apa- poverty-related issues. “The older that when you say, ʻI donʼt care,ʼ Conlon says he sees this gen- thetic to the whole thing.” While we care about our com- you necessarily think that way. erationʼs apathy as a sign of the Mike Dodd, also a second-year munity, we continue to be la- generations Often times the students are in- times, a sign of expectation and BRTF student and co-host of the beled as apathetic, which could are resistant to terested in a number of things, change, not necessarily fact. radio show, sheds some light on also stem from how we think the which makes it even more chal- “The current generation defi - the idea of academic apathy. world beyond the college views change and so lenging.” nitely expects a lot more to be “There seems to be a large us. Denis said he feels that our Randy Conlon has a fair grasp done for them, and that relates degree of apathy because people apparent apathy comes from we label you of this stigma, because he works to directly to the advancements in donʼt seem to give a shit about the fact that our opinions do combat it every day. He is the co- technology, the Internet mainly. their grades and you see a lot of not seem to matter in the grand as spoiled or ordinator of student recruitment. You want something, you get it them skipping class. A good ex- scheme of things. “When you talk about apathy at and you get it now, and that trans- ample of apathy in that regard is “It would nice if people actu- apathetic, and the college, youʼre talking about lates to your expectations when fi rst-year students. A large degree ally paid more attention to us and the regard for student government coming here. The older genera- of them are not passing or barely the government actually cared that’s just fear and athletics. Commuter colleges tions are resistant to change and doing so because they donʼt come about us, but at the same time, like ours have, for the most part, so we label you as spoiled or apa- to the lectures. You canʼt do some- we should be able to get up and talking.” always had somewhat of an apa- thetic, and thatʼs just fear talking. thing you donʼt care about.” say something to the government thetic environment because stu- I personally donʼt think you are, However, Niagara College about our high tuition costs and —Randy Conlon dents donʼt stay necessarily right I think youʼre just products of an students still have quite a bit of stuff like that, all the things we at the college. Itʼs not the end of ever changing environment.” heart for the community around donʼt like and actually get them look at us, when they hear our “I the world; itʼs just hard on student Will this supposed apathy them. This was certainly shown to change, but theyʼre not going donʼt cares?” government. Short of dragging eventually end, or will we pass it in early December last year when to listen until we try to talk.” Jocelyne Briggs, one of the many students by the collar and pulling on to future generations? Do we the campus radio station hosted The student perspective has counsellors available on campus, them in, itʼs diffi cult to hold their need to try to show society how “Rock Around the Clock” to raise been thoroughly examined, but sees that phrase as a sign help is interest.” wrong it is? Does it matter? Are money for the Welland Hope what about the other side? What needed. But he also sees a positive side you reading any more? Whatever. Centre – a place that provides do the faculty see when they “I interpret that as, ʻI donʼt know to that apathy, particularly in the Who cares? Music industry fi nds its own Robin Hood Label’s wealth comes to rescue of noble causes By AMBER BLUE the Hopeless/Sub City executives. according to the organizationʼs all among Hopeless Recordsʼ sign- labels and such put together a ton Staff Writer Louis Posen founded Hope- website. ings, but recently it has branched of wicked underground bands “The music industry is very less Records, based in Van Nuys, In its seven years of life, the an- out to include larger acts such as to raise awareness of an issue shady,” says Matt Flyzik, tour man- California, in 1993. Sub City was nual Take Action Tour has worked Jimmy Eat World and Burlington and help raise money to fi ght it,” ager of Hopeless/Sub City Recordsʼ launched in 1999 “in order to use with over 30 charities including sui- natives Silverstein. says local musician and fi rst-year All Time Low. the reach of Hopeless Records to cide prevention and a mental health This year, in what organizers Journalism-Print student Jordan The people behind the faces help build awareness and raise awareness charity organization, the have called the “most intense Nunziato. — the labels, the managers and the funds for non-profi t organizations,” Kristin Brooks Hope Center. Take Action Tour line-up in recent Not only does it benefit the agents — are reaping the benefi ts says Ian Harrison, Hopelessʼ mar- Currently it is working with Do- years,” the headliners are Buffalo, charities, the bands and labels, while bands are doing the work and keting director. Something.org, an Internet-based N.Y., band Every Time I Die with as it brings a new audience, not getting paid for it, he added. That same year the label launched company that gives grants to young support from From First to Last, but it also benefits fans who “Itʼs nice to see a label that takes the Take Action initiative. Its mis- people with ideas about how to August Burns Red, The Bled and are already part of the scene, some of the money and puts it to- sion was to “create a better world, change the world. The Human Abstract. Nunziato says of Hopeless/Sub wards a good cause,” Flyzik says, of one voice and one action at a time,” The fi rst bands on the tour were “I think itʼs great that underground City and the Take Action Tour. 24 NIAGARA NEWS April 11, 2008 Photonics off ers rare opportunities

By MICHAEL OWEN Staff Writer You use it everyday, in every electronic device you own and now it may be used to help prevent the spread of disease. Photonics is the generation, de- tection and manipulation of light energy, and Niagara is one of only two colleges in Ontario to offer it as a program. “Itʼs fun. Itʼs so new. The students are very keen. They really enjoy it,” said Jay Yatulis, a technology professor in the photonics depart- ment with a background in micro- electronics. He was co-ordinator of photonics when the program was created in 2001. The photonics program offers three courses for different career paths. Photonics Engineering Techni- cian and Photonics Engineering Jay Yatulis, a technology professor in the photonics program, holds a strip with implanted microchips. Technology are both college di- Photo by Michael Owen ploma programs. Advanced Lasers sure students in the photonics pro- the college you have to sit down partners all the time, and they like said Laplante. is a graduate certifi cate program. gram get a real-world experience. and use it (the equipment). A lot of our approach. They tell us they He is working on four research From holographics, fi bre optics The photonics program aims to what is done in lab is design and want our grads,” said Csele. projects: laser plant cutting to pre- and laser machining/manufactur- give students a real-world experi- build oriented. Students design a An advisory committee of indus- vent the spread of disease, surface ing/repair, to biotech/medical ence through lab-oriented teach- fi lter, go to clean room and create try professionals meets at Niagara laser scans to detect diseases on research, space technologies and ing. it, then use the spectroscopy lab to College to talk about what the plants and laser cutting small LCD homeland security – all are career “Itʼs our labs at Niagara College test it for quality control.” industry needs and what skills are screens out of large ones to make possibilities for photonics gradu- that make us extraordinary. Our Photonics at Niagara College most important for graduates enter- smaller LCD screens cheaper to ates. labs are designed for a hands-on has a close partnership with local ing the job market. produce and microlibs. WesCam is a company that cre- approach,” said Mark Csele, a industry. “They give time to you; you Microlibs involves fi nding metal ates specialized stabilized cameras professor of photonics with a back- “Everything in the lab is indus- give them what they need,” said samples in oil by vapourizing the for use in airplanes and helicopters ground in engineering. try standard. [Without industry Yatulis. oil and measuring the refl ected and has employed a number of Ni- The program focuses on giving help] we wouldnʼt have what we Curtis Laplante, a graduate of laser light. agara College photonics graduates. students experience via production have. It would be bare bones,” said the photonics program, was hired “It was really interesting. A “(The) available job to graduate based labs. Yatulis. by a private company as a lab tech- lot of what youʼre dealing with ratio is very high,” said Carly Pruy- “We operate from a real world Csele says itʼs important to teach nician to work on research projects you canʼt actually observe. [It] sers, in charge of recruitment for operating standpoint, everything is students “how it works, not just at Niagara College. takes time to wrap your head the technology department here. done to industry expected quality how to work it.” “It was my high school guidance around, but itʼs really fun,” said The professors work to make standards,” said Yatulis. “Here at “We get feedback from industry counsellor that recommended it,” Laplante Put away the money; this one’s on the house By ASHLEE KIVELL matches the student to the ap- says Armstrong, “and the people Staff Writer plicable bursary or scholarship to who sit behind the desks in this Tuition is expensive, not to ensure students donʼt fall between offi ce really know their stuff and mention the number of expensive the cracks, and the process cuts want to help.” textbooks required for each course. down on research time. Her co-worker, Lana Hardwick, Wouldnʼt it be great if you didnʼt Beyond that process are a series Financial Aid Advisor, believes have to pay for it all? Well, you of external awards in which a in the system too. “The donations donʼt. specifi c company or organization we receive really do have a posi- It is baffl ing to think that many sets up its own application and tive impact on a studentʼs success students are paying for college all hand-picks the applicant. The site in school,” she says. by themselves, with the only help also provides links to these appli- Currently OSAP pales in coming from the Ontario Student cations. comparison because of the fewer Assistance Program (OSAP). The college predominantly hands awards [grants] that help only part In the end, that money has to be out three types of awards: scholar- of the student population, but all repaid, and students are still in debt ships, bursaries and faculty awards. that is about to change. many years after graduating from Scholarships are for students with According to a recent article school. academic merit, whereas bursaries from the Toronto Star, a new grant One way to reduce that debt and take care of those with fi nancial program is set to replace the Mil- ease the mind is to visit the Finan- need. There are also blended bursa- lennium Scholarship Award. The cial Aid Offi ce, located near the ries/scholarships that take both into new program will open up funding main entrance to the college, down account. Finally, there are faculty to some 250,000 students. The the hall from the Info Desk. awards, which students do not ap- article states that 100,000 more Often students misinterpret the ply for but are rather handed out students will be able get in on offi ce as an OSAP outlet, but this at the end of every year to a stu- the money train and will receive is not the case. Behind the teller- dent selected by the faculty. The funding before the start of their esque windows are people trained type of students they are awarded year. Part-time students are also and eager to deal with students in to depends on the award specifi ca- expected to get in on the cut. need of fi nancial assistance. Not tions. The system will be receiving a only do they help students with Helena Armstrong, Student complete face lift and will make it low income or those living with Awards Officer, encourages stu- easier for students to both access dependants, but they also ensure dents to become informed: “We and repay their loans. The budget that hard-working students get the encourage students to ask, stop in for this program will begin at $350 rewards they deserve. and fi nd out whatʼs available.” million in 2009. The process is simple, with lit- Armstrong is in charge of all of the With the new change expected to tle work to be done by the student. awards that come in from donors, begin next year and the surplus of Right on the college website is a whether theyʼre individuals, money available through the col- link to scholarships and bursaries. non-profit organizations, busi- lege, the sounds of hunger pains Student Awards Offi cer Helena Armstrong reviews this year’s fi nancial Ninety-fi ve per cent of the awards nesses or corporations. and sights of empty wallets may assistant pamphlet in her offi ce.. use the same simple application. “The donors in the Niagara re- soon be just a distant and sombre Photo by Ashlee Kivell The Financial Aid Offi ce gion have been very generous,” memory. April 11, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 25 ooooooooo A Special Message to STUDENTS Living OFF-CAMPUS

As the School Year comes to a close...

...many students will once again be packing up and moving out. In the spirit of good neighbourliness, Niagara College’s community partners – which include Police, Fire and City Services, and Niagara Region’s Public Works Department – wish to remind you of the following rules and tips: TERM-END PARTIES AND LARGE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS FIRE SAFETY: Any outdoor cooking must be closely supervised GET-TOGETHERS: (SUCH AS FURNITURE) AND and fires extinguished when you’re finished Students are reminded to respect the city’s noise APPLIANCE COLLECTION: bylaw, which states that there shall be no excessive cooking. Campfires are not allowed. Collection is available year round. You must noise at any time of day. This includes loud music, call your garbage collector at least two working honking of horns, loud shouting or swearing. days before your regular collection day to have TRAFFIC SAFETY: Keep all noise inside after 11:00 p.m. each day to these items picked up on your regular garbage As the neighbourhood surrounding the college avoid fines or other charges by police. Don’t let a day. Refrigeration units (fridges, includes a diverse mix of residents – seniors, bad night of partying ruin a clear record or cause freezers, air conditioners) children, families with pets, and shift workers additional expenses because of fines. The fine require a special – student drivers are asked to drive carefully for violating the noise bylaw is $360. Please help CFC sticker, on residential streets, respecting posted speed your guests to understand and abide by these available for limits, parking and other traffic rules that apply. rules. If things do get out of hand, call police. $20 at the stores mentioned WILL YOU HAVE NON- GARBAGE COLLECTION: above. PERISHABLE FOOD LEFT OVER? Weekly pick-up is limited to two bags per house. The on-campus Food Bank is happy to accept Additional bags require a special tag, which may donations. Just drop them off to the Student be purchased for $1 each at the following locations STORING GARBAGE AND OTHER Administrative Council (SAC) office where they near the college: all Avondale, Avon Mart and REFUSE UNTIL COLLECTION DAY: will be stored and Dollar Mart stores throughout the Niagara Region, For fire safety reasons, please keep garbage and shared with fellow Seaway Mall Info Booth (Welland), Zehrs – Pen other trash away from the sides of buildings. A fire students in need Centre and Fairview Malls (St. Catharines). started among the garbage can quickly become throughout the year. a fire hazard to the house and its occupants. RECYCLABLES: For more information, please call the Recyclables, organics and household hazardous Waste Management Services Info-line: waste will not be collected if mixed in with 1-800-594-5542, regular garbage. A weekly recycling pick-up is in or visit www.regional.niagara.on.ca place – blue box (plastics, Styrofoam, glass, etc.) one week, grey box (paper, cardboard) the next, Have a safe and happy summer… on the same day as regular garbage pick-up. work hard, play hard, stay safe, be happy! 62935053 26 NIAGARA NEWS April 11, 2008 Apprenticeships: Earn while you learn Campus By CORY WILKINS fi nd an employer who is willing to raʼs thriving hospitality industry. a hairstylist apprenticeship gradu- Staff Writer hire and train you. Employers gain As well, the Niagara Culinary ate and former member of faculty. bookstore For a structured approach to en- a skilled workforce that can pro- Institute has an outstanding reputa- “Not only was I able to work in a tering a skilled occupation, a wide duce and deliver services to meet tion with graduates, employers and successful salon, but I participated real winner range of apprenticeships is avail- a demand, while at the same time, industry partners. The program in various educating positions with able at Niagara College apprentices earn while learning a also has facilities and highly quali- the college and worked with one By CAMILLE HOLLETT That is the story when it comes to skilled trade. fi ed, experienced faculty. of the most prestigious hair colour Staff Writer You arenʼt just buying textbooks the many apprenticeships available There are seven full-time and “At Niagara College, I obtained companies in the world.” through the skilled trade programs four pre-apprenticeship and co-op the formal training I needed to take For more information, a number and sweaters when you spend at Niagara College. apprenticeship training programs something that interested me and of websites are available online. money at the Niagara College For those unfamiliar with the available. turn it into a rewarding career,” Apprenticeshipsearch.com is Book Store at the Welland campus. term, an apprentice works for an Why should a prospective stu- Todd Clarmo wrote on his pro- touted as “the best place to search Youʼre investing in excellence. The Welland campus bookstore, expert, learning a specifi c indus- dent be interested in applying for gramʼs website. A 1987 graduate online for apprenticeship opportu- owned and run by Follett, a com- try trade, combining job training, an apprenticeship? Skilled workers of the Niagara College program, nities.” As well, the jobs section of pany with hundreds of educational work experience and technical are in high demand in many in- he is a corporate executive chef the Niagara College web page of- training. Interns vie for invaluable dustries. Becoming an apprentice at Oliver Bonacini Restaurants in fers job connection information for bookstores across North America, fi eld placement experiences, and can be an important fi rst step to Toronto. potential employers and employees has just become the fi rst-time win- in most cases, wages increase with learning new skills and building a The hairstylist program is anoth- of apprenticeships, associated with ner of the Follett customer service level of skill. rewarding career. er example of the apprenticeships the Ministry of Training, Colleges Award of Excellence. In more detail, an apprentice- More specifi cally, why choose that are available. “Dedication and Universities. The MTCU offi ce “This is really an honour,” says ship is a workplace-based training to do so at Niagara College? One from knowledgeable instructors, provides registration of apprentices a smiling Agnes Hodgson. She has program for people who want to example is Niagaraʼs cooking ap- supportive staff and state-of-the-art into more than 100 trades, and de- been the storeʼs manager for a year work in a skilled trade, training oc- prenticeship: two periods of 15 facilities, I was able to nurture my velops, co-ordinates, implements and a half. curring in the workplace under the weeks apiece certifi es apprentices passion and skills for this wonderful and evaluates apprenticeships and Winning was no easy task. To supervision of skilled tradespeople. to gain a position in the culinary industry,” Hazel Aperocho wrote other training, leading to certifi ca- qualify for the award, the store had To become an apprentice, you must arts fi eld, fi tting alongside Niaga- on her programʼs website. She is tion in skilled occupations. to score 100 per cent from secret shoppers who called in with cus- tomer enquiries or visited the store to shop. Requirements for a perfect score are greeting patrons within three seconds of their entrance, helping customers fi nd the right textbooks and answering phones with Follettʼs greeting and a touch of charm. “Anything the students want, weʼre here to help. Thatʼs just how we are,” says Carolyn Bouchard, another employee of the store whom Hodgson believes was an important factor in receiving the award. “I like the kids coming in and talking and goofi ng around with them. I like the interaction.” It was the understanding of customer interaction that awarded all employees of the store with a customer service pin and a $25 gift certifi cate for a place of their choosing from a list. “You want to be treated nicely. You want to treat students and [the faculty] the way you would want to be treated,” STOP FAST START says Hodgson. “Weʼre keeping the IN AT H&R BLOCK TAX PREP SPENDING basic values and weʼre looking to get it again next year.” Glen Hogarth, a teaching as- sistant in the Broadcasting – Ra- dio, Television and Film (BRTF) program, likes the bookstore for different reasons. He likes that he isnʼt bothered by employees as soon as he walks into the store. He prefers to approach them only if he needs assistance. He is pleased with the friendly service when he has a question. “I fi nd the people there quite helpful,” said Hogarth, “although I do fi nd the Niagara College gear there pretty expen- sive. But then again, Iʼm pretty Students, come in for your tax preparation and get cheap.” Kristen Jacobson, second-year instant cash back in just one visit. BRTF student, thinks the service at the store is great. “I always have all my questions answered. They Student know so much about what we need tax prep for our programs.” come in today or call She admits, though, she usually 95 doesnʼt go again after sheʼs bought $ 1-800-HRBLOCK (472-5625) all her textbooks for the year. Like 29 www.hrblock.ca Hogarth, Jacobsonʼs main dislike get a FREE about the bookstore is high prices, SPC card. and she said itʼs “the main area that needs improvement.” “Itʼs just too expensive,” she To qualify for student pricing, student must present either (i) a T2202a documenting 4 or more months of full-time attendance at a college or university during 2007 or (ii) a valid says. high school identifi cation card. Expires July 31, 2008. Must also qualify for Instant Cash Back and Cash Back products. See offi ce for details. Valid only at participating H&R Block The Welland Campus bookstore locations in Canada. SPC Card offers valid from 08/01/07 to 07/31/08 at participating locations in Canada only. For Cardholder only. Offers may vary, restrictions may apply. Usage is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 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 certifi cates. Monday to Friday, and has several sales on Niagara College merchan- dise throughout the year. April 11, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 27 Marineland, a place for memories

‘Bringing animals and people together’ By BETH LAFAY metres in diameter. Each dome will bring a new respect and Staff Writer provide above-ground and under- love for creatures that are Thereʼs a place I know in On- ground observation opportunities. otherwise misunderstood tario, where the sea lions kiss, so Ann Marie Rondinelli, market- to be “big, dumb fish.” the story goes. Itʼs amazing shows ing offi ce manager, says, “Itʼs in I remember when I was a and Friendship Cove. Everyone the distant future.” child my mom and my step- loves Marineland. “For the 2008 season we have dad took my sisters and me to A variation of one of the many just built a new family thrill ride.” Marineland. I was in awe all jingles Marineland has had over its Rondinelli adds, “Youʼve caught day over the dolphins with the years of operation is also a jingle me at the busiest time possible.” energy they put into their jump- that has embedded itself in the The Topple Tower is a circular ing and diving shows and how heads and hearts of children and gondola holding about 40 pas- massive and intimidating, yet parents alike. It has been a popular sengers 70 feet in the air. It tilts friendly, all of the orca whales tourist attraction for the city of Ni- back and forth at a 60-degree angle were. My step-dad bought me agara Falls for 47 years, but it has while rotating. Appropriate to the a stuffed dolphin that had many changes over the years. Marineland theme, a walrus sits I still have to What was called Niagara Game atop the 82-foot high central tower this day, and I Farm in 1961 when it fi rst opened, piece of the ride. walked out of and what we know now as Marine- Original to Marineland, the Marineland with land, developed from a mere petting Topple Tower is manufactured in an everlasting love zoo without the marine animals, to Germany by Huss Park Attractions. for the aquatic life. the amusement park chock full of John Holer, Marineland owner, is My mother, Sharon fun rides and games along with confident the ride will be a huge Dillabough, recalls, the same type of animals plus success. “She (Beth) was just many more. “Topple Tower is a very unique amazed at how the Their fi rst big attraction in the and exciting ride that will appeal to instructors were able to 1980s, Kandu, the orca whale, all age groups. I am sure that it will get all of the mammals brought about a number of other be very popular with our guests.” to listen to them so well. advancements like the rollercoast- Just when you thought Marine- I will never forgett the er, Dragon Mountain. Other attrac- landʼs endless possibilities had seen smile she wore sleeping tions unique to Marineland include an end, another new development the whole way home. It may The King Waldorf Stadium, home surfaces. Camping is now avail- not have been Christmas, to the dolphins; Friendship Cove, able on site. Not only can you have but it may as well have been home to the orca whales and the a fascinating, quaint sea adventure for her. She told everyone worldʼs largest aquatic accom- but also you can camp out, roasting she was going to be a marine modation; and Arctic Cove, marshmallows rather than taking biologist for about fi ve years home to the beluga whales, that long drive back home, wherev- after that trip.” similar to Friendship Cove with er that may be. Prices start at $35 a I was not the only one above-ground and underground night for a tent site, $45 a night for with Marineland memo- viewing tanks. a trailer/RV site and $60 a night for ries though. Brittany An- Visitors also can view bears, a waterfront trailer/RV site. These drews, a first-year Early deer, elk and buffalo. Marineland prices cover electricity and water Childhood Education stu- is in its second stage of a $160- and are for up to four people. It is dent, has some of her own. million development with the an extra $4 for every other person “Hah, I remember getting objective to “bring animals and on the site. At some other camping this blow-up whale from the people together.” sites in the surrounding area you gift shop. Its name was Kandu Terrors of the Sea, set to open could be spending anywhere from and he was one of the whales around 2010, will exhibit a diverse $40 per night to $100. we had seen in a show. I was array of sharks, stingrays and other Thereʼs a place I know in On- instantly in love, so I made my “dangerous” sea animals. tario, where the sea lions kiss, so mom buy it for me so I could Following Terrors of the Sea the story goes. Itʼs amazing shows play with it in the pool back at will be a Rainforest Lagoon and and Friendship Cove. Everyone the hotel and have my own sea a tropical reef aquarium called the loves Marineland. voyage,” Andrews chuckles. Discovery Reef and a brand-new Regardless of all of the upgrades The season starts on May interactive dolphin habitat. Terrors and new rides, the Marineland 17 and enchanting adventures of the Sea, the Discovery Reef and jingle remains primarily the same. await on the other side of the the Rainforest Lagoon are three separate Whereas the new rides and attrac- park gates, so go make a few 4.5-million-litre domed aquariums. tions bring exciting new heights memories of your own. Friends of the Sea will be the centre for Marineland, the simplicity of Further information can be and largest aquarium, holding 14 mil- what each family takes home from found on the website at www. Submitted Photos lion litres of water and measuring 300 a day trip or a camping trip can marinelandcanada.com. 28 NIAGARA NEWS April 11, 2008 Tours provide eye-opening experience By MALLORY BRESOLIN ents on March 14. Staff Writer “I am still waiting for an accep- College recruitment isnʼt what it tance to the Computer Program- was 30 years ago. ming program,” said Wolf, but he “Competition was seen as un- wanted to see what the school had ethical,” said Lee Howden, of the to offer. counselling department in Student The tours help to draw thousands Services. of students to Niagara College. Until Brock University released “Itʼs a really good eye-opener,” its “Isaac Brock Wants You slogan, said Conlon. we were not actively pursuing stu- One of the important factors for dents,” said Howden. many potential students is fi nancial This is no longer the case. Dental aid. Jennifer Forsyth, who will Assisting hopeful Melissa Linker be taking Educational Assistant said she wants to take the program – Special Needs next year, spoke to at Niagara College “because of its Marissa Gasbarini, a fi nancial aid high success rate.” assistant, about the opportunities Students have voted Niagara available to her for next year. College as No. 1 in student satis- “Most applicants want to know if faction for the past three years. they are eligible for OSAP. The ap- The high school student from plication asks for parentsʼ income, Strathroy, Ont., was at the Welland but when students are coming out campus of Niagara College on of high school, their parents arenʼt March 14 to take the March Break often in the situation, fi nancially,” Tour organized by the Student said Gasbarini. Recruitment, Enrolment and Reg- She encourages each student to A group of potential Niagara College students met on March 14 at the Welland Campus as part of the istration Service. apply for “OSAP, scholarships, March Break Tours. It is their opportunity to get information on their program and to see what the college Planning for the fall recruitment bursaries and to come visit fi nan- has to off er. season begins in the spring. cial aid if they have questions.” Photo by Mallory Bresolin “By May we are booking all “We want to make sure when tion sessions at the Welland and the ference Centres are also available. sion at Niagara College, but said our school tours for the fall,” said students come in September Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses. This opportunity gives students she has thought about it because Randy Conlon, co-ordinator of Stu- theyʼve done their research and Students fl ood the lecture halls and their parents a chance to inter- itʼs close to her home and it seems dent Recruitment Enrolment and they know where they are going,” to take part in their information act one-on-one with the program like a good program. Registration Services. On average, said Conlon. “Talk to people, ask session and then move to their in- coordinators and other program “It is our ʻclose the dealʼ event,” representatives from Niagara Col- questions so you can make an in- dividual programs meetings. faculty. said Conlon. lege will visit “between 300 to 400 formed decision.” The sessions provide the students “This is all new to me. When This gives potential students the high schools beginning the third On April 5 and 6, Niagara Col- with an understanding of the col- I saw the set, it kind of hit me. I opportunity to meet representatives week of September.” lege held its annual VIP Preview lege, their specifi c programs and a could be sitting there,” said Victo- from fi nancial aid, their faculty and High school student Kyle Wolf days. It is a day when all potential chance to meet their professors. ria Godin of St. Catharines. industry professionals and pro- attended the March Break tour of college students are invited to Tours of the campuses and the She has not yet accepted her of- vides parents with an information the Welland campus with his par- come for special program informa- Niagara College Residence and Con- fer for Acting for Film and Televi- session. Power your Future with a Niagara College Post Grad Program

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