NIAGARATHE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF NIAGARA NEW COLLEGE S FREE November 7, 2008 Vol 39 • Issue 4 FACE OF VALOUR By MALLORY BRESOLIN Staff Writer I pick up the telephone and there is a duck on the other end. “Quack, quack, quack.” I begin to chuckle. “Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack.” I laugh hysterically. “Stop, Grandpa!” I plead. It happens every time. My mom passes me the telephone and my grandpa starts to quack. “It’s Grandpa Quack Quack,” I tell my mom. It is one of the best of memories I have of my grandpa. He died when I was four. I didn’t understand how great he was until many years later. Albert Victor George Hulme was born Jan. 16, 1920, in Edinburgh, Scotland. When he was three, his family moved to Thorold. He was an avid hunter, fi sherman and member of the local gun club. He was also an army man. On Jan. 26, 1941, he joined his father in the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. Not long after, he was sent to serve in Newfoundland. The 21-year-old never fought in a war but was forced to fi ght a battle of his own. Dec. 12, 1942, is a bitter cold evening in wartime St. John’s. More than 350 civilians and ser- vicemen cram into the auditorium of the Knights of Columbus Hostel to watch a performance by the Uncle Tim’s Barn Dance Band. In addition to the auditorium, packed Cpl. Albert Hulme recovers in Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto after suff ering severe burns in the Knights of Columbus Hostel Fire in St. John’s, N.L. to capacity, many servicemen are on Dec. 12, 1946. resting upstairs. It is just before 11 Submitted photo p.m. Moonlit Trail. He realizes the lady who ac- buildings, but my grandpa is still shape than he is. One of the men upstairs acci- Over the noise of the entertain- companied him to the hostel is still inside. Melted tar drips from the ceiling dentally opens a closet door while ment, someone shouts, “Fire!” inside. He runs back inside. The He jumps from the second fl oor onto his head. He tries to use his looking for a bathroom. He is met People hurtle through doors and ceiling collapses. into the courtyard and breaks his hands as a shield. by a wall of fi re. smash through windows. Some Only minutes after the fi re ankles. When he is rescued, he is found The building erupts in fl ame leap from the upper storey and into begins, the police determine the He is forced to crawl through in a pool of hot tar. between Biddy O’Toole belting the frigid St. John’s winter. My hostel is past the point of saving. the burning building, trying to My grandpa is burnt badly and is out My Bonnie Blue Boy, and grandpa makes it out safely, at least All efforts turn to keeping the reach an exit, while also assist- listed as “dangerously injured.” Teddy Adams, with his serenade of the fi rst time. fi re from spreading to surrounding ing someone else who is in worse Continued on Page 2 NEVER A COVER WITH NIAGARA ID. Wednesdays Wednesdays Not Sponsored by Niagara College or SAC www.mooseandgoose.comNiagara’s Biggest 54 FRONT ST., THOROLD, 905.227.6969 email: [email protected] Niagara’sStudent BiggestPub63264902 Night Student Pub Night Page 2 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 on campus NIAGARA NEWS Wartime hero made at home Niagara College student’s memories don’t fade

Comtiued from page 1 They meet again after he was The burns are severe. He sleeps released from the hospital, at the 16 in a tent to prevent the blankets Leonard Hotel in St. Catharines, from rubbing against the fragile, where she works as a switchboard fresh burns. operator. 27 He can barely be identifi ed be- Even though he is badly scarred, cause he is bandaged from head to she sees past it, just as the rest of toe. He requires 87 minor and 11 his friends and family do. major skin grafts. They marry and have four children. His right pinkie fi nger is burned Everyone who knows him doesn’t 26 so badly that doctors remove it notice his appearance, but he is al- down to his wrist. ways self-conscious about it. He stays in the hospital for a year He has terrible scars. His nose INDEX and a half. and ears are completely recon- ...... On Campus When he returns home, his structed. Some of his fi ngers are 2 younger brother Fred bathes and fused or missing and he is bald...... Editorial & Opinion shaves him. Fred also re-wraps his Strangers fi nd it odd, so they stare. 4 hands to let his trigger fi nger and Physically and mentally, he 6 ...... On Campus thumb out of the bandages so he never fully recovers. can continue to hunt. He lives much of his life in pain 18 ...... Off Campus My grandpa travels from Thorold and has terrible nightmares about to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto the fi re until he dies. 23 ...... Sports for additional therapy. In the 1950s, he is still being The areas where he had skin grafts treated as an outpatient at Sunny- 28 ...... Entertainment have signifi cant nerve damage. brook Hospital in Toronto. Even though many years pass, The fi rst time he sees his son 32 ...... Lifestyle and he is still being treated in the walk is in the hospital hallway dur- hospital, he begins work at Exolon ing one of his stays. and the Ontario Paper Company. On Sept. 21, 1970, my grandma He also begins dating my grand- dies, leaving my grandpa to raise the Corp. Albert Hulme (Ret.) holds his granddaughter, Mallory. ma, Anne Hamilton. children and maintain a household on Submitted photo He met her several years before. his own, while continuing to struggle On July 24, 1992, my mom anymore, but I feel sad. 28 He is 15 and she is fi ve, and he with the effects of the fi re. wakes me up and sits me on her lap I glance up from my mom’s works for the Red and White gro- Albert Hulme was an army in the kitchen. She tells me that my shoulder and see my four-year-old cery store. He delivered groceries man. He was also a family man, a grandpa had died the night before refl ection in the big shiny black Niagara News is a practical lab for Journalism-Print pro- on his bike to her parents’ house friendly man, an honourable man, and that I won’t see him again. I microwave on the kitchen counter. gram students at Niagara College. Opinions expressed many times. and my grandpa. don’t know why I can’t see him I don’t understand, so I cry. in editorials and columns are not those of Niagara Col- lege management or administration. Columns, identi- fied as such, reflect only the writer’s opinion. Remembering Readers are welcome to respond to columnists by e-mail at [email protected] a grandfather Advertising rules: The advertiser agrees that the pub- lisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for WWII survivor lives the space actually occupied by the portion of the adver- tisement in which the error occurred. All advertisers are on in memory We Remember asked to check their advertisements after first insertion. Errors, which do not lessen the value of the advertise- By HAYLEY KENNEDY ment, are not eligible for corrections by a make-good Staff Writer Every year at this time, we remember those men and women advertisement. Niagara News reserves the right to edit, revise, classify or reject any advertisement. I barely remember the two- who fought for freedom and democracy everywhere. hour drive to the hospital on that warm summer day. I felt desper- On Remembrance Day, our thoughts are also with ate as I looked out the car win- the men and women who are still fighting for dow, wanting to see some form freedom and democracy around the world. of hope looking back at me. Corrections Anything there was being We remember the reasons why we fought in the past and why blocked by the funeral proces- There were a number of editorial today it is so important we do not take our freedom for granted. sions and sad faces I saw. I knew errors in the last edition of Niagara deep in my broken heart that it We enjoy our Canadian values and institutions, our freedom to News (Volume 39, Issue 3). was almost time to say goodbye. On Page 3, the former co-creator participate in cultural and political events, and our right to live As the hospital doors slowly and co-host of This Week in Geek is opened on my arrival, I felt an under a government of our choice because of the Canadians named Steve “Snowball” Saylor. overwhelming sadness, a feel- who went off to war in distant lands in the belief that the values On Page 7, the cutline (caption) ing I had never felt so strongly of a photograph wrongly identifi ed and beliefs enjoyed by Canadians were being threatened. before. the new MP in the Welland riding. Everything inside of me want- By remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognize The new MP is NDP candidate ed to scream, tear apart anything Malcolm Allen. the tradition of freedom these men and women fought to in sight and completely lose On Page 10, the caption of the preserve. On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and control. top photograph should have read: I found no comfort in the dev- sacrifice of those who served their country and acknowledge our The My Lai Massacre in March astated look on my dad’s face responsibility to work for the peace they fought hard to achieve. 1968 claimed the lives of 500 and the sound of sobbing from civilians as U.S. Division’s 11th my sisters beside me as I made Please join in the College-wide moment of silence to Infantry Brigade came upon the my way through the pale, white- be observed at 11 am on Tuesday, November 11. hamlet of San My Village in search washed halls. of Viet Cong soldiers. I wasn’t ready to see what was Meanwhile, because of an edit- waiting for me in room 302. ing and production error in the Oct. I turned the corner into the 10 edition (Volume 39, Issue 3) Dan Patterson, PhD room and there he was. Arthur on Page 5, the wrong column was Kennedy, my grandpa, was lying President published. there, fading before my eyes. It is the policy of Niagara News I could barely see him through to correct errors of fact. Continued on page 10 Nov. 7, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS Page 3 On Campus Writing away haunting memories Speaking of the plight of D-Day Dodgers By LAURA WIKSTON who did so. It was an exciting time admits to having had a “brief feel- Staff Writer for him and a worrisome time for ing of great relief” because his Some people read a book as a his mother. His father was harder injury meant the end of the war distraction from their worries. Then to read. for him. there’s Jim Holman, 84, of Fonthill. “He didn’t say much,” says Hol- It meant the beginning of a long When disturbing memories of his man. “He had been in the service in illness, though, when Holman con- time spent in the Canadian Army the First World War.” tracted malaria and yellow jaundice in Italy during the Second World Holman left home on his 19th while in hospital. First he was sent War began to haunt him, Holman birthday, seven days after enlist- to an army fi eld hospital and then tackled the problem in a novel way. ing. After basic training at Camp transferred to a makeshift hospital He wrote a book. Borden near Barrie, it was a train set up in a large villa. The next step The memoir, D-Day Dodger: trip to Halifax. From there it was was a Canadian army hospital in Memories of a Canadian Foot a nine-day trip to England on the Caserta that was “kind of bleak.” Soldier in Italy, was three and a ocean liner Louis Pasteur to a “It was cold and damp, and it had half years in the making and was holding unit at Aldershot, an old a long hallway with a lot of doors,” published in October. military establishment. Holman said. Written in his own words, the A short time later the ship made A friend of Holman’s recently book chronicles the seven months its way back “nearly to Halifax,” told him that the building was, in Holman spent in Italy with the 48th then went on to New York City fact, the Royal Palace in which Highlanders regiment that took part and further south toward Cuba the surrender of Italy to the allied in the Italian Campaign, from July before heading east to Gibraltar. forces was signed. 1943 to February 1945. Other ships joined the Louis Pas- Holman says his book is not all Holman wrote the book on the teur along the way. By the time the doom and gloom. Even in wartime advice of a Veterans’ Affairs psy- convoy reached Italy, there were at there is humour. chologist in Hamilton, Ont. His least a hundred ships spread from “There were a lot of good wife, Marion, convinced him to “horizon to horizon.” times,” he says. get help when the bad memories German submarines chased and Holman recalls visiting a fellow threatened to destroy him. attacked the convoy. Allied destroy- Thorold boy from another regiment “I was afraid I was going to shoot ers circled the convoy attempting who was “really” excited about myself,” says Holman. to chase the subs away. Holman being issued a brand-new Tommy The problem started after Hol- says he remembers a tanker being gun. His friend was dismantling man had surgery four years ago. blown up by the Germans. The ship the weapon with the intention of He began to have nightmares and sat on the horizon and “we watched sending it home, one piece at a Jim Holman, of Fonthill, with his book of memoirs entitled D-Day felt the need to talk constantly it burn all day long.” time, so that his dad could put it Dodgers: Memories of a Foot Soldier in Italy. about his war experiences. Holman Caught up in the seriousness of together again and have his own Photo by Laura Wikston hadn’t spoken about such things the mission, none of the soldiers machine gun. appears relaxed and laughs easily. right ankle and says the injury pains throughout the years. were even aware of when it was “I don’t think it even got past He and Marion, who also served him more now than ever before. “I didn’t really want to before,” New Year’s Eve. the fi rst post offi ce,” Holman says, in the Second World War, made When asked, Holman still talks he said. Holman’s days in the Italian laughing. a comfortable life together and about his time at war. Like the Holman was 18 when he en- Campaign ended when an enemy Writing the memoirs has been raised four children in a house they injury to his leg, though, he has listed May 7, 1943. He was one of shell hit his lower right leg. When cathartic for Holman. He says his built after the war. learned to make peace with this about 30 young men from Thorold he was coming to later, Holman nightmares have stopped and he Holman still wears a brace on his other legacy of war. Quick Facts about the Origins of the D-Day Dodgers Who they were Origins of Phrase Soldiers’ Response • Allied soldiers who • Lady Astor, American- • Widespread bitterness served in the Italian born member of the over comments by campaign from July British Parliament, pub- Astor, who understood 1943 to February 1945 licly coined the phrase nothing of what the sol- during the Second “D-Day Dodgers”. diers had endured and World War. accomplished. • Her chosen phrase is • The Italian campaign suggestive that these • Scottish poet and army soldiers played a vital soldiers deliberately captain Hamish Hender- American-born Lady Astor, former British member of parliament, role in liberating the avoided the D-Day inva- son writes a song sar- coined the phrase D-Day Dodgers to describe soldiers she suggested country from Fascist sion in France on June castically downplaying deliberately avoided the D-Day invasion of 1945, above. and Nazi rule. 6, 1945. the soldiers’ war efforts. Submitted photo from www.commons.wikimedia.org

Visit our new website niagara-news.com Current news and complete archives of all Niagara News editions since 2001 Page 4 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 Editorial & Opinion “Obama said knock you out!” NIAGARA NEWS 4th November 2008 Editor: Cory Wilkins Barack Obama Associate Editor: Jordan Nunziato vs John McCain Assistant Editor: Laura Wikston Two years in the making Photo Editor: Carly Snider

Acting Publisher: Kim Walker Managing Editor: George Duma Associate Managing Editor: Phyllis Barnatt Design/Layout Consultant: Peter Conradi Editorial Consultant: Nancy Geddie, Gary Erb Photography Consultant: Dave Hanuschuk Technology Support: Kevin Romyn

B2, 300 Woodlawn Rd., 2006 WINNER Welland, Ont. L3C 7L3 2006 WINNER Telephone: (905) 735-2211 Fax: (905) 736-6003 Editorial e-mail: [email protected] Advertising e-mail: [email protected] Acting Publisher’s e-mail: [email protected] Canada will feel the impact Cellphone ban a sign of Obama Era It’s an impact we will all certainly feel. EDITORIAL of things to come That impact, of course, is the results of the United States Terrorism, which saw the U.S. The cellphone driving ban is buying food to eat on the go be presidential election. invasions of Afghanistan in a prime example of government EDITORIAL a distraction? Because of Niagara’s close 2001 and Iraq in 2003. going too far. Furthermore, to add to this proximity to the U.S., this Republican nominee The legislation tabled at Electronic devices you can dead-end legislation, the fi nal election will indirectly affect McCain’s campaign ultimately Queen’s Park Oct. 28 would purchase to use in a modern-day step would be to eliminate us all. was a failure, with a platform prohibit all drivers from using vehicle such as DVD players and multi-passenger vehicles. On Nov. 4, Democratic strikingly similar to Bush’s cellular telephones while GPS systems are also prohibited To meet the ultimate standards presidential nominee Barack policies, despite his campaign driving, but wait, there’s more. under the new legislation, unless would be to not have anyone Obama defeated Republican rhetoric to the contrary. Motorists who change tunes they’re affi xed to the vehicle in else in the vehicle with you. nominee John McCain. Meanwhile, in this time on their hand-held iPods or MP3 some way. Well played, Transport A Democrat returns to the of economic uncertainty, players at the wheel face fi nes So, you’re allowed to buy Minister Jim Bradley. White House for the fi rst time Americans have voted Obama of up to $500 under Ontario’s these things for your vehicle, In a recent report by The since 2000, following an eight- as their new leader. proposed new “distracted but you can’t legally use them? Toronto Star, Bradley said, “If year interruption by George W. Obama enters the White driving” law. I’m failing to see the sense I want to change stations on the Bush. Obama will be sworn into House ready to lead Americans. One thing that popped into this is supposed to make. radio ... I can do so; that is not offi ce on Jan. 20, 2009. With a campaign slogan of, my head upon hearing about Technically, now under the prohibited. But if I were holding Finally, it is the end of Bush’s Change We Can Believe In, this new legislation was how new legislation, companies that a hand-held device and did that, reign as president of the U.S. Obama put forth a platform is the number of hands on the sell these commodities might as I would be in trouble.” His was a laughable tenure at addressing issues such as wheel the factor here? well be selling crack to the kids. He was then asked what would best and it would be a challenge education, global warming, You can legally talk on your It is the same thing, in theory. happen if the iPod were taped to for any future president to top a responsible foreign policy, cellphone if it’s hands-free They put the products out the dashboard and answered, “I Bush’s failures. universal health care, gun control Bluetooth. there for us to be charged for would have to look at that one.” From October 2001 to and several other initiatives. What is the difference their usage. Rather quick to pass a bill February 2008, Bush’s record- Surrounding himself with a between talking on a cellphone I like where this is going , you with little to no knowledge on high approval rating of 92 per number of experienced Clinton while it is in your hand versus almighty Ontario government. the subject, we will just see cent dropped to a record-low advisors, Obama is ready to hit talking on a cellphone through The next step, I guess, is to how long this will last before it 19 per cent, drastically falling the ground running and that is a hands-free headset? eliminate drive-thru windows at crumbles and falls into its own 73 points. great news for Canadians and There is no difference, fast-food restaurants, right? pit of stupidity from whence it Bush will be remembered Americans alike. the concentration is equally I mean, you cannot have came. best for his questionable War on CORY WILKINS reduced. any distractions, so wouldn’t JORDAN NUNZIATO We want to hear from you Letters to the editor can be directed to: [email protected] or Niagara News Room B2 NIAGARA NEWS 300 Woodlawm Rd Welland, ON L3C 7L3 Nov. 7, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS Page 5 Editorial & Opinion Watergate writer remains an inspiration I never believed in fate until I I was sick to go see Woodward before me, so I simply asked him. when I hightailed it out to the hall- walked with a giant. As we strode speak from the moment I read he LAURA WIKSTON When Woodward realized I was at way to have him sign my copy of side by side, I couldn’t help but was coming to the area. However, Columnist the speech as a working reporter his latest book, The War Within. feel that moment was meant to the $150 tickets were a little rich for Niagara News, he graciously Fate worked quickly that time. be. The giant, Bob Woodward, is for this student’s blood. student might do. gave his permission. As I strode down the hallway to- a fi gurative one, but he is a giant The day before the speech, a As he moved off into the crowd Fate blew me away when in ward the tables where I knew the none-the-less. ticket found its way to me. The to mingle with others for a while the question period following the signing would take place, a voice To many people, especially night of the speech I found myself before taking the stage, I regretted speech, Woodward referred to the to my left said, “I’m supposed to journalists, Woodward reigns as among a group of seasoned news- not taking a picture of him. Just question I had asked him earlier in sign books out here, somewhere.” I one of the most important journal- paper people allowed the privilege as I had decided I had blown my the private session: “Do you ever looked up and there was my giant, ists in the world. He and fellow of a private session with Wood- chance, fate stepped in again. I feel cynical about politics?” we two keeping stride as I directed reporter Carl Bernstein are forever ward. These circumstances came spotted Woodward heading back “I’m kind of cynical about poli- him to where he was to go. famous for their investigative cov- about by thoughtful people rather toward me through a sea of people. tics,” he admitted, “but optimistic Imagine leading the man who erage of the Watergate scandal in than by fate. He drew near, I raised my camera, about people.” “followed the money” to the Nixon the early 1970s. It was in the reception room the crowd parted at the opportune Woodward’s speech was an White House, to the pre-designated Barely a teenager at the time, yet after the private session and be- moment and I hit the shutter re- insightful glimpse into the in- book-signing area. Apparently already a news junkie, I was as in- fore Woodward’s speech where lease. ner circle of American politics. fate, like Woodward, has a sense of terested in Watergate as my parents fate stepped in. No sooner had I hadn’t asked permission to take His message to journalists to fi nd humour. had been. I understood that what an acquaintance asked me what a picture, but instinct ruled the mo- rigorous methods to keep those in I asked Woodward for just one Woodward and Bernstein were Woodward looked like when there ment. Woodward appeared not to power accountable for their actions piece of advice for an up-and- doing – namely, bringing down he stood before us. mind and paused long enough for was an important one. coming journalist like me. the Nixon White House – was not “He looks like, well, he looks me to get my shot. He reminded me Woodward knows how to pace “Keep digging and digging,” he run-of-the-mill journalism. The like this,” I said. of a kindly uncle who knows how his words, setting up a story laden said. “Keep going back until you two men obviously had guts, as did Woodward is an approachable, to put others at ease. with political bigwigs then paus- get the information.” their Washington Post editor Ben easy-going man. He wants to know I was content with our three en- ing just the right amount of time I was third in line for the book Bradlee. about everyone he meets, who they counters, but fate was not through before delivering a hilarious one- signing. As I stood before the giant, I had the opportunity to meet are and what they do. He takes the with me yet. Immediately before liner about whatever the given who was seated at the book-signing Woodward recently, when he gave time to chat. his speech, Woodward sat for a few topic is. Should he ever choose to table by now, he looked up at me a speech at the Sheraton on the Even a giant like Woodward fears moments at the table I was at. When moonlight, Woodward already has and said, “Oh, it’s you again.” Falls hotel in Niagara Falls. It was someone, though when he learned he rose to make his way to the the makings of a bang-on stand-up I had only one regret as I walked an exhilarating night for me and my acquaintance was a grammar stage, I asked someone with him if comedian. away that night: If only I had had an example of something extraor- professor, he did an about-face and I could tape the speech. The person A book signing had been sched- the presence of mind to say, “Oh, dinary happening to an ordinary headed in the other direction as was uncertain how to answer me. uled to take place after Woodward’s it’s you again,” before the giant person. quickly as any fi rst-year journalism Then once again, the giant stood speech. He was barely off the stage did. Letter to the editor Texting sends mixed signals Healthful choices come You might be communicating with hefty price tag more (or less) than you realize This is my fi rst year at Niagara means you offer vegetables and College. I like the people, my salads on the menu. On one hand, classes and even my professors. the cafeteria serves mixed and What does a text message mean? not to also takes on a new and sig- However, the area where I see green vegetables at a very high What does an email mean? JESSICA MOYSE nifi cant meaning. room for improvement is in the price and, on the other hand, it In this new age of communica- Columnist Texting requires little to no effort. cafeteria. Walk into the Niagara proposes a cheap slice of pizza. tion you can call someone from By the time a girl realizes that her College cafeteria at lunch time and In spite of the current economy your pants without even trying, boyfriend or object of affection is you may think you have stumbled (an overall rise in food and fuel although the message from sender that meant. He was sweet on her. putting in the least effort possible, it into a fast-food joint. French fries, prices), I think the Niagara Col- to receiver becomes more convo- Today, it is not that simple. might be too little too late. If a boy burgers, poutine, pizza and sugary lege cafeteria should try to be luted than ever before. The irony In terms of relationships, text calls your house and risks having drinks constitute the meals of the more sensitive to students’ limited of this new situation is astound- messages are the devil. They can a 10-minute discussion with your majority of the students. means. For example, students have ing. The underlying message is a mean both nothing and everything. nosy-with-good-intentions mother, Of course the cafeteria offers to pay $7 for a wrap and add $2 for mystery. The “does he like me?” drama is the subtext is still as clear now as it nutritious and appealing choices to a bottle of water and another $2 if In terms of dating, a phone call less easily decipherable now. As was 50 years ago. He likes you. the students (it even got an award they want fruit or yogurt. So those takes effort. Back in the days when a new technology, texting means Women and men will never of excellence each year from the students have to pay more than the only means of long distance different things to everyone. Your know all the secrets of the opposite Niagara Region Public Health de- $10 for their lunch. This is why communication were writing boyfriend or girlfriend can, theo- sex. However, instead of taking a partment for healthy food choices); most of them will buy only certain and phoning, if a boy wrote to or retically, contact you at any given step forward, it appears we have but, at what cost? items (such as pizza, chips and called a girl, everyone knew what time. The fact the person chooses taken two steps back. In your Sept. 26 publication, sodas) and will not pay for others. your article “Students choose con- The food at the Niagara Col- venience over health” talked about lege cafeteria should be healthy the students who make poor food AND cheap. If the college decided Remembering our nation’s heroes choices such as a slice of pizza and to subsidize healthy food at the a coke, because they feel stressed cafeteria, that decision would For a few people, Remembrance this time, do something more. or because of time restraints. make it easier for students without Day is just another day in the year, JOSEPH CASSIDY Take some time to talk to the In my opinion this is not the jobs and for students who have to but for the majority, it is a day spent Columnist veteran with the poppies. Look him major factor driving youth to pay for their own books to make remembering the great sacrifi ces or her in the eye and ask about the make those choices. It is a fact healthy choices at a decent price. all soldiers made fi ghting evil. wars. Ask that veteran to share a that the cafeteria proposes some For the time being, I will con- It is also a day we should spend democratically run governments. memory or story from that healthy food to the students, but tinue to bring my own healthy remembering how evil people rose They do not spend Nov. 11 re- time and let that veteran simply offering vegetables and lunch! to power. Lest we forget, there are membering the victories and know you will not for- salads does not mean you provide Veronique Emery people in this world who despise sacrifi ces of our soldiers. get what you have healthy options. When you con- Public Relations Graduate the democratic system and the Enough about them just heard. sider the price differential, it just Certifi cate program principles that rule our country. and their evil minds. Shake that vet- Don’t let down your guard be- What about the veterans eran’s hand. Look cause freedom of speech and lib- who are alive and well the veteran in the erty make some rulers in our world within our country? You will eye and express your sick to the stomach. see them at stores and shopping gratitude for that sacrifi ce. NIAGARATHE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF NIAGARA NEW COLLEGE S You only need to look at the way malls selling the poppies that are Pay attention to the look in the countries in Africa, South America the iconic symbol for Remem- veteran’s eye and the energy you For more content visit our site: and the Middle East are ruled. Then brance Day. feel in the handshake. remember that their governments You will buy a poppy – we all If you do this, you will understand niagara-news.com are completely different from our do. We all support our veterans, but why Nov. 11 is Remembrance Day. Page 6 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 On Campus Experience of a lifetime Students return from co-op placements in Dubai By LAURA WIKSTON He says that speaking both lan- Staff Writer guages would help an employee to The city of Dubai in the United “manage the local clientele easier.” Arab Emirate of the same name Bianchi did learn some conversa- offers visitors a study in contrasts. tional sentences to initiate greetings Dubai is a city of billionaires and to Arabic guests. overworked, underpaid construction The local clientele wasn’t always workers. It’s a city where it’s pos- easy to manage. Turner says they sible for visitors to go snowboarding could be just like “night and day,” and sandboarding in the same day with one client being “incredibly and where accommodations can be friendly and enthusiastic to your as cramped as they are luxuriously experience, and you would get a spacious. good rapport with them. Then you Three Niagara College students get a client from the exact same part from the Bachelor of Applied Busi- of their country who is completely ness – Hospitality Operations Man- obnoxious to you.” agement Degree program (BABH) Turner says it was diffi cult to spent 5 1/2 months working at the deal with, and he tried not to take it Fairmont Dubai witnessing these personally. contrasts fi rst-hand. Bianchi says he had similar expe- Third-year student Jacob Turner, riences. 22, fourth-year student Jason Bi- “I had the nicest people who one anchi, 25, and fourth-year student moment were offering me a job, giv- Curtis Dracz, 22, returned Oct. 17 ing me their business card, telling from co-op positions they com- me to come check out their business. pleted there. Then these same people are threat- Brian Beccario, BABH program ening to take your job and get you co-ordinator and professor, says he fi red the next day. helped broker the co-ops though his “Then you’ll see the same people connection with a manager at the the next week and they’ll be the Fairmont Dubai. complete opposite again.” Students Curtis Dracz, Jason Bianchi and Jacob Turner pose with a camel while on safari in Dubai. All three “I had met him previously when Bianchi says it was frustrating, are in the Bachelor of Applied Business — Hospitality Operations Management degree program. he was managing a hotel in Hawaii,” but “what I like best about guest ser- Submitted photo Beccario said. vices in front offi ce is that challenge Next, college President Dan Pat- of handling diffi cult guests.” terson and Martha Casson, Interna- desk with its VIP loyalty program. Dracz says he would get his The students’ accommodations Dracz says a highlight for him tional Department vice-president, His job included taking care of all team through the shift with “a lot were in an employee compound was being able to bring his crew made contacts with the Fairmont the detailed specifi cations of the of coaching and a lot of motivating in Al Quoz, the industrial area in together. Dubai to arrange interviews for the reservations and preferences of because in banquets, there are a lot western Dubai city. Made up of four “When I started, they weren’t a students. Management at the hotel guests. He helped make sure rooms of long hours. I had to motivate the sub-compounds, Al Quoz is home group because people tend to go was impressed with the students and were blocked accordingly and up- guys to be there. to thousands of mostly immigrant where their nationality is. That’s just agreed to the co-ops. grades, such as specifi c beverages “With banquets, you work until construction workers hired to help the reality of life.” Each student fi lled a different and types of pillows, were to the the job is done.” with Dubai’s construction boom. position. Turner was a concierge guests’ preferences. Often, Dracz would be arriving In the last few years, the city has ‘I never knew what to agent. He says he handled anything Bianchi didn’t physically set up back at their accommodations after had the biggest and fastest-growing the guests needed from answer- the rooms to guests’ wishes, but says 7:30 a.m., while Turner and Bianchi construction markets in the world. expect because of the ing questions for them to getting “I made sure the room was ready for were just leaving for their shifts. In March 2006, thousands of work- luxury cars with chauffeurs on the their arrival,” he said. The students say clientele at the ers rioted for an increase to their type of clientele I was spur of the moment. Typical shifts for Bianchi were 10 hotel included millionaires and bil- $4-a-day wages. “Every day was different,” he to 12 hours long. lionaires. The two-acre compound where dealing with.’ said. “I never knew what to expect Dracz led a team of fi ve to 10 One obvious sign of wealth the the students stayed had two swim- — Jacob Turner because of the type of clientele I was other employees of nine nationalities students saw on a daily basis was ming pools and buildings with a dealing with.” through the evening-shift banquets expensive vehicles. kitchen, cafeteria and gymnasium. He says he’ll never forget his last Turner says because his nine- and buffets. He held daily briefi ngs “We would see Lamborghinis, They were housed in two-storeyed shift there, and how when he popped hour shifts were so busy they often on specifi c topics such as buffet Ferraris and BMWs everywhere. You buildings that had many rooms. in to say goodbye to his colleagues, seemed only three or four hours setup, or the 25 most frequently were surprised if you saw something For 3 1/2 months the three shared he saw “an Indonesian guy having a long. asked questions about their depart- like a Ford Taurus,” Dracz said. an 8 1/2 by 10 foot room, until one blast in the kitchen working with a Bianchi worked the front offi ce ment. He would then delegate work “We were seeing cars of [values] of them managed to get another girl from Kenya, and a Sri Lankan check-in at the President’s Club to the staff. up to $250,000 to $500,000 Cana- room across the hall. guy and a guy from the Philippines dian,” said Turner. “We saw new “We lived nose to nose,” Bianchi joking and bugging each other. Bentleys and Bugattis all the time at said. “We were always bumping into There was camaraderie.” the mall. When you see them every- each other.” Bianchi says the staff he worked day, it takes a really incredible car to For leisure, they did many ac- with were “second-to-none” say, ‘oh my god, that’s a nice car.’” tivities. Bianchi says he often went compared to anywhere else he’s Accommodations at the hotel out with his Arabic colleagues for worked. were expansive and expensive. The Arabic food, a movie, beer or even a “Everyone was motivated and 6,000 square-foot presidential suite walk in the park, “just doing typical driven.” cost C$5,000 a night. The Impe- things the locals would do.” Although he felt uncomfortable rial Suite started at about C$5,000 a One day Dracz and Turner went when he fi rst arrived at the employee night and included a personal butler sandboarding. Then three days later accommodations, Bianchi says it for any parties to be held. It was oc- Dracz was snowboarding on artifi - took only two days for him to feel cupied for a few days every week. cial snow. On his birthday, he took “part of the family.” Bianchi says the top tier of the VIP his crew ice-skating. Twice, Turner Turner says he has never worked guests had to be acknowledged by rode on a camel. in a hospitality business with co- the hotel’s corporate offi ce. A special Turner says although many na- workers who were so “genuinely crew dealt with guests like the son of tionalities work at the hotel, the abil- happy and outgoing.” a sheik from Saudi Arabia. ity to speak English is mandatory. “There’s upwards of 750 employ- “They’d make the check-ins very “If you speak just Arabic, you ees, and the only person I ever met discreet, often through a basement have less chance of getting a job,” in 5 1/2 months who was in a bad or back door,” Bianchi said. “You he said. mood apologized to me afterward,” Brian Beccario, Jacob Turner, Jennifer Gove, Curtis Dracz and Jason wouldn’t even see a lot of these “If you spoke both, you were he said. Bianchi pose in front of the Fairmont Dubai. people come into the hotel when more valued,” Bianchi added. “You “I’ve made friends I’ll never Submitted photo they were staying there.” got paid more.” forget.” Nov. 7, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS Page 7 On Campus Film raises awareness By JORDAN NUNZIATO so residents could receive run- Staff Writer ning water. The horrifying life of slavery The Arrorio Indio Project was and famine plague the Dominican created and based on the teachings Republic, but local fi lmmakers and of Jesus and Christianity. organizations are doing something They teach cane cutters how to about it. farm land where cane cannot be Niagara College’s Hamilton grown, then teach them to take the Room was the venue Oct. 27 for food they grow and sell it to the the screening of the documentary surrounding villages. Nothing But Hope, which is about This year, since the hurricane social injustice in the Dominican tragedy, food was given away and Republic. not sold. The fi lm was a collaborative Upon leaving the Dominican, effort between third-year Broad- Grant-Young recalls his experi- casting – Radio, Television and ence: “This was one of the defi ning Film students and the Dominican- moments of my life.” Canadian Community Develop- “It’s life changing,” says Holt. ment group (DCCD). The fi lm ended at 7:47 p.m. and DCCD member Bill Boehlen was followed with a question-and- opened the show to the packed answer period with Juan Rivas, a house of nearly 110 friends and social worker from the Dominican, family members of those who were along with the fi lm crew. part of the fi lm by saying, “Nice Rivas says, “People from the Bat- to see this many people out on a eyes can go to elementary school Monday night in Welland.” but can’t go further because they He introduced fi lm editor Chris have no legal documentation.” Broadley, camera operator and pro- He adds, “I say continue support. ducer Ralph Atkinson and narrator It is important to see that.” Paul Ferracuti. Rivas says the important contri- Following introductions and bution of this fi lm is exposing the a brief description of the fi lm, he Dominican culture and opening the said, “This is a very good produc- world’s eyes to the horrors these tion.” The fi lm began at 7:11 p.m. people face. It showcases three young adults Film editor Chris Broadley gives Juan Rivas, Dominican Republic social worker, a Toronto Maple Leafs hat as Camera operator and producer, At- – Evan Holt, Lira Smith and Josh a sign of thanks and friendship. kinson, says, “When I arrived, I was Grant-Young – who decide to ven- Photo by Phillip Boldt shocked. I had to take a day off from ture to the Dominican to experience there: “The area is covered by a small village that lays in the middle the fi lmers visited El Cacao, where shooting.” life in the Third World. pavilion roof of tropical gardens.” of hundreds of acres of sugar cane. a hurricane had just recently “What I learned from this is dedi- After making the appropriate He adds, “When you’re sitting Men who live in the Bateyes struck hard. cation.” preparations, they arrive at the there and you hear a thump on the are cane cutters and work 12 to 14 Holt reminisces on the damage: “The overall goal is to get this Buffalo, N.Y., airport at 3:30 a.m. roof, that’s the mango you’re eat- hours a day at 100 pesos or, C$3 “So much damage, so much lost.” piece tight enough to be aired on and leave shortly after, following a ing for breakfast.” per day. El Cacao is located in the moun- Canadian TV.” tearful farewell to their parents. Observation of the Dominican Bateye means “where the king tains. There they met with Rufi no Narrator Ferracuti says, “One thing When they arrive in the Domini- culture during their time had keeps his animals.” Herrara, founder of the Fair Trade I would like to do is expand the groups can they are taken to the compound shown there is interest in baseball, These men are treated horribly Coffee movement. we take each year.” in Barrio El Cinco, where they motorcycles and cock fi ghting. and are slaves to sugar cane com- During their second week, they He then added they are taking an stayed for a week. During their fi rst week, they were panies. were put in family placements in adult group in July. A local man describes living taken to the Bateye Les Pajas, a Following a trip to the Bateyes, the Bateyes and in the mountains. He closed by saying, “I hope in There they spent a week becoming the future the students who go will accustomed to the culture. remember the lessons they learn and The DCCD has helped raise choose jobs around those lessons.” awareness of these horrible liv- DCCD co-founder and co-ordinator ing conditions and conditions are Quinn De Vries says, “Seeing the dif- slowly improving. At Bateye Les ference this has made in the students’ Pajas, things are beginning to look eyes the fi rst time we ran the program, up for the residents. New solid ce- I saw the difference we made.” ment fl oors were installed in the Boehlen closed the presentation buildings, and water towers donated by saying, “The college support is from Canada were built with pumps tremendously important.”

‘What I learned from this is dedication …Th e overall goal is to get this piece tight enough to be aired on Canadian TV.’ Ralph Atkinson, producer and –– Ralph Atkinson camera operator for Nothing But Hope. Photo by Phillip Boldt Page 8 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 On Campus Students seek fi nancial support Higher enrolment rates mean more students are looking for government help

By LYNSEY KITCHING three years in the number of Staff Writer students applying and being ac- Is Ontario full of starving stu- cepted for financial assistance. dents? Since 2005, federal and With tuition rates rising, some provincial governments have question the distribution of increased the maximum amount financial aid among Canadian of assistance for students and post-secondary students. reduced the amount of finan- College attendance is on the cial contribution students are rise, increasing by 4.7 per cent expected to receive from their across Canada this year. parents, though with programs Though there are many pro- such as OSAP, students have to grams and avenues for students pay back every cent along with to scrape together the cash to pay interest charges. for their education, reports show This statistic means tra- the government might not be ditional or non-traditional helping those who need it most, students who are financially especially in Ontario. independent or struggling are The report, released by the still potentially being left out Canada Millennium Scholarship in the cold. Foundation (CMSF), reveals to The CMSF report explains interested parties the “Ten things provincially, governments fa- you need to know about financial vour measures that benefit all support for post-secondary stu- students rather than focus on dents in Canada.” students with financial need. The federal government is Many provinces have intro- providing $7.1 billion to post- duced or expanded their rebate secondary students in the form programs, despite proper re- of need-based loans and grants, search having been done into aboriginal assistance, education the mobility of graduates. tax credits, savings grants and The mobility of graduates merit scholarships. is associated with tax rebates Federal funding was 8.5 per because graduates are ex- cent lower than 10 years ago for pected to stay in the area in aboriginal students. However, which they did their studies combined with federal aid, it to receive these tax rebates. is five per cent lower and that These are also expensive, amount still shows a lack of con- costing more than the entire cern for the aboriginal people. Prospective students gather plenty of literature on programs and institutions at the College Information Fair budget for federal access In Ontario, need-based in- at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus Oct. 28. grants programs serving low- stitutional aid is influenced by Photo by Lynsey Kitching income students and those Ontario government policies. with disabilities. The tuition set-aside policy and to be growing in order to be Niagara College had the most This being said, the cre- the Ontario student opportunities able to afford to upgrade facili- obvious presence with booths ation of millennium access trust fund encourage Ontario ties and maintain facilities to lining the entire gymnasium bursaries and the Canada and institutions to be more generous a quality level that we want to while other institutions had one Ontario access grants created to students here than outside the offer to students. It also allows designated area. in 2005 have resulted in about province. you to bring in new programs The idea behind this year’s $125 million in additional With the help of these pro- because they do cost some in- fair was to be more interactive grants. The proportion of grams, students can, theoreti- vestment.” and introduce new elements and that aid that is non-repayable cally, financially keep pace with Niagara College is up 12.4 more material for potential stu- jumped from 22 per cent to 32 rising tuition fees. per cent in first-year enrolment, dents to read about the schools per cent nationwide. The connection between second in the province behind and their programs. This fair is However, in Ontario, that post-secondary institutions, the Conestoga College in Kitchen- a good indicator that enrolment number was significantly government and students is a er-Waterloo, which increased numbers are going to continue to lower, at 18 per cent. symbiotic relationship. by 13.3 per cent this year. climb in Ontario during the next As a whole, Canada has The number of high school stu- Niagara College had an in- year. ‘It’s important to dropped from 80 per cent dents attending post-secondary crease of 8.5 per cent overall, Up by 34.5 per cent were Ni- of financial aid going to the education is on the rise because above the average for the col- agara College’s Graduate Certifi- maintain planned students who need it to 61 per of the competitive job market. lege system, which increased cate programs. cent today. This means there are more 4.7 per cent. Vaughan said, “A lot of de- enrolment growth In 2006, Ontario had 182,016 students attending college and Vaughan said, “Colleges have gree students are realizing students receiving loans, the university. to constantly be in tune with that in order to differentiate because it’s really most in the country, followed When more students enrol at a what is going on in business themselves from all the other by Quebec at 131,809. given institution, it receives more and industry to make sure that students with degrees that it’s what funds the Both provinces have twice government money. the programs that you have are important that they get some as many students on loans Al Vaughan, director of enrol- the ones that will lead to good of the practical skills that college and all its than the next closest prov- ment and registration at Niagara careers, and students figure that colleges are the best at deliv- ince, British Columbia with College, said the college is tied out pretty quickly.” ering.” programs.’ 56,306. for first in Ontario for funded On Oct. 28, Niagara College Vaughan said the environ- This could be an indicator student enrolment. A funded stu- hosted the College Information ment, health and skilled trade – Al Vaughan that, yes, more students are dent is one for which the school Fair at the Niagara-on-the-Lake technology programs saw the Each college gets a spe- enrolled in post-secondary can receive grants from the gov- campus. greatest increase in popular- cific market share of the total programs in Ontario as it ernment to help cover tuition. Carly Root, recruitment admis- ity this year. funding based mostly on its has the highest population in In the most simplistic of expla- sions program co-ordinator for What do these positive num- enrolment. Canada. nations, students pay half their the high school market, explained bers mean for the college? This year, Niagara College However, most require fi- fees while the government picks the event was an open house for Post-secondary institutions received four per cent which nancial assistance to pay for up the other half. This is not true prospective college students re- in Ontario compete with each will allow for growth. their rising tuition fees. with international students, as siding in the Niagara region, as other to receive the money Vaughan said high ratings The report then concludes they pay the whole amount. well as outside the area. the government decides to put mean students have confi- that the recent improve- Vaughan said, “Certainly it’s When asked how the turn-out towards colleges and univer- dence staff cares about them ments in the need-based important to maintain planned was she said, “Fantastic,” and it sities for that year. This is and they will have a good system of student loans and enrolment growth because it’s was busier than expected with done through the Ministry of experience. grants have not necessarily really what funds the college about 1,000 visitors and many Training, Colleges and Uni- Ontario’s has increased improved the financial situ- and all its programs. You need colleges present. versities. nine per cent over the last ation of students. Nov. 7, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS Page 9 On Campus Diwali dazzles NOTL Festival of lights marks Indian new year By MALLORY BRESOLIN Staff Writer International Events Diwali, the Indian festival of Calendar lights, is just as important to Hin- dus as Christmas is to Christians. NOVEMBER On Oct. 22, Niagara College 17 – International Week hosted the event at The Armoury 24 – Foods from Around the Pub at the Niagara-on-the-Lake World exhibit at Niagara Culinary campus. Institute “It is their New Year according to the lunar calendar. Basically it DECEMBER marks the victory of good over the 1 – World AIDs Day Event evil in every human. Every auspi- 8 – Final meeting of the year - cious festival or event in India is International Club potluck started off with prayer and that’s how the party started as well,” Niagara College International said Shazia Khan, secretary of Club meets Mondays from 1:30 to the Niagara College International 2:30 p.m. in E209, NOTL campus. Club (NCIC). Visit www.ncinternationalclub. There was plently of music, dan- com, or search for Niagara cing and Indian food. College International Club on “I had several friends who were Facebook. planning on attending, and it seemed like a great opportunity to meet Food, music, decorations to en- new people, experience a different tertainment was planned by the culture and have fun,” said Sarah committee. Cuthbertson, president of the NCIC. “There was Indian cuisine “We were selling the tickets for served to all our guests. We the event and we sold more than also had raffle draws involving 125. From students to professors, The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, lights up for Diwali, the Hindu “festival of lights.” door prizes such as a lunch/ friends and family, everyone was Photo courtesy of checktheworld.wordpress.com dinner voucher at The Keg, a invited and all attended the party,” The event is organized mostly by tee, fi ve people from Welland and volved,” said Khan. tour and tasting from Hernder said Khan. students. the rest from the NOTL campus. The planning did not take long. Winery, a Hernder windbreaker “The pub was packed,” said “This year there were about 12 In addition, two staff from the “[We] started planning just jacket and many more prizes,” Cuthbertson. people involved in the commit- international department were in- three weeks prior to the event. said Khan. Local businessman gives A pox on thee By PHILLIP BOLDT Columnist Phillip Boldt Niagara some ‘Green’ If you had chicken pox and Columnist thought you were out of the woods, then let me introduce you to chick- en pox mach two. Shingles. paths that come from your spine and I woke up one morning, rolled over are preceded by an itching feeling up Donations aid development and my morning grogginess evapo- to a week before the rash appears. rated with a yelp of pain. At fi rst, I had The doctor writes me up a quick thought it was just a phantom scratch prescription and starts to send me By MICHAEL OWEN but when I gave into curiosity and on my way. Staff Writer looked, it was defi nitely no scratch. “Am I contagious, Doc?” It may not be Christmas yet, A portion of skin had turned red and He looked at me and said, but that hasn’t stopped Alfred swollen with some attractive blisters “Only to people who haven’t had Dyck from getting into the spirit on my back. Think that’s bad? I can chicken pox.” of giving. handle blisters and red swollen skin. Ouch. That pretty much can- Dyck, owner of St. Catharines- I’ve played a lot of sports and been ac- celled all my plans! No work; based All Green Irrigation, donated customed to seeing some pretty weird which seems pretty sweet; no $3,440 to the Niagara-on-the-Lake or nasty things. The pain, however, school, which is even better; but no (NOTL) campus Oct. 28 for cam- was not something I expected. hanging out with people unless I pus development. Being the tentative person I am, knew they had had chicken pox. “We want to give back to the I let it go a day to see if I was just As shingles takes a week to heal community,” said Dyck. being paranoid. On the second day and go away, if medications are be- He says he wants to “promote though, I gave in to demands of ing used, I had a week to myself. It the college and hiring of local Alfred Dyck presents a cheque for $3,440. From left are; Jon Ogryzlo, paranoia and went to the walk-in probably seems pretty inviting until businesses,” and “set an ex- dean of Environment, Horticulture and Agribusiness, James Thomson, clinic in St. Catharines. you start to realize how many of ample.” manager of campus development; and Alfred Dyck, owner of All Green “Shingles,” the doctor said at your friends have never had chicken “[We’re] thrilled that he offered fi rst glance. pox and thus can’t hang out. Irrigation. Photo by Michael Owen a donation because the develop- “Shingles? That’s what the Inter- I quickly developed a saying for ment benefi ts students, staff and in the rhododendron garden. at Bogart Street Park in St. net told me,” I said, trying to sound this irritating virus,. the community,” said James The company also maintains Catharines and the Club Italian as if I had some idea of what I was “Shingles: they suck and burn.” Thomson, manager of campus the irrigation systems from spring soccer fields in Niagara Falls. talking about. Needless to say, if you notice a development. through fall. The company has been in opera- What I learned was that shingles rash, get it checked out. If I hadn’t All NOTL grounds are de- “We’re very confi dent in the tion since 1985. is a painful virus that develops from have done that, I wouldn’t have been signed as living laboratories work he does for us. We know “Over the last 23 years, All the dormant chicken pox virus in able to take medication. The medica- and used for “student and he’s going to do it right,” said Green has built up a strong cus- your spine. tion is only effective if the rash is di- staff enjoyment,” according to Thomson. tomer loyalty, which has helped “Some factor, one of the sus- agnosed within two to three days of Thomson. All Green Irrigation also does us to grow into the largest irriga- pected leading catalysts is stress, its appearance. If shingles were just All Green Irrigation installed three work on parks for the City of tion contractor in the Niagara causes the virus to wake up,” the let go, you’d have to suffer through irrigation systems at the campus: in St. Catharines and sports field Peninsula,” says the company’s doctor explained to me. two to four weeks of extreme pain. the north area, in the west area and drainage systems, such as those website. Shingles develops along nerve Shingles really do suck. Page 10 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 On Campus ‘Life Changing’ national award recognizes volunteer By LAURA WIKSTON others from her parents. Staff Writer “They would always help the neigh- People who volunteer their time ‘If you sign up, you bours,” she said. “My father was a most play important roles in their com- generous man. If someone needed munities. They are the driving force have to go. Th ey’re something, he gave it to them.” that raises money for charities, Last Christmas, Spry’s father gathers groceries for food banks and counting on us.’ was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s helps others to better their lives. — Kari Spry disease. Rather than cut back on Governments and institutes around her community work, Spry took up the world understand the importance the challenge to help raise money of the work volunteers do. Annually, and by volunteering for different to help fi nd a cure and treatment they designate a certain day or week charities, Rainbow girls learn they for the devastating disease. to give volunteers the honour and can accomplish anything and make “Kari could have stepped down recognition they deserve. a difference in the world. as president of ACE while her father There are also specifi c awards Spry says in her group the girls was ill,” said Robert Greene, faculty given to people who go out of “grew up together and had a lot of adviser to ACE, “but she didn’t.” their way to help others. The an- fun making a difference.” On the Spry family website, nual Garfi eld Weston Foundation Spry is still having fun making Spry calls her father her “best awards are open to college students the world a better place. She has friend and hero.” across Canada. Although the award been president of the student-run She says there was no big cele- is based on academics, it also rec- business club Advancing Canadian bration when she won the Garfi eld ognizes a student’s community Entrepreneurship (ACE) Niagara Weston Foundation award because involvement and leadership. since April 2006. the family was “housebound” dur- This year, Niagara College student A key component of the club ing her father’s illness. When the Kari Spry was one of 25 students is holding events to raise funds for news came that she had won, her to win that award at the national charity. These events involve a lot father went to the Kleenex box and level. Spry is in her third year of the of volunteering, and Spry thrives on “was just bawling” because he was college’s Bachelor of Applied Busi- the challenge. so proud of her. ness — International Commerce and “ACE is my full-time job,” she Spry recently won a Millennium Global Development program. The says, “and it’s my passion.” In Course award from the Millen- award will help ease the fi nancial Spry’s passion is apparent when nium Scholarship Foundation. The burden of her education. It includes a she chairs the hour-long ACE foundation was established by the tuition waiver for each semester she meetings held at the Niagara-on- federal government to recognize is enrolled till the completion of her the-Lake campus. For the Oct. 27 Canadians who make positive and program and $4,000 a semester to meeting, she arrives prepared and signifi cant contributions to the cover other expenses. Spry also re- starts the meeting on time. She is Kari Spry, 23, is the winner of the Garfi eld Weston award for academic betterment of their communities, ceived $4,000 to cover expenses she upbeat and smiles often. In her excellence and community involvement for 2007-2008 academic demonstrate a capacity for leader- has already incurred and $3,500 to enthusiasm she speaks rapidly year. Spry is a third-year Bachelor of Applied Business – International ship and commit themselves to be put toward an approved project. as she directs the other members Commerce and Global Development program at Niagara College. the pursuit of academic excellence Her hard work and community- through the meeting’s agenda. Photo by Laura Wikston and innovation. The scholarship is minded spirit having won her the She laughs when she is asked 2007, the Forum for International In March 2006, Spry spent three worth $4,000 toward Spry’s con- award, Spry says she is very hon- twice to slow down. Trade Training awarded Spry its fi rst- weeks in East London, South Af- tinuing education. oured and grateful. Spry has a lot of ground to cover, ever National Achievement Award. rica, working with the women to Spry’s father died in August. “The award has been life-chang- though, and time is of the essence. She won the award for her involve- make the handicrafts they import Through the diffi culty of losing ing. It’s opened up huge opportuni- She sips the odd spoonful of soup ment with Fair Trade Niagara, an to Canada more sellable. him, Spry has remained enthusias- ties for me,” she said. between enquiring how ongoing ongoing project of ACE. “It was a very eye-opening ex- tic about her work helping others. Spry, 23, has been helping other projects are coming and reminding Fair Trade Niagara is a part- perience to see how much we take She would like to work in global people for half of her life. For 12 members to sign up as volunteers nership between ACE Niagara, for granted, compared to what they development and continue to gain years she has been involved with for the planned events. Niagara College and a women’s value,” she said. skills to help alleviate poverty. The International Order of Rain- “If you sign up, you have to go,” co-operative, Inxili Crafters, in Spry says she likes being involved After graduation, Spry would bow for Girls. The group is part of she says. “They’re counting on us.” South Africa. The project helps in making a difference in other’s lives. like to travel, but says she also the Masonic family and is open to The Garfi eld Weston is Spry’s to generate income and promote “I’ve never been one to sit back,” loves being near her home. girls 11 to 20 worldwide. Through second award recognizing her com- cultural awareness and tourism she said. “I think I can do both,” she says. learning how to tackle challenges mitment to helping others. In March development in the area. Spry takes her inspiration to help “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Remembrance Day for family and veterans Continued from page 2 hand that I was holding. I clung to my mom’s arm like a my tear-fi lled eyes, but as I got ‘By fi ghting in the Second World War, he I knew he could hear me. I told child afraid of the painted clowns closer to him, I recognized that him how much he has meant to at the circus. She remained little smirk he always had on his gave me my freedom, my family, my life.’ me, fighting for my freedom and quiet. Even in her silent state I face. He lay there and said he was giving me a future. One final could see the tears forming in glad I was there; I felt my heart I can only imagine what pain and a future without him. The stench of kiss on his head, one last squeeze her eyes. drop to the pit of my stomach. suffering he had to witness, and his the sterile hospital air in the room from his hand and I threw myself Grandpa has been gone for almost I knew these were my last mo- stories made me love him more, if fi lled me with disgust and bitter- out of the room. I felt as though six months now, and whenever I see ments with him. that was possible. ness. I wanted to rip every cord off an elephant were sitting directly a war veteran I think of him. I thought of his stories that I By fi ghting in the Second World the walls, tear apart every fi le the on my heart. I could have passed If I ever need to reflect on what couldn’t comprehend. How can a War, he gave me my freedom, my nurses had and take him home. out at any moment. My head he has done for this country and 19-year-old boy leave everything family, my life. The time fi nally came to say ached and I wanted to see my me, I turn to the Croix de Guerre he knows to fi ght for something For 21 years I had a close rela- goodbye. grandpa sitting in his chair at his Bronze Star, one of grandpa’s that might kill him in the end? tionship with this amazing man. Everyone left the room so I home in Barrie again, watching a medals that he received for I tried to picture myself in his He was always smiling, saying could have my final moments Blue Jays game. valour. shoes, watching all of my com- silly jokes and telling me how with him. I could barely focus on On the ride home, a ring from He has raised a close-knit fam- panions fall around me, the cold much he loved me. what I was saying as I watched my brother’s cellphone told ily, and for that I will always thank hands of death securely grasp- Sitting there in the hospital room, him come in and out of con- me everything before I even him. Through my family, my ing their hearts, the possibility with family all around, I could feel sciousness. I grabbed his hand answered it. Grandpa was gone. support system, I have learned to of never again seeing his family the tension and anguish. My aunts and told him how much I loved Tears and misery fl ooded the car, look at this medal as a celebration constantly in his mind, the smell went back and forth between laugh- him. Through his quickening drowning me with the harsh real- of his life. We all give each other of dead bodies and gunfi re clus- ing and remembering fun times breaths and restless movements, ity of living in a world without hope that we will see our soldier tered in the air. with their father and weeping about I felt a small squeeze from the my little buddy. boy again one day. Nov. 7, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS Page 11 On Campus Students overcome any obstacles Counsellors available at both campuses for anyone that needs assistance

By RACHEL SCAPILLATI placements.” Staff Writer There has been a slight decline in Services Offered at the Centre for The goal is success. the success rate, but this is mostly Students with Disabilities. The Centre for Students with Dis- a consequence of the recent job abilities (CSWD) provides a vari- losses in the Niagara region. Still, Accommodations for Students: ety of services and runs workshops Burdon remains an optimistic. for students with mental, physical “I am not overly concerned be- • Note takers or learning disabilities. cause all of the opportunities are • Peer tutors “We offer four different kinds of still there.” • Test/exam time extensions counselling for our students,” said Graduates of Niagara College Scribes• Scribes• Jay Burdon, 36, counsellor at the have “high placement success,” • Books on tape, e-text Welland campus. “The fi rst aspect according to the key performance • Learning strategies training to it is the biggest: academic.” indicators posted by the Ontario • Assistive technology training Students with any kind of physi- Ministry of Training, Colleges and cal, mental or learning disability Universities. Support Services: may apply. The academic counsel- There are two services the CSWD ling entails aiding the student in offers which may have something ‘We are helping • Mobility and transfer assistance choosing programs and classes at to do with that. • Cafeteria assistance and/or meal preparation the college. “Learning strategists meet with students prepare for • Range of motion exercises While they’re no exclusions for students on a regular basis to help the workforce ...’ • Assistance with shopping counselling, some disabilities are them with studying and organiza- • Personal routines including grooming, toileting and hygiene more common than others, specifi - tional skills,” he said. – counsellor Jay Burdon • Library assistance cally in learning disabilities. The second of these services is • Liaison with instructors “The most common learning dis- an assistive technologist. • Accessibility ability we see is central auditory “Our students can receive adap- especially useful since starting at • Counselling processing disorder,” Burdon said. tive software to help with edu- his counselling position in July of “This is when the brain has diffi - cation,” he explained. “There is this year. Assistive Technology: culty encoding or decoding infor- voice-activated software so stu- “I was working for an insurance mation the person is hearing.” dents don’t have to use a keyboard company doing rehabilitation for • Assistive Technologist who aids students with learning dis- The second aspect of counselling if they are unable.” people with physical disabilities,” abilities to achieve their full potential while coping with a is for personal issues. This area is The most-used service is the let- Burdon explained. disability. similar to the counselling offi ce ter of accommodation. His work there was often done at for the general public only that the To receive one of these, the stu- home, covering the Niagara region Learning Strategies: CSWD’s “hones in more for the ac- dent must provide documentation for his Hamilton-based company. tual disabilities.” to confi rm a disability. The letters “Working here [at the college] • Niagara College employs a learning strategist to assist stu- Third, there is disability coun- then allow for academic accommo- is a lot more personal,” he said. dents to achieve their full potential. selling providing accommoda- dations for the student, yet it is the “I love the experience because • In order to access this service, a student must fi rst meet with tions for the students so they are student’s responsibility to ensure it is a lot friendlier, whereas the a disability counsellor and provide valid confi rmation of a insured success. the letters get to their instructors. insurance industry is somewhat learning disability. An example of this would be Get “As an educational institute, the adversarial.” Set For Success Workshop. It is a professors have an obligation to Most of the time there are no one-week workshop in August for ensure the accommodation is giv- problems, Burdon said, but oc- While discrimination at Niagara W102 at the NOTL campus. students with learning disabilities, en,” Burdon said, “but the respon- casionally there is an issue with College is a rarity, it is still some- Both offi ces are open 8:30 a.m. at the both of the Welland and Ni- sibility is on the student to bring discrimination. thing “to keep in people’s minds to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. agara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) cam- their needs to the attention of the “Discrimination does exist, that it is not acceptable.” The telephone number for the puses simultaneously. [CSWD] offi ce.” unfortunately,” he said. “It is Burdon’s only fear is students of fi ces is 905 735-2211 ext. 7602 The last aspect of counselling is All these services are offered at the college’s legal obligation to might be ashamed or embarrassed for the Welland campus. and ext. vocational. the NOTL and Welland campuses. help students.”That being said, to go to the CSWD because “they 4409 is .for theNOTL campus. “We are helping students pre- In fact, the campuses’ CSWD of- Burdon stated these occurrences don’t want to be different.” “I like helping people,”Burdon pare for the workforce,” Burdon fi ces often work together, “bounc- are “very rare.” Burdon welcomes new students said about the Centre for Students said. “For the most part, students ing ideas off each other about cer- “I am extremely impressed with with disabilities to visit the offi ce. With Disabilities offi ce. are very successful in fi nding work tain issues,” Burdon said. the faculty’s efforts at accommo- The CSWD is in room SE102 “Success is my main goal here.” Burdon fi nds contact with NOTL dating the students.” at the Welland campus and room Graduates celebrate in Future publication dates Niagara-on-the-Lake Niagara News 20-year record of success in the industry • Friday, Nov. 21 More than 550 Niagara Col- • Friday, Dec. 5 lege graduates crossed the ‘Convocation pro- stage during fall convocation ceremonies at the Niagara- vides a showcase for • Friday, Jan. 16, 2009 on-the-Lake (NOTL) campus on Oct. 23. our students’ success’ • Friday, Jan. 23, 2009 The ceremony honoured gradu- – President Dan Patterson ates in several programs, including • Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 Business and Entrepreneurship, Jay Wright, president and chief Continuing Education, Winery and executive offi cer of Vincor Can- • Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 Viticulture, Geographic Informa- ada, delivered the evening’s con- tion Systems, Health and Com- vocation address and received • Friday, Feb. 13, 2009 munity Studies, Technology, and an honourary diploma from the Hospitality and Tourism. Wine and Viticulture program. • Friday, Feb. 20, 2009 “Our convocation ceremonies Wright has led Vincor Canada are the highlight of our academic since 2001 and has a 20-year record year,” Niagara College President of success in the food and beverage • Friday, March 20, 2009 Dan Patterson told the crowd. industry in Canada and the U.S. “Convocation provides a showcase The campus in NOTL is home • Friday, April 9, 2009 for our students’ success and cel- to the globally recognized Niagara ebrates the new opportunities that Culinary Institute and to Canada’s await our graduates.” fi rst commercial teaching winery. Page 12 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 On Campus Community is key in Continuing Ed By CAMILLE HOLLETT at the Welland campus. Distance Staff Writer Education is the college’s online For those who don’t know much education department. about Continuing Education, one “We grow by 30 to 40 per cent in word can give you a good idea: Distance Ed term by term.” community. With the vast and quick expan- “We are the face of the college sion of the department, class to the community,” said dean of environments remain intimate and Continuing Education (CE), Kim appropriate by the hiring of the Walker. right faculty. The CE department at Niagara “[Instructors] have to be profes- College helps in the continued sionals in the industry who are education of more than 14, 000 stu- currently working,” said Walker. dents throughout the year. That’s This allows students to see results more than double the number of immediately because they can learn 6,000 students enrolled at the col- from the experiences that happen lege in regular, day-time courses. that day to their instructors. Most of these students are mem- Another bonus for students is the bers of the community hoping to passion that drives CE instructors improve job skills to move ahead when teaching. in their professions or to just take The instructors of the motor- a class in the evenings to satisfy a cycle program are a clear example hobby. of this. For Alexis Korotash, 20, Acting “It’s not a job for any of us. It’s for Film and TV program student, something we just love doing,” said her interest in the Acting For Life Rob Kent, the program’s senior in- course was the result of both these structor of fi ve years. The program desires. Korotash saw the acting has been running for 27 years and course as a segue back into the is still gaining in popularity. It’s career path that [she] originally about demand. Continuing Education Motorcycle student practising his riding skills on the last day of the weekend course. wanted. She encourages young “We just added another weekend Photo by Camille Hollett actors to take the course because on,” said Motorcycle instructor, Ian taken. She has also brushed up “acting is a big part of real life.” Penn. The weekend one-weekend on her French-speaking abilities, Continuing Education Quick Facts Helping members of the com- course that teaches students how honed her writing skills and learned munity reaching career goals is a to become comfortable and famil- about outdoor adventure—all Check out the CE Fall 2008 Course common theme in CE. iar with a motorcycle and allows through the CE department. She is Calendar. Registration for Fall Term Drop in or call 905-735-2211 The department has grown them to ride away with an M2 taking a Spanish course right now Courses begins Aug. 11, 2008. ext. 7510 to make an signifi cantly since it started in a licence went from running April but wishes more language courses appointment. outdoor portable when the college to September To running March to were offered. Of the ones that are, Our Post-Secondary Continuing opened in 1968. November. the Japanese course has grabbed her Education Liaison Offi cer is avail- Monday to Friday With more than 400 in-class This is the kind of commitment interest for a Winter 2009 start. able to our post-secondary students 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. courses and more than 500 online Korotash appreciated from her For a list of CE courses and a to guide them in their selection of Room L24 courses, the department just keeps Acting for Life instructors, who year-long calendar of them, visit electives, get information, or direct on growing. Distance Education, were “very encouraging, patient the Niagara College website or and connect them with other de- For more information, visit which is a stem of CE, is grow- teachers.” pick up a course book at the Reg- partments and co-ordinators within www.niagaracollege.ca/ce ing in “leaps and bounds,” said Acting for life is just one of the istrars Offi ce or the Continuing Ed Niagara College. Carole Rogers of the CE offi ce many CE classes Korotash has department at your campus. Rock ‘n’ roll is here to stay By CHRIS CARR His rendition of Patience by the Staff Writer iconic band reflects that. The library is a place of quiet The second performer, John study, refl ection and research … oh Rankin, also a General Arts and and a little rock ‘n’ roll. Science student, wants to become Hoping to bring a little music a music producer too. into the college atmosphere, the “Right now I’m producing an Welland campus library sanctioned R&B album.” Rankin says. two musicians to play a few tunes Rankin, also on acoustic guitar, for students as they came in and warms up with a cover of Oasis’ out of the library on Halloween. Wonderwall. The fi rst of the performers of the “I think it’s great the library is day, Tyson Lee played a 30-minute doing this. … [Music] is needed on set to six students who had stopped the campus,” Rankin says. After he to watch and about 60 others who warmed up with a few more tunes, were passing through. Lee is a fi rst- Lee joined in for an old school year General Arts and Science: blues jam session. Both musicians Pre-Media student and hopes to go traded riffs and fed off each other’s into producing music one day. rhythm for the benefi t of the stu- He started the festivities off with dent audience. a cover of I Kissed a Girl by Katy “Hopefully, if we get some good Perry. Lee had a Martin acoustic publicity, we can do this more than guitar that accompanied his falsetto once a month,” says Carrie Home- singing of the lyrics: “Us girls we nuck, a library employee. “This are so magical/soft skin, red lips, has turned out way better than I so kissable.” had anticipated. It’s just great.” Lee followed up with some With a list of hopeful and bud- Radiohead and Guns and Roses ding musicians at the ready, the covers before his set ended. library will have plenty of talent to When asked about his influ- choose from. On a volunteer basis ences, Lee says, “Axl Rose. My musicians are encouraged to sign Tyson Lee plays Creep by Radiohead to students in the library Oct. 31. first concert was Guns and up to play a 20 to 30 minutes set in Photo by Chris Carr Roses. I’ve always loved them.” the corner of the library. Nov. 7, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS Page 13 On Campus Views from a fi lm star By CAMILLE HOLLETT Staff Writer “Masturbating in front of people is always a delight.” That was just one reason To- ronto actor Ennis Esmer was at- tracted to the film Young People Fucking (YPF). Esmer, who was in Welland last Friday afternoon for the Up Close and Personal series held by the Acting for Film and TV (AFT) program, was also drawn to the controversial project because his friend Aaron Abrams co-wrote and acted in the fi lm. The 29-year-old Turkish-born funnyman and actor on several shows including Billable Hours, Flashpoint and the upcoming CTV series the Listener was the second speaker in the series. Since YPF premiered at the To- ronto International Film Festival this year, its title has been the spoon stirring the pot of censorship feuds between our country’s government and artists. Bill C10 proposed to cut funding for Canadian fi lms or retro-actively take back funding if content is deemed inappropriate to the majority of the public. The bill has since been withdrawn. YPF follows four young duos and one trio that spend an evening, An AFT student asks actor and comedian Ennis Esmer a question regarding the acting industry as he listens intently. ahem ... you get the point. Photo by Brian Steinhoff AFT program and Broadcast- ing — Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) program students came to see the fi lm. Also present were faculty from both programs, along with vice-president of academics, Joyce Engel. The audience laughed and Up close clapped almost the entire way through. Some students even and Personal jumped up from their seats in sheer enjoyment. This happened most often when Esmer was on screen. people laugh. He has had experi- still jump in and take a chance,” Esmer shared his interest in im- ence in dramatic roles, such as said Esmer. prov with students. playing a terrorist in the Path to “You can learn as much as you “You never know what to expect.” 9/11, a TV mini-series starring agree with as you don’t because But he said one should “re- Harvey Keitel. you fi gure out your path.” member to stick to what the Comedy is still Esmer’s pref- When asked what he would scene is about” rather than trying erence. change about his past, Esmer said to be funny. “It’s just fun. I get to do that he “would have gotten an agent “Trust that you know what for work. Who wouldn’t want to right out of high school.” you’re doing.” do that!” said Esmer, referring to A career in acting means you Martin Doyle, AFT program his work on YPF as the character always have to work hard. When co-ordinator, thought Esmer was who watches his girlfriend have Esmer was starting out, he had “terrific” and enjoyed his play- sex with his roommate to fulfi l a to learn to put his work above all ful nature. fantasy. else. It was a lesson he learned “That’s who [Esmer] is. He was Although Esmer has worked when his grandmother was dying fun. He goofs with people.” plenty thus far, he said he is and he chose to make auditioning Esmer has had more than a de- “nowhere near where [he’d] like his number 1 priority. cade of comedy experience from to be,” adding maybe one day he “It sucks in certain ways but it improv, standup and his hip-hop- will upgrade to “masturbating in pays off.” comedy troup Calculator and the American fi lms” instead. Although his parents, who were Oral Presentation. On a more serious note, the actor born and raised in Turkey, may not Esmer’s experience and light- is grateful for the work opportuni- have understood the nature of the hearted presence played a fac- ties he’s had so far and feels he Canadian fi lm industry, they have tor in the overall success of the doesn’t “have much to complain been supportive. The fi rst time Es- afternoon. AFT program student, about.” mer was featured on a poster, his Tom Turner, 18, enjoyed this time Esmer came from a theatre dad stopped at every subway sta- session more than the last with background. He was in the theatre tion on the way home from work Alberta Watson. program at York University, where just to fi nd it. “I liked the comedy touch to it. I he was told his comedic tenden- “That’s the most adorable thing appreciated it more.” cies were a defence mechanism. I’ve ever heard,” Esmer said. Canadian actor and comedian Ennis Esmer talks to the students about Turner likes the Up Close and “I have fond memories of the Unlike other YPF actors, Esmer what to expect in the industry. Personal Series because it allows place, as one would have about wanted his parents to see the fi lm. Photo by Brian Steinhoff him “to meet all these people with war or a divorce.” His mother, who lives in San IMDB sites and [he gets to] learn Even so, Esmer found a way to Fransicso, is “west-coast hip.” He urged students to consider unsure about what I can bring to from their experiences,” and he learn from his experience in the- His father still elbows him in the themselves actors rather than “as- the table.” plans to watch the Listener when it atre school and transfers the same ribs when watching YPF, laughing priging actors” and to believe in The next Up Close and Personal airs on CTV in April. theory to his work today. every time Esmer has his hands their own abilities. series guest Erik Knudsen of Saw Esmer isn’t only about making “Even if I don’t agree with it, I down his pants on screen. “[As] cynical as I am, I’m not II is scheduled to speak on Nov. 5. Page 14 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 On Campus Starving student suite

Garrett Lehman, 19, a second-year International Commerce/Global Development program Ken Elrick II, 19, a fi rst-year Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program student, student, starts off the night with an electric version of the national anthem. pauses momentarily during one of his performances during the show Nov. 1. Photos by Kristin Kaye Talent show at Welland campus raises funds By KRISTIN KAYE lights to dim. The show continued with the ing amount of talent at Niagara enjoyed it.” Staff Writer The show had a different yet for- “world premiere” of Escape From College so we got to see a nice va- Murray divulged the future Prizes, great entertainment and mal beginning as everyone stood The Dead, a short zombie fi lm cre- riety. It had that quaint coffeehouse possibility of another show, next free cake. What better way is there for O Canada played on electric ated by a group of students from feel tonight and it was really nice semester at the NOTL campus, but to help raise money for students? guitar by Garrett Lehman, SAC the Acting for Film and Television so see the amount raised. Although stated that for now it’s “one show On Nov. 1, the Student Adminis- vice-president of communica- program. The fi lm was followed by it’s not quite tallied up, announcing at a time.” He was proud of the trative Council (SAC) held its fi rst tions for the Niagara-on-the-Lake a roar of applause. over $900 alone on raffl e sales is show’s success but beamed when annual Starving Student Suite, a (NOTL) campus. The fi nal draw was held and the just astounding. asked about the students and their three-hour “coffee house type” tal- Despite some minor technical winner walked away with a trip “We thought we’d try something performances. ent show featuring students from diffi culties, the show went off for two to Toronto package that different than a gala because this “These students dedicate their both campuses. Sasha Ley, execu- without a hitch and featured a included a night’s stay at the Delta is something we thought would time, talent and energy to the tive vice-president for the Welland wide array of talent, from singers Chelsea hotel, dinner at the Supe- attract the student population and cause. It just shows so much spirit campus, explains. to a local magician, a beat boxer, a rior restaurant and tickets to “any it seems to be have been much not only for their own talent but for “Fundraising efforts are very im- unicyclist and a juggling chef. Mirvish production you want,” ac- more affordable and certainly a the college and for the community. portant to help us contribute back The show featured conference and cording to the MC. better approach to fundraising for I’m so proud of them because they to the student body with things event co-ordinator Glenn Murray as The show fi nished off with all students.” performed on that stage tonight. like the food bank and student as- master of ceremonies (MC), provid- of the performers joining together Asviny Arungunanayagam, a I think they blew this audience sistance funds.” ing a little Las Vegas lounge-style onstage for a little impromptu 25-year-old Human Resources away and they should defi nitely Auditions were held throughout comedy to the evening. There were dance-off, accompanied by electric Graduate Certifi cate program stu- be proud of themselves. These September and yielded 14 talented several donated raffl e prizes from guitar and drums. dent, was impressed by the entire are a great bunch of students and students who performed at After various partners and associates of SAC President Heather Brekel- night. I wish I could work with them Hours, the Welland campus pub, Niagara College. It was announced mans was quite impressed with the “I think it was really neat to have every day.” for a full house. Anticipation grew midway through the evening that evening’s turnout, stating, “It was students performing to help raise For more information on upcom- along with the lively chatter from upwards of $900 was raised from a fantastic turnout of staff, students money for themselves in a sense. It ing SAC events, please visit the the audience as they waited for the raffl e ticket sales alone. and community. There’s an amaz- was really interesting and I really website at www.ncsac.ca.

Visit our new website niagara-news.com Current news and complete archives of all Niagara News editions since 2001 Nov. 7, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS Page 15 On Campus Photo illustration of renovated Welland campus

Mastering theAll images are artist's renderings Plan by architects Tillmann Ruth Mocellin. By MICHAEL OWEN re-naturalization. cumseh wing, but it will also will Kennedy likened the learning Staff Writer The NOTL campus will receive adjoin and have a view of the new commons to the “family room” of Master Plan at a Glance Niagara College is about to be a new wine education centre and athletic centre, which will feature the campus, saying it would draw transformed through its recently an expansion of the culinary skills two double sized varsity gymnasi- people together and help build Welland Campus unveiled Master Plan. area. ums with bleacher seating for up student life. Buildings The Master Plan is a collection The skilled trades and technol- to 1,000 spectators and the poten- “This is their home away from •Academic Wing of 66 projects intended to help the ogy centre will feature 70,000 tial to add a third gymnasium. home,” said Kennedy. •Library and college fi t the needs of students square feet of new and renovated “[It will be] possible to sit, have The current Student Administra- Learning Commons and the community. lab and classroom space, which a pint and enjoy a Niagara Knights tive Council building will be ret- •Athletic Centre The majority of the projects will will create 700 new spaces in game,” said Sean Kennedy, vice- rofi tted to become the new visual •Student Centre take place between this fall and skilled trades and apprenticeship president of student and commu- arts centre, making gallery space •Skilled Trades and the fall of 2010 on the Welland programs, according to the Master nity relations. to showcase student works. Technology Centre campus, but several improvements Plan documents. The two-storey learning com- The re-naturalization of the •Visual Arts Centre will also be made to the Niagara- The academic wing will be mons will combine the library, campus will involve the revital- Niagara -on-the-Lake on-the-Lake (NOTL) campus. attached to the Simcoe and Te- cafeteria and social area in an ization of the Carolinian forest Buildings The Welland campus will see a cumseh wings and feature two enclosed courtyard. that once stood where the campus new skilled trades and technology 140-seat lecture theatres and three The learning commons will “re- is today and other landscaping in- •Wine Education Centre building, academic wing, athletic 70-seat lecture rooms. claim the heart of this campus,” said cluding paths and hills to improve •Culinary Skills centre, student centre, learning The new two-storey student Mal Woodhouse, director of facili- the appearance of the college’s Expansion commons, visual arts centre and centre will be built off the Te- ties management at the college. 100 acres. Niagara College’s 2010 deadline

By MICHAEL OWEN Sean Kennedy, vice-president of pre-engineered buildings beyond tive to operate. a loop system. The same is done to Staff Writer student and community relations. their lifecycle. Woodhouse had “The more we improve our cool water during the summer. This Two and half years in the making From a facilities management to decide if they should be rebuilt systems, the less environmental prevents chemicals being put in the and there are still two years left for viewpoint, “you have to con- or replaced. In the end, replacing impact. It benefi ts everybody,” said environment. the college’s Master Plan. sider maintenance, building age these buildings was more cost ef- Woodhouse. Green roofs, a collection of The college has had at least two and where you want to be,” said fective, avoiding deferred mainte- The plan will allow the use of ex- plants growing atop the roof, will other Master Plans, but this one, Woodhouse. nance (maintenance implemented isting boilers, upgraded 1 1/2 years be used on Niagara College build- for the Welland campus, is the fi rst To get a better understanding, to systems beyond their lifecycle ago, sewers and chillers so “we can ings for the fi rst time. one to be done bottom up instead Woodhouse looked at current and in order to prolong their use) and economize,” said Woodhouse. “We’re pretty excited,” said of top down, according to Mal future needs, such as program allow for larger classrooms and Automated building systems will Woodhouse. Woodhouse, director of facilities growth, new programs, correlation room for faculty. allow better control of lighting and “Niagara will be one of the few management at the college. of vehicle movement and people A good example of this type of room temperature. facilities in Niagara region with a The design is based on staff and movement and from that what planning can be seen in the YMCA “[Energy-effi cient lighting] green roof. Just to see the construc- student feedback, before going needs to be eliminated or added. building that stands on campus in will have a signifi cant impact on tion of that, for Construction Tech to the design team and fi nally the Program areas in which Wood- place of the old Hennepin Hall, reducing the energy budget,” said students, is too good an opportunity board of directors. house expects the most growth are which was torn down because of Woodhouse. to pass up,” said Kennedy. The target completion is fall Police Foundations, Paramedic, its age, the maintenance required to New, more effi cient bathroom Low maintenance “hearty 2010 with a fl oating grand open- technical skills and trades and the keep it operating and the necessity fi xtures will reduce the potable plants,” such as shrubs, provide ing date. health sector. for better facilities. water use. better insulation, absorb rain water Any plan of this size contains a “You take a snapshot of where New construction technologies “We don’t generate enough waste and protect the roof from sun in the lot of “moving targets,” according you are [and] develop from there,” will have a positive effect on the water for reclamation of heat loss,” summer. to Woodhouse. “Everything would said Woodhouse. college’s energy consumption and said Woodhouse when questioned The concept is still being fi nal- have to go exactly according to For example, the Mackenzie contribution to the greenhouse ef- about heat exchanger technology. ized, but Woodhouse is committed plan” to be fi nished on time”, said and Black Walnut buildings are fect as well as be more cost effec- Hot water is instead recycled in to the installation.

Photo illustration of new Wine Education Center All images are artist's renderings by architects Tillmann Ruth Mocellin. Page 16 NIAGARA NEWS • Nov. 7, 2008 Page 17 College's $50-million Master Plan

By MICHAEL OWEN Staff Writer 1 2 3 Growth, social interaction, sustainability and efficiency come with a $50-million price tag for Niagara College, and a $10-million cost to its students. With the ongoing construction of the new technology building, Niagara College has already begun work on its Master Plan, which will officially launch on Nov. 20. The main objective of the Master Plan, composed of 66 individual projects, is to get an understanding of and better serve the physical needs of the college and its students, according to Mal Woodhouse, director of facilities management at the college. Funding will come in almost equal thirds from the college’s $16.6 million, the community’s $16.5 million and the province’s $16.9 million, according to a presentation Niagara College President, Dan Patterson, gave to local newspapers. About $10 million of the $16.6 million set aside over the years by the college came from students. Niagara College Student 4 Administrative Council (NCSAC) made the decision for the student contribution, according to NCSAC President Heather Brekelmans. Sean Kennedy, vice-president of student and community relations, explained that tuition increases are not related to the Master Plan though fees, which are paid at the same time as tuition, did have to go up. “Tuition would have gone up any way,” said Kennedy. Students may not realize that while current students are paying for the Master Plan, previous students paid for facilities, such as the Niagara-on-the-Lake expansion. Future students will also be contributing to the costs until after 2015. “We hope alumni will come back and enjoy [the redesigned cam- pus]. This is going to help keep Niagara College at the top over the next four years. “This will position us as a college for future success … and position us to be a big part of Niagara’s economic success,” said Kennedy. The economic impact of Niagara College is over $300 million annually within Niagara, according to Patterson. When asked about the possibility of Niagara College becoming Welland’s top employer, Kennedy responded by saying that he con- siders the college an "employer of choice." “Niagara College is already one of the larger employers in Niagara region. As we grow, we add full-time and part-time well- paid jobs,” said Kennedy. The new student centre will also contribute to the community. The student centre will be attached to the athletic centre, which will con- tain two gyms with potential to add a third, allowing food and drink service for events. These two additions will serve the students’ needs first but also serve the community by housing tournaments and supporting Welland’s sports and tourism goals. He contended the larger facility will be good for students, SAC 5 and the college, and predicts a many-fold increase in business. “[I’ll be] surprised if they don’t at least double,” said Kennedy. He said the college also plans to be better linked to the community by becoming part of the public library system. Welland Campus Buildings Avoiding soil removal costs, the college plans to use waste soil (1) Technology Building to enhance the campus with hills and add topsoil to start growing The new skills and technology building will feature 70,000 plants. square feet of classroom and lab space and create more than “We have finite amounts of money … we have to spend wisely,” 700 new spaces in skilled trade and apprenticeship programs. said Woodhouse. Although the plan has been revealed, the official launch will take (2) Academic Wing place Nov. 20, with the announcement of two well recognized co- The new academic wing will join with both the Simcoe and chairs from the Niagara region. Tecumseh wings, adding two 140-seat lecture theatres and Alumni are welcome to attend. three 70-seat lecture rooms. The time and place have yet to be set. (3) Athletic Centre The new athletic centre will be attached to the new student cen- Where's the money tre and feature seating for up to 1,000 spectators, two varsity- coming from? sized gymnasiums and the potential to add a third. (4) and (5) Learning Commons 6 The learning commons will be built in Manera court and act as Province $16.9 million a central hub for the school by joining the buildings, learning Community $16.5 million resource centre and cafteria. (6) New Entrance Students $10.0 million The new entrance wing will add space and curb appeal to the Welland Campus. College $6.6 million All images are artist's renderings by architects Tillmann Ruth Total $50.0 million Mocellin. Page 18 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 Off Campus

It’s that time of year again... Niagara College Winery ready to get juiced

By MICHAEL OWEN who works with his father’s company in “brilliantly clear wine,” said Van Rooyen. wait,” said Van Rooyen. Staff Writer Huebel Grape Estates from Queenston, After completion of the winery expan- He designed the process as an experi- The last grapes have been picked at the Ont., was on site to oversee the harvest. sion, currently under construction as part ment, allowing him to test different yeast Niagara College Teaching Winery until the Josh Huntley and Chelsey Andrady, second- of the college’s Master Plan, “we will be strains in white wine. The results of those chill of winter signals icewine season. year practical (paid co-op) Winery and Viticul- working in longer cycles – 18 months,” tests can be used to advance varieties. Grape harvesting offi cially began Sept. ture Technician students, were at the winery said Van Rooyen. The class judges their wines in a blind 23 for the Baco Noir wines and, with the gaining experience with both the harvesting This will give the “spatially challenged” tasting, after which the choice wine and its exception of the icewines, was completed and wine-making processes and teaching a few winery leeway for more maturation of maker are revealed. on Oct. 30 for the Cabernet Franc. volunteer fi rst-year students the basics. wines and more space for students. The winery, which started in 2001, is the The harvest was “surprisingly good,” “I’ve always loved wine,” said Andrady, That space won’t go to waste, since the only commercial teaching winery in Canada. and despite lots of rain and some frost the who grew up with an agricultural background. program is oversubscribed thanks to its The college’s signature wines are Char- “grapes held up well,” said Terrance Van When asked why she chose the program, “good name in industry,” said Van Rooyen. donnay Pinot Noir and Meritage. Rooyen, professor of Applied Oenology Andrady explained, “I could learn how to Aside from the harvest and commercial wines, Icewine grapes will be picked once the Environment, Horticulture and Agribusi- grow grapes and make and sell wine.” students are also making their own wines – Char- temperature drops to –10 Celsius and stays ness. He is the college’s wine-maker. “Making the wines takes at least 10 donnay (a white wine) now, and, later, red wines there. A mechanical harvester picks the grapes, months,” said Van Rooyen. – for the fi rst time. but since it misses some, labourers are hired The wines are fermented, matured, stabilized Red wines require to gather the rest. and bottled. Wines are then matured in wood bar- more time and effort Danny Oppenlaender, a graduate of the rels inside the winery and must remain warm. because of the skins, Winery and Viticulture Technician program Filtration is done to remove solids, resulting but the students “can’t

Top: Grapes hang from the vines at the Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyard. These have been set aside for icewines. Bottom left: The vineyard at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. Right right: Henry Martin of Huebel Grape Estates drives the harvester through the vineyard at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. Photos by Michael Owen Nov. 7, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS Page 19 Off Campus

Rachel Scapillati Columnist Dion to step down Is HIV a murder weapon?

In this life everyone dies. That is just fact. Imagine waking up every day knowing the reason you are going to die is because someone chose not to tell you he or she car- ried the HIV virus. You willingly had sexual inter- course with that person, yet you did not consent to contracting one of the worst fatal diseases on the planet. There is no cure. There is no hope for survival. All you can do is live your life while your immune system is slowly eaten away. The common fl u could mean instant death and, sadly, the situation could have been prevented. In the end, this is the worst kind of rape. For the two women Johnson Aziga knowingly infected with HIV there is no cry of injus- tice, no vindication for their death Stephane Dion visits Montobello Park on Sept. 27 while campaigning for the Oct. 14 federal election. sentence. Photo by Mike Sheeler They cannot speak because they are dead. Both woman succumbed to a disease they had no idea they con- tracted. Liberals will choose new leader in May Aziga, 52, is not dead. He stands Kennedy as a dark horse long- to lead the Liberal Party and the doctorate in sociology. He went on trial for two counts of fi rst- By MIKE SHEELER shot choice Liberal caucus until a successor is on to teach at the University of degree murder because he had Staff Writer “I failed,” Dion said when duly selected. We feel this course Montreal from 1984 to 1996 in unprotected sex and knowingly Stephane Dion’s reign as Lib- asked about the Liberals’ worst of action will ensure stability at the subjects of administration passed on a deadly virus. eral Party leader has ended. Dion showing in the popular vote since this important time in our party’s and political science. He has also The case will be precedent setting announced Oct. 20 he will resign confederation. history.” authored numerous books. if he is convicted. Never before has once a decision has been made on Liberal Party President Doug According to the party constitu- Dion was fi rst elected in a 1996 a Canadian been found guilty of a successor. Ferguson spoke about the resig- tion, the Liberals have 27 days to by-election. He was re-elected murdering someone through HIV “I will step down when there is nation in a media release later the set the date for the leadership vote. in 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006 contraction. If he is found guilty, a decision on a new leader,” Dion same day. “It’s about time. Dion has been a in the riding of Saint-Laurent- disclosure of HIV status will be- said. “I will remain as leader until “On behalf of the National lame duck leader pretty much from Cartierville. Appointed environ- come mandatory prior to sexual then to ensure a smooth and suc- Executive and the entire Lib- the start,” said Chimelle LeRishe, ment minister in July 2004 and intercourse. cessful transition.” eral family, I wish to thank Mr. a government employee. elected party leader in 2006, Dion There is an argument against The Liberals will choose Dion’s Stephane Dion for his passionate “The future of the Liberals became the 11th Liberal leader in this. If people have to disclose their replacement in Vancouver in May devotion to our great country and is Justin Trudeau. He’s just not party history. HIV status, what will come next? 2009 at the party’s policy and to the Liberal Party of Canada,” ready yet,” added LeRishe. Dion was born on Sept 28, Syphilis is a deadly sexually leadership convention. Most po- said Ferguson. Educated at the University of 1955, in Quebec City. He is mar- transmitted disease. Will people litical analysts have Bob Rae and He added, “As Party President Laval, Dion earned his B.A. and ried to Janine Krieber and has one have to disclose their having this Michael Ignatieff as front-runners I welcome Mr. Dion’s decision M.A. in political science and his daughter, Jeanne. too? And will a disclosure policy for party leadership with Gerard be limited to diseases? Will people with mental disorders also have to disclose their state of mind in the name of public safety? As you can see, this has poten- Fine dining without breaking the bank tially disastrous repercussions, but two women are still dead who could By MIKE SHEELER outfi tted for any date or night out. Caesar salad and bread to start. ful yet much more subtle. They be alive today if they had been no- Staff Writer Of course, the restaurant is an The Caesar salad and bread, I’ll act almost like wine and cheese, tifi ed of Aziga’s HIV status. Few dining experiences offer a Italian pasta place. The name admit, were pretty standard. They cleansing the palate for each other Where do we draw the line sophisticated atmosphere and gour- should give that away. Most types were not bad, just nothing to get in in an intricate ballet of taste bud between public safety and human met dishes on a student budget, but of pasta are on a twist over, and response. rights? Linguini’s (or Lina Linguini’s) in the menu and, an adequate ap- Dessert options are plentiful and Is it not a human right to be safe St. Catharines is one of those few. if you don’t like Linguini’s petizer, I think. occasionally complex but I don’t from bodily harm? Is it not a human Linguini’s is at 100 Fourth Ave. what you see, The dinner have much of a sweet tooth. As far right to have privacy? Dignity? in St. Catharines. Once inside, you you can build was incredible, as desert goes, I have simple tastes. These are all good questions. I immediately feel the ambiance, see your own dish however. Again they delivered, bringing me invite you to email your thoughts the low mood lighting and hear the with noodle and Besides the a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream, to [email protected] subtle music, making for a more sauce choices. portion size, just as I ordered. racollege.ca . Comments may be appetizing climate. The restaurant Pastas aren’t which is ample, The friendly, helpful and published. boasts many panes of painted glass, the only style of dish on the menu, the fl avour of the asiago sauce knowledgeable servers working in Should Aziga face charges of old lounge songs and crooner stan- though. on the chicken is divine. A strong tandem with a well-oiled kitchen murder for infecting those women dards etched in classic style. I ordered the grilled chicken aroma precedes each bite with the staff and well -built menu make with HIV, or was it his right not to With three distinct levels or breast in asiago and artichoke taste bludgeoning its way through Linguini’s a superior eating es- disclose his medical status? sections of dining areas and a full sauce accompanied by mashed your cheeks. The entree is nicely tablishment in the St. Catharines/ You decide. service bar, Linguini’s is ideally potatoes, grilled vegetables with paired by sides that are fl avour- Welland area. Page 20 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 Off Campus Winter Festival lights up holiday season

By CARLY SNIDER Christmas Carol.” Broadway Staff Writer musicals “Beauty and the Beast,” In the Niagara region, an annual “Cats” and “Seussical: Featuring signal the Christmas holidays are Cat in the Hat and Horton Hears a almost here starts with the fl ick of Who” will be as good as any To- a switch. ronto or Broadway performance, On Nov. 8, Goofy and Pluto will Fazio promises. illuminate Niagara Falls for the The Niagara Falls Comedy Fest 26th annual Winter is returning for Festival of Lights. its second year “The Falls ‘It’s truly amazing with two per- themselves are, of formances. course, the big- what the staff come It kicks off gest attraction for Nov. 20 with visitors to Niagara up with to make the Komedy Falls, but I should for Kidneys mention that a win- each year better Benefi t show tertime visit to the featuring co- mighty cataracts is than the last.’ medians Marc an experience al- Sinodinos, together different — Ted Salci Mark Mat- than at any other thews, Rodney time of the year,” said Joe Miszk, Pentland and Nikki Payne. chair of the festival. On Nov. 21 and 22, Jeremy Hotz “A drive down the Niagara Park- will headline its gala shows. way becomes even more exhilarat- The winter festival will be host- ing when the drive is illuminated ing numerous other events for its with miles of festive displays.” expected 1.3 million visitors. This year’s festival promises to Opening ceremonies will take be more than just a few million place Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. in Queen twinkling lights. Victoria Park. The ceremonies will “This is the one year that there be visited by Disney’s Princess Au- is more going on in Niagara Falls rora and Prince Phillip, also known than in past years,” said Dino as Sleeping Beauty and the Prince, Fazio, general manager. and a “plethora of princesses,” ac- “It’s truly amazing what [the cording to Fazio. staff] come up with to make each Additional performances will in- year better than the last,” said Ni- clude the Festival of Lights Choir, ma- agara Falls Mayor Ted Salci. gician Greg Frewin, Disney’s Beauty In addition to the yearly Illumina- and the Beast, Suessical, The Smudge tion of Niagara Falls occurring every Fundaes and The Misty Kids. night from 5 p.m. to midnight, there “Winter can be such a cold, dark The 26th annual Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls begins Nov. 8. are numerous ongoing activities. and damp time,” said MPP Kim Photo by Carly Snider Several Niagara Falls theatres Craitor’s executive assistant Kathy are hosting performances. Niagara Fisher, “but this festival brings Falls Grand Dinner Theatre is pre- light, warmth and power.” senting the show “Greetings.” Oh For more information about Canada EH? Dinner Show Log events, see the festival website at Niagara Falls will be illuminated beginning Nov. 8 for the 26th Annual Winter Festival of Lights. Cabin is featuring “The Farndale www.wfol.com. Submitted Photo

Canada tortures people, sort of Festival volunteers get paid By CARLY SNIDER Any student enrolled full-time at RCMP and CSIS admit ties to torturing two Arab-Canadians Staff Writer a Niagara Falls secondary school, Volunteering pays off. Niagara College or Brock Uni- We did it. Well, “indirectly.” in the Middle East under the This year, the Winter Festival of versity is eligible. Students must The Iacobucci inquiry, revealing claim that they were linked to Lights is welcoming Cataract Sav- volunteer a minimum of 20 hours at the latest cock-up in our Canadian ASHLEE KIVELL Al-qaida. The men believe infor- ings and Credit Union (CSCU) as the festival. government, has fi nally been re- Columnist mation given to Syrian officials the presenting sponsor of its 2008 Up to 10 students will be awarded leased after almost two years of by the RCMP and CSIS directly volunteer program. a $200 bursary based on who has investigation. has been charged with anything. resulted in their capture and in- “Cataract recognizes the im- contributed the most volunteer The RCMP and CSIS have been After the two-year detainment of human treatment. portant role volunteers play in the hours. Bursaries will be awarded found to have “indirectly” contrib- Ahmad El Maati, a Toronto truck With the support of Homes not success of the largest community at a volunteer appreciation night in uted to the torture of three Arab- driver, no evidence has been pre- Bombs, an anti-torture caravan event in Niagara Falls,” said Tina January 2009. Canadian men. sented to prove his involvement has been travelling around On- Antonio, branch manager, “and get- Bursary applications are available The results come as no surprise. in Al-qaida – surely if there were tario providing information to ting students actively involved in at CSCU branches in Niagara Falls Indirectly is a loaded term, often he would not have been allowed the public on the horrors these volunteerism will benefi t the com- and online at www.cataractsavings. tainted with the smell of cow dung. back into Canada. men have suffered. Their tales munity in many ways.” on.ca. It is a lackluster attempt to take the This supports the accusation of cockroach infested jails, ciga- To encourage student volunteer- Festival volunteer applications fall for something without taking that these men were tortured on rette burns and cable lashings ism, the festival and CSCU are of- are available at CSCU braches and the fall at all, like a basketball the basis of no basis at all. are disturbing and humbling. fering a new bursary program. online at www.wfol.com. player body checking his oppo- Frank Iacobucci, former While some yell “for shame” nent and saying “My bad.” With Supreme Court justice, found to their torturers and accusers, an issue this messy, did anyone all officials involved to have others are not buying it. Is this really expect someone to step been acting within their duties. a scam to sue the government; a Festival Fast Facts up and take fault? Although it It would be interesting to read Maher Arar knock-off? • Nov. 8 to Jan. 5, 2009 Lights on daily from 5pm until would be the ideal situation, it a report stating that the duties Faking pain and suffering, an 12am is unrealistic that one should put of the RCMP and CSIS are to impressive actor’s feat, is not that much faith into the govern- play tattle-tale with the Syrian what we have here. What we • 3 million dazzling lights and over 120 animated lighting ment. government, with no regard or have are officials with back- displays, including the world famous Enchantment of This inquiry has delivered follow-up for their actions. ward morals. What we Canadian Disney displays little in the way of answers to The internal inquiry, launched citizens are left with are two big • There is no admission fee to enjoy the illuminations but three men who suffered greatly in 2006, investigated the claims sores named humiliation and dis- for nothing at all. In the game Ahmad El Maati, Muayyed grace. Much like what these men donations are gratefully accepted of who done it, we have a shaky Nureddin and Abdullah Almalki experienced, we too are paying • For more information, visit www.WFOL.com or call motive. None of the three men who were detained and tortured for guilt by association. 1-800-563-2557 or 905-374-1616 x 48 Nov. 7, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS Page 21 Off Campus Canadian Armed Forces not a walk in the park Student’s experience in the Armed Forces was not what she expected it to be

By ASHLEE KIVELL stretches that wore down her body Jane did not stay for summer are you leaving the army? They’re Staff Writer and mind. Other odd acts of pun- training. When September rolled going to look down on you when Wearing green camoufl age is not ishment soon followed. around she decided not to go back they saw you left.’ ” for everyone. “The military is big on preserv- and began her fi rst year of Police Surprisingly, not all of her expe- What was supposed to be an ex- ing land. They take every precau- Foundations in Brampton. riences breathed negative effects. citing venture for one second-year tion not to litter. ... One of the During February 2008 while in “Friendships kept me strong … Police Foundations program stu- corporals used to fl ick his cigarette her second semester of schooling, and the feeling of accomplishment dent (whose real name has not been butts on the ground and when we she decided to return for one night that I could do anything I put my used here to protect her privacy) were done our exercise he’d make of training. mind to.” soon turned into a nightmare. us pick them up. That was the most “I realized at the end of the However, Jane was unhappy After joining the Canadian army degrading part of my experience.” night I was not coming back,” to see recruiters at Niagara Col- in 2007 through a co-op program at On another Jane said. lege when she transferred to the her high school, Jane experienced a occasion, the It took her till Welland campus for her second series of events that would quickly same corporal the end of the year of Police Foundations. change her mind about becoming a threatened to ‘I can’t really month to gain Captain Sean Ahern, military soldier. cut her hair off enough courage career counsellor for Cana- At fi rst, Jane said it was all fun with his Ger- describe it. Th ey just to go back and dian Forces Recruitment Centre in and games, but as soon as the ber multi-tool. formally leave Hamilton, agrees not everyone has glamour wore off she began to “Little wisps kind of put you in the army. positive things to say about the face strange chores and degrading of hair would When she ar- army. So far, he says, his experi- punishments. stick out,” Jane your place.’ rived with her ences have “been positive.” On Information Day before explained, and — Jane mother at John “[The army] has evolved in the beginning her time with the army, that was enough Foot Armoury past 20 years, and what you see on Jane and her parents were told to irritate him. in Hamilton she TV is clichéd,” said Ahern. about exciting camping trips and Jane began was allowed to He explained that for some, exercises that she would experi- to see a counsellor after suffer- sign all the signature pages but there are many pluses in joining ence while on co-op. ing from heavy anxiety and stress one. the army including travel, patrio- As soon as her parents left “they causing her to cry all the time. Before she was allowed to fi n- tism and resumé building. got real with us,” Jane said. “I can’t “She helped me realize that there ish signing, her superiors took her “The salary is very competi- really describe it. They just kind of was an end to this and that it would into a small room alone and asked tive.” Ahern said adding almost put you in your place.” all be over soon [when graduation her a series of questions. anyone can fi nd a job in the army Upon joining, routine marches came].” “They said something like, ‘If with more than 100 skilled trades transformed into two-hour long With the support of her parents, you want to become a cop, why being offered. Cellphones, Global Positioning Systems and IPods a no-no Bill introduced into legislature to ban hand-held equipment while driving By JASON SCHRYER distracting to drivers. to the dash, and IPod use. of responsibility to enforce this Experts, doctors, police and Staff Writer Not only will cellphone use, “Emergency services [police, new law, if it is put into effect in the public have been consulted Under most circumstances and texting or otherwise, be banned, fi re and ambulance] are exempted spring 2009. by the MTO. most phone companies, sending a the new law would involve other from the hand-held wireless com- Nichols said it is a question the “In addition to the proposed leg- text message while driving would prohibitions. munication device (WCD) ban. All police should handle. “If the law is islation we are introducing today, cost you a mere 15 cents per text, Minister of Transportation On- drivers are also exempted from the passed, we will provide informa- we also have existing legislation maybe upwards of 50 cents or a tario (MTO) Senior Media Liaison hand-held WCD ban if they must tion that will assist in enforcement that addresses distraction more dollar if you’re sending a text to Offi cer Bob Nichols spoke on call 911,” Nichols said. to our police services. We will broadly,” said Nichols. your friend in Bangladesh. behalf of minister Jim Bradley. He The question arises that, aside use targeted public These include However, in the near future, one that, along with cellphones, “driv- from seatbelts having to always education to raise charges for care- simple text message (or phone call) ers would not be permitted to use be worn for your safety, at all awareness about less driving under behind the wheel could land you a … hand-held electronic entertain- times, what if someone is talking the dangers of cell ‘We recommend the Highway Traffi c $500 fi ne. ment devices except in hands-free on a cellphone and not driving phone use, includ- Act that could land Oct. 28, 2008 marked the intro- mode, or if the motor vehicle is unsafely? ing hands-free use, that people not be offenders as much duction of a new bill to the Ontario off the roadway and not impeding “Use of hand-held WCDs … while driving.” as a $1,000 fi ne and Legislature that would result in a traffi c or the vehicle is lawfully Hand-held use of IPods, Zunes and Welland Niagara distracted in any six demerit points, lot of high-tech laden cars being parked.” That would include GPS other media players is prohibited. Region Police of- possible jail time, pulled over for actions said to be systems, unless securely attached This means holding or using such a fi cer Jay Levasseur way ...’ and a driver’s licence device in your hand while driving answered simply —Jim Bradleysuspension. is not allowed,” said Nichols. by stating that it Law and Secu- Hands-free devices such as is enforceable. rity Administration Blue-tooth are legal. However, any “Defi nitely. It’s exactly the same as program student Ryan Maddalena, distractions that take your focus off someone with no seatbelt on.” 20, seemed to agree with all the the road are dangerous, and they Along with WCD use and other ban. are still frowned upon. electronic devices, drivers are “I defi nitely agree with no cell- In a recent article from The perpetually put to the test to focus, phones. It’s too distracting. And I Canadian Press, Bradley stated, being distracted by a slew of other know personally I can’t do any- “We recommend that people not things such as the radio and pas- thing like driving with a cellphone be distracted in any way, [but] this sengers. Is there really a difference [conversation] on my mind.” [new bill involving cellphones] is between losing focus in other ways Many people can drive like enforceable.” and WCDs? NASCAR professionals operating With the new cellphones avail- Nichols said, “Yes, there are electronic devices like an octopus, able today, the ease of text messag- other driver distractions; however, but all it takes is one slip up. ing and its instant social transaction extensive research shows that the Maddalena put it thoughtfully, availability right at the consumer’s use of cellphones signifi cantly in- “Something so little will cost fi ngertips, police have an overload creases the risk of crashes.” someone’s life.” Page 22 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 Off Campus Uncovering the truth Democracies die in darkness, says Watergate reporter By LAURA WIKSTON Staff writer Journalism icon Bob Woodward gives great quotes and one-liners. He peppered a speech he gave Oct. 23 at the Sheraton on the Falls hotel in Niagara Falls with plenty of both. Woodward, 65, best-selling author of 12 books and assistant managing editor of the Washington Post, spoke for nearly an hour and a half about the four books he has written about President George W. Bush’s Republican administration. His latest book, The War Within, A Secret White House History, 2006 – 2008, was published last month. Woodward opened his speech by praising Canadians for being “welcoming and friendly.” “It is palpable,” Woodward said, “that somebody like me can come in, and you are really nice to some- body from the United States. And I don’t know why the hell you are because there’s lots of things we’ve screwed up.” The audience of 300 erupted in laughter at Woodward’s frankness. Woodward said because his ap- pearance was sponsored by the Niagara Falls Review and because Journalist Bob Woodward (left), assistant managing editor of the Washington Post, poses with Peter Conradi, managing editor of the Niagara Falls he had been in the newspaper busi- Review and part-time Niagara College Journalism-Print instructor, before Woodward’s speech at the Sheraton on the Falls hotel, in Niagara Falls ness for 36 years, he wanted to talk Oct. 23. The event was co-sponsored by the the Niagara Falls Review. about something he says occurs in Photo by Laura Wikston the news business and that “hap- pens lots.” porting, holding people in govern- war president had ever let an in- are fi ve things the Bush adminis- “That is error and mistakes,” ment, people in business, people in dependent outside party ask such tration had not had. he said. “We make mistakes too ‘You have to be power accountable for what they questions. Woodward says he learned from often, and it’s probably the thing do,” need to question how they can The stories Woodward relates Katharine Graham, the publisher we are least able to deal with and willing to enter that raise the percentage from “Gore’s about those hours reveal a presi- of the Washington Post during the explain.” hypothetical one to two per cent, to dent who was clearly out of touch Watergate investigation, that “the Woodward went on to relate a world of high risk.’ my estimate of 60 to 70 per cent.” with the reality of how the Iraq war job of the newspaper is to get to the favourite story about error and — Bob Woodward “The answer is we have to de- was progressing. Woodward said bottom of what’s going on,” even the Catholic Church. The story velop a very rigorous method.” there were many misconceptions if you have to write that which is involved some monks wondering As an example, Woodward told of about the true level of violence in unpopular or will endanger your if there could be mistakes in the had already published two books the Post giving him a year off work everyday Iraqis’ lives. He said that credibility. Catholic Doctrine. After checking about the Bush administration and in 2003, the year Bush ordered the although there were as many as “You have to be willing to enter 2,000-year-old documents, the said Gore was “hammering” at invasion of Iraq. The Post’s editors 800 attacks a week, Bush ignored that world of high risk.” monks learned to their chagrin that him about why he hadn’t come out wanted Woodward to write a book reports about such violence. Woodward wound up his speech “the word was ‘celebrate,’” not against the Iraq War. and do a series of articles. “Imagine living in a country by stressing “that what we should celibate, as they had thought. The conversation turned to a He says he worked through where there are fi ve attacks an worry about most is secret govern- “Now, that’s serious error,” subject Woodward says is a “really sources he knew in the intelligence hour,” Woodward said. ment.” Woodward deadpanned. important one for the business of world, the Bush White House, the Bush declined to be interviewed “There is a simple truth,” Woodward began his career as journalism and I think for citizens Pentagon, the State Department and for Woodward’s third book, State of Woodward said, “and that is a reporter at the Washington Post and everyone in government.” the Cabinet “seeking concrete mat- Denial. For the most recent book, that democracies die in in 1971. He gained fame with col- That subject was “what percent- ter.” He looked through National The War Within, Bush allowed darkness.” league Carl Bernstein by exposing age of what is going on in govern- Security Council minutes and he Woodward to interview him for the Watergate scandal, one of the ment that’s of consequence and tried to fi nd the type of person who three hours. most famous political scandals in interest do we learn about contem- nobody ever heard of “who sits in In this book, Wood- • Th e War Within (2008) American history. poraneously in the public?” the back of the room taking notes” ward says he outlines While investigating a break-in at • State of Denial: Woodward says Gore put the to interview. fi ve things that apply to Bush at War Part III the Democratic headquarters in the percentage at one per cent for what “I tried to paint a universal pic- anyone in management: (2006) capital city of Washington, D.C., is known about Clinton’s time as ture of what had occurred.” The need for a cohesive Woodward and Bernstein uncov- president, despite the hundreds of After nine months of work, he team of people working • Th e Secret Man (2005) ered evidence of an elaborate plot books written about the Clinton distilled the information he found together; the leader • Plan of Attack (2005) by then-President Richard Nixon era. Gore said if he had written a into a 21-page memo, which he needs to understand • Bush At War (2002) and some of his staff to destroy tell-all book, the percentage would sent to the president. This led to an the basic issues; • Maestro (2000) their political opponents in order to have been two. invitation by then-National Secu- the leader can’t • Shadow (1999) win the 1972 presidential election. Woodward says the percentage rity Adviser Condoleezza Rice, to get contradic- The articles published by Wood- during the Nixon era was at least speak to Bush. tory informa- • Th e Choice (1996) ward and Bernstein in the Post 90 to 95 because “Nixon taped For Woodward’s second book, tion from his • Th e Agenda (1994) led to the downfall of the Nixon everything.” Plan of Attack, he questioned the people; • Th e Commanders (1991) administration and the near im- He said his guess for the Clinton president on two afternoons for the leader • Veil (1987) peachment of the president. The and Bush administrations would be 31/2 hours about how and why he needs to • newspaper won a Pulitzer Prize in 60 to 70 per cent. “But,” he said, went to war against Iraq. He asked have a candid Wired (1985) 1973 for the coverage. “you don’t know what you don’t the president 500 questions. relationship with the • Th e Brethren (1979) In his speech, Woodward spoke know, and maybe the part you don’t The interview was “really an key people; the leader • Th e Final Days (1976) of a conversation he had in 2005 know is the most signifi cant.” excavation of his [Bush’s] decision needs to fi nd a way to tell • All the President’s Men with Al Gore, former vice-presi- Woodward said journalists who making.” the truth. (1974) dent under Bill Clinton. Woodward are trying to do “accountability re- Woodward says that no other Woodward said these Books Woodward Nov. 7, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS Page 23 Sports

Niagara Knights Anderson St. Valle keeps an eye on the ball against Humber Hawks Milton Hilness during a 77-67 victory Oct. 28 at Niagara College. Photo by Joseph Cassidy Knights soar to victory in home opener

By JOSEPH CASSIDY The Humber Hawks kept the sistant coach. “We knew Humber about Bauslaugh. He is a warrior.” fouled out with 1:45 left in the Staff Writer game close and were only down would make some runs and we “We were better than we have game. Six-foot nine-inch forward Oh, how easy the Knights make by four points after the fi rst half of held them off. We made some been,” said Beccaria, “but I told Chris Karkoulis will not be avail- winning look. play, with 11 points from Rodney free throws down the stretch, and them in the locker room, this is just able to the team until January. The Niagara Knights men’s Daviau and Rodney Hilness, but I am proud of the guys. Everyone the beginning.” Former Knight Anthony McAleese basketball team cruised to vic- the Knights surged out to a nine- is buying in and staying with the Game notes: Knights forward was the shooter in a half-time com- tory over the Humber Hawks of point lead three minutes into the plan. Anderson [St. Valle] is a man Nick Fadayel had some big re- petition. Including pre-season play, Etobicoke, in the Knights’ Oct. 28 second half after a driving lay-up among boys and I can’t say enough bounds and scored 12 points but the Niagara Knights are now 7-0. home opener of the Ontario Col- from forward Jeremy Settimi. lege Athletic Association (OCAA) At the nine-minute mark, a regular season. Bauslaugh three-point shot found In a game played before a ca- nothing but net, and the Knights pacity crowd in the Mackenzie were enjoying a 16-point lead. building gymnasium, the Knights Give the Humber Hawks credit led almost from start to fi nish. for not quitting. With two success- They opened up a 16-point lead ful foul shots, they cut the lead to and won by 10 points. The fi nal 64-57 at 6:33. score was 77-67. At this time, Knights coach Bec- “It’s a good beginning,” said caria called a time-out to discuss Knights head coach Michael Bec- team strategy. caria. “I am proud of the kids, and When play resumed, St. Valle we did a lot of good things.” scored on an offensive play, and Knights forward Chris Baus- with the chants of “defence, de- laugh got it all going with 12 fi rst- fence” coming from the crowd, the half points and fi nished with 20 Knights put up a wall to force a overall, including four three-point poor Hawks shot. The shot missed jump shots. and Settimi pulled down a big re- After the game he had notice- bound, was fouled and made both able lip-swelling and a red eye, but free throws to extend the lead to added, “I was getting beat up all double-digits with 4:20 to play. night and fouled by everybody, so “Anything is possible,” said Set- I am cut and bleeding. It’s my job timi, who poured in 16 points. to knock down the open shots. We Niagara Knights guard Lamar played hard and everybody knew Grant looked strong defensively, what they were supposed to do.” and fellow guard Arny N’Kindu The Humber Hawks had no looked confi dent running the of- answer down in the low post for fence and made some big free Niagara Knights centre Anderson throws to ice the game. He fi nished St. Valle, who added 11 points, with 10 points, six rebounds, two four rebounds and three assists. steals and was four of six at the “His name is Nobody,” said free throw line. Bauslaugh, “cause when he [St. “It was a little bit of pressure,” Valle] gets the ball down low, ain’t said N’Kindu. “I realized just stay nobody guarding him.” calm and do the same things I do This is true, but what was more at practice. We generated our of- fascinating was how quick and fence and were passing the ball strong the six-foot fi ve-inch and well to get the open shots. I could 240-pound St. Valle is when he have done a better job and there is plays basketball. always room for improvement.” “I am 240 pounds of muscle,” “We started better than we said St. Valle, as he smirked at his ended. I give myself a seven out of teammates in the locker room. “I ten, but remember this is my fi rst used to play the guard position, so time playing point guard and I have I can get from spot to spot a little lots to learn, from what the coaches faster and push them out. We have tell me.” some things to iron out but we are “The kids worked hard tonight,” feeling good.” said Randy Conlon, Knights as- Page 24 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 Sports Marathon before a marathon Runner fought sexism and doubt in her battle for women’s rights By STEPHEN DYELL her new coach. Switzer said. “The longest event in “Photographers then noticed me ning in marathons. Staff Writer Briggs has two bad knees but the Olympics was the 800 metre. and poked fun at race offi cial Jock “Seeing people from Kenya race She earned her right to run, and Switzer’s speed allowed Briggs’ They were scared that the women Semple.” without shoes receiving a medal Kathrine Switzer has battled sexism knees to keep up with her. would gain muscle, grow chest hair Semple then jumped out of his and saying that they are something, to become one of the best-known It was in a New York blizzard and not be able to have children.” truck and tackled Switzer trying it’s pretty special,” Switzer spoke women runners in the world. that she and Briggs had a discus- Switzer had signed up for the to rip off her race number. Luckily of her experience overseas. In 1967 when Switzer had just sion about the Boston Marathon. race using her initials so event having her boyfriend by her side She wasn’t done yet as the entered Syracuse University, she She wanted to run it, but no offi cials were unaware that a paid off as he tackled Semple, got Olympics still hadn’t included enrolled at age 20 to become woman had fully been in the woman was entering. him off her and sent him sprawling races over 800 metres. After a sports journalist. She also race and Briggs didn’t believe They arrived in Boston with her, to the pavement. years of trying, with millions of wanted to become an athlete, and she could fi nish the 42-kilometre Tom Miller, who was also going Embarrassed and confused, women’s signatures and words, approached the Syracuse track race. Right then, Briggs made a to run the race with her, and the Switzer picked herself up and the International Olympics Com- and field coach about making promise to take her to Boston if Syracuse track team. fi nished the race in a time of four mittee fi nally allowed women to the team. she could prove she could run the “The weather proved good for hours and 20 minutes. run longer races. After a quick laugh, the coach long distance. me as I looked like all the other “Even though I fi nished, I was Switzer appeared on Oprah’s said she couldn’t be on the team After a tough couple of runners with my face partly cov- made fun of for my time, which got Women’s First episode in which but could train with it. So began a months, Switzer ran the pre- ered,” said Switzer. me to train harder and harder.” she was honoured for her bravery great friendship between her and marathon and finished it; she The race went off and Switzer She went on to send proposals and helping women’s rights grow. her soon-to-be coach. had won her chance to go to began running with no problems. that led to Avon Cosmetics signing “Put one foot in front of the other “He felt sorry for me because I Boston. She entered and left the Boston her to organize events. She created to help women’s rights,” Switzer was so slow,” a smiling Switzer “People were afraid to allow Marathon starting gates, but she 400 races in over 27 countries and ended, showing that a dream is said, speaking about Arnie Briggs, women to run long distances,” still had to fi nish. got over one million women run- never out of reach. Ex-couch potato teaches positive running habits By STEPHEN DYELL neighbours would see what he building of his hairdressers. Staff Writer called “a chubby little man” run- That small shop grew to be one Here to help. ning up and down the streets. of Canada’s most popular running That was the motto at the Ni- After progressing from short shops, called Running Room, with agara Falls International Marathon jogging to eventually full-distance 60 locations. It now has locations expo Oct. 25 as John Stanton spoke running, Stanton was fi nally back in the United States. to the hopeful runners. into great shape and had fallen in “Surround yourself with posi- In 1981, the Edmonton native love with running. tives,” Stanton said to the audience went for a run with his sons. He re- On Sept. 27, 1981, Stanton ran at the expo. “You cannot be nega- alized how out of shape he had be- his fi rst two-kilometre race in Ed- tive and expect good results.” come. He made a pact with himself monton and fi nished it too. Stanton has run over 60 marathons to get back into shape, and running Three years later, Stanton’s love since his fi rst race in Edmonton and was going to be his way to do so. grew so big that he wanted to in- also many triathlons, including big He began running early in the clude others, so he opened a small names ones such as the Canadian mornings, embarrassed that his place for runners to meet in the Ironman and the Hawaiian World John Stanton advises runners on preparing for a marathon. Championship Ironman. Photo by Stephen Dyell A marathon is not for the weak, for the offi cial distance is 42.195 kilometres. Stanton has therefore run over 2,520 kilometres in the Niagara College past 28 years. Add that to the torture of a triathlon’s swimming, goes to the dogs! cycling and running portions, all in Start your one race. He can write too. Stanton has

published such books as Running:

Start to Finish which guides you

to get out on the pavement run-

ning as he does.

“I’ve personally gone through

Journalism COME JOIN THE FUN

the evolution from couch potato

November 23, 2008

to active athlete,” says Stanton to

Gatorade Garden City Complex 50plus.com, “and I’ve helped

8 Gale Crescent coach hundreds of thousands of A St. Catharines LU people from being couch potatoes M NI AFFAIRS career early to active athletes.” 12:00 - 1:00 - Free Skate He is now a workaholic help- 12:00 - 1:30 - Pre-Game Party ing thousands upon thousands run 2:00 - 4:30 - GAME TIME marathons better and more easily. “Don’t overeat,” he said to The Niagara College Offi ce of Alumni Affairs invites staff, students, Niagara College the runners at the expo. “Many faculty and alumni to come join the fun on November 23, 2008. people believe you need to eat a Strap on your skates and come join us for an hour of skating, big meal to get protein and energy, draws and snacks in the Founders Room all before heading to the Journalism-Print but really you have to eat normal big game between the Icedogs and the Kingston Frontenacs. then hydrate with water and fruit To purchase your tickets contact the Start this January throughout the race.” Niagara College Offi ce of Alumni Affairs. Stanton has been featured on shows such as CBC Venture, The Adults : $18 and graduate in 16 months Vicki Gabereau Show, Canada AM, Students : $15 LIMITED SEATING CHUM television, Global Televi- sion and the Weather Channel. Child: $13 get your tickets now!!! The runners looked happier leaving the room after hearing the Registration Deadline: For more information advice from a professional. His November 18th, 2008 905-735-2211 Ext 7725 story proves that no matter what or [email protected] age you are, you can start running Phone: 905-735-2211 Ext: 7865 • Fax: 905-988-4323 and make a difference in your life www.niagaracollege.ca/alumni and others. Nov. 7, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS Page 25 Sports Hockey is bread and butter to Canadians

Sarah Ward Columnist

Hockey may be considered “truly Canadian” in an American indus- Welland native and Pittsburgh Penguin forward Paul Bissonnette takes on Dan LaCouture of the Carolina Hurricanes in this Oct. 23 tussle. try, but it’s the most reported and Photo courtesy of www.daylife.com media-saturated sport in Canadian media for more than 50 years. Canadians have developed the Bissonnette one tough Penguin tradition of waking up, grabbing a coffee, turning on TSN and watch- By CORY WILKINS overall, in the NHL entry draft. in 2003, played alongside fellow Still, Paul’s role as an enforcer is ing all of the highlights from the Staff Writer “Paul’s reaction to being drafted Wellander Nathan Horton at the one that requires constant reassur- night before. Usually it’s to see “We had entered a pool and was emotional, and he was ru- World Under-17 Hockey Chal- ance to team management. how Sidney Crosby did, who Sean Paul predicted he would go to moured to go in the second or lenge held in Winnipeg, Man., “It’s day-to-day. Every game Avery punched or how badly the Pittsburgh. Not only did Pittsburgh third round, so we were all pretty where Canada won a bronze you have to prove yourself,” Bis- Leafs lost. select Paul, but he also won the anxious,” said Yolande. “When he medal. sonnette told the Welland Tribune. No matter, we love watching, pool,” said Yolande Bissonnette. got drafted by Pittsburgh, we could In July 2005, Paul signed his Earlier this month in an inter- reading and reporting on the game Bissonnette, a professor in the not have been happier.” fi rst professional contract, spend- view with TSN.ca, Paul spoke of just as much as we love playing it. Office Administration program “Paul began skating at age three ing the following years with the Georges Laraque of the Montreal Some say that National Hockey at the college’s Niagara-on- when I used to take him to the Wheeling Nailers of the East Coast Canadiens, considered by many as League (NHL) stories only belong the-Lake campus, is the mother Can-Skate at the Welland Arena,” Hockey League and the Wilkes- the league’s top knuckle chucker. in the big newspapers, and not in of Paul Bissonnette, a local she said. “It was a bit of a struggle Barre/Scranton Penguins of the “Big deal. He breaks your face? college newspapers only because hockey player who recently at fi rst, but then Paul began to like American Hockey League. He set Get it fi xed,” Paul told TSN. it’s not relative to college events made his National Hockey hockey. He started to play hockey a career-high in the 2006-07 sea- “The road to the NHL is a tough and students. League (NHL) debut. at age six and soon he was asked son, notching 10 goals and 32 as- one. It takes determination, dedica- Well, here are the reasons that Paul Bissonnette, 23, is the latest to play on a travel team. From sists, while recording 145 penalty tion and support from those around isn’t so. native of Welland to make an NHL then on, Paul was determined and minutes through 65 games. you. However, in his hockey First, this year, there is an appearance, a list including Daniel knew he wanted to play profes- “Last season in Wilkes-Barre/ career, Paul has been lucky as he elective class students can take. Girardi, Daniel Paille and Florida sional hockey.” Scranton, due to injuries, the has travelled to Russia, Slovakia, Hockey Talk is a class in which Panthers’ star Nathan Horton. During his junior career, Paul coaches asked Paul to switch Sweden, Finland, and throughout students talk, discuss and argue Yolande spoke of the June 2003 spent four years in the Ontario from defence to forward. He did Canada and the United States,” anything and everything hockey afternoon in Nashville, Tenn., when Hockey League with the North what was asked and did it well. said Yolande. and the NHL. the Pittsburgh Penguins selected Bay Centennials, Saginaw Spirit It caught the eye of the Penguins “Paul feels proud to represent Therefore, to write a story re- her son in the fourth round, 121st and the Owen Sound Attack, and organization, and Paul made the Welland. Welland will always garding anything to do with the team as a forward, rather than a be Paul’s home. This is where he NHL’s regular season preview isn’t Your Good Day Starts defenseman,” said Yolande. learned to play hockey, where as non-relevant as people might “To start the season [in Pitts- all his family is and where all his think. with Good Eats burgh], I didn’t think it was real- friends are.” Second students will turn to the istic. I was having a good camp. I It is those friends that Paul al- sports to read a NHL-related story just did my job. I played physical. ways defended, always the loyal even if it’s just to get the highlights I know my role,” Paul told the friend to stick up for his team- before they’ll check how the Ni- Welland Tribune. mates. Now,he will be doing the agara Knights did. The six-foot-three, 220 -pound same thing for a pair of superstars, Yes, in a way the story should Bissonnette had four fi ghts in three Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, come back to be somewhat student pre-season matches and has since in Pittsburgh. related, only it must appeal to the has an additional two tilts in fi ve “I enjoy protecting my team- majority, so readers will turn to the regular season games. mates,” said Paul. sports page. Will it harm anyone if a silly little story on a Toronto Maple Leafs game goes in? Third the Brock Press does it. In A ABSOLUTE its Oct. 21 issue, it did a preview NIAGARA COLLEGE article on all six Canadian NHL hockey teams, so it seems the uni- STUDENT SPECIAL TAXI versity students can relate to the topic more than we can. $ This isn’t meant to be harsh; ONLY 3.99 Proudly Serving Welland & Surrounding Areas rather, it’s trying to push forward “Guaranteed Cheapest the fact sports generally need to Full breakfast platter includes Out of town & Special Airport Rates” be accepted more. As for college sports, it’s a given to report on complimentary them for the college newspapers, Columbia Supremo Coffee but off-campus sports needs to be SPECIAL RATES embraced more. 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By JORDAN NUNZIATO Staff Writer Niagara is home to an under- ground cult of BMX riders dying to be exposed. ‘We have a lot of talent in this region and Local BMX rider Greg D’Amico, we’ve been told that Niagara could be the rooted in Port Colborne, takes his skill internationally while helping next California . Our scene is being found.’ to expose the talent in the Niagara region. Getting into riding wasn’t a dif- — Port Colborne rider Greg D’Amico fi cult endeavour, he says. “There’s nothing to do in Port Colborne. Riding, for me, kept me sane.” The purpose of the trip was to D’Amico has been a part of His riding career would begin bike for fun, not to train, which is several high-profi le competitions during his fi rst trip to Woodward what most do when visiting Wood- including Metro Jam in Toronto, Skate Park in Philadelphia, Penn., ward. where he placed in the top 30 out in the summer of 2001. Woodward On being exposed to BMX rid- of 100 and beat out pro rider Dave is a training facility for riders and ing, D’Amico instantly was drawn Freimuth. Port Colborne-based BMX rider Greg D’Amico is showing off his skills. skaters. into the sport, and so his riding He also competed in Baco Jam at Submitted Photo career began. He has visited Wood- Mesh Skate Park in Orlando, Fla., not interested in the extreme sports agara BMX scene. ward two or three times a year since in the winter of 2007 where he scene. The release of FUTU is next on 2001 and continues to train there. placed in the top 50 out of 200. “In Canada they don’t wanna the agenda. It is a DVD featuring FUTU DVD For the years following 2001 Since becoming a great rider, spend money on pro riders. They the best riders of the area includ- he practised at a friend’s backyard he’s been trying to bring riders in aren’t interested. The States have ing D’Amico. To be released in skate park and learned many tricks the region together. a bigger market for riders and will December, it can be purchased Features video footage of the starting with every rider’s fi rst “We [he along with other riders] fork over money to them. It sucks through www.niagarast.tk. best BMX riders of the trick, “Bunny Hop” to now “Truck have a lot of talent in this region we aren’t in the States. We would With the promotional support of Niagara Region. Driver,” an airborne 360-degree and we’ve been told that Niagara be hooked up.” Cielinski, the release of rider foot- turn while doing a full bar spin. could be the next Cali [California]. Jim Cielinski of Sunday Skate age via DVD, promotional footage Release date: December 2008 “Landing my fi rst trick was Our scene is being found.” Shop in Buffalo, N.Y., has noticed plastered on the Internet and local crazy. It felt good.” He and his fellow riders are try- the talent in the area and always riders travelling south to compete Visit www.niagarast.tk for Tricks in between took a lot of ing to promote the Niagara region rides with D’Amico. in high-profi le competitions, the purchasing information of work to accomplish and to become BMX scene with self-created He is a nationally known pro Niagara BMX scene will be ex- DVD and other merchandise good at. websites such as www.niagarast. rider and has invented the majority posed in due time. including Niagara Street “I built up after the fi rst trick and tk, which features footage of area of grinds riders can do on a bike. “We are working so hard to ex- shirts and sweaters. it wasn’t easy. It was a lot of work riders performing tricks. Cielinski has become a major pose the intense talent in this area, to master new tricks.” D’Amico is concerned Canada is player in helping exposing the Ni- we will be noticed soon enough.”

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By JOSEPH CASSIDY linked to Staff Writer Dogs are really lazy. They lie around … scratching video games themselves … sniffi ng things … barking at nothing … and occa- By HAYLEY KENNEDY sionally some dogs go to school Staff Writer and play hockey. Running around a fi eld chasing a Come again … dogs go to school ball, skating in a rink, or batting an and play hockey? odd-shaped ball with a racket. Yes, if that dog happens to be All of these are generally what Niagara Ice “Dog” Mathew Sisca, pop into mind when one thinks of a hockey phenom who attends sports. Niagara College and plays forward With the new generation of for the Niagara IceDogs in the On- “computer nerds,” the public’s tario Hockey League (OHL). view of sports has expanded to “I have been playing hockey my include video games. whole life,” says Sisca. “My dad “The younger generation is get- wanted me on the ice as soon as I ting lazier by playing sports video could walk.” games such as NHL’09, because Sisca is a fi rst-year Child and it’s much easier to pick up a video Youth Worker program student at game than to go play the sports,” the Welland campus. said Tyler Coverdale, a 20-year-old “The fi rst week was kind of Welland resident and avid gamer. interesting. There are 60 to 100 Coverdale doesn’t see it as students in the class and you are mainly the child’s fault though. shocked by all the people. But, it’s “They don’t necessarily have the money to buy the video games, so I a good experience and you learn so Niagara College student Mathew Sisca, 18, in action with the Ontario Hockey League’s Niagara IceDogs at much in school.” think if the parents put that money the Gatorade Garden City Complex on Nov. 12. in sports or activities and motivated His parents have always pushed Photo by Francis Morasiewicz “school fi rst, school fi rst” and Sisca their kids more to go out and do it, thinks it’s a good philosophy. “There are no words to describe region in 2007, and judging by the he reaches his potential – watch out it would make a huge difference.” “I want to play in the National how much they have done for crowds at their arena, the Gatorade – he will do some real damage.” Zach Johnson, a 20-year-old Hockey League (NHL) but I know me – all the practices and games. Garden City Complex, and the “He is starting to play some student in the Police Foundations school is important,” said Sisca. “If Whether I get drafted [NHL Entry positive media coverage, the team bigger minutes and a more promi- program, almost erupted into a I could choose another job, I would Draft 2009] or not, everything I do has found a home. A big part of the nent role,” said Niagara IceDogs pro gaming career before it ended like to be a school teacher like my in my life, I do for them.” team’s success stems from the fi rst- associate coach Mike McCourt. early because of issues from his sister [Michelle].” Sisca’s older brother, Dan, played class ownership and management. “He is defi nitely a skilled guy, who sponsor. Some might think that too much in the OHL and plays profession- “Everyone on the team is so glad will make a real impression in this “Sports games are huge in the hockey can affect your passion for ally for the Phoenix Roadrunners to play for a team like the IceDogs. league.” gaming community. Companies the sport, but not in Sisca’s case. of the East Coast Hockey League. Bill and Denise [Burke, the team His hometown is Woodbridge, like EA (Electronic Arts) create “I love the game of hockey and “My biggest role model is Joe owners] have done a great job with Ont., and that is where his parents the Madden, NHL, NBA and MLB I always did. Practicing every day Sakic [Colorado Avalanche] but this organization.” live. games, which easily make up for and playing every weekend, not it’s also my brother. Me and my The coaching staff thinks highly “It’s an honour to see him play,” 50 per cent of their total sales,” being able to see my family and brother play ball hockey together of Sisca and his contributions do says Vince Sisca. “It’s such a great Johnson said. friends, it’s not a big deal. I learn and just being with my brother and not go unnoticed. feeling, and he has worked so hard “The main reason why I like from it.” his friends is amazing. I would love “He is a good kid and he is re- to get here. Regardless of what sports games is because I can’t His parents, Vince and Louise, to play one shift of professional spectful with good work habits,” happens in his hockey future, I ice skate and I’m not very good attend most of his games and they hockey with my brother.” said Niagara IceDogs head coach know he’s a good kid and he has a at hockey in general, so planning are a real hockey family. The Niagara IceDogs moved Mario Cicchillo. “I don’t think he lot to look forward to.” the NHL games is a great way for from Mississauga to the Niagara knows how good he is, and when me to play hockey without playing hockey,” Johnson said. He added, “I don’t think people are getting too lazy to play sports at all in real life; however, doing it Volleyballers looking for experience in a video game is a lot quicker and By SARAH WARD the team can do when our players easier.” Staff Writer are experienced and confi dent with With obesity rates on the rise Experience is what the Niagara our system and abilities.” among North American young College women’s volleyball team is The team played its fi rst regular/ people, organizations like the hoping will be its key to success this home game of the season Oct. 15 Childhood Obesity Foundation season. against St. Clair Saints, winning all have stepped up. According to Coach Kerby Bentley is optimis- three sets, 25-12, 25-19, 25-22. them, obesity rates in children have tic experience and strength will help Even with a victory in its fi rst nearly tripled in the past 25 years. lead his team to victory. game, Coach Bentley still saw Obesity in children can result in The 2008-09 season is shaping things for the team to work on. diabetes, high blood pressure and up to be exciting for players and “The team didn’t put forth their sleep disorders. fans alike. absolute best effort; however, they This is generally more associated Although the hype is big, Bentley also didn’t put in their worst. They with their intake of food, but their acknowledges the absence of star started off well in the fi rst set with physical activities factor into their player Leah Duke is going to be felt Jenny Adie, No. 8, creating an early health as well. If the amount of on the court. Duke, who last season lead for the Knights with her jump food someone eats is greater than led the Knights in almost every of- serve. This resulted in a 25-12 win their physical activity, eventually fensive category, was named to the for the Knights. The second set we they will gain weight Ontario College Athletic Associa- and West Region rookie Kerissa moved to setter this season and is also won 25-19. In the third set we Many people seem to fi nd it more tion West Region’s all-star team. Van Amersfoot. looking forward to seeing more started to drop level of play and convenient to pick up the game Although Duke’s absence is huge, New recruit Tara Zomer, from playing time and staying healthy. ended up winning a close one at controller and sit on the couch. Bentley assures fans the team has Cape Breton University, and libero Bentley is excited to see Adie 25-22.” Others still prefer the physical more depth that could be an advan- Mandy Korevarr, from Cookstown, back in the lineup full time. Bentley With the victory comes much aspect of the sport. tage against opposing teams. Ont., are looking to be strengths for told Welland Tribune reporter John more preparation to ensure the “I would rather go out and play the “I believe that we have a lot of the Knights this season. Vessoyan. “She’s got a lot of leader- Knights stay on the same path. sport myself,” said J.P Arsenault, a potential. It’s up to our players to The veteran presence on the team ship skills and a lot of drive, tons of Unfortunately, at the Sheridan resident of Mississauga.”It’s physi- want to train, learn and tap into their comes from 29-year-old Jenny experience and ball control.” College hosted tournament they cal exercise, and I get to interact potential and be great on a consis- Adie, a former player from Mis- Bentley is looking forward to see- lost in the bronze medal game the with actual people and develop tent basis.” Bentley said. sissippi State University. Nursing ing his players’ experience pay off. weekend of Oct. 17-19. friendships.” Returning is Welland native a knee injury last season, she didn’t “[We’ve got] a diversifi ed of- The Knights’ next home game is The Childhood Obesity Founda- Catharine Waines, middle hitter get to play very much but was a key fence, with depth throughout the Nov. 8 against Canadore College tion says the best way to help an Cassandra Musungayi and setter power-hitter last season. She was team. I look forward to seeing what at 6 p.m. obese child is to create a healthy Page 28 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 Arts & Entertainment Lacklustre capture of presidency By JESSICA MOYSE Movie Review Why is Oliver Stone still allowed to make movies? After the inexcusable Alexander and the mediocre World Trade Center, it would appear that Stone is riding the coattails of the history books, hoping to gar- ner attention for making movies about key points in American history. However, this does little to hide his shoddy directing skills and inability to frame a shot. W. follows the life of George W. Bush Jr. (played by a warped, bare- ly recognizable Josh Brolin) start- ing with his college fraternity days and moving through his American presidency. The movie states the case that Bush Jr. was neglected by his father, who favoured the older son Jed, but I’m not buying the excuse that the poor little rich boy was justi- fi ed in starting an unnecessary war. The fi lm jumps back and forth from the 1960s to today without much narrative cohesiveness or structure. Josh Brolin plays George W. Bush in W. I worry that future generations, Photo courtesy of Lionsgate Entertainment who will know as much about Bush’s reign as current genera- fi lm for the conspiracy theorist [Josh Brolin] comes off as a grin- off the tops of people’s heads and “You can be a fascist even tions know about the Reagan era, in everyone, about the assassina- ning frat boy who covers his easily mouths and not focusing on the ac- when you’re on the left.” will not understand what is going tion of John F. Kennedy, and in bruised feelings with swaggering tion properly. This propagandist mess is inexcus- on from one segment to the next. it he explored the idea that the bravado. If this device were somehow in- able. Bush is barely out of offi ce Roger Ebert, movie reviewer of American government was actu- Even if the real Bush is tended, it fell fl at and was distracting. yet. Would it not have been more the Chicago Sun-Times, loved the ally responsible for his death. as simple as that (which I In an interview on The View appropriate to wait until the end biopic, but he doesn’t see the por- In 1995 Stone released Nixon, doubt), he’s still a lousy movie on Oct. 29, Richard Dreyfuss of his term before making a movie trayal of Bush as being a heroic one. a portrait of the only U.S. presi- character—an inadequate pro- (who plays Dick Cheney in the summing up his life? “One might feel sorry for George dent who ever resigned his post. tagonist in his own life story.” fi lm) had some choice words to Even if the movie had a better W. at the end of this fi lm were it “Back in 1995, Stone made us heed, Brolin’s version of Bush is nothing say about the fi lm as a whole. ending, I fi nd it hard to believe that not for his legacy of a fraudulent even feel for, the tormented soul more than a shallow caricature, “I think it’s six-eighths of a great it would have been good enough to war and a collapsed economy. of Richard Nixon; the expanded funny only because of its aw- fi lm. I think the acting is good keep this reviewer awake. The fi lm portrays him as in- director’s cut of “Nixon” [recently ful nature. His southern accent and a lot of the writing is good, competent to be president and released on DVD] looks stronger is appalling and his attempt to but I don’t really know why shaped by the puppet masters than ever as a portrait of an intelli- copy Bush’s mannerisms falls Oliver didn’t come to a conclu- W. (Vice President Dick) Cheney gent, capable man [Anthony Hop- fl at and is noticeably rehearsed. sion with it,” said Dreyfuss. and (Chief of Staff Karl) Rove kins] rotting from the inside,” says From the use of a technique per- When asked about his ex- to their own ends, says Ebert. David Denby in The New Yorker. spective, Stone cannot frame. The periences working with In 1991 Stone released JFK, a “In W., however, George W. Bush camera moves around, cutting Stone, Dreyfuss took a shot. Holiday classic re-released Th e Ultimate Collector’s Edition DVD of A Christmas Story released Nov. 4 By MIKE SHEELER the Daisy Red Ryder featurette, on Staff Writer A Christmas the object of great desire’s actual “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Story history; Triple Dog Dare Interac- That was the response to Ralphie tive Trivia; Decoder Match Chal- (Peter Billingsley) when he asked lenge; Easter eggs (including an for a BB gun for Christmas, and actual ad for the leg lamp); and the you can hear it all again on Nov. original movie trailer. 4 when The Ultimate Collector’s messages from the radio and has The set includes other extras: a Edition DVD of A Christmas Story to avoid the dreaded triple dog collectible retro Christmas cookie is released, packed with loads of dare! And that’s all in one holiday tin; the container for the set; a extras. season. 48-page cookbook with recipes All Ralphie wants for Christmas, One of the most popular holiday inspired by the movie; photos more than anything, is a Red Rider classics of all time comes to shelves and quotes from the movie; a red BB gun and he’ll do whatever’s with more than ever before. chef’s apron with an A Christmas necessary to get it. Ralphie hatches The two disks include a long list Story logo on it and fi ve collectible scheme after scheme to convince of extras: audio commentary by di- cookie cutters in iconic Christmas the holiday powers-that-be to give rector/co-writer Bob Clark and star Story shapes. They look like a star, him a Red Rider BB gun. Peter Billingsley and two readings a house, a leg lamp, Ralphie in his He pleads with his mother, tries by Jean Shepard, author and narra- bunny suit, and what may be a Pe- to enlist his teacher to support his tor of the movie (audio only). king Duck. cause and even asks Santa himself Another Christmas Story fea- All told, The Ultimate Collec- but is foiled at every turn. turette includes interviews with tor’s Edition of A Christmas Story That’s not the only rotten part Clark and a few members of the offers a lot in video value and of Ralphie’s life. He is punished cast: Get a Leg Up featurette, about Christmas fun. by his parents for swearing, fi ghts the making and ongoing sale of the I triple dog dare you to check the local bully, struggles to decode (in)famous leg lamp; A History of this movie out! Submitted photo Nov. 7, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS Page 29 Arts & Entertainment Dealing with Fable 2 addiction By JASON SCHRYER after test. Staff Writer These conscientious decisions Bigamist orgies, tattoos, kick- affect everything in your game. ing chickens, silver keys, mock- If you do good deeds, your hair ing gargoyles and an onslaught slowly turns golden, your eyes of weaponry to destroy creatures glow, people around you fall head from beetles to trolls alike can be over heels in love and stalk your found in Albion. every move. It’s a game to play from nine If you choose to be bad, your in the evening skin begins to rot, until four in the your eyes pulse morning. Fable FABLE 2 red, your hair 2 (Lionhead falls out and you Studios) has grow a deserving brought gam- pair of upturned ers the mythi- horns. Villagers cal world of will fl ee from Albion in which to romp. your presence. It borders on dangerously ad- The story continues when your dictive, pulling you into its beau- sister, Rose, is murdered by a man tifully crafted, strangely poetic named Lucien. towns and quests. He aims his pistol at you as Shown is an example of a Fable 2 character, with his faithful dog, taking the path of good. Released Oct. 21, Fable 2 is well and fi res. You crash through Photo by Jason Schryer the long-awaited sequel to Fable, stained glass, hitting the snow- from buying houses and hiking and complete town layouts. ing camera angles sometimes an- released in September 2004. covered ground below. the rent to earn money, to slav- Magic, known as Will, allows noying and diffi cult. It starts on a snowy night in a Little does he know that cours- ing away at several jobs such as a you to unleash waves of power- Lastly, there are a few minor town called Bowerstone. You, apt- ing through you is the bloodline blacksmith or bartender. ful and spectacular spells upon glitches in the game that, although ly nicknamed Sparrow, and your of godliness, or, Heroes, as it is You can get married, engage in enemies. Additionally, the striking irritating at times, never really af- older sister, Rose, huddle around known in Albion, and that you sexual intercourse (protected or swords, maces, axes, pistols, rifl es fect game play. a small fi re on the street, poor and will start on your journey of get- unprotected, you can guess what and crossbows allow for end- The game makes up for those beaten down. ting answers and revenge. results in the latter choice) and less combinations of muscle and tenfold with its utter beauty and A man selling trinkets and Your faithful dog, named cheat on your wife. power. depth. mysterious objects arrives. At the whatever you would like (mine Be it noted that when you cheat, The game nearly hits the bell at Whether you’re wasting hours same time, you’re offered a job to is named Gatsby), follows you you’ll receive a letter from a man a perfect score, but, aside from the hammering away making daggers earn gold by fi nding papers for a on your heroic tale to save Albion blackmailing you for 2000 gold or solid game that it is, there are a few to earn gold for a new sword for bumbling guard who’s lost his from Lucien’s wrath. He helps you he’ll squeal to the town of your qualms I have with certain parts of yourself or losing yourself in the warrants in the chilling wind. fi ght creatures, impress villagers bigamist ways. the game, albeit minor ones. tremendously detailed side-quests This is where the theme of the with tricks and fi nd valuable trea- The towns and worlds are beau- The online play doesn’t allow with your best friend by your side, game begins. Good or evil, pure sures along the way. tiful with heavily detailed shores, you to move more than 30 or so Fable 2 is a gem. or corrupt, the object is to make The abilities you have are phe- crashed ships, intricate topography feet away from your friend, mak- your way through task after quest nomenal. You can do everything Th e Who rocks a g-g-generation of young and old

By JASON SCHRYER – Radio, Television and Film program student Staff Writer at Niagara College, 18, shared memories of his Puffs of smoke rise like upside-down twist- momentous introduction to The Who. ers in the pulsating light. Fanatics hurl intense “I started listening to The Who when I heard cheers toward the stage. Roger Daltrey swings The Seeker in [the movie] American Beauty, his microphone like a yo-yo champion and and I then was given the album Tommy for Pete Townshend’s windmill arm cranks out Christmas and it is one of the greatest experi- power chords with ferocity. It must be The ences I’ve had listening to an album. I became Who concert. a fan from there,” said Mark. The Who formed in 1964 with guitarist Pete Mark’s two favourite Who songs are Magic Townshend, singer Robert Daltrey, bassist John Bus, which was cut from the concert’s set list, Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon. and lastly, Won’t Get Fooled Again, which was Throughout the ups and downs of their ca- the fi nal song before the encore. reer, such as the deaths of Entwistle and Moon, The Who returned from backstage to begin The Who has produced 11 studio albums, the encore, commenting on how quickly the which have amassed an estimated 100 million fans wanted them back on the stage. copies sold. “Back in the 70’s,” Daltrey said to the Oct. 21 kicked off the band’s North Ameri- crowd, “everyone else had something better to can fall mini-tour, in Detroit, Mich. do, like a quick screw.” The crowd laughed and The Who came to the only stop in Canada of cheered. this tour, and it happened at Copps Coliseum in The song that started the encore list was Hamilton, Oct. 22. Naked Eye, replacing Magic Bus. Over 11,000 Who fans came to rock to lyr- This was followed by probably the most fa- ics such as the famous scream, “They’re all The Who guitarist, Pete Townshend in concert. mous Who song next to Baba O’ Riley, Pinball wasted!” and the stuttered, “I’m just talkin’ Wizard. The lyrics thrilled the cheering fans, Photo from commons.wikimedia.org bout my g-g-generation.” who sang along: “That deaf, dumb and blind The concert began with The Who’s pop- only could he move around the stage just as talked about their experiences of being Who kid sure plays a mean pinball.” ping rock hit, Can’t Explain followed by The well as Daltry, but his guitar solos were just as fans: father and son Walter and Mark Jasinski. This concert being the fi rst time both had Seeker. powerful and intricate as they were when The Walter Jasinski, 51, started listening to The seen The Who in person, Mark and Walter Introductions took place with the screaming Who started. Who in the late 60s. “Listening to them on the shared their feelings about how it went. fans desperately wanting more. Replacing Moon was the son of Beatle radio, [they had] some great songs,” Walter “The concert was great, full of energy and The obvious ones were Daltrey, the 64-year- Ringo Starr, Zak Starkey. said. constant excitement displayed by the band. old guitarist who made age simply a number, After playing the famous Who Are You, The Walter’s two favourite Who tunes are the Both Roger and Pete were dead on. Not a screaming notes on pitch, strutting around the Who slowed it down for two songs with Be- famous and often mistakenly titled Baba O’ single dull moment,” Mark said. stage and using his microphone in seemingly hind Blue Eyes, and Real Good Looking Boy, Riley, (often mistaken as Teenage Wasteland) Walter joked, “The concert was very good. simple yo-yo tricks like a spunky teenager. both of which had fans holding one another and Happy Jack, one of which (Baba O’ Riley) I’m a little older, so it was a little too loud at Next in line was the second original remain- and swaying in around-the-campfi re fashion. was played at the concert. times. But I think if you’re going to a Who ing Who member at age 63, Townshend. Not Among the thousands of fans there, two Mark, a music fanatic and also Broadcasting concert, you can expect that.” Page 30 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 Arts & Entertainment Hey Monday almost entertaining but just another unoriginal pop-punk act

By AMBER BLUE Staff Writer Take an attractive group of hey monday young people, add some catchy lyrics and just the right amount of not-so-subtle marketing through a widely read blog and you’ve come up with the formula for success. Pete Wentz, of Fall Out Boy and How You Love Me Now, another owner of Decaydance Records, set of lyrics that have Pope sing- might as well have this formula ing about being a woman scorned. named after him as he was using it Both songs, and many others on to take over the music world before the album, have the same glaring anyone batted an eyelash. message of “boys suck.” Following in the footsteps of Obvious is a party song, no more past Wentz-discoveries, Panic at and no less and Candles is used to the Disco, The Cab and Gym Class showcase Pope’s voice more than Heroes, comes Hey Monday with the rest of the album, although it’s its debut release Hold on Tight. hard to pick out anything spectacu- Front woman Cassadee Pope lar in the musicianship of the rest is barely 19 years old, and Hey of the band. Monday’s lyrics refl ect what There’s nothing amazing here 19-year-old women know: lost but nothing offensive either. love, partying, getting out of the The problem is, it’s been done town they feel is holding them before and it’s been done better. back and more lost love. Hey Monday seems to be the The album’s lead single Home- Wentz answer to already success- coming is a perfect way to intro- ful girl-fronted band Paramore. duce Hey Monday to the world However Pope’s vocals simply because it defi nes the band’s sound don’t compare to those of Hayley and, save for two exceptions, fol- Williams or, going even further lows the same pattern as the rest of back, Gwen Stefani, who blows the album. A pop, sing and dance- both girls out of the water. a-long anthem with lyrics so catchy Bottom line, Hold on Tight is not you’re singing along by the second a bad album. In fact, if you’re look- chorus. ing to be entertained and nothing Following the same theme is more, it fi ts the bill perfectly. Photo courtesy of CDuniverse.com Senses Fail don’t fail with new album Band’s fourth release a genre-bending innovation

By JORDAN NUNZIATO Nielsen’s vocal penetration into sip for assistance/this fl ask keeps pioneers of emo, but the music is It was a refreshing audio experi- Staff Writer the misty musical atmosphere with me calm/it refl ects back my bent distorted and seems unnatural in ence to hear a band that had once Teen angst, heartbreak and tales the line, “Fireworks at dawn/as I image.” It’s lyrically typical of the the genre and to the band. blindly followed structure trying of tragedy are what Senses Fail something new and opening the singer/composer James “Buddy” album with such a big change. Nielsen has thrived on throughout The song takes a heavy turn as the band’s history. This time, it climaxes and transforms into a the artistic integrity of Nielsen SENSES FAIL solid head-nodding rocker. along with his band of real-life As it winds down to the quiet teary-eyed emoticons, proves repentance of the song’s intro, that with the right mixture of it cross fades into the heavy and heavy guitar, pop-oriented vo- hardcore second track, Lungs like cals and songs with underlying Gallows, fi lled with heavy guitar messages beyond the standard leads and intense screaming. emo storyboard, the best work Nielsen describes his overwhelm- of Senses Fail has arrived. ing encounters with bad luck by Life Is Not a Waiting Room, belting lines such as, released Oct. 7, is all about what “Is it luck that’s knocking

Nielsen’s personal experiences of phototracker.comPhoto courtesy right on my back door/because have been and how he has dealt I’ve been breaking mirrors since with the hard times he’s been in 1984/I walk under ladders/I spill throughout his life. salt on sores/and I open my um- His message is to not let life brella even when I am indoors/so slip through your fingers, live give me seven more.” for now and don’t let anything The rest of the 12-song album stop you from being who you is original as it is a testament to want to be. Nielsen’s life. The first track, Fireworks The cliched emo aspect is at Dawn, is a slow, dark and thrown out the window on this eerie ensemble of clean and album and Nielsen’s words, and reverb guitar with the backbeat the talented band provide a truly of highly reverberated snare innovative musical experience drum. that provides more than just en- Life is Not a Waiting Room was released in early October 2008. Senses Fail singer Buddy Nielsen Following a surprisingly non- tertainment, but an extraordinary typical Senses Fail album intro is Photo courtesy of CDuniverse.com piece of musical guidance. Nov. 7, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS Page 31 Arts & Entertainment Author’s dream come true

TWILIGHT Friends & Family Days

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Niagara College - Glendale Date: November 17 - 20 Time: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Place: Outside Cafeteria Niagara College - Welland Date: November 24 - 27 Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm *One $1,500 scholarship awarded during the 2008 fall semester and one $1,500 scholarship awarded during the 2009 winter semester. Entry forms must be accurately completed. Place: Tecumseh Foyer Eligibility limited to post-secondary students currently enrolled at participating campuses.

Page 32 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 7, 2008 Lifestyle

“Arbeit Macht Frei” - Work will make you free

Experiences of Nazi Germany are over, but not forgotten by present-day youth

By CARLY SNIDER Staff Writer After days of rain, the sun had fi nally broken through and chased the clouds beyond the distant mountains. It didn’t seem fi tting to be walking down the wet and muddy gravel road towards a place that was once Hell on Earth while squinting against such a bright and beautiful sky. Birds were singing their sweet songs, without a hint of sorrow in their voices. Didn’t they know where they were? We stopped briefl y to examine a plaque that recognized the horrors that took place mere metres from where we stood before we made our way past the watchtower. I shuddered and glanced towards the windows above me. I could almost feel the long-dead guard’s eyes on me, his gun aimed and ready. Then we were standing in front of the ominous black gates. I’d read about them. I’d seen pictures of them. “Arbeit Macht Frei” (Work will make you free). The gate was only wide enough to pass through in single fi le. I fol- lowed the other visitors into the courtyard and looked around. I was swallowed into Dachau, Germany, and its horrifying his- tory. We took our time, slowly and methodi- cally walking the very same path that an inmate of the Nazi concentration camp would have I walked. was I could see the rows of prisoners standing for standing hours in the square as we passed through it, de- in the room spite its complete emptiness and total silence. that was intended Our footsteps echoed through the tiny bar- to hold prisoners racks that contained wooden bunks three beds before they went into high. The clean smell of pine contradicted the what they thought would be a smell I imagined fi lled the room when it was shower. full of sick, hungry and dying captives. I passed through the shower room It was time to make our way to the cremato- quickly. I couldn’t stand to be underneath rium. We passed beautiful religious memorials showerheads that were made to pour deadly see A grave in memory of the thousands and passed over a bubbling stream into what, gas over unsuspecting victims. It was stressed the ash of unknown victims of Dachau at fi rst glance, appeared to be a garden in full that these gas chambers were never used, but fl oating in the wind. Concentration Camp. bloom. The sweet scent of fl owers fi lled my the intention was there. I was shaking. Photo by Carly Snider nostrils and calmed my nerves as I stood in Next were the ovens, their doors open like My friend urged me out of the room and front of the dark brick building. the mouths of evil hungry monsters waiting to away from the garden of evil. After what felt like a lifetime, I walked in. be fed. We left the Dachau Memorial Site changed. The temperature dropped as soon as I entered. After rushing through the gas chambers, I The textbooks had only scratched the surface Goosebumps rose on my skin and I shivered. couldn’t move my feet to get out of the crema- of the atrocities that took place behind those Was it because of the cold? torium. I could smell the burning fl esh. I could iron gates. For a brief moment, we were there.