http://www.newsatniagara.com Marchnews 16, 2007 FREE Volume 37, Issue 11 niagara@

See pg. 4 The Best Way To Connect With Niagara See pg. 19 LookingLooking forfor futurefuture starsstars

It was a festive line of Denis Morris Secondary School’s actors in The Pile from Niagara Sears District Drama Festival that ran Feb. 19 to Feb. 23 at Brock University in St. Catharines. The event featured 18 performances by 16 high schools from Niagara’s public and Catholic school boards. Natalie Mastracci won an award for distinctive merit as lead role, acting. The Pile also won for best Canadian play as a district award and an award of excellence for adapation. For full reports on the overall winners and other participants, see page 26. Photo by Shawn Dixon SAC welcomes changes Niagara offers By KELLY ESSER past year, one being the U>Pass vote, INDEX Staff Writer an arrangement with municipal public literacy program Niagara College’s Student Administra- transportation networks for a student- tive Council (SAC) will be seeing some oriented travel pass. By LESLEY SMITH Workforce and Business Devel- Travel pg. 3 changes next year. “[This helps] make the college more Staff Writer opment division. “Some of our On Feb. 15, SAC members gathered in accessible,” says Elsie Vrugteveen, Diplomas are not all the col- students receive English and Editorials pg. 8 After Hours at the Welland campus for Niagara-on-the-Lake SAC president. lege has to offer students. math tutoring in the evening, the annual general meeting, to discuss Vrugteveen also thanked Jennifer The Literacy and Basic Skills and it has made a signifi cant Columns pg. 9 and vote on organizational changes. Blake, who helped with the SAC awards (LBS) program at Niagara of- impact on their overall marks.” Many motions were carried but one of donation to the endowment fund. fers academic upgrading to Liz Roy, an employment St. Patrick’s pg. 10-11 the biggest changes is the move from two SAC donated $45,000 to the fund to be those 18 years old and older. consultant with the college’s SAC presidents to one, effective in the held in trust for students. The government-funded Job Centre, explains she thinks new academic year. With the provincial government program offers courses at the the LBS program helps student Health pg. 13 Welland SAC President Andrew Little matching the total, it reached $120,000, Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake achieve their goals, get into col- says, “I feel it will make things a lot making about $4,000 a year in awards and Maid of the Mist campuses. lege and become marketable in Politics pg. 17 easier. I feel that with one president, we available to students. Classes began at the Niagara the workplace. will be able to have one consistent form Other events planned this year include Falls campus in January. “The program lets you learn Noise pg. 19 of representation because everything will the third annual fashion show on April 11 Alison Rynn, an English in- and progress at your own speed. be dealt with by one person.” and fi nishing up the Campus Idol. structor in the LBS program, “You determine your goals Entertainment pg. 21 Also next year, the titles of some of Vrugteveen thanked the Niagara-on- notes there was a need for the and learn what is needed to the SAC positions will be changed: vice- the-Lake campus SAC for its hard work program. achieve them. You have a coun- Sports pg. 23 president to executive vice-president, and the fact that when members take on a She calls it a “great sellor and a program co-ordi- director of student affairs to vice-president task they complete it. success,” adding it “helps” the nator to help you every step of Sears Festival pg. 26 of student affairs, director of programming “Thanks to the Welland campus for community. the way on your personal career and student events to vice-president of being there for us and the continued “Having a Literacy and Basic path,” reads the college’s web- programming and student affairs, and support.” Skills offi ce here at the Maid of site. director of communication and media to Little says, “We strive to make the Ni- the Mist campus is a wonderful Classes are available in Eng- See exclusive vice-president of communications. agara College experience a good one. complement to our existing ser- lish, math, science and comput- online pages at Both presidents opened the meeting “Community involvement is the vices,” says Cindy Andrews, a er applications. www.newsatniagara.com with thoughts about achievements in the foundation.” project manager in the college’s Continued on pg. 5 Page 2, news@niagara, March 16, 2007 Vice-president appointed St. Paddy’s not

By ROBYN HOPPER has served as vice-president, academic, at McMaster. Staff Writer During his time there, he was active in promoting just for the Irish The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario enquiry-based learning and in developing new (HEQCO) has appointed its fi rst vice-president. partnerships with Mohawk College, also in Hamilton. The St. Paddy’s Day Shamrock with bragging rights and a $500 On Feb. 8, Ken Norrie, 60, accepted the position as Norrie, a Saskatchewan native, earned an honours ‘N’ Roll Battle of the Bands will prize. the council’s fi rst vice-president, research. degree in economics from the University of be held at After Hours pub at the “We’re very excited about “I am pleased that someone with such a distinguished Saskatchewan in 1967, a master’s degree in philosophy Welland campus tomorrow. this events,” says Kathryn record of achievements has accepted the position and a PhD from Yale University in 1969. Organized by the Student Drummelsmith, SAC director of of vice-president, research,” stated James Downey, He has also been co-director of research economics Administrative Council (SAC) programming and student events HEQCO president adding, “Ken Norrie has been a for the Macdonald Royal Commission, editor of the all-ages event features a at the Welland campus. leader in the pursuit of excellence Canadian Public Policy from 1986 seven-band roster with each “The event is going to in higher education and is one of to 1990 and dean of arts at the band playing for 30-minute be a lot of fun and we’re Canada’s foremost economists. University of Alberta. and 10-minute expecting a great His enthusiasm and experience in Norrie served on the editorial changeups turnout.” working with colleges, universities, boards of the Canadian Journal of between sets. Doors will open faculty associations and student Economics, Canadian Journal of Judges will at 7 p.m. Bands groups make him the ideal person to Regional Science, Prairie Forum score the begin playing at lead our research program on higher and National History. bands. At 8 p.m. with the fi nal education.” His teaching and research interests night’s end band playing out the The HEQCO is an independent are in the areas of Canadian economic one band night at about 1 a.m. agency of the Ontario government history, regional economics and will be crowned Admission is free to dedicated to the continued economic policy. the winner, an Niagara College students improvement of the post-secondary “The social and economic honour that with a valid student card, education system. Downey was importance of higher education has comes and $2 to guests. appointed the council’s fi rst president never been greater,” said Norrie. in January. Frank Iacobucci, former “I am looking forward to working justice of the Supreme Court of with experts from across Ontario Canada and former interim president and Canada and internationally in

of the University of Toronto, chairs Submitted photo pursuit of the council’s mission.” the council. KEN NORRIE The council’s goal is to provide Established in March 2006, the council students with the highest quality post- advises the minister of training, colleges and secondary education in Canada. universities on improving all aspects of post-secondary Iacobucci affi rms, “I am delighted to welcome education. The council will carry out research and help Ken Norrie to the council’s staff. With Jim Downey provide enhanced transparency and accountability as president and Ken Norrie as vice-president, through regular public reports. research, the council will have the senior leadership Since January 2002, Norrie has been a professor of we need to do the important work that the province economics at Hamilton’s McMaster University and he expects of us.” New scholarships for studying abroad By MIKE MCNEIL and skills while learning about life in different cultures Staff Writer and countries.” Students wishing to expand their knowledge base This year 272 students will be able to take advantage by taking part of their higher education in another of this program; next year the number increases to 800. country received a boost recently from the provincial The government has also recently put other McGuinty government. initiatives into place: “Our government is proud to help students who • Building on student exchange agreements with want to expand their experiences by studying abroad,” Germany and France, which are currently in said Chris Bentley, minister of training, colleges place, and developing new agreements with and universities. “These new scholarships will help India, China and the US, students pay for international studies and help Ontario’s • Facilitating new agreements with India, which competitive edge through the global knowledge they include student and faculty exchanges in the bring back with them.” form of research collaboration and the creating Bentley outlined the new government plan to of joint programs and internationalize the Ontario post-secondary program. • Supporting initiatives to increase the number of He explained that, as part of the $6.2-billion Reaching international students attending postsecondary Higher plan, the government is providing new Ontario institutions in Ontario. International Education Opportunity Scholarships, Some of the criteria for students interested in which will enable students to study abroad. these $2,500 scholarships include being a Canadian The scholarships will be awarded based on fi nancial citizen, permanent resident or protected person; and need and academic merit. Special consideration will participation in an international opportunity of at least be given to students from under-represented groups two months in a program that’s part of an Ontario such as Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities college or university program. Only one scholarship and francophones. can be received during the course of a student’s “Students, and ultimately Ontario’s future prosperity, studies. will benefi t from the further expansion of knowledge The 2007-08 program will cover the period between and skills acquired across the globe,” commented April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2008. Interested students Tyler Charlebois, director of advocacy for the College can fi nd out more about the new scholarships and the Student Alliance. “These scholarships will allow application process by contacting the international and/ Ontario students to further expand their knowledge or fi nancial aid offi ce of their college or university. Hunchak: new marketing director Niagara College has a new di- of the Leadership Roundtable A customer-focused rector of marketing and commu- for Opportunities Niagara. communications and nications. He is a past president marketing profes- Gordon Hunchak, vice-presi- and former board sional for the last dent of marketing for Meridian member of the St. 18 years, he has Credit Union, begins his duties on Catharines Chamber extensive experi- April 9. of Commerce. ence leading sig- Hunchak, of Welland, has a Hunchak was Me- nifi cant branding, bachelor of commerce degree ridan’s vice-president communications

from the University of Saskatch- of marketing for the and community 62370330 ewan and has served as a member past nine years. initiatives. news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 3

NEWMy YORKkind of town By ROBYN HOPPER trees are found throughout the park. Staff Writer Shining like a sparkling emerald against a pile of stones, It’s only about an hour away, but it’s a different world. Central Park is a true gem. The brief plane ride to New York City unlocks a fascinating Classical architecture and magnifi cent statuary lace the borders experience. and focal points of the sprawling grounds. New York City boasts a population of about eight million The largest body of water in the park is the reservoir, offi cially people, more than three times that of Toronto. named the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. It covers one- Flying into John F. Kennedy International Airport is eighth of the park’s surface. Holding more than a billion gallons exhilarating because it is the largest of the three main airports of water, the reservoir is 106 acres and more than 40 feet deep. in New York. Once a critical part of the city’s fresh water system, it is best Infi nite numbers of skyscrapers paint the cityscape with long, known for the 1.58 mile-running track that surrounds it. contouring lines and endless shades of grey. Central Park boasts two skating rinks, a public swimming pool, Manhattan, a 25-kilometre cab ride away, is the heart of New an outdoor theatre and several information centres. The park is York City. also home to the world-famous Central Park Zoo and Tavern on My destination is the historic Plaza Hotel. Neighbouring the Green restaurant. Central Park, the Plaza has been a backdrop for numerous The park possesses a rich history. The oldest public monument movies in the past decades, including the Christmas favourite in North America, known as The Obelisk or Cleopatra’s Needle, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. is on the east side of the park. At the northern end of the park is Lavishly elegant and grand from top to bottom, it stands the Blockhouse, a fort from the War of 1812. 19 storeys high. Sitting in a white antique horse-drawn carriage trotting through Elaborate slabs of marble envelop the majestic lobby a park in the midst of one of the largest and busiest cities in the with an endless array of shiny gold accents. Pure luxury world is astonishing. Runners, walkers and cyclists fl oat by as is everywhere. the carriage moves along the winding path. The park is full of Beautiful views of Central Park and intricate architecture people exercising, picnicking and simply enjoying a break from can be seen from the grand windows of the hotel. the hectic city. With more than 25 million visitors a year, Central Park It is a strange feeling to climb out of the antique carriage and is the most frequently visited urban park in the United look out to a sea of yellow taxi cabs and industrious people. States. Experiencing the other high points of the city such as the Spanning 843 acres in the middle of the chaotic city, Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square Central Park offers New Yorkers a place of solitude. was equally exhilarating. Endless shades of vibrant green pop out and shock Still, experiencing the splendour of Central Park in the your eyes that have adjusted to viewing only fl at middle of the most densely populated city in North America is tones of grey. unbelievable. Expansive green grassy areas and thousands of It’s a different world.

Photos by: Christine Kennedy Page 4, news@niagara, March 16, 2007 Yoga inspires young artists Corrections In the Feb. 23, 2007, edition of news@ niagara several reports were missing their By JENNIFER DESCHAMPS of the benefi ts of yoga. She says concluding lines. Staff Writer yoga can help to comfort, relieve On page 8, “Costa Rica: Central A lesson in the art of yoga stress and increase ability to “focus America’s Jewel,” the fi nal two paragraphs gives Niagara College art students on the task at hand.” should have read: It is obvious why visitors creative energy to expand their “This physical exercise is a very of the country become permanent residents. horizons. small part of the big picture of what Costa Rica has an endless list of things to Gina Gallo, a graduate of the yoga is.” see, activities to enjoy and people to meet. Graphic Design Production – Art Gallo says you can use the Bountiful, rare and exotic, it is one of the and Design Fundamentals program, principles of yoga in everyday life. most tantalizing places in the world. made a visit to James Gielfeldt’s The relevance for the art students Being there for only a short time, I Life Drawing class at the Welland is “having them be able to visualize experienced only a fraction of what the campus on Feb. 19 to teach students form, get into it, feel it.” country holds. I didn’t want to leave, so I about yoga and demonstrate some Gielfeldt says he hopes this am planning to return to one of the most of the positions. experience will help students gain engaging destinations on the planet. From the midst of easels and insight into the art of yoga and On page 11, “Donate blood today; it’s sketchpads in room B10 of the Black fi nd some “mellow” new ways to in you to give,” the fi nal sentence should Walnut building, Gallo displayed approach art. have read: Students of Denis Morris and the agile, graceful movements of Anouchki Milliat says, “It was Winston Churchill Secondary School are yoga as she instructed the students. cool and relaxing ... It’s good to welcome to attend. Gallo, 30, has been doing yoga for learn new things.” This experience Also on page 11, a headline states: L- 15 years and teaching it for seven. has encouraged her to further her carnitine: useless energy drink additive.” She is a yoga instructor at Paschima knowledge of yoga. “Maybe I’ll try It could have more accurately stated: L- Center for Yoga and Healing Arts a class to see what it’s like.” carnitine: harmless energy drink additive. in Welland and at Tangled in Port Milliat, a second-year student, On page 23, “Best friends work roof all Dalhousie. says from an artist’s standpoint day, ball hockey stars during night,” the Gallo, of Fort Erie, says she Gallo displays “great posture and fi nal quote should have read: “We’re a good picked up an interest in yoga through movements, great gestures for team that is just going to get better,” says “life experiences.” She says yoga drawing.” Myers. “Pound for pound, no team could is “very individual,” so everyone Ryan Taylor, also in his second- be tougher than a bunch of roofers.” is able to gain something different year of the program, says he’s never Incorrect information appeared in the Job from it. seen anything like it before. Gym advertisement on page 24. Gina Gallo, a yoga instructor for seven years, “I guess I was drawn to it more To him the poses were The correct phone number for St. demonstrates her graceful movements for Graphic because of physical ailments,” “interesting” and “looked very Catharines is 905-682-8372; for Fort Erie Design Production – Art and Design Fundamentals as yoga has many therapeutic diffi cult to do.” it is 905-871-3932. students on Feb. 19 at Niagara College’s Welland purposes. “I enjoyed it,” says Taylor of It is the policy of news@niagara to campus. “I’m very passionate about it as a his fi rst yoga experience. correct errors of fact. Photo by Jennifer Deschamps teacher,” expresses Gallo, because “We should do this every week.” It’sIt’s TropicalTropical Mark your schedules! √ Wednesday, April 4, 2007 For Niagara Collegeʼs 12th Annual SStudenttudent AAppreciationppreciation DDayay EEventvent Back by popular demand... Itʼs Throughout our way of say- the College, students ing “thanks” for choosin 150150 TropicalTropical EggsEggs havehave Niagara will find treats, giveaways,us storeprize College as your placeg beenbeen hiddenhidden throughoutthroughout to study draws, food and manycamp other , work, live and play specials and the college...findfind oneone andand surprises! the college... winwin aa prize!prize!

Staff of Niagara College wish to acknowledge with much appreciation, your contribution to our college community. news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 5 Niagara graduate lives childhood dream ‘[It] feels great when a plan works out this well.’ — Journalism-Print graduate Nauman Farooq By JASON PETZNICK Staff Writer Nauman Farooq says it “feels great when a plan works out this well.” Farooq, 30, of Karachi, Pakistan, is living his childhood dream of being an automotive reporter. Farooq says his interest in automobiles started when he was four years old when his father took the family to the auto show. “I saw a silver Lamborghini Countach on the turntable, with the inscription, ‘Fastest car in the world.’ That was it. I was into cars from that point on,” says Farooq. Farooq left the Middle East in 1997 to complete his post-secondary education in Canada, fi rst at London’s Fanshawe College, then graduating from Niagara College’s Journalism-Print program. Farooq says he never wanted to become a newspaper reporter while he was in the program. “I wasn’t in the program to become a journalist. I just wanted to have some credibility so I could one day be hired to write about cars.” His fi rst opportunity came while he was still in college when he started writing freelance reports for the British publication Pistonheads.com. Farooq says it’s tough to pick any of the cars he’s driven during his career as his favourite. He mentions the Audi RS4 as being the best all-around vehicle, the Lotus Elise as being the closest you can get to a street- legal go-kart and the Ascari KZ1 as being the best fantasy car he’s driven. Farooq gives a special description of the Ascari KZ1. Niagara College Journalism-Print graduate Nauman Farooq stands beside the $350,000 Spyker C8 Spyder he tested last “I have been the only Canadian journalist October. invited to drive this $513,000 British Submitted photo supercar. They are only building 50 examples has had the opportunity to drive some the Toronto Star, the Toronto Sun, the we can get our hands on and publish any car of [the KZ1] for the world market. It is ridiculously fast cars, setting his personal Weekly Voice, Suhaag magazine and on news that interests us,” says Farooq. totally hand-made using the most advanced speed record in a 512 hp, $375,000 Bentley Pistonheads.com. He is currently working He says pursuing a career as an automotive materials, like carbon fi bre. Add to that a Continental GT. The Continental GT is said for the website DrivingEmotion.ca, where journalist is not for the faint of heart. monster engine producing 500 horsepower to have a top speed of 312 km/h (198 mph), he is part owner, writer and marketing He once had an editor tell him “your job is (hp) and the end result is a car that is just but Farooq would not disclose exactly how manager. way too much fun to be paid well for.” stupidly fast.” near he came to that mark. “DrivingEmotion.ca covers all the latest “It’s a very passion-driven fi eld,” says As an automotive journalist, Farooq Farooq has had his work published in car news and reviews. We road-test cars that Farooq. LBS program helps Horticulture students prepare students succeed to host ‘In Your Backyard’ event Continued from Page 1 Accounting program here at the Upon enrolment, students college.” It’s that time of year again. arrangements, hanging baskets, mums, pansies and are assessed and placed at The Welland and Niagara- Despite our winter-like weather, Niagara College house plants. the appropriate level for their on-the-Lake campuses offer is getting ready for its giant horticultural open house All plant sale revenues support the educational knowledge. classes during the day and the on Saturday, March 24, and Sunday, March 25. programs. Rynn says the program caters Niagara-on-the-Lake and Maid The 38th annual Horticultural Open House and Student displays, garden clubs and industry to students’ long-term goals as of the Mist campuses offer Plant Sale is being held at the college’s Niagara- representatives will be situated in the main hallway well as making sure they have classes during the evening. on-the-Lake campus, 135 Taylor Rd., at the QEW. of the campus. In the Culinary Centre, there will the necessary skills needed to Only English and math classes This year’s event, with a theme of “In Your be a wine tasting of the college’s award-winning succeed in college. are available during the evening Backyard,” has been expanded to showcase the Teaching Winery products and wines for sale at “I highly recommend this classes. talents of students in the college’s greenhouse and the NCT Winery retail store in front of the NCI program to anyone who has Rynn says the program’s nursery programs, as well as the Niagara Culinary restaurant. been out of school for a long students are “beyond successful” Institute (NCI), winery and environmental Culinary students will serve concession-style time and needs to brush up on and many go on to take other programs. refreshments and snacks. their academic skills,” says LBS programs at the college. Along with guest lecturers and plant sales, there Guided tours of the college’s Wetland Ridge student Mary Chirico. “Alison Call 905-641-2252 ext. 4448 is a children’s garden in the greenhouse where Trail will be available. Rynn, our English teacher, to contact LBS program co- children can fi sh for prizes in a pond designed by The open house will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. is the greatest lady. With her ordinator Wendy Moore further the college’s landscaping students. on both days. Admission and parking are free. help, I will be attending a information or with questions Among the plants for sale are Martha Washington For more information, go to: http://niagaracollege. college course this spring in an about the program. geraniums, kalanchoes, primula, hand ties and fl oral ca/inyourbackyard. Page 6, news@niagara, March 16, 2007 Brock professor says future oil prices will increase

By LAURA NARDUCCI became a bust,” ex- it gets more and more work and spoke about directional Staff Writer plained Head. A mar- compressed.” drilling using a stationary drill Oil, oil everywhere but there ket saturated in oil de- Because of the sedi- string and the mud around it to is not a drop to use until it can pressed demand. mentary rock’s pres- power the drill itself. With this be found. The fi rst combustion sure, oil or gasoline is type of drilling, the drill bit moves Martin Head, professor of Earth engine was built at this formed at 170 C and rather than the drill string and stays Sciences at Brock University in St. time. During the First 200 C respectively. where the oil source is. Catharines, spoke about the history World War, Britain’s Head says sediments Head told the intrigued audience of oil and petroleum discovery, re- Winston Churchill de- can accumulate on land of about 55, ages ranging from 25 covery and use on Feb. 15 at the St. cided to use oil to fuel and give rise to coal to 60, which countries had the larg- Catharines Public Library. warships. American and hydrocarbons. The est oil reserves and some of the “The issue of global warming multi-millionaire John difference is the marine new sources of oil, then opened the and climate change is something D. Rockefeller estab- sediments can produce fl oor to questions. we should feel is important,” lished Standard Oil, both oil and gas while The room buzzed with various says Head. which later became land sediments can questions and comments about oil He began his presentation with Esso, cornering 90 per only produce gas. and gasoline prices, about the ice a brief history of oil from ancient cent of the kerosene “It’s very important age and global warming and about days till now. market. In 1911, the for geologists to know political oil problems. The question According to Head, in 450 BC Supreme Court forced Dr. Martin Head, a professor of Earth Sciences at Brock when we are looking period lasted about 30 minutes. there were writings about oil seeps the break-up of his University in St. Catharines, responds to a question at the source rock that “I did not expect such a large and in the Mediterranean and Middle monopolistic company after his speech on oil’s economic impact. may have liberated this enthusiastic audience,” says Head, East. In 340 AD China drilled oil into 34 fi rms, some of Photo by Laura Narducci oil or gas. in an e-mail interview. wells up to 800 feet deep. Charles which exist today. “It’s important to Head says he would do this again Nelson Tripp found oil in 1851 “Kerosene saved the In the 1920s, gasoline became an know as much as we if given the chance. near Black Creek, Ont., but in 1958 whales from extinction,” Head important commodity because of can about this source rock because “Well, I’m not an economist, but James Miller Williams bought out says. “People were using whale the growing popularity and avail- that can help us to predict whether my oil company friends tell me that Tripp because of his interest in oil, specifi cally the oil of the sperm ability of motorized vehicles. we are getting oil or we’re going to we will never go back to the old kerosene. whale, to fuel lamps. Around the Head next explained how oil was fi nd gas, or both.” days when oil was less than $20 a In 1859, the fi rst oil rush oc- turn of the century, whales were formed, found and extracted. Oil Geologists look for oil traps, barrel. curred at Black Creek and more getting harder and harder to fi nd can form in the sea by plankton or structural faults or folds, and for “Indeed, the development of oil was found in Petrolia. The fi rst because they were being hunted on land. In the sea plankton sink to sandbars. the oil sands of Alberta is predi- oil line was built to Sarnia. In the out of extinction and so the de- the bottom and the “black organic Geologists study the globe for cated on continuing relatively high 1870s hundreds of refi neries were mand for oil, the synthetic oil, was ooze that forms becomes incorpo- large basins of sediment build- oil prices, and this seems a fair in business and Canada became a increasing. They discovered they rated into the sedimentary pile that up and deposition. Using seismic prediction. major player in petroleum refi nery. could design lamps that could burn is building up and it eventually be- technologies, they look for oil re- “Of course, short-term fl uctua- “There’s a boom/bust cycle and kerosene as effectively as earlier comes on organic rich rock. With serves. tions are driven by global politics, it wasn’t long before the boom lamps could burn whale oil.” further burial of sediments on top, Head explained how oil drills which are unpredictable.” Patterson encourages awareness of college’s ‘incredible value’ By ROBYN HOPPER University of Windsor, a master of convocation, an event that brings that we offer our students,” He says it is diffi cult to count the Staff Writer science degree from The London faculty, staff, parents and students he says. number of hours he works a week, Niagara College has 6,300 full- School of Economics and a master together to celebrate the completion Being a president requires long but estimates it is between 60 and time students, 13,500 part-time of adult education degree from the of a valuable post-secondary hours and participating in several 70 hours. students, 230 faculty members, University of Toronto. education. activities on and off campus as “But like so many people at 193 support staff, 75 administrative Most recently, he earned a “It’s the opportunity where the well as community events in the Niagara College, we all work very staff and one dedicated president. doctorate of philosophy in higher president of the college gets to evenings and on weekends. hard,” he affi rms. Dan Patterson is the college’s education at the University of confer upon students their diploma/ “Fortunately, I love all aspects of Patterson declares his goal for fi fth president and has been for Toronto. certifi cate and congratulate them my job, so working many hours a the future will be to continue to more than 12 years. Patterson knows the value and personally,” stated Patterson. week does not pose a problem for encourage awareness by more Patterson asserts that the No. importance of higher education and “I also get a great deal of me. Niagara College has become students and parents of the 1 priority for him is to ensure wants to see all Niagara College satisfaction when parents come an integral part of my life, and I “incredible value” of a college that the college meets its vision students succeed. and speak to me at every ceremony am very fortunate that my wife education. of “enriching lives and fulfi lling “The favourite part of my job and comment on how impressed Saundra shares my commitment to dreams by preparing students is interacting with students and they are with our convocation the college.” to pursue and achieve career seeing the impact our faculty and proceedings compared with others’ success.” staff have on their learning and elsewhere.” “This is accomplished by overall success,” said Patterson. Even with the introduction of the 62365849 ensuring we have the best faculty He reveals that many students he provincial government’s Reaching and staff available, as well as high- talks to tell him about the ways the Higher Plan in 2005, Ontario is ATTEND THE quality programs and services,” he college has changed their lives. still the lowest-funded province in affi rms. “I hear hundreds of stories the country in per-student funding. In addition, he states, “As the each semester of how individual “The constant battle with federal chief executive offi cer and president teachers, counsellors and staff have and provincial governments over of the college, my responsibility is been so caring and helpful on their funding of the college system STRESS to ensure we attract the best people [the students’] academic journey. is without a doubt the least and create high performance Hearing these comments is what favourite aspect of my job,” admits teams who in turn are devoted to really inspires me and encourages Patterson. MANAGEMENT providing the best opportunities for me to want to do more to improve He says he is pleased with our students.” the quality of education and the the recent increase in funding; During his time as president, impact we have on our students however, he feels “much more Patterson has advanced the college and the community in general,” he needs to be done.” WORKSHOP with major achievements including affi rmed. He states that having to deal overseeing a restructuring of Now in its 40th year, Niagara with two levels of government the college’s administration, College offers more than 70 post- can be a “frustrating process” constructing a $38-million campus secondary diploma and graduate and getting any progress is “very • Mon. March 19th, 2007 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is certifi cate programs, two bachelor slow.” Another challenge he faces part of a $60-million master plan to degree programs and skills and is making frequent trips to Queen’s 1:30 - 2:30pm expand and improve the college’s apprenticeship training programs. Park in Toronto to deal with the facilities. Offering a broad range of funding distribution process. N.O.T.L. Campus • Room E310 Before accepting his position programs the college, which is “The reality of a college as president, Patterson was vice- one of the most enterprising in president’s job today is that more president of the Ventures division Canada, acts as a launching pad for and more time has to be spent Counselling Services at the college for four years. successful careers. off campus in order to ensure the He holds a bachelor’s degree Patterson says his favourite college is adequately resourced to We’re Here To Help! in political science from the event of the academic year is continue the programs and services news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 7 Niagara Regional Police K-9 Unit sniffs out crime By KRISTEN COUGHLAR noting the NRP K-9 Unit has had Staff Writer three female dogs over the years. They’re dogs with jobs. The reason for the large male The nine members that comprise population is that females are good the Niagara Regional Police quality dogs, so they’re hard to get (NRP) K-9 Unit “can’t wait to get from breeders, Hopkins explains. to work.” When it comes to the particular Sergeant Jeff Hopkins of the breed of dog suited for police work, NRP K-9 Unit says that the team of Hopkins says certain breeds are dogs is invaluable to police work recognized for tracking purposes because they provide offi cer safety, and others are recognized by law, expedite searches and serve as a such as German Shepherds, Labs, deterrent to crime. Rottweilers, Dutch Shepherds and “There is a much higher success Belgian Malinois. rate” using dogs in police situations Once the dog has been purchased, than there is without because it is then issued a handler and the pair their olfactory system is far more begin a 15-week handling course sensitive than that of humans. that provides training in obedience, The unit’s Constable Jake Grant agility, tracking, article search, echoes Hopkins’s thoughts: “There standoff, open search, building would be a lot of criminals that search, chase and apprehension and would have gotten away without handler protection. Upon successful the dogs.” completions of the course, the team Most of the dogs on the unit are is then ready for general patrol and imported from Europe. must complete 200 hours of service “We just fi nd that the breeding in training each year. some European countries produces Hopkins explains that the primary the behavioural tendencies that are police service performed by the required to be a successful police canines is with search teams. dog,” Hopkins says. “The number 1 use in the Niagara “That’s not to say that there aren’t region and Canada is to locate good North American breeders,” as people,” noting the recovery, over Constable Jake Grant of the Niagara Regional Police K-9 Unit poses with one of the nine dogs in he explains that three out of nine time, of six people with dementia the unit. of the dogs are domestic. “The who had wandered off. Photo by Kristen Coughlar frequency of success is greater Of the nine dogs on the unit, (among European breeds) than if seven are trained as general-purpose the other for explosives. provided by the NRP. The dogs Until that time comes, Hopkins we purchased domestic.” dogs, with two cross-trained for The dogs are the property of serve on the unit until the point says, “they look forward to being While most of the dogs on the narcotics detection and one cross- the NRP. The handler of each dog that their health dictates that they there.” team are male, Hopkins says there trained for explosives detection. is responsible for the dog at all can no longer perform their duties, For more information on the is no difference between male and The two remaining dogs are solely times. The dogs are housed at the or as Hopkins says, “the heart is NRP K-9 Unit, visit www.nrps. female dogs in terms of suitability, dedicated: one for narcotics and handler’s residence in a dog run willing but the body isn’t.” com/canine/default.asp. Interrogation important Border guards welcome to Pickton murder trial new passport regulations By KRISTEN COUGHLAR during the course of an interrogation. Staff Writer Pickton’s interrogation falls under the By STEPHEN DOHNBERG such regulations, the guards don’t “have the A former Niagara Regional Police offi - inculpatory statement category. Staff Writer time or the resources to do a verifi cation of cer says the prosecution’s decision to start Along with the verbal examination of With all the confusion about border everyone that is trying to come in.” the Pickton trial with the 11-hour interro- Pickton’s interrogation, Arcaro says non- crossing regulations, one group of people Passports are required at international gation tape was a “fantastic move.” verbal indicators would be taken into ac- is happy to see a systemic approach land border crossings as of Jan. 1, 2008. With 15 years policing experience, Gino count as well: his mannerisms and physi- implemented. In the meantime, Moran admits that until Arcaro, professor and co-ordinator of the cal reactions to questions and during his These are the Canadian border guards then the issue of acceptable ID remains a Police Foundations and Law and Security answers. located at land crossings. “grey area.” Administration programs at Niagara Col- Although a narrative confession wasn’t National President of the Canada He also points out the guards are lege, says the widely talked about and obtained from the interrogation, Arcaro Customs Excise Union Ron Moran points “reasonable” in their assessment of whom controversial 11-hour taped interrogation says the inculpatory statements made by out establishing solid regulations will make to let through during the interim. of Robert Pickton, played in the begin- Pickton during those 11 hours are a “huge their job easier when people understand He recognizes that “the offi cers live ning stages of the trial, had the desired breakthrough. Any time you can get even they require a specifi c kind of identifi cation in proximity of the border communities, effect. Pickton has been charged with the an incriminating statement you get a to cross. so they all share the same concern about murders of 26 women from Vancouver’s high mark.” “We have people who try to cross the sacrifi cing the day trips and “recognize downtown eastside. Surmising on the strategy investiga- border with Costco cards [or] library cards the concern and impact on their local Referring to the tape, Arcaro says the tors used during the interrogation, Arcaro who get quite upset at the offi cers because economies.” prosecution wanted the jury and judge to explains that in a case of this magnitude they fi gure, ‘I am providing you with photo Moran explains that guards are citizens hear the lies. there is no perfect formula to get a confes- ID. What’s the problem here?’” and part of a security force, and they have a “Most people don’t need an expert to sion, but, taking a guess, says the strategy The notion that a driver’s licence is balancing act to perform. pick out an honest person. It allowed them was probably victim oriented. adequate is false. The guards “share the concern about to see the person.” By focusing on the victims and the Moran points out “the only thing a being able to give some latitude in terms of As to the role this interrogation tape will suffering of other people, while building driver’s licence establishes is that some implementation; however, from a security play in the trial, Arcaro says, “In this case a rapport with the accused through men- state or province says that it’s OK for you standpoint, not a lot of people see beauty in or any case, I can’t think of anything that’s tal agreement, Arcaro says the goal is to to drive a car. It does absolutely nothing in the Immigration and Customs processes.” more important. It removes any possibil- appeal to the accused’s conscience “to establishing admissibility or citizenship.” “As Canadians, we enter Canada by ity that you’ve got the wrong guy. It is the the point where the cognitive dissonance Moran says border guards prefer the idea right, but for others, it’s a privilege to enter most crucial thing in that investigation.” (inconsistency between one’s beliefs and that something more formal be used. our country, just as it’s a privilege for us to Examining the content of the interroga- one’s actions) is so strong they have no “Passports and/or any type of formal card enter any other country.” tion, Arcaro explains the two categories choice but to confess to it.” that is scannable, that will actually expedite Moran illustrates the urgency of having of confessions: narrative and inculpatory With any case, Arcaro says, “The im- the fl ow of low-risk traffi c, is looked at as hard and fast rules of border safety. statements. In narrative confessions, the portant thing is to improvise.” something that is very needed.” For the border agents, it’s the “only suspect relays a blow-by-blow account of The bottom line? “Interrogation and Moran indicates high-volume areas opportunity to make the determination” the crime of which he or she has been ac- interviewing witnesses are the most are most likely to benefi t because of the that the person coming into the country is cused. Inculpatory statements are the in- important things to an investigation,” increase in security measures. Without not a security threat.” criminating statements made by a suspect Arcaro says. Page 8, news@niagara, March 16, 2007 NEWSEDITORIALS@NIAGARA

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news@niagara is a practical lab for Journalism-Print program students studying at Niagara College. Opinions expressed in editorials and columns are not those of news@niagara management or the college administration. Columns, identified as such, reflect only the writerʼs opinion. 2006 WINNER Readers are welcome to respond to columnists by e-mail at [email protected] Protest now or pay higher fees later St. Paddy’s Day, Rising tuition rates are causing alarm The outstanding default totalled $281.9 for many post-secondary students across million. This rate shows people have trouble Canada. making payments or just don’t worry when it This triggered a nationwide protest comes to defaulting on their loans. great time to party Feb. 7. In the week prior to the nationwide rally, The crux of the issue is not whether neither Niagara College’s nor Brock Uni- St. Patrick’s Day is not just for the Irish or for the city of education should be free. Instead, the versity’s student bodies were organizing any Boston. government must change the loan repayment type of protest, not even an awareness cam- It’s a time of celebration for friends and families of all structure to a proportional repayment plan. paign. ages to let loose and drink green beer. Starting ridiculously When students leave post-secondary Few students knew of the rally, and some early in the morning and lasting into all hours of the night, institutions and start earning, say, $28,000 per said they wouldn’t want to stand out in the 24-hour festivities are a time to wear your favourite year, the repayment should be a proportion the cold. shade of green and party for as long and as hard as you of this. The cold? can. This would lessen the overall fi nancial load Higher tuition rates over multiple years are Although the Irish may think it’s their holiday, historically, of the loan. more convenient than standing in the cold for St. Patrick was not Irish, but was named Maewyn Succat A student with a debt load of $30,000 one day a year? and hailed from either Scotland or Roman Britain. repaying over 9 1/2 years must make a The payback structure must be altered to I say, grab your lucky charms and your drinking cap and monthly payment of $400. help graduates pay their academic debts, but head on down to the local Irish pub for some old-fashioned According to Thomas Gross, of Human if students can’t be bothered to challenge the fi ddle-playing Celtic bands. Irish pubs will be the toast of Resources and Social Development of system, they will continue to pay the high debt the town Saturday night with a promise of pure St. Paddy’s Canada, from Aug. 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006, payments and shouldn’t complain about it. Day entertainment. about 39,700 borrowers defaulted on their Get ready, because on March 17, everyone’s Irish. Canada Student Loans. RYAN MCLEAN KATELYN GALER

Dear Editor: to social programs they released details how they will spend what little remains It was last September, just as students of a $13-billion surplus left by the in the budget for summer student Letter to were settling in for the fi rst semester previous Liberal government. grants. at university and college, that the I recently asked a question in the Students are not the only victims of Conservative government announced House of Commons to Monte Solberg, the cuts made by the Conservatives. massive cuts to social programs in the Conservative Minister for Human Women’s groups were hit when $5 the editor Canada, including slashing $55 million Resources Skills Development. million was slashed from the Status from a program that hires students for I asked him why he and his of Women, not to mention killing the summer. government slashed $55 million from the Kelowna Accord, child care and The Summer Career Placement student summer work grants. The support for minorities. Program was put in place in the mid- response: “... It is kind of hilarious There can be no question that we 90s to help students throughout Canada that the member would be concerned have the most right-wing government Students obtain work to pay their way through about a few million dollars in cuts.” It in Canada’s history and we can no university or college. didn’t occur to Minister Solberg that a longer rest while they tear apart the The program also was vital to many “few” million (actually $55 million) in social fabric of the country. It is not-for-profi t groups who were able cuts translates into thousands of lost time for progressive Canadians to need to get some extra assistance from a jobs for students. The Conservative come together in order to stop the student during the summer months. vision for Canada is narrow and mean Conservatives in the next election. The Cutting $55 million from student spirited. alternative should be a concern to all summer jobs makes no sense. It was not Furthermore, there is still no who care about Canada. money as if the Conservative government was information available on the Human Mike Savage, Offi cial Opposition is back struggling to balance the books. In fact, Resources Canada website directing Critic for Human Resources Skills on the very day they slashed funding students and community groups as to Development Canada. April 13 news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 9 NEWSCOLUMNS@NIAGARA Improved help needed for victims of alcoholism

passed away from cirrhosis of the never diagnosed my father, in all his accommodate my aunt’s request, when my mom told me about liver, a complication of his alcohol 46 years of life, with depression. and my father never returned for her trips to the liver specialist dependence. Over the past fi ve During the last year of his life, counselling. with my dad. My mom informed years I have pushed all the stages my dad fi nally approached my The next option was one I me during these appointments of grief, but if there were one stage aunt, Darlene Johnson, admitted he explored. You hear about detox no one at the liver clinic ever that I still cling to from time to had a drinking problem and needed centres all the time, but what you told her where she could go for time it would be anger at the lack to get help. My aunt, being a health may not know is that admittance more information on what we of assistance my father received nurse, offered to accompany my is strictly on a voluntary basis. were facing or what we could during his battle with alcoholism. dad to Options For Change, a drug I have a little problem with expect down the road. Ninety per By KRISTEN COUGHLAR In most cases, an individual’s and alcohol counselling centre in this because when someone cent of the information my mom Columnist dependence on alcohol or drugs is Kingston, Ont. tries to take his or her own life obtained about my dad’s illness merely an extension of some other During his consultation, my that person is required to seek came from the Internet because They’re willing to help, but only deep-rooted problem. Therefore, aunt says my dad informed them counselling whether that person the individuals at the liver clinic on their own terms. each substance abuser’s needs differ that his drinking was the result of wants to or not, yet individuals refused to answer any question We make generalizations about greatly from the next person’s. The social anxiety and that he didn’t suffering from substance abuse unless it came from my father. people every day by assigning problem lies in the fact that most of feel comfortable in groups. They problems, who are essentially I’m not saying these services them to specifi c cliques. People the services available to individuals then proceeded to tell him that killing themselves, have to want are to blame for my losing my dad suffering from substance abuse with substance abuse problems do not they only offered couselling in to get help. How is it possible when I was 18, as I believe we are problems do not escape this social cater to a person’s individual needs. group situations. My aunt, not that someone who drinks and all responsible for our own well- attitude; we label them as addicts Such was the case with my father, wanting this major window of whose health and very existence being, but rather that alcoholism is as though they’re all cut from who suffered from depression. opportunity to disappear, says are at stake is considered more a disease. If he had gotten the help the same cloth and can be cured Anxious in social situations as a she asked if it would be all competent than someone who, for he needed instead of the help these through the numerous avenues of teen, my dad turned to alcohol as right if she accompanied him whatever reason, feels the need to services were willing to give him, assistance available. a crutch, and the habit snowballed to the meetings for support. attempt suicide? the consequences might have been It’s been fi ve years since my dad from there. A medical professional The service was not prepared to The fi nal straw for me came different. Spears losing her lid after split with Federline foes and the general public: ‘What Ian Drew, editor-at-large of People can excuse her behaviour behaviour, Joy Behar, co-host was she thinking?’ Two things Us Weekly magazine, attributes in whichever way they please, but of ABC’s The View, thinks seem clear: the one-time pop her behaviour to her young is anyone concerned about her otherwise. princess is acting out and is in dire childhood stardom. children? What are they doing when “This girl is out of control, and need of help.” “She is a child star unravelling mommy is in rehab and daddy is no she’s in a lot of trouble. A lot of With the all the emotional and is the perfect example of when longer in the picture? people feel this is self-mutilation.” trauma in her life, of course she a child star evolves into an adult Federline’s attorney alledgedly Whatever Spears’s motives are By TARA BRADY needs help. and doesn’t have someone telling confi rmed that Spears and Federline for acting like a rebellious teenager, Columnist After giving birth to two children them what to do or giving them the would continue joint custody of one thing is sure: she needs to stop in two years, the recent separation right affi rmative advice and the right their two children. before her children become the Oops, she did it again. from her husband and, let’s admit support. She basically started out too While many comedians take brunt of another tabloid-exploited Former southern-belle-turned- it, her lack of talent in the singing young in a competitive business.” advantage of Spears’s unbelievable news story. pop-princess Britney Spears has department, she has no choice but hit rock bottom. to be a wreck. After her much-publicized split Even worse, after her hair-happy with her husband and former back- escapade, she decided to do what up dancer, Kevin Federline, her life a responsible mother of two would Bush to shift blame to Iraqis is in shambles. do; jump on the bandwagon and says the responsibility of Iraq’s It’s the domino effect; a family Her life after Federline was get a couple of tattoos. future must be with the Iraqis. killed in a rocket attack is deemed closely followed by the paparazzi, I know I may be a little harsh, but The U.S. cannot save Iraqis from “collateral damage.” It happens. It’s noting her partying lifestyle that give me a break. She obviously is themselves, referring to growing war. Get over it, we’re told. Then highlighted by her “falling asleep” in desperate need of some attention sectarian violence. the U.S. shoots and kills someone’s at a Las Vegas nightclub on New and, since she has nothing else In addition, politicians continue father or brother, mistaking that Year’s Eve. going for her in her life, she had to say Iraqis are unwilling and person for a terrorist, and a mother Spears shocked fans and critics to go to extreme lengths to attract incompetent to handle freedom. starts her mourning by clutching her alike after having her head shaved some sort of publicity. By RYAN MCLEAN Don’t Iraqis understand when the baby’s charred lifeless body after at a California hair salon in According to People magazine’s Columnist statue of dictator Saddam Hussein a market explosion. Soon enough February. website, Spears has gone in and out fell it was freedom for everyone? the accidents evolve into confusion According to ABC News, of rehab, checking herself into and As the Iraq war becomes These dim-witted barbaric about who’s behind the attacks. psychologists are speculating on out of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads increasingly unpopular, the Iraqis must be the ones to blame. In the months before the U.S.- the cause of her downward spiral. centre in the Caribbean. United States government is Look at them, running around led invasion, a Gallup poll asked “Now, after she’s shaved her Because of the efforts of the beginning to distance itself from killing each other for no good Iraqis their thoughts on the Bush head in a bizarre episode that most intelligent people in her life, the mess. reason except traditional grudges. administration’s motives for culminates a month’s-long saga her family, she was convinced to The blame shift has begun in I mean, why wouldn’t they want going to war. of controversial behaviour, it’s a return to a rehab in-patient facility the halls of Washington, D.C. the American dream? They don’t One per cent believed it was question being asked by her fans, in Los Angeles. More and more politicians and deserve freedom, right? to install democracy. Forty-three military experts are distancing First and foremost, when a per cent believe it was “to rob Column Criteria themselves from a possible country’s government or hierarchy Iraq’s oil.” Journalists, including those in the Journalism-Print program at failure by asserting it’s the Iraqis collapses, a power struggle will U.S. leaders had the right Niagara College, are taught that their reporting must be balanced, who are to blame for the lack of naturally ensue. Cue the Kurds to the intention for invading a country the fair and objective as possible. That rule must also exist progress being made since the North, the Sunni in the centre and the size of California under the guise for columns written by reporters. U.S. led invasion in 2003. This Shia to the South. Each is battling for of freedom. The fact they had a In columns, the feelings and opinions of reporters are welcome, is also an indication the U.S. is power and recognition, for countless poor plan with no exit strategy and but balance, fairness and objectivity must never be overlooked or getting ready to pull out. economic and social reasons. Plus, probably the worst Secretary of disregarded. Our columns do not represent the opinions of Unfortunately, this isn’t a blue or you have the U.S. and Iran fi ghting a Defense in the country’s history is the Niagara College administration or the management red state thing either. Democratic quiet war against each another at the not their fault. The Iraqis just don’t of news@niagara. Columns refl ect the opinion of Senator Carl Levin, of Michigan, expense of the Iraqi people. want governmental freedom. only one person: the writer. Page 10, news@niagara, March 16, 2007

A history of mystery

off to Ireland. They sold him him and urged him to try again. to have died on March 17, 461, in as a slave to Michu, chief of After some grumbling, the Sabhall (Saul), Country Down, By LAURA NARDUCCI Country Antrim. snake got in the box just to and was buried in neighbouring Staff Writer There St. Patrick spent more show it was too small, and at Downpatrick.” It’s the day everyone than six years as a swineherd once St. Patrick clamped down “Nearby was the monastery celebrates by wearing green. guarding his master’s pigs, the lid and tossed the container, headed by Saint Brigid and it “March 17 is Ireland’s while he learned the Celtic snake and all, into the sea.” was she who wrapped him in greatest holiday as well as a language. At last he fl ed to the Ickis says St. Patrick’s Day a winding cloth she had made. holy day,” says Marguerite coast and reached the shores of has agricultural signifi cance. St. Patrick left a legacy of Ickis in her book The Book of Brittany.” “There is an old Irish saying, Christianity which fl ourishes in Festival Holidays. Schmitz says St. Patrick ‘St. Patrick turns the warm Ireland to this day.” “The festival is held resumed his education and side of the stone uppermost,’ Although the legends are in honour of St. Patrick, ended up in France, where he and potatoes are planted on many and separating truth from Ireland’s beloved saint, and studied with St. Germanus at that day.” fi ction is diffi cult, people still the day commemorates not the Auxerre. Foster and Grierson say in celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. date of his birth, but his death “Patrick had been having one legend that “he turned into “Pages might be fi lled with on March 17, 461 A.D.” visions and dreams which urged stone a fi erce wolf-dog which the wonderful deeds ascribed Although everyone celebrates him to return to Ireland, but his had been sent upon him by an to the legendary St. Patrick, but St. Patrick’s Day, there is no years of neglected schooling enemy.” the glow of his fame needs no clear history on the day. told against him.” According to them, the more re-kindling. For, on the 17th In their book High Days and He returned to Ireland in fascinating legend is about the of March, throngs of people Holidays in Canada, Annie H. 432 and “journeyed far and shamrock, a plant considered – many of them without a trace Foster and Anne Grierson write, wide in order to convert the sacred in ancient Persia and of Hibernian blood in their “A haze of tradition obscures population.” used by priests in pagan rites. veins – don green neckties, or the history of this patron “For many years St. Patrick Celts saw it as a revered pin tufts of shamrock on their saint of Erin. It is probable, went about Ireland, preaching object and Druids worshipped coats and lustily carol a stanza however, that he was born near and teaching the people, building it as an emblem of the Triad. of two of that rallying-song of Dumbarton, Scotland, in 387.” churches, organizing schools “St. Patrick, knowing this, the sons of Erin, The Wearin’ o’ There seems to be a distinct and performing miracles,” says was eager to give the trefoil the Green.” story of St. Patrick with only Foster and Grierson. leaf a Christian application. slight differences. The story According to Foster and Preaching one morning in the of “St. Patrick’s life is so Grierson, “popular fancy has open air, he plucked a shamrock strewn with loving legends that woven a tapestry of romance from the grass growing at his separating historical facts from about the life of the beloved feet and held it up to illustrate imaginary ones is still a big task saint.” Ickis says one legend the Trinity: Father, Son and for the researcher,” says Ickis. suggests when St. Patrick went the Holy Ghost.” In her book Irish for a Day, out on missionary journeys, Although there are many Nancy Schmitz says, “During he was always preceded by a myths about him, the date the reign of Niall of the Nine drummer boy to announce he of St. Patrick’s death is Hostages, there were constant was coming. unmistakably March 17. raids on Gaul (Ireland) and Another legend says St. According to Ickis, Britain, and it seems that in the Patrick drove all the snakes out “the sun refused to set course of one of these, probably of Ireland by beating on a drum. for 12 whole days and about the year 401, the 16-year- The drum broke once when nights after St. Patrick old Magonus Sucatus Patricius he hit it too hard and an angel died and stood perfectly (St. Patrick) was carried off into appeared and mended it. still so as not to bring a captivity.” “One story relates that one new day without him.” According to Ickis, St. old snake refused to leave, “Thousands of mourners came Patrick was held as a slave so St. Patrick made a box and to his funeral from long distances. for six years working as a asked the serpent to enter. The So many torches and candles shepherd. However, Foster and creature objected, saying it was were carried that it is said Grierson say he “was captured too small. The saint insisted it everything was light as day.” by pirates, who carried him was big enough to accommodate Schmitz says “he is supposed news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 11 Everyone’s a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day On the 17th day in March, everything becomes green. The yearly celebration, of course, is St. Patrick’s Day. This day is widely celebrated by the citizens of Ireland, as well as Irish descendants around the world. By SEAN MANCUSO St. Patrick’s Day is the annual feast day, in honour of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Staff Writer St. Patrick was known as the Ireland. This holiday is celebrated on March 17 because it is believed that this is the day that St. Patrick died. Catholics celebrate by wearing green, eating Irish food, attending parades and, of course, drinking green alcoholic beverages. Mallory Riley, 20, of Niagara Falls, says, “St. Patrick’s day is day when my ancestors are celebrated by everyone.” fi rst patron saint to bring Christianity to

Riley adds, “I can express the true pride I feel in being Irish and scream it out to the world if I want to. Best day of the year, in my opinion.” The St. Patrick’s Day parade is a festive occasion in major cities worldwide. In the Irish capital, Dublin, the parade is part of a than 500,000 people attended the 2006 parade. New York City traditionally hosts the largest parade, with over two million people attending. The 1737. fi rst St. Patrick’s fi In many areas of North America, Great Britain and Australia, Irish nally a descendants, people with no Irish connections whatsoever and those who St. feel Irish for the day wear green clothing and partake in the drinking of large quantities of alcoholic drinks, most of which are dyed green. Day parade took place in Boston, Mass., in The most popular and commonly enjoyed Irish beverages are Guinness fi ve-day festival. More Paddy’s beer, Jameson’s Irish Whisky and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Bar owners can delight in the fact March 17 falls on a Saturday this year, meaning more patrons willing to celebrate because they do not hangover? have work the next day. In the many ways that people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, it is clear everyone has a great time. The website www.st-patricks-day.com has information By JASON PETZNICK on St. Patrick’s Day events, Irish music, Irish shopping, Columnist Irish dancing and a listing of Irish pubs around the It’s March 18, the morning after St. Patrick’s Day. world. Patrick Sheehan’s Irish Pub, at 101 St. Paul St. in Your head feels as if someone was using it to play the St. Catharines, is a good choice in the Niagara region. I’m disorientation wishing all Irish people a very happy St. Patrick’s Day. Erin Go cymbals. Your mouth has that familiar sour taste of last night’s alcohol and you have to take Bragh. a minute to fi gure out where you are. and shakiness. You open your eyes, roll over and pray you’re not in bed with someone of the opposite Vitamin B can sex who is less than attractive (also sometimes referred to as a swamp creature, sea donkey, be naturally found in bog frog or victim of an ugly stick beat down). potatoes and bananas, Once you shoo the mythical creature from you house, it’s while vitamin C is abundant in time to take care of your hangover. milk and oranges. You can also take While there are some people who swear by a McDonald’s vitamin supplements such as Redoxon hamburger or cold pizza, there are some other more (vitamin C) or Berocca (vitamin B) to make scientifi c ways to remedy those terrible feelings. up for the alcohol’s effects. The website Rupissed.com says a number of Dehydration is a fairly simple problem for most things contribute to your hangover. people to solve. If you can drag your sorry butt out of bed, “A hangover is caused by a combination of go to the corner store and grab yourself a sports drink like the toxic by-product of alcohol metabolism Gatorade or Powerade. If you’re too sore to move that far, grab (acetaldehyde), dehydration and Vitamin A, B yourself a glass of water and drink up. and C depletion caused by the chemical action Acetaldehyde is a bit of a tricky monster to overcome, but the substance of alcohol on your system.” cysteine will directly counteract the poisonous effects of acetaldehyde. While you will fi nd many different, and Cysteine can be found in milk, meat, red peppers, garlic, broccoli, brussel sprouts sometimes confl icting, opinions on the best way and in many other vegetables. to cure a hangover, a few will be more effective A number of techniques can help fi x your hangover before it even happens. Try building than others. up a stock of vitamins in your system so their levels won’t be as low come morning. Also, avoid mixing alcohol with carbonated beverages as this causes the alcohol to be absorbed Let’s start solving our hangover equation from the more quickly. Finally, indulge in the post-drinking pig out. The food will increase your bottom up. metabolism and speed up the rate at which your body will process the alcohol. Alcohol fl ushes a signifi cant amount of vitamins and All these tips should help you live happily in the morning after; it’s just too bad there’s minerals out of your body. This is the culprit for your no cure for the far more dangerous swamp creature. St. Patrick’s Day hockey tournament

By TOM RISHAUR Staff Writer This St. Patrick’s Day will have a little extra entertainment for those in the Welland area. The Greg Darling Ball Hockey tournament will take place tomorrow at Ball Hockey International (BHI) Welland, at Niagara College’s Welland campus. The tournament, run by BHI and college radio station CRNC 90.1, The New Heat, is named after a former Niagara College graduate and professor in the Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program. Darling, who taught fi rst-year fi lm courses in his last years, died suddenly on Nov. 1, 2001. He was 50 years old. Adam Liefl , promotions director for CRNC, says Darling was “one of the most loved and respected teachers” at the college. In his honour, the Greg Darling Scholarship is awarded annually to a third-year fi lm student at Niagara College. The ball hockey tournament costs $150 for the registration of each team, and the proceeds go toward the Darling Scholarship. This year there are eight teams registered. Registration was open to everyone, and most of the teams are made up of local students, but, Liefl says, there is at least one college faculty team. “It a good excuse for students to come beat the snot out of their teachers,” says Liefl . Niagara College’s Welland campus is at 300 Woodlawn Rd. Page 12, news@niagara, March 16, 2007 Geeky radio hosts take Toronto by storm By LESLEY SMITH Saylor says he “instantly IM’d [instant panels on topics including how to make a The show was broadcast live over the Staff Writer messaged] Mike and said, ‘Dude, we have podcast and how to grow a community. Internet. The geeks are taking over the world. to go to this,’” after seeing information Podcasting is the process of broadcasting “Basically I asked Brent from the Because of PodCamp, held at Toronto’s about PodCamp online. an audio or video show on the Internet. closetgeekshow.com if we could MC, Ryerson University on Feb. 24 and Feb. “We made arrangements not to eat for Listeners and viewers are able to subscribe to jokingly. Eventually we arrived at C’est 25, This Week in Geek (TWIG) hosts Mike the next two weeks and it worked out,” these podcasts and have them automatically What and we got told about 20 minutes “Birdman” Dodd and Steve “Snowball” jokes Dodd about the money he spent on downloaded to their computers when new before the event started,” explains Dodd. Saylor were able to connect with fellow travelling and accommodations. episodes become available. “It was really damned cool and we did podcasters and broadcast on the Internet. not expect it. We took the stage and it all “We were taken seriously despite our took shape from there.” dumb jokes and my red hair,” jokes Dodd, a “It was surreal and it made us feel like we fi rst-year Broadcasting — Radio, Television actually belong here instead of us just being and Film (BRTF) program student. on the outside,” adds Saylor. More seriously, Saylor, also a fi rst-year Later that night, the duo hosted a podcast BRTF student, notes, “We handed out over from their hotel room with other PodCamp 100 business cards. Everyone knew who attendees. we were and what we did by the end of Though the show was not completed until the fi rst few hours; we were that crazy and 3:30 a.m., Saylor exclaims it was “freaking outgoing.” fantastic.” “And when we streamed out over the Net, “It fl owed so well,” says Dodd. “The the world knew us,” adds Dodd. topics fl owed easily into one another.” On the most recent episode of TWIG, “And we got to talk to people who had PodCamp co-founder Chris Brogan defi ned the same passion for geeks and podcasting the event as “a two-day, free unconference as we did,” points out Saylor. promoting the value of using social media Topics included how podcasting attracts tools like blogging, audio and video advertising, what podcasting has become podcasting, social media, wikis, to get and where it’s going. conversations and make communities The episode can be heard on the TWIG happen.” website, www.thisweekingeek.net. PodCamp is deemed an unconference Dodd and Saylor say the experiences because it is something anyone can take they had at PodCamp surpassed what they part in. expected. “If Mike and I wanted to be a part of a Steve “Snowball” Saylor, left, and Mike “Birdman” Dodd, hosts of This Week In Geek, They hope to be able to take in other panel, we just registered that day and were travelled to Toronto to take part in PodCamp on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25. The pair has PodCamps in the future. in,” explains Saylor. found success with their weekly talk show on the college’s radio station. TWIG can be heard on 90.1FM, The “Yeah,” agrees Dodd. “It was spontaneous Photo by Lesley Smith New Heat, or online at www.broadcasting. and yet it functioned. It was well organized. niagarac.on.ca/cnrc.html Wednesdays from [There was] no real chaos of any sort during During PodCamp, three rooms in the However, the PodCamp sessions were 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. the whole event.” university’s Rogers Communication Centre not all the boys got to take part in. Podcasts versions of past episodes are The duo decided to attend the weekend were set up, each holding hour-long sessions On the fi rst night, they were announcers available for download on the show’s event only three days before it began. throughout the weekend. There were also at a live-music show in the bar, C’est What. website. To serve, protect and inform Habitat to build fi ve affordable housing units in Fort Erie By KRIS DUBÉ a zero per cent interest rate,” Staff Writer King said. Habitat for Humanity has Each family moving into broken ground in Fort Erie. one of the new homes will The foundation provides have also played a role in its housing for people who are construction. This is a busi- less fortunate and need a ness procedure called “sweat comfortable home to live in. equity,” which is a way for Five affordable housing units members of the chosen family are set to be built on the corner to make a “down payment” on of Phipps Street and Dodds their new house, said King. Court in the border town’s “We are a volunteer-based north end, with the completion organization reaching out to all of the fi rst house set for May. members of our community: “Our goal is to raise about individuals, corporations, busi- Toronto Transit Commission Special Constables Michael Killingsworth (left) and James Bingham $50,000,” said Communica- nesses and the public,” said share information with Carol Smith, the academic program assistant for the Community Safety tions and Public Relations Co- Alistair Davis, chief executive and Fitness program, at the Careers in Policing, Security and Justice Event on Feb. 21 at Niagara ordinator Ryan King. offi cer of Habitat for Humanity College’s Welland campus. The most substantial dona- Niagara. Photo by Adam Gamble tion came from St. Andrew’s “Strategic partnerships allow Knox-Presbyterian Church in us to provide families in need Fort Erie. The church present- of a ‘hand up, not a hand out’ ed Habitat for Humanity with a while strengthening the fabric $1,000 cheque in February. of our community. This is why Ch-ch-changes Families can apply for we want the whole community We’re changing. residence in one of the fi ve to be involved,” said Davis. Starting in April, fi rst-year students of the Journalism-Print program take the reins of news@niagara. houses being built. Habitat for Humanity is ac- For the past 11 editions, the program’s second-year students have been writing stories, editing copy, taking It is later determined by cepting volunteers to fi ll a photos and doing pagination for news@niagara. “need, willingness to partner variety of positions includ- Those students begin their placement in April at various newspapers. with Habitat for Humanity, ing materials co-ordinator and The fi rst-year students have been working on their stories since February. Their paper comes out on April and their ability to pay off construction supervisor. 13. the mortgage that we start for For further information, To view current and past editions of news@niagara, visit our website, http://www.newsatniagara.com/ them, which also comes with phone 905-685-7395. pdfarchives/index.htm. news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 13 Organic diet provides ‘signifi cant’ health benefi ts By ROBYN HOPPER chemicals from entering the envi- of toxic chemicals ingested. Staff Writer ronment every year, including syn- Organic produce has “signifi cantly Switching to organic foods may thetic pesticides, fungicides, insec- higher levels” of cancer-fi ghting be worth the high price. ticides, rodenticides, fertilizers and antioxidants produced by the On Feb. 17 in Toronto, the wood preservatives. plant to help fi ght off insects and Canadian Organic Growers (COG) The main goal of organic agri- competing plants. conference examined the health culture is to develop productive Organic food production does not benefi ts of organic foods. More projects that are sustainable and use genetically modifi ed organisms than 300 people attended. harmonious with the environment. and contains no synthetic dyes, COG is a national charitable Organic agriculture is free from food additives or preservatives. organization devoted to leading the use of sewage sludge and Organic food may be benefi - local and national communities materials and products produced cial for the human body and for towards sustainable organic from genetic engineering. Organic the land. According to the COG, stewardship of land, food and fi bre livestock are raised without the use organic agriculture optimizes the while respecting nature, upholding of antibiotics and growth hormones productivity and health of diverse social justice and protecting and are fed with only 100 per cent communities, including soil, or- natural resources. organic feed. ganisms, plants, livestock and Canada’s organic food industry The Growing Up Organic people. is growing at 25 per cent a year. conference consisted of sessions It replenishes and maintains Canada has more than 1.3 million focusing on the state of the long-term soil fertility by provid- acres of land being used to grow many health benefi ts, especially for certifi ed food. country’s food, the effects of food ing optimal conditions for soil. It organic food, with another 118,500 children,” said Dr. Laura Telford, Canada’s largest organic crop on children and innovative organic also improves the surrounding wa- acres in transition. executive director of COG in a is wheat, with more than 187,000 food programs for children. ter quality and reduces the energy In 2005, there were 3,618 press release. acres of growing land. Organic The conference’s fi nal session use in the various stages of food organic food producers, and Because of the rapid increase livestock production is also on addressed the question of whether production. another 241 farmers were making in organic agriculture, the the rise. From 2004 to 2005, beef organic food is worth the higher With the passing of the Organic the transition from conventional federal government introduced increased by 30 per cent, sheep price. “This is something that Products Regulation in December, to organic farming. regulations last December, setting increased by 19 per cent, laying consumers have to decide. But in organic food will be certifi ed and “The organic industry is growing a mandatory standard of organic hens by 20 per cent and poultry by order to choose, they need good organic farmers will be accredited very quickly, and more people food production. 56 per cent. information about their food and by the Canadian Food Inspection are beginning to understand why The government will also According to the COG, or- how it is produced,” said Telford. Agency. organic agriculture is so important provide an easily recognizable ganic agriculture prevents about The COG states that eating For more information visit, and that eating organic food has logo, Canada Organic, to identify 1,157,748 kilograms of synthetic organic food reduces the amount www.cog.ca. Revised food guide easier to follow By BRE KIBBLER choi sum and bamboo shoots. activity for children and youth and Staff Writer Klepey says she thinks it’s good 60 minutes a day for adults. April daffodil month Following Canada’s Food Guide the guide is acknowledging other “It’s an idea of balance,” says (CFG) just got a little easier. cultures. Gould. Health Canada revised its “Canada has always prided itself Gould refl ects on how healthy national Food Guide on Feb. 5 to on its multiculturalism. Now we living in society is a sliding scale. include more culturally diverse can pimp it in our food guide.” She points out that on one side for Cancer Society foods, customized servings, It has been nearly 15 years since there is anorexia, bulimia and information on artery-clogging the guide has been updated. the image of a perfect body. On trans fats and exercise guidelines. Carolyn Gould, college nurse the other is morbid obesity, more “It seems a bit more to the for Niagara College Health junk food than ever and advancing Volunteers eagerly sought point,” says Janine Klepey, 20. Services, says she thinks it was technology confi ning us to our Klepey says the previous food time to update the guide. computer chairs. guide’s serving suggestions were “As culture diversifi es, they “A lot of people can’t even run By NADINE WEBSTER the society’s goal of eliminating “too vague” for her and she likes have to update the guide.” to the bathroom. If they are serious Staff Writer cancer and enhancing the lives how specifi c the new suggestions Although she says she is happy about getting healthy, eating isn’t Three hours can save a life. of people living with cancer.” are. vegetables are a top priority, solely the answer. Physical activity April is Daffodil Month for “We have hope that research Serving suggestions are she thinks there is too much is a part of it,” says Klepey. the Canadian Cancer Society in science will fi nd a cure for customized in three age groups information. Visit the Health Canada website (CCS). Volunteers are needed cancer,” says Joanne Eagles, of and six sub-categories, by gender “It’s no longer a pamphlet,” says for more information on daily for canvassing and selling Hamilton, a volunteer door-to- and by age: children, ages two to Gould. “It’s a guide, not a bible.” servings and portion sizes relative daffodils to fund research. door canvasser. three, four to eight and nine to 13, To get the full effect of the to your age and gender, information Across the province, While three hours may teens, 14 to 18 and adults, 19 to 50 revisions, those interested can on trans fats, calories and sugars, volunteers, supplied with a sound like a lot, for Michelle and 51 plus. search on Health Canada’s choosing healthy foods and living canvassing kit and fresh daffodil Landriault, a CCS volunteer, “This way, people know just how website, which brings up 23 pages a balanced lifestyle. The site also fl owers, spend just three hours it’s worth it. much they need,” says Klepey. of information. offers customized food guides. collecting donations for the “Cancer has touched my life. The new CFG added more The new guide has a strong Gould says to remember that fi ght against cancer. It is the least I can do.” culturally diverse foods to its emphasis on physical activity, “the more prepared the food is, the Fundraising Co-ordinator If knocking on doors is not menu, such as bok choy, okra, suggesting 90 minutes of daily less the nutrients.” of the Niagara Unit Angela your thing, CCS offers many Daley suggests volunteers go other volunteer opportunities, Children Teens Adults door-to-door in their immediate from driving people with cancer neighbourhoods, which takes to doctors’ appointments, about two to three hours to organizing special events 2-3 4-8 9-13 14-18 years 19-50 years 51+ years complete. Those donating will and fundraisers, to providing receive a receipt for income tax administrative assistant at the Girls and boys Female Male F M F M purposes. CCS, making presentations Daley says volunteers can in the community, or simply Vegetables also be placed on site. helping others cope by 4 5 6 7 8 7-8 8-10 7 7 “Most of the sites are grocery sharing your experience with and Fruit stores. We provide a list of cancer. There is something for Grain several locations, like hospitals everyone. and general grocery stores.” New volunteers are paired Products 3 4 6 6 7 6-7 8 6 7 According to the society’s with a leadership volunteer to website, the money raised help with set-up, scheduling and Milk and “helps the CCS fund life-saving providing answers to questions. 2 2 3-4 3-4 3-4 2 2 3 3 research and vital support For more information on Alternatives services for people living the CCS, or on donating or Meat and with cancer,” stating, “The volunteering, visit www.cancer. volunteers in communities ca or contact the Niagara Unit Alternatives 1 1 1-2 2 3 2 3 2 3 throughout Ontario help achieve at 905-684-6455. Page 14, news@niagara, March 16, 2007 news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 15

Ontario’s Glenn Howard defeated Newfoundland and Labrador’s Brad Gushue 10 to six in a close match to win the 2007 Tim Hortons Brier title. The tournament ran from March 3 to March 11 at Copps Coliseum in Hamil- ton, Ont. Team Ont. will represent Canada at the Ford World Men’s Curling Championship in Edmonton, March 31 to April 8. 2007 Brier Photos by Ryan McLean and Shawn Taylor Page 16, news@niagara, March 16, 2007 Student wins inaugural trade award By MIRA NASSER Nominated for the award by David countries. Staff Writer Pastirik, co-ordinator of the graduate During her time in South Africa, Spry Kari Spry’s dedication to international International Business Management was successful in facilitating a year- trade has been recognized. program in the School of Business and round production and marketing of crafts The Niagara College student has Entrepreneurship, Spry says she feels by the Inxili crafters, an under-privileged become the fi rst recipient of the Forum “very honoured and grateful to Niagara women’s business co-operative. for International Trade Training (FITT) College for nominating me and FITT for As a result of Spry’s dedication to the National Achievement Award. She will choosing me.” project, the Inxili women’s crafts are receive the award at the 10th Annual FITT is Canada’s international trade now sold in Niagara College’s Niagara- FITT Conference in Vancouver on April training and professional certifi cation on-the-Lake campus bookstore and Great 1 and April 2. body and the leading membership-based Escapes Candles in Niagara Falls. The award recognizes a student who organization of its kind in the world. “We’re pleased to have provided Kari demonstrates initiative in promoting FITT sets the standards and designs the with the opportunity to put her skills and international trade in their community, trading programs for the professional knowledge to work in another part of the college or university through leadership designation. world, where she was able to make such and academic excellence. Her passion for international trade an impact on the lives of others,” said “We’re extremely proud that Kari’s was facilitated by an introduction to Chartrand. notable achievements have been Fair Trade Niagara by Kyla Pennie, Spry also became president of recognized on the national stage,” said an international department project Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship Dean of the School of Business and specialist, and has since encompassed a (ACE) Niagara, a student run business Entrepreneurship Neil Chartrand. range of extracurricular activities. club, in April 2006. Spry, a native of Cobourg, Ont., is In March 2006, Spry represented At the 2006 National ACE competition a fi rst-year student in the Bachelor Niagara College in South Africa, where in Toronto, Spry lead a presentation of Applied Business — International she worked as an international project on Fair Trade Niagara. Her work and Commerce and Global Development manager as part of Fair Trade Niagara. dedication to ACE Niagara and Fair program. It seeks to raise awareness of fair trade Trade Niagara seems endless and she is The four-year program was introduced issues and global importing opportunities. continually setting new goals she hopes in September 2006 and provides graduates It contributes to sustainable development to reach. Kari Spry is the fi rst winner of the National with the knowledge needed to work in by offering better trading conditions for Says Spry, “I want to make a difference Achievement Award for international trade. the international development fi eld. producers and workers in developing in the world, one step at a time.” Photo by Mira Nasser Opara, fi rst recipient of ‘Homer’ award Niagara student returns By MARCUS YOUNGREN Opara admits he never in his Nigeria, there is a tremendous Staff Writer wildest dreams thought he would amount of pressure on the fi rst-born Whether at home in his natural receive such an award. son to be successful, and Opara, environment or abroad, a true “I do what I do for fun, so I being the fi rst born, feels the full to shoot independent fi lm leader will always have an impact. was never looking to anyone weight of that expectation. One of Niagara College’s for recognition.” He adds he is Refl ecting on the differences international students, Chidi Boma “overwhelmed” by “this great of life in Nigeria and here, Opara By STEPHEN BOSCARIOL The feature length movie of Opara, is one such person. honour” and was happy just to be says people back home depend on Staff Writer one hour and 30 minutes is being The 26-year-old from Nigeria nominated. each other much more; Nigeria is a An independent fi lm producer directed by award-winning was honoured as the fi rst recipient Others around Opara weren’t as more social culture. has made Welland the location of director Lux. of the Joan Homer Student surprised he won the award. He also recognizes a tinge of his latest fi lm. “He’s won awards for directing Leadership Award. “Chidi is one of those remarkable racism in some Canadians. “Winter is about a wife who music videos and he’s also won a Opara, a member of the Computer young people who, through his “Coming from a country that is is getting a divorce from her Toronto Film Festival award for Engineering Technology program, own actions and accomplishments, 90 per cent black, you never have unemployed husband, for the his work on the movie Solitude,” describes his achievement in one motivates those around him,” said to deal with racism.” purpose of gathering government says Buller. word: “astonishing.” Martha Casson, Niagara College’s Opara states, “I’ve had people money,” says producer and star Along with Buller, a cast of The award, named for a former vice-president international. “He yell ‘nigger’ at me when I’m actor Adam Buller. mostly no-name actors will fi ll president of the Association is also a shining example of the walking down the street or throw Buller is not new to the Niagara the screen in this fi lm. of Colleges of Applied Arts positive contribution that our garbage at me, and they seem to region; he grew up in the area “We have a lot of actors and a and Technology, recognizes international students make to our think it’s funny, but I don’t think and attended the Niagara College lot of non-actors from the Niagara the achievements of a current college and our community.” it’s funny. Welland campus eight years ago. area,” says Buller. “We’ve been student at an Ontario college who “To me, leadership is all about “I thank God he has given me That’s where his initial interest getting plenty of support from exemplifi es leadership and instils learning how to sell your ideas the ability to overlook that.” in fi lm was sparked. the people in the area. Here, fi lm growth in others. to people and keeping them Opara advises international “A lot of my buddies were is a rarity, so everyone is helping Opara has been a leader in many focused.” students, especially those from in a fi lm class. Ryan Mounsey, out. It really makes me happy areas of Niagara College. He is He admits he struggles with Africa, to keep a level head when a good friend of mine, really and proud.” working with the International one crucial part of leadership: coming to school in Canada. sparked my initial interest and a David Philips, an actor from Student Peer Mentoring Program, communication. He states Canadian schooling teacher by the name of Anthony Stratford, is cast in the movie he is the president of the college’s “I have a little bit of an accent, is very different from schoolin in Savoia helped me out with alongside his friend Buller. African-Caribbean Club and he so sometimes it’s hard for people Africa. learning what I needed to know “We met because of a 35mm works as a peer tutor and is part to understand me.” Opara handles “It gives students more freedom; about fi lm,” says Buller. short fi lm,” says Buller. “Lux of the Students Who Advance this issue by remaining patient you can actually talk to your “I know the area very well. was involved in it as well. We Technology (SWAT) program. and repeating himself frequently. teachers.” The background and scenery all met at the same time, but we He created the fi rst Black History He has become so good at Opara asserts African students works very well with the shots had known of each other for a Month program at the college and reading people’s facial reactions who come to Canada and see all we want. The back roads are while and we all respected one worked on the college’s Leave the towards him when he is speaking this freedom can sometimes take long and, in the country, it has another.” Pack Behind smoking cessation that he knows when they do not advantage of it. the quality of upstate New York, The $250,000 budget fi lm is campaign. Despite his many understand him. On the other hand, Opara where the fi lm is supposed to set to debut in June at the Toronto activities, he has managed to stay Opara states he is driven by acknowledges, “Canada is a great take place.” Film Festival. on the college’s honour roll. his fear of failure. Back home in place to develop yourself.”

Come on into After Hours Monday, March 19 for an air guitar competition. First prize is a Yamaha acoustic guitar pack! news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 17 Islamic headscarf creates $7.5-million investment to support Ontario’s controversy in Quebec francophone students By MIRA NASSER differently, but once she started working, she found By MIKE MCNEIL colleges and universities since Staff Writer herself lumped into a category of veiled women, all of Staff Writer 2004-2005, or about $700 million Millions of Muslim women wear it around the world, whom look the same to Canadians. French-speaking students more per year. yet the hijab still manages to create a controversy in “One day at work, a lady I work with came up to me were given a better opportunity “Francophone students of all Canada, a country proud of its multiculturalism. and said she saw a picture in the newspaper of a woman to succeed by the McGuinty ages deserve a supportive learning In early January, Hérouxville, a small rural town in who looked exactly like me, but when I saw the picture, government’s recent announcement environment that allows them to Quebec, adopted a controversial “code of life” aimed the only thing we had in common was the hijab.” of its $7.5-million investment to learn, grow and succeed in their at immigrants. Her younger sister, Rasha Ali Hassen, attends Brock support French-speaking students. own language,” said Minister of The code says a person’s face should not be covered, University in St. Catharines. According to Rasha, “Ontario’s 16,700 francophone Education, Kathleen Wynne. “By except at Halloween, and women people are much more careful about post-secondary students, plus those investing in French-language should be permitted to drive, vote what they say to her and she feels considering studies in French, can education in Toronto, we are also and write cheques. they treat her with more respect now access greater opportunity, strengthening the city’s heritage, It says adults can drink alcohol because she wears the hijab. thanks to the expanded, high-quality diversity and cultural identity.” and children cannot bring weapons, “I think a lot of Canadians think French-language programming,” Glendon College in Toronto will including Sikh kirpans, a ceremonial the hijab is cultural,” she explains. said Minister of Training, Colleges improve and expand its French- dagger, to school, despite a Supreme “There are always discussions and Universities Chris Bentley. language programs, courses and Court of Canada ruling that already about how we should assimilate The program will facilitate new cultural activities for its 2,200 upheld that right for Sikh Canadians. and become a part of the Canadian courses, enhance teaching tools students, thanks to the approximately On Feb. 11, a group of Canadian culture, but this has nothing to do and highlight francophone culture $740,000 from the government Muslim women clad in the traditional with culture. It’s about religion.” at Ontario’s two French-language program. The amount is in addition Islamic headscarf, the hijab, visited Islam is one of the fastest- colleges and six bilingual universities. to the $500,000 for 2006-2007 the town of 1,300 along with some growing religions in the world, and The program includes $4 million as previously committed by the Muslim students from Montreal. in Canada, Muslims are trying to part of the Access to Opportunities McGuinty government. The aim of the visit was to dispel any practice their religion while trying strategy to promote French-language The Access to Opportunities myths about Islam and the wearing to preserve their part in society. As a college collaboration and broaden strategy investment will rise to of the hijab. multicultural country, Canada is one current programs. $55 million by 2009-2010. It “We came here to confi rm and of the few countries in the world that “The value of a strong education, helps post-secondary institutions affi rm that we are Quebecers too,” does not try to suppress the right of especially one that is available in deliver programs that improve said May Haidar, one of the Muslim its citizens to practice Islam. a student’s fi rst language, cannot access to francophones, Aboriginal women. “It’s apparent there is a “I’m a full member [of Canada], I be underestimated,” Madeline peoples, persons with disabilities misconception and a wrong view of work, I contribute but I also choose Meilleur, Minister Responsible for and those who would be the fi rst Muslim women.” to follow my religion,” says Lina. Francophone Affairs commented. in their families to attend college According to Islam, women should “I’m Canadian but Muslim too.” “This investment will provide or university. There are about be modest and cover their hair, As for Hérouxville, town more opportunities for francophone 100 French-language programs at chest, arms and legs. Banning the Rasha Ali Hassen chose to wear councillor Andre Drouin, who wrote students to strive for and achieve colleges and 150 at universities. hijab in Hérouxville causes Muslim the hijab when she came to study the “code of life,” says it will remain excellence.” “The rich tradition of French- Canadians to question the idea of in Canada three years ago. in effect and is urging Citizenship This funding incentive is part of the language education at Glendon freedom and liberty in Canada and Photo by Mira Nasser and Immigration Canada to consider McGuinty government’s Reaching College is based on its quality of the ability to practice your religion. the code. Higher Plan to provide opportunity programming, its highly regarded Hundreds of thousands of Muslim women in Canada Many in Canada have been taken aback by what is for Ontario students. Here are some faculty and a genuine commitment wear the hijab as a representation of their religion. contained in the Hérouxville code. of the results of the plan: to promoting higher learning for Lina Ali Hassen is one of these women. In 2004, a In a CTV interview, Errol Mendes, of the University • Funding 86,000 more student French-speaking students,” said Dr. few months after she was married, she decided to start of Ottawa, says he thinks the code says something spaces compared with four years Lorna Marsden, president and vice- wearing the hijab. about the nation as a whole. ago, chancellor of York University. “We “I never really learned the religion,” she says. “I think it’s refl ective of the fact that Canada is • Doubling investment in student are grateful for the government’s “One day I started reading the Qur’an and when actually fracturing into two nations: the urban nation, aid by 2009-2010, including three fi nancial support as well as its I saw what it said about women and the hijab, I where 80 per cent of Canadians live, and the rural times as many student grants, recognition of York as a unique decided to wear it.” parts of Canada, which do not have a lot of interaction including 120,000 this year. contributor in the area of French- She says those who know her did not treat her any with immigrants and different cultures.” • Investing 21 per cent more in language study.” Sliding a rail in winter weather Crime Stoppers of Niagara has new tool: online tips Crime Stoppers of Niagara has a www.crimestoppersofniagara.com. new crimefi ghting tool: submitting Online tips will not replace the a tip online. familiar 1-800-222-TIPS line, Co-ordinator Barb Schertzer Schertzer says, but will “create an says, “With the prevalence of additional avenue for tipsters to use computers and Internet access, if they have information on crime a secure and confi dential system and wish to remain anonymous.” for submitting anonymous tips Since Crime Stoppers of online was developed. Niagara began in 1985, tips to “It is used the program by many Crime have resulted in Stoppers 1,241 arrests, programs across recovery Canada and the of property United States valued over and has proven $3.5 million to be extremely and seizure of successful.” illegal drugs The process is easy. When valued over $7 million. you submit a tip online, you will If you have information regarding automatically generate a secure, a crime, call the tip line toll free or encrypted message directly to submit it online to become eligible Crime Stoppers that can only be for a cash reward of up to $2,000. Jamie Dunlop, a third-year Broadcasting — Radio, Television and Film student and dedicated decrypted by Crime Stoppers. You do not have to give your snowboarder, slides a rail in his own backyard. To learn more or submit name and never have to testify in Photo illustration sequence by Jason Petznick a tip online, visit the Crime court, and the calls are not recorded Stoppers of Niagara website at nor traced. Page 18, news@niagara, March 16, 2007 Marijuana Party to run in election despite low funding By MICHAEL SPECK millions [of dollars] for their members are going through the Staff Writer votes and all the small parties get revolving-door prison system,” he Pass the ballot to the right- nothing,” says Longley. “We’ll says. “When you end up spending hand side. do the best we can under these a while in jail, it ends up being a That’s what voters can do in conditions. We hope to run about grim, personal experience for you the next federal election for the one to two dozen candidates.” and your family.” Marijuana Party (MP) of Canada, Longley says he spent 20 years Marijuana should be legal despite recent changes to political researching everything to do with because its prohibition supports party funding that nearly crippled “money and politics” to develop his criminals, says Longley. the party. tax scheme, and “the government “You can produce marijuana “We will be running as many responded by changing the law to for much cheaper than it’s candidates as we can,” says Blair make it a crime.” available on the black market. It Longley, leader of the MP. “We He says the Canadian movement should cost pennies a gram, not operate now with practically to end marijuana prohibition has dollars a gram. It totally supports zero dollars. In 2004, laws were become disunited. organized crime.” changed that wiped out 90 per “Marc Emery, leader of the He says the new steps taken cent of what we had, so now we British Columbia MP, is a maniac. against “drug driving” are in the Marijuana Party Leader Blair Longley are somewhat smaller than when He decided to support the New wrong direction. Submitted photo we started.” Democratic Party in the last “They are cracking down on vicious lies backed up violence, party is about. I’d rather marijuana Before 2004, about 90 per cent election. Some of our members driving intoxicated, which is and the government is the worst be illegal than compromise with of all MP money went through a have switched to the Liberals, great – not that I think marijuana criminal.” the law. Compromise with the law scheme Longley developed to use some to the Greens. We have only intoxicates you to drive harmfully Longley says this party isn’t is insane.” political contribution tax credits 10 per cent of what we had.” – but the fi rst part of the bill is a for “mainstream” marijuana Longley has been a marijuana for the party’s income. Changes Longley says political new law called possession in a revolutionists. activist since the sixties, when he were made in the Elections persecution heavily affects vehicle,” says Longley. “Now you “I hate the mainstream marijuana began using it. Canada Act that year making these his members’ abilities to gain can go to jail for fi ve years because movement. I really have contempt “Marijuana is nice and simple. It procedures illegal. public support. you have a bag of pot in your car, for them,” he says. “People who is about the relationship between “The government created a “We are the only party in Canada not necessarily because you are want to compromise with the law man and plant.” law where all the big parties get where a sizeable amount of our intoxicated. It is a huge cycle of really don’t understand what the Kiers new choice for Welland Ontario students disappointed with future tuition fee increases By MIKE MCNEIL • Funding 86,000 more spaces in college Staff Writer and universities, a 22 per cent increase Students across Ontario are angry with the since 2002-03. McGuinty government for pushing forward • 120,000 students received a non- with its tuition fee increases. repayable grant this year “Students are disappointed that the • $2,400 more in maximum assistance ministry is launching yet another self- and $11,900 available now in assistance congratulatory media conference to distract compared with $9,500 in 2003-04 after an the public from the detrimental effects of 11-year freeze. its Reaching Higher Framework for higher • Investing 21 per cent more in colleges tuition fees,” commented Jesse Greener, and universities since 2004-05, about $700 Ontario chairperson for the Canadian million more per year for more faculty, staff, Federation of Students (CFS). student services and equipment, compared The Reaching Higher Plan has the Ontario with decreased funding from 1991-2003. government investing an additional $6.2 “Our priority is more opportunities for billion in Ontario’s universities, colleges and high-quality post-secondary education training programs and student aid by 2009- for Ontario students,” Training, Colleges 2010, but the media blitz doesn’t mention and Universities Minister Chris Bentley From left is Bob McClelland, president of the Conservative Electoral District of that students may face a tuition increase of said. “That’s why we’re investing $6.2 Welland, Alfred Kiers, the Conservative candidate for the district, and Ed Telenko, eight per cent per year. billion more, including $4.3 billion chairman of district at the Conservative nomination meeting at Casa Dante Lodge A new website, www.ontario.ca/osap, was more in operating grants to colleges and on Feb. 27. launched at the same time to help students universities and $1.5 billion more for Photo by Shane Buckingham navigate the quagmire that is fi nancial aid. student aid. We believe that everyone By SHANE BUCKINGHAM of the Christian Heritage Party. “It is absurd for the McGuinty government deserves a fair shot at success. That’s why Staff Writer The meeting “was a success,” said Ed to peddle bureaucratic government initiatives there are more spaces, more grants, more It was a good night for Welland Telenko, district chairman, adding, “This as real improvements to access when at the assistance and better quality.” Conservatives as they picked their candidate is the biggest meeting I have attended in same time they plan to continue dramatic The government’s plan is to have one in to challenge Liberal MP John Maloney in several years.” tuition fee increases,” said Greener. four students able to receive assistance, but the coming federal election. At the night’s beginning, Telenko praised According to the CFS’s detailed analysis, all students may be paying an ever-increasing Alfred Kiers was victorious over Phillip Mel Grunstein, the prior Conservative even if debt is capped at $7,000 per year, a rate for the help. Lawrence, 28, of Welland, when more than candidate for Welland, for his work in the student borrowing the maximum for a four- “Despite McGuinty’s rhetoric, student 170 delegates voted at the Casa Dante Lodge last two elections. Grunstein gained six per year program will graduate with $28,000 in fi nancial assistance will not mitigate the on Feb. 27. cent of the vote for the Conservatives in the debt or $3,000 more than the current average harmful impact of tuition fee hikes,” Greener Kiers, 47, of Wainfl eet, impressed the 2006 election. debt of $25,000 for a four-year program. said. “If tuition fees rise by even fi ve per cent crowd by talking about family values Telenko called Grunstein “the most Since 1990, tuition fees have nearly tripled each year, then for every dollar allocated to and working hard to improve the lives of dedicated Conservative” he knows before in most provinces as a result of federal student assistance, more than $1.30 will be ordinary Canadians. calling him up to give a speech. funding cuts. Student debt has ballooned to clawed back through tuition fee increases. In “Better to have a dollar in the hands of a Once Grunstein had the microphone, nearly $20 billion as students, for the fi rst effect, students will be borrowing to fi nance Canadian than in the hands of a government he said he had planned to run again but time in Canadian history, are saddled with their own student aid program.” bureaucrat,” he stated several times decided not to when he received a call mortgage-sized student loans. Many are seeing that it will put an extra throughout his speech. from the national executive telling him “Education shouldn’t be a debt sentence,” burden on future students to the point of When asked by a delegate about his stance “to step aside.” said Amanda Aziz, CFS national chairperson. losing them all together. on abortion, Kiers said he was “pro-life,” “Politics, as I have learned, is a team “We have terrifi c universities and colleges “I think 20 to 36 per cent fee increases on garnering much applause from the crowd. sport.” Grunstein said he would be in Canada, and access to them shouldn’t a regular four-year degree sends the wrong Kiers has maintained a consistent right- supporting Kiers. be determined by the size of your wallet. message to high school students who are wing ideology throughout his political Bob McClelland, district president, said Students, their families, professors, support hoping to go on to college or university,” life as a member of the Reform Party, the Conservatives can win the next election staff and other voters are sending a message Maria Rodrigues, of the Toronto School the Canadian Alliance and the now because “voters are waking up.” to governments today: reduce tuition fees!” Board Trustees, said. “Many high school Conservative Party of Canada. As well, He said people have “had enough of” the The McGuinty government has backed students actually chose to drop out because Kiers ran federally in the electoral district Liberals’ “questionable integrity” and their its Reaching Higher Plan and said it has high tuition fees have already put the dream of Erie-Lincoln during 1997 as a member “culture of entitlements.” achieved results such as these: of college or university out of their minds.” news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 19 Noise@The Indies Seventh Annual Independent Music Awards kick off Canadian Music Week

By CODY MCGRAW “Our whole country has about 5.5 million and Toronto Staff Writer has about 5.5 million. That’s the difference.” In a crowded media room at The Docks Nightclub Darcy Rego and Jason Nunes, of The Meligrove in Toronto, Canadian Music Week (CMW) begins its Band, are “awkwardly presenting” an award tonight 25th year with the seventh annual Independent Music and are unsure if they are nominees as well. Awards. “I’m just excited to be hanging out with Darc,” Musicians from across Canada and abroad laughs Nunes, mentioning the band has played CMW mingle and do informal interviews while enjoying multiple times. complimentary drinks and fi nger foods. “I love the scene we’re a part of,” asserts Rego. “It’s “I’m just going to sit here all night and drink beer,” nice a lot of bands are making a name for themselves.” states Shamus Mathers, of Hostage Life, while raising Nunes interjects, “Canada is the undiscovered gold the Steam Whistle bottle to admire it. mine.” He sits on a couch in the corner with bandmate Favourite Rock Artist/Group of the Year award Colin Lichti watching the people who are dressed up. winners The Trews say, “It’s really nice to be “If I could afford it, I’d wear a suit every day,” nods recognized in the indie scene” before screaming in Lichti and laughs. unison, “Go Highland Tap,” crediting their success to Both agree they are excited to be at the award show, the Niagara Falls pub. and Mathers sighs it’s nice because this night is “just Guitarist Jack Syperek states the pub “played a a bunch of artists that aren’t being paid that much huge role in our success. It’s where we got everything money.” going [after their move from the east coast].” Bassist In another corner, The Miniatures members Nick Sean Dalton smiles adding, “We had fans there before Skalkos and Kevin Hundt stand admitting they “don’t anywhere else.” know what to expect.” Standing in the middle of the room, stuck like a The band members being both presenters and cork in a bottle, Johanna Heldebro and Jared Leon of nominees, Hundt smiles and voices his gratitude at Montreal’s The Nymphets clutch the guitar they have the band’s growing exposure while Skalkos shrugs, just won. unsure if the band will win. “We’ve never won an “We were chosen, I don’t know,” laughs Leon as award before.” Heldebro adds, “I think they pick from fi ve fi nalists “It’s probably someone just saying, ‘Hey, let’s give who are playing CMW and I guess we were picked.” these guys a shout out,’ and it’s great to get recognized. “The award was given backstage. They were, like, We aren’t ones for antics. We let the music do the ‘Screw you, guys. You aren’t for real,’” she jokes, talking.” admitting she’s actually not even Canadian, but The fi ve most excited people in the room are the Swedish. members of Denmark’s Vincent Van Go Go as they People tired of screaming over others and the begin their “North American endeavours.” live feed give up and walk out to the main venue. Not seeming one bit overwhelmed, they laugh They watch and laugh with host Jully Black and see amongst themselves when asked how their country’s headliners The Stills before leaving to rest for the music scene differs from Canada’s before yelling, three more music-fi lled nights. Page 20, news@niagara, March 16, 2007 NEWNOISES@ @ NIAGARNIAGARA A The Meligrove Band benefi ts from label associations By CODY MCGRAW Since the release of Planets Conspire, the band has met a warmer Staff Writer reception and increased its fan base, but Small disagrees with the The Meligrove Band members are benefi ting from connections thought of it being a “popular album.” However, he agrees the band and fi nding their way into Canadians’ hearts. seems more popular “in terms of the number of people who turn up” Being the fi rst Canadian band to sign a worldwide deal with V2 at their shows. Records, bassist Mike Small says, has been “pretty great.” “We barely pay ourselves at all,” he interjects. “After I pay rent this “Suddenly we had fi ve people advocating for us every day ... They week, I’ll have $10 in my bank account.” also had a bit of money for some things we’ve wanted to do, but The band is also part of the Friends of Bellwoods benefi t album could never afford like posters, buttons, full-coloured CD booklets that has, so far, raised $5,000 for the Daily Food Bank. and the occasional plane trip.” “It just came from Casey Mecija [vocalist of Ohbijou] asking us to The label also paid their way to the South by Southwest Festival contribute a song,” shares Small. in Austin, Tex., and a week’s worth of London shows. Unfortunately, After being told Mecija prefers people buy the benefi t album rather the label went out of business in North American this January. than the Ohbijou album, he boasts, “I think people should buy that Small shrugs off the thought of this association leading to others album and the Ohbijou album. I did.” bands treating them differently and jokes, “Not really, unless they When asked where the band stands in the Canadian music were on V2 too. Then we traded secrets about Moby’s personal movement, Small commandingly jokes, “We sit on a towering, life that we learned by rifl ing through V2 staffers’ fi ling cabinets golden throne from which we boss all of the other bands around. and diaries.” Magneta Lane! Do Andrew’s laundry!” The Meligrove Band members are Jason Small asserts being in a band with guys he has known for Looking to the future, he says the band will “make another album, Nunes, Darcy Rego, Andrew Scott and years is “all right,” explaining, “We’ve changed so much over go on some tours and grow some beards.” Michael Small. the years that we seem like brand new, interesting people to For more information and tour dates, visit www.myspace.com/ Submitted photo by konradj.com each other all the time.” meligroveband. Best still to come for Toronto’s Great Bloomers members By KRIS DUBÉ According to Sostomi, the members have record at the same time, in the same room,” around the city. Other performers will include Staff Writer “an eclectic amount of infl uences” including says Hindle. “That’s the best part about being The Meligrove Band and Phil Evrum, whom The Great Bloomers will be sprouting up Dwight Yoakam, The Beach Boys, and in this band.” Sostomi cites as being one of his biggest in your musical garden very soon. songwriters like Leonard Cohen, Daniel When asked if all the time Hindle has personal infl uences. The Toronto-based band, playing together Johnston and Bob Dylan. been spending on this band has affected the “We’re super-stoked about this,” says for about six months, fi nds that each He says The Great Bloomers are “between momentum of his other band, he says, “I fi nd Sostomi. member’s taste in music or songwriting genres of music. We have so many infl uences that I can still balance the two.” Fever Out! is A full-length album will be released in direction is unique yet compatible. Singer that it’s hard to put your fi nger on one a much different band, and Hindle “likes the the coming months on Reel Cod Records, songwriter Lowell Sostomi has been writing style.” contrast between the two.” based out of Toronto. songs on his own since he was a very young Sostomi and Nathan Hindle, the other The band claims to have received nothing Sostomi is excited about Toronto artist age and usually had to put forward the most guitar player and percussionist, have been but positive response from the few shows it Daniel Downey providing the album’s effort creatively in all the other bands he’s friends for a long time. As well, Sostomi and has played in Toronto. cover art. “His name is going to mean been in. Andrew Kekowich, who plays keyboards So far the band’s biggest accomplishment something really soon because he is an “It is kind of reassuring that each member and drums, have been living in the same hasn’t happened yet. It is set to play the awesome artist,” says Sostomi. wants to have their own input, and that keeps house since the band’s formation. Over the Top Festival in May, a festival that The Great Bloomers can be heard or things fresh,” says Sostomi. “It helps a lot that we can practice and includes several Toronto bands at venues contacted at myspace.com/greatbloomers. Reason changes sound New band comfortable for guitarist By CODY MCGRAW does what’s best for them.” He By KRIS DUBÉ Staff Writer boasts that Brown provided The Staff Writer Former aggressive rockers The Reason members with “focus” and Richard Fudalewski is aware of his surroundings. Reason mellow out on their new “straightening out.” He has been playing in bands across Canada for album. With the album complete, White several years, but he’s very comfortable with calling “We didn’t notice until half admits the band was initially Vancouver his home for now. His new band, Jakartah, the album was written,” explains nervous because “people seemed is “very special to me,” says Fudalewski. vocalist Adam into it.” There are a lot of social issues refl ected by White, in He asserts Jakartah in their music and conscious efforts to help a phone fan reaction has the environment. interview from been “pretty “For our two-song EP, we used all recycled eco- Thunder Bay, positive.” friendly packaging,” says Fudalewski. “People Ont. “This is “No one has should do what they can to make the world a more just what came said, ‘Oh, I miss eco-friendly place. Global warming is a huge deal out. We’ve the screaming,’ and a worldwide issue.” always written or anything “This band focuses on honesty, accountability and what we felt.” Submitted photo like that. There change, which is totally rad to me.” Jakartah is a hard working band from Vancouver White con- hasn’t been Fudalewski moved from Mississauga to Vancouver that still fi nds time to relax in their rehearsal space. tinues saying the content of Things much bad feedback. There are about a year and a half ago after he played with Shallow Submitted photo Couldn’t Get Any Better refl ects people who are going to be more Water Blackout. When he arrived on the Pacifi c coast, part of Jakartah’s sound,” Fudalewski says. the band members’ position in into the old stuff, but they can’t it didn’t take him long to form Jakartah. Musical infl uences have a lot to do with where you their respective lives, admitting he say this is not a good record. We’re Fudalewski responded to an Internet classifi ed ad live, he adds. enjoys these new songs more than hoping fans grow as we do.” drummer Drew Christie posted looking for a guitar “It’s a regional thing. When we were forming the older. The album’s title refers to this player to help form a band. Jakartah I was relating a lot to bands from the Seattle “It’s hard to write like the old growth as White explains its songs Christie later recruited bass player Erik Nielsen, a area like These Arms Are Snakes, Akimbo, Botch, stuff later.” are about the “struggle to make friend from Capilano College in Vancouver, where Valley of the Dinosaurs, which kind of tied into other Having worked with producer this our livelihood.” they both graduated from the Jazz Studies program. bands like Fugazi, Q and Not U, or At the Drive In.” Gavin Brown on the new record, “We’ve worked just as hard as What happened next proves the expression “the Many of Fudalewski’s Ontario friends were really White can’t help but praise the people we knew in high school world is a small place.” getting into the whole dance rock thing, or post pop- man who has also produced Billy who say they are working on their Marc Stonestreet joined Jakartah’s lineup. He used punk, which, he says, “I’m totally not into.” Talent and Three Days Grace. second kid. We’re 25 and doing to live in Mississauga and played shows there in the “Out here the music I write makes complete “He really cares about what it for real. We’re not a huge, big mid 1990s, fronting a hardcore band called Seer. sense.” he puts his name on. He fi nds band, but we are actually doing “His vocal delivery and lyrical content is a huge If you are interested in fi nding out more about the what’s the best part of a band and this and it’s our lives.” part of our band and his whole thing makes up a big band, visit myspace.com/jakartah. news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 21 Global warming campaign reveals inconvenient truth By ALEX EDDIE campaign to make the issue of its audience a real story. Some the message. It isn’t about bashing planet Earth may have to be re- Staff Writer global warming a recognized documentaries have the ability to U.S. presidents. It’s a fi lm made to drawn in less than 50 years because Movie review problem that needs quick action bore me to sleep. An Inconvenient open our eyes to the biggest problem of global warming. The rate of “You can’t make someone before it is too late. Truth had the opposite impact on the entire Earth now faces. pollution damaging our Earth each understand something if their An Inconvenient Truth made me me and I couldn’t sleep a wink that We apparently are continuing to year keeps rising at an unbelievable salary depends upon them not realize how big a problem global night after watching. ignore this problem. Spending endless rate. The evidence is in An understanding it.” — Upton warming really is. Gore, the former I highly suggest you see it. Tell all amounts of time on money on things Inconvenient Truth. Countries will Sinclair U.S. vice-president, has chart after of your friends and family to do the like anti-terrorism isn’t what we slowly be erased by the sea levels This quote was used in the chart of statistics showing how badly same. It will change your outlook should be focusing our attention on. rising from the melting ice caps. movie An Inconvenient Truth, humans are polluting the Earth. on life and make you realize how The moral of An Inconvenient Millions may lose their homes and a documentary on Al This is by far the smartest fortunate you are to still have a safe Truth is this: if we keep wasting even their lives. Gore’s documentary of the year and one of environment to live in, although more of our time and money on Watch An Inconvenient Truth. the best ever made. A documentary your children may not. political problems, our maps for Act on it. is used to show An Inconvenient Truth delivers Beauty of 300 By STEPHEN BOSCARIOL the actors give the proceedings Becoming Staff Writer some serious performances, the Movie Review characters are straight out of a They were 300 against an entire dark, twisted fantasy. empire of Persian warriors. The massive Persian Emperor Based on Frank Miller’s Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) brings obsessed with numbers graphic novel, 300 concerns his A-game to the battle, with By ADAM GAMBLE becomes convinced that it is place, Sparrow comes the 480 BC Battle of hordes of larger-than-life creatures Staff Writer based on his life, driving him to to the conclusion that his Thermopylae, when the and a herd of creepy, bomb-making Movie Review obsession. life, and the lives of others King of Sparta (Gerard dwarfl ike men whose bodies are as Jim Carrey, who has made us The number 23 was prevalent around him, may be in grave Butler) led his army of free twisted as their minds. laugh hysterically with such fi lms as throughout the book, and a danger. men, against the advancing There’s a sadistic glee to the battle Dumb and Dumber, The Mask and character from the book Suicide The Number 23 is a Persian Empire. The battle sequences, with heads rolling and Cable Guy, returns to the big screen, Blonde became consumed with the psychological thrill ride, is said to have inspired all limbs hacked off, left, right and this time in a different manner. number, causing her to go insane keeping you guessing the of Greece to band together centre, with all the requisite reckless Leaving the comedy behind, and eventually take her own life. whole way through. against the Persians and abandon. Here’s where Snyder’s Carrey shows a different side to Sparrow soon becomes drawn Full of suspense and helped usher in the world’s horror pedigree really shows, but his acting ability in The Number to the number himself, realizing intrigue, the movie delivers fi rst democracy. we know he’s following Miller’s 23. Carrey plays an animal control names, birthdays, colours and house twists and turns at every While the overall look blueprint to the letter as each droplet offi cer named William Sparrow. He numbers in his life all add up to 23. corner as you try to put of the movie is dissimilar to of blood fl ies through the air. seems a carefree, happily married He is convinced this is no the pieces of the puzzle Frank Miller’s Sin City, it’s The images are crisp and family man, but his life takes a turn coincidence. His paranoia leads together. still very much in line with his clear. The soundtrack is for the worse after reading a novel him to seek answers from numerous While it may not beautiful artwork. With the help appropriately rousing heavy entitled The Number 23, in which people he believes are in some way win any awards, it is of a heap of computer graphics, metal accompanying the Spartan the book’s main character is eerily connected to the novel. an enjoyable fi lm, a director Zack Snyder does an warriors with every swing of similar to himself and his life. After reading the end of the book, two- out of three- astonishing job of bringing their swords, and the costumes After reading the book, he where an unexplained murder takes star movie. a hyper-reality to believable (or lack of) are scissor sharp. fruition through his screenplay With an awe-inspiring attention and directing. to detail, this movie will inspire Choice for all audiences That’s the beauty of 300. While anyone who sees it. By LAURA NARDUCCI access to it by boldly swinging on Staff Writer a rope across a creek. Movie Review What they find, in their A world of imagination comes imagination, is a world filled to life here. Bridge to Terabithia, with giants, ogres and directed by Gabor Csupo, explores other fantasy creatures. the imaginations of Jess Aarons Leslie names this place (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie Terabithia and the two Burke (Annasophia Robb). visit it every day Based on the book by Katherine after school. Paterson, the movie begins with “Just close Jess, a loner at school, on a quest your eyes to become the fastest child in and school. His dreams are dashed keep your when the new child, Leslie, mind beats him and other boys in a open,” race. Although Jess is frustrated Leslie says about her speed, the two when Jess become fast friends. becomes skeptical They could not be of the old, decrepit more different. tree fort that they find Leslie is rich, becomes an abandoned outgoing castle for them. In this world, and from they rule as king and queen the and nothing in the realm can city. separate them. She The hour-and-a-half-long movie dresses is heartwarming and humourous, is to stand out, fi lled with incredible visual effects while Jess is and makes a seamless transition poor, quiet and from between reality and fi ction. The the country. He dresses audience becomes part of the story to blend in. It is Leslie and is almost brought to tears at an who makes the suggestion unforeseen plot twist at the end. to Jess one day while they are Bridge to Terabithia opens a playing in the woods that they viewer’s mind to a realm of the should have a special place to play unseen and unexplored. It is the besides at home. Leslie fi nds this perfect choice for all audiences, place, and the two can only gain young and old. Page 22, news@niagara, March 16, 2007 Mysterion the Mindreader not your normal entertainer By MICHAEL DACH head; simultaneously, Mysterio was a Mexi- Staff Writer can wrestler. An “n” was added to the end of In the art of magic, what you see isn’t what Mysterio to give his name some fl air. you get. After creating his alter ego, Dr. or Mind The Gladstone Hotel welcomes those who reader was added to the title and people want to alter their perceptions of a normal took to it. “There are only two people in this entertainment performance. building [the Gladstone Hotel] that know my Ladies and gentlemen, presenting Myste- actual name because of contractual legalities rion the Mindreader. when I’m booking here.” From the Eddie Munster-branded cut, com- “They don’t even call me by that. There plete with pompadour and blond streaked are hints out there on the Internet and on lightning down the side of his head, Myste- myspace. You can fi nd it. You just have to rion reveals a brief history of the Gladstone. look.” He strongly upholds the value of his “From the worst to I wouldn’t say a rooming name because it involves the development of house, but low-income housing that had an a character, a strategy which, he says, is criti- event venue downstairs, it was mainly used cal. Once that was established, the rest was a by underground performers, burlesque per- walk in the park. formers [which] was new at the time to To- Already establishing himself as a stage per- ronto,” he explains. former, this interesting individual is trying to Mysterion draws from the days of vaude- bring substance back to Toronto, something ville, hoping to create an alternative to regu- that people can identify Toronto with. He lar weekend outings. “I’m trying to bring it expresses his thoughts on actors who began back to the grassroots level [for] the people their careers here and then leave. in the GTA.” He doesn’t believe that those people are His act involves a modern approach using affi liated with the city that spawned them. a certain level of fear to demonstrate the pos- [It’s] such a big city with a variety of per- sibility that “there are people out there that formers, bands, actors, but no one puts the can read your mind and infl uence the envi- name Toronto with it. ronment with thought.” Demonstrating his We don’t have that longevity. I want mental powers, he takes a metal fork, care- Mysterion the Mindreader has been performing professionally for the past four people to think Toronto when they hear the fully concentrating his energy to bend and years. His next show is on April 7 at the Cadillac Lounge, 1297 Queen St. West, in name Mysterion.” As of last year, Mysterion mould the utensil with ease. While there are Toronto. has been recognized by Ripley’s Believe It several similar performers around, Mysteri- Photo by Michael Dach or Not and will be featured in its upcoming on is convinced what he does is unique. Ac- manipulator since he started working profes- get on stage [and look good] in a three-piece annual issue. cording to his website, Mysterion recounts sionally four years ago. suit, but guess what? My powers are from His next show is April 7 at the Cadillac an incident when he was blindfolded and “There’s a lot of mentalists, magicians and the dark side.” He doesn’t tell people his Lounge, 1297 Queen St. West, in Toronto. tied to a chair. He produced wet footprints, mindreaders, but no one does what I do. I’m real name nor does he operate on a fi rst- or Several guests including Kayla Pinn Lynn supposedly from a girl who had died in a the only one really getting press for it, and last-name basis. It’s just simply Mysterion. and the Wolfman, a live burlesque show and drowning accident, making it look as if she there’s a reason for that. Interestingly enough, his name translates a band, the Blue Mercury Coupe, will ac- had walked across the stage. What I do is 150 years old. The art of stage from the Greek word “secret.” company him. To book Mysterion the Mind- “Everything [about my act] is a little off mentalism, it’s a fairly recent thing and even He draws elements from cartoons and reader, call 1-647-838-7248, via myspace at and when it’s off, people tend to notice a in that area, there are rules and regulations wrestling to create his name. Mysterio was www.myspace.com/mysterionthemindread- bit more.” Attention has followed this mind and standards, but I don’t go by them. Sure I a Spider-Man villain with a giant fi shbowl er or at www.mysterionthemindreader.com.

Shaw Festival coming Come for food, stay for music to theatre near you By STEPHEN DOHNBERG space is well used. Those coming can have a conversation or relax Staff Writer for a late breakfast, lunch or early with friends. The lounge could Downtown St. Catharines dinner can enjoy the funk and jazz easily be an inviting way to start By AMY GIOFU and neglected gems such as welcomes a new business with the that adds a musical backdrop to the or end a night out, or it could be Staff Writer Waste and The Return of the winter thaw. relaxing digs. The ZigZag Lounge an alternative destination. It’s not Curtain call! Prodigal. The ZigZag Lounge, an also offers catering options for too relaxing a location that a good Theatre enthusiasts, grab Lauren Jones, of Niagara appropriately named chill-out zone, offi ces and parties as well as take party couldn’t break out. With the your tickets. The Shaw Festival Falls, says she has enjoyed the is centrally located with legal issue is coming. Opened in 1962 by Shaw Festival over the past few hip neighbours (Atomix, of smoking Brian Doherty, a Niagara-area years. “I enjoy theatre in general, a vinyl record store) at indoors being lawyer and playwright, the Shaw so it’s nice to have local theatre 4 Garden Park, just one prohibited, the Festival’s fi rst performance, Don on a professional level.” block, or a convenient lounge also Juan In Hell, launched the yearly Although she says she is not alleyway, up from L3 on embraces part theatrical tradition in Niagara- planning to attend this year’s Queen Street. of the sidewalk on-the-Lake. festival, she says it’s a good The ZigZag Lounge in front. In the In its fi rst decade, the Shaw experience for people in the area features deli sandwiches nice weather, Festival’s audience exploded to fi nd out what it’s about. “It’s and fresh-baked goods one could sit and the company toured part of our culture, kind of what from its menu for the there and enjoy extensively in the United States Niagara region has to offer.” downtown lunch crowd some people - and Canada. You can catch the following looking to escape a watching. On June 20, 1973, the Festival shows at this year’s Shaw different atmosphere than Opened Theatre was offi cially opened by Festival: Saint Joan April 21 – the cubicle, reception for business Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Oct. 27; Mack and Mabel April 3 desk, or the call centre on Jan. 20, II. Throughout the1980s, with – Oct. 28; Hotel Peccadillo May smoking area. Submitted photos the ZigZag Christopher Newton as the Shaw 31 – Oct. 7; The Circle April 10 It also features a wide Lounge will Festival’s new artistic director, – Oct. 28; The Philanderer May variety of beverages be celebrating the company grew steadily and 1 – Oct. 7; Summer and Smoke ranging from Tim Hortons out and delivery. Bradley has a dual with events and DJs from beyond gained an attractive reputation June 23 – Oct. 27; A Month in retail brand specialty coffees, purpose in mind for the ZigZag, Niagara and the GTA as the seasons for its actors’ techniques and for the Country April 29 – Oct. 6; cappuccinos and teas to juices however. Once the sun sets, the progress. its creative theatrical designs. The Cassilis Engagement May and milkshakes. The comfortable LCBO licensed lounge offers a Interested DJs can drop off a The theatre became known for 29 - Oct. 5; Tristan July 12 – Oct. atmosphere and décor, entirely change of pace. Music from both demo disc for Bradley or call 905- reviving plays that other theatres 6; The Kiltartan Comedies June designed by owner Leah Bradley, established and up-and-coming DJs 682-5917. Hours of operation are 9 are either unwilling or unable to 20 – Oct. 6. Call 1-800-511- recalls art deco meets ‘60’s retro. who spin old school jungle, break a.m. to midnight Monday, Tuesday, produce, such as Cavalcade and SHAW or visit www.shawfest. From cradling kidney-shaped beat, soul, hip hop and other bass- and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Lulu, once-popular genres such com for more information on the pneumatic barstools to comfortable heavy and beat-oriented sounds Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and as operettas and stage mysteries, Shaw Festival. couches ensconced throughout, the will be part of the scene where one Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 23 NEWS@SPORTSNIAGARA Ice climbing fi rst step Rock climbing By JASON PETZNICK By JASON PETZNICK Staff Writer Staff Writer Your forearms burn, your You may call going to the movies fi ngers ache, your legs shake and a good time; he calls climbing a you feel that familiar smile of steep wall of ice a good time. accomplishment creeping across Andrew Burns, 19, of Toronto, your face. Ont., is a climbing instructor at These are the same things I’ve Peaks Indoor Rock Climbing Club felt every time I participate in in St. Catharines. Nine years ago one of Canada’s fastest growing his family was spending time in sports. Colorado and when he got his fi rst Rock climbing is a sport I’ve taste of outdoor rock climbing. only recently begun to participate Burns, an Outdoor Recreation in on a regular basis, and Peaks student at Brock University, says Indoor Rock Climbing Club in he fi rst tried indoor rock climbing St. Catharines is where I climb at a climbing gym, called Of Rock most often. and Chalk, in Newmarket, Ont. With 60 climbing routes, tex- He says he “fell into” his position tured walls, cracks, overhangs, Carly Bryson, 20, of Hamilton, at Peaks. “I started climbing here, leading walls and a climbing Ont., says she enjoys rock and Andre [Zeman, the owner of “cave,” Peaks has a wide variety climbing because it “makes me Peaks] just asked me out of the of challenges for climbers of all feel strong.” blue,” says Burns. skill levels. Photo by Jason Petznick Since he started climbing, Burns Alex Sillett, 19, and Carly has forayed into different styles of Bryson, 20, of Hamilton, Ont., instructor at Peaks, says most the sport, including ice climbing, say they found out about Peaks customers are between the ages indoor climbing, mountaineering through their friends. of 13 and 45. and ropes course climbing. Sillett started climbing “Anybody who can go on Of these, he says, ice climbing is on ropes courses and made a hike can rock climb,” says his favourite. Rather than climbing the natural transition to rock Burns. well-known routes on a rock wall, climbing. He says he feels a difference he says he likes how unpredictable Bryson says she went climbing in the atmosphere at Peaks as ice can be. for the fi rst time in Toronto when climbers don’t judge others “[With ice climbing] you don’t she was 12 years old and “fell in based on their ability. really know where you’re going love with it.” “It’s really friendly and really until you’re there,” says Burns. She says rock climbing is open.” “You can climb a route one day, and special because males dominate Bryson says she likes Peaks Andrew Burns, 19, a climbing instructor at Peaks Indoor Rock the next day it will be completely most of the sports she plays, but because it’s more relaxed than Climbing Club, spends a lot of time “bouldering” around the different.” when she goes rock climbing she other places at which she has climbing walls. Bouldering is a form of climbing in which you stay As far as his future in climbing can keep up with and outperform climbed. near the ground and traverse the walls without being attached to a goes, Burns says he’d like to the guys. Peaks offers beginner lessons, rope. summit K2, which is the second “[Rock climbing] makes me group packages, climbing Photo by Jason Petznick highest mountain on earth at 8,661 feel strong,”says Bryson. workshops, birthday party metres, and that he’d like to summit once he graduates from university. outlook on life. Sillett says, “It’s a good way packages and monthly trips to “the seven,” which are the single He came up with this idea because of “Now that I see how much power to get exercise that you might outdoor climbing locations. highest peaks in each of the seven his experiences at camp in Northern those experiences have, I want to not think would be a good way Peaks is at 630 Welland Ave. in continents. Ontario when he was young. use them to change the lives of to get exercise.” St. Catharines. You can call 905- Burns says he’d like to open an He says being out in the the kids who really need a life- Andrew Burns, 19, a climbing 988-5651 for more information. outdoor centre for troubled youth wilderness can really change your changing experience,” says Burns. Travel discount ad 2 columns by 4.5 inches Athletes of the week ANTHONY MCALEESE Kaitlyn McKenna and Anthony McAleese are the Niagara College Boston Pizza Athletes of the Week for March 14. McKenna is a member of the college’s women’s basketball team, while McAleese is a member of the men’s basketball team. McKenna was named Ontario Collegiate Athletic Association (OCAA) West region fi rst-team all-star at the OCAA awards banquet in Ottawa last week, while McAleese was named an OCAA West region second-team all-star. McKenna was the team’s leading scorer over 12 games and third in the OCAA West region with an average of 13.33 points a game. McAleese was the his team’s leading scorer and won the OCAA West region scoring title averaging 17.46 points a game. KAITLYN MCKENNA Page 24, news@niagara, March 16, 2007 Women fi rst in OCAA West, Men take a hit in volleyball lose at provincial tourney By CHRISTINE KENNEDY against them and to win, sending us into the third- Staff Writer ranked spot at the OC’s [Ontario Championships],” By CHRISTINE KENNEDY be ready to come in at any given The Knights men’s volleyball team is the best in the says Aaron McNutt, most valuable player for the Staff Writer moment. We need team leaders on west. Redeemer game with seven kills, three blocks and It was a vital victory. the court and a 100 per cent effort “In our fi rst match of the season against Redeemer six aces. With many veterans graduating from everyone,” says Reiner. (University College in Ancaster, Ont.), it was our The pressure of regular season play is off and the from Niagara College’s women’s The team needs to take it one fi rst game play situation, allowing us to not be quite team has to “play like we can” to win the Ontario varsity volleyball team, the win match at a time, says Bentley. comfortable with playing together after the summer championships, says Tyler McKaig, 21, a second-year against Redeemer University Niagara defeated third ranked off,” says Troy Winch, 21, a second-year Recreation Business – International Business program student. College of Ancaster, Ont., proved Algonquin College of Ottawa in and Leisure Services program student. “It will take our entire team to be at the top of our to be a momentous one as it was three sets straight in their fi rst game “In our tournament here in the beginning of game to win the OC’s, and we really need to pass well their fi rst and last time attending of the provincial championships. December, we played Redeemer and beat them by in order to run the middle and open up our outside provincials. Unfortunately, Niagara lost a playing our game in our gym. The fi nal game, we will offence,” says McNutt, 20, a third-year Broadcasting “It’s my third and fi nal year. three-set match to Etobicoke’s be playing Redeemer here in our gym, so as long as we – Radio, Television and Film program student. My fi rst two years ended in Humber College on Friday and able to play our game, I believe we will be able to take Then, the men defeated North Bay’s Nipissing disappointment as we lost in the was then eliminated from the care of business here.” University in four sets, 25-23, 26-24, 19-25 qualifi ers for provincials. It was tournament by Hamilton’s Mohawk The Niagara Knights men’s varsity volleyball team and 25-21. such a nice feeling to know that we College in a fi ve-set match on did indeed take care of business on Feb. 15 by beating Niagara then lost to Hamilton’s Mohawk College in were guaranteed to go,” says Kim Saturday. Redeemer three games to one to get the bye into the three sets, 25-18, 25-21 and 25-17. Roach, 20, a third-year Child and Heidi Bench led the Knights with provincial championships. The team’s hopes for a return to the podium after a Youth Worker program student. 15 points in the fi nal game, while “Our reaction after beating Redeemer was three-year absence were dashed with a disappointing The women were guaranteed a Stacy Dafoe led Mohawk with 15 incredible. They are our biggest rival and there was loss to Redeemer University College in the bronze spot in the Ontario Championships points as well. no better way to play my last home game of my career medal semi-fi nal game in Barrie. (OC) after a shutout against Redeemer on Feb. 15. “The credit goes to the teams for their focus on the task at hand. Keeping the focus and energy up for the durations of the match is a hard task to achieve in any match, let alone a championship match,” says Coach Kerby Bentley. The Knights are a hardworking, dedicated team who work out outside of practice, making them a “very physically fi t team,” says Kayla Reiner, a rookie on the team and student in the Graphic Design Production – Art and Design Fundamentals program. “There was a lot at stake with this game, as we knew that if we lost we wouldn’t have been guaranteed a spot at the OC,” says Heidi Bench, 20, a second-year Environmental Technician program student. The women’s offensive side excelled with 15 service aces during the Redeemer game. Those aces allowed the team to break the Ontario College Athletic Association’s aces per season team record with 162 aces. “I was pleased to see our team step up and fi ght for the championship in such an aggressive manner,” says Bentley. “They were TM †† very focused and determined to the SPC Card gets you exclusive discounts at hundreds of Canadian retailers. win. This is a good indicator that they are able to play at a high level when the time is right.” come in today or call Regardless of how the women place at provincials, a banner will 1-800-HRBLOCK be brought back to Niagara College hrblock.ca as Western Region champions for regular season play. “We are an underdog right now,” says Roach. “We have nothing to lose. I think we all just need to go out there and stay relaxed. Thinking too much into the game might take us out of it altogether. Most importantly, have fun. This is the end of the season and for a few of us our last season, so going ** out there and enjoying what’s ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN left of the year can never end in atripfortwo disappointment, whether we win or not.” to a SECRET DESTINATION to see The other qualifying colleges in the championships at Georgian CD LIVE IN CONCERT College in Barrie on Feb. 22 to New ty On High” “Infini now Feb. 24 were Nipissing, Durham, in stores Algonquin, Humber, Redeemer, rockwithblock.ca Mohawk and Cambrian. †Individual results vary. †† Offers valid from 08/01/06 until 07/31/07. Valid at participating locations in Canada only. For Cardholder only. Offers may vary, restrictions may apply. Usage may be restricted when used in “It will take every single player conjunction with any other offer or retailer loyalty card discounts. Cannot be used towards the purchase of gift cards or certificates. *To qualify, student must present either (i) a T2202a documenting 4 or more months of full-time on the court fi ring on all cylinders attendance at a college or university during 2006 or (ii) a valid high school identification card. Expires July 31, 2007. Valid only at participating H&R Block locations in Canada. **NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Purchase of H&R Block products or services will not increase chances of winning. Begins 2/1/07 and ends 5/15/07. Open to legal residents of Canada (excluding Quebec residents) who are 13 or older and were full-time students and playing like a team [to win for four or more months during 2006 at a high school, college or university. There will be 1 random draw to award the prize. Skill testing question required for award of prize. See www.rockwithblock.ca for Official Rules and how the OC]. Even the bench needs to to play without purchase. Odds of winning vary based on participation. Void in Quebec and where prohibited. remain positive and supportive and news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 25 Paramedic grad mentors new college students By MIKE MCNEIL where I worked full time and I was This was more for me.” Staff Writer also in school for 16 to 20 hours a Both agree having instructors For the past 20 years, Niagara week,” Renaud said, about going who are working paramedics with College has offered a two-year back to Niagara. “It gave us the Niagara EMS makes it that much Paramedic program at its Welland opportunity to practice advance care better for students. With fi eld campus and also boasts one of the paramedic in the Niagara Region or experience, teachers can relate most successful rates at having a level three paramedic in Ontario, situations better to students in the graduates pass the paramedic which allows us to do intubations, classroom from actual events in the provincial test. One Niagara IVs, chest decompressions. It’s “real world.” graduate working for the Niagara probably one of the highest levels “The teachers can always clarify EMS is now helping a student you can get on the road as a any events due to the fact that they paramedic in his fi nal days at the paramedic.” have lived it and they do the job,” college. Rob Carrick, who is in his second commented Carrick. “They can tell Lyle Renaud graduated from year of the paramedic program, you what’s going to happen and the program in 1994 and has agrees that Niagara was the college give you actual calls as scenarios. been at Niagara EMS for the last to attend after looking at other They also know the crews that we fi ve years. Lyle has seen many colleges. will be doing our placements with, Niagara graduates come through the “I looked into Niagara and had a and they can match you up with ambulance bays around the region. few different options because I am good crews.” “Graduates from the paramedic originally from Oshawa, so I could Carrick started his placement in course have greater opportunities have gone back there,” Carrick second semester when he did fi ve than those graduating just 10 years said. “I like the way Niagara had shifts, or 60 hours worth of work, ago,” said Renaud. “Regions now entrance testing, which was one of with the Niagara EMS. In the third- take care of their own hiring, where the most rigorous. They just don’t semester students do eight more just a few years back the Ministry of specifi cally look at your high school shifts. Then they do 34 shifts in their Health or a private company did that. marks. They have you come in and fi nal semester. Students are evaluated Each Region is responsible for their do a written test and a physical, so on every call on every shift, and own services and, therefore, their they actually have some other basis every fourth shift they must submit budgets are higher and can afford to judge you on. I think that is great one report from the base they are at. more staffi ng and more vehicles.” because at least you have an idea “I have full participation on calls, Renaud chose Niagara because it that you are ready for the profession and that’s a great thing the college was rated as one of the best colleges before you get there and don’t waste has with the Region,” said Carrick. that offered the program. He found your time.” “We are certifi ed under the base Lyle Renaud, a fi ve-year veteran of Niagara Emergency Medical instructors were “a bit more qualifi ed “I was always interested in hospital here to use symptom relief, Service (EMS), is partnered with Rob Carrick, of the Niagara College and a little easier to work with.” medicine and have already done etcetera, as long as we are under the Paramedic program. Carrick is working hand in hand with Niagara Renaud is also a graduate of two years at Brock University in supervision of our preceptor. So it EMS as part of his third-semester job placement. Niagara College’s Advanced Care biology, kind of looking at pre- lets us do a lot more stuff while we Photo by Mike McNeil Paramedic program and says med, but once I started to look into are out there.” although the program is tough, it is everything it was all leaned towards “We supervise him while we are “That’s where we would step in and time with Renaud, but no matter one of the best that paramedics can family doctors, ‘you need to start a doing the call and if he should have offer advice or ideas. It’s full hands- where he fi nds work it will be have under their belts. practice,’ et cetera., and I was only any questions or maybe a treatment on. He’s responsible for the call and Niagara College that started him, “In the Advanced Care Paramedic interested in emergency medicine. plan that he is not sure about or the patient. We just supervise him.” and others, down the path as a program, it was a one-year program So it seemed more what I wanted. not quite working,” Renaud added. Carrick may end up working full paramedic. Travelling around the globe has its benefi ts for Niagara chef By NADINE WEBSTER stories and experiences from staff and taste for New Zealand and with different curries and pastes. start programs, Demers holds a Staff Writer and faculty of their paid leaves Australian wines,” he says. “It was an exploration of just Welcome to the College seminar After more than 10 years of of absence, prepaid leaves and While visiting the schools, he how different countries do food,” where he demonstrates some teaching, Niagara College Chef international travel. took in the learning environment he says, where the main priorities simple cooking tips for students Professor Bob Demers took a one- In 2005, Demers visited New and was asked to come in as guest are freshness, simplicity and using new to the area. year sabbatical to travel the world. Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Bali, speaker. quality products. He has also developed a course The result was Exploration of Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, “I looked at their curriculum and Demers has brought his within the division featuring Food, Wine and Myself: Travelling France and England. talked to their students. I gained experiences to the Hospitality and internationally based food. “It’s a and exploring to learn how the He says one of the highlights some information that I use in my Tourism Division at the Niagara- chance for people to get ideas.” other half of the world lives, was what he learned at Australia’s classrooms,” he says, adding the on-the-Lake campus. The chef says he would love presented at the Professional Leaves and New Zealand’s private culinary experience was “encouraging.” “We have a lot of international to travel again. “Not only for the Development Showcase. schools. The fresh-food market of students here, and I understand exploration of wine, but if I can On Jan. 25 the event at the “It was a great chance to go to Thailand also infl uenced Demers, how they must feel.” get more experience, it strengthens college’s Welland campus featured both islands and get an appreciation and he now experiments cooking For September and January me in the classroom.”

2nd place = $2,000 cash and a scholarship worth $5,000 towards the CGA program of professional studies. 3rd place = $1,000 cash and a scholarship worth $5,000 towards Start your engines! the CGA program of professional studies. Tier 2: Intermediate- and Advanced-Level Financial Accounting Enter the “CGA Ontario One-Hour Accounting Contest” for college and university students on March 23, 2007. Questions 1st place = $5,000 cash and a scholarship worth $5,000 towards LINE UP ONLINE TO WIN UP TO $5,000 IN CASH. the CGA program of professional studies. The Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA Ontario) invites CHOOSE YOUR TIER OF CHALLENGE. 2nd place = $3,000 cash and a scholarship worth $5,000 towards you to enter its new online accounting contest. First, sign up at Eligible and registered students choose between two levels of the CGA program of professional studies. www.cga-ontario.org/ contest and obtain a user name and password difficulty; both tiers offer cash and scholarship prizes (see below). 3rd place = $1,500 cash and a scholarship worth $5,000 towards for the contest. To qualify for the competition, you must complete Remember to choose your level of difficulty carefully, because this the CGA program of professional studies. this task by Thursday, March 22, 2007. When you login to complete decision could earn or cost you the win. the contest you must choose between two levels of difficulty to test EVEN MORE INCENTIVE TO WIN. your accounting and financial skills. This step must be done before A REWARDING EXPERIENCE. The university or college that boasts a first-place team in either tier 3 p.m. on Friday, March 23, 2007, (the day of the contest). Tier 1: Basic- and Intermediate-Level Financial Accounting receives a donation of $5,000 from CGA Ontario awarded to its The competition begins promptly at 4 p.m. (on that same day) and Questions accounting department. lasts for one hour. Eligibility is restricted to students currently 1st place = $4,000 cash and a scholarship worth $5,000 towards Additional information about the format of the contest and the rules enrolled at an Ontario university or college. the CGA program of professional studies. and regulations is available at www.cga-ontario.org/contest.

CERTIFIED GENERAL ACCOUNTANTS OF ONTARIO

CGA Ontario Help Line E-mail Websites 416-322-6520 416-322-6520 [email protected] www.nameyourneed.org or 1-800-668-1454 or 1-800-242-9131 or www.cga-ontario.org Page 26, news@niagara, March 16, 2007 Comedy & drama highlight Sears festival By SHAWN DIXON Staff Writer Comedy, absurdity and serious drama made up the elements of the Sears Drama Festival’s Niagara regional victors. The Grade 12 theatre class from E.L. Crossley Secondary School, in Pelham, produced The Disposables. This is a comic play about a young boy and his struggles in a world of waste and pollution. Josh Regier covered the lead role as Andrew, the son of the mayor. Andrew fi ghts his way through an Oz-like world of Forgottens, Rottens and the evil Suffi x in search of his teddy bear, Tori Godin. “The Disposables was in a category by itself. It was delightful and both humourous and whimsical at the same time,” said George Doros, festival co-ordinator. “The exaggeration of the characters certainly made this entertaining Top: to watch. A great display of set design and custom were other The Lesson is an entry by Ridgeway/Crystal Beach High School. added bonuses.” Fractured Mind, by Miss Breanna McAllister, was another original play to make it to the next round of competition. Middle: Students from Governor Simcoe Secondary School, of St. This is a scene from The Suffering Fool, by Centennial High school. Catharines, crossed visual media with strong acting to create the serious drama. The play follows the struggles of a successful Bottom: fi lmmaker and his subconscious. The play uses a dramatic twist, The play War is presented by Centennial High School students. very similar to those of the motion picture A Beautiful Mind, to thicken the plot. Jesse Cotton covered the lead role of Filmmaker and Mike Jobson acted as his physical counterpart, Harry. “This was a very deep and serious drama refl ecting a thought- provoking resolution with an audience. The use of multimedia projection added to the illusion of mind games ... This could easily have been a translated into a movie script,” said Doros. Ridgeway/Crystal Beach High School students performed The Lesson, a play written by Eugene Ionesco in 1951. This play shows the steps taken by a professor, portrayed by three separate actors, to tutor a young student. A high level of acting by all of the professors — Damien Doepping Schumacher, Matt Landry and Colin Cook — and the acting of Pupil, Lyndsay Middleton, helped the production receive the highest group achievement in the regional competition, the Peltoma award for the best overall production. “This production was outstanding. It was a very diffi cult piece to pull off and the actors were spot on. Their timing and delivery was next to none,” said Doros. “You can tell that they worked very hard with this performance and deserve a lot of credit.”

By SHAWN DIXON Staff Writer A cowardly dragon, a rapping robot and ancient Greeks were just some of the characters portrayed on the stage at Brock University Feb. 19 to Feb. 23. Brock was the host of the 61st Sears Ontario Drama Festival for the Niagara District. Sixteen high schools in the area took part, presenting 18 plays in total. All were judged under the watchful eye of this year’s adjudicator, Pablo Felices-Luna. Felices-Luna has been doing theatre in some way most of his life. He was born in Peru and came to Canada more than 15 years ago to pursue a career in theatre. More recently, he has been working with youth theatre in Orangeville, near Toronto, and then came to St. Catharines to work with Carousel Players. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to get a feel for the local high school theatre scene,” said Felices-Luna. He said he is looking for “nice strong execution of a good vision” in the areas of commitment, acting, design and ensemble. Felices-Luna chose three plays to move on to the South Western regional competition: The Lesson, The Disposables and Fractured Mind. The audience appeared to agree with the choices by giving standing ovations. “I think everyone in the audience, standing ovation aside, did not need any further convincing,” said George Doros, festival co-ordinator. “I think they are a good representation from this district and totally agree with the adjudicator’s selection. Each of the three performances had strong acting performances.” Brantford Sanderson Centre in Brantford, Ont., will host the South Western regional performances April 16 to April 21. David S. Howe Theatre in St. Catharines is the venue for this year’s provincial performances May 14 to May 18. Photos by Shawn Dixon news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 27 Ontario fi ghters request MMA sanctioning By MIKE MCNEIL encounter or fi ght with fi sts or hands between the legs, grappling and small Staff Writer. two persons who have met for that purpose open-palmed gloves are One of the hottest sporting events on TV is by previous arrangement made by or for not permissible under the the Ultimate Fighting Championships. them, but a boxing contest between amateur Athletics Control Act. That The UFC is a brand name in the sport of sportsmen, where the contestants wear said, he sanctions amateur mixed martial arts, or MMA, a sport that has boxing gloves of not less than 140 grams Muay Thai, amateur boxing been around for over a decade in many forms each in mass, or any boxing contest held and pro boxing events. around the world. with the permission or under the authority of Despite the hardships in A mix of boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, an athletic board or commission or similar Ontario for MMA, there jiu-jitsu, judo and other combat sports, MMA body established by or under the authority of are still a large number of really hit it big when the UFC released the the legislature of a province for the control athletes who train hard at reality show The Ultimate Fighter on Spike of sport within the province, shall be deemed MMA. Many know if they TV. Since then almost everyone knows the not to be a prize fi ght. decide to fi ght at any level names of Chuck Lidell, Randy Couture, Other provinces, such as Quebec and in the sport they will have to Matt Hughes and Canadian fi ghter Georges Alberta, have accepted the responsibility travel out of the province or St. Pierre. What few local fans know is that and taken steps to sanction MMA events. even country. MMA is illegal in Ontario. The Quebec Athletic Commission has done “As a Mauy Thai fi ghter, In Ontario, MMA fi ghts fall under Section so for almost 10 years. In other provinces, I had to travel to the United 83 of the Criminal Code covering prize such as British Columbia, sanctioning falls States to fi ght,” said Bruce fi ghting across Canada. Section 83 of the under the local athletic commissions. Swarts, Muay Thai coach at Matt Parsons and Javor Perduhov train in the octagon at Criminal Code of Canada appears, by virtue The Ontario Athletic Commission’s Modern Mixed Martial Arts Modern Mixed Martial Arts, in St. Catharines. of the defi nition of “prize fi ght,” to deem all Chairman Ken Hayashi has been inundated in St. Catharines who has Photo by Mike McNeil martial arts and all martial arts competitions with requests for a MMA sanctioning body, been in the art for 13 years. Jiu-Jitsu coach and paramedic Lyle Renaud, and contests to be “prize fi ghts” and illegal but nothing has been passed from his offi ce. The new look of martial arts has changed who also doubles as the team’s cut man. With in Canada – so no more tournaments. Even “I can only sanction what I have many old myths about combat sports. Men fi ghters from Ontario like Carlos Newton, sparring within a club could be considered regulations for,” Hayashi said. “I do have and woman train hard and they know the Garry Goodridge, Jeff Joslin, Sam Stout illegal. Owner-operators, students and regulations for striking with the hands and realities of self-defence. It isn’t always and Mark Hominic all making it into the big spectators of these martial art events, amateur feet and for grappling, but mixed martial pretty, but it is much more realistic for shows such as the UFC and Pride, there is no or otherwise, are engaging in illegal “prize arts is a combination of them. I don’t have students and coaches. lack of talent coming from the province. What fi ght” activities and could be charged. regulations for it. ” “I think we have a great combination here seems to be lacking is any chance of fi ghting In this section, “prize fi ght” means an Hayashi also noted that MMA’s kicks to that you won’t fi nd at many gyms,” said for a hometown crowd. Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture returns to octagon victorious SUMMER By KATELYN GALER but scared for him at the same would have put my money on JOBS Staff Writer time,” says Shane McDonald, Sylvia. I guess that’s why I’m March 3, 2007, is what is 22 of St. Catharines. not a betting man.” COLLEGE PRO PAINTERS now being called the greatest “He’s a UFC hall-of-famer Couture’s record stands at 25 is presently looking for responsible / hard- night in UFC (Ultimate Fighting already, but I was afraid he was wins and eight losses as he gets set Championship) history. past his prime.” to fi ght up-and-coming pride fi ghter working University or College Forty-three-year-old Randy A lot of people had this same Mirko Cro Cop this summer. students for: “The Natural” Couture came out attitude. According to UFC.com, of retirement to battle reigning Sylvia was favoured to win the heavyweight champion Tim fi ght 70 per cent to Couture’s 30 Full-Time Painting Positions “The Maine-iac” Sylvia for the per cent. May - August title belt, and he won. Sylvia has a 25-3 record, and had The sold-out, record-breaking won the last fi ve of his fi ghts. Most No experience required, crowd of 19,044 fell to a hush as other heavyweights didn’t come close we will train you to paint. Couture entered the octagon to to beating Sylvia. Aerosmith’s Back in the Saddle In a post-fi ght interview, Sylvia  Positions available throughout Ontario. Again in Columbus, Ohio, for the told host Joe Rogan that Couture Top 10 fi nale of UFC 68: The Uprising. surprised him. RealTraxTM ring tunes If interested call 1-888-277-9787 They would soon be on their feet “He kept me off balance all Week of March 5 or apply online at www.collegepro.com cheering loudly as only 10 seconds night. When I thought he was into round one, Couture landed a going to throw, he shot for my legs, 1. Cupid's Chokehold - Gym Class Heroes devastating punch to Sylvia’s right and when I thought he was going to 2. Don’t Matter cheek, knocking him to the ground. chute, he threw punches.” - Akon That was only the beginning. Couture told UFC.com in a pre- 3. Go Getta (R. Kelly Chorus) Not only did 222-pound Couture fi ght interview that he saw holes in - Young Jeezy win, he took down the 6’8”, 263- Sylvia’s game. 4. Irreplaceable - Beyonce we are growing pound unbeatable fi ghter, landed “You have to take Tim’s body 5. Lips of an Angel more shots in the stand-up fi ght and take him down. My style of - Hinder and dominated the ground game. wrestling is I’m going to get past 6. Lost Without U to serve “Not bad for an old man,” said his hands and clinch him and trip - Robin Thicke you better 7. On The Hotline Couture in a post-fi ght interview him and take him down from - Pretty Ricky on pay-per-view television. there. You know, that’s the biggest 8. Poppin’ come visit us at our 2nd Welland location… “I felt if I could get on top of deal I saw.” - Chris Brown Tim, I could be effective. He was Clearly his strategy worked. 9. Throw Some D’s - Rich Boy hard to work with, but the big Couture won all fi ve of the fi ve- 10. What Goes Around / Comes Around guys I worked with really helped minute rounds on the judges’ - Justin Timberlake me out.” scorecard. Text "PLAY" to 4800 on your Rogers wireless The win gives Couture his third Even after controlling the fi rst phone to download your favourite ring tunes today. heavyweight title to go along three rounds, Couture continued 637 Niagara • 905-735-3453 • www.desjardins.com with his two light heavyweight to fi ght tough and take down the titles. He remains the only UFC big man. legend to be a title-holder in two Sylvia looked seriously beaten nous grandissons weight classes. up at the end of the 25 minutes, Couture entered retirement after with two blackened, swollen eyes losing his second consecutive and a bloody lip. pour mieux vous servir match to light heavyweight “I was so proud of my man champion Chuck Liddell. Randy,” said Martin Orr, 21 of venez nous visiter a notre deuxième centre “I was so happy to see St. Catharines. “I had my doubts, de service á Welland Couture come out of retirement and if I were a betting man I 62365373 Page 28, news@niagara, March 16, 2007

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www.forces.ca 1-800-856-8488 news@niagara, March 16, 2007, Page 29 Shallow existence lies behind glitz, glamour By MARCUS YOUNGREN engraved footprints on Hollywood make some people set impossibly some Californians, it is easy to see very big and got my fi rst taste of Staff Writer Boulevard. I also got to go shopping high expectations for themselves. why so many people call California surfi ng. To say it wasn’t easy is an Its beauty is endless. on Rodeo Drive, a very prestigious I found much of California to be home. I arrived during their winter understatement. I don’t think I ever Many of the rich and famous shopping area, and one in which fake. Television and movies often months and still managed to get got up for more than fi ve seconds. call it home. I naively walked into stores and depict Hollywood as being a place a sunburn. The average day’s Still, the experience was priceless. California is a place where saw suits starting at $5,000. That’s where your dreams can come true, temperature was in the mid-70s Anyone traveling to California hopes and dreams are achieved more than my education costs a but walking the streets you fi nd Fahrenheit, a far cry from our -10 will have no problem getting a and shattered. year. Needless to say, I didn’t buy failed actors turned drug addicts to Celsius. caffeine fi x. Walking out of LAX Interna- anything. cope with their losses. If you talk Travelling along the Pacifi c There is a coffee shop around tional Airport and into the brisk, Much of the beauty I encountered to people, you can hear their dying Coast Highway was breathtaking. every corner, if not a Starbucks, then yet still warm winter air of Cali- while in California came from its spirits. I found Hollywood to be Seeing the massive Pacifi c a Coffee Bean, but predominantly fornia, I feel excitement rushing landscape and its people. The only the dirtiest place in California. saltwater waves crash and soar Starbucks. over me. question is this: how much of it While in the Pacifi c Coast state, skyward against the shore sent California has much to offer “I will fi nally get to walk where was real? I asked myself, why are so many shivers down my spine. The urge people. Its beauty really is endless. the stars walk,” I say to myself, in Besides the fi lm industry, people like this? The answer I to learn how to ride them took A word of warning though: a somewhat pathetic manner. medical surgeries are the biggest gave is that the shallow pursuit hold of me. people need to be careful not to I didn’t actually see any movie business in California, and ranking, of riches and fame will often Stopping at a surf shop, I rented get caught up in the pursuit of its stars, but I did literally walk perhaps surprisingly, behind that is end in the opposite, minus the a board and had one of the locals starry-eyed dreams because some where they walk. I placed my the cemetery industry. shallow part. try to teach me how to surf. I went of those dreams can only lead to feet atop actor Mel Gibson’s Being surrounded by beauty can Despite the surface existence of to an area where the waves weren’t destruction. Shattering business networking’s biggest myths By MARCUS YOUNGREN He states people like to build relationships and grow Staff Writer in trust before they do business, adding it is much The most crucial part of business isn’t being taught at more than “You do business, I do business. Let’s do universities around the world. business.” Dr. Ivan Misner, a professor at Cal Poly University Misner asserts you don’t have to be a people person in Pomona, Calif., recently compiled a comprehensive to be good at networking. worldwide study of business people. His results are sur- He explains many extroverts are often very good at prising. making initial contact with potential clients but are In part one of his study, Misner asked more than 2,500 often so focused on themselves that people are turned business people what affected their bottom line most.Sev- off by them. enty-fi ve per cent said it was networking. Introverts, who may not be as good at originat- Noting the importance of business world network- ing contact with someone, are great at building ing, Misner did a second study with 1,400 business relationships. professionals that indicated 88 per cent of them had Misner states, “One would think that with some- never taken a course that even marginally covered thing so important as networking, universities would the topic. cover it in their business programs. But the sad fact is Determined to put an end to that, Mis- they don’t.” ner recently released his seventh book, ti- He insists the problem with universities is they are tled Truth or Delusion: Busting Networking’s built of business professors who have never owned Biggest Myths. their own business. “My latest book shatters many myths associated with He proclaims many business professors say they networking.” Dr. Ivan Misner, the “Networking Guru”, is attempting gained their business experience through consulting, Networking can mean different things to different peo- to bust networking’d biggest myths and set business to which Misner replies, “I started off as a consultant. ple, but the type of networking Misner discusses in his people around the world on the right track. Running a business and being a consultant are very latest book focuses on connecting with people to enhance Submitted photos different.” contacts and generate referrals. of that. “Universities teach you how to think, not necessar- “My goal is to put the process of networking on “If networking was a fad, I wouldn’t be in busi- ily what to think.” the map.” ness anymore.” The Internet has affected networking greatly, in- Networking is a fairly new subject. Before the 1980s Last year his company generated 4.9 million refer- sists Misner, but it hasn’t always been in a positive there was virtually no literature on the subject, states rals worldwide and brought in $1.9 billion. manner. Misner. BNI has 4,600 branches in 37 countries and has been He states the Internet is a great way to maintain con- He adds, networking began to be discussed in the early operating for 22 years. tact with a client but isn’t a good way to build a rela- 1980s, but really started to take root in the 1990s. It took BNI 10 years to expand into one other coun- tionship. Entrepreneur magazine calls Misner “The Networking try, Canada, but last year alone BNI opened branches in “Face to face is always the best way of building a Guru.” 10 countries. strong relationship.” Misner states the biggest myth about networking is Misner describes networking more as farming rather Misner states, “It’s not what you know or who you that it’s a fad. He asserts his business, Business Network than hunting. know these days; it’s how well you know them.” International (BNI), begun in 1985, is the biggest proof “It’s about cultivating relationships.” “People do business with people they trust.” ‘Intensive’ nursing program addresses worldwide need By RACHEL TATTERSALL back because of the great demand for intensive” and includes everything from After graduating, nurses can write the Staff Writer nurses. anatomy and physiology to humanities and Canadian Practical Nurse Registration An evolved diploma program in practical “Niagara College had the support of the communication. Examination to seek certifi cation and work nursing here is addressing a worldwide Niagara Health System and the community. Students also experience in-depth theory in areas such as hospitals, clinics, prisons, shortage of health-care providers. They were able to serve the needs of the components, more than 1,000 hours of mental health services and community The original certifi cate level program was community by launching this program.” clinical practice and 10 weeks of full-time agencies. introduced in the late 1990s after a registered Taylor states although it is mostly women work experience. She explains that graduates will be nursing program was cancelled in a Niagara who apply for the program, which allows Anyone who is interested in applying for needed. College restructuring. 30 to 40 students per year, more men this program is encouraged to “work hard “There are a number of initiatives in the Helen Taylor, the Practical Nursing co- have become interested in the career path. to achieve excellent grades.” Taylor says province of Ontario to increase the number ordinator, has been a registered nurse for Currently, fi ve out of the 30 students in the fi nding volunteer opportunities or spending of nurses.” 19 years. classes are male. time in a health-care setting will help students The Practical Nursing students will be She says she has worked in most areas “Nursing has traditionally been a female develop “a passion and understanding” for holding a Health Fair on March 27 from of a hospital and, although she has a lot of profession, but as the demand for nurses nursing. 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. outside the cafeteria responsibility with the college program, grows and salary levels increase, more men “This career requires a lot of commitment, at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. she still continues working as a part-time have been choosing nursing. It allows them both in college and once you start your All students and staff are invited to come nurse manager in a long-term care nursing to provide high-quality, high-tech care with career, but there are great challenges and and view the health promotion displays facility. a wide range of opportunities.” opportunities that will allow graduates to focusing on issues relevant to college She explains the program was brought The two-year program is “very provide vital and valued nursing care.” students. Page 30, news@niagara, March 16, 2007 Local man helps build church in Nicaragua By TARA BRADY strenuous and time consuming. They enlisted conversation.” ages. There are computers everywhere, just Staff Writer the help of a local resident, one of the rare Wiebe described the hospitality the not in the homes. There are Internet cafes for It’s not your average vacation destination. people who owned a machine, to fi nish the villagers provided on their mission. people to use computers. Almost every home With sparkling sandy beaches, ancient leveling. “We would watch children playing has hydro, and every home has a television, architecture and a breathtaking volcano, The team then set out to dig trenches for baseball in the streets and smile at them. even in homes with dirt fl oors. It was really nestled in Central America north of Costa water drainage pipes, imperative for water They knew we were interested in them. I bizarre.” Rica, the city of Leon, Nicaragua, is a rare run-off. admired their athletic abilities in a non-verbal As for their building methods, everything destination for North American travellers. In the 36 degree Celsius weather, the team communication that is hard to describe.” is manual labour or is transported by horse For David Wiebe, 46, of The team had frequent and buggy. Welland, Leon offered a chance visitors on the job site. In this “country of lakes and volcanoes,” to make a difference in the lives “The pastor’s daughter the team experienced a taste of rural living. of Nicaraguans. On Feb. 5, and her friend visited us On their trek to visit one of the most Wiebe, along with nine other every day and by the end stunning landmarks Nicaragua has to offer, men, aged 19 to 59, from the of our trip learned to speak the Momotombo volcano, they encountered Brethren in Christ Church in a little English. They were a primitive method of extracting water. Wainfl eet, Ont., began their two- so affectionate and gave “On the way to the volcano, we took the week mission to build a church everyone a hug and a kiss. back roads where the locals lived in small in Nicaragua. They were so appreciative shacks and farmers lived off the land. According to www.cia. that 10 guys from Canada “There was a young girl driving a yoke gov, Nicaragua is the second were building a church in and oxen with a switch, hitting the oxen with poorest country in the western their city. I felt so close a rope attached to it directing the oxen to a hemisphere. It has a low per - to them.” well of water. capita income and widespread Although the locals “It went out onto the road, about 70 metres, unemployment, making the were warm and endearing, to get a jug of water. country’s distribution of income the language barrier was “All the tourists stopped and watched one of the most inequitable in diffi cult. the procedure. It was really primitive and the world. Wiebe was astounded amazing.” According to World Vision, to encounter an English- As their mission came to an end, the Nicaragua is struggling to The team from Brethren in Christ pastor’s living quarters were in overcome years of dictatorship Church in Wainfl eet stands the primary stages. and civil war. The widespread atop Momotombo volcano in The concrete for the fl oor was poverty is attributed to the Nicaragua. poured and pillars to support the natural disasters that strike the roof were erected. country. The church is expected to be While unemployment and illiteracy remain built concrete walls as fi nished for Christmas 2007, a problem because of rising infl ation rates, the frame for the church with another mission team wages no longer cover daily living expenses. and began the installation and the villagers to fi nish the Around 50 per cent of the country’s population of the basic washroom remaining work. lives in poverty, while 19 per cent of the quarters, two toilets and a Nicaraguans demonstrated population lives in extreme poverty. Around shower. their appreciation to the men for 40 per cent of the population is illiterate, so When not building the their generosity and assistance escaping this poverty is diffi cult. church, Wiebe had the in enriching their lives and The United Nations Children’s Fund chance to experience true making a place of worship for (UNICEF) explains the breakdown of Nicaraguan culture. many people. income distribution shows that 45 per cent “We didn’t live with Brock Wiebe, at left, and Dave Wiebe of all income is dominated by the richest 10 the locals. We stayed at are shown with their new Nicaraguan per cent of the population, while only 14 per the most posh hotel in friends. cent goes to the poorest. the city. It wasn’t huge or The team of men from Brethren in Christ elaborate, but compared World Missions set off for Nicaragua with to the rest of the city it was amazing.” speaking local. intentions of enriching the lives of the He explains the team worked in the city “My nephew and I walked into locals by building a much-needed Brethren but lived secluded from the local lifestyle. a shop and said, ‘Bueno noches’ to in Christ church in a village dominated by “In the hotel, we were in a world of our own the shopkeeper, and he asked us, Catholic churches. Wiebe says he has been away from the poverty and the culture.” ‘Where are you from?’ in perfect “thinking seriously” about it for fi ve years. The team wanted to communicate with English. We were so excited. We When he arrived at the site, it was an the residents, but without the help of an had a conversation with him and he empty lot with a pile of dirt. The team interpreter, it was impossible. educated us about the city.” immediately began working on leveling “The language barrier was unbelievable. While exploring, the men the land. We had to have our interpreter, Marshall Poe, experienced the reality of the Nicaraguan children play soccer in the streets. They began digging by hand for about a missionary for 12 years, with us at all times Nicaraguan lifestyle. Submitted photos fi ve hours, but found the labour to be quite if we wanted to have any sort of meaningful “Their technology is in the dark Worldwide IBM contest attracts 300 By MARCUS YOUNGREN tions for the chip, including medical, gaming, scholastic prize of $5,000 and a $2,500 fourth-place prize. Staff Writer and any other use they can think of. The fi rst challenge ends March 31, and the second ends A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits students world- “This contest gives students a unique opportunity to take July 5. The judges will announce the winners on Sept. 5. wide who have a chance to work with a revolutionary mi- the technology underpinnings of the Cell Broadband En- This is the fi rst year this contest has been conducted, croprocessor. gine and then imagine what is possible, given their own and the response has been excellent. Reddy states, “The The International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) has skills and interests. They are the earliest adopters of these response has been beyond our imagination.” given 600 university and/or college students from 25 coun- advanced technologies and in the best position to see new She adds the 600 available spots fi lled up within tries an opportunity to display their knowledge of IBM’s opportunities to take full advantage of its capabilities. I two days. groundbreaking microprocessor, the Cell Broadband En- can’t wait to see the results,” stated Nick Donofrio, IBM’s Perhaps not surprisingly, China and India have the most gine (CBE). In return, they will be required to use that executive vice-president of innovation and technology. students in the contest. knowledge and create a new application for the chip. The contest, which began on Feb. 5, is di- Another unique feature of this contest is code sharing. The processor is the key ingredient in the recently re- vided into two groups of 300 contestants. This feature gives people from all over the world the ability leased Play Station 3 (PS3) gaming console. The chip Region 1 is the Americas, and Region 2 is Europe and to use the programs the contestants create. After the partici- enables PS3 to perform groundbreaking applications and Asia Pacifi c. pants are done coding their program, they post it online and display realistic graphics. According to Hema Reddy, the It is also divided into two separate challenges. The fi rst that gives people access to it. project manager for the Cell Broadband Engine Challenge, challenge is an online quiz, which tests the contestant’s As a result, if a student develops a program that com- “The chip can be used for a lot more.” knowledge of the CBE. In the second challenge, students putes a type of mathematical equation, other students can Charles Zinkowski, a member of IBM’s Global Media will be required to develop a new program using the CBE. use that program to do their work. Relations, states, “We are really excited to see what stu- A panel of judges will then determine which contestant’s IBM is encouraging creativity and scientifi c innovation. dents come up with.” innovation is deserving of the $10,000 fi rst-place prize. “Senior executives and all of IBM are looking forward to The contestants are encouraged to create new applica- There is also a second-place prize of $7,500, a third-place the results,” states Reddy.