Passion for fencing Page 21

NIAGARATHE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF NIAGARA NEW COLLEGE S FREE Vol 38 • Issue 3 FREE OctoberMarch 14, 26, 2008 2007 Vol 38 • Issue 12 All-CCanadiananadian Kaitlyn McKenna puts her Knights on national stage

By JESSE DOSTAL GGIRLIRL Staff Writer Niagara Knights womenʼs bas- ketball star Kaitlyn McKenna has become the fi rst-ever Niagara Col- lege basketball player to be named an all-Canadian all-star. McKenna, a small forward, has been a dominant player with the Knights since she was fi rst on the team during the 2005-06 school year. This year was McKennaʼs best as she averaged 16.43 points per game — second in the On- tario College Athletic Association (OCAA)— after leading the league in scoring for much of the year. Coach Ron Lemon has had the privilege of coaching McKenna, since she was an OCAA rookie. “Sheʼs the last one off the court … always shooting,” says Lemon of McKennaʼs work ethic.“When she talks, [her team-mates] listen.” McKenna, 22, says that she tries her best to work hard because she loves the game and “wants to be on the court.” Lemon says that McKenna is not a “real rah-rah-rah” type leader, but uses quiet leadership and stellar play on the court to set an example for her teammates. “[McKenna] is very coachable, and her teammates all respect her,” says Lemon. Lemon doesnʼt shy away from giving McKenna the credit that he feels she deserves, and says that being named all-Canadian is the top award someone he has coached Kaitlyn McKenna has made her Niagara Knights coaches proud has received. with her basketball accomplishments. Continued on Page 3 Photo by Matt Day THIS ADVERTISMENT WAS PAID FOR BY THE CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STUDENTS-ONTARIO 2 NIAGARA NEWS March 14, 2008 $32m Master Plan renovations College’s original campus gets a 40th anniversary face lift By EMILY PEARSON The drawings have been in the Staff Writer making for almost two years and, A $32-million construction Woodhouse says, heʼs “eager to Master Plan may begin in 2009 if get started.” the collegeʼs board of governors The college is taking on an en- gives its approval in June. ergy-saving initiative and is pro- Mal Woodhouse, director of fa- moting an energy-saving design, cilities management services here, but much of these upgrades are says the project will “take 20 to 30 going on behind the scenes now. years to complete.” The college has just put in “green The main purpose of the plan power” boilers that save $200,000 for the Welland campus is to in heating costs. cut maintenance costs, improve Woodhouse hopes to “eliminate transportation around the campus barriers” by solving accessibility and allow students to be more problems. “connected.” Slated are new security sys- The major facelifts are for the tems, complete with classroom Mackenzie and Black Walnut surveillance, which, Woodhouse buildings to be torn down and for says, was not brought on by the the main building to be expanded gun scare back in September. The to be a two-storey student hub, need for a security upgrade was complete with gymnasium and in the plan two years ago, Wood- open access lab, says Woodhouse. house says. The plan also features an overall The money will come from landscaping plan for the collegeʼs capital fundraising campaign 99 acres. “Twenty to 30 years involving businesses, student from now, it [the Welland campus] contributions, college funds set will surely be the Central Park of aside in savings and an Ontario Welland,” says Woodhouse. He government grant, which, Wood- adds the wooded area behind the house says, the college is “very Childrenʼs Safety Village is home likely” to get. to endangered species and the plan He adds the drawings are “so far hopes to expand the park-like set- along” only small details need to A model of the Welland campus shows the Master Plan ideas for a full renovation of the 40-year-old ting over the campus for a greener be decided, but the fi ne details are campus. landscape. open to change, based on needs. Photo by Joe Fowler College prepares for high alert New Emergency Preparedness Plan should improve student safety, says college By SHANE BUCKINGHAM lege was already in the “infancy Certain individuals involved at either campus to the entire Under the old plan, staff was Staff Writer stage” of reviewing its Emergency with security or the marketing and college. “supposed to physically meet” at a Niagara College is aiming to Preparedness Plan following the communications department will “What we decided was to go specifi ed place within the college update on-campus security by Dawson College shooting in Mon- have access codes, so they can down to the least common de- during a security situation. Sept. 1. treal; however, after Sept. 14, the broadcast an announcement to the nominator. Everyone knows how As for security camera up- In response to the Sept. 14, 2007, college “expedited” the process. rest of the college. a phone works. Everyone is used grades, Garner says Woodhouse incident, when Daniel Mook was “I think youʼll always see an Levay says this will be cost ef- to using it as a paging system [at and Levay “will determine the arrested at the collegeʼs Welland emergency plan improving and fective because every classroom Wellandʼs campus] and with cer- through tender and process the campus for being allegedly continuously evolving,” says has been set up for multimedia, tain extensions everyone knows kind of equipment thatʼs cho- intoxicated and carrying an Hunchak. so the phones will simply “piggy- exactly how that operates. So put- sen and the installation of the unloaded pellet pistol, the college Garner says they “didnʼt have back off the wiring thatʼs already ting that into place with the right equipment.” created new security procedures any prior consultation” from the there.” security codes means people can “ W e ʼre looking at expediting and technological enhancements. NRP on situationʼs involving Thereʼs “nothing better or utilize the technology theyʼre most that and we want to have, if not all The initiatives underway are an armored intruder before the worse” technologically compared comfortable with when dealing the entrances covered, we want to the recommendations of a college incident. with the phone system the Welland with an emergency situation.” have the primary ones covered.” working committee consulting However, they have con- campus already uses, says Levay; Unlike Welland, Niagara-on- A third party will be installing with Niagara Regional Police. sulted with the NRP about other however, the phones were selected the-Lake campus does not have a the cameras under the supervision The committee was put together aspects of the Emergency Pre- because it allows the college “to phone paging system and has to of Niagaraʼs staff, says Levay. shortly after the incident by paredness Plan (EPP), such as stay open and current technologi- make all announcements by mi- New signage will be posted Steve Hudson, vice-president of bomb threats, of which Niagara cal trends.” crophone at the security advice. around the school to help emer- corporate services. It includs four had a half a dozen. “Itʼs a fl exible program we However, by September, it too, gency workers responding to a people: Mal Woodhouse, director The NRP assisted in the creation can build on for the future, ” says will be equipped with the same crisis. of facilities management, John of an evacuation plan and a shelter Hunchak. technology, says Levay. Training has been planned for Levay, director of information and in-place procedure, something the The public address (PA) system A Virtual Command Centre is staff, security and faculty “be- technology services, Jim Garner, EPP did not include previously, is being upgraded to improve sound being constructed, which is “es- fore they go on vacations, ” says director of human resources and says Garner. quality and the coverage. It will sentially a conference bridge, ” Garner. Rick Demers, manager of health, As for the collegeʼs enhance- extend into areas it doesnʼt reach says Levay. The scenarios will let everyone safety and security. ments, it will be installing Voice currently, such as washrooms, the “It keeps the emergency response practice “different responses and The way the incident “unfolded, Over Internet Protocol phones residence and exterior classrooms. team communicating directly with roles, ” says Garner. it was handled well, but there was over the summer, says Levay. Again, Levay says it “wonʼt each other, and more than one at a Securityʼs job will remain to also room for improvement,” says The phones can be used as two- be diffi cult” to install the upgrades time. Itʼs everyone virtually in the “call the police immediately” in Gord Hunchak, Niagara Collegeʼs way voice communications “like because wiring to all buildings is same conversation. And thatʼs key the event of an armed intruder. director of communications and a regular phone” or they can be done. Once the project is com- having direct communication saves Students can view the me- marketing. “fl ipped over” to broadcast mode plete, broadcasts, with the proper a lot of time instead of having to dia release on the blackboard At that time, Levay says the col- for announcements. code, can be made from any phone relay messages,” says Hunchak. homepage. INSIDE THIS WEEK Editorial Page 6 • CBC and CTV Tours Page 12 – 13 • Niagara Noise Page 18 – 20 • Sports Page 9 – 10 March 14, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 3 Cooking for gold at Niagara By JOE FOWLER worried about the chicken and the Staff Writer tomatoes.” Looking for the best cake, rolls “It was good, a little nerve or éclairs in the region? Look no wracking. I wasnʼt sure when to farther than Welland. start,” said Ian Campbell of To- On Feb. 25, the question was ronto. “I had to put the chicken answered at the Fourth Annual back in the oven. It wasnʼt cook- Niagara Invitational High School ing. Itʼs a good thing we had to Cook-off hosted by the Niagara plate at fi ve minutes to show. Iʼm Culinary Institute at the collegeʼs really excited about the scholar- Niagara-on the-Lake campus. ship. Itʼs a good place to start.” Notre Dame High School stu- Gold medal winners in both dent Nathan Libertini walked out competitions win a $1,000 schol- of the solo bakery competition arship towards Niagara Collegeʼs with a gold medal. Silver went culinary programs. to Tamara Martell of Danforth Solomon Chau and Eugene Collegiate and Technical Insti- Kruglov, of St. Francis High tute, and bronze went to Barbara School in St. Catharines, took Belanger of Eastdale Secondary silver. Bronze medals went to School in Welland. Jordan Heil and Bryan Nault, of The baking competition saw Port Colborne High School. six solo bakers preparing a deco- The teams were judged on culi- rated cake and assorted rolls and nary technique, presentation and éclairs. balance of ingredients, taste and Ian Campbell and Holly hygienic practice. Flippance, of Torontoʼs Dan- Judges from companies like forth Collegiate and Technical Vintage Inns and Unilever Food Institute, took home the gold Solutions were on hand to ob- for the culinary portion of the serve and grade the teams. competition. Chef Revival sponsored the The culinary competition saw baking prize, and Mercer Tools 24 two-person teams prepare an sponsored the culinary prize. appetizer of French pistou soup Knorr was also a sponsor at the and chicken cordon bleu with event. spinach-stuffed tomatoes for the Competitors came from the Ni- entrée. agara region and Hamilton, Burl- “Itʼs overwhelming. I wasnʼt ington, Oakville and Toronto. expecting to win, and then they The event also served as a net- called our team,” said Holly Flip- working opportunity for the nov- pance, of Toronto. “We practised ice chefs and patissiers to touch Allie Pullia 16, of Jean-Vanier Secondary School in Welland, measures out spinach for the culinary and the team pulled together base with some of the regionʼs competion. pretty well actually. We were chef elite. Photo by Joe Fowler McKenna shines as leading Knight Continued from page 1 being named all Canadian is “defi nitely at “Itʼs the top honour at the college,” says the top.” Lemon. Although McKenna graduates this spring, The Niagara Falls native says that she tries she still has two years of post-secondary to be a leader on and off the court, saying athletics eligibility remaining, so many in- this is especially important with fi ve rookies stitutions have contacted her about her ser- on the team this season. vices. Her coach says that the interest is on “You got to have the [veterans] there,” a national level, saying that there has been says her coach. interest from Vancouver to Prince Edward This is not the fi rst time McKenna has been Island. recognized for her play as a Niagara Knight, “I defi nitely want to play out my fi nal two also having been named to the fi rst team years of eligibility,” says McKenna. West All-Star team three years in a row. McKenna says that right now she is unde- In 2006, as well as being named an all-star, cided about where she will play these two McKenna won the OCAA Rookie of the Year years, adding she has not completely counted award, the OCAA All Academic Award and out returning to Niagara. the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association “If we can get her a good education that Academic All-Canadian award. will lead her to a good job, I would love her Kaitlyn McKenna surveys the court in a recent Ontario College Athletic Association She says that even with all these honours, to come back,” says Lemon. game. Submitted photo Need help in filling out your Year 2007 Income Tax Forms? F Free Income Ta x Clinics Free E-Filing for Free Income Tax Clinics F Tuesday,March 25th Speedy Refunds Thursday, March 27th R Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus Hundreds of students over the years Welland Campus R (across from SAC office) have prepared and filed their income tax (near the Health Centre) 9:00 am - 4:00 pm forms using the FREE community volun- 9:00 am - 4:00 pm E teer Service...you can, too! E MARK YOUR CALENDARS! DON’T MISS OUT!

E 62921632 Sponsored by Canada Revenue Agency (formerly Revenue Canada) E 4 NIAGARA NEWS March 14, 2008 Come for the plants, stay for the wine NOTL open house ‘bigger and better’ By TERRI GILES dents are providing wine and Staff Writer food for visitors, and Niagara Wine, food and a diverse envi- College brand wines will be on ronment are all In Your Backyard. sale at the Teaching Winery and This weekend is the 39th Annual Wine Store. Horticultural Open House. The event, which has free The event, coined In Your Back- admission, will give visitors the yard, showcases studentsʼ talents chance to purchase from a wide and skills from the Horticulture assortment of potted bulbs, fl ow- department and the Culinary, er arrangements, house plants, Esthetics and Event Management hanging baskets, wine, food and and Viticulture programs. esthetics. Jim Thomson, greenhouse For those without a green manager, says he hopes to see thumb, students from the esthet- visitors from all over the region ics program will be showing attend because the open house their talents in the skin care fi eld showcases everything Niagara is by giving tips on keeping skin known for, such as wine, food and healthy. the environment. Chris Langendoen, 35, a stu- “This year we have more in- dent in the horticulture program, volvement from the viticulture, says the event will be very busy The Niagara College greenhouse at the NOTL campus, is one of three environment and culinary pro- because it gets bigger and better open house venues this weekend. grams,” he says. “It will be bigger each year. Photo By Terri Giles and better than ever.” “Those who want to be better In Your Back Yard will be held gardeners should come because IN YOUR BACKYARD at the Niagara-on-the-Lake cam- we will be offering tips on how 39th Annual Horticultural Open House pus on Taylor Road in the gym- to improve your gardens, such Saturday and Sunday nasium, cafeteria and greenhouse. as how to properly prune plants, March 15 and 16, 2008 The Wine Store and the Niagara which plants are poisonous to pets from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Culinary Institute Dining Room and when to plant your garden.” will also be open. Guests will be The all-ages event will have an Showcasing the talents of students training in Horticulture, able to taste wine and food in a Easter-themed childrenʼs area, in Culinary, Environment, Esthetics, Wine & Viticulture, and backyard setting complete with the greenhouse and a colouring Event Management. a garden, a water display and a area in the cafeteria hosted by Featuring: gazebo designed by students and event management students. All set up in the gymnasium. children in attendance will receive • Student demonstrations Students will give gardening ad- their very own free spider plant. • Interactive displays vice, sell plants they have grown “We have all sorts of plants in • Guest speakers over the year and present demon- the greenhouse right now that are • Gardening advice strations in the greenhouse. ready to pop into bloom,” says • Competitions Guests from the wine, culinary Thomson. “The greenhouse will • Vendor exhibits and environment fi elds will be be a sea of colour for the event.” • Wine tasting speaking about the front yard de- “In Your Back Yard will be the • Childrenʼs area signs, new Niagara wine products, perfect start to the spring season, For more information, visit the In Your Backyard web site: skin care tips and more. and we welcome everyone to at- http://niagaracollege.ca/backyard Viticulture and culinary stu- tend the event.”

Enrolled in a Red Seal trade? Apprenti(e) dans un métier Sceau rouge? Then you may qualify for a $1,000 grant. Si oui, vous avez peut-être droit à une subvention de 1 000 $. There are a lot of reasons to pursue an Aux diverses raisons de faire un apprentissage vient s’ajouter une apprenticeship. We’ve added another. The autre : la Subvention incitative aux apprentis. Il s’agit d’une nouvelle Apprenticeship Incentive Grant is a new grant that subvention offerte aux apprentis inscrits, après la 1re ou 2e année is available to registered apprentices once they de formation (ou l’équivalent) terminée avec succès dans un métier have successfully completed their first or second Sceau rouge. year (or equivalent) of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades. Pour présenter une demande : COMPOSEZ : 1-866-742-3644 / ATS 1-866-909-9757 How to apply: CLIQUEZ : servicecanada.ca CALL: 1-866-742-3644 / TTY 1-866-909-9757 OU VISITEZ : un centre Service Canada CLICK: servicecanada.ca OR VISIT: a Service Canada Centre March 14, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 5 Th e power of sports BY SHAWN DIXON and it inspires the athletes to get Staff Writer even more involved.” “Look after yourself, look after Athletes donʼt have to fl y to one another,” is the motto of Right countries needing help in order to To Play, an international organiza- show their support. tion devoted to building a healthier Colleen Shields, former Ontario and safer world through the power and Canadian champion swimmer, of sport. swam across Lake Ontario in Au- The main goals are to improve gust 2006 to raise $5,000 for Right health, build life skills and foster To Play. peace for children across 23 poor “If I can help kids learn to play and war-torn countries in Africa, through my sports, I will,” said Asia and the Middle East. Top Shields. amateur and professional athletes She said she was “inspired” by who serve as Right To Play Athlete Canadian Olympic gold medalist Ambassadors support the agencyʼs speed skater Clara Hughes, who causes. has helped raise hundreds of thou- These athletes, from more than sands of dollars for the agency. 40 countries, inspire children, are “I have picked the right charity,” role models for positive lifestyle said Shields. choices and help raise awareness Recently 10 NHL stars, including and funding for the agencyʼs Alexander Ovechkin, Joe Thornton projects. and Daniel Alfredsson, all made a Some athletes visit Right To Play donation to Right To Play based on projects to get a fi rst-hand account minutes played in one game. of the organizationʼs work. Last “Anyone who has experience in summer National Hockey League sports understands why the athletes players Steve Montador and An- give Right To Play their support,” drew Ference got the chance to go said Brender. to Tanzania and help. Right to Play raised about $20 “Where the athletes go specifi - million for needy children across cally isnʼt as important as what is the globe in 2006. Andrew Ference, of the Boston Bruins, and Steve Montador, of the Florida Panthers, pose for a picture with happening on the ground,” said This money is used to train local the children of Tanzania helped by Right to Play last summer. Mark Brender, the deputy director coaches for the children, imple- Submitted photo for Right To Play Canada. ment programs and keep the initia- “These trips give the athletes a tives locally driven in the countries fi rst-hand experience to see what Right to Play touches. we are doing. Weʼve really had ex- For more information on Right ceptional support; it reinforces that to Play or to make a donation, visit we are doing something important www.righttoplay.ca. ‘It’s about time’ Part-time workers rally at Niagara College for union certifi cation By SHANE BUCKINGHAM Less than three weeks later this Staff Writer “historic campaign” was launched, Part-time faculty across Ontario says Courvette. is being courted by “the largest “Our campaign slogan is Itʼs membership drive in the history of Time, but when we run into part- the labour movement in Ontario.” timers they say, “Itʼ about time.” The Ontario Public Service Under the 1975 Colleges Col- Employees Union (OPSEU), lective Bargaining Agreement which represents 16,000 part-time (CCBA), part-time employees are workers, held a rally at Niagara excluded from collective bar- Collegeʼs Welland campus on gaining. March 10. The rally was to propose Welland New Democrat MPP union certifi cation to the collegeʼs Peter Kormos says his party has 1,000- member part-time staff. introduced two private members “Our campaign is not just the bills to amend the CCBA to include rights of part-time workers, but part-time employees. itʼs also about quality education,” “Were going to do everything says Roger Courvette, president of inside the legislature and outside the Organization of Part-time and the legislature to force McGuinty Sessional Employees of Colleges and his government to keep his of Applied Arts and Technologies, promise,” says Kormos. an affi liate of OPSEU. Heather Minow, Student Ad- After a Supreme Court of Canada ministrative Council president, ruling that collective bargaining announced the part-time student rights are protected by the Canadi- workers at the college, which make an Charter of Rights and Freedoms up 30 per cent of the part-time in June 2007, McGuinty promised workforce, would also be able to to “recognize the right of colleges unionize. to bargain collectively” in August For more information on 2007, he says. OPSEU, visit www.opseu.org. 6 NIAGARA NEWS March 14, 2008 Editorial & Opinion NIAGARA NEWS We welcome your opinion E-mail: [email protected] • Mail: V10, 300 Woodlawn Rd., Welland,Ont. L3C 7L3 In Person: Room V10, Welland campus. • Policy: All letters must be signed Editor: Terri Giles and include a day and evening phone contact number for verification purposes. Associate Editor: Matt Day Assistant Editor: Jessie Dostal Photo Editor: Devon Meron

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

Niagara News is a practical lab for Journalism-Print program students study- ing at Niagara College. Opinions expressed in editorials and columns are not those of Niagara News management or the college administration. Columns, identified as such, reflect only the writerʼs opinion. Readers are welcome to respond to columnists by e-mail at [email protected] Advertising rules: The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occured. This applies whether such error is due to the negligence of its servants or otherwise. There shall be no liability for non-insertions of any adver- tisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. All advertisers are asked to check their advertisements after first insertion. We accept responsibil- ity for only one incorrect insertion unless notified immediately after publication. Errors, which do not lessen the value of the advertisement, are not eligible for corrections by a make-good advertisement. There shall be no liability for non- insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, revise, classify or reject any advertisement. . Th ank you, from Legend packs up 17 years Niagara News of exciting gridiron action “You are educated. Your Without their unwavering “There goes my hero, watch world, for my hero had just stronger. He lost his dad, and certifi cation is in your degree. support, we would not be where him as he goes...” – My Hero, proven himself as the best. that same week, played the You may think of it as the ticket we are today. Foo Fighters. Eleven years later, I look back game of his life against the to the good life. Let me ask you From the knowledge we have March 4, 2008 will go down and watch that game against Oakland Raiders. to think of an alternative. Think gained, we are confi dent that as the saddest day in history for the New England Patriots and His wife, Deanna, has been of it as your ticket to change the when we go into the workforce, myself and every other Green actually realize how genuinely battling breast cancer, yet he world.” ~Tom Brokaw we will be fully prepared, due Bay Packers fan. happy he was, running down still chucked a ball around on As April approaches and our to our facultyʼs unconditional It is the day that the legendary the fi eld to his teammates with the fi eld like it was his fi rst time at Niagara College nears an mentoring and care. quarterback, Brett Favre, his helmet off, yelling at the top game in a uniform. decided to retire after an of his lungs. He made the game I think the reason everyone end, we at Niagara News would The second-year journalism illustrious 17-year career, of fun, and I appreciate how lucky likes Favre is because nearly all like to thank you for reading class is a tight-knit team of which the last 16 were spent in I am having grown up with him of us can identify with at least the paper every week and your editors, reporters, paginators Green Bay. being my inspiration. one thing he has gone through. unwavering support. and photographers, working to Iʼll never forget the day I Nowadays, it seems like it is But did he ever decide to give In the Journalism-Print make Niagara News a reliable picked out my favourite football all about the money. I look at up? Not until 275 games in a program, second-year students resource for college updates. team. When I was seven, my superstars Peyton Manning and row had he decided it was time have done their best to keep the We would like to wish the auntʼs boyfriend asked me what Tom Brady and it just looks like to call it quits. entire region up-to-date on the next team of Journalism-Print team was my favourite. they are throwing a ball on the With virtually every events here at the college. students, who will take over the “That one,” I said, as I pointed fi eld because they have to, not quarterback record belonging It is our goal to give readers next issue of the paper, good to the team wearing green on because they want to. You donʼt to Favre, he has nothing left unbiased and timely information luck. We hope they have fewer the TV screen. I remember he see them making fart jokes, to prove. I hope future athletes about college sports, the Niagara hurdles to jump over than we chuckled and said I had made pulling pranks mid-game, or look to him as a role model, and music scene, politics and events did (although we like to think a good choice because they throwing snowballs at other not to the criminals of the game that affect our community. we did pretty well) and are as had a young, very talented teammates on a freezing day. who make the news for drug We would also like to thank proud of Niagara News as we quarterback. Favre reminded us all that itʼs busts, spousal abuse or illegal our professors for their support, are when March comes around From that point on, I became just a game, and that you should gambling rings. guidance, honesty and patience. again next year. obsessed with the green be having fun while battling it I donʼt know what the future If it werenʼt for their passion To our readers, we wish you and gold. I was offi cially a out on the gridiron. now holds for my favourite and dedication to journalism, a fabulous St. Patrickʼs Day, a cheesehead, but I would never Favre was human. He didnʼt team, but come September I we would not have the same happy Easter, a non-stressful have guessed what the next 13 seem out of the fansʼ league. He will be looking forward to a new drive and determination we do end of school and a successful years would mean to me. went through his troublesome dynastyʼs beginning for one of now about proper spelling of future. Being only 10 years old, I times, just like we all do. He the most storied franchises in names, and accuracy of fact. TERRI GILES watched Favre win a SuperBowl. battled a painkiller and alcohol sports. I was the happiest kid in the addiction, just to come out MATT DAY March 14, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 7

Bundling up for bigger things

Editorʼs Note: This report was get used to. Itʼs the small town and written prior to Jennifer Haynesʼs its folk she fears the most. departure. Watch for an update in “I defi nitely have no experience the April 11 edition. in dealing with small-town life or By JORDAN BAKER small-town people. I am worried I Staff Writer will be seen as the city outcast.” Itʼs time for the big move. With her fashionable outsider Itʼs thousands of miles away and onesie designed by Coco Chanel, a place where a dip in temperature she shouldnʼt have any trouble im- could shock someone to the coldest pressing the locals. bowels of hell. The key to adapting, she says, Itʼs a place known only as Hay is to “go with the fl ow and take it River. as it comes. I am trying not to have The gal making the move has too many expectations. I think just been outfi tted with the “most it will be easier to adapt if I do it amazing” coat she has ever seen, that way. If I set no expectations, though. my expectations canʼt be disap- “I look like a marshmallow,” pointed.” says 26-year-old Jennifer Haynes Whatʼs going away without a of big-city Burlington. going-away party? Itʼs time for her to look at things Jennifer surely doesnʼt know. in a slightly new light, though. Who Her roommates are throwing cares what you look like when the a Hawaii/Hay River-themed par- windchill is minus 45? ty. Guests must dress tropical or Haynes is leaving the life sheʼs arctic. known here for a new job in a new She expects the party to be the town, a much smaller town. Hay last opportunity for some fun be- River is only 3,600 people strong. fore her looming trip, which in- She starts her new job March 3 cludes a fl ight to Edmonton and at the Hay River Hub community then another into Hay River. newspaper 4,500 kilometres from “I am sure the bittersweet mo- her home. ment will come at the airport when Nestled in the underbelly of I leave. Iʼm not sure if my parents Great Slave Lake in the Northwest are taking me, but I know my best Territories, the town of Hay River friend will be seeing me off. That isnʼt as remote as other places in will be a tear-jerker.” the north, for you can drive there Joel Lightman, Haynesʼs friend if you have the time and chains on and drinking buddy, will send her your tires. on her way and be the one to pre- Jennifer Haynes, a second year journalism student, stands along a snow frosty and covered road in Hay River, Two major things she must be- vent her from turning around. Northwest Territories. come acclimatized to are the slow Her friend Patrick Teskey, who Submitted photo and easy small-town atmosphere works at the Hub, already has given have a single person up here that “one of the stages of emotion” one miliar to her. and the bitter, not-so-sweet cold. her a small piece of advice: “You I knew.” goes through when facing a major “I donʼt really like change very The cold means Haynes is excit- have to make a decision youʼll be Haynes says Teskeyʼs words are change. much, but I tend to throw myself ed at the prospect of the “onesie” happy with, and I know itʼs not an “as comforting as they can be.” She jokes that what sheʼll miss into these types of situations. I am being a daily fashion choice and the easy one. Just remember though, I She did have a small panic at- the most is Tim Hortons but says defi nitely going to miss all of my cold is something she says sheʼll went through this too, but I didnʼt tack earlier, something she calls sheʼll also miss everything else fa- friends.” Journalism-Print expresses appreciation to fi eld placement fi rms Students in the second-year of the Journalism-Print program spend 140 hours of unpaid fi eld placement in April building portfolio and expanding their network of community and indus- try contacts. Program faculty and students wish to thank the following or- ganizations for their participation: Daily Newspapers The Tribune, Welland as reporters, photographers, page designers The Review, Niagara Falls as reporters, photographers The Observer, Sarnia as reporter/photographer Community Newspapers The Hay River Hub, Hay River, North West Territories as reporter/photographer (hired) Tillsonburg News, reporter/photographer The Voice of Pelham, reporter/photographer Niagara News, Production assistant Elmira Independent, Reporter/photographer The Orangeville Banner, reporter/photographer The Mount Forest Confederate, reporter/photographer Public Relations Researched Innovation, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Media Offi cer St. Catharines General hospital, in-house reporter/photographer Niagara Region Public Health, communications/ public relations Canadian Cancer Society, media relations offi cer Gillianʼs Place, St. Catharines, public relations offi cer 8 NIAGARA NEWS March 14, 2008

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JOIN US March 14, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 9 Sports Knights reflect on up-and-down season Team hopes to learn from disappointing 10-8 fi nish By MATT DAY The 10-8 Knights eventually us, but with the group of kids we Staff Writer lost in the first playoff game have coming back, itʼs a solid With a 7-2 start to the season, the to the St. Lawrence Vikings core to build on.” Niagara Knights menʼs basketball 86-77. Beccaria pointed out there is team looked poised for a deep play- “Iʼm a little upset. I wanted to always some good to take away off run. But as the saying goes, all go to the tournament,” said An- from a bad situation. good things must come to an end. thony McAleese, a veteran of the The Knights lost by only a The team struggled with the Knightʼs team. McAleese will be combined six points in two final half of the season and graduating this year, who said games to Sheridan College of barely squeaked out an above he wanted to make it to “the last Oakville, the eventual Ontario .500 record. dance,” but playing away from Colleges Athletics Associa- “I think the level of competition home really hurt the morale of tion champions. They split two was a lot harder,” explained head the team. games with silver medalists Al- coach Mike Beccaria on the sud- Near the end of the season, the goma Univeristy of Sault. Ste. den fall of productivity. “We didnʼt Knights split a six-game road Marie. really play well and it was disap- stint and ended up losing five of “After a week or so, you put it pointing.” their last six games. into perspective and see that we He says he believes one of the “We had a real slump in play. played really good teams,” said pitfalls of the team was losing We lost some guys due to some Niagara Knights guard, Anthony McAleese sprints down the court Beccaria. confidence in the type of zone academic trouble, so we had to against a Sheridan Bruins defender on Jan. 16 in a home game He says he is pleased with defence they ran. pick up new guys and it was hard Photo by Matt Day what he has done for his first “We had different personnel to teach them,” said rookie Jer- pointing finish to a strong start, build on this experience for year of being head coach for the and were limited to playing man- emy Settimi, 19, of Hamilton. Beccaria said he is confident the next year. team and is looking forward to on-man.” Despite the result of a disap- team can learn from this and “Graduation is going to hurt next season. BRTF tournament for scholarship still going strong By SARAH JOHNSON Staff Writer “[Th e scholarship The fi fth annual Greg Darling Scholarship Fund Ball Hockey Tour- is] given out every nament will take place on March 15 year at our annual at the Ball Hockey International (BHI) courts on the Welland cam- GRAFITI awards pus at Niagara College. the broadcasting Second-year Broadcasting Ra- dio, Television and Film (BRTF) students put on. Th e Presentation student, Sarah Zinger, is the Promotions Man- scholarship goes out ager for the college radio station to a deserving fi lm 90.1 The Heat. “Ball Hockey International student.” and 90.1 FM The Heat get to- gether every year to put on the — Sarah Zinger Greg Darling Scholarship Fund [tournament]. Any teams are al- 2003. [The scholarship is] giv- lowed to go into the tournament; en out every year at our annual it doesnʼt matter where you are GRAFITI awards the broadcast- from. We actually have a team ing students put on. The scholar- from London thatʼs in the tourna- ship goes out to a deserving fi lm ment,” Zinger, 20, said. student,” she said. They have 10 teams signed Zinger said there would be priz up to play in the tournament on offered this year. March 15 as well as the alumni Linamar, a car parts manufac- team of broadcasting professors, turing plant in Guelph, donated making the total 11, Zinger said. mugs, pens, T-shirts, hats, card- The teams each paid $150 to holders and CD cases for the enter the tournament. teams. Zinger said there is also Past tournaments have pitted a raffle table, which will have teachers against students, always Lego figurines that were do- with thrilling results, but the nated from Zellers, The Worldʼs tournament is open to anyone and Most Comfortable Pen from everyone. Staples and a Jersey from Pros- ways gambling, The scholarship is named after pect Sports. If a close friend is al lp. Learn more online. Greg Darling, a former BRTF in- Zehrʼs donated all of the condi- she may need your he structor at the college who died ments and hotdog and hamburger ca in 2003. buns Zinger mentioned. friends4friends. “We raise money for the Greg If you would like more infor- Darling Scholarship Fund. Greg mation about the tournament, Darling was a teacher who taught contact Zinger at theheat.promo- in broadcasting and he [died] in [email protected]. 10 NIAGARA NEWS March 14, 2008 Sports UFC fi ghters come north Ultimate pros show their stuff at local fi ght club seminar in Niagara By MATT DAY The three-hour seminar started at Staff Writer noon and autographs were signed Not many people get to train “Like the Nike sign from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a professional athlete in their says, Just Do It. You’ve The clubʼs president, Matt favourite sport, but a group of about Skinner, said The Fight Network 30 had the opportunity to spar with got to train hard.” contacted the gym and asked if the EliteXC fi ghter Nick Diaz and brothers could come to Niagara Ultimate Fighting Championship — Nick Diaz Falls and lead a class. (UFC) fi ghter Nate Diaz. “They wanted to do it here be- The brothers led a seminar at cause we are one of the premier Fight Club Canada (FCC) on “I didnʼt have anything in school MMA clubs in Ontario,” explained Drummond Road on March 1. I was interested in. When I got into Skinner. The two Californian brothers a Jiu-Jitsu school, I was actually The club, which opened on braved Canadaʼs cold weather for learning. Jiu-Jitsu gave me more Sept. 20, 2007, has world-class their fi rst-ever visit to Canada. direction. I learned more. I wanted instructors who have been to the “Itʼs cold, but itʼs good because to learn.” Olympics and the Pan American Iʼm not in the snow every day, so The brothers would demon- Games. itʼs fun,” said the 22-year-old Nate, strate a move to the class step by “Nate and Nick being here builds who is 8-2-0 for his professional step, then walk around and help our credibility. It shows we are the record. anyone who needed some one- real deal,” said Mike Booth, the Nick, a black belt in jiu-jitsu, on-one. gymʼs vice-president. showed the class some new fi ght- Chris Taber, 35, of Niagara Falls Nickʼs next fi ght is scheduled on ing techniques and new moves said the $80 fee to enrol in the March 29 against South Koreaʼs with the help of Nate, a brown belt seminar was worth it to “roll on the Jae Suk Lim in a co-promoted in jiu-jitsu. mats” with the mixed martial arts event by EliteXC and Strikeforce, Along with the new moves, Nick, [MMA] fi ghters. while Nateʼs next fi ght is scheduled 24, who has a professional record “Right now is the best time to be for UFC Fight Night 13 on April 2 of 15-7-0, offered some advice to in Jiu-Jitsu or MMA because itʼs against Kurt Pellegrino. aspiring athletes. still on the way up,” said the FCC For more information on how “Like the Nike sign says, Just Do gym member. “Once these guys to become a gym member, contact Nick Diaz practices jiu-jitsu with Vince Mattei (bottom left). In the It. Youʼve got to train hard.” become superstars, youʼre not go- either Skinner or Booth at 289- background, Nate Diaz (top left) instructs two students. Nick said he got into fi ghting ing to have this chance to be one 477-1032 or visit Photo by Matt Day when he was in high school. on one.” www.fi ghtclubcanada.com 62921619 It’sIt’s TropicalTropical MARK YOUR SCHEDULES! Tuesday, April 1, 2008 For Niagara College’s 13th Annual Student AppreciationFor Niagara College’s Day 13th Event Annual

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND ... It’s Throughout our wa udents will y of saying the College, st “thanks” giveaways, prize 150 Tropical Eggs have been for choosing find treats, Niagara Coll od and campus store ege as your draws, fo place to st s and many other hidden throughout the college, udy, work, live special and surprises! find one and win a prize! play Staff of Niagara College wish to acknowledge, with much appreciation, your contribution to our college community. March 14, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 11 Pad d t. es ar y’s S ey e smiling Left: Ken DiBattista, Oliver Mohan, Travis DePasquale, Jamie Moss and Bear Tracey show off their Irish side at the Niagara College Welland campus After Hours.

Bottom right: Green beer is back. Soon enough, many avid Irish wannabes will indulge themselves with some frothy green pleasure.

Bottom left: Jamie Moss has a tattoo, for the pride of the Irish, so “every day he can be a little Irish.”

Photos by Rachel Sanderson

A toast to customs of the Emerald Isle

By JORDAN BAKER Stout or Kilkenny Cream Ale. Staff Writer Mclellan says on the 17th he is “encouraged” to Hereʼs a toast to you: May the best day of your past be to make have a Guinness Draught and suggests others might the worst day of your future. it a national holiday in the United States . Keep your try “a celebratory Irish car bomb,” a drink that combines The customary cheers of St. Patrickʼs Day are about fingers crossed: there are only 886,659 more signatures a pleasant mix of Guinness and Baileyʼs. bestowing goodwill on your fellow man. The Irish are to needed. Mclellan also suggests listening to bagpipes, or for toasts what the Chinese are to proverbs. Proposition 3-17 requires one million signatures by those who have pop rather than parade music in their Irish “slainte” means health, so in loose translation midnight on March 16 to present to Congress for the collection, getting into the Irish spirit by listening to and direct usage, it means “cheers” or “to good health,” proposition to succeed. bands like Dropkick Murphys or Flogging Molly, with and itʼs often said over a pint or just before a bar fight. Although the holiday would be in the U.S., you donʼt their engaging lyrics: “We drink and drink and drink and While the Irish enjoy a five-day festival of bagpipes have to be American to sign the petition. Anyone across drink and drink and drink and fight.” and beer, it is only on March 17 that we in Canada pay the globe can sign by saying he or she resides in one of Drinking and fighting? Itʼs a St. Patrickʼs Day mira- homage to the patron saint of Ireland. On this day, every- the 50 states. cle! one has an Irish heritage, and the rivers run green with It might have been a good day in Ontario to replace The final suggestion is for everyone, even those who leprechaun blood. Family Day, but Premier Dalton McGuinty surely doesnʼt donʼt like beer or appreciate music. Just wear green, Andrew Mclellan, second-year Broadcasting – Radio, think so, and understandably, as a day celebrating family whether itʼs a hat, a sock or a bowtie. Wear anything Television and Film program student, says, “Itʼs an ex- is going to attract more voters than a holiday – originally green to show your support. The Irish arenʼt picky, and cuse to have a good time and party.” a holy day – devoted to an alcoholic saint. neither is Patrick. It is in fact a statutory holiday in Newfoundland and Lab- There are a few St. Paddyʼs staples, such as the bor- Have a safe and enjoyable St. Patrickʼs Day, and as rador, although very few places outside Ireland that give ing green dye in your Canadian beer. more adventurous you slide down the banisters of life, may the splinters be the day off. Guinness, a popular Irish beer, is petitioning drink to order is the truly Irish beer like Murphyʼs Irish pointed the other way. 12 NIAGARA NEWS • March 14, 2008 13 CBC grooms students

By JORDAN BAKER technical foundation.” one of the promo-packages for the six “Theyʼre looking for an editor and, if and SHANE BUCKINGHAM He modestly adds, “We always hope oʼclock news. they see potential in me, I could get that Staff Writers weʼve prepared them well.” “She forced me to wear the headset and job,” says Bilodeau. It began with an interview. Each student On the other hand, White was a little call all the shots … I was kind of nervous Continued on Page 15 was outnumbered and alone on one side of unprepared on his first day. In fact, he says, about it because Iʼm an intern and who the table, opposite a panel of seven. when he printed an e-mail with directions really wants to listen to me? But they were Walking in to try to find them, we could and a phone extension to call once he had all really good about it. I think they had see the towering atrium that rises up all 10 arrived, he somehow cut off the extension. a lot of fun mocking me more than any- storeys of the building. “I was just sitting downstairs locked thing,” he says, laughing. Through the “rat mazes” of hallway, out and not knowing what to do and, for- The final week task was to write, shoot you can find your way by keeping in mind tunately, Rob and Leah walked up and we and edit their own piece about their experi- the colour-coded elevator system, says got upstairs all right.” ence at the CBC. Eric White. Gail Carducci, manager of studio Bilodeau and Fallaise took a come- The Niagara College Broadcasting – resources at CBC, says the three Niagara dic approach to their videos, which were Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) stu- College students interviewed for the intern- shown to supervisors on the last day of the dent, one of three who is interning for ship all stood out. internship, Feb. 15. six weeks at the Canadian Broadcasting “They impressed us at the interview and The last week, Fallaise says, she has Corporation (CBC), says most people who they did not disappoint. They didnʼt need enjoyed "free rein" of the building and start at the CBC are lost for the first two hand-holding at all. They were quite self- applying the skills t h e y ʼ ve months. sufficient.” learned. As we sit down with the students in the The three students took part in CBCʼs "And we've been towering atrium, the interview participants News, Current Affairs and Newsworld able to hang out quickly became a target of the networkʼs (NCAN) internship, now in its together." Valentineʼs Day celebration in which second year. Though students employees hurled red paper airplanes from The internship entails a week in each aren't sent to their all storeys to the floor below. location and gives students experience in internships with the For BRTF student Rob Bilodeau, whose an array of environments. Students went intention of find- name badge for the first week of his intern- through a week of orientation before their ing employment, ship lovingly read “Rod,” this was his first editing, shooting, post-production and in- Boehlen says, many Photos clockwise from top: Peter Lucignani, a 2006 Broadcasting – Radio Television and Film graduate, is an on-air technical director, in charge of making sure the shows are on time. panel interview. studio work. do. Photo by Rachel Sanderson “We sat there with seven people shooting In the third week of shooting footage, Carducci says, "I questions at us, technical questions ...” White “snuck a couple of” his shots into guess you could look Leah Fallaise works a camera at the Canadian Air Farce Studio. Photo by Shane Buckingham “Personal questions,” intern Leah the newscast. “I actually have had a couple at it as an extended Eric White, Rob Bilodeau ad Leah Falliase goof around in the coff ee shop in the Canadian Air Farce studio. Photo by Shane Buckingham Fallaise cuts in. “Like, what would you do of shots on the news. So I run home … and job interview. If we if someone was, like, bashing on your edit I wait for the third story on top of the hour have jobs available, Rob Bilodeau and Eric White at the CBC News at 6 control room. Photo by Jordan Baker suite and you have three minutes left to and Iʼm watching and I see the shots of my we're more likely to Chris Broadley, Kayla Cleland, Garry Carr, Ralph Atkinson and Andrew Chalmers pose in The Sports Network studio at CTV. Photo by Rachel Sanderson finish editing?” cars and Iʼm like, those are my shots,” he give it to successful Bilodeau quietly answers, “Iʼd tell them exclaimed. “It kind of exciting to know one interns.” to go away.” of my shots actually made it to air. I didnʼt White and Bilodeau will He says they asked questions most stu- think it would happen.” be staying on at CBC Radio- dents donʼt learn. In the fourth week of post-production, Canada for an extra two weeks of intern- “But Bill Boehlen taught us it all,” says White was required to direct, although he ing and two weeks of training that could Fallaise. says he “hated it.” turn into a job. Photo by Rachel Sanderson According to Boehlen, BRTF profes- He says when he was working on pro- “I talked to the head honchos to see if I sor, the program tries to “lay a good, solid duction, the director “forced” him to direct could stay, so Iʼm here,” says White.

CTV welcomes BRTF talent

By EMILY PEARSON armed with cameras and open minds. belly of CTV. The first stop was a long Staff Writer To the BRTF studentsʼ delight, it seems hallway with black glass. Hidden behind It was heaven for any behind-the-scenes Niagara College and CTV have quite the that glass were a number of different con- television production enthusiast. A walk accord. It started about 20 years ago when trol rooms with switchboards, monitors through CTVʼs many control rooms on Harold Wesley, director of CTV opera- with endless knobs and buttons. Feb.15, for the second year Broadcasting tions, was shopping for students to take on Of the 3,000 CTV employees, Wesley – Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) for hire and placements. said itʼs “hard to walk into a room without students let them truly get a sense of what “Your education at Niagara College is seeing a Niagara College grad.” Correct goes on behind the scenes. The students the basement; we build the building,” said he was when the students entered the explored sets, viewed expensive equip- Wesley to the BRTF students. According first control room of the day to find Peter ment and had a chance to meet some of to Wesley, Niagara students have the best Lucignani, a 2006 graduate of the BRTF CTVʼs on-air personalities. chance to blossom with their already- program, and now an on-air technical In Toronto, where space is at a pre- acquired knowledge of television equip- director, sitting quietly at his computer mium, CTV had its own winding road ment when that knowledge is put into a watching over the program listings. He leading to black iron gates, complete with practical environment. Wesley emphasized says he was well prepared to jump into security booth and an officer who forced that in his search for the school to deliver his job. the bus driver to stop and state name and quality practical knowledge of the televi- Next, the students sat in on the CTV purpose. The lobby, simple and under- sion equipment, Niagara College provided News at Noon, with Christine Bentley stated, greeted its visitors with bare sterile BRTF students with the right technical and Tim Weber. Wires taped to the black walls, a small sitting area complete with knowledge, and they were the right fit floor ran every which way, connecting to televisions displaying CTV 24/7. for CTV. flat screen TVs and other equipment. The The 28 students, four of whom were The eyes of the students lit up as soon two hosts had cheeky comments between girls, chatted amongst themselves in as Wesley, their tour guide, ushered them takes, and the cameramen joked. anticipation of what was to come. All were through the main entrance and into the Continued on Page 15 GINO REDA 14 NIAGARA NEWS March 14, 2008 It’s not magic, it’s Lasik BY MICHAEL BRIGHT Soon, I can smell fl esh burning; itʼs Staff Writer the laser correcting my vision. They say in the land of the blind, ‘For the fi rst 21 years “Youʼre doing good, only a few the one-eyed man is king. more seconds,” says the nurse. Thanks to the Bodner Institute of my life I couldn’t The laser stops, and the doctor in Toronto, I may be heir to the folds the fl ap back into place and throne. see the world clearly, applies a few different eye drops. Because of complications at I am helped into another waiting birth, I have always needed the but now it looks room, with dim lights and large aid of glasses or corrective contact comfy chairs where I am told to lenses to see. pretty good.’ rest, wearing large dark glasses. On March 26 I underwent Lasik I spend a half hour napping eye surgery to correct the vision in — Michael Bright before I am woken to have my my right eye. eye examined one last time by the I arrived at the clinic at 8 a.m., doctor. nervous because if the surgery Volkswagen. The doctor tells me, “Everything doesnʼt go as planned Iʼd be blind The nurse helps me off the table in one eye for the rest of my life. and back into the waiting room. looks good. Weʼll see you for your I sit in the waiting room until The faces of my family suggest appointment tomorrow.” called for pre-surgery tests, where that I donʼt look that same as the I leave, seeing very little out of freezing drops are applied to my way I was when I went in. I am told my right eye, and try to make it eye and I am given a Valium. that my pupil is completely white back to the car. Soon, Iʼm called into a cold, and my eye is bloodshot. The entire procedure takes a little dim room with a surgical bed and Back in the waiting room, the over an hour. expensive-looking machines. Valium I was given to calm down I spent the rest of the day sleep- I lie on the bed and a nurse tells is now starting to make me drowsy. ing, applying various eye-drops me to “relax and look at a green I fall asleep in the waiting room and trying to improve my vision. light” on one of the machines. momentarily. In 24 hours, my vision had all An ocular tool is placed in my I wake to the doctor calling me in inner eyelids forcing them open. for my procedure. He leads me into but completely returned. Despite a Again, Iʼm told to “relax and look a well-lit room with a surgical bed, lack of precise focus, my eyesight at the green light.” a LASIK machine and fl at screen has improved to better than it had The machine moves closer to television through which my fam- ever been with glasses or correc- my eye, and the ocular tool creates ily can observe the procedure. tive lenses. pressure. It feels as if at any mo- A nurse helps me onto the bed For the fi rst week I must intermit- ment my eye could pop out of the and once again tells me to “relax Niagara College Journalism-Print student Michael Bright lays down tently apply prescription eye-drops socket. and look up at the light. It will all and wear dark sunglasses in bright and prepares to go under the laser. be over soon.” “Relax. It will all be over soon. light and outside as well as while I Look at the green light,” Iʼm told Photo by Lauren Jones A doctor uses a small soft utensil sleep so that I canʼt rub my eye. again. to fold the fl ap of skin that was cut The machine moves slowly meat sliced scrupulously thin. as my vision quickly becomes over to the side, leaving the bare For the fi rst 21 years of my life, across my cornea with a sharp “Youʼre doing great. Keep look- so blurred I couldnʼt tell the dif- pupil exposed. I couldnʼt see the world clearly, but precision blade like a piece of deli ing at the light,” says the nurse, ference between my fi nger and a The light centres over my eye. now it looks pretty good. Historic Niagara takes new approach By BRAD MOORE for revitalizing the downtown has Staff Writer grown to over 1200 people. Unwelcome images stream “It [culture] is going to come through oneʼs mind when down- from the inside – the community, town Niagara Falls is mentioned. the artists – and spill out onto the Could it be that a fresh coat of streets [and be] very refl ective paint and an open mind might be of the community,” says Mullen. the answers that Niagara Fallsʼ “Weʼre not going to leave and go downtown area needs to change to Montreal. Weʼre going to stay.” its reputation and become the next Ronald Menchenton, 25, of cultural epicentre? Niagara Falls, heard about the Historic Niagara has donated meetings through a friend. He is 4555 Queen St. in Niagara Falls to one of many who are giving 4555 a My Downtown Niagara Falls as a brand-new look. part of a revitalization planned for “I want to help get it fi xed up so the area. there are places to go downtown.” Sal Blech, property manager The rundown look and lack of for Historic Niagara, says this or- downtown activities have local ganization hopes to revitalize the consequences. downtown for arts, culture and new “The city has needed a down- media. When the downtown area town since it closed down,” says is sustainable and attractive once Caroline Meyer of Niagara Falls. again, there will be an industry for She grew up in the Honeymoon the people growing up here. City but moved, without hesitation, Members of the community have to Toronto. At the time, she says, been gathering in support of the movement. Niagara Falls had only “retirement Melanie Mullen of Niagara homes and malls.” Falls and a Green Party member Joe Sacco of Niagara Falls works to give 4555 Queen St. in Niagara Falls a new look with some love and a She has since returned and found is co-ordinating renovations for fresh coat of paint. Historic Niagara donated the property to the My Downtown Niagara Falls rejuvenation a place among the others on the this project. She says the people program. ground fl oor of the revitalization. Photo by Brad Moore of Niagara Falls need to have their Those interested in being part downtown brought back to life Niagara Falls is taking steps to Mullen. She says one thing is most its recent beginning, momentum of My Downtown Niagara Falls because “they donʼt have a place make a proud home for creativity. apparent to them: this is an artist has increased beyond what its are asked to e-mail downtown@ to call their own, no place to be In mid-January, Mullen met with culture. founders say they expected. The melaniemullen.com, search My creative on their own.” motivated citizens and artists to The idea for change had been a original meeting of about 20 peo- Downtown Niagara Falls on face- With so many bands, artists and discuss ideas. popular one but needed local vol- ple quickly grew to over 100. The book.com or visit www.whereis- writers in this area, My Downtown “The talent is phenomenal,” says unteers to be put into action. Since online support on facebook.com mydowntown.com. March 14, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 15 NC and CBC shine for BRTF students “I like the fast pace of news because every day it’s a diff erent thing,” — White.

lopoulos. “Every time I pass him in the hallway or see him in the elevator, he always says hi, even if he really doesnʼt know who you are. He likes to pretend he knows everybody.” Fallaiseʼs next internship began March 4 in Vancouver for a smaller production company, Out To See Entertainment. That companyʼs credits include producing the Gemini Awards and it is currently doing projects for the Knowledge Network and CBC. The students were able to cri- tique and give feedback to their supervisors about the internship. Carducci mentioned, as did the students, the biggest kink in the program is that there is only a Rob Bilodeau and Leah Fallaise sit at one of the editing suites on the top fl oor of the CBC building in Toronto. Each student spent a week in post week in the studio. prodution while interning at CBC. Fallaise says, “I wish I had Photo by Jordan Baker more hands-on experience.” Continued from pages 12 and 13 [Radio-Canada] into the program ers [internships] are just news. highlight of their time at the Carducci says thereʼs more The co-op at CBC Radio- next year.” Thereʼs more than that here.” CBC was working on The Hour, observing and less hands-on in Canada came up while Bilodeau The students chose CBC as their He says the Music Televi- with host George Stroumbou- that week. was already at the CBC. When internship because of the number sion (MTV) internship is just lopoulos. Students helped edit “Next year we may reduce the this chance became available, as of opportunities in the building, “coffee runs.” the show. time in studio or incorporate more the “only Frenchman in the pro- which houses 6,000 employees. “I think weʼve learned more One afternoon after fi nishing aspects in that week.” gram,” he applied. Fallaise says she applied to the in each week than a semester at her work, Fallaise was able to Carducci commends the BRTF Carducci says he made a NCAN internship because “[CBC] school.” pop in on the show as it started program saying, “Weʼre pleased contact and arranged the extra specifi cally said there would be a “I like the fast pace of news fi lming. with the quality of applicants weeks while he was on the job. good chance to experience lots of because every day itʼs a different White worked on The Hour from Niagara College. The co-or- “It was great. This has different areas.” thing,” says White. on his second day and had fre- dinators and teachers have much to be pleased about.” made us think to incorporate Bilodeau explains, “Most oth- Unanimously, they say the quent run-ins with Stroumbou- Canadian experience Continued from pages 12 and 13 students were in heaven on the One said, “Theyʼve worked to- Sports Centre set and once again gether way too long.” An old cam- stopped for photo opportunities. STUDENT era sat abandoned and dusty off to Even Reda contributed to the photo the side. The students marveled at op when the whole class posed with the piece of technology before tak- him at his desk. COMBO ing a seat on the fl oor, able to see On the three and a half hour rush only glimpses of the hosts between hour bus ride back to Welland, the three cameras taping them. It students chatted about what they was dead quiet on set when the learned, commenting on how sim- cameras were rolling. plistic the sets were before drifting The BRTF students took photo off for a little shut-eye. MOVIE ADMISSION, opportunities at the TSN set, Pierce Derks, 20, a second-year REGULAR POPCORN & getting a feeling of what it might BRTF student from the U.S., said, feel like to one day be a TV host. “It was kind of surreal and satisfy- REGULAR SOFT DRINK The next set, the Sunday morn- ing ... walking around the studios ing church set, sat dark, giving an and knowing what most of the odd contrast to TSNʼs fl ashy red equipment was there for and how and orange setup, complete with it worked.” fl at screens. Once again Wesleyʼs He says he plans to use his edu- comment was proven true when cation to work in audio design, fi lm students prodded the camera opera- production and documentaries. tor on the set, Pete Gerbrant. The Derks said he was grateful for his Niagara graduate told them he did experience at CTV. his placement at CTV nine years “It made me realize how far Iʼve ago and had never left. come along in my education over On the way to the Sports Cen- the past two years at Niagara Col- tre set, the students ran into Gino lege and how close I really am to Reda, host of Thatʼs Hockey, and being a part of the industry.” received some welcome advice. Kevin Reid, 19, who wants to “Television is a tough business. be a CTV camera operator said, *Valid 2007-2008 photo student identification from a recognized Canadian University or college must be presented at the Box Office. Students are only permitted to purchase this combo for performances running on the same day of the purchase and must redeem their receipt for the concession portion of combo on the same If youʼre good enough , youʼll get “I learned a little more on how big day. Students are only permitted to use their Student ID for this combo once per day. Subject to seat availability. No refunds once combo is purchased. Exchanges the job.” Wesley confi rms that. stations like CTV get their news on admission ticket are only permitted by re-submitting student ID and must be for another performance on the same day. No substitutions or time extensions once Only the top BRTF students go updated so quickly and how fast promotion ends on May 31, 2008. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Not valid for advance purchases, special programs, events (e.g. WWE and Reel Babies), to CTV for placement, and only the current events can be covered and Real D or IMAX presentations. This offer is only valid at participating Empire Theatres in ON, AB, BC, SK, MB and exclusively in Antigonish, NS. best get hired on. Most of the male put on air.” 16 NIAGARA NEWS March 14, 2008

Indie Wrestling Offers BIG Entertainment By MICHAEL OWEN several months. from Ontario, but some come from Staff Writer The show consisted of fi ve Montreal or even the U.S. The smell of the sweat and the matches, including one-on-one Simpson says he is trying to pro- roar of the crowd were no match matches, a tag team match and an mote wrestling fulltime. for the crash of “Asian Nightmare” intermission show. “What Iʼm working towards is Kwan Changʼs body as it was The next show is April 5 at having two or three shows all in slammed into the mat by “Sniper” the Knights of Columbus Hall. one weekend,” said Simpson. He Randy Vahn. Simpson will be displaying his plans on running shows Friday, The hall was crowded with pig roasting ability at 6 p.m. leav- Saturday and Sunday, each in a dif- over 180 spectators from wall to ing an hour and a half for specta- ferent town. wall, the lights were fl ashing, the tors to engorge before fi rst bell at “Itʼs all about the talent and pro- speakers were pounding, and most 7:30 p.m. duction,” said Simpson students didnʼt even know Bart Sheridan, 20, a Niagara Col- When asked what advice he had about it. lege student known to his friends for students considering becoming Recently, fi rst Rough Wrestling as a wrestling expert said “I was wrestlers, Simpson recommended International (RWI) held one of its very entertained. They had very setting goals in advance and get- monthly indie wrestling shows at good wrestling matches.” Despite ting a good trainer. the Knights of Columbus Hall, on this having been his fi rst show, “(Independent wrestlers) typical- Empire Street in Welland. Sheridan said “Iʼd say a variety of ly wrestle for seven to eight years Tim, a man from Port Colborne, Niagara College students could en- before making the big time,” said said, “I love it! I would even join joy it. Itʼs a night of entertainment Simpson. it!” When asked if he would rec- for a good price.” “When youʼre wrestling in front ommend the show to students Tim RWI has been in operation since of a couple of hundred people the replied “Darn right.” its fi rst show in Dunnville on Aug. pay rate is not the same as wres- Included in the card were Quin- 15, 1998, which had a turnout of tling for the WWE [but], the in ring sen Valentino, and Chuck “Pretty over 500 spectators. performance is no different,” said Boy” Simpson, from the World RWI, based out of Welland where Simpson. Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), it runs 12 shows a year, has also “We are a family-oriented pro- and RWI favorites Chris LaPlante held spot shows in Bobcaygeon, duction,” said Simpson “A 10-year or Ryan Dennim. “Sniper” Randy Cobourg and St. Thomas. -old or a 12-year-old can watch our Vahn is the crowdʼs favourite love- Owner and promoter Chuck show.” to-hate bad guy. Simpson was a wrestler in the ʻ80s, He added, “Itʼs the basic good Admission was $12 in advance but got out of it in 1990 to start a versus evil, [and] the good guy or $15 at the door. Doors opened at family. usually wins.” 6:45 p.m. and the fi rst bell rang at Simpson started working with For more information, call RWI Rough Wrestling International off ers up inexpensive entertainment 7:30 p.m. Steve Buckley of Renegade Wres- headquarters at 905-734-4452, e- for Niagarans as fans fl ock to various outlets across the region for a “A cheap good time. [Thatʼs] tling in 1998, before starting RWI mail roughwrestlinginc@hotmail. night of cheap fun. Wrestling favourites such as Troy Buchanan, Chris just good wrestling,” said Geoff, (then Big Time Wrestling), running com or visit the Facebook group LaPlante, “Sniper” Randy Vahn and Chuck “Pretty Boy” Simpson get the 21, of Welland, a Sniper fan who fi ve to six shows per year. Rough Wrestling International crowd up on its feet with their airborne antics. has been coming to RWI events for Simpson mainly gets wrestlers (RWI). Photos by Michael Owen Results Match 1: “Wanted Man” Ryan Dennim and Troy “The Boy” Buchanan wrestled to a 15-minute draw.

Match 2: Sik Rik Matrix defeated Jake OʼReilly.

Match 3: ”Sniper” Randy Vahn w/ “Mr NVP” Jay Moore defeated “Asian Nightmare” Kwan Chang.

Match 4: “RWIʼs Newest Member” Otis Idol defeated Quinson Valentino.

Match 5: RWI vs NVP Match: Kryss Thorn and “Go Time” Chris Laplante (RWI) defeated Notori- ous TID and Cody Deaner w/ “Mr NVP” Jay Moore (NVP). March 14, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 17

Not all fun and sun, but working long days for little pay

By MARYANNE FIRTH goes to, to keep his family fed. Staff Writer Yoel says he drives two hours to Suddenly, minimum wage work each day, works his eight-to- doesnʼt seem so bad. 10-hour shift, for “less money than Above: Tourists enjoy the sun and sand at a Cuban resort, while, left, a woman spends her work shift posing When on vacation in a foreign you can imagine,” only to drive as a human statue, and, right, a yardworker collects ripe coconuts and turns them into tropical drinks for place, we enjoy the beach, the food two hours home again. He says he resort guests. and the beer, but put little thought works seven days a week and often Photos by Maryanne Firth into the lives of the people that the long hours “are hard on [his] With four hours of sleep under “Change is not coming, my exchanged, the government takes a make our trip so fruitful. mind and body.” his belt, Lider says heʼs often ex- friend. It is not,” he says, but keeps large portion of it, and the worker On a recent vacation to Cuba, I Because of to tourist restrictions, hausted, but “canʼt take breaks” a sad smile on his face. sees pennies in return. had the opportunity to speak with employees of resorts are prohibited during his shift. “There are people who work Tourists are often encouraged to several resort workers who opened to live in designated areas of the With the recent resignation of seven days a week,” says Yoel, bring small tokens of appreciation my eyes to the other side of the island, and this means a large com- Cuban President Fidel Castro, “and still their family at home is to tip, like toiletry items, which vacation hotspot. mute for many workers who donʼt one would think change would be starving.” are expensive to purchase in Cuba, Because of concerns of gov- even own cars. at hand, but with his brother Raul According to the British Broad- rather than tipping with money be- ernment repercussions and the “Weʼre an hour from the city,” Castro taking power, little change casting Corporation, in 2005 the cause the government cannot take jeopardy of their employment, the says Yoel, “so itʼs an hour drive seems to be in the near future. minimum wage in Cuba was raised these small gifts away. sources within the story asked that just to reach a bus and an extra Yoel expressed his concern with to 225 pesos a month, roughly Workers are often appreciative their last names not be used. hour bus ride if you donʼt drive.” the government, saying, “We need $9.25 Canadian. when given small items that we, Yoel, a friendly bartender at He says he does his job “with a change, but for change to happen , we When tourists visits Cuba, their in Canada, sometimes take for a lavish tourist resort in central smile” because he knows his family need a new government system.” money is converted into Cuban granted, like shoes and clothing. Cuba, spends his days serving relies on the money he provides. “We need younger minds in Convertible Pesos, tourist money Leaving space in your suitcase drinks and making nice with the Lider, another bartender at the power who are not stuck in tradi- at its best, and because itʼs not the for items to give someone in need hotel guests. same resort, says he pulls double tional ways. That is why things will regular currency of the country, any may leave you with a better feel- With his kind demeanor, you shifts all the time, working 16 hours be the same, the people in power tip left for a worker must be brought ing than any day in the sun could would never guess the lengths he on top of the four-hour commute. are set in old ways. to the bank to be exchanged. When provide. Tap into your water resources By SCOTT it costs a dollar or two to purchase student at McMaster University in Aquafi na and Dasani. VAN DE LAAR a drink thatʼs available almost ev- Hamilton. “With todayʼs market I think Columnist erywhere. In Canada, people might expect itʼs becoming increasingly more Water, water everywhere There used to be a time when that because the Great Lakes pro- important to shop around before but can you afford to drink people could say at least the water vide a plentiful fresh water source, diving into buying something, but it? is free. It still is, just not the corpo- the price might be lower. unfortunately not enough people One thing you may rate manufactured kind. Is it good “Considering Canada has 25 per are doing that, and theyʼve only got have noticed lately to spend that much money for a cent of the worldʼs fresh water, it themselves to blame,” says Josh on your grocery bill single bottle? Linda Vienne au, should be cheaper, but not like dirt Sabourin, 19, a former employee is how expensive 46, an Aramark cook at Niagara cheap,” says Curtis LaPlante, 21, of Price Chopper Canada. water is and how College, says, “For the price of one a graduate of the Photonics Engi- One other thing people might inexpensive it is bottle here, you can go into a gro- neering Technician program here. consider is that to purify the water when compared cery store and get an entire case.” Some people say bottled water is some brands that modify the water with single bottle “I think itʼs dumb to spend $1.50 better for you than drinking normal have to add so many anti-bacterial purchases. At most for something you can get for free,” tap water, but these people are usu- chemicals that itʼs probably better vending machines, says Greg Leverton, 19, a physics ally employed by brand names like to drink tap water in the end. 18 NIAGARA NEWS March 14, 2008

rganic foods, carpentry and the release of his last album, Idols of Exile, with an independent label, specifi cally his indie-rock, in the sense that there is small music — what do they all which featured over 20 musicians. current label, Arts and Crafts. He says that feeling to it,” Collett explains. have in common? Itʼs all “It was a revolving door of musicians,” indie labels are taking over Canada because “Itʼs not so much about the money. You can about the soul, according to Collett states. of the lack of good music coming from ma- believe in it and there is it a lot of passion in Jason Collett. “It made it quite dynamic that way. But I jor labels. it. Indie-rock and slow food believe there is CollettO is a veteran of the Toronto indie- wanted it to be more of a folk affair, with “Major labels they canʼt afford the luxury a sensibility that you donʼt want poison in rock scene and, besides his solo ventures, more of a real band feel. “ of cultivating careers anymore. They are in what you eat and listen to. Food is sacred, is most known for his work in the interna- “I feel that everybody who played on this it for the quick buck. They are looking for water is sacred, and I think music is sacred tionally acclaimed Canadian super group, record is in the band in some way. Pasa Mino a hit, and if it doesnʼt happen they drop the too. People have this need to not have their Broken Social Scene (BSS). is obviously the focal point, but guys like artist. Itʼs just a numbers game at this point,” food or their music sullied.” Collett recently released his newest solo Tony, Liam OʼNeil [from The Stills] and An- Collett suggests. “But when you are travelling Middle effort, Hereʼs to Being Here, an album drew Whiteman, any of those guys can just “They have left a void that the ʻindiesʼ America, sometimes youʼve just got to eat.” that differs a lot from the laid-back folk jump up with us and play. It was just natural have been able to fi ll, with artier, more in- He says that the architecture and manu- he has become known for all of them to be teresting music. The Internet has facilitated factured products of the Cracker Barrelʼs, for. Collett says he cre- on there.” a whole new sort of industry.” Wendyʼs and McDonalds are taking over ated something that he The aforemen- “Itʼs exciting to be a part of that com- Canada, pushing out mom-and-pop stores. was proud of: a “guitar tioned Whiteman, is munity. Itʼs very vital and itʼs also full of so “Thatʼs industrialized food. Itʼs basically record.” also the force behind much interesting music.” like eating elevator music,” Collett “Itʼs a guitar record, another BSS solo Because of the eclectic taste of jokes rather seriously. but in a very old- school project, which he his friends and fellow musicians, “It does affect your soul in some sense to it,” explains entitled Apostle of creating different types of music is way, I feel. What youʼre putting Collett. Hustle. Whiteman something that he understands. On in your body and your putting in “Thereʼs just some and Collett have one hand, he participates in the fi nely your ears. tasteful layers and been friends for crafted and layered wall of noise that To clean his soul, Collett tasteful licks. They are years and the two is BSS and on the other, he creates laid- participates in wood- not huge sounding gui- always seem to fi nd back folk rock. working, a hobby tars or anything. I feel the time to work “I move around a little bit, but I that he turned thatʼs one of the more with each other, can do that under the blanket of into a career accomplished parts of despite BSS current rock ʻnʼ roll music,” says Collett. over a the record that I am Jason Collett’s new album, Here’s to Being “hiatus” status. “In my own world, I am doing decade proud of.” Here was released on Feb. 5 and garnered “Andrew and I pretty traditional rock ʻnʼ roll ago, This is something he instant critical acclaim. share a rehearsal music, you can call it roots-rock, even attributes to the work place,” Collett singer-songwriter, whatever.” run- of his backing band, as well as the contribu- elaborates. “Iʼm defi nitely going for a ning a tions from Tony Scherr, who has played bass “We are kind of the same age in the whole classic sensibility, and that just carpen- and guitar for many noted artists, including Broken Social Scene brat pack. We have a refl ects my personal taste. Itʼs the try co-op Norah Jones. real affi nity for one another.” kind of music I like to listen to. Iʼve in Toronto. “Iʼve tried not to use guitar or lean on This last year has been big for BSS alum- always tried to record records with not “I still that crutch, particularly electric guitar in ni, Collett and Whiteman have their solo a lot of trickery, but the idea that they enjoy doing it,” the past. projects, but singer Amy Millan and Em- can be listened to and enjoyed just as Collett confi rms. “The players in Pasa Mino [his live back- ily Haines also have their other respective much 30 years from now.” “Having a trade ing band] are brilliant guitar players, and groups and solo careers. Current sensation The Internet, according to Collett, that is creative is simi- they play really well together.” Leslie Feist blew up this year, performing on is allowing kids to hear all kinds lar to music. You both “When the dust settled, we ended up with the Grammies and leading the charts with a of different music, making more of get tangible results, some really tasteful playing from the guitar No. 1 single, also featured in that infamous a varied blend of taste in the current and itʼs something players.” Ipod commercial. Collett says that it isnʼt culture. thatʼs good for your Hereʼs to Being Here captures the magic anything new at all, people just havenʼt no- “They [teenagers] can plug into the soul. You get to stand of a closely knit group of friends and brilliant ticed over the years. entire recorded history of music and back and take pride in musicians holing themselves up to make an “I think what people need to realize is that have immediate access to it. the fact that youʼve cre- album, which is exactly what they did. Col- everybody has been making brilliant music “We are still dealing with left- ated something.” lett and company spent their time recording on their own for a long time, kind of under overs of lazy rock journalism and But for Collett, like in a barn, of all places, outside of Toronto. the radar,” Collett affi rms. major industry that feel the need to the other members of “We basically just wanted to be in a place “You put all of those people together and categorize every genre. But young Canadaʼs biggest indie that was large enough to accommodate the you are going to get something explosive, kids donʼt really care about that collective (in size and tal- band,” Collett elaborates. like what Broken Social [Scene] has been. stuff all that much. Teenagers are ent), the music he creates “We wanted to capture the energy and the “Itʼs a wonderful thing to be doing, in listening to everything from Nina is what guides his life. chemistry of the live band. We had been on the context of collective, or a family kind of Simone to Radiohead.” “The more ideas you the road for a couple of years together.” community. Thereʼs a real strength to the fact Besides music, Collett is known have, the more open you “Howie Beck [the producer] and the band that we are all still close, we are each otherʼs for his love of carpentry as well as are going to be when you and I would truck up there. It was nice to be best critics. When any one of us release on his taste for organic foods, but he are in the studio. Thatʼs out of the city, in the middle of winter; it was album, itʼs basically a kick in the ass. We says that it isnʼt something that he when the magic really be- nice to get holed up in a place like that.” need to try to catch up to each other. Itʼs a bases his entire life on. gins to happen.” Getting comfortable with his fellow mu- really healthy environment to work in.” “Thereʼs a similarity be- Story by sicians in a smaller band environment was The other part of the “healthy environ- tween the organic slow RYAN KELPIN something that Collett had planned since ment” according to Collett is getting to work food movement and Submitted photos March 14, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 19 Noise New breed of Canadian rock By RYAN KELPIN Ladyhawk recently toured with Niagara Noise Staff area bands Attack in Black and Casey Baker Many bands that talk the talk when it and the Buffalo Sinners, a tour that Driediger comes to the rock lifestyle, but indie-rock describes as basically “a great time.” favourites Ladyhawk walk the walk as well. “The tour with those bands was one of our The group of four large bearded men seems favorites,” Driediger confi rmed. like a threatening premise at fi rst, especially “The bands are very different from each with their signature loud indie-rock sound other and Iʼm saying that they are great for they have become known for. The sound totally different reasons. Casey Baker is full combines the best elements of the folk rock of piss and vinegar. Attack in Black is one of of Neil Young and the distortion-laden power the best live bands around.” of Dinosaur Jr. While Ladyhawk has never achieved the Lead singer and guitarist Duffy Driediger type of success that other Canadian rock said that the band takes a lot of inspiration bands like Nickelback (donʼt worry, they from its “obsession with Silkworm.” donʼt sound anything like Nickelback) have, “Andy Cohen [from Silkworm] is my fa- Driediger asserts fans that thatʼs not really vorite guitar player,” Driediger elaborated. one of their top priorities. “We take infl uence from so many bands “I assume those bands set out for that kind and musicians, so I never really know which of attention, so good for them, I guess,” one is taking the lead in what comes out of shrugged Driediger. us.” “They got what they wanted. We started This sound is heard on Ladyhawkʼs new- the band to have fun and now we get to try est release, Shots, an album that personifi es to make a living at it, which is awesome and everything great about Canadian rock music. something I never could have dreamed of. I Itʼs straightforward, blunt and unforgiving, think weʼre happy to get to tour around and like the legendary rock of our past. do our thing and hope that our hard work “It took about 10 days to track and two pays off one day. “ days to mix,” Driediger explained. “Iʼd sure like a Lamborghini though. Is “It was very different from our past experi- that how you spell it?” Driediger laughed. ences because we got to stop everything else The band is set to start their cross-Canada in our lives and leave the city.” tour with indie rock mainstays Black Moun- Like most small bands that have built Ladyhawk is composed of, from left , Darcy Hancock, Ryan Peters, Sean Hawryluk and tain, a band that they have toured with before a foundation on their live show, they have Duff y Driediger. and look up to. constantly tried to capture the rough rock “Itʼs been a while since we have toured, so tactics and energy of their live show on their Submitted photo Iʼve got the itch again,” Driediger elaborated. albums. They have never done as effi cient a “On our EP that came out last year we just wood, almost looking like a painting. “We all do, I would say. Our fi rst-ever U.S. job as they have done on Shots, a testament went in, got a little high and let it happen.” “Well, I think itʼs cool,” Driediger stated. and Canadian tour was with Black Mountain to the power of their concerts. Playing live “With our full-length albums, we have had a “It looks like a painting, at fi rst sight. in the fall of 2005. They are a great band and also gives them a chance to get used to the bit more of an idea of the songs before going Maybe it doesnʼt have any signifi cance but, they are great people. It will be awesome to songs, said Driediger. in to record.” after looking through all the pictures Jason watch them play every night for while. “For the most part, we play our songs live The albumʼs artwork also has somewhat of [a photographer who took their album photo- Ladyhawk plays the Casbah in Hamilton for a while before recording them, but we like a an unusual story behind it. It features what graphs] took that day, that one just stood out on March 19 and the Mansion House with At- to do a bit of both,” Driediger described. appears to be a vampire mask on a piece of to us. Maybe because itʼs a little odd.” tack in Black in St. Catharines on March 23. Th e End defi es genre titles, only cares about music By DEIDRA LUNARDON unless the people around us were Noise Staff good people.” Itʼs not The End (TE); itʼs only He says the positives to an indie the beginning. label are its small staff and personal This Mississauga metal-quartet approach. produces the intense, groundbreak- “If you want something done, you ing music of TE, who have been can call the people up on the phone rocking the scene since ʼ99 and a and say, ʻHey man, can you do decline doesnʼt appear near. this?ʼ whereas [with] a major label, Having the demeanor of true you call one person and they relay rock ʻnʼ roll roots, the genre has that message to six other people.” been around for decades, vocal- Touring for the past year was ist Aaron Wolff explains. “It just the hardest challenge the band has seems that rock ʻnʼ roll is a good faced, according to Wolff, by taking attitude” to have. a toll on the members fi nancially “Itʼs kind of like saying ʻPop.ʼ and emotionally. Itʼs just got a bite to it.” “The hardest thing is to stay out Sounding completely opposite there, but youʼve got to stay out to the sugarcoated style attached to there because thatʼs the only way pop, TE executes a live show with an independent band such as our- extreme intensity and drive. selves will get known or make any “Weʼve been a band for almost headway.” nine years and weʼve been through With fi fth member and lyricist a lot of stuff. For us, to keep go- Andrew Hercules leaving the band, ing up on stage and doing it every Wolff says he will likely take over night, you can tell thereʼs a passion Herculesʼs role as he previously and a love for what weʼre doing,” “put the pen to the paper.” he says. Acknowledging the bandʼs line- TE is Wolff, Steve Watson up is diverse with several different (guitar), Sean Dooley (bass) and ideas, he says with their current Anthony Salajko (drums). record, Elementary, they tried Currently TE is with Dine bringing everyoneʼs visions to life Alone/Distort Records. Wolff says and gave “everyone a platform to write some good songs.” As TE prepares for a North An exremely intense and driving no offers by major labels have been show themselves in the music, and “Because weʼve been a band for American tour with Killswitch live band, the members of The made, but the band would “be open get their personal taste out.” so long and we want to continue Engage this May, Wolffʼs thoughts End have been rocking the music to basically anything.” TE has never wanted a brand at- to be a band for a long time, itʼs are focused on the positives even scene since 1999. And despite “Iʼm not against signing to a tached to its name, Wolff says. “We important that we do things that with a member down. the band’s name, group members major record label or anything donʼt try to say, ʻOh, we want to surprise people and piss people off “Itʼs just taking a new shape and see themselves as being on the like that, but I just would never write a metalcore song or a math- because we want people to expect a new twist, which is exciting be- verge of a new beginning. get involved in something like that core song.ʼ Weʼre just trying to the unexpected from us.” cause itʼs growth [and] evolution.” Submitted Photo 20 NIAGARA NEWS March 14, 2008 Noise Silhouettes emerge from shadows

By DEIDRA LUNARDON Cobourg, Ont., he says, “We kind experiences” into his lyrics. Noise Staff of just met at shows and then we A great example of this can be Upon the fi rst listen, you may all kind of got together that way. found in the single I Hate The Way hear the typical and familiar sound Then we eventually all just became You Move. of other Ontario punk-rock bands, friends.” He opens the track with a soft, but These Silhouettes (TS) have Getting the small, yet valuable yet controlled, tone, singing, “This something others may lack: an necessities, such as a van and room got tense as you chased me identity. trailer for the bandʼs tour, has al- with your eyes tonight/ I am sweat- With the band already estab- lowed them to broaden their audi- ing from the limelight/ and how the lished in the fall of 2005, vocalist ence exposure. stars will shine so dull tonight.” Stuart Aiken joined that December Aiken notes that touring has “The lyrics really are going to be to make a well-rounded, self de- “brought us all closer.” more about the last year of my life scribed “dark-pop” quartet. Manager Mark Spicoluk, founder and all the things that our bandʼs He has a voice that cuts, but of Underground Operations, works been going through,” he explains. doesnʼt overpower the background for Universal Music Canada, so TS With the ongoing battle many melody. With guitar riffs that blend has “all the advantages of a major bands face, of selling out when they with Aikenʼs strong vocals, the label in Canada,” but is able to stay become popular, Aiken advises lis- band creates a sound that packs a on a “great indie label.” teners and artists not to worry about punch. “They support us and itʼs 100 what their music will be labeled if TS consist of James Fox (guitar), per cent mutual respect there. We it does achieve success. Trevor Johns (drums), Coady Mc- couldnʼt be happier anywhere He says, “Listen to whatever Cormack (bass) and Jason Hen- else.” From left are Jason Hennessy, Coady McCormack, Stuart Aiken, Trevor music you want and keep going nessy (guitar). Recording a “more dynamic” Johns and James Fox. because eventually everything Describing the bandʼs formation follow-up to Decemberʼs four- Submitted photo that gets well known is considered as a universal decision, he says, song release titled The Thomas four more to go, Aiken says fans all put our pieces in. Weʼre not mainstream. Music is music and “We all had the same idea.” EP, Aiken says “all chip in our can expect more diversity in this against having other peopleʼs opin- youʼve just got to do what you love “We all just wanted to be in a own ideas and we all kind of put record from a range of amplifi ed ions shown throughout songs.” and it shouldnʼt matter what people band and play some music.” our two cents into it so it makes the heavy songs to ballad-esque, softer Aiken pens the anguished, yet think.” With the members except for best sound.” material. uplifting lyrics to the bandʼs music, TS is on a Canadian tour that Aiken hailing from small town With 11 songs tracked and “We all work together [and] we incorporating everyday “personal wraps up April 12 in Montreal. Higgs adds playfulness to her sound By DEIDRA LUNARDON have to fi t into a category.” Aliceʼs Adventure in Wonderland. Noise Staff Having a raspy voice since childhood, Taking those infl uences into consideration, The soft-spoken, old soul, throaty vocals Higgs says her music teachers would try to she recorded her 2006 self-titled album that make Nova Scotiaʼs Rebekah Higgs un- correct it and even put her in speech therapy solely on her own, playing every instrument forgettable are the same reason she makes an because they were concerned about the heard on the record. She tours the material audience remember every note she sings. hoarseness of it. with Colin Crowell, Jason Vautour, and Sean The 24-year-old Halifax, N.S., native, She can laugh about it now, but at the time, McGillvary. These are the same musicians who been playing the piano and violin since she says, it was very discouraging. that she plays with in with indie-electronic she was a child, says she has always loved to “Growing up it was something that held band Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees. sing and perform. me back from doing a lot of the stuff that Performing in the alter-ego bands feeds It was while attending university that I wanted to do, like school musicals and her “desire to live two different lives or have Higgs learned to play guitar and began writ- singing in choirs, because they would never two different experiences where youʼre able ing her own songs. accept me musically.” to put yourself out there in different ways.” Looking up to bands such as Broken So- It wasnʼt until later she realized itʼs “the Working on tracks for a January 2009 cial Scene, which she thought incorporated quirkiness and the fl aws in your voice that release of her next album, she says a hint of the “playfulness” she was looking to put into make you more interesting and intriguing.” ʼ60 fl are and melodies will be heard. Higgs her own sound, Higgs says she canʼt put her Higgsʼ lyrics are based on global issues performed three sets last Thursday at Leeʼs fi nger on what her sound should be named. Nova Scotia’s Rebekah Higgs has overcome such as the U.S. government and problems Palace and Silver Dollar, as part of Torontoʼs “I was asking my friend James who did obstacles in her life to fi nd succcess in happening in her hometown, such as street Canadian Music Week. the artwork for the album and was like, ʻI music. kids and poverty. “I feel like Iʼm so unpredictable, and things donʼt know what category to put myself in. Submitted photo She says the “romantic illustrations” pres- are constantly changing and shifting with me Is it folk? Is it pop? Is it electronic?ʼ” I feel alternative allows you to be whatever ent in her lyrics are a collection of thoughts that I just want to keep with my inspiration “In general, I just say alternative because you want. It doesnʼt necessarily mean you from reading novels of Lewis Carroll such as and artistic integrity.”

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 19, 2008. 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) CHOOSE YOUR TIER OF CHALLENGE. 2nd place = $3,000 cash and a scholarship worth $5,000 towards invites you to enter its 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 Tuesday, March 18, 2008. 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 first-place in either tier 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, (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 enrolled at an Ontario university or college. the CGA program of professional studies. rules 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 1-800-242-9131 [email protected] www.nameyourneed.org or 1-800-668-1454 or www.cga-ontario.org March 14, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 21

‘En garde!’ for fencing

By MONICA KEYES Recreation and Leisure Studies over the globe, OʼDea was amazed Staff Writer student Wendy Fawcett became by their levels of skill. You envision swashbuckling familiar with fencing in her fi rst “Iʼve never seen fencing like that pirates and privateers fi ghting their year at Brock, when a friend in before. They never miss.” way across the Indian Ocean cloud- residence took her to a practice. Commenting on his love of the ing your mindʼs eye, for the idea of “It started with a fascination with sport, OʼDea says the diverse num- holding a blade in your hand can swords,” says the 22-year-old. ber of people and their personali- cause excitement. Primarily a lacrosse player, ties add to the enjoyment. In true Jack Sparrow style, Fawcett switched her athletic con- For more information on the fencing is an adrenaline-pumping centration to fencing this year after art of fencing, or taking lessons sport practiced around the world. the university cut funding for the through Brock University, visit In the Niagara region, it can be womenʼs lacrosse team. www.fencingniagara.com. found at Brock University in St. Although she misses lacrosse, Catharines. Fawcett is happy to spend “Itʼs one of those sports where more time with a sabre you either love it and never leave in hand. When asked it, or try it and move on,” says Var- what this fourth-year sity Fencing Coach Tim Stang. student loves most about An elegant and traditional sport, fencing, she says she is fencing has existed for hundreds drawn to it for the level of of years. A challenge to body and competition, the fi ne skill mind, it requires discipline and de- level and the fact you need to termination with a level of patience train really hard to get results. and competitiveness. Assistant foil coach Pat Found in three forms – foil, épée OʼDea is beginning his 11th and sabre – each offers something year in fencing. While walking slightly different. The foil is the around campus with a friend, modern version of the original Seconds before the electronic buzzer registers the point, Stefan OʼDea saw a fencing practice and practice dueling sword, and this Wittmann pushes Wendy Fawcett back with a lunge. decided to try the sport himself. form uses a scoring system based Photo by Monica Keyes That evening he was taught foot- upon hits on the torso. The modern work and told if he came back the historical dueling sword, the épée, “There is a difference between of fencing. next day, heʼd get a foil put in his is scored on hits taken anywhere on people who fence and fencers. A “Iʼve always been interested in hand. He returned and was asked to the body. The sabre is the modern fencer lives and breathes the sport fencing from watching movies as join the varsity team. version of a cavalry sword; points – itʼs like a soccer player … such a kid, so when I saw signs around Although no longer a student at are taken from the waist up, when devotion.” campus, I thought I would give it Brock, this 29-year-old Classical the cutting edge strikes. Captain Blood and The Sea a shot.” Studies graduate has remained For the past 19 years, Stang has Hawk, two black and white Errol Wittmannʼs attention was fi rst with the sport. been involved in fencing. Begin- Flynn movies, helped to inspire held with swords, but as he spent “I just love it.” ning at the University of Ottawa 22-year-old Stefan Wittmann to try more time practicing, he discov- Despite multiple competitions and continuing at Brock, he says fencing. ered its refi ned art. since he began to fence, the 2007 he fi rst developed an interest in it Taking a double major in visual He compares it to music, as the World Cup in Montreal stands out when he was six years old. arts and music, Wittmann is in his more you practice, the better you in his mind. “I recognized this as what I fourth year at Brock and third year become. Teamed with fencers from all wanted to do.” Multi-disciplined, Stang has competed regionally, nation- ally and internationally in all three styles. In each form, he has won countless medals. Saying foil is his fi rst love and épée his second, Stang quickly cor- rects himself, “No, thatʼs not true. I like them all.” The minimum Brock Universityʼs varsity fenc- ing team consists of a squad of 48 people, 24 of whom are chosen to form the team that meets three wage is going up. nights a week. “Ninety-fi ve per cent of people who join have never had any fenc- If you're an employer, here's what you need to know. ing experience … itʼs one of the few varsity sports that you can start at university,” says Stang. General Students under Liquor Server Hunting & Fishing Hunting & Fishing Homeworkers (people Minimum Wage 18 and working not Guides: for less than Guides: for five or doing paid work in their The majority of equipment is more than 28 hours five consecutive more hours in a day home for an employer) provided through funding from the per week or during hours in a day whether or not the university, but some fundraising is a school holiday hours are consecutive still held throughout the year. Current One of the original three varsity wage rate $8.00/hour $7.50/hour__ $6.95/hour $40.00 $80.00 110% of the minimum wage teams at Brock, fencing has a leg- up with a legacy of equipment. Mar. 31, 2008 $8.75/hour $8.20/hour__ $7.60/hour $43.75 $87.50 110% of the minimum wage Community and childrenʼs wage rate classes are available on Monday nights. Classes exist for six to 10 year olds, 11 to 15, and 16 and up. On March 31, 2008, the general minimum wage will increase to $8.75 per hour from the current rate of $8.00 per hour. Local high schools have also caught the fencing bug. Ridley To find out more about how the new minimum wage guidelines affect College in St. Catharines recently employers and employees, call or visit the Ministry of Labour web site. began a fencing program. Paid for by the Government of Ontario Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School began offering the sport as an extracurricular activity in 2004. According to Stang, fencers are a 1-800-531-5551 www.ontario.ca/minimumwage certain type of person. 22 NIAGARA NEWS March 14, 2008 Internal beauty “It takes time to love the inside as much as the outside.” By JOANNA NOFTALL Staff Writer Beauty is only skin deep. That may be a cliché, but it might also be true. If we are living in a society in which the only beautiful attributes are within, what are the reasons for having tons of different makeup brands in arrays of different shades and textures? Why are there hundreds of per-

Photo illustrations by Rachel illustrations by Photo Sanderson fume brands, grooming products and $90 haircuts and manicures. Beauty is within. That includes a personʼs soul, heart, intelligence, and personality, all of which are apparent after talking with some- one and fi nding these qualities. For Shelia Gould of Toronto, beauty is on the outside. “I know this sounds shallow, but when you fi rst meet someone, ide- ally youʼre looking at their eyes or their body shape. not how big their brain is or how they can laugh at themselves. It takes time to love the inside as much as the outside.” Gladys Dupis of Toronto believes beauty comes in different shapes, sizes and colours. “Beauty is much like anything else. Itʼs what you make of it. When I fi rst met my husband, I didnʼt like the way he looked per se. I just loved the idea of spending my life with someone who was beautiful on the inside.” Dupisʼs daughter Lisa, also of Toronto, says, “Society makes STOP FAST START people beautiful. Thatʼs why there IN AT H&R BLOCK TAX PREP SPENDING are millions of different makeup brands and the pressure to have hair extensions or the newest ce- lebrity haircut, and not necessarily to be a size zero, but to look good in what you chose to wear. If not, society will have a critique waiting for you.” From clothes to hair, the world around us offers suggestions on what we should look like. Now more than ever, there are magazines dedicated to beauty, talk shows that feature beauty spe- cialists and how to-guide books that claim you can get a makeover in less than 15 minutes. Students, come in for your tax preparation and get Just how skin deep is beauty, though? instant cash back in just one visit. To answer that, you would need to answer a few other questions: What exactly does the term beauty Student mean? Who decides what is beauti- tax prep ful and what is not? come in today or call The answer is beauty is in the $ 95 1-800-HRBLOCK (472-5625) eye of the beholder, and every- 29 thing else is individually formu- get a FREE www.hrblock.ca lated from growing up and hearing SPC card. adults, from reading magazines and from watching infomercials. Instead of focusing on what size you are or what shade of red lip- To qualify for student pricing, student must present either (i) a T2202a documenting 4 or more months of full-time attendance at a college or university during 2007 or (ii) a valid stick is perfect for your skin tone, high school identifi cation card. Expires July 31, 2008. Must also qualify for Instant Cash Back and Cash Back products. See offi ce for details. Valid only at participating H&R Block put away the notions of beauty and locations in Canada. SPC Card offers valid from 08/01/07 to 07/31/08 at participating locations in Canada only. For Cardholder only. Offers may vary, restrictions may apply. Usage may be restricted when used in conjunction with any other offer or retailer loyalty card discounts. Cannot be used towards the purchase of gift cards or certifi cates. look past the mirror. The image staring back at you is the soul, heart and brain of a hu- man being. March 14, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 23

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