New City and Colour Every IceDog has its day album release Page 12 Page 10

NIAGARATHE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF NIAGARA NEW COLLEGE S Free February 15, 2008 Vol 38 • Issue 11 C******* the newest Hurry hard to the house slur to hit the streets By JORDAN BAKER Staff Writer What is Canadian? Is it that weʼre the only people who will watch an entire day of curling? Is it our devotion to the Tim Hor- tons coffee shop? Is it our national animal, the bea- ver? Or that our proudest moment is winning a hockey game in the early ʻ70s? All those aspects make us who we are as a nation, but some people donʼt seem to care. The word “Canadian” has taken on a nasty connotation. A racial slur database, rsdb.org, explains the word “Canadian” is used as a masked replacement for n*****. Texas attorney Mike Trent has made headlines recently because of an e-mail he sent in 2003 congratu- lating a fellow attorney, Robert Freyer, for winning a conviction. The section of the e-mail in question read, “He overcame a subversively good defence by Matt Hennessey that had some Canadi- ans on the jury feeling sorry for the defendant and forced them to do the right thing.” Jennifer Haynes (centre) sweeps a rock towards the button with skip Wayne Cliff ord (left) and second Len Doyle at the Rose City Bonspiel. See Jennifer’s experience as a fi rst-time curler on Page 7. Continued on Page 2 Photo by Jordan Baker Niagara College falls under surveillance By SHANE BUCKINGHAM trial date for the charge of carrying increasing the overall effectiveness After that happens, he said, the Staff Writer a concealed weapon. Because of of campus security,” said Garner. full plan will be disclosed to the “Weʼre very lucky. It wasnʼt a the fl awed response to the incident, NRP assisted in the development public. He could, however, offer real gun.” the collegeʼs administration was of the emergency evacuation and that “the PA system upgrade will Sean Kennedy, college vice- prompted to act to improve campus lockdown procedure. The commit- be a No. 1 priority. Youʼll see work president of student services and security. tee then looked at ways to ensure commencing on that very shortly.” community relations, made that A working committee was put overall campus security was “more Once done, security will be able comment after the Sept. 14 inci- together shortly after by Steve effective.” to communicate in all areas of the dent involving Daniel Mook that Hudson, vice-president of corpo- “Thereʼs a lot of initiatives college effectively. rocked Niagara College. rate services, that included four underway,” he said, involving “en- “We want to make sure we can Mook, 18, was at the Welland people: Mal Woodhouse, director hancing physical parameters of the put our best foot forward in terms campus allegedly inebriated and of facilities management; John college.” Such initiatives include of providing a structure that will carrying an unloaded pellet pistol Levay, director of information and installing security cameras, install- enhance the ability to remain safe and was arrested by Niagara Re- technology services; Jim Garner, ing Voice Over Internet Protocol in the college.” gional Police. director of human resources; and phones in each classroom and up- Instead of having only the Emer- He was charged with mischief Rick Demers, manager of health, grading the public announcement gency Response Reference Guides and carrying a concealed weapon safety and security. (PA) systems at both campuses. He for emergency situations, there will at that time; however, the charge “After we had our debriefi ng with prefers all initiatives be discussed be a specifi c protocol designed for of mischief was withdrawn. Niagara Regional Police (NRP) in in detail at a later date because over a situation involving an “armed llustrationDay att He will appear at the Welland early October, Steve charged us the “next couple of weeks” he and intruder on campus,” he said. Courthouse on March 7 at 9 a.m. with identifying the things that his committee will be communicat- Photo by i M At that time the judge will set a needed to be looked at in terms of ing them to faculty and staff. Continued on Page 2

INSIDE THIS WEEK Editorial Page 4 • Black History Month Page 8 – 9 • Niagara Noise Page 10 – 11 • Sports Page 12 – 13 2 NIAGARA NEWS Feb. 15, 2008 Health fair awareness By LAUREN JONES Keira Knowles was at the fair to Staff Writer spread awareness of HIV and AIDS Everybody likes to get free stuff, with AIDS Niagara. especially if that free stuff includes “Weʼre [here] providing con- condoms. doms and safer sex materials,” says The Niagara College Lifestyle Knowles. Health Fair took place Tuesday and She says the usual questions sheʼs Wednesday at both the Niagara- asked include “Is it really a prob- on-the-Lake campus and Welland lem?” and “How do I prevent the campus, with plenty of giveaways. spread of AIDS?” Taking place in the Secord hall- AIDS Niagara has over 200 cli- way near the main entrance, at the ents, and Knowles says the number Welland campus, and in the hallway of people in the Niagara region who in front of the cafeteria at Niagara- are infected or affected could be two on-the-Lake, the fair had as its goal or three times more than that. to educate staff and students about The organization provides sup- health organizations and lifestyle port, outreach, support for immi- choices. grants who are infected or affected Jennifer Miller, an Offi ce Admin- and supportive housing. istration-Executive student doing Knowles says the number of her co-op at the Niagara-on-the- visits to schools she makes in one Lake campus, was the main contact month can range anywhere from for the fair. She says the purpose of one to 20. the fair is to educate people about AIDS Niagara was giving away different areas of health and life condom packs, bracelets, condoms they werenʼt aware. Katelyn Weylie, a second-year Community and Justice Services student, tests out her carbon monoxide levels and information. Organizations attending both using a MicroCO Metre at the Niagara College Lifestyle Health Fair, Wednesday. Alysia Covey was hitting up all campuses include Katimavik, Photo by Michael Bright the tables to get her free stuff. Health Services and the Canadian The fi rst year Pharmacy Tech- Cancer Society, Canadian National a list of health organizations in the Matthew Vollarath, of Quebec, get a better understanding of what nician student says the fair was Institute for the Blind, Leave the region and send out invitations. This is a volunteer with Katimavik. The work is.” enjoyable and informative. Pack Behind and the Crohnʼs and is the fairʼs 12th year. volunteer leadership program was Vollarath says the program is for “Theyʼve got kind of everything, Colitis Foundation of Canada. “Quite a few have giveaways or in attendance for the fi rst time this people between the ages of 17 and and theyʼre good about answering The collegeʼs Health Services and something they can give out.” year to generate awareness and re- 21. Each group visits three different questions. The free stuffʼs not bad the Student Administrative Council Health Services was giving cruit students to join. Canadian cities over a span of nine either.” organized the event. out free condoms, toothpaste and Vollarath says a lot of people donʼt months, and they perform a total of For more information on “A good portion [of the groups] tampons. “get the aspect” of Katimavik. 1600 hours of volunteer work for Katimavik or AIDS Niagara, come every year,” says Miller. College nurse Penny McKee says, “[The word] means ʻa meeting non-profi t organizations. visit www.katimavik.org and She says the organizers start with “The free swag is the best part.” place.ʼ Itʼs to meet new people and “Itʼs an unbelievable program.” www.aidsniagara.com.

Right now, she said, the netwo Fashion show benefi ts Habitat Security better rk runs off a wireless server in By MONICA KEYES The evening will include live en- Continued from page 1 company. Toronto through which SAC Staff Writer tertainment, mini-manicures, wine “The police have assisted with it “Itʼs fair to say because of Vir- updates announcements on three Celebrate being a woman, this tasting, a silent auction, vendors and have put their input into it.” ginia Tech, because of Dawson screens on campus. International Womenʼs Day. and a gourmet cocktail reception. The two-component protocol College, because of those other Thatʼs “supposed to bloom” to In partnership with Habitat for A fashion show – Walking In a involves evacuation and lock- incidents in the [United] States eight or nine by the end of the Humanity, students from Niagara Womanʼs Wonderland – will also down, which will require “train- and that isolated incident in Fin- project. Collegeʼs Event Management take place. ing and familiarization” for all land, security is a concern for all “If the server is onsite, then we Graduate certifi cate program will All proceeds are going towards staff and faculty, he said. of us,” said Garner. have the ability that, if anything celebrate womanhood on March 8. the independent non-profi t housing “We want to review the entire Heather Minow, Student Admin- happens, all those screens be- Taking place at the Rockway ministry, Habitat for Humanity. security operation including how istrative Council president, said comes a safety message only.” Glen Golf Course and Estate Win- Tickets are available for $45 we staff the front-line operation.” one initiative she is aware of is Niagara News will provide an ery in St. Catharines, Womenʼs at the St. Catharines Pen Centre However, he didnʼt divulge if that bringing a Multi-Media Exchange in-depth analysis of the new pro- Wonderland: An Evening of Fash- on Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. includes fi nding a new security Network on both campuses. tocols in the March 14 edition. ion, Food and Friends will raise or by phone at 905-641-2252 ‘Canadian’: off ensive slur money for Habitat for Humanity. ext. 6475. Continued from page 1 Niagara College Broadcasting In the governmentʼs defence, she Police recruit students Trent and Freyer say they had —Radio, Television and Film Pro- adds, “They may be doing some- a conversation before this e-mail, duction student Josh Juhlke says thing that we donʼt know.” during which Freyer had said there the use of the term isnʼt just against If so, she says the media need to were “Canadians” on the jury. African-Americans but also a jab ask what that is and what Canadi- There were no Canadians on the at Canadians. ans can do to support them. jury, but there were several Afri- “It seems pretty offensive to- She says the reports in the news- can-Americans. wards us, but you can kind of ex- paper mark the fi rst time members Complaints were made that Trent pect it in the southern states.” of the NARCC have the heard the may have used “Canadian” in that He says the term lets us know word “Canadian” used against Af- context. what some Americans actually rican-Americans. Estella Muyinda, executive think about their northern neigh- “They were all like, ʻWhat?ʼ director of the National Anti-Rac- bours, saying weʼre known as and ʻWhy? Why? Why?ʼ” says ism Council of Canada (NARCC), being more accepting of being a Muyinda. says, “We felt it was atrocious.” “mosaic nation.” She suggests the government Muyinda says she is surprised The n-word, and any variant or send a “strong message” and that the Canadian government hasnʼt substitute with the same intentions, there are “diplomatic” ways of looked into the situation. “They should not be “part of any vocabu- addressing the problem, adding, should take it seriously.” lary,” says Muyinda. when things are said with this in- Since the statement came from She says, “We should ask what tention, they are “enough to make a court of law, Muyinda feels it is the government is doing for Cana- anyone upset. At the Policing, Security and Justice Career Fair, Sgt. Bill Durrant of the governmentʼs responsibility to dians down there [southern United “The racists would try to do any- Canadian Forces Recruiting answers photonics student Paul Eagles’s investigate and Canadiansʼ respon- States.] thing to continue the hate. I donʼt questions. In attendance on Feb. 13 were local law enforcement sibility to support their leaderʼs “[The government] seems uncon- know what their mindset is, but agencies from across the country. action. cerned toward the lexicon used.” theyʼre racist. Photo by Jordan Baker Feb. 15, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 3 You’re not safe online Th ink twice about your Internet profi les, you don’t know who’s watching

By ERIC FANJOY on their applicants, says Janet your school credits or recent jobs the situation to that of search- Kristen Jacobson, 21, a student Staff Writer Forfar, a consultant for graduate might get you a step ahead. ing old newspaper archives to administration clerk in the Welland As we shift into the cyber age, services at the collegeʼs Welland “Perception,” says Forfar, “is retrieve information. campus Job Centre, says no. online profiles on Facebook and campus Job Centre. the key message to online profile “I have no philosophical prob- “If I was employed with a MySpace can work against you She says employers search for users. It is important to keep in lem with it.” company and an investigation during your job hunt. qualities such as good judgment mind the way others will view With the Internetʼs ever-grow- surrounding my name was hap- Online profiles are considered and strong character, qualities you. Think of the impact and the ing popularity, it is easy to under- pening, it [the online scanning to be in the public domain, al- that canʼt always be found within consequences.” stand that some employers will process] would be okay, but not lowing others to view photos, the time constraints of an inter- Peter Conradi, managing editor search an applicantʼs name and to get information on someone.” notes and comments ranging view. of The [Niagara Falls] Review only the World Wide Web knows Jacobson said if she were an from moments of triumph to Those with profiles need to and part-time Niagara College what will pop up next. employer, “I wouldnʼt do it.” the embarrassing shames of the consider the objective point of professor, says heʼs heard of “Googleʼs becoming a part of Safety features give users the weekend. view, Forfar said, so “Put your- employers scanning online pro- our [societyʼs] vocabulary,” said choice to allow only those tagged The hiring process for employ- self in the employerʼs shoes.” files of future employees but has Conradi. as friends to view and add com- ers is a financial investment, so Posting pictures of your bud- never done it. But do employers have the ments to your complete profi le. some employers are using these dyʼs keg party probably isnʼt the Although he does not disagree right to get a sneak peek at their Thatʼs something to consider, said sites to gain a better perspective smartest choice although posting with the practice, he compared potential employees? Forfar, Conradi and Jacobson. Your habits, are they good or bad? By BRAD MOORE Staff Writer A studentʼs transition into col- lege from either high school or the workforce can be diffi cult, but those who succeed have found a way to get organized and accom- plish their goals. Niagara College has awarded $15,000 toward a project designed to fi nd out which habits do and do not work for studentsʼ success. STOP FAST START “Our belief in this is that the IN AT H&R BLOCK TAX PREP SPENDING experts are the students,” says Donna Putman, of Port Colborne, a counsellor at the college. Their Voices, Our Ears: Looking For Ways to Encourage Success is led by Putman. It is a collaborative effort between the General Arts and Science program and the counsel- ling offi ce at the collegeʼs Welland campus. It will also include several other Welland campus programs: Child Youth Worker, Social Service Worker, Educational Resources and Special Needs, New Media Design among others. The project plans to assess the Students, come in for your tax preparation and get successful habits of Niagara Col- lege students by talking with them instant cash back in just one visit. fi rst-hand and gathering their point of view. “We want to hear in their own words and their own voices. We Student want to give them a chance to hear tax prep their stories,” says Putman. come in today or call Their Voices, Our Ears is a “me- $ 95 1-800-HRBLOCK (472-5625) dia project” interviewing students 29 via survey on camera, over tape get a FREE www.hrblock.ca recorder or in personal interviews. SPC card. Students may also choose to remain anonymous during the process. In- terviews will continue until the end 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 of the spring 2008 term. 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 For more information about 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 Their Voices, Our Ears, visit the 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. Welland campus counselling offi ce in S102. 4 NIAGARA NEWS Feb. 15, 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: Ryan Kelpin and include a day and evening phone contact number for verification purposes. Associate Editor: Terri Giles Assistant Editor: Matt Day Photo Editor: Andrew Ramos

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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 A proud Canadian anyways 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 ʻSo, youʼre Canadian, eh?ʼ tolerant and peaceful country, no matter what an individualʼs corrections by a make-good advertisement. There shall be no liability for non- insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. In the southern United States, led by some occasional fence colour, sexual orientation We reserve the right to edit, revise, classify or reject any advertisement. these harmless words have taken sitters, but overall accepting of or creed. on a more sinister meaning. any creed, nationality or ideal. The use of the word In the south, where racism We think these racists have “Canadian” to replace a racist towards African-Americans targeted Canada because of our insult is unacceptable. A week of slacking and people of different beliefs easygoing and accepting views We are very proud that Canada or origin has been a recurring towards others. is accepting and welcoming of Why is it called Reading springy to me. problem, to be “Canadian” has How did “Canadian” take on other cultures and beliefs. Those Week? Another name is Study a hidden meaning. this hidden meaning? attributes are what makes this For the most part, the only Week, which is just as odd a Calling someone a Canadian Is it our heroic actions during country the best place to live. thing that students will read choice when kids are NOT at has gone from an innocent the late 1800s when we helped We are a cultural mosaic; during our week off is a menu school. The only thing a lot of image of someone in a plaid thousands of African American therefore, our future generations at some restaurant in Cuba or people are studying is how to lumberjack jacket, living in slaves escape to freedom will know what is happening in the label on a beer bottle at a mix drinks to get both fl avour an igloo, eating poutine and through the Underground the rest of the world and will be house party. and drunk. constantly saying “Eh?” to Railroad? more accepting of individual If itʼs not that, students will So what are you going to replacing the word n***** in Is it our unquestioning differences. probably partake of some kind do? Probably play some guitar, the racistʼs vocabulary. acceptance of black politicians If we grow up hating other of 24-hour Halo tournament, spend time with the girlfriend We were horrifi ed when we into our government? cultures and ignorantly judging where the only thing they and possibly partake in one of found out that “Canadian” was Or is it the fact that the word them on stereotypes, we read or learn about is those Halo marathons (after being used as a substitute for “Canadian,” to the rest of the would not be able to wear the how to stick a grenade on reading about it, you probably a hurtful racial slur and that world, has meant peacegivers, Canadian fl ag proudly on our someoneʼs face. really have an urge to play it all Canadaʼs multicultural values safe haven providers, acceptance backpacks while travelling Weʼre not saying Halo of a sudden). had become a tool for racist and freedom? the world and being warmly doesnʼt teach you some Hereʼs an accurate name for bigots in their attempts to Whatever the reason, we are welcomed as a result. valuable life skills, such as how the week: Slacker Week. What spread hate. proud to be Canadian because to drive defensively and how better name can you come Canada is a multicultural, of its advocacy of individuality, TERRI GILES to appropriately manage your up with than that? We get a opposable thumbs, but itʼs not week off from school. We exactly the same as picking up are not going to spend it Letter to the Editor some Shakespeare. “reading” or “studying.” We Many students say they donʼt are going to relax, take some remember what happened last time off from doing work and sit SAC apologizes for ‘misunderstandings’ Reading Week. Perhaps, since back or do something we enjoy. it happened so long ago, their We donʼt know if the people Dear Editor: It was agreed that notifi cation I would also like to apologize on memory loss has nothing to do behind the naming of Reading On behalf of the Welland SAC would be sent to the clubs the fol- behalf of the Welland SAC to all with alcohol at all. Week were looking for some (Student Administrative Council) lowing day. members of both the Construction Executive Committee, I would As the Construction Club met all Club and the NC GLBT Club for In our student handbook, kind of ironic humour from like to apologize for the misun- of their requirements on the morn- any comments noted in Niagara it is called Spring Break. its name, but thatʼs what it is derstandings resulting from an ing of Wednesday, Jan. 23, it was News in respect to why they did not Thatʼs another odd title, as achieving. article in the Feb. 1, 2008, issue of not necessary to send any notifi ca- hand in a report, as the comments it is February and absolutely Niagara News. tion to them. were inappropriate. freezing out. It doesnʼt seem too RYAN KELPIN At our Jan. 22 meeting, the As a result of the fulfi llment of Welland SAC motioned to cancel the clubʼs requirements, the com- Correction: all fi nancial sanctioning of the ments in Niagara News turned out Construction Club and the NC to be inaccurate at the time of print. In the Feb. 1 issue of Niagara News on page 11 in the article “Bitter GLBT Club if no response was The Construction Club remains Kat Drummelsmith cold for all smokers,” the girl on the left was mistakenly identifi ed as received by these clubs by Friday, a fi nancially sanctioned Niagara Executive Vice-President Holly Wilson. It is the policy of Niagara News to correct errors of fact. Jan. 25. College club. Welland SAC Feb. 15, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 5 Winning isn’t Ottomatic By MARYANNE FIRTH ally very nice people.” Staff Writer “The media isnʼt looking for the High ratings, but Winning isnʼt everything, Itʼs bad story – we have enough bad telling the story that counts. stories,” explained Otto. Tom Otto, co-ordinator of the He went on to say the OLG is Broadcasting – Radio, Television “all about promotion, all about and Film program at Niagara Col- publicity,” adding the importance low entertainment lege, stopped by a Public Relations of “being upfront in the public eye” The 42nd Super Bowl has gone than any other company, didnʼt Graduate Certifi cate classroom in order to “guarantee prizes are down as the most-watched Super disappoint. Wednesday to give actually going out.” Bowl in television history and Some ads had no comic value students the gist Otto stressed of what it was like the asset of having second most-watched American By BRAD and seemed ineffective. Ads such television broadcast, behind only as the Claritin commercial or any working for the “good interview KENNEDY Ontario Lottery and skills” and encour- the series fi nale of M*A*S*H*. Columnist of the car ads looked like a nor- It was a memorable event for ev- mal commercial Iʼd see any day Gaming Corpora- aged students not to eryone, no matter what the reason of the week as I watch re-runs tion (OLG). “stick to the script” for watching. of Seinfeld. Otto spoke about when it came to You may have watched the game I would say, though, the best his experiences as gaining the right because youʼre a fan of the New those who donʼt know, the New commercial on television that the media relations information. England Patriots and wanted to York Giants did win the night was the Pepsi Stuff one with and winner liaison Although some- see the team complete a historic game 17-14. Justin Timberlake being “sucked” at the lottery cor- times turning down poration. He works Adam Lantz Photo by a “better story” National Football League (NFL) Maybe youʼre like me, a bitter across town as a girl sucks her TOM OTTO perfect season of 19-0 or a New and still upset Dallas Cowboys fan Pepsi through a straw. As Timber- with winners of when faced with a York Giants fan who was hoping who was most excited to see the lake gets thrown around through large sums of money and prepares “moral dilemma,” Otto said he en- for the biggest upset in sports Super Bowl commercials that cost the town, he is nearly run over by them for the media craze. sured he could “go home that night history. companies millions of dollars for a a jeep driven by none other than Public Relations student Dana and sleep.” Maybe you watched because you short spot that may or may not be Tony Romo, the Dallas Cowboys Keller, who introduced Otto to the Keller said Ottoʼs spot as a guest love Tom Petty, who was as boring effective and may or may not make quarterback. Romo looks at Tim- class, announced him as having speaker gave students an idea of and predictable as he could be at the audience laugh a little bit. berlake and says, “Justin?” There “befriended many millionaires.” “what to expect in media relations halftime, playing his famous songs The commercials didnʼt disap- it was, the highlight of Super Sun- Otto explained it was his job to after graduating” by sharing his “real- exactly how they are played on the point. Although I watched the day, seeing Tony Romo in a Pepsi convince the lucky few that win- life experience in the workforce.” radio. I think the NFL should have game on Canadian cable and only commercial. ning the lottery “should be the best Rachel Longo-Tosoian, a Public saved some money and just played saw two or three of the Super Bowl It wasnʼt how I envisioned see- day of their life,” and to get them to Relations student, said Ottoʼs pre- a Tom Petty album. It would have ads, I was able to watch every com- ing Romo on this day. If I had “tell their story.” sentation was valuable for his “ex- sounded the same. mercial after the game on www. had it my way, Romo would have He said many people are scared perience with media relations” as Maybe youʼre one of the mil- myspace.com, of which I am not been the Super Bowl MVP and the to speak with the media after their his “career has been very diverse.” lions of people who claim to be a a member. Thankfully, you donʼt Dallas Cowboys would have big win. Otto praised his fi eld of choice, football fan on this one day of the have to be a member to watch the walked out as champions. It Itʼs his job, he said, to show that calling “a life in the media a fasci- year. Maybe youʼre someone who commercials. wasnʼt to be. “publicity is a good thing” and that nating thing.” likes to gamble and was hoping The funnier commercials were Iʼve watched the Super Bowl the media is “not the evil seen on “It gives you the opportunity to for a rich payout from an improb- the Bud Light ones. Anheuser- every year, and I will watch again American television.” do things people donʼt normally able New York Giants victory. For Busch, who had more commercials next year. “Weʼre not vultures. Weʼre actu- get to do.” Students fl ock south Spring breaking somewhere warmer

By AMANDA PAIEMENT ing some 400,000 students each minute, Van Houten says you may Staff Writer February and have transformed still be in luck. Itʼs not just geese that fl y south the beach into a place “where “Overstocked inventory and in the winter. well-heeled Europeans, sophisti- cancelled fl ights are usually avail- For decades, Spring Break cated Northerners and laid-back able a week before.” – or Reading Week to Canadians Mid-Westerners come to relax and Farecast.com allows you to – has been a reason for many vacation.” input your planned departure and post-secondary students to trade “Panama City Beach and Day- arrival times and will let you know in the frigid cold, slush and ice tona Beach cater to students on when the cheapest tickets will be storms for palm trees, beaches and Spring Break. They love them,” available. It shows when airfare margaritas. Van Houten says. prices are rising and dropping, Wendy Van Houten, travel con- Home to Americaʼs largest allowing you to save money for sultant at the Canadian Automobile nightclub, Club LaVela, Panama something more important, like a Association (CAA), says that most City Beach boasts 43 kilometres of bathing suit. students opt to book trips online, white sand, licensed beaches and No passport? There are many rather than visit a travel agency. tons of corporate sponsors during beautiful retreats right here in “Itʼs fi ne to look online, but you the break period, such as MTV. Canada too. are not covered by the Travel In- If you prefer a more relaxed set- British Columbia is a popular dustry Council of Ontario (TICO) ting on your vacation, Cuba and choice because of its famous ski re- unless you book with an agent.” Dominican Republic are popular sorts and beautiful scenery. Thereʼs TICO is a not-for-profi t organiza- choices. also Victoria, on Vancouver Island. tion that “investigates disputes be- All three of these destinations It is considered to have the mildest tween consumers and registrants” are popular with students because weather of any Canadian city and and provides “consumer protec- of their low prices and all-inclusive rarely receives snow. tion,” according to its website. package extras. Before travelling anywhere by “If something happens and you Van Houten says students are air, it is wise to check the safety pre- lose your money, you wonʼt get fl ocking to Florida because of cautions at your airport, to ensure a it back unless you have that the cost. smooth ride through security. coverage.” For students on a tight budget, According to the Transportation She adds that in recent years, “itʼs very easy to fi ll a car and take Security Administration, the best Panama City Beach, Fla., has be- turns driving down. If they all drive way to ensure that is to abide by come a hot spot for students. and donʼt need to stop for the night, all rules for carry-on items and Fort Lauderdale, once hailed as theyʼll be in Florida in a day.” never take anything questionable or the biggest Spring Break destina- To save even more money, book prohibited. tion in the world, has chosen to rid your airfare and lodgings at the For a detailed list of what pas- itself of that reputation. same time, as all travel agencies sengers are able to carry-on and According to a media release and websites offer discounts when luggage specifi cations, visit the from the City of Fort Lauderdale, you purchase a package. Transportation Security Adminis- offi cials have bid farewell to host- If you must book at the last trations website at www.tsa.gov. 6 NIAGARA NEWS Feb. 15, 2008

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JOIN US Feb. 15, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 7

Niagara College student gets taste of curling lifestyle

By JENNIFER HAYNES Staff Writer rocks that barely made it to the I am a student with a broom and house (target circle at far end of a lack of balance. rink), I suggested to Clifford On Feb. 2, I waltzed into the I was going to upset my team- Welland Curling Club a little ap- mates with my lack of ability. prehensively. I was trying to curl “Are you here to have fun?” for the fi rst time, so I entered the he asked. Rose City Bonspiel. What kind I nodded and Clifford reassured Second-year Journalism-Print student Jennifer Haynes throws a few practice rocks before competing in the of impression would I make on me I had nothing to worry about. Rose City Bonspiel at the Welland Curling club on Feb. 2. “I am relieved that I only fell twice during practice,” the experienced curlers? Would I “If people are going to take this she says. choke? Would my teammates ac- tournament too seriously, they cept my bumbling attempt to play probably shouldnʼt be playing for the evening. I had no idea how much exercise didnʼt turn out. a sport not many people I know today.” On the sixth end I had resolved this sport could be. “They both were too blurry. play or even watch? I would soon I immediately felt accepted and that this probably wasnʼt the sport We all gathered upstairs for a I canʼt use them. They would fi nd out. relieved. for me. I have never been particu- few drinks and pizza. have been great.” I paid my $15 entry fee and was After a few announcements, all larly athletic. The blue team was declared the I realized from my curling soon fi tted with a gripper on my the teams hit the sheets. Let the I crouched down, aimed my shot winner, and as much as everyone adventure that itʼs not so much right foot and tape on my left for action begin. and away I went. was surprised at the win, I, how- about the game but the camara- sliding. I was confused already. There were 10 teams, fi ve rep- “Hey,” I thought, “I think this ever, was not. This would be the derie the folks who play have I was sure I would want to resenting the yellow side and fi ve throw is OK.” fifth year in a row the blue team for one another. slide with my right but since I am representing the blue. I was play- Being nearsighted, I would have had won this event. Playing in his second year, Len right-handed I would be throwing ing for the yellow. to rely on my teammates for the I asked Clifford how he Doyle, of Fonthill says curling is with that hand and sliding with I was terrible, and I didnʼt try to yay or nay. thought I did. a great way to socialize. my left. I shrugged and went hide it. I could have faked it and “Good rock,” Clifford called “You played very well for your “My wife and I wanted to do with it. said I was having an off night, but from across the sheet. first time out, up until the last something together. We get to Gingerly stepping out onto the word quickly spread about this It had not only made it into the end,” he chuckled. spend the evening together, but ice, I was immediately tense. tournament being my inaugural go house but also managed to be rela- Jeanette Backus, of Low- we donʼt play on the same team. “Oh Lord,” I thought. at the sport. tively close to the button (centre banks, agreed. We get to face off against each My teamʼs skip (captain), By the fi fth end I hadnʼt made circle). “I didnʼt even see you fall,” say other.” Wayne Clifford of Welland gave any shot worth speaking about, The rock remained there for the Backus. She has been curling since I would curl again given the me a quick tutorial before the and I was pretty sure my team- rest of the end. I had helped the 1987 so she would know. chance. start of the bonspiel. mates were acting as if I wasnʼt yellow team score one point. I laughed. Obviously she wasnʼt If I still stink, at least I can take After throwing a few practice even playing. I was their handicap After 10 ends I was pretty tired. there to see me fall fl at on my ass solace in the fact there would be during my lesson. an ice-cold beer waiting for me “I fell twice. Jordan captured it afterwards, and really, who needs on fi lm.” any more than that? Second-year Journalism-Print student Jordan Baker had come with me that evening to take photos. Hoping for some hilarious photos to publish, he said he thought it was a shame that the falling pictures

Although the blue team won, Jennifer Haynes helps her team sweep to gain some points.

Photos by Jordan Baker 8 NIAGARA NEWS • Feb. 15, 2008 9

Left:Left: LamarLamar Grant,Grant, left,left, sayssays Black History Month thatthat BlackBlack HistoryHistory MonthMonth remindsreminds himhim ofof whatwhat wewe havehave overcomeovercome Many tried, few made it to freedom andand ourour pastpast achieve-achieve- ments."ments." By TERRI GILES years old. Tubman came back to Maryland to AnthonyAnthony DouglasDouglas sayssays Staff Writer help her family escape to Canada. February is Black History Month. What are Tubman made this heroic trip to the south- itit isis aa monthmonth toto remem-remem- you doing to remember the legacy of black ern states many times and is said to have Canadians? saved about 300 people from slavery through berber thethe trialstrials andand tribu-tribu- “Black History Month is a time to remem- the Underground Railroad. ber the trials and tribulations that we have Mildred M. Mahoneyʼs Dollshouse Gallery lationslations thatthat wewe facedfaced faced to become what we are today,” says in Fort Erie was a safe house and a stop on toto becomebecome whatwhat wewe areare General Arts and Sciences (GAS) student the Underground Railroad for black slaves. Anthony Douglas, 20, a member of the col- The gallery, which some say is haunted, had today.today. lege basketball team. a tunnel used to cross the Niagara River into Niagara College international students are Canada from 1828 to 1865. The tunnel has hosting a special pub night at After Hours, since been closed off and its whereabouts are Thursday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. to celebrate unknown. Black History Month. In St. Catharines, the British Methodist Every Wednesday, the students meet to dis- Episcopal Church and Salem Chapel at the cuss the upcoming plans for the event includ- corner of Geneva Street and North Street was ing free snacks and live entertainment. a place of refuge for slaves and is said to be The pub night, which is free to all Niagara the final stop of the Underground Railroad. College students, will hold a fashion show, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and singers, steel drums and much more to cel- Queenston, Ont., have plaques and monu- ebrate the history of black Canadians. ments commemorating the lives and hard The event is being held to educate students work of those escaping slavery. More infor- about black history and showcase the different mation about where to visit the plaques is on languages, heritages and cultures of the many the Niagara Parkʼs website. people who have come to live in Canada. “Black History Month reminds me of what Posters and flyers will be handed out lead- we have overcome and our past achieve- ing up to the event, and a booth will be set up ments,” says Lamar Grant, 24, also a student in the cafeteria on Friday, Feb. 15, for more in the GAS program and member of the bas- information. ketball team. Right: "Every day for me Niagara College graduate Chidi Opara of The Niagara region is offering a few differ- Nigeria, one of the organizers for the event, ent events to celebrate Black History Month, is Black History Month,"

The country is sick of hearing about slavery and the South, the war, the disenfranchisement of black men, the masked white terrorists who ride the night. People want to move on. –excerpt from Harriet Tubman: Imagining a Life. says Black History Month is “a celebration of including exhibits at the St. Catharines, says Maryse O'Neal. who we are and what we are becoming.” Niagara Falls and Fort Erie Museums and says Maryse O'Neal. Opara says Black History Month is a time tours of the regionʼs Underground Railroad to learn about different cultures and countries sites. and he welcomes students to attend this spe- Niagara Bound Tours will be hosting a cial event on Feb. 21. Crossing Point tour on Feb. 16 that will fol- Black History Month was created in 1976 low the paths used by the slaves coming to to honour the legacy of black Canadians from Canada. The tour will provide a historical per- past and present and their hard work and spective and local stories. The tour includes achievements over the years. the Town of Fort Erie Coloured Cemetery and Southern Ontario has a rich history to draw the Mildred M. Mahoney Dollshouse Gallery. from this month because of its key involve- Maryse OʼNeal, 20, says, “Every day to me ment from the 1500s to the 1800s in the is Black History Month.” She says she cel- Underground Railroad, which helped slaves ebrates her heritage every day, not just for one Anna Gunn and Jennie escape into Canada. month a year. Ironically, the Underground Railroad was Black History Month celebrates the lives MacDonald think we don't learn neither underground nor a railroad. Rather, it and achievements of black Canadians, and was an intricate system of safe houses used by this month we should remember their accom- enough about black history in abolitionists to help slaves escape the southern plishments and honour such individuals as school and the public schools states to freedom in Canada. Southern Ontario Harriet Tubman, Bob Marley, Martin Luther was home to many safe houses used as stops King Jr., Oscar Peterson, Rosa Parks and should start teaching black by the slaves seeking freedom. Nelson Mandela. These individuals have had Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist and humani- an immense impact on the world and should Canadian history. tarian, was one of the most important figures always be remembered, not only this month to helping slaves escape the southern states to but all year long. freedom and was one of the first to make the “Say it loud,” Grant says, “ʻIʼm black and dangerous trip to Canada. Iʼm proud.” Born in the United States as a slave, For more information on Crossing Point Tubman escaped to Canada when she was 30 Tour visit NiagaraBoundTours.com Shown are the stairs to the Dollshouse Museum's Submitted photo Submitted basement where runaway slaves hid as they ended their Underground Railway journey in Fort Erie. Background photo by Matt Day All other photos by Rachel Sanderson and Terri Giles 10 NIAGARA NEWS Feb. 15, 2008 Niagara Noise Putting the rock back in rock show By DEIDRA LUNARDON Into Existence, the bandʼs debut Noise Staff album. Rides Again (RA) is driving into Nathan says Brown “helps brings Canadian airwaves with its smash something out of bands to give hit Infected. them a unique sound, and thatʼs Referred to as Canadaʼs new rock really hard these days.” heroes, Oshawaʼs RA can trans- “Heʼs a great man and a blast to form anyone into a listener with be around.” music that holds true to Canadaʼs In their radio hit Infected, lyricist rock essence. Nathan says he created lyrics from Guitarist and vocalist Nathan his own life and experiences. Peyton says RA gives fans “a show “Infected was a different song to remember” and is working “re- until the morning I had to record ally hard, and our fans know it.” vocals in the studio. I woke up and The trio formed in 2002 with wrote that chorus in my boxers,” Nathan on vocals, his brother Chad he says, adding, “Some other songs Peyton on bass and their cousin could take me days to write.” Brad Christiansen on drums. Nathan says itʼs “surreal” to be A couple of years in, Christian- on an independent label and “know sen left the band and went back to what weʼre doing is being accepted school. on the large scale.” Nathan says he and Chad imme- “Even though weʼre not on a diately thought of Mike [McElroy] major [label], we have an amazing to fi ll in, and their contacting him team of people working behind the ultimately led to his joining forces scenes to help make it happen and with the band. fans across Canada who will call “Back in the day we used to play into radio and request our video. some shows with another band he Oshawa’s Rides Again is setting out on a month-long Ontario tour until March 1, promising a “smashing rock Weʼre really lucky to have that.” was in, and I always thought that show.” Setting out on a month-long he was a killer drummer.” Submitted photo Ontario tour until March 1, Nathan Being brothers is hard enough, says, the band will “be trying out but imagine being in a band and share the same love for music, and out of line.” Pumpkins and The Tragically Hip, some brand-new songs and, like touring with a sibling. this is really all weʼve done with Looking up to bands such as whereas Chad and he are drawn to usual, weʼll play hard and love Nathan says itʼs hard to tell if the our lives so far.” the Foo Fighters for years, Nathan punk-rock bands such as MXPX every second of it.” relationship between him and Chad “Itʼs a piece of home with you at says, each member brings his “own and No Use For a Name. With the live show being called has changed since theyʼve been in all times when youʼre on the road individual something that when put It was these various infl uences “the equivalent of an atomic bomb a band together, but itʼs easier hav- for so long. Chad and I get along together it makes Rides Again.” that led them to work with Cana- exploding in your pants,” Nathan ing a family member with him. great, although Iʼm not afraid to Nathan notes McElroy is into dian producer Gavin Brown (Billy promises RA will put on a “smash- “We are just typical brothers who put him in a headlock when he gets bands such as The Smashing Talent, Three Days Grace) on ing rock show.” Fortress confi rms Whitby Green displays Dylan infl uence rockers’ ranking in music By RYAN KELPIN By MATT DAY no breakable items within armʼs Noise Staff Noise Staff reach because Bloodmeat sets the With undoubtedly one of the Try playing Protest The Heroʼs tone for the album. Everything most anticipated albums of the (PTH) new album on Guitar Hero from the insane fi nger-picking year, as well as a heavy Neil Young and see how well you do. throughout the song (and every and Bob Dylan infl uence, City and The light-speed paced, progres- other song on the CD) and the in- Colour made its return this week sive metal band from Whitby, Ont., credible breakdown for 20 seconds with its sophomore album. is back with its sophomore album, at the end of this song makes it one Dallas Green, a St. Catharines Fortress. If you are one who is of the catchier songs on the CD. native, showed up on the national impartial to change, this album is Sequoia Throne is another aston- scene in the early 2000s with his for you. ishing song and punk-hardcore band, Alexisonfi re, Some bands fi nishes with but has become more known for falter and com- one hell of a his acoustic, singer-songwriter pletely change performance on material that he debuted on his direction after guitar at 2:46. gold-selling album, Sometimes each record, but It will leave you in 2005. PTH picks up thinking dif- The album marked a major right where it ferently about change in sound, which he carries left off by add- how the guitar is over onto his new album, Bring ing even more played. Me Your Love, which was released mind-blowing The eighth on Tuesday. hammer-ons, song on the CD, The album marks another change pull-offs and Spoils, gives off in sound, not quite abandoning the bass lines. www.amazon.com Source: the feeling of an bare-bones charm of its predeces- Lead singer Rody Walker offers ʼ80s metal song. The guitar riff in sor, but further delving into the Source: www.amazon.com Source: more than a growl or whine on this the intro makes you feel like you folk and country infused style that City and Colour’s second full-length album, Bring Me Your Love, was album with a revamped, higher- are fl ying an F-18 Tomcat in a Su- he exhibited the potential for. released Tuesday. pitch voice that gains new respect per Nintendo game. Songs like What Makes a Man from listeners. Walkerʼs voice re- Also, adding a keyboard solo and Sensible Heart are very similar highlight of the album, featuring Waiting is not exactly the hap- minds the listener of a Coheed and midway through this song shows to the fi rst album, mostly depen- an appearance by Gord Downie, piest song in the world though. Cambria or Mars Volta-esque style PTH has matured as it is willing dent on his acoustic strumming and lead singer and songsmith of Ca- The chorus features lyrics such as now that he adds an actual singing to experiment and expand the his soft yet powerful voice. That nadian legends The Tragically Hip. “weʼre all just waiting, waiting to ability to PTHʼs repertoire of musi- confi nes of a typical progressive- combination isnʼt a bad thing; itʼs His appearance is only brief, but die.” Those are not exactly the most cal weapons. metal band. just not enough variety to build an it carries a lot of weight on what uplifting words, but from the man PTH was known for having a The tandem ending with songs album off of just those traits. will more than likely be the next who is known for emotional songs sporadic, intense sound in its fi rst Goddess Bound and Goddess Green realizes this on songs single. about isolation, love and suicide, full-length album, Kezia, and in- Gagged is perfect. When listening, like Body in a Box, which features The current single, which is get- you canʼt expect all optimism. stead of toning that down to garner you know the plot of the story that harmonica as well as organ parts ting heavy rotation on radio and Bring Me Your Love is clearly to a broader audience, PTH steps it is Fortress is reaching its climax. very reminiscent of that of early television combines the best of going to pull down some awards up to weed out the pretenders. Walkerʼs screaming at the end Dylan, only with a far and beyond Greenʼs older and newer material, next year, and could possibly out- The albumʼs single and lead track sums it all up: “The silence inside better voice. to make one of the catchiest songs sell the fi rst album, and it is more is Bloodmeat. Make sure there are you when the music has stopped.” Sleeping Sickness is a major in recent years. than deserving of achieving both. Feb. 15, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 11 Niagara Noise Who let Pavlov’s Dogs out? By MONICA KEYES Noise Staff As they begin to play, the audi- ence responds. Swaying to the melodies, the same way Pavlovʼs dog salivated to the bell, the crowd is enraptured by the unique and energetic sound. On Jan. 18, they made the back room of The Rivoli come alive on Queen Street West during the release party for their fi rst English CD, To whom it may concern. Based out of Toronto, seven musicians originally from the Soviet Union form the Pavlovʼs Dogs Orchestra with Anton Priz, 27, from Sochi, Ukraine on bass; Kirill Fondler, 31, from Minsk, Belarus, playing the keys; guitar- ist Dima Filipov, 34, from St. Petersburg, Russia, and 36-year- old Ruslan Nebesov from Odessa, Ukraine, playing the violin. From Kiev, Ukraine are Mattski Falkovich, 26, on drums, Andrey Marushkevich, 34, on percussion and 34-year-old Tsoy Lantsman on guitar. Because of a lack of opportuni- ties in their home countries, they decided to immigrate to Canada with their families and now live in Toronto. “We absolutely love it!” says Falkovich. After a series of jam sessions Hailing from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine, the Pavlov’s Dogs Orchestra, a Toronto-based band, is lighting up the independent scene with a unique in 1997, the Pavlovʼs Dogs was sound that can only be classifi ed as indie folk. Submitted photo created. The band existed on and off, as they were all close friends label, they all have jobs outside of cording was fi nished, their singer lease party was a great success.” asked to classify their music into playing with different bands, but the band but are in the studio four decided to leave the band. They Writing all of their own music, a specifi c genre. One description in 2001 they decided to get serious nights a week, trying to change had to put all mixing on hold and Falkovich believes they have frequently used to describe the about the project. Dima and Tsoy that, Falkovich says. come up with new vocal melodies recorded enough music for fi ve Orchestra is “wild,” as in wild on are the only members left from the ”Weʼve been at it for a couple of and catchier lyrics. albums over the years. With all stage as they are performing and original lineup. years now and the transition point “Exactly one year later (in of their inspiration coming from the wild reaction the audience is just around the corner. We are September 2007) after numerous daily life, the fi rst song they wrote gives in response. “Some years later someone all mentally prepared to put in a failed attempts to fi nd a suitable as a band is called Lines. For information on upcoming sug gested adding ʻOrchestraʼ to lot more work for a lot less pay lead singer, we had to go back in “It talks about our struggle to shows and buying their CD, check the title to make it absolutely as long as we get to ʻplayʼ for a the studio and take a stab at it our- come up with decent lyrics.” out their Myspace page http:// impossible to forget,” comments living.” selves – that was one of the best Self-described as “indie folk,” www.myspace.com/pavlovsdog- Falkovich. Recording their album cause decisions weʼve made. We had a the Pavlovʼs Dogs Orchestra sorchestra or website http://pav- Currently unsigned to a record some adversity. Days after the re- blast making the record and the re- say they are stumped whenever lovsdogsorchestra.com. Del Asher keeps music positive By DEIDRA LUNARDON “He takes his subject matter seri- Citing two infl uential artists as ernment and private grants you can it shows them that there is honest, Noise Staff ously and draws from everything “complete opposites,” Murphyʼs get your hands on,” he suggests. mainstream music out there.” By believing in the music and around him.” recent favourites include Lights, a With two of the members of DA Inspired by the achievements hiding nothing, St. Catharinesʼ Usually sticking to day-to-day synthesizer-pop band from Toron- having waist-length dreadlocks of bands, such as Thrice and Say rock-pop band Del Asher (DA) is events, he notes there is always a to, and Gallows, a hardcore-punk and Murphy not, he says he hates Anything, who donʼt have to self-described as “one of the most positive twist put on DA songs. product of the United Kingdom. the image concept that is a big part “scream to be heard,” Murphy honest bands out there.” “We donʼt want to go around Julius Butty (Protest The Hero, of music these days. He recalls a says he admires those bandʼs who Refusing to engage in gimmicks bumming people out.” Alexisonfi re) has produced all the Battle of the Bands contest the band are “successful simply playing the and trends, DAʼs drummer Matt Trying to stay positive as they bandʼs material to date. Murphy entered where looks were more im- music they love.” look for bassist number 8 at the says Butty believes in the band portant than the actual talent they Murphy says, “Thatʼs why we Including “classic stage banter” write rock music because rock will moment, Murphy says he blames and understands the direction the brought to their performance. on their upcoming Ontario tour, never lose its appeal.” the fact “that it has always been the bandʼs music is heading. He says, “[The judges] didnʼt Promising to never reveal the three of us.” “Heʼs the kind of guy that can care that we were busting our asses Murphy says DA is “going to whole meaning behind the bandʼs “It is hard for a fourth member fi nish your sentences musically and that our songs were killer. be incorporating some ambient name, Murphy reveals that when to come into the mix and truly feel and really makes you think of the “It is not a fun show if you have synth[esizer] and drum samples” translated “it is the combination of like a member.” music you are writing.” to look a certain way and you feel into the set. the memory of a loved one and be- Acknowledging it as the bandʼs With a self-released, three-song uncomfortable on stage.” Priding themselves on their ing happy in that memory.” one weakness, he says, the band is EP already available, DA is hop- Pointing out DAʼs music, in fact, “energetic shows,” Murphy says As their previous band was fall- “getting sick of member changes.” ing to produce a full-length studio sounds mainstream, Murphy says a more tamed performance that ing apart in the winter of 2004, “Losing a member is like break- album. the reason for that sound is not “fl ows from start to fi nish” is Chris Charkowy (guitar/backing ing off a long-term relationship. Although the majority of the to achieve radio play, but rather planned. vocals) and Murphy joined forces It just sucks. I think we are just songs have already been written, because itʼs the type of music they “Sometimes you can just rock so with the “brainchild” behind DA, holding out for that perfect person, Murphy says being able to pay for love to play. Julian Tomarin. whether or not he/she exists.” studio time at their ideal studio, “This is our career, so obviously hard that after three songs you are Tomarin, DAʼs lead guitarist DAʼs infl uences, Murphy says, Metal Works in Toronto, is posing we need to be making money. spent and end up struggling just to and vocalist, is the main lyricist are evolving from pieces of other a problem. However, that is not to say we are fi nish the set,” he says about the of the band. Acknowledging every music, art and literature. “It is pretty hard for an indie going to write the next Hillary Duff change. member has input, Murphy says “We try and soak up infl uences band to come up with $20,000. My song to do so. Overall, whoever DA is playing Feb. 24 at L3 in Tomarin is a “great writer.” from anywhere we can get them.” advice is to look into all the gov- our music reaches, we hope that St. Catharines. 12 NIAGARA NEWS Feb. 15, 2008 Sports Niagara College and the IceDogs team up

By SARAH JOHNSON Staff Writer The Niagara College Alumni hosted its fi rst event in association with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League this past Sunday. Stacey Duncan, project devel- opment officer with the Alumni Affairs Office at Niagara Col- lege, said, “Christine, one of our event co-ordinators here, her son played hockey and they are big IceDogs fans. She knew they had moved into the area and were looking to do some more group events, so she [made] the contact with them and got the ball going.” The event at the Gatorade Gar- den City Complex in St. Catharines started at noon with a free skate. A pre-game party with food and prizes followed. “It turned out well. We had a great turnout, close to 100 people, and we have already had some re- ally great feedback on it. Everyone seemed to have had a really great time,” Duncan said. She said 80 tickets were sold, but some people had previously purchased tickets for the game and came out for the free skate and pre- game party. At 2 p.m. the rivalry game be- tween the Niagara IceDogs and the Children of the alumni and faculty cheer on the IceDogs OHL team during an after-skating snack break. Photo by Monica Keyes Mississauga St. Michaelʼs Majors Second-period action had Ice- In the third period, Swift gave score 5-2 for the Dogs. is a plan for an event next year began, and the home team fans had Dogs captain Michael Swift score the home team a two-goal lead by “It was a great, great game be- as well. something to cheer about. his fi rst of three goals, but the Ma- scoring a power play goal at 3:16 cause there is a rivalry between “We have already started [talk- Jordan Foreman scored the fi rst jors game back less than fi ve min- and his third, to make a hat trick, Mississauga and the IceDogs,” ing] about making this possibly goal of the game for the home team, utes later when Daugavins scored at 10:28. she said. an annual event, [and] changing but less than two minutes later the his second goal of the afternoon. Alex Pietrangelo scored the This was the fi rst event of its some of the marketing strategy Majors came back to tie the game That was all the scoring the Majors fi fth, and fi nal goal, for the home kind for the alumni from Niagara and possibly making it a bigger with a goal by Kaspars Daugavins. could do. team at 16:40 and made the fi nal College and, Duncan said, there event next year.” Reiger excels at teamwork and communicating By SHANE BUCKINGHAM “You canʼt do everything by matter. I love being out and moving sisters all play volleyball, except As for their academic differ- Staff Writer yourself. You always need some- around, having no boundaries.” for his youngest sister who is 6- ences, he said, “She keeps her Niagara Knightsʼ Stephen body to get your back,” No. 3 of Still, he admits, after playing years-old. school out of our conversations, Reigerʼs dedication to his team- the Knights said. “If you need help, volleyball since Grade 3, continu- “We love it. This is our familyʼs but I know sheʼs smart and [her mates and his sport has provided you need to tell someone.” ing to play remains his ambition main hobby. We just, two years goals are] to become a lawyer and him with a persevering mindset in To keep the team united, the 19- over schooling or carpentry. ago, put up our own beach court.” go to law school.” all areas of his life. year-old sid, itʼs important to “pick “Volleyball always came fi rst. His two older brothers, Kevin “Weʼll see how this summer “Teamwork and communication” each other up.” Coaches and teachers were always and Rick, played throughout high works out with beach volleyball. are the two most important values “I make sure they know that like, ʻDo your schoolwork,ʼ but I school and Rick also played for the Then sheʼll go back to Ottawa in heʼs taken from playing volleyball thereʼs other guys on the court that always found a way to get it done Knights. September and maybe Iʼll go with since Grade 3 and for Niagara have got their back. If someone - and get it done half-assed - so I What else does Regier do? her.” Collegeʼs menʼs team. screws up, thereʼs no blaming the could play volleyball,” he laughed. The fi ve-foot 10-inch blond stu- Heʼll work as a carpenter while problems on each other.” He receives a $500-a-semester dent drives to Ottawa see his girl- she continues her education. Not only is Regier, of Zurich, scholarship to play on the collegeʼs friend, Tara OʼReilly, the daughter Ont., an athlete who has more team, but he hopes to progress to of his coach, “once or twice every than 100 points this season, but amateur-level beach volleyball in two months.” also heʼs a Construction Tech- the Ontario Volleyball Association His girlfriend is at Carleton Scholarship niques student who “really en- (OVA). He acknowledged he would University in her second year of a joys” carpentry. need to work hard. four-year program studying human Itʼs a one-year program that trains “You have to put a lot of time rights and law and plays for the tournament students in carpentry, in exterior and energy in it to make yourself varsity hockey team. Ball Hockey International and framing, in interior fi nishing and in go to that higher level.” They met in Grade 11 and have 90.1 The Heat present the fi fth excavating and price estimations. He has a coach back in Zurich, been together for three years. annual Greg Darling Scholarship Even in construction, you need Brian OʼReilly, who is a profes- He admits itʼs hard for both Fund Ball Hockey tournament. teamwork, he says. You need sional, but he still needs a partner of them to get time to see each The tournament will be on “extra hands to help out” whether because beach volleyball requires other because of their sched- March 15. Cost to participate is

Photo by Shane Buckingham itʼs hanging dry wall or framing a two members on a team. ules; however, they remain $150 per team of up to 14 players. house. He mused of his dream to make close because they “trust in To register for the tournament or Heʼs been working for his dadʼs the Olympics. each other.” for more information, contact Sar- construction business since Grade “I would want to put that in the The trust they developed was ah Zinger a theheat.promotions@ 8, and if the volleyball career back of my mind and keep think- from “being around each other non gmail.com. Past tournaments have doesnʼt work, he said, heʼll be ing about it and pushing myself stop,” he smiled. “Sheʼs my best pitted teachers against students, al- “taking over.” towards it.” friend,” he says, blushing. ways with thrilling results, but the He “really likes” working in His family fostered his interest “I trust her, believe in her, have competition is open to anyone. construction. “I just love being out- in the sport throughout his life. her back and do what I can to be Space is limited, and the dead- STEPHEN REIGER side. Hot days, cold days, it doesnʼt His parents, three brothers and two there for her.” line to register is March 2. Feb. 15, 2008 NIAGARA NEWS 13 Sports Fantasy erupts onto the fi eld By JESSE DOSTAL two he has settled on are baseball Staff Writer and football. The widespread nature of the “I hated baseball,” says Boesveld Internet has brought on an entirely of life before fantasy. “I joined my new breed of sports fan. league in 2004, and now I canʼt get In the past, sports fans were enough. Winning a fantasy baseball predominantly interested in their league is a marathon. You need to favourite team winning and put in a good amount of time every maybe cheering for a few choice day for six or seven months to even individuals. have a chance of winning.” In recent years, that has all Boesveld says that football is changed. Many sports fans now good because it is not as time play fantasy sports religiously. consuming as baseball, but sports The most common website used like hockey and basketball arenʼt as for these games, at least among good because they just donʼt set up college students, is yahoo.com. as well statistically. Yahoo! offers fantasy games in “Baseball is a game of numbers. baseball, hockey, football, golf, Sports like hockey, basketball, there auto-racing, basketball and soccer. just arenʼt as many categories, and Steve Boesveld, 20, of Hamilton, some of the stat categories in them says when heʼs cheering for sports, are pretty makeshift.” sometimes fantasy can overtake Bahr also says that fantasy affects gut instincts and pride. how sports are watched. “Sometimes when I go to Blue “I think we are seeing a movement Jays games, or I am watching away from watching a complete a game at home, even though I Twenty-four-year-old Law and Security Administration students Aaron Porter and Johnny Stickles pick their game … With [cable sports am a Jays fan, if they are facing fantasy baseball team. packages] itʼs constant fl ipping the Cubs, and I am an [Alfonso] Photo Illustration by Matt Day around to see your players in key Soriano owner and he is up, deep points. The Jays can always win he has noticed. “The biggest and not the case for him, but he is “in a situations ... In many cases people down I am hoping he hits a double, tomorrow.” most unfortunate effect [of fantasy] minority on that, big time.” are happier with live scoring steals third and scores on a sac Chris Bahr, senior editor at The is the lack of team loyalty.” Boesveld says he has tried just updates on their computers than fl y. That way I get tons of fantasy Sporting News, says this is a trend Bahr says this loyalty issue is about every fantasy sport, but the watching the actual game.” Hockey player gets slashed Fanshawe Falcons fl y By SARAH JOHNSON drew Joyner said. through Niagara Staff Writer “Right after, for the full months For 20-year-old Ryan Lane, “I turned my back of September, October and Novem- BY MICHAEL BRIGHT what we did in this game,” says hockey is life. ber he had been to every outing. He Staff Writer Alyssa Runyon Knightsʼ No. 15. Lane started playing after watch- to walk to the girl, had been dying to get on the ice and The Knights fell victim to the “When we fi nally did start to ing his older brothers play. you feel bad for the kid, cause heʼs fl ight of the Falcons Feb. 13, at win a set, we stopped swinging. If “I am the youngest of three and the guy’s friend, 20 years old and he probably only Niagara College. nobody swings hard on our team, boys in my family, and they al- ... pulled out a knife has the rest of this year to play in The Fanshawe Falcons of then how can we expect to win?” ways played hockey and I always this league. He wants to be playing London defeated the Niagara says Bentley. watched them, so thatʼs what made and stabbed me in the hockey and he canʼt, so you see the womenʼs volleyball team in four “I donʼt think we were com- me start,” he said. frustration on his face. Even though sets Wednesday, 25-15, 18-25, 25- pletely there. Our team has been Lane plays No. 44 for the Chippa- back.” he wasnʼt playing, he would be in 18 and 25-21 respectively. pretty sick lately,” says Michelle wa Riverhawks of the Niagara and – Ryan Lane the dressing room before games or Katie Seys, Falconsʼ No. 7, Schinkel Niagara Knightsʼ No. 5. District Junior C Hockey league. practices.” scored 19 points with 11 kills, one “A few of the teammates werenʼt A t the beginning of this season he Then for the fi rst month, I wasnʼt “I want to thank everyone for block, seven aces and seven digs. here because they were sick.” was stabbed in a Port Dalhousie bar allowed to do anything other than all the support I have got from Niagara had double-digit offence No. 3 Nicole Vandermeer and and missed three and a half months walk, really,” Lane said. “Dec. 20 Chippawa throughout the whole from No. 1 Leah Duke with nine No. 7 Jackie Sexton were absent of the game he loves. was when the doctor fi nally gave situation,” Lane said. “The fi rst kills, three blocks and one ace for from the teamʼs bench. Lane had travelled to the bar with me 100 per cent, which was three few weeks were one of the most 13 points adding 13 digs. As well, Bentley says that strep throat is his two roommates and two female and a half months after it all hap- diffi cult times in my life. My best No. 15 Alyssa Runyon scored 12 going through the team. neighbours in early September. pened.” friends play on this team and they points with eight kills, two blocks, “We were expecting Nicole to At the bar, the four had separated. Lane was heartbroken when he all came and saw me in the hospi- two aces and six digs. start today,” says Bentley. When the young men left to catch a found out he was going to miss tal. Even management phoned me. “There is no excuse why Fan- Runyon says the game was lop- cab home, they found the women. training camp for the Riverhawks. They have showed me nothing but shawe should have beaten the sided was because Niagara had a Four male strangers had offered the “Knowing that I was going to respect since it happened.” players,” says Kerby Bentley, horrible warm-up. two women a ride home. They had get better, the doctors told me that Lane is playing again, and Joyner Niagaraʼs head coach. “They were “We were serving pretty good. refused and the males had become it was just a matter of time. I knew says, “Overall he has been doing a still in la-la land.” Everything else didnʼt fall into physical. I just had to take it day by day and pretty good job. So far he has been “Iʼve seen Alyssa [Runyon] place,” says Schinkel. “The guys then started to force eventually I would get back to play- in there, like the other night he got become one of the bigger hitters,” “Without a good pass you them into the car, and they refused. ing hockey, which is what I wanted a hat trick.” says Bentley, although she asked canʼt make a play. We were strug- Thatʼs when we showed up, and to do,” Lane said. “They had guar- Lane said the experience has to come off the court in the fi nal gling to put it back over every the one guy had actually shoved anteed me a spot on the team from opened his eyes to how fast every- minute of the game. time, and itʼs not working,” says the girl to the ground. I stepped last year after everything that had thing could change. “Great players want to play Musungayi. in front of her, and the guy took a happened. “It can get taken away from you the big games, the tight games, “You canʼt play volleyball swing at me and hit me, so I just Lane said, “First of all, it was pretty quick; it defi nitely made me the important games, at the right like that. We need to talk. Weʼr e backed out of the way and, defend- shock and disbelief. You really realize that for sure.” parts and compete hard and not helping each other out. We ing myself, hit him back and he donʼt expect anything like that. Lane played in the remaining 13 perform.” start to yell at each other, that has collapsed on the ground. I went to You hear about it on TV and in games of the season, scoring eight “Itʼs a weakness,” adds Bentley. to stop,” says Runyon. go see if the girl was OK. I turned the papers and stuff, but you never goals and getting 14 for 22 points. “I hope Alyssa will learn that, “When life gives you a lemon my back to walk to the girl, and really think anything is going to As of Feb. 11 Lane has played that weakness is not acceptable on you make lemonade, and right now the guyʼs friend, who was on the happen to you.” in three playoffs games against this team.” we got to make some lemonade,” side of me, pulled out a knife and “I was only hired three or four the Caledonia Corvairs and has Cassandra Musungayi Knightsʼ says Bentley. stabbed me in the back.” days before training camp. I just assisted on three goals that were No. 11 says, “We had a tape of the This Sunday in the Mackenzie Lane missed three weeks of his went by what people had told me scored. last game we played them, and we building at the Welland campus, classes at Brock University in the there. It was like, ʻWow, weʼre los- He played Thursday in game four made the same mistakes.” Niagara will host a cross-over Business Economics program after ing one of our top players already of the series and will play in game “Weʼre not going to take any- game to open the Ontario College the stabbing. this year and it hadnʼt even started fi ve tonight, game six on Sunday thing from this game. Weʼre going Athletics Association provincial “I was in the hospital for a week. yet,ʼ” Riverhawks head coach An- and game seven on Monday. to need to do the exact opposite of championships. 14 NIAGARA NEWS Feb. 15, 2008 Entertainment Juno isn’t just Scaryʼs another teen fi lm not scary Juno stars Michael Cera By ALLIE GIAMPRINI about her predicament along with and Ellen Page Staff Writer her solution. Moviegoers have been suck- Simmons played a supportive anymore ing up comedy and other plot dad with a humour that so often By ANDREW RAMOS seems as though the release of this lines in movies from Napo- comes with a father/daughter rela- Staff Writer movie is several years too late. leon Dynamite to Superbad tionship. Boo! Did I scare you? I hope When I fi rst saw the commercial and, most recently, Juno. When Juno fesses up as to who so, because todayʼs horror mov- for it, I was immediately hit with Newbie Ellen Page plays the father is, Simmons character ies wonʼt. the memory of an episode in The the pregnant teen Juno Mac- replies with, “Oh, I didnʼt know he Today, scary movies have be- Simpsons in which Ned Flanders guff. Rising superstar Michael had it in him.” come almost a joke. They have discovers he witnesses peopleʼs Cera, with his nerdy passive- Cera, who plays Bleaker in the lost all sense of originality and rely deaths before they happen. ness, plays the father, Paulie movie, does another outstanding far too much on the stereotypical Apparently this Simpsons mo- Bleaker. job playing the same character, Japanese horror movie. ment is a parody of the novel The Like the Roman god- but this time in in Superbad, but It started with The Ring, a re- Dead Zone, although Iʼve never dess she was named whoʼs complaining? Heʼs good make of the Japanese Ringu, and read that book. after, Juno is an at it. He has a talent for making followed up with The Grudge, a There is a similar Smallville intelligent, sharp- utter normalcy funny. remake of the Japanese Ju-on: The episode of a character witnessing tongued girl who Juno was obviously the one call- Grudge. Both movies featured a the death of other characters be- prides herself on ing the shots in their relationship or young women who had been fore it happens. her observant cyni- lack thereof. murdered, only to come “The problem cism, utter bluntness When Juno told Bleaker about back as a zombie and is, weʼre see- and sarcasm. the pregnancy, she took charge and have her face hidden by ing the same Camille Hollett, told him what was going to happen long black hair. Both thing over 21-year-old Journalism- while he passively agreed. spawned poorer se- and over Print student, a hopeful As a fan of the comedy of Super- quels. and people aspiring actress herself, bad, I was expecting to laugh out “We canʼt think donʼt like says Junoʼs character loud throughout this movie, but, to of our own stuff, change. “got old after awhile.” my surprise, I leaned over to my so we have to steal They get “She became annoying very neighbour in the chair beside me and other peopleʼs used to it, so fast.” said, “I thought I was going to be stuff,” says Dan companies Once she became pregnant, laughing, but I think I wanna cry.” Ricci, 19, of the wonʼt change Juno researched her options Juno had its moments of Broadcasting - what works and found rich “yuppie” par- humour, but by the end, itʼs sur- Radio, Television for them,” says ents (Jennifer Garner and Jason prisingly deep, thoughtful and and Film (BRTF) Ricci. Bateman) to adopt her “bun touching. program. “Itʼs why weʼre in the oven.” Showing off Itʼs not your regular teen preg- The fi rst problem stuck with the dead her maturity, Juno tells nancy kind of movie. In fact, the in those movies was the girl crawling up the her parents (Allison Jan- plot is the opposite of what would overwhelming density of char- stairs.” ney and J.K. Simmons) usually happen in Hollywood. acters. Thereʼs a moment in The With all this stealing of Grudge that struck me as unbeliev- ideas, you would think a movie ably absurd. A character stands in a that vastly differs from the oth- tunnel of stairs, where she sees the ers would pop up, but no, we zombie girl crawling up the stairs get the likes of One Missed Call Sing your heart out to win with her feet contorting around her and Untraceable, both with plots back and over her head. Now, in- seeming to be heavily infl uenced By DEVON MERON testant will be rated out of 100. winner was Scott Spence. Final stead of the character freaking out by The Ring and Fear Dot Com, Staff Writer NOTL will be hosting similar qualifi er contests will be Feb. 13 about this zombie coming after respectively. Itʼs not quite Canadian Idol, but qualifying events, advancing its and Feb. 21 from noon to 2 p.m. her, she merely struggles to get I havenʼt seen either of those it is idol nonetheless. Itʼs called winners to Niagara College Idol on NOTL held its fi rst contest Feb. 6, her cell phone into her purse. She movies, but after how disappoint- Campus Idol. March 5 at After Hours. This is the with two more chances to come, ends up dead shortly afterwards. ing and just bad the latter were, Iʼm Niagara Collegeʼs Student combination of winners from both Feb. 15 and Feb. 19. I will also forever remember a going to have to give One Missed Administrative Council (SAC) at campuses. Prizes have not yet been decided, scene in the same movie in which a Call and Untraceable a pass. both campuses is offering students One winner selected from Nia- but will be announced in the near police offi cer makes a remark that They just donʼt seem to be worth a chance at college glory, or brag- gara College Idol will travel to The future. goes along the lines of “everyone my time or money when Iʼve essen- ging rights. Itʼs offi cial: the second Underground at York University in Barbara Jean Lick, a Welland who steps into that house ends up tially seen them a few years ago. My annual Campus Idol is here. North York to represent Niagara Campus SAC representative, en- dead.” He said those words right decision to not see them is a shame Welland Idol is the fi rst of two College in the Campus Idol fi nale. courages students to “come out and after he and his fellow offi cer had because Iʼm sure a lot of hard work qualifying rounds when participat- The competition will feature have some fun.” entered the house, yet they gave went into the making of it. ing students gather to compete vo- winning students from Idol con- Come on any scheduled day, sign that idea no thought. They just apparently lacked origi- cally for a shot at Niagara College tests all over the region. up and sing for the stars. I know if I knew that anyone nal hard work. Idol and, if selected, Campus Idol, The school that the previous “You donʼt have to be a part of who writes about poor remakes March 15. yearʼs winner attended decides the the contest to participate. Itʼs all of poor Japanese horror movies Both SAC employees and crowd Campus Idolʼs host. Niagara College about having fun,” she says. would have their eyes sadistically Top response will determine the winner hosted last yearʼs Campus Idol. For more information on Cam- removed, I would go into a state 10 of Welland and Niagara-on-the- Idol qualifying dates were held pus Idol and upcoming events, visit of complete panic and paranoia. Lake (NOTL) Idol, as each con- at After Hours Feb. 5, when the www.nasac.ca. Speaking of eyes, we now have scariest movies another Japanese remake on our 1 Nightmare on Elm Street hand, The Eye. Please help I havenʼt seen it yet, but I can at 2 Darkness Falls Wedding least commend it thus far on the Right At Your Door SpriSpringng all of us fact that it is unlike the previous 3 Show two movies mentioned in that 4 The Thing there doesnʼt seem to be a zombie Sunday, February 17th with hair covering her face as the 5 30 Days of Night antagonist, nor is the lead another 1PM TO 4PM 6 Flatliners FORT ERIE LEISUREPLEX Recycle blonde bombshell. “A lot of remakes are a lot worse 7 Cabin Fever For information or pre-registration: than the originals,” says Jeremy Children of the Corn onestopweddingshoppe.ca Perry, 19, also in the BRTF pro- 8 gram. 28 Weeks Later 905-871-9898 The premise of the movie has 9 been done to death, though. It It 62867974 10 Feb. 15, 2007 NIAGARA NEWS 15 Niagara#1 in student satisfaction three years in a row College POST GRADUATE PROGRAMS

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