January 25, 2008

Facing defeat - Page 11
Media Hype - Page 14
NIAGARA NEWS
THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF NIAGARA COLLEGE
Free
Vol. 38 • Issue 8
January 25, 2008
SAC,
GOOD
HEALTH,
NATURALLY
housing
agency
clash
By SHANE BUCKINGHAM
Staff Writer
Student Administrative Council
(SAC) approved a motion to seek
legal counsel on a matter in which
Ontario Student Rentals (OSR) has
ceased payments owing to SAC.
“We have not received any revenue from Ontario Student Rentals as
of April 1,” said Cindy Blanchard,
general manager, during the SAC
board of directors meeting on Jan.
16, which includes Wellandʼs and
Niagara-on-the-Lakeʼs SACs.
The boardʼs motion is subsequent to a previous motion passed
on Sept. 24, 2007, stating SAC
would dissolve the agreement with
Ontario Student Rentals (OSR)
at the request of OSR owner Bill
Whiteman.
After sending a registered letter
to Whiteman for clarification on the
matter, Blanchard said she has yet
to receive a response on the cancellation. The board passed a motion
for Blanchard to look into the matter and to seek “legal advice” on
how to handle the situation.
Whiteman had an agreement
with SAC in which SAC would
refer students to OSR for housing
and in return OSR would pay SAC
a referral fee.
Continued on Page 2
Kim Koop gets a relaxing dose of acupuncture at The Healing Vine in St. Catharines. For more on the story, see pages 8 and 9.
Photo by Maryanne Firth
Beating the cold winter blues
By LAUREN JONES
Staff Writer
Itʼs cold, thereʼs wind and snow,
and it always seems dark outside.
Many people get the “winter
blahs,” but for some, those feelings
of sadness may be caused by a more
serious problem. These people may
be trying to cope with a type of depression called Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD).
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA),
awareness of SAD has been present
for more than 150 years, but has
only been recognized as a disorder
since the 1980s.
There is no confirmed cause for
SAD, but the CMHA says it could
be related to seasonal differences in
light. Every person has a “biological clock,” which responds to the
changes in seasons and to differences in the length of the day. The
CMHA says research indicates that
chemical messengers in the brain
that help regulate mood, sleep and
appetite may be disrupted in SAD.
Those messengers are known as
neurotransmitters.
The symptoms of SAD make it
difficult to diagnose because they
are similar to the symptoms of
bipolar disorder and other types
of depression. The CMHA says
symptoms recurring for two consecutive winters or more, without
other explanations for changes in
mood and behaviour, will denote
the presence of SAD.
Some of the symptoms of this
disorder may include a change
in appetite, cravings for sweet or
starchy foods, weight gain, decreased energy, fatigue, tendency
to oversleep, difficulty concentrating, irritability, avoidance of social
situations, and feelings of anxiety
or despair.
The CMHA says symptoms of
SAD usually dissipate when spring
arrives. For some, this may be a
sudden disappearance, and for others, it may take a while longer.
The association says the disorder
may affect children and teenagers,
Continued on Page 2
Give it a shot
By MONICA KEYES
Staff Writer
If you were offered the cure for
cancer, would you accept it?
Sexual education is a regular part
of the curriculum in both elementary and high school. However, most
of us are too embarrassed or too
cool to pay close attention at the
time. Basic information is gathered
between awkward fits of giggles,
but out of class, how much do you
really know?
Earlier this year I watched a
friend go through a sexually transmitted infection (STI) scare. A few
weeks after breaking up with her
boyfriend, he contacted her to let
her know about the genital warts he
had developed. Terrified, she made
an appointment with her gynaecologist.
Upon telling her doctor what
had happened, he told her about
Gardasil, a human papilloma virus
(HPV) vaccine. She knew roughly
what HPV was from sex ed class.
in high school, but not what it really was. What she found out was
shocking.
Known as a quiet infection, HPV
can present no signs or symptoms
and usually clears up on its own.
Transmitted through skin-to-skin
contact, this highly contagious
Continued on Page 2
INSIDE THIS WEEK
Spring Break preview Page 5
•
Sports Page 10-11
•
Niagara Noise Page 12-13
•
Entertainment Page 14
2
NIAGARA NEWS
Jan. 25, 2008
HPV comes in dozens of strands Grumpy,
sores, and strands 16 and 18, which
can cause cancer of the cervix.
Approved by the Government
of Canada after clinical trials and
studies proved it was safe, the HPV
vaccine has been available for the
past five years in Canada. Over the
past year, growing media attention
has focused on HPV. “Spread the
word … not the disease” can be
heard in commercials and found
on posters and pamphlets put out
by the Society of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists of Canada.
“Our job is to educate and protect individuals into making their
own choices – smart choices,” said
Niagara College nurse Carolyn
Gould.
At the Welland campus Health
Centre, pamphlets on HPV are
available to anyone thinking of
getting the vaccine. Promoting the
vaccine within the clinic, Gould
said anyone who is planning on
getting the needle can have it given
to them there if they set up an appointment.
“You need a prescription to get
it. Then bring the needle in, and
weʼll give it.”
The vaccine comes in three
scheduled doses and costs $404.85
for the full regimen. Some drug
plans partially cover the cost, including the Niagara College medical plan, which pays for 80 per
cent of the cost.
grouchy
and SAD
Photo illustration by Monica Keyes
Continued from page 1
infection will affect eight out of 10
people before the age of 50.
Www.hpvinfo.ca, The Society of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
of Canadaʼs website, states more
than 100 strands of HPV have been
discovered, more than 30 of which
are transmitted sexually.
“Low risk” strands can cause
genital and anal warts. “High risk”
strands can cause pre-cancerous
lesions, cervical cancer anal cancer
and other genital cancers.
In women, the most effective way
of finding early signs of abnormalities that can cause pre-cancerous
cells is through a Pap test.
Her Pap smear and blood tests
came back clear, giving her the
peace of mind she was in desperate
need of. What she did get, as did
some of her friends – including me
– was the HPV vaccine.
Although not a cure for cancer,
this recent advancement in modern
medicine is giving women ages
nine to 26 a fighting chance against
cervical cancer.
According to Statistics Canada,
approximately 1,400 diagnoses and
400 deaths occur annually from
cervical cancer. Second to breast
cancer, it is the most common
type of cancer affecting women
in Canada. Given in three doses,
the vaccine protects you from four
types of HPV: strands 6 and 11,
which can cause genital warts and
The Niagara Region’s Public Health Department
will be hosting four information sessions.
• Jan. 29 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Grimsby High School
• Jan. 30 from 7 to 8 p.m. at A.N. Meyer High School
• Feb. 5 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Denis Morris High School
• Feb. 6 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Welland Centennial High School
Please call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6064 ext. 7372 for more info.
SAC clashes with Ontario Student Rentals
Continued from page 1
The deal originated and was finalized in 2004.
As agreed, SAC would allow
OSR to assume all student-housing listings posted by landlords
at the SAC office. OSR then
posted them on its website for a
monthly fee of $55 per listing.
In the agreement, OSR paid $40
to SAC from each $55 monthly
fee and kept $15 as long as both
parties followed certain requirements, such as SAC directing all
landlords and students to OSRʼs
website and posting OSR listings
in its office.
SAC collected $11,789 in revenue last year from the partnership.
Blanchard said, “Itʼs fair to say he
owes us anywhere from $8,000 to
$10,000.”
Blanchard said she spoke with
Whiteman last year and he told
her he had sent the payments “as
usual.”
Still, Blanchard said at the meeting, “We have not received a penny
from Ontario Student Rentals.”
Whiteman says there is money
owed and he will “gladly” pay it,
but only for June through October
2007, equaling $2,396.
“We owe the college that money,
no doubt about it.”
The college cashed its cheques in
April and May, he said, but didnʼt
cash the cheques he sent for June,
July and August of 2007. He then
called Blanchard to ask if she was
going to cash the cheques, he said
in a phone interview.
Blanchard said she had not
received the cheques as of April
1. Whiteman said he could prove
with bank records that cheques for
April and May were cashed.
“The fact that we got five
months behind should tell you, or
whoever, they didnʼt care about it,”
said Whiteman.
Conversely, he said if it were as
the college is saying, that he didnʼt
send the cheques, why did it take
them so long to contact him?
“For three years straight they
always got their cheque and then
all of a sudden for five months they
donʼt get the cheque and they donʼt
even call me. I contacted them to
tell them they werenʼt cashing the
cheques. They didnʼt contact me
to tell me they werenʼt getting the
cheques.”
Not only was SAC not cashing
his cheques, he said, but also they
werenʼt posting his housing listings on the bulletin board in the
SAC office.
“We had landlords that were
furious, who were paying their
money, but they werenʼt getting
posted at the college. So we said
if theyʼre not posting them at the
college, theyʼre not cashing the
cheques and theyʼre not really
working with us, then why are we
doing it?”
He then contacted Blanchard, he
said, to dissolve their agreement by
which each party must agree to dissolve the contract within a period
of 90 days.
He said he did not reach
Blanchard so he left a voicemail.
“She contacted me and said,
ʻYou know what? We can end this
quicker. Send me off a letter.ʼ And
I did that. ”
He said he has saved the faxed
letter he sent and a voicemail from
Blanchard instructing him to do so.
Whiteman said after sending the
letter, “They said they didnʼt get it,
so she called back and said, ʻDonʼt
worry. We can end it at the starting
of November.ʼ ”
SAC moved to dissolve the
agreement on Sept. 24, 2007. The
agreement would have been valid
until late December without other
arrangements.
However, he said, on Nov. 1,
SAC went into “complete breach”
of the agreement they.
He said Niagara College allowed
a kiosk, owned by The Genie Pages
in Niagara Falls, to be set up in the
hallway of both the Welland and
Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses.
On Nov. 1, he received 24 phone
calls from his customers asking
why a kiosk owner at Niagara College called them inquiring if they
would like to post their listing at
the kiosk for $25 a month.
He said he even had one client
have her lawyer contact him because she thought that he sold the
client list.
“After Nov. 1, I called Cindy, I
called Glen [Murray, 47, SAC office administrator] and said, ʻGuys,
thereʼs a kiosk in the college contacting all my customers,ʼ ” he said.
“SAC was telling me that they
didnʼt know anything about it and I
didnʼt buy that. I donʼt believe that
a kiosk was located right outside
their office and they didnʼt realize
it was for housing.”
On Nov. 2, he got a lawyer involved, he said.
“We were done our contract the
second that kiosk went in.”
He said he was “legally allowed
to leave” the agreement once the kiosk was “soliciting” his customers.
“I have a case against them if I
choose to do it, but itʼs not worth
my time. Itʼs a college. The money
goes to the students, and at the end
of the day nobodyʼs probably going to win,” he said. “Weʼre not
going to pursue this unless we
come out looking negative. Then
weʼre going to go the full nine
yards.”
Blanchard says she does not deal
with the kiosk and referred Niagara
News to Sandy Fox, the collegeʼs
director of ancillary services.
Fox is responsible for anything located in the hallways of
all Niagara College campuses.
Steve Hudson, vice-president of
corporate services, must approve
anything that is put in the hallways,
she said.
Matt Brown is the representative from The Genie Pages who is
responsible for the kiosk, Fox said.
Everything on display at it must be
approved by her, including housing
listings, Fox said.
“If he [Brown] were to do something like that he would have to
approach me for approval.”
Fox said she has not been approached and she personally has
not seen any listings posted at the
kiosk.
Blanchard told Niagara News
Jan. 18, she had spoken with
Whiteman and believes she and
Whiteman “will work it out.”
“As far as I know itʼs going to be
settled in February.”
She said she will no longer be
seeking legal counsel.
Whiteman told Niagara News he
would “gladly” have a meeting to
get “ the bottom of this.”
However, “I will not pay them a
penny past Nov. 1 because I wonʼt
pay an institution that we had a
deal with that has another company
contacting my customers.”
Continued from page 1
but mostly begins in people aged
20 and older. It is more common in
women than in men, and the risk of
SAD decreases with age.
Donna Putman, a counsellor at
Niagara Collegeʼs Welland campus, says students do come to see
her and talk about SAD.
“It gets more press now, itʼs
more common, so students recognize some of the symptoms more
[often],” says Putman, “Even some
of the counsellors say, ʻIʼm so affected by the lack of light.ʼ”
Putman says students identify a
lack of energy, a mild depression,
a lack of motivation and a general
disconnection with their normal
selves.
“In Canada, we lack light and
aromas [in the winter], and I think
our senses are deprived.”
Putman says SAD can affect a
studentʼs academic performance.
“The person sitting in that classroom is a person first and a student
second, and mild depression affects
concentration.”
Putman says ways to combat
the lack of concentration is to get
a study partner who can help one
stay focused or to study in groups.
“You have to accept it and try
new strategies. You have to work
with it.”
Depending on the severity of a
personʼs SAD, there are a variety
of things one can do to help alleviate the feelings of depression.
The CMHA says people with mild
symptoms can benefit from spending more time outside during the
day. Arranging oneʼs environment
so that they get a maximum of sunlight exposure can also help.
The CMHA also says that exercise is a good way to prevent SAD
symptoms because it relieves stress,
builds energy and increases mental
as well as physical well-being.
The association says many
people with SAD respond well to
“phototherapy,” or light therapy.
This is a procedure in which a
person is exposed to bright artificial light. The person sits under a
special fluorescent light box once
or twice a day.
The CMHA says severe cases
of SAD may need professional
help, medication, counselling or
therapy.
Putman says exercise is important in fighting off the symptoms of
the disorder.
“We need to get our bodies back
in motion. Those who are severely
affected should see a doctor.”
She says it helps to get outside as
much as possible during daylight
hours.
“We need to balance with as
much exercise and nutrition as possible. There isnʼt one answer.”
Counselling is available at the
Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake
campuses and is open weekdays
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and evening
hours until 7:30 on Tuesdays at
Niagara-on-the-Lake and Wednesdays in Welland.
3
NIAGARA NEWS
Jan. 25, 2008
Computer fix for only $40
By SHANE BUCKINGHAM
Staff Writer
Getting your computer fixed
may soon be as easy as dropping
it off at the Student Administrative Council (SAC) office.
During the board of directors meeting, which includes
Wellandʼs and Niagara-on-theLakeʼs (NOTL) SAC, on Jan.
16, the board moved to support a
proposal creating a multi-campus
Computer Support Centre.
John Levay, director of Information Technology Services (ITS) at
Niagara Collegeʼs Welland campus, delivered the proposal to the
board, saying he was not prepared
to discuss “logistics” at the meeting, but was ready to submit the
basic proposal because “itʼs only
in the developmental stage.”
He suggested a “pilot project”
could be initiated by the end of
Reading Week through (Feb. 2529) to the end of the academic
year to see how the centre would
function.
In essence, the project would
require students who have already completed their four-month
ITS co-op to work on both campuses, to provide the service says
Levay.
Each employed student would
be paid $15 an hour, with vacation pay. They would, however,
be employees of SAC and not
the college and, thus, not be
limited to the 12-hour maximum
requirement for part-time college
employees.
Levay said if the proposal is
implemented, students could
bring their computers to the SAC
office on either campus for reformatting, removing viruses and/or
From left, Sandy Fox, Niagara College director of ancillary services; Darrick Langbroek, Student Administrative
Council (SAC) vice-president student affairs at Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) campus; Josh Skura, SAC vicepresident of programming at NOTL campus, discuss issues at the board of directors meeting on Jan. 16.
Photo by Shane Buckingham
spyware, installing new hardware
or even rebuilding the computer
from scratch.
Students would pay a flat fee of
$40 for up to two hours of servicing, although “that number [$40]
can be set at any number that is
reasonable,” said Levay.
The computers would be inventoried and tagged at each SAC office and then shipped back to the
basement of the West Wing at the
NOTL campus.
Sandy Fox, the collegeʼs director of ancillary services, raised
some concerns with the transportation of the computers and
liability of the service.
Levay responded by referring
to Brock University, which has a
similar program, saying the university has not had any problems
with theft or damage to studentsʼ
computers.
Nonetheless, Levay said, to protect the college, students would
sign a liability form absolving
the college from any problems
that might occur in the handling
of the studentsʼs computers.
The proposal was approved by
the board and will be discussed
at its next meeting on Feb. 21 at
5 p.m. The location is to be announced.
Niagara edging out the competition
By JORDAN BAKER
Staff Writer
An academic institutionʼs most
prized commodity is its students.
The recruitment process is therefore one of the most important processes in a collegeʼs life. Attracting
people with the snap and jazz of
the college has to happen somehow, and showcasing prestigious
programs is a must.
How is Niagara getting the word
out and informing prospective
students what the new hotness is in
the post-secondary world?
The college is conducting a new
approach at adding “that personal
touch,” says Phil Hayes, associate
registrar.
The Calling Campaign launches
on March 4. Administration, faculty and students will participate to
“make a connection” with prospective students. Hayes says they will
be contacted if they have applied
to a program that actively recruits
students.
“Students can share experiences.”
Hayes explains there will be a
lot of thought put into who is contacted by whom. He says if there
is an applicant from, for example
Mississauga, then a current student, also from Mississauga, would
be the prime candidate to call that
student.
He says that current student can
explain the differences of pace in
Welland and the Niagara region as
a slower, more “laid back” atmosphere.
He advises applicants to visit
the campus before making any
final decisions. “Itʼs a place where
youʼll be spending a lot of time.
You want to make sure itʼs a place
you want to be.”
V.I.P. Days, April 5 and 6, are a
chance for admitted applicants to
come and experience the college
and the facilities it offers.
Meet a Niagara College Student
was a program in which volunteer
students could host and update a
blog, and applying students could
network on these student blogs and
get questions answered and, at the
same time, get a realistic sense of
college-student life.
Hayes says the job of recruitment, after sending out acceptances, is to help students in their
decision-making process and help
prospective students make the right
choice for their education.
Hayesʼs pitch to prospective
students is that the college is a
“personable school.
“I like to say itʼs a ʻmid-sized
college with small-college attitude,
small-college personality.ʼ”
Student
council
OK’s ties
with Brock
counterpart
By SHANE BUCKINGHAM
Staff Writer
The Student Administrative
Council (SAC) is now pursuing a stronger relationship with
Brock University Studentsʼ Union
(BUSU).
The two groups have been working together informally through
BUSU President James OʼBrien
and SAC President Heather Minow
on common concerns. However,
SAC decided at its Jan. 16 board
of directors meeting to “formalize” the relationship by forming a
committee. The meeting includes
both Wellandʼs and Niagara-on
the-Lakeʼs SAC.
“The committee would meet
to discuss any issue, political or
community,” said Minow. She says
together Brock and Niagara will
work to lobby the provincial government for funding and policies
that benefit each institution.
“Itʼs always a good idea to work
with them because they have a
bigger voice than us,” Kat Drummelsmith, Wellandʼs executive
vice-president, said during the
deliberations.
Minow said that the committee would be created not just for
BUSUʼs size and recognition, but
because Brock and Niagara are the
only post-secondary institutions in
the region.
“Together we have all the postsecondary students in the region.
Itʼs kind of hard to ignore that.”
SAC is part of the Canadian
Student Alliance (CSA). SAC pays
$4 annually for each student to
be a member. CSA is used by 16
colleges in Ontario as a mediator
between the colleges and the government.
BUSU is part of the Canadian Alliance Student Associations
(CASA), another lobbying organization. CASA and CSA already
“work together,” said Minow, so
that partnership will help in the
creation of the committee.
Drummelsmith moved the formalization of the committee. The
board will decide what further action to take at its next meeting on
Feb. 21, at 5 p.m. The location is to
be announced.
Help Everyone
Recycle this paper
From left, Jon Ogryzlo, dean of environmental horticulture in
agribusiness division, Peter Blakeman, acting chair of hospitality and
tourism, and Phil Hayes, associate registrar, meet to go over plans such
as the college’s new Calling Campaign.
Photo by Jesse Dostal
4
NIAGARA NEWS
NIAGARA NEWS
Editor: Deidra Lunardon
Associate Editor: Maryanne Firth
Assistant Editor: Sarah Johnson
Photo Editor: Jesse Dostal
Jan. 25, 2008
Editorial & Opinion
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
and include a day and evening phone contact number for verification purposes.
Publisher: Leo Tiberi
Managing Editor: George Duma
Associate Managing Editor: Phyllis Barnatt
Design/Layout Consultant: Peter Conradi
Editorial Consultant: Nancy Geddie
Photography Consultant: Dave Hanuschuk
Technology Support: Kevin Romyn
V10, 300 Woodlawn Rd.,
Welland, Ont., L3C 7L3
Telephone: (905) 735-2211
Fax: (905) 736-6003
Editorial E-mail: [email protected]
Advertising E-mail: [email protected]
Publisherʼs E-mail: [email protected]
2006 WINNER
Niagara News is a practical lab for Journalism-Print program students studying
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]
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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 advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. All advertisers are
asked to check their advertisements after first insertion. We accept responsibility 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 noninsertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement.
We reserve the right to edit, revise, classify or reject any advertisement.
Darkness of winter
leaves students SAD
As your alarm clock beeps
loudly at a time too early for
most, your eyes slowly adjust to
the rising dawn. The problem:
itʼs still dark.
With winter in its peak months,
people are waking up to dreary,
pitch-black scenery instead
of warm, glowing skylines to
which we are accustomed.
The lack of sunlight makes
many feel groggy and irritated as
sleep deprivation runs rampant
when winter skies turn Canada
into a country of continuous
night.
This is called Seasonal
Affective Disorder (SAD), also
known as winter depression.
It affects a personʼs mood and
attitude. Many experience
severe depression as mood
variations are related to the lack
of light.
Getting up when itʼs dark can
make a person feel as if it is still
bedtime and not time to start
their day. This change not only
affects a person physically, but
emotionally. Having to change
sleeping, eating and functioning
hours of the day can throw the
body off rhythm, creating an
outcome nobody enjoys: a
regular Oscar the Grouch.
The scarcity of daylight
doesnʼt give a person time to
play sports into the wee hours of
the night or spend time outdoors
sitting on a back patio. With the
elimination of these pastimes,
life can be depressing.
An immediate reaction for
many would be to grab an
energy drink or bar, but by
stuffing yourself with calories
and caffeine, the trip back to
cold winter reality is worsened.
To get out of the ice-ridden
blues, try taking up a winter
sport like snowboarding. It will
allow time for socializing and
getting exercise and give you a
better view than your sand- and
salt-covered snowy front yard.
To beat the winter blahs,
put down the Red Bull and
PowerBar and make do with
what a Canadian winter has to
offer. Really, what other season
allows for hats with earflaps and
pom-poms?
DEIDRA LUNARDON
Non-conventional medicine
could save OHIP’s life
Governments put money into
provincial health-care systems,
hoping youʼll never need it,
but when you do, everything
changes.
As Canadians, we rely on our
health-care system, a black hole
of a system, as more and more
money is funneled into it. Yet it
continues to let us down.
Last year, wait times between
doctor diagnosis and treatment
were the highest theyʼve ever
been, leaving patients twiddling
their thumbs. A study from
the Fraser Institute shows the
average Canadian can look
forward to an 18.3 week wait,
up from 17.8 in 2006, before
obtaining treatment.
Fully-accessible free health
care is considered part of our
national identity, our universal
right. However, the government
has decided what does and
doesnʼt need to be cared for.
Rather than taking preventative
measures and encouraging good
upkeep, the system encourages
you to fix only whatʼs broken.
Weʼve let them decide what
defines “care” in terms of health,
as OHIP only covers that which
is “medically necessary.”
Physiotherapy
is
often
recommended to patients, but
being only partially or not
covered at all by OHIP, how
can we determine its level of
importance? Itʼs obviously
important enough for the doctor
to recommend, yet not important
enough for the government to
cover the costs. They say they
have our backs, but only so
much so as to make sure we
foot the bill when recoveryʼs
involved.
With all the technological and
scientific advances weʼve made,
youʼd think weʼd still consider
what lies outside Western
medicineʼs practice.
Conventional medicine isnʼt
the only option. Naturopathic
and chiropractic doctors are
visited by millions of people
every year, and yet the healthcare system chooses not to
acknowledge them as a source
of “successful” treatment.
Can it all be in the patientsʼ
heads, or is there a method to
maintain and achieve health that
may cost the pharmaceutical
industry billions of dollars?
Only those untold success
stories know.
The one thing we can be sure
of is that even if it works for only
some people, those odds are just
as good as a traditional medical
treatment. Shouldnʼt the option
be available to those who donʼt
have a wad of cash sitting in
their pocket? Non-traditional
treatments arenʼt covered by
universal government-funded
programs like OHIP.
Students donʼt have a lot of
money to dish out, but many
are diagnosed with depression
and other life-altering ailments.
Everyone has the right to be
skeptical, but if visiting a
different kind of doctor is the
difference between monthly
treatments and a lifelong
reliance on anti-depressants,
weʼre willing to take our
chances.
Canadians have begun to
rely on certainties — false
certainties.
Thereʼs
no
guaranteeing how anyoneʼs
treatment, conventional or
unconventional, will end, so
whoʼs to say which is better?
The government has labeled
that which is “medically
necessary” just as it has labeled
anything outside of its distinct
guidelines as unsuccessful
merely by not allowing patients
access to a possible treatment.
Maybe when youʼre waiting
18 weeks to get some muchneeded surgery, you can slip
into a naturopathʼs office and
see what happens. It may be the
best money youʼve ever spent.
MARYANNE FIRTH
5
NIAGARA NEWS
Jan. 25, 2008
Early bird gets the plane
By BRITTANY STEWART
Staff Writer
Reading Week is rapidly approaching, and vacation ideas are
starting to brew. Many students are
thinking about grabbing a last-minute all-inclusive trip and enjoying a
stress-free week of fun in the sun.
For most students, however,
last-minute vacations may not be
the way to go.
Miriam Morabito, a travel agent
with Globe Travel Service, says
planning ahead is the best
option. For times and destinations in high demand, she
says students would have more
luck booking a vacation ahead
of time and planning the trip
thoroughly.
She says last-minute vacations are good for people
who have the luxury
of time. Students
with a oneweek window could
end
up
disappointed
if they donʼt
think ahead.
“If you wait
until the last minute, youʼre either not
going to find exactly
what youʼre looking for
or youʼre not going to
find anything.”
Morabito says you should
be able to find what youʼre looking for if you book by the end of
January.
Karen Plante, with Rose City
Travel, in Welland, says already
the packages are going fast. “Space
is very tight and there isnʼt a lot of
availability left,” adding, there is
still some time if you act fast.
Popular destinations for students
are Puerto Plata,
Dominican Republic and Puerto
Vallarta, Mexico. Plante says these
are hot-spots because of the variety
of three-star accommodations and
the active night-life.
Lower star resorts offer decreased
costs, which are a very important
factor for students on a budget.
Plante says booking ahead of
time to somewhere such as Puerto
Plata, flying out of Toronto,
would cost about $750 plus
taxes. All together,
she says the trip
with flight
Photo illustration by Jesse Dostal
included shouldnʼt cost more than
$1,000 dollars for one week, all
inclusive.
Itʼs important when travelling
out of country to take into consideration all the documentation and
information you will need to get
there.
Voyage.gc.ca is a good website
to get you started. The site states
a “Canadian passport is the only
reliable and universally accepted
travel and identification document
for the purpose of international
travel.”
If you are flying out of the US,
it is mandatory to have one. If you
are crossing into the US by land
you are required to have a valid
government-issued identification
as well as a birth certificate. By
2009, you will need
a passport to drive
across the border.
Obtaining one soon
would be beneficial for
anyone who plans on
doing any traveling or
just venturing across the
border.
It is also important to
check travel information
before you leave. Information about what you will
need when traveling, what
you should watch for and
what travel reports and warnings have been posted is available at voyage.gc.ca.
Dangerous path causing concerns
When will the problem be fixed?
Thanks to luck and some snow, the Mackenzie path is a little easier to
deal with, but come warm weather things will truly turn south.
Photo by Rachel Sanderson
By BRAD KENNEDY
Staff Writer
Wet, muddy, dark and frightening
—these are some of the terms
used to describe the path behind
the Mackenzie building leading
towards Rice Road at Niagara
Collegeʼs Welland campus.
Students walk to school every
day from many directions, but
those who come to school from
behind the Mackenzie building
donʼt have a real path to follow.
Instead they are left with an often
wet and muddy field that is poorly
lit during early morning and night
hours.
Alex Brewer, 19, a secondyear Police Foundations student,
has gym class at the Mackenzie
building and doesnʼt feel he
should bring an extra pair of shoes
because of his three-minute walk.
“I think itʼs ridiculous that I need
to bring an extra pair of shoes for
my gym class. My shoes should
not get muddy from a three-minute
walk to class.”
Kyle Wrigglesworth, 18, is
a first-year Law and Security
Administration student who lives
in the residential area behind the
Mackenzie building. He canʼt
understand why the college doesnʼt
spend some cash on a path.
“With the amount of students
living in this area, I canʼt
understand why nothing is being
done to better accommodate us,”
says Wrigglesworth.
Students are not the only ones
being affected by this neglected
area. Alisa DʼAngelo, a landlord
of student houses in this area,
says she canʼt understand why
the college doesnʼt recognize
the “significant” number of
students in this area, the popular
streets being Eastwood, Poplar,
Northwood,
Briarsdale
and
Larchwood.
“During the wintertime itʼs
especially dangerous to cross
over the ditch when there is
snow and ice. In the spring it
doesnʼt get any better when
students have to cope with the
water in the ditch and mud along
the pathway.”
She says residents and students
use that shortcut to access the
YMCA and the track.
“Our family of five with
three young kids has a difficult
time crossing onto the campus
property from Eastwood Drive
when we take our bikes to the
track during the warm weather.”
“The lack of attention given
to this busy crossing is an
inconvenience for the students
as well as residents who must
cope with jumping over a ditch,
walking on an uneven path and
trying to avoid natural elements
such as water, snow, ice, tree
branches and mud.”
DʼAngelo also pointed out that
the school has yet to replace the
Niagara College sign previously
located at the corner of Rice and
Woodlawn Road.
Study takes
a look at
why students
don’t pursue
higher
learning
By SCOTT VAN DE LAAR
Staff Writer
Why are so many students
not continuing education after
high school? This is one of the
questions a new study hopes to
answer when completed. Ontarioʼs
24 colleges have
commissioned
the
most
comprehensive
research
study
ever conducted
into the attitudes
of high school
students
who
wonʼt
be
pursuing
any
“The study is post-secondary
after
not designed education
high
school,
says
to change
a
college
media
students’
release.
minds. It is
“The
more
designed to
we
understand
inform them.” the barriers and
—Darrell
perceive barriers,
Neufeld
the better we
can react with
c h a n g e s , ”
says
Gordon
Hunchak, director of marketing
and communications at Niagara
College.
It is a first-of-its -kind study
commissioned by Colleges Ontario,
an advocacy association for the 24
colleges across Ontario. The study
began in November 2007 and will
be completed by
fall 2008.
“Itʼs important
they do pursue
post secondary,”
says
Darrell
Neufeld, 45, senior
communications
officer
for
Colleges Ontario.
The data will
“The more we
be collected from
understand
every high school
the barriers
in the province
and perceive
and then will
be analyzed to barriers, the
develop a series of better we can
react with
recommendations
changes.”
and an action plan
—Gordon
for students.
Hunchak
“The study is
not designed to
change studentsʼ
minds. It is designed to inform
them,” says Neufeld.
“At a time when 70 per cent of
all new jobs require a college or
university credential, one-third
of Ontarians between 25 and 34
have only a high school diploma
or less. The study will help Ontario
determine what to do to meet this
challenge,” says Niagara College
President Dan Patterson, in a
college media release.
6
NIAGARA NEWS
Jan. 25, 2008
Happy
Chinese New Year
By EMILY PEARSON
Staff Writer
If you are a rat, you are aggressive,
ambitious, suspicious, power-hungry and
generous.
A quick glance at various websites will
show the Chinese New Year begins the first
day of the new moon and comes to a close
15 days later with the celebration of the
Lantern Festival. This means the celebration of the New Year could be anywhere
during January and February. This year, the
New Year fell on Jan. 22.
Traditionally in China during the festival, lanterns are lit and on display to ward
off evil spirits. The lanterns are delicately
decorated with paintings of birds or historical figures and landscapes.
Red garments are worn, symbolizing
fire, and are said to bring good luck. People
flock to the streets to take part in parades
lit by lanterns under the full moon. This
is when the trademark silk dragon, which
stretches a number of feet and is controlled
by a number of people under the costume,
dances down the street.
Zhongjie Ba, 20, is taking the English as
a Second language program (ESL) here and
says families always get together to celebrate. They set off fireworks and watch a
special show about the Chinese New Year on
television.
Jane Wong, 20, also taking ESL, says
while her family celebrates the New Year
they eat traditional foods such as dumplings
and noodles.
This is the year of the rat, according to
the Chinese zodiac. The 12 animals or signs
in the Chinese zodiac cycle carry different meanings and represent the Chinese
cyclical concept of time.
Once 12 years have gone by, the cycle
starts again with the first animal reappearing. The whole process takes 60 years to
cycle through.
According to legend, the animal
representing your birth year has great
influences.
The five elements that correspond with
the Chinese zodiac are said to make up
all matter. These elements
– metal, wood, fire, water
and earth – also influence
your zodiac animal. These
elements correspond with birth date and
cycle every two years and take 10 years to
repeat.
Wong says there are customs
that should be avoided to bring
good luck.
“Never buy new shoes. This is bad luck
– something about the noise they make,”
she says. However, repaying a debt is
good luck.
Shawna Luey, an international student
adviser, is planning this yearʼs Chinese
New Year party.
Although the details are still being worked
out, the event will be held on Feb. 6 at the
After Hours pub at the Welland campus. The
party falls on a Wednesday, so students of all
ages are able to attend because Wednesday
is all-ages night at the pub.
Gung hay fat choy, or, in English, have a
prosperous and good year.
RAT
If you are born in 1924,
1936, 1948, 1960, 1972,
1984, 1996, 2008: You are
imaginative, charming,
and truly generous to the
person you love. However,
you have a tendency to
be quick-tempered and
overly critical. You are also
inclined to be somewhat
of an opportunist. Born
under this sign, you should
be happy in sales or as a
writer, critic or publicist.
Discover your inner animal
OX, born in 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961,
1973, 1985, 1997, 2009: A born leader,
you inspire confidence from all around
you. You are conservative, methodical and
good with your hands. Guard against being
chauvinistic and always demanding your
own way. The Ox would be successful as a skilled surgeon,
general or hairdresser.
TIGER, born in 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962,
1974, 1986, 1998, 2010: You are sensitive,
emotional and capable of great love. However, you have a tendency to get carried
away and be stubborn about what you think
is right. You are often seen as a “hothead”
or rebel. Your sign shows you would be excellent as a boss, explorer, racecar driver or matador.
RABBIT, born in 1927, 1939, 1951,
1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011: You are the
kind of person that people like to be around.
You are affectionate, obliging and always
pleasant. You have a tendency, though, to
get too sentimental and seem superficial.
Being cautious and conservative, you are
successful in business but would also make a good lawyer,
diplomat or actor.
DRAGON, born in 1916, 1928, 1940,
1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012: Full
of vitality and enthusiasm, the Dragon is a
popular individual even with the reputation
of being foolhardy and a “big mouth” at
times. You are intelligent and gifted and
are a perfectionist, but these qualities make you
demanding on others. You would be well suited to be an
artist, priest or politician.
SNAKE, born in 1917, 1929, 1941,
1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013: Rich
in wisdom and charm, you are romantic
and deep thinking, and your intuition
guides you strongly. Avoid procrastination
and a stingy attitude towards money. Keep
your sense of humour about life. The Snake
would be most content as a teacher, philosopher, writer,
psychiatrist or fortuneteller.
ROOSTER, born in 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969,
1981, 1993, 2005, 2017: The Rooster is a hard worker,
shrewd and definite in decision-making.
You often speak your mind. Because of
this, you tend to seem boastful to others.
You are a dreamer and a flashy dresser
and extravagant to an extreme. Born under
this sign, you should be happy as a restaurant
owner, publicist, soldier or world traveller.
HORSE, born in 1918, 1930, 1942,
1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014: Your
capacity for hard work is amazing. You are
your own person and are very independent.
While intelligent and friendly, you have a
strong streak of selfishness and sharp
cunning and should guard against being
egotistical. Your sign suggests success as an adventurer,
scientist, poet or politician.
DOG, born in 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982,
1994, 2006, 2018: The Dog will never let you down. You
are honest and faithful to those you love.
You are plagued by constant worry and a
sharp tongue and have a tendency to be a
fault finder. However, you would make an
excellent businessman, activist, teacher or
secret agent.
RAM, born in 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955,
1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015: Except
for the knack of always getting off on the
wrong foot with people, the Ram can be
charming company. Youʼre elegant and
artistic but the first to complain about
things. Put aside your pessimism and worry
and try to be less dependent on material comforts. You
would be best as an actor, gardener or beachcomber.
MONKEY, born in 1920, 1932, 1944,
1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016: You
are very intelligent and very clever wit.
Because of your extraordinary nature and
magnetic personality, you are always well
liked. The Monkey, however, must guard
against being an opportunist and distrustful of
other people. Your sign promises success in any field you try.
PIG, born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995,
2007, 2019: You are a splendid companion and an intellectual with a very strong need to set difficult
goals and carry them out. You are sincere,
tolerant and honest but by expecting the
same from others, you are incredibly naive.
Your quest for material goods could be your
downfall. The Pig would be best in the arts
as an entertainer or possibly a lawyer.
Source: http://www.chinatoday.
com/culture/zodiac/zodiac.htm
NIAGARA NEWS
Jan 25, 2008
7
Flags of the world land at Niagara College
By KATALINA MPOY
Staff Writer
Niagara College took education
to another level as it celebrated
the collegeʼs diversity during
International Week, organized by
the International Department last
month.
Through cultural events and informative presentations, students
were encouraged to learn new
concepts about one anotherʼs culture in an enthusiastic and friendly
environment.
Cultural Sharing Day took place
Nov. 12 in front of the cafeteria.
At the Welland campus capturing many studentsʼ eyes was the
campus flag sale organized by a
man willing to talk about his temporary job.
Michael Fellows is his own
boss and has been selling flags
for six years in 16 schools.
Some of them include universities such as Waterloo, Western Ontario, Guelph, Laurier, McMaster,
Windsor, Ottawa and Brock and
colleges including Algonquin, St.
Clair and Sheridan.
As a career, selling flags can be
a challenge.
“Itʼs a lot of work, a lot of
travel,” says Fellows, who is from
Uxbridge, Ont.
Although travelling may be a
challenge, he still enjoys his job.
“Itʼs fun. Iʼm my own boss. I
canʼt get fired and if Iʼm having
a bad day at a location, I know I
donʼt have to be there the next day.
You can create your own market.
Everythingʼs new — new customers, new locations, new sites, new
cities. The nicest thing is that you
get the power to make the decisions
about schedules, stocks, travel and
accommodations.”
He enjoys his work, for he does
not have to convince customers
to buy his product and he has the
power to refuse to sell.
“I donʼt reach across and grab
people to my table. They see it and
they either approach or donʼt approach. If they approach, they buy.
If they donʼt approach, they donʼt
buy.”
Regarding his product line, Fellows says he generally has flags
from about 195 countries and
about 60 non-country flags such
as provincial ones, the United
Nations, pirates and Bob Marley,
which is probably the best, according to him.
He says he gets the flags from
an importer and knows the business market.
Additionally, he sells his flags
for $20 except for sport flags,
which cost $35.
The dimensions of the flags are
three feet by three feet, and 36 by
60 inches. Fellows explains one
of the reasons many people like
buying flags.
“Itʼs a hard item to get. Itʼs a difficult item to acquire, and people
are proud of their heritage. Most of
the flags the students purchase end
up as decorations on their walls or
as cheap curtains.”
He sees diversity positively.
“Diversity is a great thing for my
business. Itʼs a built-in selling tool.
In Canada, diversity works as best
as it can. People come here from
Michael Fellows is an entrepreneur who sells flags from more than 195 countries.
different countries where they have
no rights. They come here and they
have a better life than where they
left, more freedom.
“They have rights they never
dreamed they could have.
“Diversity is a great thing
because you get tired of ʻroast
beef, Yorkshire pudding.ʼ There
are so many ethnic things going on, things you love or not. It
gives you a choice, itʼs different,
like nice restaurants: Thai, Caribbean, Ethiopian cuisine and the St.
Patrickʼs Parade.”
As for his academic background,
Fellows is a 1985 Journalism-Print
graduate from Sheridan College,
Oakville.
“In 1985, there were not a lot of
opportunities in [news]papers and
magazines. You had a job, you kept
it. Instead of writing stories, now I
write proposals and invoices.
Photo by Katalina Mpoy
“Invoices pay a lot more than
stories, thatʼs the correct context,”
says Fellows.
He is very ambitious about his
business and has learned some important and valuable life lessons
throughout the years.
“Iʼd like to build this into a
company. I want to get involved in
wholesale importing. Donʼt judge
a person by what he does or how
he dresses.”
The sound of success is costly Fat Cat’s aims for
By JOE FOWLER
Staff Writer
After silence, that which comes
nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music. — Aldous Huxley.
Students of the Niagara Collegeʼs
Public Relations (PR) Graduate
Certificate program at the Welland
campus, are busy working on the
special events course in their program.
Dara Goulet, 22, of Port
Colborne, Sarah Hogg, 22, of
Hagersville, and Joe Wilburn, 28,
of Stoney Creek, are helping Port
Colborne High School (PCHS)
with its
Adopt-An-Instrument
campaign. The music project is
hoping to repair, replace and tune
many instruments for the students.
“The marketing team assisted
with sponsors, bookings and advertising – the nuts and bolts,” said
Goulet, a PR student.
The PCHS band was joined by
seasoned band More Bad News and
the Horns from Hell for a practice
session in the music room on Jan. 17.
“The problem is that instruments are expensive. The one
I have in my hand is $6,000,”
said Martin, 32, of Fort Erie.
“Iʼve got a pro model. The baritone
saxophone PCHS just bought is
about $5,000 or $6,000. I get mine
overhauled about once a year just
to get it touched up. Itʼs $180 to
$200 a year. They [PCHS] have
got very little, and a lot of the instruments are broken or have been
stolen over the years before music
teacher Elaine Carlson got here.”
the college crowd
The wind section of PCHS band prepare for its Feb. 2 “Sounds of
Celebration” performance.
Photo by Adam Bowslaugh
“Sheʼs tried to get funding. Itʼs for old retired instruments that are
real expensive. Itʼs hard for the close to imminent death. Itʼs like a
school board to pay for all this stuff.” second opportunity at life.
“Sheʼs gone above and beyond
“The kids are excited about the
the call of duty and she talked concert. They have been working
to us this summer, so we said very hard. They practically have
we could do a little concert, been living in this music room at
a fundraiser to raise money lunch, practicing at home. Theyʼve
for instruments,” said Martin. committed a ton of time. Itʼs a
“We sent all the instru- great opportunity for them to play
ments we could afford to with musicians in the industry.”
send to be refurbished,” said More Bad News and the Horns from
Elaine Carlson of PCHS. Hell will play with PCHS on Feb. 2,
“They take them all apart, re- at the Sounds of Celebration fundsolder what can be re-soldered, raiser at 7 p.m. at the Roselawn Centre,
they clean them out, change all 296 Fielden Ave. in Port Colborne
the pads.
For further information, contact
“We were joking around with the www.dsbnedu.on.caSchools/Pchs/inkids that it was like plastic surgery dex.html
By ERIC FANJOY
Staff Writer
A Niagara College graduate is
opening a mom and pop pizza shop
in Welland.
Adrien Vachon, 36, and his wife
Kelly, 27, are renovating the old R.
J.ʼs Pizzeria at the corner of Woodlawn Road and First Avenue to
make way for Fat Catʼs restaurant.
Vachon worked as an apprentice
at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus under chef Ron Harvy. After
completing the apprenticeship, he
began his culinary career.
Working at the Gatehouse Hotel
restaurant, in Niagara Falls, Vachon
says, taught him a lot.
As his specialty is pizza, he put
pizza on the restaurantʼs menu and
there it stayed. “Everyone said I
had the best pie in town.”
With 10 years experience under
his belt, Vachon plans to have a
full menu at Fat Catʼs, including
pizza, wings, paninis and pastas.
Fresh focaccia bread will be made
on site.
“We will have a quality product
and not a cardboard-crust pizza.”
The two say their prices will be
reasonable and “definitely cheaper
than Pizza Pizza.”
Fat Catʼs will have a special offer:
buy one large, three-topping pizza
and receive a bianco or white pizza
free. A bianco pizza consists of an
oil-based crust with artichokes and
The pizza box design of Welland’s
Fat Cat restaurant.
Photo by Eric Fanjoy
mushrooms, topped with feta and
asiago cheeses.
“To survive in a college town,
they [Fat Catʼs restaurant] need to
stay open late and they need to stay
cheap,” says Jaclyn Ashton, 20, at
the Laurier-Nipissing campus in
Brantford, Ont., “where mom and
pop restaurants run the town,” she
added.
Fat Catʼs plans to be open from
11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays
and hopes to remain open until
around 2 a.m. on weekends, say
the Vachons.
A former Broadcasting — Radio, Television and Film student,
Codi Maki, 20, who remembers the
R.J.ʼs Pizzeria, said, “Good luck,
Fat Catʼs. The panzerottis at R.Jʼs
were the best and cheap too.”
The couple has asked for college
students to drop off resumés, as
positions will be available.
Fat Catʼs will open on Feb. 1.
8
9
NIAGARA NEWS • Jan. 25, 2008
A natural path
to good health
By MARYANNE FIRTH
Staff Writer
Think outside the pillbox.
Many people are skeptical about natural
medicine, but for those who have made
a career out of it and for the clients they
have treated, it couldnʼt be more real.
“The body has remarkable healing powers,” says Dr. Lindy Harb, naturopathic
doctor (ND).
Harb practises naturopathic medicine in
St. Catharines, using special methods to
assist the bodyʼs natural healing process
without the use of traditional surgery or
medication.
Kim Koop, of St. Catharines, a client of
Harbʼs, says she visits The Healing Vine
because she “wanted to find a cure, not
just a treatment.”
Koop says she went in for an ultrasound at a traditional doctorʼs office and
was informed she had ovarian cysts. She
says the doctors wanted to operate, but
she went the naturopathic route instead,
and in six weeks the cysts were “completely gone.”
“Iʼd call those very radical results,”
says Koop.
She says she recommends anyone
skeptical of the practice should “definitely try it.”
“The health-care system is failing,”
says Harb, “and quick fixes donʼt generally work.
“Treating something symptomatically is
generally not healing without treating the
root of the cause.”
Harb says the main difference between
naturopathic and allopathic (conventional)
medicine is “you get better.”
“Youʼre not just putting a Band-Aid on
something. You donʼt become dependent
on medication. We find the cause and we
remove it.”
However, she does say itʼs important
to know “when medication is needed and
when itʼs not,” as well as “when to see a
traditional doctor or a naturopath.”
“Allopathic and naturopathic medicine
can work together. We need to bridge
that gap.”
Becoming an ND, she says, can be
“very hard work and intense at times,” but
“worth the schooling and the money you
spend to get there.
“If you apply yourself, it can be very
rewarding.”
The Canadian College of Naturopathic
Medicine (CCNM), of which Harb is a
graduate, requires an undergraduate degree
before acceptance, as well as a slew of
prerequisite classes such as biology, biochemistry and organic chemistry.
When she was younger, Harb says, she
had skin problems and was sensitive to
drug treatments. She says she would continually try to find the root of the problem
and it led her down this path.
Dr. Michael A. Prytula, ND, also a
CCNM grad practising in St. Catharines,
says itʼs important to “go spend some
time with naturopathic doctors,” if itʼs a
career choice you think you might want
to make.
“Itʼs a huge financial commitment,” he
says, costing “$15,000 to $16,000 every
year in tuition alone.”
CCNMʼs website shows prices for the
2007/2008 year have since increased
to $17,580 for Canadian students and
$21,060 for international students.
Prytula, who has been practising for 20
years, says itʼs rewarding “seeing people
get healthy who otherwise wouldnʼt.”
“Weʼre improving their quality of life
and finding a resolution of symptoms.”
He says he enjoys his job because
theyʼre constantly “expanding the scope
of the practice, so I never get bored. Itʼs
more fun that way.”
Prytula says he knew his career path by
age 19 because he was once critically ill
and was helped by a naturopath.
“Itʼs a very unique profession,” says
Harb, and “can be challenging at times.
“Youʼre the only person who can really
fix it. When the pressure is on you and
youʼre getting results, thereʼs nothing
like it.”
Harb says itʼs important to recognize the
difference between someone whoʼs certified as a holistic practitioner and a registered naturopathic doctor.
“All you need is a seminar to become
a practitioner, so itʼs important to do your
homework and make sure youʼre getting
professional care before going to see anyone with your problems.”
Gall Bladder
Stomach
Small Intestine
Large Intestine
Spleen
Lung
Heart
Acupuncture points
that affect energy
flow to different
parts of the body
Kidney
Liver
Photos by Maryanne Firth
Types of treatments
Acupuncture – The ancient Chinese art of applying stimulation to the neural pathways in the skin,
called meridians, and allowing energy to flow freely. Consisting of over 1,000 points, these tiny
proteins ensure health is maintained, but if energy flow is interrupted, it can cause pain and
illness within the body.
Botanical medicine – A traditional method of treatment using the natural healing abilities of
plants and plant extracts.
Homeopathic medicine – An 18th century met hod of healing using a small dose of a
substance that caused the illness to treat the symptoms.
Hydrotheraphy – The use of water, internally or externally, to balance
the circulation of blood, reducing pain and healing illnesses.
Massage therapy – The application of various techniques to the
bodyʼs soft tissues and muscular structure. Meant to increase circulation, relax contracted muscles and induce pain relief.
Naturopathic medicine – An individualized treatment addressing causes of diseases,
focusing on prevention, while facilitating the bodyʼs natural ability to heal itself.
10
NIAGARA NEWS
Jan. 25, 2008
Sports
Knights dismounted
By MICHAEL BRIGHT
Staff Writer
The Big Kahuna tournament
hosted by the Niagara College
Knights womenʼs volleyball team
was won by the No. 2 ranked 9-1
Humber Hawks of Toronto.
The Hawks defeated the Durham
Lords of Oshawa in three straight
games, 25-16, 25-22 and 25-20
respectively, to win the match.
The tournament, which began
on Friday, saw the host team win
its pool and advance to the semifinals.
Kristy Goodearle of Humber was
named tournament MVP.
All-star players were Landis
Doyle of Humber, Cheryl Silva
and Kristen Conner of Durham,
Kerissa Van Amersfort and Leah
Duke of Niagara, and Whytney
Hooker-Burt from the Seneca Sting
of Toronto.
The tournament began on a high
note as the Knights won their first
set 25-16 against the 5-5 Sheridan
Bruins of Oakville.
They then dropped the next two
sets to the Bruins 25-23 and 25-17
respectively.
“We dropped down to their level,” said Kerissa Van Amersfort,
Niagara Knights No. 14.
Itʼs the “same thing over and
over,” she said. “Itʼs inconsistency.”
Kerby
Bentley,
Niagara
Knights head coach, said, “Itʼs
frustrating,” of the Bruinsʼ ability
to shut down the Niagara offence
in the second and third matches
of the first game.”
“Itʼs tough to motivate,” players in that sort of game situation,
said Bentley, adding “although
some leadership skill turned up”
in the fourth and fifth match.
The Knights were able to rally
back, winning the fourth and fifth
sets 25-23 and 15-13 respectively.
“It was good,” said Leah Duke,
Niagara Knights No. 1, admitting
“it wasnʼt the best game” Niagara
has played.
Niagara played “pretty flat, even
in the first [match],” said Duke.
“We didnʼt seem to be into the
game that much.”
Niagara struggled with serving
in the first game against Sheridan.
“It probably killed us.”
The Knights are used to “jump
serves and deep floats” into the
opposition court, but they soon
found themselves without a lot of
room on the tournament courts in
the Mackenzie Athletic building
at the Welland campus of Niagara
College.
Sheridan was “a good team at
scrambles and dump plays,” said
Van Amersfort.
“We have to set-up against Loyalist. Give ourselves a chance,”
said Van Amersfort prior to their
second round robin game against
the Loyalist Lions of Belleville.
“We need to be consistent.”
“From what Iʼve heard, weʼre
the better team.”
“Theyʼre better than Sheridan,
but they rely on luck,” said Cassandra Musungayi, Niagara Knights,
No. 9, about the Loyalist Lions
Hawks’ No. 11 Kristy Goodearle spikes the ball during the Big Kahuna tournament.
Photo by Mike Bright
after the game against the Bruins.
The Lions came into the tournament 7-1 and are in a three-way
tie for fourth in the province with
the No. 1 ranked Mohawk Mountaineers of Hamilton and the No.
4 ranked Algonquin Thunder of
Ottawa.
Niagara dispatched Loyalist in
three quick sets, going 25-16, 2514 and 25-20.
“We realized we needed powerful plays,” said Duke.
The No. 6 ranked (9-1) Durham
Lords proved to be more than a
match for the Knights.
Niagara eventually forced a
game five, which they lost 15-13.
“We came out really flat,” said
Bentley.
In the first set against Durham,
Niagara was dominated early
giving up a score of 7-15. At this
point in the game, Bentley decided
to replace four of his players with
fresh ones from the bench.
The bench players put up 14 to
Durhamʼs 10 points in the remainder of the set. Durham would go on
to win 25-21.
Bentley said the change was
supposed to put “anger in the
belly” of the starters and show
them the bench players can and
“want to play.”
“Durham played well.”
“We play better when weʼre
down,” said Jaclyn (Big Dutch)
Van Leerzem, Niagara Knights No.
4. Bentley said the team suffered
from “little mental breakdowns.”
“The bench girls played awesome,” said Big Dutch, adding
the greatest thing the team learned
from playing Sheridan and Loyalist was how to pick up on “dump
plays.”
“Itʼs nice to play teams that
arenʼt big hitting teams.”
“Weʼre ready for dumps after
playing Sheridan and Loyalist.”
“Iʼm just concentrating on improving,” added Big Dutch when
asked if she thought she would
win Rookie of the Year honours.
The tournament was also a
strong step for rookie Musungayi, who has seen her court time
increase dramatically since the
beginning of the season.
“All the work I put in from the
beginning of the year showed,”
she said.
Musungayi said her main
role on the team is to block,
“and to intimidate other teams.
“Once they see my height, they
start tipping [the volleyball instead of spiking].”
Intramural
sports
offer more
fun, less
stress
By ANDREW RAMOS
Staff Writer
Only in intramural ice hockey
will one find the main objective
enjoyment of the sport rather than
winning it.
“I decided I wanted to sign up
for intramurals because itʼs a fun
way to still get to play the sport
I wanted to, hockey, but not in a
competitive league that needs [too
much] dedication than I am unable
to give because of school,” said
Caillie West, 19, who returns for
her second year of intramural ice
hockey.
“Itʼs a great way to play hockey at
a friendly level with a bunch of my
friends,” said Chris Dolson, who
served as a back-up player during
last yearʼs intramural season after
missing signups.
“Winning would be nice, but
isnʼt the reason why Iʼm playing.”
Intramural ice hockeyʼs schedule
allows participants a greater focus
on their studies than the sport.
“Since [games are] only once a
week, I donʼt think it will hinder
my schoolwork at all,” said West.
He added that intramurals may
act as an incentive to finishing her
work sooner rather than later.
“Iʼm a pretty solid student, and
any after-school activities I participate in rarely affect my school
work,” said Dolson.
“Playing one night a week really doesnʼt offer much distraction
from my studies.”
Deciding to sign up for intramural hockey because she “wanted to
keep [herself] busy and active doing something [she loves],” Denise
Cruickshank, 20, said intramurals
would be a good release of “all
the pressures and stresses from
school.”
Signing up oneʼs own team with
oneʼs own friends adds to the relaxed feeling intramurals provide.
“I love the people I play with,”
said Cruickshank. “Theyʼre all really good friends of mine.”
“Iʼm so jacked to be playing the
games,” said Dolson, adding that
the people heʼll “be playing with
and against are also a big bonus.”
“Iʼm happy just to get to play
hockey, and itʼs intramurals so Iʼm
not as concerned with winning
because I know itʼs not the main
purpose of the program,” said
West.
Whether youʼre a 10-year veteran of the sport, as West is, or
if you have no experience at all,
intramurals provide students an
enjoyable way of getting exercise.
“Itʼs been a great challenge learning to play on ice,” said Dolson,
who is transitioning his lifetime
of road hockey experience to his
two-game experience on the frozen
rink. “Intramurals has given me a
chance to do something new.”
Participants pay $40 a person.
11
NIAGARA NEWS
Jan. 25, 2008
Sports
Bruins claw win over Knights
By JESSE DOSTAL
Staff Writer
The Niagara Knights womenʼs
basketball team battled hard last
Wednesday on home turf, but in
the end the size and physicality of
a tough Sheridan Bruins team was
too much for them to handle.
The game had a good tempo,
and the score was close midway
through the first half. The Bruins,
who entered the game at 6-1, had
not lost a game since Oct. 31.
They gained a five-point advantage and were up 22-17 with 5:28
left in the frame.
The more physical Bruins team
members started to assert themselves on the offensive glass. This
resulted in a lot of easy buckets for
the Bruinsʼ Donisha Young, who
finished the game with 21 points on
eight of 11 shooting, while bringing down six offensive rebounds.
The moments before half-time
proved to be very costly for the
Knights, and they went into the
locker room down 39-25.
“The biggest thing for us was
staying together as a team,” said
No. 6, guard Jessica James, who
finished with four points.
The Knights came out of the
half looking sharp and were able
to keep up with the Bruins through
the second half.
Kaitlyn McKenna, No. 10, forward, played an exceptional game
for the Knights, scoring 14 points,
registering four assists to just one
turnover and knocking down all
four of her freethrows.
The Bruins continued to play
well though, running the floor
hard and scoring a lot of fast-break
points.
“The thing for us was getting
back on ʻDʼ [defence],” said the
Knightsʼ Natalie Campeau, No. 9,
forward.
In the end the Bruins came out
on top, winning 72-54, but the
Knights saw a lot of positives in
the home loss.
“We played much better tonight
compared to last time down there
when they beat us by 35 ... everybody got in there and played hard,”
said Knights head coach Ron Lemon. “[The Bruins] are a good team.
They run like crazy, and youʼve got
to stop it, and when you donʼt, that
really hurts you.”
The Knights wonʼt get another
shot at the Bruins in the regular season, but both James and Campeau
say they are looking forward to
“revenge” in the playoffs.
OCAA West top five
basketball standings
Men
Niagara Knights point guard Brittany Norris handles the ball during a home loss on Wednesday, Jan. 16
against the Sheridan College Bruins.
Photo by Jesse Dostal
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Humber Hawks
Sheridan Bruins
Fanshawe Falcons
Niagara Knights
Mohawk Mountaineers
Women
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Fanshawe Falcons
Sheridan Bruins
Niagara Knights
St. Clair Saints
Humber Hawks
Knights mauled by Sheridan’s paws in grizzly defeat
By MATT DAY
Staff Writer
As a Knights fan, you want the
buzzer-beater shot to go in.
In last Wednesdayʼs menʼs basketball game, the No. 2 ranked
Sheridan Bruins beat the No. 3
ranked Niagara Knights at home
74-73 in a nail-biter of a game. The
atmosphere of the game couldnʼt
have been any more electric, and
the sighs from the home crowd
could not have been any louder.
“A tight game at home you always want to win,” said Knights
head coach Mike Beccaria. “But
on a positive note, I think we
proved we belong at the top of this
league.”
Niagara jumped out to a quick
21-11 lead midway through
the first half, but the Sheridan Bruins, of Oakville, were able to claw
back and hold a 41-35 lead at the
half. The teams then exchanged
leads throughout the entire second half.
With the score 66-62 and about
three minutes left, the Knights
seemed in control and poised
to upset the second-best team
in the West Division. The Bruins scored seven unanswered
points, including a three-ball by
Nebosjo Bratic, to swing the
momentum back to the Bruins
for good.
The Bruins wouldnʼt give up
their lead and went on to win the
game when the Knights couldnʼt
convert on two last-second shots.
“[The last few seconds] were
hectic and we stuck together as
a team,” said Bruinsʼ forward
Jemeel Brown, No. 21, describing
what he saw the last few seconds
from the bench.
“We came out hard in the first
half. We were up and they fought
back until the end,” said Knights
forward Brendan Cato. “At the
end, there just happened to be a
bad shot. We took a gamble and
happened to miss it.”
Cato contributed 13 points and
a team-high 10 rebounds, but also
went only one for five from the
line. Two of those failed free-throw
attempts came late in the game.
Coach Beccaria said he was
proud of his team for playing hard,
even in a losing effort.
“I told the guys we were knocking at the door and next time weʼve
got to kick it in.”
Bruinsʼ Head Coach Jim Flack
said he was happy with the win on
the road but pointed out the game
could have gone either way.
“Letʼs be honest here. A onepoint game is a win and you take
it, but one point can go either way.
It counts for a ʻWʼ in the standings,
but thereʼs really not too much to
pick between the two teams.”
Niagara beat Redeemer, of Ancaster, 86-46 on the road on Jan.
18 and now holds a record of 8-3,
third in the West Division behind
Sheridan. The Knights travel to
Northern Ontario to face Sault
College and Algoma University
College on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26 respectively.
Knights’ Assistant Coach Randy Conlon reacts after a heartbreaking
loss on Jan. 16. The Knights lost to the Sheridan Bruins 74-73 after a
final attempt to win the game, with seconds left, failed.
Photo by Matt Day
12
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y
k
e
o
c
i
:
l
T o b
P lu
C
NIAGARA NEWS
Jan. 25, 2008
By RYAN KELPIN
I think is our catchiest song, but catchy because they did have other offers on the
really make any sense.”
Noise Staff
Donʼt be afraid of changes to the sound in a way that isnʼt the same as our older table. Wright says the band went with the
Theyʼre not from Tokyo, theyʼre not the or the songwriting, Wright assures fans. material.”
record company that had the best intentions
police, and they arenʼt really a club, but one He says the band will retain most of its
The decision on which song to pick as a for its music.
thing is certain: they are back.
single may be out of their hands now. In the
trademark traits and characteristics.
“At the end of the day, we had all kinds of
Since the release of their first album, A
last six months, TPC signed a record deal offers from labels that ran the gamut from
“There are still handclaps in the music.”
Lesson In Crime EP, Tokyo Police Club
“Now when I go back and listen to the with critically acclaimed indie label Saddle- major labels to tiny independent labels, and
(TPC) has been taking a break from the EP, I notice that the handclaps are so Creek Records, of Omaha, Neb.
Saddle-Creek has the best of both worlds,”
massive critical acclaim and their renowned blatant, there would only be handclaps for
The label is home to award-winning indie claims Wright.
live shows.
that part of the song and it would stand bands such as Cursive, Maria Taylor, and
“They are a small establishment; I think
A lot has happened in that time, including out. Same with the shouting. It would just its most infamous band, Bright Eyes. TPC Iʼve met everybody that works there. But at
the recording of a highly anticipated be shouting and screaming. On the new is also the first and only Canadian band to the same time, look at the success they have
new full-length album. Graham Wright, album, it got more mixed and they fit a sign to Saddle-Creek, making it a proverbial had with Bright Eyes, who have proven that
keyboardist as well as backup vocalist, says little more. Now you will have clapping, fish out of water.
they can sell a large amount of albums and be
the band has been working on the songs for but itʼs not the whole song. Itʼs there as an
“It was a long process leading up to that a success. We want to have that potential – not
a while.
accent. Same with the shouting. Itʼs there day, and we knew that we were going to be that we are going to be as big as Bright Eyes
“Itʼs funny because a lot of the new songs to add to the song.”
signing to Saddle-Creek,” confirms Wright. – but now we have the ability to do that.”
weʼve been playing, in one way or another,
“They approached us early on; actually,
The album, which is oddly called
With the album recorded and undergoing
for a year or so,” explained Wright.
Elephant Shell features 11 songs, including they did when we started playing our first the mixing process, the only thing left to do
“But weʼve honed in on what we want some school inspired names, Your English is American shows. Rob [Walters] caught is tour. Where better to kick it off than in St.
from the songs, so much that it feels like we Good and Listen to the Math. The question our set at Pop Montréal- not the first time Catharines, where the band played Isaacʼs
are going in with entirely new music. Weʼre that has been bothering them, is what single we played when Paperbag Records signed Pub last Saturday night.
really excited to get the new songs out for to choose to hype the album. Itʼs something us, but the second time. Eventually we
“We havenʼt been on tour for a while,
the fans to hear.”
heard from Saddle-Creek that they were obviously. Itʼs always scary to go back on
Wright and the band are still debating.
The recording process differed from the
“Weʼre bad at choosing singles,” laughs interested in us, and I was, like, ʻWhat! tour to kick it back off and get used to it
Wright.
past, according to Wright.
Saddle-Creek? Thatʼs weird.ʼ Thatʼs just again,” describes Wright.
“I always want to pick my favourite song, not one of the labels youʼd think would be
“With the EP, we only had three days to
“Itʼs kind of intimidating, and we wanted
record it, so we made sure we knew our and itʼs slow and has weird keyboards on interested in us.”
to kick it off in a small town. We had only
TPC wasnʼt forced to sign to the label played St. Catharines once, and it was a great
songs inside and out before we went in,” it. But thereʼs a song called Tessellate that
says Wright.
show. We got good vibes from it.”
“But on this album, we went into
The band uses the small shows
the studio, by and large, with mostly
and the visits to their hometown
unfinished songs in September. We
of Newmarket, Ont., to keep
thought since we had three weeks
everything in perspective and down
instead of three days, we could work
to earth. Wright admits that every
it all out in the studio ... turns out
now and then, he realizes how well
thatʼs not our forte. When we went
life is actually going for him and his
into the studio, we realized that some
friends.
of the songs were lacking the energy
“Every once in a while, you
and spark that we were used to and we
know weʼll be doing something,
needed to play them live to recapture
like sitting in the basement of the
that spark.”
[David] Letterman show, waiting
to play our set, and you just shake
In the midst of recovering the “spark”
yourself,” says Wright.
that eluded them on the new material,
“Youʼre like, ʻAm I dreaming? Is
bassist and lead singer Dave Monks
this real?ʼ I should be in my second
also matured with his songwriting.
year of university right now.”
Wright doesnʼt want to put words in
The only thing the band has to do
Monksʼ mouth, but he says that he has
now is wait. However, with the mass
noticed that the lyrics are more down
following they have assembled, as
to earth.
well as hordes of love and respect
“On the EP, a lot of the songs were
from critics, TPC will not be able to
written as little, weird stories that he
wait in peace.
was just making up, and you would
“Itʼs a double-edged sword,” says
end up with science fiction songs and
fun, bizarre songs about nothing,”
Wright.
“Itʼs great to know that thereʼs
jokes Wright.
“With the new record, heʼs definitely
going to be an audience there when
become more comfortable writing
the album is released but at the same
songs about things that are more
time, it means there are all these
personal to him, and because of that
people that we could disappoint.
the songs are a little bit more rooted From left, Josh Hook, Greg Alsop, Graham Wright and Dave Monks.
Weʼve made a record weʼre happy
in reality. But there are still probably
with, so even if nobody likes it,
Submitted Photos weʼll still be proud of it.”
some weird fantasies in there that donʼt
13
NIAGARA NEWS
Jan. 25, 2008
Niagara Noise
Do-it-yourself mentality
From Man, in Ghost appeals to all audiences
From Man, in Ghost from left is Pat MacLean, Andy Park, Mike Aslop and Pat Murphy. They will be playing a
show at Niagara College’s After Hours pub on Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Submitted photo by Brent Goldsmith
band right now.”
stages.”
about standard subjects such as
Murphy says he is a “strong
“The more you prove what you girls, Murphy, the bandʼs lyricist,
believer” in do-it-yourself ethics can do as a band, the more you are says he likes to “mix it up.”
and to “book your own tours, book worth to a label. Donʼt just sit and
“Ultimately, I just aim for someyour own shows, do everything wait for things to happen.”
thing simple enough the audience
yourself, at least in the beginning
Trying not to write all the time can connect with, but intelligent
Niagara region set to host diverse
inaugural music award ceremony
Submitted photo
By RYAN KELPIN
Noise Staff
Already having a renowned
music scene, Niagara finally has a
music awards show to go with it.
CapitalM Productions and Giant FM released its categories
and opened the competition to
local area bands on Jan. 16, for
the first Niagara Music Awards
on March 25.
This is the perfect venue for
smaller, Niagara area bands to attempt to make their name in the
region, possibly attracting label
interest. Various bands from the
Niagara area have gone on to sign
record deals in the last few years,
most notably Alexisonfire with Distort Entertainment, Dallas Green
DALLAS GREEN
(City and Colour) and Wellandʼs
own favourite son, Attack in Black,
both with Dine Alone Records.
Niagara Noise would hope to see
bands such as From Man in Ghost,
Attack in Black and Casey Baker
and the Buffalo Sinners in the confirmed nominations list. To ignore
bands like these, or their styles of
music, would destroy the credibility of the awards. Niagara is known
as one of the most recognized punk
music scenes in Canada.
Morgan Whelan from CapitalM
Productions raises a valid point
though.
“We cannot consider the ʻNiagara music sceneʼ as a whole to
be completely revitalized after
bands like Alexisonfire and Attack
and Black are making a name for
themselves,” explains Whelan.
“We have many other types of
musicians that are going out of
this area just to get a gig. Where
are our jazz players, our country
singers and our ethnic performers going to go to perform when
Niagara is known for punk rock?
When I think of the Niagara music scene, I think about our musicians in all genres playing here
full time for a living, and people
coming to Niagara from all over
just to see them.”
The awards show has been built
to reflect this diversity and some
of the lesser-known genres in
the Niagara area. It features over
20 awards, varying from Album
of the Year to Best Jazz Band to
Best Blues Band. The best part
is there is only one requirement:
the band must have at least one
resident with a permanent address
in the Niagara area. The range of
genres accepted is just as long as
the awards list, making virtually
every type of music from the area
eligible for entry.
Whelan says one of the goals is
to establish a larger, broader music scene, so people come from
out of town to see the concerts.
“How many musicians move to
Toronto, or even New York to pursue a career in the music industry?”
asks Whelan.
“Have you ever heard of a band
moving to Niagara for that reason?
Musicians strive to create a name
for themselves, enough of a name
to fill up say, the Air Canada Centre. We donʼt have any venues like
that.”
“I think downtown St. Catharines
is wonderful and a great place for
local musicians to get their feet wet
and compile their fan base. However, I donʼt believe that it is every
musicianʼs dream, to be playing in
a sports bar or a dance club.”
To submit your band go to sonicbids.com/nma, and pay the $10
submission fee. There is no limit
on how many times or categories
you submit.
Deadline is Friday, Feb. 29,
roughly a month before the actual
event, which takes place at the
Niagara Centre for the Performing Arts in Niagara Falls, on
March 25. Tickets go on sale on
Ticketmaster.ca on March 3, and
will cost $30.
At presstime, the awards show
had four performers, including
Bob Egan formerly of darling
critics Wilco, and now of Canadian country favourites, Blue
Rodeo.
The show also futures such
sponsors as Pulse, Canadian Musician and the Niagara Institute
of Music and the Arts.
enough that it doesnʼt cheapen the
music.”
Planning to release a second
EP this spring, Murphy says eight
tracks are completed and the band
wants to distribute immediately.
He says the EP is “going to be a
gateway record in terms of sound,”
and the songs the band plays now
will not be the same as the full
length to be released.
Hoping to bring a fresh sound to
the music, Murphy says he feels From
Man, in Ghost has something different to offer the underground music
scene, but notes it is still pleasing to
the mainstream music audience.
“We like appealing to different
crowds. Diversity within our fans
makes us really happy. We just try
to write songs that we would like
to listen to and hope that people are
into what we like.”
Recognizing the band has made
a lot of progress in less than a year,
Murphy says if the “band broke
up today, Iʼd be content with what
weʼve accomplished.”
“We are all serious musicians,
and music is a big part of our lives.
Itʼd be amazing to be able to do
this as a full-time career, though
realistically that would be a hard
thing to accomplish.”
From Man, in Ghost will be playing Niagara Collegeʼs After Hours
pub on Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Get your
Niagara News onliine at
www.niagara-news.com
By DEIDRA LUNARDON
Noise Staff
Playing nearly 100 shows and
selling almost 1,000 CDs, St. Catharinesʼ From Man, in Ghost has
become a lot more than a hobby for
its members.
It formed out of the ashes of previous bands. Bassist and vocalist
Pat Murphy says some “additions
and subtractions” have taken the
band to what it is now: a four-piece
rock band.
Citing previous influences as
Mogwai and Glassjaw, Murphy
says the band listens to “everything
in terms of influences,” but itʼs hard
to choose only a few.
“We just try to write music we
like to listen to, and not restrict
ourselves to any particular influence,” says Murphy.
From Man, in Ghost is Murphy,
Mike Alsop on guitar, Andy Park
on percussion and Pat MacLean on
guitar and vocals.
Although the band is unsigned
to a record label at this time,
Murphy says the members would
“love” to sign to one “if the right
offer came up.”
“Weʼve been talking to a few
[record labels] but want to make
sure weʼre ready as a band before
taking that step. I donʼt think a major label would be a smart idea for
us as weʼre more of a developing
NIAGARA NEWS
14
Jan. 25, 2008
Media feeding frenzy
Public’s appetite for celebrities adds to the feast
By HEATHER GILES
Staff Writer
Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Lindsay
Lohan – what do these people have in common? They are all rich, famous and seem to
be in the news every day. Stars these days are
making it into the
headlines more
than politics,
sports and
world
news.
Recent studies show people are more
interested in watching news with celebrities
than any other types of news and, really, who
could blame them? You have got to admit
that lately these starsʼ lives have been pretty
eventful.
“I am not going to lie. I pick up a
People magazine at least once a
week, but that is just adding to the
problem,” says Alison Melber,
20, of Toronto, who attends the
Niagara-on-the-Lake campus.
She says that most of the
stars pull stunts strictly for
media attention.
“People like us buying these magazines
and listening to the
entertainment
news
are only encouraging
them.”
“It is funny because
right when you think
that a star has taken
a break from
their crazy
lifestyles,
theyʼre all over
the
headlines
doing something
more
crazy
than
ever,”
says Brandon
Sanders, 22, of
Welland.
“That
is
what it is all
about. It is
about who
can get the
most attention and be on the cover of the
most magazines.”
He thinks the recent Jessica Simpson and
Dallas Cowboy quarterback Tony Romo
romance is all about publicity.
“Jessica was lacking attention, and the
perfect way to get it was to date a football
star. And that sure doesnʼt hurt Romo
one bit, except when he is playing
football apparently.”
“I think the problem is that stars
these days just have too much
money,” says Talia Davis, 19, of
Burlington, Ont.
“They can have absolutely
anything they want. Once they
have everything, what else
is there to do with
their
money
than spend it
on drugs
and alcohol? To
be honest
with you, I
think they are
all just bored
and resort to using substances that
lead them to
their breakdowns.”
Meaghan
Ringwood, 24, of
Markham, Ont.,
is the manager
of a Chapters
bookstore.
“Celebrity
magazines
top
our lists of most-sold items. Each week over
50 per cent of our income comes from magazines like Star, Ok! and People magazine.”
Ringwood says that they are one of the best
sellers in the store.
“It is sad really, and I donʼt condone the
things celebrities do and how much money
and fame they get from doing these things. It
is just
really unnecessary.”
The point is that everyone wants to know
the life of the rich and
famous and chances
are that will never
change.
Writer strike halts new
TV show production
By ANDREW RAMOS
Staff Writer
During the Writersʼ Guild of
America strike, many students at
the Niagara College Welland campus have decided against taking the
time without their favourite television shows to become more active.
“I just watch re-runs,” said one
student, Matt, 20.
His friend, James, also 20, agreed.
“I just donʼt see the point in, like,
doing more sports or whatever, just
because some shows wonʼt have
new episodes for a bit.”
Neither student wanted his last
name printed.
In fact, out of 75 students asked
by Niagara News, 54 of them said
they had not been any more active
than usual since the writers went
on strike on Nov. 5 of last year. Of
the 28 per cent who said they had
become more active, all of them
said they had been planning on
choosing a new lifestyle and the
strike had no bearing on it.
What current primetime options
do students have if they wish to
watch something new?
On Mondays, new episodes
of programs theyʼre able to see
include American Gladiators and
Prison Break, both at 8 p.m., with
four episodes left; and Terminator:
The Sarah Connor Chonicles at 9
p.m. with seven episodes remaining and at 10 p.m.
On Tuesdays, students can turn
to One Tree Hill at 9 p.m. with nine
episodes remaining; Nip/Tuck at
10 p.m. with five episodes remaining; and Boston Legal at 10 p.m.
with three episodes left.
On Wednesdays, thereʼs Mythbusters at 9 p.m. with an indefinite
number of episodes remaining;
Law and Order at 10 p.m. also
with an indefinite number of episodes remaining; and Reno 911 at
10:30 p.m. with 16 episodes remaining.
On Thursdays, new episodes
can be seen of Smallville at 8 p.m.
with six remaining episodes; Lost
at 9 p.m. (although premiering
at 8 p.m. next week) with eight
episodes remaining; Supernatural
at 9 p.m. with four episodes left;
and Eli Stone at 10 p.m. with 13
remaining episodes.
These are in addition to the several late night talk shows, including
Late Night with Conan OʼBrien,
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
and The Colbert Report, which
have returned and air several times
throughout the week.
Heat Ad
Paris Hilton,
Britney Spears,
and Lindsay
Lohan are
three stars
who have
become
fixtures on
the pop
culture
scene.
Submitted
photos
NIAGARA NEWS
Jan. 25, 2008
15
Icewine fest one cool event
By TERRI GILES
Staff Writer
Icewine lovers from near and far
gathered in Jordan, Ont. Saturday
to celebrate the Niagara Icewine
Festivalʼs 13th year.
Below freezing temperatures
didnʼt deter the hundreds who
came to enjoy this yearʼs first outdoor icewine tasting and sample
the village of Jordanʼs shops, art
gallery and restaurants.
The quaint village of Jordan,
nestled in the escarpment, was
bustling with visitors from all over
North America and overseas to
celebrate Canadaʼs world famous
Niagara icewine. The scene was
complete with an icewine bar made
of large blocks of ice, displaying
some of Niagaraʼs best Riesling,
Vidal, Cabernet Franc, icewine
martinis and an assortment of
unique flavours such as chocolate
and chili pepper icewine.
The cold weather was warmly
welcomed after a warm period
in early January delayed the harvesting of the frozen grapes. As
soon as the thermometer reached
the magic number of minus 10
degrees Celsius, pickers from local wineries set out into the grape
fields to collect their gold.
The first few weeks of the
month were unseasonable to
many but experts say this happens every year.
“There is a warm period every January, but you are always
guaranteed cold temperatures for
icewine,” says Jennifer Bosnjak,
in charge of restaurant sales
at Fielding Estates Winery in
Beamsville, Ont.
Fielding Estates Winery has
been participating in the Niagara
Icewine Festival since the family- run business opened in May
2005. Bosnjak says the festival
welcomes more and more people
each year and about 400 people
have walked through the winery
doors this past weekend.
According to the Niagara Icewine Festival website, last year the
festival brought 150,000 people to
the Niagara region. The majority
of the people who attend the festival are passport holders from the
United States and overseas.
“Americans really enjoy the icewine,” she says, “maybe because
it is a little different.” Icewine
is made in the United States and
other parts of the world but in
smaller quantity. Germany and
Niagara are the largest producers.
Icewine is sold year round in
liquor stores across Canada. The
most popular are Riesling, Vidal
and Cabernet Franc.
Bosnjak says icewine is usually paired with chocolate or blue
cheese, but this year Fielding
Estates served its icewine with a
beef stew.
“It was out of the ordinary, but
very well received,” she says of
the unique combination.
The Niagara Icewine Festival
is the place where wineries unveil new ideas and products in
icewine, and every year it gets
bigger and better.
For more information on dates,
times and events, visit www.niagaraicewinefestival.com.
The ice sculptures at the 13th
Niagara Icewine Festival were
made by Mike Gingerich, 21,
and Mike Heddington, 21, of Ice
Culture Inc. in Hensall, Ont.
Photo by Terri Giles
Check it out...
•The Icewine Festival runs
from Jan. 18 to Feb. 3.
•Created in 1952, its now
part of a three part showcase
of wine-festivals with the
Niagara Wine Festival, held
in early fall and Niagara
New Vintage Wine Festival
held each June.
•Hailed as one of the
top 100 events in North
America.
•Niagara’s icewine never
received international
recognition as world-class
wine until 1995.
•Numbers of visitors to the
festival are growing each
year. Last year, it attracted
half a million people, most
of them from the Greater
Toronto Area.
•Visit the festival to learn
about Niagara region’s
famous icewine by
speaking one on one with
winemakers from the
area and tasting wines on
outdoor tours.
•Enjoy black tie dinners and
educational luncheons.
Source: www.niagaraicewinefestival.com
16
NIAGARA NEWS
Jan. 25, 2008
Convenience not always best
By JOANNA NOFTALL
Staff Writer
Bigger snacks may mean bigger
slacks.
If you look at the calories on
food labels, wait at the Tim Hortons
drive-thru or drive past a billboard
sign reading, “Arbyʼs two for
one cheese melts – only a limited
time at participating locations,”
whatever it is, the temptation is
everywhere.
As someone who is trying to
learn a new healthful lifestyle, Iʼve
made some observations.
Most people know not to shop
when theyʼre hungry or when
theyʼre emotional. Because it
simply leads to purchasing unnecessary foods. When a romantic
breakup comes along or you have
an argument with someone significant, youʼre tempted to go for an
Aero bar.
How about the convenience
factor?
With variety stores on every
corner and Toonie Tuesdays at
Kentucky Fried Chicken, fast food
is everywhere.
Every day there are new recommendations about which diet
is right for you, whether itʼs the
grapefruit diet, or Slim Fast, or
maybe not eating at all.
Dieting is not the solution to
making a difference in your weight.
A change of lifestyle is key.
Like anything else, realizing
the problem is step one. Second,
itʼs finding what is right for you,
whether it is 10 pounds youʼre trying to lose or 210 pounds.
Http://weightloss.suite101.com
offers useful tips on how to change
your lifestyle and why you should
stop calling it a diet.
Put down the can of Slim Fast,
hide the Ultimate Weight Solution
book by Dr. Phil and think about
more than losing pounds.
Maybe the car seatbelt doesnʼt
fit or perhaps your favourite pair
of jeans is straining at the seams.
Whatever your reasoning, the steps
to getting healthy or losing weight
Ryan Jones, 21, of the Computer Engineering program, debates between a greasy, high fat lunch and a healthful lunch.
Photo by Jesse Dostal
are available. How badly do you
want to be healthy?
Finding the “why factor” will get
you started. By defining your goals,
the manner of how to lose weight
efficiently and healthfully so the
excess weight stays off and doesnʼt
come back like a boomerang will
become apparent.
The weight jokes will always exist, but cellulite wonʼt.
“Iʼm on a seafood diet ... I see
food and I eat it.”
Maybe itʼs a coincidence that “desserts” is “stressed” spelled backwards.
For some people just taking
away fast food and drinking more
water may be the solution.
Http://nutrition.about.com says
the human body is estimated to be
60 to 70 per cent water; the body
needs water to regulate body temperature, providing the formula for
nutrients to get to all the important
organs. Water transports oxygen to
cells, removes the toxic waste and
protects your body. That leads to
essentially being healthier.
For others, it may be a decrease
in empty calories and a higher in-
take of protein.
With weight loss comes attitude
adjustment and changing your
thinking.
Stop saying the word “diet” and
use the term “lifestyle.” When you
lose excess weight, you will forever eat differently and think about
food differently.
Ask your doctor about sensible
goals, ones that are realistic to
maintain your health.
Doctors base their recommendations on your current weight,
health, build and age.
Http://www.fda.gov.com says,
“Men and very active women may
need up to 2,500 calories daily.
Other women and inactive men
need only about 2,000 calories
daily. A safe plan is to eat 300 to
500 fewer calories a day to lose
one to two pounds a week.”
Eventually you may not be longingly staring at Cheetos and you
will drive by the famous golden
arches without pondering if you
should go for the Big Mac or not.
Dieting is just wishful shrinking.
Think lifestyle instead.
Niagara grad has Broadway ambitions
By AMANDA PAIEMENT
Staff Writer
When people think of theatre in Niagara,
Niagara-on-the-Lakeʼs Shaw Festival usually comes to mind first.
However, the Port Colborne Operatic Society (PCOS) is thriving too. People from all
over the region and beyond come to see its
production every year.
Lauryn Klucach, 23, of Port Colborne, a
four-year member of PCOS, is a graduate of
Niagara Collegeʼs Recreation and Leisure
Services program.
“With PCOS, I had always been an avid
attendee of their shows, but it wasnʼt until
about four years back that I got myself really
involved with this amazing society,” she said.
Klucach added she worked as a directorʼs
assistant for the musical Calamity Jane for
her job placement at Niagara College.
“After seeing the process of making a
show, I knew I had to be a part of it soon,”
she said.
Klucach has also acted in Grease and Mary
Poppins and has appeared as a chorus singer
in Kiss Me Kate.
Before each play, Klucach goes through
the entire audition process. All auditions are
held in the auditorium of Lakeshore Catholic
High School, on Janet Street.
Theatre has been an important part of
Klucachʼs family for generations. Her uncle
was a soundman for “big-time musicals” in
Toronto and throughout the United States.
She says her parents also took her and her
sisters as children to plays and musicals.
Her most vivid memory is seeing The Wizard of Oz.
Since receiving her diploma, she worked a
variety of life-guarding positions until landing a job at the Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara
Falls as an aquatic supervisor.
She says she is now considering returning to Niagara College to pursue a career in
public relations, but will never turn her back
on theatre.
“I feel if there was only one goal I have for
theatre, it would be to keep it in my life and
to always be developing my acting, dancing
and singing skills ... even though theatre is
an amazing hobby of mine.”
The Melody Lingers On is the focus of all
her energy now. It will feature classic songs
by Irving Berlin such as Thereʼs No Business Like Show Business, White Christmas
and God Bless America.
The musical runs through February and
will be covered by Niagara News.
Klucach adds it is the people she works
with who make a huge difference in the
experience.
The PCOS was established in 1945 and
has always played an integral part in supporting the community through donations,
most notably to the Port Colborne General
Hospital, Santaʼs helpers and Torontoʼs Sick
Childrenʼs Hospital.
Klucach says she would “love” to play a
lead role one day, but for now she is very Lauryn Klucach has travelled extensively in
happy with her part in the current musical. pursuit of her dream as an actress. Her most
“As they say, there are no small roles, just recent trip was to New York City.
small actors,” she giggled.
Submitted photo