Chronicle 35 06 Nov 2008 - Digilog at UOIT and DC - DC-UOIT
Transcription
Chronicle 35 06 Nov 2008 - Digilog at UOIT and DC - DC-UOIT
VOLUME XXXV, Issue 6 November , L’Oreal fashion week Story on page 26 Blue Rodeo rocks the GM Centre Story on page 21 Gulu walkers take over Oshawa Photo by Kirandeep Singh Kainth LET’S MAKE SOME NOISE: Furrakh Zaman leads Gulu Walkers from Memorial Park to campus for the annual Gulu Walk. The walk aims to highlight the plight children in Northern Uganda face, such as being raped, killed or abducted by a guerrilla army. Story page 9. Durham athletes make it big Five players added to All-Millennium soccer team Oct. 27 By Andrew Huska Chronicle Staff The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association released the All-Millennium men’s and women’s soccer teams on Oct. 27, and Durham had five players named to the teams, two men and three women. Former Lords stars O’Neil Brown and Juan Carlos Ca- mus were named to the men’s team, while Tammy Baker, Stephanie Axford and Tracey Weightman were named to the women’s team. Brown’s achievements were numerous. He was the first Durham Lord to be picked first overall in a professional draft when the Toronto Shooting Stars of the National Premier Soccer League chose him in 1997. Camus was one of the best players to play for the Lords. He played two seasons with Durham and one with Fanshawe. “He could score goals that could leave your head shaking,” said Ken Babcock Durham’s athletic director. Camus led the OCAA in scoring during the 1988-89 season when he scored 15 goals in seven games; he also sits sixth in OCAA scoring with 30 goals in three years. Durham is also well represented on the women’s team. Three players made the team, Tammy Baker, Tracey Weightman and Stephanie Axford. Babcock said Baker’s skills were unmatched. “She was one of the most successful and one of the most fierce women players in OCAA soccer,” he said. “She could dominate games almost singlehandedly.” She was also the 1992 OCAA rookie of the year and in 1993 she led the league in scoring. She also led the women’s team to their first ever medal (silver) in 1993-94. She sits 15th overall in OCAA scoring. Babcock said Weightman was an outstanding striker with great abilities on the field. Axford was first on the Lords’ all-time scoring record with 26 goals until this past September when current Lord Brittany Micucci moved into first with 28. Babcock said that having five athletes named to the teams is proof that the college is a top athletic school. “It’s a message that we produce top athletes,” he said. It’s also something that’s noteworthy for a school that early on seemed like a boy among men.” 2 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 CAMPUS NEWS Now you see it, now you don’t Photo by Robyn DePratto SMILE!: Enzo Bruni shaved his head to raise money for prostate cancer research. He will be donating his locks to Angel Hair for Kids. Telepath taps into pet’s thoughts Psychic visits DC to give readings for students’ pets By Shayna Brown Chronicle Staff In books and on the Hollywood screen psychics are often portrayed looking though a crystal ball or in Disney it’s Dr. Doolittle conversing with talking animals. There are many theories about psychics: some believe they are just elaborate liars who use generalizations to make you believe in them, while others open their minds to the possibility. Last month Durham College opened it’s doors and staff and students opened their minds to psychic Lauren Bode. Durham College music and business management student Craig Megill invited Bode to be a guest at the school based on her good reputaion. “ I myself have never had it done because personally I don’t want to know,” Megill said. “But she gave my girlfriends sister a reading and it ended up coming true.” Bode predicted the sister would go on vacation and upon returning she would find out she was pregnant This came true even though they weren’t trying to have a baby. After each free 10-minute session with Bode, students and staff alike emerged from the room, some looking a little dazed and confused and others slightly creeped out. Hour after hour Bode sat there in her cowgirl boots and colourful scarf, flipping tarot card after tarot card reaching, into the depths of each client’s life. It’s a tiring process that Bode has been practicing for almost 30 years professionally. After trying her hand at teaching for many years and even selling real estate she came to the realization that this was her calling and scrounged up the courage to pursue a job and a life she now loves. “To tell you quite honestly I wouldn’t know how to live without it today, because I’ve always lived like this,” she said. Bode said she has been able to talk to animals since she was just two years old. Specializing as an animal communicator, Bode talks to animals by means of telepathy. However, “I do like it when I can speak with people and I can give them a push, sometimes a kick in the butt you know,” Bode said, “because sometimes what we need in our lives is right before us but we can’t grasp it because we’ve got so much crap going on in our heads.” When Bode is not busy talking to animals or reading tarot cards, she holds workshops to show people how to do what she does. How if they just slow down and open their minds, they can tap into their psychic abilities. She said it’s not a matter of teaching a person, because you can’t teach someone how to be psychic, but it’s showing people how to use their own abilities. “ I can help them unblock their blockages. And for some people its easy, they will grasp it right away and say, ‘oh I understand,’ and they take away that layer. For others you need a bulldozer to get to the bottom of it,” Bode said laughing. Many of the people come to her workshops because they have felt some sort of previous connection and are curious and interested in tapping into it. She added that a lot of her students are currently practicing as animal communicators. “All fun and jokes aside,” she said, “we all can communicate with animals. We just need to quiet our minds and take all the hustle and bustle out of it.” Everyday Bode has to prove that what she does is real, which she said is perfectly normal. It’s human nature to second-guess yourself. But Bode is confident. She relies of word of mouth and referrals rather than advertising her services. Bode does personal readings, charging $150 dollars an hour for a minimum of two hours and a maximum of five. She also does phone readings and contract readings. Bode believes that she is not special because she was born being able to do what she does. “I think we all have the ability, I think we all have to learn how to do these things, because everything we know to date about everything is all what we have been taught. We’ve been taught that, that colour is purple, that colour is green. We’ve gone to school we know what an apple looks like. Everything we know, we’ve been taught. If there’s something we know that we haven’t been taught then its looked upon that it has to be researched to get the go ahead. We fear the unknown.” The Chronicle CAMPUS NEWS November 4, 2008 3 Eight successful qualities By Jonnel Briscoe Chronicle Staff Sherry-Ann Campbell says she loves Multimedia. The secondyear Multimedia student is confident she will be a success in the field. “I’ll be rich after college,” she says. But others aren’t as lucky in knowing what they want to do with their lives. It’s best to try a lot of different things until you figure out what you really enjoy, said Richard St. John, Author of 8 to Be Great: The 8-Traits That Lead to Great Success. In a phone interview he said there are people who know what they want to do right away and are successful, but those who aren’t that lucky shouldn’t worry. Some people tend to jump in too soon and need to try new things. Don’t be afraid to try something that might not be interesting. You might like it more than you think. St. John is a successful author and career analyst. Before he started writing he was a photographer. He was into the visuals and didn’t start writing until he was 40 years old. “I only cared about photography,” he said. “ I started writing visual scripts when my writers would write something and I wasn’t happy with it. That’s how I got into writing.” The idea for his book, 8 to Be Great, came about when he was on a plane heading to California for a conference and a teenage girl named Jo asked him what really leads to success. He couldn’t answer her even though he was a successful businessman. When he got to his conference in California, he was in a room full of successful and famous people so he went around and asked them what lead them to their success. “I got better answers from people that weren’t famous,” said St. John. In a 10-year span he interviewed over 500 people such as Martha Stewart, Quincy Jones, Russell Crowe, Bill Gates and Goldie Hawn. He analyzed all the interviews, narrowed down the traits and thus came up with 8 to Be Great. At first he was just giving speeches on the topic. He didn’t know it would be a book. Photo by Jonnel Briscoe FOLLOWING HER PASSION: Sherry-Ann Campbell, second-year Multimedia student, showing off her skills and confidence for her future. The one mistake many people make is going straight to college or university without knowing what they really want to do. If students go for their passion and not the money they will be happier, said St. John. Marc Rosen, founding Dean of UOIT Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, says students shouldn’t listen to advice too much, but rather listen to a range of advice. Rosen went to the University of Toronto where he studied Mechanical Engineering. It was his passion and he fell into the role as Dean for the brand new Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Sex survey By Melissa Bies Chronicle Staff The Durham Regional Health Department is conducting an online campus sexual health survey. Last September, the department launched a campaign on campus called Always Wear a Condom, and this survey, which takes less than five minutes to complete, is designed to evaluate the success of the campaign. It asks questions that challenge students’ knowledge about sex- ually transmitted diseases and infections. Some of the questions include, “Does birth control prevent the transmission of STDs?”, and “Do you use condoms during sexual intercourse?”. The survey is anonymous, but at the end you can choose to enter your name and email to be entered in a draw to win a $50 gift certificate for the campus book store. The link to complete the survey can be found in Mycampus and students have until Nov. 7 for the chance to win the draw. just before the university opened. Rosen is a professor and now the president of the Engineering Institute of Canada. His interests and passion led him to mechanical engineering and today he is putting that passion to work on sustainable energy issues that we face today. Your career shouldn’t be boring and you should love to do the work. “Make sure you love to do it or you will start to lose it. Work hard to find your passion and find something you enjoy doing because if you don’t then you won’t want to do the work and you’ll start failing,” says Rosen. Once you find the right career, it should be fun. “There’s lots of hours you work in a day, it would be a shame not to enjoy it,” said Rosen. That’s the first piece of advice in 8 Traits -- to find your passion. According to St. John the other traits include putting in a lot of hard work, and focusing on your work. If you are someone who is shy, you need to push yourself. If you have an idea, follow through with it. Improve on what you’re already doing; serve others something of value, and finally you need to persist. If taking a year off school is not an option for you, try different things. St. John says it’s an advantage not knowing what you want to do because you can try a lot of other things until you find what you like. You will be able to try a little bit of everything and then 8 to Be Great: The 8 traits that lead to great success 1. Passion— Do it for love and not for money. 2. Work— Nothing comes easy but it will be fun if you love what you’re doing. 3. Focus— Focus on one thing until you succeed. 4. Push— Push yourself through shyness and self-doubt. 5. Ideas— Follow through with your ideas; be curious and look around. 6. Improve—Practice until you get better at what you want to do. 7. Serve— Help others with something of value. 8. Persist— Persist through failure, criticism and pressure. you can choose what you want to major in. John Kach fits that description. He spoke in the South Village Residence lobby in October about his battle with meningitis. Today he’s owner of Ultra High End Computers. Originally he went to Salve Regina University to be a Math major, but after his life-threatening battle with meningitis he went back to school to become a history major. Now he owns his own business and he sells Dell and Apple computers out of his home. “It’s an advantage,” he says. Not only can he work at his own pace, but he can also do other odd jobs on the side. In addition to his computer business, Kach speaks to students across Canada and the United States about the effects of menin- gitis and the vaccination, Menactra. Kach fought through his illness and worked hard until he found what he loves. There’s no need to rush into something not knowing if you will like it or not. “There’s a bigger group of successful people who didn’t know what to do,” said St. John. You might have what career you’d like in mind, but it’s better to know what it’s all about. If you are someone who is worried and are still unsure about what you want to do, there is still hope. You will find your dream job. It’s not as hard as you may think. Just get out there and try something new and take these eight traits along with you. 4 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 E DITORIAL Funding education is important TO CONTACT US Durham College-UOIT Chronicle Newsroom: Room L-223; Ext. 3068 Advertising: Room L-220; Ext. 3069 E-mail: Chronicle.News@dc-uoit.ca Publisher: Robin Pereira Editor-in-Chief: Gerald Rose Ad Manager: Dawn Salter Dawn.Salter@durhamcollege.ca Students. They shiver at bus stops in the middle of January praying for a bus that may or may not come. They pay outrageous fees for a temporary strip of concrete in a parking lot, to attend a lab or lecture. They wait tables or pump gas, or sometimes both, while dreading the pile of assignments that awaits them at home. Students. Though at times seeming lazy and careless, students work hard to attend college with hope of a successful future. In June Premier Dalton McGuinty launched a program to fund students up to $28,000 to cover tuition and living expenses. For a maximum of two years students can train in an effective college-based program, and not worry about one penny. “I love visiting colleges,” said McGuinty to a group of staff and students at Seneca College on June 5. “I love the energy and the enthusiasm. Colleges are just what Ontario needs to stay ahead of the game.” Thanks for your support Mr. McGuinty. And the college students all lived happily ever after. The end. But wait! If students are receiving up to $28,000 from Mr. McGuinty, why did they hand over thousands of dollars to Durham College this year like suckers? Because the students funded by the provincial government are training for a second career, not a first. Funding is provided only to those who have been laid-off, and first time college hopefuls need not apply. Second Career is a wonderful program. Successful applicants can study in any Ontario college, receive up to $28,000 to cover tuition and living expenses, and train for a maximum of two years in high-demand career fields such as health care, finance, or computer and information systems, just to name a few. General Motors played catalyst to thousands of job losses across Durham Region this past year, and Second Career provides an opportunity for individual, as well as community success. The program is, without a doubt, a step in the right direction toward education improvement in Ontario. But the reality in colleges across the province is thousands of students struggling toward a first career. Education costs increase every year, and students who do graduate are likely to do so with enormous debt, owing the first few years of their independence to bank loans or OSAP. In 2007 Statistics Canada reported that 60 per cent of students who graduated in 2000, still owed money to the government. Others may be forced to drop out before they even reach that first career goal. They may never know the joy of their very own cubicle or the heartache of receiving that dreaded pink slip, which ironically would then make them eligible for free education. Now $28,000 is a lot of money, and in the hands of even the most responsible 18 or 19-year-old can have dangerous consequences. No doubt the pubs would thrive, but education may continue to suffer. Regardless, first year college students should be eligible for education funding. If not in the form of a big, fat cheque, then perhaps a program that offers free schooling with twoyear limitations for college students, and four years for those university bound. The Textbook and Technology grant introduced this year provided some funding. But while $150 is appreciated, put in perspective with $28,000 doesn’t amount to much, and wouldn’t cover one year’s worth of OSAP interest. Education is important, and the provincial government’s investment in the Second Career program proves their awareness. “90 percent of Ontario college grads are getting a job within six months of graduation,” said McGuinty in his Seneca College speech. “One third of Ontario’s workforce has a college education. That’s the largest group in the workforce.” Yes, a college education is important, and an investment in all students, first timers or returning, should be a required government initiative. Imagine, college students who are debt and stress free, attending college with uninhibited ambition and dreams. Liberated from multiple part-time jobs, well rested, wideeyed and ready to learn. And the professors all lived happily ever after. The end. Krista Paxton What’s good for me is my business, not yours We hear it everyday. Eat ‘this’ and you will be healthier or you should include ‘this’ in your diet to live longer. But then the next day you hear that ‘this’ will cause breast cancer and ‘this’ may kill your unborn child. With so much to think about in this doomed world, how do we know what’s good for us anymore? I say we eat whatever we want and live a happy life. No one Jonnel Briscoe wants to go around being cautious about everything they put in their mouth. Who knows, you might end up worrying so much about the tomato in your sandwich that you walk out into a fast moving bus all because you are examining the tomato to see if it was washed properly. I’m tired of hearing this. I’m in a restaurant and there’s always a health conscious friend of mine telling me what’s good for me and what’s not. How do we really know? The results change every day and there’s no certainty anymore. In the world we’re forced to live in today, there is nothing that will make you live longer. I don’t buy it for one second. I know what the experts and doctors say, I just don’t care. I just want to enjoy my grease filed burger without being nagged. E We are all going to die someday and I want to be fat and think about how I loved that burger back when I was a size two. I want a memory to relive in my mind when I’m on my deathbed. Not thinking about how I shoulda, woulda, coulda, and didn’t. What’s really killing us is over working ourselves and not enjoying life. Live it up. Eat the burger. And die happy. A ditors: dvertising sales: Amber Bishop-Nielsen, Stefanie Amanda Allison, Paul Bates, Melissa Bies, Matt Bird, Elyse Bliss, Artem Boykov, Jonnel Briscoe, Shayna Brown, Rachael Coombs, Thomas Cranston, Robyn DePratto, Josh Dillon, Sandra Dogarescu, Brady Doyle, Asmahan Garrib, Andrew Huska, Ryan Joseph, Didier Kalonji, Khadija King, Beth Lafay, Nicki Lamont, Sarah Manns, Nicole Martinsen, Jamilah McCarthy, Colleen McKay, Patrick O’Connor, Tabitha Olliffe, Krista Paxton, Amanda Press, Jayme Quinn, Shawntee Russell, Shenieka Russell-Metcalf, Liisa Sahamies, Krystin Spittal, Mike Terminesi, Lauren Thomas, Lynn Wayling, Edith Zikmann Briand, Russel Cross, Kimberly D’amato, Jessica Fisher, Kate Geddes, Kylie Goodwin, Maha Kadry, Ian Mccartney, Meghan Mccrae, Nicole Meloff, Christopher Niejadlik, Ashleigh Paul, Kyle Pearce, Sarah Pierson-Leonard, Christian Radler, Christopher Roscoe, Katelyn Rundle, Alexandra Sauder, Lisa Veitch, Samantha Wild A dvertising design: T he Chronicle is published by the School of Communication Arts of Durham College, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7L7, 721-2000 Ext. 3068, as a training vehicle for students enrolled in Journalism and Advertising courses and as a campus news medium. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the college administration or the Board of Governors. The Chronicle is a member of the Ontario Community Newspapers Association. PUBLISHER: Robin Pereira EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Gerald Rose ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER: Kevan F. Drinkwalter FEATURES EDITOR: Virginia Colling PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR: Al Fournier Alexander Berube, Giles Bridgnell, Erica Brodie, Katrina Buczynski, Kathryn Burke, Jason Cameron, Kyle Carey, Shaun Carruthers, Sarah Cesaroni, Kyna Denning, Kristina Giorgio, Olivia Kajdaniuk, Krista Keberer, Cody Macdonald, David Morgan, Michael Needler, Heather Peyton, Kyle Poupore, Matthew Pozzuoli, Angela Roberts, Emiliano Serafin, Tiffany Silent, Karen Stein, Jenna Swann, Matthew Thompson, Allison Vickers, Alicea Webster AD MANAGER: Dawn Salter TECHNICAL PRODUCTION: Darren Fisher FEATURES EDITOR: Chris Bovie The Chronicle November 4, 2008 5 O PINION It’s time to say TTFN to LOL Durham College-UOIT Chronicle Acronyms. We live in a society that, above all, values efficiency. We eat fast food, we speed to school in the fastest cars we can buy, we complain about our laptops loading websites in five seconds instead of two and, once we’re on those websites, we try to type as quickly as possible. Just enough to get our point across and no more. Acronyms. They used to be handy. LASER was a nice, short way of saying Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. ASAP, in military-crisp manner, told others to get their rear in gear. And RSVP was great for those who can’t speak French. Then along came the internet, that miraculous creation of modernity which connected the world and made the accumulation and dissemination of information exceedingly simple. Research that used to take days is now only a search engine away. In mere minutes you can become a selfproclaimed expert on any subject. Whether or not the information Matt Bird you’ve read is accurate, well, that’s another issue. Speed. We love it. We value it. We don’t have time to waste anymore, so we go with the quickest alternative. When it comes to the internet, speed usually means the use of acronyms. And there’s so many of them: AFK, BRB, TTYL, IMHO, WTF, OMG, BTW, ASL and JK are just a few common examples. I understand why acronyms are useful. Millions – probably even billions – of text messages zip along formless internet highways every day. Given that the internet is a repository for humorous material, I can understand why people don’t want to say ‘ahh, that’s so funny’ dozens of times. ROFL, a slight lie though it may be (has anybody ever actually keeled over and started rolling like they’re on fire?), saves time. But we’re taking it too far. The internet has spawned a new language, one indecipherable by those from the outside world. Entire conversations pass without a single grammatical sentence and often without real words. Even small words, such as ‘see’, invari- ably pass out of use in favour of the smaller, phonetically identical ‘c’. What was once ‘see you later’ is now ‘c u l8r’. How people conduct their online conversations is their own business. What bothers me is that these acronyms are ruining vocabulary outside the internet. I’ve edited plenty of papers in my time, student and professional alike, and more than once I’ve had to slay ‘net slang with the merciless stroke of my pen. This isn’t to say I’m some grammar expert – far from it – but I try to adhere to the rules whenever possible. I won’t suggest that acronyms be abolished. That would be like suggesting fish stop swimming and give dry land a go. What I would like, however, is for everybody – not just writers – to recognize the distinction between casual online chatting and formal writing. We need to know how to spell words properly, how to form sentences and how to insert punctuation if we’re ever to be taken seriously. Teachers, not to mention employers, don’t want documents riddled with indecipherable jargon handed to them. The next time you go on MSN, Facebook or any other social networking program or site, restrain the urge to truncate your sentences. Practice proper English. Type words out fully, use capitals where capitals are needed and end your messages with a period. Doing this every now and then will help your writing skills in the long run, whether you utilize them often or not. And, for the sake of my sanity, don’t use acronyms out loud. Please. The next person I hear use ‘LOL’ in spoken conversation will face a stern lecture, if not outright fisticuffs. Credit cards cause chaos Be more grateful Cash, vacations, concerts and all sorts of rewards are what some credit card companies offer to lure in less experienced minds. Most students are usually strapped for cash. Believe it or not, even if you have a credit card, you will still be strapped for cash. And when it comes to students who are becoming first time credit card holders, it’s difficult for them to make the proper decision. It’s very important for students to build their credit history, but it’s also easy to tarnish it. When used properly, credit cards can teach responsibility, independence and build a sense of security for emergency situations. Unfortunately most students do not have enough education about their financial life in order to make a solution to fit their bank accounts. Little do you know, as a student, the credit card companies fantasize about a customer like you. It’s the customer who is either making no income or little income on a minimum wage, or part time job. It’s the costumer that loves to spend the money they don’t have in the easiest way possible. It’s the customer who may not know what they are getting into and may not be able to pay their bill. These companies are extremely experienced with students and they are clever when it comes to their techniques and policies. The booth for Durham College and the University Institute of Technology students to apply for a student Liisa Sahamies credit card is located in front of the finance office. Ironically it’s in the hallway where students apply for OSAP. This creates a problem already. It stems the idea that a credit card can be a way out of money debts. Something students should know is that a credit card only serves a temporary solution. In exchange for signing away your soul you receive a millimetre thick piece of plastic. Oh, but it’s personalized with your name in gold lettering over a gold glittering background. It’s a fancy addition to anyone’s wallet. Students need to fight off the temptations of those Durham College backpacks and T-shirts and look farther into what’s involved. This small piece of plastic can make or break your financial future in crucial stages of your growing life. Good credit is required for financing or leasing cars, cell phone and home phone services, mortgage loans, and some employment services that deal with finance will only hire you if you have good credit. Not until students have graduated and are out of school and working in their career field would they be able to exercise their financial world. But by that time if what was borrowed is not paid back, then the charges have already added up and the vicious interest cycle has begun. A more sensible solution for convenience, financial independence, and a way to learn to budget would be a prepaid credit card. These cards also still offer a chance to build credit. This can give you (or your parents) the chance to learn to budget, and still feel that independence while building good credit for your future. Students need to be their own teachers when it comes to life. So check your pockets before you jump into a commitment like a credit card. Research your options to find the solution to build your credit wisely. It’s not until something is gone that you really learn to appreciate it for what it is. Last week they turned off my water for an entire day because the Town of Ajax is doing construction on the water pipes on my street. So for the day my family and I had to use jugs of water for everything. The whole day I kept turning on the tap, forget- Shayna Brown ting that it was off because I am so used to it always being there. I couldn’t even flush the toilet. It made me realize how much I take for granted. And I know I’m not the only one. We, as a country have so much at our disposal like water, heat and electricity; all things we are accustomed to having goes unappreciated. Not having water for just one day opened my eyes and made me take a step back for a minute. It made me think of all the people in countries who don’t have ac- cess to something as simple as fresh clean water all the time. And in some cases not at all. I couldn’t imagine going day after day without fresh water available to me whenever I wanted with a simple twist of the tap. I’ve been spoiled all these years that it takes a day without water to bring me back to reality and reminds me to be grateful for what I have. It infuriates me to hear people whine and complain about how horrible and hard their lives are when there are people out there with real problems – people in countries stricken by poverty and infested with disease. And the ironic thing is that despite how little those people have, they don’t dwell on it. They don’t piss and moan about what they don’t have; they are appreciative of what they do have.Our lives aren’t that bad, and the fact that it takes loosing something to realize this, is disturbing. So the next time you want to complain about something, take a second to think about it. Is it really the end of the world? If not then get off your high spoiled horse and don’t be so oblivious to your own ignorance. Stop being lazy and use the stairs What is the deal with able bodied people insisting on using an elevator instead of stairs? I mean is our society really that lazy that we can’t even walk up a single flight of stairs if we know of an available elevator. Now I can understand some people needing to use an elevator if they broke their leg, or had way to carry anymore load up more than three stairs, but when all your carrying is a backpack and a coffee, you really need to ask yourself ‘should I really be talking the elevator when someone else might need it more?’ There have been many times over my few years here at Durham Paul Bates College when waiting with friends that are in wheelchairs, I have heard people that would have no problem taking the stairs, complain that the elevator is being so slow. Here’s a thought on how you could solve that problem, try taking the stairs and leave the elevator for people that don’t have much choice in the matter. Another solution for the people that complain might be to put the people in different types of situations with different disabilities and see how the world looks different to them. I bet if most people spent even a few hours either being totally blind, confined to a wheelchair without the ability to use their feet, or any other of the numerous disabilities, then they just might have a little more respect for people that are in that situation not by choice. I know our culture has grown up around multiple fast food restaurants beating down your door and bombarding your sense telling you that you can be in and out in less then 20 minutes with not only a burger dripping with grease and fat, but a side of fries that have been swimming in oil and layered in salt. With all that I can see why the youth coming out of high school would look for the easy way but when you look at the big picture, elevators that get a lot of use break down more, and if they do it leaves the people that can use the stairs at a real disadvantage. In a time when politicians are trying to do whatever they can to bridge the gap between accessibility issues, we should do our little part to make the world a little more barrier free and ourselves a little healthier by taking the stairs just a little more. 6 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 CAMPUS NEWS Losing locks for cancer research By Robyn DePratto Chronicle Staff It was just before noon on Oct. 27 when Enzo Bruni walked into the Marketplace cafeteria with a full head of hair, something he wouldn’t be walking out with. Bruni, a carpenter with Facilities Management, and Jillian Walker, a clerk, were going to be shaving their heads completely bald. They were doing it to raise money for Motorcycle Ride for Dad, an organization that raises funds for prostate cancer research. Bruni’s 24 inches of hair would be donated to Angel Hair for Kids, an organization that makes wigs for children who’ve lost their hair from chemotherapy. His good friend Sherry Thackeray, the hairdresser who would be doing the head shaving, said “He’s only had short hair once in his whole entire life”. Despite that, Bruni said he wasn’t nervous about his upcoming haircut. Neither was Walker, who has already shaved her head for similar causes twice before. The small stage in the centre of the crowded cafeteria was set up with chairs as Thackeray laid out her equipment on a table. Ralph Aprile, V.P. of Facilities and Ancillary at Durham College, and Oshawa mayor John Gray were on hand to help with the hair cutting. Bruni’s wife and sons had also showed up to cheer their dad on. Soon it was time for the haircutting to begin, and everyone took their places on the stage. Cheers greeted the announcement of what was going on, as Bruni put his hair in pigtails in preparation for the big snip. Gray and Aprile Photo by Robyn DePratto LOCKS FOR LOVE: Ralph Aprile, V.P. of Facilities and Ancillary at Durham College, and Oshawa Mayor John Gray, prepare to cut 24 inches of Enzo Bruni’s hair to raise funds for cancer research. each received a pair of scissors, and got ready to begin. They grinned as, scissors in hand, they cut off the hair that had been growing for seven years. Cheers came from the crowd once again as they held up the newly shorn pigtails. Bruni grinned and ran his hand over his newly shortened hair, as his son Alex looked on and insisted he wanted to get his head shaved too, “So we’ll match dad”. That idea was put on the shelf though, and then it was Walker’s turn to face the scissors. Thackeray made quick work of her short hair with the buzzer before using a razor and shaving cream to finish the job. She too was cheered as she finished, and a toque with the ride’s logo was placed on her head. Then it was Bruni’s turn to have what little remained on his hair shorn off. Out came the buzzer again, as Thackeray went to work. The crowd laughed as she shaved a Mohawk into his hair, and said she was done. But his hair soon met the same fate as Walker’s. “It feels weird….it feels strange,” he said afterwards, again running a hand over his head. When all of the donations were tallied up, they had raised over $3, 500. For more information on the Motorcycle Ride for Dad, or Angel Hair For Kids, you can see their websites at http://motorcycleridefordad.org/, and http://www.achildsvoicefoundation.com/. Students flock to Whitby open house By Andrew Huska Chronicle Staff Durham College Whitby campus held its annual open house on Oct. 23 at the school on Consumers Road in Whitby. The campus opened its doors to prospective students of all ages and their friends and families. They could tour the school on their own or with student ambassadors and meet with professors and see demonstrations of various programs and courses. Programs like Electrical Technician, Gas Technician 2, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques, various Mechanical Technician and Techniques courses, Motive Power Technicians and Power Engineering Technician were all on display. As well, organizations like the Student Association, the Durham Lords varsity athletics program and representatives of the Financial Aid office and admissions were on hand to answer questions. Fourteen-year-old Tim Ellison, a Grade 9 student at St. Stephen’s Catholic Secondary School in Bowmanville, found the event helpful. “I’d say it has helped a lot,” he said. Ellison said he’s considering going into nuclear engineering. The school’s hallways were packed with more teens and their parents as they examined displays and went into classrooms, and where professors showed them the tools they would use if they decide to enrol in that particular program and what the requirements would be. However, some professors found that it wasn’t just the teens who were interested. “It’s been the parents more than the children who were asking questions,” said Tool and Die, General Machining professor Andrew Prior. “Some of them were not quite sure what to do, but that’s what the open house is all about.” Plumbing HVAC professor Jerry Wood said the crowds were pretty steady throughout the evening and he said he would always take time to explain apprenticeships because they’re so important. “What I like to explain is the courses are pathways to apprenticeships,” he said. “Most people don’t understand it’s on-the-job training, and they have to get the job in order to succeed later on.” Bet you don’t Spas, slippers and fashion at Know the Score Women’s Weekend Show By Krista Paxton Chronicle staff I’ll bet you 10 bucks you’ll be at Vendor’s Alley this week. The Responsible Gambling Council will visit Durham College Nov. 3 to 6, and display their Know the Score program in Vendor’s Alley. Know the Score is a program developed to address student gambling. Participants will complete a five-question quiz that focuses on the program’s four messages. Information will be provided between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and students can also enter to win prizes, including gift certificates to local restaurants and a $1,500 scholarship. The Know the Score website states that people between the ages of 18 and 24 are at the highest risk of developing a gambling problem. By Melissa Bies Chronicle Staff Oh yes, its ladies’ night. Actually, it’s ladies’ weekend. If you’re looking for something fun to do with your girlfriends, or the perfect holiday gift for your mom, sister or aunt, tickets to the Womens’ Weekend Show are perfect. The show will take place on Jan. 24 and 25 at the Ajax convention centre. Tickets are a hefty $199 a pop, but include a full weekend of spa services, a robe and slippers, fitness and dance classes, a professional bra fitting, fashion shows, and giveaways. Other services will be available for an additional cost, such as permanent make-up and bo- tox treatments. Chick flicks will be played and ladies will be able to sip on Cosmopolitan martinis while browsing through shops and displays, getting their hair done or taking yoga or belly dancing classes. There are 500 tickets available to the show. Tickets can be purchased at the Womens’ Weekend Show website at www. womensweekendshow.com. The Chronicle CAMPUS NEWS November 4, 2008 7 A Second Career is in sight By Krista Paxton Chronicle staff Thousands of Durham Region workers were laid off this past year, creating a landslide in an already rocky economy. But a program launched by the provincial government on June 2 is providing those workers a second chance. Ontario colleges, including Durham, kicked off Second Career this year, a program funded by the provincial government designed to retrain workers for success in an in-demand job field. “It’s a terrific option for people who may have been entertaining the idea for a long time, but didn’t necessarily have the funding,” said Sue Hawkins, Second Career coordinator at Durham College. Workers are eligible if they apply within 52 weeks of the lay-off date, and have no choice of getting a job in their community matching their skills. The road to a second career begins at an employment centre, which determines eligibility, and provides advice. Employment centres, such as VPI Employment Counselling Services in Oshawa, determine a person’s personality, aptitude, strengths, weaknesses and interests, guiding that person toward a suitable career goal. “At the employment centre you would be assigned a counsellor who would assist in completing the application,” said Hawkins. Whether people have big dreams or little direction, they can sit down with a counsellor and explore possibilities through a twoweek career exploration program. “We’re making sure we guide people from A to Z to ensure they go through all the proper steps,” said Enoch Ramsay, employment counsellor at VPI. “I sit down with Photo by Krista Paxton STANDING PROUD: Enoch Ramsay, counsellor at VPI Employment Counselling Services, helps recently unemployed people find work. them, find out their background and some of their interests.” From there short-and long-term goals are established. A long-term goal to pursue nursing could begin with short-term training in a nursing assistance program. Other Second Career programs include dental care, computer and information systems and finance, just to name a few. Successful applicants could receive up to $28,000 from the provincial government to cover tuition and living expenses. Funding is provided for a maximum of two years, and is intended for occupations requiring a college education. Counsellors also provide job market information, which is important to determine in-demand fields. Specifically in Durham Region where recent layoffs from General Motors and its feeder companies, such as Leer and Johnson Controls, have devastated the community. “For every one GM worker we see, it’s probably five to seven other feeder company employees that we see,” said Ramsay. “So it’s just a massive volume. But we give them hope in the midst of frustration, and try to deal with big life changes.” The next step is choosing a college. If the applicant selects Durham, Hawkins prepares an information package, which includes a breakdown of fees, program start and end dates, as well as scheduled breaks. The student will receive funding provided he selects a program that offers a minimum of 18 instructional hours per week, and completes it. Courses can be in-class or online. “It’s important to show support to the community,” said Hawkins. “With the Durham Region layoffs occurring, it’s a benefit to retrain.” Following diploma completion, employment counsellors regroup with the student for resume and interview building skills, referrals to job-finding clubs, and tips for tapping into the hidden job market. “We take them to the end,” said Ramsay. “A person can have a more effective job search than the average person who’s just sending resumes off online or dropping them off to employers.” VPI also offers assistance to workers who quit, were fired, or lost their job due to illness. Second Career provides choices, and allows workers to create a future disconnected from the whims of a poor economy. Ramsay often receives calls from clients who share program successes or achievements in a new career. “It’s absolutely amazing,” he said. “It makes it all worth it.” Bow your heads Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender students unite in remembrance By Jayme Quinn Chronicle Staff Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet are the beautiful colours of the rainbow. These seven colours also symbolize the diversity in the gay community. Durham College and UOIT have a social group that use these colours proudly, Pride. Pride has been on campus for five years and has 60 to 80 active members. The group gets together once every month and has movie and game nights. “We just want all the LGBTQ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning] to know there are others like us out there so our meetings let us get to know everyone,” said Claudette Charron, the group’s president. Charron has been the president for two years. She had never led a group before, so it has been a bit of a challenge, she said. She got involved with Pride because she thought it would be cool to meet students who had the same sexual preference as herself. “I saw a poster on the wall one day at school and I thought it would a great thing to meet other LGBTQ students’ since I didn’t know any,” said Charron. As president, Charron oversees the activities Pride are involved with, including the Positive Space campaign to raise awareness and visibility of safe and supportive places on campus for homosexuals and those questioning their sexuality. The campaign was started at Durham and UOIT two years ago, but it has been in many universities and colleges across Ontario. ‘ We just want all the LGBTQ to know there are others like us out there... ’ Claudette Charron “We hope one day to reach the levels that other universities and colleges have obtained.” said Charron The University of Toronto has had a Positive Space Committee since 1995. “Whether you are straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual or queer, putting a Positive Space sticker on the door of your office, on your computer, notebook, bulletin board, residence room or apartment means that you are contributing to the creation of an environment that welcomes sexual diversity,” said the UoT’s positive space website. “We also do awareness stuff such as promote World AIDS day by handing out pamphlets and safe sex kits,” said Charron. Group members also take part in diversity week and promote LGBTQ by handing out more safe sex kits and pamphlets. Along with the community involvement, they have their own group outings once every semester. They go out for dinner and have a night of fun at NEBS Funworld. “At the end of the year we take a bus to Toronto and hang out at the gay village for the day,” said Charron. The group has faced some challenges along the way, such as people not understanding what the pride button stands for or thinking they can’t support them because they are straight, she said. Pride has become a well-known group on campus and will continue to help out the community. Anyone interested in attending the monthly meetings they are held at the SA Service Center from 7 to 10 p.m. on November 11 By Amanda Press Chronicle Staff Every year, millions of people across the country take a moment to remember the soldiers who gave their lives and service to our country. Every year on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. we pay our respects to those who fought to make our country a better place. According to the Royal Canadian Legion, r3FNFNCSBODF%BZQBZTUSJCute to the Canadians who fought and died in the First and Second World Wars. r3FNFNCSBODF%BZXBTPSJHJnally called Armistice Day and was first conducted in 1919 as it commemorated the end of the First World War on Monday Nov. 11, 1918 r*O.1"MMBO/FJMJOUSPduced a bill that would place Armistice Day on a fixed day, Nov. 11 r ǔF CJMM BMTP DIBOHFE UIF name to Remembrance Day r ǔJT 3FNFNCSBODF %BZ marks the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War In Flanders fields... By Amanda Press Chronicle Staff Wearing a poppy not only shows respect towards veterans and fallen soldiers, but also all proceeds go directly to people who served our country that are in need. rǔFQPQQZêSTUESFXBUUFOUJPO as it was a flower that bloomed over the graves of fallen soldiers r ǔF QPQQZ JT B TZNCPM PG SFmembrance and a visual pledge to never forget all Canadians who gave their lives in war and military operations rǔFPŁDJBMTUBSUPGUIF1PQQZ Campaign is the last Friday in October r "MM QSPDFFET PG UIF 1PQQZ Campaign go towards ex-service people who are in need financially, as well as funds for medical appliances and research, home services and care facilities r ǔF DBNQBJHO JT POF PG UIF most important programs for the Canadian Legion rǔFQPQQZTIPVMECFXPSOPO the left side of a garment or close to the heart 8 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 CAMPUS NEWS Save money with student insurance Durham College students benefit on many medical expenses with SIP By Jonnel Briscoe Chronicle Staff The Student Insurance Plan is important for students whose families don’t have insurance coverage and also for those who would like to save extra money on medical expenses. Full-time students at Durham College are automatically covered by the benefits and can also opt out if they are covered by another company. ClaimSecure pays your drug, dental, and extended health care claims. The benefits run through Sept. 1-Aug. 31. Coverage includes: prescription, dental, ambulance, orthopedic supplies, and vision care. For pay-direct drug or dental claims the pharmacy or dentist needs to be presented with your group number 513974 and ‘D’ followed by your student number. The plan covers 80 per cent of prescrip- Photo by Jonnel Briscoe SELLING DRUGS: Vijay Pandya, campus pharmacist manager, assists Sherry-Ann Campbell, a Durham College student. tion costs. If students visit a doctor on campus and they are written a prescription, they can just present their student card and they automatically get the discount. For dental, on the other hand, 100 per cent of one examination and consultation, which includes X-rays and diagnostic services, is covered. But for minor restoration, extractions and oral surgery, the coverage is 75 per cent. Some of the dental coverage (at 10 per cent) includes root canal therapy, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Ambulance costs are covered at 80 per cent and paramedical practitioners are covered at 80 per cent up to a maximum of $300 each policy year. Some services such as psychologists, or speech therapists if recommended by a physician, may need a doctor referral, says Donna Judson, office co-ordinator for the SA. If you are already covered, Judson says you can opt out but if you miss the deadline you can use co-ordination of benefits with a second plan. You can use the plan to get coverage and you can claim whatever your balance is from the other company. Students who started school in September cannot opt out in January. January opt out is for January-start students only. Forms and booklets can be found online at www.your-sa.ca under services/health plan. Or Visit the SA office upstairs in the Student Centre. If you have any questions or need help with the forms contact Judson at donna. judson@dc-uoit.ca or call 905-721-0457 ext. 221 or email help@aclstudentbenifits.com. Stress help at campus health centre By Ryan Joseph Chronicle Staff Your partner just broke up with you last night, and on top of that you are stressed out over three mid-term tests this week , and a term assignment that is worth 15 per cent. You need help. For people who want to speak to a counsellor there are two available at the health centre ready to help students, staff, and faculty on campus. Dan Keeley has been a counsellor at the centre for two years. He works along side mental health nurse MaryAlice Harvey to help clients deal with stress, depression, anxiety, and difficult personal relationships. Issues that students can run into as a result of stress are lack of sleep, inability to concentrate, not eating properly, not being able to enjoy life or cope with disappointments. Harvey, who has been a counsellor on campus for seven years, specializes in personal ,and special needs counselling. “Some people might visit me once or twice, others might visit me every week,” Keeley said. Stress is a major issue with students during exam time, and when assignments are due as well. “Students become overwhelmed and can’t cope,” Keeley said. Some people might get Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter. They can become sensitive to light disappearance and climate changes, Keeley said. Techniques used to help clients include challenging them to open up about their issues, using attachment therapy that deals with family influences on a client’s life, and working on emotional reactions by discussing when there wasn’t an issue and how it was different. There is also trauma recovery where Keeley discusses with clients the affects of abuse in their life. Counselling services are free to students on campus. As part of the Student Support Plan (SSP) they also have access to counselling off campus. Students are guaranteed up to six sessions. Staff and faculty can also visit a counsellor on or off campus, but they are covered under the Employer Assistance Program (EAP). Sessions are confidential and no information is released without the students written permission. “If someone calls to ask about a meeting, that information can’t be released,” Keeley said. With confidentiality comes the rules of the game. If a person is a danger to themself or anyone else, or if people under the age of 16 are being neglected, Keleey must report it. Also if someone is in a court proceeding and meeting records get subpoenaed all information must be handed to the court. People can make an appointment by calling the health centre at 905-721-3037. Office hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keeley’s hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For emergencies after hours call 905-666-0483 or 1-800-742-1890. Keep fit and have fun at the DC/UOIT gym A full-fledged, free gymnasium on campus By Jamilah McCarthy Chronicle Staff Photo by Jamilah McCarthy PUMPING IRON: Nick Brown, a Durham College student and Durham Lords basketball player, works out on campus. With assignments and midterms running rapidly through the minds of most students, it’s easy to forget about the gym, but many students are spending money on memberships at other gyms when a gym with all the essentials for a healthier lifestyle is right here on campus. Having a gym on campus is convenient and more students need to take advantage of it. According to Kathleen Edwards, a facility supervisor, there are many advantages to working out at the Flex Centre. “It has a nice workout environment,” she says. The Flex Centre offers numerous weight machines and cardio equipment, and a track, which Edwards says, “is great for when winter comes.” Another advantage of the Flex Centre is that it is free for all UOIT/Durham College students. Most gyms have a monthly cost, which many students cannot afford. A free gym membership can lead to a stress-free and productive workout. Also the Flex Centre is not limited to UOIT/Durham College. Guests can pay a daily fee of $8, which is considerably less than other gyms. Nick Brown, a Durham College student, and member of the Durham Lords basketball team, says he loves the school gym. “I like that it’s spacious, it gives me the privacy I need to enjoy my workout.” Brown likes that the gym has been upgraded. “It’s not like we’re using old equipment”. Dave Parks, another DC student and Lords teammate, says, “It’s better than most gyms.” The Flex Centre’s hours are convenient for students to schedule their time around because it is open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. Besides all the equipment, the Flex Centre offers personal trainers and yoga, spin, and aerobic classes. The Chronicle CAMPUS NEWS November 4, 2008 9 Making a difference step by step By Jaspinder Kaur Jassal Chronicle Staff SHARE turned the campus orange and danced and cheered their way through Oshawa on Oct. 25 in the annul Gulu Walk. Two Canadians initially started Gulu Walk. Adrian Bradbury and Kieran Hayward did this to highlight the turmoil children face in Northern Uganda. These children walk each night to towns such as Gulu for fear of being raped, abducted or even worse killed by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel self-proclaimed Christian guerilla army. The walk began at noon at Memorial Park and ended at campus at 2 p.m. opening ceremonies started at 11:30 a.m and were led by UOIT students Rima Karam and Zaineb Al-Haddawai, who were this year’s project leaders for the event. Ithemba Choir from DC/UOIT was also in attendance and sang two beautiful songs that fit right into the cause. Members and mentees of SHARE also read stories dealing with real life issues that the children of Uganda have been affected by. One of the stories, titled Anthony, spoke about a boy who had lost Photo by Jaspinder Kaur Jassal PUTTING THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD: Walk participants, back: Sarah Crawford, Schenell Osario, Samantha; and in front Harkiran Jassal. one of his limbs due to all the work he was put through. A special guest speaker, nine-year-old Harkiran Kaur Jassal, a Grade 5 student at West Creek Public School in Pickering, gave a speech on how we all could be a reason for hope. “I want to help the children in Africa, so that they can live a happy life,” she said. Towards the end of the speeches, the entire SHARE team got on stage and performed their Gulu cheer, which had the entire crowd dancing. Although the forecast showed rain for the entire day, that did not stop those participating from walking. SHARE provided rain ponchos to walkers to prevent them from getting wet. Walkers could also purchase T-shirts and hats with all proceeds going towards Gulu. Those who had received pledges for $100 or more received free T-shirts at the event. Halfway through the walk, Anthony Boland, co-founder of the UOIT student group Boycott the Bottle, provided water for those walking in bio-gradable cups. With rain continuing to fall, that still did not stop the walkers from cheering- this team even louder. Kirandeep Singh Kainth, a former UOIT student, has attended the walks in the past and believes it is an amazing cause and that everyone should participate. “I am a reason for hope. If we don’t help who will,” said Kainth. Once students had arrived at the end location (UA East Atrium) they were greeting by SHARE leadership. Pizza and drinks were provided to those who made the finish line and Kiran Somjee the president of SHARE ending by thanking those who attended and donated. “I think that we were able to focus more on the real reason for doing the walk and the student body realized that, and we had incredible high spirits and a passionate response, which made the walk incredibly successful.” Shoes on show Somjee is giving her all when helping out By Shenieka Russell-Metcalf Chronicle Staff The Bata shoe museum will be kicking off its annual world kindness day fundraiser, the warm– the-sole sock drive on Nov. 13. The Bata Museum will be auctioning off celebrity-decorated socks on their website and all proceeds from this event will be given to Dixon Hall Resources and Support Services for Out of the Cold. For more details check out the Bata Shoe Museum website, www.batashoemuseum.ca. Kiran Somjee climbs to the top with SHARE By Jaspinder Kaur Jassal Chronicle Staff Unreal. The only word that describes one student’s experience with SHARE. Kiran Somjee started as a volunteer in her first year at UOIT and climbed her way up to the top with dedication. She is now the president. During her second year, Somjee joined the mentorship program and became more involved. It was then that she paired up with the co-founder and vice-president of SHARE at that time. “I had the honour and wonderful opportunity of shadowing Bilal Rabah,” said Somjee. Once you have become a mentee, you are given the opportunity to nominate yourself and others for a position on the executive team for the following year; Somjee ran for secretary and was elected. But this year Somjee was nominated for a higher position, president. “I ran for president because I believe in this organization and I believe it can make a difference in our community, in our school and in our world. And with that belief why wouldn’t I want to become a part of, and play a huge role in something so amazing?” Somjee said she was filled with mixed emotions upon being elected: joy, excitement and shock. “With such a role comes great responsibility, but it also comes with satisfaction and great joy.” SHARE’s main focus is on community outreach, and this year they will be introducing more events and activities that are humanitarian-based. Somjee has been busy working alongside her executive team in one of SHARE’s biggest fundraisers, Gulu Walk, which is held every year in support of children in Uganda.She recalls waking up one Tuesday morning to find out that SHARE was facing a financial obstacle with its first event, Gulu. “I was disheartened even telling them (SHARE members) and seeing their faces drop, but what followed was something miraculous and something amazing,” said Somjee. After a little discussion the team came up with different ways of raising funds for Gulu. “I saw a fire build up and passion arise like I’ve never seen before. I saw the true potential of our team, and the attitude of our executives. I saw a definition of our entire organization in each and every one of our faces.” Somjee believes strongly in her team and said that they are a huge motivation to her. “The passion in my heart, the passion in the eyes of our team, our potential and the vision of accomplishing our goals with that passion,” said Somjee about her team. Picturing the smiles on their faces shows her that each and every one of them is dedicated to making a difference. “I picture the faces of those whom we are fundraising for. I see them benefitting from what we are doing or the goal that we are trying to achieve. When I do that, I see a better world and that is what motivates me,” said Somjee. Somjee is off to a great start and cannot wait to introduce some of SHARE’s new projects. They will be partaking in some smaller events and smaller fundraisers for a variety of different campaigns. SHARE is growing in numbers each year, and is in the process of interviewing prospective mentees. Anyone can join. To learn more about the organization you can attend one of their weekly meetings or you could visit their official website www. sharedcuoit.org and email them at dcuoit@sharecanada.org. 10 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 11 12 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 CAMPUS NEWS Building a computer is easier than it seems By Cotey Paterson Chronicle Staff A nerd hunched over an open computer case with wires and cords dangling from his shoulder, sweat dripping from his face, fully equipped with a pocket protector, suspenders, glasses and sporting a beer gut, fiddles with his tools while watching Star Wars for the 1,000th time. That might be the image that comes to mind when thinking of someone who builds computers. But it doesn’t take a dedicated geek to build a system. Almost anyone can do it with ease. All it takes is a bit of reading and patience. Dave Grieder and Brad Diabo, or The Computer Innovators, own and operate a small computer store in Whitby where they sell computers and parts. They also provide technical support and information, build and repair systems and do onsite service for companies. When building systems, it’s im- portant to know “you get what you pay for,” says Grieder. “Like if you see a motherboard that’s 30 bucks and you see another that’s 70 bucks, it’s not that they jacked the price $40. There’s key differences in those motherboards,” he said. “So if you pay for a $30 board you get $30 of quality.” On top of a motherboard, the main board where everything plugs in and comes together, the necessary parts to start assembly are a processor, also called a CPU, memory, or RAM, a hard drive, where the operating system and files are stored, a case, which usually includes a power supply, an optical drive, like a DVD burner, and of course an operating system, like Windows or Linux. Mac OSX only works with Apple hardware and that is a completely different ball game. There is also the option of buying a video card for those hardcore gamers, or just getting a motherboard that has onboard video for basic office use and solitaire. The computer innovators don’t charge for labour when it comes to building a new system. Buying a computer from them is the same price as choosing parts and building it yourself, according to Diabo and Grieder. They make more money on repairs and service. “The main difference is if someone’s just trying to learn – then great – but if they’re just looking to get the tower together at a good price point then it makes no difference,” said Diabo. But you can easily save money by knowing which stores to buy from, finding parts online or buying used components from other people. “Soon you’re going to be able to buy computers at 7/11,” added Grieder with a chuckle. “Everybody sells them.” The average price for a basic office computer can range from $350 to $550, but a gaming system with all the bells and whistles can cost anywhere from $900 to $1500 and beyond. It depends how much power you need and how much money you can spare. “A lot of people only look at price when shopping for computers,” said Grieder. “They’ll look at a computer for $600 and one for $300 and they will get the $300 one just because it’s cheap. Then the computer won’t do what they need because it’s underpowered for what they’re doing and it’s unupgradable.” One choice you need to make is AMD or Intel. Like any industry, the computer market has plenty of competition and deciding on one of those two processor manufacturers can be important. They both have different CPU sockets and an AMD processor calls for an AMD motherboard and vice versa. But it’s mostly personal preference. Once all parts are ready and the case is lying flat with the door off, the first step is to screw the risers into the pre-cut holes on the case’s back plate. “Cases come with all the mounting hardware: the screws you’ll need to assemble it all,” said Grieder. Then take the bezel, a thin metal piece that comes with the motherboard where all the ports will stick out the back, and simply snap it in place. “You won’t be able to use the old one (the bezel) because every motherboard comes with their own,” he said. Before the motherboard is mounted on the risers, the processor and memory should be inserted. One thing to remember is that every component has an obviously shaped and labelled slot, so it’s hard to go wrong, says Grieder. The RAM is lined up to the appropriate long, thin slots and pushed until the clips click into place. As for the CPU, “You can see how there are little notches – you just line them up in the slot and it easily pops in there,” said Grieder. “There’s nothing to it.” The processor should be locked in with the small bar attached to the socket and the heat sink and fan, included with the CPU, gently placed on top of the chip and also locked into place. “Make sure the CPU fan is plugged in or it can get way too hot and fry,” said Diabo. “The hotter a system runs the slower it goes.” After the processor, memory and fan are firmly locked in, it’s time to mount the motherboard. The ports on the board are lined up with the holes in the bezel and the board is screwed in. If the board doesn’t include onboard video, which is optional, the video card is inserted into the slot under the processor and fastened to the case with a single screw. Any other cards, like an optional sound card, are plugged into the slots under the video and fastened in the same way. Then the hard drive and any optical drives are screwed into their appropriate cages. The last thing to do, and probably most complicated, is to connect the serial and power cables. Most components need two cords running to them, one for power and the other for information, and everything needs to connect with the motherboard in some way. First, you plug two cables directly from the power supply to the motherboard, one thick and one thin. Like all other cables, they only fit in one place. Then each component, like the hard drive and DVD drive, each get a power cable from the supply. Depending on how advanced the video card is it may need a power cable as well. Then thin serial cables are connected from the motherboard to the optical drives and hard drive, which have only one other port. Cards that are directly inserted into the board don’t require an info-type cable. Finally, the tiny wires that control things like the power and reset buttons on the front of the case are plugged into the motherboard. They are usually colour coded and labelled, too. After you successfully turn on the computer you can install an operating system, like Windows, by following the on-screen prompts. Building a computer may seem overwhelming, but in reality it’s a straightforward process. With a little research anyone can do it, not just the Star Wars nerd. If all this still sounds too complicated, check out the nearest 7/11. Beloved Green Party candidate dies in horrific drunk driving accident By Matt Bird Chronicle Staff Oshawa Green Party candidate Pat Gostlin died Oct. 26 in an accident involving a drunk driver. Gostlin, 58, was killed early Sunday morning when a van struck her car at the intersection of Park Road and John Street. According to a police report, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the van, a Bowmanville man, was uninjured. He has been charged with impaired driving and failing to remain at the scene of an accident. Gostlin ran for the Green Party in the recent federal election, tak- Photo by Cotey Paterson A HAPPIER TIME: Pat Gostlin was called full of life, kind and incredible by friends and family. ing roughly seven per cent of the votes in Oshawa riding. According to a press release by the Green Party, Gostlin was also “instrumental” in ensuring that party leader Elizabeth May got a spot in the televised leaders debates. The Chronicle CAMPUS NEWS Diwali lights the night Ontario Hindus rejoice By Jaspinder K Jassal Chronicle Staff It is similar to Christmas for some, but instead of a tree the main attraction is candles. Each fall Hindus and Sikhs all around the world celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This year it was held on Oct. 28. Although celebrated for two different reasons the religions celebrate in similar ways. Hindus celebrate Diwali to commemorate the return of their most worshipped god, Rama, after a 14-year exile in the forest defeating all evil. When he returned the people of his kingdom (Ayodha) they placed candles everywhere to celebrate the victory of good over evil within every human being. Sikhs celebrate Diwali because it was also on this day that the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, was freed from imprisonment along with 52 Hindu kings who were held as political prisoners. In October 1619 he became known as the Bhandi Chhorh (deliverer from prison). When he returned to his hometown of Amritsar The Diwali Festival of Lights t Diwali was previously called Deepawali, which in Sanskrit means row of lamps t Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights but it also stands for the new year of luck and wealth t Diwali will be held on Oct. 17 next year and Nov. 5 in 2010 t Buddhists and Jains also celebrate Diwali on Diwali, the Harmandar Sahib, also known as The Golden Temple, was lit with many lamps in celebration of his freedom. On Diwali, candles are lit around the house and families exchange gifts. “We put candles all over the house, which represents an invitation to the god of wealth to come in,” said Neha Mathur, a student at U of T, who is also Hindu. “We begin by having a Lakshami pooja (prayer) in the beginning and to- November 4, 2008 wards the end of week, family comes over and we have a party.” Not only do they celebrate among family but also both Hindus and Sikhs go to their places for worship. Once there they celebrate with others, light candles and listen to hymns before leaving to go home. “It’s a very joyous occasion. We dress up and spend time with our family. It is as though Christmas has come early,” states Simran Dhillon, a former DC student, who is also a Sikh. On Diwali night, skies are lit with fireworks. In some countries, such as India, England and Singapore, Diwali has become a national holiday. 13 Gallery opens in Toronto By Nicki Lamont Chronicle staff The new Art Gallery of Ontario will open next Friday, Nov. 14. The downtown Toronto gallery is revealing 110 galleries, which will hold over 4,000 pieces of art during the threeday weekend celebration. Opening day will have many events for students to attend, including the presentation of a partnership ceremony with Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. “There will be a round table meeting with new citizens of Canada to discuss the definition of what it is to be a citizen,” says AGO media relations representative Antonitta Mirabelli. The newly transformed AGO will have nearly 50 per cent more viewing space, including new rooms for the gallery’s main areas. Canadian, Contemporary, Prints and Drawing, and Photography will now each have their own section of the AGO. The public opening will last from Friday, Nov. 14 to Sunday, Nov.16. Durham students can attend the threeday event for free. For more information visit www.ago. net. Students celebrate Nov. 11 ceremony By Krystin Spittal Chronicle Staff Inspire, hope and remember. Luminarias will be sold in the UA atrium and Vendors Alley Nov. 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Remembrance Day ceremony Nov. 11. Students purchasing a luminaria will receive a ticket to the event, to be held from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. The ticket given may also be used to redeem a hot chocolate and baked good on the night of the event. On Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. the luminaria will create a lighted display around the reflective pond near the library. Drinks, performances and guest speakers will be there to entertain until 9 p.m. Luminarias are sold for $2 for one, or $5 for three. For more information, contact your Student Association. 14 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 CAMPUS NEWS Spend money, and build your savings One bank offers a saving plan for students By Beth Lafay Chronicle Staff Being a student and balancing priorities is never easy. It’s not difficult to get bogged down by all of the responsibilities. Juggling finances, school and having a so- cial life can get rather stressful, but once you get the handle on one the others tend to follow suit. The Pan Canadian Study of first-year college students shows that 47 per cent of respondents are very concerned about having enough money to pay for their education and living expenses and 43 per cent are concerned about paying back the debts accumulated during the study period. Scotiabank has come up with a plan to encourage saving by rounding up purchases and saving the difference. To get started, the first thing you need is a Scotiabank chequing or savings account with a debit card. Then a Money Master savings account will have to be set up. This Get the flu shot, it’s free By Ingrid Saravia Chronicle Staff Durham Region Health Department will provide free community flu vaccine clinics from Nov. 1 until Jan. 5. The health department will host 21 free walk-in community flu clinics at various locations throughout Durham Region. All residents six months of age and older are eligible for a free flu shot. According to the health department, it’s important for all eligible residents to be vaccinated against influenze, especially for households with newborn babies. Flu shots will also be available from most doctors’ offices and medical clinics. For more information on influenza call 905-666 6241 or visit www.region.durham.on.ca account is where all of the money saved goes and accumulates interest as well. From there all of the savings are up to the individual. For everything purchased with the debitcard, the amount of the purchase is rounded up to either $1 or $5 and the difference goes into the Money Master where it sits and gains interest. The more you use your card for purchases, the more money you will save. “It’s so simple, it doesn’t get any better than this,” says Bonnie Wood, customer relations representative at Scotia bank, Oshawa main branch. “When we ask student clients about saving they always say that they can’t do it, so we try and edu- cate everyone on the concept of saving what we call small wins,” says Wood. Small wins are a concept that was inspired by the Automatic Millionaire, David Bauch, author of the Automatic Millionaire series. “Small wins is a simple concept: save small amounts at a time and you are less likely to fail,” says Wood. “If you are on a tight budget you can save small amounts and increase it when you are ready.” With technology always advancing and everyone constantly swiping cards, Bank the Rest complements the Interac world. “This is a great program for students especially because not only do your savings gain interest, but the money is not locked into the account,” explains Wood. “If for any reason there is an emergency, all that has to be done is a money transfer. We find that clients are very comforted that their money is accessible if needed.” Bank the Rest also requires no additional fees. You just pay for your regular monthly account package, another penny-pinching way for starving college students to save money. “When incomes change, we call those lifestyles changes,” said Wood. “People are sometimes able to up their savings. One day they could be saving for a car, and a few months or years later a house. It’s great to see people through from the start to finish.” The Chronicle CAMPUS NEWS November 4, 2008 15 Evening of celebration McLeod gives poetry reading By Rachael Coombs Chronicle Staff It was a night of happiness, satisfaction, laughter and tears of joy at the Evening of Celebration on Oct. 24 at the Durham College Marketplace. The celebration commemorated students and faculty of the continuing education programs for their hard work and dedication. Decorations of golden gauze, leaves and pumpkins covered the ground and stage while providing a nice imitation of autumn. The Marketplace started to fill with family and friends as they waited for the honourees to enter and receive their deserved recognition. Leading the way for the honourees was a bagpipe player, dressed in authentic Scottish attire, who made quite an entrance by playing loud and clear. Master of ceremonies Nancy Martin, director of the school of continuing education, opened the platform for dean of the school of continuing education, Jeanette Barrett. “Today marks a momentous day in the history of continuing education at Durham College, as we gather together to celebrate an evening of celebration in honour of our students who have recently achieved a continuous education certificate or diploma and also pay tribute to our faculty for their years of service,” said Barrett. The awards were then presented to the excited faculty members. “Tonight is a tribute to the many faculty who have been with us for a great length of time. We have faculty who have dedicated themselves to their students for 10, 15, 20 and 25 years. We have great respect and admiration for the wonderful work that they do,” she said. Faculty were introduced by their name and their length of service to receive a certificate of gratitude. Many posed for pictures taken by their family members and friends when receiving their cer- By Robyn DePratto Chronicle Staff Photo by Rachael Coombs GRADUATION: Susan Scherbak poses with her parents who traveled from Nova Scotia for grad. tificate, each with a wide smile across their face. Some faculty who stood out for their many years of service were Kenneth Lomp, Tom Marley and Kim Sharpe, who all dedicated 20 years to providing education, and Tom Airey who devoted 25 years of service to the college. “Family and friends of the graduates, we know that you too have supported your graduate in many different ways. When they walk across the stage tonight, clap and holler as loud as you want, tonight is a celebration of their success,” said Martin. When graduates were presented with their certificates, the crowd yelled and clapped with excitement. One graduate’s family yelled out, “Go Mom!” Susan Scherbak, a graduate in the Counselling Techniques Certificate, was surprised onstage by her parents who travelled from Nova Scotia to be there. The heartstrings of everyone in the crowd were pulled as a unified “aww” flooded the room. Afterwards cake and refresh- ments were served and everyone in the crowd mingled and chatted with their fellow colleagues and classmates. Graduates were able to try on a robe and have their pictures taken with family and friends. Scherbak posed with her family, including her daughter Bailey, who journeyed from West Virginia to be there, as well as Scherbak’s parents who travelled to see her receive her award. They all smiled into the camera, and parents, Gertrude and Ernest Hindley, both glowed with pride. When receiving her award, Scherbak said that she heard her parents say to her onstage, “I’m so very proud of you.” With tears in her eyes, Scherbak said of her parents visit: “It’s very special.” Barrett said of the students who take the continuing education programs: “Usually they are individuals with families and jobs. If someone has been out of school for a long period of time, it can be daunting. I think that they are amazing.” Med Admin bake sale By Robyn DePratto Chronicle Staff It was time for some treats, and no tricks, when the students of the Medical Administration program held their Halloween bake sale on Oct. 27. Tables were covered in all kinds of delicious goodies, ranging from simple chocolate chip cookies to rice crispie squares elaborately decorated as graveyards. There was even a cookie that looked just like Jack Skellington from the Nightmare Before Christmas, and two different kinds of candy apples. Candice Schultz, one of the second-year students running the bake sale, said they were raising money for an event they were putting on as part of their communications course. They will be having three speakers at the event, and the money from the bake sale will go towards Photo by Robyn DePratto BAKED SUCCESS: Second-year Medical Admin students man the table at the bake sale. Proceeds go towards paying for class speakers. paying for it. “We invite the firstyear office admin students,” said Schultz. “We have to feed them and buy gifts for the speakers.” A rainy evening didn’t stop the poetry enthusiasts who came out on the evening of Oct. 27 to hear Trent professor Neal McLeod read from his latest book. The event started just after 6 p.m. in a room on the bottom floor of the Durham College library, and was part of the Writers Reading series. McLeod was reading from his latest book, Gabriel’s Beach, named in honour of his grandfather. He also read from two of his other published works; his first book of poetry called Songs to Kill a Whitokow, and another book entitled Cree Narrative Memory: From Treaties to Contemporary Times. McLeod told the group he wasn’t just a writer; he was also a professor, a filmmaker, an actor and a graphic artist. In fact, both books of poetry featured art that he had created himself. He said he had been writing all his life, but it wasn’t always an easy road. “I got about 15 rejection letters before I got published,” he said, adding that there were quite a few writers in his family. He began the reading with poems from his new book, the influence of his Cree heritage showing through in the Cree words mixed in with the English. The poems had several different subjects, from his grandparents, to native legends, and even one about Bob Barker. McLeod’s heritage was something he obviously took great pride in, having grown up on a Cree reserve, and he often interrupted the reading to tell stories and anecdotes. He laughed as he said joking was their national pastime, and talked about how his relatives often chided him, saying things like, “You haven’t even killed a moose yet; what kind of Indian are you?” He said what he enjoys most about writing is when stories resonate with people and make a real connection. He teaches at Trent University, in the Indigenous Studies department. Photo by Robyn DePratto THE ART OF WRITING: Professor Neal McLeod signs a copy of his new book Gabriel’s Beach. 16 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 17 CAMPUS NEWS Hip-hop rises from the ashes promotion and C.D. production. Jackson also records his own tracks from his basement studio in Courtice. While other artists show and tell, JackWhen it comes to making it in hip-hop, son, a.k.a. Michael Smith, has what it takes to Peter Jackson has a serious disadvantage show and prove, putting out mix tapes with – he grew up in a Shadyville Remiddle-class subcords and preparurban neighbouring for the release hood with two lovof his upcoming ing parents. He’s E.P. The Introducgot no dysfunction Nov. 14. tional family or life Opening up for of hardship to draw such major acts inspiration from. as Nas, Wu-Tang Despite this Clan, Jim Jones, handicap, Jackson Beenie Man, Lloyd has been creating a Banks, Joe Budlot of buzz around den, Jada Kiss and Durham. Rich Boy, Jackson The 23-year-old proves that deterAjax native is also mination really head of 90nickel can go a long way. Entertainment. He is set to travBased out of Durel across Canada ham Region, the with D12, Obie group of rappers Trice and Royce and DJ’s are lookDa 5’9 on the uping to make a name coming Never Say for Toronto on the Never Tour, joinworld map of hiping them Nov. 14 hop. at the Big Sexy in “We’re just tryOshawa. He will ing to do everythen set off on thing we can,” a 14-show tour Jackson said about making stops in 90nickel EntertainPhoto by Edith Zikmann Alberta, Manitoba ment. REPRESENT: Peter Jackson shows and B.C. He went on to off “The Hustlers Tears” while chatFor Jackson explain how much ting about his love of hip-hop. what started as a he loves hip-hop: childhood hobby “It’s all I do. I soon developed wake up hip-hop and go to sleep hip-hop.” into a full-fledged passion. Jackson really does live hip-hop, taking “I was 16, rapping at house parties, and I care of his own bookings, finding venues, really got into it...” By Edith Zikmann Chronicle Staff Students clubbin’ for a good reason VIP access with VIP Entertainment By Sarah Manns Chronicle Staff You’re in a club, the music is blaring, and you’re having an amazing time with your friends. What you don’t realize is that this exciting night is all for a good cause, all for a club on campus. The VIP entertainment club is “a club designed to promote social awareness though entertainment,” said club president Jeremy Lall, in fourth year of Mechanical Engineering and Management at UOIT. The club works with charities like the Canadian Cancer Society. It uses entertainment to help students become more aware of the community. Their most recent event was Jumpoff II, a pub that raised over $4,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. There are about 30 members in total and students can become involved by going on facebook or asking to join by e-mail. Lall said that students who want to get involved can help with promotions for upcoming events or other events the club may have going on. “It is a way for people to keep in touch with what’s happening in the community,” said Lall. They meet whenever there is an event to discuss, or when they feel the need to meet because they are always hanging out together, said vice president Mitch Fookwe. “The club is a very close-knit group,” said Fookwe. “We are all friends, we are all in the same faculty and we all have known each other since first year and we are all now in our fourth.” VIP Entertainment is only allowed to hold two events at EP Taylor’s a year because there are so many other clubs on campus that also need to hold events. Every one of their events sells out. They also collaborate with other clubs to try to help with other events. “We want to benefit the community as much as possible,” said Fookwe. “We would love to have more than two events, and we have applied for some but unfortunately we aren’t able to get any more.” According to Fookwe, the VIP Entertainment club is different than the rest of the clubs on campus. They play many different types of music, not just all-modern day music. “We have a different kind of vibe, a different kind of music that you would not usually hear on campus. We try to mingle everybody together so they can meet new people.” They are planning to branch out and work with more charities. “We mainly focus on the Canadian Cancer Society because a lot of us have been touched personally by it.” VIP is planning for their next event in early January, a meltdown event, which will be a pub night at EP Taylor’s. “If you look at the music, it’s really emotional and real,” added Jackson who is also constantly dropping mix tapes for Shadyville Records. Despite his accomplishments, he remains surprisingly modest. When asked if he had any advice for aspiring rap artists, Jackson replied with a chuckle, “I’m still aspiring myself.” “Don’t take no for an answer. Keep going at it. Keep doing what you’re trying to do,” he added. 18 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 19 20 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 CAMPUS NEWS Technology goes hands-free By Asmahan Garrib Reasons not to use a cellphone while driving Chronicle Staff The provincial government introduced new legislation on Oct. 28 proposing a ban on cellphone and GPS use while driving. If passed the bill will penalize drivers for talking or texting on a handheld device while driving. The bill is also targeting GPS systems used while driving as they also divert attention from the road. “I can’t count the number of times I’ve been texting while driving and looked up to see that I was drifting into the other lane or I’ve been stopped at a red light talking on my phone and didn’t realize the light turned green, ” said Melissa McDonnell, a paralegal student at Durham College. Cellphones are not just phones any more. People can talk, text, email, surf the web, upload pictures, play games and much more with their phones. These distractions make drivers four times more likely to crash, according to an Ontario Medical Association study. “The ban probably won’t stop me from using my phone while driving,” said Dina El-Halabi, a former Durham College student. “I’ll just be more cautious of police when I’m doing it.” The legislation recommends penalties like demerit points and t 4MPXFS sponse time t tion BUUFO- %JWFSUT SF- t 3FEVDFT GVODUJPOBMmFMEPGWJFX t 2VBESVQMFT SJTL PGDSBTIJOH t *ODSFBTFT USBGfic violations Source: Ontario Medical Association Photo by Asmahan Garrib REBEL ON THE ROAD: Dina El-Halabi on the phone and on the road. fines up to $500 if caught driving while using a cellphone or handheld GPS. Instead drivers should use hands-free devices, like a Bluetooth earpiece, a speakerphone or a mounted GPS. “People will always find a way around these laws,” said El-Halabi. “Texting is huge right now and you can’t text message on hands-free devices. If anything the ban will just make the roads more dangerous because instead of using my phone up near the windshield so I can also keep my eyes on the road, I will text down by my lap, so it will be harder to pay attention to the road.” Vehicle manufacturing companies have taken the potential danger of handheld cellphones into consideration. “GM made all of their vehicles OnStar equipped,” said Nicole Jones, an OnStar customer service representative. “This includes a hands-free phone built right into the vehicle and turn-by-turn directions, so instead of looking away from the road to a map or GPS system, a voice tells drivers when to turn as they drive.” Even with hands-free devices, driving while talking on the phone is still a distraction. The number of times drivers checked their mirrors and gauges declined when they were talking on hands-free phones, according to a 2007 study by the Accident Analysis and Prevention journal. Transportation Minister Jim Bradley developed the bill and if passed Ontario will follow Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador in banning cellphones while driving. The Chronicle November 4, 2008 21 E NTERTAINMENT Regent Theatre receives makeover Durham College-UOIT Chronicle By Krista Paxton Chronicle Staff Drop the red from red carpet and what do you have? The Regent Theatre’s Grand re-opening on Oct. 25. Ticketholders turned up expecting a red carpet event, but were greeted with a no carpet event, outside or inside, as construction workers raced to lay the last of the indoor flooring. Councillor Louise Parkes stooped in her evening gown to retrieve stray pieces of drywall from the theatre, for which she fought eight years to have restored, as her husband Darryl Sherman, owner of Wilson Furniture and an Oshawa BIA board member, vacuumed the remaining debris in his suit and tie. “We’re seeing the vision become real and tangible,” said Parkes. “It doesn’t matter if the drywall isn’t finished, the whole community came out to help, and the theatre will be the heart of the downtown.” In a race to the finish, Parkes called out to the community the day before the opening, and 200 volunteers arrived to lend a hand. Opening night they returned in evening clothes, greeted by a valet service, and caterers roaming the sidewalk offering a variety of appetizers. Then they waited. And waited, and waited, and waited. Delayed for two hours VIP guests, whose ticket purchase included dinner in the theatre’s upstairs mezzanine, mingled in the crisp October breeze. But there was certainly no lack of warmth. “Our daughter got us the tickets for our birthdays,” said Fran, an Oshawa resident, who preferred not to give her last name, and arrived with her husband Danny. “We think it’ll be great and we’re pleased the theatre’s open. There are a few little hiccups, but it’ll be okay.” Community spirit spread into Photo by Krista Paxton OPENING NIGHT: Owner Glyn Laverick and Director of Operations Lara Wiechula pose together for the Celebration Gala of The Regent’s grand re-opening. the local restaurants, and Avanti Trattoria offered ticketholders a complimentary cocktail for a more enjoyable wait, said Mark Wigmore, Regent publicist. Sherman, who unveiled the newest stone in Oshawa’s Walk of Fame, also cushioned the wait. A town crier adorned in an 18th century style blue robe, complete with white breeches and a handbell summoned the crowd. “Hear ye, hear ye,” he called as people gathered around Sherman and Walk of Fame inductees, Barry Authors and Howard Swinson. The Oshawa men performed their comedy act worldwide, from Oshawa’s Biltmore Theatre to the London Palladium, Paris’s Moulin Rouge and the Chicago Playboy Club throughout the 40s, 50s, and 60s. The Regent first opened 89 years ago on Oct. 16, 1919. It was constructed in Georgian Architecture, distinguished by a symmetrical style, for $100,000 by Norman McLeod Ltd. The original facade was restored with a modern twist on the box office and front entrance canopy, painted a deep copper with brass ornamentation. The interior boasts 700-person, red velvet seating, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, wheelchair accessibility and updated fire and safety exits. It will also include central air rather than the original cooling system, which consisted of fans blowing cool air from blocks of ice. The swarm of people bustling about the sidewalk was reminiscent of the Regent’s former popularity, said Mayor John Gray. “There would be people lined up in great crowds every Friday and Saturday night,” remembers Gray. “They understand it’s not completely finished, but they see what it could be when it is finished. Everyone should be proud of this grand old lady.” And though shivering and anxious, a cheer erupted from the crowd as the last of the construction workers trickled out, and staff began ushering in guests. Rows of champagne lined the beverage table that awaited ticketholders in the front lobby, with its unfinished walls covered with bur- gundy tablecloths, and the smell of fresh paint wafting through the air. “It’s been one big push to get it all done,” said Regent owner, Glyn Laverick, who purchased the derelict, old building for $700,000, and saved it from demolition. “There’s things you don’t expect that come up, and it doesn’t matter how many hours a day you want to stay up, there never seem to be enough. But it’s wonderful and everyone’s been so supportive.” Finally the curtains to the main theatre were drawn back, and the excited crowd crossed the threshold into Oshawa’s (almost) fully restored Regent Theatre. The walls were half painted, a ladder leaned against the mezzanine, and masking tape marked the rows, but the soft glow from five chandeliers hung from the original ceiling medallions combined with community spirit added the finishing touches. “It’s better than having an empty building, and it’s all part of the fun,” said Oshawa resident Tricia Nokes, of the Regent’s unfinished state. “Timelines sometimes work and sometimes don’t. I came and saw Friday the 13th here in the ‘80s, and it’s great to see the building come alive again. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” Ready or not the show must go on, and go on it did. Dr. Draw, the first act to ever perform in Oshawa’s new entertainment venue, exploded onto the stage and enthralled the audience with a booming performance and continued into the night for performances by five-time Juno award winner David Usher and Leahy, a celtic-pop group from Lakefield. “It’s wonderful,” said Laverick. “Not only seeing the revitalization of the Regent Theatre, but the revitalization of downtown. This is the place to come, this is where it’s going to happen, this is where it’s going to blow.” Blue Rodeo impresses audience Rappers By Melissa Bies Chronicle Staff Award-winning Canadian band Blue Rodeo performed in Oshawa on Oct. 24. It was the first time the band has played a show at the GM Centre, which opened in 2006. But Blue Rodeo is not unfamiliar to Oshawa. “Blue Rodeo has been my favourite band for 15 years,” said an enthusiastic fan, sitting front row centre, waiting for the show to start. “It’s great that they still play in Oshawa. I used to go see them at the Civic years ago.” The band is no stranger to the hockey team that these venues have been home to, either. “How are those Generals doin’ tonight?” lead vocalist and guitarist Jim Cuddy asked the crowd. But the crowd was too busy enjoying the concert to know or care about the score of their Photo by Melissa Bies BLUE RODEO: Canadian Band plays for first time at Oshawa’s GM Centre for enthusiastic audience. hometown hockey team’s game that night. Thousands of fans formed the crowd that seemingly had no uniformity, aside from smiles, applause and lip-syncing along to the music. Elderly men and women with salt-and-pepper hair enjoyed the songs of Blue Rodeo snug in their seats, while teenagers and twenty-somethings sang and danced beside them. After the band performed old favourites intertwined with new songs from their latest album, Blue Road, front man Greg Keelor stepped ahead of his microphone. He walked to the front of the stage and strummed the first few chords of their hit song Hasn’t Hit Me Yet, and let the audience take over the lead vocals. That’s when the whole crowd, every age level, stood up to sing along. The open area behind the floor seats became a dance floor and fans danced and sang along to their favourite Blue Rodeo tune. After a short break, the crowd cheered for an encore. They closed the night with Lost Together, which, if possible, brought the fans in the crowd together even more. Lighters lit up the GM Centre and fans put their arms around each other’s shoulders to sway, sing and get lost in the music. Blue Rodeo continues its tour, making stops in Orangeville, Guelph and Brampton. at Big Sexy By Edith Zikmann Chronicle Staff Local hip hop artist Peter Jackson will be performing with rappers D12, Obie Trice and Royce da 5’9 live at the Big Sexy Nov. 14 for the Never Say Never tour. Jackson will be joining the 14 show tour as it travels across Canada. He is from Ajax and is head of 90nickel Entertainment. He has opened up for such well known acts as the Wu-Tang Clan, Jim Jones, Nas, Elephant Man, Beenie Man, and Lloyd Banks. Over $2,000 in free prizes will be given away all night. Doors open at 9 pm. For tickets call (905) 706-4827 or visit thebigsexy.ca 22 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Walk of Fame comedians By Krista Paxton Chronicle staff Bubbling with humour and filled with the familiarity of an old married couple, Barry Authors and Howard Swinson reminisced about their rise from class clowns to worldwide comedic performers. “Howard likes that one,” said Authors pointing to a scrapbook picture of Swinson posing in a short dress. “That’s when we started 60 years ago.” The Oshawa natives returned home for their induction into Oshawa’s Walk of fame at the Regent Theatre’s grand re-opening on Oct. 25. A crowd gathered around the comedians outside the Regent’s entrance as Darryl Sherman, owner of Wilson Furniture and an Oshawa BIA board member, whisked away a shroud unveiling the first Walk of Fame stone to be placed in front of the theatre. “It’s fantastic,” said Authors. “We’re just sorry our parents couldn’t be here. They would have been so proud.” The ceremony continued inside the theatre as Mayor John Gray formally introduced the duo. “Tonight’s ceremony marks the homecoming of Oshawa’s two sons, Barry Authors and Howard Swinson,” said Gray. The audience exploded into applause as Authors and Swinson took the stage together for the first time in 45 years. Performing a short song entitled “The Oshawa Man” the comedic pair slid right back into a familiar gig, entertaining the crowd who clapped along with the chorus. “You have sort of a common feel for what you’re doing,” said Authors of the relationship. “It’s something that can’t be taught, it’s something that happens by accident. We had that when we were young, we seemed to know what the other was thinking all the time. “The same wavelength sort of thing,” added Swinson. From the get-go the pair were Photo by Krista Paxton INDUCTEES: Oshawa Walk of Fame inductees Barry Authors and Howard Swinson performed comedy acts during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. natural comedians, performing at parties and showing off for their friends. Their antics led to local performances at Oshawa’s Jubilee Pavilion, the Avalon Dance Hall and the Biltmore Theatre, where they won a talent contest in 1949. The teens became local celebrities, miming and satirizing the bigname stars of the day. One such star was Spike Jones. “We had the most amazing thing happen, which if you think about it was quite unbelievable,” said Authors. “When we were kids Spike Jones, he would be the equivalent today of Brittney Spears, had a comedy band. We went down to the corner little rat-tat coffee shop, and the entire Spike Jones orchestra was in there because their train had broken down. Here, in Oshawa.” Star struck, Authors and Swin- son followed Jones to the Toronto Exhibition grounds. At the CNE they stole first place in a talent show, but their Canadian careers were short-lived. “We were very, very successful when everyone was discovering us, and it looked like we had a great career in Canada,” said Authors. “We had dozens and dozens of bookings,” added Swinson. “But we had to cancel them all. They couldn’t stop us from working, but the Musicians Union said we were depriving their musicians of performing, because they couldn’t do what we were doing.” Musicians at the time couldn’t emulate the comedians’ style, which was “canned” music, stopping and slowing records, and performing mime. The union threatened to blackball any club that used mimes, forcing Authors and Swinson from the city. Unabated, the duo headed for the US. They picked up gigs at the Palace in New York City, and became the youngest comedy team to appear on American television when they debuted on WBEN TV in Buffalo. But adversity re-appeared, this time in the form of the Korean War, and the U.S. Army attempted to draft the young men into the military. “They were going to conscript us into it (the army),” said Swinson. “Because why should we, Canadians, foreigners, come into their country, we’re young men, and their men were going to war. I could see their point. So we had to leave.” Blackballed from Canada, and war-bound in the U.S., the comedy team headed overseas to England where their situation didn’t improve. “It was Authors, they hadn’t got around to Swinson,” said Swinson. “We gotta get out of Britain,” he laughed remembering another close draft call. Chased from three countries, the comedy team finally landed in France, and performed at Paris’s Moulin Rouge. In Europe they flourished in the array of live theatres. Returning, safely, to Britain they performed at the London Palladium, and then to the U.S., where they performed their final show in 1963 at the Playboy Club in Chicago. “By the end of the ‘50s that was it,” said Swinson. “We just decided to go our separate ways to do different things.” Times were changing as they often do, and theatres, bars and nightclubs were closing their doors to live performers. Television had taken North America by storm, and live acts were suffering in comparison. “In the old days you’d go to a lounge in Vegas and there’d be lounge acts,” said Authors. “No more, they’re gone. The business just changed. Unless you were a superstar, you couldn’t find places to work.” Authors and Swinson saw the writing on the wall, but they quit on their own terms, and went out on top. Swinson successfully pursued advertising, film and television, and acted in hundreds of commercials. His first film, April, will debut next year. Authors pursued music, and wrote the hit song No Charge, which knocked ABBA from number one on the Billboard charts. He also wrote the screenplay for Mee-Shee: The Water Giant, which hit the big screen in 2005. Oshawa residents were thrilled to honour Authors’ and Swinson’s addition to the Walk of Fame. The comedy duo bowed to thunderous applause in the city where their dream began, and the country that never tried to ship them off to war. Xmas tree New sound, new edge, new CD Roll with it, Riot Radio lighting ceremony in Oshawa By Shayna Brown Chronicle Staff By Lynn Wayling Chronicle Staff ‘Tis the season – the Christmas season that is. And the City of Oshawa marks the start of the holidays with its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. On Nov. 20, at Memorial Park in Oshawa, the lights will be officially switched on. Admission is free and there will be entertainment for children, free hot chocolate and even a visit from Santa Claus. The festivities start at 6:45 p.m. and more information can be obtained by calling 905-436-3892. With the release of their new album, Appeal to Reason, Rise Against continues to belt out their politically sound lyrics, showing no guilt as they bust the balls of America – and busting them good. Touching on hot topics like war and global warming, the once indie band from Chicago clearly expresses their feelings towards the American government and the state of the world. Inside the pages of the album cover the band’s message and intent illuminated with a quote from the Declaration of Independence: “That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it.” The band starts off the album with a song that not only points fingers and provokes guilt of the government, but of the people as a whole. Collapse (Post Amerika) addresses the deterioration of the environment calling it “cardiac arrest” saying we are “a world to proud to admit its mistakes.” This album tones down Rise Against’s once hardedge punk rock sound compared to their previous album The Sufferer and the Witness, but keeps the Rise Against feel. It’s easy to get into the album with the rhythmic beats, the heart stopping riffs and the catchy yet empowering lyrics. I found myself singing along and rocking after only the first listen. From one song to the next Appeal to Reason is blunt and by no means tries to sugar coat the band’s message. The song Hero of War really hits home by means of getting your attention, playing on your emotions. It depicts a young man going off to war who ends up torturing a captive and killing an innocent woman saying “A hero of war, Yeah, that’s what I’ll be, And when I come home they’ll be damn proud of me.” The band is clearly socially and politically charged and aware, what I think fans love. They stand up for what they believe. Once again the band proves their talent as artist taking a risk with a new sound and a new edge, but still delivering another easy listening rock out album. By Nicki Lamont Chronicle staff Durham College’s Riot Radio is hosting Roll With It! on Nov. 7. The musical showcase will go live-to-air from E.P. Taylor’s and will feature the sounds of The Press Play Lifestyle Group, J-CLX, Space Is For Stars and The Ocean Buried, among others. “This is the first show that the Riot Radio is putting live on air,” says Music Business Management student Scott Stewart, who is working the sound at the show. “It’s going to be a great show.” The event starts at 8 p.m. and is scheduled to run until 2 a.m. Tickets are only $5 and will be available at the door. For more information about Roll With It! and other Riot Radio events, visit www. theriotradio.com. The Chronicle ENTERTAINMENT NEWS November 4, 2008 23 What it takes to be in the army The story of a soldier By Liisa Sahamies Chronicle Staff While most students are worrying about exams and surviving their social life, soldiers your age will have to worry about dodging bullets and just surviving. Ever since he was young, Private Andrew Brown from Whitby knew he wanted to defend and protect Canada. “I knew I wanted to join when I was in Grade 6, but no one really believed me,” Pte. Brown said. “I liked history, liked everything about the army, and I want to help people.” Pte. Brown is a member of the Good times, good movies By Shenieka Russell-Metcalf Chronicle Staff John Arkelian, professor and film critic for Artsforum newspaper, will be featuring movies for $2 in the Gordon Willey building, room C-113 on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. Cinechats has been supported by the school of Media, Art and Design, Durham Council for the Arts and Artsforum. The Cinechat crowds have viewed more than 78 films since its start in March 2005. Audiences have ranged from 38 to 58 people, depending on the night and the film being viewed. Cinechats features film festival type movies that haven’t been put out commercially in Durham Region. The Toronto Film Festival has more than 300 movies. Most of them aren’t released because they don’t have distributors. A lot of these films disappear. There have been exclusive private screenings of international movies from Australia, Argentina, Italy, Iceland and many other countries, that have never been viewed in North America. “I pick movies that make you think and feel something,” said Arkelian. “Hollywood churns out countless movies. Some are better than others and they all vary in quality. How often do you see something that really moves you?” first battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment, and has been there for over a year. His battalion is preparing for deportation to Afghanistan where there are already about 2,500 Canadian soldiers, switching up about every six to nine months. A tall, lean 20-year-old from a large family, he supports himself in Petawawa where he bought his own car, pays for his own insurance and recently bought his own house with some friends. Pte. Brown has tackled responsibilities that most don’t expect until their mid-20s. College and university students have two to four years to grow up and become a responsible adult. Most soldiers only have one year of training before they are forced into grown-up responsibilities, he said. Students burn minimal calories as they run from class to class, and muscle tone isn’t critical for working a keyboard. But fitness is important to be successful in the Canadian Forces. “Monday and Wednesday is usually a run or circuit training day…I show up for work at 7:45 a.m. where we have a Company Parade. Basically we line up in rank and file within our platoons, and then we go for our run. A typical run is six kilometres or more usually at a decent pace depending who’s in charge. Sometimes it’s a 10 kilometre sprint, but as you can imagine, it’s insane.” Pte. Brown said. “…And not many people finish with the main (pack). After that we are usually back by 8:45 a.m. and get dismissed to go shower and eat and we are due back at 10 a.m.” If you think hauling your heavy books looking for your next classroom on campus for an 8 a.m. class while trying to juggle your coffee is hard, then listen to this: every Tuesday and Thursday Pte. Brown has to endure combat physical training. In their camouflage uniforms the soldiers go on a rucksack march that is usually around eight kilometres. Carrying about 40 pounds of gear in their backpack. After that the soldiers have to attend classes associated with the forces training, until lunchtime. After lunch, if their leadership is up for it, they can work out or play sports in the gym. “Friday is our maintenance day so we do our parade at 8 a.m. And then it’s a matter of making sure any vehicles we have signed to us are in working order, our weapons are cleaned and maintained, and then we clean up the company area,” Pte. Brown stressed. Right now, Pte. Brown is going for his LAV III Turret Operator course. Canada’s LAV III is a combat vehicle used to transport infantry on the battlefield while giving defensive protection and offensive firepower. “In short I’m going for the gunner for the LAV III, so all my training for a few weeks will be about how the turret works and how to properly maintain it and I will need to know about the 25 mm Canon,” said Pte. Brown. The LAV III canon can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour. “When everyone was doing work for training for overseas they went to Texas and they were in the mountains for a month straight. Walking roughly 16 kilometres a day every day, and sometimes participating in a raid or ambush scenario so it can get tiring at times” said Pte. Brown. He was not allowed to join his battalion on the trip because of a serious leg injury. One of the most serious of the many injuries he acquired while in the forces. “My roommate is going over. He got the call… It looks like it’s going alphabetically, so it looks like I might be next.” 24 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Move over Timbaland, Ajax hits charts By Jamilah McCarthy Chronicle Staff It’s not an ordinary desk that Tyler Williams sits at in his home in Ajax, or an ordinary computer that he uses. His Yamaha keyboard is not something he plays as a way to pass the time when he is bored. As a matter of fact there is nothing ordinary about the tools Williams uses because for this music producer they create magic. Working with major music artists, Williams is on the verge of becoming Canada’s answer to renowned music producer Timbaland. Last year Williams gained notoriety for his production on the hit Canadian single Replacement Girl, by Degrassi star Aubrey Drake Graham and R&B star Trey Songz. Since then he has been in high demand. Today he is working with an impressive to say the least. He is working with Southern Hip-Hop star Ludacris. He is also songwriting with R&B sensation Chris Brown. Other artists include former Destiny’s Child member LeToya Luckett, J.Holiday, Lil Scrappy, members of R&B group 112, Grammy winner Mya, and Chamillionaire. He recently finished a song for Hip-Hop star Plies’ upcoming album, The Realist. An artist that he would like to work with is Usher he says, “ I grew up listening to a lot of Usher.” Though he tends to produce a lot of urban music he says, “ A true producer can go from genre to genre and create good music.” He says he has no specific sound because he doesn’t like to limit himself to one style. Singers will often tell tales of the singers who inspired them, so it is only natural that producers have Photo by Jamilah McCarthy PRODUCER: Tyler Williams sits with his Yamaha keyboard at his home in Ajax where he has all of the equipment to create the magic. Williams is currently busy working with such famous artists as Ludacris, Chris Brown, Lil Scrappy and Chamillionaire. producers they have looked up to. Williams says the main producers he admires are Quincy Jones, because “he popularized the synthetic sound that is so popular today.” R&B producer Bryan Michael Cox, and Danja, Timbalands protégé who became famous for his work with Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake. This young producer is not a one-trick pony. Besides producing, he also song writes, and plays three instruments, the guitar, keys, and the drums. Though he says he doesn’t All we want for Christmas By Shenieka Russell-Metcalf Chronicle Staff The Salvation Army’s campaign to help the less fortunate begins with the Christmas kettle. The Salvation Army in Oshawa is looking for volunteers for the Adopt-aKettle program; this program provides food, clothing and Christmas assistance for the less fortunate. “ All we want is their time,” said Ivan Downey, director of Community and Family Services in Oshawa. Volunteers for Adopt-a-Kettle make sure they are always beside the kettle for safety reasons and of course, to inspire community members to donate cash or cheques. “The campaign will run from mid-November until Christmas eve,” said Downey. There is a dress code but it just includes the Salvation Army vest with the emblem on it, so people know you are representing Salvation Army, says Downey. Lending a helping hand to oth- ers will not only make you feel better but it will add some Christmas joy to the lives of those who truly need the help. According to the 10 good reasons to give to the Salvation Army section of their website, they connect your donation directly to the point of most urgent need. For more volunteer opportunities with Salvation Army, check out the website at www.salvationarmy.ca. To volunteer with Adopt-a-Kettle in Oshawa, call Laura McDougall at 905-723-7422. know what the future holds, in 10 years he would like to own a production company and have his own song-writing team. Williams started out making beats in his basement, and now this Ajax native is doing it for a living. He is working with success- ful artists, and creating the music he wants to create. He is a hard worker, and with the combination of hard work, and an abundance of talent, it seems as though his next musical appearance will be at the top of the charts. Salvation Army Facts: • The Salvation Army in Canada has helped more than 1.5 million people last year in Canada and in Bermuda • As the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada, last year the Salvation Army assisted 863,000 persons with food, clothing or practical assistance • 2.3 million meals were served through Salvation Army donations • 2, 660 children were sponsored through Salvation Army initiatives and programming in developing countries • 1.4 million volunteer hours were provided by the Salvation Army DRPS get recognized for outstanding work By Amanda Allison Chronicle Staff The sixth annual Durham Regional Police appreciation dinner and awards night, held on Oct. 23, honoured the region’s finest officers. Deer Creek golf and banquet centre hosted the event. The dinner allows the community to recognize the outstanding work of the men and women in the service. It also helps raise funds for community policing programs, like the Racing Against Drugs child education pro- gram, Special Olympics Ontario and the DRPS Food and Toy Drive. $400,000 has been raised since 2003 through corporate sponsors, donations and table sponsors, like Durham College. This year’s event honoured Constable Josh Conner, Constable Ron Crouch, Constable Andrew Tummonds, Constable Bradley Browne and Sergeant Tom Hart. Also celebrated were those involved in the Nuclear Security Division project, a post-9/11 security program for Ontario Power Generation, and Projects LYNX and MERLIN Project LYNX and MERLIN were joint forces investiga- tions into drug trafficking in the Durham area led by the Drug Enforcement Unit. Project LYNX resulted in 30 arrests, 130 criminal charges, seized $6 million worth of a variety of drugs and led to the discovery of 4,400 mature marijuana plants worth $4 million. Project MERLIN broke a drug smuggling network that was importing cocaine into Canada via Pearson Airport. Two hundred and fifty charges were laid and more than $3 million worth of cocaine was seized, along with 12 firearms. The Chronicle ENTERTAINMENT NEWS November 4, 2008 25 Another game adaptation failure Payne goes minimum with PG13 By Matt Bird Chronicle Staff Even Marky Mark can’t save this one. Max Payne is the latest in a long line of video game to movie adaptations, and like many past attempts at a successful conversion this latest John Moore flick fails in so many ways. Max Payne is the story of its titular character, a hardcore cop who lost his wife and child three years prior in a home invasion. Having Moving to the sound of Robyn By Jamilah McCarthy Chronicle Staff A decade ago a Swedish pop princess by the name of Robyn came onto the scene. Her music was catchy and produced a few top 10 hits, but she was buried deep into a shadow when fellow pop stars Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera far surpassed her successes and became international superstars. Today Robyn is back with a brand new sound and long gone are the days when her music could be compared to any cookie cutter former mouseketeers. Robyn’s new self-titled album is an eclectic mix of Pop, Dance, R&B, and funk music. This time around Robyn is moving to the beat of her own drum. “ It’s a good thing tears never show in the pouring rain, as if a good thing ever could make up for all the pain”, a line from the song “Be Mine”, is just one of many examples of Robyn’s strong and clever songwriting skills. Tracks that are definite standouts on the album are: “Bum Like You”, a dance tune about loving a man even if he is a loser, “With Every Heartbeat”, a heartfelt dance-pop ballad about the pain of moving on, “Handle Me”, a song about female empowerment, and “Be Mine” a powerful track about an unrequited love. Though some songs are better than others the entire album is worth listening to. killed two of the invaders on the scene, Payne is left to hopelessly hunt down the last perpetrator – and that’s where the movie picks up, as Payne catches the scent of a trail that had seemingly gone cold. What follows is a series of gun battles punctuated by strings of plot that more or less make sense, but generate false leads in an attempt to confuse viewers as to who the actual killer of Payne’s family is. Unfortunately the real killer’s identity seems so stereotypically obvious that I figured it out not long after the character was introduced. Perhaps I’ve just watched too many murder mysteries. Most people, however, will probably watch Max Payne for the action scenes, and they’re admittedly well done. Bullets fly fast and furiously at every opportunity, and it seems as though every last person in the movie has a weapon. Payne himself usually carries around two handguns – one small, one almost ridiculously large – and by the end of the movie he magically procures a pair of machine guns, both of which he discards moments later for a shotgun I swear he’d not been carrying moments before. And perhaps that’s a throwback to Max Payne’s video game roots. Shooting games generally feature characters with entire arsenals in their pants pockets. What really annoyed me, however, is that I never once saw Payne reloading his weapon: in one gun battle he must have fired his pistol at least forty times, while running, and not once did he swap clips. But the bad guys did. The main villain had two fortuitous ammunition failures while firing at Payne, and in both cases a successful assault probably would’ve done the cop in. That’s some good timing right there. What’s more, most of the villains went down after one shot from Payne’s weapons, but Payne managed to take a shotgun blast to the stomach and kept on ticking. Perhaps his name is indicative of more than just poor taste by his parents? Mark Wahlberg is passably good as Payne. He has the proper take-no-crap attitude that we expect from guys with murdered families. Problem is, he retains that attitude throughout virtually the entire movie, which gets a bit boring after a while. And in the rare flashback scenes where Payne is happy, he seems almost goofily happy. There’s too much smiling over his good fortunes to seem believable. The other actors are about the same. Mila Kunis does alright as a gun-toting assassin bent on revenge, and Beau Bridges a little better as an old friend of Payne; but for some reason the producers decided to give a small cameo role to Nelly Furtado, and her performance is so wooden I could carve a Razzie Award out of it. Stylistically Max Payne’s reminded me of 2005’s Sin City, albeit more colourful. Most of it was shot in dark environments, and a constant flurry of snow made for a nice light and dark contrast. Use of slow-motion ‘bullet time’ technology to depict gun battles (which, admittedly, figured into the games) bugged me to no end, however, and a few other CGcentric scenes struck me as out of place and corny. Max Payne is decent. It’ll provide a few hours of entertainment, even if you only spend that time verbally slashing the movie to ribbons. I’d suggest saving your money and sticking to a rental, however – the visuals aren’t so good that you need to watch them on the big screen. Besides, you’ll probably be able to buy it for the same price as a rental, as I predict Max Payne is destined for bargain bins within the next year or so. 26 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 ENTERTAINMENT NEWS L’Oreal Fashion Week By Jayme Quinn Chronicle Staff What do the sounds of shutter speeds clicking away, a long runway stretched out across Nathan Phillips Square and unique spring/summer outfits have in common? They were all the sights and sounds you will see at the 16th annual L’Oreal Fashion Week in Toronto starting Monday, Oct. 20. The first runway show was Alfred Sung’s White collection. It consisted of flowing white bridal gowns that sparkled under runway lights. All 32 models walked the runway with pure grace just like a bride on her wedding day. Carrying bouquets that matched their style of dress, each model showcased the collection in an elegant manner. The bridal gowns in the collection will sell for between $1,000 and $3,000 at most bridal stores. As the guests, celebrities and media filed out of the runway tent, Robin Kay, president and creator of L’Oreal Fashion Week, and a special sponsor, had a special ribbon cutting ceremony to announce the grand opening of The Studio. The Studio is a smaller version of the runway to showcase smaller designers who do not need to pay for the larger runway space or media coverage. The private tent can seat 200 people comfortably, and 10 photographers in the media pit at the end of the runway. The first designer to showcase her style in the Studio was Katya Revenko, a Ukrainian designer who received her degree in fashion design and garment construction at the Ukrainian State Academy of Apparel Industry. According to Revenko’s website, her collection, Desperately Different, for Spring/Summer 2009 “reflects the philosophy of interconnectivity of human beauty and nature’s forms.” The models strutted the long studio runway at a slow pace, walking to the beat of the music and showing off the garments to the audience. The outfits were loose and flowing, a unique change from today’s skintight and bare-all fashion trends. The designer guests, media and fashion-lovers alike made their way back to the runway for the next show, Pink Tartan, by designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran. Newport-Mimran founded the collection in 2002 with her husband, Joseph Mimran, the mastermind behind Club Monaco and Joe Fresh. In the collection, there were a lot of black and white combos of bubble and A-line skirts and haltertops. Also there were white shorts, black and grey dresses and two patterned black and white bathing suits. Along with the black and white theme, there were pops of bright summer colour’s, like pink, yellow and red, to kick off spring. Each model wore a scarf wrapped around her head, which added a fashionable accessory to every outfit. In between the Pink Tartan show and the MANGO show, Robin Kay made a speech to all the guests, designers and media. To everyone’s surprise, Kay was stumbling and slurring her words. She later admitted she was intoxicated. When she was supposed to Photo by Jayme Quinn RIBBON CUTTING: The Bay’s new CEO and president, Bonnie Brooks, and Fashion Design Council of Canada president, Robin Kay, cut the ribbon, officially opening The Studio, a smaller runway. be thanking all of the sponsors, she went rambling on about a challenge to create new uniforms for VIA Rail. Kay has since apologized for her inebriated speech, admitting she was in the wrong and was sorry for the embarrassment. Once Kay was pulled off the catwalk, MANGO, a prestigious multinational company, must have missed the memo that the week was supposed to showcase the spring/summer collection, because they showcased their fall/ winter line instead. The models wore sweaters, scarves, jeans and hats instead of dresses, shorts and skirts. During an interview with Fashion Television, special guest and designer Monica Cruz, said they are revealing their spring/summer collec- Culture meets fashion week By Khadija King Chronicle Staff Photo by Jayme Quinn KICK IT!: A model kicks her leg up in the high energy Damsels in This Dress show. Along with Play Dead Cult, Damsels in This Dress set off a string of fun and energetic shows. Day 2 of L’Oreal Fashion Week kicked off the Diesel Kids, which had a 1940s jet setting theme. The child models sported colourful and child appropriate clothes, made by the large retail store. The highlight of the show was when an adult model walked on stage with a baby that was sporting Diesel baby clothing. The audience all collectively went ‘Aww!’ when the model brought the baby out. In other highlights: a model tried to do a cartwheel, and one little one had to run to keep up with the other model. The Jason Meyers show, which was located at The Studio, a smaller more intimate runway, had fun colourful satin mini dresses. Meyers saved the best for last with his wedding-inspired dress, a beautiful satin white dress with a huge bow tied at the waist. Karamea featured loose flowing dresses with prints that featured art from Judith K. McMillan. The clothes had a neutral palette of colours, and cage-like headpieces on the models. Aqua Di Lara showed their sexy swimsuit line in metallic shades and interesting cuts. Nada’s spring/summer 2009 collection was inspired by the ancient Grecian goddess, Artemis, with earthy tones like green, brown and black. There were many maxi dresses with brown leather sashes. The models sported cat-eye liquid eyeliner and their hair was slicked back into a chignon. Joeffer Caoc’s spring 2009 collection, called Nude, featured a minimalistic approach to the designer’s creations. In shades of black, and beige, the collection had simple but elegant dresses, loose beige pants, and dresses with horizontal stripes. Bustle’s menswear line featured the hottest male model of the moment Andrew Stetson, from the Calvin Klein Euphoria ads, and Sam Sarpong, a former model and MTV host. The collection featured a nautical inspired show, with a bit of 1950s style thrown in there. David Dixon ended the night with a collection inspired by Nelson Mandela. The dresses had feminine shapes that showcase the female body. Each of the dresses looked elegant as the models proudly walked out onto the runway. The second night proved to be an improvement from the previous night that wrongly featured a fall 2008 collection. tion in Barcelona and that is why their fall line was on the catwalk at L’Oreal Fashion Week. As the last model for MANGO walked off the runway, and the hundreds of people filed out the door, day one of fashion week ended, and another was soon to begin. The comeback kid’s bridal wear By Jayme Quinn Chronicle staff Legendary Canadian designer Alfred Sung kicked off the beginning of L’Oreal Fashion Week on Monday, Oct. 20. Nathan Phillips Square hosted the unveiling of the highly-anticipated White collection. The White collection is a selection of beautiful bridal gowns for the 2009 wedding season, The collection consisted of an assortment of dresses that embodied the pure love that a bride shows on her wedding day. “I love beauty, and what is more beautiful than a bride on her wedding day?” said Sung. Sung designed his dresses with rich materials like silks and satins. He tailored the gowns to perfection with curled hemlines and ultra-fine french seams. The majority of the dresses in the collection were accented with crystal and pearl beads around the neck and hemlines. The Chronicle ENTERTAINMENT NEWS November 4, 2008 27 Models show off their moves! Models, dresses and photographers,OH MY! By Khadija King Chronicle Staff The fourth day of L’Oreal fashion week managed to be as fun as Wednesday’s show, with models getting hot and heavy with one another. The day started off with League of Lovers and Thieves in The Studio, where they handed out eco-friendly dishwashing fluid. The line was a collaboration between designers Dana Kiyoko Takeda, of League of Lovers, and Sonja Den Elzen, of Thieves. The show featured watercolour print dresses, while the models had to wear sandals made out of big blocks of wood. Many of the clothes were in silver and grey hues with the clothes fitting away from the body. Bodybag by Jude and J.U.D.E. were two shows by designer Judith Desjardins, which featured jumpsuits, Bermuda shorts, and sateen jackets. The collection was youthful and fresh, with dresses that would appeal to young girls. Evan and Dean’s collection featured clothes made from all organic material and nature inspired. The real star of the show was the interesting leaf and flower cutout wrist and shin cuffs that the models wore with the clothes. There were shades of silvery blue, yellow and bright red. Some dresses had creative cutouts, while others had added detailing. Morales collection had the models in S&M-inspired ankle boots, while the angelic, pretty dresses offset the sexiness of the shoes. The models sported bizarre plant-like headpieces. Some of the dresses had Japanese pop art prints, ruffles and rosettes attached. The Rudsak collection feature lots of leather, with tight leather pants and shorts and sophisticated leather jackets. The female models wore fedoras with black and white leather and the occasional pop of red. The Gsus Sindustries show was the most energetic of the night, with models showing character and one pair taking the show from PG to PG-13. So You Think You Can Dance Canada judge and dancer extraordinaire Blake McGrath opened the show by dancing down the runway. Male models took off their shirts, resulting in the audience cheering them on. The highlight was the unplanned make-out session between two models. The antics of the models almost took away from the clothes, but the clothes were as colourful as the models themselves. Buffalo by David Bitton’s collection had sexy metallic bodysuits combined with cutoff denim shorts, and sheer mesh bodysuits. The line was punk-inspired with motorcycle gloves and big shoulder pads. Although Wednesday’s show had high energy, Thursday’s did not disappoint. As Tyra Banks would say, THIS IS FIERCE! By Khadija King Chronicle Staff The last day of L’Oreal Fashion Week saw thirdyear Fanshawe College fashion students present their end of the year collection. Janet Hill, a newcomer to Fashion Week, presented a collection for the first time. Hill’s line had a tribal inspiration infused into the dresses and head wraps on the models. A very colourful line, most of the dresses had a unique African-inspired print, in shades of orange, purple, and pink. Eugenia’s collection featured sexy cocktail dresses in pretty metallic shades with satin material. Nada Yousif’s spring col- lection had an old Hollywood feel mixed with rock. The evening gowns were elegant, while the skirts and dresses were fresh and youthful. The collection for Mellinda-Mae Harlington had an ethereal, Native-inspired vibe with feathered headbands and wooden jewelry. The dresses were loose, but feminine and featured colours of blue, white and cream. L u c i a n Matis, of Project Runway Canada fame, showed h i s spring collec- tion to a crowd of fans. Matis’ line had interesting pixilated print dresses and the models sported satin head wraps and bright glossy red lips. Matis’ final piece was a bridal-inspired dress and headpiece that looks like something Bjork would wear at her wedding. Afshin Feiz’s spring collection had pretty pale dresses and ruffled suits. Along with pretty dresses, the collection showed gold chains, reminiscent of Givenchy’s fall 2008 collection. Fashion Week ended with Denis Gagnon, whose sleek collection was a big hit in Montreal. The models wore really high platform shoes, forcing them to walk really slowly, but giving the audience a chance to get a good look at the clothes. The collection had shades of white, black, pink, and metallic. The dresses had skillful draping, and the spiked jewelry added edge. Promising designer shows his creations at L’Oreal Fashion Week By Jayme Quinn Chronicle Staff Evan Biddell, winner of Project Runway Canada and promising designer, debuted his latest collection at L’Oreal Fashion Week in Toronto on Wednesday Oct. 22. His highly anticipated spring 2009 collection, Piece Making, rocked the runway for buyers, reporters and photographers from across Canada and around the world. The modern clothes feature bold shapes, sharp angles and a colour palette that takes the 23-year-old designer’s artistic abilities to a new level. “Each piece in my collection is designed to give a woman instant presence when she walks into a room.” said Biddell. “I want her to feel confident no matter where she goes while maintaining her sense of allure and reserving an air of mystery.” In contrast to his past collections, Biddell has included rich colours and a sense of optimism with his new outfits. “I’ve moved from shocking to sophisticated in my use of colour,” said Biddell. The collection merges bright whites, deep blues and classic greys together with bold textures and one of-a-kind shapes to bring the colours to life and create a line that is both contemporary and good-natured. Earth-friendly fabrics such as linen and reactive denim are used to their full potential. “Sustainable design is more than just a passing fad, it’s where we all need to go,” said Biddell. All the models walking the runway were accessorized with K-SWISS footwear and fine jewelry to add a hint of elegance from Richard Booth Fine Jewelry. E v a n Biddell, one of Canada’s youngest designers, impressed buyers and press and was giving a standing ovation to end the one-of-a-kind show. Karamea rocks the runway By Khadija King Chronicle Staff L’Oreal Fashion Week is a great time for small Canadian designers to get their chance to shine, and Michelle Turpin is no exception. T u r p i n ’s three-year-old label, Karamea, feature dresses with artists’ prints on them. “It’s amazing to be able to show and get positive feedback,” said Turpin, a former costume designer. Turpin describes the kind of person that would wear her label as a ‘creative professional.’ “A lawyer who takes sculpture classes. Someone who appreciates the arts,” Turpin said. Karamea’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection featured loose, flowing dresses in neutral colours, and cage-like headpieces. The whole atmosphere took on an earthy feel with a colour palette that featured, blacks, creams and light browns. The models had nearly nude makeup and their hair was styled in a bird-like way, further making the show earthy and natural. Turpin featured art from Judith K. McMillan, which inspired Turpin to contact McMillan for permission to use her art as prints on some of the dresses. Turpin’s profile in the Canadian fashion industry continues to rise, as does her star. 28 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 The Chronicle SPORTS November 4, 2008 29 Durham College-UOIT Chronicle UOIT rowers look to the future By Amanda Allison Chronicle Staff After hours of bone-chilling rain and wind, the sun finally snuck through the dark clouds as the UOIT Ridgebacks varsity rowing team headed home from the Ontario University Athletics championships on Oct. 25. The Ridgebacks may have left empty-handed, but they were full of optimism for the future. The Ridgebacks heavyweight men’s eight was the only group to qualify for the finals. The crew consisted of Hadi Turk, Mark Henein, Andraj Sipjai, Rob Neyor, Michael Bissonnette, Alex Szabo, Justin Vanden Bosch and Jason KleinHorsman. Klein-Horsman was disappointed in his performance, one that was not his personal best. “I achieved my goals, though they were set fairly low because of the calibre of the teams we were against,” he said. “I’m amazed that I am racing against such athletes, having only rowed for 24 weeks.” Several other Ridgebacks crew did well in their heats, but didn’t have a good enough time to make the finals. Jessica Marie Bossé, who rows with the lightweight women’s crew, said she tried to pump up her team before they hit the water. “The best advice I could give them was to leave it all on the water,” she said. “It should be difficult to walk after and that’s how we’ll know we rowed our hardest.” “We showed up, rowed through all the rain and wind, and gave it everything we had. It is difficult for our school since we only have 5,000 students to choose from, when other schools have upwards to 20,000 or more,” Bossé said. Novice rower Christie Attwood said she believes the team did hit its goals. “Though winning a race is the Photo by Amanda Allison ALL TOGETHER NOW: The UOIT Ridgebacks varsity rowing team poses for a picture. They left empty-handed from the Ontario University Athletics championships on Oct. 25, but they have high hopes for the team’s future. ultimate goal, whether we place or not, it is important that individually, in your boat, and within your entire crew, you develop and improve each race,” she said. And with many crews putting on their best performance the season, Coach Rob Millikin can’t be disappointed in his young team. Queen’s University dominated the event, a replay of their success last year. The Golden Gaels took home the gold medal in six out of eight women’s events, the other two being wrapped up by the Western Mustangs. Queens’ also took home a medal in every single men’s event, including two gold medals, defeating the three-time defending men’s division champions, the Mustangs. The event ends a disappointing third season for the Ridgebacks, but many on the crew are positive about the future, as the team competes against larger schools with more experienced crew members. Rowers will have about a month off before they begin training again. The team hosts optional workout sessions all winter long, including runs, training on rowing machines, and weight lifting. Many rowers believe it’s the hard work in the winter that will allow them greater success next September. “Based on the beginning of the season, until now it is amazing the improvements which have been made,” said Neysa Laszkiewicz. “From here there’s nothing left but to step forward and build on the accomplishments made over this past season.” Henein, with the heavyweight men’s eight, believes the team improved, regardless of the lack of hardware around their necks. “On paper we were better than last year’s team, however we did not earn as many medals as last year,” the varsity men’s eight rower said. Heavyweight men’s four rower Colin Jeffery couldn’t agree more. “Although it was our first year without a gold, we had some good results and had lots of fun all season,” he said. As the season came to a close, novice rower Vlad Listov took stock of not just the medals but of the experience of the season. “Our team spirit could be felt during those regattas; unified in blue while other universities looked like individuals, not a crew. Our presence was felt though voices cheering ‘Let’s go Ridgebacks!’,” he said. “But most of all, we were always positive and had a good time, regardless of the standings. We realize it’s still early for the Ridgebacks. It will take time and experience to catch up to giants like Western and Queen’s.” So, even though the team didn’t medal at provincials, there is great potential for the crew that never stops trying to sneak through the dark clouds. Fleming edges out men’s Lords Road woes for Durham By Ryan Joseph Chronicle Staff Photo by Ryan Joseph HE DOESN’T AGREE: Durham Lords men’s basketball coach Desmond Rowley (right) argues with the referee over a call during the Lords’ Oct. 29 game against the Fleming Knights. The Lords lost the game 84-79. Anthony Batchelor netted 17 points. The road isn’t friendly to the Durham Lords men’s basketball team, as they were defeated 84-78 by the Fleming Knights on Oct.29. In the first half the Lords had a difficult time defending the threepoint arch as the Knights shot five of 13. The Lords trailed 19-7 early in the half. The bench, led by Nicholas Brown’s eight first-half points, helped the Lords tie the score at 31 with 1:10 left. Brown finished the game with 14 points. Lords went to the locker room trailing 35-33. The second half started with a see-saw battle as the teams exchanged the lead for the first six minutes. However, in the next two minutes the Knights jumped out to a 10-point lead at 54-44. The Lords replied with a 7-0 run to cut the lead to 54-51. The Knights replied with another 16-5 run to take a 70-56 lead with 5:51 left. Down the stretch the Lords continued to hang around until Devan Allen of the Knights put the dagger into the Lord’s hearts with a key three-point shot. As a result the Lords were defeated by six points. Anthony Batchelor led the Lords in scoring with 17 points, all in the second half. Dave Parks and Evan Browne had impressive games with 10 points each. Freshman Eric Smith was one point shy of his second doubledouble scoring, nine and grabbing 11 rebounds. Tony Duran led the Knights with a game-high 23 points. With a record of 1-1, the Lords will try to get back into the win column in their next game tonight Nov. 4 at home against Seneca. 30 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 SPORTS NEWS Ryan Joseph asks... Who do you think will win the NBA? Steffon Ashley Animation “Boston Celtics because they are a good team.” Markel Lawrence Law and Security “Los Angeles Lakers because Andrew Bynum is back.” Criminology Business Administration Nzinga Taylor Alyssa Thomas “Detroit Pistons because defence wins championships.” “Boston Celtics because they have Kevin Garnet.” “Miami Heat because I like Dwayne Wade.” Darren Singh UOIT fight until the end Ridgebacks unable to keep up with Brock By Lauren Thomas Chronicle Staff The fists were flying and the tempers were raging as the UOIT Ridgebacks men’s hockey team fell 7-0 to the Brock Badgers. It was a rough Saturday night in St. Catharines on Oct. 25 at the Seymour-Hannah Centre where the Badgers’ early lead against the Ridgebacks spawned a penaltyfueled third period. Photo by Lauren Thomas DEFENCE!: Ridgeback forward Nathan Spaling pushes past a Brock Badger player. The Ridgebacks found themselves unable to capitalize on their six power play opportunities and couldn’t provide the penalty killing they needed to be competitive in the game. The Badgers capitalized on five of their nine power play opportunities and proved, as the defending Ontario University Athletic (OUA) champs, a tough match for the Ridgebacks, who have yet to win a game on the road this season. The heated game provided fans with a third period of fights, and an overall count of 145 penalty minutes were dished out by the end of the game as well as nine player misconducts. The Ridgebacks were unable to bounce back from the Badger’s three-goal lead at the end of the first period and the goals kept coming for the remainder of the game. The Ridgebacks were out-shot 28-26 by the Badgers and are set to face off against the Badgers later in the season on Feb. 6. Lords gain recognition Soccer season ends on good note By Andrew Huska Chronicle Staff The Durham Lords men’s soc- cer team took home some hardware at the OCAA soccer awards banquet on Oct. 23 in Ottawa. Goaltender Andrew Macleod was named the OCAA Central East division’s top goaltender for the season; this is the second year in a row that a Durham goalie has won the honour. Keeper Fabrice Kabongo won last year after a great season. “It feels great knowing that I achieved that,” said Macleod. However he didn’t expect the award. “I’ve never played rep before, and going from a third string goalie to a first string isn’t expected.” Also, Durham captain and 2006 CCAA All-Canadian Trevor Delpippo picked up an award as the division’s best defensive player. “It’s awesome, it’s a great feeling,” said Delpippo. He said head coach Stan Bombino told him he might have won but he got a call from a player on the women’s team telling him he won. Delpippo also gave credit to his fellow defenders on a team. “I thought the defence played really well this year,” Delpippo said. This is the first year the OCAA has named a best defensive player for each division. Not to be outdone, Jason Walker and Ben VanderEyken were named to the Central East all-star team and the Lords were named one of the two best defensive teams. They were tied with the George Brown Huskies with 13 goals against in the division. “It’s great to be recognized,” said Bombino. “It says a lot about the program.” But Bombino said the team’s divisional opponents were a hurdle for Durham to overcome. “Keep in mind we’re in the toughest division in the OCAA and maybe the CCAA,” he said. “I’m quite proud of the entire team.” Dental Assistant Football fun for all fans By Asmahan Garrib Chronicle Staff The Super Bowl may not be played until February, but students can get their football fix with the upcoming flag football tournament. Oshawa’s Flag Football League encourages Durham College and UOIT students and members of the community to get a team together and play in a day-long tournament on Nov. 7. The teams consist of six to eight people, and women are welcome. So far, the tournament has four teams confirmed but needs at least 10 to compete. “The day depends on the number of people we get,” said Karl Vanleyden, who is arranging the tournament. “We still don’t have enough players and it would be great if people could spread the word.” Participants can choose their own teams and team names, but must be at least 18 years old. Running shoes are the only piece of required equipment. “We haven’t decided on the prizes yet,” said Vanleyden. “It all depends on the (number) of participants, but it will most likely be sports-related, probably a football jersey.” It costs $150 per team to join. The tournament starts at 9:30 a.m. at Fernhill Park on Stevenson Road in Oshawa. Anyone interested should call (905) 435-3923 for details. The Chronicle SPORTS NEWS November 4, 2008 UOIT loses two in a row By Paul Bates Chronicle Staff The Ridgebacks women’s hockey team had another disappointing couple of games at home on Oct. 25 and 26. It all started on Oct. 25 when the Ridgebacks played host to the Waterloo Warriors in what could only be described as an intense game, despite it being a 3-1 loss for the Ridgebacks. The first period saw three penalties against UOIT in the first four minutes of play as both teams played hard but ended the period scoreless. Breanne Hadley scored the only goal for the Ridgebacks after just 33 seconds of the second period. The Warriors soon answered, scoring twice in the period to jump ahead and finish the period 2-1. The only goal in the third period came when Waterloo scored just 28 seconds in. The period did not go well for the Ridgebacks as they pulled goalie Carleigh Taggart in the final two minutes of play to gain the man advantage. The following game on Oct. 26 was a special night for the Ridgebacks as they had another puck drop at centre ice as is it not everyday that you see a brown dog on the ice. Richard Trauzzi dropped the puck at centre ice before accepting a plaque from Scott Barker. Trauzzi owns a three-yearold ridgeback named Tango who the team fashioned their mascot Hunter after. Laurier Goldenhawks are the third-ranked team in the OUA and have been one of the top teams for the last seven years. The Ridgebacks did not look very unified on the ice as they were all over the place. Laurier took an early lead in the first period, scoring four unanswered goals against UOIT goalie Carleigh Taggart. There was a bright moment for the crowd during the first intermission when Brittany Reader, a child in the audience, scored from centre ice to win the first hockey package of the season during the intermission shootout. 31 Lords first win By Didier Kalonji Chronicle Staff Photo by Paul Bates UOIT VS LAURIER: UOIT player Jessica Cockburn hustles for the puck at he game against Laurier on Oct. 26. The Ridgebacks lost 9-0. UOIT entered the second period down a player as Meggie Mcnabb got a two-minute penalty at the end of the first period. But this was not the only thing that would go wrong for the Ridgebacks. UOIT pulled goalie Carleigh Taggart and replaced her with Emma Thompson, hoping this would stop or at least slow down the Goldenhawks. Unfortunately, this did not help as four more goals were scored against the Ridgebacks who remained scoreless, ending the period down 8-0. The third period was no better for the struggling Ridgebacks as for most of the period neither team could score. Late in the period Laurier scored, making the final score 9-0. After the game UOIT Forward Melissa Findlay said she felt the team went into the game mentally unprepared. “We were not playing as a team. We were unprepared.” Findlay also stressed that there are things she feels the team needs to work on, despite her feeling that off-ice the team gets along great. “The team needs to come together,” she said. “We need to mesh as a team on the ice.” The schedule called for the Ridgebacks to play against Queen’s on Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Campus Ice Centre. Results of that game were not available at press time. The Lords women’s basketball team’s first win of the season was exceptional. They crushed the Fleming Knights on their home court 68-34 on Oct. 29. The Lords bounced back from their home opener loss against the Loyalist Lancers, by blowing out the Knights by 34 points. They had an outstanding game as they held the Knights to only 16 points in the first half. They played as a team, and everyone contributed to this amazing win. The Lords bench outscored the Knights 25-9. The Lords dominated the game from the beginning to the end. Samantha Jansen finished with a game high of 12 points. “They worked really hard, and showed that they were capable of winning,” said coach Tim Baulk. The Lords will have a chance of getting their first home win tonight against the Seneca Sting. The Sting is one of the best teams in their division, so a win would definitely put them in a good position. “We were pretty close when we played them last year at the end of the season. We can beat them if we’re dedicated,” said Baulk. Algonquin wins 3-on-3 basketball championship intramural games By Andrew Huska Chronicle Staff The Algonquin Thunder men’s soccer team won the OCAA championship over the Sheridan Bruins on Oct. 28 at Trent University. The Thunder won 6-0 in the final game which had been postponed and moved to neutral Trent after the field in the original location, Ottawa, was deemed unacceptable to play on because of heavy rains, according to the OCAA website. Trent’s field in Peterborough was dry but the winds were cold and fierce, however this didn’t stop Algonquin from controlling the game from the first half when Algonquin’s tournament all-star Loui Legakis scored two goals and Edgar Soglo score once to make it 3-0 in the first. Algonquin picked up three more goals when OCAA Player of the Year Will Beauge scored twice and Corey O’Connell got one in the second half to conclude the scoring. The Thunder will represent the men’s side of the OCAA in the Canadian Colleges Athletic Associations national championships in Thompson Rivers, British Columbia Nov. 5-8. By Ryan Joseph Chronicle Staff There is an intramural threeon-three basketball tournament at the campus recreation centre on Nov. 14. Basketball is just one of the many tournaments organized by the Student Association throughout the year. The tournaments give students another alternative to playing on varsity teams or in intramural leagues. Some students just don’t have time during the week. Tournaments take place on the weekends. Sign-up for the tournament will take place at the Tuck Shop on the second floor of the Student Centre until Nov. 7. There is a $10 cost for students and $20 cost for staff/ alumni. Students must bring their students card when they sign up. Correction In a story printed in last week’s edition titled DC gives UOIT a hand, the score read 3-1 for the Durham Lords men’s soccer team over the UOIT team. The score should have read 2-1 for the Lords. Photo by Didier Kalonji LORDS VS FLEMING: Erin Emery dribbling the ball as the Lords beat the Fleming Knights 32 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 The Chronicle SPORTS NEWS UOIT hopes for soccer By Didier Kalonji Chronicle Staff November 4, 2008 Gens to retire Orr’s number 4 By Thomas Cranston Chronicle Staff The passion for soccer has brought students from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology together as a team. Many UOIT students have wanted a soccer team, but unfortunately the university does not have one. So Mohammad Sallah, Obed Amoah, and Ben Anozie took it upon themselves to create a soccer team. Sallah and Amoah tried out for the Durham Lords team, but were told that they could not play because they were university students. So they decided to put together a UOIT soccer team, to challenge the Lords to a soccer match. While playing indoor soccer, they met other students interested in starting a soccer team. So they decided to hold a soccer tryout, which ended up being a success with more than 50 people showing up. Eventually people were cut from the team, and they ended up with about 28 players. “We practised two to three times a week, including Sundays,” said Amoah. They practised as much as possible, because they wanted to play well against Durham, and prove that they deserve an official team. So on Oct. 23, they finally got to play the Lords, but lost 2-1. “I think we did good because 33 The Oshawa Generals have finally come to the conclusion that it’s time to retire the No. 2 jersey of one of the greatest hockey players of all time. The Generals will retire the jersey of legendary defenceman Bobby Orr on Nov. 27 before their game against the Peterborough Petes at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa. The 60-year-old Orr will attend the ceremony along with family and his former teammates. The Generals retired the No. 88 jersey of Eric Lindros in March. Orr, a Parry Sound native, joined the Generals as a 14-yearold and went on to score 278 points in 159 games during his tenure with the team. Orr’s Generals team won the OHL championship in 1966 and went all the way to the Memorial Cup final, losing to the Edmonton Oil Kings. Orr graduated to the NHL as a member of the Boston Bruins and is regarded by many as one of the greatest players of all time, despite having his outstanding career cut short by a series of knee operations at the young age of 31. Shinerama shines Photo by Didier Kalonji HERE HE COMES: Obed Amoah walks onto Vaso’s Field as UOIT prepared to face the Lords’ men’s soccer team. it was our first time playing as a team,” said Sallah. The Lords were their only opponent, so they never really had a chance to see how they performed as a team. Regardless of the loss they are glad that they were able to put a team together, and would like to do it again in the upcoming indoor soccer tournament in November. They are also planning to hold a meeting, and invite director of athletics Ken Babcock. Anyone interested in joining the cause for a men’s soccer team should contact Amoah at obed.amoah@uoit.ca. “We want to start a soccer team now, to create a bond for the future,” said Amoah. By Amanda Allison Chronicle Staff Though the fall weather meant a cold round of golf, the sun was shining upon the Shinerama Fall Classic golf tournament on Oct. 18. The event, which raised funds in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, was a great success. Despite the time of year and short notice for planning the event, 18 golfers showed their sup- port for CF. Over $800 was raised at the tournament, and Durham students have raised $6,000 in total for Shinerama this year. Tara Blackburn, director of student life, won the putting contest and Derrick Smith, the owner of Shagwells on the Ridge, won the longest drive contest. Robyn Caton, an organizer of the event, said her highlight of the day was driving around the course and seeing all the smiling faces. 34 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 SPORTS NEWS Inconsistent Lords defeat Huskies By Stephanie Pollard Chronicle Staff The Durham Lords women’s volleyball team have their sights set on the Humber Cup after they won all three sets (25-19, 25-18, 25-21) against the George Brown Huskies inside the varsity gym on Oct. 23. Although Durham maintained their rallies and services longer, there are still some glitches that threaten to sabotage Durham’s game plan. The Humber Cup is scheduled to take place in Etobicoke from Oct. 31 to Nov.1. The Lords were able to stay in rhythm a lot longer, communicate better and put the ball on the floor more often compared to their previous matches against Niagara on Oct. 7 and Algonquin on Oct. 3. Statistically, Durham also did well with 11 aces from the team combined. Durham players Mandi Doris and Amanda Falzon led the Lords with nine points each. Kerri Fotherby of Durham also contributed with seven points and eight digs. Kourtney Cyr got eight digs during the match. Durham performed well but some old habits came back to haunt them. In each set Durham would get ahead but enough mistakes were made for George Brown to catch up. The Lords also occasionally slipped back into the habit of relying on the mistakes of George Brown to gain points. The Durham Lords also have Photo by Stephanie Pollard DURHAM WINS DESPITE POOR EFFORT: The Durham Lords women’s varsity volleyball team were in action against the George Brown Huskies on Oct. 23. Kerri Fotherby (right) bumps the ball while a concerned Amanda Falzon (left) looks on. a tendency to overpower their serves. Power is an asset but too much sends the ball out of bounds, causing the other team to gain points and the Lords to lose service. Head coach Shane Christopher was not impressed with Durham’s performance despite the victory. “We managed to win the game but we didn’t do it the way we play. Our girls are trained fast, they’re trained efficient, they’re trained to focus on what’s going on and we didn’t do that tonight, we played down to the level of George Brown College, and that’s not acceptable. If we do that and consistently do that, we’re going to end up losing matches against good teams,” he said. But being the optimistic head coach, Christopher did find some highlights about his team. “…I think we have a very smart group,” he said. “ They understand what we’re saying. Right now we just have trouble executing on the floor.” Crosina brings wealth Durham soccer home major of experience to UOIT takes hardware at UOIT tennis coach knows how to win By Thomas Cranston Chronicle Staff Ranking as high as fifth in Canada for three straight years as a singles and doubles champion, UOIT Ridgebacks tennis head coach Ken Crosina knows what it takes to succeed as a player. It’s not rare to see a long-time athlete move onto coaching after their playing career is over. And that is exactly what Crosina has done. Crosina, the head coach for both the men’s and women’s university teams, started playing tennis at the age of four, later earning a tennis scholarship at Florida State University in the United States. In addition to his national ranking, he is a past provincial singles champion, and doubles champion at both the provincial and national level. While Crosina brings a wealth of experience to his coaching job, he’s not the only one. There is no shortage of experience on the UOIT tennis coaching staff, which have been coaching together for three years, since the team’s inaugural season in 2006. Ridgeback’s assistant coach Kane Easter is a member of St. Lucia’s Davis Cup team. Easter has also played tennis all over the world and has been coaching the Ridgebacks with Crosina since year one. Easter said, “Crosina is a great guy to work with and he allows me to have the freedom to develop my players. He’s just a great overall guy.” Crosina said Easter could still compete at a high level. Crosina’s coaching resume is just as impressive as his record as a player. He first started coaching as a part-time job at age 15 because he liked the benefit of watching tennis players grow, he said. Crosina won gold as head coach of Team Ontario at the Canada Games in 1989. He also spent seven years coaching the Ontario provincial junior team along with coaching for two years at the Goodlife tennis club. His interests include hockey and marketing, but tennis has always been his favourite sport. “I also coach my two boys’ house league hockey teams, but tennis has always been my passion,” he said. Crosina likes what he sees in this year’s men’s and women’s teams. “We have a well-behaved group who work hard as a team and stay out of trouble.” Each team has a couple key additions this year compared to last year. Hopefully that inspires them into having a good year, Crosina said. UOIT may be a small school compared to the ones they are competing against but Crosina remains confident, believing the Ridgebacks can push into the middle of the standings after a last place finish in 2007. awards banquet By Stephanie Pollard Chronicle Staff The Durham Lords women’s soccer team walked away with plenty to show for their hard work this season after winning a total of five awards at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association provincial award banquet on Oct. 23. Katie Watts was awarded the OCAA women’s soccer rookie of the year award and was recognized as the league and regional scoring champion. This year Watts set a new OCAA benchmark by scoring 12 goals in 11 games. The league scoring champion has now been awarded to Durham for the past four seasons, starting with Jana Cryderman, who got top honours in 2005, Brittany Micucci in 2006, Katie Szeghalmi in 2007 and now Katie Watts in 2008. Veteran goalkeeper Ashley Visser won the league top goalkeeper award. It is the second time this Lady Lords goalkeeper has won the award. Visser and Watts were also honoured as league all-stars. Sadly, those will be the only awards the Lady Lords carry home this season. The Lords were looking to win a third straight provincial title at the OCAA women’s soccer championships in Ottawa, but their hopes were dashed when they lost to the Humber Hawks 2-0 on Oct. 24 in the semi-finals and were forced to battle the Seneca Sting for the bronze medal. It was a physical game and although Durham fought hard throughout the entire game in cold, wet and soggy conditions, Seneca won 1-0 on Oct. 25. This year would be the first time since 2005 that Durham has not medalled in the women’s soccer provincial championship, as the Lords entered the year as twotime defending champions. The Chronicle SPORTS NEWS November 4, 2008 35 Ridgebacks beat the Lions at home By Lauren Thomas Chronicle Staff The UOIT Ridgebacks men’s hockey team dazzled the home crowd with another win Oct. 24 against the York University Lions. The men won 3-2 over the Lions in front of their home crowd of more than 500 people. Forward Jason Fransky scored the first two Ridgeback goals of the night and racked up his first Ontario University Athletic (OUA) points. The winning Ridgeback goal of the night came from second-year forward Dustin Turner. “It always feels great to score a goal and it’s always a little special to get the game winner,” said Photo by Lauren Thomas ICE ACTION: Goaltender Matt Mateja makes a save Turner. “I’m just glad I could help the team win.” Ridgeback assists came from Jeremy Whelan, John Koch-But- terworth, Mike Noyes and two from Brent Varty. The Ridgebacks led the game 3-2 going into the third period but a York goal at 12:37 created a forceful final seven minutes. “We knew we were still up by a goal in the third period,” said Turner. “We just couldn’t panic. Everyone remained calm and stuck to the game plan.” Both teams played very aggressive hockey, with Ridgeback forward Josh Vatri receiving a fourminute major early in the game for unnecessary roughness. Lions players Chris Korte and Tyler Harrison also played some hard-hitting hockey with Harrison picking up the second and final Lion goal. Harrison would also earn himself the second star of the night. Turner felt the home crowd’s presence had a little something to do with the men’s win. “We just seem to play our best hockey at home. Our fans are great. We’ve been getting great crowds and they’ve been really loud and supportive, cheering us on.” The other two stars of the night were given to Ridgeback players. Goaltender Matt Mateja made some key saves in the final crucial moments to help the Ridgebacks earn the win, and for his efforts received third star. Repeat goal scorer Fransky would take first star of the night. 36 The Chronicle November 4, 2008 MIGUEL