The Dialog Jan. 7, 2014

Jan. 7– 20, 2014

Say no to jets at Toronto Island Airport P.8

GBC staff and students help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan P.6

NEW YEAR’S ISSUE GBC Student Newspaper • Founded 1982

NEWS

January 7–20, 2014

RBC donates $550,000 to support mental health at GBC TINA TODARO STAFF REPORTER

George Brown College (GBC) has recognized the battle many of its students face with mental health, by launching the More Than Me project to help students find peace of mind at school.

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) donated $550,000 to GBC last month to help with the launch of the More Than Me project – an initiative to help raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness.

“Currently involvement comes from staff in the student affairs department, but come the new year, More Than Me will be extending its involvement opportunities to staff throughout the college, as well as students,” said Margo Foster, research and development associate for the academic services and student affairs department. “This project is an opportunity for students to feel comfortable at the college.”

More Than Me will be extending student involvement opportunities in 2014 through

leadership opportunities and peer to peer support, and is hoping to work closely with the Student Association of GBC in the near future to increase student participation.

Through a four component process, the project begins with a mental health awareness campaign described as ‘a charette’ in the design world, which according to Foster “will give the college an opportunity to do a scan of what we are all doing, and to see what we can do for our students.”

Followed by an early identification of its students in need, summer transition and peer support, the More Than Me project will allow students to build their skills to help them cope with their illnesses.

“This project will hopefully give students and staff a more well-rounded idea of mental well-being,” said Foster.

With the help of RBC, George Brown has been able to make an idea a reality and with the help of staff and students, students suffering from mental health issues will be better supported on campus.

Curtis Hitsman, Gordon Cressy, Anne Sado, Jennifer Tory, Suzan Kisa and Leo the Lion

PHOTO: CNW GROUP/RBC ROYAL BANK - PUBLIC AFFAIRS & COMMUNITY RELATIONS

THE DIALOG IS...

Managing Editor Mick Sweetman News Editor Preeteesh Peetabh Singh Art Director/Illustrator Samantha Bullis Multimedia Reporter Danilo Barba Staff Reporters Alena Khabibullina Karen Nickel Tina Todaro Follow us on Social Media!

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Opinions expressed in The Dialog are not necessarily those of The Dialog Collective, the Student Association of George Brown College, or its editorial staff.

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January 7–20, 2014

DAILY CHECK UP

JANUARY 7–24, 2014 MONDAY

TUESDAY 7 Learn to Skate Various times and prices.

Harbourfront Centre Ring, 235 Queens Quay W. Preregister at harbourfrontcentre.com/learntoskate

13 Chanting 7 p.m. on Mondays Tao Sangha Toronto Healing Centre, 375 Jane St.

20 Toronto Design Offsite Festival Various times, Jan. 20–26 Various locations across the city; see todesignoffsite.com

14 Contemporary Canadian Architecture 7 p.m.

Free talk on architectural science.

North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge. Preregister at 416.395.5639

21 Biological Urbanism 6:30 p.m.

OCAD, 230 Richmond Street West. Free exhibition tour with Bruce Hinds.

WEDNESDAY 8

THURSDAY 9

Women’s Volleyball 6 p.m.

Alex Barbier Gym, St, James Men’s Volleyball 8 p.m.

Alex Barbier Gym, St, James

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10

Allan Gardens Christmas Flower Show 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Until Jan. 12) Free. Allan Gardens Conservatory, Sherbourne and Gerrard.

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Women’s Basketball 6 p.m.

Alex Barbier Gym, St, James

African Jazz in January 8:30 p.m. $45, $40 in advance. Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas W.

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Women’s Basketball 6 p.m.

Alex Barbier Gym, St, James Men’s Basketball 8 p.m.

Alex Barbier Gym, St, James

Women’s Volleyball 6 p.m.

Alex Barbier Gym, St, James Men’s Volleyball 8 p.m.

Alex Barbier Gym, St, James

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Men’s Basketball 8 p.m.

Alex Barbier Gym, St, James

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FRIDAY

Brampton Fair’s Got Talent Contest 6:30 p.m. $25, Peel Jr Farmer’s Hall, Brampton Fair Grounds, 12942 Heart Lake

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Interior Design Show Various times, Jan. 23–26 Metro Convention Centre North Building, 255 Front St. W. interiordesignshow.com

Mozart and the Canadians Sinfonia Toronto Concert 8 p.m.

Glenn Gould Studio at the CBC Building, 250 Front St. W. $39, $12 for students.

The Dialog wants you!

We are looking for contributors to fill the roles of: News reporters • Photographers • Sex columnists •

• •

Humourists Or...have another idea? Pitch it to us!

Love Sports?

We are also hiring for a new paid position of Sports Reporter as part of our core staff. Contact us at dialog@georgebrown.ca to find out how to apply!

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NEWS

January 7–20, 2014

Big Brothers and Sisters at GBC mentor high school students Enthusiastic Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto student mentors from GBC pose for a photo together.

PHOTO: ALENA KHABIBULLINA/THE DIALOG

ALENA KHABIBULLINA STAFF REPORTER

Have you ever experienced lack of knowledge, self-confidence or necessary skills and that you needed guidance from someone more mature and wise, whose advice could catapult you up the ladder?

George Brown College (GBC) in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto (BBBST) has started its second year of “Pumped For Post Sec” (PFPS) program where high school participants are paired in activities with current post-secondary students. Volunteering their time, college students provide mentoring service in order to help younger brothers and sisters to make career choices and achieve their overall goal of successfully finishing high school and getting into post-secondary education.

“The pumped for post secondary program is to promote and encourage youth to become more invested in their education after high school. We share our experience 4

as mentors to help out mentees get a better idea on what kind of education they want for themselves. We also make each session as enjoyable as possible with games, laughs and involvement,” said Raymund Hip Loy Lee, a second year mentor from fitness health promotion program and student life ambassador.

Program recruitment begins from collecting applications through their website www. bbbst.com at the end of August and early September. An applicant must be a current, full-time GBC student with strong desire to work with youth, develop leadership and facilitation skills, network with peers from other programs and make new friends.

“It was a very intense process! The interview with the two co-ordinators of the program was a long and excruciating hour!

Filled with lots of laughter and fun. You’ll walk into the interview thinking it’s a job interview, and moments after the interview begins, you feel like you’re just talking to two good friends!”, said Angelo Quintano, a child and youth work program student. “They did

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ask some challenging questions, but if you answer it as honest as you can you’ll be fine!”

After a successful screening and interview, where potential mentors must provide a satisfactory criminal record check and three positive references, the candidates attend mandatory volunteer safety training provided by the agency. Only the most candid and enthusiastic ones continue participation after signing legal documents to ensure safety procedures and confidentiality of the mentees. They are required to attend 13 sessions on campus with high-school students from October to April.

“So far, I can only say amazing things about it! Both mentors and mentees enjoy coming to the session! Of course, the first session was tough but sure enough, having a bunch of well-behaved, yet contagiously enthusiastic mentors broke the mentees’ wall of shyness to pieces, and by the next session, everyone was looking forward to seeing each other!” said Quintano.

Most of the mentees are in their grades

10-12 and come from various high schools across the GTA, whose parents did not attend post-secondary education. Thus, for most of them the program is a brilliant opportunity to explore the options for post-secondary education and maybe their first visit to downtown Toronto.

Designed as not a typical one-on-one mentoring initiative, the program includes sessions of group and diverse activities such as visits to the distillery district where the mentees may attend improv classes in the GBC theater school; career and post-secondary education workshops; fashion night at Casa Loma campus; campus scavenger hunt; volleyball practice with GBC Huskies; skating and many more. The sessions are an interactive way to learn about GBC’s programs and services from current college students.

“Communication is essential! If our mentees are shy it is up to us as mentors to open up the doors to communication and let them know that we are there to help them! Also, a very important skill is humor; laughing is universal to all ages, if we can laugh together we can learn together,” said Hip Loy Lee. The success of this program is demonstrated by 31 per cent increase in number of students participating this year in GBC. About 98 per cent of the mentors are first generation post-secondary students whose parents did not attend college which brings more exposure and interpersonal connection between the participants.

“I grew up as an only child and saw commercials on television about having a big brother, when I contacted the community partnership office at St. James campus, I learned of Big Brothers Big Sisters and handed in an application. Now I have the chance to be someone’s big brother. I think there always was a desire for me to be someone’s big brother,” said Hip Loy Lee. Over the past century Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto has matched over 60,000 children and youth with volunteer mentors.

Most of the students participating in the PFPS program have already demonstrated their interest to stay with the organization, seeing an opportunity to improve their leadership skills and provide services to the youth in Toronto.

“BBBST had definitely opened my eyes to programs where I can see myself working in! In fact, I would love to work with BBBST once I finish my program; not only are they a prestigious organization, but they are a very engaging and insightful people to work with!

If the co-ordinators are reading this right now, please hire me!” said Quintano.

Students interested to be involved in the program can contact the community partnership office imthefirst@georgebrown.ca for more information.

January 7–20, 2014

Huskies looking good at end of fall semester NEWS EDITOR

George Brown College (GBC) athletics had a decent fall season with exceptionally good results in cross country while failing miserably in soccer. With the winter season coming up, the volleyball and basketball teams are well placed at the moment and things are looking good for the Huskies.

Here’s a look at how GBC’s varsity teams fared in the last season, who made records, which teams did not do well and what to look up for in the winter semester.

Cross country running: GBC’s cross country team ended a terrific season with both women’s and men’s team advancing into the nationals. The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national championships were held in Humber on Nov. 9. The women’s team finished in 16th place while men’s team finished 19th.

Individual runners brought laurels to the college with Sean Sweeney finishing 10th in Canada at 26:31 minutes in the men’s eight kilometre run, while Joanita Louw was placed 14th in the women’s five kilometre run clocked 20:26 minutes in the nationals.

Men’s baseball: Men’s baseball found it rather tough in their inaugural season. With only five teams participating, the Huskies eventually made the cut to the playoffs after leaving it to the end winning their last game against Seneca to qualify.

The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) championship was held in Windsor on Oct. 18 and 19 where GBC lost to St. Clair and Durham.

Mckenzie Smikle and Jamie Lennox were chosen as OCAA all-stars for their consistent performance throughout the season.

Soccer: With women’s and men’s teams losing the race for the playoffs, there was nothing to write home about for the Huskies outdoor soccer.

Ending a disappointing season, both teams finished seventh in the OCAA east division rankings. Women’s team scored 10 goals in the season with two wins and one tie in nine matches whereas men’s team won two and tied one, scoring only three goals in eight matches.

Volleyball: GBC’s women’s and men’s volleyball teams are half way through the long season which started on Oct. 23 and runs until Feb. 12. After playing nine games out of 18, both teams are doing well.

The men’s team is stacking up the points after winning seven games and is currently third out of 10 teams participating in the east division. The women’s team is crammed up in the middle of the table at seventh place with four wins and five losses so far.

Basketball: GBC has a history of producing fine basketball players, and this season is no different. With a blend of rookies and veterans in the squad, the women’s and men’s team are looking solid.

The Huskies men are on a roll at second place, next to Algonquin, with eight wins, two losses and 16 points so far while women’s team with a 50 per cent win ratio are at fifth position. They have won four out of their eight games and have accumulated eight points with eight more games to go.

Badminton: Huskies badminton contingent has started warming up for the OCAA qualifiers, to be held in February 2014 at Georgian College, by playing exhibition games and tournaments. The GBC invitational tournament was held on Dec. 14 and 15 at the Alex Barbier Gym, St. James.

Sports Score Updates

Women’s Volleyball: George Brown 3 Loyalist 1 George Brown is 7th in OCAA East Men’s Volleyball: George Brown 3 Loyalist 0 George Brown is 3rd in OCAA East Women’s Basketball: George Brown 87 Loyalist 55 Durham 76 George Brown 51 George Brown is 5th in OCAA East Men’s Basketball: George Brown 73 Loyalist 65 George Brown 80 Durham 71 George Brown is 2nd in OCAA East

PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH

SPORTS

The men’s basketball team works together to keep the ball away from the Georgian College Grizzlies.

PHOTO: GBC ATHLETICS

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NEWS

January 7–20, 2014

GBC staff and students help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan TINA TODARO STAFF REPORTER

A dollar a day keeps the hunger away - and that’s all it takes to get a ‘ribbon of love’ for the relief effort on the destructive Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Student Association (SA) and Stacey Mauger from George Brown College’s (GBC) career services have grasped this concept, as they work together to raise money for the typhoon relief.

Having been heavily involved in last year’s relief efforts for the flood in the Philippines, Mauger says she feels really connected to this cause. Known as the “Honorary Filipina” amongst the Filipino community at GBC, she has worked hard to come up with the idea of a “ribbon of love,” as well as their creation and promotion.

The early November’s devastating tropical cyclone destroyed everything from homes to lives. According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council the typhoon has left almost four million people displaced among 16 million affected. As of Dec. 13, the official death toll had climbed up to 6,009 with 27,022 injured and 1,779 still missing.

The Government of Canada, in an effort to help those affected by Typhoon Haiyan, donated $35 million through various registered charities.

Susana Cruz, a financial aid advisor at GBC, knows all about the struggles in the Phil-

The Filipino community at GBC has come together to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan by asking students to donate to receive a “ribbon of love”.

PHOTO: TINA TODARO/THE DIALOG

ippines. She is back to the Philippines with her sister this month to visit their family, who were directly affected by the devastating effects and aftermath of the typhoon.

One of the strongest storms recorded, Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda as it is known locally, sustained winds over 300 kilometres per hour according to Jeff Masters, director of meteorology at Weather Underground in Scientific American. Having family in Manila and in Barangay Callanong Pinamopoan, Capoocan Leyte, regions that were directly hit by the strong winds and powerful

rain, Cruz is extremely worried as people’s houses were destroyed and many were unable to get to the relief centres.

“The only thing is everyone is hungry and there is no food and no electricity, and they still do not have any connection,” said Cruz on the typhoon aftermath. “Since the typhoon occurred they have only received relief goods.”

One Canadian dollar translates to 41 pesos in the Philippines. “One dollar, or 41 pesos can buy one can of corned beef in the Philippines which is great for breakfast,” says Ely Franco

and Cecilia Marquez, who are both part of GBC’s Filipino community.

Relief efforts continue amongst GBC; the Canadian Red Cross; Mauger, the Filipino community; and the SA are encouraging students to donate for the cause. It doesn’t take much to make a difference, so donate a dollar or two to the typhoon relief and show your love with the ribbon of love.

Ribbons are available at Student Association offices, career centres, and welcome desks at GBC campuses.

2013: The year in review JANUARY 11

FEBRUARY 11

MARCH 17

APRIL 22

MAY 16

JUNE 6

The French military intervenes in the Northern Mali conflict.

The Syrian civil war rages on as Syria’s largest dam, Tabqa Dam, is captured by rebels.

Two inmates escape St-Jerome prison in Quebec by climbing up a rope and into an airborne helicopter. They are quickly recaptured by authorities.

Two men with links to al-Qaeda’s plans are “derailed” when they are arrested for allegedly plotting a train derailment in the GTA.

The Rob Ford crack scandal begins! Reports on the existence of a video showing Ford smoking crack spawn the “Crackstarter” fundraiser the following day.

American Edward Snowden begins leaking information on NSA surveillance, beginning an ongoing international concern with the U.S. agency’s reach.

“Just as the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill’ sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality.

Such an economy kills.” −Pope Francis

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FEBRUARY 15

JUNE 17

Nearly 1,500 people are injured and over 4,000 buildings are damaged by the explosion of a meteor over Chelyabinsk, Russia.

Montreal mayor Michael Applebaum is arrested on various corruption charges. He resigns his post the next day but claims that the allegations are false.

FEBRUARY 28

JUNE 22

Benedict XVI resigns his post as pope and Pope Francis takes his place, beginning a papacy focused on the poor.

4 people are killed and nearly 100,000 evacuated from their homes in the wake of massive flooding in Alberta.

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INFOGRAPHIC: SAMANTHA BULLIS; PHOTO CREDITS, LEFT TO RIGHT: UK IN HOLY SEE (FLICKR), COLBY STOPA (FLICKR CC BY 2.0), MAGED HELAL (FLICKR CC BY 2.0), PAUL HENMAN (FLICKR CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), “SOUTH AFRICA THE GOOD NEWS”(FLICKR CC BY 2.0) WWW.SAGOODNEWS.CO.ZA. ALL IMAGES CROPPED TO FRAMES.

January 7–20, 2014

HUMOUR

Please, please resolve to stop taking selfies this year PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH NEWS EDITOR

If you are reading this but are skeptical of my credibility on new-year resolutions, let me tell you, I have 11 years of experience in resolutions. I have seen my resolutions fail year after year. But it hasn’t stopped me from making new ones!

I am capable enough to tell you what to do this year because I have seen it all in my life.

First things first, don’t expect too much of yourself. You will end up being completely thwarted because whatever your resolution is, you just can’t achieve it.

Instead of the regular ‘quit smoking’ ‘lose weight’ and start ‘working out’ resolutions, which you can never-ever complete, focus on the small-scale viable options instead. Like what? Let me tell you.

Wash your hands after using the loo. I know you don’t do that sometimes, don’t be shy just admit it. For all I know, this one might go unachievable as well.

Stop farting in crowded public transit or elevators. That’s insane. Terrible. Find a park or whatever.

We have had enough of your selfies on Facebook and Instagram. Please, please stop it.

We know you have an excellent pout, a toned body and a dirty toilet in your bathroom!

Same goes with photos of what you are eating, your English breakfast – which you believe is fancy, blueberry cream tarts, or a chicken noodle soup. We are not interested. Go out and

have dinner with someone instead. Let them eat what you want the world to just see.

Food reminds me of one of the most popular new-year resolutions, lose weight. I can give you a tip on how you can actually achieve it, that too without exercising or dieting. Here we go: buy a health and fitness book and a weight loss diet book. Lie down on your bean bag, read the book while having a box of french-fries from Pizza Pizza.

Give it a shot, it works.

For all those unemployed people looking for job, this new-year is an excellent opportunity to stop looking for one. There are a lot of other alternatives which can make you rich.

Buy a lottery ticket and wait until you win.

There is higher probability of you winning a lottery earlier than getting a job in Canada.

Last one, this one might be helpful.

God forbid, if ever you have to call 911 for medical emergency, and they ask you this ridiculously stupid question, “On a scale of 1-10, what is your level of pain?” say 10. It might save your life!

Well, that’s it. Go out and have some fun.

Wait, happy New Year’s! Now go.

I have seen my resolutions fail year after year. But it hasn’t stopped me from making new ones!

ILLUSTRATION: SAMANTHA BULLIS/THE DIALOG

JULY 3

AUGUST 5

SEPTEMBER 21

Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi is ousted by military force.

Chaos and violence grip the country in the coup’s wake.

Two New Brunswick children are tragically killed by a python which escaped from its enclosure in a shop below their apartment.

A shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya is overtaken by al-Shabaab militants. Almost 200 shoppers are injured and 62 are left dead.

“Yes, I have smoked crack cocaine. But do I? Am I an addict? No. Have I tried it? Probably in one of my drunken stupors, probably approximately about a year ago.” −Mayor Rob Ford

NOVEMBER 5

DECEMBER 5

Rob Ford admits publically to having smoked crack cocaine.

He claims that it was likely in one of his “drunken stupors”.

Nelson Mandela passes away at 95 years old. He endured a 27year incarceration for his resistance to Apartheid. He became the first black president of the new, post-Apartheid South Africa after an impressively peaceful transition of power.

JULY 17

NOVEMBER 8

42 are confirmed dead when a train carrying oil derails in Lac Mégantic, Quebec. The blast has a radius of nearly 1km and destroys almost half of the town.

Typhoon Haiyan, known as “Yolanda” locally, devastates parts of the Phillippines. Over 6,000 are confirmed dead in the first month of recovery.

JULY 27

OCTOBER 31

NOVEMBER 18

Sammy Yatim draws a weapon on fellow Toronto streetcar passengers. He is shot to death by police, and controversy follows.

Toronto police obtain the video of Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine. No charges are laid but his downward spiral has begun.

The Toronto City Council removes many of Rob Ford’s powers as mayor.

“There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere.” −Nelson Mandela

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OPINION

January 7–20, 2014

No jets on Toronto’s Waterfront

TINA TODARO STAFF REPORTER

ILLUSTRATION: SAMANTHA BULLIS/THE DIALOG

Letter to the editor: Being vegan is not a ‘new food trend’ I have a number of problems with Dylan Hackett’s piece “Veganism: the new food trend” I felt it was incredibly misinformed factually, and much of the tone was very judgemental. I’m surprised this paragraph made it to print “The decision began when Roach gave up gluten… a year ago.

The proper term for those people is not lunatics, but vegans.”

Likening vegans to lunatics is exactly the kind of judgement and ill-will that the author quotes Sarah Roach about feeling, yet he is participating in that judgement with his language in this article. The decision to write about veganism, which is often mocked and belittled, could have created an opportunity to dispel some of these myths rather than perpetuate them.

Even more upsetting is the fact that the author doesn’t even know the definition of vegan! That’s what he’s writing about and he got it wrong! Gluten is not an animal byproduct. The proper term for those people is gluten-free or Celiac (the medical condition that prevents people from digesting gluten). Gluten is found in wheat, not in animals. Vegans do not eat meat, dairy, eggs, honey, or any other animal byproducts. There are a number of vegans who

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also do not eat gluten because it is not terribly healthy, but it would be more correct to call those people gluten-free vegans. I suspect from the way the article was written that he did not actually speak to the vegans he quotes, which would explain why he has such an incorrect impression of what it means.

It’s hard enough facing the judgement of most of the world without actual legitimate publications printing inaccurate definitions because their writers are misinformed.

Being a vegan is not a “new food trend” but a centuries-old practice that is currently trending in the public eye. There are a number of vegans I know here at GBC and when I showed them how poorly represented we were in this article they were appalled. All students deserve to be accurately represented in The Dialog, and having a vegan writer write about veganism would insure that the paper does not print unfair judgements and inaccurate definitions about some of us.

I feel very strongly about my vegan beliefs and equally strongly about the responsibility to print and distribute truth.

–Ashley Bratty

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Having jets on Toronto’s waterfront may be a thrill for a while, until Torontonians start getting sick. Sure these jets may be able to accommodate more passengers and would be a financial windfall for Porter Airlines, but in reality these CS100 jets are an extreme health hazard as Toronto’s air quality is already “beyond a safe threshold” according to Toronto Public Health.

The Tripartite Agreement signed in 1983 by the City of Toronto, the Federal Ministery of Transportation and the Toronto Port Authority (Toronto Harbour Commission at that time), states that there are no jets allowed at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (BBTCA).

These jets will more than double the existing flights and takeoffs coming out of BBTCA from 202 daily to 440 according to the media co-ordinator for No Jets T.O., Gautam Malkani.

“76 per cent of people flying out of BBTCA are repeat travellers,” said Malkani.

They will create more air pollution on top of existing pollution the waterfront receives from vehicles on the Gardiner Expressway as well as from the industrial buildings that currently exist along our waterfront.

If the expansion of BBTCA goes ahead, which No Jets T.O says will turn it into “Pearson-on-the-lake”, in addition to existing highway traffic Torontonians can look forward to seeing transport trucks that will be carrying hazardous jet fuel which also creates a health risk.

Currently Pearson Airport accommodates 33 million passengers a year, with room to accommodate an additional 7 million according to Carlo Fanelli in Canadian Dimension. Is it worth bringing this additional traffic to Toronto’s waterfront when we currently have enough?

Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t

mean it’s not there; this can be said for the black carbon, UPM chemicals and other major toxins such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide contained in the jet fuel that will be released into our city air by the CS100 jets.

According to the report, Air Pollution Burden of Illness in Toronto, 2004, Toronto sees 1,700 premature deaths and 6,000 hospitalizations due to air pollution every year. Torontonians may not be aware of these alarming statistics.

Community-based physician Dr. Susan Woolhouse, adjunct professor at the Universities of Toronto and Western Ontario says, “jet fuel emissions will not only impact our health but it will also impact climate changes.”

Climate change is definitely something that has already been visible through active weather changes.

The Health Assessment for the Cumulative Air Quality Modelling Study which includes Wards 30 and 32 as well as the South Riverdale and The Beaches neighbourhoods done in 2011, says that of our current air pollution 36 per cent comes from Toronto alone with the remaining 25 per cent generated elsewhere in Ontario and 39 per cent from the United States.

A City of Toronto Report on Air Pollution from Airports, 2008, states that airports are a major contributor to pollution in Toronto, and that the pollution from airports are similar to that emitted from vehicles and industrial sources in the city; associated with chronic respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular illnesses, and premature mortality.

The fact that these are long-term health risks doesn’t mean Torontonians will not see acute illnesses, and pregnant women should also be vigilant as according to Dr. Woolhouse pollution has also been the cause of premature births.

Toronto’s Public Health website states, “Our environment, the air we breathe, the land we walk on and the spaces we spend our time in, impact our health.”

So think about it, bad health is one thing we may not be able to recover from once affected, so why risk it for the thrill of jets in Toronto?

January 7–20, 2014

ARTS & LIFE

The cutting edge of body art AMANDA GALLO THE ARGUS (LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY)

THUNDER BAY (CUP) — Whether it’s the result of a fall you took while perfecting a difficult skateboard trick, a surgical procedure or an experiment in cooking gone terribly wrong, scars always have a story behind them — contributing to our own personal history and making us unique.

They do so much in the same way that the ancient art of tattoos provide meaning and create individuality for those who choose to wear them. Combine these two ideas, and you have the art of scarification, which just might be the newest trend in body design for Canadians and others around the world.

Scarification is the process in which a design is cut, etched, burned, or branded into the skin to create an inkless tattoo-like scar.

The trend of scarification may still be relatively new to most Canadians, but it is an art that is just as old as the art of tattooing. Both can be traced back over 5000 years to various primitive societies, according to an article by National Geographic Magazine. The scars and tattoos were used for such purposes as identification, or as symbols of having completed a rite of initiation into a particular society. Today, tattoos and scarification alike are mainly used as a means of artful expression on one’s own body.

Some opt for scarification in order to camouflage other scars on their body. This was the case for Holly Moseinko, a piercing store owner from Petersburg, Ont., who used the process to hide a scar on her leg from a surgery, according to an article by Erica Lenti for the Canadian Press. Others simply enjoy the aesthetic appeal of scarification as a unique method of expressing their individuality.

Vince Hemingson, who has studied global body-modification practices, agrees in a National Geographic article: “Tattooing has become old hat,” he said. “If you

want to be on the cutting edge — and want to set yourself apart — you can do tongue splitting or scarification.”

According to Lenti’s article, the artist who created Moseinko’s designed scar, Blair McLean of New Tribe Piercings in Toronto, stated that “scarification hurts less than a tattoo; in fact, all forms of scarification occur on the same level of skin as tattoos: on the dermis, far above fatty tissues and muscle matter.”

However, scarification, like any other procedure of this nature, presents some risks to the recipient. Spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Health David Jensen states, in Lenki’s article, that “because certain body modification practices break intact skin and mucus membranes through cutting, burning, and piercing, there is an increase in the risk of scarring, hemorrhaging and psychological trauma as well as exposure and infection with blood borne pathogens, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.” He also stresses the importance of people interested in procuring such body art to visit only artists and/or studios where the artists are experienced in the procedure to ensure that it is done safely and cleanly to avoid higher risk of infection or other problems.

While some negative stigma still exists in society with regards to tattoos and scarification, attitudes regarding body art seem to be mixed. While scarification is illegal in the United Kingdom, some U.S. states and Winnipeg, some hold that its criminalization only causes people to pursue it through unsafe underground measures.

But no matter where you stand with regards to this extreme means of body art, the fundamental premise of the stories we can tell through the marks on our bodies remains unchanged. So wear your skin with pride, knowing that every knick, scratch or imperfection only makes you the unique and special person that you are.

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BUSINESS & TECH

January 7–20, 2014

Skills training program to help abused and at-risk women at GBC KAREN NICKEL STAFF REPORTER

One of the major concerns for women who are thinking of leaving a violent relationship or who have left one is how she will be able to take care of her children and have economic security while living on her own.

On Nov. 27, Theresa Piruzza, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, announced renewed ministry funding for a variety of province-wide programs to help women achieve economic independence through academic and employable skills training.

Piruzza stated, “Leaving an abusive relationship takes courage and resources.

The employment training for abused and at-risk women program helps women discover their own potential and build a more secure and meaningful future for themselves and their children.”

The announcement took place at George Brown College (GBC) with Anne Sado, president of GBC; Georgia Quartaro., dean of the Centre for Prepatory and Liberal Studies; Peg Everall, program mentor; and Chamaika Johnson, a recent graduate of the architectural technician program in attendance.

Quartaro said, “The training received in this program makes a dramatic differ-

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ONTARIO WOMEN’S DIRECTORATE

ence in the lives of vulnerable women. We see it everyday. This program trains these women for meaningful careers and it enables them to create a brighter future for themselves and their children.”

GBC‘s assaulted women and children’s counsellor/advocate program (AWCCA), in collaboration with other programs and community partners, has provided assault-

Above GBC administrators show their support for training programs for abused and at-risk women. From left to right: Peg Everall, Georgia Quartaro, Chamaikha Johnson, Minister Theresa Piruzza, and Anne Sado.

ed women and women at-risk, with academic upgrading and hands-on skills training in different non-traditional trades since 2007.

According to Anna Willats a professor in the AWCCA program and the co-ordinator for GBC’s women transitioning to trades and employment program, the first funded project was from 2007-2009 as part of the implementation of Ontario’s 2004 Domestic Violence Action Plan, with 22 women graduating from basic refrigeration and Gas Technician 3 training.

The next project was from 2010-2012 and saw 25 women graduate in different fields, such as building maintenance and supervision, nursing, baking /cooking and child and youth work..

This funding period of 2013-2014 will see 50 women in total attending 14 week training sessions in academic upgrading, interview techniques, hands on skills training, work placements and includes tuition support.

Willats noted that, “Women have told us how their lives have been turned around by these programs, and they have made friendships that have lasted long after their training has ended. We look forward to working once again with our partners to help women to identify and reach their goals.”

Is that a library in your pocket, or are you just happy to read me?

KAREN NICKEL STAFF REPORTER

Imagine being able to carry your favourite magazines with you wherever you go without lugging around a heavy bag of paper.

The Toronto Public Library (TPL) has a new eMagazine service that can put your favourite celebrity news, entertainment, fashion, science fiction and business journals in the palm of your hand.

In July, 2013, the TPL launched this service for its users which might benefit George

Left A recent TTC ad campaign for the Toronto Public Library’s eResources. The free service is expected to be valuable to students for use in the classroom.

IMAGE: MARIA CIPRIANO/TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY

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Brown College (GBC) students having Toronto Public Library card. This can give students access to 350 different magazine titles they can download and read anywhere, anytime.

Maria Cipriano, collection librarian in electronic resources at the TPL contacted The Dialog to tell us about the new services.

“We really want to get the word out about all the free electronic services that are available to your students,” she added, “for recreation and to support course work.”

Zinio eMagazine joins TPL’s other eresources, OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks, which give users access to over 35,000 ebook titles to ‘checkout’ from the library.

Students can download these eBooks anytime. The resource access expires at the due date automatically saving any late fees and also trips to the library to return the book.

The titles available from the Zinio eMagazine service are incredibly diverse and could prove to be an additional resource for students in a variety of programs. Magazines like,The Economist, Bloomberg Business

Week and Forbes might be helpful for those in GBC’s business and management programs, while the variety of cooking, baking and nutrition titles might interest those in hospitality and culinary programs.

Talking about the eMagazines, Cipriano explained, “The electronic magazines are full editions, in colour and include an interactive component.” This includes magazines about photography, arts and fashion, making them an attractive option for downloading.

Don’t think that it’s all work and no fun, Zinio also offers: Maxim, Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone, The Nation, PC Gamer and even International Tattoo Art. “All you need to access this content,” according to Cipriano, “is a free Toronto Public Library card which all George Brown College students qualify for.”

To find out more about Zinio and OverDrive e-resources and more go to the Toronto Public Library website at: tpl.ca/ereads

January 7–20, 2014

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