Art exhibit Shedding light on history of art in Waterloo Region. Page 5 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2018
SPOKE
High times coming Will it be good or bad for Canada? Page 6
A LEARNING NEWSROOM FOR JOURNALISM STUDENTS
CONESTOGA COLLEGE, KITCHENER, ONT.
CSI’s Polar Plunge on Feb. 15
WWW.SPOKEONLINE.COM
49TH YEAR — NO. 4
FUN TIMES WITH XXX-RATED HYPNOTIST
BY VERONICA REINER
Conestoga Students Inc. is hosting its 37th annual Polar Plunge event on Feb. 15 at 12 p.m. just outside the cafeteria at the Doon campus. Brave students can be “freezin’ for a reason” as they jump into ice cold water in support of a great cause. “All funds raised will be donated to KW Habilitation,” said CSI President Aimee Calma. The not-for-profit organization provides a wide range of individualized services and supports to children with special needs and adults with developmental disabilities. Any students interested in participating in the Polar Plunge should pick up a pledge package from the CSI office on any campus. The students then collect donations and bring back their packages on the plunge date to qualify for prizes. Conestoga social services student Andrew Dron recalls participating in the event in both 2016 and 2017. “It was bloody cold! I did it in a -28 degree blizzard. They had to break the ice twice before we could jump in!” The event always takes place in the middle of winter. It is a very chilling event indeed. “It’s really, really cold! You lose your breath instantly, and gasp for air. Eyes are frozen and everything is blurry. But then you hear the roar of the crowd congratulating you,” said Dron. “I’d gladly do it again.” And the prizes for just participating? “You got a Polar Plunge towel, a pin, and bragging rights in 2017,” said Dron. Calma said, “special
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW DRON
Conestoga College student Andrew Dron poses with a Polar Plunge flag to advertise the upcoming CSI event. prizes will be awarded to participants with the best costume, greatest number of donors and the largest fan base.” Students have the opportunity to get extra use out of their Halloween costumes by dressing up as any character they like. “I saw some interesting costumes last year,” said Jason McIntee, a second-year supply and chain operations management student. “There was Snow White, Deadpool and Alice in Wonderland all throwing themselves in the cold water. It was pretty entertaining.” Recommended costumes include anything students would not mind getting completely soaked. Any heavy costumes or onesies are not a great idea. St. John Ambulance volunteers watch over the event to ensure the safety of the students, and 107.5 Dave Rocks will be MCing the event. For further information, visit a CSI office or email CSI member Laura Sinclair at lsinclair@conestogac.on.ca.
PHOTO BY TYLER MEDEIROS
Conestoga Students Inc. invited XXX-rated hypnotist Tony Lee to perform on Jan. 24 at the Doon campus. Above, two hypnotized participants act shocked after Lee tells them that the man behind them touched them inappropriately. For additional photos, see Page 8.
Students want parking permit refunds BY REBECCA SOARES
The strike has long been forgotten by many students, but some still have questions. “I didn’t receive any compensation for the parking permits. Are we supposed to get anything? We haven’t really been given any information,” said
Monty Khayal, a secondyear television broadcast student. The Ontario college strike dragged on for five weeks last semester and once it ended Conestoga staff were faced with many questions including those about tuition refunds, semester’s end and exams. Despite all the
communication from the college, the one thing missing was information about receiving compensation for parking permits. “I don’t think it’s very fair. I mean, I already paid a lot of money just to park for roughly two hours a day then the strike happened and I never came to school. It
was a waste of money.” said Mikayla Pollock, a first-year pre-health student. Conestoga administrators may argue the college was open and its resources were still available to students during the strike, including the library, labs and rec centre. However, if that’s the college’s rationale, students
aren’t buying it. “Why would I need to come to campus? All my assignments were put on hold so there was nothing to research. And even if there was, I wasn’t about to wait to go past the picket line, it wasn’t worth it,” said Pollock. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
NEWS
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Now deep thoughts ... with Conestoga College
Monday, February 5, 2018
FILBERT CARTOONS
Random questions answered by random students
What’s your dream job?
“I want to be an engineer. I’m not really sure what field.”
CONESTOGA STUDENTS UNWIND BY PLAYING PING-PONG
Nikhil Deshpande, first-year mechanical engineering technology design and analysis
“I want to be in administration for charity. I want something satisfying.” Kelly Zuk, first-year office administration
“I want to be an office receptionist at KidsAbility.”
Deanna Cronin, first-year office administration
PHOTO BY REBECCA SOARES
Conestoga College students play ping-pong in between classes to pass time. Students are able to enjoy the ping-pong room during recreation centre hours. It is open Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the fall and winter semesters.
“I was originally a pilot, but I switched to engineering.”
EXERCISE AND CHALLENGE YOURSELF AT GRAND RIVER ROCKS
David Watt, fourth-year architectural construction engineering
“I want to open a restaurant in Canada.”
Alphonsa Cheriyan, second-year global hospitality management
“I want to research genetics. Specifically genetics diseases.” Melena Lagana, second-year biotechnology technician PHOTO BY AUSTIN WELLS
Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!
Conestoga College students can unwind and get exercise while rock climbing at Grand River Rocks on Borden Avenue in Kitchener. Open from noon to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, those interested can purchase a day pass for $16.
Monday, February 5, 2018
Library’s French-speaking event a success BY AUSTIN WELLS
For anyone looking to learn French or improve their existing skills, the Idea Exchange’s Preston Library branch has introduced the perfect event. Their Speak More French event debuted Jan. 10, and is run by senior branch assistant Tina Runstedtler. “All of my family is of French heritage, and I’ve been speaking French for over 20 years. I finally decided that I would be interested in teaching French and pursued it in school and beyond and finally achieved that goal through this program, which is special because for most of my 19 years at the library I’ve been handling English programs,” she said. The event, which has averaged about 15 attendees per night, runs from now until Feb. 28 every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., in addition to the regular 10:30 a.m. French lesson for children. There is no cost, and complimentary snacks and beverages are
provided. Runstedtler said she is interested in holding the event in the future, and plans to run another program in the spring and likely a similar educational event next year. Overseen by Runstedtler and a few volunteers, participants take part in a series of games and activities with flash cards or books to help bolster their French vocabulary. Due to a lack of educational French options for many within the area, the event’s accessibility and helpfulness should be an attractive aspect for anyone seeking to brush up their French skills. Staff at the Jan. 24 event were extremely helpful, and the attendees were friendly, receptive and willing to learn more about the language, creating an interesting and enjoyable community vibe as everyone in the side room of the Preston Library took the time to learn something new. For more details on the event or others run by the Idea Exchange, visit ideaexchange. org.
Students say it’s only fair they are compensated CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
According to CTV News, Sheridan College students have similar complaints. However, student Ian Capili did receive a refund, but it was only $15.30 because his campus was open to students during the strike. That amount outraged his mother, who contacted CTV News for help, after which the reimbursement was increased to $176. While Conestoga hasn’t released any information about a refund on parking permits they did implement a student strike relief fund to help those who experienced financial hardship. However, Conestoga students don’t think that it’s enough. “The relief fund helped those in need but that didn’t cover people who deserve their money back,” Pollock said. “I paid $262 for a one semester parking permit that went unused for a majority of the semester. The college should be offering compensation for what was wasted, not just to those who needed a refund
the most.” Two months later and Conestoga still has yet to make any statements regarding the parking permits. “We were off a really long time and we should be compensated,” said Khayal. Spoke contacted Mike Dinning, vice-president of student affairs, but Dinning said he has, “No responsibility for the management and operation of parking services at Conestoga College. Any information I could provide would be limited.” Calls and emails to Kirsty Bradley-McMurtrie, director of Security Services, and Conestoga’s Parking Services department were not returned. “I just want to know what’s going on and I hope they do something. Even if it’s reducing future prices, because it’s a lot of money for a student,” said Khayal. If you would like to voice your concerns, Conestoga Students Inc. is an active voice for students and will listen to issues you have regarding parking permits.
NEWS
SPOKE Page 3
PHOTO BY AUSTIN WELLS
Cambridge and Kitchener residents participate in games at the Learn to Speak French event in a room at the Idea Exchange’s Preston Library branch in Cambridge on Jan. 24.
NEWS
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PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT
Monday, February 5, 2018
STUDENTS WIN BIG AT CSI FEST
PHOTO BY PETER SWART
A Maloney’s Musical Theatre cast practises their bows prior to their show, Our Studio’s Revue. For video story, see www.spokeonline.com.
PHOTO BY JOSH PEDERSON
CSI’s Laura Sinclair shows off prizes given during CSI fest on Jan. 24. For video story, see www.spokeonline.com.
More than
200
employers attending
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Monday, February 5, 2018
REFLECTING ON COLLECTING
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SPOKE s Page 5
WITH IDEA EXCHANGE EXHIBIT “THE WHOLE SHEBANG: A RESEARCH PROJECT”
PHOTOS BY TAYLOR PACE
“The Whole Shebang: A Research Project” exhibit at the Queen’s Square Idea Exchange features their entire 210-piece collection on display until Feb. 11. There are also ongoing public debates and discussions on the pros and cons of collecting art. One of these debates took place on Jan. 27, shown in the picture below. From left to right is Alison Cooley (Blackwood Gallery), Jaime Angelopoulos (Toronto artist), Laura Carusa (Art Gallery of Mississauga) and Caitlin Sutherland (Hamilton Artists Inc.). For video story, go to www.spokeonline.com.
Page 6 s SPOKE
Legalizing pot
COMMENTARY
Monday, February 5, 2018
BY JOSH PEDERSON
The Trudeau government’s legislation on the legalization of marijuana is fast approaching, with the purchase and consumption of the earthy green substance scheduled to begin in July. It is a move that has Canadians speculating as to whether this direction is one of calculated judgement regarding the future of the country and its economy, or if it is an impulsive leap into a vast uncharted realm by our inexperienced, young politician. There are plenty of challenges involved with legalizing marijuana which will have some people questioning the Prime Minister’s campaign and ultimately test the population of Canada’s 36 million residents. Regardless of your method of consumption, be it smoking, ingesting or vaping, tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana, will send you on a euphoric journey of lost time and unquenchable hunger. While it may sound like a dream come true, Canada will need to have a dedicated tactical approach on monitoring the distribution of cannabis to ensure the safety of residents. For a drug which contains several medicinal properties and benefits, there are still dangers which need to be addressed for a successful movement. Impaired judgement is something to take into consideration when targeting the potential dangers that may arise come legalization. Reaction time is delayed when under the influence, something not too beneficial when operating a motor vehicle for example. Police forces across the country already have their hands full trying to keep our roads safe. Technology and training regulations are still in a primitive state for calculating potency levels in marijuana users, a potentially fatal flaw that does not seem to get much attention. It is true that smoking tobacco is worse for your health than smoking marijuana and it is true that impairment on alcohol far exceeds that of marijuana, but is increasing access to another popular drug a wise decision? That is not to say marijuana legality does not have merit. Legal pot will bolster our economy. New jobs will need to be created for the cultivation, harvesting, marketing and selling of the product, a shift that could see billions of dollars of increased revenue for the country, while taking control from the criminals. Time will tell if Canada’s shift to be only the second country behind Uruguay in having nationwide marijuana legalization is the correct one. The United States has already shown economic benefits and positive public approval in states where legal marijuana exists. Legal weed is coming and it is up to the Liberal government to ensure it is a benefit, not a detriment. The views herein represent the position of the newspaper, not necessarily the author.
Letters are welcome Spoke welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be signed and include the name and telephone number of the writer. Writers will be contacted for verification. No unsigned letters will be published. Letters should be no longer
than 500 words. Spoke reserves the right to edit any letter for publication. Address correspondence to: The Editor, Spoke, 299 Doon Valley Dr., Kitchener, Ont., N2G 4M4
Leafs Nation is soon to become Marijuana Nation.
OSAP changes are a good first step I recall my OSAP application to be incredibly obnoxious and stressful to the point where I considered skipping OSAP and paying more for college just so I would avoid the headache of applying. It felt like I had spent hours trying to apply, and after I finished I asked myself if it was worth the hassle. Luckily for future students, they won’t suffer from as many OSAPinduced headaches. Ontario announced on Jan. 16 that the OSAP application process will be made easier for students. A new tool has been created for students to see their estimated tuition costs for various programs they’ve applied for as well as the estimated amount that OSAP will cover. The tool asks some simple yes or no questions as well as your school and program and it will spit out a tuition estimate once you’ve finished. It doesn’t take long. I think this is a good first step toward streamlining the post-secondary education application. Maybe I’m slightly challenged when it comes to applications
Lucas Hutteri
Opinion and documentation, but personally I’ve always found it confusing, difficult and stressful to manage and keep track of OSAP and other education-related finances. I can’t be the only student who contemplates opting for intentional and repeated head trauma when faced with these applications. In addition to the new tool, students receiving OSAP will receive bills from their institute that have already been reduced by the amount of OSAP aid they receive. This is another well needed change to the current OSAP formula. I and many other students have spent too much time figuring out what OSAP has paid already. I see no reason why, in the past, the bills couldn’t have shown only what we still owed. Something so crucial to the
education of students across Ontario should not be confusing in the slightest. OSAP applications for the 2018-19 school year opened in November 2017, giving students and families four extra months to make important decisions for their education and for their future. A lot of these educational decisions can be lifechanging. More time for students to think and plan out how they want to carve their path in education is greatly appreciated. I’m glad Ontario is putting more effort into helping postsecondary students of all ages get the education they want. These changes to the OSAP formula are a great starting point for streamlining the process of post-secondary education. Students are already stressed from projects and exams. We don’t need to be stressed out by other unnecessary problems. Ontario should continue to make an effort to make the entire process of applying, receiving and finishing postsecondary education simple and seamless.
SPOKE
IS PUBLISHED AND PRODUCED WEEKLY BY THE JOURNALISM STUDENTS OF CONESTOGA COLLEGE Editor: Taylor Pace Assignment Editor: Austin Wells Advertising Manager: Christina Jonas Spoke Online Editors: Mike Turcotte-McCusker, Josh Pederson Production Manager: Christina Jonas
Photo Editors (print): Lucas Hutteri, Tyler Medeiros Photo Editors (online): Veronica Reiner, Peter Swart Social Media Editor: Melissa Horton Circulation Manager: Becky Soares
Faculty Supervisor and Adviser: Christina Jonas Spoke’s address is 299 Doon Valley Dr., Room 1B23, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4M4.
Phone: 519-748-5220, ext. 3691, 3692, 3693, 3694 Email: spoke@conestogac.on.ca Website: www.spokeonline.com
The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of Conestoga College. Spoke shall not be liable for any damages arising out of errors in advertising beyond the amount paid for the space. Letters to the editor are subject to acceptance or rejection and should be clearly written or typed; a MS Word file would be helpful. Letters must not contain any libellous statements.
FUN & GAMES
Monday, February 5, 2018
SPOKE s Page 7
Useless Facts
Oh Cliff!
Horoscope
Every person has a unique tongue print.
Week of February 5, 2018
Aries
March 21 April 19 You got up today knowing you had to do something meaningful. To start, just spend a little less money, while saving a bit more, and never look back.
Taurus April 20 May 20
Are you comfortable with the idea of changing careers? This year is a time you’ll remember as a turning point and everything will be clear to you.
Gemini May 21 June 21
Do something meaningful today. This will happen through considering what’s best for everyone, not just you.
Cancer June 22 July 22
Seek out a person you meet in passing to give you unexpectedly sage advice. You already know the right thing to do.
Leo
July 23 August 22 Are you weighing your options regarding doing something new? This year you’ll find is a turning point for you and it will be time to act.
Virgo
August 23 September 22 This week you should reach out to those close to you who may need you. Doing so will help you, and you’ll come to terms with a question from your past.
Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches.
Libra
September 23 October 22
There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with orange, purple, and silver. What about “month?”
Today you can turn your life around. You can do it by just looking out for the people around you and realizing that this is what is best.
A 2” X 4” piece of lumber is really 1-1/2” by 3-1/2”. A female ferret will die if it goes into heat and cannot find a mate.
Scorpio
October 23 November 21 This week you should help out a close friend in need. Doing so will help you, and the good in the world will become more obvious.
There are 336 dimples on a regulation golf ball.
Sudoku Puzzle
Sagittarius November 22 December 21
Fill in the grid with digits in such a manner that every row, every column and every 3x3 box accommodates the digits 1-9, without repeating any.
If you’re just not sure what you want from life, then you just might be ready. Remember that you can do anything you want in the end.
Capricorn December 22 January 19
Find a way to do something for your significant other or someone close to you.
Aquarius January 20 February 18
Are you thinking you might consider doing more for your career or income? This month stand up for yourself.
Pisces
February 19 March 20 You should sit for five straight minutes without worrying about the world.
Diodonna Winona dabbles in forces beyond mortal comprehension. She also enjoys people watching and coffee.
Word Search
Page 8 s SPOKE
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT XXX-RATED HYPNOTIST HAS CROWD MESMERIZED
Monday, February 5, 2018
PHOTOS BY TYLER MEDEIROS
Tony Lee (above), an XXX-rated hypnotist, has sold out more college and university performances and received more awards than any other performer in Canadian history. On Jan. 24, he performed at Conestoga College’s Doon campus. Clockwise from photo above, Lee talks to some participants. Students line up to get into the show. Members of CSI’s board of directors introduce Lee. Hypnotized students slouch in their chairs and lay on the floor. Two hypnotized participants, who were first angry after being told that a man behind them had touched them inappropriately, quickly become happy after being told they are in love with the extremely attractive person behind them.