Issue 9 - January 9, 2012

sputnik

the

Wednesday, January 9, 2013 - Issue 9 // www.thesputnik.ca

News

3

On Campus

5

Features

6

A&E

8

Sports

10

Opinion

12

Partnership with Laurier likely page 3

New Year’s to the Apocalypse page 5 and 6

House hunting for next year? page 5

One year of the Musical Mosaic page 9

De-stigmatizing mental health page 12

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Tired of hearing "You need experience

to get a job" but you can't get experience because no one will hire you?

Think again! There are a number of di!erent ways to get experience while you are s"ll a student!

#$%& & be '()(%* ente %&+, a pri red f z e! or

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, January 9 , 2013

NEWS

Jordan Johnston // news@thesputnik.ca

City budget change could effect students EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Olivia Rutt eic@thesputnik.ca ADVERTISING & DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Angela Taylor angela.taylor@wlusp.com (519) 884-0710 ext. 3560 PHOTO EDITOR Cody Hoffman photography@thesputnik.ca ART EDITOR Diane Sison art.editor@thesputnik.ca WEB EDITOR Caitlin Henshaw web@thesputnik.ca COPY EDITORS Alicia Saunders Ahmed Minhas Jessica Lalonde SECTION EDITORS Jordan Johnston, Local News Melissa McGuffin, On Campus Layla Bozich, Features Courtney Langstaff, A&E Kyle Morison, Sports Leisha Senko, Opinion

CONTRIBUTORS Olivia Rutt Diane Sison Courtney Langstaff Kyle Morrison Jordan Johnston Cody Hoffman Dillon Giancola Amber Richardson Melissa McGuffin Stephanie Di Bartolo Craig Hagerman Madison Hawkins Kim Jackson Elizabeth Medeiros Alicia Saunders Cody Groat Sebastien Bell Karly Rath Anthony Fusco

WLUSP BRANTFORD MANAGER OF OPERATIONS Allison Leonard allison.leonard@wlusp.com PHONE (519) 756-8228 ext.5948 202-171 Colborne St. N3T 2C9

City Council discusses budget (Photo by Kim Jackson)

Jordan Johnston News Editor

As 2012 came to a close and the New Year began, Brantford has evaluated their budget by making some changes. The budget is a heavy topic and not one that catches the attention of many students or the community.

Some important figures from the city of Brantford as well as representatives from local businesses are in attendance to speak at this year-end meeting. Pulling some interesting and beneficial numbers from this years’ meeting, there is a strong possibility that the university and the residents of Brantford will be affected by the changes.

The Brantford transit system has been given nearly half a million dollars more in the 2013 budget. This can hopefully accommodate some much needed improvements to the current system.

Although the Transit Service Centre raised no issues at this meeting, this is one thing that

students cannot always rely on and would like to be able to. The city has mapped out a strategic project that was installed in 2012 and is to continue into 2013. This allows for better bus arrival times, and it also means more accurate times. The transit system will further expand its accessible bus stops (60 per cent complete). The transit service centre is in need of some upgrades and the bus terminal is also in need of some pavement repair.

Surprisingly, the budget for the library did not increase much. With nearly $100,000 more than 2012, it is hard to see how the library will be able to grow and expand with the growing community and university population. Students have concerns about the library and its lack of convenience. A larger budget could have potentially been used to address these concerns.

Economic development, tourism and communications which had a budget of

$1,879,111 in 2012 has been adjusted to $1,880,602 for the 2013 year. It is weird to see this number change so little because this sector of the city deals with and promotes the standard of living and economic health of the city. It makes needed changes in the community including infrastructure, safety, social inclusion, health, literacy and more.

Each section asks for money to help to justify their expenses each year. A great example is that the police asked to hire two more officers for Brantford in the year 2013 in order to keep up with the growing population. This in turn needs to be approved by the city council before it is added to the budget. On a final note, parking in Brantford is said to rise in cost by five dollars a month. Other increases for daily and hourly costs have also been taken into account, making approximately $60,000 in 2013 for the municipality.

LCBO ‘express’ project Jordan Johnston News Editor

WLUSP OFFICE 205 Regina Street Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5 PRESIDENT Emily Frost (519) 884-0710 ext.3565 emily.frost@wlusp.com ADVERTISING Angela Taylor (519)884-0710 ext. 3560 angela.taylor@wlusp.com The Sputnik is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo. Contact Emily Frost - WLUSP, 205 Regina Street The Sputnik is a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP) Opinions expressed in The Sputnik are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the Editorial staff, The Sputnik, WLUSP, WLU or CanWeb Printing Inc. FRONT PAGE PHOTO CREDITS: Main: Olivia Rutt Left: (Art) Diane Sison Centre: (Graphic) Olivia Rutt Right: (Art) Diane Sison

The Ontario Ministry of Finance announced a new project expanding throughout the province. LBCO express stores will be opening up in grocery stores in the near future. Other provinces, such as Quebec, already have the option to buy alcohol at grocery stores as well as convenience stores. With its large population, Ontario could benefit from having alcohol more accessible.The stores will be coming in about 12-18 months from now.

Scott Blodgett said, “They’ll certainly be in separate areas of stores, they’ll have

separate cash registers (and) they’ll be staffed by LCBO staff.”

Details of the locations and the designs of the mini-outlets have not yet been released. There has been great public interest in this idea and will definitely add a different kind of flexibility to the market.

Likely larger, more populated areas will have the ‘test’ stores.

The purpose of these mini-stores is aimed to help underserved areas that would benefit from having an express store. Whether this is because the distance to the nearest LCBO is too far for easy

access, or whether it is simply a way to spread out the popularity of the stores and disperse some of the business.

If these stores are successful, they could be seen everywhere. People are always looking for more convenience as the Minister of Finance, Dwight Duncan explains, and the LCBO is a great way to expand that. The controvery of the topic could lead to more conversations within the provincial government once the project is in motion.

Brantford Police had a busy holiday season Jordan Johnston News Editor

The holidays were a busy time, not only for shoppers, but also for the Brantford police. Not only have the police had to deal with more common crimes of theft and vandalism, there have been multiple assaults and drug charges over the holidays. Around the time exams were wrapping up in the university community, investigations that led the police to arrests were also being wrapped up.

Two local Brantford men were arrested by local police for having been seriously charged with the possession of cocaine, breaching probation with the purpose of trafficking. Not only this, but the same day over $66,000 worth of drugs and drug

money were seized and as a result, two other Brantford men were arrested and held responsible.

Being the holiday season, crime rates are expected to rise without much justification. This is especially true in the case of a man who repeatedly stabbed his brother with a knife. Luckily for the victim, his injuries were not life threatening.

Just after the new year began, police were led to the arrest of another man.

Charges were laid for multiple actions including; trafficking of more than one substance, possession of stolen property, and breach of probation. In a separate incident, three men were arrested by police

and charged with the possession of more than minimal amounts of marijuana.

The purpose of public awareness of crimes in the community is in order to know how to better your own safety and to help police if you have information. More information and daily updates on crimes can be found on the Brantford Police websites as well as contact information to report anything that you may know.

Remember to stay safe as this new year begins, and the business of day-to-day life continues.

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ON CAMPUS

The Sputnik // Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Melissa McGuffin // oncampus@thesputnik.ca

WLU STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

AGM

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

YOU PAY FOR MEDIA ON YOUR CAMPUS. VOTE FOR HOW ITS GOVERNED. JANUARY 31, 2013 THE HAWK’S NEST MEET THE CANDIDATES RECEPTION: 6PM

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, January 9, 2013

ON CAMPUS

Melissa McGuffin // oncampus@thesputnik.ca

House hunting: tips, tricks and nightmares Melissa McGuffin On Campus Editor

Nightmare on Sheridan Street

as a separate part amongst ourselve s.

Finding a new place to live Sinc e I was moving into a place where while at university can be stressfu l I did not know anyone, being on the and exciting at the same time. Whe n top floor by myself seemed quit e you finally decide on the place you appealing. I called the landlord back want to live in, a huge weight is that very day and sent a deposit; I was lifted off your shoulder and you can instantly relieved that I had foun da finally find another place to call you r place and would not have to wor ry home away from home. Or so you ’d come time for class. Fast-forwar d a think… Here is the story of how my year and half later, and I find mys elf “home away from home” is not as it anxious to leave this hellhole calle da seems. student house.

After a series of unfortunate First of all, the nice decorations events that occurred to me, I was and all the furnishing in the hou se left single, distraught, and homeles s belonged to the roommates. So as in Brantford two weeks before the soon as they left, so did the wall first day of school. I frantical ly hangings, the microwave, the toas ter, searched for a new house. Afte r everything down to the show er looking at several different hou ses curtain was gone, and the landlord s and being disappointed after each had no intention of replacin g one, 20 Sheridan was my last hop e. I anything. When the other roommat e almost gave up right away when the leaves so will the couches, and so landlord showed up two hours afte r will the ones that I brought. The the original appointment. Whe n I non-smoking house turned out to be entered the home, the first thin g I half-full of smokers, which wou ld noticed was how nice it looked. It was not be so bad if they would real ize decorated, furnished, and had a gian t how strong the scent of cigarettes are kitchen with not one, not two, but and that it travels in the house quit e three whole fridges, and a freezer on easily. its own. Not only that, but the room But the problem was not with I was being offered was at the very the roommates; the problem of this top of the floor and had a bathroom house resides completely with the right across that I could essentia lly landlords. They do not have a care call my own. Since my bedroom was in the world for their tenants, only quite small, the landlord even let me for their money. This was prov en have a room on the second floo r of when one of the roommates mov ed the house that I could fit my desk in out in January because of co-op, and to study and had a closet. was then replaced with a 38 year The biggest drawbacks were the old non-student without any of the coin-operated laundry, and the fact roommates knowing; safe to say it that we had to pay Internet and cabl e was a bit uncomfortable living with

the newest addition to this so called “student house.”

The owners are a husband and wife, and since it is mostly the wife that deals with the house, when the husband comes in the house he does not even say “hello,” nor does he know what our names are. There was never any warning when someone was entering the house, which goes against the Landlord-Tenant Act, and often someone would just barge in without any of us knowing why they were there, and why they wanted to get into our rooms. After the Christmas break, they had added some counter space and changed around some cupboards and tidied the kitchen up, which was the first nice thing they had done. All of my tea towels had been thrown out, which was nothing compared to the pots, pans and other cooking appliances that had been also been thrown out. They had even thrown out the bathroom mat.

What’s the reasoning behind all the madness you ask? The landlords had said that our house was “too messy.” While I agree that the kitchen was messy, there is no way I find it acceptable to throw out any of our things, or even touch it for that matter.

I can personally say I tidied up the

place several times, and it’s a student house; of course there are going to be a few dishes in the sink, everyone is on different time schedules. If the cleanliness was that much of a problem, it should have been in the contract. On a side note, two of my old roommates lived there a whole year without ever signing a contract, which just goes to show how much they only care about the money.

This was all in the first year of living at this house; this past semester has almost been unbearable. After all of the things that happened, some of which I will not mention out of respect to others, I am faced with two options since my old roommate called the city of Brantford to inspect the house. I can either move into the last room available, which is also the worst one, or I can move out and find another place. Currently I am searching for an alternative solution; any chance of getting out of this place, and I will take it right away.

Got any landlord or roommate Contact stories? “nightmare” oncampus@thesputnik.ca and share yours!

What you need to know when looking

House Hunting (Art by

Diane Sison)

for

a place Olivia Rutt Editor-in-Chief 1. Know the landlord by their full name 2. Find out about the amenities that are included and what is not. Do you need parking? Or do you need a permit? Hate washing dishes?

Is Internet and cable included? This way you know what you will be paying each month.

3. Have a look at the furnace and electrical area of the house. You may not know much about how it wor ks, but you should ask question s about them. Especially if you don ’t have control of the thermostat.

4. Check out the washer and drye r. Are they coin- operated or free ?

5. Ask what you are responsible for in regard to the property. Do you have to shovel snow? Is there a gard en you have to keep up?

6. Take a look at the houses surroun ding, are they students too?

7. Look at the general cleanliness of the house, not of the stuff but in the property.

8. Ask about insurance 9. Try to talk to the current tennents to ask about their experience.

10. Is the pricing based on room or the entire house? If it is the enti re house, you need to fill the rooms.

If you don’t you will be paying for a full house.

11. Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. The re should be one CO detector in the house and one smoke detector for each floor. Bonus points for CO and smoke combo detectors 12. How close it is to campus or grocery store or a general store?

You don’t want to be walking in the snow with arm loads of groceries.

13. Check out the electrical work.

Locate plugs and light, it helps you plan what you need to bring.

14. Look beyond the cosmetic stuf f. Sometimes how the furniture is placed makes a space look sma ller or bigger, that being said try to visualize your things in the house.

Does it fit?

15. Don’t be afraid to ask the land lord anything you are concerne d about, even the price, or reduced rates in the summer. Some landlord s will be flexible.

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, January 9, 2013

FEATURES

Layla Bozich// features@thesputnik.ca

The evolving perspective: New Year’s Three hundred years off from childhood to old age Sebastien Bell Staff

Karly Rath Staff

Perspectives and priorities of the year vary from person to person, with age as a determining factor. With the beginning of 2013 comes the reflection of 2012 through the eyes of individuals from different generations.

Several second grade students eagerly offered their thoughts on last year.

“It was my first time being in grade two so it was nice to be in it,” seven-yearold Divya said.

One of Nicolas’ most enjoyable events of the year was when he biked all the way from his house to Victoria Park in Kitchener.

“When I went camping, I got to eat ice cream every night,” Eric said.

Len’s biggest achievement was finally skating without his parents’ supervision.

Serena’s best memory is of when she buried her father in snow when he was only wearing a T-shirt.

Fast-forwarding a dozen years in age, Laurier student Tori Mudie, 19, said the past year brought her “a better idea of [her] future and knowing what field [she] wants to go into.”

Already established, Joanne Johannes, who celebrated her 50th birthday this past year, watched her daughter graduate sixth grade and receive the Victoria D’Agostino Award for academic, athletic and citizenship excellence.

“I cried when I saw her on stage—it was a special moment in my life,” said Johannes.

Johannes also celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary by going on an Alaskan cruise with her husband.

Eldon Wilhelm, 82, said he feels blessed that he does not have to worry about his six adult children like younger parents must worry about their children. “[My wife and I] mention every month now about how our children did well.

They are healthy and relatively intelligent and that gives us great pleasure,” said Wilhelm.

Unfortunately, there are always negative memories amongst the positive ones.

Seven-year-old Anahaad’s pitfall to her year was when “it rained a lot so there was lots of indoor recess.”

Nicolas, 7, said the worst part of his year was when “[his] fish went down the sink when [his] Dad was trying to clean it.”

Crestfallen, Serena describes her lowest point of 2012: “I fell off of my chair and I had a big bruise on my leg—it was purple.”

Mudie’s worst part of her year was very different: “My Grandma passed away, so that was hard.”

Being at a different point in her life, Johannes said she struggled getting settled in her newly purchased house but could not think of any major drawbacks.

Wilhelm said the most difficult aspect of 2012 was watching his wife of 58 years decline mentally.

“Sometimes she thinks I am her Dad,” says Johannes.

Despite this regression, Wilhelm is still thankful.

“It’s a blessing that we get out and about,” he said.

A lot happens in 365 days, so there are many memories to sift through to determine one’s best and worst experiences. Naturally, one prioritizes to decide what is essential to a happy, successful, or adequate year.

“My top priority is a toss-up between my schooling and my boyfriend,” Mudie said. After some deliberation, she then

decided it must be her education since failing some classes would be worse than her losing her boyfriend.

Johannes prioritizes much differently.

“My family first. I look at what we’ve experienced together—they make or break my year. Health is second,” said Johannes.

Wilhelm said he is no longer interested in becoming financially stable, acquiring new items, or traveling to new places, he focuses on enjoying his home and the time he has with his family.

Upon reflection, we must also look ahead to our aspirations of this fresh new year.

In 2013, Nicolas hopes to get another fish to replace his former pet. His classmate, Len, aims to make a robot out of cardboard and wires in the New Year.

Mudie’s hope for 2013 is “to win a lottery, get higher grades and maintain good health.”

Johannes simply wants her family to make more positive memories together.

Wilhelm hopes his family continues to give him the moral and physical help he needs to cope with his ill partner.

Despite each person’s age and perspective, everyone is hopeful that the year 2013 will be as good, if not better, than the last.

Fireworks (Photo by Olivia Rutt)

Everything you know about calendars is wrong. Or so says Dr. Hans-Ulrich Niemitz, author of “Did the Early Middle Ages Really Exist?” Dr. Niemitz’s paper proposes that roughly 300 years of medieval history were fabricated.

The theory of the phantom years, or The Phantom Time Hypothesis, suggests that the years 614 CE to 911CE never happened and were, instead, inserted into the timeline of our history. Meaning that this year would be the year 1716, not the year 2013 as the unenlightened claim.

The addition of 300 years of history may seem impossible, but it is not as crazy as it sounds. Calendars are always, to a certain degree, arbitrary.

Our calendar, the Gregorian calendar, uses the proposed birth of Jesus as its year zero. Furthermore, it uses the earth’s orbit around the sun to determine the length of a year and the earth’s rotation to determine the length of a day.

This style of recording, however, is problematic as the rotation of the earth and its orbit are completely unrelated.

This discrepancy makes perfect calendars impossible (this being the cause of February’s many lengths).

It was one such problem in annual accounting that led to the move away from Julius Caesar’s (the Julian) calendar, and the main argument for the Phantom Time Hypothesis. Without becoming mired in detail, there should have been a remainder of 13 days (one for every hundred years or so) when the switch was made from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Instead, there was a difference of only 10 days.

Add to this the large gaps in archaeological evidence and architectural advancement between these years, and you have the recipe for a full-blown conspiracy theory.

“I must emphasize that the thesis of the phantom years is one proposal for solving those problems,” wrote Dr. Niemitz. “There exists,” he continued, “an unexpressed and unconscious prohibition against questioning the chronology as if it were unimpeachable.”

Calendars do seem unimpeachable, and yet we run into different calendars frequently. The Chinese and Jewish new years are different than our own. Even within European countries there are different calendars.

Michele Lalich, the daughter of Serbian immigrants, celebrates all the Christian holidays twice, since she ascribes to both the Gregorian and Christian Orthodox calendar.

As you are likely aware, the world did not end on December 21, 2012, as was predicted by people who misunderstood the Mayan calendar. Do not get too comfortable yet, though, the end may still be nigh, just wait 300 or so years.

Like the Mayan apocalypse and Y2K, this theory is not that sinister. The government is not lying to us, nor are these phantom years the proof of some ridiculously circuitous plot to keep us down. Unsurprisingly, this phantom time is likely due to an error or, at worst, vanity.

This theory points out the very tenuous grasp we have of our own history. If, however, the Mayans were right, it may be time to invest in space travel for the sake of our great-great-great-great-great grandchildren.

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, January 9, 2013

FEATURES

Layla Bozich // features@thesputnik.ca

Apocalypse (not) now!

Layla Bozich Features Editor

December 21, 2012 has come and gone, and I am still alive to tell you that nothing happened (but I’m sure you’re aware of that yourself).

However, people around the world were preparing for this day by discussing survival techniques and sharing the locations of stores with the best supply of non-perishable food, and connecting to the spiritual world behind the backs of those who gave no thought to the day at all.

Steven Bancarz, 20, is a Philosophy student at the University of Guelph, and he also operates the popular Facebook page “Spirit Science and Metaphysics”.

For Bancarz, December 21 would not entail any of the Hollywood inspired events such as the touchdown of aliens or the destruction of the earth in a giant fireball. He believed this date served to welcome “an age of unity, love, community, and spiritual and political awareness where we finally begin to wake out of this materialist ego-driven trance to pursue a more conscious way of living.”

To prepare for this “Golden Age”, Bancarz has worked to cleanse himself of undesirable qualities, which he believes is an important step for all of humanity in order to create a “utopian harmony for the planet”.

Bancarz said global meditation was being organized and over 250,000 people planned to celebrate the day at the Mayan ruins.

Regardless of whether an apocalypse was going to happen or not, numerous people were planning for their safety that day, stocking up on food and other supplies that would assist them if the world ended.

“Expect to see robbery, looting, and all the chaos you expect to see from misled individuals expecting the world to be destroyed,” said Bancarz.

He believed the chaos would be minimal, however.

“There was definitely a lot of hype about that day, but mostly it was just a lot of talk, and restricted to a relatively small number of people,” said Bill Kennedy, 42, “Sure, the blogs and forums were full of people who worried about the world ending that day, but the average person on the street had no idea there was anything special about December 21.”

Kennedy is the owner and founder of a variety of post-apocalyptic themed websites including PostApocalypticForum. com, Post-Apocalyptic.info, PostApoc.net, and Megaton.us.

Kennedy has a passion for the postapocalyptic genre of novel and he enjoys using his websites to review books and movies, as well as have longer conversations with people around the world about post-apocalyptic topics.

He did not prepare for the day in any way, and neither did anyone he knows.

“I think we went to the zoo that day,”

he said.

Bancarz spent the day in reflection and he meditated at night. Now that the day has come and gone, Bancarz said he does feel different.

“It’s more of an energetic feeling of excitement to know that what is to come in the next five, 10, 20 years is going to be something revolutionary for humankind,” he said. “I feel like this is the time for me to fulfill my own spiritual potential, just as everyone else is doing knowingly and unknowingly to varying degrees,” said Bancarz.

The media wasted no time in benefitting from the end of the Mayan calendar. With films like 2012, people were faced with glorified doom and gloom, which depicted the end of civilization as we know it.

There have been several predicted apocalyptic events since the beginning of time and, thus far, none have come true.

Six other claims of the world’s end have been predicted over the past two years, yet none reached the fame of December 21, 2012.

In 2011, various people predicted May 21, September 29, October 16, and October 21 would be the end of the world. May 27 and June 30 2012 were other predictions as well.

Due to the extensive amount of prophesized dates to mark the world’s ultimate destruction, Kennedy did not think December 21 would be a dangerous

day.

“End of the world prophecies are a dime a dozen and until I see the scientists running for cover, I don’t give them much credence,” he said.

Many websites, such as survivetheapocalypse.net, have prepared handy checklists of equipment recommended to keep on hand in case the world is met with an apocalypse. Items such as wool socks, gas masks, a book of edible plant life, bootlaces, and a gun made the list.

The website is “made with any and all aspects of survival, from urban assaults and kidnappings, to hurricanes and getting lost in the woods in mind,” said a webmaster of survivetheapocalypse.net.

“The topics are well researched and given in a witty way.”

Their site also features guides such as “100 Uses of a Bandanna”, “Use Houseplants for Clean Indoor Air”, “How to Convert a Tanker Truck into a Post Apocalyptic Home”, and even how to prepare for the apocalypse on a budget.

Bancarz believes that people are becoming more alert to environmental, political, and spiritual issues with the coming of this new age.

“Those of the spiritual community are beyond excited for this time and feel the shift in energy taking place,” he said. “If you ask the average person, I’m not sure they would feel any different at all.”

Don’t blow up! (Photo illustration by Olivia Rutt)

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The Sputnik // Wednesday, January 9, 2013

A&E

Courtney Langstaff // arts@thesputnik.ca

The Versatile Edge of Fashion: 2013 brings colourless trends Madison Hawkins Staff

Sex sells, but why?

Amber Richardson Staff

Black Booties (Photo by Elizabeth Medeiros)

Another year has come and gone, which can only mean that new fashion trends are upon us. Fashionistas like myself have just finished cramming our closets full of expensive stylish 2012 trendy clothing, only to realize that with the new year now upon us, our style is soon to be outdated. Last year was the trend of bold statement clothing leaving you to stand out in a crowd full of people.

2012 was full of colours and bold fashion prints. Skinny coloured denim was all over fashion magazines and the runway in 2012 along with sheer chiffon blouses, high-wasted pants and wedge heels.

2012 fashion lovers also stocked their closets full of punk studded clothing to create an illusion of rocker chic. Another popular 2012 trend was the dark skinny denim paired with a nude stiletto heel.

Although popular in 2012, this is a basic look is a classic that can be seen on many celebrities such as Lauren Conrad and actress Jennifer Aniston, and is sure

to creep its way into the 2013 trends as well.

This year has promised to stir the fashion pot, creating a whole new look to achieve. Black and white stripes are taking over this 2013 spring leaving the bold colours behind. Bold stripes are going to be the new fashion statement over last’s years bold floral and colourful shape patterns.

As the summer of 2013 shines upon us, there will be less skin showing as Bermuda shorts were all over the runway for up and coming 2013 lines, replacing the jean short-short look. Peek-a-boo cutouts are also making their way into the 2013 fashion trends, meaning less cleavage due to plunging necklines and more back and ribs being exposed.

Move over Ray-bans! These popular sunglasses are being pushed out of the way as statement sunglasses are to become the new popular trend. Different shapes and colours of glasses were all

over the runways, creating a new unique individual look for beach goers.

Ladies, your feet will be happy to know that sky-high stilettos and high wedges were replaced on this year’s 2013 runways with stylish flats and low bulky heels. No more struggling to walk or smiling through the aches and pains that unrealistic and unpractical stilettos create.

As with all trends, the fashion world is constantly changing and re-creating itself. As of right now the 2013 spring and summer trends have been set out in stone, but it is hard to say if these styles will be acceptable by clothing lovers and will catch on. So just in case, hold on to those jean booty shorts and your 2012 trendy clothing, because you just never know what will stay in style and what will catch on in the future. Styles always make there way back into fashion’s shifting and dynamic world.

How to avoid kicking the bucket list

Amber Richardson Staff

Every New Year’s Eve, everyone talks about how they are going to make drastic changes in their lives, which will inherently lead to them being happier than the last year. By January 3, most people will have forgotten what they promised in a half-drunken stupor, and revert back to the ways of 2012. This is being written in an attempt to allow everyone to have the best 2013 possible, but it does take some planning, will power, and execution.

First, actually take some time to think

about what you want to do this year.

If it’s imaginable (and at least slightly realistic), it’s doable. Sit down and write a 2013 bucket list—the list can be 10 adventures long or 100; it doesn’t really matter as long as you are forcing yourself to imagine doing new things.

The next step is to plan your attack.

Organize your list into categories, e.g.

Love, School, Health, and Travel. This will allow you to visualize which areas in your life need the most perking up, therefore allowing you to prioritize your items (which may also be a new practice of 2013). Organizing your to-do list will also make a list of 100 seem much less

This year, I resolve to...

Personal

Entertainment

2. Join a team, any team

7. Read Chuck Klosterman’s novels (there are two, it will be a breeze)

3. Do something with the intentions of telling your future kids, “Yep, I was cool way back then”

School

1. Learn how to do something. (I’m working on knitting)

4. Lose 10 lbs. (or 15, or 20) 5. Try five new foods.

6. Watch the entire Criterion Collection

8. Get an A in a class you hate. Your GPA will thank you.

daunting, and you may even be able to kill two, three, or four birds with one stone.

If you still can’t think of anything, don’t fret; check out the hefty list below.

This list may seem vanilla, but it’s realistic. Set your sights on goals that can be accomplished, and you will have an exciting, and ultimately satisfying 2013.

If you find that your years are blending together, you’ve got a bad case of aging (and frankly, we’re too young for that). You should focus on livening up your life, and creating memorable, distinct, and productive years.

Travel

9. Travel for under $500 dollars to any major city in the United States. (try airbnb.ca for accommodations)

Charity 10. Sponsor a child from a third world country

Lately, there has been an overwhelming sexual presence in the media. From car commercials to Rihanna, sex is everywhere, pressuring people to buy, watch, and essentially become addicted to this new sexual culture. It is not just happenstance that a bikini model waltzes onto the screen of every beer commercial, or that every Calvin Klein model has a 10-pack. The media have created a consumer culture in which everyone’s goal is to be sexy, and products are sexy (so they want us to believe).

Sex and sexuality are observed in almost, if not every, media outlet. One particular overtly sexual domain is the music industry. According to Dr. Marty Klein, “When teenagers started making [albums] for teenagers, popular music stopped being about anything but love—and sex soon followed,” says Klein.

With this view, it was the contribution of youth to the larger media scene that spiked the presence of sex in the media. If nothing else, this opinion solidifies sex as truly the lowest common denominator between human beings, and since sex is something experienced by most people, songs about love and sex ensure some level of listener relate-ability. There is also almost always an element of youthfulness depicted alongside with sex. You get 20something “Dirty” Christina Aguilera wearing pretty much the same thing as 50-something Madonna. No one in their right mind would say that skintight suits and almost-nipple cleavage are appropriate for anyone approaching their senior years, but it would be indicative of someone desperately trying to maintain a youthful, thus sexy, image.

With the apparent decline of the sacredness of sexuality and the human body, came hyper sexualized television shows and movies. It seems true that lately the only thing more entertaining than sex itself is watching it on the boob tube. Previously, television shows and movies only alluded to sex. That is, a couple would go into the bedroom, shut the door, and then it would cut to the notorious aftersex cigarette scene, forcing the viewer to piece together the sexual events in their heads. With modern shows such as True Blood, Game of Thrones, Girls, or anything else on HBO, you don’t have to use your imagination to see what Sookie looks likes naked—she’s right there, spread eagle and available for the world’s viewing.

As a sex-columnist and 20-something, I’d have to argue that sex in the media is largely just a scheme to toy with men’s easy excitability and competitive nature, and women’s desire to remain forever youthful. Most ads, shows, and songs about (or including) sex include significantly more female nudity and sexuality than male, which must say something about the difference in sexual attentiveness between the sexes at the very least.

However, sex is an easy sell for both men and women because anyone who’s had it knows it’s good, and anyone who hasn’t knows it’s supposed to be good—and if a product even subliminally uses sex as a selling point, the mind likely processes the product as having the ability to provide a similar caliber of pleasure. My advice? Stop buying sex in the form of perfume or tight jeans, and just go do it old school.

9

The Sputnik // Wednesday, January 9, 2013

A&E

Courtney Langstaff // arts@thesputnik.ca

R A E Y E N C O I A S O M L A C I S U M E OF TH MEMORY-MAKING TUNES UNDER REVIEW

THE CHARTS

COHEED AND CAMBRIA, AFTERMATH: THE ASCENSION

By: Stephanie Di Bartolo, The Sputnik’s watchdog of the local, national and everchanging music scene. On this week’s agenda:

Stephanie DiBartolo Staff After taking a listen to Coheed and Cambria’s newest album, The Afterman: Ascension, I enjoyed how the album seemed to flow nicely and was full of heavy rock songs, although I will admit I was somewhat confused with the concept of the album.

The Afterman: Ascension is part of the band’s plan for a double album The Afterman, with the second half of the project The Afterman: Descension due out in early February of 2013. Coheed and Cambria is known for their concept albums, which follow the fiction storyline of the Amory Wars. Being someone who hadn’t heard very much from this band before, listening to the album and trying to dissect the lyrics into messages was puzzling. Since the storyline continues from the band’s previous albums, it’s one of those situations where you would have to have listened to the bands previous albums to understand the songs.

For the newer fans that are not familiar with the band’s previous albums this is hard to follow. For instance, the song “Key Entity Extraction III: Vic The Butcher” ended with dialogue that is between charac-

ters of the story, but being someone new to this band’s music, it was very strange for me to hear the song end in this way. This makes it hard to enjoy the album independently and not as part of a storyline that is continuing from the band’s previous albums.

Though a risky move for a band to make, it is artistically brilliant for the band’s fans as it gives them more than just music and allows them to enter into a world that is shared between the band and their fans, creating a new type of bond between these musicians and their fanbase.

In my opinion though, in order to really appreciate the album you would have to do some background research and listen to previous albums, which is not always something people want to do when they are looking for new music.

However, for the hardcore fans and sci-fi lovers, I would say the album is a pretty decent listen. For those who want to just connect with an album or song without having to do research, this may not be the album for them.

With me being the latter of the two, I would rate it a 6/10. Awesome rock vibes, I’m just not so keen on the concept.

MISE EN SCENE, DESIRE’S DESPAIR Stephanie DiBartolo Staff Mise en Scene is a band that is just beginning to carve their niche into the music industry, but I don’t think it will be long until the female duo is headlining some of the world’s biggest music festivals.

Members Stefanie Blondal Johnson and Jodi Dunlop released their debut album, Desire’s Despair, in late 2012, and it is exactly what the music industry is missing right now. The tracks on this record are so raw and natural, bringing music back to the place it was before auto-tune.

The first track “Endless Summer” gives that feeling of standing in a crowd on a summer afternoon listening to live music at an outdoor concert and just enjoying

live, uplifting music in it’s most natural form. A lot of their sound on this record is a mix of a hippie-inspired vibe with modern indie pop aspects.

Appearing later on the record, “Givin’ Up Too Easy”, personifies a mellow 60’s vibe that proves that it’s as simple as a guitar and a drum set to make songs that can actually be classified as good, real music. Every song on the record has a different sound, yet they all follow the same sort of vibe and flow, which makes the album even more enjoyable to listen to. I found this album to be very refreshing. It was indie pop, yet had an old-school flare to it.

I would give this album a 9/10, and it’s definitely been added to my iPod playlist. Keep an eye out for these ladies because they’re about to change the indie pop industry.

JULY TALK, JULY TALK Amber RIchardson Staff July Talk’s self titled album July Talk, was released in Fall 2012, and it’s proving to be a hauntingly electric compilation of songs that could satisfy anyone who has been on the hunt for something new.

July Talk is comprised of Torontonians Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay, who completely juxtapose each other vocally. Dreimanis shares vocal similarity with Tom Waites, and at times Johnny Cash, providing a low, raspy growl that can bring arm hairs to attention. Fay is completely opposite, providing a very feminine, dainty, and high pitched counterbalance to Dreimanis’ husky vocals.

At first listen, I was unsure of the deepness of Dreimanis’ voice, and at times it seemed forced. However, upon listening to all of the songs (18 times according to iTunes), I have recognized that the vocals change according to the story being told in the song. At times, the

deep vocals can over power Fay’s delicate tone, but she provides a refreshing contribution to every song, which brightens the musical delivery. My only real complaints, before continuing my praises, are the repetitive endings to most of the songs. I personally think a fade out, or an abrupt ending here and there is more effective than repeating the last line a seemingly infinite number of times. That is, however, the worst thing I can say.

I have been itching to find great new music and, luckily, July Talk just kind of fell into my lap. I have listened to the album over and over, playing it for anyone who would listen. It is such a different experience compared to the generic mixed gender bands, and July Talk utilizes the gender differences to their advantage, creating extreme contrast in each of the 10 works of art that compose their album. They seemingly mix genres slightly within the album, which ensures that boredom does not ensue while listening. They truly are one of the few unique bands in the scene today.

ALBUMS TO ANTICIPATE

1.

Joy Formidable- Wolf’s Law to be released on January 21

2.

Paramore- Paramore to be released on April 9

3.

Hollerado- White Paint to be released on February 12

4.

Atoms for Peace- Amok to be released on February 25

5.

Johnny Marr- The Messenger to be released on February 25

ALBUMS S T E PNOT H’ TO S TBEOFORGOTTEN P FIVE

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Jack White- Blunderbuss The Gaslight Anthem- Handwritten The Killers- Battle Born Mumford and Sons- Babel Metric- Synthetica Best Coast- The Only Place The Lumineers- Lumineers Ellie Goulding- Halcyon Japandroids- Celebration Rock Santigold- Master of My Make Believe

Suggestions? Tell us what album, band, or artist you want to see reviewed or featured in The Sputnik by emailing arts@thesputnik.ca

10

The Sputnik // Wednesday, January 9, 2013

SPORTS Kyle Morrison // sports@thesputnik.ca

UFC 155 year end recap Anthony Fusco Staff The annual year end UFC event went off with a bang. UFC 155 brought fans many great bouts and an immeasurable amount of action. The flyweights started off the action as John Moraga defeated Chris Cariaso via guillotine choke.

Hawaiian featherweight Max Holloway won a split decision over the always game Leonard Garcia. Holloway is also the youngest fighter on the UFC roster at age 21. Heavyweight Todd Duffee made a triumphant return to the Octagon, as he won by knocking out English fighter, Phil De Fries.

Myles Jury kept his perfect record intact by defeating the highly touted Michael Johnson by unanimous decision. Former WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting) champion, Jamie Varner, proved he belongs in the UFC be defeating Melvin Guillard by

split decision.

Rounding out the preliminary card, flyweight Erick Perez knocked out Byron Bloodworth in the first round, and hard hitting bantamweight Eddie Wineland defeated the tough Brad Pickett by split decision.

The main card started off with Strikeforce veteran, Derek Brunson taking on long-time UFC fighter, Chris Leben. Leben was returning from a suspension and Brunson, despite taking the fight on short notice, was able to defeat him. Both fighters gassed out badly, and as a result the opening bout of the pay-per-view was incredibly lacklustre.

Next up were middleweight contenders Yushin Okami and Alan Belcher.

Belcher came into this contest riding a four fight winning streak. It didn’t do him any

good, as he was out-wrestled by the larger Okami on the way to a unanimous decision victory.

The next fight brought perennial middleweight contender Tim Boetsch against injury replacement Costa Philippou. Not many people gave Philippou a chance in this fight, but he proved them wrong. The former boxer was able to use his lethal hands to finish the resilient Boetsch in the third round of their fight. It was the second stoppage win of Philippou’s UFC career.

The co-main event of the evening featured two prominent lightweights who wanted to move up the ladder in their division. Jim Miller and Joe Lauzon put on the best fight of the night and possibly of the entire year. For three rounds they engaged in a back and forth slugfest with Miller eventually winning the unanimous deci-

sion. This fight is now up for an award for a potential fight of the year.

The main event of the night was a heavyweight title fight that would determine who the baddest man on the planet was. On this night, it happened to be Cain Velasquez. He battered, bruised and dominated the former champion en route to a unanimous decision win. Velasquez regained the title, which he had lost to dos Santos earlier in the year.

The UFC promised an epic show for their year-end event. They delivered, as fans were treated to a night of action and excitement. The UFC finished out 2012 on a high-note. Hopefully in 2013, the UFC will continue to bring us more great fights, finishes and thrills.

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11

The Sputnik // Wednesday, January 9, 2013

SPORTS Kyle Morrison // sports@thesputnik.ca

No more uncertainty as NHL lockout finally ends Dillon Giancola Staff A brand new year is upon us, and so is a new NHL season. A tentative agreement was reached between the league and the NHL players’ union on January 6. This comes at a time when the deadline to reach a deal, ultimately deciding the fate of the NHL season, was only five days away.

The new season will see each team play 48 games, with the regular season said to be starting on January 19.

The feedback from fans across the country is mixed. Many are extremely excited to have hockey back, and to fill that void that has been missing. However, there are still others that remain upset, not ready to for-

give the NHL just yet. But one thing all fans can agree on is that it is refreshing to finally have an answer.

I was ready to move on with my life if no agreement was reached, but I am more than willing to buckle up and enjoy what should be an incredibly entertaining season. This is mainly because in a short season anything can happen. As a Leafs fan, if the season was only 48 games last year, my team would have made the playoffs. Given the Leafs’ recent track record, I’ll take any advantage or change I can get. The NBA had a shortened season due to a lock out last year consisting of 66 games that was extremely exciting. What made the season great was the grind of a condensed schedule. So many games in a week – at times

four or five – had the fans caught up in a whirlwind.

Perhaps the best part of the lockout ending is there won’t be the constant back and forth nonsense served up by the media on a daily basis. I am grateful to not have to hear hockey analysts, Bob McKenzie and Daren Dreger speak one more sentence about what may or may not happen tomorrow morning, and then come on three hours later and say, “Ok, well things have changed again. Apparently we were wrong.” I couldn’t handle listening to NHL on TSN host, James Duthie tell me how depressed all of Canada is without hockey and how our lives are going to suck if were to go one more week without it.

If you would have told me that there

would be no hockey this year, then I was fully prepared to shut my ears to all NHL talk for the time being. I was ready to focus solely on the NFL playoffs, and to spend my time dreaming more about the upcoming Blue Jays season. But I won’t have to do that anymore.

I cannot wait to watch hockey on Saturday nights, and to resume the eternal Crosby or Ovechkin debate. Life in Canada for the next four months will seem just a bit more normal. Whether we will see quality hockey remains to be seen, but you can count on me being among the thousands of NHL fans tuning in to find out.

Women’s Golden Hawks rugby team attempts to take flight Kyle Morrison Sports Editor With all the newfound awareness some of Laurier Brantford’s teams have received, very little acknowledgment has been given to women’s rugby from neither the student body nor the school. With a women’s varsity rugby team on Laurier’s main campus in Waterloo, Laurier Brantford is not eligible for their own team, according to rugby co-captain, Yasmine Boyd.

The team has pursued other options, with little luck.

“We inquired about playing at college level, but the school doesn’t believe we are at the level to be successful and sustainable,” said Boyd.

It’s sad, but true. As with many

of Laurier Brantford’s sports teams, few practice facilities are available. In fact, the women couldn’t practice – or play – at all last year as there simply weren’t any indoor facilities, Boyd said. So, they’ve got a long way to go.

The OCAA (Ontario Colleges Athletics Association) would be a huge leap for the team. The women’s rugby teams in the OCAA are some of the best in college sports, with two undefeated teams playing in the gold medal game in the final tournament of the season. But the teams at Laurier Brantford, who are now having success, medalling in OCAA tournaments, faced the same challenges.

The top 5 tournaments in 2013 Craig Hagerman Staff With 2012 now behind us, it is time for Laurier Brantford’s various extramural teams to prepare for the New Year. The second half is set to get underway, and for many teams it is their last chance to make a push to qualify for other tournaments or play for a championship. So, with this in mind there are five tournaments coming up in the New Year that Laurier Brantford should mark on their calendar and get excited about.

1 2 3 4 5

Women’s Hockey: The women’s hockey team will be looking to finish off the season with a championship in front of a home crowd at the Wayne Gretzky Centre on February 15. The sixth ranked girls will be one of eight teams battling in the final tournament, but with a home ice advantage, the team will look to rally behind the cheers of the Laurier Brantford faithful.

Men’s Hockey: The men’s hockey team have had a tough go this season, facing a lot of strong competition in their previous tournaments, failing to make it to the finals in both outings. However, as with the women’s team, the men now have the opportunity to play in front of Laurier Brantford fans. The Hawks will be one of 12 teams in action on February 8 at the Wayne Gretzky Centre and will look to finish the season on a high note.

Co-ed Dodgeball: The dodgeball team will begin their final tournament of the year on January 24. The dodgeball team has had some successful outings this year, including a third place finish at Redeemer College. The team has entered this tournament every year since they formed and saw their best result last year when they finished second. The Golden Hawks will be looking to improve this time around and show that they are the team to beat.

Men’s Basketball: The men’s basketball team had a very successful start to the 2012-2013 season, highlighted by a second place finish at George Brown College. The boys have proved that they are a team not to be taken lightly, which is why their final tournament of the year on January 25 at U of T Scarborough is one that everyone should get excited for. This tournament is also very important because if the team can manage to finish among the top in the tournament they may qualify for the finals in March.

Co-ed Soccer: Laurier’s co-ed Soccer team will take part in their final tournament of the year on March 1 at U of T Mississauga. The team started the season with a disappointing result at Humber Lakeshore, where they failed to win a game, finishing 0-3. However, before they head into their final tournament of the season they will compete in a tournament on February 8 at Redeemer College. If the team can get their game together and steadily improve during the New Year they could challenge for a first place finish in their season finale.

Heading into 2013, Laurier Brantford’s teams have a good chance to bring home some trophies. The Golden Hawks can prove that although they may be a small campus there isn’t a shortage of talented athletes and teams.

The rugby team has now turned to the city of Brantford to jumpstart the club. Getting involved locally is the next best thing and would offer the team some competition and resources. Although the team was denied a trip to Las Vegas to participate in a tournament this year, they will be teaming up with a local team to head to Sin City in 2014. Vegas is about more than gambling after all.

This just goes to show how large the scope of rugby has grown. The Las Vegas Invitational rugby tournament is billed as the largest amateur rugby tournament in North America, featuring some of the best amateur squads. If the Laurier Brantford

women can make a breakthrough in such a huge tournament, why not on the university stage.

The popularity of women’s rugby in Canada is at an all-time high. The national team is ranked second in the world, and rugby will be offered in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. It would be an incredible opportunity for the school to have a competitive women’s rugby team either in the OCAA or on a varsity level in the OUA alongside their main campus counterpart.

The school will be getting a varsity soccer team in 2014 and a varsity basketball team in 2015, a rugby team on the pitch could work, too.

12

The Sputnik // Wednesday, January 9, 2013

OPINION Leisha Senko // opinion@thesputnik.ca

I’m not just sad Alicia Saunders Staff According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime.

I am one of them.

Mental illness runs in my family, so for me, it became inevitable. The idea grew into a monster that crept in my shadows, waiting to pounce. I hoped that it wouldn’t find me, and that I could just be a supporter, raising awareness.

It didn’t turn out that way. I ended up confronting my fear and went to see my doctor. Yes, I’ll concede that it’s scary to admit that something is wrong, especially when it comes to your mental health, but for me, doing nothing about it was never an option.

However, the world we live in thinks differently. Mental health has been stigmatized so severely that people are ashamed and embarrassed to go get the help they need. According to the CMHA, only 20 per cent of children who need mental health services receive them.

Unlike other illnesses, mental illnesses are often ignored because their symptoms are typically unseen. When symptoms deal with how someone is feeling inside, it can be harder to be taken seriously.

People are ashamed of their mental health, primarily because we are constantly told that we ought to be able to deal with things. If someone is consistently sad for no apparent reason, society immediately turns on the sufferer. They aren’t trying hard enough, or my personal favourite, “Everyone feels that way at your age.”

This kind of thinking is ridiculous.

When I began to feel sad everyday with little motivation or enjoyment from my own life, I tried to get over it. But day in and day out, I still couldn’t find a way to make myself happy.

And how could I? Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. There’s no way to stop yourself from being sad when being sad is completely out of your control. Yet even I began to have these thoughts, and I felt foolish when I couldn’t will myself to be happy. I was stigmatizing myself.

The CMHA reports that only 50 per cent of Canadians will tell their friends that

they have a family member with a mental illness, compared to the 72 per cent who would talk about a family member’s cancer diagnosis. Why is it that we treat these differently? We’re so open to talk about cancer awareness, yet so closed off to mental health awareness. Both deal with someone suffering, so why do those with mental illnesses have to suffer in silence?

People don’t realize that this stigma affects people’s ability to lead healthy lives.

Although it’s not the defining factor in my life, my mental health is a part of who I am. By living in a society where I’m told to keep it to myself and not talk about it, I’m hiding part of myself.

But I’m tired of hiding it. So yes, I have depression. I sought out help and now I’m starting to feel better. Is there anything wrong with that? I’ll admit, thinking about writing this article, I was apprehensive to go ahead with it, but then I thought to myself, “Why am I afraid?”

If I can’t be comfortable with it, why would I expect anyone else to be? So let me be the first of hopefully many people, to say that mental health isn’t such a scary thing. Talk about it. By raising awareness, we can get rid of this unnecessary stigma.

People aren’t defined by their state of health. No, that person with schizophrenia isn’t just a schizophrenic. They’re still a person. They just happen to have a disorder. But they will always still be a person, no matter what health issues they face.

So can we all try to stop talking about mental health in hushed voices, looking up occasionally in case anyone hears? It’s not anything to be ashamed of; it’s your health.

Embrace it.

I know, that sounds odd. If you told me a few months ago that I should embrace depression, I probably would’ve looked at you strangely. But I mean ‘embrace’ in a broader definition.

Embrace the fact that mental illness is just one of many aspects that make you a person. It’s not your defining feature or a debilitating disease. With the right help, it just becomes another part of your life. If you aren’t dealing with it first hand, embrace a culture where it’s something we can talk about. Take the time to understand what

Realism and resolutions Cody Groat Staff When the clock chimed midnight on December 31, the 2012 ended. It was the year of the apparent Mayan apocalypse.

The year Felix Baumgartner jumped from the edge of space. The year of the Summer Olympics in London, and once again, a year in which I didn’t fulfill my New Year’s resolution. The changes I decided to make under my breath went not only unnoticed by others, but also by myself. I guess I wasn’t too resolute on those resolutions of mine.

But now we enter 2013. A fresh year with no apocalyptic signs on the horizon, so maybe it’s time to think once again about what we want to change or achieve over the next twelve months. Maybe you’ll plan on changing the world. How will you do that? Raise money for the global poor?

Strive to increase international literacy rates? Your resolution can be much more personal though, as most are. This year you may want to shed a few pounds, smile more, or finally start to get out. Let’s face it though; you didn’t fulfill your resolution from last year so why would this year be any different? You might as well quit while you’re ahead.

This sort of negative thinking is what always leads my resolutions to forever go unfulfilled, as with others, from what I’ve heard. We live in the world of constant ifs.

If I didn’t do it last year, what makes people think I can do it this year? This thinking needs to change. As much as it may be disappointing if you don’t achieve your resolution, it feels even worse if you don’t even try.

Let’s take a look at the most common resolutions according to various online sources; save more money, get out of debt, get fit/ lose weight, change job/ careers and quit smoking. All of these have a commonality to them. If you even try, you’ll be better off than you were before.

When it comes to saving money as a resolution, some people have excuses, either realistic or not. These include not being able to pay bills if you save or not being able to continue hobbies. But if you put away even a dollar a day, that’s 365 more dollars than you had the previous year. You may not have put away enough to buy anything big, but you will have achieved your resolution.

One of the most common resolutions on the list that I’ve heard is the third one, to lose weight. First, when it comes to this resolution I want to express my personal input. Lose weight for yourself, not others. If you want to fit into that smaller size, or feel that you’re reaching an unhealthy weight, this resolution may be for you. But if you’re doing this to look better in the eyes of others, you shouldn’t. Be yourself. Anyway, even if you attempt this resolution, chances are a change will be seen. You don’t need

Mental Health (Art by Diane Sison)

mental illnesses are, but don’t treat them any differently than any other illness.

I think it’s about time that we embrace mental health awareness with the same compassion and openness that we have had with so many other causes before. It’s time to give your mind some love.

Maybe we can start turning some of these numbers around and let those suffering alone know that it’s okay to get help. It’s okay to admit there’s something wrong. I know if I hadn’t grown up with the understanding of mental health that I did, I probably would’ve suffered longer on my own.

to apply for a gym membership or spend copious amounts of money on weights.

Try doing simple things such as taking the stairs or going for a sunset walk every night listening to your iPod. These may not get you to the ideal you had in mind, but the number on that scale will only go down.

What you need to keep in mind for resolutions in the New Year is that they are your personal goals. Don’t let family, friends, or society dissuade you in terms of your goal. Dare to dream big, and keep to your goal. If you believe in it, and try every now and then over the year, chances are you’ll make some form of progress.

I’ve always had conflicting views on resolutions, but I feel that they need to be granted respect. If someone is striving to make a change in his or her society or within his or her personal life, this is an admirable goal. Conflict in my eyes arises with the fact that this is your goal for the 365-day span, decided on one specific day of the year. I once read, “make life resolutions, not New Years resolutions.” Unfortunately, whom I heard it from is now forgotten, but the message is not.

Don’t try to cram your goal into one

As a society, we’ve managed to minimize and discard stigmas completely. Mental health is nothing new, and it’s not going away anytime soon. So instead of keeping the stigma alive, we should start becoming more aware.

Think about it, you’ll be glad you did.

If you want more information or places to go to for help, visit the Brantford CMHA website at www.brant.cmha.ca.

Students can also take advantage of counseling offered at Counseling Services located on the second floor of the Student Centre.

frame, or one segment of your life. Don’t let losing weight; saving money, writing a book or quitting smoking be based on a deadline.

If you’re adamant on these ideas then allow them the time they need to be fulfilled. As much as I force myself into personal deadlines and professional deadlines, they don’t have to be involved in every aspect of your life. For every second you count waiting for something to happen, you’re wasting one second that could be just as incredible.

In the end, New Year’s resolutions can be good for you, can be fun, and can bring great feelings if achieved. Just remember, do it for yourself and on your own time.

This will make the reward more enjoyable, the chance of benefiting more encouraging, and bonus: if it’s on your time, you may not have to take the stairs everyday of the week!

Happy 2013.