http://www.theweal.com/index.php/site/index/ The Weal is SAIT's Student's Association's News Publication located in Calgary, Alberta Canada, SAIT Polytechnic en webmaster@theweal.com Copyright 2010 2010-04-22T23:46:56-07:00 http://www.theweal.com/?/news/aldred_15_million_donation_to_sait/ http://www.theweal.com/?/news/aldred_15_million_donation_to_sait/#When:23:46:56Z John Aldred was granted his heavy duty mechanic license in 1968 from SAIT, and now he's giving back to the institution. The Aldred family donated $15-million to SAIT, announced on April 21. “My family is making an investment in the Trades and Technology Complex because, not only will it be transformational for SAIT for generations to come, but it will elevate the stature of trades and how they are perceived as a career choice," said Aldred, founder and former chairman of Enerflex Systems. He also said education is vitally important for society and that he believes it needs to be approached with a multi-generational view. This is the single largest donation to a college or technical school in Canadian history. News 2010-04-22T23:46:56-07:00 http://www.theweal.com/?/news/saitsa_schools_ya_on_sex_drugs_and_rock_n_roll/ http://www.theweal.com/?/news/saitsa_schools_ya_on_sex_drugs_and_rock_n_roll/#When:06:05:45Z SAITSA’s educational event on April 14 in the Heart Atrium will rock your world with safety information about sex and drugs. In the meantime, bone up on your knowledge with these random facts compiled by the Weal’s Anton Strilchuk Whether it be having a ball, getting high at your favourite rock concert, or a combination, education can help make your experience safer. Alyssa Athanasopoulos, SAITSA VP Student Life, wants students to become aware of the risks associated with these activities at the upcoming Sex, Drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll event. “We’re going to have a bunch of companies come in and provide awareness on sexual health and drugs,” says Athanasopoulos. She hopes the event will remind students to practice safe sex and not to overdo “the college lifestyle.” Athanasopoulos says this isn’t a typical sex and drug awareness event planned for students. “I am trying to make it as fun as possible,” she says. “There will be lots of condoms and information. “Basically you walk in and there is a craft table with condoms, so be a little creative and make some crafts,” she says. The event takes place April 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Heart atrium. Sex • Vaginas are a cul de sac, what goes in come out. But your anus, is more like a curvy, bendy open highway. What goes in might not come out. So if you want to have fun up your bum, your toy must be anchored. • If you want to sweeten up your love life, don’t use sugar. Vagina don’t like sugar! So if your flower is tasting sour tap into some pineapple power. • Remember to lube up your toys before you enjoy, and always clean up. Silicone toys can be dangerous if you don’t take proper care by storing them in individual bags as well as making sure to use proper cleaners. • Before you lube up, study up. Water based lubes are most commonly recommended because they are non-irritating, non-staining, water-soluble and some even have a great taste. • If you think you are not at risk, think again. HIV and AIDS were once considered a “gay” disease but affect people of any gender, age and from any background. • Saliva, tears, sweat and urine do not transmit HIV. Sources: Passion Parties, Frisky Business, AIDS Calgary Drugs • Ibogaine is an active chemical found in the African Tabernanthe iboga root, as well as several other plant species, is a strong, long-lasting psychedelic known for its modern use in treating opiate addiction. • In the United States, Maryland bans the sale of cigarettes containing cloves. And Bhutan has banned the sale of all tobacco products. • In higher doses, nicotine is poisonous and is commonly used as an insecticide. • Chewing tobacco contains over 3,000 chemicals, including 28 known carcinogens. Contrary to common belief, it’s not a safe substitute for cigarettes. • Youth 15-24 years of age experience 10 times more harm in their lives due to drug use than among adults aged 25 and older. • People who use inhalants, like kerosene or cooking spray, can develop permanent health problems including: memory loss, brain damage, personality changes, muscular weakness, fatigue, and nerve damage starting in the hands and feet. Sources: http://www.erowid.org, AADAC, Stats Canada Rock ’n’ Roll • Gwar’s murder suits are air conditioned. • Cynthia Plaster, the original plaster caster, has cast over 75 rock star penises in a dental mold called alginates. • Adriana Smith, now a 40-year-old mom, can be heard having a real orgasm at the end of the Guns n’ Roses song Rocket Queen. • The first rock ’n’ roll song was Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s Strange Things Happening Everyday, and was released in 1944. • Rolling Stone rates Like a Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan as the greatest rock song of all time. • The Followill boys — Nathan, Caleb and Jared – otherwise known as three quarters of Kings of Leon grew up watching their father Leon, a Pentecostal preacher, instill the fear of God in parishioners. Sources: cynthiaplastercaster.com, Chartattack.com, Rolling Stone Magazine Beacon Press News 2010-04-08T06:05:45-07:00 http://www.theweal.com/?/news/know_the_tax_facts/ http://www.theweal.com/?/news/know_the_tax_facts/#When:06:00:59Z For students trying to file their own taxes this season, tuition and education credits can be problematic. Eric Manarintar, a volunteer with SAIT’s community volunteer income tax program, estimates about 80 per cent of students don’t know what to do with their tuition and education amounts when filing their taxes. The issue appears when students decide to claim their tuition and education amounts for themselves in a year that doesn’t actually benefit them, and they end up losing the potential tax credits. Radha Ganefan, a tax professional from H&R Block’s Brentwood office, says “students should not use their tuition and education amounts for themselves in a year when they do not owe taxes. They should transfer them forward or give them to a relative to use.” If you’re single, you can transfer the unused portion to a parent or grandparent who actually does owe tax money. If you’re married or living in a common-law relationship, you may transfer the credits to your spouse or common-law partner. The maximum amount that can be transferred is $5,000 per year. If you cannot fully utilize your tuition fee and education amount, you have the option of carrying forward the unused portion and applying it against income in future years. “When students start working and getting a salary,” Ganefan said. “It’s very beneficial to use the amounts they’ve carried forward from last year against their taxable income.” News 2010-04-08T06:00:59-07:00 http://www.theweal.com/?/news/saitsa_puts_onecard_into_students_wallets/ http://www.theweal.com/?/news/saitsa_puts_onecard_into_students_wallets/#When:06:00:46Z The lineup at the Odyssey Coffeehouse may be shorter next year due to a new all-in-one card. Introduced by SAITSA, the One Campus Card functions like a gift card. Students purchase credits on it at any SAITSA location and use it like a debit card. There is no transaction fee, and any money placed on the card will carry over into the following semesters. SAITSA General Manager Michael Stickney said the idea behind the card is all for student convenience and can be used at the Gateway, Sensations and Sensations Express, Student Services Centre, SAITSA Seconds Used Bookstore and the Odyssey Coffeehouse. Stickney said SAITSA will be testing out the card at numerous locations this summer, and have a full launch in August to new residence students. Stickney said he hopes the card becomes part of every student’s wallet. First-year Medical Radiological Technology student Diandra Novick said she sees the benefit in getting the card. “It’s a super convenient way of never carrying cash around,” Novick said. “(It’s) a little more secure than not having cash on you (and) a little less chance of losing it.” Sarah Scott, a first-year RTBN student, doesn’t see the point as she believes most students go off campus for food. “I think personally the new (card) is kind of a waste, it is spending money on money,” Scott said. “It would be like a debit or visa…and they work enough already. If (there was) a card that went with other companies, stores, restaurants, cafes and what not in Calgary that gave a certain discount at each place, that would be a lot better.” The card will be available in September. News 2010-04-08T06:00:46-07:00 http://www.theweal.com/?/news/price_of_education_can_be_high_for_some_students/ http://www.theweal.com/?/news/price_of_education_can_be_high_for_some_students/#When:06:00:31Z By Anastasia Kirk The Runner VANCOUVER (CUP) – Kate is 21 years old. She’s a second-year Vancouver Community College student, and she’s part of a growing trend. Kate (names have been changed to protect privacy) recently posted an ad on Craigslist searching for another female to team up with her as a “partner in crime,” as she put it. She wrote that she was looking for another girl to participate in sexual acts with her, and potentially a multitude of other men, in hopes of making some quick and easy cash to help pay for some of life’s necessities. Her thinking was that two women would be safer and perhaps more profitable than one. Unconventional defrayment A self-sufficient student who attends full-time classes while juggling a part-time job, Kate is but another victim of the vicious economic downturn. She’s felt forced to look beyond conventional means of earning an income to find an alternative, so-be-it illegal, way to earn a decent living. “The economic position of the world has made it hard for me and my boyfriend to make enough money to pay for the basic necessities of life, and pursue future career goals,” said Kate. “I am a very smart, intelligent person. I received honours and top-of-the-class (recognition) in many of my subjects, but times are tough, and this will allow me to make a lot of money without sacrificing a lot of precious time.” Kate said this is the first time she’s ever done something like this. She’s never solicited her body for any reason and admits, even given the circumstances, it is a difficult decision. While she has yet to act on her ambitions, she said there is a 70 per cent chance she will follow through. Kate is not alone. Currently there are dozens of women posting similar ads on Craigslist and other free ad sites in Vancouver alone. After describing their smile, body type and breast size, most girls express their willingness to perform a rainbow of sexual acts in return for cash. Kate said it’s out of pure need that she has ultimately turned to prostitution. A story published by the London Times in 2006 stated that prostitution among female students went up 50 per cent from 2000 to 2006. One in ten students in the U.K. said they knew of someone who participated in the sex trade industry to support themselves. The group that conducted the research said the results were in accordance with what they expected given the growing financial difficulties students are facing. Dime bags Selling your body is not the only alternative. Young people are willing to risk a criminal record for other offences in order to put money in their pockets. Blair (name changed) has been selling weed in the Vancouver area for three years. Even before the economy began its decline, the 22-year-old found it difficult to live on his own and pay for basic needs on his regular paycheque. Blair, who works full-time at a model restoration company, said the money he makes selling marijuana is enough to pay for his basic living costs with some to spare for extras. He said his average $1,500-a-month paycheck helps, but is not enough to support him on his own. “Rent alone is $840 a month,” said Blair. “And then I’ve got groceries, Muay Thai (boxing classes), gas, insurance . . . My transmission blew up twice last year and that cost me $5,000, but I need a car for work.” Blair said he enjoys dealing drugs on the side but admits he’s not proud of it. “If you can do it, it’s too easy and it’s good cash,” said Blair, who pointed out the similarities between selling weed and other illegal quick-cash schemes. “My house was broken into last month and I was robbed for everything. I was pissed, but then in the end I’m no better than the people who did that shit. It’s bad, man. But you do what you’ve got to do. That’s just life sometimes.” When asked if he had ever contemplated asking his family for money when he falls on hard times, he said he’d never consider asking anybody for a dime. “It’s just not in my nature. What’s the point of living on your own then? I don’t want to go home. That’s a step back for me. News 2010-04-08T06:00:31-07:00 http://www.theweal.com/?/news/funding_brings_trades_opportunities_for_women/ http://www.theweal.com/?/news/funding_brings_trades_opportunities_for_women/#When:06:00:28Z Due to a new government investment, more Albertan women can now consider taking up a skilled trade. In late March, Western Economic Diversification (WD) minister Lynne Yelich announced an investment of $267,500 for the Women Building Futures Society (WBF), located in Edmonton. WBF is a non-profit, charitable organization that works to help low income women achieve economic independence through training, employment and mentorship in the skilled trades. “The social workers who started WBF wanted women to know there were more options out there, and that they could try learning a trade to bring home a decent amount of money to support their families,” said WBF’s chief operating officer, Wanda Wetterburg. With those principles in mind, the Women Building Futures Petro-Canada Training Centre was completed in 2009. The 50,000-square foot training and affordable housing facility provides women with the theory, skill training and workplace conditioning they need to be successful in the trades. The latest government investment will allow WBF to purchase videoconferencing software that facilitates the program’s application process for women living in rural or remote areas of Alberta. “Only three per cent of trades people in Canada are women,” said Wetterburg. “We’re very excited to be helping out so many women with this program.” SAIT student and third-year welding apprentice Tanis Trottier is excited about the new government investment. “That’s good news,” she said. “I like hearing that women in trades got more funding.” SAIT instructor Adam Medrek said the number of women pursuing careers in the trades is increasing and women do exceptionally well in the welding program. “They tend to have excellent fine motor skills, the patience to think things through more, and they excel over most men,” he said. Takara Bond, a third-year welding apprentice, said when she joined the program years ago, her male classmates were impressed it was her first attempt at a trade, and she learned really quickly. While Bond has enjoyed learning a trade at SAIT, she feels the work world needs to catch up with the rise of women in the trades. Bond said when she was first hired at her current employer, there weren’t facilities to accommodate a female employee. Since then, the company has built a separate women’s bathroom and change room. “Lots of companies still don’t have female facilities on site,” she said. “And I think government funding should go towards changing that too.” Since the WD began supporting the WBF’s charitable efforts years ago, WBF has seen a 133 per cent rise in graduates from the trades program. The latest government investment will ensure that the number of Canadian tradeswomen keeps on increasing. News 2010-04-08T06:00:28-07:00 http://www.theweal.com/?/news/student_stress_levels_higher_than_normal/ http://www.theweal.com/?/news/student_stress_levels_higher_than_normal/#When:06:00:28Z As the semester draws to a close with major assignments and exams on the way, stress can become a factor in students’ lives as they push their way to the end. Lois Hayward, SAIT’s supervisor of student development and counselling services, said she’s seeing a level of stress among students right now that hasn’t been matched in recent years. “It’s crunch time and there’s a lot on people’s plates right now,” Hayward said. So how can students deal with it? Hayward said at this time of year, more students feel the need to use resources to help them cope. She said if students can control, or even avoid stress, they will benefit. One of the main reasons students are stressed is that they forget about self-care, such as exercise and proper eating, Hayward said. She says if students take simple steps to keeping healthy, they will not feel as overwhelmed. Kindra Mcnish, a business student, said she’s learned to deal with her stress because she’s been in school for a long time. “I find that exercise helps a lot,” Mcnish said. “A lot of sleep and making sure you have time for yourself, (and) going out to see your friends instead of living and breathing school and work.” Hayward said staff and students should keep their eyes open for stressed individuals and try to give them the proper guidance and help if they need it. If students are feeling stressed and worried, they should not be afraid to seek assistance. “If students feel that things are too hard to manage, they should not feel afraid to ask for help,” said Hayward. “The departments and staff know students are stressed, and there are lots of resources available to help them out.” Hayward said during this time of year, students should remember to make healthy choices, manage their time, sleep right, take regular breaks, enjoy themselves, and most importantly, find the time to relax. She also says that getting the best marks is not always an option, but effort is what matters. “Sometimes As aren’t possible,” she said. “Sometimes it’s just about doing the best you can.” Zair Faqiryar, another student, said his main strategy for dealing with stress is time management, and that following a timetable is important. “Without my timetable, I would be so far gone,” he said. News 2010-04-08T06:00:28-07:00 http://www.theweal.com/?/news/ttc_fundraising_nears_campaign_goal/ http://www.theweal.com/?/news/ttc_fundraising_nears_campaign_goal/#When:06:00:15Z The economic downturn may have slowed many industries, but the recession has not proved people to be any less generous or giving to SAIT initiatives. Since launching into the “public phase” this past October, the Promising Futures Campaign has raised $50.8-million of the total $75-million goal for the SAIT Trades and Technology Complex (TTC) set to open in 2012. Brian Bowman, director of SAIT Alumni and Development, said the $50-million mark was projected for June, so his department is pleased to be ahead of schedule. “When you look at other institutions, many are facing cutbacks. We’re in a unique position with a huge amount of internal support.” The TTC, the biggest expansion in SAIT history, is a $455-million project, and $300-million will come from the provincial government. At this time last year, only $27.4-million had been raised while the campaign remained in the “silent phase.” Events in October, including a pep rally and the President’s Gala, were successful, Bowman said. “These events were ways to engage with the community and to gain feedback,” he said. Bowman said close to 70 per cent of the dollars raised have come from individuals, many of whom are SAIT alumne aincluding Albi Homes Ltd. founder Tom Mauro. Mauro, a strategic advisor for the campaign, is pleased with the progress of the campaign and isn’t surprised the $50-million mark was reached early. “I think Calgary really knows how important education is, and it’s been reflective in the donations we’ve received from individuals so far.” Mauro said he considers it an honor and “very exciting” to be involved with the campaign. Ten residential homebuilders, including Mauro, each donated $1 million. The TTC will provide space for 8,100 new students to attend SAIT, Bowman said. “This is about providing an opportunity to students that we haven’t been able to accommodate. Opening the doors to the student population really drives our donors to be as generous as they have been.” Bowman said Alumni and Development will continue to fundraise until the day the doors of the TTC open. News 2010-04-08T06:00:15-07:00 http://www.theweal.com/?/news/beneath_the_burka_behind_the_hijab/ http://www.theweal.com/?/news/beneath_the_burka_behind_the_hijab/#When:06:05:46Z Controversial legislation is being considered in Quebec that would ban Muslim women from wearing the niqab – a face covering revealing only the wearer’s eyes – when dealing with provincial services. Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff is defending the veil ban. “The Quebec government is trying to make sure that in civic and public places that freedom of religion is respected, but at the same time on the other side citizens come forward and reveal themselves when they are demanding public service,” he said. Anne White, an instructor in religious studies at the University of Calgary, says women who choose to wear these religious symbols consider them a mark of honour and choose not to be seen as sexual objects. “You get people that are intimidated (by religious symbols) and think they are part of Islamic fundamentalism groups,” says White. “Or that the women who wear them are subservient to the male.” Maryam Kassam, a second-year Political Science student at the U of C who wears a hijab, agrees that although the hijab represents modesty, it doesn’t divulge the many other layers of her personality. “I began wearing a hijab when I was 16,” says Kassam. “But I chose to do so by my own free will, because of my strong belief in my faith.” Kassam says it took a while for people who had known her before to understand why she decided to wear a hijab. “A lot of people believed I was forced into it,” says Kassam. “But it didn’t take long for them to see that it hadn’t changed who I was as a person at all. I was the same Maryam that I had been before.” Yet Kassam says people she meets treat her differently. “I think a lot of people believe that it represents a shy, weak girl and they’ll talk to me with this tone,” says Kassam. “I think they think I’m being controlled by a male or something.” “What they don’t understand is that the hijab makes me feel closer to my faith and because of that, I actually feel empowered. “People need to look beyond the scarf to truly discover what is underneath,” she says. But not all Muslim women choose to wear a hijab. First-year SAIT business finance student Bahareh Shalchi is Muslim, but decided at an early age she wouldn’t wear a hijab. Her parents supported her decision. Shalchi doesn’t think her peers treat her differently for choosing not to wear a hijab. “The hijab represents a religious symbol,” she says. “The women who choose to wear it are either strong believers of the Muslim religion, or are forced by their elders.” Shalchi doesn’t think she will ever choose to wear a hijab in Canada. But when she travelled to Iran in July 2009, she had to put on her first hijab. Shalchi says it was a different experience having to wear the headscarf that all Iranian females are required to wear once they’ve hit puberty. White says although the hijab represent modesty and privacy, it often draws a lot of unwanted attention from people who don’t understand themeaning. “The burqa, on the other hand, can almost be impractical since most of the face is covered,” says White. “It can be hard for women to do everyday things in them like driving.” “In Canada a lot of the women choose to wear the hijabs of their own accord,” says White, “because of that they should have the right to wear their hijabs in all walks of life.” Differences between a Niqab/Hijab/Burqa: Hijab: Allows the face to be seen and only covers the top of the head, the neck and shoulders. It can also be worn with modest, loose clothing. Niqab: Covers the entire head and face and only reveals a woman’s eyes. Burqa: A veil that covers the entire body, head and face. It is usually light blue, and made out of heavy fabric. News 2010-04-01T06:05:46-07:00 http://www.theweal.com/?/news/saitsa_honours_its_best/ http://www.theweal.com/?/news/saitsa_honours_its_best/#When:06:00:48Z SAITSA award winners Gold Sue Guthrie Steven Hildebrand Vanessa Gagnon Silver Miles Nicholson Sean Tyler Foley Christina Levesque Bronze Nathan Murdoch Colin Gutor Erin McCarty JM Parker Steven Hildebrand DC Fleming Luis Alves Therese Murray Richard Comstock Marcel Carpenter Award Shan Robertson Club of the Year Global Passport Employees of the Year The Weal: Erin McCarty and Justina Contenti Student Services: Natasha Gillespie Retail: Carlos Calderon The Gate: Sarah Havens The Odyssey: Jasreet Singh Instructor Awards George Gavelis: School of Manufacturing and Automation Randy Paul: School of Transportation John Fernando: School of Information and Communications Technologies Carlos Serpas: School of Construction Keri de Mille: Centre for Academic Learner Services Susan Crossman: School of Hospitality and Tourism Micheline Courtney: School of Health and Public Safety Fou Pon: MacPhail School of Energy Dan Wong: School of Business Laurence Decore winners Sean Tyler Foley Vanessa Gagnon Sue Guthrie Sarah Hope-Johnston Nathan Murdoch Eva Pettinato News 2010-04-01T06:00:48-07:00