© Gunther von Hagens, Institute for Plastination, Heidelberg, Germany, www.bodyworlds.com.

While a traditional education in the human body usually means several hours spent reading a thick textbook, one exhibit at the Ontario Science Centre is taking the standard anatomy lesson to a totally different level.

Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ Body Worlds exhibit has become famous worldwide. Utilizing a technique called plastination invented by von Hagens in 1977, he replaces the fluid in human cells with reactive plastics, creating specimens that are frozen in time.

The Toronto exhibit features over 200 plastinated specimens, including several full bodies that are displayed in ways that are both uniquely educational and stunningly artistic.

Although the series of exhibits have not been without controversy – with many arguing them to be a mistreatment of human bodies – their educational value is undeniable for most of those who experience them.

“Although I came to the [Toronto] exhibit with a fair amount of concern and trepidation, I was so very impressed,” said one visitor. “I was given a view into the human anatomy that no book, picture or video could ever replace.”

Body Worlds breaks down barriers that were previously crossed only by doctors and medical students. Full bodies show visitors the intricacies of human muscles, tissues and bones, while other displays provide an up-close look at organs and how they work.

One area compares healthy lungs to those of a smoker, with three-dimensional evidence of tobacco’s harmful effects. Other specimens show the effects of alcoholism on the liver, and how diseases affect the body.

Recently added to the exhibit, “The Hockey Couple” depicts a dueling pair of ice hockey players fit with skates, sticks and helmets.

“I know that hockey is more than a national pastime and a wonderful obsession,” said von Hagens in a press release. “I wanted to honour Canada’s passion for hockey and created these specimens that would resonate with the Canadian public.”

In a quest to bring human anatomy to the public, von Hagens has had over 10,000 people volunteer their bodies for plastination. Through dramatic poses and carefully displayed specimens, guests to the exhibit learn a great deal about how their bodies are built and how they operate.

While working as a scientist and anatomist in his home country of Germany, von Hagens developed the process of plastination and patented it.

Although von Hagens has focused on human anatomy, he has also plastinated several animals, including a 275 kilogram brown bear and cross section slices of a fully grown giraffe.

In addition to the one in Toronto, there are similar Body Worlds exhibits in Philidelphia, Singapore and Germany.

Body Worlds & The Story of the Heart is at the Ontario Science Centre until Feb. 28. For more information, visit bodyworlds.com

Originally Printed: The Brock Press

While most Brock students have settled into the second semester and are looking forward to reading week, many high school students are already making plans for the pinnacle of their educational careers – prom.

Unfortunately, for some of these students, booking a limo, buying a dress or renting a tuxedo are easier said than done. The financial burden that comes along with finding the right formal clothing will force some to miss out on the big day.

Community Connections is hoping that with a little help from Brock students, and a well-timed week at home, the second annual Prom Project will be a success.

Organized by the Education Foundation of Niagara, the Prom Project will give donated formal wear to high school and grade eight students who cannot afford to purchase it themselves. Last year, about 100 students were provided with formal wear, with Brock contributing 18 prom dresses.

“There is a need for this project because formal wear is expensive, and often students do not have the means to afford it,” said project organizer Brittany Stewart. “This usually results in students feeling bad about themselves on their special day – something we’d like to avoid.”

Community Connections will be collecting clothing items at Brock from February until May 1.

Although the Prom Project is only in its second year in Niagara, similar initiatives have been happening in communities in the United States for at least the last five years.

Donated items – which can include dresses, shirts, pants and accessories – will be distributed to warehouses that students can visit
Stewart says that she hopes to double the number of dresses donated this year, which would mean about 36 students being able to experience graduation or prom.

“I hope to get people as pumped up about the project as I am,” she said.

Originally Printed: The Brock Press

media credit: erik dickson

After a hard-fought campaign and three heated debates, Sohail Ahmed was elected as president of the Brock University Students’ Union for the 2010-11 year.

With a total of 2,570 votes cast, Ahmed received 1,179, beating out his competitors. Incumbent Lianne Bradley finished with 759 votes, while Daryl Paulin had 537.

The announcement was made at 2:25 a.m. on Feb. 12, with a dedicated crowd at Isaac’s celebrating the victory. Ahmed, the current Vice President Student Services, received 45.9 per cent of the total votes cast.

“There was no clear winner prior to result night which made everything so much more exiting,” said Ahmed. “The results were amazing to hear, but what really made my night was the amount of people who came to show support and celebrate.”

Throughout the campaign, Ahmed stated that, if elected, he would bring the “next big thing” to BUSU. This promise carried him to victory in a hotly contested battle for president, in which debates often saw Paulin asking for answers as to what the “next big thing” was, and how it would be paid for.

“It was a true presidential race with three great candidates who all put up a challenge for each other,” said Ahmed. “All three of us had platforms which proposed to take BUSU in three different directions. It is going to be an absolutely amazing year driving BUSU in the direction that students voted for.”

The youngest of the three candidates, Ahmed relied on his business experience and commitment to Brock students throughout the debates and campaign.

The most decisive victory of the 2010-11 BUSU Elections came in the race for Vice President University Affairs. Daud Grewal won 50.5 per cent of the vote. Candidates Deniz Ozturk and Luke Speers finished with 23.2 per cent and 22.1 per cent respectively. Grewal becomes the VPUA for the 2010-11 year, after finishing second in the presidential race to current President Lianne Bradley last year.

After being beat out in the race for VPUA last year, Sebastian Prins was elected Vice President Finance Administration, receiving 54.5 per cent of the vote. His competitor, Michael Tung, garnered 40.1 per cent.

As for Vice President Student Services, Kenneth Truong was elected with 44.1 per cent of the 2,549 votes cast. Rox Chwaluk finished second with 27.3 per cent, with Christopher Lindley receiving 23 per cent.

In addition to a new group of executives being elected, both referendums that were part of this year’s voting were passed.

The referendum for a Justice Centre at Brock, which will see a per credit charge of 85 cents added to BUSU fees, passed with 52.97 per cent of the 2,560 votes cast.

The Fee Replacement referendum also passed, with 57.3 per cent of students voting yes. This will result in $5 of current student fees being allocated in different areas. This will include a new $2 clubs levy, a $1 green initiatives levy, and a $2 increase to BUSU’s general operating budget.

Despite efforts by many of the candidates to convince students to make their voice heard in this year’s election, voter turnout improved only slightly from last year. The 2,570 total votes counted in the race for president was only about 50 votes higher than last year’s race.

This amount represents approximately 16 per cent of the student body.

The newly elected executive will take over as of May 1, 2010.

Originally Printed: The Brock Press

In their day-to-day lives, students give up a great deal of their personal information; whether it be on Facebook, in e-mails or when signing a petition.

However, a recent leak of students’ personal information at Brock raised questions about how the university handles this information.
According to a message posted on the Brock Web site from the University Provost, Murray Knuttila, some student information was inadvertently made accessible through Internet searches.

Sometime prior to Jan. 28, a library employee accidentally uploaded a file containing student information to a publicly accessible Brock Web site. The file itself contained names, student numbers, phone numbers, mailing addresses and email addresses.

A student notified the school shortly after, when he was able to access information about himself by simply searching Google.

“The file that was inadvertently uploaded has been deleted,” said Knuttila. “All student files are now safe and secure.”

Despite correcting the error, the leak of personal information has raised questions about privacy, and how it is handled by staff within the school. According to university spokesperson Kevin Cavanagh, student information is used in many different departments, serving different purposes.

“Remember that university staff in different departments need different types of information,” he said. “Data like student names, student numbers and contact information is used in many ways, from professors updating class lists to the registrar’s office sending letters to students.”

Cavanagh also pointed out that although it may seem unusual for library staff to have access to this information, they require it on a daily basis in order to lend out books to students.

“The university sincerely and unequivocally apologizes to anyone affected by this mistake. It should not have happened, and we are taking steps to try and make sure it never happens again,” said Cavanagh. “This mistake was the organization’s, not the individual’s.  The university takes full responsibility. Our processes should not have put a staff member into a position where this could happen in the first place.”

Despite this issue being addressed on Feb. 3, many students were surprised later in the week to find an unusual e-mail from an Academic Advisor containing at least 300 student numbers. A second message quickly followed, asking all recipients to delete the previous e-mail, as it “was sent to [them] in error”.

Andrew Beech, an international student from Bermuda, received the e-mail, and approached The Brock Press. He was surprised to find that his own student number was included in the list.

In regards to this error, Cavanagh stated that although the e-mail was not intended to be sent to students, it did not contain any personal, identifiable information, therefore there was no breach of privacy.

Nevertheless, the two separate incidents have caused a stir among students.

In order to help prevent similar mistakes from happening in the future, the university is asking Deloitte – a world leading audit and management consultant – to review how Brock stores and handles information.

“A situation like this is not something we take lightly, and immediate steps were taken to reduce the risk of any recurrences,” said Knuttila. “Brock University is committed to the highest level of security of student information and the protection of privacy.”

“We are also reviewing our staff training procedures for handling and storing any files with student or personal information,” said Cavanagh. “If our system needs better checks and balances, we want to know it and implement them.”

Those with questions or concerns should contact University Communications at univcomm@brocku.ca.

Originally Printed: The Brock Press

media credit: bethany scholl

With aid efforts in Haiti shifting to treating those who are sick, injured and homeless, the Brock community continues to do its part to help.

Over the past three weeks, groups from across the university have taken part in various fundraising events including bake sales, a bottle drive and an art exhibit.

Since the relief efforts began, Brock has raised over $15,000 – which will be matched by the federal government – and donations are still pouring in.

On Feb. 3, the Office of International Services held a samosa sale, raising approximately $1,000. On the same day, Community Connections coordinated “Dine Out for Haiti”, in which 10 per cent of the proceeds from all meals at Boston Pizza were contributed to the Red Cross. This event raised $165.00.

Tables were set up for donations at the Badgers’ men’s and women’s basketball games on Feb. 3, bringing in another $75, while at least $600 was brought in by donation boxes at the Avondale in East Academic.

In addition to the efforts spearheaded by the International Services office, some students recently added a personal touch to the fundraising effort. Visual Arts students Joy Liu and Grace Zhao created a collection of original art pieces that they hope will bring in some much-needed money for Haiti.

“Since art is what we are studying, […] we want to use it to help others,” said Liu, a third year student who is originally from China. “We wanted to help people in Haiti because we shouldn’t just be ignorant. We would help others in need.”

With “hope” as the theme for the pieces, both Liu and Zhao would like to see them sell for around $20 each, with proceeds going to the Red Cross. The collection is on display in the Glenridge Building until Saturday, Feb. 13.

With a commitment from the Canadian government that all individual donations will be matched, it appears that the Brock community will have generated at least $30,000 in aid for Haiti.
This eclipses the $25,000 that Brock raised in the wake of the 2005 tsunami that devastated Indonesia and Thailand.

Whether it was donations from students’ DCB cards, OPIRG bake sales, a silent auction or a euchre tournament, individuals and groups from across campus have worked together in hopes of making a difference.

To donate to the cause, visit redcross.ca/brocku. For more information, visit the “Brock United 4 Haiti” Facebook group.

Originally Printed: The Brock Press

The three candidates for Vice President Student Services have focused on different issues throughout the campaign, and hope that they will come out on top.

As the executive who oversees clubs, Brock Off-Campus and events including O-Week, the VPSS will dictate most of the ways that students get involved with BUSU.

For Rox Chwaluk, who completed her undergraduate degree in Dramatic Arts last year, is committed to “bridging the gap”. This means uniting the on and off-campus communities, and getting more students involved in events, as well as connecting Brock with the local community.

She also highlighted her campaign focus on understanding what students want – asking that students visit her table in Academic South in order to communicate what they want to see in the upcoming year.

Christopher Lindley, a third year political science student has made pride the theme of his campaign. According to Lindley, if students have more pride in their school, they will be more involved in events and clubs. Having served as a residence don for two years, he says he has shown his commitment to students and to Brock.

Kenneth Truong, a Third Year Business Administration student, has focused on clubs throughout the campaign. A member of several clubs on campus, Truong has stated that clubs need more support, and that events need to be more interactive.

In the first two debates, the three candidates stuck to the main points of their platform. Chwaluk argued that events, like O-Week need to be designed towards what students want, and that international students could be more involved.

Lindley said that instilling more pride in students would lead to more involvement, and that a dedicated clubs coordinator would help clubs become more successful.

Truong argued that a new clubs database for events would help with awareness, and that transportation could be improved in order to increase attendance.

Possibly the tamest of the races for the four BUSU executive positions, the debates for VPSS heated up in the final debate, with candidates taking shots at each other’s campaigns.

Chwaluk’s “one poster campaign” was attacked by Lindley, as he claimed that other posters were put up in other areas of the school, despite Chwaluk’s commitment to only printing one poster.

In a rebuttal period, Chwaluk argued that the VPSS would need to be visible among students, and that Lindley’s campaign posters prevented people from knowing who they would be voting for.

When discussing lack of attendance at events, Truong claimed that transportation was the main problem, pointing out that in the summer months, transit “sucks balls”.

Despite differences, all candidates claimed that they were most qualified for the position. Chwaluk cited her experience with Turn Around Project, a non-profit organization that runs arts programs around the world.

Lindley argued that his experience as a residence don, which he referred to as a 24 hour a day job, qualified him to be VPSS – a job that would also require many long days.

Finally, Truong claimed that his involvement with clubs during his time at Brock gave him the knowledge and background necessary to be successful in the position.

Originally Printed: The Brock Press

In the last couple of weeks, we have been literally overwhelmed by mainstream media coverage of the human suffering that is occurring in Haiti as a result of a massive earthquake.

The response to this crisis has been equally overwhelming – with people and countries around the world finding their own way to pitch in. By all accounts, hundreds of millions of dollars have been sent, or have been promised to the devastated nation and its people.

In no way do I feel that this aid is unwarranted. If anything, more should be done.

What I struggle to understand is the lack of attention that Haiti received before its ground shook and buildings collapsed. Despite the racist bullshit you’ll hear from religious fanatics, Haiti hasn’t been the poorest country in the Western hemisphere because it decided to be.

Haiti has been dealing with human-made disasters long before a natural disaster made it headline news. Like the genocides in Darfur or Rwanda, the AIDS crisis in Africa or the sex-slave trade in parts of Asia – the humanitarian failures around the world continue to go unnoticed.

We give generously when horrible things happen to people, as long as blame can be placed on earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis. When it is human greed and indifference that is the cause of suffering, we turn a blind eye.

As I read news reports that the Canadian government will match all individual donations to relief efforts in Haiti, I have mixed feelings. Sure, it’s great that we’re doing all we can without hesitation, and that millions of dollars in food and medical aid have already been delivered.

But why is it that after seven years of being detained and tortured, Canadian Omar Khadr is still being held in Guantanamo Bay? How is it possible that our government has overlooked this for so long?

Why is it that despite five years of government-sponsored murders of the black-African population of Darfur, the international community has yet to take a single step towards intervention?

Why aren’t these issues on our radar?

I can’t answer these questions. I can only hope that with time, and more exposure, these will become the type of issues that bring out the best in people. It should not take a mega-concert-telethon to convince us that global poverty, child labour and human rights abuses are wrong.

Personally, I don’t need Bruce Springsteen or Taylor Swift to remind me to be a better person. I don’t honestly think most people do.

If you have already contributed to the relief effort in Haiti, I commend you. But the next time you hear a story about Darfur, or a child solider, or any other humanitarian crisis that is human-made, consider how you could do more.

There may not even be a coin donation box for it – but that doesn’t mean you should stop caring.

Originally Printed: The Brock Press

media credit: bethany scholl

At times of crisis, communities naturally band together. The community of staff and students at Brock is no different.

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that has ravaged the Caribbean country of Haiti, individuals and groups from across the university are coming together to do their part.

The 7.0 magnitude quake struck hardest in Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince. It is currently estimated that at least 200,000 people were killed as a result, with hundreds of thousands more in desperate need of aid.

With money flooding in from around the world, many at Brock have given up precious time to help in what ever way they can.

John Kaethler, Director of International Services, is adamant that he is only one of at least 30 people who are heavily involved with Brock’s effort so far. Having set up a Canadian Red Cross account for Brock, he has given the university community a collective way to help.

“I lived in a place where we had earthquakes, and I know how destructive they are. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Haiti, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica,” he said. “There are human beings that are suffering.”

He also stressed that while donations are critical for the relief effort to be successful, people need to keep in mind that Haiti is a country with a unique people and culture.

From change boxes to bake sales, along with the Red Cross online portal, Kaethler hopes that everyone, including students, will find an appropriate way to contribute to the effort.

Groups around campus have helped in their own way. Kaethler mentioned many, including Brock’s Print Shop, who printed informative posters that can be seen on almost every bulletin board on campus. Students can also make direct contributions at the Campus Store, and through DCB on their student cards.

BUSU raised about $800 for the campaign through it’s Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Night, and brought in an additional $135 from a Euchre Tournament. Another $150 was raised in a Loonie Line fundraiser.

Professors Michael Bidochka, Fiona Hunter and Joffre Mercier quite literally banded together, busking in the Tower lobby, raising an impressive $468.67 over the noon hour.

In addition to these efforts, OPIRG has organized several bake sales, while other groups of students ran a bottle drive over the weekend, and more organized a silent auction for Jan. 26.

According to the Canadian Red Cross, it is important to not become short-sighted when it comes to relief efforts. Aid will be needed for weeks and months to come, as people attempt to recover from a dreadful natural disaster.

“This earthquake has robbed hundreds of thousands of people of their homes and livelihoods, in a country that is already the poorest in the Western hemisphere,” states the Red Cross Web site.

Although Brock has had very few Haitian students over the years, that hasn’t impeded the generosity. The Red Cross portal reached nearly $1,800 in the first day of the campaign, and has reached close to $4,186 since then.

“This is one of the positives, or the silver lining that you find,” said Kaethler. “When something awful like this happens, it brings out the best in people.”

To donate to the cause, visit redcross.ca/brocku or visit one of the many events happening around campus in the coming weeks. If you would like to volunteer, contact John Kaethler at jkaethler@brocku.ca.

Originally Printed: The Brock Press

On Dec. 22, Brock announced that it had been awarded $727,012 by the CFI to support five research projects led by Brock professors.

These projects focus on aging, human health and materials science, and involve collaborative partnerships and benefits for the Niagara Region.

The Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) supports research through infrastructure that helps stimulate various sectors of the economy associated with such capital projects. CFI estimates that every dollar invested directly in research yields more than $7 in economic benefits, including spin-off jobs.

“Brock continues to strengthen its reputation as a centre of vital research,” said St. Catharines MP Rick Dykstra at the announcement. “I am very pleased to see the CFI support the efforts of our world-class researchers in these vitally important areas such as aging and human health.”

“The cutting-edge infrastructure acquired by these researchers will further our relationship in various areas that are highly relevant for the Niagara Region,” said Liette Vasseur, vice-president of Research at Brock. “The project for materials science also shows Brock’s increasing strength in this field and opens up collaboration possibilities with regional companies in this area.”

She added, “Such investment in research has the high potential for long-term benefits in our region and beyond.”

“The investments at Brock will further enhance our country’s reputation as a destination of choice for outstanding researchers,” said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of CFI. “They will make our universities even more competitive when it comes to attracting the best and brightest researchers from around the world.”

The five projects awarded funding are diverse, and deal with some very different topics.

Catherine Mondloch, a professor in the Department of Psychology, was awarded $170,790 to help with a project called “The Development of Face Perception”. Also a professor of psychology, Sidney Segalowitz received $35,965 for “Neurovisceral Models of Mental Health and Personality”.

Professor of Physics, Fereidoon Razayi, received $245,850 for a project titled “The Physical Property Management System (PPMS) for Research on Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Materials and Thin Films of Compounds”.

Craig Tokuno, assistant professor of Physical Education and Kinesiology, was awarded $148,790 for “Establishment of the Balance and Gait Laboratory to Investigate the Neural Strategies Used for Postural and Locomotor Control”.

Finally, Ayda Tekok-Kilic, an assistant professor in Child and Youth Studies, received $125,617 for a project called “An Electrophysiological Approach to the Developmental Trajectories of Working Memory Functions.”

The CFI announced a total of nearly $60 million in new funds to support 262 projects at 40 institutions across Canada. A total of $45,688,386 was awarded under the Leaders Opportunity Fund, which provides infrastructure support to Canadian colleges and universities so they can attract and retain leading researchers.

The remaining $13,706,516 was awarded under the Infrastructure Operating Fund, a program that assists research institutions with the incremental operating and maintenance costs associated with new infrastructure projects.

For a complete list of projects awarded, visit innovation.ca

Originally Printed: The Brock Press

Over the course of a 10-year existence, every band goes though some changes. Brampton’s Moneen is no exception.

After parting ways with friend and original drummer Peter Krpan in early 2008, the band’s three remaining members were determined to press on.

Kenny Bridges, Erik Hughes and Chris “Hippy” Hughes welcomed Steve Nunnaro into the band to take over. Though the split was mutual, Bridges explained that it did not stop the band from trying things musically that it hadn’t before.

“It was great,” he said. “We just had this feeling that we were re-born, and that we had the freedom to do whatever we wanted.”

The result is Moneen’s fourth full-length album, The World I Want To Leave Behind, a record that Bridges admits is a departure from earlier material, but one that he thinks represents a side of the band that fans may have not seen yet.

“We had new musical goals we wanted to reach,” he said. “I don’t think we’re by any means a new band, but things like quieter songs and more atmospheric songs – we haven’t really jumped head-on into that. I think on this record, we did, and its something we’ve always wanted to do.”

“There’s some songs on the new record that are way more intense than I think we’ve ever done, so we’ve kind of covered the entire spectrum of what Moneen has always wanted to be,” added Bridges.

Although the new record was just released in September, Moneen has been busy, touring Australia and Germany, as well as working out a deal that would see The World released on Dine Alone Records in Canada. The album was recorded in January at Rattlebox Studios in Toronto.

After touring around the US with Say Anything for the past month and a half, Bridges said that the new and noticeably different material has been well received by fans – a trend he hopes will continue on their current cross-Canada tour with Sights & Sounds.

“The response about the new record has been really overwhelming to us,” he admitted. “In the past […] people would remember us for bodies flying around and a great live show, but I don’t know if the songs would stick in people’s heads as much. I think with some of the new songs, the reactions to the songs were a lot better than ever.”

The US tour wasn’t without challenges, explained Bridges. But with bad, came some good. While in Utah, the band’s van broke down, and Bridges and fellow guitarist “Hippy” Hughes had to fly out and play eight shows entirely acoustic.

“It was really cool,” he said. “All the bands and people after the first show said ‘I can’t believe how good that was, I didn’t know you guys could do that’. We’ve felt like it’s a shame that we haven’t been able to show that side as much in the past. [But now], I think we’ve found a really perfect balance of intensity and beauty all in one record.”

For those who may have listened to The World, and are skeptical about it, Bridges has some advice.

“I would say get out your headphones, put them into your ears, listen to that record and sort of really hear what that record is all about,” he said. “It’s such a headphone-ear candy record. It’s not a record meant to be listened to and have catchy pop songs on the first listen. It’s a record that we know is a ‘grow on you’ record.”

Although Bridges says that they plan to “tour the hell out of” their new album, he believes that fans can definitely expect more music in the near future. Currently building a recording studio in his basement, Bridges says that whether it’s EPs, seven-inches, or just demos, making music is always the band’s focus.

“We just want to write music and let people hear it,” he said. “We just want to create music because that’s what’s in our hearts. That’s all we think about all the time. When I’m driving, all I’m thinking about it music.”

Moneen is playing at L3 in St. Catharines on Dec. 4 with Sights & Sounds and Del Asher.

Originally Printed: The Brock Press