10 October 2012

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

send + receive approaches!

page 13

n e ws

co m m e n t

s c i e n c e & t e c h n o lo g y

a rts & c u lt u r e

s p o rts

Food concerns

Debate fallout

Self-driven

Orgasmic!

High marks

Students voice opinions over Aramark food service page 3

Dissecting responses from the debate down south page 8

The past, present, and future of the self-driving car page 10

Part one, in which our sex colomnist tackles the big O page 15

Vo l 9 9 ½ · N o 9 · O c to b e r 1 0, 2 0 1 2 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

Bison athletes set new school record in academics page 17

2

Index

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 9 October 10, 2012

News

Science & Tech

| pa g e s 2 – 5

3

Students raise concern over U of M food

5

Campus news briefs

10

UMSU cover image

by Caroline Norman

Please contact designteam@themanitoban.com if you are interested in submitting a cover image.

Editorial

Science briefs

Arts & Culture

| pa g e 6

14

Life altering decisions

15

Event listings

| pa g e 7

For other volunteer inquiries, please come to our office in University Centre (across from Tim Horton’s, behind GOSA) or email the editor of the section for which you are interested in writing.

| pgs 10–11

| pgs 12–15

NOT NOW I’M SLEEPING.

BAXTER! YOU. DIE. NOW.

Diversions

| pa g e 1 6

Please direct all other inquiries to editor@themanitoban.com.

Comment

| pa g e s 8 – 9

Sports

Want to volunteer for the Manitoban?

Interested in getting your very own work published in the paper?

Visit www.themanitoban.com/apply-tovolunteer and get in touch with our friendly section editors!

9

The curious case of Omar Khadr

| pa g e s 1 7 – 1 9

18

Wesmen United?

19

Following the herd

Toban Talkback

Q:

Brad Wohlgemuth

Marc Lagace

Bryce Hoye

"I wish there were cheaper places to eat on campus."

"I wish there was more healthier options throughout the campus. Too many unhealthy temptations in University Centre."

"The majority of the food served In the cafeteria in UC would not be approved of by Michelle Obama. Degrees has imaginative dishes there, and several tasty vegetarian options. I've only eaten at The Hub once, but the food was good, the beer was cheap."

Staff edition – What is your opinion of the food services on campus?

Jill Patterson, staff

graphic s asso ciate

sp or ts e di tor

s cience e di tor

Spencer Fernando comment e di tor

"I think the food services staff work hard and care about providing good service to students. That being said, the 50 cent fee on debit card transactions seems unfair to me, considering that it is already difficult for many students to make ends meet."

Senior News Editor: Rachel Wood News Editor: Jill Patterson Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

3

News

Students raise concerns over U of M food UMSU hosts open discussion forum between Aramark and students Quinn Richert, staff

T

he University of Manitoba Aramark’s presentation focused Students’ Union (UMSU) hosted largely on the company’s attempts to an open forum on food services and move towards more environmentally meal plans on Oct. 4 at the Fort Garry neutral operations on campus. campus, where students came to ask A broad range of issues with questions and voice their concerns Aramark’s policies and practices regarding the access to, and quality were raised by students, including of, food on campus. issues pertaining to animal welfare, Representatives from Aramark, the the inconsistent availability of Halal food supplier contracted by the U of food and more diverse food, as well as M, were in attendance to take ques- more general concerns regarding the tions from students, as well as share near-monopolization of food services a presentation detailing new changes on campus. to their delivery of food services on Concerning the availability campus. of Halal food on campus, several The panel representing Aramark Aramark representatives commented included national director of well- on the difficulty of consistently obtainness and sustainability Tina Horsley, ing such items from suppliers. operations coordinator Nathan Lo, The panel stated that “from a global manager of the fresh food company perspective we are constantly strugJoan Mandziuk, Aramark’s Manitoba gling with a balancing act between marketing manager of food services cost for students, and what we have for the fresh food company Ainsley available. There is an additional cost Mitchell, and food services director to some of these items, and the bigDean Duff. gest issue we have in obtaining them

is availability.� ation where students have to use up A recurring grievance from stu- their FoodBucks, and would not be dents was the 50 cent fee charged with able to carry them over, applies only every debit use at Aramark-operated to residences that come with a mandafood suppliers, with one student tory food plan, which is typically the describing the fee as “absolutely case in University College. Students preposterous.� on a voluntary plan are eligible to “That is an issue across Canada carry their FoodBucks over to the that we are looking into,� responded next term.

Duff. “That is why we’d love to sell Aramark pledged to work on buildFoodBucks [ . . . ] that is the alterna- ing a better menu. A new menu item, tive to using your debit card.� “Bison Lasagne,� consisting of all-local A related issue that was raised, ingredients was on hand for students pertaining to the FoodBucks cards, is the fact that declining balance money must be used up or it will disappear. “I’ve seen situations where, sometimes, students have no choice at the end of the semester but to buy random things that they don’t like because they know that their declining balance is going to disappear,� commented one student claiming to represent international students on campus.

The panel responded that the situ-

to sample.

The day following the forum, Mitchell commented that she was pleased with what they had learned from meeting with students, and was excited to continue working with students on the issues addressed. “A lot of constructive discussion was had regarding Food Services on campus and we are grateful to UMSU for putting on the event.�

PHOTO BY BEIBEI LU

Leading phenomenologist and social critic visits U of M Alphonso Lingis relays his theory of community Alycia Rodrigues, staff

D

r. Alphonso Lingis presented his newest work, “One’s Own Voice,� at the University of Manitoba on Oct. 2. Lingis travelled to Winnipeg from Pennsylvania University, where he is a professor emeritus of philosophy.

Lingis’ lecture was sponsored by Mosaic, a journal for the interdisciplinary study of literature located at the U of M. Mosaic publishes leading critical work within the realm of literature and theory, where Lingis’ work was recently published. “Mosaic is a quarterly publication that brings insights from a variety of disciplines to bear on literary texts, cultural climates, topical issues, divergent art forms and modes of creative activity,� said Dawne McCance, editor of Mosaic and distinguished professor at the U of M. Lingis was introduced by a story and then a recording of a woman using various sounds depicting human emotion and sounds for communication. This led to the reading of his work “One’s Own Voice.�

His reading began by speaking of language and how language can depict character. Some of the examples used were the words spoken by a mother, a drug addict, guy talk or the language of chemistry. Each classification of person or language has their own way of speech, which can group them together, making it easier to identify the classification in which they belong.

The presentation of his essay took over an hour, yet time did not drag as all eyes were on Lingis. Light music playing in the background was added for dramatic effect. Each time

he reached a new page the old page was dropped to the ground, leaving a trail of his work and thoughts as he paced the floor.

When asked what prompted the exploration of the subject Lingis responded by saying that he is generally bothered by language that speaks about language. Academics in humanities tend to merely talk about texts and languages.

Lingis used the example of anthropologists who do not do research without grants, due to research being expensive, so they mostly write about prior anthropologists rather than communicating their own research.

Lingis’ goal is to say things as clear and forcibly as possible with liberation from academic forms of writing.

According to Lingis, “those who speak with their own voice, recognize the voice of others.�

Internationally, Lingis is known as a world-renowned philosopher, photographer, writer, and world traveler. The Pennsylvania professor is also known as an existentialist, phenomenologist, and world-renowned critic on the excesses and absurdities that abound in our society.

His criticism stems from the experience he has accumulated travelling to places like Brazil, Bolivia, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Papua-New Guinea, Bangladesh, Bali, and India.

Some of the world’s poorest countries have given Lingis a perspective that only world experience can create.

His passion lies in meeting people from various communities to acquire a sense of what makes a community.

This passion has led him to theory

work about community, but he relates his theories in a way that is different

to how academics usually present theories. He reiterates his theories in

beautiful prose, with intricate stories to illustrate his points.

ZPV

IBWF PQUJPOT

1V]]aS T`][ $ ^`]U`O[a W\ 0caW\Saa BSQV\]Z]Ug 6SOZbVQO`S 3[^Z]g[S\b R`WdS\ SRcQObW]\ 0S QO`SS` `SORg W\ c\RS` O gSO` 7\bS`OQbWdS QZOaa`]][ W\ab`cQbW]\ 2W`SQb OQQSaa b] ]c` S[^Z]gS` \Sbe]`Y AbcRS\b :O^b]^ ^`]U`O[ (FU TUBSUFE UPEBZ

" & %'!

XXX SPCFSUTPODPMMFHF DPN

4

News

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 9 October 10, 2012

Quebec student strike members tour Canada to discuss activism Maple Tour makes stop at U of W Quinn Richert, staff

S

tudents, activists, and faculty of Manitoba and University of gathered at the University of Winnipeg student unions, as well Winnipeg on Wednesday, Oct. 3 to as the Canadian Union of Public participate in the Maple Tour’s stop in Employees (CUPE), Local 3909.

Winnipeg, featuring Gabriel NadeauEthan Cox, Quebec corresponDubois and Cloe ZawadzkiTurcotte, two former organizers of this year’s student strike in Quebec.

The Maple Tour is a touring group travelling across Canada, discussing this y e a r ’s s t udent strike in Quebec against a plan to raise tuition fees that was proposed in 2010 by the former Quebec government.

The tour also aims to “build dent for rabble.ca, is also featured on bridges of solidarity” with other the speaking panel, with Nadeauactivist groups across Canada.

Dubois and Zawadzki-Turcotte, for Local sponsors of the event the duration of the tour. included both the University Cox opened the evening’s discus-

sion by briefly outlining some of the try, and education is the single best Early in his speech Nadeausuccesses of the student movement investment governments can make Dubois argued that the raising of in Quebec, noting the cancellation in terms of the future prosperity of tuition fees was not only an economic of the planned tuition hikes and the society.” measure, but also an ideologically repealing of Bill 78, the emergency Zawadzki-Turcotte addressed motivated, cultural measure by a law that, accord- the audience next, discussing the government opposed on principle to ing to Cox, “essen- history and strategy behind the stu- funding public services. tially criminalized dent strike, which was coordinated by “The purpose of this budget,“ said protest.” the Coalition large de l’Association Nadeau-Dubois, “was to break the Before turn- pour une solidarité syndicale étu- political culture of Quebec that was ing the panel over diante (CLASSE), a temporary based on a social-democratic system to his colleagues, coalition of student unions formed and a mechanism for the redistribuCox also offered in order to oppose the tuition hikes tion of wealth, a mechanism that was, some brief facts first proposed by former Premier of course not perfect, but meant to about student Jean Charest’s Liberal government reduce the inequalities between the tuition, noting in 2010. rich and the poor.” that the indepenShe reported that the roots of the Nadeau-Dubois described the dent think tank strike date back to 2010 when the bud- raising of tuition fees coupled with Iris estimates get that called for a tuition increase funding cuts to other facets of the free education for o f $1,625 public sector all who want it in between 2012 in Quebec as Quebec would and 2017 was part of the “The key to our cost the gov- announced by same process success in the strike ernment about then-Finance of government $350 million per Minister intentionally was not complicated. year, which is, of Quebec, shifting sociaccording to the Raymond etal values It was the way we speaker, less than three per cent of Bachand. from a colfunctioned. It was the total budget of the Ministry of A demonlective, public Education. stration was focus, to a priour organizational Cox added that, “there are simi- organized for vate, individustructure.” lar numbers in the rest of the coun- April 1, 2010, alized focus. the day the This phebudget was nomenon, announced, Nadeaufollowed by an informational cam- Dubois argued, is not restricted only paign intended to convince students to Quebec, but is part of a trend spanthe tuition hikes were unacceptable. ning the rest of Canada as well.

According to Zawadzki-Turcotte, “If you are able to put into the mind by 2012 attempts to pressure the pro- of a seventeen-year-old, that public vincial government were ramped-up education, and private services in

by CLASSE, culminating in an all- general, are there only for your priout student strike, which included vate self, for your career and your own coordinated defiance of Bill 78, which, benefit, you are beginning, with that according to Cox, was “the largest seventeen-year-old, to craft the peract of civil disobedience in Canadian fect consumer, and the perfect subject, history.” for global capitalism.”

For CLASSE, which was the The night wrapped up with a queslargest of all the student unions that tion period lasting about half an hour, were involved in the Quebec student with the panel members taking quesstrike, the student’s victory is only tions in both English and French. the beginning of their next fight. The Jennifer Black, VP advocacy for next fight, according to CLASSE, the University of Manitoba Student’s is a fight against austerity measures. Union (UMSU), when asked whether However, their aim is to not only UMSU hosted a general assembly or oppose measures against social wel- similar forum at which students could fare, but to build a better society as actively contribute to UMSU policy, a whole. explained that the student’s union The key message of Zawadzki- hosts general assemblies twice per Turcotte’s speech was the necessity year. The next open general assembly for well-organized, yet democratic meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13 and structures in building student will be advertised around campus. movements.

As well, the University of “The key to our success in the strike Winnipeg F(un) Class, a student-oriwas not complicated. It was the way ented activist group “against the comwe functioned. It was our organiza- modification of education,” that also tional structure [ . . . ] It was because co-sponsored the tour’s Winnipeg we had some structure, but at the stop, holds similar meetings at the same time, very democratic struc- University of Winnipeg. tures, that we were able to mobilize a The tour wraps up on Friday, Oct. very massive amount of people.”

5 in Vancouver. That night’s entire The final panel member to speak event will be posted on both YouTube was Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, a former and the rabble.ca website. spokesperson for CLASSE. NadeauDubois shared his political analysis photo by KrazyTea of the strike.

Senior News Editor: Rachel Wood News Editor: Jill Patterson Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

New service in Winnipeg for those dealing with mental illness Facility opening coincides with Mental Illness Awareness Week Alycia Rodrigues, staff

T

he Canadian Mental Health Association Winnipeg Region (CMHAW) opened its doors to the public the first week of October.

CMHA, established in 1918, is one of the first and longest volunteer run programs working with mental illness and promotion of mental health.

Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau officially opened the building—a 12,000-square-foot Community Education and Service Centre on Portage Avenue—along with CMHA and other mental health partners.

“This new centre will provide a welcoming atmosphere and a broader range of supports and services for individuals and families experiencing mental health issues,” said Rondeau. “It will also be a great resource for the community, given its new capacity for training and education.”

The centre will include housing for staff and clients using the services provided, which will help the program’s efficiency. Room for growth is an essential part of the programming through use of research and a new strategic planning program.

The opening of the CMHAW coincided with Mental Illness Awareness Week, which ran the first week of October.

It is a national public education campaign, established in 1992, that raises awareness about the reality of mental health.

The focus of the campaign is to open up discussion about the necessities of access to public mental health facilities for all Canadians.

With the launch of Mental Illness Awareness Week, CMHAW released their new strategic plan, intended to increase expertise, capacity, and dedication towards the needs of individuals who are mentally ill, and promote mental health as a whole. Their goal is to become a top mental health leader through more coordination and effective organization of staff and volunteers.

CMHAW are considered one of the only mental health associations to integrate mental illness and health into a whole. This holistic

“This new centre will provide a welcoming atmosphere and a broader range of supports and services for individuals and families experiencing mental health issues.” approach is different from programs that focus solely on mental illness or solely on mental health.

“Because CMHA is the only association in Canada that addresses all aspects of mental health and mental illness, it is in a unique position to bring this interconnectedness into the public discourse,” states the CMHAW website.

They have recognized that all communities across Canada are different and they intend to implement autonomy at a local level. Future programs of different locations will require change based on the community they are providing for. Their priorities include increasing numbers and being open to making changes to the programming.

The centre is a government funded facility, and is always open for public donations. Some of the project funders include the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, Winnipeg Foundation, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, and Wawanesa Insurance. illustration by aichelle sayuno

News

5

Campus News Briefs Ryan Tabachuk, volunteer staff U of M prof named new VP of Innovate Manitoba

Universit y of Manitoba Engineering professor Doug Buchanan has been named VicePresident of commercialization at Innovate Manitoba. Buchanan is also currently the Canadian Research Chair in Microelectronic Materials.

Buchanan began teaching at the U of M in 2002. Before coming to the U of M Buchanan worked at the T. J. Watson Research Center in New York State. He is an established researcher in both fields of engineering of microelectronic materials and devices, and physics.

Innovate Manitoba is a community based non-profit organization. The focus of the company is to improve access to capital for Manitoba’s emerging and expanding high-growth companies, while accelerating innovation.

The U of M has a considerable presence at Innovate Manitoba, as it is the province’s only post secondary institution that is research intensive. The U of M board of governors chair Jan Lederman is also a part of Innovate Manitoba and serves as its president.

“My past experience will enable me to assist both academics and entrepreneurs to commercialize

their ideas more quickly,” says Buchanan.

U of M receives research funding of over $4 million

A total of $4,229,150 will be shared by University of Manitoba graduate students, faculty members, and postdoctoral fellows in order to answer important questions in their specialized fields.

The funding comes from grants, scholarships and fellowships from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

A sum of $1,645,000 will go towards funding projects of 46 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, through both doctoral fellowships and scholarships. The intention of these awards is to support fellows and students who show a high standard of accomplishment in graduate and undergraduate studies, in both humanities and social sciences.

The remaining $2,584,150 will be used to fund 18 research projects through what is known as the Insight program, which aims to build understanding about individuals, societies, and humanity as well as to sustain research excellence.

“The students and fellows who were awarded this funding are rising stars in research,” says John

Doering, vice-provost (graduate education) and dean of graduate studies.

U of M students to research oral history with fellowship award

Ryan Duplassie and Agnieszka Pawlowska have both won scholarships that will allow them to begin their studies of documentation of oral history and oral traditions of First Nations residents.

Duplassie and Pawlowska are both University of Manitoba graduate students receiving fellowships co-funded by the C.D. Howe Memorial Foundation Fellowships in creative writing and oral culture at the University of Manitoba.

The recipients of this fellowship are selected based on their plan of research, academic accomplishments, and letters of reference.

Both Duplassie and Pawlowska are Ph.D. students in the department of Native studies.

Duplassie plans to study the oral narratives of Grassy Narrows’ elders, women, youth, and resistance leaders through in-person interviews. Agnieszka plans to study the oral narratives of the Poplar River First Nation individuals through recorded discussions and interviews.

7

Editor-In-Chief: Ryan Harby Contact: Editor@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Editorial

Editor-in-Chief Ryan Harby

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Foster Lyle

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Advertising Coordinator Arynne McMurray

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Editorial

Senior News Editor Rachel Wood

rachel@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News Editor Jill Patterson

jill@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Comment Editor Spencer Fernando

comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Managing Editor Chuthan Ponnampalam

A time-honoured tradition Explaining the ins and outs of our student newspaper Ryan Harby, staff

me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

science & technology Editor Bryce Hoye

science@themanitoban.com/ 474.6529

arts & Culture Editor Kara Passey

artsculture@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Sports Editor Marc Lagace

sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Copy Editor Grace Romund

copy@themanitoban.com/ 474.6520

Design

Design Editor Aichelle Sayuno

design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Graphics Editor Silvana Moran

graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Photo Editor Beibei Lu

photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

design associate Beibei Lu

photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

graphics associate Bradly Wohlgemuth

bradly@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Reporters

News Alycia Rodrigues News Quinn Richert Science Tom Ingram arts & culture Jodie Layne arts & culture Jenna Diubaldo Sports Derek Gagnon Assistant copy editor Carlyn Schellenberg

Volunteer Contributors

Caroline Norman, Jeff Kent, Emilie St. Hillaire, Justin Ladia, Dany Reede, Adam Peleshaty, Will Gibson, Ryan Tabachuk, Chris Hearn, Jess Chapman, Ian T.D. Thomson, Gem Newman, Michelle Saromo

MANITOBAN 105 UNIVERSITY CENTRE U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A N I TO B A WINNIPEG, MB R3T 2N2

General Inquiries & Advertising Phone: (204) 474.6535 Fax: (204) 474.7651 Email: manitoban@themanitoban.com National & Multi-Market Advertising Campus Plus Media Services Toll-Free (In Canada): 1.800.265.5372 Email: info@campusplus.com

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #589160 A “volunteer staff” member is defined as a person who has had three volunteer articles, photographs, or pieces of art of reasonable length and/or substance published in three different issues of the current publishing year of the Manitoban. Any individual who qualifies must be voted in by a majority vote at a Manitoban staff meeting. Elected representatives and non-students may be excluded from holding votes as volunteer staff members in accordance with the Manitoban Constitution.

The Manitoban is the official student newspaper of the University of Manitoba. It is published monthly during the summer and each week during the academic year by the Manitoban Newspaper Publications Corporation.

The Manitoban is an independent and democratic student organization, open to participation from all students. It exists to serve its readers as students and citizens.

The newspaper’s primary mandate is to report fairly and objectively on issues and events of importance and interest to the students of the University of Manitoba, to provide an open forum for the free expression and exchange of opinions and ideas, and to stimulate meaningful debate on issues that affect or would otherwise be of interest to the student body and/or society in general. The Manitoban serves as a training ground for students interested in any aspect of journalism.

Students and other interested parties are invited to contribute to any section of the newspaper. Please contact the appropriate editor for submission guidelines. The Manitoban reserves the right to edit all submissions and will not publish any material deemed by its editorial board to be discriminatory, racist, sexist, homophobic or libellous. Opinions expressed in letters and articles are solely those of the authors. Editorials in the Manitoban are signed and represent the opinions of the writer(s), not necessarily those of the Manitoban staff, Editorial Board, or the publisher.

The Manitoban is a member of the Canadian University Press, a national student press cooperative with approximately 65 members from St. John's to Victoria. The Manitoban recognizes its sister paper, the Gateway at the U of A, whom we love dearly (and yes, in that way).

All contents are ©2012 and may not be reprinted without the express written permission of the Editor-in-Chief.

Yearly subscriptions to the Manitoban are available for $40.

E

very so often there comes a time in the life of a student newspaper where, in the name of public awareness, efforts must be made to ensure the readership is kept abreast of both the operations and the services provided to the student body.

Because this is, in every sense of the term, the students’ paper, it only makes sense to explain to the nitty-gritty details, the behindthe-scenes tell-all of who we are, what we do, and why we do it. If you are in any way uninitiated, uninformed, or perhaps just mildly curious as to the workings of the U of M student paper then this, my friend, is the perfect editorial for you.

Let’s start first with the history of the Manitoban and a little bit of who we are, exactly.

I. History At some point in your university career you may have passed a paper stand in University Centre (or one of the many other buildings served on campus and around the city) and said to yourself, “Where do these things come from? What is their deal?”

Well, you’re in luck because I will tell you their deal.

As you may have surmised from the cover, the Manitoban is the official student newspaper of the University of Manitoba. It was founded way back in 1914 when the university was little more than a co-operation of affiliated colleges and an in-house staff of 42 employees. At the time the U of M offered degrees in Arts, Medicine, Engineering, Architecture, Law, and Pharmacy.

The paper originated as a bi-monthly publication, produced for the first and third Thursday of each school month, with subscriptions available for a heaping one dollar per year.

In the first issue ever published, the Manitoban was described to be “a journal for all University men and women [ . . . ] the artist and the athlete, the poet and the preacher, the doctor, the druggist, the lawyer and the engineer.”

Since its origin the paper has witnessed a variety of changes in distribution, production, and even affiliation. Over the years it’s seen its fair share of trials—numerous occasions butting heads with the university’s student union—and tribulations. Most recently (in 2011) the paper earned a referendum vote from the U of M students to oversee an adjustment in the Manitoban’s operating budget for the first time in 15 years.

Faced with the prospect of cutting significant resources and positions, student voters saw fit to allow the U of M paper to address the widening gap caused by years of inflation and printing costs left unchecked. Our current, former, and (likely) future staff are now and will be forever grateful to the students for deeming this service worthy of attention.

Today the Manitoban operates as a notfor-profit corporation, printing 11 out of the 12 months of the year, dedicated (as ever) to serving all students at the U of M during every term of the school year.

II. Purpose skills, work their craft, and see their efforts The Manitoban exists for many reasons paid off in full print and publication. Not to but there are two in particular that are of be overlooked, this opportunity exists for the most significance.

U of M’s more artistically inclined students First, our U of M paper specializes in serv- as well – the Manitoban is always welcoming ing a community and culture that is, for the to those interested in the photo, graphic, or most part, otherwise unheard in both local design aspects of the paper. and mainstream media. Not only do many Because of this what you see in an issue of students live in residence on campus, but the Manitoban is not just stories written for there are countless others who spend nearly the students of the U of M, but also stories every waking hour at the U of M, devoting written by students of the U of M. It is, in themselves fully to studies that will hopefully part, a representation of budding talent and impact their future careers. hard work; in many ways it is a reflection of It’s often said that our university is the the student body the paper serves each year. unofficial “third-largest city” in Manitoba, If you would like to volunteer for the and to think there isn’t any news relevant or Manitoban our doors are always open; you specific to this institution would be down- can drop by the office, visit the volunteering right foolish (that’s my “editorializing” por- section of our website, or just shoot off an tion of this editorial). For nearly 100 years email to any of our section editors. The point now each iterative staff of the Manitoban is, we are here if you are interested. has strived to produce a paper that not only Past U of M students and Manitoban covers issues germane to life at the university staff/contributors have included such distinbut also to represent issues and topics that guished figures as: Graham Spry (founding are of particular interest to our readership: member of the CBC), Marshal McLuhan, students.

Marcel Dzama, Andrew Coyne, Nahlah Second, and this is historically a lesser Ayed, and Israel “Izzy” Asper. known point, the Manitoban exists to provide The staff and the volunteers of the student opportunity. paper put in a lot of hours, sacrifice both Certainly there are hundreds (upon hun- school and personal time in effort to produce dreds) of U of M students who enjoy the something worthy of the readers who help act of writing. The Manitoban affords those support the Manitoban. And let me make willing to participate the opportunity to gain this clear: all of us, from top to bottom, feel experience using their writing skills in the very lucky to have the opportunity to do so. field of student journalism. We offer this service to all students eager to hone their

Comment Editor: Spencer Fernando Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Comment

Barack did not rock this debate Rachel Wood, staff

W

arning: I will try to be completely ducing a live fact-check of their claims. unbiased in this analysis and base my According to this fact-checking system, arguments on the facts of the debate, not on Obama’s claim that, if elected, Romney the fact that I may or may not be wearing would enforce a $5 trillion tax cut is fact. a shirt with the President’s face that reads, The New York Times explains that Romney “Barack my world.” has proposed cutting marginal tax rates by The night that political junkies look 20 per cent and replacing that revenue by forward to like kids waiting to overdose clearing out “the underbrush of deductions on high-fructose corn syrup on Halloween and loopholes in the tax code,” never fully finally arrived on Oct. 3 – the U.S. presi- specifying how exactly he would do this. dential debates.

It’s safe to say that the whole of the debate An aggressive Mitt Romney faced, and came down to fundamental ideological difperhaps defeated, an exhausted-looking ferences. Obama appeared tired and worn, Obama in the first of four debates. The but human. Romney appeared polished, debate consisted of relatively—and sur- sharp, and almost robotic. prisingly—friendly exchanges between the Ideological differences were evident in candidates, void of the usual personal and their answers when the question of the petty attacks. role of government was asked. Romney Anyone who has access to mainstream argued that “we are all children of the same media knows that God,” demonstrating Romney has had a tenthe inability of the dency to put his foot in Republicans to separate Warning: I will try his mouth over the last state and Church. This to be completely few weeks. From the was in stark contrast to infamous 47 per cent Obama’s answer, which unbiased in this comment (apparently was void of religious most Americans are mention but focused analysis and base freeloaders who think on the government’s my arguments on they are entitled to basic role to create opporhuman needs such as tunity, education, and the facts of the health care, food, and cohesiveness between debate, not on housing? Who do they government and its think they are?) to the citizens. the fact that I am dumbfounding remark Romney’s forcemay or may not that he made about airful attitude may have plane windows (accordundecided viewers be wearing a shirt ing to Romney, it’s an sway either way – his issue that these winassertiveness could with the President’s dows can’t be opened). show that he would face that reads, To top it all off, Romney be a commanding and now goes and states that confident president, or “Barack my world.” he will defund PBS and it could turn individufire Big Bird from his al’s off of him, viewing day job? him as rude and arroIt’s clear that Romney desperately needed gant as he continuously spoke over Lehrer. to redeem himself at this debate. This Throughout the debate, the two canwas achieved, not necessarily because his didates both exposed their greatest flaws. answers were “better” than the President’s, Romney desperately tried to appear as a but because he appeared more confident, down-to-earth guy, continually mentionassertive, and enthusiastic. Obama’s frequent ing the working class, but remained unconpausing and stuttering drowned the nostal- vincing that he knows what it feels like to gia of his eloquent and passionate hope-filled be middle class, rather than swimming in speeches from the 2008 campaign. piles of cash in the backyard of his Utah The debate was intended to focus on a vacation mansion. Obama, a product of the range of domestic issues but centered, pri- lower-middle class, appeals to the everyday marily, on the economy. Topics included person, but remained fatigued and uninthe deficit, healthcare, and the role of gov- spired throughout the debate, disappointing ernment, all selected by the moderator, Jim viewers and leaving them questioning his Lehrer. I guess Lehrer doesn’t see LGBT ability to fix the economy in a second term. and women’s rights as important domestic The good news is that there are more issues, which is a shame considering that debates. One which features the vice-presthese rights are under attack by Romney. idential candidates where, here’s hoping, The question on the economy lasted Biden will point out the fundamentalist nearly half of the debate, going back and and right-wing fanatical ideas of Paul Ryan, forth between Romney pointing out that and two more that consist of Romney and Obama has not yet repaired the economy Obama going head-to-head once again. that the Republican’s left a mess. and Obama So, perhaps, I couldn’t remain completely accusing Romney of a proposed US $5 tril- neutral in this analysis but, admittedly, I’m lion tax cut. Both candidates relied heavily still hoping that Obama continues to Barack on contradictory claims and statistics that my world. eventually lead to the New York Times pro-

8

A clear consensus: Romney wins first debate Spencer Fernando, staff

L

ast Wednesday, I sat down with the of registered voters saying he won the debate, Manitoban's managing editor Chuthan against just 25 per cent for Obama.

Ponnampalam and sports editor Marc —CNN Lagace to watch the first U.S. Presidential Debate of the 2012 presidential campaign.

A CBS News poll of undecided voters We sat around a computer in the Manitoban who watched the debate found 46 per cent office, watching the debate live streamed on siding with Romney, 22 per cent for Obama CNN.com, which gave us a great oppor- and 32 per cent saying it was a tie.

—CBS tunity to discuss and process the debate as it happened. Through that discussion, our “Tonight was a big win for Mitt Romney. consensus was that Mitt Romney was the winner, a consensus that has been confirmed He dominated the debate in every way. This by much of the post debate coverage. wasn’t even close.”

—Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC’s I recognize that it can be difficult to find unbiased coverage of political events. Since Morning Joe many news organizations target their opin“It wasn’t just Mitt Romney’s strong perions towards supporters of specific political parties, there can be widely varying report- formance. It was President Obama’s amazing on events like debates. What is important ingly weak one. He’s never been punctured to look for then, is not the opinion of one before. But by debate’s end Wednesday night, or two news organizations, but an overall if you opened the window this is what you trend and sentiment that takes many dif- could hear: Ssssssss. The soft hiss of air ferent perspectives into account. departing from a balloon.”

"And—amazingly again—he did it to To give you as balanced an overview as possible of last Wednesday’s debate, I have himself. He didn’t fight, he didn’t show, he compiled some quotes and statistics from wasn’t awake and hungry. He just said the news outlets and individuals across the polit- same-old-same-old and let it go. He couldn’t ical spectrum, as well as two folks right here even meet Mr. Romney’s gaze, never mind his arguments.” at the Manitoban. Here they are: —Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal “[Romney] seemed like he was happy to be there debating, President Obama gave And what did my fellow Manitoban debate you the impression that this whole thing was watchers Chuthan and Marc think? kind of a lot of trouble [ . . . ] I do think that Romney had a good night. I think he wanted “I was surprised by positions Romney to be there, I think he knew he needed this, took considering what I’ve heard from the and I think Obama just gave a sense that he media, that being said I was surprised by wasn’t happy to be there.” how well Romney did, and how little fire —Democratic consultant James Carville Obama threw at him.” on CNN —Marc Lagace, the Manitoban sports editor “I think Governor Romney was definitely more crisp in his presentation tonight. He “I just don't believe Obama came prepared was leaning into the debate, where President for the debate, and Romney seemed like he Obama was a little bit more laid back. I also wanted it, and he got it.”

—Chuthan Ponnampalam, the Manitoban think he was able to be aggressive without being offensive. So, even though there were managing editor – I didn’t see any knockout punches.”

—ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos The consensus seems clear: Romney was the winner of the first U.S. Presidential “Look, you know how much I love the guy, Debate. The results of the debate will likely and how much of a high-info viewer I am, narrow the polls, and some voter surveys but this was a disaster for Obama.” show Romney closing the gap, or taking a —Commentator and blogger Andrew slight lead in some of the crucial swing states.

If a week ago the conventional wisdom was Sullivan that Romney’s chances were slipping away, “From the very first answer of this 90-min- his performance in the debate has given his ute debate in Denver, Colorado, Mr. Romney campaign a new lease on life. took command of an occasion that pundits Romney had to prove that he was a credand public alike had largely presumed Mr. ible challenger who could hold his own on Obama would win. As it turned out on the the same stage as Obama. He accomplished this. Now, with less than a month until night, they were wrong...”

“And it was vitality that was in short sup- Election Day, and two more Presidential ply for Mr. Obama last night. He will have debates to go, the presidential race resumes infuriated his supporters with a strangely on a more even footing and appears headed stilted, passive performance; searching for for a close finish.

P.S. I would love to hear your thoughts on the his own lines, and then refusing to make eye contact with Mr Romney when it was debate and the election. Who do you think won?

What part stood out for you the most? Scan the his opponent’s turn to speak.”

—Peter Foster, the Telegraph’s U.S. QR code to visit the Comment Section online where you can share your thoughts. editor A CNN poll of debate-watchers found Romney very clearly ahead, with 67 per cent

Spencer Fernando is the Comment Editor for the Manitoban.

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 9 October 10, 2012

Comment

9

The curious case of Omar Khadr No easy answers Chris Hearn, volunteer staff

A

fter spending almost 10 years ation, doing extremely scary activities at the US detention center in at such a young age, failed him. His Guantanamo Bay, Omar Khadr has father, according to Canadian and arrived back in Canada to a polarized British authorities, was a senior leader reception. in Al Qaeda, and ended up dying Now, here is what we know: in a firefight against the Pakistan Omar is a man who pled guilty to military. His family failed Khadr murder, attempted murder, spying, long before he even got onto the conspiracy, and material support for frontlines, long before he even got terrorism. After a gun battle with to Guantanamo and I feel strongly NATO forces, it is alleged Omar that Khadr’s mother has been let off Khadr threw a grenade that killed the hook over this. one soldier and wounded another. He The Khadr family seems to have has been accused of helping make turned Canada into a handy and plant bombs and watching move- country of convenience for ments of NATO forces. And, appar- themselves, which I think, ently he did all of this when he was makes many in Canada just 15 years old. understandably angry. One Some characterize him as a of Khadr’s brothers had a hardcore terrorist who shouldn't heart condition, was quite be allowed back in Canada. Others sick, and eventually died. see him as a victim, a child soldier They took full advantage of who was tortured and abused who the Canadian health system shouldn’t have been at Guantanamo in their care of him, which, as in the first place, and should have Canadians, was their right to been returned to Canada long do. At the same time, I think before.

Canadians expected a certain Who is right? Well, the truth is amount of loyalty as a result. probably somewhere in the middle. But, the family didn’t seem to The biggest problem with this case want much to do with Canada is that the “truth� as it were has unless it solely suited their been completely lost in lies, denials, interests. lawsuits, myth, legend, secrecy, and This doesn’t sit well with many, polarization. Is his family a dangerous especially when, after all of this, group of terrorists? The family insists he was somehow dragged onto the not. Others argue that yes, they are. frontlines of a war against Canadian Sadly, in the middle is Khadr. soldiers. And then, to add insult to Do I sympathize? Yes. Do I have injury, people are frustrated that the concerns? Yes. Canadian government was being used Khadr’s family, who allowed him to get Khadr back and were blamed to be in an extremely dangerous situ- for not working hard enough to get

him back to a country his family serve a full sentence and would be out I do know is that the Khadr family is didn’t seem to want to raise him in and back to Afghanistan. not a family I have much sympathy the in the first place.

This was a kid that shouldn’t have for. They have a worrisome history So, the anger and lack of sympa- been on the frontlines of a war but, with what are sometimes quite radical thy are understandable. But is this once captured, could the U.S. just views and radical actions.

Khadr’s fault? No. Should it factor turn around and let him go back?

What I worry about is Omar in to how we judge him? Probably Yes, he faced hard questioning, which Khadr going back to this family. not, although it has an influence on makes sense given the people he was There is much talk about rehabilitathe person he is, his beliefs and his involved with, who were high up in tion when he is released from jail. If actions and the kind of citizen he Al Qaeda (although the Kadhr’s deny he is around the same people that will be. this). His family lived with enemy fed him radical ideas to begin with, Now, although not a great place, number one, Osama Bin Laden, for what are the chances he will move Guantanamo was probably the only a time. Omar may have had infor- away from his own radical ideas? And mation that could have saved where will that lead him? Back onto lives. the battlefield where next time he Now, I support human could end up dead? rights, but acknowledge that Khadr has apparently refused to to save lives it is important to renounce Jihad. Is this his future? I get information from people believe strongly his family let him who have it. Torture? No, down, put him in a dangerous posiI’m not for that and there tion by getting him involved with are legitimate concerns he some dangerous people right from was tortured. But, I am also an early age and allowing him to be aware that someone is not just on the front lines of war. going to open up and tell their Furthermore, they raised him secrets. So, we are faced with around radical ideas, which have a real problem. How do we molded his current views. It seems make the world safer, while that nothing has changed, and that he maintaining human rights most likely will continue to be failed and dignity? I think the case by his family and could wind up right of Omar Khadr will be stud- back in the wrong place once again. answer for Khadr at the time. If he ied well in the future to help answer So, now he’s back in Canada. So? had been sent to Canada when first a question I do not have an answer to How long will that be for? Canada captured, at what point would he at the moment. has always been a country of convehave ended up released and back on So, is Omar Khadr being back in nience for this family. If he is allowed the battlefield? He was a prisoner of Canada a good thing? I don’t think to travel, he most likely will. war. He was kept in Guantanamo, off there is an answer to that either.

Frankly, looking at the big picture, of the field, away from fighting. He Canada doesn’t really have a choice it doesn’t really matter where he is, it’s couldn’t help build bombs in jail. And, anyway. He has Canadian citizenship, who he is with that will make the difsurely, the U.S. knew if Kahdr were was born in Canada, and Canada is ference. And things don’t look good sent to Canada, he probably wouldn’t obliged to welcome him back. What for Omar, if you ask me.

A four-point plan for democratic reform

How to make Canadian politics less insufferable Jess Chapman, volunteer staff

T

he American political system is superior to the Canadian political system. There, I said it.

Oh, the American system has problems. Don’t get me wrong.

Hyperpartisanship, the influence of special interests, the refusal of today’s Congress to think long-term about the nation’s debt crisis – they all need a decent burial, and the only thing that can kill them off is for lawmakers to look them in the eye and say, “You know what? No.�

By most measures, the Canadian system functions more efficiently. But what have we missed out on for the sake of efficiency?

The problems with the Canadian system require cutting down to the bone. They’re not as simple as putting aside ideological biases, or ripping up a check from the Koch brothers, or telling your constituents that the U.S. just can’t afford for the factory to build those new tanks. They require genuine, structural reform. Here are

some suggestions:

1. More free voting

The Canadian left wasn’t happy with Status of Women Minister Rona Ambrose for voting her conscience on the private member’s bill M312, which would have opened up a parliamentary debate on the starting point of human life. Perhaps they would have understood this sort of thing more if free votes were permitted on all other legislation. The practice of vote-whipping, in which all MPs vote with their party leader, essentially reduces 413 votes to four or five votes of completely unequal weight. In the U.S. parties in Congress have whips, but they cannot force MPs who stray from the party line to leave the party.

Increased free voting will allow all MPs to do what Ambrose did: represent their ridings.

2. Separation of powers

The prime minister of Canada

serves in both the executive and legislative branches. In the U.S. this is unconstitutional. This is to prevent the president from exerting too much influence over the practice of lawmaking, thereby ensuing actual debate on legislation. If you think Stephen Harper has made himself too powerful, think about all the power that was available to him already. Besides, never again would a cabinet minister have to choose between her riding’s wishes and what the rest of Canada thinks her portfolio mandates.

3. An elected Senate

I don’t need to belabour this point too much – we’ve all rolled our eyes at a headline announcing three new appointees with no evident qualifications. Elect it or end it.

4. Pension reform

Who enjoys paying 23 dollars for every one dollar that an MP contrib-

utes to his or her pension? Anyone?

Bueller?

It’s a shame that existing parties won’t take up the mantle of demo-

cratic reform. But perhaps a party in comeback mode could try it. Your move, Justin.

6W 3DXOÂśV &ROOHJH &DPSXV 0LQLVWU\ 6W 3DXOÂś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

Science & Technology Editor: Bryce Hoye Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

10

Science & technology

Not your father’s Oldsmobile The present, past, and future of self-driving cars Tom Ingram, staff

rpee y Ace Bu Hosted bhrissy Troy &C Radio 3.1 Virgin 10

a.ca ba.cmh

3 Oct 1 y a d r u e t tr a ea S yhouse Th la Pantages P

Cullen an e S

STAND UP AGAINST STIGMA

32

Tix t$he door t : $40 a deale p u o e r Gr et 1 f ) g 0 Buy 5’s only $26.6 (that

add Big D y Tazz

7

7

Birds he dT

7

Bagpipes’ Jo ny ‘ h hn

and Pants dH

7

7

espian Acti o t Th

n

7

7

anito

11TH ANNUAL BIG DADDY TAZZ 7 & FRIENDS 7

on ns

www.m ets Buy tick at

ts ticke 101.5

hA

tal Healt

ian Men

ad The Can

ivision

itoba D

n Man ssociatio

problems. They would also remove tages of being in an enclosed space experience and skill from consider- with dozens of strangers. It would ation – young drivers ages 16 to 24 are essentially lengthen your lifespan by overrepresented among those killed several hours a week, which would or seriously injured in car accidents. add up very quickly: assuming ten The possibilities of self-driving hours of commuting per week, you cars do not stop at increased safety. would gain almost 23 days in the first Currently, the flow of traffic is unco- year. ordinated – drivers react to their The major difficulties with autonoimmediate situation with no large- mous vehicles, at least at the outset, scale plan, because they cannot know will probably be social and philothe intentions of the drivers around sophical. The loss of control will be them. The small amount of central painful to some drivers, especially planning that exists, in the form of hardcore motorheads. There is a histraffic lights, is too unwieldy to react torical parallel in the transition from quickly to new situations. The result, horses and other forms of transportaas anyone who’s tried to drive south tion to automobiles a century ago. No on Lagimodiere Boulevard at 4:30 doubt there were people who enjoyed p.m. can attest, is not very efficient. riding in horse-drawn carriages for its But self-driving cars could talk own sake, but most people did not; to each other and link up to a wider they just wanted a way to get around network, so that every car knows town. They won, but it’s still possible what every other car is going to do for equine enthusiasts to ride horses – in the immediate future. This opens just not on the main streets of cities up the possibility of queuing that is Reactions to the new law in calculated to maximum efficiency by a California have not been uniformly central computer, or traffic that auto- positive. John M. Simpson, director matically reconfigures its patterns of the Privacy Project at Consumer to accommodate emergency vehicles. Watchdog, a California-based nonSergey Brin said that “self-driving profit advocacy organization, said cars do not run red lights,” but that’s “the law gives the user no control over not quite true: eventually, self-driving what data will be gathered and how cars will not need red lights. the information will be used.” He These large-scale efficiency gains argues that the California legislature could have a major economic impact was too quick to jump on Google’s on countries that adopt self-driving bandwagon, and did not adequately cars. But there will also be advantages consider the possible downsides of that are more salient to the individ- self-driving cars. However, Simpson ual. For example, think of how notes that it’s not likely that concerns much time you spent driving over privacy will keep the technollast week. It’s probably ogy from being developed. Certainly, several hours, all told. similar concerns have not stopped During that time, you Google from venturing into other were tied to the areas. wheel and could There are still some hurdles to be not do anything leapt before you can own your own else – read a self-driving car. It will be interesting b o ok , d o to see how these vehicles designed for paperwork, sunny California handle a Winnipeg text. Self- winter, for example. But they are not driving cars as far off as you might think. GM would allow expects to make partially autonomous drivers to do Cadillacs by 2015, and both Audi these things and BMW have both shown selfon their com- driving concept cars. The Institute of mute, giving Electrical and Electronics Engineers, them all the an international society of technology advantages experts, expects self-driving cars to of public dominate the traffic streams by 2040. transit Warts and all, it seems likely that this without is the future of transportation. all the illustration by justin ladia disadvan-

Fee

!

Winon!UMFM

speed. The team from Carnegie Mellon University, with their car nicknamed “Boss,” took home the first prize. Members of this team went on to work on Google’s project.

While the technology for selfdriving cars is very much within reach, it could be a complete game changer, causing us to overhaul our thinking about transportation. For example, by removing the human being from the system that drives the car, limiting the driver to choosing the destination, we would eliminate a huge number of car accidents.

Collisions in Canada have been on a downward trend at least since 1990. But 2009, the latest year for which detailed numbers are available, saw about 2,000 deaths and almost 173,000 injuries across the country due to car accidents. A study found that in 2004, car accidents generated $18 billion in social costs in Ontario alone, an average of $77,000 per accident.

These accidents are often the types that would become virtually unknown in a driverless Canada. For instance, 27 per cent of fatal accidents and 19 per cent of serious injuries involve speeding. Other important factors in collisions are aggressive, impaired, fatigued, or distracted driving. Self-driving cars simply would not have these

Ho

o

t isten

L

electronic blind spot assistance, automated emergency braking, park assist, cruise control, lane departure warning, and traffic jam and queuing assist. Some of these are cutting-edge mechanisms that can only be found in top of the line cars, but some are so common we hardly think of them as automated systems that take away our choices.

Actual self-driving cars have been developed since the late 1970s, when the Tsukuba Mechanical Engineering Lab in Japan ran a driverless car on a specially marked closed course. Three years later, Mercedes Benz tested a van that guided itself by examining video of the road ahead in real time.

In 1987, the European Commission funded the EUREKA Prometheus Project on autonomous vehicles to the tune of 800 million euros.

Things really started to get interesting in the last decade when DARPA, the US military research agency that was instrumental in the development of the Internet, offered a prize to the team whose car could complete their course through the desert. In 2004, no team managed to win the US $1 million prize. By the next year, huge advances had been made in the technology, and Stanford’s racing team was awarded the prize (now US $2 million) when their car completed the course in 6 hours and 53 minutes.

In 2007, DARPA held the Urban Challenge, which tested the cars’ ability to drive in traffic that consisted of both manned and unmanned vehicles.

Stanford’s vehicle was the first across the finish line, but the cars were being judged on their ability to follow the rules of the road, not just their

Seco n

n Tuesday, Sept. 25, the state of California signed a bill into law that will allow self-driving cars on California roadways.

It sounds like science fiction, but it actually won’t be long until the technology for fully autonomous vehicles is all worked out. The bill was signed at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, with Google cofounder Sergey Brin present. Google has been testing selfdriving cars for at least two years now with some fairly promising results.

Earlier this year, they released a video in which Steve Mahan, a legally blind California resident, took one of their cars for a spin. It was only a tech demo with a “carefully programmed” route, but it’s pretty compelling as a proof of concept.

The California law acknowledges that “development is actively under way of new technology that [ . . . ] permits a motor vehicle to operate without the active control and continuous monitoring of a human operator.”

It authorizes self-driving cars on California roads, so long as the manufacturer can certify that the cars meet safety standards to be determined by the Department of the California Highway Patrol. A similar law was passed last year in Nevada.

What makes this different is that California is one of the major centres of technological development, and home to several of the corporations and institutions that are developing self-driving cars – which, aside from Google, include teams at Caltech and Stanford University.

The idea of autonomous vehicles is nothing new. At the 1939 World’s Fair in New York, the “Futurama” exhibit raised the possibility of cars using radio to automatically maintain the proper distance from each other. The exhibit’s designer Norman Bel Geddes later argued in his 1940 book, Magic Motorways, that humans should be as far removed from the process of driving as possible. He speculated that by 1960, cars and highways would have devices installed to automatically correct human driving errors.

Bel Geddes was over-optimistic about the timing, but many of these technologies were eventually developed. The California law specifically name-checks several of them:

Jo

O

7

7

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 9 October 10, 2012

Science & Technology

11

The fear factor and chocolate abuse Ian T. D. Thomson, volunteer staff Study shows fear can be erased from brain

function in determining what and disrupting their reconsolidation, rats, researchers were able to conwhere memories are stored in the through protein synthesis block- clude that the anteromedial quadA new study from Uppsala brain. This ability to store memories ade localized in the amygdala or rant of the dorsal neostriatum of the University in Sweden has shined ultimately leads to the inclusion of through systematic administration brain generates motivation to overlight on the emotions involved with linking stressful events to previously of beta-adrenergic receptor antago- consume. This motivation may help fear and its memory recall. Published neutral stimuli, which leads a person nists, fear memories are inhibited,” to explain nonstandard behaviours on Sept. 20 in the journal Science, to become fearful. noted researchers. in humans such as binge eating and researchers indicate that it is possible Using a sample of 11 men and The knowledge gained from this drug addiction. to remove a fear-inducing memory 11 women, researchers established study may help to reduce stress in With lab rats as its subjects, the by activating the fear followed by a a fear memory by giving a shock patients in a more natural way. researchers injected “mu opiod disruption during a period known along with a cue. After the fear While pharmaceuticals are available stimulation” through a polypepas “reconsolidation interval.” This was established within the subjects, to treat these forms of anxiety, they tide known as enkephalin. This was added disruption is able to erase the the study randomly assigned the can only work so well, as relapses of introduced into the anteromedial developed fear memory from the subjects to two different groups: the fear memory may result in a sud- quadrant dorsal neostriatum of its amygdala in the brain. As the study disruption during this reconsolida- den and unexpected regression. brain. Using M&Ms as its testing states, “this mechanism holds great tion interval and disruption after the material, the injection of enkephaStudy determines the cause clinical promise in anxiety treat- reconsolidation interval. The study lin proved effective as the rats ate a of overconsumption in ment in order to dissociate fear from proved that subjects that received significant amount more chocolates the brains of rats cognitive memory.” disruption during the reconsolidathan the control group. It was noted The amygdala is a set of neu- tion period were able to eliminate A new study, published by the that most rats ate at least 17 grams rons that is located in an area of the fear memory in the amygdala. online journal Current Biology on of M&Ms, equivalent to roughly the brain known as the temporal The subjects that received disruption Sept. 20 has deciphered the physi- five per cent of their body weight. lobe. Involved in the processing of outside the interval had a recall of ological concept behind compulsive As the study notes, “That level of emotions such as fear, anger, and the fear stimulus. over-consumption. By performing elevated consumption is roughly pleasure, the amygdala also plays a “By activating memories and microinjections in the brains of lab proportional to a 68kg human con-

suming [approx.] 3.6 kg of M&Ms in a single hour.”

The study was also able to deduce that while this micro-injection was able to stimulate an “eat now” command, it should not be confused with subjects increasing their “likeness” toward the M&Ms. This concept can also be noted in drug addicts, who may not necessarily “like” the drug they are taking but continue to consume because of this mu opoid stimulation.

While past studies have tried to understand the physiological concept behind overconsumption with little success, DiFeliceantonio et al. note that these studies did not distinguish the four quadrants of the dorsal neostriatum of the brain. The motivation that caused the rats to eat more M&Ms only occurred when mu opoid stimulation was injected into the anteromedial quadrant.

The good and the bad A profile of Canadian non-profit Bad Science Watch Gem Newman

I

care about science. I am fascinated by its attempt to systematically weigh evidence and weed out bias, ever striving to reach successively closer approximations of the truth. I also care about bad science, and I’m fascinated by the demarcation process distinguishing the good from the bad.

This is why I jumped at the chance to volunteer for Bad Science Watch.

Bad Science Watch is a recently formed Canadian nonprofit activist organization dedicated to ensuring that important societal decisions are informed by good science rather than bad. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Jamie Williams, Executive Director of Bad Science Watch, who took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to discuss the vision of the organisation and the political/social climate that led to its formation. “[Bad Science Watch is] dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians by campaigning for the enforcement

and strengthening of consumer protection regulation against products and services promoted with bad science,” says Williams. “Everyone involved in the formation of Bad Science Watch is concerned [about]

the harm to Canadians that can be caused by bad science and poor consumer protection.”

Williams is distressed by what he sees as problems with Canada’s health regulations, citing recent cases of infants dying of pertussis, a vaccinepreventable illness, as a disturbing example.

“Irresponsible companies and health providers are being allowed to spread misinformation and sell ineffective ‘alternatives’ to vaccines based on bad science. I and the other founding members saw a void in Canadian

consumer protection and science “Consumers should be wary of advocacy regarding these issues. We products or services that are prosaw a need for an independent orga- moted with testimonials, claims of nization with no industry ties or other 100 per cent effectiveness with no conflicts of interest to campaign for downsides, or claims that they work all Canadians.” simply because they have been used When asked for hundreds of years [ . . . ] Very how a non-sci- rarely is information from sources entist can dis- with a commercial stake likely to be tinguish good entirely unbiased, and if it sounds too science from bad, good to be true, it probably [is].”

Williams admits If you’re trying to figure out what it can be a dif- the greater scientific community has ficult process, to say on the subject, Williams recand one that’s ommends relying on international exacerbated by scientific organisations (such as the the way science World Health Organization) and is represented in associations representing working advertising and scientists. the media.

Turning the conversation toward “By bad sci- the goals of the organisation, I asked ence we are referring both to the Williams what he hoped Bad Science misrepresentation and/or distortion Watch could accomplish in the next of valid scientific information, and few years. to claims that are made [either] using “One of our major goals in the long scientific jargon or presented as being term is the reform of the Natural scientific but in reality lack support Health Products Directorate of and plausibility.”

Health Canada, making it better Williams describes good science positioned to benefit all Canadians as “a consensus of experts justified rather than the interests of pharmaby a weight of evidence accumulated ceutical companies and other manuover time using the best practices of facturers,” Williams said. “We are the scientific method.” disappointed that the Directorate’s Williams also provided examples responsibility to Canadians to ensure of certain “red flags” that consumers safety, efficacy, and quality of prodshould watch out for. ucts is undermined by various forms

of exemptions and ‘free passes’ for certain product types. This is of no benefit to the health of Canadians, and in some cases we see it as directly undermining Health Canada’s public health efforts.”

Bad Science Watch’s concerns, however, are not limited to the Natural Health Products Directorate.

When I brought up Gary Goodyear, who has served as Minister of State (Science and Technology) since 2008, Williams assured me that the fact this position exists doesn’t mean that the government policies are based in sound science. He also expressed concern that Goodyear doesn’t accept modern evolutionary theory, which Williams notes is “the underpinning of all modern biological science.”

Williams was quick to dismiss the idea that Bad Science Watch was simply another special interest group.

“I don’t think you could consider our interests ‘special.’ We don’t represent industrial or professional interests, and we’re not promoting an ideology or political agenda; we’re concerned with the health and wellbeing of all Canadians.”

Gem Newman volunteers as a member of the Bad Science Watch Steering Committee. Interested readers can find out more about Bad Science Watch at www.badsciencewatch.ca.

Arts & Culture Editor: Kara Passey Contact: artsculture@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Arts & Culture

The Focal Point Optician Across from the U of M Bookstore Green Shield Accepted

The eyes have it...

12

LA Eyeworks Trunk Sale One Day only Thursday, October 11 9am-6pm 20% of all LA Eyeworks frames sold October 11 *with the purchase of lenses*

&KXQNLHU IUDPHV bright hues, retro styles in specs for fall

$ IDFH LV OLNH D ZRUN RI DUW ,W GHVHUYHV D JUHDW IUDPH

Reel Pride!

Films about comedy, love, awareness, and more Jenna Diubaldo, staff

T

he Winnipeg Gay & Lesbian director is coming to the festival.�

This event functions purely on Film Society has been organizing film screenings for the past 25 community support provided by years or so, and this year marks the local businesses, non-profit groups 19th annual Reel Pride Film Festival. and countless volunteers.

This week-long GLBTTQ* film fes“We’re a volunteer communitytival provides an outlet for artists to based group - some of the best and screen films that may not be viewed most generous people around,� says otherwise, and provides a venue for Plamondon. “We have a large group audiences to come together to learn of organizations and individuals stepabout local artists and be inspired. ping up and ensuring that the festival “You want to see what the queer is something we can be proud of, but community of Winnipeg looks like?� also something we can enjoy that will asks Eric Plamondon, one of the fes- have an impact on our community.� tival’s organizers. “Come on down, The Reel Pride Festival will kick we’re a fun, confident, artistic group off on Oct. 9 with a queer art show, of people. We welcome everyone – no and will come to a close with a screenjudgment here. We expect the festival ing of the two most popular films to be about films, about people com- from the past 25 years of film festivals, ing together in a space that is ripe for as chosen by their loyal viewers. everyone to express themselves and “The last screening will be two be themselves.� movies decided by the public,� says The festival features a variety of Plamondon. “We fully give programover fifteen GLBBTQ* films created ming control over to the community by local artists screened from Oct. 9 – how great is that?� to 14 at the Gas Station Arts Centre.

Are you a student on a budget?

Topics vary from film to film, and Have no fear! A few of the Reel Pride include genres such as comedy, love, events are free, and screenings are a awareness-raising, and much more. mere $7 per show for students. “[The films] Weekend and Cloudburst “If university is about expanding are guaranteed audience pleasers. your experiences to capture the true They’re beautifully made movies that reflection of our community then this will speak to you no matter who you is a good space to do just that,â€? says are,â€? says Plamondon. “We also have Plamondon. “And we’ll have beer and a risquĂŠ showing of I Want Your Love popcorn as well, of course.â€? that is very sexy but filmed in a real The Reel Pride Film Festival runs film style that will speak to a lot of from Oct. 9 to 14 at the Gas Station Arts people. I [also] have to plug the fact Centre. Check out www.reelpride.org for that we have a world premier in [the screening times and ticket information. film] Route of Acceptance, and the

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 9 October 10, 2012

Arts & Culture

13

send + receive: a festival of sound Aesthetic, physical, playful, emotional, and intellectual stimulation Jodie Layne, staff

A

udio artists from around the world are bringing their often underappreciated art form to Winnipeg for the 14th annual send + receive festival (Oct. 17 to Oct. 20).

The festival began under the supervision of Steve Bates in 2008 and the event became a registered non-profit arts organization in 2011.

It has grown exponentially since 2005, under the direction of director and sound artist Crys Cole.

“The festival actually began the year that I left Winnipeg – 1998. Over the years I followed the festival activities and was always excited to see many of friends and peers travel to perform in Winnipeg,” she says. The event has become truly international, featuring artists from the UK and Japan and also building a reputation for itself around the world.

“I travel often and have always been amazed by how much acknowledgement and respect there is for send + receive in Europe and elsewhere.

Audio art specific festivals and orga-

nizations are becoming more com- definitely has had a role to play in Cole disagrees with strongly.

UK composer and nature recorder mon, but it has taken some time. the inspiration and support of local “Certainly there is a critical aspect Chris Watson’s installation running Send + receive is one of the oldest in artists. to it—and I love that aspect—but 24 hours a day at the Cube in Old North America.”

“For local artists send + receive has it also provides aesthetic, physical, Market Square. Called “Forest Floor,” Each year, the event builds new allowed a forum to explore ideas and playful, emotional, and intellectual the piece features recordings from the relationships and spawns new col- experiment in a professional space. stimulation that anyone can appre- Borneo rainforest. laborations both in the city and The educational aspect of send + ciate,” says Cole. “Sound art and Local artist Angela Forget is also across the prairies, which Cole says receive, through our workshops and experimental music have an ability installing work; her piece “Gesture” is important for somewhere so geo- artist talks has brought much to the to transcend experience, and the key includes melting ice. Also, a group graphically isolated. local community.” to this is letting go of expectations of eight local artists are forming the Even with its reputation, evoluHowever, Cole says the greatest [and opening] yourself up to the send + receive Temporary Ensemble, tion and reach, send + receive was local impact she has seen has not been experience.” to perform a historic piece called not spared from cuts to arts funding amongst sound artists.

This year’s program is sure to “Stones” by American composer that have affected arts organizations “Our audience is filled with art- delight all audiences, rookies or oth- Christian Wolff. across the country, leading them to ists of all types, students, writers and erwise with an incredible lineup of “[These installations and perforcut a day from their programming. people of all walks of life. I think that legendary and emerging sound artists. mances] really bridge the visual arts “We have been very lucky to be one of the wonderful things about Akio Suzuki is one of the highlights and musical worlds and show the supported by local and national arts send + receive is that it brings a new of the festival and one Cole has been rich [and playful] history of audio funding bodies for many years, but creative experience to the Winnipeg trying to bring to Winnipeg since exploration,” says Cole. “In a highly as everyone in the cultural sector has audience and many people come sim- the beginning of her time as direc- visual-based culture, people are impaexperienced, cuts these days are ram- ply to experience and learn something tor. He is one of the first artists to tient with things that can’t easily be pant and we have not been immune,” new and different.” ever label himself as a sound artist. quantified, [and yet] sound impacts says Cole.

While all art is loosely defined, Cole describes him as modest and us every moment of every day,” says While most people in the main- the definition of sound art can be authentic and has no doubts about Cole. stream might not even be aware of even more abstract, which can make his ability to capture the audience’s Next weekend, take the chance audio art, it has a thriving scene right it seem inaccessible or too serious for attention and affections. to really listen. here in Winnipeg. Send + receive people to appreciate – something that Send + receive will also see

No time for a day job The F-Holes release new vinyl on Oct. 1 Jenna Diubaldo, staff

T

he F-Holes are one Winnipeg aren’t our tunes. But the atmosphere band that you must see live. They made it maybe a little easier to dig in boast a high-energy performance that to the performances.” practically grabs you by the shirt colThe F-Holes have numerous tours lar and flings you onto the dance floor. on the horizon at all times—they’ve Their mix of rockabilly, blues, jazz, completed four this year alone—one and country is a sound like no other might wonder how this band could in the city. possibly maintain day jobs.

Red Hot is the newest release from “We don’t really have day jobs,” the F-holes, available for purchase states Alexandre. “I’m a stay-at-home beginning Oct. 1. This album is com- dad when I am home, but nobody prised completely of covers, available wants to hire someone who can only only on vinyl, and showcases another commit to winters. Maybe we should side of the band. try to get some Zamboni work.”

“Some of [these] tunes have been Not only do the F-Holes play in our live show for over five years music suitable for a hoedown, but now,” states Patrick Alexandre, bass they look damn good doing it, with player and lead vocalist for the band. all the members of the band often “We felt the cover tunes showcased wearing slick outfits at shows, and some of our sound not found on the maintaining impressive facial hair. previous two records.”

“My brother’s band [ . . . ] has their Red Hot was recorded at Very own brand of mustache wax – ‘100% Tape Studios, which allowed for a Pure Bad Country Mustache Wax.’ different recording process than the The wax is much better than their bands’ previous two releases. music.”

“It was very laid back,” said The F-Holes will be throwing a Red Alexandre. “The product [ . . . ] came Hot release show for their new vinyl on out with a little bit more of our char- Dec. 8 at the Royal Albert Arms (proacter, which is ironic because these vided that the venue is open by then).

14

Arts & Culture

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 9 October 10, 2012

Mobile parties by bicycle Rainbow Trout expands from musical festivals to bike rides Jodie Layne, staff

R

ainbow Trout Music Festival (RTMF) organizers Ben Jones and Will Belford have partnered with Andy Rudolph to throw mobile parties with participants biking from one outdoor location to the other.

Picture it: you are surrounded by over 250 of your closest friends, a giant three-wheeled bike hauling two mobile amps and a laser show, cruising through city streets blaring carefully-crafted playlists. Well— dream no longer—this fantasy is a reality thanks to two music festival organizers and a man with “a soldering iron and never-ending energy.”

The RTMF Bike Jams started in August and are holding their fourth and final event of the year on Oct. 27—meeting location to be determined—with The Ghost Ride. The events were born out of a few similar low-fi nights with Ben Jones, his brother Luke, and Will Belford.

“We rode, just the three of us.

Pumping music, all night – and I mean all night. I fell asleep on a

massage table around 11:30 a.m. the next day. We rode everywhere that night. The bikes give us a beautifully tangible freedom that anyone can tap into. That combined with hype music was damned electric,” says Belford.

The bike rides quickly evolved when they hooked up with Andy Rudolph to create a giant trailer that could hold two giant amps, fuelled by a boat battery, and that debuted two laser boxes on their Nuit Blanche art crawl.

“The best way to get people out is nice loud music, the best way to produce loud music is big

amps!” says Belford. “And the best grown to 300+ participants – nearly all good. This is showing those who way to carry big amps is on a big crazy one kilometre of bikers, all stretched don’t identify as a cyclist, that we’re bike! Having access to the trike, and out. out there! We’re going to keep growthe system is a boon, certainly. But “With the larger numbers we’ve ing whether we get more bike lanes the biggest component is the people! become very serious about safety. or not. So we may as well just put Without people coming out, it’s all We’ve put an emphasis on being as them in, eh?” for naught.” polite as possible. With each other, The rides are becoming as imporAnd the people come. The rides and with the other vehicles on the tant to the Rainbow Trout brand as started with about a hun- street,” Belford says. the festival itself. The rides offer an dred attendees, By setting some ground amazing feeling of community to but rules, like no glass bottles seasoned road warriors and newbies have and sharing the road alike. Hanging out with friends new now with motorists, orga- and old, drinking beverages out of old nizers are able to Nalgene bottles in parks and consumensure that they ing a whole lane of traffic – feeling retain commu- invincible instead of vulnerable on nity support. the city streets is an experience every“I think one should have at least once. these rides “Drivers are smiling and waving, are impor- or giving beeps of encouragement. tant to Pedestrians are cheering us on. And the cycling cyclists join up and come with us! community It’s all so natural feeling. This kind and the city, all of thing is just supposed to happen. the same. It shows You can feel it.” the riders that there’s a lot of ways to ride a bike and they’re illustration by brad wohlgemuth

Life altering decisions File review: i am a good person / i am a bad person Michelle Saromo, volunteer staff

H

ow do the choices that we make “wrongly” automatically make one a White and her teenaged daughter back to the hotel, it is relatively easy Veninger makes the film worthwhile affect us? When we are forced bad person?

Sara – played by real life mother- to place Ruby into the “bad mother” by employing full usage of the setting to make a call on tough decisions, is These are the questions that film- daughter duo Veninger and Hallie category. Yet as the movie progresses, to emphasize the two main characters’ there a necessary dichotomy between maker Ingrid Veninger explores in Switzer. The two women, both on the layers of the contrived persona she internal struggles and bring those choices – that is, is one choice neces- her latest film, i am a good person / i cusp of making life-altering decisions, strives to emulate are peeled back, struggles to the surface. sarily “bad,” and the other “good?” am a bad person. The film follows a are forced to look within themselves and the core of Ruby is revealed.

Rather than using Europe’s beauMoreover, does choosing or acting week in the life of filmmaker Ruby and reflect on what they truly believe We begin to see her not as an irre- tiful, foreign atmosphere as a place is best for them. sponsible mother with reckless aban- for Ruby and Sara to escape their The pair embarks on a trip to don, but rather as a dejected woman troubles, Veninger uses the setting Europe to promote Ruby’s new just trying to regain her sense of joie to echo their troubles back to them. film, leaving behind Perhaps most TRAILBLAZER PIONEER EXPLORER INNOVATOR VISIONARY Ruby’s husband and intriguing of all is son in Toronto. After Veninger’s use of supJOIN US FOR THE NINTH ANNUAL SOL KANEE LECTURE ON INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND JUSTICE an audience member porting characters as interrogates Ruby about vessels of wisdom; THE RESOLUTION OF THE the film’s intended mesthe happy children sage and catches her playing with bubbles NORTHERN IRELAND CONFLICT off-guard, she spirals that Sara observes into a frantic state of in Paris, or the ineescapism. She surrenbriated man at the Dr. Martin Mansergh As the Irish Government’s point person, Dr. Martin ders herself to the Euro bar in Berlin who Mansergh was a key player in the negotiation nightlife and turns to asks Ruby if she is a process that led to the formation of the 1998 drinks, dancing, and “good person or a bad “Good Friday” Agreement, ending the war between the Provisional Irish Republican Army other men. person” – the people and the British government.

When Sara—who is that the two women implied to be pregnant encounter are all Wednesday, October 10, 1:30 p.m. at the beginning of the necessary for faciliManitoba Room, University Centre movie and is battling her own anxi- de vivre. Sara’s own troubles, of course, tating their growth. Small details like 2nd floor, Fort Garry Campus eties—pleads with Ruby to take her are no less important. Deciding what these are so common in our everyday For more information, please call 204-474-6052. back to the hotel, Ruby refuses, subse- to do with an unplanned pregnancy lives, yet Veninger draws from these Parking on campus is limited. Public transportation is recommended. quently causing a rift in their already at nineteen is never a heads-or-tails experiences to show how they each Presented by tense relationship. Sara decides not to kind of decision, and while it does not play a part in how we formulate our accompany her mother on the rest of completely deter her from enjoying identities. the trip; instead, she travels to Paris the sights of Paris, the weight of this i am a good person / i am a bad person alone to visit her cousin. responsibility continues to loom over is beautifully bittersweet. It reminds The characters’ uneasy dynamic her head throughout the trip. us that our choices are a matter of partly stems from their polar differThe issues that the movie tack- perception. It isn’t necessary that we umanitoba.ca ences in personality. Whereas Ruby les are hardly uncommon, and the come to an outwardly defined “right” is flighty and outgoing, Sara is more idea of watching two people travel solution; what’s necessary is to look contemplative and reserved. I judged around Europe until they finally within and truly ask ourselves what MCO-00-009-Sol Kanee Lecture SeriesAd WFP Ruby’s aloofness immediately; after make their respective decisions may feels right for us.

October 2012 * PG blatantly refusing to take her daughter even seem a bit mundane. However,

Arts & Culture Editor: Kara Passey Contact: artsculture@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Arts & Culture

15

Orgasms are awesome: Part 1 Jodie Layne, staff

Surprisingly stirring

T

he Big O, cumming, climaxing, busting feelings. Endorphins and oxytocin released a nut, jizzing - there are about a million during sex allow you to better deal with stressslang terms for having an orgasm. We see ful situations and having orgasms three times it in movies, or in porn, and see it splashed a week can add four years to your life. Sleep on the cover of a certain women’s magazine. hormones are released when you orgasm – a Orgasms are, clinically, an involuntary spas- sexologist once joked that his cure for insomming of muscles and release of chemicals in nia was to “have one orgasm and call me in one’s body. They can also take on a lot more the morning.” baggage culturally – who is and isn’t having Cumming can also prevent colds! People them, by what means people are having them, have sex show higher levels of immunoglobuwho they are or aren’t having them with? lin antibodies, making you less susceptible Let’s get this out of the way first of all – to colds. The best part is that these benefits orgasms are not the goal of sex. You can whether you having sex with other people or experience so much physical pleasure with- masturbating. So, go get laid or rub one out out actually orgasming, you can have great for your pleasure and health. sex without cumming, and your partner can One of the chemicals released during be a competent and skilled lover even if you orgasm is oxytocin, or the “bonding” hordon’t orgasm. mone. This is the same hormone released by According to the Society of Obstetricians breastfeeding mothers and can cause you to and Gynecologists of Canada, 10 per cent of feel intimacy or emotional attachment if you women and 8 per cent of men are anorgas- are having sex with a partner. This is one of the mic - meaning they can’t experience orgasm. reasons why orgasms in a relationship can help Anorgasmia can also affect transgender people build intimacy. Being able to be fully present, after hormone therapy or gender reassign- safe, and feeling uninhibited are also all feelment surgery. This doesn’t mean that sexual ings conducive to having an orgasm. activities aren’t pleasurable and they can’t have So now that you know why orgasms are fulfilling sexual relationships and experiences. amazing, how can you have one? What does Sex should be about causing each other’s bod- it feel like? Read the column next week to find ies as much pleasure as possible and having out, but in the meantime why not practice and fun exploring your bodies – orgasms are just a see if you can figure it out? bonus and not a trophy you get for playing.

Orgasms can feel amazing physically, but You can confidentially submit a question their benefits go far past a few seconds of good or topic to jodie.m.w.layne@gmail.com.

Review: Babel , Mumford & Sons Jenna Diubaldo, staff

“I

will love with urgency, but not with Babel is much in line with Mumford’s haste,” croons Marcus Mumford from first album but seems to be a bit more polEnglish folk rock band, Mumford & Sons. ished in terms of production value, specifiThis line seems to accurately describe Babel, cally when taking notice of the vocal tracks. the newest release from this UK quartet. An Marcus Mumford’s powerful voice is again at album that is written with a passion and the forefront of the album, highlighting his aggression audible from first note to last, while masterful lyrical abilities, especially in tracks maintaining technical grace and elegance that such as “Where Are You Now,” and title track, amounts to a beautiful collection of songs.

“Babel.” The band’s overall songwriting ability Admittedly, I can be somewhat of a music seems to have matured even more so since their snob, and I had written this band off as the last release with the ability to flow seamlessly Coldplay of folk music – until my girlfriend from catchy love songs like their newest single forced me to listen to their music recently. “I Will Wait,” to aggressive pain-filled tracks Since then Babel has been playing on a con- like “Broken Crown.” stant loop in my car, and I have been happily As far as negatives go, this album has few. I singing along to Mumford’s charming folk find it a bit annoying that some more intricate anthems. guitar tracks have been set very low in the Mumford’s first full-length release Sigh No overall mix, causing the ear to have to strain to More, blew up internationally in 2009, going hear important embellishments. Also, I don’t platinum an impressive four-times in the UK much care for the track “Lover of the Light” and another two-times platinum in the US. because it reminds me of a Dave Matthews Creating a follow-up album that can match or Band song. That being said, I’m really straining surpass that kind of success is no small task but to find imperfections in this album.

I believe that Babel is set to achieve just that.

Saturday, Oct. 13

Wednesday, Oct. 10 – 27

Saturday, Oct. 13

Saturday, Oct. 13 – Nov. 10

Oodena Celebration Circle (the Forks)

Flux Gallery, aceartinc.

The Pyramid Cabaret

WITH ART: Queer Perspectives

The Wind Ups / The Electrics / The Hoots

Zsa Zsa West (211 Pacific Ave.)

2012 Winnipeg Zombie Walk

Friday, Oct. 5 – Nov. 17 Urban Shaman TXT4WPG by Dana Claxton

Tuesday, Oct. 16

Monday, Oct. 8 – Oct 12

Friday, Oct. 12

Negative Space

Gallery of Student Art,

The Rose N Bee Pub

OTHER

University of Manitoba

The Great Sabatini / The Strap / Warsaw / Just Piss

CREAM Photography: A remix of the status quo by Joseph Kalumba

Event Listings MUSIC

Ephemera by Andrea von Wichert

ART

Saturday, Oct. 13

Friday, Oct. 12

The Zoo

Mondragon Bookstore & Coffee House

OFFICAL ZOMBIE WALK AFTERPARTY: The Pinkslips / Dead Ranch / Filthy Animals and more!

Book launch: Riot Lung

by Leah Horlick

Cheering for the Bad Guy / These Estates / The St James Kid

Graphics Editor: Silvana Moran Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Diversions BAXTER! YOU. DIE. NOW.

16

NOT NOW I’M SLEEPING.

...

Bradly Wohlgemuth

Emilie st. hillaire

Silvana moran

By Joseph Kalumba

PHOTO —of the—

WEEK curton.bummings.tumblr.com

Do you have a super awesome photo that you want the world to see? No matter you took that using your camera or your smart phone, send your “PHOTO OF THE WEEK” to PHOTO@THEMANITOBAN.COM.

Sports Editor: Marc Lagace Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

17

Sports

Bisons score high marks in the classroom Student-athletes set new school record for excellence in academics Marc Lagace, staff

B

ison Sports have set a new standard for the University of Manitoba, as 102 student-athletes achieved CIS Academic All-Canadian status for the 2010-11 season.

Out of the 308 U of M student-athletes enrolled in studies last year, just under one-third received national recognition for balancing their academic responsibilities with their passion for athletics.

Canadian studentathletes qualify as CIS Academic All-Canadian by maintaining a grade point average of 3.5 (80 per cent) or better in their field of study.

Some interesting stats:

Fifty-two per cent of the Bisons Academic All-Canadians are female (53 of 102). The football program had

10 Academic All-Canadians for the first time since the status was first

recorded in 1998-99. Thirty-six Bison student-athletes earned a GPA of 4.0 or higher (90 per cent).

Keeping a 3.5 GPA can be a daunting task for any university student, but trying to balance a full course load with a busy collegiate athletic career is no small task.

“I think it’s all about priorities. You have to prioritize school first,” explained Julie Lafreniere, one of 11 Bison soccer players that achieved CIS Academic All-Canadian status.

“It’s harder on the road, obviously we’re really busy.

You have to prepare for the game and then you have to attend team meet-

ings. Before practice you have to study, M],” said Warkentin. “There’s a balafter practice—even when you’re tired ance between athletic scholarships you have to tough it out—to get those and academics. The more stronger good grades.” students we’re able to attract, the It is no coincidence that the U of more athletic scholarship money we M is stocked with over 100 student- can provide.” athletes with the focus and work ethic “There’s a lot of coaches that have that Lafreniere describes. According academic monitoring programs that to Bison Sports assistant athletic will go on—especially for first-year, director Curt Warkentin, the aca- second-year, anybody who’s keepdemic success of Bison student-ath- ing a lower GPA—keeping track of letes can be attributed to an emphasis them.” on academic success balanced with Jaime Lacoste finished her Bison athletic success. From the recruiting soccer career by achieving Academic process to day-to-day player-coach All-Canadian status in her final year interactions, there is always a focus to cap off five straight years academic on education. excellence. Ten other Bison athletes “It’s right from the recruiting received the prestigious status for the process, trying to find outstanding fourth time in their athletic career. student-athletes and being able to attract them [to enroll at the U of illustration by caroline norman

Tennis Canada eyeing Winnipeg for Davis Cup MTS Centre could serve up world-class tennis in February Adam Peleshaty, volunteer staff

A

fter last month’s win against South Africa and advancing to the World Group for the second straight year, Canada’s Davis Cup team learned that they would be hosting Spain in the first round of the 2013 Davis Cup World Group from February 1-3. Spain is the reigning champions and will play for the 2012 title next month against the Czech Republic.

Tennis Canada has instituted a bidding process to determine the city to host the event. The opportunity to showcase up-and-coming Canadian tennis star Milos Raonic and (potentially) Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal will undoubtedly be coveted by many cities across Canada. Tennis Canada president and CEO Michael Downey told the Winnipeg Free Press that they are looking at a shortlist of a “half-dozen cities.”

And Winnipeg is one of them.

Tennis Manitoba has officially submitted their bid to Tennis Canada to host Canada’s Davis Cup tie at the MTS Centre and their Facebook page called “Davis Cup Winnipeg” has over 300 likes. Vancouver is looking to host again, as they did last year when Canada played France in Davis Cup play. However, there are factors that may give Winnipeg an advan-

tage when Tennis Canada makes their would ever host. With the excepdecision next month. tion of two exhibitions held at the One of the main factors is the Winnipeg Arena (Boris Becker vs. availability of the MTS Centre at Kevin Curran in 1987 and Monica the time of the tie. Currently, no Seles vs. Anna Kournikova in 2002), events are being held at the arena the city has not seen elite level tennis from January 20 to February 4, which for some time. The ITF Manshield is more than enough time to turn it Futures, a low-level professional into a tennis court as well as holding tournament that Winnipeg hosted other events for fans and media in this August, was the first professional conjunction with the tie. Meanwhile, tennis tournament in the city since all of the other six NHL arenas are the 1999 Pan Am Games. hosting hockey games The popularity of tennis in Canada and other arenas, appears to be localized in Ontario, such as Hamilton’s Quebec, and British Columbia and Copps Coliseum almost all of its elite players are from and Toronto’s Ricoh those provinces. With the sport growColiseum, are also ing in popularity across the country, unavailable. UBC’s Tennis Canada may be inclined to Doug M itc hel l choose Winnipeg if it wants interThunderbird Arena, est in tennis to grow not only in last year’s Davis Cup Manitoba, but also throughout the venue, however, is Prairies. If Canada wants to become available. a tennis nation, Tennis Canada must Winnipeg’s loca- promote the sport nationally. tion may also give Every time a Canadian national an advantage to the sports team plays in Winnipeg, Canadian team. The the event turns out to be a success. first round of the Whether it was the 1999 World Davis Cup will be Junior Hockey Championship, held the week after the Australian the 2007 World Women’s Hockey Open in Melbourne, meaning players Championship, or the Pan Am will likely fly to Canada immediately Games, Winnipeg always has a penafter the tournament. Downey told chant for hosting successful one-off the Free Press that despite the event sporting events. The return of the Jets being held indoors, no matter where has also proven that fans in this city it is held “there’s no doubt Winnipeg’s have tremendous enthusiasm for the cold weather in February would be an home team. Even if only the lower advantage against our guests from bowl of the MTS Centre were filled, Spain.” there would still be more people in The Davis Cup would be the most attendance than in Vancouver. high-profile tennis event Winnipeg Winnipeg would be an ideal candi-

date to host a Davis Cup tie but it also needs to be shown that there would be enough fan support. Downey told the Vancouver Sun that social media would definitely help in trying to attract this event.

By the way, the “Bring Davis Cup Back to Vancouver” Facebook page has over 3,350 likes. Winnipeg, we have some work to do. illustration by brad wohlgemuth

University Dental Plan Coverage Accepted Open Evenings and Weekends

1921 Pembina Hwy (204) 275 1000

We are located on the corner of Pembina and Bishop Grandin—close to the University.

18

Sports

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 9 October 10, 2012

Wesmen United?

Potential U of W athletics name change proving unpopular Derek Gagnon, staff

U

pon finding out about the impending name change of the University of Winnipeg’s sports teams, I decided to seek the opinion of the coolest U of W alumnus I know: myself.

Having been a former student of the University of Winnipeg, I have come to have very strong feelings in regards to the school and the image it likes to convey. Part of that image is the Wesmen Athletics department.

I cannot say I was ever a student-

Wesmen comes from a mash up of “Wesley Men,� in reference to Wesley College, founded in 1888, that was established as a stand alone Methodist College. athlete, but I did follow the teams in their endeavours and so it piqued my interest when I found out about

the potential change away from the Wesmen name.

My initial response was relief, as it is my opinion that “Wesmen� is not a name that instills fear in the hearts of opponents. I had never asked my

or the Manitoba Bisons. change is good, as well the ability I later found the Wesmen name to sell and endorse a new brand. If change was about something more you were becoming the University of than a lame team nickname. The rea- Winnipeg Polar Bears, or Falcons, or son ended up being that administra- Mosquitoes, or even the United just tors at the University of Winnipeg because you wanted to shake things wanted to change the name from up, people would be ok with it.

Wesmen because of it being gender But when you come out with exclusive and having religious con- the reasoning currently being used notations. Which is why the deci- to defend a name change, it’s never sion to rename the teams “United� going to fly. Just as U of M students makes just as little sense, as naming and alumni connect with the Bisons the team after United College, which here on campus, Wesmen is a name operated from 1938 to 1967, is making U of W students have related to since a religious reference to the United its inception in the 1920s. Changing Church, after which the United it after all of this time because it College was named. It’s just a reli- recently occurred to you that it might gious trade off, as we switch from be offensive is nonsensical, and people honouring a Methodist Church to a have taken notice.

United Church.

As of the time of this article a On the issue of Wesmen not being group on Facebook called “Save the gender-neutral, the idea that people Wesmen� has 790 “likes.� Meanwhile, would be highly offending by a word various online polls show the pubwith “men� in it is laughable, as many lic is very much behind keeping have pointed out thus far. The idea the Wesmen name. While highly that people would be offended by unscientific, it still seems to be more image by brad wohlgemuth the word is to suggest that they get research than whoever is in charge parents to check under the bed for an offended by “human� or “Manitoba� of this naming process put in to how evil Wesmen as a child. So hearing and that’s just absurd.

University of Winnipeg students, of the name change, I was hoping for So here’s what I say to the athletes, alumni, and staff feel about the adoption of something more sin- University of Winnipeg: I have no this change. ister. Something like the McMaster issue with your choosing to replace It’s called a referendum. Look Marauders, the Waterloo Warriors the Wesmen name. Sometimes into it.

0VS $JUZ :PVS $BSFFS

LEARN TO BARTEND! Open the door to an exciting new career!

$JUZ PG 8JOOJQFHÂľT We have successfully placed thousands of graduates in bars, pubs, hotels, cruise ships and night clubs.

5VFTEBZ 0DUPCFS QN QN 8JOOJQFH $POWFOUJPO $FOUSF :PSL "WFOVF

'SFF "ENJTTJPO -FBSO BCPVU $JUZ DBSFFST

XJOOJQFH DB PS DBMM

'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO WJTJU

50 OFF

$

F

www.ďŹ neart.ca Fine Art Bartending School

0QFO UP &WFSZPOF U of M ad 6 x 6.5

(204) 783-3322 222 Osborne St.

Sports

Sports Editor: Marc Lagace Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

19

FOLLOWING THE HERD MEN’S

W-WIN

L-LOSS

OTL-OVERTIME LOSSES

x = CLINCHED PLAYOFF SPOT

FOOTBALL

5-0 4-1 3-2 2-3 1-4 0-5

BISON SCORES

Key to victory.

Taking advantage of a banged up Saskatchewan squad.

Starting QB Drew Burko and their top receiving threat sat out against the Dinos. Backup Chase Bradshaw only completed five passes for 81 yards on the day. With an extra week of rest, Burko might be back. If he is, look for another close game like week two's 31-28 Bison win at University Stadium.

HOCKEY CALGARY ALBERTA SASKATCHEWAN UBC REGINA LETHBRIDGE MANITOBA MOUNT ROYAL

OTL-OVERTIME LOSSES

W-WIN

L-LOSS

T-TIE

x = CLINCHED PLAYOFF SPOT

SOCCER W-L-OTL

CALGARY x REGINA MANITOBA SASKATCHEWAN UBC ALBERTA

WOMEN’S W-L-T TWU x VICTORIA x UBC x UFV ALBERTA REGINA SASKATCHEWAN CALGARY

HOCKEY 2-0-0 2-0-0 2-0-0 1-0-1 1-1-0 0-1-1 0-2-0 0-2-0

21-6-1 The combined home record for the Bisons over the past two seasons, heading into their home opener series vs Saskatchewan.

ALBERTA CALGARY MOUNT ROYAL UBC REGINA SASKATCHEWAN MANITOBA LETHBRIDGE

7-0 6-0-1 6-1 5-1-1 4-0-2 4-2 3-3 1-3-3

W-L-T MANITOBA LETHBRIDGE MOUNT ROYAL UNBC WINNIPEG

BISON SCORES

2-6 1-6 0-4-2 0-6-2 0-7-1

W-L-OTL OCTOBER 5 VS ALBERTA L 2-1

2-0-0 2-0-0 2-0-0 1-0-1 1-1-0 0-1-1 0-2-0 0-2-0

OCTOBER 6 VS ALBERTA L 3-1

UPCOMING GAMES SOCCER OCT 12 VS LETHBRIDGE OCT 13 VS CALGARY

MHKY

OCT 12 OCT 13

WHKY OCT 12 OCT 13

@ saskatchewan @ saskatchewan

@ saskatchewan @ saskatchewan

Football

OCT 12

@ saskatchewan

Puck drops on women’s hockey season Bisons drop back-to-back losses to the Pandas Derek Gagnon, staff

T

he regular season got under- three consecutive weekends and still way this past weekend for the be able to [go 7-1] tell me we’re fit.”

Manitoba Bison women’s hockey While remaining optimistic team, as they played a pair of games about potentially beatagainst the University of Alberta ing Alberta, Rempel was Pandas. Heading into the games the also cautious, noting the Bisons were ranked #3 in Canada Pandas exemplary record West, behind only Alberta (#2) and in Canada West. the University of Calgary Dinos “I expect them to be (#1). extraordinarily difficult Coach Jon Rempel likes what he to play against, they sees in his club this year and is opti- always are. It’s a good mistic of how the team will do. test for us.”

“We would like to host a playoff The Bisons would round and finish in the top four is a find out just how good a realistic goal this season.” test the Pandas were in Rempel keyed in on how his squad their season opener on would be better this year than the Friday night. Less than team that finished fifth in Canada five minutes in, Alberta West and missed the playoffs last Captain Sarah Hilworth season. would open the scoring After going 7-1 during this pre- when left unmarked season, Rempel noted three things in the slot. The Bisons that stuck out as obvious improve- responded rather quickly ments in how the girls played. “Special as a little over two minteams we’ve been working on really utes later the Bisons hard. That’s one thing that’s improved forced play deep into the already, I can see that for sure.”

Pandas’ end before a scramble left the “Friday night games [were] a real puck on third-year forward Meagan problem for us, particularly at home Vestby’s stick, and she deposited it last year so that’s something we’ve into the net, making it 1-1 after the rectified,” Rempel said. “[The] ability first period. to play three games in three days on The Bisons came out firing on all

cylinders in the second frame, but fell behind to a power play goal by Karla Bourke of Alberta. Despite outshoot-

shut them down time and time again.

Jeffries ended up stopping 32 shots in a 2-1 Alberta win. In a post game

ing the Pandas 17-5 in the period, the Bisons were down a goal going into the third period.

The Bisons once again poured it on in the final 20 minutes, only to have Alberta goalie Michala Jeffries

interview Coach Rempel attested the slow start to not playing in two weeks, and that the special teams would need to get better after the power play went 0-for-4, and the penalty kill went 3-of-4.

Saturday night did see an improvement in both the power play, which went 1-for-5, and penalty kill, which killed off all four penalties Manitoba took. A first period goal by thirdyear forward Maggie Litchfield-Medd gave the Bisons an early lead.

Alberta responded with two second period goals and a late insurance goal that gave the Pandas a 3-1 win.

The Bisons looked to be the better team for long stretches of the game, however missed some crucial opportunities, including an extended 5-on-3 power play and breakaway in the dying minutes of the game. Jeffries was the difference once again, turning aside 30-of-31 shots, for a total of 62-of-64 in the two game set.

The Bisons next play against the Saskatchewan Huskies (0-1-1) in Saskatoon on Oct. 12-13. photo by shan jiewen

UNLIMIT EVERYTHING. Get Unlimited Data in Manitoba with the MTS Student Data Deal, the best student plan around.

NOKIA LUMIA 710

2999

$

*

mts.ca/studentdeals

Unlimited Data in Manitoba: includes email, surfing, social networking, instant messaging and more 300 MB of data in the rest of Canada Unlimited text, video, and picture messaging

200 weekday minutes Unlimited evenings and weekends starting at 5pm Unlimited Wi-Fi Bring your valid student ID Available on 4G and CDMA Wireless Networks

Visit your nearest MTS Connect store.

* Available with min. 36-month contract and min. $24.99/mth priced voice plan. Conditions apply. Limited time offer and subject to change without notice. See Dealer for details. Unlimited data access only available in Manitoba. Additional Canadian data over 300 MB charged at $0.35/MB on all smartphones. U.S. data roaming on HSPA devices charged at $3/MB, on CDMA devices $8/MB. Unlimited use is subject to MTS’s Excessive Use Policy - see mts.ca/excessiveuse for details and info about our Network Management practices. Does not include access gained by connecting handset to personal computer or laptop. Text, Picture and Media Messaging: Access and charges may vary depending on hardware. Unless otherwise indicated, unlimited text, picture or media messaging is available in Canada only and to wireless devices that have been activated with a Canadian carrier. Messages sent using short codes may be subject to additional charges. Security of content sent over wireless devices cannot be guaranteed. Always use caution when communicating sensitive information. MTS design mark is a registered trade-mark of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., used under license.