11 February 2015

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

Welcome to the academy

Don't just stop the cuts

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More at stake than money in budget cuts debate

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Vo l 1 0 1 · N o 5 1 · F e b r ua ry 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

Index

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VOL. 101 NO. 51 February 11, 2015

News

Editor-in-Chief Fraser Nelund

Clara Hughes

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Angela England

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Addressing the stigma of mental illness

Advertising Coordinator Sara Bulloch

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Editorial

Senior News Editor Dana Hatherly

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

page 5

News Editor Ethan Cabel

news@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

Comment Editor Tom Ingram

comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Managing Editor Craig Adolphe

me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

science & technology Editor Chantelle Dubois

science@themanitoban.com/ 474.6529

arts & Culture Editor Lauren Siddall

arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Sports Editor Mike Still

sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Copy Editor Carlyn Schellenberg

copy@themanitoban.com/ 474.6520

Design

Design Editor Bradly Wohlgemuth

design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Graphics Editor Bram Keast

graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Photo Editor Carolyne Kroeker

photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

design associate Scott Ford

scott@themanitoban.com

graphics associate Evan Tremblay

evan@themanitoban.com

Arts & Culture

Science

Coffee community

Hey pricks!

MAKE creates a crossroads of design and coffee culture

Anti-vaxxers deserve a needling

Reporters

News Emily Zarychta News Bushra Tahir Science Jeremiah Yarmie arts & culture Ian T.D. Thomson arts & culture Alana Trachenko Sports David Grad Assistant copy editor Kristy Hourd

Volunteer Contributors

page 19

page 15

Sports

The future of Bison Football Manitoba recruits six for 2015 season page 23

correction

In the Feb. 4 issue of the Manitoban, in the article “Centre for Oil and Gas Research geared with government grants,” the sentence “Park said that universities frequently partner with industry for research and development but that this practice contradicts Green Party principles,” should read: “Park said that universities frequently partner with industry for research and development but he questioned whether the public should have to bear the financial burden of research for the oil and gas industry.”

Design Design Editor: Bradly Wohlgemuth Contact: design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775 Graphics Editor: Bram Keast Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775 Photo Editor: Carolyne Kroeker Contact: photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Alex Passey Will Gibson Keegan Steele Caroline Norman Dany Reede Josh Labossiere

Kyle Lees Lauren Gowler Kelly Campbell Corbin Saleken Kailey Trevithick Aldo Rios

Samantha Secter

MANITOBAN 105 UN IVERSITY 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 Free Media Campus Plus Media Services Phone: 1.780.421.1000 Email: advertise@free-media.ca

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 of regular classes 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.

All contents are ©2015 and may not be reprinted without the express written permission of the Editor-in-Chief.

Yearly subscriptions to the Manitoban are available for $40.

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News

Senior News Editor: Dana Hatherly News Editor: Ethan Cabel Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Active Living Centre still active construction site Opening date for new gym a ‘moving target,’ says facilities director Ethan Cabel, staff

U

niversity of Manitoba students will have to wait even longer to access the new Active Living Centre gym, which remains under construction and may not open until next month.

“We are still targeting opening the Active Living Centre this month, but that date is a moving target currently and we’re still working toward finalizing that date but it will be very soon,” said Simon Wang, facilities director for the faculty of kinesiology and recreation management at the U of M.

“We are still targeting opening the Active Living Centre this month, but that date is a moving target currently and we’re still working toward finalizing that date but it will be very soon” − Simon Wang, facilities director for the faculty of kinesiology and recreation management Wang told the Manitoban that there have been “a number of factors” related to construction that have contributed to pushing the opening date back further.

Wang added that, when the gym does eventually open, only the 300 and 400 levels of the four-storey complex will be accessible to students and the public. The rest of the building will remain an “active construction site,” according to Wang.

photo by Carolyne Kroeker

services that they’re paying for,” she The 300 level of the Active Living Full-time students have been opens at some point in February.

Centre comprises the general group charged $56.25 and part-time stu“We will survey the situation based said. workout areas and the 400 level dents have been charged $42.20 for on the length of time [of a delay] and Last month, Rempel expressed houses the elevated running track. this winter term. In subsequent years, our efforts to advocate for students to concerns about the process surround“Those are the areas that are most full-time students will have to pay get some kind of prorate rate done on ing the approval of the fee, which important for student use,” Wang $75 while part-time students will pay the fee will really be dependent on did not go to a referendum to U of $56.25 per term. The fee in part pays how long this is going to be delayed,” M students. Instead, the University said. of Manitoba Board of Governors “Everyone is working very dili- for the Active Living Centre, but also Turnbull said.

“We really do need to look at the approved it in 2011, with student input gently to open this month, recog- gives students access to all campus nizing that students obviously have gym facilities as well as Bison Sports benefits that this thing is going to coming from UMSU and UMGSA bring us [ . . . ] we shouldn’t be so representation on the board. paid the fee, but also recognizing games.

The fee for the 2015 winter term quick to condemn.” that students currently have access Late last year, UMGSA Council Laura Rempel, president of the voted against a motion to write a letto all the facilities and we hope to was prorated in order to account for add the Active Living Centre to that the Active Living Centre’s February University of Manitoba Graduate ter of support for a prorated winter fee opening date. According to UMSU Students’ Association (UMGSA), to pay for the Active Living Centre. very shortly.”

Once it is officially open, the The Active Living Centre is a $46 president Al Turnbull, the students’ also expressed concerns about delays Active Living Centre will replace million project, paid for through a union pressured the university’s in the opening.

“There are often delays in construc- the “Gritty Grotto” gym in the Frank combination of government grants administration for a prorated fee tion processes, but it would be great Kennedy Centre. The Grotto will be and university funding. The cost of leading up the 2015 winter term.

However, they will not be fighting if the Active Living Centre would open at its regular hours up until that the gym will be covered in part with a fee collected every term from U of for any additional proration to the fee be open as soon as possible so that time. so long as the Active Living Centre students would be able to access the M students.

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News

Senior News Editor: Dana Hatherly News Editor: Ethan Cabel Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Two executive slates confirmed for UMSU General Election Fourteen students currently seeking nomination for various UMSU positions Emily Zarychta, staff

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ourteen students have con- Christopher Bélanger for vice-presfirmed that they are seeking ident internal, and Astitwa Thapa for nomination as candidates for UMSU vice-president external.

The other slate has Spencer executive and community representative positions for the 2015 UMSU Yasui running for president, Jesse General Election.

Greenberg for vice-president advoThe nomination period for the cacy, Bénédicte LeMaître for vice2015 UMSU General Election president student services, Zach opened Feb. 2 at 9 a.m. and closes Leclerc for vice-president internal, Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. and Reanna Blair for vice-president The students that are seeking external. nomination for the UMSU General The Manitoban has been able Election have been around campus to identify four students currently collecting signatures. One hundred seeking nomination for community signatures collected from U of M representative positions.

Will Landon is seeking the nomistudents are needed for nomination for the executive positions, and 15 nation for UMSU aboriginal students’ student signatures for the commu- representative; Andrew Fenwick is seeking nomination for students livnity representative positions.

The current list of students seek- ing with disabilities representative; ing nomination is not final and is Charles Kimball is seeking nomination for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsubject to change.

The candidate list will only be gendered, two-spirited* students’ finalized after the nomination representative; and Fariba Shakibani period has closed and the candidates is seeking nomination for UMSU have attended the All Candidates Women’s representative.

The Manitoban was unable to Meeting on Feb. 13. As a result, it is possible that students could join confirm whether anyone is currently the race at the last minute, or that seeking nomination for UMSU international students’ representative. students could drop out.

In order to adhere to UMSU However, the Manitoban has been able to confirm two different slates General Election regulations regardare currently seeking nomination for ing pre-election marketing, candidates’ biographies will not be released the executive candidate positions.

One slate includes current UMSU before the nomination period has vice-president internal Jeremiah closed and the list of candidates has Kopp for president, current UMSU been finalized.

All general election campaigning vice-president advocacy Rebecca Kunzman running for re-election in will begin at 9 a.m. on Feb. 23. the same position, Jessica Morrison for vice-president student services,

The UMSU election campaign commences on Monday, Feb. 23. The voting period will be held from Wednesday, March 4 to Friday, March 6 at various locations throughout the University of Manitoba.

Visit the official UMSU General Elections website, operated by the Chief Returning Officer, at umsu. ca/elections for more information.

photo by Carolyne Kroeker

VOL. 101 NO. 51 February 11, 2015

News

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Olympian Clara Hughes speaks at University of Manitoba Hughes speaks out about the stigma of mental illness Emily Zarychta, staff

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ix-time Canadian Olympic medallist Clara Hughes spoke at the University of Manitoba last week, detailing her experience as an athlete suffering with mental illness.

The Winnipeg-born Hughes was brought to campus through a joint effort by UMSU and the mental health awareness U of M student group Active Minds, to coincide with the group’s Self-Care Week from Feb. 2-6.

Hughes won medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games for cycling and speed skating, and served as the flag bearer for Canada in the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. Hughes is only one of five people to have won medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics, and is the only person in history to have won multiple medals in both contests. She is a sports broadcaster and philanthropist who was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2007.

Hughes has been active in the organization Right to Play, which is dedicated to educating disadvantaged children and providing a stable environment to facilitate athleticism. Last year, Hughes took part in a 110-day national bicycle tour through every province and territory as part of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health awareness campaign.

Having battled depression throughout her career, Hughes has become an advocate for mental health awareness. In conversation with the Manitoban she spoke about how students and young people can break the stigma surrounding mental illness.

The Manitoban: What can students do to help de-stigmatize mental illnesses like depression?

Clara Hughes: I think it starts with education and just really understanding that this is an illness and this affects one in five Canadians. If it’s not you, it’s going to be someone you love; it’s going to be someone in your life. You might as well start to know what it means, what it is, and realizing all the preconceived notions we are taught to have by society. It is that lack of education and understanding and therefore lack of compassion.

All those things like it’s someone’s fault, or they chose to be that way, or that they just need to get over it and feel better, or they should just think about puppies, all those things are bullshit. I think that once people are educated and understand the reality of these statistics, we would have a more compassionate society. So, educate yourself on what’s out there to help, and what is not there, and then start demanding change, because there is not enough out there.

photo by Emily Zarychta

M: The Bell Let’s Talk campaign that you are involved with states that: talking is the first step to breaking the stigma. What do you think the second step is?

“All the preconceived notions we are taught to have by society [ . . . ] All those things like it’s someone’s fault, or they chose to be that way, or that they just need to get over it and feel better, or they should just think about puppies, all those things are bullshit” – Clara Hughes, Olympic athlete Hughes: The second step is listening.

For the person who is struggling, it is so hard to understand it yourself; I know [because I] went through this. I could not articulate what was going on for me, even when someone spelled it out for me. So if some-

body finally does talk, realize that you could be in the role of listening because those two things go hand in hand. I honestly think we are at a point right now, with a shift in perception of mental illness, that now the next step is people need to start looking at what resources are available and what access to care there is.

Start listening to the stories of people who have been on waiting lists for a year, for sometimes 15 months. Lack of funding for youth mental health is a major issue.

There are really good programs, but the people who are working in the field are overworked, underfunded, understaffed, and usually burnt out.

Great people doing great work to save lives burn out, because of that lack of funding. I honestly think there just needs to become this climate of realizing we are not doing enough as a society. We need to demand this change in our government, policies, and funding to shift more health care dollars to mental health, because right now, it’s not good enough.

people who are saying that this is not good enough, the louder the roar.

Eventually it’s going to be a platform point for provincial and federal elections. We are far from that, but how do we get there? We need to not just talk, but to yell and scream. I mean, I had 160 elected officials sign our pledge for a stigma-free map on my Big Ride across Canada; the last signee was our Prime Minister Stephen Harper. OK, that’s nice, that looks really good, but now we need to act.

M: What advice would you give to a student who is suffering from mental illness?

Hughes: Don’t try to do it alone.

Don’t try to study through it because you can’t study your way out of this.

Don’t try to drop classes and think it’s going to get better. I quit sport thinking I was going to get better, because I thought that it was the sport doing it to me. You need help. You’re sick. It’s OK. If you can’t get help from your family or feel you don’t have anyone to talk to, that’s OK too. Because M: How can students actively lobby there are professionals out there who for more mental health care? have the skills and know what to say and do, and know where to steer you.

Hughes: Writing letters, calling That’s been my experience and that’s in, organizing groups, like just really been the lived experience of so many activating yourself. If you’re a uni- people, but so many people continue versity student, there are advocacy to suffer in silence. The reality is that groups, youth programs, community two out of three people don’t get help. programs, but I think more than anything, educating the people around M: You are involved in an organiyou. Saying, did you know this, did zation called Right to Play. Do you you know that? Letting people know think that play should be considered what you’ve learnt. I think the more a human right?

Hughes: Absolutely, it is a basic human right. It is the right, not just for kids, for all of us. I have been all over the world with the program – to Africa, to the Middle East. I just recently did a mentorship training program with First Nations communities from northern Ontario. It is fundamentally important for the development of a human being to have opportunity and outlet to play.

It goes back to mindfulness and joy.

It breaks down barriers and it brings us together. It’s inclusiveness and it’s education. You can use these tools to really affect children in such a positive way, and I’ve seen it with thousands of kids.

M: Given what you’ve spoken about today, how did it feel winning your first Olympic medal compared to winning your last Olympic medal?

Hughes: Winning my first Olympic medal, I went in with the expectation that it was going to give me a sense of self, and that I would finally feel good about myself; and it didn’t. As incredible as it was, I had set myself up for such a letdown. [With] my last Olympic medal I knew who I was, and it was a form of self-expression.

It was an outlet and it was a connectedness, and it was a moment of bliss and rapture. So it was night and day; darkness and light. But each of them makes me who I am.

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News

Senior News Editor: Dana Hatherly News Editor: Ethan Cabel Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Manitoba invests in higher learning in high school Province aims to improve students’ performance after negative performance report Dana Hatherly, staff

best chance of educational success.

“What is happening is students, who, 20 years ago, wouldn’t have dreamed of going to university are now making it to university, and that is a good thing, that is a democratizing thing, and that is an equity thing,” he said.

Furthermore, Olson suggested that there is an influx of students entering university with different styles of learning. At the post-secondary level, he said these types of challenges are being met with variable teaching methods in order to better meet students’ learning needs, in addition to improved flexibility and transferability of coursework. photo by Dana Hatherly

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he provincial government announced on Jan. 29 that it will increase public school funding by $25 million on the heels of a report ranking Manitoba students last in the country for mathematics, science, and literacy.

“Strong investment will support academic achievement in math and literacy, skills training, and career development opportunities,” said Peter Bjornson, Manitoba’s minister of education and advanced learning, in a statement last week.

Bjornson noted that the provincial government seeks to give more students access to post-secondary credits in high school, and ensure greater accountability by collaborating with school divisions to improve their tracking on student progress in essential skills.

Late last year, the results of the Pan-Canadian Assessment Program (PCAP) by the national Council of Ministers of Education showed underperformance among 14 per cent of Manitoba students, exhibiting the lowest results on the national scale in three measured disciplines. In reaction to the results of the national assessment, the province committed to improving teacher education, school preparedness, and test-taking under the direction of the education minister at the time, James Allum.

However, Paul Olson, president of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society union, told the media in October that the worst teachers across the nation have not gathered in Manitoba, and that the province does not have an abundance of “dumb kids.” Olson argues that the results of the study reflect broader socioeconomic challenges facing the province.

The larger issue

Olson spoke with the Manitoban about the province’s initiatives since the PCAP report was released in October.

He addressed some socioeconomic challenges unique to Manitoba, arguing that the province faces vast remote areas, food and water insecurity, and lack of access to natural resources, in addition to overarching inequity among school divisions across the province.

Olson remains critical of the PCAP report, pointing out that the scale of inter-provincial comparisons was problematic and that the sample may not have been representative of the very different situations faced by the provinces.

“The variations among provinces are so small that the only way to show any difference is to use a scale on that graph that is, frankly, laughable,” he said.

Furthermore, Olson said that the results did not show intra-provincial variation, failing to provide a critical examination of students’ performance across divisions.

“Look, we don’t need money; we need to go after the socioeconomic determinants of learning rather than thinking the school system can answer it” – Paul Olson, Manitoba Teachers’ Society president “So, yes, Manitoba is performing last in terms of the data as reported.”

Olson added that other provincial departments—namely, family services and health—should be confronting the root causes of Manitoba students’ performance, doing so more directly and tangibly than the education system.

“Look, we don’t need money; we need to go after the socioeconomic determinants of learning rather than thinking the school system can answer it,” Olson said.

To address the remaining issues, the education system requires improved pathways, information, and supports to be offered to students, he said.

Olson conceded that kindergarten to grade 12 teachers are accustomed to accommodation and changing methodologies so that students have the

Dual-credit systems

The government’s recent investment amounts to $1.27 billion.

According to the province’s press release on Jan. 29, targeted funding allocations include: $13.1 million to improve outcomes in math and literacy and provide enriched programming; $9.8 million to support culturally relevant programming for indigenous students and to support indigenous student achievement in math and literacy; and a 50 per cent increase to a 2014 skills equipment fund to further support school divisions to upgrade or acquire new skills training equipment and promote accreditation of apprenticeship programs, as well as $2 million for a career development fund to help students connect with employers and career exploration opportunities.

Plans include the First-Year Now initiative, giving more students the opportunity to take university or college-level courses in high school, earning dual credits that count towards their degree program.

Modelled after the Seven Oaks School Division, the dual credit system refers to coursework completed in the secondary school setting, which counts as the equivalent of both high school credit and university or college credit, giving students the opportunity to plan for and commence higher learning in high school.

Some Manitoba high schools presently provide dual credit courses since the pilot program was initiated by the Seven Oaks School Division, including Garden City Collegiate and Vincent Massey Collegiate.

Dual credit programs have been delivered by Seven Oaks School Division in partnership with the University of Winnipeg and Université de Saint-Boniface. A new partnership with the division has been offered through Red River College.

Leaders from post-secondary institutions from across the province have shown support for the dual credit initiative, including University of Manitoba president David Barnard.

“Offering students the opportunity to take university courses while in high school not only gives them a head start on their university studies, but also exposes them early on to expectations at the post-secondary

level,” Barnard said in a statement.

“When these students arrive here, they will be prepared to make the most of the opportunity. We look forward to working with the province of Manitoba to make this program successful for students across Manitoba.”

Bjornson said it is important to have strong primary education, from kindergarten to grade 12, using high school as the launch pad towards post-secondary education.

Questions for the minister

Bjornson recently addressed the state of post-secondary education in front of an audience at the University of Winnipeg. The address was followed by a question and answer period featuring some students’ specific queries about the parameters of the dual credit system.

Students questioned the minister about the program’s applicability and accessibility; whether plans would be targeted and succeed in making postsecondary education more attainable for more youth.

One U of W student asked if there were any ideas for the government to expand dual credit courses to high schools with higher aboriginal populations or any other sustainable solutions to boost aboriginal enrolment. The former Vincent Massey Collegiate student mentioned that the school had implemented a similar credit system with some success.

“We have seen tremendous success with these programs,” Bjornson said in response to the question.

Bjornson argued that, with students having a reduced number of courses required to fulfil post-secondary education after high school, they will have more money and flexibility in their schedules to work and address

family needs.

“We do hope to continue along that path to extend those dual credits and ensure that all students have access to those programs, including our First Nations,” Bjornson said.

Jonathan Northam, a U of W political science student, asked about what skills are needed to succeed in university and if there was any thought about implementing these programs in rural communities, or synchronizing courses to meet other academic criteria, such as for English or writing requirements, or “to teach students things like how to write a paper and how to do research or cite sources.”

Bjornson responded that he feels that Manitoba high schools are preparing students for university life.

“I don’t believe that our high schools aren’t preparing our students for university; and that our universities and colleges aren’t preparing our students for the labour market,” he said.

Bjornson added that the advanced education advisory committee is looking at how to further ease the transition from high school to postsecondary education, with mentorship programs and remedial courses offered by post-secondary institutions for those students who continue to face difficulties.

In an interview with the Manitoban, Olson stressed that both secondary and post-secondary leaders consistently need to be active participants at the various discussion tables to overcome some of the barriers to a smooth transition and larger issues faced by the public school system.

Manitoban Art Competition Manitoban Art Competition Submit your graphics and photos to me@themanitoban.com by March 16 to be featured in the Manitoban Art Competition, scheduled for the March 25 issue.

The Manitoban design team will judge the competition and award prizes based on three criteria: concept, originality, and technical skill.

Submit files as 300 dpi jpegs.

Images must be a minimum of 3000 x 3000 pixels.

Prizes to be announced. Sponsored by Cre8ive Supplies & Services

Editorial Editor-In-Chief: Fraser Nelund Contact: Editor@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

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The education shell game More at stake than money in budget cuts debate Tom Ingram, staff

photo by Carolyne Kroeker

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he University of Manitoba is preparing for annual budget cuts of three to four per cent over the next two academic years. While the administration claims that these cuts are necessary due to financial constraints on the university, such as unpredictable government funding and a cap on tuition hikes, a broad coalition of on-campus unions and student organizations have questioned this necessity.

“Our contention has always been that based on the evidence that we have available, the university’s financial problems could be addressed by changing the way it allocates the money that it does have,” said Thomas Kucera, president of the University of Manitoba Faculty Association.

“Every year, the university makes significant transfers from the operating budget to the capital budget, and we feel that at the moment that’s the source of any immediate problems the university may have,” Kucera said. “Simply put, they’re making the wrong decisions about how they allocate money.”

This echoes the opinion of many others involved in the Stop the Cuts coalition. Mitchell van Ineveld, deputy chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Manitoba, criticized the administration’s focus on capital projects such as new buildings at the expense of core academics.

Jennifer Black, vice president for Unit 1 of CUPE local 3909, which represents student academic workers, said much the same thing.

If the U of M administration announced tomorrow that they had seen the light and there would be no

budget cuts, but the university otherwise stayed exactly the same, it would not be a win for anyone concerned about education or the economic position of young people today.

As class sizes climb and teaching staff become more overworked, the university becomes less about teaching and learning and more about pushing cattle through the abattoir We would still be taking dumbeddown classes from apathetic and busy professors. We’d still have a for-profit international college operating on campus. We would still be going out into the world with fearsome debt and limited employment prospects.

The Stop the Cuts protesters are keenly aware that more is at stake here than money. This is fundamentally a matter of how higher education is defined, and by whom. As class sizes climb and teaching staff become more overworked, the university becomes less about teaching and learning and more about pushing cattle through the abattoir.

Mechanical education

Scantron tests, iClickers, atten-

dance policies, video courses, GPA mind that this is a historically unique When you’re faced with the posboosters – these are all methods feature of our civilization; it was not sibility of crushing debt at no real the higher education system uses to always thus and may not always be benefit to your employability, it may process students in volume without thus. However, I don’t see how you be time to consider the virtues of addressing them as individuals. And can possibly make a case for an intrin- autodidacticism. when you don’t address students as sic right to post-secondary education. individuals, you cannot effect meanPublic school serves as an artifi- A widespread disease ingful change in their character or cial floor on how ignorant we allow The budget cuts that are slated for habits of thought. people to be. This accounts for the the next two years are indeed alarmLess able students will come out mediocre quality of public school ing. The whisperings I have heard of their education with the illusion of education: its purpose is to ensure about possible changes in my faculty knowledge, an official document cer- that certain things are learned by are ominous. We should do everytifying their knowledge in a certain everyone, even and perhaps especially thing we can to prevent these cuts field, and none of the fundamental those who have difficulty learning or from taking place, or to minimize the change they need. are disinclined to do so. damage to the quality of education Meanwhile, smart students will Post-secondary education goes at the University of Manitoba in the come out no smarter than before, or beyond this, or ought to. It is not event that the cuts do happen. develop their knowledge on their own compulsory, and most post-secondary But the cuts are only one symptom time while coasting through a mean- students are adults who are at least of a widespread and much-progressed ingless but expensive degree. Thank nominally intelligent and autono- disease in higher education. Slowly God for libraries, or nobody would mous. In theory, then, it should be but surely, the signifier is replacing learn anything on our campuses. concerned with helping students to the signified. Degrees are becoming These watered-down educational learn something, rather than merely the sole object of going to university, methods may indeed be necessary preventing them from failing to learn while learning is becoming an inconto handle students in the large it. venient obstacle to be expedited and quantities that modern universities Primary and some secondary edu- circumvented as much as possible. have to be prepared for. The alterna- cation is coerced. Students who purThis is the system that is in need tive would be to hire an unreason- sue post-secondary education, though, of reform, and I don’t know if it can able number of faculty members do so by choice, presumably because be saved. What we have now is very – faculty salaries are a major finan- they hope to get something from it. nearly a gigantic scam, and if things cial constraint on the university. This something need not be money— continue on their present course it But that is precisely the problem: uni- many people take their degrees out of will one day be necessary for intelversities should never have grown to love for the pursuit of knowledge, or ligent people to stop going to univerbe as big as they presently are. We a penchant for bacchanalia—but the sity. It may, in the long run, even be don’t need nearly as many BAs and point is that post-secondary educa- necessary for the system to die and be BSs as we produce, and certainly not tion is an investment, which means it replaced by something better. as many MAs or PhDs. It is here that should involve a cost-benefit analysis.

In the meantime, we all have to I must take issue with the protesters’ Is bacchanalia worth four years make do as best we can. So by all invocation of a right to education. of your life and tens of thousands means stop the cuts. Just don’t stop of dollars of your post-tax income? there.

A right, not a privilege?

Knowledge is lovely, but if the knowlThe idea of a right to primary and edge is not going to give you any ecosecondary education may have some nomic reward, isn’t it cheaper to get substance – though we should keep in a library card?

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Masters of their domain

Comment Comment Editor: Tom Ingram Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

The left wing’s science blind spot

Explaining UMSU’s website troubles

A pro-science agenda must include support for GMOs

Tom Ingram, staff

Alex Passey, volunteer staff

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n Jan. 6, the Manitoban reported that the UMSU executive is withholding $640,000 in fees owed to the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), the national student union of which UMSU is a local.

One of the major items at issue had to do with claims of inappropriate CFS control over the UMSU website. Early reports of this dispute were somewhat unhelpful in their technical vagueness. There are many parts of what we colloquially call a website, and it is not clear what it means when you say, as UMSU president Al Turnbull did, that “UMSU should own umsu.ca.”

When you visit a website, your browser downloads files from a remote server and renders them in a graphical form that is easy for a human to understand. Because running a server can be a fairly demanding task, most websites are on servers administered by web hosting companies rather than the actual owners of the site.

Another aspect of a website is the domain name. The real address of the server you wish to download files from is a complicated and not very memorable string of numbers.

And there may for technical reasons be more than one server or other complicated back-end arrangements that the user doesn’t need to know about.

For this reason, we assign websites a human-readable, memorable name called a domain name. The domain name for UMSU’s website is umsu.ca. Although domain names have a fairly simple function, the connection between domains and branding makes certain domains extremely valuable, and domain ownership disputes are common.

CFS-Services (CFS-S), a branch of CFS, includes domain registration and web hosting

among the services it offers. The Alliance of Student Associations University of Manitoba Students’ (CASA), which has been criticized Union’s website is currently hosted for being insufficiently bilingual.

by CFS-S, though according to According to the Varsity, CFS CFS spokesperson Anna Dubinski, transferred ownership of the CFS-S does not otherwise have domain to Pablo Vivanco, a former any control over the website – they CFS-Ontario executive member, could not add, modify, or delete in order to set up the website for pages, for example. an organization called the Central The only website-related matter American Students Association, that is in dispute is the ownership of whose English-Spanish acronym the domain name. On this, UMSU was also ACAE. and CFS at least agree on all the Currently CASA’s website is relevant facts, which is fortunate accessible from casa-acae.com, because these are a matter of public while casa-acae.ca is inactive. A record. The domain name is reg- WHOIS search does not reveal istered to UMSU. However, the the present owner of this domain. technical and administrative conKnowing this history, and tacts are both given as Ben Lewis knowing UMSU’s ambivalent relaof CFS. tionship with CFS in recent years, This gives CFS a fair amount of it’s not surprising that UMSU control over the domain. In theory, began looking for a new web serthey could set up their own site on vices provider. a different server and redirect umsu.

“In 2013, UMSU determined to ca there. Or they could allow the explore alternative web-based serregistration to lapse, or even sell vice providers and requested the the domain to another organization. return of administrative control of Dubinski stressed that CFS its domain from CFS-S,” Turnbull would never do any of these things said in his statement. “CFS-S then without proper authorization. But demanded the settling of other disthis does not preclude CFS keep- putes with UMSU before acting to ing things in their current state— return full administrative control of which is suboptimal but workable the domain.”

It is possible to file a comfor UMSU—and essentially holding the domain hostage as leverage plaint with the Canadian Internet in other disputes, while preventing Registration Authority, which UMSU from seeking out other ser- UMSU would likely win. In a statevice providers and further weak- ment, Turnbull said, “Although ening the bond between the two UMSU would prefer that adminorganizations. istrative control of its domain is Which is, according to a state- simply transferred to its rightful ment from Turnbull, exactly what owner, UMSU is prepared to purCFS is doing. sue any and all available avenues to Incidentally, this is not the first regain control of this critical asset.” time that CFS has been involved The domain name may not seem in inter-organizational domain like the most pressing matter on name disputes. In 2007, the Varsity UMSU’s plate at the moment. And, (the University of Toronto student of course, there are other issues in newspaper) reported that CFS had dispute between CFS and UMSU. owned casa-acae.ca, a domain cor- But I think this is a matter of at responding to the bilingual acro- least symbolic importance. It has nym of CFS’s rival the Canadian major implications for the status and independence of members of a federal organization like CFS. The current state of affairs, where UMSU owns their domain in name only and lacks the ability to do anything with it, would only be appropriate if our union were simply the local CFS office.

However, this is neither organizationally nor historically true. The Canadian Federation of Students having control over the domain is a symbolic indignity that has a very real political effect for University of Manitoba students.

It doesn’t matter whether the current state of affairs is the result of malice or bureaucratic inertia. It doesn’t matter whether you agree with the UMSU executive’s policies in general. In this case, they’re right. The Canadian Federation of Students has a duty to hand the domain over. photo by cArolyne Kroeker

graphic by Evan Tremblay

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any people on the left consider themselves to be the science-friendly side of politics and for the most part, I would say they are correct. It is generally right-wingers who advocate anti-secular public policies like teaching creationism alongside evolution in schools as if they are equally valid explanations of the our world’s biological origins and development.

People on the left are more likely to trust in a doctor’s knowledge of medical science and support mandatory vaccination of children. And when it comes to climate change, there is a much broader acknowledgement on the left than there is on the right that not only is our climate changing, but that humans are at least partially culpable for the phenomenon.

But as much as liberals love to pat themselves on the back for their rational and scientific world view, they are not without their blind spots. I would argue that the most glaring example of this is that there is a large contingent on the left which vehemently opposes the practice of genetic modification in agriculture, more commonly known as the use of or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), in our food.

The anti-GMO movement has been compared to climate change denialism for the left, and I think this is an apt comparison. Generally when speaking with someone who identifies as a left-winger on the issue of climate change, they will agree with the majority scientific consensus that climate change is real and that human activity is a factor.

It stands to reason then that most scientists must have largely agreed on this conclusion despite influence from big oil and gas companies, who would seek to downplay that their products are a cause of climate change for obvious economic reasons.

In the case of climate change, scientists are viewed as noble intel-

lectuals championing scientific reason over corporate influence. The majority of scientists approach the pursuit of knowledge objectively, and this would include determining the safety of GMOs. Yet amongst liberals, this reasoning often does not hold, though there is a similar scientific consensus. There is a wealth of information, much of it stemming from verifiably independent studies, which suggests that GMOs are not inherently harmful to human or animal consumption, are not inherently harmful to the environment, and could potentially have massive benefits to the agricultural industry in a world where farming will become more and more difficult as time passes.

However, when it comes to GMOs, many liberals feel that the scientific consensus can’t be trusted. Many will suggest that the majority of scientists are in the pocket of big agriculture corporations, ignoring the fact that even the much-maligned Monsanto is far less lucrative and influential than big oil companies.

This is a dichotomy I personally don’t understand, unless there is some disposition among scientists that I am unaware of which suggests those who study agriculture and biology have less integrity than those who study climatology.

I don’t mean to suggest that the anti-GMO movement is strictly a left-wing problem. There is nearly as much distrust of the technology on the right as there is on the left, which shouldn’t be all that surprising given the multitude of other scientific misconceptions on the right. But when it comes to politics, it is absolutely imperative that there be an ideological stronghold for scientific literacy.

I can’t help but feel that perhaps we have become so encumbered with talking points and political branding that there is no ideological umbrella under which science can truly take shelter.

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Features Managing Editor: Craig Adolphe Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Introduction to the love in the age of technology feature A look at how modern technology impacts romantic relationships Craig Adolphe, staff

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alentine’s Day is fast approaching. Every year on Feb. 14 many couples mark the occasion with romantic displays of affection and gifts; meanwhile, many single people mark the occasion by being depressed they aren’t a part of one of the aforementioned couples.

Love is something that impacts everyone’s lives and Valentine’s Day is heavily ingrained in our culture.

That being said, it’s probably best not to take the “holiday” too seriously.

Like most traditions, it’s riddled with clichés and manufactured emotions.

However, it’s those phenomena that are most deserving of a scrutinous eye.

The occasion marks an opportunity to spark a discussion about modern conventions in romantic relationships. We could have looked at love from a number of different angles, but “love in the age of technology” seemed like an approach that hadn’t been tackled very thoroughly by mainstream media, and one that was increasingly relevant to the lives of students.

Love is a complex phenomenon, one that is hard to define—although we will try to do so—and the dynamics of it are constantly mediated by the technological capacity of the era we live in. Like light through a prism, it’s a singular phenomenon that can take on a number of appearances.

A comprehensive look at how romantic relationships are influenced

by modern technology would include historical analysis, review of theory related to human interaction with technology, exploring the cultural significance of love and its neurobiological foundations, and drawing upon a nearly endless supply of case studies.

As usual, our topic could take over this entire issue of the Manitoban if we had the time and space to fully explore it. Unfortunately, our discussion is confined to four pages, in which we will try to draw out the most pertinent ideas.

The feature will include articles that attempt to define love, question the term “age of technology,” and look at some of the specific apps, websites, and other technologies used to find romance, as well as a debate about the impact of new technology on romantic relationships.

I hope that the contributions to this feature can offer you further insight into how technology might impact your own relationships. If you spend time with a significant other over the weekend this might serve as an interesting conversation piece; if you spend time alone it should provide just as much entertainment as a topic for personal reflection. Either way, I hope you enjoy it.

graphic by Evan Tremblay

What is love?

Navigating the complex meaning of the four-letter word Mike Still, staff

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s we approach Valentine’s Day Gelasius I made the decision to have for yet another year, multitudes Feb. 14 devoted to Saint Valentine, of couples will flock to various retail because he gave up his own life to outlets in an attempt to express perform the sacrament of marriage. their undying “love” for their partner. While romantic relationships The most continue to be the major thought that comes to mind when discussing important thing I love, there are plenty of other forms, can emphasize is which don’t involve roses, candles, or chocolate. that love cannot Look no further than the actual history of Valentine’s Day for other be defined. It examples of love. In the third cenmeans so much, tury CE, Emperor Claudius II banned marriage among young in many different people, believing that if a soldier ways, to many was unmarried, he would fight more effectively. Cue Valentine, and different people his role in what is now known as Valentine’s Day. The priest began officiating marAs you can see, Valentine’s Day riages in secret, but was eventually was not always about romantic love. caught, imprisoned, and killed. At It began as unconditional love. Saint the end of the fifth century, Pope Valentine believed that there should

be no barriers to marriage. people think of, especially in modern While Valentine performed mar- times. It is described as romantic and riages for couples, embracing the idea passionate love. There are, however, of romantic love, there are other two other types of love which don’t forms of unconditional love. base their description on the standard For example, according to The “norms.”

Bible, God performed the greatest Storge is a slow-developing, act of unconditional love, when he friendship-based love. Most people sent his own son to die on the cross. have probably experienced storge love, For those unfamiliar with the by simply having a close friend who is Christian faith, this act was critical, there for them through their ups and because it forgave the world’s sins and the downs, and as an ear to listen to. enabled every individual to essentially Agape (my personal favourite) is have a “clean slate.” In this act, God a caring, brotherly love. Again, this chose not to punish those who sinned can occur between friends, but also and committed wrongdoings; instead between siblings who share a familial he forgave them, and sacrificed his bond. own son.

Despite all of the positive examThese are just two examples of love. ples listed above, love can also maniIt is easy to find other varieties. In fest in a negative way. his book Colours of Love for example, Ludus is a “game playing,” or author J. A. Lee defines six different uncommitted love, such as someone types of relationships that could be who may fake their feelings just to get considered love. into bed with an individual.

Eros is the kind of love most Pragma is a mutually beneficial

type of love. This type of love doesn’t commonly involve emotional feelings, and often times results in one of the parties getting hurt in some way.

Mania, the final type, is a possessive love. Someone demonstrating this type of love may go out of their way to keep their significant other around. Unfortunately, this may be done in an extreme and inappropriate way.

There are many different ways to look at love, and it can be represented in both a positive and negative way.

The most important thing I can emphasize is that love cannot be easily defined. It means so much, in many different ways, to many different people. That’s the beautiful part about it, and also why it is, and will continue to be, a hotly debated topic.

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Features

Managing Editor: Craig Adolphe Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Love flourishes in the age of technology A pro-technology perspective on love in the age of technology Chantelle Dubois, staff

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ally connected on chat sites, special interest forums, or online gaming, the first mainstream dating site didn’t open until 1995. Match.com, founded

by Gary Kremen, is currently one of the most successful and longest running websites dedicated to bringing potential couples together. In a 1995 interview with Wired magazine, Kremen said, “I thought it would be really interesting to use the Internet for relationships, and to do it right.”

Since then, thousands of online dating sites have launched. A study by researchers from the Amsterdam School of Communications Research estimates that 37 per cent of single Americans have used online dating. While some individuals may believe that online dating attracts individuals with a predisposition to dating anxiety and other similar social influences, the study found there was no corgraphic by Bram Keast relation between dating anxiety, loneliness, and More convenient than dating sites and talk about your day makes for a introversion. Income are dating apps, which have seen a pretty normal conversation in a notand education were also rise in popularity within the last year. so-normal relationship.” not related to who turns One of the most successful examples Alison Muller, a University to online dating. is Tinder, an app which matches users of Manitoba alumna, told the So, how is online based on proximity. The app allows Manitoban that the Internet has also dating helping us find the user to swipe left (not interested) been fundamental to the success of love in the age of tech- or right (interested) after showing her long-distance relationship. Using nology? Online dating the photo and brief description of a the video game client Steam, she and enables users to con- potential match. The app eliminates her boyfriend have been able to bond veniently meet others the anxiety of having to express or through online gaming and commuwith similar interests, receive rejection, since users are never nicate through Google chat while lifestyles, philosophies, aware of what a response is unless working. and dating intent both users respond positively. Once “We Skype regularly, of course, but (“Looking for a Long- users have been matched based on we also play video games together Term Relationship,” their response, they get a chance to online via Steam, mostly Borderlands “Looking for Marriage,” interact through a messaging system. 2 [a birthday gift that was sent digietc.). Many dating sites Tinder is available on iOS and tally and without shipping delays], include questionnaires Android platforms. While Apple and Torchlight 2. [Steam] also allows to help match users does not reveal how many times an us to chit-chat when we are playing with similar values app has been downloaded, Android’s different games as well.” using algorithms.

Google Play reports over 10 million Such applications of technolAdditionally, the downloads. ogy also help overcome barriers time and resource Technology is also beneficial to other than distance in relationships, commitment is much already existing relationships. In enabling couples to remain close. lower compared to tra- many long-distance relationships Ca roly ne K roek er, t he ditional dating. Instead today, technology shortens that dis- Manitoban’s photo editor and an of relying on friends to tance by enabling easy communica- undergrad student in the faculty of introduce you to other tion and shared interaction. Some of fine arts, uses technology to comsingles, or having to the most popular applications used municate with her partner who has spend time trying to by long-distance couples include hearing loss. “Texting is super crucial get exposure to other Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook, to how we communicate day-to-day. singles by going out to iMessage, FaceTime, or just texting, Facetime [and] Skype [are] also really nightclubs, volunteer- allowing couples to continuously stay helpful since they allow him to liping, or social events, in touch. read me when I talk. Honestly, techonline dating is an Some readers of the Manitoban nology has been very helpful to our independent activity. shared how technology has had a pos- relationship.”

The study also itive influence on their long-distance Kroeker and her partner are both found that people who relationships. artists, so technology has helped met online were more Rebecca van Ginkel, an under- them share more than just converlikely to disclose more graduate student in the faculty of sation. “While working on art, if about themselves in science, explained that her three-and- we are not together at the time, we online communication, a-half-year relationship, which has can send each other progress shots fostering relationship been long-distance for two and a half and get each other’s opinions and formation. years, would not have been possible suggestions.”

The University of without digital technology.

Modern love is saturated by Chicago reported that “Skype is invaluable. I don’t know technology, and for good reason. between 2005 and 2012, if I can explain just how important it Technology has changed the way one-third of marriages has been. But being able to see each we connect, helps us find love, and in the U.S. began with other’s face and watch each other’s enables us to maintain it. online dating. expressions while you share jokes graphic by Scott Ford

e are living in the informa- information age. tion age, a period in human The Internet, the foundation of history brought to fruition by the all digital communication today, digital revolution. As time proceeds, first began as a military network for more and more of our daily lives are the exchange of information. This becoming computerized. Technology network was called the advanced has changed how we share news and research projects agency network, information, the way we socialize and was developed in the 1960s. By and make friends, and even the way the 1980s, this technology began to be we date and fall in love. With the used for commercial and civilian purubiquity of smartphones, tablets, poses, and as of 2014 over 40 per cent laptop computers, and wearable of the world’s population is online. smart devices, meeting someone That number is expected to grow as new is as easy as a swipe to the right. Internet access becomes available to Finding and building relationships countries around the world. has become easier than ever in the While individuals have occasion-

VOL. 101 NO. 51 February 11, 2015

Features

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Swipe right for “love” Unlimited interconnectedness is making us less connected Lauren Siddall, staff

graphic by Bram Keast

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echnology no doubt has its all still do it. We go out to dinner, benefits – the invention of the take our phones out of our pockets, printing press enabled mass media and put them on the table. This act and brought about the accessibility inherently divides your attention; of popular art; the Internet makes while you may be paying attention the world available at your fingertips; to the conversation you are having, and cell phones allow you to com- you also have one eye on your phone. municate with whomever you like, You are present, but not really present. whenever you like. The world has Psychologists have described this never been more connected. paradoxical situation as an engaging/ However, this virtually limitless disengaging process, wherein mobile interconnectedness comes with a phones provide a means by which to price. disengage from face-to-face conversaInfidelity has become easier, face- tions in favour of engaging with text to-face conversation is diminishing, messages, emails, and social media. attention spans are decreasing, and people are forgetting how to relate to The irony is, we sit other members of society without the barrier of a screen to separate them. across the table While the toll of technology’s impedfrom the person we iment is clear in almost all aspects of human interaction, it is perhaps most love most, shooting glaringly so in intimate relationships. off a string of texts According to a recent study published by the American Psychological or compulsively Association—in which 143 women in checking our work marital or cohabiting relationships completed an online questionnaire emails (guilty), on technology use within the relationship—the more technology perand then when meated the relationship, the more we are apart, we likely the couple was to report relationship dissatisfaction, higher levels are constantly of depressive symptoms, and lower communicating life satisfaction.

The findings of this study make sense: when technology interrupts time spent with a significant other, This thirst to connect with others the individual using the technology is a vital component of human nature. is sending implicit—albeit most likely This basic human need describes our unintentional—messages about what compulsion to form lasting relationthey value most. While this may seem ships. We seek to create meaningful excessive or over-reactive, think of relationships in order to feel a sense the last time you had a date night of safety and belonging, and are willinterrupted by your boyfriend play- ing to settle for superficial ones in an ing Clash of Clans, using your head effort to meet that need. as a hand rest while you cuddle; or The irony is, we sit across the your girlfriend perusing Instagram table from the person we love most, over dinner. shooting off a string of texts or comThe ridiculous part is, while it pulsively checking our work emails bothers each and every one of us, we (guilty), and then when we are apart,

we are constantly communicating.

There are couples that send text messages back and forth all day, responding each time within five minutes, who then see their partner in person and have nothing to say because they have been talking all day. They go out on a date, and end up pulling out their phones because they have already exhausted the conversation, engaging a cyclical mechanism of disengagement.

Spending every waking hour of every single day with someone is not healthy for a relationship; there is a reason “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is a wellknown cliché. Having individual, autonomous experiences provide you with stories to share and things to talk about. I may love you to death, but I do not want to be texting you for the entire day.

Let’s go out for coffee, or dinner, and talk in person. Seeing your significant other’s face light up while telling you a funny story is a million times better than imagining their voice as you read a text message.

Part of the issue is that we have been trained to think of engaging with our signif icant other over social media platforms or via text messages as romantic. Sending a “good morning :)” text is not the most thoughtful thing in the world, and we need to stop treating it as such. Sure, it’s nice that your boyfriend thought of you this morning long enough to shoot you a text, but this miniscule gesture should not even register on the grand scheme of things.

In the same respect, it is not the end of the world if your boyfriend favourites another girl’s tweet, and having your boyfriend dedicate his “woman crush Wednesday” post to you should not be the highlight of your day.

Your partner’s engagement on social media should not make or break your relationship – if it does, you have much bigger problems.

I asked my boyfriend, a U of M

student, what impact he thought technology had on relationships. “[Technology] keeps the focus off other people, the ones who really matter,” he said. “With Twitter and Instagram, we’re so obsessed with getting favourites, retweets, and likes that we lose track of real-life accomplishments.”

“Your phone is an escape from real life, and a way to ‘be’ with other people who aren’t there.”

It is easy to see where this poses a problem. You begin to pay increasingly more attention to your phone and less attention to your significant

other, allowing the relationship to deteriorate. While it is unreasonable, not to mention unrealistic, to attempt to completely remove technology from relationships, it is important to limit it.

Try going out for dinner and leaving your phone at home, restrain yourself from constantly checking your emails on date night, and focus on what is in front of you. Your relationship with your partner is more important than your relationship with your phone.

graphic by Samantha Secter

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Features

Managing Editor: Craig Adolphe Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Questioning the ‘age of technology’ Addressing the misnomer in our feature title Craig Adolphe, staff

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s “age of technology” an appropriate term to use in this discussion?

It might seem like a silly idea—it’s certainly a digression—to end the “love in the age of technology” feature by questioning whether age of technology is a misnomer. But my hope is that by exploring the significance of the term “age of technology” we might learn more about the impact of technology on love and romantic relationships in our society.

Age of technology brings to mind computers, phones, and the Internet.

Love in the age of technology evokes

images of people using dating apps computerized or mechanical. and websites and maintaining long In a journal article titled distance relationships through video “Technology and State Government,” chatting – all of which are phenom- published in 1937, American socioloena exclusive to the modern age. gist Read Bain writes that technology Those are generally the images includes “all tools, machines, utenwe are referring to in the scope of sils, weapons, instruments, housthe feature—images of love in the ing, clothing, communicating and information age—but the term “age transporting devices and the skills of technology” can have a much by which we produce and use them.”

The use of controlled fire; bow broader meaning than what is often and arrows; simple tools, such as associated with it.

Technology is a much more nebu- hammers; canoes; igloos; carrier lous concept than the way we gener- pigeons; nuclear arms; all of them ally conceive of it. It’s not exclusively are examples of technology according

“A technological device cannot be to Bain’s definition. It’s no wonder we tend to limit our imagination to dichotomized into material and nonmodern electronics when referring material culture traits,” he argues. to “technology.” Bain’s definition is The potential range of our culture very abstract; it’s almost harder to list is bound by the technological capacity things that aren’t technology when of our society. even the “skills by which we produce

By Bain’s definition of technoland use various [technologies]” are ogy, all of human history could be themselves considered technologies. defined as an “age of technology.” In Bain goes on to argue that “social the same way that the Renaissance institutions, [ . . . ] values, morals, is often thought of as a period of manners, wishes, hopes, fears and “culture” while culture is simultaattitudes are directly and indirectly neously a foundational part of any dependent upon technology and are society – from small tribal communimediated by it.” ties in Papua New Guinea to North America in the Internet era.

This might come across as somewhat obtuse, but it should serve as a reminder that the current influence technology has on how we love is not categorically different to what it was decades, centuries, or even millennia ago – our love and romantic relationships have always been mediated by technology. The difference is one of scale.

We’ve never had greater technological capacity as widely available as it is right now. It has been increasing and becoming more widely available at an impressive rate and that trend is likely to continue.

Technology is a much more nebulous concept than the way we generally conceive of it. It’s not exclusively computerized or mechanical

graphic by Caroline Norman

According to Moore’s Law, a computing term coined in the ’70s, the number of transistors in an affordable computer will double every two years.

The more common form of this is to say that processing power will continue to double every two years. Some people, including Gordon Moore, the inventor of Moore’s Law, suggest that this “law” will not hold steady in the long run and that it may be approaching a ceiling but for now the trend remains, at least in principle.

Access to the Internet and modern technologies will continue to become more widely available globally. The majority of the next billion Internet users will be coming from countries identified as “developing countries.”

These new Internet users will be gaining access to the Web through low-end cell phones as that technology becomes increasingly available globally.

Our technological capacity provides us with greater opportunities to connect with one another. It’s best that we remember that, acknowledge these technological changes will have an impact on us and our relationships, and adjust our lives and the broader culture in response.

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Science & technology Science & Technology Editor: Chantelle Dubois Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

An outbreak of misinformation A science student’s perspective on the vaccination controversy Jeremiah Yarmie, staff

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e live in a world where we don’t have to worry about catching smallpox. Smallpox was eradicated in 1979 due to the efforts of vaccination. Its Wikipedia page begins with “Smallpox was an infectious disease…”

It is fitting that the story of vaccination crudely begins with smallpox about 1,000 years ago. Individuals in China would immunize themselves by grinding up smallpox scabs and snorting them. Individuals from other regions took to scraping smallpox scabs into cuts on their skin, a process called variolation.

The first proper vaccine for smallpox was developed by a physician named Edward Jenner in the infancy of the 19th century. He was able to protect individuals from smallpox by exposing them to its weaker cousin, cowpox. Vaccinia is Latin for cowpox.

Vaccinations act as practice drills for the immune system, the part of the body responsible for preventing and fighting disease. The contents of a vaccine trigger the immune system to respond like it would to real infection. Part of this response is the formation of antibodies which hunt down distinguishable patterns on the disease-causing bugs called antigens.

The body develops a memory in response to vaccination that allows it to act quicker and more effectively when encountering the actual disease-causing agent. This reaction does not always hold, and some vaccinations require more than one dose or booster doses.

The flu vaccine

Lancet linking the combined measles, The first whooping cough vacThis year’s flu season is a particu- mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine cine was created in the 1930s by Pearl larly nasty one. This is, in part, due to autism. He altered the results of Kendrick and Grace Eldering. The to the flu vaccine not being a perfect the study. duo had to work on the vaccine in Nobody was able to replicate his the evening, as they were responsible match for the predominant strain of this season, H3N2. H3N2 seasons are results, and he never showed interest for water and milk analyses during known for their severity and higher in doing so himself. Several stud- the day. The two traversed Grand death tolls. ies have not been able to find a link Rapids, Michigan, collecting samples Every year, experts have to guess between the MMR vaccine and from kids sick with whooping cough. which strains will be problematic autism. Wakefield, however, still To ensure the vaccines were safe for for the upcoming flu season. This stands by his study. children, the two women would peris because the flu vaccine only lasts A journalist from the Sunday sonally test them out first. Their vacfor about a year as the viruses keep Times, Brian Deer, discovered that cine saved many lives and virtually a lawyer constructing a case against eliminated the disease changing and changing.

This year’s vaccine covers a strain MMR manufacturers personally paid of H3N2 influenza that is dissimi- Wakefield. This lawyer also recruited Vaccinations act lar from the circulating virus. This some of the children for the study is because the circulating virus has from anti-MMR families. Deer also as practice drills shifted its antigens just enough to showed that Wakefield had patented not look like the ones in the vaccine. a measles vaccine shortly after the for the immune Despite not being a good match, it publication of his study. system, the part of is still beneficial to get the flu vaccine.

In 2010 the Lancet retracted his The antibodies produced in response publication and Wakefield was dis- the body responsible to the vaccine may be able to protect honourably removed from the United for preventing and you to some extent from H3N2 that Kingdom medical community. The real kicker about Wakefield’s study is floating around. fighting disease Furthermore, the flu vaccine typi- is that it has taken valuable resources cally protects you from three or four away from studying the actual cause different strains. Vaccinated individ- of autism.

Now whooping cough is making a uals will still have some protection return. The U.S. is experiencing levels that they otherwise wouldn’t, even This can all be prevented that haven’t been seen since the 1950s. if it isn’t directly against this year’s Today we are seeing an unprecDespite being eradicated in the biggest culprit. edented resurgence of preventable U.S. in 2000, measles outbreaks diseases in North America. This may have been popping up all over North Science fiction: Vaccines be due to complacency. Some parents America. A recent one to make cause autism believe that these preventable dis- headlines happened at Disneyland In 1998 a disgraced British phy- eases are not that serious. It’s hard in California. sician named Andrew Wakefield to know what these diseases are like Measles is more than just the published a discredited paper in the when you rarely see them. development of a rash before getting

graphic by Aldo Rios

better; children can die from it, and they do all the time. Measles cases in North America typically occur when someone brings it back from a foreign country.

Outbreaks

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, and is easily transmissible in densely populated areas, including Disneyland.

Tourists from all over the world travel to Disneyland, and one likely brought the virus with them.

Unfortunately, many of the individuals infected at Disneyland had not received the MMR vaccine. Over 100 cases in at least 14 states have so far been linked to the “happiest place on Earth.”

Multiple cases of measles also occurred in Toronto earlier this month. All four cases were unrelated, which is concerning because it indicates that the virus was contracted by the individuals within the city.

Measles cases have also been showing up from time to time in Manitoba.

There is a growing trend of parents choosing not to vaccinate their children. Many of these parents believe in the results of Wakefield’s discredited study, and believe that vaccines are dangerous. These individuals have good intentions; they love their children and want to make sure their children are safe and healthy.

Not surprisingly, these families often cluster together, magnifying

the negative effects of this decision.

This results in “hot spots” where vaccine protection is nonexistent. Herd immunity occurs when a significant proportion of the population is immunized against a contagious disease. If a high percentage of individuals in a community are vaccinated against a disease, then they are less likely to pass it around. If vaccination levels drop below 95 per cent, the herd immunity is not strong enough to contain the disease.

Herd immunity is important for individuals who are unable to be vaccinated. For example, children receiving chemotherapy treatment and infants cannot be vaccinated. Many Make-A-Wish Foundation children ask to go to Disneyland. They depend on herd immunity to avoid illness.

Unfortunately, not all individuals who receive a vaccine will develop a strong enough immune response, and are still susceptible. These people also rely on herd immunity.

Immunization rates in young children have been dropping in Manitoba over the past decade.There is a need to communicate to the public that vaccines are safe and beneficial.

Most importantly, vaccines need to be accessible.

Vaccines don’t just protect you and your children, they benefit everyone.

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Science & Technology

Science & Technology Editor: Chantelle Dubois Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

State of NASA address NASA administrator Charles Bolden discusses the future of the space agency Chantelle Dubois, staff

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In 2014 President Barack Obama n Feb. 2 Charles Bolden, the administrator of the proposed new legislation to increase National Aeronautics and Space NASA’s budget for the second year Administration (NASA), gave in a row. A budget of US $18.01 bilthe first State of NASA address. lion was approved for NASA for 2015.

Following the same format of the Obama’s proposal for 2016 supports State of the Union address deliv- another increase of US $500 million ered annually by the president of the for the space agency. Bolden said such United States, Bolden informed the funding will help the U.S. remain public on the condition of the agency, leaders in space exploration.

To underscore the importance of recent achievements, and future plans.

Held in the Neil Armstrong the American space program, Bolden Operations and Checkout Building at discussed the historical achievements the Kennedy Space Centre, Bolden’s of the administration. podium was situated in front of three Among NASA achievements space vehicles: the Boeing CST 100, mentioned is the 50-year anniverthe Orion spacecraft crew mod- sary of the first American astronaut ule, and the SpaceX Dragon cargo to leave their capsule and perform module. a spacewalk. Ed White remained Bolden discussed new government outside of the Gemini 4 capsule for support of NASA through increased 23 minutes on June 3, 1965.

Bolden highlighted that the U.S. funding, the historical achievements of the agency, economic benefits of is the first, and so far only, country space projects to the U.S., recent to successfully land a vehicle on the achievements, and planned future surface of Mars and complete its misendeavours to take humanity even sion. Viking 1 landed on Mars on July further into space.

20, 1976, and remained operational

for 2,307 days.

Bolden also mentioned the Hubble Space Telescope, Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory.

The economic benefits of major space projects were central points in Bolden’s address, with reference to the private space ventures that are contributing to developing vehicles for space exploration.

NASA has contracts with two private companies to provide resupply missions to the International Space Station. These two companies are SpaceX and Orbital Sciences Corporation. The SpaceX Dragon cargo module is the first of its kind to deliver cargo to the International Space Station, dock with it, and return back to Earth.

The Boeing CST-100 is another commercial space vehicle designed to carry crew and cargo to low Earth orbit. Unlike the Soyuz, which has a capacity for a crew of three, the Boeing CST-100 will carry seven.

Bolden stated that in the past 12 months, NASA has engaged in five Earth science missions. The most recent is the launch of the Soil Moisture Active Passive satellite on Jan. 29. The satellite will monitor soil moisture to enable scientists to learn more about the Earth’s climate.

Missions in progress include: the Dawn mission to the dwarf planet Ceres, the New Horizon mission to Pluto, and the Juno mission to Jupiter.

NASA also has a wide array of future projects that are either planned or currently being developed.

The Space Launch System is a heavy-lift propulsion system classed for exploration. It will be the largest launch vehicle to be developed since the Saturn V rocket, which launched astronauts to the Moon. The Space Launch System is being designed for use with the Orion capsules, with the intent of enabling the exploration of Mars and beyond.

The Orion capsule was first test launched in 2014. Bolden said NASA

scientists and engineers are currently analyzing the test results. The Orion capsule is designed to enable safe exploration of deep space.

Mission plans for the future indicate that deep-space exploration has become one of NASA’s central goals.

Bolden announced future plans to explore and analyze Jupiter’s moon Europa for life-sustaining conditions, land a crew on an asteroid for scientific research and resource mining, and launch the James Webb Space Telescope to see even further beyond our solar system.

“So, as I stand before you today in front of these very, very tangible examples of our progress and our future, I can unequivocally say that the state of NASA is strong,” said Bolden.

NASA appears to have an exciting future ahead, with a history of success, increased funding, several active missions, and many others which are being planned or developed.

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Cootie Club

Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Editor: Lauren Siddall Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

A night of music you’ll want to catch Bram Keast, staff

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he third Cootie Club showcase Passey said the interest in actively featuring women-identified and including women in shows disapnon-binary performers is back this peared. Cootie Club facilitated these month with an incredible group of conversations again. musicians, poets, and improv artists.

Wanda Wilson, another organizer, The showcase aims to promote per- and member of the Help Wanteds, formers and create a safe environment said Cootie Club is a community to address sexual assault and barriers movement and support group for in the music scene while having a blast. people looking to make a positive Having their first show in October change. She described it as “a safe of 2014, Cootie place that can creClub represents ate a bridge to teach “Cootie Club what Kara Passey, youth, friends, and one of the orgafamilies, and even was a way to communities of [ nizers and memstart these bers of the band . . . ] people and to Ghost Hole, be able to embrace conversations describes as the and accept that is again” – Kara first baby steps important.” to challenging One visible way Passey, organizer “the boys’ club Cootie Club works of Winnipeg’s to create a welcommusic scene.” Speaking about their ing environment is with a group previous experience promoting called the Pink Bandanas – identiwomen performers, Passey said they fied by the pink bandanas they wear. were involved with the now-defunct Passey said their job is “to be present collectively-run venue NGTVSPC and actively ensuring that the space (Negative Space) that implemented a is safe and accountable,” and added, policy of including at least one female- “any attendee at the event should feel identified performer at every show. comfortable voicing any concerns to “It was a very small step towards the people wearing pink bandanas.” addressing the issue [. . . ] and didn’t The venue also has a ramp and washdo anything to address the inclu- rooms that fit wheelchairs, which sion of non-binary, queer, or people Wilson believes to help bring together of colour,” they said. “But it was big “good people, great local performances, enough to ruffle feathers.” However, and music.” after NGTVSPC closed in 2013, In addition to music and artis-

tic performances, Cootie Club also formance artist who mixes folk, soul, This month’s showcase will be held serves as a platform for community blues, and jazz influenced vocals with in the Purple Room at Frame Arts discussion on issues faced by women- spoken word and beat-boxing. The Warehouse on Feb. 13, starting at 8 identified and non-binary perform- spoken word poet Queen Tite will p.m. Wilson encourages any women ers; previous discussions have focused also perform, followed by the sto- or non-binary performers interested on supporting survivors of sexual rytelling improv group the Psychics. in joining Cootie Club to get in touch assault and addressing barriers in ATLAAS, an electronic indie pop through email at cootieclub666@gmail. the Winnipeg music scene. duo who made waves at JUNOfest com, or to find them on Facebook.

This month’s showcase features last year, will finish the night. FJ four performers – opening with Jackson will be providing music Ladybug the Rambler, a vocal per- throughout the evening as DJ.

graphic by Kelly Campbell

Patterson’s Wager is a safe bet Vancouver filmmaker returns to Winnipeg to screen his latest feature Alana Trachenko, staff

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hat would you do if you could see into the future? Vancouver director Corbin Saleken explores his interpretation with a balance of realism and light-heartedness in his recently completed film, Patterson’s Wager. The film follows the story of a man named Charles, played by Fred Ewanuick, who acquires the ability to see two minutes into the future.

What seems like a useful skill at first begins to present some challenges for Charles and proceeds to affect his life in unexpected ways.

Saleken managed to complete his film in an impressive 12 days through a combination of hard work and careful planning.

“Other shoots that do things in 12 days are insane,” Saleken said. “This

boarded,” said Saleken.

With experience working with the film equipment at Simon Fraser University, Saleken knows a lot of students and graduates who were willing to volunteer on the crew.

Their enthusiasm, along with a positive response from actors who were approached for roles, pulled the project together.

According to Saleken, most of the roles were filled by actors he had in mind. Many of them didn’t meet until the table read, including the two leads, who had to be believable as a couple.

“It wasn’t until a little while ago that I was talking to some people Photo provided by Corbin Saleken and I kind of realized, ‘oh, that was a pretty big risk.’ If the chemistry shoot wasn’t like that. I think there wasn’t there, I don’t know what I was one day where we did 12 hours, would have done,” Saleken said, but that was it. We had 19 different laughing. locations, so every day we had two or While the shoot was completed three moves to do.” in less than two weeks, editing took Saleken says a big timesaver was eight months, which, according to knowing what shots he would need, Saleken, was the fun part. and not wasting time with coverage “I shot the movie so I would have that wouldn’t be useful later. material to edit [ . . . ] that’s where the “I had the whole thing story- movie is made,” Saleken said.

Although the movie’s storyline revolves around Charles’ strange new ability, it is also looks at his life and relationships; the film opens with Charles practising a proposal to his girlfriend.

“When movies work, they have relationships at the core [ . . . ] in a movie like Star Wars, what makes you come to that is not the special effects, but the connections with the characters.”

Patterson’s Wager will be featured at the Winnipeg Real to Reel Film Festival. Saleken said he enjoyed visiting Winnipeg for his showing of The Vehicle at 2013’s festival and is looking forward to coming back.

“In Vancouver, we get maybe one snowfall a year that lasts for five minutes if we’re lucky,” Saleken said. “Just to be able to skate for five kilometres straight is kind of amazing.”

Patterson’s Wager will screen on Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 21 at 8 p.m at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church (1315 Gateway Road).

Visit winnipeg filmfestival.com/ for details.

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Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Lauren Siddall Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Students of Canarchy The Hub to bring back live rock music every Thursday Ian T.D. Thomson, staff

New manager, new style

Brandon Whyte is the new manager of the Hub, bringing 25 years of experience to the job. Whyte is passionate about the potential that the Hub has to offer.

“I would like to see the Hub get a little bit ‘warmer’ and turn more into a pub,” said Whyte.

“I love the idea of a pub. Back in the day, it was a public house. It was something for everybody.”

“So bikers, whiskey, beer, rock ‘n’ roll [ . . . ] and I thought, ‘okay so we’re going to call this night ‘Canarchy’” – Brandon Whyte, Hub Manager

Rock ‘n’ roll lives

ties and the popular AMC drama Plans to bring live music at the Sons of Anarchy, the weekly series will Hub have been revitalized in the form showcase a plethora of modern-day of Canarchy. The weekly series, kick- drinking trends. Whyte cited the ing off on Feb. 12, will showcase a live return of “dad beers” such as Old rock band every Thursday.

Milwaukee and Pabst Blue Ribbon as For Hub Manager Brandon well as “the old boilermaker” (a shot Whyte, the possibility of bringing of whiskey and can of beer) as maklive rock music back to the University ing Canarchy another great excuse to of Manitoba bar was a “no-brainer.” enjoy a beverage on a Thursday.

“I think a campus bar [ . . . ] “So bikers, whiskey, beer, rock should have live music. It’s a part of ‘n’ roll [ . . . ] and I thought, ‘okay the event,” explained Whyte to the so we’re going to call this night Canarchy,” said Whyte.

Manitoban.

The series kicks off with local rock “One of things I really wanted to do was have live music come back to band the Rockabilly Saints. The band fits the mindset of Canarchy’s attithe Hub, but also for a reason.”

Inspired by American college par- tude; their bio presents the band as

fell in love with taking care of people,” said Whyte.

“To me, it’s an instant-type Karma business where I can be a direct effect on how good of a night you have and I really like that.”

For the students

The Hub is located on the third floor of University Centre at the U of M Fort Garry campus. The pub is one of many services owned by UMSU, includinging Degrees Restaurant and Archives Used Bookstore.

As a service of UMSU, the Hub has a mandate to provide a service for all students within the union. The bar is often used to host different socials and gatherings put on by different faculty associations and clubs on campus.

“I love that idea that the Hub is going to be something different for every association, group, or faculty [ . . . ] on campus. They can make it that whatever they want for the night,” said Whyte.

“And I do love that: being a ‘chameleon’ of a pub.”

The Hub offers specials for each night of the week. Monday is Comedy Night, where both old pros and up-and-comers test their jokes in front of a student demographic. On Tuesdays, the pub features karaoke and on Wednesdays, the notorious Rez Night presents both residence and day students at the U of M with $2 beers.

Whyte was born and raised in Winnipeg and one of his first jobs photo by Carolyne Kroeker was as a bus boy for Bailey’s. His experience in bars led him to running “born under the blood moon sky” and bars on Edmonton’s Whyte Avenue “raised by wolf-like parents.” (no relation) as well as bars on the While “Canarchy” on first glance University of Alberta campus. seems like a purely classic rock event, His experience includes working there will be a variety spanning the as a radio rock DJ on community and rock spectrum: On March 26 the commercial radio stations, backed soul-folk group, the JD Edwards up by his larger-than-life-sounding Band will be featured and on April voice. This talent allows the manager 9 the Kasabian-inspired band Attica to easily run up on stage to arouse the Riots will take the stage at the U of crowd for events such as Jets games M bar. at the pub.

For more information regard“I am trying to convince myself “Putting a mic in front of me is a ing upcoming events and that not everybody under [the age pretty natural thing.” specials, visit the umsu.ca/ of] 25 is listening to electronic dance As the Hub manager, Whyte umsu-businesses-umsumenu-9/ music. There has to be some people takes pride in his ability to be a part the-hub out there that love rock ‘n’ roll,” of students’ memories at their camWhyte told the Manitoban. pus bar.

“I fell in love with the industry; I

VOL. 101 NO. 51 February 11, 2015

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Crossroad of coffee and creativity MAKE Coffee + Stuff combines design culture with coffee culture Lauren Siddall, staff

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he idea of combining coffee and art is not new. Countless cafés around Winnipeg have aimed to amalgamate art and coffee culture.

There is an aspect, however, that has remained virtually untouched: design culture. While locations showcasing more conventional mediums of art have sprouted up in countless spots, other modes of creativity have lacked a means of expression – a void MAKE Coffee + Stuff is determined to fill.

“We have an emerging design culture in Winnipeg, so I’m interested in using the space to promote design culture, especially the younger design culture in Winnipeg, to showcase their work,” said owner Jae-Sung Chon.

“We have strong design culture in Winnipeg, we know this but we don’t see this until they are established professionals. The fact that we don’t have a portal to celebrate these young designers is why young design culture is my target.”

Chon provides the budding young creators and designers the opportunity to showcase their work within the context of what Chon calls “café culture,” in which coffee becomes a means of communicating and creating.

“Café culture used to be, as far as I know, where people would meet and discuss, a place where a lot of thinking and discussion happened [ . . . ] But where is that happening today? Where is that sort of meeting of cultural dialogues?

“We have [TEDxManitoba] going, but that’s a very institutionalized version of culture dialogue.

In a public space, it’s very limited,” explained Chon.

MAKE intends to change this.

“Coffee is a medium to meet,” said Chon. “You have people coming in just for coffee and now they have something to engage with, which in this case is design culture. It becomes sort of a crossroad, between design culture—emerging design culture— and coffee culture.”

MAKE creates this atmosphere by collaborating with young designers and students to create shows and exhibitions within the walls of the shop, often juxtaposing different disciplines, origins, and artists to create an intersection of unexplored territory.

“The idea of a crossroad is very important to me. I rarely do solo shows; I do collective shows. Sometimes I

mix different disciplines, sometimes I mix different people, sometimes I mix international and national.”

Chon does this not to spark a competition between the creators, but rather to suggest a similarity. By showcasing work from Manitoba alongside that of New York or London, it is easy to see that the workmanship has the same qualitative value; it puts Manitoba on the map of innovative design.

At the forefront of the movement

towards innovation are students and they’re fresh and they’re full of passion. young professionals, who bring a There’s no point in just shelving it, we fresh outlook to the table. should give them some sort of showcase.

“Young designers are so charged “We want to introduce something up with passion when they graduate. new to Winnipeg. This idea of fosterBut they don’t have the portal; they ing new experiences is something we don’t have the venue to showcase their are interested in. My priority is to work [ . . . ] By the time you spend 10 introduce new things to Corydon.” years in the system, you’re exhausted, your ideas and your passion are gone,” MAKE Coffee + Stuff is located at 751 said Chon.

Corydon Avenue, and is open 7 a.m.“I’m trying to celebrate the fresh 10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. ideas; they may still be immature, but

Photo by Lauren Siddall

Diversions Graphics Editor: Bram Keast Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

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Graphics Editor: Bram Keast Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Diversions

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Sports Sports Editor: Mike Still Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

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Premier panel: Saints’ blessings could be devil’s curve Responsibility is key for soccer club Southampton’s latest ludicrous sales Andy Che, volunteer staff

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he summer of 2014 brought many prolific changes at Southampton Football Club, which finished eighth in the Barclay’s Premier League for the 2013/2014 season. Heading into this campaign, the appointment of new manager Ronald Koeman opened the floodgates for countless heated transitions during a busy transfer period.

The Saints pocketed nearly $200 million in profits since the summer

of 2014 by selling off six crucial first team players, and cashed out little to replace them, which had them tipped for relegation this season. Up to this point during the campaign, Koeman’s spending hesitations have greatly paid off, as the Saints sit in fourth place in the Barclay’s Premier League.

The danger now for Southampton is not to lose footing on their Champions League spot, and, more

Graphic by Kailey Trevithick

importantly, remain strictly hesitant in resourcing to overspending, such as in the case of their latest transfer signing.

Their most recent addition, the $20 million signing of Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand on Feb. 3rd, compensated for the loss of Luke Shaw, who left for Manchester United in a summer deal worth $50 million. The 25-year-old Englishman joins Fraser Forster, Florin Gardos, Shane Long, Sadio Mane, Graziano Pelle, and Dusan Tadic as the newest signatures in a Saints outfit, costing approximately $80 million in total.

Attackers Mane, Pelle, and Tadic, as well as goalkeeper Forster have exceeded expectations thus far into the season, and have surpassed the values of their respective price tags of approximately $18 million each.

However, the signing of Bertrand for a similar price poses a huge risk for the Saints. The over-inflation of English players is well-reflected in his $20 million fee, as his actual market value would be between $5 and $10 million.

For that amount of money, Koeman could have tempted the likes of Liverpool’s Jose Enrique, Manchester City’s Gael Clichy, Wolfsburg’s Ricardo Rodriguez, or Real Madrid’s Fabio Coentrao to arrive at the St. Mary’s.

Furthermore, despite possessing a young, highly strategic side, it could

mark the start to unnecessary spend- to acquire top quality players, there ing fever, escalated by the fact that is a risk that the club could face longSouthampton has not yet filled all term debt if they are not successfully the gaps of its departures dating back domestically. to last summer. This potentially danSouthampton’s latest rampage gerous spending tactic may embrace up the Premier League table while Manchester City’s “quick-and- maintaining positive profits resemditch” transfer strategy, supported bles the trademark business ethic of by billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour, Arsenal. The only difference between despite their debt in the hundreds of the two sides is the fact that Arsenal millions. is a consistent Champions League side, while Southampton is a Premier League promoted club from three Yet for the high-flying seasons ago.

If Koeman can maintain his side’s Saints, who have not high-flying status in the Premier League table up until at least next won a major trophy season and continue to keep positive since 1976, mass figures in the bank, a spot in Europe would be attainable. A place in the spending to achieve Europa or Champions League does call for high spending on the world’s glory would cast best talent. For the time being, howa devilish shadow ever, Southampton’s focus must be directed solely on their league posiover a club reaching tion and the FA Cup. the heavens in the In the case of Manchester City, mass spending has rewarded them Premier League table with two Premier League trophies and an FA Cup since 2011. Yet for the high-flying Saints, who have not Even though they have had suc- won a major trophy since 1976, mass cess so far this season, Southampton’s spending in attempt to achieve glory current situation does not justify big would cast a devilish shadow over spending, even if their short term suc- a club reaching the heavens in the cess leads to a lucrative change of club Premier League table. owners. If the Saints were to begin to unnecessarily spend millions more

Bad luck in B.C.

Bison women’s hockey team swept by UBC, slips to 3rd in standings Mike Still, staff

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inners of eight straight games entering this weekend, the University of Manitoba Bison women’s hockey team saw their impressive streak come to an end on the road, against the UBC Thunderbirds.

Special teams were the difference over the two-game set, as UBC went a combined 5-for-12 on the power play.

The Thunderbirds entered the matchup ranked first in the Canada West, and fifth in the entire CIS in power play percentage. They used their strong play with the extra attacker to their advantage, sweeping the Bisons in two critical match-ups.

The Thunderbirds pulled out a 4-3 win on Friday and a 5-2 win on Saturday, becoming the first team to score more than three goals against Manitoba all year.

Friday’s opening match-up featured an impressive back-and-forth battle, with both squads generating

plenty of opportunities.

The Bisons cracked the scoreboard first, as Tasmine Hemingway found the back of the net just 1:33 into the opening frame. Discipline would cost the Bisons, however, as they found themselves in the penalty box three times in the first 20 minutes, with UBC capitalizing on their second opportunity with the power play.

Tatiana Rafter was the one lighting the lamp for UBC with the extra attacker, as she tied the game up at 7:46 of the first period. The Thunderbirds were able to successfully control the zone throughout their entire minute and a half with the man advantage, effectively draining the Bisons’ first unit on the penalty kill.

The home squad entered the second period on yet another power play, after a Caitlin Fyten penalty to end the first. Rebecca Unrau would take

advantage, walking in and going blocker side on Manitoba goalie Rachel Dyck, to give UBC their first lead of the game just 53 seconds into the middle frame.

The Thunderbirds pulled out a 4-3 win on Friday, and a 5-2 win on Saturday, becoming the first team to score more than three goals against Manitoba all year Fyten would get redemption for the Bisons as her long shot through

traffic beat UBC goalie Danielle Dube at 13:18 to square things up at two. Fyten’s goal occurred on the power play, as Manitoba finished 1-for-3 with the extra attacker.

Manitoba’s momentum was shortlived, as Nikola Brown-John would score the eventual game-winning goal just over two minutes later, as she deflected an Emily O’Neill shot into the back of the net.

Unrau would pad the lead at 3:56 of the third, yet again on the power play, to give UBC a two-goal cushion. Alana Serhan got one back for Manitoba at 9:30, but it was too little too late, as the Thunderbirds held on for the win.

Saturday’s rematch saw both teams score twice on the power play; however, UBC was just a bit stronger at full strength, outshooting Manitoba 26-19, and becoming the first team to score five goals against

the Bisons.

The Thunderbirds got two goals from Rafter – both with the man advantage, as well as one goal from Unrau, Stephanie Schaupmeyer, and Nicole Saxvik. Manitoba countered with goals from Courtlyn Oswalk and Michelle Pawluk.

With the pair of victories, UBC leapfrogged over Manitoba for second place in the conference with 54 points.

The best position the Bisons can now finish is second in the conference, as UBC plays top-ranked Alberta this weekend. Manitoba will need to sweep the Calgary Dinos at home for a chance at the number two seed.

The Dinos will visit Wayne Fleming Arena for the final two games of the regular season on Friday, Feb. 13, and Saturday, Feb.14. Game times are 6:30 and 1 p.m., respectively.

Sports

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Committed to the future Bison football announces commitment of 6 standout recruits for 2015 season Mike Still, staff

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he future looks very bright for the University of Manitoba Bison football team. On Feb. 3, Bison football head coach Brian Dobie officially introduced six new members to the herd – five local, and one British Columbia product, all of whom were impact players at the high school level.

Jamel Lyles (RB-North Surrey/Lord Tweedsmuir)

Likely the standout recruit out of all six, Lyles played his high school football in Surrey, B.C., smashing numerous records. While at Lord Tweedsmuir in 2013, he broke the single season rushing record, racking up 2,400 yards on the ground, in just an 11-game season. He also put up 37 total touchdowns in that same year.

At 18, Lyles is already built like a truck at six-foot-one and 215 pounds.

Depending what happens with starting running back Kienan LaFrance this off-season, Lyles has the chance to step in and make an immediate impact.

Tristan Bredin (DT-Murdoch Mackay)

Standing six-foot-four and a whopping 360 pounds at just age 17, Bredin’s upside is intriguing. He was the Clansmen’s defensive MVP in 2014, recording 40 tackles, and was also an impact player in the U18 Canada Cup this past season.

One of his biggest honours was being named to Team Canada for the 2015 International Bowl, which occurred on Jan. 30. The Canadian

National Team ended up winning the game over USA, 25-9.

Bredin will likely redshirt this season, and will have a year to develop alongside starting defensive tackles David Onyemata and Kent Hicks.

Ethan Diakow (QB-Oak Park)

Diakow was under centre for Oak Park in 2014, when they upset a dominant St. Paul’s squad in the ANAVETS Bowl, but will likely make the transition to defensive back for 2015 with the Bisons. Diakow has played every skill position in his time with the Raiders, and has a great football IQ. He was a team captain for the U18 Canada Cup squad this past year, and was also named offensive player of the year in the WHSFL. Diakow will also likely redshirt this season, which will give him a chance to get bigger, and compete for a starting spot in a young Bison secondary.

Cassidy Obijiaku (WR-Vincent Massey Brandon)

and Zach Regert firmly set in starting positions, along with the likes of Trysten Dyce and Ian Lee now havObijiaku is likely the most intrigu- ing a year of experience, Obijiaku will ing out of all six recruits. Standing start towards the bottom of the depth at six-foot-three and weighing 201 chart; however, he could easily spring pounds, he has the size and speed past a few of the latter mentioned to be a difference-maker at the col- names with a strong training camp. legiate level. The former Vikings receiver was a team MVP in 2014 Randy Sanderson (OL-Sisler) and was also the most outstanding At just 210 pounds, Sanderson player on offence for the squad in 2013. is slightly undersized as he makes With Alex Vitt, Dustin Pedersen, the transition to the university level;

however, his resume speaks for itself.

He was a member of the U18 Canada Cup team this past year, and was a teammate of Bredin’s for the International Bowl. Sanderson was also the Spartan’s MVP this past season, which is impressive considering his position.

Given a year to get bigger, Sanderson could easily find himself in solid position on the Bisons’ offensive line.

Jared Lazarenko (DE-Murdoch Mackay)

Lazarenko is yet another physical specimen at six-foot-four and 230 pounds. He was dominant off the edge for the Clansmen this past year, tallying 38 tackles, to go with seven sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a blocked kick.

With former captain Lauren Kroeker and Tyler Lee both graduated, Lazarenko has one of the best chances out of all six recruits to step in and start immediately.

Photo provided by Bison Sports

Push for the playoffs Bison volleyball wins 3 of 4 at MacEwan, both teams qualify for post-season Mike Still, staff

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he University of Manitoba Bison volleyball squads both had a lot to play for entering the final series of the regular season. For the men, a chance to host a quarter-final match-up was on the line, while the women were hanging onto the final playoff spot in the highly competitive Canada West Conference and needed at least one win to guarantee themselves a position in the top seven.

Both teams did what they needed to do over the weekend set, taking three out of four matches.

Men

The men swept a one-win MacEwan squad, winning 3-1 (25-16, 25-19, 17-25, 25-22 on Saturday), (2523, 23-25, 25-19, 25-14 on Sunday) in both contests. The Bisons were led on Saturday by Devren Dear, who finished with 13 kills, and Adam DeJonckheere, who had eight digs.

Luke Herr and Kenny Rooney both

added two service aces.

Sunday’s rematch saw another impressive performance from both Dear and DeJonckheere, as each finished with double digit kills. Dear recorded 21, while DeJonckheere had 12. Dear finished with a double-double, as he also had 11 digs, the same number as teammate Alex Strachan.

With his 350 total kills, Dear finished second overall in the conference, while his 406.5 points and 4.5 points per set ranked third and fourth respectively.

The Bisons will head into the playoffs as the number four seed and host fifth seeded UBC this weekend.

Game times are 7 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, and 6 p.m. on Sunday if necessary.

Women

The women took one out of two against MacEwan, falling 3-2 (17-25, 20-25, 25-18, 25-19, 10-15) on Saturday,

and bouncing back on Sunday, with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-23) win. The victory in the rematch was critical for the Bisons, who entered the weekend just two wins ahead of their opponent in the standings.

Rachel Cockrell was dominant again over the two match-ups, finishing with a combined 42 kills. She capped off a tremendous 2014-15 campaign with a total of 471 kills, good for first overall in the conference.

Caleigh Dobie and Brittany Habing also had strong performances over the weekend. Dobie scooped up 45 total digs while Habing tallied 72 assists.

The women will head on the road this weekend for their quarter-final match-up as the sixth seed, taking on third seeded UBC Okanagan.

Games will occur on Feb. 13, 14, and, if necessary, Feb. 15.

Graphic by BRADLY WOHLGEMUTH

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Sports

VOL. 101 NO. 51 February 11, 2015

Following the herd End of season stats Mike Still, staff

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t was another successful regular players all in the top 20 in scoring at season for a number of University the end of the regular season, with of Manitoba Bison teams. The foot- Jordan DePape leading the way. His ball squad reclaimed the Hardy Cup, 27 points tied him for sixth in the while both volleyball, and hockey conference, while Aaron Lewadniuk teams clinched a playoff berth. The was right behind, at ninth, with 25. men’s basketball team will have a Taylor Dickin finished 12th with 24 chance to secure a spot in the post- points, with first-year player Shaq season as well, coming up this week- Merasty rounding things out, ranked end, while the track and field team is 14 with 23 points. also making strides.

Deven Dubyk was an ironman With the track and field team in net for Manitoba, as he led the hosting the Bison Classic this week- conference in games played, at 21, as end, and men’s hockey and basketball well as total minutes, with 1212:54. on a break, the Manitoban decided His 577 saves were also well above to take a look at how each team has any other tender in the Canada West.

Jesse Paradis and Darren Bestland done statistically up to this point. led the team in plus/minus, as both Men’s hockey finished at plus 11 on the season.

The men’s hockey team had four

Men’s basketball

five players who have all averaged The men’s squad is right near double digits in points per game – the top of the list when it comes to four of whom are starters. Along with points per game. Their 79.7 PPG is Basi and Anders, Justus Alleyn (12.0), tied for fifth in the 17-team confer- Andre Arruda (11.2), and Stephan ence, alongside Regina. Individually, Walton (10.1) have all eclipsed 10+ co-captain Wyatt Anders has led points as an average. the way. His 9.5 rebounds per game places him fifth in the conference. Track and field Anders has nearly averaged a doubleThe track and field squad had a double every game, as he puts up 10.2 successful weekend at home, capturpoints per game. ing the team title in the sixth annual AJ Basi has been the team leader Bison Classic. in points per game, with 17, which is The University of Manitoba had a all the more impressive, considering strong showing in a number of events he came off of the bench for a number over the two-day competition. Friday of the Bisons’ contests this year. That was highlighted by a victory in the number also places him 10th overall female 4x200-metre relay, where in the conference. they placed first in a time of 1:39.82.

As a whole, the men’s squad has Individually on the first day of events,

Melissa Richards had the strongest showing among Bison athletes, placing second in the triple jump, with a distance of 11.23 metres.

Saturday saw the action pick up, with events occurring all throughout the morning and afternoon. Amy Graceffo was the star of the day, placing third in the 60-metre hurdles (0.84-8.5m), and second in the long jump. The men excelled in the high jump, with Eric Guy placing first, and Oyinkansola Akinola and Chad Enns tying for third.

The University of Manitoba is looking strong heading into their biggest home event, which will occur on Feb. 27, and 28, as they host the Canada West track and field championships.

Pioneer division men's basketball Team

Record

Streak

x-Saskatchewan x-Victoria x-Alberta x-Calgary x-UBC x-Winnipeg x-Manitoba Lethbridge Regina Trinity Western Brandon

13-5 13-5 12-6 12-6 12-6 11-7 9-9 7-11 7-11 2-16 2-18

Won 1 Lost 1 Won 6 Lost 2 Won 3 Lost 1 Lost 5 Lost 1 Lost 6 Won 1 Won 1

x=clinched playoff birth

NOTE: Top 7 seven teams clinch playoff birth

Men’s hockey Team

W

L (regular)

L (OT)

Points

y-Alberta y-Calgary x-Mount Royal x-UBC x-Manitoba x-Saskatchewan Regina Lethbridge

24 20 17 13 15 10 8 5

3 8 10 10 13 15 17 23

1 0 1 5 0 3 3 0

49 40 35 31 30 23 19 10

x=clinched playoff birth

y=first round bye

NOTE: Top six teams clinch playoff birth