13 March 2013

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

A history of Manitoban comics

n e ws

co mm e n t

Election results Raw deal Preliminary UMSU election results are in! page 3

Canadian cellular providers not offering much choice page 9

pages 12-20

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

a rts & c u lt u r e

s p o rts

Equine scandal

New releases

Need for speed

Horse meat found in beef products causing a stir page 11

Get your local fix with five album profiles page 25

Vo l 9 9 ½ · N o 2 5 · M a r c h 1 3 , 2 0 1 3 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

Beausejour hosts 51st Power Toboggan Championships

page 28

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Index

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 25 March 13, 2013

News

Science & Tech

| pa g e s 3 – 5

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Violence against women high in Manitoba

4

National news briefs

Editorial

| pa g e 7

11

| pgs 10–11

Crowdsourced gunsmithing

Diversions

| pa g e 2 1

cover image

“A history of Manitoban comics”

Comment

| pa g e s 8 – 9

Arts & Culture

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

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

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

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Pope Benedict XVI

Features

| pa g e s 1 2 – 2 0

22

Gimme some truth

22

Locals to look out for

Sports

Correction: In a Mar. 6 article, entitled "Anti-bullying bill creates contention," we at the Manitoban mistakenly used the pronoun "he/him" as opposed to "she/her" in reference to Jay Rahn.

We at the paper sincerely regret the error.

| pgs 22–25

| pa g e s 2 6 – 2 8

12

A history of Manitoban comics

26

Bison athlete profile

13

Q + A with a toban comic artist!

27

The 2013 Manitoban hockey pool

Toban Talkback

Q:

Luan Galuao

Rebecca Gole

Lindsay Guenther

Hoang Bui

“No, it's not. I'm from Brazil so I've seen real violence over there. Here, I think that the cold weather is worse than the violence.”

“I think that this is an issue but I think that it happens in the dark a lot. A lot of people are unaware that it happens.”

“It probably is an issue but I think that it is hard to see. It isn't really talked about and I think a lot of people don't have the resources to get help from that kind of situation.”

“I don't think it is a problem because I don't really see it. I think both genders here are treated as equals, whereas where I am from the men have more value and higher status.”

In your opinion, is domestic violence a big problem in Manitoba?

Jill Patterson, staff

f acul t y o f human e colog y

f acul t y o f engine ering

f acul t y o f science

univer si t y 1

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

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News

Preliminary UMSU general election results Fresh slate to hold all executive positions in 2013-14 Quinn Richert, staff

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reliminary vote counts released Fresh, for the positions of VP external by the chief returning officer and VP student services, respectively.

(CRO) supervising the University of The Your Voice slate included Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) incumbents Arte, Jennifer Black (VP general elections indicate that the advocacy), and Ronnie Cruz (VP UMSU Fresh slate will hold all execu- student services), as well as newcomtive positions in the 2013-14 academic ers Neil Loewen (VP internal) and year.

Rachel Fields (VP external). Loewen For the role of president, Al and Fields would have taken over for Turnbull received 59 per cent of the current VPs Justin Paquin (internal) vote. He will take over the position and Kwesi Bruce (external). from current UMSU president Bilan A post-election statement by Your Arte, who ran under the Your Voice Voice stated a message of thanks to slate. their campaign volunteers and supAmanda McMullin of the Fresh porters “for all of their enthusiasm slate received 3,514 votes, or 58 per and engagement over the past two cent of the vote, for the position of weeks.”

VP internal.

“We are proud of our campaign and Susie Ally of Fresh won the position would not have run it any other way.” of VP advocacy by a similar margin, as The Fresh slate also issued a statedid Christian Pierce and Thao Lam of ment to the Manitoban thanking

their volunteers and supporters – and acknowledging their competition.

“The Fresh slate would like to extend a warm thanks to all of our volunteers, various campaign managers, and supporters; without them none of this would have been possible.

The executive-elect would also like to thank Bilan Arte, Jennifer Black, Neil Loewen, Rachel Fields, and Ronnie Cruz for a hard–fought campaign that engaged the student body in an unprecedented manner,” read the statement.

Fresh ran a campaign focused heavily on improving the state of campus spirit at the U of M, including revitalizing inter-faculty rivalries. As part of this goal, Fresh will be looking into establishing an annual University Cup competition.

Other campaign focal points for Fresh were creating more wide-ranging opt-out solutions for the U–Pass and improving student study spaces with updated Wi-Fi and more electrical outlets.

Additionally, students can expect Fresh to negotiate for superior food options on campus when Aramark’s contract with the U of M ends in 2014 – a responsibility Fresh seems keen to accept.

The Your Voice campaign listed 46 election points for next year. Among them were the slate’s plans of initiating a variety of “equity-based initiatives” on campus, including a “university-

wide accessibility audit, a compre- received 2,363 “yes” votes for women’s hensive multi-faith strategy, and an representative. equity commission,” according to a The above results remain prelimipromotional clip posted on the slate’s nary. According to UMSU bylaw 10.78 Facebook page. (a), “election results remain ‘prelimiIn a campaign interview with the nary’ until all appeals and complaints Manitoban, Fresh executive members are resolved.”

Amanda McMullin and Christian This year, 6,109 U of M students Pierce explained the core principles turned out to vote, or 23.36 per cent of of their slate. Pierce said that Fresh eligible voters. will be adopting a full disclosure polCRO Kelsey Clifford told the icy, while McMullin pointed out that Manitoban that, according to availFresh “understands what the mandate able records, this represents the highof the union is supposed to be.” est UMSU voter turnout for general Fresh managed to develop a elections in 15 years. notable presence online, accumulatThis year’s U–Pass referendum, ing 572 “likes” on Facebook. The Your however, saw a higher number of eliVoice Facebook page currently lists gible students cast a ballot at 27 per 218 likes. cent.

In the 2013-14 school year, Steven The 2009 general elections also Stairs will continue on in his posi- drew out a high proportion of voters tion as community representative for at 19 per cent.

Students Living With Disabilities. He In their statements to the received 39.6 per cent of votes over two Manitoban, both slates commented other candidates, Rocco Scarcella and on the campaign and the high voter Matthew Riesmeyer. turnout.

Two students, Timmy (Chigozie) “We would also like to thank the James and Rongzhao Li, campaigned members for turning out in record for the position of community rep for numbers to vote. This is a great step international students. James will for UMSU,” said Your Voice. begin work in that position next year. “[We] would like to thank the He received 52.5 per cent of votes cast students for engaging themselves in for the position. what truly was one of the most excitTwo individuals also ran uncon- ing UMSU elections in recent history. tested for community rep positions.

We look forward to the remainder of a Karleigh Bacon received 426 “yes” positive term and, of course, the beginvotes for the role of LGBTT* com- ning of our term in early May,” said munity rep, and Charly Wreggitt the Fresh slate.

Resistance is fertile Women’s Day march celebrates but also raises current issues Alycia Rodrigues, staff

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oth women and men marched down Broadway Avenue on Friday, Mar. 8 for International Women’s Day. Participants chanted phrases such as, “two, four, six, eight, we’re the ones that ovulate,” while holding signs that read, “Resistance is fertile” and “Feminism is not a dirty word.” The crowd gathered to celebrate how far women have come in their fight for equal rights, but also brought attention to what still needs to be changed.

Chickadee Richards, an activist for Indigenous women, raised several issue of inequalities facing Aboriginal women. It is estimated that over 600 Indigenous women have been murdered and missing since the 1960s.

Richards shared a story of a man who came up to her and her daughter and asked them how much a sexual act would cost. Richards said that this man’s comment assumed an inherent association between being an Aboriginal woman and a sex trade worker. She said this incident opened her eyes to the fact that Indigenous women are not safe on Canadian streets.

Jazmine Papadopoulos from the University of Winnipeg spoke about the importance of self-care. She said that many feminists are often burnt out from activities and joining so many organizations, and need to take time to relax.

For many women, taking time to care for themselves after years of caring for others creates self-criticism and the belief that they are not doing enough. Yet, Papadopoulos added

that this is the basis for creating change. According to Papadopoulos, you need to take care of yourself first, so you can be a good example and care for others.

“A state of hopelessness is not going to help anything. Take time to tell others you love them.”

Charly Wreggitt, coordinator of the Womyn’s Centre at the University of Manitoba, spoke to the Manitoban about the need for feminism to make

a return. She said that we are still Human trafficking, child brides, and living in a misogynistic, patriarchal high infant mortality rates are still society. highly prevalent issues. Additionally, “Many people seem to be under prenatal healthcare is not readily the impression that we live in a post- available to women of a lower sociofeminist world where women already economic status, even in developed have equal rights,” said Wreggitt. countries with advanced healthcare “There needs to be awareness on the systems. issues women still face and the vio“In Canada, the high numbers of lence committed against women each missing and murdered Aboriginal day.” women shows how much we still need UMSU president Bilan Arte to fight and shows the extreme racism, attended the march for the third year sexism, and colonialism present in in a row and spoke about violence our society,” said Wreggitt. against women. According to Arte, The march concluded this year’s 51 per cent of women still experience International Women’s Week celeassault and every six days a woman is brated at the University of Manitoba. killed by her partner. These numbers, The week included different events she said, are skewed since they do such as meditation, a discussion not include women who have immi- about how to love yourself, DJ lesgrated here from other countries. sons, and monologue presentations.

These surveys also create barriers for Put together by various feminists and many women, as they are only avail- women’s organizations across the city, able over the telephone and in French the week’s theme was solidarity and or English. Arte said there is a need all individuals were encouraged to for a government that is dedicated to attend the free events. ending violence.

Arte spoke of women around the world and in Canada who are still photo by eusebio raposo victims of sexual and domestic abuse.

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News

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 25 March 13, 2013

Violence against women high in Manitoba Province double the national average of violence, according to Stats Canada Jill Patterson, staff

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tatistics Canada released a and Quebec had the lowest. the highest number does not mean report on Feb. 25 detailing rates Advocates working towards raising we are a more violent community of violence against women in Canada, awareness for domestic violence and than any other jurisdiction in this which showed that Manitoba has violence against women have said that country.� more than double the national aver- this may not necessarily be a wholly However, Health Minister Theresa age rate of violence committed against negative thing for Manitoba.

Oswald said that there will always be women. more that needs to be done as The report was based long as there are still acts of “We have a long way to go, on 2011 police reports and violence against women. showed that Manitoba “Until we find ourselves and a lot of work to do, before had a rate of 2,191 per in a position where every 100,000 population, Manitoba woman is safe in women are actually considered whereas the national her home with her children, full persons.� – Shawna Ferris rate was 1,207 per 100,000 there will always be more population. work to do. Women need In specific numbers to know that there are safe there were close to 11,000 instances The Manitoba Women’s Advisory alternatives and education about those of violence against women in Council chairwoman Marlene alternatives is critical,� said Oswald.

Manitoba.

Bertrand commented that these Similarly, Shawna Ferris, a Also shown in the report were statistics may show that women in University of Manitoba professor of the areas with rates higher than Manitoba are more likely to report women’s and gender studies, comManitoba, which were: the Yukon, violent crimes committed against mented to the Manitoban that this the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, them. statistic shows that more needs to and Saskatchewan, whereas Ontario “Just because we look like we have be done to increase the status of

women. “We have a long way to go, and a lot of work to do, before women are actually considered full persons, deserving of respect, bodily integrity, and human dignity in all places and spaces of this province – regardless of our race, class, bodily ability, age, or sexual identity.�  According to Ferris, the reason for the high rate of violence against women in Manitoba can be attributed to a culture of violence embraced in the province. “To change culture, we must see it for what it is. The current dominant culture is violent. Until we recognize this, until we see that violence has been normalized in this province and work towards a new non-violent norm, change will be very difficult indeed.� When asked what can be done to reduce violence against women in Manitoba, Ferris listed a number of

solutions, such as honouring treaties and ending victim-blaming, among others. “Honour all treaties between First Nations and Canadians, require everyone [ . . . ] to stop blaming victims for the violence they suffer and instead hold rapists, murderers, and other violent perpetrators accountable for their actions. We also need to stop assuming that women who ‘break the rules’—sexually, socially, fashionably, or in familial contexts— deserve physical punishment.â€? Further, she said, we need to educate people on practicing gender equality. “[We need to] teach boys and men—and all people—that girls and women are real people, with desires, ambitions, and feelings that are just as complex and important as everyone else’s.â€?Â

National news briefs Rachel Wood, staff Experimental Lakes Area’s federal funding, control to run dry

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Federa l f unding of the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA), an unoccupied and protected area of land in Ontario used for environmental research, is expected to freeze come Mar. 31.

All activity in the ELA will be halted until Sept. 1, when the federal government will give up their control over the area.

Discussions on which organization will take over control of the ELA are still ongoing. “The federal government has indicated that the facility will not be run by the federal government this summer. That said, it could be mothballed.

It could be in cold lay-up and be ready to go in the future,� said Department of Fisheries and Oceans assistant deputy minister Kevin Stringer to the CBC. New report says Canadian correctional system failing Aboriginal inmates

A recent study by the Office of the Correctional Investigator has found systemic discrimination towards Aboriginal inmates, who make up 23 per cent of the federal prison population, despite Aboriginal people only accounting for four per cent of the

country’s population.

A local pastor at Southland “It’s not that anybody designed the Church in Steinbach spoke on the CSC programs to be discriminatory perceived dangers of the bill on Feb. but in fact, there are differential out- 24 to the congregation. Many citizens comes between aboriginal and non- gathered to pray about the impending aboriginal inmates,� said correctional legislation later that day. investigator Howard Sapers.

M a n ito b a’s Progressive The report, which was tabled in Conservative leader Brian Pallister the House of Commons on Mar. 7, and Canada’s Public Safety Minister recommended actions to alleviate this and Steinbach MP Vic Toews have discrimination, including an increase also voiced concerns about the NDP’s in community-based healing lodges, proposed anti-bullying legislation.

Aboriginal cultural training for corMĂŠtis groups win milestone land rectional staff, and enhanced involveclaim in Supreme Court case ment of Aboriginal leaders and Elders in releases and re-integration.

The Manitoba MÊtis Federation Sapers claimed that the CSC (MMF) won a 142-year-old land (Correctional Service of Canada) claim case in the Supreme Court of has been dismissive of the report, Canada. which was only the second report to In a 6-2 ruling, the court found be produced in the 40 years of the that land claims in the Manitoba office’s existence.

Act, which were promised to 7,000 children of Manitoba's MÊtis people, Bill 18 continues to face were never honoured. opposition in Manitoba In response to the ruling, which City councillors in Steinbach said that the federal government have requested that the province acted with persistent inattention to review Bill 18, as they believe that the land claims, MMF president it infringes on faith-based schools’ David Chartrand said that MÊtis religious rights. people are not looking for land but, The legislation requires that all rather, compensation for what they’ve schools accommodate students who lost. wish to form gay-straight alliance MÊtis groups celebrated the court groups, among other groups, in order decision near Louis Riel’s grave on to prevent bullying.

Mar. 9.

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

News

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Winners of Three Minute Thesis determined in final round Three graduate students win money for life-changing research Alycia Rodrigues, staff

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he University of Manitoba everything from human rights to the and sea cowl, which moved from showcased some of its talented creation of the universe.” warm places to the Arctic, in order to students throughout the first Three Judges for the final competition study how the process of hemoglobin Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. included Minister of Advanced works within these animals.

Graduate students shared their three- Education and Literacy and MLA The third “People’s Choice” award minute presentations on how they are for Southdale Erin Selby, chair of of $1,000 was chosen by the audience. using their research to be innovative the U of M Board of Governors This award was given to Christopher while changing lives. and executive chair of Jay Doering, the vice-provost Innovate Manitoba of graduate education and dean of Janice Lederman, and graduate studies, brought the com- Winnipeg Free Press edipetition to the U of M. A committee tor Paul Samyn. chose 30 students from a pool of 137 Anthony Signore, and grouped them into three heats. a biological sciences From those heats came three winners, PhD student, won the who each won an iPad and moved on second prize and was to the final competition. awarded $2,000. He The judges made a swift but dif- was the second preficult decision between the final senter and explained nine and narrowed it down to three how his research aims winners. to examine how the The evening of the finals on Mar. bodies of humans and 6 began with a message from U of M animals react to the cold.

White, a physiology PhD student, president and vice chancellor David Signore spoke about how the who presented his “Heart in a box” Barnard; it was hosted by Richard frigid cold disrupts bodily processes. story about an individual with a heart Cloutier, CJOB news director.

Hemoglobin, found in blood, is cre- condition.

“These brilliant young people are ated in the lungs and is sent to other White told the story of a 26-yearexplorers and trailblazers who bring parts of the body. Signore said that as old individual named Jay who evenideas to life,” said Barnard. “The dis- the temperature decreases the body tually became so weak that he was coveries of graduate students cure holds on to oxygen and doesn’t send it unable to get dressed. He ended up in disease, spark economic innovation, to other tissues. His research looks at the hospital and was in need of a heart and challenge our assumptions on the gene sequences of the mammoth transplant. A heart became available;

however, it could not be delivered in time to be used. According to White, two-thirds of all donor hearts are not used and are thrown out.

White’s research focuses on better ways to preserve hearts so that more lives can be saved as a result. This could be done by mimicking the environment of the body in a box by feeding it blood from artificial arteries, with the goal of tricking the heart into thinking it never left the body.

The other competitors focused on topics such as: disappearing woodland caribou; water management and efficiency in the face of potentially decreasing water sources; HIV and the MKT cells responsible for tiring the immune system; and stress and its effects on our bones.

Leah (Wong) Guenther, a mechanical and manufacturing engineering masters student, won the first prize of $5,000. She was the fourth graduate student to present her research and spoke about her goal

of improving the quality of life for disabled individuals.

Guenther stated that nine out of every ten individuals will develop osteoarthritis and that this number will increase. She said that billions of dollars have been spent, and wasted, on hip and knee replacements that eventually fail.

Her research looks at testing new artificial joints before they go on the body. Part of this process focuses on the synthetic lubricant that was created to see how similar it is to the body’s synovial fluid.

Guenther told the Manitoban that winning the competition will bring her research to the forefront of the academic community.

“Placing first in this competition just further motivates all of us to keep doing what we do, because it matters to us and it matters to the community,” said Guenther. “In terms of the cash prize [ . . . ] that’s just a bonus.

Having the opportunity to compete with such amazing researchers is a privilege in itself.”

photo by Matt Latschislaw

Idle No More symposium held at the U of M Variety of speakers discuss issues around movement Quinn Richert, staff

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symposium hosted by the Universit y of Manitoba Native Studies Graduate Students’ Association took place on Friday, Mar. 8 and included a variety of discussions on issues relating to the Idle No More movement.

The all-day event included lectures on traditional forms of governance, the shifting status of Anishinaabe women in Canada, as well as a historical overview of First Nations-Crown Treaty agreements paired with a critique of the Indian Act. Also included were a round dance outside Migizii Agamik and a talk

by PhD candidate Emily Grafton entitled, “Why Non-Indigenous Canadians Should Care About Idle No More.”

All symposium events were followed by open discussions between the audience and panel members.

Ryan Duplassie, a PhD candidate in the department of native studies and organizer of the symposium, pointed out during his talk on Treaties and the Indian Act that the Treaty process was not always a fair deliberation between parties with equal bargaining power.

“It was mentioned earlier that the Treaties were negotiated under duress and that is correct. The commissioner didn’t actually come to negotiate. They

had a preset Treaty that they could derivate from very little.”

Following his talk, Duplassie told the Manitoban that, while it is true that the Treaty process was often unfair, it should still serve as a positive focal point for Idle No More.

“The infrastructure for Treaties is already in place. They’re already enshrined in section 35 of the Constitution. So we do have a legal and historical basis for at least using them as a platform for this conversation. As it stands, the relationship is abusive but the treaties have the potential to lay the framework for ethical

and equitable solutions as we move forward.”

“They are part of our Constitution and something that all Canadians should value. They will at least help get the dialogue going,” he added.

Charles Wagamese, former executive director of Treaty 3, joined Duplassie at the podium to offer his own critical analysis of the legal relationship between the federal government and First Nations peoples. He explained to the audience that it is often difficult for First Nations peoples to trust the federal government during negotiation processes.

Neil Bouchey, a self-taught expert within the bills and they “include items on traditional forms of governance, outside the scope of the budget.” spoke to the University Centre Grafton pointed out that conflicts crowd. often arise between First Nations and Bouchey told the Manitoban that federal government leaders due to difit is not necessary for Idle No More ferent understandings of the concept to separate itself from the Assembly of meaningful consultation. of First Nations (AFN) in order to “There is a consistent tension and embrace traditional self-government. discrepancy between what the govern“Self-government and the AFN ment and Indigenous people view as are interconnected and should not be the scope or definition of consultation,” separated,” said Bouchey. said Grafton.

“They (the AFN) should be sup“First Nations people in Canada portive of Idle No More. More than use a definition of consultation that supportive – they should be walking is derived from the United Nations out in front of them, along with every Declaration on Indigenous Peoples elected leader across Canada. Now is and the Supreme Court of Canada. the time to lead. You wanted to be a The fact that the Canadian governchief or a councillor, then now is the ment does not use such a definition is time to lead.” cause to stop and think.”

After Bouchey and other panelA long discussion with members ists took questions from the audience, of the audience followed Grafton’s Emily Grafton gave a presentation presentation. focusing on technical details of the Sessions addressing misconceptions C-45 omnibus bill and why the contents about Aboriginal culture as perpetuof the bill should worry Indigenous ated on online news forums, as well and non-Indigenous Canadians. as a workshop on “bridge-building Central to Grafton’s presentation strategies” for Aboriginal and nonwere four critiques that she says apply Aboriginal communities followed to all omnibus bills. According to her, shortly after. bills such as C-45 “do not enable due course in parliament and limit oppor- photo by beibei lu tunity for democratic debate.” Also, said Grafton, items may become buried

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A freedom that often infringes on others’ rights

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eing able to freely say or do whatever you want is a right that people in North America value immensely. You can have any opinion or belief, no matter whom it offends, and can protect yourself with the often-used claim, “It’s a free country.”

Not only does this excuse get thrown around in casual settings when your outspoken, opinionated friend says something offensive, but groups have also used it in court to protect their hate speech.

The Westboro Baptist Church (WBC), a notorious small religious group in Kansas, have defended their vulgar and anti-Semitic, homophobic, anti-liberal, anti-everything actions in the Supreme Court in Washington.

The group believes that homosexuality is degrading America. Their logic follows that god is punishing the U.S. and its support of homosexuality by killing people through war, mass shootings, AIDS, etc.

Many in the group are lawyers by day and won the church a landmark case regarding hate speech and freedom of speech.

Albert Snyder, the father of Marine Matthew Snyder who died in Iraq, brought the group to court after the WBC picketed Matthew’s funeral. In October, 2007, the court ruled in favour of Snyder and awarded him a total of US $10.9 million.

The WBC appealed the ruling in 2009 and the court reversed the verdict, ruling Snyder to pay US $16,510 for WBC court costs.

Justice John Roberts said about the ruling, “Speech is powerful. It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and—as it did here—inflict great pain. On the facts before us, we cannot react to the pain by punishing the speaker.”

This group used their right to freedom of speech and freedom of religion as a way to infringe on others’ rights to love who they want and live the way they view as right.

The WBC is an extreme example of the freedom of religion and speech used as a defence mechanism. Thankfully, organizations like this are rare in Canada. There are groups, however, that use their freedoms as a way to condemn other individuals’ freedoms.

Recently, a new anti-bullying legislation, Bill 18, has been introduced in Manitoba.

Private faith-based schools have argued that this legislation, which states that gaystraight alliances (GSA) must be permitted in schools, impose on their religious rights.

Religious groups, mainly in the City of Steinbach, have vehemently opposed this bill.

They believe that the allowance of LGBTT* students to feel safe and supported should not be permitted in an institute that interprets homosexuality as a sin. And so, words of disapproval and judgment are passed on to young LGBTT* students who already feel isolated and frightened in the name of freedom of speech.

A Steinbach city councillor, Susan Penner, recently told the CBC that she felt that Mennonites were again being persecuted for their beliefs due to Bill 18. Mennonites founded the city of Steinbach after fleeing from religious persecution in Russia.

What is ironic is that religious groups in Steinbach are persecuting a minority, LGBTT* students, by saying that these students’ right to feel supported infringes

on their religious rights. They seem to be doing the very same thing that they fear will happen to them – persecution.

It is not only religious groups that seem to use their freedom of speech to violate others’ rights. Countless religious groups themselves have also experienced discrimination and persecution for being the minority and believing what they believe.

If the above examples don’t properly illustrate people using freedom of speech as a defence against hurtful and offensive judgments, one needs to look no further than online comments on news articles.

People feel that their right to freedom of speech allows them the right to say any hurtful, sexist, racist, or judgmental comment online.

It seems that we are all, in general, quick to judge or voice our sometimes extremely hurtful opinions when it’s convenient to us. We find it easy to judge other people’s actions when it benefits our way of thinking and the way that we live our life.

It’s always easy to protect our own rights when, at the same time, passing judgment while imposing on others'.

Everyone has their convictions that they choose to live by. People have their gods that they pray to, their ideas of what happens after death. And people have the

right to freedom of speech. But eventually, that freedom to say whatever it is that you believe, even if it is protected in the courts, violates other people’s rights to live the way they choose.

It’s easy to be the majority. It’s easy to say how others should live their lives. It isn’t easy, however, to accept people’s beliefs, actions, and life choices when it contradicts your own personal values and ideologies.

The simplistic, and perhaps seemingly naïve, idea that everyone should have the right to be who they are and believe what they want to believe rings truest in these situations.

Despite freedom of speech, people should also have the right to love who they want, to believe in the god that they choose, to not have their funeral picketed, and to live the way that they desire. One of the most important choices that we make is that, despite how much we disagree with others’ choices, we withhold our judgments on them. That we withhold our hate and, perhaps, withhold our right to freedom of speech, if it means that we no longer infringe on others’ right to live the way they choose.

illustration by justin ladia

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

Comment

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Inconvenient facts Issues with Canadian democracy Adam Pawlak

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ecently, the Economist magazine posted its Democracy Index 2013 and had Canada ranked eighth, scoring it a 9.07 out of 10. Is this something to be proud of? It ought to be, but it is difficult to picture in a country where voter turnout has been drastically declining and trust in government is at a record low. I don’t know how exactly they rated this index, but I wonder if they took into account many of the flaws in some of our democratic institutions we have today.

Canada is one the freest and most open countries in the world, but some ridiculous institutional norms are seriously threatening its credibility. The typical powerful political institutions that have defined democracies around the world, such as a Parliament, political parties, and individual public officials have all been given poor ratings in opinion polls. I wouldn’t disagree either, because some institutions provide incentives for the public to have little or no faith in Canadian politics.

A lot of these problems are taken from the fact that we have a purely majoritarian-themed electoral system: a system that is systematically designed to favour a majority government outcome even when a majority of the population would vote against the winning party. In the 2011 election, 61 per cent of people voted for parties other than the Conservatives, and yet the Conservatives hold a 57 per cent majority of seats in the House of Commons. In the 2008 election the Green Party received almost as many votes as the Bloc Quebecois but gained zero seats to the Blocs’ staggering 49-seat total.

You can see my point that our system allocates either an over or underrepresentation of results. Our current government is way overrepresented and its Conservative majority shouldn’t even be a majority government. This is a problem because

many Canadians don’t feel properly represented in Ottawa in our current format of electoral system. Our system actually discourages smaller parties or independent candidates to run because they don’t stand a chance.

It also discourages people with complex or mixed sets of values from even coming to the polls, hence the lower turnout rates.

Besides our electoral system, major institutional settings and rules in Parliament must also be reviewed for their damaging effects on Canadian politics. For instance, we should all be aware that we still have an unelected and unaccountable chamber in Parliament: the Canadian Senate, which our tax dollars pay for and still has a degree of authority over us. It’s the 21st century and yet we are using an 18th-century idea of a “democratic” chamber. All we hear about it in the

news is scandal after scandal that lowers the transparency and trust in Parliament as a whole. Just look at the Patrick Brazeau or Mike Duffy scandals. Frankly, it’s making the public and me sick.

The parliamentary norm of party discipline is another terrible institution in Canadian politics. I don’t even understand its existence. It basically makes the MPs we elect end up becoming the employees of their parties’ leadership. Party discipline is the ability of the executive party to get all of its members to support initiatives and bills proposed by the leadership.

If you don’t, the potential consequence is removal from the party caucus. The MPs or their constituents’ personal beliefs don’t matter, only the parties’ agendas do. In Canada there is a sense of “party over people” when it should be the other way around. How can the

ity government he has done almost nothing. Harper may have credibility on his economic record but his record on democratic principles is abysmal.

He has closed Parliament twice, continued the expanding powers of the Office of the Prime Minister at the expense of Parliament, and if anything has brought a sense of shadiness to Ottawa and grown impotence to the institution of Parliament.

The parliamentary process is supposed to be made up of lengthy and robust debates of bills between Members of Parliament across party lines. However, recently this is no longer the fact. Debates have been limited, or even cut off; the Conservative majority government has pumped through bills without much consultation or discussion from the opposition, acting as they were not even there. Majority governments govern with ease but that shouldn’t make them authoritarian in any way.

Even Conservative backbencher MPs, whose original role in Parliament is to public have any faith in their MPs if seriously question and analyze the bills they are restricted themselves? It’s not proposed by the cabinet to hold them accountable, have turned into cheerhealthy for our democracy.

The political tone and culture of leaders for Mr. Harper and his cabinet.

Ottawa is also disturbing; political They hold their dreams of becoming life is currently all about partisanship one of the inner elite cabinet members and gaining the upper hand on your as their main priority. Parliament is opponents, not about finding rational truly irrelevant.

All these issues are harming comprises and working together. Sure, during elections all parties are your Canadian democracy and they are part opponents, but once the election is of the overall decline in faith and trust over so should be the bickering and in the Canadian political landscape. fighting; it should be about doing We, as the next generation of future leaders, will be responsible for what’s what’s collectively best.

The funny thing about all of this next. Let’s all agree: an appointed is that Stephen Harper was once the Senate, parliamentary norm of party man who advocated for strengthening discipline, and a culture dominated Canadian democracy. He supported by party politics and power must end. positive actions, such as: recall vot- The hardest part is to actually make it ing, more referendums, democratizing happen and agree upon the next step. the Canadian Senate, and bringing a new tone and transparency to Ottawa. illustration by bradly wohlgemuth And what now? Even with a major-

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VOL. 99 ½ NO. 25 March 13, 2013

Comment

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Pope Benedict XVI My thoughts on his legacy Chris Hearn, volunteer staff

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s most everyone with access to a television set or a computer knows, Pope Benedict XVI has resigned his position as, well, the pope. He will now be referred to as “Pope Emeritus,” and is the first pope in 600 years to leave the job without dying. That’s a pretty impressive feat no matter how you look at it.

The pope leaves behind a church that, in my opinion, is failing under the weight of scandal, financial mismanagement, hypocrisy, and a complete disconnect to the world around it; although, to be fair, this decline began long before Benedict. But, under this pope, it seemed that the old ways of the church were accentuated and ended up looking more pathetic than ever.

Old dogmas and antiquated ideas were continually pushed, with the pope going so far as to tell SubSaharan Africans fighting a devastating HIV epidemic that they shouldn’t use condoms. While flying on his

private plane—would Jesus fly on a private jet?—on his first trip to Africa, he told reporters that the epidemic is, “A tragedy that cannot be overcome by money alone, that cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the

The continuous child sexual abuse scandals that have plagued the Catholic Church over the last number of years have been met with what seems to be a slow and even halfhearted response. And, as has been pointed out many times, Benedict

ing and, compared to child sexual abuse, a very swift and determined response. The Catholic Church sees homosexuality as a terrible sin and the idea of same-sex marriage as an attack on traditional family structures. Apparently, homosexuality is a “manipulation of nature,” with no acknowledgement for the idea that being LGBT is not a choice, The pope’s departure is a time for the Catholic and that if there is a god that created us all, he also created LGBT Church to regroup and choose a new leader. folks just the way they are.

And, of course, the notion that women could be priests? No problems.” was more than aware of cases of abuse way! This was the domain of men, This, of course, flies in the face of and was in a position to do something as instructed by god. Are women science, which tells us that a simple about it before he became the pope. not close enough to god? Can they condom can save lives. I’m sure the The old boys’ club just protected its not convey god’s “message” as good pope would love all humans to abstain own, seemingly unconcerned about as a man can? What’s the problem? from sex unless it is absolutely posi- the impact the abuse was having on The problem is age-old traditions, tively necessary, but that shows only children and families. The ego of the dogma, arrogance, and misplaced how out of touch he and his organiza- church was too large to allow these opportunity. tion is. The reality is that humans are crimes to taint its image. But the truth Pope Benedict XVI towed the sexual. Sex will happen. Now, let’s came out anyway. line. He had a “fire and brimstone” make it safe for people! Science has Same-sex marriage and LGBT approach to contentious issues. He done this, the church has not. equality gets the standard damn- used rhetoric that could be seen as

hostile and aggressive. It left me feeling more disappointed with the Catholic Church than ever.

One of my favorite Internet memes shows the pope covered in gold and silk carrying a giant golden cross. It says, “Pray for the starving children while I hold this gold cross.” That sums it up nicely in my opinion. To me, the gold, silver, gems, and jewels, the silk robes, the Prada shoes, the popemobile, the billions of dollars in assets around the world, and, indeed, the gold crosses, are so far removed from anything and everything that Jesus taught that I don’t believe this organization even bothers to understand its sole reference book!

The pope’s departure is a time for the Catholic Church to regroup and choose a new leader. But it needs more than a nwew leader; it needs a complete overhaul. Do you really need a multi-billion dollar organization in order to believe in a higher power? In my opinion, the answer is no.

CRTC taking a step in the right direction New draft code inspired by Canadian consumers Akash Sharma

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believe that I speak for many of us students when I say that we hate dealing with cell phone carriers. Yes, we come, sometimes in flocks, when a certain company unveils its “ultimate” smartphone, lining up a day before because it really is worth getting.

Yet, we all dread coming to the till and negotiating our “contract” and “terms.” Oh, I have to sign up for three years just to get the subsidized phone price? And there is a minimum price I have to pay for those 36 months?

And even if your phone and patience survive those three years you can’t even change carriers, as the phone will be locked to your carrier. These are some of the pitfalls of Canadian wireless companies that the CRTC (Canadian R adio-telev ision Telecommunications Commission) has allowed for so long.

However, all of that might change; Canadians have a chance in an open forum to address what changes they would like to see their phone carriers adopt. In this article I will explain two major changes I think should happen with our current wireless code.

The first thing is changing the standard three-year “$50 minimum” term agreement in order to get, for instance, an iPhone 5 for $180 – erroneously believing that you will “save” $580. However, they’ve got you for

three years, and within about a year you have already paid Rogers, Telus, Bell, or whomever, the difference in cost owed to the manufacturer. It is interesting to note that these three mega companies have 94 per cent of

the mobile phone market in Canada.

I understand that not everyone can pay a lot more than $180 up front for purchases like these, but the lack of options really gives the carriers a huge advantage. Indeed, Canada’s

Competition Bureau reports that “the possible for a carrier to warn us or set large proportion of wireless contracts up a cap on additional fees? Perhaps are three years in duration.” going over or $50 or $100 would help I propose that they introduce remind people of this crucial step to both one-year and two-year con- make sure they aren’t roaming. tracts instead, because a lot can To be fair, they are technically change even after providing a cap, just one year, and but the average It is interesting termination fees person’s monthly should not have fee on their plan to note that to be such a nightdoes not stray mare. You should too far from $50 these three be able to opt out before taxes. So mega companies anytime and just when your “new” pay the difference bill from roaming have 94 per cent from the MSRP and other charges of the mobile (manufacturer’s is about 400 per suggested retail cent over your phone market price) if it’s early average bill, only in Canada. enough in the then do they start contract agreecapping or actument, or not at all ally caring about if you’ve reached you. Lowering that certain point where they’ve paid these cap levels to 100 per cent would off that difference. Nevertheless, make much more sense. I suggest offering choices tailored to individu- they change that right away. As you als’ needs are commonly established can see, there is currently only one in many industries and I hope to see clear winner in this situation, and it that happen in the wireless industry is not the consumer. as well.

It’s important for Canadians to Another issue is data charges, speak out on these issues. You can do especially concerning roaming so by going to the CRTC website and charges on trips. No way do I want to becoming a part of the process. be charged an extra $100 or $200 for sending a couple of text messages or illustration by bradly wohlgemuth accidentally downloading an app. Is it

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

Science & technology

Crowdsourced gunsmithing

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Living with wildlife

3D-printed firearms raise unsettling questions

Biologist Ryan Brook discusses human perspectives on wildlife conflict

Tom Ingram, staff

Laura Groening, volunteer staff

“I

nformation wants to be free.”

This is the motto of the Internet.

At this moment I can go to one of several shady websites and download a fully functional copy of almost any film – in some cases within minutes.

In 2007, when the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) sent legal notices to websites publishing an encryption key used by Blu-ray and the now-defunct HD-DVD discs, users responded by posting the key on hundreds of thousands of websites.

You could even buy T-shirts. Once something is online the best you can do is hope no one notices it. Attempts to suppress it invariably backfire and cause it to be disseminated more widely than it otherwise would be.

This new way that information tends to behave in the Internet age is called the Streisand effect, after an early example involving pictures of Barbra Streisand’s home in Malibu.

Now, what happens if (when), through the wonders of modern technology, information can be freely converted into stuff? If, rather than downloading a file off the Internet that tells you how to bake a cake, you can download a file off the Internet that gives instructions to a cakebaking machine, which bakes a cake for you? Well, one inevitable result is that your birthday party will be somewhat cheaper and easier to plan.

Another inevitable result is Defense Distributed.

The technology to change information into stuff already exists. It’s called 3D printing, and though it’s expensive, it’s getting cheaper. Defense Distributed is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating and distributing open-source files that will instruct a 3D printer to make a functioning plastic gun. Most recently they have successfully printed the lower portion of an AR-15 rifle (the design that the U.S. Army’s M16 is based on) and test fired over 700 rounds of ammunition with it.

The organization’s public face is American law student and firearms enthusiast Cody Wilson. Wilson, a self-described libertarian, is wellspoken (though somewhat prone to ready-made slogans). He’s clearly an intelligent man, and he understands

the deep implications of what he’s doing. For him, at least, that’s the whole point.

“I see a future of federal communities and slowly disintegrating and reactionary states,” he said in an interview with the libertarian magazine Blink.

Defense Distributed would make gun control virtually impossible because anyone could make their own fully functioning gun in a matter of hours.

This eats away at what is often considered a defining feature (or even the defining feature) of the state: the monopoly on the use of force. In this sense Defense Distributed continues in the vein of several other high-tech projects that seek to take over functions traditionally performed by the government – such as Bitcoin, a digital peer-to-peer currency with no central regulating bank (which Wilson enthusiastically supports).

The idea is scary – not just the readily available guns, about which the Canadian mind is instinctively squeamish, but also the apocalyptic political philosophy. Perhaps most disturbing is the fact that the files that have been developed so far are already out there, and we’ve seen that once something has been posted online, it is archived quasi-permanently. You can’t take it back any more than you can unring a bell.

If it is any consolation, this was inevitable. 3D printing is making steady advances, and radical forms of libertarianism are widespread in high-tech circles – for example, the influential programmer and opensource theorist Eric S. Raymond has voiced support for Defense Distributed.

Sooner or later someone would have made the connection between 3D printing’s applicability to gun manufacturing and the Internet’s culture of open information.

The question is: where can we go from this point? 3D printing will cause a lot of our assumptions to become obsolete. It will do for everything else what The Pirate Bay did for movies and music. We still haven’t found a really good way of dealing with the problems of intellectual property in the Internet age. When this uncertainty is expanded to include all forms of property – then things will get interesting.

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s wild areas shrink and human moose population in Saskatchewan populations expand, there is farming country, as well as the more contact between humans growing issue of invasive feral wild and wildlife, and inevitably more boar in Western Canada. His work conflict. in both of these areas seeks to gain Consider Bambi, the pet deer an understanding, not only of the that was put down by Manitoba biology of his research species, but Conservation officers in early also about human interactions with February in the Windy Bay wildlife and the perspectives that Hutterite Colony. Colony mem- inform these interactions. bers had found the deer injured in a ditch near the community over a year ago, named it Bambi, and “Difficult questions nursed it back to health. Bambi was often have simple, fed by colony members and became a fixture in town. easy to understand In February, one colony member called Manitoba Conservation wrong answers.” concerned about whether the deer would become a threat as it grew – Ryan Brook older. In response, conservation officers shot the deer, as is their policy when dealing with potenDuring the evening lecture, tially dangerous tame animals. Brook described a moment early The result was a huge media fall- in his research career when he first out, anger from the public, and a realized that the complexity of heated debate about how we should human wildlife conflict was largely and should not respond to similar due to competing perspectives cases in the future. on wildlife. He depicted a close These type of conf licts are encounter he had with a polar bear familiar territory to Ryan Brook, while working in the Canadian whose research into human wildlife Arctic: he was immediately exhilainteractions has taught him about rated and ecstatic to have seen such the passion and emotion these inci- a majestic creature, but when he dents can generate. Brook spoke turned to his co-worker, Brook about the complications of living found the man was petrified and with wildlife at last week’s Annual convinced that they had almost Meeting of the Friends of Birds died.

Hill Park, a non-profit volunteerThe frustration and anger based organization that seeks to expressed after Bambi was killed educate the public about the natural was brought about by two opposhistory of the park and conserving ing viewpoints. The conservation the park’s natural environment. officers were under strict orders to Brook ’s previous research destroy the deer, having ascertained focused on the relationship between that it was unable to survive in the elk in Riding Mountain National wild and was potentially dangerPark and the impact of bovine ous. From their perspective, the tuberculosis on cattle producers response was a necessary safety in the surrounding area. His cur- precaution, however unfortunate. rent work with the University of On the other hand, the colony Saskatoon focuses on the rising members saw their pet and friend

killed before them, horrified by the cruel nature of the act. Each side felt justified in their viewpoints.

According to Brook, humanwildlife conf lict is more often human-human conflict, and the debate often centres more on human reactions to wildlife than the actions of wildlife themselves.

He suggested that animals are sensible enough; they eat when they are hungry, move when they have to, and try to avoid run-ins with humans, for the most part. People, on the other hand, are often irrational, and consistently make choices based on belief systems and values that are not in their best interests.

These complex dilemmas require similarly complex solutions. Brooks quoted a saying he uses with his grad students: “difficult questions often have simple, easy to understand wrong answers.” He has found that the best way to develop solutions to these problems is to engage in dialogue with communities, using new platforms such as Facebook.

Social media can allow researchers to interact with communities in a way that can not only diffuse conflict, but also increase knowledge about wildlife populations by connecting with local and traditional knowledge from the communities that interact with wildlife.

The fallout from the Bambi incident has resulted in new policies put in place within Manitoba Conservation, which will take into consideration all possible options before destroying an animal. These new policies represent a more informed and engaged response to wildlife conflict, and show promise for continuing conversation about our relationship with the wildlife in our environment. photo by ryan brook

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 25 March 13, 2013

Not as advertised Horse meat scandal reveals cultural divide Ian T.D.Thomson, volunteer staff

Science & Technology

11

Early intervention Infant may have been cured of HIV Tom Ingram, staff

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arlier this year a controversy and beef burgers supplied by Tesco interplay between ethology, and animal rights and welfare. surrounding the use of horse supermarket.

University of Manitoba ethologist meat in beef products found across As of Mar. 1, the Food Standards James Shapiro stated in an Europe dominated headlines. Agency, an independent organizainterview with the Manitoban, “it Although the story has since caused tion from Great Britain, has perappears to me that there is no many companies in Europe to with- formed over 5,430 tests since Jan. ‘scandal’ that involves animal draw several products from the mar- 20 on several meat-based prodket, the scandal hasn’t incited any ucts from a range of retailers and rights and welfare or human shops throughout Europe. These safety with respect to the such reaction in North America.

The story first came to light tests have shown that only 0.3 per consumption of horse meat.”

Much of the negative press may on Jan. 15 when the Food Safety cent of samples contained traces of Authority of Ireland (FSAI) horse meat. However, included in come from the fact that horse meat announced results of research they the research by the agency is the is considered taboo in many cultures. had conducted from November and infamous test showing a beef lasa- Countries like the UK, Ireland, December regarding the compo- gne product by Findus containing the United States, and major parts sition of different animal species between 60 to 100 per cent horse of Canada do not consider horse meat part of a conventional diet. in food products. Through DNA meat. profiling, the FSAI were able to European consumers have Conversely, the Jewish faith techniconfirm the presence of equine, or become cautious. One statistic cally condones the consumption of horse, DNA within several frozen links the controversy to a 30 per cent horses because they do not have clobeef burgers that were being sold increase in purchasing beef burgers ven hooves and are not ruminants. across various UK supermarket and meatballs through independent Several countries including France and Italy celebrate horse meat, or chains. With these preliminary butcher markets across the UK. Health-wise, horse meat may “viande de cheval,” as a delicacy. findings, several more companies With this in mind, Shapiro and stores began recalling beef only produce legitimate health conmeals that tested positive for equine cerns when traces of phenylbuta- stated, “the companies involved zone, a commonly used medicine are concerned about their public DNA. One of the products found to for horses for short-term treatment image and are engaged in damage contain horse meat were Swedish of fevers and pain relief from infec- control with their customers. That, meatballs available at European tions, are found within the horse. however, is a marketing issue and IKEA locations. After tests from While phenylbutazone may have not an animal rights issue.”

Consumption of the protein in the Czech Republic found traces of deleterious health effects in humans, horse meat within the meatballs and common practice dictates that if horse meat is no better or worse Wiener sausage, the world’s num- a horse is given the medication it than protein from cattle, accordber one furniture retailer pulled the becomes illegal for the horse to be ing to Shanleigh Thomson, a food meat goods produced by its main slaughtered for human consump- science lab technician from Purdue supplier in Sweden. A statement tion. The FSAI also tested the pre- University. She stated that the difby IKEA noted that outlets across liminary beef burgers in January ference comes in the standards for Canada and the United States were for phenylbutazone and found no raising and slaughtering beef cattle unaffected by this defect and the traces, stating that there was “no and the absence of such regulations meatballs and sausages in North risk to consumer health associated for horse meat in Canada or the U.S. America are produced by another with these findings.”

To date, there is no evidence that supplier. consumption of horse meat is inherOther major products that have Is horse meat dangerous? ently more dangerous to human been found to contain horse DNA health than beef. include the ground beef produced Ethology is the study of healthy for Taco Bell outlets in the United animals exhibiting normal Kingdom, beef ravioli and tortellini behaviour within their natural illustration by mathieu boulet by the European Nestle supplier, environment. There is much

E

he child was born in rural accumulating. These cells contain a Mississippi in July of 2010. The latent form of the virus that is not mother was infected with HIV, a detected by the immune system or fact that the doctors were unaware targeted by drugs.

The child may still have an infecof until a test was given while she was in labour. Although antiret- tion. At the moment this is being roviral treatment has made the called a “functional cure” rather transmission of HIV from mother than a “sterilizing cure”; a sterilto child very rare, in this case izing cure would mean the definite there was no chance to treat the eradication of all HIV from the mother before the baby was born. patient’s system. Still, this child’s Because the baby was premature, case has made many hopeful about she was moved to the University the future of HIV research.

“This is one case and we definitely of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson. Two HIV need to have more, and hopefully tests were then performed that we can have more,” said Persaud.

This is actually the second case ordinarily would have taken up to six weeks. These tests confirmed of a human being cured of HIV. the presence of an HIV infection, The first is Timothy Brown, a and the baby was started on anti- 46-year-old American man living in Germany known as the “Berlin HIV drugs 31 hours after birth.

The first three follow-up tests patient.” Brown found out he was still showed HIV in the baby’s HIV positive and began treatplasma, but by the fourth test, at ment with the anti-HIV drug 29 days after birth, the infection AZT in 1995. In 2006, however, had become undetectable. At 18 he received even more bad news: months the parents stopped treat- he had developed a highly lethal ment for reasons that have not been form of leukemia, independent of disclosed, and at 21 months, when his HIV. When Brown was given the baby returned for medical care, a bone marrow transplant for the a UMMC doctor was unable to leukemia, the doctors found a donor find HIV or HIV antibodies on with a genetic mutation known as standard tests. The doctor, Hannah delta 32, which prevents HIV from Gay, sent blood samples to a team at infecting CD4 cells. The doctors Johns Hopkins University to have were not sure what would happen, them tested more thoroughly. The but Brown’s HIV infection apparHopkins team, led by paediatrician ently disappeared. At present, he is Deborah Persaud, first examined free from leukemia and no traces of the samples 24 months after the HIV can be found in his body.

Although Brown’s cure is only of baby’s birth. They found only one copy of HIV RNA, likely a defec- value to those unfortunate enough tive version of the virus that cannot to have HIV and leukemia at the same time, this new case has a copy itself.

Persaud’s team mixed the blood much broader applicability.

“This has very important implicasamples with uninfected CD4 cells – the cells targeted by HIV. Tests tions for paediatric HIV infection at 26 months found traces of the and the ability to achieve cure,” said virus, but it had not mixed with Persaud.

If research into this phenomthe cells, indicating that it was incapable of copying itself. Persaud enon pans out, HIV infection in believes that the early intervention infants could become a thing of prevented infected CD4 cells from the past.

Sunday Mass > 11am, Christ the King Chapel Weekday Mass > Tue-Fri 11:45am, Side Chapel Volunteer musicians & singers are welcome for choir practice > 5:30pm Fridays, 10am Sundays Vatican II Panel > Mar 19 1:30pm (Hanley Hall) Campus Ministry

Contact Fr. Michael for more details

Easter Triduum Celebrations

Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper > Mar 28 7:30pm Way of the Cross on Campus > Mar 29 2pm Good Friday Passion of the Lord > Mar 29 3pm

St. Paul’s College University of Manitoba 70 Dysart Road Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M6 umanitoba.ca/colleges/st_pauls

For more information, contact: Sr. Elaine Baete 204 474 9784 | ELAINE.BAETE@ad.umanitoba.ca Fr. Michael Koryluk 204 474 8460 | korylukm@cc.umanitoba.ca Eliude Cavalcante 204 474 8645 | cavalcan@cc.umanitoba.ca

Managing Editor: Chuthan Ponnampalam Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Features

12

A history of Manitoban Comics Ryan Harby, staff

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his old student newspaper has had a long and storied either uniquely special in its own way or that speaks to Some highlights that come to mind include Mark history, spanning nearly 100 years (we’re about a year the era and generation from which it appeared.

Saunder’s run as graphics editor at the turn of the cenaway from that mark, actually) and in that time a lot of In the early years there was hardly any “comic” mate- tury (in which U of M administration and UMSU were great, interesting work has gone into it. rial to speak of, and anything that might be associated caricatured on a regular basis) and Marcel Dzama’s Recently, efforts have been made to digitally archive with a comic aesthetic usually turned out to be an adver- Super Happy Fun Comic, which ran for multiple years. the entire 99+ year collection of the Manitoban, all the tisement for 7 Up, the Bay, Eaton’s, or Vaseline Hair Dzama would go on to provide album cover work for way back to our first issue from Nov. 5, 1914. The project Tonic. By the mid-30s, however, complex graphic illus- the Weakerthans’ Reconstruction Site and Beck’s Guero, has been progressing at a steady pace and soon, in the trations began accompanying various news stories, and amongst other things. near future, the archives will be made available to the on occasion these graphics would stand alone, providing In recent years, names like Skeleton Babies, Bear public, free for anyone to search through the annals of commentary on campus or U of M related topics.

Warlock, Mr. Fish, and Teenage Pizza have occupied Manitoban history.

In the 50s much of the comics appearing in the paper the page dedicated to all things visual in the paper.

There have been quite a few prolific figures who’ve were used for comedic relief, most often parodying Where once there was a random comic appearing every written for the Manitoban in the past—Marshall some form of university life, whether it be the campus so often throughout the publishing year, there is now an McLuhan, Andrew Coyne, Graham Spry, and Izzy football team, popular study locations, or even the staff official Diversions page (some years called the Comic Asper among them—but for every notable author there of the paper itself. page) devoted to printing weekly comics and other has been an equal number of talented artists who have Comics from the 70s and 80s still lambasted the non-text-stimulants. contributed their time and effort, honing their skills university regularly, but more and more artists were Perhaps now more than ever, the paper aims to supwithin the tabloid-sized pages of the U of M’s student beginning to express opinions outside the scope of the port budding artistic talent in various forms. And while paper.

U of M. Comics like Destroy All Monsters (1978) and The the comics, or “funnies,” of many publications are often Last year our paper put out a special limited edi- Shepherd (1986) were more interested with the fictional seen as the lighter side of a newspaper, these in particular tion run of several Marshall McLuhan contributions world taking place within the panels rather than the have generated great interest, great contemplation, and all collected to celebrate the 100th-year anniversary politics on campus. great joy on par to any written article. of McLuhan’s birth. Today, as we press on closer and We here at the Manitoban staff had a real hard time The history of Manitoban comics is one that is rich, closer to the paper’s centenary, we thought it would be an choosing which comics to include from the 90s and and one that deserves to be celebrated. If, like others excellent time to again look back into our dusty archives 2000s; the variety and the quality grew so much over before, you are interested or inspired by any of the work in an effort to celebrate the history of comics as they have these last couple decades. Colour comics became a showcased in this feature, please do your heart and soul appeared in the Manitoban throughout the years. regular option for artists, and the overall pool of talent a favour and get involved!

It has been an interesting process thumbing our way contributing at any one point was, especially compared through each year’s issues to find comic content that is to the earlier days of the paper, overwhelming.

Q+A with a ‘toban comic artist!

Brendan Salakoh, creator of Bear Warlock Ryan Harby, staff

How long have you been drawing comics?

Do you remember your first comic?

I’ve been drawing comics since I was about seven or eight years old. At that time, they were Sonic the Hedgehog and Spider-Man comics, rather than Bear Warlock. Bear Warlock himself emerged during high school. At that time, he didn’t have a name. I’d draw him saying random—and often funny— things in my notebooks when I was bored.

My friends loved it, so it kind of grew from there.

ment (YouTube it!). His name was just the amalgamation of Bear, and “Adam Warlock,” an obscure Marvel character that I had an old trading card of. Clam Factor and Handsome Horse were conceived of in high school, and I have to give my friends credit for all their sayings and ideas that helped shape the characters and their words. In terms of content, the inspiration was every-

The last Bear Warlock comic I did was in 2009, just before graduating from the U of M. I went on to do my masters of city planning at the University of Toronto, and now work as a planner for Dillon Consulting. I love my job, as I’ve wanted to be a planner since my days playing SimCity and building towns out of Lego.

Bear Warlock would even sometimes touch on urban planning issues in the comics! Unfortunately, I haven’t kept up with drawing lately, but it’s definitely something I could see myself getting back into eventually.

I got involved with the Manitoban at the beginning of my second year at the U of M. One day, a few friends and I were browsing through the paper. “Hey, you should submit your Bear Warlock drawings!” one suggested. I thought it would be cool to turn a bunch of random sayings and characters into an actual weekly strip, so I sent a few samples to the graphics editor. He loved it, and from then till I graduated in 2009, Bear Warlock was a weekly strip in the Manitoban! The Manitoban is a great group, and I always loved going to the meetings and hanging out in the newsroom.

There were a lot of different inspirations for the comic.

The bear himself was my poor attempt at drawing the bear mascot from Weird Al’s “Camp Superfun” seg-

I’m not sure that I have a favourite, but there are a few that stand out. The time they get frustrated playing communist monopoly; the one where Bear Warlock gets arrested for Facebook creeping; and the one where Bobble Booty’s dance becomes a viral video.

What are you up to nowadays?

Do you still draw comics?

What made you decide to get involved with Manitoban?

Was there any particular inspiration behind the comic? How did you conceive of it? What are your thoughts on it looking back?

What is your favourite Bear Warlock piece and why?

If your current self could give your past self one piece of advice, what would it be?

where: inside jokes with friends from high school and undergrad; pop culture; politics; everyday problems; and often, just random ideas that I thought others might find amusing. Every so often I’ll dig up a few of the old comics, and they still crack me up.

If I could give 2007 Brendan some advice, it would have been to develop the characters a bit more. I’m not talking about in-depth character analysis like The Wire or Breaking Bad, haha, but maybe just more recurring themes and background on the main players. But then again, for the casual reader, having each comic stand alone is probably best.

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 25 March 13, 2013

Q+A with a ‘toban comic artist!

Emilie St. Hilaire, creator of Emiliest comics Ryan Harby, staff

How long have you been drawing comics?

Do you remember your first comic?

I’ve always doodled but I didn’t get serious about Emiliest comics until this year. It just clicked because I think in the form of tweets now so my ideas are more concise. I remember drawing a comic of my brother when I was about six or seven years old. I drew him with his eyes popping out of his head looking at a busty girl.

My sister told me our mother would wash my mouth with soap if she saw it.

What made you decide to get involved with Manitoban?

When I was doing my undergraduate degree I had friends who were involved with the paper; I think that’s why I started. I liked the open forum, democratic aspect of it. Contributing regularly is a great way to impose deadlines for getting work done.

Is there any particular inspiration behind the Emiliest comics? How did you conceive of it?

I go about my daily life and then a phrase or idea will pop into my head. I try to tweak it to be effective

and then after a few ideas have piled up I sit down and draw them.

What is your favourite comic that you’ve done and why?

I have different favourites for different reasons/occasions. “I was following you” was popular, and I’m fond of my Halloween special because it was actually humorous.

The ideal comic for me is lighthearted yet profound, and the image should compliment or complicate the text rather than just illustrate it.

You’re a U of M alumna, is that correct? What are you up to nowadays, since your time on campus?

Since graduating from U of M I’ve done some travelling and I am currently in the master of fine arts program at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. I have my comics in the paper here too (the Gateway), but I get more love from Winnipeg. Don’t tell them I said that. ; )

If your current self could give your past self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Draw!

Features

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Features

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 25 March 13, 2013

Q+A with a ‘toban comic artist!

Mark Saunders, creator of the Society Column Chuthan Ponnampalam, staff

How long have you been drawing comics? Do you remember the first comics you ever drew?

I began drawing comics in high school for my school’s “student newspaper” – a photocopied pamphlet, more accurately. I would love to say that I still draw comics but, unfortunately, it’s something that has been pushed to the side in favour of more lucrative artistic endeavours like illustration and, especially, graphic design.

Aside from the Society Column, you did a lot of graphic work for the paper, and you were also an editor at one point.

How long were you active at the paper and what was your involvement? How do you look back on your time at the paper?

I began volunteering for the Manitoban in the first week of the 1998/99 school year – my first year of university after high school. I drew a weekly comic strip and illustrated articles at the request of Kevin Matthews, who was the graphics editor at the time. At the end of the

year, the paper’s editorial board kindly voted me “Volunteer of the Year.” I was hired as Graphics Editor the year after and again the year after that. In 2001 I became the Managing Editor of the newspaper, overseeing advertising and finances. My editor-in-chief that year, the lovely Bernice Pontanilla, is currently a reporter working for the Metro newspaper out of Winnipeg’s City Hall.

The people I met and the experiences I had during this time continue to be some of the most important of my life.

The Society Column featured quite a bit of humour about being a university student.

Was there any particular inspiration behind the comic?

What are your thoughts on it looking back?

and humourous – doing my best to deal in satire, wordplay, artistic experimentation, and professional quality illustration (or, y’know, so I thought at the time). Most important, though, was that there needed to be a central idea and a real plan for the comic before beginning. Examining the issues of the week and trying to think of something funny was what it boiled down to.

Do you remember any favourite comics you did for the paper? Perhaps any favourites from other artists?

Shortly after 9/11, I produced a comic pointing out the physical similarities between Osama bin Laden and Uncle Sam. That was funny.

In 2000, I poked fun at the—still hilarious—proclamation of art dealer Yikes. Looking back, it seems so juve- David Loch that the acquisition of a nile and amateur. The ideas were simple $285,000 Winnie-the-Pooh painting and the artistic execution was still in “may change the destiny of our city.” development. I suppose the same could Sometimes reality is funnier than anybe said for many aspects of university – it thing you can possibly think up. There are is a “student” environment, after all. always so many insane things happening In my strips, I attempted to be topical in our city and our world – they need to be looked at in just the right light for the insanity to be apparent to everyone.

In those days, the ‘toban comics page was home to many talented artists: Garrett Van Winkle, the Royal Art Lodge, Marcel Dzama, Ryan Hill, Kevin Matthews, Ryan Yoo, Terry Corrigan, Tim Hoover (aka DJ Co-op), and Paul Kim, to name a few. I’m forgetting many, I’m sure, but it’s been, like, more than a decade!

Can you explain the process of putting together pieces like the U of M president dress-up paper doll or the UMSU election all-star cards?

Those are a big hit in the office; what was the response like on campus at the time?

[The] response was positive! They were fun to do, but the work in executing them was crazy! Phil Koch, a colleague at the time, wrote the copy for the UMSU cards. He may have done it for the paper doll thing, too. I just know that the work on pieces like those was all-consuming.

Eventually, I dropped out of my BA in English and film (and, earlier, history) and entered fine arts. The ‘toban changed my life, you could say.

From what I can remember, the pieces weren’t necessarily mean-spirited. They made fun of campus public figures, but never in an extremely negative light. For that reason, the satire subjects probably never objected to the strips or editorial pieces in any significant way.

Continuing Education Reach Beyond

Do you have a funny/ interesting story that you can share about your time at the paper, or connected to the Society Column?

Well, I just said that the people being made fun of never objected; that’s a lie, I guess. I have it on good authority that current member of parliament and thenUMSU president, Steven Fletcher, really hated a caricature I drew of him. Again, accuracy is sometimes more damning than fiction.

By the way, this was the year that UMSU tried to shut down the Manitoban, under the guise of “financial accountability.” Fletcher attempted to halt funding to the paper, effectively silencing the voice any opposition might have. In my opinion it was supremely undemocratic and I’m surprised muzzling the campus press isn’t something that’s dogged him more during his political career.

Relations between the the paper and UMSU remained frosty the next year, too, as Fletcher was re-elected, this time teaming with current CTV Winnipeg weather specialist Colleen Bready as his vice-president.

If your current self could give your past self (from the Society Column days) one piece of advice, what would it be?

“Hey, you’re all right, buddy boy.”

Managing Editor: Chuthan Ponnampalam Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Features

1935, Nov. 14, Old Man Chuckles (McKibbin)

1949, Oct. 18, UMSU Council 1953, Nov. 17, U of M Library (Dave Williamson)

1977, Nov. 24, Tuition Collection (Larry Eisenstein)

1975, Jan. 30, Poli-Sci Guy (Denis Nokony)

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VOL. 99 ½ NO. 25 March 13, 2013

1978, Apr. 3, Destroy All Monsters (J. D. Lees & Toho Co.)

1981, Mar. 2, Unifarcity (Greg Pinniger)

1986, Mar. 10, The Shepherd (Neil Hamilton)

1990, Oct. 31, Twin Slabs (“K.O.P & Julio Ecclesiastes”)

Managing Editor: Chuthan Ponnampalam Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Features

1994, Oct. 5, Not So Smart (Ryan Harper)

1997, Jan. 29, Stick and Dick (Mike Solan and Sudeep Shivakumer)

1997, Feb. 5, Coming to a theatre near you (“Puty”)

2000, Mar. 22, Double Teeth (Drue Langlois)

2000, Oct. 27, Super Happy Fun Comic (Marcel Dzama)

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VOL. 99 ½ NO. 25 March 13, 2013

2000, Sept. 9, The Society Column (Mark Saunders)

2001, Oct. 10, The Tars Tarkas Lunar Park (Ryan Hill)

2003, Feb. 26, Superstar Elite

Managing Editor: Chuthan Ponnampalam Contact: me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Features

2004, Sept. 8, Dick Stick Theatre (Paul Kim)

2005, Oct. 26, Skeleton Babies (Ted Barker)

2009, Jan.6, Mr. Fish (Ben Clarkson)

2009, Feb. 13, Bear Warlock (Brendon Salakoh)

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VOL. 99 ½ NO. 25 March 13, 2013

2011, Feb. 2, Nic Cage Vampire Hunter (Ryan Harby)

2011, Nov. 4, Zit (Anne Emond)

2012, Jan. 25, Teenage Pizza (Dany Reede)

JOB POSTINGS Position: Editor-in-Chief Company: The Manitoban Salary: Approximately $20,000 annually Contract: May 1, 2013 – May 14, 2014

Position: Business Manager Company: The Manitoban Salary: Approximately $20,000 annually Contract: May 1, 2013 – May 14, 2014

Duties: The Editor-in-Chief (EiC) is one of two executives of the Manitoban. The EiC is responsible for the day-to-day running of the editorial side of the paper, and has final say over the editorial content within. The EiC is also the chair of the Editorial Board and Manitoban Newspaper Publications Corporation, which oversees the long-term operations of the paper.

Duties: The Business Manager is responsible for overseeing the general business functions of the Manitoban newspaper including accounting, payroll, taxes, human resources, marketing, and management. Day-to-day duties include managing accounts receivable and payable, invoicing, and general administrative duties.

Long-term duties include strategy development, marketing, and process planning.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have experience in student media and will be familiar with the Manitoban. They should have a strong understanding of the English language including spelling, punctuation, and grammar as well as a working knowledge of Canadian Press style. Previous experience managing employees and working in a non-profit environment will be considered an asset.

How to apply: Email your resume and cover letter to hiring@themanitoban.com before March 20, 2013.

Visit themanitoban.com for more details

Qualifications: The ideal candidate has business experience through work or school that includes basic accounting knowledge. They have ideally worked in an office setting and have experience in a decision making role.

How to apply: Email your resume and cover letter to hiring@themanitoban.com before March 20, 2013.

Visit themanitoban.com for more details

Position: Advertising Coordinator Company: The Manitoban Newspaper Publications Corporation Salary: Summer: $600 biweekly + commission (30 hr. per week) School Year: $400 biweekly + commission (20 hr. per week) Contract: May, 2013 - May, 2014 Qualifications: The Manitoban is seeking to hire a responsible, dedicated, and detail-oriented individual to handle all print and online advertising sales for the newspaper.

The successful candidate will gain valuable experience in marketing strategy and tactics, sales and negotiation techniques, product demonstration, and customer needs assessment.

This position is full time from June 1 until the end of August, and 20 hours per week during the school year.

Duties: Protect and increase existing client base. Explain benefits of advertising to potential clients. Recommend appropriate sizes and formats for advertising. Prepare and deliver sales presentations to new and existing clients.

How to apply: Send resumes to hiring@themanitoban. com. Applicants must have taken post-secondary courses within the past two years. All applications due April 1, 2013.

Visit themanitoban.com for more details

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

Diversions

Lauren boulet

emilie st. hilaire

PHOTO —of the—

WEEK curtonbummings.tumblr.com

Festival du Voyageur

by Beibei Lu

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

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

Arts & Culture

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Gimme Some Truth Cinematheque plays host to the fifth annual festival of innovative documentary films Michelle Saromo, volunteer staff

totter relationship between him and his mother. Caouette’s class will be he fifth annual Gimme Some focusing on his approach to personal Truth Documentary Festival, documentary filmmaking. hosted by the Winnipeg Film Group, Many of the screenings lined up will run from Mar. 14 until 17 at the Cinematheque; the festival will be at Gimme Some Truth come from some of the city’s great local talent showcasing a series of screenings – University of Manitoba alumni from some of the most innovative Stéphane Oystryk is one filmmaker filmmakers in recent years. among them. Most documentaries There will also be panel discussions, master classes led by visiting on musicians tend to be made after they’ve hit it big, but his documenfilmmakers, and networking event tary Alors, t’as soif de quoi? (avec opportunities. The festival strives to Mahogany Frog) drives the gears in highlight the work of both local and reverse. Following the daily lives international artists alike, and acts as of local band Mahogany Frog, the a public forum for discussing the art documentary tells the story of a of the documentary.

“Let’s be honest – we’re stuck in innovative storytellers in town this for the likes of metal rocker legends band with a day job that continues the middle of Canada with no ‘big’ year that are pushing the medium Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper. In to make music that they’re passionate film festival. We’re trying to rectify to the limit.” addition to featuring their films, about, despite the lack of mainstream that by bringing in some of the most Visiting music documentary they will also be hosting a master acceptance.

The closing screening of the festiexciting filmmakers in the docu- filmmakers Sam Dunn and Scott class on their approach to the music val, Dollar Store Dreams: The Films mentary genre and at the same time MacFadyen will be opening up documentary. celebrate the incredible community this year’s festival with Metal: A Jonathan Caouette’s documenta- of Mike Maryniuk, will be featuring of filmmaking in Winnipeg,” says Headbanger’s Journey. The film fol- ries, Tarnation and Walk Away Renee, a compilation of Maryniuk’s short festival producer Jaimz Asmundson lows Dunn as he explores heavy will also be featured during the fes- films. Maryniuk has been lauded for of the Winnipeg Film Group. metal culture in Europe and North tival and he will play host to another his unique take on the art of film “I think it’s evident from the pro- America and contemplates the ste- master class. Caouette is interna- documentary. His hybrid experimengramming this year that documen- reotypes associated with the genre. tionally known for entrenching his tal style mixes bits of animation into tary film is not synonymous with Dunn and MacFadyen are known for documentaries with highly personal traditional documentary. ‘after school special’ conventional making documentaries on the heavy elements and chronicling his dys“I kinda make these celebrastorytelling. We have some very metal genre and have even filmed functional childhood and the teeter- tion documentaries, as opposed to

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explanation documentaries,” says Maryniuk. “It’s less about telling the story in kind of a linear fashion, and more about celebrating certain aspects about the person and kind of creating an experience as opposed to creating a narrative of events.”

Maryniuk says he also infuses his works with humour.

“I want people to enjoy the experience. I want people to kind of want to learn more about these people or this place afterwards and so humour is one way of getting those things across.”

Gimme Some Truth doesn’t just celebrate the art of documentary filmmaking; it also honours the power of storytelling and its ability to enrich the public.

“Documentary is a really important cultural and social tool. I mean, it can change the world,” says Maryniuk. “It has changed the world.

[But] it can also be just purely entertaining and remind us of who we are as Winnipeggers, as Canadians, as fans of a certain genre of music, or just as humans.”

For a list of the full program screenings, visit gimmesometruth.ca/ program-2013.

The Unbelievable Bargains, the Thrashers, the Bad Nerves David Skene, volunteer staff

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h, Saint Patrick’s Day, a holi- fans across Manitoba. day celebrating binge drinking The group is rounded out by and the colour green. Maybe once Winnipeg’s most energetic rhythm it might have had something to do monster, a man that drums so hard with Irish people and snakes, but that he’s often known to fly right off his connection has been buried by the stool: the one and only J.P. Perron sands of time.

(This Hisses, ex-Mahogany Frog).

I can’t think of a better soundtrack The Thrashers to a night of brain-cell-killing fun If you wanna party like a modern than the bill that the Rose n’ Bee day Frankie and Annette but don’t has planned for this Sunday. The R know how to get a beach blanket n’ B has put together three bands of boogie going at the local skate park, unpretentious and unapologetically the Thrashers will show you how it fun music. is done.

The Unbelievable Bargains Mixing high energy surf rock with Those of you who follow Locals to anthem punk rock abandon might Look Out For might remember the not sound novel on paper, but believe Unbelievable Bargains from my very you me: these guys do it with such first column, when I discussed the freewheeling enthusiasm and genuine creative exploits of Mr. Steve Basham, ‘peg city style that you can’t help but a solo artist and front man for the fall in love with this band. From Jesse Girth. In the Bargains he hops on Bercier’s switchblade-sharp guitar bass and the man holding the reins licks, to Iaian Loeppky’s wild bass is the ever-talented Marshall Birch, lines and even wilder hair, to Sean a songwriter whose unique blend of G’s beats rolling like thunder in the humour and honesty has delighted distance – the Thrashers are relevant

retro that can’t be stopped.

The Bad Nerves Before I give the lowdown on the Bad Nerves, I have some questions.

Why do the kids from Selkirk make such great music? Was there something in the water in the early 2000s?

Did their high school have some kind of experimental garage rock music program?

Whatever the cause, the effect has been a tidal wave of excellent rock n’ roll sweeping over this fair city, leaving blown-out brain cavities and buzzing ear drums in their wake.

The Bad Nerves are no exception; they spit angular keyboards sounds, grinding distortion, and propulsive rhythms that would make Jay Reatard grin, sneer, or smash something – whichever of those would best signal his approval.

So now that you are in the know, if you want to celebrate St. Drunkard’s day with me, I’ll see you at the Rose n’ Bee.

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 25 March 13, 2013

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20 years of Ruins Shakespeare in the Ruins celebrates 20th anniversary Sarah Petz

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midst the rustic ruins of a Trappist Monastery, a small group of Winnipeg actors put on a barebones production of Romeo and Juliet in the summer of 1993.

That group of ragtag actors became known as Shakespeare in the Ruins. Twenty years later, the theatre company has survived wind, rain, impossibly hot Winnipeg summers, and almost losing the ruins themselves to become a mainstay in the local arts scene. into the field, we could go down by Michelle Boulet, one of the artis- the river bank, we could come back tic co-chairs for Shakespeare in the in,” says Boulet.

Ruins, has been there from the very Shakespeare in the Ruins uses beginning. promenade-style audience moveThe original monastery was estab- ment, where audience members are lished along the La Salle River in lead from scene to scene each held 1892. The monks left their home in in different locations throughout 1978 when the area became too indus- the ruins. This created quite a bit of trialized for their comfort. Fire gut- confusion during the company’s first ted the vacated church and residential production. wing five years later. What was left “The first year was a little bit was a rustic setting full of brick arch- ‘bunny in the headlights.’ We were ways, walls, and foundations. trying something completely new To the ragtag group of actors, it and we weren’t quite sure how it was seemed like the perfect setting for going to work. But it was fun.”

Shakespeare, says Boulet.

The company was forced out of “There was only really three loca- the ruins in 2002 after the structure tions, and there was not really any- of the buildings began to deteriorate. where for them to sit, so they kind of For ten years, the company moved just stood against the walls. Whereas through several locations throughout by year two, we had realized we could Winnipeg, performing in parks and go outside the ruins, we could go out even on top of a parking garage.

“The theatre company has survived wind, rain, impossibly hot Winnipeg summers, and almost losing the ruins themselves to become a mainstay in the local arts scene.”

After the province of Manitoba invested in a $1 million renovation of the site, the company returned last year for its first performance in the ruins in nearly a decade.

Kevin Klassen has been with the and were so engaged that they were company since 2002. What he finds trying to influence the outcome sets Shakespeare in the Ruins apart of the play – that’s exactly what from the rest of the local theatre com- Shakespeare in the Ruins is here to munity is the lack of barriers between do.” the actors and their audience.

Because performances are all held “There’s no lip of the stage, there’s outdoors, the weather becomes an no seating area, and this is where the element of each performance as well, stage starts. You’re sharing the exact he said. same space; in between the actors “Because we’re outdoors, we’re are directing the audience where to sharing the same atmosphere, the go and speaking directly to them,” same weather, and it’s not controlled. says Klassen.

So it really creates an intimate conA performance that highlighted tact between the actor and the audithis aspect of the company’s perfor- ence that you get nowhere else, at mances for Klassen was a produc- least in Winnipeg.” tion of Romeo and Juliet at a small “And because the elements are school in Gladstone, Man. Klassen uncontrolled, birds will fly in from was Juliet during this performance, nowhere, squirrels will appear, dogs. and a group of five-year-olds were So it reminds the audience that it so entranced by seeing Juliet and is a live experience. That in every Romeo together that they started performance, every moment, it is chanting. truly unique.”

“I was lying in the tomb near the Considering many small theatre end of the show. And Romeo came companies don’t survive past their in to the tomb and there were like 10th birthday, the 20th anniversary of five or six kindergarten kids sitting in Shakespeare in the Ruins is a unique the front row. And as Romeo started feat, says Boulet. walking toward Juliet’s dead body, “In the whole scheme of theatre they started chanting under their companies, we’re a relatively small breath ‘kiss her, kiss her, kiss her,’” operation. So it’s a big deal that we’re Klassen said. still around.”

“Just the idea that these five-yearShakespeare in the Ruins’ 20th anniold kids were following along and versary celebration will take place at the knew exactly what was happening, Prairie Theatre Exchange Mar. 15.

Feminism is still relevant Film review: Status Quo? The Unfinished Business of Feminism in Canada Jodie Layne, staff

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he opening scene of Status beings on screen instead of just speakQuo? The Unfinished Business of ing about them broadly.

Feminism in Canada interchanges and Putting faces to the issues at hand overlaps footage from the first Royal makes the struggles of women irreCommission on the Status of Women futable. Cho shows women who are hearings in 1967 and the 2nd Pan- personally affected by laws and poliCanadian Young Feminist Gathering cies put in place by the government in 2011 in Winnipeg. While it’s strik- as well as the attitudes of society, a ing how deftly director Karen Cho brilliant directorial choice. weaves together the similar images The ideas and struggles docuof what women gathering looks like, mented are apt and relevant for our she’s able to even more shockingly political climate. Under the Harper show us how similar the attitudes of Government, women’s initiatives society and the struggles are many have suffered a huge blow; “equality” years later. was removed as an objective in the How have things changed for Status of Women Canada’s mission women in Canada? Have they statement, funding for independent changed at all? This film explores research projects as well as advocacy those questions. and lobbying (all funded by Status of Status Quo? examines some of Women Canada) experienced a 100 the most pressing issues of modern per cent research cut, the Aboriginal feminism: domestic violence, missing Healing Foundation and the Sisters and murdered Aboriginal women, in Spirit Initiative were defunded, the abortion access, domestic interna- pan-Canadian childcare funding ($1.2 tional worker struggles, and repro- billion) was revoked, and 12 out of 16 ductive justice (including mothering regional Status of Women Offices resources and daycare). The film not were closed. only covers decades of the struggles These points are noted in the film of women, but puts individual human and some are illustrated through the

or non-feminist viewers might miss the importance. In an age where Sady Doyle’s decree that, “My feminism will be intersectional or it will be bullshit,” has rung out loud and clear as the mandate for this wave of feminism, I do think that making this connection for the viewer falls short.

The film features many scenes from the RebELLEs gathering in

“Putting faces to the issues at hand makes the struggles of women irrefutable.”

personal experiences of women and those who do the work affected by these cutbacks. However, I feel that Cho really misses the mark when it comes to linking the issues and demonstrating the intersectionality that 2011, which serve as optimistic and modern feminism acknowledges and inspirational aside from the harrowthrives on – at least, concretely. ing discussions and facts that show While it’s suggested and hinted at the real current status of women. They abstractly, Cho never really spells it also serve as bookends and dividers out for the viewer. While some may between the segments, so their utility like the ability to connect the dots, I is understandable. However inspirworry that those new to feminism ing and hopeful, these scenes do feel

a bit disjointed with the rest of the film and their subject matter doesn’t necessarily correspond with the issue being discussed prior to their inclusion. I understand the importance of including this material and the role that it plays in the film, I’m just uncertain about where it’s placed.

Regardless of my critiques, this film is an absolute must-see and eye-opener. Even for those who consider themselves well-informed, you can’t really grasp many of the realities behind that information until you hear it from the mouths of the women affected. It’s one thing to know how difficult it is to attain an abortion under the stringent laws of New Brunswick, but it’s another to hear women who have tried talk about how difficult it was.

My hope is that this film will leave skeptics and seasoned feminists alike realizing how relevant feminism still is in today’s society.

You can watch Status Quo? The Unfinished Business of Feminism in Canada at http://www.nfb.ca/ international-womens-day/.

24

Arts & Culture

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

Over the Top MAWA’s ninth annual art auction and cupcake sale Jodie Layne, staff

H

ow many cupcakes can you eat?

No really, how many?

Mentoring Artists for Women’s Art (MAWA) will push your sugar consumption and stomach capacity to the limits with its ninth annual all-you-can-eat cupcake party and art auction, Over the Top. “Over the Top is pure madness and fun,” says Shawna Dempsey, co-director of MAWA. The event is a major fundraiser for the arts organization and crucial in continuing its programming, which enriches Winnipeg’s arts scene and the lives of the women it mentors.

“This event is almost essential to MAWA. It covers over 10 per cent of our annual projects. It’s really unusual for a single event to make up so much of an organization’s income.”

Dempsey adds that the fundraiser not only helps them to stay open, but to remain more independent and less reliant on grants and other organizations for funding.

Aside from over one thousand

jowl, side-by-side, and is a non-hierarchical free-for-all celebration of the art that is being produced in our community.”

For MAWA, staying open means

Aside from over one thousand cupcakes decorated and donated by MAWA bakers, there will also be art for auction and raffle prizes. cupcakes decorated and donated by MAWA bakers, there will also be art for auction and raffle prizes.

“130 artists lovingly donated their works and that shows how supportive of the event they are and how much the programming means to them,” says Dempsey.

Those who have donated work this year include noted artists such as Wanda Koop, Melanie Rocan, Shaun Morin, Paul Robles, and Pauline Brau, amongst others. Pieces from emerging and student artists will be auctioned off as well, starting at $50.

“The pieces are hung cheek to

being able to run programs that support artists and the community.

MAWA offers lectures, residencies, workshops, and the international craft program, which pays newcomer women to teach their traditional crafts to other women during

monthly workshops. The mandate of the organization is to be an art education centre, involving the entire community, no matter their gender – although its mentorships are available exclusively to women.

MAWA, which was formed in 1984 as a way to support female artists who felt they didn’t have a place in the Winnipeg art galleries and art departments at universities, has been connecting and supporting these artists for nearly 30 years now.

“Our programming is peer-based, so it’s artist to artist,” says Dempsey.

“Art is an essential service. They need art in their lives and MAWA makes art happen.”

Over the Top will take place on Sunday, Mar. 17 at MAWA, which is located at 611 Main Street. Advance tickets are $10 or you can pay $12 at the door, which is pretty damn good for having a buffet of cupcakes (vegan, glutenfree, and otherwise) spread out before you and an opportunity to grab some amazing artwork.

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 25 March 13, 2013

Arts & Culture

Local new releases Jenna Diubaldo, staff

In… Ready to Go

by Greg Arcade

The newest release from rock and roller Greg Arcade is another example of this Winnipeg oneman-band’s ability to write catchy and simple pop songs that you’ll be humming for days. The EP, entitled In… Ready to Go, features five little ditties that provide the perfect soundtrack for highway driving with the top down and your honey by your side.

The album starts out with the track, “If You Don’t Mind…” which is a fast-talkin’, hot-doggin’, good ol’ tune about travelling the world and making love with your sweetheart. Next up is “Hunny Bee,” another ode to love gone right, in the style of Hank Williams.

The album continues on in this fashion, with cute, simple, three-chord melodies proclaiming this six-stringed heartthrob’s love for his baby, song by sweet little song.

This record is stripped down in just the right way and makes you feel like you’re sitting in a living room with Arcade and his guitar. The songs do become a bit repetitive, but that’s the nature of the twelve-bar blues.

Do yourself a favour and pick up two copies of Greg Arcade’s new album – one for yourself and one to share with your main squeeze.

Chalet by Kids & Heroes

Chalet is the first fulllength album from Winnipeg pop-punk outfit Kids & Heroes, and the band’s second release overall.

Chalet draws obvious influence from iconic punk bands such as NOFX and Guttermouth. Tracks like “What If ” and “Take It Back” feature fast, no frills punk rock, whereas songs such as “Give Up or Give In” and “Sidewalks” are very reminiscent of some of the

earlier work of Blink-182.

Kids & Heroes certainly aren’t reinventing pop punk in any way, but rather getting back to their roots and really embracing the fundamentals of this genre with fast drums, power chords, and generally not giving a shit.

If you’re looking for some good, old-fashioned punk rock then pick up Chalet and let Kids & Heroes be the soundtrack to your next party.

Entrench by KEN Mode

Local noise-punk/metal/ hardcore trio KEN Mode are set to release their newest full-length release, Entrench, on Mar. 19 and it’s destined to be one of the best albums to come out of Winnipeg in 2013.

Entrench follows suit with KEN Mode’s previous albums, but with each release the band gets tighter, more mature, and seems to push their music to new places while still holding

true to their signature sound.

This album is loud, fast, and heavy, featuring vast walls of sound comprised of intricate guitar riffs, punchy bass licks, complex drum lines, and passion-

ate lyrics. Each song hurtles you into a vortex of buildups and breakdowns, destroying any preconceived idea of how a song should be structured. Just when you think you’re drowning in an ocean of noise, you get pulled back to the surface as the band leans into a catchy hook.

The album takes off with “Counter Culture Complex” propelling it forward at full speed. Songs like “The Promises of God” and “Why Don’t You Just Quit?” maintain this energy and sense of urgency, while tracks such as “The Terror Pulse” and “Figure Your Life Out” provide not only interesting song titles, but also more laid-back grooves.

It’s likely that Entrench could again garner some award attention, much like KEN Mode’s last release, Venerable, which won them a Juno award in 2012. This album is a must-have for fans of noisecore, metalcore, or whatever other derivative of some obscure music genre. It’s just good, OK? Forever Potential

by Sons of York

Sons of York provide 50s-inf luenced bubble gum pop with an indie edge that is the perfect soundtrack to any high school dance, and their new six-song EP is no exception.

Forever Potential is the fourth release from brothers Luke, Cody, and James Kennerd, and demonstrates a songwriting ability that is beyond their years. The songs on this album are poppy, well-composed, and filled with catchy hooks.

Sons of York clearly draw influence from bands such as The Strokes and OK Go, with songs like “Young Blood Unite” and “Smoke/Drink” featuring danceable drumbeats and infectious bass lines that will have you uncontrollably tapping your toes and bobbing your head.

Tracks “Answer” and “Sweet Sarah” are a bit more sentimental, with heartfelt lyrics and honey-dipped, three-part harmonies that provide a great balance to the aforementioned high-energy numbers.

Fans of fun, danceable indie pop should surely pick up Forever Potential, and keep your eyes peeled for future releases from Sons of York.

Anhedonia

by This Hisses

Anhedonia is by far This Hisses’ strongest release to date, leaving behind their garage rock aesthetic and moving towards a darker and more evil-sounding brand of rock and roll that embodies a new wave/post-punk vibe and borrows influence from bands like the Smiths and Joy Division.

Guitarist Patrick Short takes a front seat on many of the tracks on this album, leading the charge with guitar lines that drive the melody and still seem to know exactly when to fall into the background and let lead singer/ bassist Julia Ryckman take the reins with her warbly, operatic pipes.

The second track on the album, “Blacksmith,” very audibly demonstrates this new change of influence for the band with Ryckman’s very Morrissey-esque vocal approach, while “The Long Slow Crawl” and “Winter’s Grip” take the band in more of an aggressive, punk direction.

It’s clear that This Hisses have found their groove and will likely only continue to grow stronger with each album released. If you haven’t yet checked out This Hisses, then Anhedonia is the album to pick up.

25

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

Sports

26

Bison athlete profile Wilfred Samking, sprinter Marc Lagace, staff

M:

What’s your favorite event to com- M: pete in?

When you’re not competing or training, what do you do to unwind?

WS:

Probably the 60 metre; it’s short and sweet. Then for outdoors, the 100 metre—once again because it’s short and sweet—but I’m also a hurdler.

Some days I really enjoy hurdles. If you have a really great hurdle race it’s more rewarding than a really good sprinting race.

M:

What is your daily routine on a race day?

WS:

I

n his third year at the University of Manitoba, Wilfred Samking has proven himself as one of the fastest sprinters in the CIS, and the fastest man on campus*.

Samking raced to a bronze medal with a time of 6.89 in the 60-metre sprint at the 2013 Canada West Track and Field Championships held in Regina Feb. 22 and 23. He was then seeded fourth in the nation in the men’s 60 for the 2013 CIS Track and Field National Championships, held March 7-9 at the University of Alberta. Having qualified to compete in both the 60m and as a member in the 4 x 200 metre relay, Samking finished sixth in the 60m final with a time of 6.94.

The Manitoban got an opportunity to sit down and talk with Samking,

just days before the Bison Track and Field team took off to Edmonton for nationals.

The Manitoban:

When and how did you get involved in track and f ield?

Wilfred Samking:

From there, my senior year in high school, I decided just to stick with track and so I left basketball. Since then I’ve been quite serious with [track and field].

M:

If you weren’t focused on track and field, would you be playing basketball instead?

From a very young age, I was one of the fast kids. In elementary school, before you play any ball sports—or WS: stick sports in the case of hockey— You know, probably not, because [the] first thing you do is you run. I was good, but I wasn’t the greatest.

There was always a lot of positive rein- With basketball, it can be a little bit forcement from my friends. Through political, unlike track. If you run a high school I was mostly a basketball really good time, no one can really player – then my coaches from Fort tell you anything – you’re just one of Richmond, Keith Redfern and Andre the best. With basketball, it’s a little Favreau, they really pushed me and bit harder to gauge that. said, “you could be really special.”

I usually wake up three or four hours before my race. That way, your body has a chance to wake up because when you wake up you’re pretty groggy. I don’t eat very much, actually; I usually bulk up the night prior to [the race] with pasta. So I usually eat something small like a banana or a little bit of cereal. But I can’t hold very much in my stomach. It might be nerves, but it might just be because I’ve done [the same routine] for such a long time.

M:

WS:

I like dancing. There are a lot of people who like to go to the bar for other reasons, but generally when I go it’s to dance. I find it boring to stand around.

M:

Seems like you’ve always got to be on the move…

WS:

Not always. I do like to stay in as well, because sometimes I am very exhausted. But, if it is to do something that’s not track that’s enjoyable, it’s usually going out with friends and dancing.

M:

Do you have any idols, or people who give you inspiration to keep working hard?

WS:

Probably my mom—that’s probably the most immediate [inspiration]—and I always have support from god I feel, so those are my main two idols.

What sort of training do you go through to improve your speed as a sprinter? *Note: the claim that Wilfred Samking is the fastest man on campus is WS: purely speculation on the part of We train six times a week. Monday, the reporter, based on his impresWednesday, and Saturday are your sive sprint times in competition. If speed days. That’s speed endurance, anyone reading this is interested in and speed coming out of your blocks. challenging this claim, please contact Speed endurance is your [longer runs]. the Manitoban’s sports department You need to work on your endur- so we can test your sprinting ability. ance, and then since I’m a sprinter everything is shorter but it’s higher photo courtesy of bison sports intensity.

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 25 March 13, 2013

Sports

27

Selfish decision plagues Canada at World Baseball Classic National team crashes out of WBC as top players stay home Derek Gagnon, staff

I

n the months leading up to the 2013 catcher of the Pittsburgh Pirates was World Baseball Classic, it seemed the best option for Canada behind the as though Baseball Canada might plate, but decided not to take reprebe able to field a truly competitive senting his country seriously and was team and achieve some tournament resolute that if he was going to play it success. was going to be at shortstop.

Canada finished in 13th place at the Martin had never played pro at 2009 edition of the World Baseball third base, and neither Team Canada Classic. Since then, Canadian base- nor his pro club in Pittsburgh thought ball players have become amongst the it was a good idea for him to play out biggest names in the Major Leagues, of position. Rather than accepting so if everybody showed up they could the offer to play catcher, he made up field a truly competitive lineup. his mind to quit the team when he Not everybody showed up. didn’t get his way.

The bad news began when the likes Pretty childish stuff from a of Ryan Dempster, who would have 30-year-old “pro.” been Canada’s best starting pitcher, With that decision, it came down and outfielder Jason Bay declined to Chris Robinson, a career Minor invitations to play. Pitchers Rich Leaguer, to be behind the plate for Harden and Jeff Francis would have Canada. Unlike Martin, who whined also bolstered the Canadian rota- about having to learn the nuances tion, but declined the option to play. of a new pitching staff, Robinson These players, while good, are in the took to the role and was one of the autumns of their pro careers, and the most consistent Canadian players in fact that the tournament occurs less Round 1. than a month before the start of the Joining him were veteran Major Major League Baseball season makes Leaguers Justin Morneau, John it understandable to an extent, but Axford, Michael Saunders and 2010 it is still disappointing, as they put National League MVP Joey Votto. themselves before their country.

Unfortunately, the pitchers throwThe most selfish of all decisions ing to him weren’t nearly as good. had to go to Russell Martin. The Canada was bombed in a 14-4 loss in

illustration by james culleton

game one against Italy, as the mercy rule came into effect.

Canada put in a great effort against Mexico – the two sides fought it out both literally and figuratively as Canada eliminated Mexico with

a 10-3 win, setting up a winnermoves-on-loser-goes-home match against the U.S. on Mar. 10. Canada jumped out to an early lead, but poor late inning pitching and coaching saw them blow a lead and lose 9-4.

One can only imagine how the results may have differed if Canada’s elite players had been more concerned with the name on the front of the jersey, as opposed to the name on the back.

The 2013 Manitoban Hockey Pool brought to you by Marc Lagace, staff

W

e’re more than halfway through the NHL season (and into the last month of the hockey pool) and things are certainly heating up in both the league and pool standings.

I was interested in seeing whether or not the teams currently in a playoff position were also averaging the most points in the hockey pool. Not including teams with only one player selected, the following teams are the best-averaging point-getters in the Manitoban pool:

1. Pittsburgh Penguins (avg.

36 points per player)

With a total of six players represented in the pool, the Penguins were an extremely safe pick in any box of the pool, and an annual

contender for the Stanley Cup. There’s really no weak link amongst the Penguins, as Kris Letang is the only Penguin player who hasn’t reached 30 points in the pool – yet.

2. Carolina Hurricanes (avg.

32.33 points per player)

Montreal currently sits atop the Eastern Conference with a record of 16-5-4. Two of the three Montreal players in the pool—Max Pacioretty and Carey Price—are big reasons for the Canadiens’ success. Pacioretty leads the team with 21 points, while Price has picked up 13 wins (including two shutouts) in 20 starts.

3. Montreal Canadiens (avg.

30 points per player)

Montreal, Pittsburgh, and Carolina currently make up the three Eastern Conference division leaders.

Surprisingly absent amongst the top ten point-getting teams in the hockey pool are any of the division leaders in the Western Conference.

The Anaheim Ducks have scored 77 goals so far this season, but are the second-least penalized team in the NHL. That has helped

Of the three Hurricane players in the Manitoban pool, two are the Staal brothers: Eric and Jordan. Eric, the team captain, is one of the pool leaders with 44 points, and he’s certainly helping to boost the team average.

And yet, the Hurricanes are currently leading the Southeast Division with a four-point lead on the Winnipeg Jets.

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on the ice, but hasn’t worked out well for those who picked Ducks for their pool team.

In the case of Chicago, had we known that they would go on such an incredible run perhaps we would have included goalie Corey Crawford. His stats would have been among the goaltender leaders in the pool. Meanwhile, his teammate Patrick Kane (12 G, 15 A) would have been a great pick – if penalty minutes weren’t a factor.

In the matter of Vancouver, no one in the pool seemed to have much confidence in the Canucks. Of the four players included on the entry form, only two were selected by a total of three pool entrants. It also didn’t help that there was the mother of all goalie controversies surrounding the team at the start of the season.

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Sports

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 25 March 13, 2013

UFC brings bloodsport to the Peg Mixed Martial Arts event to occur at MTS Centre on June 15 Derek Gagnon, Staff

T

he Octagon is coming to fights in Canada, the undercard Winnipeg! fights promise to have some good T he U lt imate F ight ing Canadian Mixed Martial Arts talent, Championship will host UFC 161 with Sean Pierson of Toronto already at the MTS Centre on June 15, as signed on to fight in welterweight the UFC tries its hand in a new action. No, there will be no Georges Canadian city, having previously St-Pierre on this card, as the premiere hosted events in Vancouver, Toronto, Mixed Martial Artist from Canada and Montreal. will be between fights after his title “We’re proud to add Winnipeg bout against Nick Diaz this upcomto our list of Canadian UFC cities,” ing weekend. said Tom Wright, UFC director of An interim bantamweight title operations for Canada, Australia, fight is slated to occur between and New Zealand. “The city has an Renan Barao and Eddie Wineland, impressive resume in terms of teams as the two fighters go at it at 135 lbs. including the Jets and Bombers as However, the big draw of the evening well as major events such as the Grey has to be a pair of light heavyweight Cup and Pan Am Games. We can’t fights between UFC veterans. wait for Winnipeg to experience the Mauricio “Shogun” Rua will face UFC.” Antônio Rogério “Lil Nog” Nogueira, “Canadians love their MMA and and “Suga” Rashad Evans will be we love bringing it to them,” added taking on Dan “Hendo” Henderson.

UFC president Dana White. “There These are fights of surprising qualare many Canadian cities on our ity, as each of those four fighters has radar and we hope to visit as many established themselves in MMA as possible.” with over 20 bouts.

“We’re excited to make Winnipeg Those two bouts alone should happen and can’t wait to bring a be enough to fill the MTS Centre, stacked card to the MTS Centre.” provided the tickets aren’t too costly.

White looks to be good to his We’ll find out if that’s the case when word, as the fight card is shaping tickets for the event go on sale on up nicely. Just like in the previous April 12.

illustration by silvana moran

Not your childhood toboggan Beausejour hosts 51st annual Canadian Power Toboggan Championships Bryce Hoye, staff

S

now machines scream around an hour, with the winner of the day’s for this year’s weekend of races was ice oval, filling the air with the Pro Champ 440 Final, Jordan Wahl, upwards of 4,000. smell of burning engine oil. Such was charting among the fastest. Amy “We had a great crowd, we had a the atmosphere on Mar. 2nd and 3rd Boyd took home top honours in the great turnout for racers. We covered in the town of Beausejour at the 51st Women’s Formula 500 Final. pretty much all of North America,” annual Canadian Power Toboggan Though Wahl and Boyd make it noted Andy Baker.

Championships (CPTC). look effortless, it takes tremendous “We had guys from as far south as “During the March 1997 races, we skill to ride a snowmobile on ice, sur- Texas and all the way [ . . . ] from B.C. could hear the sounds of sleds racing rounded by other snowmobiles, all to New Hampshire.” from inside our house. Out of curios- racing at high velocities within arm’s Baker is the director of the CPTC, ity, we bundled up our children aged reach of each other. The quality of the a former racer, a member of the ice two and five years and went to the ice and the temperature outdoors can oval Snowmobile Hall of Fame, and race track to see what all the ‘noise’ influence the tempo and safety of the his father was one of the original orgawas about,” said CPTC photographer races. The ice oval is between 12 and nizers in the early 60s. Unlike other Darryl Gershman in an interview 18 inches thick and, depending on ice oval tracks across North America, with the Manitoban. weather conditions, by the end of the Beausejour’s track is run entirely by After moving to Beausejour in 1996, races that can change dramatically. volunteers. Baker and other board Gershman and his family quickly One year, reflected Gershman, tem- members work tirelessly throughbecame involved with the CPTC. peratures rose to 14 degrees Celsius out the year to make the CPTC a “We saw that the CPTC races were “and it was a ‘race’ to finish the races success. a world-class event in our own back- before the track melted.”

According to Baker, though the yard and decided to get involved as According to Gershman, economical woes still facing large volunteers,” remarked Gershman.

Beausejour’s CPTC Raceplex is parts of the U.S. have led to less Though he is the resident photog- recognized as one of the safest ice American entries, the sport as a whole rapher now, Gershman started work- oval tracks in North America. is expanding its Manitoban base of ing behind the scenes in the canteen “Flax bales surround the entire racers. and was eventually put in charge of half mile oval, and these bales have “We have a really good turnout recording racers’ speeds using radar – saved many racers from serious inju- of local racers now and that’s really a responsibility his 17-year-old daugh- ries over the years. An ambulance is encouraging,” remarked Baker in ter has upheld the last 10 years. always at the track during the races an interview with Steinbach Online, “We were never motor sports fans if needed. But injuries are a risk that adding, “It also helps our crowd but there was something about watch- racers accept when they participate because local people like to watch ing these snowmobiles racing around in the sport.” local racers.” the ice track at 160 kph that fascinated Every year the rural Manitoba “The sport itself is growing us,” noted Gershman. town attracts riders and fans from and we are getting more young Indeed, top speeds from Mar. 3 all over North America to take in the people involved so that’s always were closer to 170 kilometres per competitive fringe sport. Attendance encouraging.”

photos by bryce hoye