18 March 2015

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

News

Getting the bus rolling U-Pass given green light by city committee Page 6

Feature

The shitty feature Enjoy these nuggets of wisdom Page 12-15

Vo l 1 0 1 · N o 5 5 · M a r c h 1 8 , 2 0 1 5 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

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Index

VOL. 101 NO. 55 March 18, 2015

Editorial

Editor-in-Chief Fraser Nelund

No laughing matter

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Angela England

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Advertising Coordinator Sara Bulloch

A look at the impact of Jon Stewart and the Daily Show

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Editorial

Senior News Editor Dana Hatherly

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

page 7

News Editor Ethan Cabel

news@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

Comment Editor Tom Ingram

Science

comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Meowsical

Managing Editor Craig Adolphe

me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

Cats are found to have a preference for certain purr-cussions

science & technology Editor Chantelle Dubois

science@themanitoban.com/ 474.6529

arts & Culture Editor Lauren Siddall

arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Sports Editor Mike Still

sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Copy Editor Carlyn Schellenberg

page 9

copy@themanitoban.com/ 474.6520

Arts & Culture

Seeing the city

Urban enthusiasts congregate to share passion

Design

Design Editor Bradly Wohlgemuth

design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Graphics Editor Bram Keast

graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Photo Editor Carolyne Kroeker

photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

design associate Scott Ford

scott@themanitoban.com

graphics associate Evan Tremblay

page 19 Sports

Moose memories

Counting the points of our former AHL team

evan@themanitoban.com

Reporters

News Seamus Hamilton-Pattison News vacant Science Jeremiah Yarmie arts & culture Ian T.D. Thomson arts & culture Alana Trachenko Sports Andy Che Assistant copy editor Kristy Hourd

Volunteer Contributors

Graphic provided by Winnipeg Urbanist Meetup

page 24

Correction

The last paragraph of the Mar 11 article "American army deserter speaks at U of M" should read: "The standard involves being outside of your country of nationality or place of last habitual residence, and/ or unable or unwilling to return to that country on account of a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality membership in a particular social group or political opinion," Khoday said of Canada's refugee status requirements.

Jordyn Lerner Kaitlyn Gibson Tim Brandy Kyle Lees Will Gibson Josh Labossiere

Gilles Lesard Dany Reede Claire D. Falgui Aldo Rios Emma Higgs Renata Raksha

Ryan Stelter Lauren Gowler Justin Krantz Caroline Norman Justin Ladia

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News

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

UMSU election leaks examined Chief electoral officer says rules were followed on spoiled ballots, scrutineering Seamus Hamilton-Pattison, staff

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he chief returning officer of the leave the counting room until all balUniversity of Manitoba Students’ lots have been counted or they have Union (UMSU) 2015 General received express permission from the Election assured the Manitoban last CRO to do so.

Turnbull, who was seen enterweek that there were no irregularities in the vote-counting procedure after ing and exiting UMSU Council several questions were raised after chambers during the ballot count, late night vote recounts produced a said that he did so at the request of close result.

Keena. Turnbull was a scrutineer for This year’s UMSU election saw students living with disabilities canevery executive member elected by a didate Andrew Fenwick.

However, Turnbull told the small margin, with no winning candidate surpassing 56 per cent of the Manitoban that he was permitted to vote. The result of the election was a enter and exit due to his participamixed executive slate of four execu- tion in the process as a liaison, not tives from Your UMSU and one from a scrutineer.

“The person I was scrutineering for Clear Slate, with Zach Leclerc beating out Your UMSU’s Christopher was no longer in consideration, but Bélanger for vice-president internal I had already been in the room so I by just over 200 votes. decided to act as an UMSU liaison Information was leaked to the to Jacqueline to help her get supplies.

Manitoban earlier in the night that I went and printed the affidavits and a mixed slate was likely. The final also helped her write the affidavits results of the election were not deter- for the poll clerks, the ballot counters, mined until approximately 4 a.m. and scrutineers,” Turnbull said.

“Then I went and got sharpies, got following a rigorous recounting and people coffee, did that kind of stuff. scrutineering process.

Both chief returning officer I never once scrutinized a ballot Jacqueline Keena and outgoing or looked at a ballot on the second UMSU president Al Turnbull told count.”

There were other individuals seen the Manitoban that the ballot counting process was conducted in accor- entering and exiting the council chambers, but Turnbull attributed dance with UMSU bylaws.

The University of Manitoba this to a few modifications in perStudents’ Union bylaws state that sonnel between the initial count and scrutineers—individuals selected by recount of the ballots.

“When we were doing the recount, each slate to observe the ballot counting process—are not permitted to we realized there may have been a

flaw with how many ballot counters have been free to speak about the there were in proportion to our scru- initial results. tineers. We added two more scruti“It would have been impossible for neers on each side. We eliminated anyone to speculate who was going to more than half of the ballot counters win during the recount, but the room and had it so that every single ballot knew the numbers and then half of was scrutinized,” he said. them were let go. Right away, I knew The Manitoban observed on elec- that was an issue,” he said. tion night that several candidates seemed to have access to informa- Spoiled ballots? tion about the vote counting process One of the Your UMSU slate’s throughout the evening. appointed scrutineers told the Keena told the Manitoban that she Manitoban that several inflammatory did not observe any leak of detailed ballots had been discovered during information from the count room. the count – many bearing messages “In terms of telling people what to the effect of “Fuck you Bélanger.” was happening or how it was going, This message is presumed to be in the only things that were relayed to reference to Bélanger’s controversial candidates were through scrutineers Twitter and Instagram posts where that were in the room and all that he made derogatory statements they were told was, ‘it’s close and about women. The posts, which we’re doing a recount.’ They were were mainly from 2012 and 2013, were certainly asking for more informa- unearthed during the election camtion, but we just didn’t have anything paign and reported by CBC News concrete to tell them,” she said. and an anonymous blog.

The only potential source of specific However, the inflammatory stateinformation for candidates and oth- ments may not have resulted in the ers present outside UMSU Council ballots being discounted. chambers during the election was The University of Manitoba identified by Turnbull as 10 ballot Students’ Union ballot counting counters that were sent home immedi- bylaws state that a ballot shall be ately following the election’s first count. considered valid if it “indicates clear Turnbull told the Manitoban that voter preference for one of the options he did not know this with absolute on the ballot.” certainty, but did confirm that the 10 The ballot constitution, written ballot counters did not sign anything and enacted on March 6 of this year, like a nondisclosure agreement prior was provided to the Manitoban by the to leaving the room, so they could CRO. It states that “any pictures or

words written will indicate a spoiled ballot.”

Keena declined to comment on whether the ballots in question were rejected or not, adding she does not want to “encourage students to try and do something unique to their ballots to have it talked about in the future.”

Keena stated she did not consider the alleged “Fuck you” ballots to be representative of an orchestrated effort.

“The instance of those ballots was so slim that I can’t imagine there was any sort of pattern or reasoning behind it [ . . . ] it was a very small number, to the point where I didn’t really think that was much of a trend during the actual ballot count.”

Keena also assured the Manitoban that she had specific documentation prepared to guide her rulings on spoiled ballots in general.

“I have a ballot constitution that was created before the recount and it just outlines a variety of different examples of ballots that could be contentious and whether or not they are spoiled,” she said.

“In a lot of incidences it’s an ‘x’ on one, a check on another, and one of them is scribbled or partially erased.

Each scrutineer is able to make a good case for why it should be counted for their candidate, but I don’t want to make assumptions about what the voter was trying to do.”

photo provided by UMSU CRO Jacqueline Keena

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News

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

Officials call for tuition elimination Cape Breton University leaders seek to eliminate post-secondary tuition Dana Hatherly, staff; with files from Paul Bell

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ape Breton University (CBU) phased introduction of tuition-free University of Manitoba Faculty officials released an open letter higher education (backed by a pro- Association president Thomas Kucera last week demanding that the federal gressive system of taxation at the fed- responded that the association is government and provinces develop a eral level and targeted living expense aware of the campaign and the open strategy to eliminate tuition fees for grants at the provincial level).” letter on the elimination of tuition. post-secondary education.

The plan proposes free tuition “for He would not comment further until Cape Breton University president all those who require it, including all the executive council and board of David Wheeler, faculty association First Nations students” before even- representatives have had the opporpresident Scott Stewart, and students’ tually abolishing tuition fees alto- tunity to consider it. union president Brandon Ellis are call- gether after consultation between the When asked for comment on the ing on governments to eliminate stu- provinces and the federal government. matter, John Danakas, executive direcdent tuition rates in a letter addressed Although higher education is part tor of marketing and communications to federal political parties as well as of provincial and territorial jurisdic- at the U of M, said that Barnard has the provincial Liberal government in tion, university officials from Cape spoken publicly on the matter of tuition.

Nova Scotia.

Breton argue that only federal fundAs part of the wider U of M budThe three university officials from ing will induce the potential for sys- get discussion in preparation for up to CBU urged their counterparts across temic nationwide change. Campaign four per cent budget cuts to academic the country to sign onto the letter. organizers suggest that eliminating and non-academic units, Barnard The letter is intended to “appeal tuition and providing needs-based spoke out against low tuition fees. to the leaders of Canada’s federal grants would eliminate student debt, University administration has political parties to seek a new stra- equating the merits of their proposal justified the proposed cuts as a nectegic relationship with the country’s with the introduction of publicly- essary response to various financial vital but currently underfunded and funded national health care. constraints—specifically, insufficient undervalued universities.” government grants, rising faculty salWith tax-funded tuition existing U of M officials respond aries, and low tuition—stating that in over 40 countries, and tuition-free University of Manitoba president the university’s budget challenges models in Finland, Germany, and David Barnard and UMSU president are in line with what is happening at Norway as their bases for comparison, Al Turnbull were not contacted by universities around the country. the CBU leaders are calling for “the CBU about the letter.

In a recent lecture organized by

the Student Action Network at the U of M, Alan Sears, a sociology professor at Ryerson University, spoke about the economic state of post-secondary institutions as part of a series of rallies and meetings with regards to the university’s planned budget cuts.

“The cutbacks here [ . . . ] are part of a broader pattern of transformation across the university system in Canada and, in fact, globally,” said Sears to the crowded U of M lecture hall, opposing what he refers to as the neoliberal restructuring of universities.

“The universities everywhere are under tremendous stress of restructuring.”

Turnbull told the Manitoban that he thinks the CBU letter on tuition is a phenomenal campaign.

“I would need to know more about the political climate [in Nova Scotia] though; it could be different than here. This is certainly worth exploring further,” he said.

On behalf of UMSU, Turnbull argued that improved federal financial support is required to create more sustainable change in post-secondary

funding.

In Manitoba during the 1990s, government funding in general decreased relative to past levels.

As the UMSU website points out: “Massive federal funding cuts to postsecondary education along with the ensuing cuts in provincial operating grants to Manitoba universities and colleges resulted in tuition free increase of more than 170 per cent.”

For about a decade from 19992009, tuition fees across the province remained frozen under the NDP government. Tuition fees were subsequently increased by 4.5 per cent in 2009. Since 2011, tuition increases have been capped at the rate of inflation.

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada recently compiled a report on Statistics Canada research regarding tuition fees paid by full-time students at their member institutions across Canada.

Their report found that CBU students pay $5,097-6,119 per year for post-secondary education, whereas U of M students pay $3,397-3,961 for their full-time studies.

VOL. 101 NO. 55 March 18, 2015

News

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5 Days for the Homeless Six U of M students camp in front of University Centre to raise money and awareness for homeless youth Craig Adolphe, staff

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ix students will be sleeping out- been co-ordinated by business studoors from March 15-20 in front of dents, but has received support from University Centre as part of “5 Days other faculties. for the Homeless,” a national camThe Arthur Mauro Students’ paign to raise funds for the homeless. Association and the Arts Student The University of Manitoba is one Body Council are both sending of 26 Canadian universities and the guest sleepers for one night each. only one in Manitoba to participate Student associations have offered in the campaign this year. Commerce financial support as well, with the Students’ Association president Dale Arthur Mauro Students’ Association Camuyong, UMSU president Al donating $300, the Arts Student Turnbull, Karli Kirkpatrick, Riaz Body Council donating $1,000, and Mahmood, Alannah Matte, and an as yet undetermined amount to be Deanna Mirlycourtois have signed donated by the Residence Students’ up as sleepers for Association Council. the U of M’s cam“People are paign. Camuyong, Kirk-Fisher told Kirkpatrick, the Manitoban that sleeping out Mirlycourtois, the committee had on the streets and Matte are placed a high priority on reaching out business students; – people our both Turnbull and to faculties outside age. What on Mahmood are arts of Asper and that students. they had found earth must Funds raised that students from have happened

by U of M stuother faculties were dents will be receptive to workat home that going to Resource ing on the 5 Days campaign.

Assistance for sleeping outside “It’s been great to Youth (RaY), a is the number have [the support local non-profit of other faculties]. that works with one option?” – Winnipeg’s homeWe’ve had troubles Dale Camuyong, in the past with less youth. As everyone thinking of March 16, the Commerce it’s an Asper event, 5 Days for the and Asper only, so Homeless U of Students’ we only have the M campaign had Association Asper volunteers, raised $4,385 of we only have the their $20,000 goal. president Asper donors,” The campaign Kirk-Fisher said. was first developed by three students from the University “We’re trying to do everything we of Alberta’s School of Business in can this year to make everyone realize 2005 as part of an effort to raise money it’s a university campaign rather than for homelessness. In their first year, just an Asper campaign.” the group raised $2,000 for a local Camuyong said that the 5 Days emergency shelter. Since then, it has event was reflective of what impact grown into a national campaign, with the Commerce Students’ Association over $1,212,000 raised for a variety of and the Asper school of business hope charitable agencies across Canada. to have on the community.

Participants in the 5 Days cam“We’re more than just a business paign are expected to follow certain school. I think we really try to be rules while living outdoors. well-rounded contributors to the They must remain on campus, have community that we’re operating in. no income, have no food or drinks And it’s not just charity as well. We other than those provided through try to have an economic impact in direct donations, keep only a pillow terms of job placements. We try to and sleeping bag—although they have kind of a social impact, obvican be exchanged for an emergency ously, with our commerce socials and meal—have no access to showers or charities,” Camuyong said. facilities other than when campus “It’s weird to say, but I can say combuildings are open, sleep outside fortably that our focus on business unless weather becomes a health risk, is almost secondary, where our first continue to attend all classes, and focus is more so engaging in the comavoid personal communication media munity that we’re in, and obviously such as cell phones and social media. charity is a big part of that.”

In addition, participants are Camuyong said that youth homeexpected to write about their expe- lessness was an issue that more sturience or film themselves as part of a dents need to be aware of, and one contribution to the Five Days cam- that needed to be addressed. paign blog.

“People are sleeping out on the Alissa Smith and Chris Kirk- streets, people our age. What on Fisher, the co-chairs organizing earth must have happened at home the event, have been working with that sleeping outside is the number 12 other committee members since one option? Something must be January to plan the local leg of the wrong if sleeping outside is the best campaign. option,” he said.

“There are issues beyond Canada, The local campaign has largely

Photos by Carolyne Kroeker

and even beyond Manitoba in terms . . . ] special seeing that happen. of homelessness and poverty, but “Quite often there will be particithis is something that’s happening pants of ours that will go on to uniat home, and this is something that versity too. And I’ve heard that when I think people should be more aware they see that happen they’re really of in terms of their everyday lives.” thrilled to see that other youth and Alex White, director of communi- their peers care just as much about the cations and development for RaY, said topic and their well-being as they do.” that the funds raised by the U of M’s Over another dozen volunteers 5 Days campaign help fund essential will be assisting by co-ordinating services to youth who need them. He and staffing various other activities added that the 5 Days event can have throughout the week including bake a much more personal impact because sales in Drake Centre and University of its student involvement.

Centre, a food sale hosted by the “With the 5 Days event, in one University of Manitoba Marketing sense it’s fantastic to see all these Association, a pancake sale hosted young people to stand up for other by the University of Manitoba young people who’ve kind of been Leadership Organization, and 5 given a bad break. There’s something [ Acts for the Homeless, a fundraiser

event featuring five local performers at the Hub. The five acts will be local musicians George Semchuk and Leanne Pearson, comedian Ben Walker, and local bands Benowa and the Fighting Hellfish.

5 Acts for the Homeless starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Tickets will be available for sale in Drake Centre for $10, or $5 and two gently used pieces of clothing.

5 Days for the Homeless started at 5 p.m. on Sunday and runs until 5 p.m. Friday.

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News

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

City committee takes brakes off U-Pass implementation Universal transit program endorsed by unanimous vote Dana Hatherly, staff

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he universal transit pass (U-Pass) is now in the hands of Winnipeg city council and the University of Manitoba Board of Governors (BOG) after recommendations were made by the city’s standing policy committee on infrastructure renewal and public works, with major implications for the already controversial 2015 city operating budget.

The committee voted unanimously to endorse the U-Pass implementation on Monday.

“With the approval of the motion, recommendations will be sent to city council next week for adoption and the U-Pass will be implemented for September 2016,” Christian Pierce, UMSU vice-president external, told the Manitoban in an email.

“The U-Pass motion was recently sent to the [U of M BOG’s] finance committee where they put forward the recommendation for approval to the board.”

The BOG had not met as of press time. They must approve the finance committee recommendation in order to ensure that U of M students receive a U-Pass.

Monday’s decision by the infrastructure and public works committee is subject to each students’ association’s U-Pass proposal receiving approval by their respective university’s governing bodies, which is compulsory in order to move forward on any remaining recommendations.

“We are optimistic that the board will take the finance recommendation and approve the U-Pass motion.

This is the final step on UMSU and the University of Manitoba’s side of things,” Pierce said.

Pierce added that he has been in communication with Winnipeg Transit since January to discuss the implementation since they sent the motion to the city this month.

“Our communications included updates to them about where the university was at in terms of getting the U-Pass motion passed through the BOG,” he said, adding that he sought confirmation that the University

of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA) was to be included in the U-Pass motion.

“I also wanted to confirm that they were creating the plan with the UMGSA in mind as they weren’t a part of the original city council U-Pass motion in 2014.”

This rudimentary development regarding the U-Pass would give Winnipeg Transit authorization to proceed with plans to implement the program, having satisfied the conditions set by city council last February and following successful referendums held at participating post-secondary institutions.

The universal transit pass program is meant to provide students attending participating post-secondary institutions across the city with more affordable access to public transportation, paid for in part by a mandatory fee assessed to post-secondary students, tacked onto their tuition for each academic term.

This past November, students from those participating schools voted in favour of the U-Pass at the cost of $260 per fall and winter terms, in referendums held by UMSU, the UMGSA, and the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association.

At the U of M, 53 per cent of students voted in favour of the U-Pass.

A much higher proportion of U of W students voted in favour of the U-Pass, with 82 per cent voting in favour of the pass.

Monday’s infrastructure and public works committee at city hall had a busy agenda, with many relevant transit recommendations considered by councillors.

St. Norbert Councillor Janice Lukes is the chair the committee, alongside council members Shawn Dobson, Cindy Gilroy, and Devi Sharma.

Dave Wardrop, director of Winnipeg Transit, was the spokesperson from the transit department, reporting administrative cost analysis of the U-Pass to the committee on infrastructure renewal and public

the U-Pass implementation ensures additional service costs required for that university students are taking the the universal transit program, and bus at higher rates, with long-term charges for the planned purchases investment to improve the service of nine additional buses. for students and others who rely on The proposal from Winnipeg transit.

Transit included $5,164,000, financed Joseph Kornelson of local advo- by external debt, to be added to the cacy group Functional Transit 2016 capital budget in order to purWinnipeg stressed that transit users chase additional buses. Additionally, prioritize more buses and more fre- Winnipeg Transit recommended that quent bus service as well as conve- the city increase staff to accommonience, affordability, and minimized date higher ridership, adding more walking distance when it comes to bus operators, maintenance, and transit service. supervisory staff to their service team.

Improved frequency of service For those who have long been and more operating hours have been involved with the planning process linked to an increase in ridership, he for the U-Pass, the 2015 budget protold the committee. posal signals that their plans have Kornelson recommended that the begun to materialize. photo by Matt Duboff city invest $19.7 million, which con“Our initial discussions with memstitutes a 25 per cent funding increase bers of city council weren’t always works. to be used for more frequent service. positive and it took a lot of persisA number of student leaders were Some recommendations presented tent lobbying, working together, and also in attendance at the commit- to the standing committee include hard work to get the bus moving on tee meeting, including Pierce; Zach additional operating hours added to this one,” Fleisher said in an online Fleisher, chairperson of the Canadian transit routes identified to accommo- statement.

Federation of Students-Manitoba; date increased ridership as well as an “We’ve been there lobbying council Rorie Mcleod Arnould, University increase in the operating budget by members, seen it survive two referof Winnipeg Students’ Association $994,000 in 2016 for four months and endums, had our hopes and dreams president; and Laura Rempel, a $2,185,000 annual increase in 2017. dashed only to see it come back to life UMGSA president.

An augmented operating bud- in the form of a budget amendment.”

Fleisher told the committee that get would cover the loss of revenue,

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

Jon Stewart’s serious comedy The impact of The Daily Show Craig Adolphe, staff

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n Tuesday, Feb. 10, during the politicking and people responded. last minutes of The Daily Show, The news media began to cover the Jon Stewart announced that he would bill and it ended up being put into be resigning from his position as the law days later. show’s host sometime in 2015.

John Feal, founder of the In his brief speech to the audience, FeelGood Foundation, said that Stewart thanked Comedy Central although the applied pressure was for the opportunity to host the show, a team effort it was largely due to adding, “In my heart I know, it is Stewart’s contribution that it was a time for someone else to have that success. opportunity.”

“What Jon Stewart did was he litI can’t say that I’ve watched it con- erally shamed conventional media sistently since Stewart started. But I and the U.S. government into doing have watched every episode of The the right thing,” said Feal.

Daily Show for at least 10 years. Along Shaming conventional media was with every episode of the spin-off The ultimately the way in which Stewart Colbert Report before it went off the had the most impact on his show. air in late 2014, John Oliver’s new series Last Week Tonight with John Jim Cramer interview Oliver, and the early seasons of This In that same vein, Stewart Hour Has 22 Minutes and the Rick famously took Jim Cramer, host of Mercer Report – Canada’s closest CNBC’s Mad Money, to task in an parallels. Stewart’s brand of fake interview on The Daily Show, after news has been a constant through a back-and-forth between the two all of my adult life, and much of my through the media. adolescence.

Stewart criticized Cramer personIn that time I've witnessed the ally for his overconfident predictions impact of Stewart's serious comedy. and flippant attitude to investment Stewart took over as host of The advice leading up to the 2008 finanDaily Show in early 1999, bringing cial crisis. But his harshest criticisms his own brand of self-deprecating were reserved for CNBC, which he humour. He quickly established his suggested perpetuated a systemic failpersonal voice by honing in on politi- ure to provide meaningful coverage cal issues. He criticized political elites of the misdeeds on Wall Street that for failing to represent people’s inter- caused the financial crash. est through both corruption and genStewart had spent much of the eral ineptitude, and the news media past week criticizing CNBC for its for its frequent failures to hold them lack of critical financial reporting, to account. and the way they laid blame after Jon Stewart has played a major the financial crisis. Rick Santelli, a role in the media landscape over CNBC commenter, who had origithe last several years. Although he’s nally been scheduled to appear on the suggested laughs are always his first show, had criticized mortgages holdpriority, on a number of occasions his ers for their role in the 2008 financial influence has stretched beyond the crisis, calling them “losers.” world of late-night television.

Days before the Cramer interview, Stewart used his half-hour comedy Zadroga bill slot to point out the hypocrisy of In 2010, Stewart dedicated an commentators, who themselves had entire show to lambasting Senate not predicted the financial collapse, Republicans for filibustering the blaming their viewers for not seeZadroga bill. The bill promised to ing it coming. Particularly in light of provide medical coverage to first the network’s milquetoast, entertainresponders who were on the scene ment-style, coverage. after the September 11 attacks, and “The financial news industry is not would have been paid for by clos- just guilty of a sin of omission, but a ing tax loopholes. It had already sin of commission,” Stewart said in been passed by the house, and only his interview with Cramer. needed the approval of the Senate “CNBC sells itself as financial to be passed into law. Even though experts [ . . . ] And they have the the Democrats had a majority in the access to the CEOs. And yet they Senate and had enough support to didn’t catch any of this. And yet here pass the bill the Republican caucus they are blaming people who don’t was able to prevent it passing by stall- have the financial expertise and saying debate. ing they’re part of the problem.”

“This is an outrageous abdication of Cramer tried to defend his work our responsibility to those who were at CNBC, to no avail. most heroic on 9/11,” said a visibly “I understand that you want to irate Stewart in his monologue. make finance entertaining,” said Stewart interviewed a panel of Stewart in the final minutes of the four of the first responders who had episode. “But it’s not a fucking game.” each developed medical conditions, It was probably the closest our in the last segment of the episode. It generation will ever get to a Frost/ was impossible to directly connect Nixon moment. their illnesses to their work after the attacks and without coverage pro- Crossfire cancellation vided by the Zadroga bill they were Stewart also famously played a not covered for their medical bills. role in the demise of the long-running The episode put a face to those suf- CNN debate show Crossfire, which fering as a result of the Republican’s originally ran from 1982 to 2005.

The show, which was co-hosted by left and right archetype pundits Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson, had people from opposite ends of the political spectrum—political spectrum being as narrowly defined as you would expect from a 24-hour news channel—“debate” in front of a live studio audience.

Stewart made an appearance in October 2004 to promote The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Book): A Citizen’s Guide to Democracy Inaction, a book he co-wrote with members of his staff.

Being a vocal critic of the coverage, and the very nature, of the 24-hour news channels, Stewart didn’t hold back in his appearance.

He started with a message to the show’s hosts.

“I made a special effort to come on this show today because I have privately, amongst my friends and also in occasional newspapers and television shows, mentioned this show as being bad. And I felt that that wasn’t fair and I should come here and tell you that it’s not so much that it’s bad as its hurting America. So I wanted to come here today and say [ . . . ] stop.

Stop hurting America. And come work for us.”

Stewart was both unrelenting graphic by Bram Keast and hilarious through his 10-minute interview. He pulled the show apart, calling out the show’s hosts for its received 44 per cent of the vote. the absurdity of our reality. theatrical format, which he argued, Brian Williams received 29 per cent.

At its best, comedy can make distracted from real debate. The stu- Katie Couric and Charlie Gibson ideas accessible. It can get past mendio audience was, more often than received 19 and 7 per cent of the vote. tal blocks and present information not, clearly in Stewart’s corner, as respectively. in a context that leave people more both of the show’s hosts tried to argue He’s been on duty through open to new considerations. I’ve taken the merit of the show’s existence. the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, courses in advanced sociological On Jan. 6, less than three months Hurricane Katrina, and the theory in which I was able to relate later, CNN announced that the show September 11 attacks. He provided most of the core ideas theorists and was being cancelled. criticisms of the Obama administra- philosophers put forward back to At the time, CNN president tion for its use of drone strikes, the George Carlin routines.

Jonathon Klein, suggested that department of veteran affairs’ failure Stewart has done something speStewart’s criticisms may have played in delivering benefits to veterans, and cial in bringing that medium to a a role in the decision. the Republicans’ ongoing denial of nightly format – drawing on current The New York Times reported climate change – all from a half-hour events every night to keep his show Klein as saying, “I agree whole- evening slot on a basic cable comedy topical and informative. But under heartedly with Jon Stewart’s overall network. all of that he’s still playing the role premise.”

Even though, more often than not, of the court jester.

He also suggested that Crossfire, he’s found his comedic muses in the or rather the essence of Crossfire, may political realm, Stewart has always Moving forward play a role on other CNN programs rebuffed commentators’ attempts to Stewart leaving The Daily Show “in small doses.” It may have turned label him as a newscaster or political will leave a hole in comedic news. out to be more than small doses as figure, claiming comedy will always Fortunately his time as host of the the show was revived for a second be his real work. show has had a significant impact. run from 2013-2014, and Stewart has In an interview with Fox News’s An entire generation of comedians spent the better part of the past 10 Chris Wallace, Wallace implied have come up under and around him years mocking CNN on a regular Stewart was an aspiring political who can carry that banner. People basis for their continued, over the top player and a left-wing ideologue. who have watched have seen a mastheatrical approach to news, describ- Stewart responded by asking Wallace ter walk the line between a cathartic ing the network as “terrible,” and dur- “What am I at my highest aspiration? comedy and informative news and ing an interview on Larry King Live, Who am I? Am I Edward R. Murrow make it through unscathed – relacalling its host, who had announced or am I Mark Twain?” tively so, anyways. plans to retire, “the last man out of a “The embarrassment is that I’m I am a great fan of what he’s done. burning building.” given credibility in this world because I’ll miss his New Jersey character; I’ll of the disappointment that the public miss his impersonations of Lindsey Stewart’s impact has in what the news media does,” Graham and Donald Trump; but Since taking over at The Daily said Stewart. When people identify more than that I’ll miss his tenacity Show Stewart has become a domi- Stewart as a newscaster they miss the and ability to take a seemingly nevernant voice in late-night television. No longer occupational tradition of jester, ending parade of bad news and turn one else has been as widely regarded. which Stewart consciously throws it into something hysterical. It’s been A 2009 online poll by Time mag- in with. Comedians like Stewart, a pleasure to watch. azine identified Jon Stewart as the Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, and most trusted newscaster, after the Rick Mercer, are able to bring light death of Walter Cronkite. Stewart to serious injustices by highlighting

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

Music to a cat’s ears Meow that’s a tune Jeremiah Yarmie, staff

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esearch shows that cats like “exposure session” under controlled human music to ensure that it was music, they just have different conditions. still “acceptable” for cat owners. taste than us humans.

The control songs used in the The researchers tested 47 pet cats Cats are stereotyped as being apa- study were “Elegie” by Gabriel Fauré in these music exposure sessions. The and “Air on a G String” by Johann exposures involved three-minute thetic about most things.

Does your cat love you? Sure – you Sebastian Bach. sessions of a cat-specific song played The cat-specific music was engi- alongside its respective control feed it and give it attention when it neered to incordesires some. counterpart.

Does your cat love your laptop porate tones that To ensure that Cats like music, when you’re working away at an fall within the freeach song was new important project? Probably – it’s quency range of and to the cats, they just not yours warm and any reason to bug you have similar tempos were only ever when you’re busy is good reason for to the vocalizations played once. that cats use for communication.

Cat behaviours were analyzed a cat.

This cat-specific music differs from twice, first in person during the Does your cat love the smooth grooves of Taylor Swift playing in human music since we typically do exposure session, and afterward by not share these frequency ranges and observing recorded footage. the background as you work away?

Well, probably not. Even Taylor tempos.

While listening to the control Swift’s cats probably don’t care much One cat song used in this study, music, the cats acted as their usual “Cozmo’s Air,” was composed with a indifferent selves. But when the catfor “Shake It Off.” specific music was played, some cats Perhaps this perceived apathy pulse reminiscent of purring.

The other cat song used, “Rusty’s would rub up against the speakers. is because we are trying to fit their round-peg interests into our square- Ballad,” had a pulse similar to the Collectively, the cats showed sound of kitten suckling. Salon’s notable preference and interest in hole human archetypes.

Cats don’t care about our music, Joanna Rothkopf wrote, “‘Rusty’s the cat-specific music. but they seem to enjoy music that is Ballad’ sounds mysteriously like a The researchers hope to carry this tailor-made for them (sorry Swift, not Sigur Rós track.” It is still unclear if work further and develop music that cats like Sigur Rós.

Taylor-made). uses ultrasound frequencies to act like The study, published in Applied Both pieces incorporated sliding “sonic catnip.”

Animal Behavioral Science, was car- frequencies, which are common in ried out by psychologists from cat meows but not in human speech. For more information about the University of Wisconsin. The Neither piece attempted to imitate cat-specific music, check out the website musicforcats.com researchers analyzed how cats reacted the cries of a cat. to deliberately-composed “speciesBoth cat-specific songs were, on average, two octaves higher than appropriate” music.

The researchers presented the the control songs. Despite this, the cat-specific music to pet cats in an two pieces contained elements of

graphic by Evan Tremblay

Foam prevents spilled beer How bubbles can help you get the most out of your drinks Jeremiah Yarmie, staff

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esearchers have figured out top of the liquid by flowing air into it, the bartender, a pint of Guinness may why carrying a glass of beer fitting our definition. The researchers be your best choice. seems so effortless when compared found that the bubbles prevented the Understanding how foam prevents to a glass of water. It’s all within the liquid from sloshing, as long as they sloshing has industrial applications. head of bubbles. touched the sides of the container.

Sloshing is a huge problem that When a volume of liquid is moved Five layers of bubbles were enough arises when large volumes of liquids about in a container, it tends to slosh to keep the sloshing to a minimum. are transported as cargo since the around the top. Depending on how Around 15 layers of foam prevented motion damages the liquid’s confast the container is going, the liquid sloshing completely. tainers. It is especially important to may even spill over the sides. reduce sloshing when transporting If this liquid is a drink, it may hazardous fluids. mean wet hands and the loss of some The benefits of using foam in A beer’s head of your beverage. If the drink is coffee industrial settings include being able prevents it from or beer, then it probably means that to store the liquid in a more stabilized the carrier is having a day that just way in any container, and the low sloshing around got a little bit worse. cost and ease associated with makPrinceton University researchers ing foam. used high-speed cameras to observe The energy from the waves of So when you show up to class late sloshing liquids. liquid sloshing about is dissipated with Starbucks, perhaps go for a latte The experiment involved a liquid through the friction caused by the instead of a regular cup of coffee. You mixture of water, glycerol, and a sur- bubbles rubbing against the sides of may be able to limit unwanted caffactant—Dawn dish soap—which its container. feine loss while you run to class. the researchers jerked around in a This damping effect increased rectangular container upon rails. with the amount of foam used – This study was published in Physics of The paper defined foam as “an more bubbles meant more friction Fluids. The article, entitled “Damping assembly of densely packed bubbles and more energy dissipated. of liquid sloshing by foams,” is open produced upon aeration of a surfacThis bubble effect can also be seen source. tant solution.” The glycerol was used when comparing sloshy black coffee to extend the lifetime of the bubbles. to stable and frothy pints of beer.

A layer of foam was added to the If you have a long walk back from

Graphic by Bram Keast

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

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Why student politics matter Cynicism is understandable Tom Ingram, staff

photo by Carolyne Kroeker

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his year’s election for the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) executive had a different character than usual. There was a sense that the stakes were higher than they’ve been in the past. Even my music friends—of all undergraduate students, the ones who are most disconnected from the broader campus community—were aware of and talking about the issues. Some of them even campaigned.

In the face of all this passionate involvement, a certain subset of people is inclined toward cynicism.

This group has sometimes included myself: this is the first UMSU election I have ever voted in. In the past I either was unaware of the election or refused to vote on the grounds that I didn’t want to encourage the bastards.

I’m not going to lecture anyone about the moral duty of voting. The cynical attitude makes a certain amount of sense when you’re talking about student politics: what can student politics possibly affect? I’m a busy guy, and I don’t have time to vote in an election that doesn’t matter to me.

After all, a vote is a greater time investment than the time it takes to go to the polls. If you’re unwilling or unable to track issues over time and understand the platforms of the different candidates, everybody including you is better off if you don’t vote at all.

A broad understanding of the role and significance of our leaders is a sine qua non of democracy. With that in mind, let’s talk about some reasons you should care: not wishy-washy statements of principle, but solid, practical reasons that your involvement matters.

They control a lot of money

The UMSU operating budget for 2014-15 is $1,232,500. That is a lot of money – more money than anyone around my age should be in control of. The 2013 Frosh Fest lost almost $150,000 due to poor management.

To me, that’s an almost unfathomable sum.

This money comes from student fees; it’s my money, it’s your money, it’s everybody’s money. We appoint executive officers to spend it—hopefully wisely—and we appoint councillors to authorize major spending decisions.

Your vote has a direct and measurable effect on who occupies these positions, and therefore on how this money is spent. By voting for UMSU executive officers and the UMSU Council representatives within your own faculty, you are playing a role in determining whether this money is managed well or poorly.

If you are at all interested in seeing that the collective wealth of U of M undergraduate students is spent on projects that are in our collective interests, then student politics ought to matter to you.

They run services you may depend on

Every cynic must eventually take a turn as Paul on the road to Damascus.

My own conversion happened when UMSU announced the closure of the Gallery of Student Art last summer – the same day they amended their statement to say that its budget had merely been gutted and its sole employee fired to be replaced with a clunky and amorphous volunteer program.

students depend on the Womyn’s Centre, Rainbow Pride Mosaic, and the Aboriginal Students’ Association.

For the culturally inclined, UMSU runs the UMFM 101.5 radio station and still grudgingly funds the Gallery of Student Art. They also provide some support to a certain publication you may have heard of.

You almost certainly depend on at least one of the services UMSU provides, and therefore have a stake in determining who manages them.

With the right people in control, these services can flourish. With the wrong people, they can be horribly mismanaged if they are allowed to continue to exist at all.

They negotiate with

As someone with a personal stake government and university in robust funding for the arts, this administration struck close to home. I got rather hapThe U of M’s Board of Governors hazardly involved in student politics, has three seats that are appointed by writing an open letter to UMSU UMSU. Outgoing UMSU president in ominous and bombastic Allan Al Turnbull sits on the senate, and Bloom-ish language and speaking the vice-president advocacy, Rebecca (poorly) at a council meeting after Kunzman, acts as an assessor. On sprinting across campus from a late a smaller scale, the student council rehearsal. I accomplished nothing, members in your faculty likely sit but a spark was ignited in me. in on faculty council, curriculum committee, and other meetings that have a major effect on the way the university is run, both on macro and If you have an micro scales. interest in public Zach Fleisher, chair of the Canadian Federation of Studentsand university policy Manitoba (CFS-MB), is the sole stutaking into account dent representative on Manitoba’s newly formed advanced education the needs and advisory committee. Christian Pierce, desires of students— outgoing UMSU vice-president external, is the UMSU representaand you do—then tive on the provincial executive for CFS-MB; a fact of incidental interyou have an interest est is that Pierce has not deigned to in student politics attend CFS-MB meetings during the present academic year.

The people that you elect to lead There are plenty of opportunities student organizations attend meetfor others to have a similar experience. ings and speak face-to-face with There are dozens of services and orga- major decision-makers. They play a nizations on campus run by UMSU. key role in representing the voices All official student groups receive at of students to our leaders, whether least some support from UMSU, even they be university administration or if it’s just help in setting up a website. provincial government.

The University of Manitoba Students’ Whether it’s negotiating with govUnion operates the Answers booths, ernment on the U-Pass or student which are among the very few places loans, or negotiating with U of M in Winnipeg where post-secondary administration on budget cuts, the bus passes are sold. right person can make all the differIf you live in residence, you may ence, while the wrong person can do a depend on the Bison Grocery Run poor job of representing you – if they if you intend to eat food. For sup- bother to represent you at all. If you port, resources, and education, many have an interest in public and uni-

versity policy taking into account the needs and desires of students—and you do—then you have an interest in student politics.

You have the power to make a difference

I understand electoral cynicism.

It is conceivable that, in certain large elections, the effect of your individual vote might be negligible. If you engage in other political activity, you might be having an effect much greater than that of your vote, and if you refrain from political activity altogether you at least aren’t muddying the waters.

But this is much less true as the elections get more and more local.

There are less than 25,000 UMSU members, and our voter turnout for elections has historically been low: this year’s figure is 21.9 per cent, which is uncommonly high for UMSU. This means that your vote is a noticeable portion of the total. It’s an even more noticeable portion of the difference between candidates: the closest executive race this year, for vice-president external, was won by just 94 votes.

This year all but one of the executive positions were won by a margin of less than 500. This means that a rather small number of uninvolved people deciding to vote might have made the election results entirely different.

Of course, getting that many people involved would noticeably lower the value of each individual’s vote. But 1/25,000 is still nothing to sneeze at. The University of Manitoba Students’ Union is a small enough community that if every single UMSU member came out to vote, each individual voice would still have a detectable effect on the result.

I am not interested in purveying platitudes about what is and isn’t your responsibility, and certainly nothing makes me angrier than people who suggest that not voting takes away your right to complain. I understand where the cynics come from, and I agree with them a lot of the time.

But the case for student politics is clear: they have a significant effect on the world around us, and you are able to have a significant effect on them.

If you are at all concerned about the way we are governed as citizens or the way we are led as people, I can’t see why you wouldn’t get involved.

VOL. 101 NO. 55 March 18, 2015

Leave us alone Proposed directorship an unwanted imposition on Bannatyne

annatyne is not Fort Garry.

While this statement is selfevident, it is not always so to the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU).

The most common UMSU strategy to woo the Bannatyne campus is to promise them Fort Garry. If Fort Garry has something, then Bannatyne must want it too. In the past, that’s meant an Answers booth, a speaker series, and dedicated office hours with the UMSU executive.

The results of these promises have been so-so. Bannatyne now has Answers. Its hours and functionality are much less than Answers of Fort Garry. Two years ago, while Fort Garry heard from George Stroumboulopoulos and Fred Penner, Bannatyne hosted Terry Fox’s younger brother, Darrell Fox. Fox is a worthy speaker, but he doesn’t have the same draw as George Stroumboulopoulos or Fred Penner. The UMSU executive has graced Bannatyne with their presence for office hours in years past, but these were as unpopular as you’d think they’d be.

In council, Al Turnbull mentioned the “isolation and alienation that Bannatyne experiences from the union.” He also said that Bannatyne students “aren’t as fully integrated into campus culture as Fort Garry students.” As a Bannatyne student, I disagree.

Bannatyne students are integrated in campus culture; it’s just a different campus culture than Fort Garry’s.

It’s important to remember that Bannatyne students are different than Fort Garry students in age and academic program. Bannatyne students are older. Since most of the Bannatyne programs require an undergraduate degree as a prerequisite for admission, it’s uncommon to see students who are fresh out of high school on campus. And unlike on Fort Garry, all Bannatyne

Whose student experience?

UMSU candidates failed to provide meaningful choice

Jordyn Lerner

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Comment 11

undergraduate students are in a professional program. This contributes to a distinctly Bannatyne campus culture.

Culture on Bannatyne is less political and more professional than Fort Garry. It’s very rare to see someone tabling for a cause; it’s even rarer to have a rally on campus.

Most posters on Bannatyne are for lectures and professional development opportunities.

Recently, UMSU has created a director of Bannatyne operations to better represent Bannatyne students. However, UMSU already has enough of a presence on Bannatyne campus.

Bannatyne currently sees UMSU twice a year. At the beginning of the fall and winter terms, UMSU uses student money to buy breakfast and lunch for Bannatyne.

Recently, UMSU increased expenses by buying Bannatyne breakfast and lunch for an entire week, rather than the usual three days.

The best thing that UMSU can do for Bannatyne students is to focus on issues common to all students. The University of Manitoba Students’ Union should continue to represent students on the board of governors, to administration, and the provincial government. They should advocate for high quality education in high quality facilities.

That’s not to say that UMSU has no role in Bannatyne-specific issues. UMSU can certainly assist in negotiations with the university regarding food options on campus, library hours, and Wi-Fi in hospitals. Bannatyne senior sticks and UMSU reps are more than capable of relaying those concerns to UMSU. Bannatyne doesn’t need its own director of operations to act as a middleman.

It’s great that UMSU takes an interest in Bannatyne from time to time. But while their intentions are good, their actions are not.

photo by Dana Hatherly

Kaitlyn Gibson

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nother UMSU election has come and gone. As tradition requires, students were bombarded with the fresh, enthusiastic faces of two different slates running to provide the best possible university experience for undergraduate students – or so they claimed.

As in past years, this election was characterized by a distinct lack of choice when it came to voting for a slate to represent students on campus. Both Your UMSU and Clear Slate ran on platforms that pivoted on issues such as Frosh Fest and new options for food services on campus. Both are legitimate points that are certain to draw the attention of many students.

But when it came to the possibility of budget cuts, student activism, lobbying the provincial government for lower tuition fees, making our campus accessible to low-income students and numerous other issues, both slates were relatively silent. Though these issues were not completely ignored, they were never centralized during the campaign.

University of Manitoba students were not offered many choices when it came to voting for the executive positions in our student union, and this is a systemic problem in our university political system. As a whole, we are uncomfortable with challenging the status quo on campus. Candidates ran on platforms related to the “student experience,” a phrase that was thrown around during the campaign. However, I would like to challenge the idea of the “student experience” on campus.

Many of us understand the challenges of being students in a neoliberal university – working one or two jobs to pay for tuition, fighting for the limited research jobs available on campus, trying to balance work and school with volunteering to add to our resumes and CVs, and so on.

For a lot of undergraduates, this is the “student experience.” And yet these things were not addressed by the candidates running for Clear Slate and Your UMSU. Both focused on the student experience that includes partying and relatively unimportant matters such as a new patio for the Hub. As the Your UMSU policy document suggests, the culture on campus is indeed changing. Capital and marketing projects are taking precedence over student education, and the university’s administration has yet to offer any compelling explanation regarding the three to four per cent budget cuts hitting the campus this coming year.

I would challenge the newly-elected executive officers of UMSU to remember that they are now the representatives of thousands of students, all of whom face issues that go beyond their weekend plans The culture will continue to shift towards profit-driven commodification of the university experience as students see class sizes increase and watch as professors are left without jobs, and courses are cancelled. Our campus is not immune to the commodification of education happening at universities nationwide, and yet the representatives of the undergraduate student

body are more concerned about expanding the scope of Frosh Fest and encouraging school spirit at sporting events.

Granted, it isn’t very much fun to think about this kind of student experience. A student protest just doesn’t have the same feel to it as a big, expensive music festival. And yet, as students, we are in a prime position to advocate for our rights and fight for better access to quality public education. Historically, students have been at the forefront of social movements, advocating not only for their own rights, but for the rights of many in society.

Neither slate adequately addressed the real issues that are hiding below the surface of our shiny new buildings or our expanded food court in University Centre. These issues only begin with the dilapidated Tier classrooms in contrast to new capital projects and expand to things like rising student debt in contrast to a contracting labour market. These issues are very real and they will worsen if students are unable to move in solidarity against the commodification of our education.

I would challenge the newlyelected executive officers of UMSU to remember that they are now the representatives of thousands of students, all of whom face issues that go beyond their weekend plans.

The University of Manitoba Students’ Union could organize powerfully against things like budget cuts, but it requires taking a stand for student rights and fighting for the true student experience: the right to an affordable, quality education that teaches students to think critically and stand up for their rights as individuals on campus and in the greater world.

photos by Chantal Zdan and Carolyne Kroeker

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

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Introduction to the shitty feature A look at the different ways we think about excrement Craig Adolphe, staff

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efecation is something that everyone deals with.

Although we don’t often talk about it, it plays a role in every person’s day-to-day life.

We use a variety of words to describe it: shit, crap, feces, scat, poo, turd, dung, droppings, excrement, and waste. Each has different connotations and is generally used in different contexts. Babies poop; animals leave dung, scat, or droppings; cities deal with waste; and you might “look like shit” after catching the flu.

The terms we choose to describe our excrement have a major impact on how we collectively think about it. Shit was the first of the seven dirty

words George Carlin famously said The intent was for our contributors When I began to explain the that “you could never say on tele- to take a more comprehensive and intent, members of our editorial vision,” and it’s still considered a analytical look at a topic board, including the shitOn vulgar word. that affects everyone’s topic skeptic, began On a societal level we tend to life but that’s norinterjecting with a societal think of feces as waste – a by-prod- mally reduced e x a mples of uct to be disposed of as opposed to a to something interesting ways level we tend to resource to be harnessed. A prophetic “gross.” topic could think of feces as waste the environmentalist friend of mine once At the be addressed. described our modern waste disposal most recent “What – a by-product to be system as “an extremely expensive meeting of the about how difdisposed of as opposed ferent cultures water slide for shit.” As you might Manitoban’s imagine he also took issue with the Editorial deal with it?” to a resource to be term “waste disposal,” preferring Board, at least “How about its harnessed the more shit-respectful “materials one editor was role in agriculture?” management.” incredulous at the “Someone could It’s this tension that I hoped we thought of focusing our write about the different could unpack in our shitty feature. next centrefold on excrement. words we have for it!”

To my joy, the conversation quickly ran away from anyone’s control – it turned out to be an engaging topic for us, and hopefully for you.

This feature will include a look at how human excrement was dealt with through history, a profile of Winnipeg’s sewage management system, a look at some medical bowel disorders, a poem about a parent’s experience, and a personal narrative about installing a composting toilet.

I hope this unconventional topic piques your interest, and that it makes you think about shit in a new light.

Winnipeg’s dilution dilemma A look at the city’s systematic problem with sewer overflow Dana Hatherly, staff

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long with the swift arrival of This past weekend, the City of The foundation feared that, spring comes Winnipeggers’ Winnipeg’s water and waste depart- although the sewage is diluted, worries about sewer overflow. ment website signalled an “increased there could be serious long-term Overflows occur when, during likelihood of overflows.” The cur- environmental impacts of dumping heavy rainfalls or rapid snowmelt, rent status has since dropped to “low it into rivers. Case in point, the city drainage exceeds the capacity of probability of overflow.” produces about seven per cent of the combined sewer systems, which are total phosphorus flowing into Lake designed to direct excess drainage Combined concerns Winnipeg, with overflows accounting into the river. When this happens, Combined sewer systems dis- for the largest identified, potentially the overflow does not reach the sew- charge drainage, including sanitary controllable source of phosphorus age treatment plant. Land drainage, sewage and stormwater, directly into entering the lake. Phosphorus is wastewater, and debris are discharged the river system, without it under- blamed for fuelling toxic algal blooms directly into the river system. going treatment at a plant. in the region.

In the same pipeline, One of the major On March 16, the Winnipeg “Experts issues leading to combined sewer standing policy committee on infrasystems are devel- structure renewal and public works, overf lows is say we have drastic variaoped to collect met to review a presentation of the to stop treating our tions from land drainage, prelinary 2015 operating and capital cold, to hot budgets. rivers and lakes like large enveloping and dry, to rainwater and Costs associated with sewage toilets” – Vicki Burns, Lake snowmelt, wet weather. discharge clocked in at $262 million During dry and waste- dollars, which counted for 82 per cent Winnipeg Foundation’s weather conwater drain- of the civic budget. ditions, small age—sewage "There's still more to come, because former outreach dams prevent from homes, busi- we have the combined sewer overco-ordinator nesses, and indus- flows that are still to come, so we're waste from discharging into the river, tries—transporting all working on a master plan," said a diverting sewage to the interto a sewage treatment plant. spokesperson from the water and ceptor system. In wet weather conFrom there, the amalgamated waste department. ditions, wastewater levels may rise drainage is ideally treated before Janice Lukes, the chair of the above the level of the dams, or weirs, being discharged into the river. standing committee, said the comcausing combined sewers to overflow However, not all discharge undergoes bined overflow presentation "coninto the river system. the process of wastewater treatment. veyed the pending doom and gloom" When river levels are high in Winnipeg’s wastewater collection facing the city.

Winnipeg, flood pumping stations system involves an intricate network Various North American cities are utilized to avoid basement flood- of sewer pipes, which ends up send- continue to rely on combined sewing, pumping excess diluted water ing about 910 million litres of diluted age systems, including Winnipeg. In into the river system. When river lev- sewage per year, directly into local mid-19th-century Europe, increased els are normal, flood pumps are not rivers – more than enough wastewater urbanization prompted cities to find required, with most drainage flowing to fill 364 Olympic-sized swimming “more efficient, aesthetic, and sanitary to treatment plants and some diluted pools. In 2013, the Winnipeg Sun esti- solutions for treating and disposing wastewater overflowing into the river. mated that costs to fix the issues were of sanitary wastewater, than backyard To track the probability of over- $2.5-4 billion. privies vaults and cesspool systems”; flows, the city maintains a sewer “Experts say we have to stop treat- thus began the practice of combining overflow information system, indicat- ing our rivers and lakes like large sanitary wastewater with stormwaing current conditions with regards toilets,” said Vicki Burns, the Lake ter, which was believed to effectively to recent overflows into the Red and Winnipeg Foundation’s outreach co- dilute the wastewater for discharge.

Assiniboine rivers. ordinator at the time.

Later developments in the sci-

photo by Dana Hatherly

ence of bacteriology proved links with outfalls located along the Red, between wastewater discharge, pol- Assiniboine and Seine rivers. luted receiving waters, and disease In Winnipeg, there are about 1037outbreaks. “With these advances, km of combined sewer pipes scouring the notion that dilution rendered the underground city. With some wastewater harmless became obso- pipes dating back to 1880, combined lete, and thus began a shift to treat- sewers make up to 31 per cent of the ing wastewater prior to discharge,” total sewer system. reads a report by the Environmental Although over 119-km of interProtection Agency. ceptor sewer pipes typically divert Although many older cities con- sewage from the combined system to tinue to operate combined sewers, the three local treatment plants, there are designs are no longer prevalent for 79 combined sewer outlets emptying building infrastructure in new com- overflow drainage directly into the munities, as the systems have been river system. proven to be flawed.

Winnipeg experiences about 22 The City of Winnipeg developed overflows annually. an interceptor sewer system in the 1930s to carry sewage in the combined The Sewer Overflow Information pipe to the North End Treatment System and incident reports, related to Plant. Before then, all drainage was interruptions in routine sewer system discharged into the river system, operations resulting in the release of without undergoing treatment. raw sewage into the system, are availCombined sewer systems con- able on the City of Winnipeg website. tinue to serve older areas of the city,

VOL. 101 NO. 55 March 18, 2015

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A brief history of the toilet A historical and cultural analysis Chantelle Dubois, staff

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or much of the Western world, the toilet is a modern convenience taken for granted on a day-to-day basis. Modern plumbing, water treatment, and sewage systems are perhaps some of the most important inventions to have enabled large cities to thrive, limiting the impact of water-borne illness and disease, and giving mankind the foundation to innovate and thrive in the modern day. The porcelain throne is the combined efforts of technology, science, and architecture, and is rarely given the credit it is due when it comes to how much its invention has impacted health and culture with respect to human life.

An excellent way to come to appreciate modern toilets and water systems is to take a look at the history of the latrine, and how it has changed over time.

Ancient Rome (753 BCE to 476 CE)

The Ancient Romans invented the aqueduct, one of the most important inventions of the ancient world.

The Aqua Appia, the very first aqueduct, was built in 312 BC to meet the growing need for water in Rome. The aqueduct remains one of the most effective ways to deliver water to cities, with similar systems being used in cities like Los Angeles.

The aqueduct consisted of a system of pipes, made from lead or concrete, which brought water from sources up to 97 kilometres away. Sedimentation tanks removed impurities, and siphons (curved segments of pipe which arched) enabled water to gain momentum to move upwards and overcome hills or elevation changes. in illnesses being spread quite easAdditionally, aqueducts were ily. Romans had yet to learn about capable of delivering 1,000 litres of bacteria. water per citizen per day, outpacing many water systems existing in the Middle Ages (400 CE to 1500 CE) modern world.

Toilet hygiene still required some When Ancient Rome fell, its aqueducts also fell. However, during improvement during the Middle the Renaissance, several aqueducts Ages. Toilets varied from being just were rebuilt and remain standing a hole in the ground with a wooden today. seat above them, or stone latrines built over bodies of water.

While the Romans were The very forward thinking In castles, “gardwith respect to effecerobes” were stone invention seats above a vertive water supply, toilet hygiene still tical shaft which of the toilet led to moats, or left much to be resembling more improved. a cesspool. Aside Toi l e t s in from toilets built of what we know Ancient Rome over moving bodtoday occurred were c o m m uies of water, waste would generally build nal, often the site of in 1596 discussion and social up in stagnant pools, engagement. The ancient creating conditions where sewer system carried waste away illness and disease thrived. Privacy through channels, just as modern still remained elusive, as garderobes plumbing does. However, supersti- remained shared facilities without tion led Ancient Romans to believe any sort of barriers to your neighbour. that demons lived in sewer systems However, instead of shared and that people were vulnerable to sponges on a stick, the wealthy in the possession when using the toilet.

Middle Ages used rags for cleaning.

The reason Romans believed this Other people used plants. was because since they didn’t have During the Middle Ages, many toilet paper, a communal sponge water-borne diseases tore through on a stick was used. This resulted towns, causing the death of a large

Graphic by Evan Tremblay

portion of Europe’s population.

One such disease was dysentery, which spread due to poor toilet hygiene. Dysentery causes inflammation of the intestines, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain.

Dysentery also had a large impact during the Crusades, causing many deaths and weakening armies.

The Black Death, or, bubonic plague, owed part of its rapid transmission to poor sanitation during the Middle Ages. Chamber pots were often emptied into the street, and waterways were contaminated and untreated before consumption. The Black Death claimed roughly a third of Europe’s population between 1347 and 1350.

1500s and forward

The invention of the toilet resembling more of what we know today occurred in 1596. Sir John Harington, a well-known inventor, wanted something better than a chamber pot. He invented the water closet, a chamber pot which flooded with water and took its contents away.

This invention ultimately ended his career as an inventor, as he received ridicule from peers over the device.

The development of the toilet continued in 1775, when Alexander

Cummings patented a water closet the water is treated and recycled. with a valve for flushing. Shortly The rest of the waste is collected in a afterward, another improved design tank which is eventually collected by surfaced in 1778, created by Joseph resupply ships and is released to burn Bramah. up in the atmosphere.

The indoor f lushing toilet remained a luxury until the 19th cen- Impact of toilet and tury when outdoor flushing toilets water sanitation began to gain prominence.

Since the emergence of toilets The first public toilet opened in and sanitation, many of the condi1852 in London. Non-pliant toi- tions caused by poor sanitation have let paper first appeared in 1857 and been prevented. People are able to was considered a luxury item. Toilet live safely and cleanly in their homes, paper rolls appeared in 1890 in the and are able to practise good hygiene U.S. and 1928 in Europe. Soft toilet to prevent the spread of illness. paper appeared in 1942.

While toilets and water treatment Bolts on public bathroom stalls, are widely accessible in the Western indicating if the cubical was occupied world, such amenities remain inacor not, was first invented in 1883. cessible to a large portion of the The first Hollywood film to world’s population. Approximately show a toilet flushing was Alfred 2.5 billion people do not have access Hitchcock’s Psycho in 1960. to toilets or sanitation, leaving many Today, toilets are commonly found at risk of sanitation-related illness in most homes, businesses, and in or disease. public places throughout the Western It is clear by reflecting on the world. history of toilets and sanitation that this is an often overlooked part of our Space toilets daily lives. Hopefully in the future, One of the most common ques- the toilet will be seen as a symbol tions asked of astronauts is how the of human accomplishment similar toilet works. Onboard the space sta- to the steam engine or the computer. tion, astronauts secure themselves to their toilet with leg restraints and use suctioning hoses to collect waste.

The waste is then dehydrated, and

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Features

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

The toilet wars Change viewed through the lens of a low-flush toilet Tom Ingram, staff

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here was a brief period, from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, when Canada was a major supplier of bootleg toilets to the United States.

As Canadians we are blessed with a fairly abundant water supply, which makes it easy to forget that this is not

numerous provisions of the act were one plumbing inspector said in con- “anti-choice” and restrict the freedom new standards for toilets. The maxi- nection with people who switch their of the consumer. mum water use for residential toilets toilets after inspection, “What they Ironically for the libertarians, the was set at 1.6 gallons per flush, where do is their business. We’re not the reason the early low-flush toilets did previously most toilets used 3.5 gal- Gestapo.” not work was that businesses did lons per flush.

But the backlash on the new regu- a poor job of adapting to changThe new regulation prohibited lation from America’s vigorous liber- ing market conditions. Many early the sale of the old toilets – though tarian community was as inevitable low-flush toilets were just slightly they could still be manufactured and as it was merciless. The most cur- modified versions of the old toilets, exported, as they were not illegal in sory research on the history of low- reducing the flow rate but not otherCanada. flush toilets reveals scathing articles wise changing the flush mechanism.

The complaints began almost from the Foundation for Economic Modern low-flush toilets are able immediately. All across America, Education, the Mises Institute, the to function better with an even lower people claimed that their toilets were Competitive Enterprise Institute, flow rate, and many places now use not working, that it took multiple and the Heartland Institute – all dual-flush toilets that have a low-flow flushes to consign their cyclopean libertarian think tanks. flush and a higher-flow option for bowel movements to the watery An article published by the Mises bigger jobs. depths, cancelling out any water- Institute only five years ago, entitled Stories of black market toilets saving feature.

“The relentless misery of 1.6 gallons,” being bought in Canada have been As might be predicted, a black describes the mandatory low-flush less frequent of late, and we are makmarket sprung up. High-f lush toilets as “a devastating setback in ing a slow crawl toward low-flush toi“assault toilets” could be purchased in the progress of civilization” and lets ourselves. Ontario has capped Canadian border towns like Windsor, argued that “the environmentalists newly installed toilets at a six-litre carried across the border (duty-free didn’t account for the present reality flush. In 2011, B.C. mandated 4.8 graphic by Evan Tremblay thanks to the North American Free in which people typically flush twice, litres for single-flush toilets or 4.1/6 the case south of the border. The com- Trade Agreement), and installed at three times, or even four times during litres for dual-flush toilets. bined facts of the United States’ large leisure. Many people would install a single toilet event.”

What used to be an unfathomably population and the vast geographic a low-flush toilet in their new home, A widely circulated video shows low flush rate is now the upper limit, region it encompasses make water wait for it to pass inspection, and then U.S. Senator Rand Paul scoring and hardly anyone notices. All the points off of U.S. energy official apocalyptic doomsaying was a bunch conservation a major issue there. replace it with a bootleg model.

In 1992, the United States enacted Most of this was technically Kathleen Hogan, claiming that regu- of crap. the Energy Policy Act. Among the legal, or at least unenforceable. As lations on toilets and lightbulbs are

Inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome A profile of 2 bowel-related medical conditions Carlyn Schellenberg, staff

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eces aren’t something everyone is readily willing to talk about.

But everybody poops – varying in frequency, degree, and form.

Chronic bowel diseases and disorders are a reality for a large number of Canadians. In fact, Canada has one of the highest rates of inflammatory bowel disease in the world.

Conditions involving symptoms such as diarrhea and bloody stools are often followed by stigma. Therefore, it’s important to give these diseases the exposure and awareness they deserve.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inf lammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation in the digestive tract.

Diseases falling under this spectrum include Crohn’s disease and colitis, which impede the body’s ability to “digest food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste in a healthy manner.”

Symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, bloody and frequent stools, nausea, and vomiting. People will have either Crohn’s or colitis, not both, and people living with IBD can also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The main form of colitis is ulcerative colitis, which affects the colon and rectum, and causes long-

term ulcers in the digestive tract. medication such as steroids.

Indeterminate colitis is a term used Genetics and environmental when it is “unclear whether inflam- factors are believed to play large mation is due to colitis or Crohn’s.” roles in the development of IBD. Crohn’s disease is characterized Inf lammatory bowel disease is by inflammation anywhere in the prevalent in urban areas, moderate gastrointestinal tract. People living climates, and developed countries. with Crohn’s disease often Food additives in processed find that they have to foods have recently According avoid certain foods, been linked to particularly IBD, according to the during f lareto research Canadian Digestive ups. These recently pubcan include l ished in Health Foundation, sick milk, popNature by leave and absenteeism corn, spicy or an immugreasy foods, nologist at related to IBD costs the and gluten.

Georgia State Canadian economy Women living University. with Crohn’s One in 150 $104.2 million per also experience Canadians sufa higher risk of oral fers from Crohn’s and year contraceptive failure. colitis, and since 1995, the According to the Canadian prevalence of Crohn’s has nearly Digestive Health Foundation, sick doubled in children. Young immileave and absenteeism related to IBD grants to Canada are also at a higher costs the Canadian economy $104.2 risk of developing IBD. million per year.

Risk factors associated with IBD Diagnosis for IBD can be done include a heightened risk of colorecthrough endoscopic and imaging pro- tal cancer. The longer a person has cedures, as well as blood tests.

Crohn’s or colitis, and, therefore, There is no cure for Crohn’s dis- the older they become, the higher ease, but ulcerative colitis can be alle- the chance of colorectal cancer. viated with a surgical removal of the According to Crohn’s and Colitis colon. Both can be managed through Canada, someone living with Crohn’s

or colitis for 30 years has a 30 per cent chance of developing colorectal cancer.

Since the symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as bloody stools, resemble the everyday experiences of people living with IBD, regular screening is imperative for early detection. It is recommended that people who have had IBD for more than 10 years undergo a colonoscopy once or twice a year.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, mucus in the stool, constipation, and diarrhea.

People suffering from IBS will typically experience either constipation or diarrhea, or alternate between the two.

According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, IBS can flare up during stress and menstrual periods, and by eating foods such as: spicy foods, carbonated drinks, fats, beans, and alcohol. Obesity also increases the severity of IBS symptoms.

After the common cold, IBS is the highest reason for absences at school or work, according to Canada.com.

Diagnosis of IBS is achieved by examining the symptoms. If the

patient experiences two of the following characteristics, the chances of IBS are likely: “the pain or discomfort is relieved by defecation; the pain or discomfort is associated with an increase or decrease in stool frequency; and/or the pain or discomfort is associated with the stools becoming harder or softer in consistency.” Other diseases must be ruled out as well, which is done through blood and stool tests, X-rays, and endoscopic procedures.

Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated by removing certain foods from the diet such as gluten and those high in gas; and with antidiarrheal medication, fibre supplements, antibiotics, and probiotics.

Canada has one of the highest rates of IBS in the world, with five million Canadians affected, and Maritime provinces with the highest prevalence. Irritable bowel syndrome affects women twice as much as men.

Raising awareness of diseases and disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease helps bring visibility to, in some cases, debilitating lifelong conditions that are not always outwardly noticeable.

VOL. 101 NO. 55 March 18, 2015

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My experience mastering composting toilets A second option for the disposal of waste Tim Brandt

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ho hasn’t got a personal toi- rotating from freezer to “fridge.” that the toilet fan is working when We also installed a highly efficient you’re out back because you can look let story? Crappy humour has plugged humanity for eons. I grew up furnace and a wood-burning fireplace up at the chimney and see a slight experiencing some rustic outhouses insert, with a fan that heats our liv- movement in the leaves hanging and have had some plunging good ing room for much of the winter. So, near it. times during a few shitty janitor when that smelly old upstairs toilet Not included with the toilet unit jobs. Yep, I’ve faced the feces for five became leaky over the winter four but highly recommended were Sundecades but it’s only in these last few years ago we decided it was time to Mar’s composting aid products: years that I’ve made doing our busi- replace it with a composting model. “Compost Sure” bulking material conness a personal education.

We researched and priced out the taining a mix of peat moss and hemp My partner and I share an old suitable self-contained models. In stalk—we get high on the throne— two-storey home in Fort Rouge. June 2011, we renovated the bathroom which is added with a scoop for every The main floor’s back porch has a by removing everything to make way poop; “Compost Quick” spray, which for the big white throne – the US is an enzyme solution added every very small washroom with a flush toilet but every $1,645 Sun-Mar Excel NE. second day before cranking the drum winter we have had It is designed for two 36 times; and the “Microbe Mix,” a adults or a family of powder added to the drum every two to turn off the I am very water to that three so we felt it weeks. proud of our could handle room because In place of the “Compost Quick” us with occa- spray, I sometimes just use baking of cold temthrone. My partner peratures sional guests. soda and water, but we still buy has made a few crowns The seat is 30 the other products to ensure timely freezing its pipes. Our inches from decomposing. As soon as we had the which hang on the wall second floor the f loor— unit installed and understood the nearby so that each has the bathcompared to 15 basic steps in daily use, I sat down to room, which inches for a stan- study the manual. We’ve heard that user can feel dard toilet—sit- things can go wrong, horribly wrong, we left as the previous owners had ting atop a large drum, if you don’t follow through. royal which is atop a finishing decorated it, for our first I am very proud of our throne. dozen years here. However, we drawer.

My partner has made a few crowns gradually became tired of the wallThe unit comes with a small two- which hang on the wall nearby so paper, the homemade vanity shelves, legged step which hooks onto the that each user can feel royal. We’ve and the smelly old flush toilet. front, hiding the drawer and allowing replaced the supplied plastic step with During those years we became an average person to step up and turn a full wraparound wooden deck for fanatical gardeners in our back and before sitting down on the throne. more comfortable access and for a full front yards, using grey water from There is a tiny electric fan some- magazine rack, so we can reach books the tub and washing machine to where inside which is always purr- and other items from the toilet. It’s water our fruit perennials and veg- ing, drying the waste and pushing all very comfortable and pretty regal. gies. Giving up private car owner- the vapour out and up the vent pipe.

And then the after-chores begin.

We mix some dry bulk, such as sawship meant we could convert our back There is no smell! lane parking spot to a prime vegeThe best part of the installation dust, with water in a little pail, and table garden bed. We have a freezer process was punching a hole in the put a scoop in the drum on top of the for preserving our own produce, so side of the old furnace chimney, poo. There is nothing extra to do if it’s when our kitchen fridge blew out gluing together sections of provided just pee. However, we have to watch some years ago, we just removed the PVC vent pipe, feeding it up to the our volumes. motor and used it as a large icebox roof, and capping it. If you know During our first winter we had a with frozen two-litre water bottles what to look for, you can always tell major party and everyone wanted to

photo by Tim Brandt

try out the new toilet. Everyone was drinking so there was a lot of pee.

It was quite a bit of work cleaning out the bottom drawer and the evaporation chamber, which is the area behind and below the drawer. Now there is a calendar on the wall above the throne and that’s where I keep track of when to turn the drum, when to add the “Microbe Mix,” when I’ve emptied the drum into the drawer, and when it’s time to take the drawer outside.

Also, there is a shelf above the

throne where I keep the manual, the Microbe Mix, and a flashlight for checking levels in the drum, the patented “Bio-drum.” Talk about making one’s personal business “the business!”

Some people are a little grossed out by using it or hearing about it but maybe they just don’t get the whole Zen concept. I actually enjoy raking our shit, with the little plastic rake that came with our “Excel” – because I know there is something I am good at taking care of.

Don't know shit Fraser Nelund, staff

there’s it spread thin throughout the crib’s bedding I’ll not let you play there any longer no I don’t disapprove it’s just you are getting dextrous and need always wear something over your diaper graphic by Evan Tremblay

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

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VOL. 101 NO. 52 February 25, 2015

Diversions

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

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Mid-Ocean’s 20 Manitoba’s sole audio production school celebrates 20th anniversary Ian T.D. Thomson, staff

Photo by Claire D. Falgui

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he Mid-Ocean School of Media Arts (MOSMA), Manitoba’s sole audio production school, celebrates their 20th anniversary in 2015.

Beginning in 1995 as a partnership between Doug Blakely and Carlos Vela, MOSMA offers lectures, mentorships, and workshops for individuals interested in developing skills in audio production.

The idea of the audio school had humble beginnings with the MidOcean Recording Studio offering evening courses for multi-track recordings developed by audio professional Doug Blakely. When

Mid-Ocean Recording Studio ceased operations as a studio in 1994, Blakely teamed up with assistant engineer and teaching assistant Carlos Vela to develop the programs and curriculum for MOSMA. “Both Doug and I saw the importance to continue training in this field,” explained Carlos Vela, MOSMA director and head instructor.

“We decided to build a facility focused solely on training students in audio production.”

The school’s mandate is focused on teaching the fundamentals of audio production. As Manitoba’s only

audio production institute, the school offers both full-time and part-time courses to its students. These programs include learning multi-track recording – techniques for mixing and editing audio.

The facilities also offer programs such as “Music with Reason,” which is an evening program that teaches students basic music elements, such as rhythm and harmony, as well as the fundamentals of the digital audio software program Reason.

Since the initial collaboration by Blakely and Vela, the school has doubled in staff and in the size of its facil-

ity. With this growth, MOSMA’s arts community. training facilities encompass three Looking further along into 2015, production rooms: Studio A, Blakely MOSMA is hoping to expand trainStudio, and Studio C. All three ing and exposure to their “Sound for rooms include industry standard Film” audio production. equipment to provide a real-world “As we did with music production, environment for their students. building a stronger relationship “An element of with our local film this growth comes industry would allow us to offer from the experiArtists such as ence and contribuour students more Canadian singertion from a strong skill and opportufaculty and their nities as engineers,” songwriter Greg dedication to consaid Vela.

MacPherson, For the foreseetinuously improve our curriculum,” able future, Vela funk band Moses said Vela. is content with “During this what MOSMA Mayes, and jazz time, our relahas accommusician Steve tionship with our plished for the industry has also greater Winnipeg Kirby have all grown. “ community. come through Since the “We celebrate 20 school’s inception, years of our success the institute several local artwith our faculty, ists and musicians our students, our have utilized its facilities to teach graduates, and the community that students important skills in audio has supported us,” he said. production. Artists such as Canadian “We hope to celebrate a 40th!” singer-songwriter Greg MacPherson, funk band Moses Mayes, and jazz The Mid-Ocean School of Media musician Steve Kirby have all come Arts is located at 1588 Erin Street through the institute. With these in Winnipeg’s West End. For more interactions, MOSMA offers their information on MOSMA and its students useful connections to build programs, visit midoceanschool.ca relationships with the local music and

Lost Luggage

Writing contest captures travel experience, real or imagined Ian T.D. Thomson, staff

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he event of travelling is a distinctive concept with many different variables. A unique story may arrive as one enters the airport, when one reaches the destination, or even on the return trip home. Travelling stories are relatable: we have all experienced frustration at an airport due to a delay or because of the security line. However, no two travel stories are ever quite the same.

To capture these stories, the University of Manitoba and City

American Literature.”

Kong are very different cities. Young idealistic about why travel is actually In an interview with the people have really different pressures important.”

Manitoban, Tromly spoke highly of on them,” Tromly told the Manitoban.

“I have felt that cynicism, but also how travel writing can encompass “The more I thought about it feel that sense of possibility.” general themes of a similar human though, the more I thought about Christy Mak Long Ying’s piece, experience. common ground as well.” entitled “The ‘Sweetest’ Hug,” is a “In some ways, your travel experiTromly also saw it as an opportu- first-person narrative about someone ences reflect the real specifics of your nity to create a discussion. With this travelling to Mississauga from Hong life. On the other hand, travel and competition, the submissions will be Kong, only to be cheated on by their modern tourism is a sort of horizontal posted on the contest’s blog to allow significant other. experience that [ . . . ] ignores certain readers of both universities to read “It was funny and kind of charmkinds of diversities and homogenizes the essays. ing. But underlying that was a sense of things,” explained Tromly.

“I thought this would be a way of how lonely travel can be,” explained Unique to the Lost Luggage con- creating a ‘trans-hemispheric dia- Tromly. “It’s a nice story with a lot of test is its cross-cultural connection logue’ without anybody having to dark undertones.” with City University of Hong Kong get on a plane [ . . . ] in a sort of way Graphic by Aldo Rios students. The travel writing compe- that was cheap and easy,” said Tromly. The “Lost Luggage” travel writing tition accepts submissions from stuLast year’s winners were Christy competition is open to students curUniversity of Hong Kong created the dents of both universities, selecting a Mak Long Ying from the City rently enrolled as a U of M English, “Lost Luggage” travel writing compe- winner from both universities, with University of Hong Kong and film, and theatre major. Submissions tition. The contest accepts entries of a cash prize to boot.

Joelle Kidd from the University of for the contest can be a maximum of fiction, non-fiction prose, or poetry of Tromly explained that a travel Manitoba.

1,000 words and must be written stories regarding the event of travel- writing competition showcasing To Tromly, Kidd’s essay (entitled in English. Submissions should be ling from U of M and City University writing from the two cities allows “See the Sunrise”) hits home with sent to lucas.tromly@ad.umanitoba. of Hong Kong English students. readers to bear witness to similarities relatable themes of distrust as well ca. The deadline for submissions The contest began in 2014 with and differences between Winnipeg as optimism involved in the travel- is April 1. To read entries for last U of M associate professor Lucas and Hong Kong. ling process. year’s competition, visit blogs.

Tromly. Tromly works within the “It’s interesting because initially “Her piece, on one hand, was really cc.umanitoba.ca/lostluggage/ department of English, film, and being there [in Hong Kong], it struck cynical about the travel industry theatre, teaching courses such as me how different students’ lives are and about travel writers lying,” said “Literature and Travel” and “Asian here and there. Winnipeg and Hong Tromly. “But in some ways [ . . . ]

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Monthly meetup for the municipally-minded

Urban enthusiasts celebrate 1 year of engaging Winnipeg’s design Craig Adolphe, staff

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he Winnipeg Urbanist Meetup At the event in February, attend- tour – it was just perfect because this has proven to be a popular initia- ees took a walking tour of Winnipeg’s conference was happening and they tive after its first year of activity. The skywalk system. The tour was done were looking for people to do progroup, which first met in March of in conjunction with the Canadian gramming for the conference [ . . .

2014, has held seven meetups and will Association of Planning Students ] I never really know what the next be hosting its eighth on March 27, at Conference and featured student one is going to be until very close to Cousins Deli & Lounge. participants from across the coun- [the event].”

The group’s organizer, Matthew try. Afterwards, the tour group went Carreau hopes to keep attendees Carreau, decided to initiate the meet- to Maw’s Eatery and Beer Hall for on their toes by changing the locaups after noting that the city lacked drinks and additional discussion. tion, format, and theme of meetups places to meet to specifically engage Other meetups have included as often as possible – although he in discussions and share ideas related an evening of casual conversa- also notes that each event seemed to to cities and urbanism. tion at Cousins Deli & Lounge on have brought out a number of new Although the group has not met Sherbrook, a series of presentations attendees. every month—taking time off dur- on the topic of mobility in the city at Dylon Martin has attended three ing the summer and for holidays— La Maison des artistes visuels fran- of the meetups and said that there it builds on the format of other cophones in Saint-Boniface, a small were a lot of creative and interesting monthly-meetup organizations in group design jam in the Exchange people involved.

Winnipeg such as Green Drinks and District, and a discussion about the “It tends to be a mix of students Secret Handshake, which provide future of Winnipeg’s libraries at the and young urban professionals [ . . . ] Each meeting is pretty different. I environmentalists and creative pro- Millennium Library. fessionals a venue to socialize. The “The informality about it is also know that they were talking about Winnipeg Urbanist Meetup caters to what’s kind of fun [about the meet- even going out to different parts of urban enthusiasts who want to social- ups],” said Carreau. town as the group progresses.” ize and hear presentations about, and Martin said he appreciated the “It’s also meant to be opportunisdiscuss, a variety of civic issues. tic. So for example, the skywalking creation of the group and was drawn

to the meetups by the opportunity to talk about urban issues.

“It seems to be an idea whose time has come, as people seem to recognize the need now to have a more smartly planned, smartly laid out city. And it looks like even at the higher levels of government, that’s a vision that’s being steered to or being shared.”

Carreau said that the meetup is meant to drive that vision.

“My hope is that the group can continue to grow and serve as a place for people to meet and launch new ideas and creative projects.”

He noted that most of the initial participants came through his own networks and as a result there are many people who have not heard about the monthly events yet. He hopes that members of other communities including First Nations, newcomers, and students will come to the event and participate in greater numbers.

Carreau acknowledges that a number of considerations need to go into outreach efforts for the group.

“It’s more just about intentionally inviting: connecting, say with aboriginal youth outreach, letting them know about the event and copresenting, maybe co-organizing something with them, maybe inviting them to propose something. There’s so many different ways that it could happen.”

“I’m still thinking about other ways to open it up and get other people involved in helping to organize it.”

The Winnipeg Urbanist Meetups has a varying schedule but generally meets once a month. The next event will be on March 27, at Cousins Deli & Lounge.

For more information on the Winnipeg Urbanist Meetup and future events, check the group’s Facebook or Tumblr pages.

Attention pizza lovers

New Neapolitan-style pizzeria opens in Winnipeg Emma Higgs, volunteer staff

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n December, Winnipeg welcomed Cabildo, a graduate of Vancouver’s Vera Pizzeria, a brand new pizza Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, place in south Osborne. The restau- worked at Pizzeria Prima Strada in rant, at 670 Osborne Avenue, features Victoria, British Columbia where a selection of Neapolitan-style pizzas, he was introduced to cooking as well as a variety of wines, beers, Neapolitan pizza. and sodas.

“I fell in love with Neapolitan pizza Terik Cabildo is the owner and for many reasons. You’re working operator of Vera Pizzeria. His passion with something alive: the yeast in for cooking and cuisine is no coinci- the dough. The fire in a wood-fired dence; Cabildo is a native of Neepawa, oven is dynamic, not static. You’re where his parents owned a restaurant cooking food that has direct connecwhile he was growing up. Today they tion to something done for hundreds run the Kopper Kettle, a restaurant of years,” said Cabildo. in Morden.

Cabildo brought his culinary skills

and passion for Neapolitan pizza back home to Manitoba, and opened Vera Pizzeria. The pizzeria has attracted restaurant-goers from the neighbourhood and beyond, who are eager to try the crispy, thin crust style of traditional pizza.

Vera hosts a warm, easygoing atmosphere; patrons of the restaurant can easily see into the bustling open kitchen from the cozy dining room and the staff are authentic and friendly.

Vera’s authenticity extends beyond the ambience. The restaurant boasts a menu full of traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas made with authentic Italian ingredients. Fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, oregano, Italian sausage, and a handful of other simple ingredients come together in different incarnations to make up the nine pizzas on Vera’s minimalist menu.

Aside from the straightforward ingredients and compact menu, the dishes are all reasonably priced and the interior is clean and uncomplicated. Their slogan, found on their website, is “Keep it simple, stupid.”

So far, Vera has been living up to their slogan, attracting restaurant-goers to their dining room with promises of good food and a comfortable atmosphere.

Cabildo says the human side of the restaurant business and creating

Photo by Lauren Siddall

a space for people to come together is the priority for him and Vera.

“I wanted to create a space and offer something that I can do. I guess it’s pizza.”

Vera Pizzeria is located at 670 Osborne Street. They are open Monday-Wednesday 5-11 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday 5 p.m.-12 a.m.

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Arts & Culture

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

VOL. 101 NO. 55 March 18, 2015

Arts & Culture

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Purity Ring switches focus

Canadian duo’s new album leaves behind their dreamy past Alana Trachenko, staff

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urity Ring’s new album, Another Eternity, is an evolution for the Edmonton-based group. The songs retain the full-bodied sound despite being performed by a duo. Megan James (vocals) and Corin Riddick (instrumentals) have built on past themes in their work, such as the question of the malleability of physical bodies. The band seems to be making a determined progression.

While James’ vocals have the same transcendent quality, they take a step behind the instrumentals.

James’ voice is what made listeners feel so familiar about the music, and the new tracks certainly create more of a distance between the vocals and the listener. However, what’s lost in intimacy is made up in story-like lyrics and absorbing drum sections.

The album’s opening tracks, “Heartsigh” and “Bodyache,” signal that the group has continued to build on the theme of the body. The ephemeral discussion of feet moving on floors, sinking below the floor, and putting one heart into another seems literal rather than metaphorical, consistent with Purity Ring’s style.

Previous music feels a bit like an acid trip, but the new album’s hip-hop inspired drums and instrumentals feel more grounded. James is also using her voice in different ways – she relies less on drawn out notes and sings more quickly.

The production value is excellent, thinkin’ bout you.” Riddick’s instrubut the direction of Another Eternity mentals support more than showcase, is overall disappointing. The group and the song benefits. had a niche sound that relied more As indisputably talented as on well-timed pauses than fleshed Riddick is, his contribution had out instrumentals which, despite lis- more of an effect when it was pared tening carefully, is hard to find. The down and it was not so obvious what music is more decidedly pop than the sound lacked. The type of songs previous work, but the band’s appeal the pair produced previously seemed came from not subscribing to any spe- proportional to a two-person projcific genre. ect, while the new magnified tracks “Stranger Than Earth” is one of the beg for a more substantial bass and more distinctive tracks. James com- worked over vocals. bines epic storytelling with the cut“Flood on the Floor” proves worting and catching mantra, “I wasn’t thy of multiple listens. The upbeat

Photo by Renata Raksha

track is one of the few that feels as dark as fans are used to, and Riddick does not overpower James, who sings with a singular focus. The track veers refreshingly away from the others on the album.

Perhaps the biggest difference in this album is the self-awareness and superficiality. It is almost as if enough people told them how great they were and they decided to max out in all the areas they could. However, the charm and magnetic quality of their music came from being sparse and compelling.

After seeing two of their shows, ten for fans that already know the it is difficult to imagine the energy group, but those who have never of the new tracks on stage. James heard them before may enjoy it more. and Riddick cast a spell in their Without any expectations, the album shows that left the audience con- is creative and just strange enough. tent to watch in a trance; the new However, their older work had the tracks seem to demand movement. ability to construct a mood and disAttending a show may be necessary, tinctive energy that are now absent. to see if the band’s energy will keep The pair will likely tap into audiences up with their production. that enjoy the trance end of the elecThe duo usually uses lights to add tronic spectrum, but may lose some another element to the performance, of the hard-earned fans that were sura feat that may be more difficult with prised and intoxicated by the original, the instrumental cues. and truly weird, music.

Overall, the album is worth a lis-

Sports

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

The Rise of the MLS A rapidly expanding league is helping grow the game in Canada Ryan Stelter

graphic by Lauren Gowler

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he Major League Soccer season has officially begun and North American soccer fans can finally watch some quality footy in their own backyard. The MLS has been rapidly expanding, adding five new teams since 2010 — two of which have been Canadian teams.

The MLS hopes to have 24 teams by the year 2020 with teams in Atlanta and Los Angeles confirmed

in 2017. This rapid expansion is great for the growth of soccer in North America. It gives North Americans the opportunity to attend games and see the sport live, something that many people would only think to go Europe to do.

For Winnipeggers, our best chance to have an MLS team close by would be Minneapolis. League commissioner Don Barber has seen

the Twin Cities as a potential expan- Canadian Men’s National Team. sports, you need attendance numbers sion city. Winnipeg has not yet been Nine players in the Canadian squad to stay consistent. So how do MLS considered. play their trade in the MLS, seven teams acquire top-end talent?

Toronto FC managed to sign The three MLS teams in Canada of them playing on Canadian teams. have been great for youth soccer in English striker Jermain Defoe in 2014 the country. Toronto FC, the first of and despite an injury ravaged season, Having professional he potted 11 goals in 19 appearances. the Canadian teams, established a youth academy in 2008, a year after The signing of Defoe was huge for the soccer teams in club and garnered significant interest becoming an MLS expansion team.

The Vancouver Whitecaps, the from Toronto fans.

Canada provides second Canadian team to enter the Although Defoe didn’t help Toronto make the playoffs that year, MLS, also opened up a youth acad- more opportunities the fact that a big English name was emy, with training centres all over for budding playing in Canada was a big deal.

British Columbia and even one in youngsters to go and Saskatchewan.

The MLS has traditionally been The Montréal Impact, established a league for European superstars to pursue their dreams in 2012, had a youth academy going play out their twilight years. Names in 2010. such as David Beckham, Thierry The Whitecaps in particular have Two of the three Canadian teams Henry and more recently, David Villa drawn from their youth academy – in the MLS saw a rise in attendance and Kaká have all played in the MLS. including seven players in their active from the 2013 season. Toronto FC The MLS will continue to grow roster, five of them being Canadians. saw a 22 per cent spike while the and with that growth, we could Having professional soccer teams in Whitecaps, although a small change, potentially see a World Cup in North Canada provides more opportuni- saw a two per cent increase in atten- America again. Canada is hosting ties for budding youngsters to go and dance from the 2013 season. the FIFA Women’s World Cup this pursue their dreams.

The Montreal Impact, however, summer and has a confirmed bid for In a country dominated by hockey saw a significant decline in 2014, a the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If that players, it is a refreshing sight to see drop of 15 per cent. were to happen, it would only help these youth academies help young Performance of a team is crucial in the game of soccer in Canada. soccer players. order to maintain attendance, a conBy then, the MLS may have The presence of the MLS in North cept that is prevalent throughout all pumped out some great Canadian America has also helped both the US sports. However, in Canada, where talents to play for the national team.

Men’s National Team, as well as our soccer is not as popular as other team

Looking to soar A preview of the 2015-16 edition of the Toronto Blue Jays Justin Krantz

With the 2015 MLB regular with Saunders tearing his meniscus. season quickly approaching, the Without a doubt, this was a massive Toronto Blue Jays have been under blow for the Jays, as they originally a lot of pressure to find the players claimed he would be down for the that will take them to the playoffs. count until at least the all-star break.

In the off season, Toronto made Fortunately, it looks like they will some big moves, acquiring catcher have him back much sooner, as only Russell Martin, third baseman Josh two weeks into his injury he is takDonaldson, and left fielder Michael ing batting practice and successfully doing agility drills.

Saunders.

These were great moves by Just as things were starting to fall Blue Jays general manager Alex into place for the Blue Jays, they took Anthopoulos due to the fact that the another massive hit when Stroman AL East is at a low point right now, tore his left ACL, putting him on with the Red Sox and Yankees strug- the sidelines for the whole 2015 season. gling to re-build. Anthopoluos knows There is nobody on the roster that the Jays’ time to win is now, and this could immediately replace Stroman may be the best chance to do just that. and have the same impact as he had.

The Blue Jays now have unbeliev- This might force the Blue Jays to able depth all around the ballpark go out and look for another pitcher. with right fielder José Bautista and With this devastating blow, it seems first baseman Edwin Encarnación almost imminent that Sánchez will coming off great seasons in 2014. be in the rotation, not in the bullpen.

The pitching staff seemed to be Brett Cecil is coming off an above rock solid coming into spring train- average year in 2014, being used ing, with rookies Marcus Stroman, strictly as a bullpen thrower. He and Aarón Sánchez having break- also suffered an injury earlier in the through seasons in 2014. year but looks to be back throwing Big names R.A. Dickey and Mark this week.

Buehrle have also proven themselves This is outstanding news, as the in their many years of work on the Jays lost their number one closer mound.

Casey Janssen in the offseason. Cecil Early into spring training, the might be the perfect man to fill his Blue Jays got a dose of the injury bug, spot.

On defense, the Blue Jays seem to have gotten a whole lot better with their off season acquisitions. Already, the Jays have outstanding defense from shortstop José Reyes, franchise player Bautista, and second baseman Ryan Goins.

It has been a very long time since Toronto fans have gotten a taste of the playoffs, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos and head coach John Gibbons have a clear vision for this 2015 team Martin also brings tremendous experience and athleticism to the team and proved himself very well with Oakland.

Even though he is one of the best catchers in the AL, there has been

graphic by Caroline Norman

some controversy on whether or not he could catch knuckle-baller R.A Dickey’s pitches.

The 2012 NL Cy Young winner has mainly worked with Josh Thole since 2010 and with chemistry like that, it might not be a great idea for the Blue Jays to experiment with Martin.

It has been a very long time since Toronto fans have gotten a taste of the playoffs, but Anthopoulos and head coach John Gibbons have a clear vision for this 2015 team: to win the World Series.

There is a lot of adversity for the Blue Jays to overcome this season, but if their pitchers can stay healthy, along with Bautista, Encarnación, and Reyes building off their hot bats from 2014, they should put themselves in a great position to compete in the October Classic.

VOL. 101 NO. 55 March 18, 2015

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Canadians across the border CIS football players making their presence felt in the NFL Mike Still, staff

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n 1945, University of Western Ontario kicker/running back Joe Krol became the first ever CIS football player to grace the turf of the NFL. Since then, 32 others have done the same, effectively bridging the gap between the CIS, and the NFL. As the decades have gone on, the number of Canadians reaching the NFL has increased significantly. A total of 17 players (including Krol) made the transition to the NFL, between 1945-1998, a span of 53 years.

In the past 13 years however, that number has spiked to 16, and it shows no sign of stopping in 2015, as eight CIS players recently made appearances at NFL regional combines.

With a heightened level of participation down south from Canadian players, the Manitoban decided to take a closer look at the presence some these athletes have had in the NFL, as well as what others may have in store down the line.

Jon Ryan: The cream of the crop

Ryan was a standout in the CIS, playing from 2000-2003 with the Regina Rams, both as the team’s punter, and a wide receiver. In his sophomore season, he led the team in receiving yards, to go along with his impressive kicking skills on special teams.

Ryan didn’t go to the NFL immediately, instead joining the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for two seasons, between 2004, and 2005. He was selected 24th overall in the 2004 CFL draft, and finished second in the league in punting average as a rookie.

The following year, he led the league, with a booming 50.6 yard average.

While Ryan’s stint in the CFL was short, he will still go down as one of the Bomber’s most memorable punters, alongside the likes of Bob Cameron.

In 2006, Ryan signed with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, performing the punting duties until 2008.

Ryan then moved onto the Seattle Seahawks, where he has been a mainstay for the past seven years. He has a career punting average of 44.8 yards, in nine NFL seasons.

In Feb. of 2014, Ryan became the first CIS graduate to play in, and win a Super Bowl, as the Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos 43-8.

Two other CIS graduates (Dan Federkeil-Calgary, and Tyrone Williams-Western), had actually won NFL rings before Ryan, but neither one stepped foot on the field for their team’s victories.

Vaughn Martin: Making history in the NFL draft

In 2009, former Western defensive lineman Vaughn Martin made history, becoming the first CIS player to be taken in the NFL draft. San Diego took the six-foot-four, 297 pounder in the fourth round of that year’s draft.

Martin earned a strong reputation as one of the most athletic defensive lineman in the entire CIS, during his

time with Western.

He moved back and forth between the end, and tackle positions, and also saw time at fullback, where he scored on two separate three-yard runs, during the 2008 season.

In Feb. of 2014, Ryan became the first CIS graduate to play in, and win a Super Bowl, as the Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos 43-8

Evan Gill

While Martin didn’t actually get invited to the 2009 NFL combine, he did attend the University of Michigan’s pro-day, where he set the draft class bench press record, putting up 225 pounds a whopping 44 times.

Martin signed a four year contract with the Chargers in July of 2009, and most recently, made the move to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he signed in February.

Israel Idonijie: Making Manitoba proud

Idonijie, arguably the most well known Bison football alumni in school history, had a very memorable CIS career. A native of Lagos, Nigeria, the defensive end didn’t pick up the game until his senior season at Vincent Massey High School, in Brandon.

He would eventually make his way onto the Bisons squad, recording 16 sacks between 2000-02, which stands fourth in school history. He was also a member of the 2001 Vanier Cup winning team, where he had a strong role.

Despite not being invited to the NFL combine, Idonijie eventually made his way onto Cleveland Browns practice squad in 2003, moving onto the Chicago Bears, later in that same year.

Idonijie had amassed 283 total tackles, and 29 sacks, making him one of the most productive CIS players ever to play in the NFL He played with Chicago until 2013, and was on the field for their Super Bowl appearance in 2007. As of 2013, Idonijie had amassed 283 total tackles, and 29 sacks, making him one of the most productive CIS players ever to play in the NFL.

Nic Demski

Gill and Demski: The next generation of Bisons

In 2014, former Bisons defensive end/tackle Evan Gill was invited to the East-West Shrine Game, a showcase for some of the top American talent looking to make it into the NFL. He also attended an NFL Regional Combine that March, in Tampa, Florida.

While a quad injury set Gill’s NFL aspirations back a step, he is still working just as hard, and was drafted in the first round of the 2014 CFL draft by Hamilton. At sixfoot-three, and close to 300 pounds, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Gill make an appearance in the NFL a few years down the line.

This past February, Nic Demski took the same route as his former teammate, attending an NFL Regional Combine in Houston.

Demski is one of the most highly touted players heading into this year’s CFL draft, and with his playmaking abilities all over the field, it also wouldn’t be a shock to see the four time CIS All-Canadian make the move to the NFL.

photos provided by Bison Sports

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Sports

VOL. 101 NO. 55 March 18, 2015

A trip down memory lane A quick glance at the recent heroes of the Manitoba Moose Andy Che, staff

In recent years, the talent crop who Pittsburgh Penguins, Neal starred have suited up for Manitoba have in five games for the Moose, scoring proven to be high in quality. In 2003, four goals and adding one assist. He a trio of prospects reported to the went on to fulfill NHL duties with Moose and blossomed into fan favou- the Stars later on that season. rites in Vancouver later on.

Power forward Ryan Kesler, a In loving memory graduate of the USA Hockey’s There are many tragic and unexNational Team Development pected circumstances that occur in Program, entered professional hockey professional hockey. In the history of via the AHL. Within two seasons the Manitoba Moose, two members in Manitoba, he had retained a per- have lost their lives in unfortunate manent position with the Canucks situations. and would eventually rise as one of The first was defenceman Luc Vancouver’s dominant pillars in their Bourdon, a two-year member of the 2011 Stanley Cup run.

Moose. At only 21 years of age, the That year’s Selke Trophy winner World Junior gold medallist died as as best defensive forward, Kesler a result of a motorcycle accident in totalled 10 seasons as a Canuck before 2008. His promising NHL career signing as a free agent in Anaheim only lasted 36 games, scoring two earlier this season. goals before the time of his passing.

The 2011 summer marked a period Prior to securing a position with the Canucks in 2005 and entering where the NHL was rocked with the Vancouver’s lineup as a prominent death of enforcers due to repeated regular, Alexandre Burrows played head trauma. three seasons as a Moose. Now in Among them was Winnipeg Jets his 10th season with the Canucks, forward Rick Rypien, only 27 when Burrows has established himself as he died of suicide from long-term one of the most effective undrafted depression. A consistent journeyman players in recent generations. between the Canucks and Moose Although the past few years organization in his six seasons, of Kevin Bieksa’s career may have Rypien’s passing, along with the been ravished with injury, the for- tragic suicide of Wade Belak, opened mer NCAA star foreshadowed his talks of mental health programs for NHL performance while suiting up current professional hockey players. for the Moose. Three seasons in the AHL saw Bieska rise as a blossoming two-way defenceman. He graduated to the NHL in 2005, and emerged graphic by Justin Ladia the Canuck’s top shutdown player in s the American Hockey League’s to the Moose two seasons later. native of Marblehead, Massachusetts their 2010 Stanley Cup run.

Winnipeg’s Mike Keane endured backstopped the Moose to the Calder Perhaps the most unfamiliar Board of Governors hold talks over a potential franchise reloca- an early NHL career, which included Cup playoffs, and came within two NHLer to have ever don the Moose tion, Winnipeg awaits the fate of three Stanley Cup championships wins of capturing the franchise’s first colors is Nashville Predators’ James their second AHL franchise. The with three different teams in a seven- ever championship in Manitoba.

Neal. Prior to becoming an effiThe Canucks’ 26th overall selec- cient sniper for the Dallas Stars and Manitoba Moose, former affiliates season span. In the limelight of his of the Vancouver Canucks, were pri- NHL career, Keane signed with the tion of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft mary inhabitants at the MTS Centre Vancouver Canucks, but was reas- spent three seasons as a Moose in and Winnipeg Arena for 15 seasons signed to the Moose for the 2005-06 addition to five seasons in Vancouver. before the return of the Winnipeg season.

He inherited the starter’s role in New The alumnus of the Winnipeg Jersey following the departure of Jets in 2011.

The AHL, along with True North Monarchs and Winnipeg Warriors Martin Brodeur.

Sports and Entertainment, have yet played five seasons in the minors, Schneider’s 133 games for the to pan out all the details over materi- playing a franchise second-best 365 Moose ranks only second to alizing such a task. As they as do, the games before his release in 2010.

Alexander Auld’s 148 outings in four Manitoban reflects on the memories years. The 1999 draft selection made it as a number-one NHL goaltender created by the original Manitoba Moose franchise, whose presence with the Canucks during the 2005Winnipeg could alleviated the prolonged pains from 06 season following Dan Cloutier’s be welcoming the 1996 sale of the Jets to Phoenix. season-ending injury.

Many of the fine faces who suited He served the majority of his another franchise up for Manitoba eventually reached NHL career as a backup for nine the summit of North American different teams. to its hockeyhockey. Here are some of the franCurrent Canucks goaltender hungry community, chise’s most prolific heroes.

Eddie Lack was the number-one in the Moose’s final season in Manitoba, which would be before transferring affiliations to Captain Moose their second in the Chicago Wolves. The Swede Perhaps no members were more loyal to the franchise than captains remained in the AHL for two more four seasons Nolan Baumgartner and Mike Keane. seasons as a Wolf before upgrading A native of Calgary, Baumgartner to the NHL in 2013.

Currently, Lack has admirably holds the longest tenure in the Moose stepped into the starter’s role for franchise, serving over two stints. He No Lack-ing goaltenders is also the club’s record appearance The Manitoba Moose have been Vancouver, with Ryan Miller on maker with 385 games to his credit. the bridge which many goaltenders injured reserved.

An AHLer for the vast majority of have taken from the amateur ranks NHL elites his career, Baumgartner enjoyed into the NHL. one full season in the NHL with Perhaps the most notable netSome of the NHL’s most elite the Vancouver Canucks, posting 34 minder to have suited up in Manitoba names have entered through the points in 70 games before returning is Cory Schneider. In 2009, the Moose pipeline in its 15-year history.

A