16 Sept 2015

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

NEWS

Housing hazards City councillor fights against illegal and unsafe student living accommodations Page 3

ARTS & CULTURE

Out loud and lyrical Local hip-hop group to open UMSU Frosh Fest Page 16

SPORTS

Future for Bombers looking blue Winnipeg still struggles for depth at the pivot position Page 23

VO L 1 0 2 · N O 6 · S E P T E M B E R 1 6 , 2 0 1 5 · W W W.T H E M A N I TO B A N .CO M

Index

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VOL. 102 NO. 6 September 16, 2015

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Craig Adolphe

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

BUSINESS MANAGER Adam Owczar

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Michelle Arentsen

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

EDITORIAL

NEWS EDITOR Ethan Cabel

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

FEATURES EDITOR Dana Hatherly

NEWS

Restaurant revamp

UMSU to revamp unionrun restaurants page 5

features@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

EDITORIAL

COMMENT EDITOR Evan Tremblay

comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Walking for water

MANAGING EDITOR Lauren Siddall

me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Chantelle Dubois

science@themanitoban.com/ 474.6529

Protestors call on Federal government to fund ‘Freedom Road’

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Seamus Hamilton-Pattison

arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

SPORTS EDITOR Mike Still

sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

page 6

COPY EDITOR Tom Ingram

copy@themanitoban.com/ 474.6520

DESIGN

DESIGN EDITOR Bradly Wohlgemuth

design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

GRAPHICS EDITOR Bram Keast

graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

PHOTO EDITOR Carolyne Kroeker

photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

DESIGN ASSOCIATE vacant GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE vacant

REPORTERS

NEWS vacant NEWS vacant SCIENCE vacant ARTS & CULTURE vacant ARTS & CULTURE vacant SPORTS vacant ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR vacant

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS

SCIENCE

Übertrendy

New smartphone apps foster the sharing economy

. page 12 SPORTS

Full speed ahead

Run for literacy looks to eradicate childhood poverty page 22

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

Jen Goertzen Wilbert Sam Justin Ladia Will Gibson Raylene Paci Emma Higgs

Ian T.D.. Thomson Ryan Stelter Andy Che

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News

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

City councillor ramps up fight against illegal housing Community meeting seeks to address illegal rooming houses around U of M ETHAN CABEL, STAFF

South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Coun. Janice Lukes is setting up a residents’ association to address a growing problem around the University of Manitoba – the proliferation of illegal rooming houses and other unsafe accommodation for students.

The first step in the formation of a residents’ association will be a meeting on Sept. 30 at the Pinnacle Club at Investors Group Field, where multiple stakeholders will discuss the problem.

“The real goal of this meeting, at a really high level, is to show people that there are a lot of stakeholders, it is a complex issue, it’s not going away overnight, and we have to work together,” Lukes said.

Lukes was first elected last year and has spent the better part of 2015 pushing the City of Winnipeg and the U of M for answers on the housing issue.

The residential areas that comprise the Fort Garry and Fort Richmond neighbourhoods surrounding the U of M largely fall into the low-density residential zoning category of the Winnipeg Zoning Bylaw. The Zoning Bylaw regulates the use and development of land and buildings in prescribed districts.

The low-density residential zoning category includes R1 residential Typically, there is a wait list of nearly single-family and R2 residential 300 names for on-campus housing.

Lukes believes that the shorttwo-family districts. The R2 zoning district allows for two-family and age of on-campus housing, coupled limited multiple-family dwellings with growth in international stusubject to strict regulation by the city. dent enrolment, is driving demand However, rooming houses, known for cheap rooming houses near the as single room occupancy (SRO) university.

“This problem happened over a sixaccommodation, are not permitted in R1 and R2 zoning districts. year period, basically, as the internaMoreover, even in zoning districts tional student quota went up,” Lukes where SRO housing is permitted, said. such housing must meet the standards of the Manitoba Building Code, which are the same as those for hotels “I would sooner and apartment blocks. have students find According to a June 26 report to the city’s standing policy committee somewhere safe to on property and development, these requirements “are generally cost-pro- live than a tragedy hibitive to the conversion of single happening and have family dwellings, and therefore pose a significant challenge to establishing 10 dead students in new SRO housing.” a basement suite” Due to the regulatory and legal hurdles in place to convert single fam- – Janice Lukes, city ily units into rental housing, many councillor, South residents are converting and renting out their properties to students illeWinnipeg-St. Norbert gally in contravention of the zoning bylaw and the building code.

“It is important that students know, when they rent a room, that it is a International students legally built to code room,” Lukes International student enrolment told the Manitoban, adding that at the U of M has nearly doubled rooms not built to code, such as those in five years, from 2,354 students in in basements without windows, are 2010 to 4,692 students this year. The dangerous for students in case of a fire. international student population as “I would sooner have students find of November 1999 was 754 students. somewhere safe to live than a tragedy International students now make up happening and have 10 dead students over 15 per cent of the over 29,000 in a basement suite.” students at the U of M. Fisher Wang, founder of the According to estimates by the university, there are 1,316 bed spaces Manitoba Chinese Community available on campus, with 98 per cent Centre and a U of M alumnus, argues occupancy during the academic year. that the U of M has been recruiting

PHOTOS BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

thousands of international students students now know where to go, but a without providing them with ade- lot more needs to be done right now.” quate resources, particularly when it John Danakas, executive director comes to finding off-campus housing. of public affairs at the U of M, told “The only solution for this huge the Manitoban that “the university amount of students is basically a rejects all listings that appear to be rooming house,” Wang said. rooming houses” on its off-campus “If you look at Fort Richmond and housing website.

Fort Garry, those areas close to the “We care about the international U of M, the real estate market has students who choose to study here been super hot, and half of the home and pay a great deal of attention to buyers are investors or even students making their experience here as posiwho buy multiple properties just to tive as possible,” Danakas said in an renovate and rent them out to seven email. or eight students.”

“The University of Manitoba also CBC News reported in June that sees itself as a key component of the a 2,400-square-foot single-family neighbourhood and takes its responhouse converted to 15 bedrooms for sibility to be a good neighbour very rent by international students was seriously. Like many others in the still operating on Thatcher Drive neighbourhood, we support the city despite a 2009 city order instructing ensuring that homeowners are abidthe landlord to convert the property ing by the relevant laws and bylaws.” back to a single-family dwelling.

In addition to violating the city’s Not in my back yard? zoning bylaw, the property was The issue of illegal rooming houses deemed to be unsafe based on the has increasingly enlivened Fort Manitoba Building Code.

Richmond residents who consider The University of Manitoba them to be an inherently unsafe housStudents’ Union (UMSU) vice-presi- ing option for vulnerable students as dent external Astitwa Thapa has been well as a nuisance. working with Lukes to bring more Among the resident complaints attention to illegal rooming houses. gathered in a 35-page report for Among the issues that have been Coun. Lukes were concerns about brought to the attention of the uni- noise, absentee landlords, and declinversity is the need for a bylaw guide ing property values as a result of the for students and a better screening rooming houses. process for the U of M’s new online, Robert Galston, a U of M city off-campus housing listings. planning graduate student and “There are a lot of international stu- researcher for the University of dents who sign contracts with some- Winnipeg’s Institute of Urban one from Kijiji before they even come Studies, argues that the safety issue here and they’re living in basements, may be a euphemism for “not in my right? So the conditions are horrible, back yard” thinking on the part of the conditions are absolutely disgust- local residents. ing,” Thapa said.

“Long-time residents don’t want “The website is a good step, at least to see the neighbourhood change

into new apartments or more dense development,” Galston said.

“There is opposition to that kind of thing and I think that certainly is the biggest barrier this kind of housing faces in an area like Fort Richmond.”

Galston told the Manitoban that the demand for rental housing around the university is driven by a number of overlapping factors.

First, the general lack of affordable housing in the city as a whole. Second, deficient public transit service for those who may live in a neighbourhood away from the U of M. Third, the lack of on-campus housing at the university. And fourth, a zoning bylaw that is not meeting the demand for low-cost housing in proximity to the campus.

Galston added that safety is paramount but that flexibility is needed to meet the demand for low-cost housing.

“Right now, there is not a lot of flexibility or a lot of middle ground between zoning that dictates singlefamily housing and zoning that allows for larger apartment buildings, conventional apartment towers, and complexes and things like that,” Galston said.

“There is not a lot of room in current zoning regulations to allow for multi-family housing, multi-unit housing, in what is a low-rise residential area, or secondary suites in your garage or above your garage or in your basement.”

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News

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

New Taché Hall facility opens its doors 100-year-old student residences on the way to becoming new arts and music complex DANA HATHERLY, STAFF

PHOTOS BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

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ransformation of the century-old Taché Hall at the University of Manitoba has finally made significant progress toward the university’s goal of bringing together the institution’s

theatre program, school of art, and the Desautels faculty of music under one roof.

As part of a wider modernization plan to restore some of the aging

buildings across campus, conversion of the historic Taché Hall student residence building into phase one of the Taché Arts Project has finally gained enough traction to open its doors.

The first phase of the project – the new ARTlab building for the school of art – opened in 2012, while phase two – the renovation of Taché Hall proper for the faculty of music – is under construction and partially open now. Phase three of the project – the 500-seat Marcel A. Desautels Auditorium – has yet to be built.

The new music building is set for completion in 2017, according to John Danakas, executive director of public affairs at the U of M. The first portion of the music facility, which includes the music library, office space, practice rooms, and two classrooms, is essentially complete.

The total cost for the music building will be $90 million.

The university is aiming to raise $35 million towards the Taché Arts Project as part of the Front and Centre campaign. Construction of new buildings and rejuvenation of several historic structures falls under what the university calls Project Domino.

The Taché Arts Project, initially announced in 2008, involves converting the old student residences at Taché Hall into a 200,000-squarefoot complex. Located adjacent to the ARTlab, the music facility will

also eventually offer a theatre for the progress made thus far, which he said Black Hole Theatre Company, a con- has been invigorating and, at times, cert hall, and electroacoustic, jazz, frustrating. and multimedia studios for special“We were in a situation in the old ized sound requirements to meet the building where students were having unique needs of the faculty of music. to practice in two closets on either The building that previously side of the entrance, in the stairwells, housed the faculty of music was washrooms, and now they come in designed for only 60 students, forcing and we have 40 practice rooms,” he the faculty to use spaces across cam- said.

Dawe was particularly pleased to pus including the Education building and University College. see that music students were already The new facility is set to host 300 using the sound-sealed isolation students with on-site classrooms. spaces to practise, with limited sound However, only two classrooms are escaping from the rooms into the ready for this term. Until further con- main hallways. struction progresses, the school will Kieran Labossière, senior stick continue to host many of its courses of the Faculty of Music Students’ from classrooms outside of their new Association, told the Manitoban that headquarters. he is impressed with the new pracWith concentrated music and art tice rooms and the fact that courses facilities gathered together in one of are going to be offered directly from the most central, high-traffic areas the building, alleviating some of the on campus, Edmund Dawe, dean of difficulties and hazards for music stuthe Desautels faculty of music, said dents who used to trek their instruthat the location demonstrated the ments across campus. importance of the university’s music “It is such a relief to not be in the and arts program as a local and inter- old buildings. While we still have to national destination. do some things in them, this is still “We’ve been building the repu- much better,” he said. tation of the program so that when “I went to a class inside a music the facilities are ready, there is no building, which was kind of a novelty question in my mind that we will [...] It’s clean, it’s not water-damaged, absolutely have the most impressive our office isn’t water-damaged, it music facilities of any music program doesn’t flood, just generally like ‘Oh, in Canada when this is done,” Dawe good, there’s no asbestos risk.’” said.

Dawe was generally happy with what the facility has to offer and the

Students with disabilities secure new service group UMSU approves creation of new service group for students with disabilities CRAIG ADOLPHE, STAFF

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he University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) has approved the creation of a new student service group for students living with disabilities.

The motion that established the service group was passed unanimously at UMSU’s Sept. 10 council meeting after brief speeches by Andrew Fenwick, students living with disabilities representative for UMSU, and Rocco Scarcella, former president of the Beyond Abilities student group. Beyond Abilities operates as an UMSU-sponsored student group working to promote accessibility for students living with disabilities.

The new service centre, expected to be called the Accessibility Centre, will serve students with disabilities much in the same way that the Womyn’s Centre and Rainbow Pride Mosaic serve women and LGBTTQ* students respectively.

Like the other service groups, the Accessibility Centre will be funded through UMSU’s endowment fund.

Services provided by the Accessibility Centre will include a peer-to-peer mentorship program, workshops on

job search skills and public speaking to assist students with disabilities in finding jobs, and ally training for accessibility advocacy, among others.

“I’m hoping the service group, now that it has a coordinator and has funding, will last” – Rocco Scarcella, former president, Beyond Abilities student group Like the Womyn’s Centre and Rainbow Pride Mosaic, operating funds for the service group will also go toward hiring a part-time services coordinator who can oversee those services in conjunction with the UMSU executive.

The idea for the student service group began with Scarcella roughly

two and a half years ago, but according into a student service group so it has to him it didn’t gain any traction until longevity, so it stays. I found that each after he began working with Fenwick year student groups kind of drop off. on the project. After two unsuccessful So I’m hoping the service group, now campaigns to be the UMSU students that it has a coordinator and has fundliving with disabilities representative ing, will last,” Scarcella said. with the hopes of establishing such a Fenwick also sees value in having group, Scarcella began working with the student service group status rather Fenwick, who he met during his first than being a conventional student election campaign. group. He said that the new student “I didn’t even know how to get it service group will “allow students to on the agenda [...] I didn’t know the come together and actually be a part right people. I didn’t know how to of a community that would otherwise actually propose the motion. And then not be there.” something remarkable happened. I He added that student groups ran into Andy and I found the only such as Beyond Abilities and Student other person [as passionate about] stu- Accessibility Services, meet that dents living with disabilities as me,” need now but that they both face Scarcella told council. significant limits in achieving their Scarcella told the Manitoban that mandates. the creation of the new student serAs a basic student group vice group would play a critical role in Beyond Abilities is limited in their ensuring smooth year-to-year transi- resources. As Fenwick explained, the tion of services and activities meant Accessibility Centre is “a group that for students with disabilities. would still have limited resources but “There’s always been, in one form or would have a much larger limit.” At another, a student group for students the same time Student Accessibility living with disabilities. But there’s Services, as a part of the university, is never been a student service group, so less capable of lobbying the university I tried to transition the student group to increase accessibility services or

take action to make campus more accessible.

UMSU vice-president advocacy Rebecca Kunzman and president Jeremiah Kopp have been working with Fenwick and Scarcella to help them bring the new service group to fruition since the summer and shared their excitement in seeing it established.

“It’s been a phenomenal experience working with them. And as I said at the council meeting, as much as I’m pleased to have been a part of the executive who’s a part of the council that made this happen, this really isn’t my project at all. It’s Andy and Rocco who’ve done all of the work for this and the folks that have come before them who worked so hard to make sure this happened,” Kunzman told the Manitoban.

“They’ve done all the work, I’m just happy that we could make it happen.

It’s been a pleasure to work with them and seeing their passion, it really is just contagious.”

VOL. 102 NO. 6 September 16, 2015

News

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UMSU council authorizes $1.4 million in capital spending Major renovations slated for IQ’s café and billiards, Degrees restaurant ETHAN CABEL, STAFF

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

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he University of Manitoba Students Union (UMSU) council authorized its executive to spend $1.4 million to renovate a spate of unionoperated restaurants last week with an ambitious goal for the completion of the projects.

“Complete and full timelines have yet to be produced, but the goal is to be finished before my term ends,” said Jeremiah Kopp, UMSU president, stating that construction should be completed before May 1, 2016.

The renovation projects will all take place along one hallway of University Centre, branded “UMSU Street” by the union. The projects include expanding Degrees restaurant onto its outdoor patio space, creating a quiet study area near the Hub bar, and completely revamping IQ’s

café and billiard hall. to increase available seating in the “Amongst the fees students pay restaurant in the winter and as a result to the university and the students’ increase revenue. union, they pay their capital fund The renovations will be completed fee,” Kopp said. without disruption to restaurant “We want to take that money and patrons, Kopp said, adding that the use it to both improve the aesthetics of hallway will also be kept clear of conUMSU Street and make sure that it’s struction material so that students truly a world-class space where students can move freely through the corridor. can come to work, to play, to study, and However, the IQ’s renovations will truly enjoy themselves at university involve disruption of the café and bilwhile also improving the finances of liard hall for a period of several months the union and increasing revenues to in order to remove the glass and pillars the union, which in turn can be put that currently separate the billiard hall back into programming and advocacy.” from the quiet study space next door.

According to Kopp, the Degrees This will open the IQ’s space up, creatrestaurant expansion is slated to ing one large business. convert the current outdoor patio, “IQ’s likely will be impacted for which is only accessible for a brief a few months over the winter, but period throughout the year, into an for projects of significance like this indoor space. The union is expecting sometimes you have to have some

short-term pain for long-term benefit and gain,” Kopp said.

“This change needs to happen. It hasn’t been renovated since the 70s or 80s. It’s an old, anachronistic site that needs improvement.”

IQ’s will also offer new food and beverage options, with the potential for a Green Carrot Juice Company smoothie bar, which Kopp’s Your UMSU slate made central to its election platform. Food and beverage services will be on private contract with the union, with a planned request for proposals issued for the services.

“We’re going to go to request for proposals and invite lots of people to bid on what kinds of products they would like to see in there,” Kopp said.

The $1.4 million will likely come in the form of a loan credited to the

UMSU capital investment fund, made up of funds collected through students’ capital fund fee on their tuition.

“The intention is to leave 80 per cent of this earmarked for the capital project that we’re undertaking and then leave 20 per cent over the next six years pegged for those improvements and maintenance,” Kopp told the Manitoban.

“The intention is to take out a loan, but where possible we’re going to borrow against our current assets like the endowment fund or the health and dental fund so that the interest that we pay goes back to the students union as opposed to an outside organization.”

U of M to apply for provincial child care grant New day care centre would double spaces available on Fort Garry campus TOM INGRAM, STAFF

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he University of Manitoba announced last week that it will be applying to the province for a grant of up to $600,000 to fund the construction of a new 74-space day care centre on the Fort Garry campus.

The announcement follows a report commissioned by the university’s child care working group, which recommended that the university develop new child care centres as satellites of the Fort Garry Campus Day Care Centre.

Susan Prentice, a member of the child care working group and a professor of sociology at the U of M, made the announcement at a graduate students’ orientation session focused on child care.

“I think it’s such a good-news story for the university and its partnership with the campus child care centre and all the partners that have built the support for this,” Prentice told the Manitoban.

It remains to be seen whether the application will be successful. If it is, there will still be a lot of fundraising work to do in order to hit the estimated $2.8 million target necessary to fund the new day care spaces.

“The province has a limit of only $600,000 of capital funding, so all the other dollars have to be raised by other partners,” said Prentice.

“So it’s a long way from full fund-

ing, but it would be very important leverage if the province agrees to our request for capital funding. That will be the key to letting us move forward.”

arrangements for child care.

John Danakas, executive director of public affairs at the U of M, confirmed the announcement.

“The university is very interested in moving forward to find solutions “It’s a long way from for parents attending the University of Manitoba and working at the full funding, but University of Manitoba,” he said.

“In terms of the application, we’re it would be very looking for solutions and are hoping important leverage if to work with the province to do so.”

According to a 2013 report by the the province agrees child care working group, there are to our request for approximately 3,210 student parents and 1,449 faculty and staff parents at capital funding. the U of M. Across all four of the university’s That will be the key campuses (Fort Garry, Bannatyne, to letting us move William Norrie, and Thompson), there are currently only 128 child forward” – Susan care spaces. The Bannatyne and Prentice, professor of Thompson campuses currently have no child care spaces. There is a waitsociology, University ing list with over 700 names for the of Manitoba three day care centres that service the Fort Garry and William Norrie campuses.

The new day care centre would The new day care centre would include 28 spaces for infants, accord- be located adjacent to the Campus ing to Prentice. Since maternity leaves Day Care Centre and would also are one year long and the campus provide some services to currently child care centres currently do not enrolled children, such as a new gym, enrol children less than two years according to Prentice. Student parold, there is a one-year gap during ents would be prioritized in admiswhich parents must make alternate sion, she said.

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

In addition to the availability of child care space, Prentice is more broadly concerned with familyfriendly policies at universities. These policies would institutionalize the informal allowances that some professors make for student parents.

Prentice discussed policies on whether students can bring their children to class, whether advisers can discourage their graduate students from taking parental leaves, and more clear rules for maternity leaves for instructors as examples of familyfriendly policies.

“I personally think, for example, that when you think about bursaries,

parents who are supporting children have a bigger need for funds than non-student parents,” she said.

Prentice also emphasized the importance of data collection.

“The U of M right now does not have any institutional data on family needs. We can tell you how many people are on sick leave, but we can’t tell you how many people have taken maternity leave. It’s not data that we track. So one of the things we want to start doing is some institutional record keeping that’ll allow us to say among undergraduates, how many are parents? Among staff, how many?”

Editorial Editor-In-Chief: Craig Adolphe Contact: Editor@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

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Marching in Shoalidarity Winnipeg Water Walkers rally in support for the community of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation CAROLYNE KROEKER, STAFF

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n September 12, hundreds of protestors marched from the Manitoba legislature to the Winnipeg Aqueduct Monument to raise awareness for the dire water situation in Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, which provides drinking

water to Winnipeg. While the water surrounding Shoal Lake 40 First Nation supplies drinking water to Winnipeggers, the community remains under a boil advisory that has been effective for over 17 years. Municipal and provincial govern-

ments have pledged funds to the development of a "Freedom Road" connecting the isolated community to the mainland, however the federal government has yet to follow through with any substantial commitments to remedy the situation.

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST PHOTOS BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

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Comment Comment Editor: Evan Tremblay Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Putting the eSports dispute to rest Debate based on misunderstanding TOM INGRAM, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY EVAN TREMBLAY

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ecently the Manitoban repub- some definitive quality, but on is which ones to play up. But the lished a pair of articles from account of their mutual similarity definition of “art” has never been the Ubyssey, the student newspa- to some third sport. more fraught with problems than per at the University of British The word “sports” is not a neatly it is right now, and demanding Columbia (UBC), that argued carved-out block in conceptual that games be taken seriously as over whether competitive gaming, space, but a complex web of rela- art would be trading a lifetime also known as eSports, should tech- tionships where not every node is of aesthetic headaches for a little nically be considered sports, and connected to every other one. As temporary prestige among people therefore whether the UBC eSports Wittgenstein puts it, “we see a whose opinions don’t matter.

Association should be recognized complicated network of similarTo bring the topic back to as an official Thunderbirds team. ities overlapping and criss-cross- sports, the question of whether One group argued that since ing: sometimes overall similarities, the UBC eSports Association competitive gaming involves rigor- sometimes similarities of detail.” should be considered an official ous training, popular spectator Clearly there are aspects of com- UBC Thunderbirds team is a events, and large amounts of prize petitive gaming that are sport-like complicated one. The club and the money, it ought to be considered a (competition, spectacle, prizes, university will have to determine sport. The other group conceded training). Just as clearly there are whether their respective interests these similarities, but argued that many aspects that are less sport-like are in fact served by such a union. a competitive spectator event can- (non-physicality). I think both sides But this is a question of practicality not be considered a sport without of the discussion would have to con- and strategy. There is no logically the presence of physical athleticism. cede that if competitive gaming is necessary answer. a sport, it’s an unusual one.

But the philosophically sophisI think both sides The philosophically ticated answer to the question of whether eSports are sports is of the discussion sophisticated another, much more interesting would have to answer to the question: why should we want them to be? concede that if question of I can’t help but notice that this competitive gaming debate feels awfully familiar. It whether eSports was not many years ago that film is a sport, it’s an are sports is critic Roger Ebert’s declaration unusual one that games could not be art sent another, much hordes of inadequately bearded more interesting man-children off to read their The philosopher Ludwig Croce and Collingwood. I’m not question: why Wittgenstein discussed a very convinced that Ebert knew what he should we want similar sort of argument in his was talking about, but there was at Philosophical Investigations when least one thing he was right about: them to be? he analyzed the category of things it’s not clear that there’s anything called “games” – “board games, to be gained by hitching games to card games, ball games, Olympic the category “art.”

Games are not art. Games games, and so on.” Wittgenstein We can tie ourselves in aesthetic are not sports. Games are games. asked what is common to all mem- knots trying to decide just where They’re their own thing, and all bers of this category. “If you look at the boundary of art versus non- this arguing over what else they them you will not see something art can be found, but eventually might be betrays a secret anxiety as that is common to all,” he wrote, we have to decide whether this is to whether they’re a pursuit worth “but similarities, relationships, and a worthwhile endeavour. Clearly spending time on. Private inferiora whole series of them at that.” games are a cultural phenomenon ity complexes don’t make a good We could easily replace the word of some sort, and if they are going foundation for aesthetic debates. “games” with “sports” without dis- to be taken seriously by anyone it If games as games are going to torting the meaning. Membership will most likely be cultural studies be taken seriously, then serious in the category “sports” is not a types – people who are not espe- gamers are going to have to stop binary matter of fulfilling certain cially concerned with what is and having these discussions and focus necessary and sufficient conditions isn’t art. instead on doing what they do as (competition, athleticism, specOld-fashioned aestheticians are well as possible. tacle), but a much more quicksil- not just unlikely to take games servery thing. iously, they have an aesthetic frameThere may be two sports that are work that is of no use to people totally unlike each other and are interested in analyzing video games. considered members of the same Games have artsy and decidedly category not due to their sharing non-artsy qualities – the question

10 Comment

Comment Editor: Evan Tremblay Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Death of the innocents We should be outraged, but by no means surprised EVAN TREMBLAY, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY EVAN TREMBLAY

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he Sept. 5 issue of the Globe and with the image of their lifeless bodies; result of our unbalanced relationship terrorists, and never three-year-olds. it would be no thanks to a governMail had no less than 22 articles the thought of these innocent deaths with the rest of the world.

War is only ever waged by the West ment which seems more eager to spin directly or indirectly dealing with was not in our collective mind.

And so our sick, twisted solu- upon the evil ones of the Earth. numbers on everything from greenjust one picture: that of the body of It’s not just the Syrian civil war. tions: take in more refugees! Send When instability results, when house gas emission to the number of a three-year-old Kurdish boy, Alan The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the more humanitarian aid! No mention once prosperous and stable nations refugees accepted, than commit to Kurdi, lying face down in the sand. ruin of Libya, the slow suffocating of halting our imperialism, though. are reduced to roving bands of fun- actual change.

He drowned, along with his mother death of the Palestinians: there’s no We’ll take in the huddled masses damentalist militants armed by Our comfort, peace, prosperity, and brother, while they were trying shortage of horrors for people to flee when our conscience leaves us no weapons we sell them, their hospitals and happiness are worth nothing if to reach the Greek island of Kos, and from. But unless there’s a particularly choice, but forget about ending the and universities and culture rubble, they are built on the backs of others. tragic photo, it’s business as usual in bombings and invasions, the culture we just ignore it. The reporting stops, Our compassion is worth nothing if it thus the European Union.

There is nothing new about refu- Canada. of waste and continuing Western col- we move on to our next target. Even is extended to people who are victims gees drowning in the Mediterranean onialism, that made them to huddle if our goal is ending lawlessness, as of our own callousness. Every day the Sea as they try to reach Europe. More in the first place. with the mission to destroy ISIS, the innocent are dying. And more and notable than what is captured by the Tragedy, it seems, Stephen Harper, for once, speaks only solution we seem to be able to more are going to die: as the climate photograph is the response that has for the majority of Canadians. Of conceive of is more bombing. worsens, there will be more refugees. is only digestible the image of Alan’s lifeless body, he All is good when you live in the As more and more nations are “sent come of it. if we imagine it That response has been, to put it declares: “the first thing that crossed West – until an over-crowded sweat- back to the stone age,” there will be mildly, sickening. From both govern[my] mind was remembering [my] shop where our cheap gadgets were more and more militants to flee from. happening to us ments and individuals, the knee-jerk own son Ben at that age,” before produced collapses. Until our wars The media did an uncommon proclamations of horror and sudden launching into a justification of of aggression spawn terrorists and thing when it showed us the body offers of help don’t stem from comMaybe an offhand reference here bombing ISIS targets in the boy’s refugees. Until we’re forced by an all- of that little boy. It forced us for a passion. They stem from guilt and a or there – “isn’t it a shame” from home country. too-rare public uproar to confront moment to confront the evil and desire to distance ourselves from that individuals, “Canada is doing its part” Tragedy, it seems, is only digest- the costs of our actions. And then injustice that exists in the world, guilt, lest as individuals and institu- from the government. But certainly ible if we imagine it happening to us. umbrage, bubbling over into outrage! the dark shadow to the light of the tions we be forced to confront our not party leaders tripping over them- We offer different solutions to the “Half-barbarians driven by greed, they West. We should fix that image in our own part in the tragedy. We hope selves to lay blame, nor 22 articles problems of others than we would must have been, who allowed this to minds, and with it there examine all that if we proclaim horror now, no in one day on the human toll of the accept for ourselves. In intellect or in happen,” we say – of people in other our actions and opinions, asking ourone will remember that a few days “refugee crisis.” soul, there is a void in the people that countries. selves what part they (and we) played ago we had not even compassion.

In our rush to proclaim our good- think the solution to refugees fleeing It is easy to judge the varied in that tragedy – and what part of The Syrian civil war has been ness of heart, our hate of evil, that’s the Middle East is more bombings in European responses to the first rip- ourselves we are willing to change, raging for four years. Hundreds of how we have to frame it: a crisis. Not the Middle East. ples of the rising human tide of our to build a future where it does not thousands of people have died, surely the perfectly logical result of decades But this void is not restricted to our times: it seems callous and indifferent. happen again. including many toddlers. Certainly of Western imperialism that have leaders. It exists in all of us. “Bomb But there is nothing here in Canada no shortage of refugees meeting tra- turned the cradle of civilization into the terrorists,” we say, pretending that to suggest that our response would gic ends. But we weren’t confronted a hell on earth. Not the predictable we believe that drone strikes kill only be any different. Certainly, if it was,

Science & technology 12 Science & Technology Editor: Chantelle Dubois Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

The economy of sharing apps The way technology is changing how we do business CHANTELLE DUBOIS, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY JUSTIN LADIA

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martphones and apps have changed many aspects of our daily lives, including the way we do business. The sharing economy can be described as the business of sharing underused resources between people.

Entrepreneurs have been using this business model to enable consumers to connect with sellers easily, quickly, and affordably through a variety of apps. Some of today’s most popular smartphone apps are those which fall under the sharing economy business platform.

In a world where many people are trying to reduce excess waste and spending, the ability to share resources and save money is attractive. It also provides ways for ordinary people to make extra money on the side without investing a lot. If

you have a spare room, you can easily list it on a room-sharing app and rent it out.

Smartphone apps have made it incredibly easy to create a virtual marketplace for these businesses.

Most apps include the ability to review sellers, letting other potential customers know what personal experiences were like dealing with that individual.

This allows for a form of selfregulation, since bad reviews will potentially prevent sellers from gaining customers, and good reviews will attract more. As well, many apps do not allow for the exchange of money in person, and instead opt for virtual transfers. This removes the danger of robbery or the possibility of a customer being ripped off.

Signing up as a seller sometimes

requires some additional background AirBnB on other reviews. checks. However, signing up as a conAirBnB allows sellers to rent out The founders developed this app sumer requires simply downloading spare rooms or entire homes while after finding they could not find legal the required app, bringing the mar- the owner is away. For sellers, this places to relieve themselves during ketplace to the palm of your hand. is an easy way to make money on Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The app Here is a review of some of the space not being used. For renters, the is currently web-based, but AirPnP most popular and interesting apps rates are generally a lot cheaper than is currently developing a smartphone available. a standard hotel. There is also the app. opportunity to rent unique accomAs of this publication, there is Uber modations, such as one of the 1400 only one toilet listed on AirPnP in One of the most recognizable castles that AirBnB reports is listed. Winnipeg. sharing economy apps is Uber. The The app allows users to search for Uber business model allows ordinary available space in their city of choice, JetSmarter people with access to a vehicle to con- and returns search results of accomFor those who say no to economy nect to other people who are looking modations available during their visit. seating and bad airline food, there is for a ride. The idea is that transac- Once a desirable place is found, the JetSmarter. A little more high-end tions are completed safely without user may request to book the space. than Uber, JetSmarter connects users the exchange of money, since the All payment is handled through the with independent airline fleets. The transaction is handled through the app, via credit card. app allows you to create your own app via credit card. Uber allows you AirBnB is available in over 190 itinerary, and then matches you with to rate drivers and provides a more countries, covering most of Europe, an available jet. You can book a jet up economical way to commute than North America, Asia, Australia, to six hours before you need to take standard taxis. and New Zealand. It is available in off. The available jets are usually flyThe app also enables you to esti- Canada. ing on an empty leg, and would othmate the cost of your ride, split the erwise not be carrying any passengers. bill among fellow riders, and share AirPnP JetSmarter investors include the your GPS location with family or When nature calls and you don’t likes of Jay-Z and members of the friends so they know when you will have any public restroom options, Saudi Arabian royal family, among AirPnP can help you. This app allows others. arrive.

For sellers, it is a flexible way to users to find nearby toilets for rent.

A f light from Winnipeg to make extra money.

Sellers can post details about their Toronto on a Premier 1 light jet airCurrently, Uber is not available in restrooms, detailing things like the craft starts at $10,200, and goes up to Winnipeg, possibly due to licensing softness of towels, or the luxurious- $48,100 on a Global 5000 long-range requirements for taxi fleets by the ness of hand soap. Users can rate their jet. A refundable 10 per cent deposit province’s Taxicab Board. bathroom experience, and choose is requested before booking. their preferred toilet experience based

VOL. 102 NO. 6 September 16, 2015

Science & Technology 13

The superman of nature The unusual strength of ants WILBERT SAM

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nts have been around the earth since about 140 to 168 million years ago. They lived in the Jurassic period – a time when the world was dominated by the dinosaurs. They’ve kept evolving and adapting to their environment all over the world, and there are now over 12,000 different species of ants.

Generally ants are divided into two roles: the queen and the workers.

The queen’s purpose is to lay eggs. She usually remains with the ant colony while the workers are responsible for maintaining and searching for food for the queen and colony.

Ants are omnivorous, so they will eat anything that they can find in nature such as seeds, leaves, and honey. But they will also scavenge dead birds and mice.

Now comes the interesting part: how can such small creatures drag those objects, which are much larger than them, to the ant colony? Science has the answer!

Carlos Castro, assistant professor

of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State University, performed tests on ant joints to determine how similar designs can be applied to mimic similar strength in robots.

Before the experiment, Castro and his research team conservatively estimated that ants may withstand forces up to 1000 times their body weight.

In the first step of the experiment, the researchers anesthetized the specimens, then glued them face-down in a specially designed centrifuge about the size of a compact disc to measure the force needed to disjoin their head from the body. As the disc spun faster, the forces applied to the ants increased until their necks deformed and their heads separated from their bodies at the neck joint.

The researchers found that the ants’ necks ruptured at forces much higher than their original estimate: 3,400 to 5,000 times their weight.

Next, they used micro-computed tomography scans to analyze the neck

joint. The researchers found tissue structures were covered in textured microstructures, which they theorized play a role in how the ants manage their strength. “[The microstructures] might regulate the way that the soft tissue and hard exoskeleton come together, to minimize stress and optimize mechanical function. They might create friction, or brace one moving part against the other,” said Castro.

Another important feature of the ant’s body structure is the gradual transition from soft tissue to hard tissue between the neck joint and head. This gradient provides additional strength by distributing points of stress more evenly.

Another secret to why an ant can carry disproportionately heavy objects is because their bodies are light. Inside their hard exoskeletons, their muscles don’t have to do much work, so they can apply all their strength to lifting objects.

On the other hand, humans carry

GRAPHIC BY JEN GOERTZEN

relatively heavy loads due to our body weight. With our muscles supporting

body weight, not much strength is left to lift other objects.

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

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ILLUSTRATION BY BRAM KEAST

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IVORY BUFFALO

University of Manitoba named among the top 5 universities in Manitoba Panel of U of M vicepresidents list U of M among province’s top schools MURV BERKLEY, STAFF

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he University of Manitoba of trailblazing. has been named among The U of M’s vice-president the top five universities in promotions, Charles Tezuki, Manitoba by an independent who also sat on the panel of panel of University of Manitoba judges and founded the organizavice-presidents. tion presenting the awards, said Universities were ranked the award showed the strength on a number of criteria by the of administration’s efforts to Manitoban University Awards bring greater recognition to their Organization (MUAO), a regis- campus. tered non-profit whose board of “I think this just shows what directors is made up entirely trailblazers we truly are at the U of U of M vice-presidents who, of M,” said Tezuki. according to their website, U of W’s vice-president proinclude “U of M vice-presidents motions Terra McAvy quesfrom all walks of life.” tioned the significance of the The U of M ranked first in MUAO rankings, in which the a number of criteria including U of W placed fifth. “total number of on-campus “We don’t put much stock in parking spaces,” “total number the ranking criteria used by the of students,” and “number of Manitoban University Awards promotional posters on campus.” Organization. In our view, the Overall, the U of M Institute for Recognizing Urban ranked third behind Brandon Winnipeg Universities incorporUniversity and the Université ate more valid criteria.” de Saint-Boniface, and ahead of Despite refusing to attend University College of the North the banquet, the University and the University of Winnipeg. of Winnipeg received awards The U of M also received the for highest ratio of smugnessspecial distinction of receiving to-math-comprehension and the annual Trailblazy award, number of thick-framed glasses which goes towards the univer- per-capita. sity that has demonstrated the greatest achievement in the field

Hi, my name is Will Gibson and I am a mathematician here at the University of Manitoba. I have been making the Sudoku puzzles for the Manitoban since 2009. I hope you enjoy my puzzles.

The goal of Sudoku is to fill the empty squares with numbers between 1 and 9 so that every horizontal row, every vertical column and every 3x3 block contains all the numbers between 1 and 9 exactly once.

Some of my puzzles are extremely easy and some are extremely hard. Each puzzle in the Manitoban will have a rating indicating how easy or hard it is to solve. From easiest to hardest my classification system is: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8)

Absolute beginner Very easy Easy Medium Hard Very hard Death Afterlife

VOL. 102 NO. 6 September 16, 2015

Diversions

ILLUSTRATION BY BRAM KEAST

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Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Seamus Hamilton-Pattison Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

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Lots of love for the Lytics Local hip-hop outfit returns to UMSU Frosh Music Festival, hints at release of new music SEAMUS HAMILTON-PATTISON, STAFF

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE LYTICS

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stablished local hip-hop group venues. I mean, club venues are fun Nas for his appearance at the MTS acceptance means they will be flown the Lytics are set to play the too, but I think we just really get fired Centre on Sept. 3. Shortly after, they down to a studio in Brooklyn, N.Y. University of Manitoba Student up for the bigger venues. They get us announced their acceptance to the and granted two full days of studio Union’s (UMSU) annual concert going and the crowd really feeds off Converse Rubber Tracks recording time to record their music, all of hailing the start of the school year, of it. I think that’s part of the reason sessions. which they will retain the rights to.

UMSU Frosh Music Festival. The we’ve become a fixture. UMSU has “It was an incredible experience. Alex spoke of a desire to make the group will be opening for DJs Dillon seen us a few times and any time we We’d never played the MTS Centre most of the time.

Francis and Oliver Heldens, and get asked to play this, we know we’re and on top of that, Nas is a hero of all “That’s gonna be the tricky part, is award-winning rapper Waka Flocka gonna kill it and they know we are of ours. It’s just great to say that we’ve time management. Some days, you Flame. too.” been able to share a stage with a guy can bang out three songs in a day and This year will mark the second The Lytics began as an entirely like that,” said Sannie about the show. some days you have trouble with one appearance of the Lytics as a part of familial group, consisting of Andrew [...] They’re hooking us up with some Frosh Fest’s main lineup. Two years Sannie and his brothers Anthony really good engineers and producers to help us out, and to maximize ago, the band performed at the festi- and Alex, as well as cousin Mungala “UMSU has seen us val, then held at University Stadium, Londe. The group’s initial interest in the use of time and make sure we get a few times and any alongside rapper/comedian/actor music was sparked watching their everything right,” Alex said.

Donald Glover – or as he is known in grandfather practice and perform However, the creation of new time we get asked to the music world, Childish Gambino. church music, and intensified when Lytics music doesn’t stop with play this, we know “UMSU just contacted us about it,” Alex began making his own rhythms.

Converse Rubber Tracks. Not only band member Andrew Sannie told Unbeknownst to Alex, this would does the band plan to drop a new sinwe’re gonna kill it the Manitoban. prompt Anthony and Andrew to gle at a currently unspecified date this and they know we “I guess they liked what we did and begin crafting their own rhymes and month, but they also plan to release asked us back. It’s always fun to play rhythms over beats from old hip-hop/ a new EP in November, with a fullare too” – Andrew those Frosh Fest shows, because it’s rap tunes by J Dilla and Pete Rock. length album on the way for 2016.

Sannie, the Lytics just a bunch of new kids and they’re “By the time he found out, we had “Some of the songs on the EP will ready to party, have a good time. The a record pretty well ready to go,” said end up on the album I think, it’s kind energy just feeds into our show and Sannie. of like one big project that’ll be browe give it back.”

The band added local DJ Lonnie Converse Rubber Tracks, a musi- ken into two. You know, we haven’t Sannie went on to express a prefer- Ce to flesh out the lineup and broaden cal initiative launched by the titular put anything out in a long time and ence for larger festivals such as Frosh their sound, and would release a self- shoe brand, brings together a col- we want to make sure what we do Music Festival and the TD Winnipeg titled EP and a full-length album lection of 12 professional recording put out is done well. We’re gonna Jazz Festival, which the band also titled They Told Me in 2009 and 2012 studios in various cities across the release the EP, then once we have a performed at this year, taking Old respectively.

United States. Any band is welcome bit of buzz going, drop the full-length Market Square by storm on June 12.

Recently, the Lytics have enjoyed to apply for recording sessions. and put a full campaign behind it,” “I think they lend well to our style. some big moments as a band. The Andrew’s brother, Alex Sannie, said Alex.

We really like bigger festival-type group opened for hip-hop legend told the Manitoban that the Lytics’ Alex went on to emphasize that

the deliberate, calculated trajectory of the band’s upcoming releases is integral to an artist’s success in the modern age.

“Maybe there was a time when you could get away with not mapping out what you want to do or how you want to do it, but today it’s absolutely impossible to do that and be successful. You may have great music, but if no one hears it, you don’t have PR people working it, you’re not touring it, and you don’t have a real plan heading in – whether it’s three or four singles leading off or getting pictures done and your whole thing tight – then you’re really wasting your time.”

Don’t forget to catch the Lytics at UMSU Frosh Music Festival 2015 on Sept. 20 with Dillon Francis, Oliver Heldens, and Waka Flocka Flame. Tickets are available at UMSU Living on the first floor of University Centre with presentation of a valid student ID, or online at www.diyobo.com

VOL. 102 NO. 6 September 16, 2015

Arts & Culture

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Pulling words out of Thin Air Annual celebration of writing heads into 19th year RAYLENE PACI

IMAGE PROVIDED BY THIN AIR

ust in time to combat the immiJnent September chill, writers from around the world will be bringing the heat to Thin Air, the Winnipeg International Writers Festival, beginning Sept. 18.

The festival runs until Sept. 26 with events in both English and French, offering audiences a taste of a broad range of great writing – from the francophone Livres en Fête series all the way to The Poisoned Chalice, an afternoon of horror fiction.

Festival director Charlene Diehl is thrilled to be heading into her 13th

year at the helm of operations. variety, Diehl hopes every individual “I’m excited there’s a commun- in the room will find something to ity here that cares. You can’t do it if grab on to. With this year’s lineup, it’s there’s not an audience. A lot of our hard to believe anything else. writers have actually talked to me Canadian author extraordinaire about that. Compared to a lot of other Lawrence Hill will be featured durplaces, there’s something very special ing the first Saturday evening event here. There’s a kind of openness and to celebrate his latest novel, The Illegal. engagement that isn’t very typical,” The novel tells the story of a young she told the Manitoban. undocumented refugee in a mythical “People are very wide open and island country under threat of deporreceptive. They like to listen and ask tation if he gets caught. Though Hill questions and laugh and cry and get began writing the book five years ago, worked up. That’s very heartening. its subject matter has only become It’s like any kind of performance: if increasingly poignant as the ongoing there’s a kind of chemistry in the Syrian refugee crisis comes to a head.

Another highlight of the programhouse, something special can happen. You can’t do it if there’s only one ming is ForeWords, the second event side of the equation, so it matters to of a double bill preceded by an evenme a lot that this is the town. The ing of poetry at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain. Described as energy is right.”

Thin Air brings a mix of both the a “quirky evening show,” ForeWords joyful and the witty, the serious and will give audiences a chance to catch the intense, challenging the notion performances by the Winnipeg that a writer’s festival can only be Poetry Slam Team. The night will intimidating or boring. With enough end with a Haiku Death Match.

“If that sounds awesome to you, it’s because it is. It’s one of the funniest things. It has a content warning, let’s put it that way. Mature content.

The first one I was ever at, I was staggered. The only rule is 17 syllables.

So anything you can get out in 17,” said Diehl.

“It’s a contest with rounds and the audience all votes. Some of them are very risqué, some of them are very political and some of them are very heartbreaking. It’s really, really fun.

I love that one. This is our third year for that. The first year was kind of an experiment and now every year we have to do one. It’s very much unplugged and very excellent.”

For students on campus, Thin Air also offers two readings right here at the University of Manitoba.

Showcasing Greg Hollingshead, winner of the Governor General’s Award for Fiction, as well as experimental indigenous poet Garry Thomas Morse, these campus events

are surely not to be missed.

As the festival gets ready to head into its 20th anniversary next year, Diehl is optimistic for the future of this celebration of great writing.

“I think we’re going to have to have a party of some sort. You can’t turn 20 and not have a party! I expect to see some high-powered names next year – I think they’re all going to want to help us celebrate. We’re established now and we’re not going anywhere, which feels great. I’m excited to be doing it.”

Thin Air: Winnipeg International Writers Festival takes place from Sept.

18-26 at different locations throughout the city. To purchase tickets and find out more, visit thinairwinnipeg.ca

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Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor: Seamus Hamilton-Pattison Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Fundraiser show brings together students, faculty, alumni Black Hole Theatre production of Lysistrata to raise money for new facility TOM INGRAM, STAFF

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

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he Black Hole Theatre Company old,” said Chris Johnson, the show’s (BHTC) is staging a production director and a professor in the departof Lysistrata, Aristophanes’s famous ment of English, film, and theatre. comedy of sex and war, to raise funds “It’s probably the most accessible of for the construction of the new the ancient Greek comedies. The Conklin Theatre at the University jokes still work – penis jokes galore. of Manitoba.

And its message is pretty good: The production, which involves women have the power to stop war.” students, faculty, and alumni from The titular character of the play is the U of M’s theatre program, is from a woman who convinces an assema newly adapted script by five U of M bly of Greek women to withhold sex alumni and features music by Juno from their husbands until they end winner Gerry Atwell. the Peloponnesian War. The lead role “It’s one of the greatest anti-war is played by Stephanie Moroz, a U of plays ever written, and it’s 2500 years M theatre graduate from the class of

2009. Moroz is currently pursuing played the male chorus leader in 1981, theatre in Vancouver, where she stud- but is doing the smaller role of the ied at the Studio 58 theatre school. misogynistic Spartan ambassador for “This is one of those really strong the new production. female characters that you kind of “It’s been a bit of a stretch for me to know about for a long time,” said sort of get my mind around that, and Moroz. “Getting a chance to play a the kinds of things that I’m hearing woman like this who’s comedic and coming out of my mouth, which is interesting and smart and ambitious interesting,” said Macgregor. and all sorts of great characteristics – it’s a very exciting role to play as a “It’s one of the woman.”

Since the production features U greatest anti-war of M alumni – some from as far back as the 1970s – one of the factors in plays ever written, choosing to put on Lysistrata is that and it’s 2500 it has room for a large cast consisting of several generations of U of M years old” – Chris theatre grads.

Johnson, director Another reason is that, although the BHTC rarely repeats plays that they have performed, they mounted a production of Lysistrata in 1981, also In addition to raising funds, the directed by Johnson. Three actors production is meant to give U of M from that production are returning alumni one last chance to perform for this new version of the show. in the theatre they remember before One of these three is Jim the company moves to its new space.

The construction of the Conklin Macgregor, a film and theatre graduate who now works as a producer Theatre is part of the long-running and director for Shaw TV. Macgregor Taché Arts Project, which will see

the U of M’s fine arts and performing arts programs move into a complex centred on the former Taché Hall residence.

With funding from a donation by the family of U of M alumnus and theatre critic John James Conklin, construction of the theatre is currently underway in the space that used to be the Taché Auditorium.

But the BHTC still needs additional money for the completion of the project.

The Conklin Theatre will feature a better public-facing entrance, modular seating, a traditional proscenium stage, and a higher ceiling allowing for proper lighting and set design.

The current Black Hole Theatre space will continue to be used as a rehearsal hall.

The Black Hole Theatre Company’s production of Aristophanes’s Lysistrata runs from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 at 8:30 p.m. at the Black Hole Theatre in the lower level of University College. Tickets are $50 and a charitable tax receipt will be issued for a portion of the ticket price.

’Toban Turntable Local indie rock and pop reviewed EMMA HIGGS

IAN T.D. THOMSON

Hearing Trees Dear Sahara 3.5/5

Human Music Sup 3.5/5

IMAGE PROVIDED BY HEARING TREES

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innipeg band Hearing Trees offers up something a little different to the local music scene.

The strong lyricism and musical sensitivity that’s prominent on their new EP is telling of a group that is truly beginning to hit their stride as an ensemble.

Hearing Trees is touring Western Canada promoting their second EP, Dear Sahara, which was released last month. Dear Sahara features four songs linked together by their forward-driving but overall understated sound.

The first track is catchy and upbeat, with a chorus that has you singing along before the end of your first listen. It’s easy to see

why “Sahara” is the opening song – the tune has a great energy and the lyrics create fleeting but rich images.

“Magnetic Moment” begins with a contrastingly mellow and introspective introduction that slowly builds. Hearing Trees frontman and lyricist Graham Hnatiuk showcases his proficiency at spoken word on this track, performing two verses in a style closer to that than singing. The lyrics sound like a stream of thought during these sections, flowing rhythmically together on the instrumental backdrop.

The final song, “Among Giants,” has a more brooding and dramatic feel with relentless guitar lines and a heavier drum presence. In general, “Among Giants” gives the strongest rock and roll vibe of the four tracks on the EP, featuring guitar and drum solos our ears are trained to expect from a rock group.

The EP works well; the tracks are similar musically and together create a coherent whole. More stylistic and vocal exploration would be welcome, but overall the EP shows Hearing Trees’s maturing voice and their potential for future works.

What really resonates throughout this sophomore release is the artistic lyrics, which weave together an exploration of doubt, admiration, uncertainty, and other experiences and emotions.

If you want to check out this upand-coming local group live, they’re scheduled to play at the West End Cultural Centre on Oct. 2. www.hearingtrees.com

from Mac DeMarco. Conversely, focused jams (such as the instrumental track “Gliders”) lead to very compelling melodies that have previously gone unheard in psychedelic pop.

My only critique comes from the length of some of the songs.

While there is both a charm and challenge to compressing a song to under three minutes, I can’t IMAGE PROVIDED STEVE LOUIS help but feel some of these tracks end prematurely. The song “Outta uman Music is a psychedelic Sight,” which features a large and pop band from Winnipeg. unexpected slow-down is a standComprised of members from suc- out track off the album, and to have cessful local gems Haunter and it end so abruptly was upsetting to Cannon Bros., the group released the ears. their debut album Sup back in June However, the short track length of this year. also adds to several well-crafted The timing of the album was pop songs on the album. “Cool impeccable as the album exudes Party”, clocking in at two minutes a chill summertime vibe. On first and 31 seconds, is a genuinely catchy impressions, Human Music seems pop song that I can see making its to run in a similar vein to other way to lists of top songs in 2015. psychedelic pop groups and artists Sup is a solid release, local or such as Mac DeMarco or Ducktails. otherwise. It’ll be interesting to see However, Human Music’s songs future releases from Human Music. stand out in their own right.

Sup has more interesting guitar www.dubditchpicnic.bandwork than what you would hear camp.com/album/sup

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

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History in the making Local soccer derby at Investors Group Field could be the start to something special ANDY CHE, VOLUNTEER STAFF

the World Cup games in that stadium.

Now for them to see the university players playing on the same pitch that those top-level players played on, their dreams and aspirations become bigger,” Martinez-Lagunas said.

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

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hen the CIS soccer schedule was released at the beginning of the season, Bisons coach Vanessa Martinez-Lagunas circled Oct. 9 on her calendar. On that Friday evening, Manitoba will host crosstown rivals the University of Winnipeg Wesmen at Investors Group Field.

The occasion not only marks a thrill for players and fans alike, but also features the first ever CIS match to be played at a former World Cup venue.

The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup featured seven matches at the stadium, blessing spectators with

stars such as Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Homare Sawa, and Asisat Oshoala.

The Bisons will be performing on the very same turf with their potential stars in the making such as Chloe Werle, Amanda Wong, and Bruna Mavignier.

Speaking ahead of the Bisons’ road trip to Regina and Saskatoon, Martinez-Lagunas was quick to comment on the motivation level of Manitoba and Winnipeg players alike in advance of the local derby.

“This is not only going to be special for us, but for their players because

they are also going to get the chance to play in a World Cup stadium,” Martinez-Lagunas said.

“I’m pretty sure that’s going to increase our motivation level a lot and I wish we could get a lot of students supporting their respective teams in an amazing soccer environment like the World Cup.” Martinez-Lagunas also commented on how the excitement of such an event can be an inspirational tool for young girls who grow up dreaming of playing professional soccer.

“Most of our young girls watched

“Our top talents can now think of staying here to experience top-level soccer” – Vanessa Martinez-Lagunas, head coach, Bisons women’s soccer

ship in their respective developments.

“Both universities can do a lot to continue growing the game and to give more players the opportunity to play here at home at a higher level,” Martinez-Lagunas said.

“I’m really happy with the rivalry that both universities have. I think we need to help each other as much as we can to continue growing the sport and especially this event.”

A CIS match in an ex-World Cup stadium will also ideally attract hometown and foreign talent to consider pursuing soccer in Manitoba.

“It will help us keep many of our talents here in our province, because in previous years we have been losing our best talent to the U.S. Now we have a really strong program with great infrastructure and great potential,” Martinez-Lagunas said.

“Our top talents can now think of staying here to experience top-level soccer.”

“They also want to become a player that plays a World Cup or professionally one day and I already have a few that want to be a professional in their minds.”

The Manitoba Bisons host The prospect of facing a rival team the University of Winnipeg also enhances the experience of play- Wesmen on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. at ing in a distinguished venue.

Investors Group Field.

For Martinez-Lagunas, having a rivalry doesn’t only mean fierce competition, but it also allows for both sides to establish a beneficial relation-

Bisons gain momentum on the road Manitoba tops CIS table with critical win at Regina after Saskatchewan defeat ANDY CHE, VOLUNTEER STAFF

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ith a win and a draw in their first goal of the season. The Bisons premiere weekend, the responded through Bruna Mavginier, Manitoba Bisons women’s soccer pouncing on a Huskies mis-clearance team left Regina and Saskatoon hav- to equalize just three minutes later. ing gained some momentum in the The goal marked Mavignier’s teamleading third goal of the season.

CIS regular season.

Things didn’t go exactly to plan in their 3-2 loss against the Saskatchewan Huskies, but the With a crucial three Bisons regrouped to defeat the points collected Regina Cougars 2-1 the very next day.

University of Saskatchewan

In last season’s meeting, the Huskies won the fixture 3-1 on Manitoba’s home turf, and the herd was looking to exact some revenge in 2015.

Alyssa Robinson gave the Bisons the perfect start when she opened the scoring after 17 minutes. Down 1-0, the Huskies began to launch a series of on-target shots hoping to break through.

Eventually, Saskatchewan caught a break when Kelly Cerkowniak drew a foul inside the penalty area. The midfielder converted the penalty to equalize just minutes before the halftime whistle.

The home side took the lead 2-1 just five minutes after the restart, with striker Leesa Eggum scoring her

to Saskatchewan’s consistent attack, producing 25 attempts on goal to the Bisons’ five.

University of Regina

Having lost their first match of the season on Saturday, Manitoba’s fiery attitude would be on full display at Regina’s expense.

The Bisons made one noteworthy change from their defeat to Saskatchewan. Martinez-Lagunas in their two replaced captain and starting goalperformances on the keeper Chloe Werle with Martina Arran ahead of their clash at Regina. weekend, Manitoba Looking to avenge their first loss of the season, Manitoba broke retains their firstthrough inside the opening 15 minplace ranking in utes. Mavignier played the final ball for Robinson, who scored her second the Prairie Division goal in two matches. The Brazilian of Canada West continued to dominate the first half, scoring her fourth goal of the season less than two minutes later.

The Bisons’ dreams of clinching a The Cougars came closest to beatwin at Saskatchewan collapsed when ing Arran when Swedish midfielder the Huskies bagged a late lead from Tove Werner struck the bar midway Cerkowniak’s second strike of the through the first half, but the Bisons match. The home side eventually held lucked out and took their 2-0 lead on for a 3-2 victory. into the halftime break.

Manitoba fought hard, snatchManitoba introduced freshman ing the lead and equalizing after goalkeeper Madison Wilford for the giving it away. Yet they fell victim second 45 minutes, and despite giving

GRAPHIC BY BRADLY WOHLGEMUTH

up a goal, she held strong to ensure the victory.

Regina’s bid for a comeback was sparked by a late marker from midfielder Celia Michaud, but that would be the closest the Cougars would get.

With a crucial three points collected in their two performances on the weekend, Manitoba retains first-

place ranking in the Prairie division of Canada West. Mavignier’s four goals in the season also ranks within the top 10 goal leaders in the CIS. The Manitoba Bisons continue on the road next weekend as they take on the MacEwan Griffins and the Calgary Dinos.

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Bisons fall in Western shootout Manitoba loses home opener to Calgary in heartbreaker RYAN STELTER, VOLUNTEER STAFF

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he Manitoba Bisons football team hosted their home opener at Investors Group Field on Friday, suffering a crushing 46-38 loss to the Calgary Dinos, despite leading for over 50 minutes.

The Dinos were without star wideout Brett Blaszko, but that didn’t hinder them. Andrew Buckley relied heavily on receiver Rashaun Simonise, who racked up 178 yards on 13 catches, as well as one touchdown.

Calgary stole victory from the herd due to their successful run game. Running back Mercer Timmis was an absolute menace, rushing for 276 yards on 27 carries.

Timmis also added three touchdowns, including a 79-yard break late in the third quarter which turned out to be the momentum swinger.

made a spectacular grab in double coverage to get the touchdown.

It appeared for many parts of this game that the Bisons were going to walk away winners, as the defensive line did a great job containing Timmis in the first half, restricting him to 68 yards.

“To play these games out of the gate, two consecutive weeks, it puts us further ahead in the learning curve” – Brian Dobie, head coach, Bisons football

third quarter as well.

Rookie Jamel Lyles continued to dazzle us with his running ability, running for 82 yards on 11 carries.

On special teams, Lyles ran for 209 yards, including his spectacular opening kickoff touchdown Lyles received high praise from head coach Brian Dobie postgame.

“That kid is such a wonder, I’m so impressed with him,” Dobie said.

“He is going to be a great back in this conference.”

On defence, DJ Lalama led all players with 10.5 tackles, a stellar performance from the middle linebacker.

Learning experience

The Dinos are arguably the best team in the conference, and losing this way can be seen as a learning experience for the herd.

Dobie thinks that playing tough Summary teams early on is a good thing for This game was a back-and-forth the Bisons. offensive showdown between two “To play these games out of the of the best teams in Canada.

Like many great backs however, gate, two consecutive weeks, it puts Manitoba started the game Timmis got better as the game went us further ahead in the learning off brilliantly with a Bison record along. Calgary’s offensive line also curve,” Dobie said. “It shows our 107-yard kick off return for a touch- won the war in the trenches in the grit, our toughness and our comdown by star rookie Jamel Lyles. second half, allowing Timmis the petitive level.”

Calgary was quick to respond space to make big plays.

The Bisons go up against the after the opening kickoff, however, After Timmis’s 79-yard touch- UBC Thunderbirds at home next tying the game up 7-7 on their first down to end the third quarter, the Saturday, which will prove to be drive.

Dinos went on to outscore the a tough test. Manitoba beat the In the second quarter, the Bisons 20-7 in the fourth.

Thunderbirds 20-10 the last time Bisons strung together a highthese two teams clashed in the light reel-worthy drive. It started Standout performances regular season, and the T-Birds when Cameron Fox took a shovel The Bisons may have lost this will be looking for revenge. pass from Theo Deezar 51 yards game, but they did have some fanafter absolutely trucking a Dino tastic individual performances. defender, knocking his helmet off Offensively, Vitt had a fantastic in the process. game, with five catches for 111 yards On the next play, Deezar aired and a touchdown. Jesse Walker it out to Alex Vitt, who channelled scored his first touchdown in the his inner Odell Beckham Jr. and CIS with a nice 64-yarder in the

PHOTO BY JEFF MILLER

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Sports

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

‘The little race that could’ Ted’s Run for Literacy aims to break the cycle of childhood poverty, provide confidence MIKE STILL, STAFF

“Several meetings followed, and the interest was there for a second event, so I accepted the race director position,” Bennett said.

“We had no idea what we were doing, or how to organize an event, but the committee was very strong and dedicated to making it work.

Fast-forward to September 2015 and we’re still around, stronger than ever.”

Sept. 27 will see the fifth instalment of the event known as Ted’s Run for Literacy (TRL). It’s an event that honours Swain’s legacy in a few different ways.

“Our race crew is very motivated.

We are one of the few races, perhaps the only one, that is organized by runners, for runners, to honour a runner,” Bennett said.

The event does more than simply honour Swain’s lasting impact on many in the running community, however. It also links with his background as an English teacher.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CONNIE LOWE

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ed Swain was a well-known and respected face in the running community until his untimely passing in May of 2009 following the Winnipeg Police Service half-marathon. He became very involved in the recreational running scene after his retirement from Vincent Massey Collegiate, where he taught English.

Swain would run his first full marathon in 2004, which was also the year he began coaching running clinics at the Running Room. His

love and passion for the sport led him to coach an outstanding 19 clinics in a span of five years – something both he and his clinic members found great joy in.

When Swain suffered a heart attack after completing the race, a huge void was felt by those in the running scene.

One evening, shortly following Swain’s passing, a group of about 100 runners gathered at the Kenaston Running Room. A small race was

held to honour Swain, and a sizable amount of cash was collected. Swain’s wife Joan used the money to start a foundation in Ted’s name through the Winnipeg Foundation.

A few weeks later, Kenaston Running Room manager Lorraine Walton approached Michael Bennett, a dedicated runner and friend of Ted’s, and asked if he would consider taking on the race director position if there was enough interest in organizing a second race.

ary education as others living above the poverty line.

CanU provides multi-week programming and is hosted by partnering faculties at the University of Manitoba.

“Programs are 14-18 weeks long during the academic school year, and are designed and delivered by university student volunteer coordinators and instructors, who teach the children literacy and life skills in a variety of sports and academic programs,” said Roger Berrington, the current executive director of CanU. “These programs are designed not only to provide Winnipeg children and youth with experiences that will instil hope and confidence in their ability to achieve post-secondary success, but also provides university [and] college students with leadership skills in their chosen field in the context of a cross-cultural, cross-social and cross-economic setting.”

Interestingly, Berrington has also been volunteering with TRL since its “Our vision is to inception, connecting the run with an opportunity to make a difference in eradicate the cycle the lives of Manitoba kids by using of childhood poverty. some of the funds to provide running shoes to kids.

It's a dream, an “Last year, Ted’s Run asked the Winnipeg Foundation for a recomaudacious dream, mendation of an organization that even, but we're not serves kids in literacy and sport,” Berrington said. “One of the organiafraid to tackle this zations they recommended was CanU. issue head-on” – It was kind of cool and humorous how TRL chose CanU.” Michael Bennett, By partnering with CanU, TRL is continuing its goal of fostering race director, Ted’s education in an inspiring way. It’s a Run for Literacy mutually beneficial relationship, and something that Swain would likely be proud to see.

“It’s no secret that education is the “Our vision is to eradicate the cycle of childhood poverty. It’s a dream, key to success, the key to opening the an audacious dream, even, but we’re vault of poverty,” Bennett said. “To not afraid to tackle this issue head- not try to open the door is shameful. on,” Bennett said. “We believe that Ted was a teacher and he would be through education, particularly lit- proud of his legacy.” eracy education, we can make a difference. To date we have generated Ted’s Run for Literacy has both a about $26,000 towards this end. We 5-km and 10-km event which start are, indeed, the little race that could.” at 10:00 a.m., as well as a 2-km event at 10:02 a.m. The race occurs at Kildonan Park, 2015 Main Street, on CanU This year, the proceeds of TRL Sunday, Sept. 27. For more informawill go to support CanU, a local after- tion, go to tedsrunforliteracy.com. school program created in 2010. Its goal is to inspire hope and confidence in Winnipeg children who may not have the same access to post-second-

VOL. 102 NO. 6 September 16, 2015

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Scrambling to reach mediocrity Bombers’ struggles at the pivot position aren’t a new issue MIKE STILL, STAFF

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espite not posting the worst record in the CFL, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers can still be considered the worst in one very important area: their depth at the QB position. Without a capable backup behind injured starter Drew Willy, the Bombers have nowhere to go but down.

After losing Willy to a knee injury in a 38-8 week-seven loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Bombers have gone 1-3 and are quickly watching their chances of hosting the upcoming Grey Cup in Winnipeg go down the drain.

Now I’m aware that the Bombers won 22-7 this past weekend against Saskatchewan with recently signed six-year CFL veteran Matt Nichols.

That means nothing, in my opinion.

Saskatchewan is in the bottom three in every important defensive category, and the win is not indicative of the Bombers’ abilities offensively.

Before analyzing Nichols’s background, it’s important to first discuss why Winnipeg needed to sign him in the first place.

Winnipeg’s two previous backups that saw time in Willy’s absence – Robert Marve in weeks eight and 10, and Brian Brohm in week 11, failed to pick up a single victory, and neither one passed for over 210 yards in any of those three games.

Their experience level in the CFL doesn’t help either. Marve and Brohm combined have been in the league for two years less than Nichols. While both strong-armed QB’s were talented in the American college ranks, they haven’t been able to adjust to the change in defensive schemes and alignments put together by their opposition, and at times have looked simply confused.

This isn’t the first time the Bombers have run into an issue with depth at quarterback. It dates all the way back to 2007, when backup Ryan Dinwiddie made his first career CFL start in the Grey Cup, after proven starter Kevin Glenn went down the week before.

This isn’t the first Following 2007, CFL no-names contime the Bombers tinued to find a place with Winnipeg at the have run into an pivot position, with issue with depth Stefan LeFors, Joey Elliott, Justin Goltz, at quarterback. It Alex Brink, and Max dates all the way Hall being just a few players whose careers back to 2007 never skyrocketed in the Canadian game.

Let’s take this conversation back Meanwhile, teams to Nichols now. His record as a starter across the CFL found is a mediocre 6-7, with all six wins capable back ups occurring this year. His decision- turned starters seemmaking has been questioned at times ingly with ease. Bo as well: he’s thrown 20 touchdowns, Levi Mitchell, Travis but also 19 interceptions. Let’s also Lulay, and Henry Burris are just a remember that Edmonton has few quarterbacks who started with the best defence in the league and a clipboard and now have Grey Cup doesn’t require many points out of rings as starters.

This is a team that ranks last in their offence.

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

the league in sacks allowed and has a predictable offensive playbook. Those two factors equal a number of pressures on the quarterback and a higher chance of injury. If the Bombers can’t

find someone to replace Willy both now and in future years, then chances are they’ll see their enormous Grey Cup drought continue.