23 March 2016

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

NEWS

Residence fees on the rise U of M to raise rent and ancillary fees for on-campus living Page 5

SPORTS

Nothing but net The Manitoban review the basketball team's best of the season Page 21

NEWS

Smooth criminals Security services stats show campus theft is on the rise Page 6

VO L 1 0 2 · N O 2 7 · M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 1 6 · W W W.T H E M A N I TO B A N .CO M

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Index

VOL. 102 NO. 27 March 23, 2016

SCIENCE

Don't beat yourself app

Apps to promote well-being during the end of term push page 13 SCIENCE

Unloading the gun

Science close to developing new male contraceptive

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Craig Adolphe

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EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR Lauren Siddall

me@themanitoban.com

NEWS EDITOR Ethan Cabel

news@themanitoban.com

NEWS EDITOR Garett Williams

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Chantelle Dubois

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ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Seamus Hamilton-Pattison

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SPORTS EDITOR Mike Still

sports@themanitoban.com

COPY EDITOR Tom Ingram

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JUNIOR COPY EDITOR Sarah Doran

DESIGN

DESIGN EDITOR Bradly Wohlgemuth

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GRAPHICS EDITOR Bram Keast

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GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE Kelly Campbell GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE Jondell Coombs PHOTO ASSOCIATE Chantal Zdan PHOTO ASSOCIATE Megan Colwell

REPORTERS

NEWS Osho Samuel Adetunji NEWS Shawn Garbutt NEWS Shreya Ghimire NEWS Diana-Abasi Ubokudom COLUMNIST Jill Patterson SCIENCE Malak Abas SCIENCE Jeremiah Yarmie ARTS & CULTURE Olivia Michalczuk ARTS & CULTURE Tobi Nifesi SPORTS Andy Che SPORTS Ryan Stelter

ARTS & CULTURE

VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTORS

All jazzed up

Khaled El-Salakay Allison Poppel Yanisa Wu Anghela Sivananthan

The Manitoban sits down with Juno-nominated U of M alumnus

Cathy Dowd Jeff Miller Sari Habiluk Anthony Labonte

Will Gibson Nicolette Nuytten Robert Pasternak

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

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News

News Editor: Ethan Cabel Contact: news@themanitoban.com News Editor:Garett Williams Contact: garett@themanitoban.com

Recall petition gaining steam More than 1,000 names collected supporting referendum to oust UMSU president GARETT WILLIAMS, STAFF

PHOTO BY MEGAN COLWELL

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petition to hold a referendum to have questioned the expense and timThe questioned expenses include council passed a $64 annual fee total of about $5,900 on her executive remove University of Manitoba ing of the recall motion but said a goal items as innocuous as $2.50 purchases increase in December. card throughout the entire term. In Students’ Union (UMSU) presi- of forwarding the petition is to shed from Coca-Cola machines and $11 U 2013-14, Arte’s successor, Al Turnbull, dent Jeremiah Kopp from office has light on the issues facing council and of M parkade fees to nearly $4,000 Forensic audit spent a total of about $7,400 in his collected nearly half the signatures engage the student body. in office furnishings, a more than At the March 10 meeting, UMSU first of two terms. Numbers were not required to spark a recall vote.

“As [things] are right now, there is a $600 bill at Joey restaurant, $350 at council approved a motion triggering provided for Turnbull’s 2014-15 term.

Isaac Weldon, vice-president significant disconnect between what the Manitoba Liquor Mart, and $230 a forensic audit of UMSU finances for According to financial statements of the Arts Student Body Council UMSU does and what the students at Shoppers Drug Mart for Lindor the 2015-16 year-to-date to begin no made public at the March 10 meeting, later than March 31.

(ASBC) and one of two students need or what they want,” he said. chocolates.

Kopp had spent a total nearly $29,000 spearheading the petition, said more “The students themselves don’t Student union administration is on the credit card since taking over than 1,000 students have signed on have those kinds of luxuries,” said currently compiling proposals and in May. in support of holding a referendum “The students Weldon. “It’s something that should cost estimates which could be preAdditionally, in 2014-15, as vicevote to recall Kopp, whose term is be kept in mind when spending any sented to council as early as its next president internal, Kopp used an themselves don’t kind of student money.” meeting, March 24. scheduled to end April 30. executive credit card – the first year have those kinds Under student union bylaws, a “Regardless of whether or not “Whether or not it comes back it was available to the position – to petition to recall an executive needs UMSU approves these expendi- with any sort of evidence that the spend nearly $19,800. So far this year, of luxuries. It’s the support of 10 per cent of UMSU tures, it’s student money and at the money was misspent, I think what current vice-president internal Zach something that membership. Weldon estimated end of the day it’s up to the students we started now – and what’s really LeClerc has spent $7,200. he’ll need a little more than 2,100 to decide how they want their money important – is that there’s a moveCathy Dowd, who spent two years should be kept signatures. The union has a total of spent,” he added. ment towards a more responsible as an elected UMSU executive until 22,349 members, according to figures When Weldon and ASBC chair- student government wherein money 2006 and served as executive direcin mind when provided by UMSU chief returning person Cole Kubay first presented is spent on things that everyone can tor of the union from 2008 to 2013, spending any kind officer Dana Gregoire, suggesting a their petition to council at the same agree upon or at least a majority of took umbrage at Kopp’s claim that minimum of 2,235 signatures would March 10 meeting the allegedly unap- students can say that this is a good spending student money on things of student money” be required to trigger the referendum. proved expenses came to light, they use of our money,” said Weldon. like alcohol and elaborate meals is According to Gregoire, a referen- – Isaac Weldon, vicesaid the petition was motivated by Kopp said all the expenses are standard procedure. dum could run up a tab in the $20,000 two factors. One was a letter written legitimate and told the Manitoban “I guess, in hindsight, there should president, ASBC range and the earliest a result could by a former University of Winnipeg he is confident an audit will find the have been something that was clear be reached is April 15 – two weeks and Students’ Association president same, claiming the issue was brought [and] written out that these are the one day before Kopp’s term expires.

“Part of that separation is due to claiming Kopp and vice-president up as a political attack against him by standards,” she said.

For that deadline to be met, sig- ignorance and hopefully now that the advocacy Rebecca Kunzman floated vice-president student services Jessica “I never had any problems with natures would have to be collected issues are coming to light, there will the idea of increasing UMSU’s levy Morrison, and many of the expenses any executives [...] They didn’t want and delivered to UMSU council be a movement towards a change in on students to offset university budget were in line with UMSU’s established to spend money that they couldn’t at its March 24 meeting. A three- what UMSU does and how it acts.” cuts at a meeting with the provincial practices. justify,” she said. week campaign period similar to an Weldon said students have been minster of education and advanced “It’s what’s been done at the orga“Whether it’s at council or on the UMSU general election would follow. receptive to the petition and that learning in the spring of 2015. The nization for many, many years,” Kopp front page of a newspaper, they don’t Gregoire also noted the vote most cited Kopp’s alleged misuse of other was Kopp’s course enrolment, said in a previous interview with the want to have to justify to students would fall during exam period – reg- an UMSU executive credit card for which exceeds the eight credit hours Manitoban. why they’re spending their money ular classes wrap up April 8 – which supporting the initiative. allowed for members of the execuHowever, Morrison – who ten- on frivolous things like alcohol and could impact how many students vote, Kopp was cut off from use of tive, according to the student union’s dered her resignation the same meet- things that aren’t accessible to all noting a turnout of less than five per the credit card at an UMSU coun- bylaws. ing – claimed otherwise. students.” cent could possibly render the refer- cil meeting March 10 after nearly Both Kopp and Kunzman said She cited previous executives’ endum invalid. $14,000 in allegedly unapproved were the letter misrepresented what was spending and said in 2012-13, thenWeldon acknowledged students presented to council. actually said at the meeting. UMSU UMSU president Bilan Arte spent a

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News

News Editor: Ethan Cabel Contact: news@themanitoban.com News Editor:Garett Williams Contact: garett@themanitoban.com

NDP pledges to convert student loans to grants Selinger unveils new planks in post-secondary funding platform TOM INGRAM, STAFF, WITH FILES FROM GARETT WILLIAMS AND CRAIG ADOLPHE

If re-elected April 19, the Manitoba NDP will offer non-repayable grants in place of student loans and provide free tuition to students in foster care up to age 25, leader Greg Selinger announced at an on-campus press conference Monday.

“We want to make sure people not only have hope but a practical path to a better life and we all know that education is still the single best way to prepare yourself for the future,” Selinger said in an interview with the Manitoban.

Selinger said converting student loans to grants builds on the NDP’s history of support for post-secondary education, which includes annual funding increases, caps on tuition increases, and most recently the elimination of interest on student loans.

“Because of all these other supports we put in place it was the next logical move to build on that experience and try and keep post-secondary affordable for Manitobans who go to school here,” Selinger said.

The grants are set to cost $40 million a year, compared to over $33 million a year for the current slate of student aid programs. The cost has been taken into account in the NDP’s budgeting forecasts, Selinger told the Manitoban.

Grant amounts will be deter-

mined by the same criteria currently used for loans, and students who are currently receiving loans will still have to pay them back – though any future provincial student aid those same students receive will come in the form of grants.

At the conference, Selinger also announced several more plans for post-secondary funding, including doubling funding for the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative from $4.5 million to $9 million, launching a pilot program to prepare adult learners for post-secondary education or apprenticeships, and introducing $12 million for student family housing at Brandon University.

The NDP’s plan will leave the tuition fee income tax rebate intact.

Student response

Michael Barkman, chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Manitoba, welcomed the announcement.

“It’s something that students have been asking for for a long time from all political parties,” he said.

Barkman compared the NDP’s promise to the student aid programs in Newfoundland, where the Progressive Conservative government replaced student loans with grants last summer, and Ontario, which

recently announced an initiative to provide non-repayable student aid to students from families earning less than $50,000 a year.

“It’s an exciting step forward and it’s something we’re seeing across the country a lot of political parties committing to,” Barkman said.

“We want to make sure people not only have hope but a practical path to a better life” – Greg Selinger, Manitoba NDP leader Allison Kilgour, a U of M student and a senate representative for the Arts Student Body Council, also praised the NDP’s student aid proposal.

“We’ve seen the student debt rising higher and higher and we’ve seen other provinces take steps towards lowering the debt and turning it into grants,” said Kilgour.

“From a large university perspective, a lot of students have to work full-time just to pay for their educa-

tion, or can’t even attend university based on their income or what they can and can’t afford.”

Other parties’ commitments

The Liberals promised in November to take the $10 million of Manitoba Student Aid money devoted to loans and convert it to non-repayable grants. They also vowed to eliminate the cap on how much money students can earn from working while in school.

NDP Education Minister James Allum criticized the Liberal plan in November, saying “if you pull the string on [Liberal leader Rana Bokhari’s] particular commitment, then some of [the current government’s student aid package] is going to collapse and suddenly we’ll have a system that’s not working for students but in fact working against them.”

The Manitoba Progressive Conservatives, who are the frontrunners in provincial election polls, have not yet committed to a student aid plan, though they have cited their planned cut to the provincial sales tax as a way of putting money in the pockets of students and their parents.

The PCs have criticized student aid initiatives brought forward by the NDP and the Liberals. In a Q&A with the Manitoban March 8, Tory

education critic Wayne Ewasko said that the interest-free student loans introduced by the NDP government last year are “something [...] we’re going to be having conversations about once we get in.”

He also criticized the Liberal plan in a November interview, saying he doubts they will be able to follow through.

“It sounds like a great promise but to me it’s sounding unrealistic and to me it sounds as if [Bokhari is] doing some vote-buying,” he said.

Barkman compared the NDP’s proposal favourably to the Liberals’.

“The Liberal promise is an eventual conversion to grants with only $10 million of funding per year, whereas the NDP is an immediate conversion of loans into grants,” he said. “So [the NDP promise is] essentially the same, similar to what we have been proposing for a number of years, whereas the Liberals’ is kind of a slower way to get there.”

Barkman said he is awaiting announcements on student aid from the remaining provincial parties.

“I’m hoping that other parties, particularly the PCs, will be committing to tangible solutions to reduce the debt load that students face as well as making post-secondary more accessible for all learners.”

UMFA, university administration set the bargaining table Faculty union to outline future contract priorities at March 31 general meeting OSHO SAMUEL ADETUNJI, STAFF

W

ith the current faculty con- of our type in Canada – we are at tract set to expire at the end the very bottom of that list and we of March, preparations are under- are at the bottom by a considerable way for the next round of collective distance.” bargaining between the University Professors at the U of M were of Manitoba Faculty Association paid a minimum of $101,423 in the (UMFA) and University of Manitoba 2014-15 fiscal year. Associate profesadministration. sors made a minimum of $82,599 and The faculty union – which repre- assistant professors made a minimum sents some 1,250 full-time professors, of $70,370. lecturers, instructors, and academic At the University of Alberta, prolibrarians – circulated a letter to fessors made a minimum of $116,473 membership signed by president annually in 2014-15. Associate proMark Hudson earlier this month fessors made a minimum of $93,944 saying the association will be seek- while assistant professors made a ing a “stronger collective agreement minimum of $75,403. that will protect our ability to teach, Faculty at the University of research, and provide service to the Saskatchewan were also paid more university and community.” than their U of M counterparts.

Association membership will Professors made a minimum of convene at a special general meet- $124,618 in 2014-15 while associate ing March 31 to set priorities for the and assistant professors made minubargaining team to pursue in negotia- mum salaries of $106,708 and $88,798 tions. Hudson said salary, which he respectively. claimed is below average at the U of The 2013-16 collective agreement M, is on the table. between UMFA and the university “I don’t know what the member- saw a 6.9 per cent salary increase ship will agree to in terms of the over the contract’s term. The previparameters but they will ask us to ous 2010-13 agreement gave faculty a negotiate,” he said.

4.4 per cent increase.

“Both the UMFA and the U of The university’s bargaining M administration recognize that we team will be led by chief negotiator are currently not compensated com- Gregory Juliano, associate vice-prespetitively relative to other universities ident human resources at the U of M.

Juliano successfully reached separate agreements with 2,600 support staff represented by AESES in December and 500 sessional instructors and part-time librarians and counsellors represented by CUPE in January.

According to an online statement, the university will be seeking a bargaining process and result that provides stability through a multi-year agreement; places teaching, research and service at the forefront; and contributes to financial sustainability while allowing for responsiveness in a changing fiscal environment.

John Danakas, the U of M’s executive director of public affairs, wouldn’t comment on the upcoming negotiations, saying only that administration respects the process.

“The University of Manitoba respects the bargaining process and the value of any ongoing discussions remaining confidential,” he said in an email to the Manitoban.

Faculty will be represented in negotiations by professors from the economics, English, accounting and finance, biological sciences, and dentistry departments, in addition to a union professional officer.

In his letter to members, Hudson noted the bargaining team has held more than 20 consultation meet-

ings and spoken directly with more than 250 faculty members. He added that members voiced concerns about administration initiatives, such as performance indicators, being introduced without union approval and the downloading of administrative duties to faculty, citing the Concur travel and expense tool as an example.

Faculty members must use Concur to make travel arrangements, book hotels, and car rentals in order to have access to the university’s preferred vendor rates.

Hudson told the Manitoban the Concur software is not user-friendly and has wasted faculty time that should be invested in quality research and teaching.

“The university is essentially downloading its administrative work onto faculty members and it really changes the kind of work that our members do,” he said.

“Instead of doing research, teaching and service, they are doing administrative work that they were not really hired to do.”

Hudson said the union should be ready to present its key priorities to the university in short order and said that while the bargaining team will enter negotiations in good faith, strike action cannot be ruled out if an

agreement cannot be met.

“We don’t enter into collective bargaining with an expectation that there will be a strike but we want to come to a very reasonable agreement with the university administration in a way that is efficient,” he said.

“At the beginning of collective bargaining, one can never rule out the possibility of some kind of labour action.”

Michael Barkman, chairperson of the Canadian Federation StudentsManitoba (CFS-MB), said students and faculty alike benefit from a strong agreement between UMFA and the university, arguing it facilitates an overall better education system.

“It is very critical for students and faculties [to be] united in a common struggle for quality post-secondary education,” he said.

“The quality of education for students is greatly affected by our access to it and so I think it is both critical that the tuition fees remain low while the university supports good jobs for faculty and this can only be achieved through strong public funding for post-secondary [education] and commitment to these goals.”

VOL. 102 NO. 27 March 23, 2016

News

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U of M to raise rent, meal plan fees for students in residence UMSU international students’ representative claims increased rates too burdensome for international students SHAWN GARBUTT, STAFF

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

T

he University of Manitoba’s board of governors recently approved a proposal that will increase rent for student residences and hike other ancillary fees for students living at the university.

Passed on March 15, the motion called for higher room rates resulting in increases between approximately $200 and $400 annually for its residence buildings. The U of M operates four residences: Pembina Hall, Arthur V. Mauro, Mary Speechly Hall, and University College. The motion did not include the residences at St. John’s, St. Paul’s, and St. Andrew’s colleges.

Rates for meal plans will also increase, with different mandatory options for Pembina Hall and Mary Speechly Hall residents hiked by approximately $150 whereas University College meal plans will see an increase of about $130.

Annual residence rates at Pembina Hall will increase by three per cent, amounting to an increase of $202, seeing a jump in total fees being paid from $6,604 to $6,806. The annual single room and double room rates at Mary Speechly Hall will increase by seven per cent, amounting to increases of $342 and $218, resulting in total fees changing from $4,856 to $5,198 for a single room and $3,102 to $3,320 for a double room.

Annual residence rates at Arthur V. Mauro will see an increase of 4.5 per cent, amounting to an increase of $316 and producing a rise in total fees paid from $6,962 to $7,278.

University College’s residence rates will see the most drastic uptick, with rent increasing by nine per cent.

This amounts to a $438 hike on both single room and double room rates, whereby respective costs will change from $4,856 to $5,294 and from $3,102 to $3,382.

The university justifies the fee hikes by citing the need for expensive capital repairs to its residences.

The proposal cites a need for window replacements in University College, stating “[the] project would span four years and is estimated to cost $750,000 per phase.” Moreover, Mary Speechly Hall requires door and bathroom upgrades to its facilities as well as the construction of a community kitchen. The total cost for all the renovation projects at Speechly are estimated to be $400,000.

“Increasing fees reflects on how much importance is being given to profiteering over education” – Mujtaba Jalil, international students representative, UMSU The university also justifies the rent hikes as part of a broader plan to ensure that its student residences are self-sustaining, meaning that the rent will be able to cover the full cost of maintaining the buildings.

The proposal also contains data showing that the U of M is among the most competitive post-secondary institutions in Canada when it comes to offering affordable student housing.

For most types of student housing, only Brandon University and the University of Saskatchewan surpass the U of M in terms of affordability.

“We believe that students need to see improvements in the spaces they live in and the services they receive in order justify fee increases in student residences,” said Andrea Edmunds, director of ancillary services at the U

of M, in an email to the Manitoban.

“We feel that this proposal is consistent with that value and will directly benefit our new and returning residents.”

But despite positive assurances from campus officials, international students have expressed their opposition to the proposed rent and ancillary fee hike. International students comprise 57 per cent of students living in residence at the U of M. Mujtaba Jalil, the UMSU international students’ representative, told the Manitoban that the rental hikes will ensure that the cost of student housing is increasingly cumbersome for many international students.

“From the perspective of residence, it should be a service for students, not a burden,” Jalil said in an email.

“Increasing fees reflects on how much importance is being given to profiteering over education.”

Access to student housing at the U of M came under scrutiny last year when South Winnipeg–St. Norbert Coun. Janice Lukes drew attention to the proliferation of illegal rooming houses around the Fort Garry campus.

Lukes argued last September that a shortage of inexpensive campus housing was driving many students to seek potentially unsafe rental accommodation. There are 1,316 bed spaces available on campus, with 98 per cent occupancy during the academic year.

The wait list for student housing is 300 names long.

Residential areas in the Fort Garry and Fort Richmond neighbourhoods are zoned as single-family and twofamily residential districts, which prohibit the establishment of single room occupancy accommodation.

However, many houses have been converted to single room occupancy without ensuring that they meet the specifications of the Manitoba Building Code.

Lukes told the Manitoban that

the university has “made it loud and clear” that subsidizing student housing – either to help address the issue of illegal housing or simply to assist students – is not something the U of M is interested in pursuing.

“The university is hoping private enterprise, private business, private markets will pick up and build [housing].

And they are! And I’m rolling out the red carpet for them to build something that will help students” – Janice Lukes, city councillor, South Winnipeg–St. Norbert ward Lukes added that she is more hopeful that private businesses will pick up the slack. In particular, she cited the 14-storey apartment complex planned for the corner of Pembina Highway and Bison Dr. The complex is slated to house 200 students.

“The university is hoping private enterprise, private business, private markets will pick up and build [housing]. And they are! And I’m rolling out the red carpet for them to build something that will help students,” Lukes said.

No deal for meals

The cost of meal plans for students living in residence are also slated to increase this year, with Mary

Speechly and Pembina Hall each slated for a three per cent increase in annual rates for their various meal plans. Meal plans for University College residents are slated to increase by five per cent.

“Items deemed ‘sustainable, specialty, and/or healthy food options’ are in high demand and we continue to spend more on these products to meet stakeholder expectations,” the proposal states by way of explanation.

“Paper is also a nature of expense that has been dramatically affected by moving to more sustainable packaging.”

Jalil told the Manitoban that the meal plan fee hikes are evidence that the university is “hungering for money.” Furthermore, he criticized U of M dining services as “bad” and “expensive,” and alleged that the service is not sufficiently flexible for students with cultural or religious dietary restrictions.

“It is disheartening to hear that perspective,” Edmunds said.

“From a food service point of view, dining services is always pleased to meet with students who have specific requirements to see how various requests can be accommodated.”

Edmunds said there are many mechanisms in place to ensure students in residence are fully aware of their meal options and that students are encouraged to contact dining services and make arrangements with them as needed.

Edmunds said international students continue to choose the U of M as their academic destination over other universities.

She cited international student enrolment as having increased substantially since 2009, adding that international students are highly valued at the university. International students make up 10 per cent of the roughly 29,000 students at the U of M.

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News

News Editor: Ethan Cabel Contact: news@themanitoban.com News Editor:Garett Williams Contact: garett@themanitoban.com

Campus crime stats show thefts on the rise U of M security services beef up patrols in high-risk areas in response to statistical trends SHREYA GHIMIRE, STAFF

PHOTO BY CAROLYNE KROEKER

T

he monthly reports of the University of Manitoba’s security services show a significant number of thefts on campus, raising concerns among students, professors, and staff.

By compiling statistics from monthly reports, the Manitoban concluded that there were 193 reported thefts in 2015, a significant increase over last year, where 137 thefts were reported to campus security.

Statistics archived by security services show that there were 110 reported thefts in 2012, 152 in 2011, and 162 in 2010.

Rates of mischief – namely, vandalism and the defacing or damaging of university property – remained consistent with past years at 88 reports in 2015. There were 93 reports in 2014.

However, the past year also saw a small increase in the rates of drug use over previous years, with 13 reports of drug use on campus, all relating to marijuana.

Reports of campus harassment, on the other hand, decreased from previous years, with only three reported incidents in 2015 compared with seven in 2012, eight in 2011, and nine in 2010.

Analyzing crime

Frank Cormier, professor of sociology and criminology at the U of M, notes that crime data like security statistics don’t necessarily reflect the amount of criminal activity on campus, because the crime needs to be detected, reported, and recorded before it becomes a statistic.

Especially when considering issues such as harassment, this is significant because the difference in numbers might not mean there has been less harassment. It could also

mean a rise in people not reporting harassment when it occurs.

Cormier noted that the number of thefts reported this year does seem significant. However, he noted that the actual number of thefts could be even higher given that some people may report straight to the Winnipeg police, bypassing security services.

“A lot of crime is based simply on the fact that the opportunity presents itself [...] They’re willing to commit a crime, but they’re not committed to committing a crime” – Frank Cormier, professor of criminology and sociology, U of M When asked what could account for the number of thefts this year specifically, Cormier offered a couple possible explanations.

The higher the unemployment rate, the higher the number of thefts in a society, he said. If there has been a change in the campus economy, this may be reflected in the numbers.

“If there are more people in desperate situations, there could be more theft,” Cormier said.

According to Cormier, theft will Security services should make of whatever I do now. I’m literally also increase if more targets become note of darker areas of campus with hiding the other bike right now in a available. Some individuals plot blind spots or corners through regular specific place and I lock it with two thefts well in advance for items that security audits, he said. or three locks,” he said. they feel they need, while others are Cormier suggests that these audits Alameddine wants to see secuwilling to steal property only if items should look at the libraries, especially rity services make theft a priority are left out in the open and unlocked. Elizabeth Dafoe Library, where by installing more cameras around “A lot of crime is based simply on people can easily take something campus. He would also like to see the fact that the opportunity presents sitting in a carrel and disappear into students made more aware of the itself [...] They’re willing to commit a the stacks, without others witnessing likelihood of theft on campus, along crime, but they’re not committed to the crime. with other security issues. committing a crime,” Cormier said.

According to Cormier, environAccording to Cormier, another mental design as a preventative mea- Security services respond explanation could be that the num- sure would require not just looking at Rick Jansen, director of secubers of theft reflect “social disorgani- the number of thefts, but also where rity services at the U of M, told the zation” on campus. This is when rates they’re happening.

Manitoban that the theft data has of crime increase in neighbourhoods prompted security services to increase where there is high social mobility, U of M student speaks out patrols in high-risk areas like libraries and people lose a feeling of commuFeras Alameddine, an environ- and study halls. nity with the people around them. mental science student at the U of Security services has also beefed When people feel a strong sense M, told the Manitoban that he has up its public awareness campaigns on of community attachment to cam- had his bike stolen twice on campus crime prevention strategies through pus, they are less likely to steal from in two different locations near the their monthly reports, as well as by their fellow students. But if students engineering building. meeting with student groups. feel alienated they are more likely to The latest incident happened two Jansen also pointed out that most steal from people who they perceive weeks ago, on March 4. According to crimes on campus are “crimes of as mere strangers.

Alameddine, he left campus around opportunity,” so he cautions people Cormier warns that we should not midnight to find his bike gone, with not to leave valuables unattended, let campus security service statistics just the broken lock left in its spot. and encourages people to contact drastically change our perceptions Another theft happened in the security services if they see anything of the university or our behaviour winter. suspicious. toward fellow students.

“I was so disappointed by what Regarding drug-related reports, “Most people’s fear of crime is far happened,” said Alameddine, who Jansen said that changing perceptions out of proportion with their risk of built the bike himself. around marijuana is a factor in the crime,” he said.

“In the end we’re all students. increased rates of reported marijuana When it comes to enforcement, We’re all in debt, we all have issues, use on campus.

Cormier said that not a lot can be and we’re all involved in full-time “Changes in decriminalization done when it comes to covert crimes courses. I don’t want to go out after laws are creating a greater ‘acceptance’ like theft. studying all night to find out my of marijuana in our society, and at However, Cormier noted that bike was stolen in minus-35 degree the same time there are of course environmental design is a creative weather, and I have to walk home.” drug-related activities that remain way to combat theft. This means Alameddine added that he is more criminal,” Jansen said in an email. designing and creating spaces that worried than ever about the security “Education and information are make it more difficult for people to of his possessions after the incident. key.” commit crimes.

“I’m absolutely more suspicious

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

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Shoot your shot The most important things I’ve learned as a sports journalist at the Manitoban MIKE STILL, STAFF

At that point, my knowledge base on the sport wasn’t very expansive. Sure, I followed the game and had seen the squad play, but I didn’t have an indepth understanding of the x’s and o’s.

I could have easily told him I wasn’t comfortable doing that, but I decided to take the assignment instead – it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made as I fell in love with the sport and also met some amazing student-athletes along the way.

During my time, I covered every single Bison sports team. You have nothing to lose by branching out of your comfort zone and doing the same. Sure, it’s going to take a few weeks to get the intricate details of certain sports down, but once you’ve got that you’re good to go. Your portfolio will also be diversified when you ideally obtain a job in a newsroom, or as a TV or radio personality, which is never a bad thing.

Experiment with different mediums

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

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ith the 2015-16 publication year and my time at the Manitoban both coming to a close, now seems as good a time as any to share some of the experiences and lessons I’ve learned during my three years as a sportswriter for the ’Toban. My hope is that any prospective students out there who are considering a career as a sports journalist may take a few of these pointers to heart and learn from them.

Prepare/establish rapport

When I began as a sports reporter in 2013-14, the only head coach that I’d ever talked to before was Brian Dobie from the football team. I’d always had a passion for Bison sports, but I had never needed to speak to any of the bench bosses as a fan. Along with my introverted and shy personality, I was pretty nervous when the football season ended and I had to interview a coach from a different

sport. What benefitted me the most was a simple concept: preparation.

It’s not necessarily about impressing the coach with your knowledge; it’s more about showing them that you’re dedicated to covering their team and that you’re passionate about that. The more they see you and the more work you put in to get to know them as well as their team, the easier it will become to form a positive relationship.

I can look back now with pleasure knowing that I connected with the vast majority of coaches here at the U of M, but better than that, I was also able to quell my social anxiety.

Never turn down an assignment

During both of my first two years at the paper, I stuck to simply writing and didn’t try my hand at colour/playby-play for Bison sports or any form of video production. Knowing that I would be applying for grad school this year, I decided to experiment with each of the latter forms of multimedia, which resulted in monumental success as I found a love for being behind the camera.

Sports journalism is changing.

You need to be able to do more than just write in order to land some of the more prestigious jobs out there and slowly move up the pecking order.

Your viewpoint will also change when you return to writing articles, as you tend to study the game at a higher level when you’re on a live broadcast.

I vividly recall a conversation I had with my editor in early November of 2013, when he told me I would be covering the Bison basketball teams.

Letters to the editor Re: UMSU president responds to allegations

As executive director of UMSU for over five years (2008-2013), I would like to refute the current UMSU president’s claims that it was “standard practice” at UMSU to have a lot of lunch meetings and that charges on the UMSU credit card over the past ten months relate to what has been “done at the organization for many, many years” (“UMSU president responds to allegations ,” March 14, 2016). Yes, it was standard for executives to have a lot of meetings with students, but I can assure all UMSU members today that it was not standard practice at UMSU to charge lunches, drinks, or other personal and unnecessary items to the

UMSU budget, and past presidents budget at their sole discretion, and Re: UMSU president In regards to the recall petition, only used the credit card on rare occa- then ask staff – who report to them responds to allegations he claims it is not the “wisest use of sions or for pre-approved expenses – to sign off on executive expenses.

University of Manitoba Students’ student money and union resources.” through the executive committee.

I would like to commend this year's Union (UMSU) president Jeremiah Isn’t this quite ironic considering that What Mr. Kopp has done – charg- vice-president student services, Jessica Kopp states that a lot of his meet- his alleged expenses may not have ing tens of thousands on the UMSU Morrison, and finance committee ings with students occur over lunch been the best use of student money? credit card and then to the UMSU members for coming forward with this and “there’s good reason for that. It’s If he is proven to be guilty, a budget – is unprecedented within information on how students’ money standard practice” (“UMSU presi- recall vote for his presidency should the organization. He is correct to was spent and for asking council to dent responds to allegations ,” March be under strong consideration and state that UMSU council approves look further into this matter with a 14, 2016). He fails to address what he should be forced to pay all the the budget and is aware of budget forensic audit. It’s not easy to do – to exactly this good reason is. What is unapproved expenses out of his own lines, but there are restrictions on speak up – but it is necessary, and a this so-called standard practice? It is pocket. Students and their families who can spend money (purchasing legal requirement of any board, coun- a vague choice of words if you ask me. work hard to pay for their university authority) and what expenditures cil, or executive member of an organAlso, he states that he treats staff tuition and these alleged unapproved need to go through executive, finance ization is to make known all matters, members to keep up their morale. expenses if proven true should not go and SGPAC committees, and ulti- especially if it is believed to be illegal, Who are these staff members exactly? unpunished. mately UMSU council. Most areas unethical, or both.

And is it necessary to spend thouof the budget fall under one of these sands of dollars as he claims to treat Anghela Sivananthan committees, and it was never just Cathy Dowd, UMSU executive director staff and students out of students’ one executive who spent the UMSU 2008-2013 tuition money?

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Comment Comment Editor: vacant Contact: comment@themanitoban.com

The future of anti-austerity mobilization at the University of Manitoba Grassroots student organizing highlights discontent with status quo YANISA WU AND GENEVIÈVE MANAHAN

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n the past two years, both the 2016 UMSU election, 16.8 per cent of and its union. Even amid the creation lem is not the increase in funding University of Manitoba Students’ union members voted. Unfortunately, of alternative student groups, such towards bursaries for indigenous Union (UMSU) and the U of M this is considered a relatively high as the Student Action Network and students, child care facilities, and administration have combined efforts voter turnout in UMSU election Students for a Democratic UMSU, undergraduate research assistance in normalizing austerity measures history. This turnout could imply a who exemplify agency and discontent (although there may be more progresimposed on faculties and non-aca- multitude of things about the union with the status quo, UMSU execu- sive ways of increasing post-seconddemic services at the university. and the student population, but it tives have made efforts to silence ary accessibility, we recognize that Austerity measures are concerted clearly shows that the majority of student dissent. these have the ability to eliminate ideological efforts to minimize deficit the student body are not involved One example is the inactivity of some of the barriers that marginalspending by cutting necessary ser- in student politics at this level. If an UMSU executives during the Stop ized populations face). vices. The budget cuts experienced election is an exercise of democracy, the Cuts campaign since 2014. This Instead, it is a matter of who is at the university are an example of a 16.8 per cent turnout demonstrates a includes their rationalization of the paying these costs and considerausterity and have been implemented poor relationship between the union university budgets, their unexplained ing and their ability to support fee while the university’s general operat- and the students as a whole, limiting absence during organizing meetings, increases while still dealing with ing fund has generated net revenue of UMSU’s ability to claim it's repre- and their failure to oppose cuts at the same issues that motivated their approximately $40 million every year senting it's constituents. the board of governors meeting on implementation. Current UMSU president Jeremiah Kopp has led since 2007.

May 19, 2015.

It is a politically motivated action Another example is with the UMSU council into believing that In recent years the imposed by the administration and disbanding and continued writing- these costs should be paid by students UMSU against the interest of the off of the Students Against Israeli as they will be services used by the UMSU executive students. The constant resistance by Apartheid (SAIA) student group. At students. has distanced itself the faculty, non-academic staff, and a council meeting in December last students (and their parents) to these year that began with an administrafrom the needs tive presentation on respectful work- Remaining silent in cuts demonstrates that the small governing body does not fully underplaces, Kopp equated the activity of of the student response to cuts is a stand nor respect the financial needs SAIA with an anti-abortion student body by focusing of those it is supposed to represent. group and in doing so, disrespected direct move against the Palestinian plight as well as failThe administration appears less on social and student interests unwilling to acknowledge these ing to understand the complexities of political issues that groups as equal consultative partners a woman’s right to choose. in the making of annual budgets. By Yet, while SAIA has been disdirectly affect us dismissing criticism, particularly banded, anti-abortion organizations But the increase in student fees when voiced by students, the adminhave continued their presence on fails to acknowledge that current fees Since 2013, the UMSU executives campus as student groups. A student already make post-secondary educaistration places itself above the needs of those who become directly affected have advocated for defederation from union president should understand tion inaccessible to many. Making by its decisions. the Canadian Federation of Students the need for mobilizing around con- such fees the responsibility of debtSimilarly, the student union’s role (CFS), the organization that unites troversial issues and strive for equal bearing students, rather than holding within student politics has been one university students across the country rights to free speech, regardless of the administration and the governof deference, dismissal, and inactiv- in advocating for free post-secondary personal political or social ideologies. ment accountable for the lack of fundity. UMSU’s mandate is to represent education and against budget cuts.

The past three years have also ing, is a step in the wrong direction. the students on issues that directly Additionally, the outgoing UMSU seen an UMSU that has selectively UMSU has also provided unusual affect them as citizens within a larger executive team has actively refused sided with the university’s admin- “support” for the administration’s political context. In addition, UMSU to pay membership fees since tak- istration while actively opposing Front and Centre fundraising executives are mandated to exercise ing office, though it and the student and stif ling student dissent. In campaign when the student union their influence and relationships population continue to benefit from December 2014, UMSU executives presented their fee hike motion to for the benefit of long-term student services and resources that CFS Al Turnbull, Jeremiah Kopp and the board of governors on Jan. 26. issues including demands for free provides.

Rebecca Kunzman wrote a letter to Alongside the motion was a summary post-secondary education and antiFor now, there is a consensus the editor published in the Manitoban that claimed $15.9 million would be among the incoming 2016-17 execu- voicing their opposition to budget raised via the fee hike over a period austerity on campus, among others.

A student’s experience is not lim- tive to support a renewed engagement cuts announced by the administration. of 10 years as a contribution for the ited to the university setting as we with the national organization, but Two years later we have seen some of Front and Centre campaign. are both affected by and affect the there have been no publicized state- the same executives work alongside The proposal for a Front and ments on how this will be enacted. society we live in. the administration, enabling the Centre donation has not yet been Furthermore, UMSU’s inaction implementation of future cuts.

In recent years the UMSU execpresented to the student council for utive has distanced itself from the against the onslaught of budget cuts In addition to rationalizing the approval. This is not creating a “culneeds of the student body by focus- in the past two fiscal years can also budget cuts, the student union has ture of philanthropy” as the summary ing less on social and political issues be attributed to a growing culture advocated for, and now implemented, included in the meeting’s agenda that directly affect us. In the recent of passivity among the student body an increase in student fees. The prob- states, since many students are either

unaware of or object to the way their money is spent.

Remaining silent in response to cuts is a direct move against student interests, as the lack of opposition permits austerity measures to continue unchallenged. The executive team has sided with austerity measures, presenting them as necessary instead of optional.

Various groups who oppose the budget cuts have been labelled and dismissed as anarchists and communists by Kopp. If student-led grassroots initiatives continue to be excluded from the realm of UMSU’s student politics based on personal political affiliations, the tensions between UMSU and its members will continue to grow.

Various student groups and the U of M faculty association have already mobilized against the impact of austerity measures, including participation in the Stop the Cuts Campaign which demands that no future fee hikes and budget cuts be implemented.

Since last year, international students have organized against the unfair increase to their differential fees of between 10 and 18 per cent.

Students from the faculty of music organized a general assembly, acting upon and generating further student dissent.

Students have also recognized and organized against the spending habits of this year’s UMSU executives, demanding a fair, democratic, and student-prioritized union. Students at the University of Manitoba are proving that they have the strength to rise against bureaucratic and undemocratic structures such as the current student union and the administration.

To increase student awareness and mobilization, a reorganization of the student union’s priorities, practices, and engagement with students needs to be prioritized. This in turn will only change if we, the students, convert our current state of apathy into one of collective dissent and actively work for our demands to be heard.

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Comment Editor: vacant Contact: comment@themanitoban.com

A bachelor’s degree is no longer enough More work experience needed to combat unemployment JILL PATTERSON, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY JONDELL COOMBS

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s someone who has completed two degrees and spent what some people would call a ridiculous amount of time in post-secondary school, I have met many different people from various disciplines and backgrounds. The longer I stayed in school, the more I noticed a recurring complaint among students regarding their job prospects after graduation.

There is a sentiment among many students today that they have been sold a lie: that a university education will earn you a good job, one that you enjoy and that pays well. In reality, many students have faced roadblocks in finding any kind of employment suitable to their field of study.

The reality of the job market, particularly here in Manitoba, is that most jobs that are not deemed “in demand” require a significant amount of job experience on top of earning a degree. In my experience, part-time employment is necessary to gain the

required work experience, but not many work opportunities are available as an undergraduate.

There seems to be not only a rising necessity of further education, but also more extensive work experience, to do the same jobs that were previously done by less educated people It wasn’t until after I completed a four-year bachelor’s degree that I realized I didn’t have enough experience to simply go out and find a job in my field. Many students face this

same realization and are left with two options: enter the competitive job market or gain more credentials.

Personally, I choose the latter.

But the added credentials haven’t necessarily allowed me to find relevant employment – instead, it was the part time job opportunities that were available to me because I was a graduate student. Many students, however, are not able or willing to go to graduate school, which raises the question, how will those that do not pursue further education past a bachelor’s degree be able to find work in their field?

It seems that the norm for many students is to work in retail or the restaurant business (low-skilled, lowwage work) while completing their education. However, it is only upon graduation, when these students start looking for employment in their field of study, that they realize a degree on its own won’t cut it.

There seems to be not only a rising necessity of further education, but also more extensive work experience, to do the same jobs that were previously done by less educated people.

In the past, people could attain a high school diploma as their highest level of education and still be able to find a job and make a decent and livable wage. Today, however, anyone seeking a job with only a high school diploma would be hard pressed to find employment that pays a livable wage, keeping them out of poverty.

The bare minimum today seems to be a degree, diploma, or certification of some kind, but even then that does not guarantee a job. There are instances where even a PhD does not guarantee a livable salary.

There are several reasons why this could be. It’s likely because the baby boomers not only have a monopoly over the job market, but many of them who are at the retirement age

are simply not retiring. This is making the jobs that are available more competitive and thus employers can be a bit more choosey in who they hire for the job.

The result has been more student loans and debt, overqualification, and unemployment.

Instead of touting degrees and diplomas as the gateway to meaningful employment, more action needs to be taken to ensure that the degrees and diplomas that students are striving to achieve will sufficiently prepare and qualify them for the work they will eventually seek.

Some programs have already introduced co-operatives and practicums, but more hands-on skill building is needed for all programs so that students aren’t left saddled with large debts and facing unemployment.

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

Happy birthday David Suzuki Geneticist, science communicator, and environmental activist turns 80 JEREMIAH YARMIE, STAFF

GRAPHIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

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orld-renowned Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki celebrates his 80th birthday this week.

In his decades working as an academic, public broadcaster, and science communicator, Suzuki has become a household name in Canada and an icon of the environmental movement.

He’s left an impact on national discourses around the environment through his public education and advocacy, and has been appointed to the Order of Canada. In 2004, Suzuki ranked fifth in the CBC’s the Greatest Canadian television program, making him the highest-ranked living Canadian.

The Nature of Things – Suzuki’s science education television show on CBC – is what inspired me to start writing about science for the Manitoban. In honour of his decades of work, let’s take a look back at his life and accomplishments.

Suzuki’s life

Suzuki’s grandparents moved to Canada in the early 1900s.

As Canadians of recent Japanese descent, Suzuki and his family were imprisoned in internment camps during the Second World War. Suzuki says this experience is part of the reason he fell in love with nature.

Suzuki was one of the only kids in his camp that was not bilingual. He was often picked on for his inability to speak Japanese, and so he spent a

lot of time by himself in the woods, His forays into science communiTo celebrate his entry into life as clean air, safe water, and a stable cliwhere he fell in love with the life of cation began with a weekly children’s an octogenarian, Suzuki returned to mate as a Canadian right. This coinour world. television program in the 1970s called his broadcasting roots in an interview cided with the province announcing a His appreciation of nature Suzuki on Science. From there, Suzuki with Anna Maria Tremonti for CBC $400,000 investment into the Prairie would influence his academic path. made the transition to radio.

Radio’s The Current. The interview Climate Centre at the U of W. Suzuki received a bachelor of sciSuzuki founded the radio show airs on March 24, and you can give Suzuki isn’t afraid to speak his ence degree from Amherst College Quirks and Quarks in 1974. The show it a listen on the Current’s website. mind. He has been vocal about his in Massachusetts while riding a full explores the quirkiness of our natuAs well, he has written more contempt for former prime minister scholarship. ral world as we learn more about it than fifty books. Of those, 19 are for Stephen Harper on many occasions Suzuki then went on to receive a through scientific research – quarks, children. over the past ten years.

During last summer’s federal PhD in zoology from the University well, they’re small sub-atomic parof Chicago in 1961 after only three ticles that make up larger sub-atomic Environmental activism election campaign he called Liberal years of research – nowadays a PhD particles like neutrons and protons.

Back in the 70s Suzuki repre- leader Justin Trudeau a twerp after in the sciences averages around five sented a sort of counter culture in the future prime minister called years to complete. the academic environmental scene. Suzuki’s dismissal of the Liberal “‘Twerp’ is a term of After a brief period as an assistant With long hair tied back in a hair- climate change policy “sanctimoprofessor at the University of Alberta, band, Suzuki looked more like a hip- nious crap.” endearment. Ask me Suzuki returned to his hometown in pie than a geneticist. “‘Twerp’ is a term of endearment,” what I call Harper” 1963 as a professor in the department Maybe it’s unsurprising that Suzuki told This Hour Has 22 Minutes of genetics at the University of British Suzuki finally fell into environmen- comedian Shaun Majumder. “Ask me – David Suzuki Columbia (UBC). tal activism. what I call Harper.”

Suzuki was a member of UBC’s In 1990, he founded the David Suzuki clearly never wanted to genetics department for nearly forty Quirks and Quarks airs each Suzuki Foundation with some friends. be the science prophet that he has years. He is currently a professor Saturday at noon on CBC Radio The foundation was established to become. emeritus at UBC. One and is currently hosted by Bob advocate for a number of environ“It’s something I do not wear well,” A geneticist by trade, Suzuki car- McDonald. In between Suzuki and mental issues including sustainable Suzuki told the CBC’s Ismaila Alfa. ried out research on the workhorse McDonald, Discovery Channel fishing practices, climate change pre“From day to day, people watch of genetics, the fruit fly Drosophila science communication veteran Jay vention, clean and renewable energy, your show, they don’t remember what melanogaster.

Ingram hosted the show for more and environmental sustainability. was on, but they remember you were than a decade.

Suzuki has been in Winnipeg a on.”

Science communication Additionally, Suzuki has been the few times in the past couple of years Regardless, Suzuki in his 80 years Suzuki’s CV spans over 17 pages. host of the CBC show the Nature of in the name of the foundation. of life has made himself a well-known His long resume even includes some Things since 1979. The show has been Last fall Suzuki received an hon- name in Canadian environmental surprises, like an album of children’s on the air since November 1960, but ourary degree from the University protection. music called Space Child. However, Suzuki has become almost synony- of Winnipeg. Suzuki was in town he is most famous for his extensive mous with it. Suzuki has won four in part because Manitoba was the involvement in science communica- Gemini awards and an ACTRA award first province to sign the Blue Dot tion and environmental activism. for his work on the Nature of Things.

Declaration, a document outlining

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Science & Technology

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

Male birth control is coming New research on male contraceptives brings us a step closer to a pill for men MALAK ABAS, STAFF

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GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

esearchers working on a contra- have reached a new breakthrough. ceptive pill for men have come According to their research, which closer to a final product, according was presented at the 251st National to scientists in a report published by Meeting & Exposition of the the University of Minnesota college American Chemical Society (ACS) of pharmacy. in San Diego, one of the issues with Creating an ingestible form of the current state of the male birth contraceptive for men has been a control pill lies in the retinoic acid notoriously difficult task, mainly receptors. because the process requires halting the function of the thousands of “It would be sperm made every minute of every day by men, rather than one egg a wonderful to provide month.

A low dose of hormones is usu- couples with a safe ally enough to prevent ovaries from alternative because ovulation, but the level of testostersome women cannot one needed to stop sperm production in men is high enough to cause side take birth control effects such as intense mood swings, weight gain, and a decrease in ben- pills” – Gunda I. eficial cholesterol.

Georg, pharmacy Additionally, the process is unreliable, according to Jillian Kyzer, a professor, University graduate student at the University of Minnesota of Minnesota and co-author of this report.

Current methods of male birth control are relatively old-school.

Retinoic acid receptors are, recepThere are condoms, which provide tors in our brains. Animals have a physical barrier, or vasectomies, them too, and researchers noticed which involve invasive surgery. There that animals with a defective alpha are a few other methods waiting to receptor (there are three retinoic acid pass clinical trials, but currently there receptors: RAR-alpha, RAR-beta, are few options for men. and RAR-gamma) seemed perfectly Head researcher Gunda I. Georg healthy but were infertile. and her colleagues believe they The team is now working on a

compound created by drug company Bristol-Myers Squibb that alters the alpha receptor in men. Their tinkering of the compound has made the current male contraceptive easier to ingest, and more effective over a long period.

However, while the experimental compound is soluble, it also interacts with the beta and gamma receptors, which have no implication for fertility, and could result in unwanted side effects.

The other big issue with the creation of a male contraceptive is that it has to have the same level of accessibility that the women’s birth control pill has.

“It would have to be soluble so it could be taken by mouth. It would start working fairly quickly and it wouldn’t diminish libido. It would be safe even if taken for decades,” Georg said.

It would also have to be as simple to stop regularly taking the pill as it is for women’s birth control pills, and it would be required to not have long-term affects on fertility.

Georg is hopeful, and hopes to have the compound ready to test on animals within six months.

“It would be wonderful to provide couples with a safe alternative because some women cannot take birth control pills,” she said.

The Internet of Things A change in our reality KHALED EL-SALAKAWY

scratches the surface of what the Internet of Things is. The Internet of Things is a paradigm that the world is shifting towards. With computer chips becoming cheaper and smaller in size, and at the same time more powerful, it is now much more feasible to embed them into everything, from buildings and cars to farm animals and bus seats.

GRAPHIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

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ou wake up this morning, head through your apartment door and without having to do anything your car responds to your impending arrival and starts, saving you from having to worry about sitting in the cold waiting for the engine to warm up. While this sounds like science fiction, this seamless integration of technology and convenience is becoming a reality: this is the

It is estimated that by the year 2020 there will be over 50 billion “things” that will be connected to the Internet

Internet of Things.

The Internet of Things is the concept of having everything connected to the Internet. It is the collection of sensors and embedded electronics Able to get relevant data from networking together to collect data your phone about specific things and react. It’s a reality-changing that happened throughout your day, technology that is revolutionizing your home can now react accordingly. everyday life and simplifying trivial Whether by changing the temperatasks. ture in anticipation of your arrival, The example given above barely playing soothing music due to a long

day at work, or calling the ambulance due to an injury, it will simplify and improve the quality of life.

The Internet of Things will redefine our realities, with everyday objects communicating with the purpose of making our lives easier; our world will be in constant change based on our experiences and our personalities. Some governments have already started investing heavily in the Internet of Things, acknowledging its importance economically and socially.

It is estimated that by the year 2020 there will be over 50 billion “things” that will be connected to the Internet.

The Internet has had made a significant impact on human societies over the past 20 years, and has changed the way we all live. We now have things like online video games and video streaming services, and we can now talk with people on the other side of the planet through live high-definition video in real time.

Imagine what kind of change the Internet of Things will bring.

However, like many disruptive technologies, the long-term implications

are sometimes hard to predict.

Hackers and viruses can do tremendous harm to electronic devices or to a digital services, such as our own computers or eBay customer servers. Hackers can damage digital property, or steal private information from a compromised website.

This effect could be magnified many times more once everything is connected, so there is a clear security and privacy concern. On top of that, the advertising industry will become much more intrusive. It will be able to market things specifically for you, which might be quite annoying to some, and which brings into question the morality, ethics and responsibility of those we trust to be the front runners of this new technology.

But everything has its downsides, from a broad perspective; the Internet of Things has the potential to be a substantial improvement on our quality of life. It has its risks, but so does every major technological advancement. It’s already happening, so we need to be prepared, but we should be excited for the opportunity this presents.

VOL. 102 NO. 27 March 23, 2016

Science & Technology 13

Health and lifestyle apps for students Staying healthy and focused through university with technology ALLISON POPPEL

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ith only a month left in this semester midterms have been written, GPAs are being cemented, and studying for finals procrastinated on. It may be safe to assume that health and wellness is not at the top of a student’s priority list, given the multitude of other concerns on their minds.

It may not be feasible for all of us to get eight hours of sleep every night, eat delicious and nutritious Instagram-worthy meals, and work out for an hour every day. Baby steps are more realistic in working towards better health.

Here in no particular order is a round up of five apps vetted by a fellow student which I found to be worth their data in gold.

It may be safe to assume that health and wellness is not at the top of a student’s priority list, given the multitude of other concerns on their minds Grades 3 (iOS)

Free with numerous features, this app lets you plan ahead by showing upcoming due dates and tests, allows you to set reminders for when to do an assignment or study, keeps your notes in one place, sends group texts and emails right from the app, and can even call your professor.

The best feature of them all: determine what you need to get on your next test to get the grade you want in your class. And there’s even a GPA calculator as the cherry on top.

My verdict: I’ve used this app for almost two years. I input all the necessary assignments, discussions, midterms, essays, and final exams and assign the weight. After doing that, I can see what I need to achieve the grade I want. This app has been incredibly valuable for planning and achieving my academic goals.

SexPositive (Android/iOS)

SexPositive, a free sexual health app developed by the University of Oregon Health Centre, allows users to educate themselves on safe sex practices in an easy and accessible way.

The app includes a function in which the user can match up two body parts that may be involved in a sexual encounter, and is presented with the corresponding sexually transmitted infection risks, along with advice on safer sex practices and related tips on communication. The app also has links to various sexual health resources.

My verdict: This app is great. I think the body-part function is an awesome way for users to really home in on the specific sexual interactions

GRAPHIC BY JONDELL COOMBS

they are curious about, and receive thorough feedback on the kinds of risks and options for prevention that are associated with it. I would totally consult this app for information on keeping myself safe and minimizing risks.

Calm in the storm (iOS)

ety of stress relief options (everything from ‘breathing meditation’ to ‘relax in a hurry’ to ‘Aboriginal teachings’) this will be a go-to app for anyone looking for a sense of calm.

My verdict: I love that this app was designed here in Winnipeg and has links to local resources such as Klinic.

It has worked pretty seamlessly for me and it’s the perfect companion to some of the things available here on campus like the Student Counselling Centre (located in 474 University Centre).

This app is designed to help individuals get through everyday life stressors – a thing students know a little bit about!

By helping you track and identify your sources or times of stress, you can learn how to better cope with Foursquare (Android/iOS) whatever may come your way. The If you are a newcomer in app will even make suggestions spe- Winnipeg and finding new places cific to your stress patterns to help to explore is difficult, Foursquare is cope. for you.

Packed with inspirational quotes, This is an ultimate city guide about educational chapters, and a wide vari- places to eat, drink, shop, and visit.

You can set your favourite interests Designed by Nike. Powered by and the app will show you local friends.” It features over 100 workoptions accordingly. There are also outs and multiple programs you can short reviews and ranking for dif- personalize to your needs. Workouts ferent places by other users, and price can be streamed to your group to keep points. you accountable and motivated.

My verdict: I’ve found this app My verdict: For those of us that recently and I’m totally in love with aren’t at home in the gym, Nike + it. It would have been great to have in Training Club is a good place to start. my first year in the city. Not only does My favourite feature is that it shows it give different choices, but I can also you exactly how to do each exercise save places I have been to and make with proper form, which is always it more personalized. one of the things I’m most intimiThis app has search options such as dated by when trying a new workout. night time, romantic dinner, or more Another great thing is that many of specific options such as seafood and the exercises can be completed wherFrench pastries. ever, which might also be good for those of us that aren’t quite ready to Nike + Training Club strut our stuff in the Active Living (Android/iOS) Centre, or don’t have the time to Nike + Training Club uses make it to a gym. the motto “Your personal trainer.

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

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

COMIC BY KELLY CAMPBELL

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VOL. 102 NO. 27 March 23, 2016

Diversions

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GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

eatlesscomics.blogspot.com COMICS BY ROBERT PASTERNAK

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

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Alumni profiles

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

U of M alumni achieve as authors, Juno-nominated jazz players OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

Curtis Nowosad – Bachelor of jazz studies, 2011

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Nowosad attended the U of M as part of the first graduating class of the newly minted jazz studies program.

Since then, the New York-based drummer, composer, and bandleader has gone on to win numerous awards and work with world-renowned artists.

“It’s impossible to understate the effect that my education has had on my art. At the U of M I had the very unique opportunity to learn from musicians of a calibre that I wouldn’t have been able to work with anywhere else in the country,” Nowosad told the Manitoban.

“My relationship with Steve Kirby – the director of jazz studies at the U of M – really opened the door that led to all others. I was able to interact with many of the top jazz musicians in the world, all at home in Winnipeg.”

In March 2015, Nowosad released his sophomore album Dialectic to a Juno nomination and critical acclaim.

The album features saxophonist Jimmy Greene, Derrick Gardner on trumpet, Will Bonness on piano, and Steve Kirby on bass. Greene is a former U of M professor, while Gardner, Bonness, and Kirby are current faculty members.

The album was included in DownBeat Magazine’s “Best of 2015” list, receiving a 4 1/2 star review. It also reached number three on both

the CMJ and !earshot magazine’s jazz charts, as well as spending ten weeks on the JazzWeek charts.

Nowosad released his debut album The Skeptic & the Cynic in late 2012.

It spent two weeks at number one on the !earshot Canadian jazz charts.

On The Skeptic & the Cynic, Nowosad and his quintet showcase Nowosad’s arrangements of contemporary popular music – such as Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” and Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” – with special guest and twotime Grammy nominee Taylor Eigsti on piano.

Nowosad has performed on many high-profile stages throughout his career. These include New York jazz clubs Smalls, Smoke, and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in addition to Edmonton’s Yardbird Suite, Vancouver’s Cellar Jazz Club, and Toronto’s Rex Hotel. Nowosad has also performed as part of every major Canadian jazz festival, including those in Montréal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, and Halifax.

“Music and the arts in general are unlike other fields in that while you can complete the requirements of the degree, you can’t become a certified artist just by going to school, but rather you have to work tirelessly on your art in school, as well as the real world,” said Nowosad.

“Steve and the many other great faculty members at the U of M

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CURTIS NOWOSAD

provided me with so much great information in the classroom, but infinitely more important was the practical knowledge I gained from performing with them.”

Nowosad also credits his educa-

tion as helping craft his work ethic.

“My education is what made me constantly hungry for new information, constantly studying, practicing, performing, composing, trying to learn more about this music and the

world. It really taught me the importance of hard work and using music as a force for good.” www.curtisnowosad.com

OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

Osamede Arhunmwunde – Bachelor of arts (economics), 2011

self on developing powerful business models and materials that give his clientele an edge on their competition.

Since graduating from the U of The worldwide explosion of digiM, Arhunmwunde has become an tal media platforms has recently international bestselling author and prompted Arhunmwunde to found publishing expert. and begin developing Authorship With his first book, Higher Academy, an e-learning platform and Education 101: Understanding private community for self-publishers the secrets to personal development, that will allow him to reach a global Arhunmwunde gained positive feed- audience. back on his message of finding your One of Arhunmwunde’s most natural gift, realizing your potential, valuable lessons from his education at and the key to unlocking the secret the U of M was in supply and demand, to finding your personal glory. which he describes as “the most funArhunmwunde is the creative damental concept of economics and director of Couronne Publishing, a [...] the backbone to any market.” boutique publishing firm that specifiArhunmwunde’s education in cally addresses the needs and goals economics prepared him for the real of entrepreneur authors who value world and his entrepreneurial jourcreative freedom, visionary flexibil- ney in it. His awareness of his own ity, and achieving success with their marketability has allowed him to be published works. successful as both a businessman and His specialty lies with leaders a mentor. and entrepreneurs in their respective fields of business. Arhunmwunde’s www.couronnepublishing.com goal is to assist in challenging them to break through to the next levels of success, credibility, and significant contribution. Arhunmwunde believes the most powerful tool to achieve this is through, in his words, “the most powerful conversion tool in the world – a published book.”

Arhunmwunde has worked with over 1,000 business leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide. He prides him-

PHOTO PROVIDED BY OSAMEDE ARUHNMWUNDE

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Arts & Culture

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

’Toban turntable Soothing new age sounds and hyperactive hip-hop/funk hybrids SEAMUS HAMILTON-PATTISON, STAFF

OLIVIA MICHALCZUK, STAFF

Jordan Klassen Javelin 4/5

“Doom Rogers,” the second track, will certainly make you doubletake, as it’s entirely different from the first. A melody similar to that of a video game lobby accompanied by ocal psychedelic/trip-hop a rap keeps you guessing as to what group Towodo will be releas- the rest of the album will consist of. ing their new album The Depths The musical elements present on at the Good Will Social Club The Depths sound as though they’re on Friday, March 25. The album coming from a variety of sources, has been available on YouTube and it’s confusing as to whether or and Soundcloud in its entirely not most of the instrumentation for months now, which gives fans you’re hearing is replicated elecan opportunity to take a listen to tronically or performed organically.

Towodo’s new material well before That being said, the experithe show. mentation of sound on the album The album’s first song “Railroad” is effective, and really contributes completely encompasses its title. to its trip-hop elements. The rapA phased-out male vocal fits so ping is pretty smooth and the male well with the modern beat con- vocals are consistent. These songs structed from sounds of the train have so much content, with new and railyard. It’s oddly broken up elements constantly weaving in with a female vocal that’s not as and out. complementary as the male vocal, but remains powerful and eerie www.soundcloud.com/towodo nonetheless.

Towodo The Depths 3.5/5

Klassen’s Javelin is a lot Jordan’s of things, but boring isn’t one of

them.

The Vancouver-based soloist’s latest album lives up to his self-ascribed genre of “new age folk,” blending the gentle, soothing dynamics of new age music with soft classical guitar lines and swooning string sections.

Still, Klassen’s music incorporates much more than that. “Glory B” starts things off with a sparse intro of vocal harmonies, cavernous percussion, and a distant, delayed guitar line. All of this gradually crescendos and morphs into something groovier and world music-infused for the remainder of the song, and conjures up a vibe similar to Peter Gabriel (1992’s Us in particular).

“Gargoyles” and “Baby Moses” Klassen’s lyrics are plenty poetic use the string section to great effect. and well-thought-out, but it seems “Gargoyles” – the album’s longest as though they’re meant to be unitrack at over five minutes – keeps versally relatable and unobtrusive, the world music-inspired percus- not pointed and verbose.

“Baby Moses” sports the album’s sion going while alternately plucked or softly bowed violin melodies best heart-wrenching line in “you drive the song forward. The strings could have filled up our house with are even more prominent on “Baby the notes of an unloved mouth.”

With such dense instrumenMoses,” which adopts a waltz-like tempo and rhythm for its verses, tation and effects-laden vocals, but dives headlong into indie-pop Javelin required pristine production quality and thankfully Klassen on the chorus.

According to Klassen, Javelin’s – who produced the album himself primary lyrical theme is one of self- in addition to playing nearly every reflection on past failures. With instrument – provided just that. that in mind, the lyrics are fairly The whole album sounds warm and general proclamations of lost love uncompressed, and never sacrifices and regret – but that’s not to say dynamics for volume. they’re derivative or poorly written.

While Klassen’s album is

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PROVIDED BY KILLBEAT MUSIC

extremely well-executed and an intriguing, engaging listen, it’s not exactly energetic music. Javelin is a great album to throw on for a slow, late-night drive or as a focus aid for any creative task, but the soft, droning tone of songs like “We Got Married” and “Smoking Too Long” could lull you into a peaceful slumber mid-jog.

Jordan Klassen will perform at the Park Theatre with local synth-pop outfit Ghost Twin on March 27. Tickets are $15 in advance, and are available at the Park Theatre, Music Trader, or online via www.ticketfly.com www.jordanklassen.com

PROVIDED BY TOWODO

VOL. 102 NO. 27 March 23, 2016

Arts & Culture

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

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David Onyemata: a legend from Lagos The story of a man from Nigeria on the brink of stardom RYAN STELTER, STAFF

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hen David Onyemata came to Winnipeg, he knew nothing about football. He had never before strapped on the pads, let alone played a down.

Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, where gridiron football is not the sport of choice, Onyemata had a lot to learn. In the span of four years, Onyemata became the best defensive lineman in Canada, and last Monday he had 17 NFL scouts watching his every move for his pro day.

During his pro day, which was the first ever held at the University of Manitoba, the six-foot-four, 300pound lineman ran his 40-yard dash in 5.06 seconds and threw up a ridiculous 33 bench press reps of 225 pounds.

Oneymata would have placed first in

the bench press at the NFL scouting combine, and would have been among the top 10 with his 33-inch vertical jump had he been at the event.

“It was like a whole new reality for me” – David Onyemata Onyemata’s CIS career

The amazing part about Onyemata’s journey was how quickly he learned everything. He was doing things in his first couple years as a Bison that most players first do when they are very young.

“It was like a whole new reality for a forced fumble and fumble recovery. something we tried to stress to the me,” Onyemata said. “I didn’t know These numbers were all earned whilst NFL personnel here. That is one of they had plays and things like that. being double-teamed almost every the characteristics that they learned During my first practice there were single snap. Onyemata never grabbed about him at his pro day.” times when I didn’t know what I was any headlines this year with highOnyemata had tremendous help doing and everyone was laughing.” light reel-worthy plays but he was from his Bisons teammates and In four years with the Bisons, an anchor on a very strong defensive coaching staff during his journey. R.J. Onyemata played in 31 of 32 confer- front for the Bisons.

Skinner, a former member of the herd, ence regular season games and made a With his strong play this season, had a particularly big impact. total of 102 tackles. He also had eight Onyemata earned a spot in the East“R.J. Skinner, who was injured at sacks, five of which came this past West Shrine game where yet again he the time David entered the program, season. In seven playoff games, he was double-teamed but managed one helped him every night, helping made 32 tackles and added one-and- sack and was constantly pressuring develop his fundamental skills, as a-half sacks. He was a Canada West the quarterback. He was also named well as the intricacies of the game. He All Star in 2014 and 2015 and was a the J.P. Metras trophy winner this deserves a lot of credit,” Dobie said. big part of the Hardy Cup-winning past season as the best down lineman Dobie stressed the fact there were Bisons team in 2014. in the CIS. many players out there helping David Onyemata took tremendous every practice, dedicating time to In all eight games he started this season, Onyemata amassed 31 tackles, strides in his career with the Bisons, help the big man improve. At the seven and a half tackles for loss, and something head coach Brian Dobie end of the day, it is on the player to was extremely impressed with. react to the coaching and help they “If you break it down regardless of get and Onyemata did just that. sport, for someone to come from the “It was so many people inputting other side of the world and come to him appropriately to put him where an elite, national-level program and his today,” Dobie said. “But, I will say not only compete, but to excel as one that it was on David, how he reacted of the best players to ever leave the and adapted to all that information program is a crazy story,” he said. being thrown at him.”

“It took the Bison village to raise David” The NFL at the U of M Coach Dobie was filled with pride The impact of having an NFL pro when talking about his prized defen- day at the University of Manitoba sive lineman. was a huge plus to the credibility of “David is probably the biggest the program, as all eyes were cast on Cinderella story that you’ll ever see,” Winnipeg during Onyemata’s pro day. he said. “He faced a lot of adversity, “There was a huge buzz around the but not the type of adversity we typi- country during Onyemata’s pro day,” cally hear about, it was just his sheer Dobie said. “If and when he makes innocence in not knowing anything the NFL, he will be the second about the game of football.” defensive lineman this program has Onyemata’s strength was his abil- put into that league. We sort of have ity to learn, as his thirst for knowl- a reputation of being ‘D-Line U.’” edge was unquenchable.

There are many notable Bison “That is part of the beauty that defensive lineman plying their trade is David Onyemata, his ability and in the CFL, such as Eddie Steele want to learn,” Dobie said. “That is of the Edmonton Eskimos and his teammate Don Oramasionwu, as well as Bombers lineman Louie Richardson. Having a player like Onyemata leave the Bisons program only adds to the list of pro players that Manitoba has produced.

Another player that Manitoba produced was NFL star Israel Idonije, who also hails from Lagos and most notably made it to the Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears in 2006.

There are a lot of similarities that can be drawn between Idonije and Onyemata. Idonije had very little exposure to the game of football prior to coming to the Bisons and excelled in a very similar way to Onyemata.

Onyemata had never heard of Idonije prior to coming to Manitoba and now the two communicate regularly.

“We text back and forth a lot,” he said. “Mainly about training and how they do things down in the States.”

This will not be the last time you hear about Onyemata, as he will most likely be taken in the upcoming NFL draft. We don’t know where yet, but this is only the beginning for the Nigerian native who will be looking to make his mark in the NFL soon.

PHOTOS BY JEFF MILLER

VOL. 102 NO. 27 March 23, 2016

Sports

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The best of Bisons men’s basketball

Counting down the top stories from the 2015-16 season MIKE STILL, STAFF

PHOTO BY CHANTAL ZDAN

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he University of Manitoba Bisons men’s basketball team made a historic run in 2015-16, culminating in the team’s first-ever appearance at the Canada West Final Four. Below are the top 10 moments, plays, and memories from the season.

of their back-to-back where Jewell Omoerah’s windmill dunk against notched 12 points, six rebounds, and Winnipeg in the Wesmen Classic four assists. He did most of his dam- was impressive, but it’s Alleyn’s oneage in the first half but it was enough hander in a losing effort against UBC to secure momentum for the herd, that takes the cake. Trailing in the which they never gave up en route to fourth quarter, Alleyn took matters a 77-63 victory. into his own hands, going coast-tocoast and showcasing his hops by posterizing two Thunderbirds for10. Eghosa offers 8. Comeback win against glimpse of the future Trinity Western wards – both of whom had a miniOsahon Eghosa – an Ontario The Bisons entered the last series mum of four inches on the Bisons native who last played for Colorado of the season having already known guard.

Northwestern – was recruited in that they had made the playoffs. the offseason by head coach Kirby What was at stake though was the 6. Omoerah nearly Schepp as one of the key pieces at chance to host an opening round finishes with triplethe four or five position for the future. matchup. The herd was taking on a double against Regina While he didn’t see much action this lowly Trinity team that was at the Keith Omoerah was a critical past year, the big-body forward did bottom of the standings but Trinity piece to the herd’s success all seaoffer a sneak peek at what he has came out hot against Manitoba in son long. After taking a few seasons to offer against both Brandon and game one, entering halftime with a off to deal with personal matters, he Trinity Western.

36-31 lead. returned in 2015-16 and didn’t miss a The second-year athlete put up a The herd responded after recess, beat. Omoerah started every game, combined 15 points in just 15 minutes putting up 35 points in both the third rotating anywhere from the one to against the Bobcats in the first half of and fourth quarters to steal the win four position and his hard work culthe campaign and ended the regular and also guaranteeing themselves a minated in a Canada West Secondseason on a high note with 14 points minimum third place finish in the Team All Star selection. in 15 minutes against the Spartans standings in the process. Overall, 10 One of his more memorable perin the first of their two-game set. different Manitoba players scored in formances occurred during a Friday Both matchups resulted in wins for what resulted in a 101-67 victory. night game in late January against Manitoba. the Regina Cougars, where he fin7. Emphatic dunks ished with 16 points, 14 boards, and 9. Jewell steps up in During Coach Schepp’s time at six assists. Manitoba would go on to Anders’ absence the U of M, the Bisons have estab- win the contest 89-82.

It’s fairly safe to say that centre lished an up-tempo identity offenBrett Jewell was hot and cold in 2015- sively – frequently using their speed 5. Anders‘ 20-rebound 16. There were times where he domi- and cardio to capitalize on fast-break performance against nated in the paint and others where opportunities. This was especially Calgary in home opener he was borderline nonexistent. One evident with the number of powerThe Bisons didn’t fare quite how thing is for sure though: when his ful dunks that Manitoba showcased they wanted against Calgary in the fellow big-man Wyatt Anders was in 2015-16, with Justus Alleyn, Keith Canada West Final 4, but earlier in out of the lineup, he made a huge Omoerah, Jonathan Alexander, Brett the year – in the third game of the impact. The best example occurred Jewell, and Osahon Eghosa all get- season – Manitoba gained the upper against Regina in the second game ting in on the jam-fest. hand with a 96-90 overtime win.

Wyatt Anders was the star of the celebrate during non-conference play, show inside the paint, recording a as they ran through their competition career-high 20 boards in 34 minutes during the three-day Wesmen Classic of play. While he didn’t have stellar tournament which occurred over offensive numbers on the night, his the winter break at the University ability to reset the shot clock for his of Winnipeg. The Bisons got past team was invaluable. Stellar guards Lethbridge in the quarterfinals and Justus Alleyn and AJ Basi were the Winnipeg in the semis, before handbiggest beneficiaries, as Alleyn fin- ing Lakehead a 73-54 drubbing in the ished with 27 points while Basi had 16. championship game to claim their first tournament win since 1991.

4. Team holds Victoria Manitoba received contributo 59 points tions from all five starters, as well as After falling in the opening Malik Irwin, Ilarion Bonhomme II, game of the second half of the sea- Jonathan Alexander, and Amir Ali son against Victoria on the Friday off the bench. night, Manitoba was looking for revenge and a critical two points in 1. Hosting first playoff the rematch. They obtained their goal game in over a decade, – a 65-59 win – thanks to a dominating winning first playoff series performance defensively where Wyatt at home since 2000 Anders, Keith Omoerah, Malik Manitoba’s third-place finish in Irwin, and Jonathan Alexander all the standings earned them their first had at least one block. home playoff series since the 200304 season and they didn’t disappoint, 3. Basi nets game-winning sweeping the Fraser Valley Cascades three-pointer in opening in two games. The resounding quargame against Saskatchewan terfinal win was also a monkey off Manitoba started off the 2015-16 their back in terms of the herd’s abilseason in memorable fashion, com- ity to win on their home court during ing from behind in the final minute the post-season. to upend the Saskatchewan Huskies Wyatt Anders returned from 91-88. AJ Basi was the hero of the eve- injury and had a major impact on ning, as he hit two straight shots from the glass, while the herd used their beyond the perimeter in the final 43 reserve depth to stymie a Cascades seconds. The first tied the game at team that didn’t have much produc88, while the second was a fadeaway tion aside from their starting five. corner three that occurred with only While the Bisons’ playoff run came to one second left. a close a week later, the quarterfinal win was still a massive step forward 2. Winning first Wesmen for the program.

Classic in 24 years

The herd had plenty of reason to

22

Sports

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

Questions and Anders Final thoughts on the season that was MIKE STILL, STAFF

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M: What will you remember most about your time playing for the Bisons?

A: I got to play with my coach (Coach Schepp M: Obviously I think [Kirby] Schepp finally got to the was Anders’ high things didn’t position he wanted for his team in the work out the way school coach as well). For myself, you wanted it to sense that he had to build a team that in the Final Four, I wasn’t a recruited was nothing when he got here MANITOBAN: Give me your quick but what did you player and it’s just thoughts on the Calgary game and take out of that always exciting knowing that I what you think made the difference? experience?

ANDERS: Defensively, no one played A: Big picture, it’s great for the uni- your head held high. But I felt like was that Cinderella story that no as a team. Justus [Alleyn] had a tough versity. Small picture, it’s terrible. that Final Four we didn’t walk out one knew about, a guy who wasn’t time with [Thomas] Cooper and obvi- When people envision stuff and fans, with our heads high and I didn’t leave recruited and played and worked ously the soft foul calls the refs gave they see, ‘hey, you had success, that’s this league the way I wanted to. For his ass off in some league and then him didn’t help, but that wasn’t the good.’ To me, that’s not my vision me, small picture wise, I felt pretty [Kirby] Schepp brought me and downfall. We had guys not helping, of success. Success is working your disappointed. trusted me in my last years and I became the leader and the player so that way when a ball screen hap- hardest and fulfilling your potential

he University of Manitoba Bisons men’s basketball team saw their historic playoff run end at the Canada West Final Four. For Wyatt Anders, last weekend’s losses are also his final games in brown and gold. The cocaptain discussed a few of his emotions in what was a memorable career with the herd.

pened and Lars [Schlueter] popped out for a three, no one stunted at him, so there was a lot of open threes that were going on.

and if you don’t fulfill that potential, as long as you work hard and you gave it your all, then you can walk out with

that he wanted – a hard working guy.

M: Where do you see the direction of the team going now that you and Amir Ali have graduated?

A: I think [Kirby] Schepp finally got to the position he wanted for his team in the sense that he had to build a team that was nothing when he got here. We went from not really making playoffs, to kind of making playoffs, to being a team that should be doing well in playoffs. Because of that, he’s starting to be able to recruit guys he really wants now. If you look at the team right now, they have potential at guard, they have some young guys that can really play and he has a funnel now of guys to replace each other, whereas before he was scrambling.

Hot takes with Steltsy and Still Comments on soccer coverage in Canada and Milt Stegall Drive MIKE STILL AND RYAN STELTER, STAFF

ended up being one of the best soccer games I have ever seen. Step up your game, TSN. You have five channels, use them.

Soccer needs to grow in Canada, and it doesn’t help when some of the best soccer being played isn’t even accessible to Canadians.

Move the location of Milt Stegall Drive (Mike)

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

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his week, Ryan lets loose about the lack of soccer coverage in Canada, while Mike vents his frustrations about the location of Milt Stegall Drive.

Soccer coverage in Canada sucks (Ryan)

Being a soccer fan is a brutal thing in Canada unless you are a fan of the English Premier League, which not

everyone is. Sportsnet acquired the rights to air the German Bundesliga this season on their Sportsnet World channel, which is an extra 17 dollars a month.

Being a fan of the Bundesliga, I was thrilled with this news, as it meant that I didn’t have to rely on sketchy Internet streams to get my soccer fix. I have been thoroughly disappointed, however, because

almost every Saturday morning I wake up to see that they are playing more English soccer on that channel I pay $17 for. Unless it is a big match, most of the time they do not play Bundesliga games live, which is very disheartening as a fan of the game.

What is the point of paying for the channel if they are not going to air it? That is some false advertising on the part of Sportsnet, who have

not only ruined my German soccer watching experience, but Hockey Night in Canada, which I will save for another time.

Also, do not get me started with TSN and the UEFA Champions League. TSN has five channels, yet this past week they decided to play the second leg of the Arsenal and Barcelona tie, instead of Bayern Munich taking on Juventus which

Milt Stegall is and will always be my favourite CFL player. He was consistently reliable and rightfully earned the nickname “Milt Stegall the touchdown beagle” during his tenure with Winnipeg. He set copious CFL records at the time of his retirement at age 39 and will go down as one of the best to ever play the Canadian game. With all this in mind, it’s flat out ridiculous that the street named after him now sits in obscurity.

The city passed a motion to change the name of Arena Road to Milt Stegall Drive back in 2007, but that was done when Canad Inns Stadium was still lodged between Empress and St. James Street. Now that Canad Inns has been torn down, the street named after Stegall sits with nothing in its general vicinity.

In my opinion, that’s embarrassing; it gives off the impression that the city doesn’t care about Stegall any more despite being the most prolific player in team history.

I don’t think it would be all that difficult to move Milt Stegall Drive somewhere closer to the new stadium, instead of having it lay in the ruins of location that no longer exists.

You can catch Mike and Ryan’s hot takes every Tuesday morning from 10-11 a.m. on 101.5 UMFM.

VOL. 102 NO. 27 March 23, 2016

Sports

23

The puck stops here?

NHL goalie equipment change may help ’tenders make more saves ANDY CHE, STAFF

G

oaltending is perhaps the most elaborate position in the NHL with players, coaches, and the crowd hanging upon every save.

As if it isn’t a hard enough task, the NHL is attempting to make the job more difficult. Last week, the NHL announced that goalie equipment will shrink even further by next season in an effort to increase scoring.

The two main pieces of goalie equipment that are slated to change are the chest protector and the goal pants. There has been no announcement on which components on either piece of equipment specifically will be subject to change, according to the NHL. The rationale behind slimming down chest protectors and goal pants is that the average size of the goaltender will cover less of the net. However, based on that premise, the NHL may be giving all goaltenders a greater advantage on every save.

It is quite possible that the league is just wasting their time in altering an element of the game which appears to be the barricade in increasing scoring. Despite the increasing size of the average NHL goaltender, those in the modern NHL do not rely on size to make saves as much as they used to.

If size really mattered in goaltending, then Tampa’s Ben Bishop, Vancouver’s Jacob Markstrom and Arizona’s Anders Lindback – all standing at or above six-foot-six – should be producing some the best numbers of the NHL. That could not be any further from the truth.

Downsizing equipment isn’t fair to the goaltenders

If the NHL wanted to increase scoring, their apparent solution is to have the goalies cover less of the net. It may be the most obvious and easy resolution, but constant focus on altering the equipment of players from one position is just not fair to goaltenders. Since the NHL first downsized pads in 2005 and then again in 2013, there has been no end to the debate of whether goaltender equipment is too big.

On an average day in the NHL, there are hundreds of players who could score a goal while there are a maximum of 30 goalies who can start a game. Based on numbers, there is little justification to the NHL focusing on making changes to the 30 goalies who start a game over the number of players who can score.

In addition to goalie equipment changes, the NHL may want to start focusing on a possibility such as loosening the regulations on sticks. Only then would attempts to increase scoring be focused on all playing positions, rather than just scoping out the goaltending position.

Changes to goal pants will mean fewer rebounds

Research and development for the NHL’s top suppliers of goalie gear (Vaughn, CCM, Bauer) tends

GRAPHIC BY BRAM KEAST

to focus on ways to make equipment lighter. The less weight that goalies are carrying, the faster they will be able to hit the ice to face a shot.

“We’re just starting to see goalies that track the best make it. It’s a combination of that stuff that gets you to the next level” – Eric Comrie, Manitoba Moose goalie Furthermore, the modern way of goaltending in the NHL relies heavily on a butterfly which allows a goalie to eliminate as many rebounds as possible. The slimming down of the goal pants will allow the goaltender to not only hit the ice faster but to do so in a position where they can absorb more pucks to their body rather than being forced to give up a rebound.

Changes to chest protectors increases importance in the glove and blocker

The slimming down of the chest protector will cause problems for goaltenders, especially in covering the sixth and seventh holes. However, just as the downsizing in goal pants will allow goalies to react faster to

the ice, the same change on chest protectors will allow goalies to react faster to high shots.

It especially serves as an advantage to those goaltenders with a weaker glove hand. The modern chest protector is boxy at the arm regions, causing some hindrance in glove and blocker moments. Now, should those areas of the chest protector be more contoured to the arms, glove motility is less restricted.

In the modern butterfly technique, goalies prefer to knock pucks aside using their shoulder instead of the blocker. There will be a greater emphasis on the blocker and glove if the chest protector is downsized around the shoulders. This will lessen net coverage around the high shoulders, but is compensated by allowing goalies to achieve a faster reaction in going for a high blocker or glove save.

A combination of slimmer chest protector and goal pants will also allow goaltenders to be more flexible and fluid in motility. Thus, the NHL might be seeing acrobatic saves make a comeback with goalies having smaller equipment to maneuver around in.

History suggests it’s a quick fix

Taking into consideration the alternations ahead of the 2005-06 season, the NHL achieved their ultimate goal of increasing scoring with the downsizing of goalie gear, along with increasing penalties and changing the boundaries of the ice.

That season, the NHL collectively

achieved over three goals per game on average for the first time since 1995-96.

However, goalies began to adjust to equipment change soon after and the average goals per game rate deceased again over the next five years.

The slimming down of the goal pants will allow the goaltender to not only hit the ice faster but to do so in a position where they can absorb more pucks to their body rather than being forced to give up a rebound It also has reflected in the NHL’s average save percentage. There was a decrease from 0.911 to 0.901 after the installment of slimmer pads in 2005.

It has steadily increased since, from 0.901 in 2005 to a 0.915 over the past two seasons.

Thus, changes to goalie equipment will only serve as a temporary solution to increasing scoring for next season, if it is at all successful. The dynamics of modern goaltending suggests it won’t be. Do not be surprised if the average save percentage takes a dip for 2016-17, only to skyrocket back up again within the next few seasons after.

The impact on current and future goalies

Especially with the rigorous training schedules of current and prospect goaltenders, adjustment to any changes is a key attribute to the position. There is no doubt that any changes to equipment will especially be welcomed by the next generation of goaltenders, who will embrace the challenge in their developmental years and will have been well adjusted by the time they graduate from junior hockey.

The changes to size in goalies and their gear may actually not have any impact whatsoever. Speaking to In Goal Magazine, Winnipeg Jets prospect and current Manitoba Moose goalie Eric Comrie suggested that size is no longer relevant to the position and the best puck-trackers arise as the best goalies.

“We’re just starting to see goalies that track the best make it,” said Comrie. “They have better natural ability of skating, tracking down on pucks, seeing the puck better. It’s a combination of that stuff that gets you to the next level.”

Unless the NHL also decides to alter the boundaries on the ice, scoring might be increased for just one season before goaltenders begin to modifying their game to adapt to their equipment. Otherwise, with the current progression in slimming down goal equipment, the NHL may just be inadvertently helping goalies.