21 January 2015

MANITOBAN the

THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

Council confusion Executive resignation letter circulated to UMGSA councillors Page 5

Festival du Frost Festival du Voyageur inspired concert warmed up the cold crowd Page 15

Censure censorship The problems of "I believe in it, but..."

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Vo l 1 0 1 · N o 4 8 · J a n ua ry 2 1 , 2 0 1 5 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

Index

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VOL. 101 NO. 48 January 21, 2015

News

Editor-in-Chief Fraser Nelund

UMSU, CFS make nice

editor@themanitoban.com / 474.8293

Business manager Angela England

accounts@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Advertising Coordinator Sara Bulloch

Stop the Cuts coalition builds bridges

ads@themanitoban.com / 474.6535

Editorial

Senior News Editor Dana Hatherly

news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

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News Editor Ethan Cabel

news@themanitoban.com/ 474.6770

Comment Editor Tom Ingram

comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Managing Editor Craig Adolphe

me@themanitoban.com / 474.6520

science & technology Editor Chantelle Dubois

science@themanitoban.com/ 474.6529

arts & Culture Editor Lauren Siddall

arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Sports Editor Mike Still

sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Copy Editor Carlyn Schellenberg

copy@themanitoban.com/ 474.6520

Design

Design Editor Bradly Wohlgemuth

design@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Graphics Editor Bram Keast

graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Photo Editor Carolyne Kroeker

photo@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

design associate Scott Ford

scott@themanitoban.com

graphics associate Evan Tremblay

evan@themanitoban.com

Reporters

Editorial

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

Silence is bliss

It really is best for everyone, right?

Volunteer Contributors

page 8 Arts & Culture

Tapas

Food for thought A look at the rising trend in Winnipeg

page 17 Science

Patient zero

The primary case of ebola, which set into motion an epidemic in West Africa was recently determined to be a two year old boy page 11

Raylene Paci Keegan Steele Caroline Norman Dany Reede Kyle Lees Lauren Gowler

Will Gibson Jordan Yantz David Lipnowski Jeff Miller Andy Che

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Sports

Worth watching

Keep your eyes on these players on the rise page 21

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News

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

Council on Post-Secondary Education dissolved

UMSU lobbies for representative on new advanced education advisory committee Dana Hatherly, staff

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he province has created an arm of government responsible for directing the long-term vision of Manitoba’s post-secondary education system. After dissolving the Council on Post-Secondary Education (COPSE) last year and replacing it with the advanced education advisory committee under the department of education and advanced learning, the new group begins its work this week.

“Through this change, the department now directly oversees the allocation of funding to colleges and universities, ensuring that funding is directed to programs and services that meet the needs of students,” said Peter Bjornson, the minister of education and advanced learning, in a statement provided to the Manitoban.

The first meeting of the new advisory committee is scheduled for Jan. 20, according to Zach Fleisher, chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Manitoba (CFS-MB). At that time, the new advisory committee will meet to establish the terms of reference and the direction that the committee will take as part of this opportunity for various stakeholders to provide strategic advice to the minister responsible for setting education policies in Manitoba.

New education advisory committee

Since 1997, COPSE acted as an intermediary between post-secondary institutions and the Manitoba government, reviewing and approving programs and providing advice and policy direction to the province.

Up until recently, other responsi“They moved most of the funcbilities of the council were to allocate funds to post-secondary institutions tions of COPSE within the office in the province and provide grants to of the minister,” Fleisher told the the Canadian Mennonite University Manitoban, adding that the advisory and private religious institutions in committee would provide advice to Manitoba. The council allocated $474.7 the minister directly as part of the million in grants to the University of department of education.

“The legislation was also designed Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Brandon University, Université de to better streamline the program Saint-Boniface, and the University approvals process, allowing instituCollege of the North in 2013-14. tions to adapt their programming The changeover was implemented more easily to the changing demands under the direction of James Allum, of the labour market and to align the former minister of education and their offerings with the wider edupresent minister of justice and attor- cational system,” reads the statement from Bjornson. ney general.

When the COPSE Act was repealed, the minister of educa- Students set to suggest tion assumed the role of the council, Manitoba’s Advanced Education establishing the advanced education Administration Act states that the advisory committee to give advice to minister is to appoint at least five the minister for improving the post- persons to the advisory committee. secondary education and advanced In total, Fleisher said that there are 11 learning system. positions on the new committee, each Bjornson said that, “Unlike appointed by Bjornson. The 11 memCOPSE, which had been respon- bers include a wide range of represible for the day-to-day functions of sentatives from the education field in funding allocation, program approv- Manitoba, such as U of M president als, and public reporting, the new David Barnard and a representative minister’s advisory committee will from the Manitoba Teachers’ Society. be entirely focused on the long-term Fleisher, who was also appointed, vision for the post-secondary system is the only student representative on the advisory committee. in Manitoba.”

Photo by Dana Hatherly, staff

“The CFS represents students on the committee,” Fleisher said about his role representing post-secondary student members from the U of M, U of W, Brandon University, and Université de Saint-Boniface.

UMSU sent a letter to the minister of education and advanced learning, advocating for student representation on the new committee “We pushed to have a student representative on the group,” said Fleisher. “When they took apart COPSE they weren’t entirely sure what scope the advisory committee would take, so we encouraged the government [ . . . ] to have us there.”

With each university in the province having representatives on the CFS-MB provincial executive, Fleisher spoke to the significance of

his role to communicate between the student members and the advisory committee. On the provincial executive, the representative from UMSU is the union’s vice-president external, Christian Pierce, who said that he will continue to have open dialogue with the chairperson regarding the committee.

“I will be bringing forward the discussions that we have on the committee level to our board and at the same time listening to our board to look at what they want,” said Fleisher.

Organizations overlooked

In the fall, Pierce said UMSU sent a letter to the minister of education and advanced learning, advocating for student representation on the new committee.

“It is good that there is at least one guaranteed spot for student representation on the committee,” said Pierce, adding that ideally there would be one position held by each major student organization.

The current legislation is for a minimum of one student representative from post-secondary students, according to Pierce.

“We hope that [the committee] will be expanded,” he said. “It has

not been determined, though, at this time.”

Prior to its elimination, UMSU would present to COPSE on an annual basis in regards to university funding, according to Pierce.

“It was one 30-minute presentation that would provide COPSE with recommendations on how funds should be allocated with respect to what UMSU believed would be the top priorities,” Pierce said, adding that other major student organizations, including the U of M Graduate Students’ Association and the U of W Students’ Association, also presented to COPSE. Pierce said UMSU did not feel that COPSE was an efficient way to conduct consultation between UMSU and the provincial government, adding that the new advisory committee was regarded as an opportunity for improvement.

“We viewed it as an opportunity to reduce a step in an already complex process where issues with [post-secondary education] could be addressed more directly to the minister of education and advanced learning, depending on how the new advanced education advisory committee is going to be structured in terms of student representation,” he said.

“There doesn’t seem to be a direct focus of funding within this legislation, so it remains to be seen how this will alter lobbying efforts for more [post-secondary education] funding moving forward.”

The previous COPSE model would often result in a lack of oversight, Pierce added.

“In the past, the minister’s office would implement a change with little to no heads up and we would be forced in a position to react instead of offering recommendations before changes are implemented,” he said.

“The committee could be an efficient mechanism to have the minister have new initiatives reviewed by it first before being implemented.”

However, despite opportunities for improvement under the new advisory committee model, Pierce said post-secondary education issues could be downplayed given that postsecondary and K-12 issues are now grouped within the same government office.

“The minister is conducting meetings at the end of this month to try and finalize the structure of the committee,” Pierce said, adding that UMSU is hoping to get a representative added to the committee.

“We would also recommend that the structure of the committee truly represent all students in the province equally and have meaningful consultation with all the respective student organizations.”

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News

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

UMSU reports on U of M budget cuts

UMSU, CFS-Manitoba co-operate with Stop the Cuts coalition Ethan Cabel, staff

Photo by Carolyne Kroeker, staff

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he University of Manitoba budget cuts at the university, it disStudents’ Union (UMSU) tributed a report to all undergraduate has settled its differences with the students at the beginning of the winter Canadian Federation of Students- term titled “Understanding the Cuts: Manitoba (CFS-MB) and is now How the University’s Budget Cuts supporting a CFS-MB-led coalition Will Affect You.” meant to oppose impending budget The document, assembled by cuts at the University of Manitoba. members of the UMSU executive In December 2014, UMSU vice- with help from the organization’s president internal Jeremiah Kopp policy analyst, Chris Rigaux, outlines told the Manitoban that “the CFS some modern history of Manitoba is irrelevant at the University of tuition policy, as well as a summary Manitoba and doesn’t represent stu- of the claims of various stakeholders, dents at the University of Manitoba including the U of M administraany longer,” adding, “it’s an organiza- tion and the University of Manitoba tion that I don’t respect and the aver- Faculty Association. age University of Manitoba student doesn’t respect because of the way “If a student they conduct their business.”

That attitude has since changed, was asking for with UMSU contributing some incidental resources like coffee and tables perspective [on the for CFS-MB to operate their Stop cuts], it is definitely the Cuts campaign. Furthermore, UMSU had a Letter to the Editor a document I would published in the Manitoban clarifying encourage them to their opposition to budget cuts at the U of M, which are slated to average read” – Zach Fleisher, four per cent this year and four per CFS-MB chairperson cent next year.

“Ultimately, UMSU is looking to support any student who has issue with something,” Kopp told the “UMSU doesn’t have any interest Manitoban last week. other than representing the students “We believe in democracy, we that have elected us,” Kopp said. believe in free speech, and UMSU “We don’t have any hidden agenda has been, in its small way, supporting or outside interests in this besides repthe Stop the Cuts coalition and facili- resenting our constituents,” he contating that process as well, because tinued. “The University of Manitoba every student should have a voice on Students’ Union wants to make sure campus.” that all undergraduate students have Unlike the University of Manitoba access to the information they need Graduate Students’ Association, to be informed on this issue.” which donated $1,000 to the campaign, Zach Fleisher, chairperson for UMSU will not be contributing any CFS-MB, told the Manitoban that direct financial resources to the Stop the budget report is a valuable piece the Cuts coalition, Kopp said. of information for students to access.

As part of UMSU’s effort to oppose “If a student was asking for per-

spective [on the cuts], it is definitely a document I would encourage them to read,” Fleisher said.

“I don’t think these perspectives are finite, and as long as we’re encouraging a wide variety of perspectives on this issue, I think that’s important.”

The University of Manitoba Students’ Union consulted members of the university’s senior administration in compiling the report, Kopp said.

The report claims that academic programs or faculties are unlikely to Data and Graphs provided by UMSU close entirely, but that four per cent of cuts this year and next year will likely result in reduced hours of operation fact that the university’s buildings are its capital fund to pay for “acquisition in the libraries, outsourcing of uni- in many cases several decades old and of, or renovations to, buildings, land, versity services to private contractors, have greater costs to maintain than office equipment and furniture, heavy equipment, etc.” Last year, the uniand less access to staff in various stu- newer buildings.”

John Danakas, executive director versity showed an operating surplus dent services, such as financial aid.

“President Barnard has committed of marketing and communications at of $43.3 million, but due to a $49.5 the administration to avoiding across- the U of M, told the Manitoban that million transfer to the capital fund, the-board budget cuts; however, he university administration encourages the U of M budget came in $6.2 milhas also stated the cuts will be four students to be informed about issues lion in the red.

Furthermore, the U of M has built per cent ‘on average’ across the entire on campus.

“The university encourages stu- up $134 million in investments in coruniversity, meaning that even if the university avoids across-the-board dents to remain informed of signifi- porate bonds through its general fund cuts, the administration’s alternative cant decisions and developments that that are collecting interest rather than is to require some units to take cuts of take place on campus,” he said in an being spent on operating or capital expenditures. more than four per cent,” the report email statement.

“Students, through UMSU and Morrill also cites growth in states.

The report adds that undergraduate faculty representation, have a voice in administrative costs, particularly in enrolment is expected to dip slightly senate and on the Board of Governors, the areas of marketing and commuthis year, resulting in decreased tuition and so will help inform decisions nications at the U of M, as another revenue for the university. “Even a around the budget. The budgetary culprit in the university’s current small enrolment dip of a few per cent challenges facing the university are budget woes.

“Our priority should be teaching presents a financial risk for the univer- real and require close attention.”

Cameron Morrill, associate pro- and research, because that’s really sity,” the report states.

“The university has been grappling fessor of accounting and finance at what we’re about,” Morrill said. with deferred maintenance costs— the U of M, has been crunching basically, capital projects that have the numbers for the University of UMSU’s report can be found been put off for lack of capital fund- Manitoba Faculty Association and online at umsu.ca/images/ ing—well back into the 1990s. As the Stop the Cuts coalition since the stories/PDFs/Understandingfunding dried up in the 1990s, capital budget cuts were first reported by the The-Cuts-(2015-01-05).pdf projects (such as building mainte- Manitoban in late 2014.

According to Morrill, the U of M nance, major equipment repair, and improvements) were delayed or depri- consistently generates operating suroritized. This is exacerbated by the pluses but transfers that revenue into

VOL. 101 NO. 48 January 21, 2015

UMGSA confusion: Resignation rescinded, minutes mishandled?

UMGSA vice-president external resigns over CFS-led Stop the Cuts coalition

News

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UMSU council reacts to withheld CFS fees $640,000 in unremitted student fees spark questions of defederation Craig Adolphe, staff

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Ethan Cabel, staff

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he vice-president external of the president continued to support organization is happy to have the the University of Manitoba the anti-cuts campaign and prom- support of UMSU after differences Graduate Students’ Association ised CFS a handsome amount of between the two organizations (UMGSA) resigned earlier this $1,000 towards it. (Strangely, the were uncovered by the Manitoban month, partly in protest over a CFS budget document shows $1500 late last year. donation made by UMGSA to the [ . . . ].) This amount was allocated Rempel told the Manitoban Stop the Cuts coalition – a cam- from the UMGSA campaigns bud- that both Fleisher and Khan were paign established by the Canadian get; a rushed process which [was] confused about the actual donation Federation of Students-Manitoba neither presented to the campaigns amount based on an error in the (CFS-MB) to oppose budget cuts committee that I chair, [nor] the minutes taken at a meeting of the at the U of M. finance committee.”

Stop the Cuts coalition late last year.

“I believe in clear direction and Khan did not respond to multi- At that meeting, Rempel floated strong leadership; unfortunately I ple requests from the Manitoban for the idea of a $1,000 UMGSA donareceived neither. Instead, I received comment. Furthermore, Rempel tion to the coalition. According to a tremendous amount of pressure told the Manitoban that Khan is Rempel, the entire UMGSA camover the irreconcilable political still serving as vice-president exter- paigns budget amounts to $1,500, differences I have had with the nal despite his resignation earlier which may have been the reason for president,” UMGSA vice-president this month. the error in the minutes, in addition external Faizan Khan wrote in his “This is an ongoing internal to the fact that the Stop the Cuts resignation letter, sent to UMGSA UMGSA matter being discussed meetings are more informal than Council at the beginning of January. with council members and parties official UMGSA Council meetings.

According to Khan’s letter, involved. Therefore, we will not Rempel said that she subseUMGSA Council expressed res- make an official statement at this quently corrected the minutes at ervations about supporting the Stop time. When the issue is resolved the next meeting. the Cuts coalition in a November we will communicate the outcome On Dec. 10, the UMGSA execmeeting on the issue. Despite with our members,” Rempel said in utive had a meeting whereby they these reservations, the UMGSA an email to the Manitoban. discussed a $1,000 donation to the pressed forward with its support “I would like to clarify one thing: Stop the Cuts coalition. An online under the leadership of president Faizan Khan is still a member of vote was held between Jan. 7 and 9 Laura Rempel. the UMGSA executive team.” for UMGSA Council to vote on “I was asked by our president When asked to clarify how much whether to approve the donation. to assist CFS with running this money the UMGSA donated to the Rempel reported council approval campaign by chairing the anti-cuts Stop the Cuts coalition, CFS-MB for the $1,000 to a meeting of the meetings and such. Her rationale chairperson Zach Fleisher told Stop the Cuts coalition the afterfor asking so was that my participa- the Manitoban on Jan. 16 that the noon of Jan. 9. tion would help decrease the work- organization donated $1,500 to the Khan sent his letter of resignaload on CFS officials, and ensure campaign. He later retracted that tion on Jan. 9, the same day that that ‘It does not look like it’s a CFS statement, saying that the amount Rempel received the results of the campaign.’ I could not comply with donated was actually $1,000. vote, which approved the donation. the president’s request, as our coun“We’ve been very pleased to Rempel added that the Stop cil showed reservations over joining work with [vice-president advo- the Cuts coalition is an important the CFS-proposed coalition in its cacy] Rebecca Kunzman from grassroots initiative deserving of meeting held in November last year, UMSU and Laura Rempel from the UMGSA donation. and passed a motion to gather fact- the UMGSA,” Fleisher said.

“It’s important to contribute to a related information,” Khan wrote.

The CFS-MB has contrib- process to hold the administration “In spite of the council’s hesita- uted $2,000 to the campaign so accountable and have student voices tion to support the CFS campaign, far, according to Fleisher, and the heard,” she said.

Photo by Carolyne Kroeker, staff

n Jan. 12, at the University of lack of communication on many Manitoba Students’ Union’s issues; we’ve requested [ . . . ] basic (UMSU) biweekly council meeting, documents from them and they some councillors raised questions haven’t provided it.” about the news of fees being withKopp pointed out that if UMSU held from the Canadian Federation is shipping that money out of the of Students (CFS) by UMSU. U of M and sending it to Ottawa Fees owed to the CFS are without benefit to the memberexpected to amount to roughly ship body, then “that’s not really us $640,000 after including fees for representing our students in [any] the current winter term – which capacity. These students are expectwere only finalized on Jan. 19, the ing that the money goes to CFS but last date for refunds for dropped they’re expecting that we’re getting winter term courses. a service in return.”

The amount represents the total Jacqueline Robert, Nursing in student fees, earmarked for CFS, Students’ Association representacollected during the 2013-14 and tive, asked the executive whether 2014-15 academic years. or not universities had to be a part The University of Manitoba of the CFS. Students’ Union has been with“The CFS makes it much easier holding the fees as part of what the to join than they do to leave,” said executive has characterized as an Turnbull. “We’re in a situation act of defiance after claiming the where we’re a very critical local. national student union had ignored “Again, we haven’t considered their requests to relinquish control of the CFS or defederation, because in our mind, that’s not really what the umsu.ca domain name.

At the meeting, a few councillors students want or need.”

Turnbull asserted that it should who had not been aware of the fees being withheld asked questions of the be the same simple process to defedexecutive about the unremitted fees. erate as it was to sign up, saying that Reanna Blair, UMSU women’s this was presently not the case. representative, first raised the issue “I mean, you sign up for a memafter a report from bership at a golf UMSU vice-prescourse or at a gym, “Doesn’t that ident external, you should be able Christian Pierce. to terminate that seem a little “I just want membership just bit harsh?” – as easily as you to clarify, is that signed up for it,” really over the Reanna Blair, issue of the umsu. he said. “It’s not UMSU women’s ca domain?” she the reality of the asked, referring to CFS.” representative Steven the withheld fees.

Anderson—gay, “I can say this definitely is a big issue, that we lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, want our domain back,” Pierce two-spirited* students’ represenresponded. “And that’s been our tative—asked the executive what only communication with them; we was going to happen to the funds. don’t get any answers unless they “They’re held in trust,” said email us about money for them.”

Turnbull. “We don’t spend them.

“Doesn’t that seem a little bit We don’t do anything with them. harsh?” Blair asked.

They’re just sitting in an account.

Al Turnbull, UMSU president, “If we wanted to leave, this is interjected, “We’ve been trying to the worst way to go. A judge in contact the CFS – asking questions, Manitoba would just say, ‘This is asking for documents, asking for our illegal; you’ve got to pay them.’ This domain name for a year and a half. has nothing to do with us wanting to “They email us, they respond to leave; this is about us trying to leverus saying, ‘Where’s our money?’ age some of the requests we’ve made after we’ve clearly said, ‘Hey, we which are really, really miniscule.” just want our domain back.’

Turnbull continued, “UMSU “It’s a bit of a wedge issue, but we should own umsu.ca. So with that don’t want it to be. The second they being said, we’re asking for that; transfer the domain name we’ll pay we’re asking for a couple of docuthem.” ments. And until they respond, Jeremiah Kopp, UMSU vice- we’re not going to pay them. “$700,000; how bad do they want president internal, added to Turnbull’s explanation. it?”

“It’s not just the domain in that sense. There’s been a complete disregard for our communication, the

VOL. 101 NO. 48 January 21, 2015

News

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Closing down Hoe Down week

Aggies fill the house for annual Eat Y’er Hat social, 800 attend week’s biggest event Craig Adolphe, staff

Photos by Craig Adolphe, staff

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he Faculty of Agriculture culture students and engineering an all-day pub-crawl that ran from St udents’ Organization students; and an evening bud, spud, 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

(FASO) hosted their annual Eat and steak event at Area Nightclub.

Dahmer said that Eat Y’er Y’er Hat Social on Friday, Jan. 9, Wednesday featured a series Hat was by far the most popular as the wrap-up to their Hoe Down of competitions under the name compared to the other Hoe Down week, which they host to welcome “Redneck Olympics” at the Hub Week festivities. agriculture and food science stu- during the day and erotic bingo “All of the other events are dents back to school. and karaoke at the Nob in the St. smaller, most around anywhere The event featured local band Norbert Hotel during the evening. from 50 to 200 people. But Eat Y’er Jump the Clutch—a band comOn Thursday, FASO hosted a Hat is definitely the biggest, just prised of U of M students, includ- chili cook-off and quizbowl event because it’s on the Friday, so a lot of ing students from the faculty of during the day and an evening bar- people from out of town come in or agriculture—playing to a sold-out night titled “Saddle Up!”. past Aggies go to it,” said Dahmer. crowd of 800, filling the multipur“Of course it’s something we do pose room on the second floor of every year,” she continued, “So it’s University Centre. something a lot of people look for“Of course it’s Tickets for the event were $15 ward to throughout the school year.” something we and sold out by Wednesday, Jan. 7 Connor Fisher and Joseph after going on sale on Monday.

Holtmann, faculty of agricultural do every year. It’s Jordan Dahmer, FASO special and food sciences students, were become a tradition both happy to be at the social. events rep, organized the event which ran with music playing until “It’s the best social of the year,” now” – Jordan 2 a.m. said Fisher.

She said she believed the high Holtmann said he had been Dahmer, Faculty turnout was representative of the particularly excited about the band, of Agricultural high level of involvement by agriadding that he was their number culture students in the faculty. one fan.

Students’ “The faculty of agriculture is a Both Fisher and Joseph said that Organization close-knit group,” said Dahmer. the majority of the people knew “For the most part people are very each other because such a large special events rep involved in the stuff that FASO portion of attendees were faculty puts on and are very loyal to their of agricultural and food sciences faculty.”

Friday, before the Eat Y’er Hat students.

Hoe Down Week, which ran social, was the Hoedown Hockey Lindsey Brooks, third-year facfrom Jan. 5 to 10, featured a number Tournament at which students in ulty of agricultural and food sciof events in addition to the sold-out the faculty of agricultural and food ences student, was attending the social. sciences degree program faced off Eat Y’er Hat social for the third Monday featured Hen and Cock against students in the diploma year in a row. “I really like it. I’ve Night at the Pembina Hotel. program. A visiting team came been to it every year since I’ve been Tuesday included a FASO auc- from Assiniboine Community in university now so it’s kind of a tion at which students could bid on College’s agribusiness diploma tradition now.” having FASO members do chores program to compete. for them throughout the week; a On the final day, Saturday, stuhockey tournament between agri- dents were invited to a final event,

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

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Satire and images

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

A meditation on free speech Evan Tremblay, staff

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e’ve all heard some variation of it by now: “Of course I believe in freedom of speech, but...” In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shootings and the conversation which has ensued, we should be careful to consider the root of any arguments against a full and robust right to freedom of expression.

To argue that satire should be censored because offence might be taken is to misunderstand satire. If you misunderstand satire—and satire, like all humour, can have crude manifestations—then an explanation of it will not help you. In a 2007 court ruling a French court ruled that Charlie Hebdo’s comics did not attack Islam.

It found that their comics targeted a specific group—extremists—and were not hateful.

To argue that positions can be freely taken and expressed until some line is crossed is to argue that boys can wear any colour they want except for pink. If you have no pity for the dead cartoonists, have pity for the boys dead for wearing pink, who also sought nothing less than free expression.

To censor images because we do not like the ideas they bring forth is to deny that those ideas exist in us To argue that artists, intellectuals, and the press should act according to the standards of any religion that they themselves do not profess is to argue for replacing “freedom of speech” with “freedom from speech.”

To argue that it is offensive to “Islam” to do something that is expressly prohibited by less than the totality of that religion, is to paint almost two billion people with one coarse brush, and to unthinkingly give in to lingering colonial tendencies to ascribe easy traits to a monolithic “other.” There is a rich tradition of illustrations of Muhammad, which are not prohibited in the Quran so long as they are not idolatrous.

To argue that images (and what are images but fluid ideas temporarily frozen for easier digestion?) deemed offensive by some should not be reproduced, so that all people may judge for themselves whether they are offensive, is to assume that all people are easily offended, and that the easily offended will be satisfied with eliminating the images while letting the ideas flow freely.

To argue that freedom of speech, expression, or belief can be fully exercised, by everyone—and to believe that feelings cannot be hurt, and offence not taken or given—is naïve.

It is to hope for easy answers to complex issues, or worse, to hope that complex issues will not arise.

Images serve to bring up ideas in

graphic by Evan Tremblay, staff

us, from the highest to the lowest of thoughts and emotions. To censor images because we do not like the ideas they bring forth is to deny that those ideas exist in us. If we see an image and our first thought is negative, we should thank the imagemakers for what they have told us about ourselves. We should not, as a

knee-jerk reaction, assume that oth- powerful, and a culture fruitful, with- Charlie Hebdo expressed their beliefs, ers cannot handle negative thoughts, out free speech. remember that they died for the or weighty ideas.

But doing away with free speech principle that you could say, “Fuck There is no particular need for free comes with a price, one that those those guys.” speech, or at least for a particularly least willing to pay are perhaps the robust form of it. Words and images ones who feel most entitled to air are censored all over the world. This an opinion on editorial cartoons. is sometimes done to stifle hate, other “Vivre Libre ou Mourir.” If you do times dissent. A nation can still be not approve of how the cartoonists at

10 Comment

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

Letters to the editor

Je ne suis pas Charlie

Letters published in the Manitoban are edited for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Views expressed in the letters are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Manitoban.

Defending free speech doesn’t mean republishing offensive images

Publishing Muhammad cartoon is disrespectful

I

am writing today to express how much I am offended by your publishing of the cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We have a very respectful society in Canada where people from all sorts of demographics coexist in peace and harmony, and I am proud of it. But if we are to continue to coexist we need to keep respecting each other.

You have to realize that all Muslims love the Prophet more than they love their parents.

Would you still side with freedom of speech if someone was bullying your mother in public? Would you still side with free speech if I was to publicly advocate and lobby to make racism (or any other grossly offensive thing) legal and widely acceptable? Of course not!

Similarly, we need to realize that no matter what kind of cartoons they are (funny or provocative), just the fact that the Prophet Muhammad is depicted pictorially is offensive to Muslims. And do realize that a quarter of the world’s population is Muslim.

We all condemn the killings in Paris, but that is no reason for all Muslims to be punished in this way.

I hope I have educated you a little on why Muslims take offence to these cartoons, and I hope you will remove the cartoons immediately and apologize to Muslims at the University of Manitoba and around the world for offending them.

Mohammad Anwar

Offending the Muslim community is inconsiderate

I

was very disappointed to hear the stand that the Manitoban has taken regarding the publishing of the image of Muhammad in order to depict what the victims in the Paris attack died for.

Having heard the opinion of the Muslim community, I feel the Manitoban should not have published the image. To offend not only members of our university community but Muslim community members as well is inconsiderate.

I also feel by publishing this image the Manitoban has also endangered students who attend the University of Manitoba. It was already proven in Paris that extremists have no remorse for attacking other citizens. I ask you: why would they be more merciful to a university which is a location of a large population of the city’s future workers?

I feel the Manitoban could have displayed the university’s support and condolences for those who passed better. This could have been done by publishing images of those who passed and explaining the situation that occurred in Paris rather than offending members of a community who have already faced difficulties with the events that occurred.

The Manitoban has offended and endangered University of Manitoba students. A better approach such as publishing the images of the ones who passed in the Paris event could have been taken.

Dixie Baldwin

Raylene Paci, volunteer staff

W

hen I heard about the Cabel wrote, “Charlie Hebdo a magazine like Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris last week, I continued to publish cartoons chooses to overtly mock them, it was shocked and horrified. I sunk and commentary meant to give is not taken well. into my seat in grief as a CBC Parisians a chuckle at the expense Since the attacks, numerous news reporter explained that 10 of the powerful and the brutish news outlets have refused to publish journalists from Charlie Hebdo and even while its editor was on an al- these images. While Cabel believes two police officers had been mur- Qaeda hit list.” this to be a cowardly act, I believe dered. This couldn’t be real. Being there is a certain validity to it that an aspiring writer and a former has nothing to do with being afraid French-immersion student who of a violent retaliation. Choosing Radical Islamism is had just visited France, everything to not partake in the public mockreally hit me right at home. ery of Islam isn’t “letting the terextremely different But I disagree with the notion rorists win.” Radical Islamism is from Islam, that we should all be Charlie. I extremely different from Islam, something these cartoons don’t reject Ethan Cabel’s recent state- something these ment—in his Jan. 14 Manitoban always differentiate. cartoons don’t article, “Time to stand up to radical Should we offend terrorists? Yes. Islamism”—that all people, Muslim Absolutely. should be always differentiate free to fight Journalists and non-Muslim, need to stand in them in the only way solidarity with Charlie Hebdo. Let they know how. However, includme tell you why. ing another religion in your offence It’s quite easy to forget that the strategy shouldn’t be part of the Charlie Hebdo is not a synonym for free speech. It is a satirical mag- chuckles of these Parisians were not attack. There has to be another way. azine that pushes the boundaries only at the expense of the “powerful If anyone, Muslim and nonof free speech, taunting numerous and the brutish,” but of the millions Muslim alike, is hesitant to stand political parties, social groups, and of peaceful Muslims in France and in alliance with Charlie Hebdo, religions in the process. around the world. When Charlie their reasons should be understood.

Regardless of the content pub- Hebdo chooses to publish cartoons This isn’t about the fear of terrorist lished, the attacks in Paris were depicting the Prophet Muhammad, retaliation.

I am an advocate of free speech. of course unwarranted and tragic. they are violating Muslim law that Acts of intimidation and violence forbids such images.

But if being an advocate for free should be condemned, especially Muslims have long been a part speech requires me to automatically when they are attacking the lib- of France; their presence there goes ally myself with a magazine whose erties of open societies. Thus, it is back to the eighth century. But, cartoons further perpetuate disimportant to stand for the principle with legislation banning hijabs crimination against a religion, then from France’s public school sys- I don’t want anything to do with it. of free speech.

But, those same societies should tem and the introduction of a 2010 practise free speech with some law prohibiting the burqa in pubsense of decency, intelligence, and lic, Islamophobic ideas easily run respect. Consistently attacking an rampant. Muslims are left feeling entire religion just because you can as though they are not wanted in French society. So naturally, when should not acceptable.

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Science Briefs

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

Exciting and unusual news in the world of science Jeremiah Yarmie, staff

talking to the infant during other tasks. So don’t be afraid to document your lives and point out the obvious to your newborns – they might actually benefit from it.

Baby talk

Researchers from Ireland have found that reading to your newborn may not be the only way to stimulate their brain. The study looked at how reading, along with other interactions like showing them pictures and talking to them, affected indicators of cognitive development in ninemonth-old infants. Not surprisingly, reading improved cognitive development, with infants scoring higher on problem-solving and communication measurements, while showing them pictures only increased their communication scores.

However, problem-solving and communication skills were increased the most by informally and frequently

Space DNA

Panspermia is the hypothesis that life flourished by means of interstellar travel on comets or asteroids. It is suspected that these celestial bod-

ies might have been contiminated by micro-organisms from elsewhere, but recent research from Sweden supports the idea that even DNA could survive the harshness of space.

In a study, DNA was placed on the exterior of a rocket that entered space and re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere, on a sounding rocket providing up to 13 minutes of microgravity exposure. Around half of the DNA was recovered and about a third of the DNA was still functional.

With these findings, it is possible that we will be the ones to send off life into the universe through DNA, like seeds in the wind.

cies barrier, being transferred from an animal carrier to a human being.

The current outbreak can be narrowed down to an initial zoonotic event involving a two-year-old boy from Guinea playing in a hollow tree which was inhabited by a colony of free-tailed bats. Bats are known to carry a variety of zoonotic diseases, many of which are very serious when transferred to humans.

Go home, birds, you’re drunk

Researchers from Oregon have recently inebriated zebra finches in the name of science. These finches are a common model for the study of vocal production and learning, as they learn songs similar to the way humans learn speech.

The researchers observed that the finches would willingly consume alcohol when it was supplied. I guess even birds like an open bar. While intoxicated, researchers found that the birds were having difficulty maintaining volume and cohesiveness. In other words, they were slurring their speech.

Birds have been known to become intoxicated intentionally from fermented fruit. Bohemian waxwings in the Yukon have found themselves inspired by spirits after feeding on fermented mountain ash berries. Not Ebola origins unlike humans, birds can become too The Ebola epidemic in West inebriated. British blackbirds feedAfrica that began in 2014 is still an ing on fermented rowan berries have ongoing health concern. The out- previously been found dead due to break is four times larger than every physical injuries sustained from midprevious Ebola epidemic combined, air collisions while attempting to fly and has outlasted them all. drunk. Don’t drink and fly.

Ebola is a class of zoonotic diseases, which reside in animals. In the case of Ebola, the disease is carried by bats. Outbreaks of zoonotic diseases occur when a disease jumps the spe-

Graphics by Scott Ford, staff

12

Science & Technology

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

Stopping Skynet But would Skynet really be that evil?

Chantelle Dubois, staff

T

he development of artificial sign itself at an ever increasing rate smart.” technology has come into the [ . . . ] Humans, who are limited by Computer scientist and futurist spotlight in popular science as the slow biological evolution, couldn’t Ray Kurzweil also holds a more posiresult of a letter recently drafted by compete, and would be superseded.” tive outlook on the future of artifithe Future of Life Institute (FLI), a Hawking is one of the many sci- cial intelligence. In a response to the volunteer organization that aims to entists who have signed FLI’s open drafting of the letter, Kurzweil calls mitigate technological risks posed letter. technology a double-edged sword, to humanity.

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, and uses biotechnologies, which The letter, titled “Research Priorities another famous signatory of the FLI’s can be used in bioterrorism but have for Robust and Beneficial Artificial letter, has made similar statements largely been beneficial, as an example.

Intelligence: an Open Letter,” urges about the perils of AI. On Twitter, In an article published in scientists to direct research in artifi- he has argued that humanity needs Time magazine, Kurzweil writes, cial intelligence such that it develops to be careful and that the technology “Consider biotechnology, which is to benefit mankind. could potentially be more dangerous perhaps a couple of decades ahead of This letter is accompanied by a than nuclear weapons.

AI. A meeting called the Asilomar research priorities document describMusk has shown further support Conference on Recombinant DNA ing directions research should take of the FLI’s efforts by donating $10 was organized in 1975 to assess its in various fields relating to artificial million to the institute. potential dangers and devise a stratgraphic by Keegan Steele However, not everyone shares egy to keep the field safe.” intelligence (AI), emphasizing that AI research is worthwhile because quite the same outlook with regards In his book, the Singularity is Near, gularity. A complete understanding imminence of the singularity. “From of its potential to benefit mankind. to humanity’s future relationship Kurzweil predicts that the singular- of human cognition would first be a practical point of view, the point The letter itself is not ominous with artificial intelligence. ity, the point in time when machines needed to develop AI capable of the where we have uncontrollable super in tone, and states that AI may help “Culturally, the West has a transcend human intelligence, occurs same decision-making and behav- smart AI is at least 50 years away.” alleviate some of humanity’s greatest Frankenstein complex, where any new in the year 2045. Instead of surpassing iours as the human brain. While Baltes also comments, “I don’t problems, such as poverty and disease. technology is seen as a threat. Hence, human capabilities and then eradicat- computer hardware has become more want to imply that there are any However, some prominent figures the terminator is the first image to ing humankind, Kurzweil believes computationally powerful, it is not issues or no real danger to human in the scienctific community have come to mind for many in the West, technology will become increasingly possible to predict that software can life and well-being if robots and AI voiced less optimistic opinions on the whereas in Asia people think about integrated with human bodies to accelerate at the same pace to reach deliberately or accidentaly misbehave.

Astro Boy helping people,” University enhance our capabilities and prevent the singularity by 2045. future of artificial technology.

But that is true for any sophisticated Famous physicist Stephen of Manitoba computer science professor human diseases.

In an article in MIT Technology technology. These are very real Hawking has previously made state- Jacky Baltes says.

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen Review, Allen writes, “This prior hard legal and cultural problems “Deep down, I feel that empathy does not believe the singularity is near need to understand the basic science that we as a society need to address. ments about the potential dangers of AI. In an interview with the BBC, and emotion are fundamental to AI and has stated that Kurzweil fails to of cognition is where the ‘singularity However, they are a far cry from the Hawking is reported to have said, “It and that these super smart systems takes into account the sophistication is near’ arguments fail to persuade us.” AI apocalypse.” would take off on its own, and rede- will need those as well to be super of software needed to reach the sinBaltes is also skeptical about the

Finding a new antibiotic Teixobactin is cool, this method is even cooler Jeremiah Yarmie, staff

A

fter 30 years, teixobactin, a new type of antibiotic, has been found which may be the answer to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. This is wonderful news, but what is even more amazing is the novel way in which this antibiotic was found.

“It is definitely exciting to see something positive in the field of novel antimicrobials which has been quite depressing, to be honest, in the past few decades,” Ayush Kumar,

associate professor of microbiology This is due to the fact that 99 per isolating them for study. at the University of Manitoba, told cent of environmental bacteria is “This technique bypasses the need the Manitoban. unculturable. for an artificial growth media for Many antibiotics have been disMost bacterial cells have a spe- organisms that are difficult to culcovered in the last century from soil cial layer known as a cell wall, which ture. [The] iChip, therefore, opens screening projects. A large number protects them by adding structural up numerous opportunities to tap of antibiotics used today are derived support. Gram-positive bacteria have these organisms to search for novel from natural products of soil dwell- their cell wall exposed on the outside, antimicrobials, hopefully even for ing microorganisms such as strepto- while Gram-negative bacteria have Gram-negative bacteria in the near mycin, made by the soil bacterium their cell wall hidden by an outer future,” said Kumar.

Streptomyces griseus. plasma membrane. Gram-negative The iChip is able to culture about However, by the 1960s, the supply bacteria have been difficult to target 50 per cent of environmental soil bacof soil microbes had been exhausted. with antibiotics as of late. teria. With this technology, teixobacThe research team that discovered tin is just the beginning. teixobactin has developed a novel way Teixobactin protects mice from to grow these otherwise uncultivable certain bacterial infections, including soil bacteria. They did this by allow- the superbug methicillin-resistant ing the cells to grow in the presence Staphylococcus aureus. Teixobactin of their normal environment. has a mode of action similar to the The team developed a device antibiotic vancomycin. known as the iChip, which made this In addition, teixobactin inhibits all possible. The iChip has many little cell wall synthesis in Gram-positive channels, each of which are able to bacteria, but is too bulky to get house a single bacterial cell. Once a past the outer membrane of Gramdiluted sample of bacteria is placed negative bacteria. This is beneficial on the iChip, it is covered with a for the Gram-negative bacteria that membrane and placed back in the produce this compound. soil. This membrane allows for all of Teixobactin doesn’t appear to the nutrients and molecules required select for resistant mutants in S. for growth to pass into the chambers. aureus or Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

This allows the bacteria to grow in This may be partly due to the fact that graphic by Evan Tremblay, staff their natural environment, while also it targets lipid molecules, which are

harder to mutate to develop resistance. Vancomycin saw 30 years of use before resistant mutants started popping up. Teixobactin is also active against vancomycin-resistant bacteria, despite their possession of altered lipid molecule targets.

“The organism that produces this antibiotic, Eleftheria terrae, is a soil bacterium and therefore potentially a number of other organisms in the soil growing in close vicinity of this organism get exposed to teixobactin, and I would be very surprised if at least one of these organisms has not devised a way to resist its action,” said Kumar.

An important thing to consider with antibiotics is their toxicity. The highest dose of teixobactin used in the study did not have any toxicity on mammalian cells grown in a culture.

“We need to be a bit cautious about few things here – one, although teixobactin was found to be non-toxic in animal models, it still requires trials in humans before it can be approved for clinical use. This process can take years, so we may not be as close as it may appear to using this antibiotic in clinics,” said Kumar.

VOL. 101 NO. 48 January 21, 2015

Science & Technology 13

Safety on the International Space Station

Astronauts are safe after a glitch indicated there was an ammonia leak Chantelle Dubois, staff

S

ix astronauts onboard the International Space Station (ISS) have returned to normal operations after a glitch on Jan. 14 indicated ammonia was leaking into the American module of the orbital research centre. It is thought that a computer error or a faulty sensor is the cause of the false alarm.

Ammonia is a compound that is frequently used in fertilizer or in refrigerator coolant. Onboard the ISS it is used to help regulate temperatures of the station.

Since the ISS is a closed environment, when chemicals like ammonia begin leaking into the modules the astronauts onboard have to act

quickly to protect themselves. The ant, but it is poisonous to breathe. If onboard since 2000. It orbits above chemical presents a fire and explosion it breaks through to the inside it is the Earth between 330 to 410 km hazard at a 15 per cent concentration one of the big 3 emergencies. The and is the result of an international and is harmful when inhaled. other two we train for are fire/smoke collaboration. The space station is The crew is said to have been & leak/depressurization,” wrote comprised of 13 different modules managing the arrival of cargo from Hadfield on his Facebook page. with two scheduled for addition in a SpaceX capsule, which included Had this been a real ammonia 2016 and 2017. supplies and experiments, when the leak, Hadfield explained, procedures The ISS has had several instances alarm went off. The astronauts pro- would be to vent the ammonia into of unexpected failures or problems ceeded to put on breathing masks, space, repair the source of the leak, since becoming operational. However, and sealed themselves in the Russian and have a new supply of ammonia astronauts are highly trained and segment of the space station, closing sent to the space station. A second- thoroughly prepared for emergena hatch which separates the modules. ary cooling system exists onboard cies in space.

Colonel Chris Hadfield, former the station that would have kept the Jan. 2, 2004 – An air leak was commander of the ISS and celebrity space station’s overall cooling systems detected onboard the station, expelCanadian astronaut, responded to the operating at half capacity. ling five pounds of air into space. The The ISS has been operational source of the leak was a vacuum hose, news via social media. “[Ammonia] is an excellent cool- for over 14 years, having had a crew caused by astronauts using the hose as a grip.

Sept. 18, 2006 – A potassium hydroxide leak activated smoke alarms, leading the crew to believe there may have been a fire. The leak was repaired and a charcoal filter used to ventilate the space station.

June 14, 2007 – Condensation caused the short-circuiting of the electrical system to shut down several computers, which operated thrusts, oxygen generation, and carbon dioxide filtration as well as various other systems. Without oxygen generation, the crew had 56 days of oxygen available on the space station.

Aug, 1, 2010 – A failed ammonia pump module resulted in cooling Loop A to fail and left the cooling system at half capacity. Three extra-

vehicular activities (EVAs), when an astronaut leaves a spacecraft, had to be carried out. The first EVA was to replace the faulty pump but was not successful; the second EVA was to complete the replacement of the faulty pump, and the third was to restore the cooling system to normal operations.

June 28, 2011 – Space debris was identified in near proximity to the space station, prompting crew to board the Soyuz capsules until the danger had passed.

May 9, 2013 – Crew noticed white flakes outside of the space station, which was determined to be ammonia leaking into space. An EVA was carried out to replace the leaking component.

Most safety occurrences on the space station have only resulted in minor disruption of routine activities, reduced capabilities, or, at worst, forced crew members to retreat to Soyuz capsules. In the event of an emergency, the crew would evacuate the space station.

With regards to ammonia leaks and how astronauts prepare and respond, Hadfield wrote, “I lost count of the number of times that we practiced this exact procedure in the simulators in Houston. Serious risk requires serious preparation.”

graphic by Justin Ladia

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

14

15

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

Frost Fest in review

Vikings, Royal Canoe, and Magik Trix provide energizing show Mike Still, staff

W

hile it may have been person band exemplifies Winnipeg bringing a large number of instruchilly outside, the spirits of brilliantly through their music, espe- ments, pedals, and other items with University of Manitoba students cially with the 2013 release of the them when they perform, which crewere kept warm on Thursday night band’s newest album, Today We’re ates a much fuller sound when on at UMSU’s Frost Fest through the Believers. The strong, urban sound stage, compared to backing tracks. music of Vikings, Royal Canoe, and keys in on not only on the music the Thursday night was no exception, as Magik Trix. All three bands are listener hears, but also the way it the crowd was treated to an intimate based out of Winnipeg, which gave makes them feel. and entertaining display. the Festival du Voyageur-esque con“We decided pretty early on that cert a hometown feel. we didn’t want to play to backing The many picnic tables packed “People can mess tracks. When we go to shows, we into the heated tent provided for the like seeing the music being made, up, and there’s that night’s festivities on the quad were and that element of uncertainty,” scarcely used, thanks to the danceDriedger said. push and pull of the worthy sound each group provided.

“People can mess up, and there’s that push and pull of the tempos tempos and feel. I Vikings and feel. I think people, in the end, think people, in the Vikings, an electric/pop style appreciate it. You go to a show, and group, kicked off Frost Fest. As openget to see people actually playing end, appreciate ers for the main act, Royal Canoe, everything. What a novelty.” it” – Bucky Driedger, their goal was to get students out of their seats and into the infectious Magik Trix Royal Canoe rhythm being produced on stage.

The DJ trio Magik Trix finished The trio—which mixes pop songs off the night, leaving many attenwith a number of unique sounds and The band has stated in the past dees in good spirits. Another incluinstruments, such as analogue synths that their music is primarily inspired sive musical group, they fed off the and electric keyboards to create a one- by Winnipeg, their hometown, mak- energy of the crowd and finished off of-a-kind sound—had the crowd up ing local performances that much the evening with an all-out party. and moving in no time. more special. Playing at venues Playing a variety of pop, rap, and As a band that has performed at such as Festival, and now Frost Fest, indie music, it was easy to get into Festival in the past, Vikings knew adds an even more memorable aspect, the rhythms and beats they produced. how to get the most out of their audi- according to vocalist and guitar/perence, frequently cracking jokes and cussion player Bucky Driedger.

An enjoyable show from beginning inciting spirts of laughter in between “It’s always good to play in to end, Frost Fest gave students songs. Their set was upbeat, fun, and Winnipeg, especially in the winter, a chance to take in talented local a great lead-in to Royal Canoe. because we have to deal with a lot of acts for the small price of $10. With it,” Driedger said. the successful turnout and high Royal Canoe “It’s always good to be a part of quality of music played, there’s no It was hard not to crack a smile making the winter suck a little bit doubt that the university should when Royal Canoe was announced as less.” hold the event again next year. the headliner for Frost Fest. The sixRoyal Canoe is well-known for

photos by Carolyne Kroeker, staff

16

Arts & Culture

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

Drinking outside the box Paint Nite Winnipeg merges the arts of drink and painting Lauren Siddall, staff

photo by Lauren Siddall, staff

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aint Nite, created in Boston in 2012, has finally made its way to Winnipeg, thanks to Manda Brownrigg. Founded upon the principle of facilitating adults being creative and social, Paint Nite brings the atmosphere of an art studio to a local bar or restaurant where patrons are encouraged to mingle and grab a drink while learning to paint a preselected image.

“Basically we take over local pubs and bars on their slow nights, typi-

cally Sunday through Thursday, and host 30-50 people and teach them how to paint a 16x20 acrylic painting while they drink,” Brownrigg told the Manitoban.

“It’s typically about two hours, wherein myself will walk the whole group through step by step – whether that’s telling them what brush to use, how to mix a colour, and then how to put it on the canvas. Halfway through, we have a drink and dry where we encourage people to drink

while their painting background dries.”

But fear not if you don’t know the difference between acrylic and gouache paint; the event is designed to provide a creative outlet and unique experience, rather than act as a rigorous art class.

“Our tagline is ‘drink creatively,’ not ‘paint perfectly.’”

With a drink in one hand and a paintbrush in the other to keep inhibitions low and creativity high, everyone creates their own unique painting to bring home at the end of the night, no matter their level of artistic ability.

“They will leave with something that they’re proud of and looks similar to the painting we’re teaching, but at the same time it’s art. It’s not paint by numbers; it’s not going to turn out exactly the same.”

While fostering sociability and creativity, Paint Nite also creates an environment designed to promote individuals to evade the stressors of everyday life.

“As adults we’re taught to do certain things: you go to school, you get a job, you maybe get married and have babies, whatever. Those are the things you focus on and those are your overarching goals,” said Brownrigg.

“Goals are important and wonder-

Guns a-blazing The Pistolwhips tote live-ready debut album across Western Canada Ian T.D. Thomson, staff

bers begin to see the full potential of the group.

“The response was super positive and the vibe was great so we decided to record a full album.

We recruited a new drummer, Tallus [Scott], and multiple tours and festivals later here we are,” Schultz told the Manitoban.

T hei r debut full-length album, Photo provided by Amber Buchholz of Reyelle Photography On Your Side, was released back in July oasting a Saskatchewan brand of 2014. The album introduces a new of indie-rock and blues music, the dynamic for the band.

Pistolwhips bring an energetic live “The album was much more colshow to the Cavern on Feb. 13. laborative, with the majority of the The Saskatoon-based band started songs being co-written or at least back in the fall of 2010 as a collabora- co-arranged by the whole band,” tion between friends Rylan Schultz explained Schultz. (vocals/guitar) and Zach Davies Along with unifying into a (bass). The original lineup of the more succinct unit of musicians, Pistolwhips carved out a humble the Pistolwhips saw the album as a beginning playing one-off shows. greater opportunity to flesh out their Only after the release of their four- sound. Whereas the EP was recorded song eponymous EP did the mem- in only a few weeks, On Your Side was

B

recorded over a period of nine to 10 months.

With its 10 songs, the album breaks out in a reverb-drenched wall of guitars, a style reminiscent of early Bombay Bicycle Club songs or a heavier take on the Temper Trap’s music.

With the album in their back pocket, the four-piece plan on being on stage for most of 2015, touring Western Canada throughout the month of February, promising intense, high-energy performances.

“We take music seriously but the main reason we do all of the serious stuff is so we can get on stage and have fun with crowd,” explained Schultz.

“You can expect people getting sweaty, a lot of drinks, and a hell of a good time.”

You can listen to the Pistolwhips’ album On Your Side and debut EP at thepistolwhips.bandcamp. com. Catch the band in town at the Cavern on Feb. 13.

ful but I think the goal to be creative ing people that you can have that freeand allow ourselves to explore that is dom, to not judge themselves or their equally, if not more, important for our paintings and to just relax and allow mental and emotional health.” themselves to create again. Maybe Paint Nite allows individuals to their painting is not going to be the unleash their creative side and gain best thing they have ever created, but back the freedom of painting without they’re doing it. And they probably care. When people are young, they wouldn’t be doing it at home. It’s create without judging their work good to explore that side of ourselves.” and comparing it to the work of others. But we lose that freedom as we Paint Nite tickets are available at get older. paintnite.com and must be purchased “Paint Nite is really about remind- in advance. Supplies are provided.

VOL. 101 NO. 48 January 21, 2015

Get Together at Union

Arts & Culture

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No Wi-Fi, share your food Tapas restaurants give something to talk about Alana Trachenko, staff

Winnipeg’s Union Sound Hall uses branding and atmosphere to bring you back Alana Trachenko, staff

photo by Alana Trachenko, staff

photo by Ian Thomson, staff

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hemed events are a big deal them to come back. in Winnipeg. Devotion, Big “It’s different than most bars,” Dancing, Grippin’ Grain, New said Smith. “The vibe I get from it, Music Wednesdays, and, more which a lot of people have agreed recently, Locals Only have all with, is that it doesn’t really feel like become semi-regular theme nights a bar. It feels more like a basement around the city – each with their or something more casual than own following of fans. Building a being out.” following requires consistent marPeople know what to expect keting and promotion, as well as when they’re coming to Together, providing an atmosphere worth which makes them feel more remembering. comfortable Add in some than they would talented pergoing out for “There’s a sense formers, and a regular bar of griminess the crowd will night. follow.

“They know and simplicity Josh Smith, this is what to Winnipeg an organizer Fr iday s a re of Un ion for; they’re not that people Sound Hall’s going to come Together event, and be shocked like” – Josh explains that at what’s going Smith, Together there’s more to on,” said Smith. it than brandKnowing organizer ing. Together what to expect has been taking plays a big part place since September 2013, shortly in what makes these repeat events after Union opened, and has seen successful, but Smith, hailing from success from the beginning.

Toronto, agrees that Winnipeg “You come for the vibe. The likes its themed events. energy is amazing, everyone’s danc“There’s a sense of griminess and ing, and the staff is awesome,” said simplicity to Winnipeg that people Smith. like,” he said.

Together happens every Friday “All of these events have no dress night and sees regular perfor- code, it’s really relaxed, and you mances by DJ Lambo and DJ Drux, don’t have to buy bottles or spend as well as guest DJs. Smith says a lot of money. It’s not a show, it’s they kill it every time. an atmosphere.”

“We definitely have a core group Although Together has been of people that have been there from taking place for just over a year, it the beginning,” said Smith. “But has survived an impressively long it changes around them. There’s life. Most themed nights tend to always a different feel to the night, gain popularity for a couple of and our DJs are good at picking months before they come to an up on that.” end. Success depends on a balance According to Smith, Together of familiarity as well as keeping is the only weekly event that’s been things fresh. promoted using social media and Smith says bringing in DJs from an easily recognizable logo, while other places brings in a new mood most other branded events in the to the evening. city happen monthly. The branding “Winnipeg’s on an uprise, and is what gets people in the door, but we have to guide it.” the feel of the party is what gets

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inner has limitless possi- choose to dine two different ways. and more about the experience of bilities. It might be a home“You can be in and out in 45 min- eating, because as Wallace believes, cooked meal that takes hours and utes and order a couple of things,” “it’s fun to go to dinner.” is prepared while family and friends said Wallace. “Or you can make a Tapas restaurants certainly are hang around drinking wine, or it whole night of it, come in with a making dinner an event, which may be half of a leftover Subway few friends, eat almost the entire would explain why people go to sandwich eaten in the car between menu, and stick around for two them not only when they don’t have school and work, which unfortu- hours.” the energy to cook, but for occanately drips mayo onto your only sions such as birthdays, anniversaclean pair of pants. ries, and engagements, according When it comes to picking a “Everyone converses to Wallace.

“It gives people a chance to try a restaurant to eat at, the number of over the food and options is equally vast – especially lot of different foods,” said Ralke. they’re on the as Winnipeg is becoming a culinary “Everyone is so used to chain restauhotspot. Winnipeg has seen a boom rants, and this gives them a chance same level” – Cory of ethnic cuisine, and is home to to come out of their shell.” an impressive number of spots that Both restaurants are designed to Ralke, server at can offer local, organic, vegan, or make dinner relaxing and comfortDeseo Bistro vegetarian food. able. In turn, the staff has a chance More recently, tapas restauto get to spend time with their clirants have become a must-try for ents and really connect with them many Winnipeggers, and when The thing about tapas is they’re which, according to reviews, is a they go they aren’t disappointed. made to share. Rather than order- large part of what makes the expeFor those of you who aren’t sure ing your own meal, everyone tries rience memorable and what keeps what tapas are but know that they everything, which makes it much staff turnover down. sound vaguely delicious, they are more of a shared activity.

Ralke added that he hopes the essentially small Spanish appetizers.

“A lot of people will want to order success that restaurants like Deseo Segovia’s tapas menu includes entrees,” said Cory Ralke, a server and Segovia have will lead to simiitems such as roasted quail together at tapas restaurant, Deseo Bistro. lar places opening, which would with confit piquillo peppers, aioli, “But we try to coerce them into shar- improve Winnipeg’s cultural food and pickled red onion, to give an ing. That way everyone converses scene. In a city where food and example. Just perusing the menu over the food and they’re on the ambience make up so much of our is enough to work up an appetite. same level.” entertainment, it’s hard to argue Dylan Wallace, a Segovia Dinner becomes less about shov- with that logic. employee, said that customers can elling food down as fast as possible,

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Arts & Culture

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

All the folk things Two folk artists tackle pop-punk classic album with their own roots twist Ian T.D. Thomson, staff

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graphic by Bram Keast, staff

hey say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. In the case of cover music, this old saying rings especially true.

But what happens when the cover sounds nothing like the original?

On Jan. 25, musicians Daniel Péloquin-Hopfner and Kevin Roy will be performing ’90s pop-punk music in the style of folk-roots and bluegrass at the Good Will Social Club at the event BLINK I IV V. The event came out of two established Winnipeg musicians jamming around a bonfire.

“Kevin and I have been picking bluegrass music since we’ve known each other, but somehow we started playing pop-punk songs at a bonfire party one night, and managed to get through hours of ’90s material we both knew,” explained PéloquinHopfner to the Manitoban. “[Blink-182] was the catalyst for this moment, and we’ve been jokingly jamming them since then.”

The night will feature two sets, with the first set tackling Blink-182’s album Enema of the State. Released in June of 1999 by the Californian poppunk trio, the album features notable hits such as “All the Small Things” and “What’s My Age Again?” Blink182’s third album helped to establish them as one of the biggest bands at the end of the decade, selling over 15 million copies.

Given their popularity, Blink-182’s music has been covered by artists such as 5 Seconds of Summer and Alvin and the Chipmunks. Blink-182’s simplistic musical rhythms have also made their music a staple for anyone beginning to play the guitar.

In translating the pop-punk music into folk-roots jams, PéloquinHopfner admits the seamlessly easy adaptation based around similar

chord structures of bluegrass music.

“Their songs all have simple changes, just like country and bluegrass music. The three most common chords are 1, 4, and 5,” explained Péloquin-Hopfner, referencing the event’s name.

“This event pretty much created itself.”

In addition to performing ’90s cover shows, both Roy and PéloquinHopfner are established folk artists in their own right. Roy is an alternative country singer-songwriter, having released his debut extended-play Taller than the Trees in February of last year. Roy has shared the stage with the likes of the Deep Dark Woods and Kathleen Edwards.

Péloquin-Hopfner is a member of folk-roots trio Red Moon Road.

Playing everything from mandolin to lap steel, Péloquin-Hopfner and Red Moon Road have toured Canada and have 2012 and 2013 music releases to their names.

But all of their musical history is put aside as the duo translates late MTV memories into music more synonymous with the Folk Festival.

“We stayed faithful to nearly all the chord changes, hooks, and riffs, but snuck in some yodelling, talkin’ blues, fiddle tunes, and blistering solos,” said Péloquin-Hopfner.

The event BLINK I IV V will take place Jan. 25 at the Good Will Social Club, located at 625 Portage Avenue. Cover for the event is $10.

Have your cake Jenna Rae Cakes offers pleasant delicacies to Academy Road Ian T.D. Thomson, staff

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photo by Ian Thomson

ow that our New Year’s resolu- which helped reimagine her career The Academy storefront offers a tions have fallen to pieces, it is path. cornucopia of petit, yet delectable time to reunite with our beloved junk While Jenna Rae Cakes began desserts. Offerings include gourmet food and sweet eats. its business back in 2010, it was only brownies, peanut butter cup mini There are no better guilty plea- until March of last year that the busi- cheesecakes, cookie sandwiches, sures than the various savoury sweets ness developed its storefront. While and a “cake of the day,” which can at Jenna Rae Cakes. With its store- the business primarily focuses on be purchased by the slice. front located at 580 Academy Road, production of wedding cakes, the However, it is the assorted flaJenna Rae Cakes’ mandate is to “to neighbourhood shop has been met vours of French macarons offered provide Winnipeg with delicious and with much success. that have people clamouring for more. beautiful sweet treats for any occasion, “At first it was just there to help “Our macarons are definitely our baking fresh daily and using only the with rent and [the storefront has] most popular item,” explained Rae. best ingredients.” actually been our number one “People line up out the door for them, The business began as just a hobby seller lately,” explained Rae to the so they always sell out every day.” for the now-full-time baker, Jenna Manitoban.

Rae. Originally intending to purWhen the business initially began, Jenna Rae Cakes is open from sue dentistry at the University of it was the sole proprietorship of Rae. Tuesday to Friday from 12-6 p.m. and Manitoba, interests soon changed Moving into 2015, Jenna Rae Cakes Saturdays from 12-5 p.m. For more for the then-student. Rae admits to now employs 10 staff, including her information regarding inquiries of watching shows such as Cake Boss, twin sister Ashley Nicole. custom items, visit jennaraecakes.com

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

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Saturday night sweep Volleyball splits weekend series against top-ranked Alberta

Young guns get it done Rookies help sweep away Cougars

David Grad, staff

David Grad, staff

photos by Lauren Siddall, staff

Women

go home, have a good night’s rest, Coming off a win that saw leave it away in our dreams and their head coach Ken Bentley pick come back tomorrow, do a short up career win number 1,000, the little practice and prepare for the University of Manitoba Bisons next game. That’s all you can do.” hosted the nation’s top-ranked Needing a win this weekend team at the University of Alberta to continue their push for playoffs, over the weekend. the Bisons responded in emphatic The double header carried fashion in the rematch. with it serious playoff implicaSaturday night saw Manitoba tions for the national champions rally to earn an exciting 3-0 sweep who are currently fighting for of the Pandas. Cockrell found her seventh in the conference, the last way offensively, nailing 25 kills. playoff spot in the Canada West. Sarah Klassen would add eight kills, Despite dropping Friday night’s and Jordana Milne picked up seven matchup, Manitoba picked up kills, including what might have crucial points in a 3-0 sweep of the been the hardest hit of the night.

Pandas on Saturday night, draw- The Pandas had to call a time-out, ing even on the weekend series. likely to talk about how impresFriday night saw Manitoba lose sively hard Milne just smashed the in three straight sets (11-25, 14-25, ball.

21-25). The Bison attack was led Defensively, Dobie led the Friday night by Rachel Cockrell, Bisons with 14 digs, with Habing who picked up 13 kills. Defensively, and Milne adding 13 and eight digs, Cockrell helped get things done, respectively. leading the team with 13 digs.

Libero Caleigh Dobie had 12 digs, Men and a trio of players had eight digs: In men’s action, the Bisons also Kalena Schulz, Brittany Habing, split the weekend with Alberta, losand Lexi Janovcik. ing Friday night 3-2 (25-21, 21-25, When asked about how her 25-21, 17-25, 12-15) and picking up a team responds to a tough loss, 3-1 win with a commanding perforstarter Dobie confidently replied, mance Saturday night (25-17, 25-17, “have a quick memory.” Dobie con- 15-25, 25-21). tinued by saying, “there’s nothing On Friday, Manitoba was led by you can do about it now. We’ll all Devren Dear with 18 kills, Adam

DeJonckheere with 10 kills, and Kenney Rooney with seven kills.

Luke Herr added 40 assists.

Saturday night saw the Bisons play a solid game all around, with libero Alex Strachan making several sprawling dives to save the play and Herr slamming down five service aces.

Playing in front of a large crowd, the Bisons energized the fans in attendance with a solid performance. Offence was spread out evenly, with Dear, DeJonckheere, and Kevin Falconer picking up 11, 10, and nine kills. Strachan led the way defensively, making nine digs in a strong performance.

Saturday’s win was big for the Bisons, who are currently battling several teams for a playoff spot. The Bisons sit tied for sixth in the Canada West, but are only a few points ahead of the eighth and ninth place teams, and a few points behind the fourth and fifth place teams.

With three weekends left in the regular season, each game is starting to feel like playoffs.

Manitoba will be on the road next week to take on the University of Saskatchewan in another critical matchup.

The University of Manitoba for the floodgates to open in the Bisons continued their push for top second period, however, where spot in the Canada West this week- the Bisons took a commanding end, nearly tying the University of 5-1 lead. Forcing overtime was not Alberta for the conference lead. an option for the Cougars, as they This weekend’s unfortunate victims had no answer for the solid passing of Manitoba’s rise to the top were and finish of rookie forward Alanna the University of Regina Cougars. Sharman.

Captain Maggie LitchfieldLeading the way for the Bisons this weekend were two rookie top Medd felt her team came into guns, Alana Serhan and Alanna Saturday with more energy.

“For sure we had a little venSharman. Serhan played the role of overtime hero on Friday, bury- detta to play better and it showed this game. We ing her seventh really wanted goal of the seathe three points son, and rookie Serhan played the last game.

Sharman disrole of overtime Them pushing covered three is us to overtime, the magic numhero, burying we knew we ber on Saturday, her seventh goal had to have a tallying a hat better game, trick en route to of the season faster pace,” a landslide win on Friday, and Litchfieldthat saw the Medd said.

Bisons come rookie Sharman “Everything within one point just clicked. of the conferdiscovered three Those 10-foot ence lead. is the magic passes were on Friday night and the quick was highlighted number on shots to the by solid defenSaturday, tallying net. We just sive play on found the holes both sides of the a hat trick I guess.” ice, while Bison Scoring in goalie Rachel Dyck picked up 28 saves, includ- the game were Litchfield-Medd, ing four in overtime in the victory. Serhan, and Sharman with the hat First-year defenceman Erica trick. When asked about Sharman’s Rieder opened the scoring early in contribution, Litchfield-Medd lit the first, netting her first goal as a up.

“It’s awesome. It’s nice having Bison with a strong slapshot from the point. Dyck held her ground someone you can just give the puck through a flurry of chances in the to and she’ll put it in the net. Great second, turning away a breakaway kid off the ice too, she always comes and some solid chances up close. in with a smile. She’s been a great Regina tied the game early in the addition to the team.”

The Bisons will take on the third, but eventually Serhan would give the Bisons the win, in the extra University of Saskatchewan Huskies on the road next weekend, session.

Saturday night looked like it looking to continue challenging the might be another tough battle, with University of Alberta Pandas for the Cougars going up 1-0 early in the top spot. Game times are Friday the first period. It didn’t take long and Saturday at 7 p.m.

photo by Jeff Miller for Bison Sports

VOL. 101 NO. 48 January 21, 2015

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The present and the future Bison football players on the rise in the CFL Mike Still, staff

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he 2014 CFL season was a year of progression for the University of Manitoba Bison football program. Nine former members of the herd found themselves on CFL rosters, signifying a trend in the right direction.

Led by former safety Teague Sherman, Manitoba has bred a number of promising products, and that number looks to increase even more leading into the 2015 draft. Here’s a look at just a few players the Bions have produced.

The present:

Teague Sherman (linebacker – Winnipeg)

Sherman was a standout with Manitoba, playing five seasons with the brown and gold. The Alberta native was originally recruited by the Bisons in 2008, after two strong seasons with the Victoria Rebels in

the BCFC. He earned the starting safety spot as a rookie, and played a prominent role on defence every year afterward.

Sherman was named a captain in four consecutive seasons, becoming a vocal leader, both on and off of the field during his university career.

He was named a CIS All Canadian in his final two years with Manitoba, and was invited to the CFL combine after graduation.

Despite going undrafted, Sherman signed a free agent contract with Winnipeg in 2012, showing his stuff on special teams.

He amassed eight special team tackles as a rookie, and continued to develop in the off-season. Sherman found his way onto the field as a starter midway through his sophomore season, making the move to linebacker.

The transition appeared seamless, as he displayed his athleticism and

photo by Jordan Yantz

knowledge of the game on a weekly basis, recording 55 tackles, along with two sacks. Sherman has quickly earned a reputation as one of the hardest hitting players in the league, and should be stable in the Blue Bomber lineup for years to come.

Eddie Steele (Defensive tackle – Edmonton)

A Winnipeg product, Steele was recruited to play for the Bisons following his first and only season with the Kelvin Clippers in 2005. After redshirting in 2006, Steele earned a starting spot on the defensive line the following year, claiming a Vanier Cup with the herd.

It is very rare, if not impossible nowadays, for a Canadian to start at the pivot position in the CFL; however, if anyone can do it, Yantz— with a cannon for an arm, and tremendous leadership—can .

Steele was originally taken 22nd overall by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 2010 CFL draft, after three impressive campaigns with Manitoba, which included being named a second After a memorable college career, team CIS All Canadian in his final Coombs had his named called in the season in 2009.

2014 CFL draft, going third overall After playing two seasons with to Toronto. He made the move to Hamilton (2011, 2012), Steele moved slotback, and had a strong debut with onto Edmonton in 2013. He has cur- the Argonauts, recording 22 receprently recorded 79 tackles and 10 sacks tions for 214 yards. over four years in the CFL. The Winnipeg native was derailed Steele’s most impressive show- by injuries towards the back half of ing occurred in 2014, where he fin- the year, but should be back bigger ished the year with 32 tackles and six and better than ever in 2015. Based sacks, along with one interception off his university production, and for Edmonton. His performance on immediate impact last year, there’s the field earned him a top Canadian no doubt Coombs will be a household nomination from the Eskimos. name going forward.

Steele looks to have cemented himself a spot in the front four for The future: Edmonton, and could be a wrecking ball in opposing teams’ backfields for Evan Gill (defensive tackle – Hamilton) years to come.

Just like Coombs, Gill started in Anthony Coombs his first season with the Bisons in 2011, (Slotback – Toronto) after redshirting the previous year. A One of the most prolific players in physical player, Gill has represented Bison football history, Coombs was Manitoba in both the International an impact player for Manitoba from Bowl and East-West Shrine Game. day one.

He was selected ninth overall in Named a CIS first team All the 2014 CFL draft, but opted to Canadian as an 18-year-old in 2011, return to school for one more year, Coombs proceeded to earn All after a quadriceps injury.

Canadian honours the following Gill tore his ACL during the two seasons as well (second team in 2014 CIS season, a huge stumbling 2012, first in 2013). The running back/ block on his path towards his prokick returner out of Sturgeon Heights fessional dreams; however, given his shone in his final year with Manitoba work ethic, drive, and track record, in 2013, totalling 1,696 all-purpose it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him yards, good for first in the Canada producing big numbers in a few years.

West conference.

photo by David Lipnowski

Nic Demski (slotback – Manitoba)

In 2014, Demski became the first player in Manitoba history to be named a four-time CIS All Canadian.

Another converted running back, Demski can score from anywhere on the field, in any formation, and is also a threat on special teams.

Ranked as a top five prospect heading into the 2015 CFL combine, Demski is a lock to make a professional team; the only question is who will draft him and at what position.

Jordan Yantz (quarterback – Manitoba)

Despite playing just two years with Manitoba, Yantz established himself as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Bison football history.

This past year, he took the herd all the way to the CIS National semifinal, nearly securing Manitoba a berth in the Vanier Cup. The biggest downfall for Yantz heading into the draft is the presence of numerous strong-armed American quarterbacks. It is very rare, if not impossible nowadays, for a Canadian to start at the pivot position in the CFL; however, if anyone can do it, Yantz—with a cannon for an arm, and tremendous leadership—can.

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Sports

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

Big Ben touches down in Winnipeg Jets’ Chiarot warrants stay in NHL after impressive stint

Bison Briefs Basketball and men’s hockey Mike Still, staff

Andy Che, volunteer staff

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t’s been a truly unforgettable last two months for Jet rookie defenceman Ben Chiarot. After skating in the Thrasher-Jet pipeline for the past four seasons, the native of Hamilton, Ontario recently landed a long-term position in the NHL, and has been turning heads ever since.

A fourth-round selection of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2009, he earned his first call-up to the Winnipeg Jets in October of 2013, and made his NHL debut in November of that year, a 5-1 Chicago win. Last month, various injuries to Mark Stuart, Tobias Enstrom, Jacob Trouba, and Zach Bogosian resulted in another callup for Chiarot.

The 23-year-old notched four goals and five assists in 24 games this season for the AHL’s St. John’s IceCaps prior to his Winnipeg callup. Last season, Chiarot logged 20 points for the Calder Cup finalist IceCaps, adding a further five points in the team’s Cinderella story run in the post-season. Proof that his years in the AHL have been gradual yet imminent, Chiarot has now translated that development into the NHL. Skating alongside Dustin Byfuglien for the majority of his shifts, Chiarot displays a physical shutdown style of game, combined with well-rounded use of his sixfoot-three frame.

He’s also familiar with the offensive side of the game, displaying occasional flashes of simple

yet effective puck-handling plays into the opposing blue line. His first NHL goal landed a 5-1 win vs. the Maple Leafs in early January, earning second star honors.

maintaining a high level of discipline. It is even more impressive considering Chiarot’s time with St. John’s, where he was very aggressive on the boards. His play has merited 20 games in the NHL this year.

Although, it may be slightly ludicrous to see Chiarot as a defWhether his spell inite all-star amongst a who’s who in Winnipeg is of NHL defencemen, the OHL graduate’s prolific rise in the previpermanent or ous few months certainly puts him temporary, is a in consideration as one of the Jets’ most prized young assets. story yet to be As the Jets’ blue line restores of told, but with his full health, Chiarot’s two-month spell with Winnipeg certainly presence ticking warrants a long-term future in the NHL, if not a permanent stay with and tolling on the Jets for the remainder of the the Jets’ blue line, season.

His offensive upside could you wouldn’t bet even take the places of Tobias against Big Ben Enstrom, Mark Stuart, or Jason Garrison within the near future, any time soon should Kevin Cheveldayoff view Chiarot’s potential as overriding Analogous to his partner the shortcomings of their veteran Byfuglien, Chiarot built his repu- defencemen. tation in the AHL as somewhat Though Chiarot has entered of an enforcer. However, with an the NHL at a bit of a later age, it upgrade to the big leagues comes is without a doubt that the oncegreat maturity, as Chiarot has waived Jet is making up for lost expertly exemplified in taking only time. three minor penalties since his callWhether his spell in Winnipeg up to Winnipeg. is permanent or temporary is a story Part of the NHL’s most penal- yet to be told, but with his presence ized team, the defenceman who ticking and tolling on the Jets’ blue killed off 93 penalty minutes last line, you wouldn’t bet against big season with the IceCaps has come Ben any time soon. to realize the importance of playing physical and effective hockey while

graphic by Caroline Norman

Basketball

Saturday’s was 80-56. Vanessa After getting swept at home DeVries led the way in points in

by Victoria, the University of Friday, with 17, while Robyn Eyer Manitoba Bison men’s basketball was the top scorer on Saturday with team headed to Alberta looking to 23. recapture their winning ways. They Both teams are at home this started off on the right foot Friday, weekend, squaring off against with a come Saskatchewan. from behind G a me s a re The comeback win, but Fr id ay a nd Sat urday at Manitoba fourth quarter couldn’t carry 8 and 7 p.m., the momentum respectively, for effort was led in Saturday’s the men, and

by Wyatt Anders, rematch.

6 and 5 p.m., Friday’s respectively, for who was tough game saw four the women. on the glass all Bi s on s h it double d igMen’s night long, and hockey its in points, finished with a led by Andre The men fell Arruda, with 5-3 on Friday, double-double 18. Manitoba Jan. 16, and t r a i le d for won by the (17 points, 10 much of the same score on rebounds) game, before Saturday. exploding for A wild third 20 points in the period saw the final quarter, pulling out a 75-69 Regina Cougars come out on top victory. in the opening game of the weekThe comeback fourth quarter end set against Manitoba. Heading effort was led by Wyatt Anders, into the final frame, the game was who was tough on the glass all night tied, until Regina erupted for four long, and finished with a double- goals in the last 13 minutes. double (17 points, 10 rebounds). AJ Four different players scored for Basi also had a memorable perfor- Regina, led by Sanfred King, who mance, scoring all 12 of his points recorded two goals. Both were regfrom beyond the arc, including the istered in the third period. game-sealing three-pointer.

Manitoba answered back on Saturday’s 90-73 Alberta victory Saturday, thanks to a three-goal saw the Golden Bears out-rebound first period. Aaron Lewadniuk was the Bisons 56-39, in a strong defen- the standout, finishing with a hat sive performance. Mamadou Gueye trick. He scored once in the first led the way with 25 points and 14 and twice in the second. rebounds. Basi had another strong The Bisons return to Wayne performance in the loss, recording Fleming Arena this weekend, taka team-leading 18 points. ing on the Saskatchewan Huskies The women didn’t fare as well on Jan. 23 and 24. Game times are in Alberta, falling in both games. 7, and 6 p.m., respectively.

Friday’s result was 75-53, and

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December 4, 1985

September 18, 1967

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