22 August 2012

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

Previewing the Bison offence

n e ws

Gamble on?

U of M prof finds reward system in gambling study page 6

co m m e n t

page 20

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

a rts & c u lt u r e

s p o rts

What to do next

Damn Redstarts

Is foreign intervention needed in Syria? page 11

Our resident biologist with another entry from the field page 12

Chesterfield

Good as Gold

DIY collective expanding horizons at Edge gallery page 14

Vo l 9 9 ½ · N o 3 · Au g u st 2 2 , 2 0 1 2 · w w w.t h e m an i to b an .co m

Women's soccer team gains many fans in London page 18

2

Index

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 3 August 22, 2012

News

| pa g e s 2 – 6

5

International news briefs

6

Campus briefs

Science & Tech

13

Editorial

| pa g e 7

cover image

“Barb” by Tamara Weller

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

UMSU

| pgs 12–13

Native Tall Grass on the Prairie

Arts & Culture 14

Breakfast around the world

16

Event listings

| pgs 14–16

| pa g e 8

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

Diversions

| pa g e 1 7

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

Comment

| pa g e s 9 – 1 1

Sports To see more work by Tamara Weller you can check out her exhibition Angels, Objects and Spirits opening Aug. 24 at Frame Gallery (318 Ross Ave.).

11

Point/ Counterpoint

Toban Talkback

Q:

Edinam Tettevi

Baily Lakusta

Ji Wang

“I was planning on volunteering but didn't have time . . . but I'll look into it.”

“Yes I am.”

“No, I don't know about any of them.”

| pa g e s 1 8 – 2 0

19

Shuttlecock scandal

19

The end of an era

Are you planning on attending any orientation events in September?

Rachel Wood, staff

3rd-year engine ering

u1 s tudent

International s tudent

Gabriel David u1 s tudent

“Yes . . . I'll attend some events.”

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

3

News

Attempted gender balance in engineering U of M faculty still sees low numbers in female enrollment Rachel Wood, staff

T

he U of M engineering faculty still sees disappointing numbers in female enrollment, despite numerous efforts to even the gender balance.

Only one in every six engineering student is a woman. At a school where 54.9 per cent of enrolled students are female, these numbers are disheartening.

In a faculty that is historically pre-

to increase their interest in science porn movies, and sexual statistics. and engineering, according to faculty The issue’s tagline read dean, Jonathan Beddoes. The WISE/ “Entertainment for Male Engineers,” Kid-Netic website states, “Our objec- and, perhaps, further entrenched tive is to foster a technically literate gender stereotypes within the faculty. society free of gender stereotypes Interestingly enough, however, the U where all children are excited and of M Engineering Society (UMES) interested in science.” senior stick at the time was female Beddoes also explains that the and saw no faults in the publication. faculty is preparing a weekend event Not every female at the U of M that concentrates on the successes shared this view. At the time of the and accomplishments of female engi- controversy, sociology Professor “I have asked many of neers. This event is an effort to present Susan Prentince explained that the engineering as a viable career option publication “reflects a culture in the women students for women. the engineering faculty that helps Furthermore, the Dr. Lotfallah us understand why engineering is a in engineering Shafai Bursary in Electrical and male-dominated profession.” whether they Computer Engineering was recently Currently, past Red Lion issues introduced and gives priority to are available on an online archive of feel that gender women. This bursary grants the the publication, independent from stereotypes exist recipient nearly a full year’s tuition UMES. The website warns, “Historic per cent in 2001 to 17 per cent in 2009. coverage. issues of The Red Lion may contain These low numbers are even more surin the faculty and Beddoes explains that the uneven material that some readers may find prising when it is noted that females balance between men and women in offensive.” make up over 50 per cent of underuniversally get a the faculty may be due to the historiWhen asked if there are gender graduate populations in Canada. negative answer cal lack of women in the engineering stereotypes present in engineering, However, when the statistics field.

The dean explained that this Beddoes stated that this may be true are compared to those of decades to this question,” historical factor may still be lingering outside of the faculty, however, he ago, progress can be seen. Statistics said Beddoes. and may have caused low numbers of believes there are no stereotypes pres- Canada reported that female archiwomen in senior positions, but that ent inside of the faculty. tecture and engineering enrolment this will change over time.

“I have asked many of the women has increased by 65 per cent from dominantly male, females may find Despite efforts by the U of M, students in engineering whether they 1992/1993 to 2003/2004. it unnerving to enroll. However, the however, incidents like the contro- feel that gender stereotypes exist in In sciences overall, the amount U of M has attempted to repair the versial Red Lion magazine and it’s the faculty and universally get a nega- of women in physical and life scidisproportionate numbers through satirical issue, the Red Loin, may tive answer to this question.” ences and technology undergraduate several measures. deter some women from entering The lack of women in engineering programs in Canada increased from The WISE/Kid-Netic program, the faculty. is not just isolated to the U of M. It approximately 30,000 in 1992 to over which stands for Women In Science The Red Lion made headlines in was reported in 2010 that the percent- 40,000 in 2004. and Engineering, has reached approx- 2010 with its Valentine s Day issue, age of women in Canadian engineerIt is believed that women are imately 30,000 children in Manitoba and its risqué articles about anal sex, ing programs had declined from 21 more drawn toward professions that

illustration by silvana moran

can improve society and individuals’ lives. Tyseer Aboulnasr, engineering professor at the University of British Columbia, told the Globe and Mail that people often forget that engineering can improve individuals’ lives.

Her point is illustrated in the fact that female high school students tend to have a negative opinion of engineering careers, as reported by a 2009 Engineers Canada survey.

Beddoes also believes that engineering is a discipline that can help to improve the well being of society.

“Young women often comment that they want a career where they can help make things better; this being the case, then engineering should be the ideal career choice.”

Research grant gives U of M students opportunity of a lifetime Students in Israel this month participating in archeological dig Jill Patterson, staff

T

he Canadian government has issued a research grant of $2.7 million to help fund an archeological dig in Israel. During the month of August eight University of Manitoba students are participating in the dig, which is focusing on artifacts from the Early Bronze Age. The archeological site is located

by Tell es-Safi, which is close to the main highway that connects Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The Early Bronze Age artifacts have been dated as far back as 3000 to 2500 BCE. Some of the artifacts that have been discovered so far include pottery, drinking vessels, and serving trays. As well, walls of houses, walkways, and courtyards have also been unearthed throughout the

excavation.

Along with the eight students from the University of Manitoba, there are students from all over the world, including: Israel, United States, China, among others.

According to professor Greenfield, who is an anthropology professor at the University of Manitoba, this dig will help us to understand the origins of the urban lifestyle.

“Most Canadians today don’t live in towns and villages and the countryside, they live in massive urban centres. This has its origins here in the Middle East and getting at a site like Tell es-Safi gives us an opportunity to try to understand that kind of lifestyle.”

Another discovery from the dig

site that has been of some interest is early kitchen. It seems that the

Studying these ancient cities is an important way to understand how our culture today, as well as other different cultures around the world, have evolved. kitchen was a central room in the

early household, as it still is today.

In many of the rooms’ hearths have been discovered which are assumed to have been used for either cooking or for warming the room.

Additionally, there has been some evidence of renovations to some of the houses and what appears to be remodeling of existing houses. This suggests, according to Greenfield, that the people of the Early Bronze Age were a do-it-yourself people. According to Greenfield, studying these ancient cities is an important way to understand how our culture today, as well as other different cultures around the world, have evolved.

Greenfield states, “It’s really important to look at our behavior in Canada and see where it comes from,

otherwise we can’t understand who we are, why we’re different, why the lifestyle we live is very special and why we need to protect it.”

One of the students participating in the archeological dig, Jeremy Beller, says that for him this is an opportunity of a lifetime.

The research grant, which was given by the Canadian Social Science and Humanities Research Council, will enable Canadian students to continue their excavation and research for the next seven years. The grant money is also being used to finance technical equipment to assist in the research.

Computers and scanners have also been purchased to help map out the future of the archeological dig.

4

News

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 3 August 22, 2012

Provincial progressive conservative party finds new leader Brian Pallister successful in his leadership bid Rachel Wood, staff

T

he provincial conservatives have found a new leader in Brian Pallister, the sole contender of the leadership race.

Pallister has replaced former conservative leader Hugh McFadyen , who stepped down after the 2011 provincial election. Pallister has officially been named as a contender for McFadyen’s previous riding of Fort

Manitoba is a good province, but by Aiming Higher we can be a great province.

— Brian Pallister Whyte and will be running against NDP Brandy Schmidt, Liberal candidate Bob Axworthy, and Green Party candidate Donnie Benham.

Pallister’s election comes after a considered campaign in 2006, in

illustration by silvana moran

which he decided to not run. He has served as the MLA for Portage la Prairie and MP for Portage-Lisgar.

Pallister was previously a member of the Conservative Alliance prior to their merger with the Progressive Conservatives.

A background as a financial consultant and creator of Pallister Financial, Pallister was the chair of

the House of Commons committee on Finance in 2005. He also acted as the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Minister of International Cooperation in 2007.

A leadership convention was planned for the fall; however, the role of leader fell upon Pallister as no other competitors rose. The cam-

paign for the leadership role came and thing.” This comment resulted in went quietly, as Pallister held no high fellow politician and liberal MP, profile events.

Anita Neville, to question his view Pallister thanked his volunteers of women. and family in a media release upon his Neville also requested that a appointment to leader. “Manitoba is a watchdog inspect Pallister’s finances, good province, but by Aiming Higher as she accused him of using federal we can be a great province. In order finances to fund provincial politics, to build our province to be stronger, as he toured Manitoba, measuring safer, healthier and more innovative, possible support for his considered we need a new provincial government 2006 provincial campaign. that aspires, one that Aims Higher,” Pallister’s appointment to leader said Pallister. comes after a disappointing 2011 elecThe conservative leader’s political tion for the provincial conservatives. history has not been without contro- The PC’s won 19 seats, compared to versy. In 2006 Pallister voted, along the 37 that the NDP’s garnered. The with other Conservative MPs, in NDP has been in power in Manitoba support of a legislation that would since 1999. re-open the debate on gay marriage When asked what Pallister’s plan is in the House of Commons. for university students, his representaPallister also found himself in hot tive said that Pallister is committed water when he responded to critics to the by-election in Fort Whyte and who questioned his campaign for MP that is where his focus is at this time. re-election at the same time that he The next provincial election in was considering the 2006 provincial Manitoba will be held in 2015 at leadership race. Pallister defended the earliest. Only time will tell if his actions by stating, “I am copping Pallister’s election will provide a new what’s known as a woman’s answer, start to the provincial conservative isn’t it? It’s a sort of fickle kind of party.

U of M faculty reduction may become reality Discussions of health science amalgamation occur Matthew Sanscartier

T

he University of Manitoba faculties of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy may eventually combine

into one in an effort to reduce the overall number of faculties. Over the next five years, the University of

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Manitoba is seeking to cut the numFormer UMFA president Dr. ber of its faculties from the current 20 Cameron Morrill told the CBC that closer to the national average of 13. a possible “super-dean” might not While specifics on how this will be well enough acquainted with all come about are continuously unfold- different areas within a large faculty ing, the overarching theme is that such as health sciences. Moreover, it there will be a creation of academic remains unclear whether or not these clusters which will provide oppor- faculties would need to be totally or tunities for budget savings as well as partially physically moved to the “cross-pollination” of expertise.

Bannatyne campus.

In January, the Winnipeg Free As previously stated in the Press reported that U of M president Manitoban, a major concern includes David Barnard is seeking to simplify students who are in unique programs the complex academic structure that not having their specific needs met, our university possesses. This could but rather being generalized as havbe done by potentially combining six ing the same needs as others in a large or seven schools and faculties into faculty. new groupings.

As the process is dynamic, more The Manitoban previously reported information will hopefully become that Barnard has hinted at the pos- available throughout the year. sibility of a reduction of facilities for Administration will be consulting some time. with faculty while moving forward; Seven months later, we’ve seen the no plans or proposals have been made emergence of a possible “health sci- as of yet. ences” cluster that includes the aforeAdministration has expressed mentioned three faculties in addition concern over the duplication of to human ecology, nursing, and administrative and support services, kinesiology & recreation manage- and has also expressed the possibilment. These last three, however, are ity of reassigning staff to enhance seemingly less certain as to a potential efficiency.

“Faculty of Health Sciences.”

It should be noted that there is Potential issues in the amalgama- no goal of reducing staff, but rather tion include how it could affect each streamlining it so that administradiscipline’s distinction, how students tive overlapping no longer occurs. In would need to adapt to the changes, essence, doing more without more and how the new units would be spa- cost – namely, new combinations of tially laid out across both campuses. established expertise and making

sure offices are not repeating one another’s work. .

Discussions among the faculties of medicine, dentistry and kinesiology thus far have found these adjustments to be very possible.

Education expert and senior scholar Dr. Rodney Clifton at the U of M, points out in an article from the Frontier Centre for Public Policy that focusing on commonalities among specific departments can be just as if not more fruitful.

One way of approaching this is ensuring that no faculty has less than ten members. For example, the department of textile sciences has three faculty members and the department of Icelandic studies has one faculty member.

Further, similar programs and classes that were created in times of plenty should now go under the microscope to see what can be amalgamated or combined. One example could be the faculties of pharmacy and pharmacology/therapeutics. By pinpointing and eliminating possible duplications, administrators can return to teaching classes, improving the quality of undergraduate or professional education.

Talks concerning a “health sciences” cluster are expected to continue into the Fall, culminating in a proposal this December.

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

News

5

i n t e r n at i o n a l n e w s b r i e f s

By Jill Patterson, staff Wikileak’s Assange is given asylum in Ecuador

After seeking political asylum in Ecuador’s embassy in Britain, Julian Assange, the founder of the Wikileaks website, was given consent by the country’s Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino.

Patino claims that his decision to grant Assange asylum was due to the fact that the United States, Britain, and Sweden would not give any guarantees that Assange would not be extradited to the United States.

If this were to happen, Patino believes, Assange would be subjected to an unfair trial and treatment.

“If he were extradited to the United States, Mr. Assange would not receive a fair trial (and) could be judged by special tribunals or military courts.

It is not implausible that he would be subjected to cruel and degrading treatment and be condemned to life

in prison or capital punishment,” said Patino.

Spanish mayor robs supermarkets and gives to the hungry

The mayor of Spanish town Marinaleda, Juan Manuel Sanchez Gordillo, has recently robbed local supermarkets of various food items and has distributed them among citizens of his town who, he says, have been most affected by Spain’s economic problems.

As a follow up to the robberies, Sanchez Gordillo is embarking on a three week march in order to persuade other local mayors and leaders of Spanish towns to refuse to comply with certain governmental reforms.

Such reforms include: debt payments, layoffs, home evictions and budget cuts.

US Implementing new

immigration reforms

elections.

US President Barack Obama has UN members retreating from Syria recently given the go-ahead to implement a new immigration program The UN observer mission that had that could give an estimated 1.7 mil- commenced in Syria in the month lion people the opportunity to live of April has expired and will not be and work temporarily in the United renewed by the United Nations.

States.

The mission, officially titled the There has been both positive and UN Supervision Mission to Syria negative reactions regarding this (UNSMIS) attempted to reduce the reform. Many claim this will have a instances of violence and destruction in beneficial impact on marginalized Syria but has thus far been unsuccessindividuals by providing more life ful. It has been reported that after the opportunities. On the other hand, initial arrival of the UN members there some have criticized this move by was a noticeable pacification, however Obama as a simple election ploy. As it was only temporary as violence broke it is assumed that this reform will have again quickly after that. most impact on the Latino community, The UN is now taking a differin that Latino’s make up an estimated ent approach to the conflicts in Syria.

11.7 million illegal immigrants within There have been talks of instead installthe United States, critics have claimed ing a civilian officer in the capital city that this reform is simply a way to of Damascus. This move has been gain more votes in favor of Obama widely approved as an appropriate in November’s upcoming presidential step in the right direction.

Russian protest group gets jail time

A group of protestors, who are also members of a music band, in Russia, known as “Pussy Riot” have been sentenced to two years in prison for anti-Putin protests.

The group had been engaging in various acts of protests, including writing anti-Putin songs. But the arrests came after a protest which was held in a Moscow cathedral. The group was initially arrested under hooliganism, and after a relatively short trial, have been found guilty and have been sentenced.

The trial has outraged Western observers as being a blatant attempt

by Putin to stifle freedom of speech.

It has also been reported that Putin was personally involved in the case and oversaw trial proceedings.

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6

News

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 3 August 22, 2012

Professor devotes his life to helping those close to death

Prestigous Starr award given to U of M professor Ryan Tabachuk

D

r. Harvey Max Chochinov have made a real difference for has recently received the 2012 individuals as they face the end CMA Frederic Newton Gisborned of their lives,” says Digvir Jayas, (FNG) Starr Award. Chochinov is distinguished professor and vicea University of Manitoba psychia- president at the U of M (research trist, director of the Manitoban and international).

Palliative Care Research Unit at The U of M professor has also CancerCare Manitoba, and cur- found time to head a group of rently the only Canada Research palliative care leaders in creating Chair in Palliative Care. He is also the Canadian Virtual Hospice, a responsible for changing the way website that allows for knowledge healthcare workers treat those who exchange, education, support, and much more for those who have are terminally ill.

Chochinov was the first to life-limiting illnesses.

The website also includes a study the issue of dignity in the terminally ill, which has resulted unique “Ask a Professional” feain a new model for the care of ture which will provide support patients, and he has published for those people dealing with these much on the topic. His newest illnesses and those who are caring book, Digital Therapy: Final Words for them. for Final Days, is receiving great The Frederic Newton Gisborne reviews. This book introduces digi- Starr Award is awarded by the tal therapy, a form of psychological Canadian Medical Association intervention, that helps address (CMA). The prestigious award the needs of patients in palliative is the highest honor that the care and their families.

Canadian Medical Association “Dr. Chochinov has facili- can present to one of its members. tated tremendous improvements The website reads, “Such achievein palliative care on a local and ment should be so outstanding as international scale. These changes to serve as an inspiration and a

challenge to the medical profession in Canada.”

The FNG Starr Award was initiated in 1936 in honour of Frederick Newton Gisborne Starr, a founding fellow of the CMA and served as both President and VicePresident and Secretary-General for the association. At the age of 26, Starr helped to save the CMA when it was under threat of disbanding. Starr died in 1933.

The last U of M recipient of the award was Dr. Henry Friesen, a professor at the university and an endocrinologist. Friesen received this award in 2006 for his work in discovering Prolactin, a pituitary hormone that was determined to be a significant cause of infertility.

His discovery helped treat thousands of people worldwide.

The U of M is beginning a large fundraising campaign with the goal of establishing an endowed research chair in Palliative Care.

The university believes that this will improve the well-being and care of those who are terminally ill.

Campus Briefs Rachel Wood, staff Disadvantaged children receive rebuilt bikes from U of M engineering students

across the country on the week of Aug. 6 for the National Summer Science Camp. These students The U of M’s Institute of were granted the opportunity Transportation Engineering learn about and experience sciStudent Chapter (ITE) have ence in a new way. rebuilt and donated bikes to The camp was coordinated families from Fort Richmond by The Manitoba First Nations Manitoba Housing. Twenty Education Resource Centre and bikes were donated for the proj- was funded by Aboriginal Affairs ect and repaired at the U of M. and Northern Development Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) Canada. funded the project and Winnipeg Activities included trips to the Regional Health Authority Whiteshell, Peguis First Nations, (WRHA) provided donations of the faculty of medicine, the faculty helmets. of engineering and St. Boniface On July 27 the U of M ITE Hospital Research. The children volunteers presented the bikes, learned about traditional medihelmets, locks, water bottles, cine at Peguis and non-traditional lanyards, and Winnipeg cycling medicine at the faculties and maps to families in the commu- hospitals. nity. The children went through The objective of the camp is to three stations at the workshop, increase children’s interest in the which included bike maintenance, sciences. Children aged 12 to 15 are safe riding skills, and route map- eligible for the program. The parping. The workshop concluded ticipants in Manitoba are selected with smoothies made courtesy through the Manitoba First of Green Action Centre’s bike Nations Science Fair. However, blender. students come from all over the country to enjoy the camp.

U of M hosts First Nations and Inuit summer camp

The U of M hosted 45 First Nations and Inuit students from

U of M engineering researchers test flood fighting techniques at

new wave facility

U of M researchers have created a new facility to test floodfighting techniques, a technology that is greatly needed in our province. This facility will allow for different instruments to be tested against realistic flood conditions to determine their eligibility for real world use and success.

The facility is a 1,000 square foot pool that allows for realistic characteristics of floodwater. Wave Breakers, four-foot tall sandbags, have recently been tested in the new facility.

The team of researchers includes Shawn Clark, a civil engineer researcher, and undergraduate students Steven Harms and Kevin Sagan.

The facility, located in a corner of SmartPark, is similar to one used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada funded the project through a $250,000 grant.

Digvir Jayas, the vice-president (research and international) at the U of M states, “This facility puts the University of Manitoba in a leading role in the testing of flood protection technology.”

Gambling study may have important real world implications U of M prof looks at the psychological motives for gambling Jill Patterson, staff

A

new study on gambling may drug whose effects are felt by drug provide some insight into users. When people are exposed why some of the recent bank to cocaine, for example, a rush of investments gone wrong have dopamine gets released in their happened on such a large scale. brain and provides a pleasant, or A University of Manitoba a “high,” feeling. The same can psychology professor, Michael be said about some addictive Eller y, is gamblers; looking at when they t he p s yplay a hand, chological pull a lever, motives or push a a nd r e abutton they sons behind get a rush of gambling dopamine a nd why that feels people conjust like a tinuously high. Thus, gamble, it is easy to even when see the biothe gambler logical side is repeatof gambling edly unsucaddiction as cessful. To well. conduct his Ellery research Ellery has spent time in also looked at the VLT machines Las Vegas observing both high themselves and how they help stakes gamblers as well as small to perpetuate problem gambling. time VLT gamblers.

The machines are programmed to According to Ellery the rea- randomly dispense money fresons behind continuous and quent enough to teach the gamprolonged gambling by some bler that winning is possible, but people are their emotional rea- infrequent enough to still make soning about gambling and the a large profit. beliefs behind their gambling “That’s called an intermitbehavior. tent reinforcement schedule, Some of these beliefs can and the machines do exactly be superstitions people hold the same thing for people as about the luck of gambling. the lever and pellet reward do Some superstitions are centered for rats. People will continue to around patterns of payouts from play the machines, even though the gambling machines, even they don’t win very often, just the effect of different methods because that pattern of reinforceof pushing the buttons or pull- ment produces that long-term ing the levers on the amount or play behavior,” said Ellery in a possibility of having a machine Winnipeg Free Press interview. payout.

In simple terms, the VLT Strongly linked with these machines reinforce the gambling factors is the role that money behavior by rewarding the gamplays in influencing problem bler every so often. gamblers, and rational thinking The same logic can also be in general. applied to the investment gamMoney has been largely left bling that major banks have out of past studies with regards partaken in, in recent years. The to the motives for gambling, says thrill of winning big accompaEllery, which is unfortunate in nied with a low personal risk (as that it is arguably the most cen- it was not their own money they tral driving force behind addic- were gambling with) resulted in tive gambling behavior. major financial losses.

Past studies have shown that Although not all investment winning money, or the excite- bankers are addictive gamblers, ment over the possibility of there may be connection between winning money, releases a drug the two, especially considering within our brain called dopamine. the display of the lack of liability This drug increases heart rate and the banks are held to when the gives us a pleasant feeling which investments go sour. reinforces gambling behavior by telling us that what we are doing is good or pleasant, says Ellery. illustration by silvana moran Dopamine is also the same

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9

Comment

One minute of silence The Munich 11 deserve recognition Spencer Fernando, staff

I

magine that you are watching crime, the only targeted murder of the London Summer Olympics. athletes in Olympic history, was not As your excitement builds to watch once acknowledged on the world stage Canada’s athletes compete, you sud- at the Olympics. As a Canadian, how denly see the coverage interrupted, would you feel if, on the 40th annias an announcer declares that 11 versary of this tragedy, we asked the Canadian Olympians are being held International Olympic Committee hostage. Instead of watching swim- (IOC) to hold a moment of silence, mers dive into the pool, you see people and they denied it? diving for cover as soldiers and police Would you be angry? Would you flood into the Athletes Village. As be outraged? your friends and family gather to For the people of Israel, this is watch the unfolding crisis, you learn not a situation that exists only in the that two Canadian Olympians were imagination. gunned down immediately. And as In 1972, at the Summer Olympics our nation holds our breath, hoping in Munich Germany, a terrorist group that the remaining nine athletes will called “Black September,” composed be saved, those hopes and our hearts of terrorists from the Palestinian are shattered when we hear that “all Territories with well-documented of them are lost.” links to Neo-Nazi’s, held 11 Israeli Now, imagine that our 11 Canadian athletes hostage, eventually murderOlympians were murdered in cold ing all of them. blood, simply because they were Since that terrible day, the IOC has Canadian. Not guilty of any crime, not been accountable to the victims not involved in any conflict, killed only and families of the massacre. because of where they were born.

As we have seen, Israel was And imagine that in 40 years, this subjected to other injustices at the

Olympic games. As reported in the Los Angeles Times, Iranian Sports Minister Mohammad Abbasi stated that “not competing with the Zionist athletes is one of the values and prides of the Iranian athletes and nation.”

If we wish for a future of peace, we must always remember our past.

It is disappointing that the IOC did not counter these disrespectful actions and statements by holding a moment of silence at the Olympic opening ceremonies.

The pain of the denial of recognition for the 1972 Munich Massacre was clearly felt by Ankie Spitzer, a widow of one of the athletes murdered at Munich.

“Shame on you IOC, because you

have forgotten 11 members of the world’s Olympians. They were brought Olympic family,” said Spitzer. “They to Munich by the same spirit which were killed on Olympic soil and the inspires the Olympians of every nation, appropriate place to remember them and by honouring them, we honour is at the opening ceremony.” ourselves.

“You owe it to them.”

The IOC missed an opportunity to “Is the IOC only interested in power do the right thing, but that opportunand money and politics? Did they for- ity will come again at the 2016 Summer get that they are supposed to promote Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. peace, brotherhood and fair play?” she The IOC would be wise to continued, clearly hurt by the IOC’s remember the words of George refusal to hold a moment of silence.

Santayana:“The one who does not What makes this situation even remember history is bound to live more tragic is that the Olympics have through it again.” the potential to transcend the conThe Munich 11 have earned, at the flicts that have occurred throughout very least, the right to be remembered. history.

If we wish for a future of peace, we The Olympics at their best are a must always remember our past. moment where the world is brought Let us be confident that in time, together, where peaceful competi- the spirit of justice will be renewed, tion and a celebration of achievement and Israel’s 11 fallen Olympians will inspires all of us to reach for our own no longer be denied their moment of dreams and believe once again in the silence. power of the human spirit.

It is in this spirit that we acknow- Spencer Fernando is the Comment ledge the fallen Olympians in Munich Editor of the Manitoban. not only as Israel’s Olympians, but the

Oil infrastructure: A quick fix for a terminal illness?

David Scammell

I

recently read an article on the South America. Building new pipeOne of the main reasons that the news headlines, which shield the Keystone XL pipeline from the lines to bring Canadian oil south at a we need to halt construction of oil public from the frequency of spills.

CBC titled “Romney vows quick lower cost and drilling offshore have infrastructure is the detrimental The easiest way to deal with oil spills is approval of Keystone XL pipeline,” never looked as promising to bring effect burning fossil fuel has on our to simply leave the oil in the ground. which given the current hostile politi- stable energy resources and economic atmosphere and environment. The The final point on why not to build cal climate in the United States, has benefits to the United States. production of oil causes the release of oil infrastructure is simply that the turned into a highly controversial issue.

The proponents of oil infrastruc- CO2, especially in the case of the tar infrastructure has only one use, since The Keystone XL pipeline is a pro- ture also make the claim that the sands in Northern Alberta. Massive oil is finite; meaning once the oil is posal to extend the existing pipeline industry is safe, yet the safety record amounts of energy are needed to all extracted there will be no use for that runs from Alberta to Nebraska power and produce the equipment the equipment. The irony is that the into Texas along with another twined that is used to extract the oil as well as faster we remove the oil the faster the The faster we remove the energy intensive process of refin- new infrastructure becomes useless. route through Alberta to Nebraska. I feel that in order to stop our depening the oil into whichever product or In contrast if we reduced the extracthe oil the faster the dency on oil we must first stop the form the oil needs to be in. Finally, tion rate the current infrastructure construction of infrastructure to sup- new infrastructure the consumption of the finished prod- would be usable for a longer period, port inexpensive consumption of fosuct creates CO2 when the gasoline or essentially making the profits for becomes useless. sil fuels. There are several reasons to plastic product is burned or broken companies higher and leaving no need halt this expansion: fossil fuels are the down. All of these emissions add up leading emitter of greenhouse gases, very quickly and the inefficiency of oil spills happen at sea or on land and the fossil fuel based system becomes damage ecosystems, oil infrastructure of oil infrastructure over time has apparent. creates an eyesore on the landscape, been very inconsistent. Some spills A second reason oil infrastructure and building new infrastructure only have been minimalized while oth- should not be built is the probability speeds the burning of fossil fuels and ers have spewed millions of barrels of an oil spill which severely damhastens the coming crash. of oil. One instance was the British ages animal and plant life, includProponents of oil infrastructure Petroleum oil spill in the Gulf of ing humans. The damage to humans often claim that we need off-shore oil Mexico in 2010 where it was later includes economic damage such as platforms, pipelines, and new refin- found that there was faulty equip- lost crops and long term health costs eries to keep up with the increasing ment that should have been replaced such as cancer or poisoned water. demand for fossil fuels. Demand for and yet was not because of corruption Tourism can also suffer from oil spills. fossil fuels in the United States has in the regulating body of government. One example of this is the BP Gulf steadily increased over time while This highlights the possible uncer- of Mexico spill where ocean animals production has not kept pace. The tainty that comes with production are stills suffering the effects of the United States now imports 60 per and transport of large quantities of oil. spill. All ecosystems are sensitive to cent of all the oil that is consumed Sometimes it does not matter whether change, yet many oil spills occur in there. The imported oil often comes the most sophisticated technology is the most fragile ones. Oil spills are from unstable regions in the world utilized; there is always the chance potentially more frequent than people such as Sudan, the Middle East and that something will go wrong. think. Only the largest spills make

to build more infrastructure.

However we look at the coming fossil fuel crisis, it is going to be just that: a crisis. Not building oil infrastructure will lessen the increase of CO2 per year as well as leave less potential for oil spills. Not having the ugly eyesores of oil platforms, refineries and pipelines will help tourism in certain areas and also extend the time period that humanity has for using fossil fuels to convert our main energy source to renewable sources. I sincerely hope that we stop building detrimental oil infrastructure for the sake of ourselves and for the diversity of the biosphere.

10

Comment

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 3 August 22, 2012

It’s time to honour Clara Hughes One of our greatest Olympians deserves local recognition Regan Wolfrom

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lara Hughes has just finished her Olympic career with a great performance in London, placing fifth in the women’s cycling time trial. She and Cindy Klassen, another Northeast Winnipegger, are tied for the most Olympic medals by any Canadian, at six each. Hughes is also the only Canadian to have won medals at both the Summer and Winter Olympics, and the only Olympian in the world to have won multiple medals in both games.

So that makes Hughes one of the most successful Olympic athletes ever.

And Winnipeg hasn’t given her much of a mention.

There is a park in the North End that was named for Hughes back in 1997 (although Google Maps calls it Matheson Playground for whatever reason); it’s a nice park with a playground and a wading pool.

That’s a good honour for a local hero Hughes grew up in Elmwood; or a school trustee. It’s not enough for the last I heard, her mother is still one of the most successful Olympic living not too far from the lot where athletes ever. Especially not when Kelvin Community Centre once stood.

Cindy Klassen has a rec centre and Hughes used to skate there, on the a street in North Kildonan named rink named for Ernie O’Dowda. for her.

When the city decided to shut down Hughes deserves that much, too.

Kelvin, Hughes was more than willing

to lend her support to our efforts to keep it open. She knows the importance of sport and recreation in the lives of young people, and that shows in her ongoing involvement in Right To Play, an organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster

ground to replace the one that was torn down seven years ago.

It only makes sense to name this new facility after Clara Hughes.

But what about Cindy, and Susan Auch, and our new Olympic heroes like Desiree Scott? We know that Winnipeg is a city that should take pride in its athletes.

Nelson Sanderson, a resident of Elmwood who strongly supports doing more to honour our Olympians has the right idea for that. He proposes that we take the old Disraeli Freeway, now rebuilt with an eye for active transportation, and rename it to honour the athletes who have represented their hometown so well.

The Disraeli Freeway wasn’t named to honour 19th Century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli; it was first known as the Kelvin-Disraeli Bridge Photo by Sasha Krotov because those were the two streets it was planned to link. Let’s be more peace for children and communities deliberate this time, so future generain some of the most disadvantaged tions of Winnipeggers will know how areas of the world. much these athletes meant to us.

The City of Winnipeg has changed There is a new link from Main its mind about selling the land where Street to Henderson Hwy; the old Hughes learned to skate. Soon a new metal-grate Disraeli is no more. Let’s facility will be built on the site, along honour our athletes and name that with a skills park and a new play- link Olympian Way.

Shame campaign gets us nowhere Opinion: In response to “Why I believe women deserve better” Alberta Johnson

I

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n last month’s issue of the implications of getting an abortion Manitoban, in a piece entitled are discussed in this article as well.

“Why I believe women deserve bet- There are plenty of women that get ter,” a Comment article defended the abortions and don’t have psychoimportance of the New Abortion logical issues as a result of getting Caravan, an organized group who an abortion. If there wasn’t so much recently visited Winnipeg as one of shame associated with getting an their stops in a tour promoting an abortion, the amount of women that anti-abortion agenda. experience any psychological trauma In response to that article,. I think would surely be reduced. It is hard to it’s important to address the fact that feel secure in your decision, even if it we all deserve better, but better is not was the right one for you at the time, something we can achieve by con- if there is constant shame associated straining our freedom of choice. with it and images are constantly Being one of the people that shoved in your face about your “tragic showed up to protest at the Winnipeg mistake.” appearance, I disagree that these As for the physical complications images and method of pro-life activ- this article’s author Ms. Lucas speaks ism are important or effective. I don’t of, some believe there are circumthink it is appropriate to park a cara- stances where it is far more risky to van plastered with graphic images carry a fetus for nine months and outside the Women’s Health Clinic give birth than it would be to get an in effort to try and get women to see abortion. In Canada, over 90 per cent what “a tragic mistake” they have of Canadian women who get abormade. Only a woman herself can tions do so before the 20-week cut decide whether she should carry the off period. So maybe we should also pregnancy to term. be discussing the physical and psyWomen obtain abortions for many chological implications of carrying reasons, such as sexual assault or to an unwanted pregnancy to term. The avoid severe medical complications,. extra financial burden, the stigmatiWhy do we have to constantly shame zation of teen pregnancy, the toll it women who have decided what is best takes on a women’s body, and postfor them? partum depression are all real things The physical and psychological that should be taken into consider-

ation when using the “physical and psychological implications” approach to this argument.

Finally, as for the title of the article, women do deserve better. I wish I lived in a world where no one had to get an abortion. For this to happen we would need to live in a world without rape, in a world where birth control is 100 per cent effective, and where appropriate sex education is available for everyone. We should be working towards these goals and building that world, rather than continuing this age-old debate that never seems to go anywhere.

It is not fair to push others’ beliefs onto an individual’s body. Women deserve to be fully autonomous human beings capable of their own decisions. Women deserve to live in a world where fear of sexual assault is not a concern. People deserve not to be provoked or meant to feel shame for their personal life decisions.

I am pro-choice, which means I support women who want to make whatever choice is best for them in their lives, whether it be an abortion or to carry the pregnancy to term. My uterus and I can make our own decisions about my life and reproduction, but thank you for your concern.

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

Yes

No

We must put an end to the Assad regime

Foreign Intervention is not the answer

Akash Sharma

Tariq Khowaja

W

hile the world was largely swift and aggressive intervention fixated on the Olympic stage, should have been taken earlier. and the rising medal counts of the The Free Syrian Army remains competing nations, there was the single largest opposition force another number that continued battling the Syrian regime. Many of counting upwards with no end in these freedom fighters were formerly sight: the gruesome death toll of part of the government, including the Syrian people, the majority many who have now defected, as of whom were unarmed protest- well as many who refused to fire on ers. No one knows the exact figure civilian protesters and commit other but the death toll is believed to be immoral acts around 22,000 as of the first week ordered by the of August.

Assad regime.

What is different about this par- However, ticular struggle compared to the despite the previous revolutions of the “Arab defections, the Spring” is that up until the Syrian a n d conflict, international organiza- successes tions such as the United Nations achieved by (UN) or the North Atlantic Treaty the rebels, Organization (NATO) intervened they face an and empowered the freedom uphill battle fighters to combat their corrupt against an governments. enemy who The deciding factor for many doesn’t play of these previous conflicts was the f a i r and West’s involvement in securing a whose capacdefeat for evil and victory for justice. ity of evil Many of these regimes are aided k nows no either surreptitiously or openly by bounds. nations such as Russia and Iran.

The conWith all the misinformation out flict in Syria there, it is important to be clear that causes me this conflict is about nothing more to reflect on than an illegitimate leader trying to the fact that despotically hold onto a way of life as a citizen that he has enjoyed at the expense of Canada I never have to of his people.

If we take a brief look at the worry about political life of Bashar Al Assad we the governsee a systematic pattern of oppres- ment sending tanks into the streets or taking sion. Many away my Western governfreedom.

How long are we going ments have But we must to sit back and watch remember called for that in our the oustmore people die? interconing of Bashar Al nected Assad and I world we are responbelieve that inevitably he will either step down sible for helping people who canor be killed. The many splits and not otherwise help themselves. The schisms that have already taken international community has the place between oppositions groups military capacity to intervene and within Syria, however, seem to end the suffering. How long are we have dissuaded the nations of the going to sit back and watch more world from considering intervening. people die?

Perhaps this was an indication that

The Syrian uprising continues with brutal massacres occurring on a regular basis. The increasing number of deaths must be stopped.

However, I feel that the situation is far more complicated than simple foreign intervention, especially when compared to Libya where armed forces could easily resolve

Comment

11

internally. and have rigidly opposed any forThere is no doubt that foreign eign intervention, any step by an forces, such as the United Nations, outside body in Syria will most or specifically the American mili- likely result in a deeper and more tary, have the power to bring Assad protracted conflict, which could down, there are more factors that affect not only the Syrian people, must be considered. For example, but the entire surrounding region, it is possible that, were Assad to be another potential drawback to forremoved from power, the religious eign intervention. sect which he Syria is a densely populated belongs to, country. If even half of the Syrian the Alawite population took on the government, sect—a the regime would fall swiftly. But form of Shia the story is different; there is no Islam—could clear consensus in Syria, and that is be the tar- why the conflict has continued for get of ethnic some time. The school of thought cleansing. given by the Syrian government Syria has considers the rebels to be nothing devoted a more than criminals and terrorists wide range of responsible for creating chaos. resources to Former UN Envoy to Syria Kofi their military Annan’s peace plan could have and has one proved beneficial for the Syrian of the largest government to get away from this army’s in the grim situation but unfortunately it region, there- collapsed. Since then, Russia, in fore, any inter- collaboration with China and four vention by an other neighbouring nations, has external force drafted a joint proposal demanding could lead the renewal and implementation to disastrous of this plan. If this occurs, it could results. This save the region from going into means that, a civil war by restricting foreign the internal forces from intervention. massacre I believe that removing Assad might dramat- from his position could very well ically expand worsen the situation by unleashing in scope. It is a sectarian war between religious the issue. I believe that any inter- even possible that foreign interven- groups. There should be a proper vention by a tion could cause political transition first, halting the foreign nation many Syrians bloodshed and making way for a to rally behind political process. It has to be assured or organization There is no clear Assad, in order that whichever system replaces the will result in consensus in greater sufferto fight what current one, the rights for minoring and lead to would be a “for- ity religious groups, such as the Syria, and that is an even more eign threat.”

Alawites, are not undermined and why the conflict The most Syria is not allowed to descend into destructive powerful and chaotic brutal sectarian conflict. has continued war due to the opponents of For the sake of peace, a settlefact that Syria intervention ment should not be found through for some time. is composed of are Russia and violence, it should be found through China. Since peaceful dialogue. Both the rebels a large number Ch i na a nd and the regime must lay down their of different minority groups. The only solution Russia both possess a veto on the weapons. to stabilize Syria is to solve the issue United Nations Security Council

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

Science & technology

12

Notes from the Northern Boreal: A wandering bird biologist’s field journals “Threatened” Canada Warblers and mimicry in male Redstarts.

Bryce Hoye, Staff

I

n the previous issue of the 16 June, 2012 I make my way through the dew- their leaves annually) or mixed-wood Manitoban, we featured the first covered brush, towards my first canopy forest with a healthy conifercontribution of what stands to be a Canada Warbler Sighting point-count of the morning: a rela- ous (cone-bearing spruce, pine or fir recurring column of mine, “Notes 3:50 a.m.: My coworker and I tively young, open, wet mixed-wood trees) understory. Part of our protofrom the Northern Boreal: A wan- arrive, part ways and bushwhack forest, dominated mainly by willow col dictates that, when performing dering bird biologist’s field journals.” towards our respective ends of the (Salix) and an assortment of paper point-counts in habitat that Canada The premise of that article, and those day’s survey area. Alberta’s Highway birch (Betula papyrifera), white spruce Warbler’s could conceivably be to follow, is to share anecdotes in 63—notoriously referred to as “Hell’s (Picea mariana), and balsam fir (Abies attracted to use for breeding, we are the form of journal entries from my Highway” or “The Highway from Balsamea), with a sea of knee-high required to use an MP3 wildlife caller time “in the field.” My work, often in Hell” for the amount of vehicle- grasses and sedges blanketing the (an audio-playback device) in attempt remote, wilderness settings is spent related accidents that occur along forest floor. to provoke an audible response from performing ecological field research various stretches—bisects and runs During the 10-minute interval any Canada Warblers (CAWA) in as well as “point counts” (monitor- through the easternmost side of spent listening to the birds vitupera- the area. ing the presence, abundance, and the site. The sounds of 18-wheelers, tively chatter at one another, one We do this by playing a recorded density of migratory songbird spe- hauling what I suspect to be oil sands bird’s song stands out from the others: version of their song. In so doing, the cies by listening to their songs). This grade industrial equipment—maybe it’s the “Chip-Dichety-See-Whichety” idea is that perhaps an agitated male column catalogues my experiences toy-like Tonka trucks and diggers song of a Canada Warbler (Wilsonia will sing back in defiance of this simfrom this past summer working for the size of bungalows; conical drill canadensis). This is a “lifer” for me – ulated male CAWA, where it is our the Canadian Wildlife Service in the bits the size of VW Beetles—already the first time I’ve encountered this job as observers to then record their oil sands of northeastern Alberta. permeating and frustrating the calm- species in its natural setting. presence as well as the nature of said ness of predawn as they grumble by Generally, Canada Warblers response – be it a mated-pair drawn in the distance. prefer a deciduous (trees that shed in to investigate or a territorial male.

Not two “Chip-Dichety-SeeWhicheties” into the playback and the male CAWA heard during the point-count has presented himself before me. Within metres of my face, he flits about from branch to branch, staging bluff dive-bombs at the playback machine I hold in my hand, he’s no less territorial and no doubt confused at the sight of me. I suppose he expected more – perhaps one of his equally temperamental male CAWA competitors.

And as I shut the recorder off, a flourish of yellow and black colours – and he’s gone.

This encounter is doubly important to me as an avid birder. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) designated the Canada Warbler species as “Threatened” in 2008; the species has sustained “a significant long-term decline” in numbers. According to COSEWIC this decline is most perceptible in the CAWA’s Canadian illustration by lauren boulet boreal breeding ranges, and there are several contributing factors that have been outlined.

For instance, up to 90 per cent of the CAWA’s wintering habitat in the Andes has been deforested, harvested for wood and repurposed for agricultural operations. Here in western Canada, the construction of roads through the boreal forest is suspected to have a significantly harmful effect.

meter-long stretch of dense green alder (Alnus viridis) and willow chaparral, I arrive at my final point of the day. Nearing 10 a.m. there is little in the way of birdsong in the air – too late in the day. Midway through the point-count I hear the slightly off sounding song of a . . . is it a Chestnut-sided Warbler . . . no, Black-and-white Warbler? Or is it a Bay-breasted Warbler?! All three songs coming from the very same location?

As the timed point count interval comes to a close, I decide to try “pishing” the bird out of the tangled thickets. To “pish” is to utter some gravelly combination of phrases, like “pish-pish-pish,” in an attempt to arise suspicion in nearby birds, so much so that the more inquisitive individuals incidentally reveal themselves in trying to investigate what is producing that dissonant, unbirdlike sound.

I “pish” four sets of four “pishes,” quickly, in a staccato manner. To my delight, the mystery bird deigns to unveil itself: a male American Redstart. It dropped from the brush not four metres from me, still singing, interchanging between the bastardized song of a Chestnut-sided Warbler, and some sloppy, midway Bay-breasted Warbler/Black-andwhite Warbler imitation.

In studying recorded birdsongs this spring—and most migratory songbird biologists must do this—I used paraphrases as a mnemonic tool too help me differentiate different birds’ songs. I acquired MP3 copies of warbler recordings made by the naturalist, Jim Butler complete with his very own paraphrases for birds’ songs.

In one of these recordings, Butler discusses the male American Redstart, discloses it is a “mimic” and discusses how it can impersonate several different species. For the Chestnutsided Warbler, some birders use “very-very-very-pleased-to-meetchu;” the Connecticut Warbler is “chippychubby-chippy-chubby-chippy-chubby;” the Magnolia Warbler sounds like “pretty-pretty-flower;” the Black-andwhite Warbler sounds similar to a squeaky wheel, “weesa-weeza-weezawee;” and for the Bay-breasted “willyou-will-you-sleep-with-me” seems to work for those with a sense of The trouble with American humour.

Redstarts And so here I stand, watching the After two more point counts in a American Redstart sing me the songs row that yielded Canada Warblers of other birds in disbelief—the bird singing, I now find myself in an with the repertoire so varied—and I old growth white spruce forest not think, “Jim Butler was right!”

200-metres from the gurgling Kettle “What if I hadn’t gotten visual River. En route for my final point of identification of this bird? How many the day, I come across and opportu- times have I mistakenly recorded nistically perform three point-counts ‘Black-and-white’ or Bay-breasted’ in different areas of this old growth when it was just an American spruce habitat, the first of which I am Redstart, fucking with my mind?!” greeted with the harsh, hiccupy slur of the Blackburnian Warbler occupying the penthouse of a 30-metre tall Check the next issue of the white spruce tree.

Manitoban to read about the black As I fight my way through a kilo- bear that ate the seat of my ATV.

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 3 August 22, 2012

Science & Technology

13

Native Tall Grass on the Prairie University of Manitoba hosts North American Prairie Conference Bryce Hoye, Staff

F

or the first time since its inception, the 23rd North American Prairie Conference (NAPC) was held in Western Canada from Aug. 6 to 10 at the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry Campus.

The biannual conference assembles prairie experts from across North America—researchers from private, public, and academic sectors—to dialogue over the current challenges facing the conservation and restora-

“I think that the role of the biologists is to make their research applicable and understandable to the landowners, which is very often not the case.” — MNRM Candidate Tonya Lwiwiski, The Natural Resource Institute tion of prairie ecosystems.

According to the NAPC2012 website, the Red River Valley was the very “heart of Manitoba’s Tall Grass Prairie.” The tall grass prairie once extended from Manitoba to Ontario, and on to Minnesota and North Dakota.

“Manitoba’s Tall Grass Prairie was a rich ocean of shoulder-high grasses and wildflowers, wetlands and prairies extending to the infinite horizon in all directions,” states NAPC2012. org.

Master’s of Natural Resource Management student in the U of M’s Natural Resource Institute, Tonya

Lwiwiski, who volunteered at the conference, spoke with the Manitoban about NAPC 2012.

“The overall tone was definitely optimistic, as everyone in attendance clearly loves the prairies and are trying to conserve/restore them for the future,” stated Lwiwiski.

“However, there was a sense of realism in a lot of talks, reminding us of just how much we have lost, and just how far we have to go to continue preserving, and the challenges that we still face.”

Current estimates state, based on the historical occurrence of tall grass prairies across North America, that only around half of a per cent remains. Lwiwiski explained, “Tall grass prairie is the type of prairie [other varieties including mixedgrass and rough-fescue prairies] that has suffered the most throughout North America.”

Lwiwiski is at the tail end of her degree. Her research took place in Southern Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park and focused on the “Effects of Grazing Intensity On Plant Biodiversity and Vegetation Structure in a Northern Mixed-Grass Prairie.”

Lwiwiski’s studies were part of an expansive effort by several researchers and graduate students to assess what effects various levels of grazing intensity by cows, bison, and other grazing animals, has on birds and insects in the prairies.

“This project aimed to answer the question of what, in a conservation setting, the grazing intensity should be to maximize biodiversity,” said Lwiwiski.

This effort requires collaboration from all sides of the tall grass conservation issue. Landowners on the prairies may play the most significant role here, noted Lwiwiski, because in the event that they have native prairie habitat on their land and simply do not understand its importance to prairie biodiversity, they may, for

example, feel pressured to convert the space into agricultural land.

“I think that the role of the biologists is to make their research applicable and understandable to the landowners, which is very often not the case,” commented Lwiwiski. “[In] a lot of respects, the biologists should also listen to the landowners, as they have a different type of knowledge,

one that comes from the land [they manage].”

The message here rings ever more forcefully when, though the majority of conserved landscapes are owned and managed by the states and provinces, “the native prairie … is still mostly privately owned,” stated Lwiwiski.

What remains of the native prairies is an important part of our

collective natural heritage, and is indispensable for communities of flora and fauna that still call it home.

In Lwiwiski’s words: “I don’t think that we’re going to see [tall grass prairie] restored to anywhere near even a fraction of its historic extent, but I think what is left is being treasured, and we’ll never let it go.”

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

Arts & Culture

14

Chesterfield Presents…

A magazine doesn’t have to be just a magazine anymore Kara Passey, staff

“C

urate is such a buzz word,” says Elise Dawson, a recent graduate from the University of Manitoba’s School of Fine Art. “People curate their clothing, their wine choices, and they curate their Tumblrs. Certainly, soliciting submissions and organizing them is a curatorial effort. It’s what we have been doing since the beginning of Chesterfield, but now we’re expanding beyond the confines of the magazine.”

Chesterfield is a DIY collective, which was founded on campus at the U of M in September 2010. They the Edge Gallery this August. While a song, or even perform magic tricks borrowed from Joseph Beuys who examined emerging artists’ unrebegan with a free, original content the DIY group has multiple events for 10-minute intervals. Chesterfield took it from [Richard] Wagner. alized ambitions and unfinished magazine, curated and published by held under their own name planned also invited other groups, such as the Wagner meant it as a total artwork, artworks. Artists submitted their artists in Winnipeg. (including a 24-hour band project, Places for Peanuts drawing collec- an artwork which included multiple unfinished ideas, whether they be Every couple weeks the collective and group and solo art shows), this tive who hosted a night of drawing medias – Beuys extended it to include typed up statements or preliminary would ask for submissions from art- new initiative is collectively entitled games. the social fabric of art. I picked it sketches. Artist Emily Sirota did a ists of all walks, and it didn’t take long Chesterfield Presents….

Some of the events last only one because I wanted a succinct descrip- performance where she distracted before the magazine space became Two other curators working with evening, while others are installa- tor of a participatory artwork but herself with the website Tumblr all insufficient to showcase all the art Dawson for the month are Scott tions that last a few days. One proj- really, "gesamtkunstwerk" sums up evening, eating candy and blogging. they wanted to share. The collective Leroux and Ryan Ginter, who are ect called Gesamtkuntswerk will be Chesterfield as well. We take care of then developed Chesterfield TV to also members of Chesterfield. So far featured the entire month of August. the details, the gallery, even give you With the month coming to an end, you provide a platform for video and they have screened their newest epi- The strangely named installation is a our tools, you just need to show up should really check out the rest of their performance artists. Now they have sode of Chesterfield TV, and Ginter wall in the gallery given to all artists with your art and hang it,” explains programming. Word is that they’re let their interest in curating evolve curated an evening of Show and Tell to come in at any time to self hang Dawson. having a Chester Feast on August from publications to gallery program- - which was exactly what it sounds like. their art.

Dawson also curated a group 30 at the Edge Gallery (located at ming with their month long stay at People were invited to share their pets, ““Gesamtkunstwerk” is a term art show called INCOMPL, which 611 Main St), starting at 7 p.m..

The Young Artist Project Creative collaborations in North Point Douglas Dee Barsy

O

Volunteer for arts and culture!!! arts@themanitoban.com

ver the summer, North Point Project was to pull together youth who dog owners in the area about this Douglas has benefited from the attend Graffiti Art Programming, community collaboration that invites efforts of a collaborative project with from a variety of our studios (393 people to send photos (accompanied impressive results. Michaëlle Jean and 5, and Graffiti Gallery) and place by stories) of local dogs to be painted Park, home to a large-scale, wood- them in a setting that would provide into the mural. fried outdoor community oven—the creative work opportunities, where “I have hopes that it’ll be fun for first of its kind in Winnipeg—was they could influence our commu- people in the community to get to officially unveiled last Sunday. nity (North Point Douglas) through know the many dogs of North Point The oven features the hard work art creation and arts curating. Our Douglas on a new level – making creof emerging artists from the Young express interest was to address the ative and social connections through Artists Project working out of Studio need for a platform where youth affect our canine friends!” she adds.

5. Through late-June until August, the their community through creative Graffiti Art Programming, located team participated in both the design problem solving,” says Jillian Ramsay, at 109 Higgins Avenue, is a not-forprocess and production of a meticu- Programs Director of Graffiti Art profit community youth art center. lous and bold mosaic mural, facili- Programming.

The organization provides a variety tated by artist Leah Decter, project Schappert has worked on com- of services, which use “art as a tool coordinator and artistic director of munity murals before. In 2007, the for community, social, economic, and the North Point Douglas Women’s West End biz in association with individual growth.”

Center Community Oven Project.

Neighbourhoods Alive! and HRSDC In addition to outreach programThis team, formed as a Graffiti Art hired her to work on a mural located ming, Graffiti Art Programming also Programming (commonly referred to between Ellice Avenue and McGee hosts art shows that represent local, as the Graffiti Gallery) communi- Street. national, and international artists ty-development initiative, will also “The mural evolved into a colourful who express themselves in a variety participate in other community art collaboration that received so much of mediums – including the current projects, including the upcoming enthusiastic encouragement from show, “An Unusual Journey,” a showmural "The Dogs of Our North Point people walking past that summer. case of a selection of prints created by Douglas Neighborhood." Rachel It was nice to beautify and engage graffiti artist Erni Vales.

Schappert, a recent graduate of the the community through such a University of Manitoba’s School of dynamic and creative project,” says The Dogs of Our North Point Douglas Art, will facilitate the mural, which Schappert.

Neighbourhood Mural Project is will be located on the Michaëlle As for the upcoming mural with accepting photos and stories about Jean Park facing wall of the Norquay the Young Artists Project, Schappert your dog or a dog you know and love Community Centre. comments that she has been in the at neighbourhood.dogs@gmail.com.

“The intention of the Young Artist process of putting the word out to

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 3 August 22, 2012

Arts & Culture

15

Breakfast around the world Breakfast Winnipeg site expands into Breakfast Planet Michelle Saromo

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ndrew McMonagle and Leif Norman are setting out to Leif Norman: broaden their palatal horizons. Since Probably the Ethiopian breakfast 2007, the pair have visited 163 restau- at Harman’s [on Sargent Avenue], but rants across Winnipeg and reviewed that was regular breakfast to them. It them on their website, aptly named has injera [a traditional Ethiopian flatBreakfastWinnipeg.com. What orig- bread] and scrambled eggs with spices. inally started out as a joke between The Buffet at the Fort Garry is quite the writer-photographer duo has inventive with quails eggs and exotic since grown into a widespread review cheeses. resource for all things breakfast.

Now, they’ve created BreakfastPlanet. M: Being the city’s unconcom, a global review site that will allow tested breakfast conusers from around the world to submit noisseurs, your critiques their own experiences. I caught up with have come to be held the connoisseurs to get their two cents in high regard by both on why they’ve decided to create a user- readers and restaurants generated site, what the food reviewing alike. What made you guys process is like, and what they’d like to decide to hand over the see (or perhaps taste) next. crown and allow readers to contribute?

The Manitoban: So what’s the most creative breakAndrew McMonagle: fast you’ve ever ordered?

Everyone has an opinion and really they just need a venue for it. Part of our

original design for the breakfasts is a gathering we do with our friends. We make a big announcement on Facebook, and we’ve had up to 26 people come for breakfast – it’s just a wonderful experience. Really what’s stopping people [from reviewing] is the effort. It’s not really passing the crown, it’s. . . making sure everyone gets a crown.

rants left in Winnipeg that you haven’t tried yet?

M: What does it take to become the next breakfast connoisseur?

M: What makes Winnipeg a great place for writing food reviews?

LN: It seems that breakfast is a hot topic for Winnipeggers and Canadians in general, so people already have the passion. They have to understand that it is a fun game and that there is no “authority” other than hard-won experience by eating a lot of bacon and drinking a lot of bad coffee.

AM: Winnipeg is great because it’s so dynamic; restaurants are closing and opening all the time. We’re lamenting the Black Sheep closing very soon, but who knows what’ll come up in its place? Winnipeg is always doing something new, which is why we have over 163 [individual restaurant] reviews. Winnipeg is unique for that.

M: Are there any restau-

M: Are there any par-

AM: There’s a restaurant called the L’arche Tova on Regent that just opened up. They’re associated with group homes and adults with disabilities. I want to learn more about it and see what kind of food they cook up.

ticular breakfast places outside of Winnipeg that you’re curious about?

AM: [There are] places in Asia that do things with eggs that we’ve never thought of or that we’d never try, even if we did think of them.

[I’m curious about] things that really challenge the way we think of breakfast. We recently had our Ethiopian breakfast at Harman’s, but I would like to know what people eat in Ethiopia, not at a restaurant.

[I’d like to know about] breakfast around the world, everywhere.

LN: Other than that, the greatest adventure is finding that little place hidden between a shoe store and a junk shop in a big city, or alone on the side of the highway with some guy who has been making pancakes for 50 years. Those are the best breakfasts.

Rainbow Trout Music Festival and Fishing Derby Seems legit!

Jodie Layne

N

estled about 10 kilometers off living rooms, backyards, and the local Highway 59 lies land on the Legion. The money for equipment Roseau River that for 362 days of the and land rental is raised by date aucyear functions as a heritage campsite, tions, rummage sales, and a baseball developed and run by the passion of tournament, all of which are part of Georges Beaudry. the grassroots charm of the festival.

The other three days of the year, Born out of the determination of amongst the artifacts and the natural just a few friends and about 50 attendbeauty, it hosts Manitoba’s scrappiest ees in its first year, the Rainbow Trout music festival and self-proclaimed Music Festival (RTMF) has been "best time you will have all summer." growing exponentially ever since.

The clear lake is filled with bodies This year it boasted over 400 guests, of sweaty festival-goers and lined by 22 bands, and 57 volunteers over three hopeful fishers participating in the days. festival’s namesake fishing derby.

“I have seen tremendous cooperaRainbow Trout Music Festival tion between friends and strangers and Fishing Derby is a completely who are all like-minded and enthuvolunteer-organized and run labour siastic,” said volunteer coordinator of love. Organizers meet in friends' Sara Atnikov.

The elements of RTMF are sim- about how it has grown into its full Organizers Ben Jones, Will ple: friends, good music, beautiful potential without losing any of that Belford, and Jamil Mahmood scenery, and water. This year’s festi- fun-ness,” says Reesa Atnikov, who underwent small business and co-op val undoubtedly featured one of the has been involved with RTMF since training with SEED, obtained insurmost eclectic lineups of musical acts, its first year. ance and permits, and secured a land including with a variety hip-hop artDespite its successes, the fourth partner. Despite its rogue nature and ists, singer-songwriters, indie rock annual RTMF had to overcome a questionable legality in the past, this bands, and experimental funk musi- number of obstacles that emerged in year the fest, as the tickets cheekcians all sharing the same stage over 2011 in order to proceed. The Reynolds ily state: ‘seems legit.’ All that extra three days.

Pond site where it had traditionally work has been well worth it as this This year, now the fourth annual, been held was inaccessible due to a year was the biggest Rainbow Trout the festival has come a long way from backcountry fire ban and an alternate event to date. its humble beginnings in terms of plan to relocate was squashed by the “It’s a festival that doesn’t focus infrastructure but RTMF still main- municipality where they desired to re- on money, but focuses on the music tains all of its heart and the scrappy set up camp. However, this turned out – pure and simple,” says four-year DIY mentality that has been present to be just the push organizers needed volunteer and part of the organizing ever since its creation. to take the steps to make Rainbow committee Jamil Mahmood.

“To me it’s about the first year – Trout a permanent fixture in the It’s a good thing that Rainbow how it was all so thrown together and Manitoba Summer Festival lineup.

Trout is here to stay.

SNFU: What No One Else Wanted to Say Chris Walter visits the Cavern to read from his newest book David Krause

“M

y dog likes to shit. My dog likes to shit. My dog likes to shit on the radio. I’ll sell it to the record stores; watch the kids are saying cry for more.

Stupid sellout fucking whores.”

So crows Trouser Mouth about generic music found on the radio.

Seminal Vancouver Punk band SNFU, who have influenced the skate punk genre, are raw, old school and have been around the block a few times. And they still haven’t sold out.

Punk biographer, Chris Walter, went on tour with the band and

recorded their stories. His Winnipeg book launch of SNFU: What No One Else Wanted to Say takes place on Friday, Aug. 24 at The Cavern at 8p.m.. Bands Trouser Mouth and Potatoes will be tearing up the place before Walter gets on stage for a book reading.

Mike Wright, member of Trouser Mouth and organizer of the event, said the book launch came about from old friendships and past relationships.

“Chris is old buddies with a couple guys in Trouser Mouth. We played his book launch for his Dayglo Abortions

bio a few years back. Our drummer, TS Beats played in SNFU back in the 80s, it seemed like a no brainer to help Chris launch his book.”

SNFU inspired many bands with their DIY ethic and fuck you attitude.

Frontman Chi Pig (Ken Chinn) made an impression on Mike Wright when he first met him.

“The first time I [Zip R Head] met Chi Pig, he came up to me and asked if I was in Trouser Mouth. I said yes.

He told me our first album Only Users Lose Drugs was one of the best records he’s heard in the last 10 years. He then

punched me in the nuts. True story.”

It isn’t only Winnipeggers that have been inspired by SNFU’s fuck you attitude. “James Hetfield from Metallica wore an SNFU shirt on the Garage Days Revisited EP. That’s gotta count for something," Wright continued.

For interested parties, Walker will sign books. As he is the owner of Punk Books, various titles that Walker has authored will be available for sale as well. Ex-SNFU band member and current Trouser Mouth drummer will sign copies of the biog-

raphy for $19.

As an added bonus for the salacious minded, Trouser Mouth is providing extra entertainment to tame the potentially restless crowd.

Trouser Mouth has brought back the Trouserettes who will be doing a pole dancing exhibition in between sets.

Help support punk entertainment – Wright’s last words: “Buy [Chris’] shit and make him rich.”

Tickets are $10 at the door. The Cavern is located below The Toad pub in the Osborne Village.

16

Arts & Culture

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 3 August 22, 2012

Event Listings Friday, Aug. 24 The Cavern Chris Walter’s Book Launch: SNFU – What No One Wanted To Say

Friday, Aug. 10 – Sept. 27 Parlour Coffee Graph by Suzie Smith

Friday, Aug. 31 The Cavern Cheering for the Bad Guy

Ꮆ᧰

SALUD! PROSIT!

À votre santé!

Thursday, Aug. 23 – Sept. 15 Tumble Contemporary Art HOMESTEAD by Kelly Ruth

Thursday, Aug. 30 The Edge Gallery Chester Feast Fundraiser

KANPAI! SALUD!

Saturday, Aug. 25 St. John’s Park Picnic in the Park 2012 – www.necrc. org

Friday, Aug. 24 A.N.A.F. Club 60 Les Sexy with guests The Bottle Rockets

Friday, Aug. 24 – Sept 2 Frame Gallery Angels, Objects and Spirits by Tamara Weller

Sunday, Aug. 26 Frame Arts Warehouse The Strap, Breathe Knives, Dead Ranch, Electric Candles and Velodrome

Sunday, Sept. 2 The Lo Pub 3rd Annual Back to School Blow Out Bash! w/ DJ Jonny Mexico and more!

Friday, Aug. 31 The Urban Forest Ingrid Gatin, Twin Voices, Twin and Demetra Penner

MUSIC ART

OTHER

17

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

Diversions

Lauren boulet

curtonbummings.tumblr.com

Ryan Harby

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

Sports

18

Olympic soccer bronze as good as gold How the Canadian women’s soccer team stole the spotlight in London Marc Lagace, staff

T

he Canadian Olympic women’s soccer team was never expected to be gold medal contenders in London. The team had put in a disastrous performance at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany, and no Canadian soccer team had ever reached the Olympic podium.

That’s partially why I considered Team Canada’s bronze medal run to be the most remarkable and memorable Canadian Olympic performance of London 2012. With all due respect to the hundreds of Canadian athletes who represented their country with pride at the London 2012 Olympic Games, the women’s soccer team story really had it all: intrigue, drama, controversy, heartbreak, and triumph.

Since women’s soccer was officially added to the Olympic program in 1996, the Canadian national team had only once qualified for the games – in 2008, where they lost to the United States in the quarter-finals.

While the rematch with the USA in the semi-finals was arguably their most dramatic and exciting match of the tournament, their quarter-finals match-up against Great Britain was not only the most significant match of the tournament, but also in Canadian soccer history. With their decisive 2-0 win over the host nation, Team Canada would be guaranteed a shot to play for a medal no matter what happened in their semi-final match against their bitter rivals.

photos by marc lagace

Heading into that pivotal match, Canada had not defeated the USA in women’s soccer since 2001. An upset victory in such a crucial game would have been an incredible moment for the national program. Despite the devastating loss, the match managed to raise the profile of women’s soccer in Canada. With a three-goal performance in the match, Christine Sinclair was deservedly selected as Canada’s flag-bearer for the closing ceremonies. It was the second mostwatched Olympic event in Canada, according to Canadian’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium. Only the 2010 Olympic hockey final had better ratings.

With the semi-final game behind them, Canada was set to face off

against France for the bronze medal.

By all accounts, France dominated for the majority of the match. France might have taken a one-goal lead late in the match if not for the brilliant defensive work of Winnipeg’s own Desiree Scott, who deftly stopped a sure goal before it crossed the goal line.

Canada was able to keep the score sheet clean, until Diana Matheson put the ball past the French goalkeeper in the final minute of extra time and secured Canada a spot on the podium.

What makes the team’s success in London so fantastic is that it is something that can be celebrated collectively as a country like any other medalled event, but also shared more intimately as Olympians return to

hometowns across our vast nation.

When our local hero Desiree Scott returned from London, she was met

with the cheers hundreds of friends, fans, and family who congregated at the Winnipeg airport to get a glimpse of our cities most recent Olympic medalist. Scott is perhaps the finest example of what can emerge from the Winnipeg soccer scene.

Finding her love for soccer during her childhood in Winnipeg, Scott has represented Canada at every level throughout her development, and also spent five years playing for U of M Bisons women’s soccer team.

She has spent time playing with the Vancouver Whitecaps women’s program and most recently has returned as an assistant coach for the Bison soccer program.

Scott continues to set a wonderful example for young soccer players around the province, proving that soccer dreams can come true.

U of M alumnus heading to London Meghan Montgomery to compete in Paralympic Games Foster Lyle, the Gradzette (University of Manitoba)

Photo courtesy of the Gradzette

W

innipegger and University of Manitoba alumnus Meghan Montgomery is currently on her way to London, England for the 2012 Paralympic Games in the Mixed Coxed Four, Leg, Trunk, and Arms (4+ Mixed LTA) adaptive rowing

event. was about to take her rowing abili- few weeks training as a team will give get almost no attention at all,” said Montgomery got her start row- ties to the international level. After them the strength and focus they Montgomery. “Everyone deserves ing at the University of Manitoba’s preparing for three years she repre- need to perform their best. credit for their accomplishments, and campus during Orientation Week in sented Canada in the rowing porMontgomery’s team is composed that includes Paralympians.” her second year of study. At the time tion of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic of four individuals, two male and two Montgomery also mentioned Montgomery was working towards a Games. This would not, however, be female. All members of the team are that certain local publications had Bachelor of Arts degree, which she Montgomery’s last time in the inter- impaired by disabilities that do not left her out of articles highlighting would finish along with her Bachelor national spotlight. In 2010 at the limit the use of their legs, trunk (or “homegrown” athletes stating that her of Education a few years later.

World Championships, Montgomery “core”) or arms. Montgomery herself “feelings were hurt, as [she] was not “I had played basketball and water took home a gold medal, setting a has a congenital disability on her even mentioned.” polo after high school,” Montgomery new world record in adaptive row- right hand having only her thumb While Montgomery has long told the Gradzette, “but I wasn’t ing, and is now getting ready for her and two smaller digits. Within the since graduated from the University enjoying it as much as I used to [ . second Paralympics.

Paralympic Games their team only of Manitoba, she still remembers jug. . ] I went to an information session, “We’ve had some really solid train- competes against other teams of gling her busy schedule. went out on the water a couple of ing in the last few weeks and we’re mixed fours that fall within the same “I remember the stress of univertimes in the fall, and the rest is kind definitely feeling more race ready,” disability category, having use of the sity,” said Montgomery. “There was of history.” said Montgomery when asked how legs, trunk, and arms. definitely a few times where I had to Joining the Manitoba Provincial her and her team were feeling for the Though Montgomery and all the miss workouts to study.” Montgomery Rowing Team in 2001, Montgomery upcoming Paralympic Games. “We other Canadian athletes are excited went on to say that on the other hand began racing in her first “high perfor- want the ‘A’ final, and obviously we to be going to the Paralympic Games, there were also times during her mance” events shortly after. The U of want the podium. That’s what we’ve Montgomery says there is a disap- workouts when ideas and thoughts M alum continued to train up until been working for.” pointing side to the event. would just pop into her head, solv2005 when she found out through Montgomery said that even “I definitely think [the Paralympic ing problems she was having with the Winnipeg Rowing Club that though she and her team had had Games] are overshadowed by the an assignment or class. She is also a rowing was going to be part of the somewhat disappointing results over Olympics in the public’s eye. A lot of strong believer that exercise is a key Paralympic Games for the first time. the last several months, she believes people, especially the media focus on to stress relief, and well being.

Montgomery realized then that she that their time together over the last the Olympics while the Paralympics

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 3 August 22, 2012

Sports

19

Shuttlecock scandal Badminton’s governing body should smash Olympic loophole Adam Peleshaty

I

t’s hard to imagine that a sport World Federation (BWF), for allowmore associated with gym class ing such shrewd game theory. and backyards—at least in North Since its admission into the America—would cause such a scan- Olympic Games in 1992, badminton dal in the 2012 London Olympic had used solely a single-elimination Games. knockout format, similar to tennis, The sports world was stunned to determine an Olympic champion. to hear that four women’s badmin- Top teams were seeded while the rest ton pairs, two South Korean, one were allocated to their places in the Chinese, and one Indonesian pair, tournament via a random draw. For were thrown out of Olympic com- the 2012 Games, the BWF decided petition for fixing matches in order to to institute pool play where teams/ gain an easier draw in the knockout players were divided into pools and stage. played each other in a round-robin.

As a result of the mass disquali- In doubles, the top two teams in each fication Canadian pair Alex Bruce pool advanced to the knockout stage. and Michelle Li, who lost all of their This was done, according to the BWF, previous matches, advanced into the to allow lesser-ranked nations and quarterfinals where they defeated players to play more matches than in another benefited pair from Australia. the previous one-and-done format.

Bruce/Li, as they were affectionately The problem was, however, how called, then lost to number five seeded teams were placed in the knockout Japan in the semifinals and then the brackets. Places in the brackets were bronze medal match to a Russian determined by their pool and their pair who also qualified because of rank, meaning that teams knew the scandal. Bruce/Li became the ahead of time who they would be first badminton players from Canada playing, and also who to avoid. blaming poor play on the loss. The to play for an Olympic medal.

This issue is not unique to bad- Swedish men’s hockey team in the “Shuttlegate” failed to advance the minton: in the same Olympics, 2006 Olympics was accused of purOlympic ideal of competing at the Spain and Brazil played each other posely losing to Slovakia in order to highest level and it will no doubt scar in men’s basketball knowing that face Switzerland in the quarterfinals the sport for years to come. But some the winner would face USA earlier instead of Canada. blame should be placed at the sport’s in the knockout stage. Spain lost to Many countries and competitors governing body, the Badminton Brazil, but later denied any tanking, have now spoken out against the for-

illustration by James Culleton

mat used in London, and a return to the single-elimination format would be the best option since it does not reward failure. This does not mean, however, that the round-robin format should be abandoned either.

The problem was not the pool play itself, but rather the criteria of

how playoff teams were placed in the bracket. If the current format was retained, which is what the BWF wants to do, it could be altered so that pool winners would be seeded while other competitors would be randomly drawn into different places in the bracket. This is the system currently used in Olympic beach volleyball.

While the current format has been second-guessed since the scandal, there were a few other oddities surrounding the Olympic badminton tournaments in London. Unlike other racquet sports, there were more players in women’s singles than in men’s singles and players were divided into sixteen pools of either two or three players where the pool winners advanced to the knockout stage.

Some players had to play an elimination match while most were guaranteed two. Also, despite a rule where every continent must be represented, there were no mixed doubles teams from Africa or Oceania.

Despite the scandal, badminton will remain in the Olympics. The BWF will have four years to make whatever changes needed to its competition format. Change must be served, whether they shuttle back to the old format or not.

The end of an era Michael Phelps caps off a legendary Olympic swimming career in London Larissa Bogucki

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ichael Phelps was a disappointment in these London Olympics; his medal total was four gold and two silver.

Remarkable for almost any other athlete, but the words “Michael Phelps” and “silver” leave a bitter taste on the mouths of those who’ve been spoiled by watching history’s greatest swimmer of the past decade.

The Phelps that we saw swim in these games was a different swimmer than the one we had come to know.

The Olympian readily admitted that he was swimming in less than stellar condition, having decided to train less than he had in previous years but Phelps was determined to train and race in these games the way that he wanted to, not the way that others expected him to. After all, he was illustration by Andre boulet no longer a man chasing records, like he was in Beijing, because he had no 200m individual medley. If he were certainly not to say that he didn’t “I’ve been able to do everything that records to chase, no career accom- to decide to declare his independence, want to win, but Phelps was at peace I wanted. If you can say that about plishment that he had yet to achieve. his 22 medals would give him more with the fact that these were his last your career, there’s no need to move This is a man who has set 39 world medals than 154 countries have ever games and was using the opportunity forward. Time for other things.” records, has won 26 world titles and achieved in the Summer Olympics. that he was given in London to say We have been blessed with the even pulled off the first ever Olympic Despite all of that, Phelps was a goodbye to the world of competitive opportunity to watch Phelps domithree-peat gold medal performance man that was supposed to chase his swimming. nate at the Olympics. When Phelps by a male swimmer when he beat own shadow in London while in realIn his last press conference of the first began competing in the Olympics, out teammate Ryan Lochte in the ity, that wasn’t the case at all. That’s London Olympics, Phelps stated: he was seen as the Tom Sawyer of

aquatic sports, an immature boy capable of performing at levels that weren’t supposed to be humanely possible.

Slowly, with each public stumble and apology, with each interview and opportunity to see more of the real Michael Phelps, this image changed.

At some point, he stopped being Tom Sawyer and became more like Huck Finn, the more flawed character of the two, and that made him seem more human than would’ve been possible had he just stayed in the pool.

With the London Olympics behind him, the time has come for Phelps to step out of the pool a champion for the last time. Phelps always swore that when he retired that would be the end of his career. There would be no coming out of retirement for this once in a lifetime talent and those that know him well agree that this is the end for Phelps.

The legend of Michael Phelps and all of his accomplishments have defined an entire era of Olympic history. And that is the best thing that any athlete, including Phelps, can give the fans: a legacy that will be impossible to forget.

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Sports

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 3 August 22, 2012

Bison football offence preview Training camp features key battle at quarterback position Marc Lagace, staff

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eading into the 2012 Canada West football season, the Bisons are looking to improve upon a frustrating 4-4 regular season record in 2011 which left the team just outside the playoff picture.

From August 16 to 30, the practice fields on campus will be buzzing with activity as 87 athletes battle for the opportunity to start when the Bisons open the Canada West regular season. On Sept. 1 the Herd travels to the West Coast to play the UBC Thunderbirds. Out of those competing for positions, 32 are new recruits hoping to crack the roster.

Head coach Brian Dobie and quarterback coach John Mackie will have their hands full as the departure of starting quarterback Khaleal Williams will likely prove to be the biggest gap to fill on offence.

Competition for the position is fierce, as Dobie indicated that heading into training camp there was no clear frontrunner for first-string QB. The two returning Bison pivots— Cam Clark and Marc Paquette—are in a tight battle with two new quar- From left to right: Ryan Marsch, Theo Deezar, head coach Brian Dobie, Marc Paquette, quarterbacks coach John Mackie terback recruits: Ryan Marsch and Theo Deezar. touchdowns during the 2011 regular strongest backfield in the nation. the receiver position and co-winner of Khan will no longer be joining the Marsch joins the Bisons after season. Coombs was also the first At wide receiver, the Bisons will the 2011 BCFC Outstanding Reciever Bison coaching staff as an assistant a successful 2011 season in the student athlete from the University have to rely on some new recruits to award after catching 42 passes for 799 ‘O’-line coach. After retiring from the Canadian Junior Football League of Manitoba to be featured in the help fill the void after the departure of yards and 13 touchdowns.

CFL in April, Khan signed on to help (CJFL) at the helm of the Winnipeg 56-year history of the ‘Faces in the their top two recievers – Jared Ralko No matter the talent running, sixth-year offensive line coach Terry Rifles’ offence. Marsch received Crowd’ section in Sports Illustrated, and Stu Schollaardt. Wide receiver throwing, and catching the ball, if Watson for the 2012 season. But an the Peter Dalla Riva award, which for his MVP performance for Team Matt Lariviere and slotbacks Alex there isn’t a solid offensive line in offer from the Calgary Stampeders is awarded to the CJFL Most World at the 2012 International Vitt and Derek Dean were all team- place, there’s going to be trouble. to come out of retirement was too Outstanding Offensive Player. Bowl. mates with Marsch on the Winnipeg The Bisons will have to replace Justin good to turn down, and as such Khan Deezar was also quite successful in Nic Demski is another weapon Rifles in 2011 when he threw for over Yakiwchuk, who started in 2011, but will not be with the Bison program 2011, as he led the St. Paul Crusaders on offense that also pitches in on 3000 yards and 31 touchdowns. will have fifth-year veteran guards in 2012. to H.S. championship and a perfect special teams. Demski, who shared WR Danny Turek and SB Landon Rice and Scott Johnson to Dobie said the news did not come 10-0 regular season. backfield duties with Coombs in Andrew Smith, two exciting recruits help hold off the opposing defence as much of a surprise, as the two had Sticking in the backfield, the 2011, made a huge impact as a kick from the CJFL British Columbia and provide the quarterback time to talked about the prospect of coming Bison run game should be a force returner – returning two kick-offs Football Conference (BCFC), join make plays. out of retirement—and Khan’s new in 2012. Running back Anthony for touchdowns (tying a CIS record) the Bisons with impressive football Check out the next issue of The duties as a budding restauranteur— Coombs will look to improve on a and finishing the season with a kick resumes. Turek, in four seasons with Manitoban for a breakdown of the 2012 possibly interfering with his commitstellar rookie season with the Herd, return average of 31.6 yards (third best the Okanagan Suns from 2008-11, Bison defense. ment to coach with the Bisons. in which he was named CIS First in the CIS). Dobie was impressed was named BCFC All-Star three *** Team All-Canadian after compil- with the level of depth at running- times (08’, 09’ and 11’), while Smith On a coaching note, former CFL ing 1,203 all-purpose yards and eight back, saying that this could be the was named CJFL All-Canadian at Winnipeg Blue Bomber center Obby photo by marc lagace