28 November 2012

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

Isn't it ironic? Don't you think? page 9

n e ws

co m m e n t

Moving along

Misguided

Students voted "yes" for U-Pass referendum, now what?

page 4

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

Autism vaccination fears must be done away with page 12

X-mas count

Ornithologists look to the sky for annual bird watch page 14

a rts & c u lt u r e

s p o rts

Phlegm Fatale

Pistol Pete

Interview with sweet sloppy garage dance-rock band page 17

Vo l 9 9 ½ · N o 1 5 · N ov e m b e r 2 8 , 2 0 1 2 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

Bad boy of bowling inducted into our hall-of-fame

page 21

2

Index

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 15 November 28, 2012

News

Science & Tech

| pa g e s 2 – 7

5

International news briefs

7

Writes for Rights event comes to U of M

13

UMSU

| pa g e 8

“Go Bisons volleyball!” by Beibei Lu

Editorial

Rat poison toxic to birds

Arts & Culture

cover image

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

| pgs 13–14

16

Reel Injun

17

Phlegm Fatale

| pgs 15–18

| pa g e 9

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 9

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

Comment

| pa g e s 1 0 – 1 2

Sports

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Visit: www.themanitoban.com/apply-to-volunteer and get in touch with our friendly section editors!

10

The right to die

| pa g e s 2 0 – 2 3

22

Jump on the NBA bandwagon!

23

Following the herd

Toban Talkback

Q:

Taylor Fast

Justine Solar

Nader Abdelkader

Hossam Meawad

“I'd like to see it used for more parking space.”

“I think it should be used for more parking, I'd say.”

“It should be used for growing organic food for the use at the university.

Like a community garden area.”

“We should use it for more housing for students, but at lower prices than what is currently charged for residence on campus.”

What would you like to see the Southwood Lands (golf course purchased by the U of M) used for?

Jill Patterson, staff

univer si t y 1

univer si t y 1

f acul t y o f science

f acul t y o f ar ts

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

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News

Egypt announces ceasefire between Israel, Hamas Violence persists up to deadline Quinn Richert, staff

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week of intense fighting between Hamas and the Israeli military drew to a close on Nov. 21 with the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the two sides.

The short document totaled well under a full page of text, only vaguely describing the terms of the ceasefire, called on each side to “stop all hostilities” against the other, including the “targeting of individuals” by Israel.

Only two more stipulations in the document pertain to the “agreement of understanding for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.”

One guarantees the commencement of negotiations on “facilitating the movements of people and transfer of goods” across borders within 24 hours of the ceasefire coming into effect. The other states that “other matters as may be requested shall be addressed” in the talks following the ceasefire implementation.

Negotiations for the ceasefire took

place in Egypt and were facilitated by that country’s new government. Prior to the start of negotiations, many felt skepticism over whether or not Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi could fairly perform as a mediator between Hamas and Israel. Morsi has been affiliated with the Islamist movement the Muslim Brotherhood, of which Hamas was an offshoot.

Nevertheless, Morsi’s and the Egyptian government’s performance in working out the ceasefire was praised by both the United States and the United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon.

“President Morsi brings to the office a legitimacy from elections and the ability to reach all sides. I told him that he is uniquely placed among the leaders in the region to bring this crisis to an end through his political leadership,” said Ban in a statement shortly after the ceasefire was announced.

Tami Jacoby, professor of political studies at the University of Manitoba, commented on Egypt’s role in brokering the truce.

“During the Arab Spring, when the new government was brought in, they were talking about rescinding the [1979] peace agreement with Israel. The position Egypt has taken here is a testament to how strong the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel is [ . . . ] Although there may be much rhetoric on the streets, politically it has always been at the level of diplomacy. So it is a good sign that the state is going this route.”

Other key players in negotiation talks included Ban Ki-moon, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, representatives of Turkey and Qatar, as well as U.S. officials including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The process of drawing up a deal was complicated, however, by the refusal of representatives from several states to meet face-to-face. Hamas, as well as Turkey and Qatar, only communicated with Israel through Egypt, while Israel spoke through Egypt and the U.S. While the agreement thus far appears to be holding, mistrust lingers on both sides, and the truce is a fragile one. In an official statement

by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he reinforced his claims that Israel is prepared to take up military actions once again, if need be.

“I realize that there are citizens who expect a harsher military action and we may very well need to do that,”

said Netanyahu. “But at present, the right thing for the State of Israel is to exhaust this possibility of reaching a long-term cease-fire.”

“These are really immediate demands that would contribute to a very limited result – a return to a situation that was intolerable for both sides,” said Jacoby about the current ceasefire agreement.

“The issues behind this are not just the buildup along the border, or the tunnels, but the final status issues.

And there will be a continuing cycle of violence as long as these issues are not resolved [ . . . ] The utility of the current ceasefire is that it is not possible to negotiate under fire.”

Violent attacks between Israel and Hamas carried on right up to the deadline for the ceasefire. Only hours before the truce was to take effect, a bomb was detonated inside a bus in Tel-Aviv, wounding 21 people.

The bomb exploded in close proximity to Israel’s military headquarters. A bomb attack of this type has not been witnessed in Tel Aviv since 2006, in the aftermath of the Second Intifada.

The Globe and Mail reported that Israeli police have arrested multiple suspects in the bus bombing.

Israel maintained a steady pace of attacks over Gaza, reportedly hitting over 100 targets, while 31 rockets were fired out of Gaza towards Israel.

Almost half of those fired at Israel were shot down by its Iron Dome missile defence system.

Obtaining an accurate death toll for the entirety of the conflict has proven difficult. A report published by

the Wall Street Journal stated, “Most counts put the number of Palestinian deaths above 150.” Six Israelis were killed, four of which were civilians.

The latest bout of violence in Gaza was started with Israel’s assassination of Ahmed al-Jabari, a Hamas military leader. Jabari was a central figure in the capture and negotiated release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006. Jabari was killed when his car was struck by a missile on Nov. 14, an attack that also killed eight others.

Shortly after the killing of Jabari, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) released a statement claiming “the purpose of this operation was to severely impair the command and control chain of the Hamas leadership, as well as its terrorist infrastructure.”

Jabari’s killing was part of a “widespread campaign on terror targets in the Gaza Strip” undertaken by the IDF called Operation Pillar of Defence.

Jacoby explains that the targeted killing of Hamas military personnel is nothing new for the IDF and is only superficially responsible for the outbreak of violence.

“Israel has long seen targeted assassinations as the superior alternative to going to war. Palestinians see it differently. This was a revered military hero [ . . . ] It’s not that the violence resulted from this one incident. It was always there simmering.”

Courtesy of israel defense forces

Human rights and legal groups critique inquiry process Missing women inquiry didn’t involve those it impacts the most, says West Coast LEAF Rachel Wood, staff

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hree human rights and advo- report criticizes the process of the reconciliation.” cacy organizations have released inquiry rather than the final result.

The inquiry commissioner, Wally a report critiquing the Missing The report focuses on six main Oppal, submitted his 1,448 page final Women Commission of Inquiry areas of critique: independence of report to the government on Nov. 22.

(MWCI). West Coast LEAF (Legal the inquiry, the quality of evidence, The groups, however, released their Education and Action Fund), B.C. how the rules of evidence were applied criticisms days before that.

Civil Liberties Association, and Pivot (which they claim were too formalis“The report focuses on the proceLegal Society have openly disagreed tic), support for the witnesses, devel- dure, on the process of the inquiry, with the process in which the inquiry opment of the terms of reference, and not the outcome. And we say that the took place. consultation leading up to the devel- process itself was an opportunity for The inquiry was a result of the opment of the inquiry. reconciliation. [ . . . ] Whatever recdisappearances and murders of marKasari Govender, executive direc- ommendations come out, they can’t ginalized women in Vancouver’s tor of West Coast LEAF, told the achieve the most important goal, the downtown eastside. Robert Pickton Manitoban that one main theme goal of reconciliation. The goal of was charged with second-degree mur- emerged throughout the criticisms. making people feel listened to and der of six missing women, although “[The inquiry] should be includ- that their stories were heard and that he had boasted about murdering 49 ing the voices of those most directly their perspectives were valued,” said women. Pickton was sentenced to six impacted by the subject matter of the Govender. life sentences with no chance of parole inquiry and putting those voices front According to Govender, the faults for 25 years. and centre, both for the fact-finding in the inquiry began from the start of According to the groups, their process, but also for the purpose of the process. Many groups who called

for the inquiry were not consulted.

These groups were denied funding from the government to partake in the inquiry. Govender argued that certain important witnesses weren’t called and the witnesses that were included did not have the proper support.

Oppal urged the groups to remain receptive of his report.

“My report puts forward strong recommendations for change and it is imperative that everyone comes together to ensure that we can better protect our most vulnerable citizens.”

Govender stated that they will remain open and optimistic to Oppal’s conclusions; however, that will not change the shortcomings of the inquiry process.

“I think that the issue is at the core of how the justice system operates,

how women’s safety is valued, and I think that those are essential issues to how society operates,” argued Govender.

The importance of the inquiry, according to Govender, is best illustrated through a quote by Oppal on the front of the legal groups’ critical report.

“The greatness of a society can be measured by how it treats its weakest members.”

Reports of police officer’s apprehension into investigating the missing women due to victims’ involvement in the sex trade and drug activity were a reason behind the inquiry which, Oppal explained, aimed to determine whether the vulnerable women were treated differently than other citizens.

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News

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 15 November 28, 2012

Large majority of students say yes to U-Pass Biggest UMSU voter turnout in 15 years Jill Patterson, staff

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he results of the U-Pass referAlthough the students have voted be enough to cover the entire cost of endum have shown that a large in favour of the U-Pass, there is still the U-Pass. majority of students have voted in no guarantee that it will in fact be put “The program itself [will] cost favour of the U-Pass. into place. There is still campaign- Winnipeg Transit 283 [dollars] per The referendum was held from ing and negotiating that UMSU year [per student] to be cost-neutral.

Nov. 14 to 16 with various polling sta- must do with Winnipeg Transit, the Our hope is to engage the city, the tions around campus. Of the 6,897 University of Manitoba administra- province, the university, as well as students who voted at the referendum, tion, the provincial government, and other outside funding partners to help 5,068 of them voted yes, while 1,797 the City of Winnipeg. us fill the funding gap,� said Arte. voted no.Translated into percentages, UMSU has reportedly already If, after negotiations are settled, a majority of 73.82 per cent voted in been conducting negotiations with everything runs smoothly, UMSU favour of the U-Pass, while 26.17 per Winnipeg Transit to make the U-Pass members could see the U-Pass implecent voted against it. a reality, but there are still barriers mented as soon as September of next Although a total of only 26.59 per that stand in the way. There will need year, according to Arte. cent of UMSU members voted, the to be firm program negotiations to “If all goes well, we could see a turnout is still the largest that UMSU be able to put this plan into action, U-Pass in effect as soon as September has seen in 15 years. according to Arte.

2013. This all depends, however, on “We haven’t seen this many stu“UMSU will be mandated to whether or not we can strike a deal dents vote in an election or refer- pursue concrete conversations with with transit [that] our students feel endum in over 15 years. It’s obvious transit about what types of transit comfortable with, and that we are able that students are passionate about service improvements and infrastruc- to fill the aforementioned funding the U-Pass,� said UMSU president ture improvements to public trans- gap. If we aren’t successful this year Bilan Arte. portation they would be willing to in doing that, this project could be When asked why this referendum negotiate. Our hope is to come back pushed back to fall 2014.� saw such a high voter turnout, Arte to our members with an agreement According to UMSU, a U-Pass said that she feels that this is an issue outlining a valuable and beneficial would not only benefit students but that students see as directly affecting program for as many of our students also the City of Winnipeg, the unithem and felt compelled and respon- as possible.� versity, and the province. sible to voice their opinion.

The most important negotiation A U-Pass would improve the prov“I think that no matter which side that must be made—not only with ince’s environmental sustainability, of the debate they were on, many Winnipeg Transit, but with the City reduce costs for roads and other infrastudents recognized that this was an of Winnipeg, the university, and the structure, as well as make university issue [that] directly affected them and Province of Manitoba—is how the education more affordable and accesas such many felt inspired and respon- U-Pass will be funded. sible for students, claims UMSU. sible to participate in the democratic The students voted to allow no “We’re very excited to have had so process and exercise their rights to more than $85 a term be added to much uptake on the issue, and to have vote.� their tuition but this amount will not a strong mandate with a clear direc-

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tion on where our members want to see us head with this program for the next few years,� said Arte.

UMSU asks that anyone interested in putting the U-Pass into action through talks with the City of Winnipeg, the

Province of Manitoba, and University of Manitoba Administration to email UMSU at u-pass@umsu.ca for more information on how to get involved.

Photo by beibei lu

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 Palestinian leader’s body to be exhumed

The body of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was scheduled to be exhumed Nov. 27, amid accusations that he was murdered. Arafat died eight years ago in a Paris hospital at the age of 75.

The cause of death was never determined as no autopsy was conducted due to his widow’s request at the time.

Suspicions of foul play have always surrounded the death of Arafat. A murder inquiry was officially opened this past August after a Swiss institute claimed it

had found high levels of radioactive to protest against the government polonium on his clothing, which of Yingluck Shinawatra, who were obtained from his widow, is the sister of the former Prime Suha.

Minister.

Tawfiq al-Tirawi, the head of the A group called Pitak Siam Palestinian committee in charge of (translated to “Protect Thailand”), the investigation, said “it is a pain- who accused Shinawatra of corful necessity” to exhume the body ruption and of being a puppet of of Arafat, who has come to be the her brother, former Prime Minister icon for the Palestinian fight for Thaksin Shinawatra, organized the statehood through years of turbu- protest. lent times with Israel.

The police used tear gas against the protesters who attempted to Anti-government protest climb over the concrete and barbed erupts in Bangkok wire barriers, which were blockApproximately 10,000 people ing entrance to the protest site at gathered in the city of Bangkok Bangkok’s Royal Plaza.

“We used tear gas because pro- Argentina, Hernan Lorenzino, has testers were blocking police and rejected the decision to pay the did not comply with the security default, claiming it is illegitimate measures we put in place,” said Piya to pay “vulture funds.”

Uthaya, a police spokesperson.

Some analysts have said that the legal victory of the hedge has Argentina declines to raised fears that Argentina could be pay debt to U.S. plunged into another debt default.

Argentina is planning to appeal President Cristina Fernandez de a U.S. ruling that ordered payment Kirchner of Argentina has said that of $1.3 billion to foreign creditors to her administration would not pay whom the government defaulted anything towards the default. on in 2001.

U.S. District Judge Thomas The default of 2001 was $10 (US) Griesa claimed, “it is hardly an billion. The government has been injustice to have legal rulings which, given until Dec. 15 to pay the hedge at long last, mean that Argentina funds. The Economy Minister of must pay the debts which it owes.”

Contest to change U of M’s campus landscape Winner will play decisive role in future of campus Alycia Rodrigues, staff

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he off icial launch of the Visionary (re)Generation Open International Design Competition commences Dec. 5. Competitors are able to register for the competition on this date and the winner will decide the landscape of the future U of M Campus.

As shown in a 2011 report from the City of Winnipeg, the Southwood Lands is considered a major transformative area.

The goal of the competition is to attract top urban planners from around the world to re-design the university campus which will include the newly acquired Southwood Lands (former Southwood Golf Course).

The goal of the campus re-design is to create “a thriving, connected community where a conversation at a small café gives life to the next big idea. A walkable, truly urban neighbourhood where a culture of learning and discovery powers the innovation that turns a campus into a destination,” said the U of M’s website dedicated to the competition.

Design objectives for those entering the competition are based around

the pillars of connection, destina- communication and a stimulating is the actual competition, launch“Visionary (re)Generation repretion, sustainability, community, and environment. The goal is for people ing in January 2013, and projected sents opportunity and potential. We transformability. to have a place to network, facilitat- to finish in October of the same year, are being given an opportunity to The connection pillar is designed ing the innovation for the campus. with an award ceremony for the Area think differently about the univerto connect the city and the campus The last pillar, transformative, Master Plan. The third phase is more sity community where we live, work, by creating an environment available intends to make the campus experi- of a continual phase including a con- study, and discover,” said Barnard. to all ages. This includes new eco- ence a memorable one, bringing in tract award that works with the winThe jurors will consist of two catenomically-friendly buildning design team to put gorized groups: technical and general. ings and a winter-friendly the plans in action.

The technical jurists were chosen landscape environment.

The whole process for their expertise and experience “Visionary (re)Generation Rapid transit bus routes is being overseen by in planning and design while the represents opportunity and are designed to get people Benjamin Hossbach, the general jurists are considered stakein and out of the campus founder and managing holders who have a vested interest in potential. We are being given at a faster pace. director of Phase Eins, either community or university. an opportunity to think The destination pila project consultant and A support team of deputy jurors, lar on the other hand design competition orgatechnical experts, and guests will differently about the university is designed to have the nizing company involved also be involved to further help the community where we live, university as a place that in the competition frui- decision of the jury. people find a reason to tion. The company is One of the main partners of the work, study, and discover.” visit as well as a reason to Berlin-based and is project is Manitoba Hydro. President stay on the campus. The renowned for its successful and CEO Scott Thomson stated goal is to create a welcomcompletion of global proj- that the company is very proud to ing environment through a diversity new students as well as offering them ects. They have been involved in sus- be involved in such a project hapof services available. a place to stay. The goal is for the tainable development projects in the pening in Winnipeg.

The sustainability pillar views the U of M to be recognized as leading Netherlands, South Africa, Germany, “Manitoba Hydro is pleased to be campus with an ecological, social, innovative environmental design.

Morocco, the Ukraine, Libya, and part of this process as part of the and economic eye. The goal is a livThe competition consists of three the United Arab Emirates. design jury. We expect our technical ing lab which is a constant source of phases. The first includes collecting The jury was announced on Nov. expertise in cold climate energy maninnovation and research. ideas in order to structure the outline 9 by U of M’s President Dr. David agement can contribute to achieving The community aspect aims to of the competition in terms of what Barnard who will also be one of the the dream,” said Thomson. bring in a diversity of people for stakeholders want. The second phase ten jurors.

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News

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 15 November 28, 2012

Plane crash devastates northern Manitoba Pilot dies among wreckage Rifca Kremer

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n Nov. 18, amidst heavy fog, extreme humidity, and low cloud ceiling, pilot Mark Gogal and seven passengers left the runway at 10 a.m., destined to Winnipeg. Shortly after, the Cessna 208 mysteriously failed and crashed into the dense forestry surrounding Snow Lake.

Gogal died in the accident and the seven passengers, all of which were miners for the nearby Lalor Mine, are currently in stable condition at various hospitals throughout Manitoba.

One of the miners involved in the crash dialed 911 shortly after the crash, signalling a community-wide response. Local residents arrived on snowmobiles and on foot through

the thick brush leading to the crash how everybody really came together site to assist in the rescue. [ . . . ] Without the help from the Upon hearing the news, contrac- people here, we would not have gottor Gerald Strilkiwski lent his team ten them out in the timely fashion and a bulldozer to help in the effort that we did,” RCMP corporal Jason to get to the crash site through the Schalla told the Winnipeg Free Press. thick forestry. Paramedics reached One survivor, Mikael Guénard, the site after about an hour and a was able to call his family from a sathalf, at which point the survivors ellite phone at the scene of the crash. had to be evacuated strategically by Guénard relayed to his father that snowmobile to ensure those worse the pilot did not survive. off were given priority.

The small hospital in Snow Lake The community’s concerted was unprepared to face a crisis of response allowed for the quick this scale. At the time of the crash, retrieval and treatment of the the one nurse and one aid who were miners. working were forced to call the “Snow Lake is a close-knit com- remaining four nurses in the town. munity. What was impressive was The hospital staff had only two hours

to prepare for the coming influx of patients who arrived at noon. Even with their best efforts, the hospital contained only six beds, causing two of the injured miners to be treated in the hallway.

“This many patients, and this kind of an accident, you know, I have never been involved in something like that,” said one of the hospital’s managers, Kelly Wiwcharuk, to the CBC. Most of the injuries included trauma and broken bones, and four of the more seriously injured miners had to be taken by helicopter overnight to Winnipeg. The remaining three were sent for care in Thompson, Flin Flon, and The Pas.

Noted as a veteran pilot of more than 20 years of experience, 40-yearold Mark Gogal was the son of Larry Gogal, who owns Gogal Air Service.

Because Snow Lake is remote, roughly 700 km north of Winnipeg, flying is the primary way to travel in and out.

Gogal was well-known throughout the community and his death has deeply affected everyone.

Locals have remained quiet out of respect for the family, who has declined questioning The cause of the crash is still unknown. The Cessna 208 is being sent to the Transportation Safety Board Lab in Ottawa for analysis.

Working Hard for Manitoba Students

Greg Selinger

Erin Selby

Deanne Crothers

Dave Sharon Gaudreau Blady

Kerri Irvin-Ross

James Allum

Jennifer Howard

Jim Rondeau

Bidhu Jha

Kevin Chief

Nancy Allan

Mohinder Matt Saran Wiebe

MLA for St. Boniface MLA for Southdale Premier of Manitoba (204) 253-3918 (204) 237-9247 ErinSelby.ca GregSelinger.ca

MLA for Fort Garry-Riverview (204) 475-2270 JamesAllum.ca

MLA for Fort Rouge MLA for Assiniboia (204) 946-0272 (204) 888-7722 JenniferHoward.ca JimRondeau.mb.ca

Flor Theresa Marcelino Oswald MLA for Logan (204) 788-0800 FlorMarcelino.ca

MLA for St. James (204) 415-0883 DeanneCrothers.ca

MLA for Seine River MLA for St. Vital (204) 237-8771 (204) 255-7840 TheresaOswald.ca NancyAllan.ca

MLA for St. Norbert MLA for Kirkfield Park MLA for Fort Richmond (204) 261-1794 (204) 832-2318 (204) 475-9433 DaveGaudreau.ca SharonBlady.ca KerriIrvinRoss.ca

MLA for Radisson (204) 222-0074 BidhuJha.ca

Ron Lemieux

MLA for Dawson Trail (204) 878-4644 Ron-Lemieux.ca

MLA for The Maples MLA for Concordia (204) 654-1857 (204) 632-7933 MohinderSaran.ca MattWiebe.ca

MLA for Point Douglas (204) 421-9126 KevinChief.ca

Eric Robinson

MLA for Kewatinook (204) 943-2274 Eric-Robinson.ca

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

News

7

U of M professor explores swine housing options for farmers Dr. Laurie Connor discusses her research efforts with the Manitoban Quinn Richert, staff

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professor at the U of M is conducting research into tools that will assist farmers in making the transition from the individual housing of sows to group housing.

Laurie Connor is a professor in the faculty of agricultural and food sciences and head of the animal science department. Her research into alternative housing for sows is focused on transitioning from the housing of pregnant sows in individual gestation stalls into one of several group housing configurations, and on helping farmers intending to make that switch decide which configuration would best suit their needs.

Typically, sows have been kept in individual gestation stalls, which facilitate ease of management for large numbers of animals. This housing arrangement also presents problems, however, as sows are allowed very limited amounts of exercise and are unable to engage in many of the social behaviours characteristic of their species.

Group housing schemes, on the other hand, are seen as more closely resembling a pig’s “natural” environment and allows them room to walk freely.

“Pigs are naturally social animals, so being with other pigs is considered important. In group or loose housing they can express their investigatory

or foraging behaviour, have freedom of movement/exercise and within the confines of the space, can choose the most comfortable environment at any point in time,” explained Dr. Connor.

There is a concern, however, that choosing the wrong group housing configuration can have dire consequences.

“Group housing, per se, does not improve sow welfare. If we don’t get the right combination there can be major welfare problems fo r g roup housed sows,” remarked Connor.

These welfare problems include aggressive and bullying behaviours during feeding time between the animals, which were common in traditional group housing arrangements before the advent of individual gestation systems.

The solution involves

farmers selecting from one of four modern feeding systems, as well as one of four flooring systems, each with their own pros a nd cons. For example, a setup may uti-

lize an electronic sow feeder (ESF) coupled with a partially slatted concrete floor. Such a setup would give pigs a comfortable area on which to rest and allow animals to be fed on schedule without human intervention, but also presents the possibility of computer malfunctions getting in the way of a scheduled feeding.

Connor recently presented her research at the Saskatchewan Pork Industr y Symposium, where she discussed how her and her colleagues’ project would aid farmers in making a transition that is potentially quite expensive. Connor explained that the current project has been divided into two phases.

“Phase 1 is a thorough review of the literature and presenting it in a form readily acces-

sible and readable for the layperson/ farmer.”

The second phase is the designing of an “interactive computer program that will assist in the step-by-step plan for the conversion.”

“We have been consulting with the pork producers/farmers at each stage in an effort to ensure we are meeting the needs of the sector with this project,” noted Connor.

Dr. Connor is also at work with colleagues in setting up a national project – the National Sow Housing Conversion Project (NSHCP). The NSHCP will involve a collaborative effort between Saskatchewan’s Prairie Swine Centre and provincial pork organizations spanning five provinces.

“Based on the work of our Manitoba project and knowledge base of the other partners we have applied for funding to establish a National Sow Housing Working Group and demonstration farm conversions in five provinces.”

More information on Dr. Connor’s research will soon be made available on the official websites of Manitoba Pork, the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council, and the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment. illustration by aichelle sayuno

Write for Rights event comes to U of M Human rights activists write letters in support of justice Alycia Rodrigues, staff

illustration by philipp fisch

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mnesty International’s annual Write for Rights event will be held on Dec. 10, the day recognized as Human Rights Day. The University of Manitoba Amnesty International group met on Nov. 26 and 27 at the fireside lounge in University Centre to write letters for the event.

World leaders adopted a “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” on Dec. 10, 1948 to recognize the basic rights of people around the world. It is now celebrated as Human Rights Day

and educates, promotes, and mobilizes the Write for Rights event at the U of is proclaimed to be a women’s right human rights.

M, told the Manitoban that the event is activist, engineer, journalist, mounWrite for Rights draws participants part of a two-week campaign students tain climber, and avid Iranian music from 30 countries who write letters are holding against gender violence. fan. According to Amnesty, the that call for justice to global human The Write for Rights event kicked off Iranian authorities closed the Centre rights violations. the campaign, which includes movies for the Defenders of Human Rights in Amnesty International is a global and a vigil in honour of the victims of Tehran, where she was the executive movement involving over three mil- the École Polytechnique Massacre, chairperson. Members were allegedly lion people from over 150 countries. the 1989 shooting that resulted in the harassed, arrested, and sentenced to Their goal is to raise awareness about death of 14 women. prison. human rights and global violations.

“Each year we pick a different focus, Accord ing to A mnest y, They use research to create the best so last year it was women and the year Mohammadi is currently serving a possible action and claim to have pro- before that it was children. This year six-year prison sentence, reduced from vided reliable and accurate information we’re working on the human violation 11 years after appeal, for crimes against for over 50 years. As an independent rights in Canada [that] Amnesty is national security and spreading propaorganization they do not accept fund- focusing on. We’re particularly push- ganda against the system. She was ing from any government, political ing Stolen Sisters,” said Johnson. unable to deliver a speech for the ideology, economic interest, or reliStolen Sisters is an Amnesty initia- Nobel Women’s Initiative, Amnesty gious bodies. tive to confront discrimination and claims, on the “Role of Women and This year participants have the violence towards Indigenous women Democracy in Iran,” due to a ban on opportunity to write for 12 cases. in Canada. travelling abroad. Mohammadi is The countries include Iran, South Others included in the theme of actively trying to create solutions for Africa, Canada, Greece, Nigeria, gender violence are cases in Iran and laws discriminating against Iranian Libya, Taiwan, the U.S.A., Sudan, South Africa. The Write for Rights U women. and Romania, with two more cases of M Amnesty Group pushed these Noxolo Nogwaza, an activist for pending. events as well. lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Alberta Johnson, coordinator for Narges Mohammadi, from Iran, rights from South Africa, was stabbed,

raped, and beaten on her way home from a night out with her friends.

Among many LGBT individuals, Amnesty claims she faced violence and threats every day. Her murder was assigned to the Tsakane police but they failed to investigate or look further into her death. According to Amnesty, the LGBT community often does not get the help or attention it deserves in South Africa.

The U of M Amnesty Group is also dealing with a more local cause that involves Stolen Sisters. According to Amnesty, it has been estimated that Indigenous women are five to seven times more likely to die as a result of violence. There have been over 580 cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the last 30 years.

While it has received recent media attention, Amnesty claims that it has been a struggle to catch the Canadian government’s attention.

Johnson encouraged all students to participate in the Write for Rights event.

9

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L

et me pose a question: is it even possible for neck and apply a tactic that is all but loathed saturated use of the term irony. someone to like something ironically? in academic and journalistic circles; reference Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Degrassi I know, I know, if you follow the pop cul- the dictionary definition of a word in order to Junior High, vintage clothing, fringe sportture pundits, bloggers, and next-door-know- prove a point (and no, that does not mean I ing events, lo-fi music and, of course, the it-alls you’ll be reassured that of course it’s am doing it ironically). triumphant reemergence of the moustache possible to like something ironically, people According to the handy-dandy multi- – like it or not these are all celebrations of the do it all the time. Howling wolf sweaters, cut- volume tomb that is the Oxford English eclectic rather than referential shrugs from an off jean shorts, outdated art from thrift stores, Dictionary, irony is a “figure of speech in emerging youth who doesn’t give an honest recumbent bicycles, these are all supposedly which the intended meaning is the opposite shit about anything or anyone. the currency of the ironic. of that expressed by the words used; usuFor years we’ve been inundated with the ally taking the form of sarcasm or ridicule The justification for idea that certain cultural choices are made— in which laudatory expressions are used to particularly by the current generation of imply condemnation or contempt.” labelling someone twenty-somethings—because of the simple Using irony as an active life choice can, fact that they are, by definition, counter or strictly speaking, only be possible as conscious ironic suffers the antithetical to mainstream sensibilities. rebellion. That is, the disenfranchised would same pitfalls of those Recently, Princeton University assistant be using irony to make a statement about the professor Christy Wampole wrote a much culture of the world that surrounds them. supposedly guilty of the derided, though thoroughly circulated article This is not totally unlike the example of Kurt assertion: it is lazy, halffor the New York Times entitled, “How to Live Cobain wearing a shirt that reads, “corporate Without Irony.” In it, Wampole takes aim to magazines still suck” on the cover of Rolling hearted, ineffectual, and define the would-be “ironic movement” for Stone – vintage 1992. ultimately backwards. the purpose of lambasting a culture that has But even still, my problem isn’t so much been defined from the outside. Actually, this that irony is wholesale ascribed to an entire is being fairly reductionist but I can’t help generation as a defining feature, but that the to think that Wampole’s overall argument, justification for doing so suffers the same darn The kind of society-destroying irony you condensed, echoes the thoughts of many on pitfalls of those who are supposedly guilty only read about in books is just that: a comthe topic of the ironic. of the assertion: it is lazy, half-hearted, inef- plete fiction. Worse, it’s one perpetuated by The basic idea is that the very fabric of our fectual, and ultimately backwards. the people who, simply put, just plain old don’t society is being ripped apart and made utterly Again I ask: is it even possible for someone like the generation of youth that at some point meaningless by a group of people who can’t to like something ironically? Or is this just a in the line has followed their own. string together enough sincere statements to weak stereotype directed at a certain “type” of National Post writer David Berry, for one, fill more than a Twitter post. people in place of a real effort to understand did a spectacular job in identifying one of the For fear of babbling, let me get to my point. something? many falsehoods in the assertion that today’s For all of those who would take pleasure in In fairness, it’s important to consider the youth are any more or less inclined to ironic making judgmental declarations about a cul- massive, sweeping modern enlightenment tendencies, even when the study sample is tural sect that is not their own: please, fuck that is still expanding with the dawn of the hyperfocused for prime results. off.

Internet era. Beginning in the mid-to-late “Things don’t actually get much better Historically, the effort to identify a group nineties the widespread availability of the if you narrow it down to hipster-approved of people from the outside has, shall we say, Internet effectively broadened any and all culture,” says Berry, ““there is [the television been a foolhardy endeavour. Especially if you niche horizons 100-fold. Be it one’s affinity show] Community, and what have you, but consider the fact that this group of people to a certain children’s cartoon show, a pen- read Pitchfork sometime and try to say with a (no matter how insufferable or repugnant chant for creating/riding odd-shaped bicycles, straight face that [this] whole scene’s problem you might find them) may not self-identify or what would previously be considered an is that they’re not sincere enough.” with these labels that have been placed upon otherworldly notion of sexuality, the age of And as many have since pointed out in the them. the Internet exploded our world of cultural past week, you just don’t get record numbers of According to Wampole, people who live possibilities. And it just so happens that those youth voters turning out in the past two U.S. in an ironic fashion do so in order to deflect who were coming of age during this time elections from a generation that is so insincere the responsibility of what would otherwise be period have thus far proved the most adept they can barely get off the couch. earnest, sincere sentiment. It’s a lifestyle that is at harnessing these tools to encourage their In time many of these activities currently inherently self-defensive in that it allows the growth as a person. serving time in irony detention will be freed, ironic to hide in plain sight, never having to In Wampole’s estimation the Internet age so to speak, and future generations will be able take ownership of real world choices. has indeed helped a certain ironic sensibility to crochet an afghan without getting beaten Now, the majority of these critics, these to flourish and to an extent that is true, but to death with the notion that the sentiment crusaders who fight against the scourge of let’s not diminish the significance of this shift behind it isn’t honest. the ironic, are in no uncertain terms talking – everything expanded and flourished with the Unfortunately these things tend to be cycliabout a generational issue. It may make for a advent of the World Wide Web. This made cal so although the overabundant use of the more concrete argument to claim that this possible a new age of information that saw words “irony” and “hipster” will soon fall by cult of irony exists separate from a certain, the emergence of an unprecedented frontier the wayside (overflowing with characteristics particular age demographic but logistically of connectivity. to the point that any understandable meaning that’s just false.

What this means is that beginning with washes away – see: alternative) we can be sure You know just as well as I do that when the late Gen Xers / early Gen Yers (or what- at some point in time a new codifying term someone dismissively refers to something/ ever you’d like to call them) you actually have will emerge to both categorize and belittle a someone as “ironic” or, often, a “hipster” the early stages of an absolutely unmatched new generation of youth. Maybe there will be (society has taught us that these words ought level of celebration. And with that you have another MTV generation, who knows? to be indelibly linked, whether we like it or many people—again, many young people— Until that time comes when these fastnot) their crosshairs are firmly aimed at those who are afforded the opportunity to truly aging perceptions shed their current place of classified as the Millennials, the Generation celebrate whatever they want, no matter how cultural relevance, I can only hope the next Ys, the Internet babies, those who, try as they bizarre, esoteric, or obscure. set of loosely tied beliefs directed toward an might, fail to understand the same principals When you view the whole "ironic" argu- unwitting demographic will be a little more and truisms of the pre-Instagram era. Insert ment from this perspective it’s actually— original than: “they do the things they do for sarcasm here. truthfully—a little disheartening to think the sake of being ironic.” That one, to me, just Let me take a moment to stick out my of the reaction that has led to the vastly over- feels so uninspired.

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

Comment

10

The right to die Gloria Taylor’s fight for euthanasia Alex Passey, volunteer staff

E

arly this October, Gloria Taylor passed away of natural causes at the age of 64. Many people will not recognize this woman’s name and, indeed, under normal circumstances her passing would have remained unnoticed by the media’s radar. But in her dying days, Gloria Taylor became something of a symbol for a movement that is important to many Canadians.

Three years ago Taylor was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a deteriorative ailment more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. In most cases, ALS sufferers experience their muscles weaken and atrophy until they can

no longer initiate or control volun- way to the highest court in British one would think.

Of course, Santorum is an extreme tary movement. Many will develop Columbia. The judges in the B.C. But of course, nothing is ever case. Most anti-euthanasia activists difficulties speaking and swallowing. Supreme Court ultimately ruled that simple. Traditionally, there are are more rational and, indeed, some In the late stages of the disease, it is in Taylor’s favour, deciding that two strains of argument in opposi- of their arguments even carry some not uncommon for those afflicted Canada’s ban on physician-assisted tion to legalized euthanasia. The merit. However, I think that in some with ALS to need machines to help suicide is unconstitutional, granting first is the religious argument, the cases they will still mislead you about them eat, breathe, and excrete their Taylor an exemption from the law, idea that god created all human life some things to prove their point. They digestive wastes. and the right to seek a peaceful end and only god has the right to take it may be quick to point out that euthaIt horrified Taylor to think she at her own discretion. away. Essentially, nasia deaths in might die in such a fashion. If she Quite predictably, our ideological- there is a sect of the Netherlands In a free society, was to face death she wanted the ly-driven Conservative government religious funare on the rise, choice to face it on her own terms so would not let such a decision stand, damentalists but not bother a person has that she might pass from this world and appealed Taylor’s case. The gov- who believe that pondering if this with what she felt constituted dig- ernment also sought to prevent Taylor doctors would might be in corthe right to live nity. Unfortunately, Canada’s laws from being euthanized during the be playing god relation with an free from pain regarding euthanasia would bar her appeal process, which was expected to if they took a aging population from doing so. So Taylor challenged take until next spring to resolve, quite patient ’s life and the fact that and suffering. those laws, taking her case all the possibly enough time that Taylor’s before the spirit baby boomers disease might have progressed to the leaves the body are entering into stages she feared to suffer through. It of its own volia phase of their is almost poetic that nature saw fit to tion. Of course, the idea that doctors lives when many debilitating disgrant­Taylor the quick end that our might be playing god by prolonging a eases take hold. They will talk about government wished to deny her. patient’s life artificially through the the people who are euthanized in the But Gloria Taylor’s cause lives on. use of life support machines never early stages of dementia, who still Thankfully, in the wake of Taylor’s seems to dawn on these fundamental- seem to be mostly healthy, but will passing, the B.C. Civil Liberties ists. With all due respect to religious ignore the fact that these people were Association has agreed to take up fundamentalists, that archaic argu- of sound mind when they made this her court fight, so her crusade need ment should have been euthanized choice, and in full knowledge that not die with her. She is, after all, only long ago. their minds would not have been one of many Canadians who wish not Then there is the slippery slope sound enough to legally make such to die caught in the throes of a pain- argument. Many anti-euthanasia a decision in the later stages of their Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music presents ful disease, or spend their last days activists are quick to point to the disease. on this planet wracked by cognitive Netherlands as an example of how But the entire Netherlands argudissonance that would leave them horrible things can get after a nation ment is moot anyway because we a shadow of their former selves. So adopts a policy of legalized euthanasia. don’t live in the Netherlands, we live featuring the court case will proceed, and the The problem is these anti-euthanasia in Canada. We will craft our own The University of Manitoba Singers debate will continue. activists have a habit of cherry pick- legislation, with our own safeguards under the direction of Dr. Elroy Friesen The argument in favour of legal- ing data and playing on people’s fears to ensure that the vulnerable are not ized euthanasia is fairly straight- with misleading statistics and termi- exploited. hosted by the Office of the President forward, I think. In a free society, nology. Occasionally they will even Every day terminally ill Canadian a person has the right to live free outright lie. During the last race for citizens like Gloria Taylor are forced from pain and suffering. Forcing the American Republican Party lead- to suffer needlessly. While she did not a person to carry on living against ership, Rick Santorum stated that, in face the kind of death she had feared, their will under such intense duress the Netherlands, elderly people walk we can’t keep turning a deaf ear to the Administration Building, Fort Garry Campus is tantamount to cruel and unusual around wearing “Do Not Euthanize pleas for help of many people in pain, Everyone welcome. punishment, which humanity has Me” bracelets, that ten percent of all just for fear of some slippery slope been principally opposed to since the deaths are euthanizations, and that that might or might not lie beyond thirteenth century, when the Magna half of those euthanizations are invol- the horizon.

Carta was drafted. Simple enough, untary. These claims are not correct.

Christmas Carols at the Admin

Thursday, December 6 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

UofM Christmas Carols at the Admin ad-Manitoban Nov 28, 2012 - 4 x 5”

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 15 November 28, 2012

Comment

11

Eight days later The return of the status quo in the Middle East?

Chris Hearn, volunteer staff

A

nd the ceasefire is on, at least at the time of me writing this. Who knows what tomorrow will bring in the never-ending saga that is Israel/ Palestine/Gaza/West Bank.

So, after eight days of battle the death of five Israelis and over 140 Gazans, where are we? Well, basically with a whole pile of rubble in the Gaza strip, a whole lot of rocket debris in Israel, and, in the final hours before a ceasefire, a blown up bus in Tel Aviv. Both sides have claimed their own victory. Israel believes it was able to dismantle a good portion of the Hamas infrastructure and kill off a good number of their personnel.

Hamas has claimed that they were able to fight off the “evil Zionists,” which some are claiming has given them a new boost and even some legitimacy.

In Cairo, the new Egyptian pres-

ident Muhammad Morsi probably its airstrikes into Gaza in earnest to came out of this looking best by being try and dismantle Hamas’ military front and center at ceasefire negotia- might. According to Israel, over 1,500 tions and working with both Hamas “terrorist” sites were taken out, includand the U.S. to help stop the blood- ing missile launching sites, smuggling shed, for at least a short period. Here tunnels, and actual Hamas members. is a man that, it is fair to say, the West Unfortunately, they also ended up has been relatively cool to, being from killing women and children in Gaza, the infamous Muslim Brotherhood, and this understandably has emboldwhich are seen as being a little too ened the oppoIslamic and extreme for the liking of sition to Israel Everyone is most in the West. But, in the end, he and its activiwas the man that the U.S. dealt with, ties in Gaza, where they he was able to wield some power and including its influence, and from it he has gained blockade and a new legitimacy. Kudos to him, I control over think. What will come of this, I’m what goes in and out. not sure. Is a more powerful Morsi Many in Israel are upset because really a good thing? they are tired of the back and forth Really, no one directly involved cycle of violence, and the unpredictin the conflict is any farther ahead ability that comes with it. Many wish than they were when Hamas fired that this latest round could have rockets into Israel and Israel started settled things once and for all and

completely dismantled Hamas. There a few slight concessions made, like a are those on the other side who wish possible easing of border restrictions. that a ceasefire didn’t happen because Israel has said that it will not fire on they wish to see Israel wiped off the Gaza anymore, as long as Hamas face of the earth. See anything new doesn’t shoot rockets off or attack here? No, of course not, that’s because border posts anymore. But both have there is nothing new here. said they will retaliate if the other Everyone is right back where does something stupid. So, nope, no they started, with both sides angry farther ahead, just further divided. and polarAnd again, the whole world is sitized, having ting here all asking the same thing: right back gained a bit “Now what?” The answer seems to be more verbal that no one knows. Both sides are started. ammunition just watching each other to see if the to sling at other side screws up. Isn’t that what each other was happening before? What exactly over who did what over the eight days was the point of all this? Why did of tit-for-tat. Those who are against all of this happen? Was it just a bad Israel have more deaths of children to dream? Sadly, it wasn’t. It’s just the add to the list to show that Israel is never-ending nightmare that is the overreacting. Israel has more rockets Middle East. How long can this go and a new bus attack to prove that on? The answer is too long.

Hamas are terrorists. There have been

The Conservative heart What being a conservative means to me Al Klassen

M

y grandparents lived in the nizations benefiting those in need.

Interlake region of Manitoba So, why all the criticism of consermany years ago. At the time, the vative policies? What is the essence community in which they made of the conflict between the left and their home was mostly agricultural. the right?

Exposed to the harsh seasonal eleAt times, the left characterizes ments, with all the crude chores people on the right like Ebenezer necessitated by rural life, the indi- Scrooge and the right pigeonholes vidual who was rendered unable to people on the left as controlling deswork as a result of injury or disability pots who punish the talented and sucfaced a very difficult path. cessful by imposing massive taxes.

One such individual in their town Of course, neither extreme is true. was named Yash Kroeker. He had This brings to mind a conversation a significant speech impediment where I mentioned to someone that and lived with a cognitive impair- I enjoyed studying politics and they ment. Life was tough for him, and responded: “It’s interesting but a little he needed support. Seeing this, my too scary for my taste.” I couldn’t help grandparents decided to lend him but sympathize with them, what with a helping hand. They got together the crude exchanges that generally with some neighbours and divided dominate debates on public finance up the responsibilities of making and other political issues. It got me him a warm place to stay, feeding asking, what’s the real reason we send him, and giving him odd jobs around representatives halfway across the their farm to keep him occupied. My country to represent us? What are grandparents and their neighbours they arguing about? didn’t have it easy. Money was tight The answer—like many things and work was hard. Yet here was a I believe when it comes to social group of conservative people who justice—is simple. Both sides are were moved by conscience to open fighting for the public good. They their hearts and their homes to some- both want to see Canada become the one in need. best country it can be. What they are To me, this simple story embodies essentially disagreeing about is how the spirit of the Conservative Party. to realize this vision.

The substance of conservative phiFor me, the essential element of losophy is not to horde what one has the conservative vision of how to earned, but to be generous. My con- create a better country is to provide servative friends are among the most as much freedom as possible while generous people I know. When I visit maintaining a secure society. with their families their parents give I realized this reason had been me refreshments without even asking behind my inclination towards a if I want them. They are among those conservative mentality for some time. who organize the outreach events to The freedom to excel, the freedom to beautify and serve the community. pursue opportunity and education, Many run charitable non-profit orga- and freedom from violence - these

were the things I wanted to see in my country and in the world. Because the people of my grandparent’s community that I mentioned earlier were free, they were able to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of Yash Kroeker. They did not have to send a letter to a magistrate to secure the funding for this man’s food and shelter. They acted immediately. This can be a reminder that while government can do some important things, government interference in many ways inhibits as much as it helps.

One such self-identif ied Conservative who embodies the spirit of freedom and charity, recognized

by Scotiabank as a finalist for the National Game Changer competition, is Ian Rabb. Rabb has changed the lives of countless Winnipeggers who struggle with addiction. When he realized that there was a shortage of housing for people coming out of substance abuse he founded Two-Ten Recovery Inc. to help them become free of addiction. Rabb overcame substance abuse in his life, became a successful property manager and now makes strides to work within the community to make peoples’ lives better.

I think that this is what public discourse should concern itself with.

Imagine if Government focused on creating freedom and improving the community, not the senseless bickering over whose jurisdiction a problem falls under, whose fault it is, or how long it can be put off. Simply put, the question when there is a problem must be: “What is going to be done about it, and how soon can it be done?”

Myself, and the millions these principles of freedom combined of Canadians who elected the with a commitment to social justice, Conservative Party to a majority gov- are making this country a better place. ernment, believe that the principles This is why the conservative philosoof freedom and compassion go hand phy is shared among many people, in hand, and help to strengthen and from many diverse cultural, religious, reinforce each other. We believe the and ethnic backgrounds, and why I Conservative Party has shown that am proud to embrace it as my own.

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12

Chasing phantoms Pseudo-science opposing vaccination helps no one Alex Passey, volunteer staff

T

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he trees have forgotten their leaves. More and more often, our breath comes in rolling, smoky plumes. The clinging frost grips the world just a little bit tighter every day. Anyone who has spent a winter in Winnipeg is perfectly familiar with these signs of the oncoming deep freeze of winter. Just as predictable is the wave of influenza that is currently attempting to find a foothold in our city.

And just as predictable still, will be the insistence of some people that the vaccinations, such as the one that keeps the flu virus at bay, actually do more harm than good.

Despite mounting scientific evidence to the contrary, there is still a segment of the population who believe that vaccinations cause autism, a cognitively debilitating neurological disorder, and that vaccines may also be responsible for other learning disabilities.

In fact, there are some who would even go so far as to suggest that vaccines are responsible for the growing rates of conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and obesity. Every day there seems to be more and more pseudo-science out there with the sole purpose of convincing parents that vaccinating their children is little more than government sanctioned child abuse.

One would think that it should be obvious that there could never be one single simple and obvious scapegoat to blame for so many serious and widespread health issues, which seemingly have no other relationship with one another. But when a parent believes that they are acting in the best interest of their child, sometimes rationality takes the back seat.

So let’s get the facts on the table.

For the most part, the vaccine debate revolves around autism and thimerosal. Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative that was commonly found in many vaccines until 2001. In 1999, the United States Food and Drug Administration decided to take the precautionary step of removing thimerosal from childhood vaccines, fearing that it may be exposing young children to an unnecessary dose of ethyl mercury at too young an age. Some people thought that this step was too hasty, since thimerosal had been used in vaccines since the 1930s and there had never been any scientific evidence to suggest that it was doing any harm to children.

They feared, and quite correctly so, that the discontinuation of thime-

rosal may result in a temporary shortage of vaccinations, so not everyone who wanted immunization for their children would be able to receive it.

There were others who decided that the simple act of the government making the decision to no longer use thimerosal in vaccines was an admission that the preserva-

tive had been causing some sort of harm all along. Some fear mongers started to postulate that if, perhaps, since rates of autism were on the rise, and since the symptoms of autism manifest themselves around one to three years of age (around the time when children receive most vaccinations) the vaccinations might be the cause of the autism. Could thimerosal have been responsible for essentially poisoning thousands of children?

Parents raising autistic children are faced with a monumental task. They can hardly be blamed

phone through which these people continue to spread their hackneyed pseudo-science.

Unfortunately, I think that for people like Kennedy and Dr. Geier, the spreading of fear about vaccinations has become something of a profitable business. I think there is an incentive for lawyers to represent families who claim vaccines have caused them injury and are entitled to compensation because the Office of Special Masters of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims underwrites the cost of their legal counsel. There is incentive for journalists to take on the cause of vaccinations in order to establish a name for themselves, just as there is for the few doctors who choose to take an anti-vaccine position.

But the fact of the matter is there is simply no scientific evidence to support the idea that vaccines have ever caused a single case of autism.The amount of children diagnosed with autism has been on the rise for many years and, indeed, the onset for autism does take place when children receive most of their vaccinations, but correlation does not equal causation.

People are eager to believe that there must be an environmental cause for the disease that these children are suffering, and vaccines are certainly an environmental factor that many children are exposed to, but such speculations fall far short of proof. In reality, autism rates have continued to rise sharply, even though thimerosal has been

Despite mounting scientific evidence to the contrary, there is still a segment of the population who believe that vaccinations cause autism. for rushing to judgement when presented with the possibility that the disorder they and their children are forced to live with was not only preventable, but was actually injected directly into their child’s bloodstream. Rather, I feel that the blame falls to those people who have made careers out of misdirecting parents; people like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mark Geier, who continue to disseminate misleading or flat out false information regarding vaccinations as a cause for autism. The blame also falls to the media sources who act as a mega-

absent from childhood vaccines for over a decade. This alone should be enough to show that vaccinations were never the cause of the incline in autism, but unfortunately there are still many people out there who have a stake in convincing fearful parents otherwise.

Autism is a devastating disease, and we need to do everything we can to study and understand it. However, we do ourselves no favours by chasing phantoms. illustration by James Culleton

13

Astronomy round-up Super-Earths, broken satellites, and rogue planets Tom Ingram, staff

A

stronomers have been doing brisk business over the last few weeks. Recently there have been a number of important discoveries about the nature of our universe.

Here’s a roundup of three of them.

Researchers led by Mikko Tuomi of the University of Hertfordshire in the UK have announced the discovery of three new “super-Earth” planets orbiting the star HD 40307 – and one of them is in the star’s habitable zone. The term “super-Earth” is a little misleading, because it implies that the planet is like Earth, only bigger and better. In reality, a super-Earth is just a terrestrial planet that is up to ten times more massive than Earth – in other words, a rock y planet

discovery. The French Convection, Rotation, and Planetary Transits (CoRoT) satellite had a computer failure earlier this month, and is

French researchers may have found the first clear example of a free-floating “rogue” planet unattached to a star. larger than Earth but smaller than currently unable to retrieve data Uranus. from its telescope.

HD 40307 was previously known “To be frank, I think the problem to have three planets in its orbit. is serious,” said Fabienne Casoli, These planets, also super-Earths, director of space science and exploorbit close to the star, too close to ration for CNES, the French space support life. Now the researchers agency. have discovered three additional The satellite attempts to spot planets. The outermost of these, exoplanets—planets outside the a planet seven times the mass of solar system—by looking for tranEarth, orbits HD 40307 at a dis- sits. A transit is like an eclipse seen tance similar to the Earth’s from from a great distance. The transiting the Sun. It exists in HD 40307’s planet passes across the line of sight “Goldilocks zone” (i.e., habitable from the Earth to the planet’s star, zone), meaning the planet could and while it does not completely support liquid water and a stable block out the star, the reduction in atmosphere. It also rotates on its brightness is noticeable. The change axis in a way similar to Earth, sug- in the star’s brightness can say a lot gesting the possibility of a day-night about the planet, including its size, cycle like our own. mass, and the composition of its The discovery was made possible atmosphere. by a new technique for analyzing CoRoT was the first satellite to data from the HARPS spectro- discover exoplanets by the transit graph. HARPS senses the changes method. It also gave astronomers in the colour of a star’s light due to an important insight into the oscilthe gravitational pull of its plan- lation of red giants and discovered ets. By filtering out noise from the CoRoT-7b, which was the smalleststar itself, the scientists were able known exoplanet at the time of disto find extremely weak, previously covery and has many remarkable undetectable signals indicating the features such as its extremely short presence of these three planets. “year,” which lasts only 0.85 days.

On Nov. 16, the journal Nature The CoRoT mission was learned of a somewhat less thrilling launched in 2006, and was only

designed for a three-year lifespan.

In 2009, it suffered a computer failure and had to switch to its backup unit. Now the backup has failed.

CNES has tried to revive the backup unit several times without success. In December, they are going to try to restart the first computer. It is, according to Casoli, “one of the last things we can do.”

In a third discovery, French researchers, in cooperation with scientists at the Université de Montréal, may have found the first clear example of a free-floating “rogue” planet unattached to a star. Known as Isolated Planetary Mass Objects (IPMO), these planets could be formed in one of two ways. Either they are failed brown dwarfs— objects that are formed through the same methods as stars, but are too small to be proper stars in their own right—or they are ordinary planets that were ejected from their solar system.

Several candidate IPMOs had already been identified, but this was inconclusive because scientists were unable to determine the age of these objects with reasonable certainty. The new discovery, known as CFBDSIR2149, is a member of the AB Doradus Moving Group, a cluster of objects whose age is wellknown. It’s also quite close—about 100 light years away—which means that it is visible through telescopes and easier to study in detail. This is fortunate because the usual way of discovering far-off planets—the transit method described above— will not work for planets that do not orbit a star.

“Intrinsically, [‘rogue’ planets are] interesting on a human level, as solitary planets in space,” said Loïc Albert, a researcher at the Université de Montréal. “But they can also be a proxy for the study of other planets. They can be models to help us study other objects that are harder to see.” photo Courtesy of CNES–D. Ducros

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

Science & technology

Rat poison toxic to birds Use of blood-thinning agent to be restricted in Canada, U.S. Bryce Hoye, staff

A

n article produced by the journal Nature recently took a look at a variety of rodent poisons that ecotoxicologists are increasingly finding present in “non-target” wildlife species.

Recent research has brought to light just how toxic a group of blood thinning rodent poisons are to animals, such as predatory birds.

Raptors—hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons—in particular are one of the hardest hit groups, as rodents are considered one of their dietary staples.

Much like the typical mousetrap, these blood-thinning agents are available at household department stores and are typically used to exterminate common house mice.

When rodents—from moles, voles, and field mice, to squirrels, chipmunks, and ground squirrels— consume anticoagulant poisons, the physiological effect is that they essentially lose the ability to produce clotting agents in their blood, and this can cause them to suffer lethal internal bleeding.

Scavenging and predatory bird species like hawks and owls find these poisoned rodents and consume them, resulting in the toxic anticoagulant bioaccumulating in the birds, potentially resulting in

their death.

The variety of chemicals under consideration are known as secondgeneration anticoagulant rodenticides (SGAR), and function similar to first-generation poisons like the “rat poision” warfarin – a blood-thinning agent also used by humans to treat the formation and migration of blood clots through the body.

The first/second generation distinction relates to how the toxins bioaccumulate in nature. Warfarin, being a first generation poison, is less toxic and tends not to accumulate in biological communities as significantly as SGARs. A recent study in the surrounding Vancouver area showed that among 130 deceased predatory birds recovered and autopsied, nearly 100 per cent of hawks and owls contained traces of at least one SGAR in their livers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is entertaining banning sales of SGAR products to the public, while Health Canada has vowed “as of January 1, 2013, [to restrict] several commercial class rodenticides.”

“The intent is to prevent the accidental exposure of children and non-target animals.”

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14

Science & Technology

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 15 November 28, 2012

Christmas Bird Count 2012 Citizen science event to take place on Dec. 16 Bryce Hoye, Staff

S

ince the winter of 1900, amateur and experienced birdwatchers alike have participated in the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC).

Ornithologist Frank Chapman started this ambitious citizen science project by enlisting members of the public to monitor the various bird species wintering in their neighbourhoods. Today this data is pooled into an international database shared between Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Canada’s CBC is organized on a national scale by Bird Studies Canada.

According to Bird Studies Canada, the CBC takes place between Dec. 14, 2012, and Jan. 5, 2013, in “over 2,000 localities across Canada,” annually.

The CBC is conducted all across Manitoba, and here in Winnipeg regional CBC coordinator Rudolf Koes is one of the main group organizers. In an interview with the Manitoban, Koes said anyone with an interest in birds is qualified to sign-up and participate in this years CBC, which takes place on Sunday, Dec. 16.

Seasoned observers are matched with “novice birders,” ideally somewhere near their home neighbourhood.

“All CBCs cover an area identical in size: a circle with a diameter of 15 miles,” stated Koes, adding “the Winnipeg circle has its center at

Polo Park and the circle falls roughly within the Perimeter.”

Koes is from the Netherlands and has been a keen birder (i.e., those who watch birds as a recreational activity) his entire life. Koes has been involved with the CBC in Winnipeg since the late 60s, and described how he eventually inherited the compiler’s role.

“It is a rather time consuming job and few people are willing to take it on, but someone has to do it.”

Koes is the co-author and illustrator of Birds of Manitoba, a book which won the Manitoba Writers’ Guild and the Association of Manitoba

Book Publishers’ “Best Illustrated Book of the Year” award almost a decade ago. Koes is also a member of the Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas’ steering committee and is involved with several other local bird-centric organizations, including Nature Manitoba. In addition, Koes guides birding tours with Eagle-Eye Tours, which operates both on a local and international scale.

In terms of the bird species Christmas Bird Counters can expect to see in Winnipeg, well, that depends.

In certain areas of the city, during the winter birders can expect to see

white-breasted nuthatches, downy feeders, adding “the maturation and hairy woodpeckers, common of and increase in variety of trees redpolls, dark-eyed juncos, white- in the city” may also play a factor. throated sparrows, blue jays, several Conversely, changes to the landscape species of raptors (hawks, eagles, fal- resulting in habitat loss and fragmencons, owls), and, of course, pigeons, tation have lead to “the disappearance house sparrows, and starlings to of species such as ruffed grouse and name a few. sharp-tailed grouse from” from the There is also always the chance to CBC. glimpse a few migratory stragglers Whatever your level of expertise, and other oddities – like certain spe- participating in the CBC is a great cies of waterfowls. As Koes noted, opportunity to get outside and enjoy “Every year some unusual birds are Winnipeg’s winter. It allows novice spotted. It could be lingering water- birders to improve their bird identifowl, a rare raptor, a bird from the fication skills and learn from other West, a rarity at a feeder, etc.” local birders, and can even be a great “Examples over the past few opportunity for first timer birders decades include wood duck, gyrfal- to get exposed to the curious world con, red-bellied woodpecker, varied of birding. thrush, and Baltimore oriole,” Koes For those interested in sharpenadded. ing these skills, Koes encourages Another interesting factor that is people to get in touch with a group affecting Winnipeg’s resident win- like Nature Manitoba, as it organizes ter bird species relates to climate birdwatching tours in and around the change, and the ever milder and city throughout the year. Another shorter winters we’re experiencing. handy resource is available online, According to Koes, certain species’ where postings in the Yahoo group numbers have increased significantly “Manitobabirds” include descriptions in recent years, citing the American from members of birds recently seen crow, white-throated sparrow, and around the province. dark-eyed junco as examples.

To participate in or donate to this Koes also speculated that an year’s CBC, go to www.birdscanada. increase in public interest in the org/volunteer/cbc. welfare of wintering birds has likely resulted in the presence of more bird illustration by Mathieu boulet

Feeling lonely?

Altered brain structure may contribute to social loneliness Elizabeth Drewnik, volunteer staff

E

veryone experiences feelings of intense loneliness. However, there is a difference between feeling lonely and being lonely. In a recent study published in Current Biology, Rhyota Kanai et al. define loneliness as a “distressing feeling associated with the perceived absence of satisfying social relationships.”

In other words, feeling lonely for a short period of time is an experience with an expected end, but being lonely is a state of mind, a continuous frustration at one’s own inability to socialize with others. In essence, the latter feeling is distressful because the one who is lonely believes themselves inherently incapable of maintaining social relationships, reinforcing feelings of disappointment and low standards, which can have detrimental effects on their mental health.

Kanai et al. indicate that the nature

of chronic loneliness is linked to brain structure, which affects the ability to perceive and understand social dynamics. They studied a region of the brain called the left

posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), associated with basic social perception. What they discovered is that people who have higher scores on the UCLA loneliness questionnaire tend to have a smaller volume of pSTS grey matter.

Kanai et al. have also confirmed

that loneliness is associated with difficulty in processing social cues, especially ones that involve the eyes.

When we communicate, we tend to do so both verbally and non-verbally, and depending on the nature of the conversation, a great deal of communication can be non-verbal. Social cues, such as eye and hand gestures, postures, and socially expected reactions under certain circumstances, all c ontribute to non-verbal communication.

People afflicted with loneliness were tested for sensitivity to these social perceptions, and were correlated with negative results, meaning that they are unable to process non-verbal social cues. What is most interesting is that the majority of these people are very proficient in their verbal communication skills.

It is hypothesized that the pSTS region of the brain is involved in the initial stages of social perception—

Kanai et al. have also confirmed that loneliness is associated with difficulty in processing social cues, especially ones that involve the eyes. combining different sensory cues such as eye gaze, hand action, and body movements—and that lonely individuals may have deficits in basic social perception. The pSTS is recognized to contribute to several fundamental aspects of processing social information.

Having a poor ability to recognize social cues may cause difficulty in developing social relationships, leading to social isolation from others,

and thus generating loneliness.

It’s not that an altered brain structure directly makes these people feel lonely; rather, certain brain structures are associated with a lack of social perception, resulting in a reduced ability to adequately socialize with others. It is the lack of experience of socialization that directly contributes to loneliness.

The researchers suggested that improvements in social perception may be made by training people to be sensitive to social cues. This is great news for those who are predisposed to loneliness. Despite the fact that some people may be unable to recognize social cues on their own due to biological factors, there is still hope that these individuals may be alleviated of their loneliness with the proper social training. This means that there is the possibility for a risk-free treatment for people suffering from loneliness.

Rather than prescribing drugs, perhaps less expensive and less substance-dependent methods can be applied to help individuals with chronic loneliness. illustration by Justin Ladia

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

15

Arts & Culture

Five tips to help you get a great tattoo Jenna Diubaldo, staff

R

ecently I watched a show on the TLC network called America’s Worst Tattoos, which featured some of Amurikuh’s most prized inhabitants displaying some of the most poorly thought-out and terribly executed tattoos I have ever seen.

As someone who is fairly new to the tattoo world—I have seven tattoos in my collection so far— I know firsthand that getting a tattoo can sometimes be a pretty scary and intimidating experience, especially if it’s your first time getting some work done. So, to help make your tattoo experience a bit less painful (see what I did there?!), I’ve put together a few tips based on lessons I’ve learned through getting tattooed myself.

Hopefully by following these steps—and not picking a dumbass design concept—you can avoid being featured on national television getting your playboy bunny tattoo covered up, and instead spend a lifetime looking at a beautiful work of art.

Spontaneous tattoos can be fun, and often tattoo artists will have a stock of flash designs to choose from specifically for walk-in clients.

However, an impromptu tattoo means you’ll need to be flexible about what you get because often you will be forced to choose an already drawn-up design rather than having a tattoo that is custom-made for you. #2 - Don’t get hung up on the price tag While getting a tattoo can be an expensive endeavour, paying top dollar for a tattoo does not always necessarily ensure the quality of the finished product. There are many talented, experienced tattoo artists who have very reasonable hourly rates.

That being said, a tattoo is not something that you should cheap out on – the saying “you get what you pay for” certainly applies in most cases.

If you can’t afford a tattoo from an artist that you really want to work

research. Check out tattoo shops online, add tattooers on Instagram, or even pop into a few shops to check out some portfolios.

Often tattooists are skilled in many styles of tattooing, but most of the time an artist will have a focus or a specialty – one style that they particularly excel in and enjoy tattooing the most. Often, deciding what style of tattoo you’re looking for and then searching for an artist who specializes in that style or has tattooed that specific idea before can help. For example, if you’re looking to get a realistic portrait of a family member you might not want to go to the artist who specializes in traditional tattooing, but if you want a 50s style pin-up, that same artist might be a great choice.

Rule of thumb: if you’re not sure then book a consult – they’re free and it provides an opportunity to meet the

artist and get their feedback on the idea you have in mind.

your tattooist does for a living, so any advice given is well-informed.

#4 - The artist knows best Sometimes we have a really firm idea in our head of the tattoo that we want, how it should look, where it should be placed, and what size it should be. Often we’ve been thinking of this idea for years and when it comes time to actually get the tattoo we can be reluctant to accept feedback on our design idea.

It’s important to remember that when getting a tattoo, the artist knows best. If your artist makes suggestions relating to placement, size, and content, my advice is to seriously take it into consideration when making your final decision. Ultimately it’s your call because you have to live with your tattoo for the rest of your life, but just remember that this is what

#5 - Prepare yourself for the big day Don’t drink alcohol the night before your tattoo and get a good sleep.

Hydrate yourself with plenty of water prior to, and drink a sugary beverage during the session. Eat a hearty meal before your appointment, rather than eating only a bowl of cereal for breakfast, getting tattooed for six hours, and then spending the evening trying not to puke because your blood pressure is super low. Not that I did that myself or anything…

And most importantly, tip your artist!

photo by Dawyne Larson

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#1 – Consider and reconsider your idea Not every tattoo has to have some deep and meaningful story behind it, but it’s important to take some time to consider your idea and make sure you’re comfortable with what you’re putting on your body because, well… it will be there forever.

Can you see yourself still enjoying your tattoo in 25 years? Are you getting the name of a significant other tattooed on your neck? Does #3 - Choose a tattoo artist wisely the acronym YOLO come to mind No two tattooers are exactly alike, when thinking of your design? so when choosing an artist do your

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with then save up, or talk to the artist about splitting the tattoo into multiple sittings to spread the cost out over a longer period of time.

Most tattooists are willing to work within a budget, but be clear about what your budget is prior to being tattooed. When negotiating don’t forget that your artist has invested years into perfecting their craft and tattooing is likely their livelihood. Nobody likes a cheapskate.

16

Arts & Culture

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 15 November 28, 2012

Healing waste with human hands and mindful work

Reel Injun Discussing the portrayal of Aboriginal people in film Jodie Layne, staff

The 2nd Annual Cycle of Giving Jodie Layne, staff

W

hen you think of magical transportation around the holiday season, a sleigh and reindeer might be the first thing that springs to mind. Even though the streets are ice-covered and snow-dusted, the Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub, better known as the W.R.E.N.C.H., is planning 24 hours of bike-making magic. On Dec. 15 and 16, the Atomic Centre at 167 Logan Ave. will turn into a workshop filled with volunteer bike mechanic elves.

For the second year in a row the W.R.E.N.C.H. is collecting donations of bikes, wheels, bike parts, and cash to build over 200 bicycles for Winnipeg children in need.

Aside from a new set of wheels, the bikes also come equipped with lights and locks to help keep their new riders and their bikes safe. This year they are also hoping to send each bike out with a helmet thanks to a partnership with Active and Safe Kids Manitoba.

Organizer Greg Unger says it all started last year when fellow W.R.E.N.C.H. staff member Pat Krawec was feeling the Christmas spirit. It was a success and they were able to make the holiday memorable for a total of 245 children.

“He came up with the idea quite late in the year and we busted our butts to put it together in a month,” says Unger.

“Today is Black Friday and it is just the most depressing, suicidally consumeristic time of year,” says Krawec. “When you work in back alleys and garbage dumps like I do, you see so many kids’ bikes crying out to be fixed up. This is the opposite of that consumerism.”

The W.R.E.N.C.H works with organizations in the inner city like North End Women’s Centre and Art City to distribute the bikes to low-income families, so they can gift their children with the bikes that they would otherwise be unable to afford. Some community partners, like the NEEDS Centre, saved theirs until spring when the

W.R.E.N.C.H staff could customfit, size, and tune-up the bikes for kids. Krawec says that they were ecstatically happy – and with good cause. Most of the children are receiving their first bike ever thanks to the marathon.

This kind of holiday miracle doesn’t come on its own – the support of the community is needed to help put this generosity to work.

Unger says they need 75 volunteers with all kinds of skill sets to help make the workshop a success.

Whether you can fix a bike, ride one to test it out, clean it up, or write a card, no skill is overlooked.

Bands are also welcome to donate their skills to help entertain the volunteers during the marathon.

Even cooking up some finger food for the volunteers or serving as a hospitality guide to help boost morale is a huge help.

Of course, monetary donations are also more than welcome to help provide locks, lights, helmets, and to help support the education that the W.R.E.N.C.H and other bike hubs do year-round.

Volunteer Will Belford is helping out because of his skills in bike mechanics and is trying to beat his bike-building record and make eight bikes in his shift. There is also a rumour that the staff of Natural Cycle—where Belford works— and Bespoke Cycle are having a build-off to see who can get more staff out and more bikes built.

Friendly competition aside, this is really a chance for everyone to contribute something meaningful to an often wasteful season.

“While everyone is buying and destroying our planet as fast as we can, there is something great about healing waste with human hands and mindful work,” says Krawec.

Unger and Krawec say they can use any skill, so email them at cog@thewrench.ca and let them know what they you can do – they will find a use for you.

Y

ou’d think with over 4,000 films made about First Nations people in the past 100 years Hollywood might have gotten it right by now.

Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond travelled North America interviewing actors, directors, and filmmakers, mapping out the history of Native people in cinema in his film, Reel Injun. The film has won three Gemini Awards and the prestigious Peabody award, recognizing the best in digital media. Reel Injun disassembles tropes such as the "White Messiah" (Dances with Wolves) and the "Groovy Indian" (perpetuated by Cher in “Half Breed”), and features films that truly amplifies Aboriginal voices, like Atanarjuat: the Fast Runner.

Stereotypes not only run rampant in the present, but in the past were combined with the fact that white actors were dressed up and put in brown-face to play the parts of Native actors. Aside from being offensive and untrue, this was effectively wiping representation of Aboriginal people completely from mass media and popular culture.

“That is a genocide that occurred and the [American] culture wanted to perpetrate the idea that [Native people] are now mythologic, you know, they don’t even really exist, they’re like dinosaurs,” says director Jim Jarmusch.

Urban Native Girl blogger and actress Lisa Charleyboy agrees.

“There is a massive lack of knowl-

a negative self-image or lead one to think that there are societal expectations of what being a Native woman is.”

Russell Means, a prolific Aboriginal rights activist, cites Marlon Brando having Sacheen Littlefeather deliver his Oscar acceptance speech as a turning point.

“We don’t believe we’re going to get out of [Wounded Knee] alive and the morale is down low and Marlon Brando and Sacheen Littlefeather totally uplifted our lives,” says Means.

In 1972, members of the American Indian Movement occupied Wounded Knee, South Dakota, to protest the tribal leader and had a standoff with the FBI and U.S. Federal Marshalls. Brando used his platform at the Oscars to give Littlefeather an audience to speak out about the incident as well as the treatment of Aboriginals in cinema, declining the award due to the latter.

“I always see stereotypes represented both in pop culture and in mass media,” says Charleyboy. “In films, we are often stereotyped as the 'noble savage' or the 'Indian princess.' Then the stereotypes moved onto the 'drunk' or the 'squaw' as represented both in the present day films, television, and in the news media.”

Charleyboy says it wasn’t until films like Smoke Signals and North edge as to how the history of this of 60 came out that the depictions country and colonization has led started to meaningfully shift. to the social and “I think it is political implicahighly importions that many tant for First The stereotypes First Nations Nations peoshown not people struggle ple to pursue with today,” says careers in all only fail to Charleyboy. aspects of film, The stereomedia, joureducate the types shown not nalism, so that general public only fail to eduwe can educate, cate the general inform, and with historical public with hisstart to shift accuracy and torical accuracy perspectives and the imporand stereothe importance tance of the First types that are of the First Nations peoples currently still to the social fabric in existence.”

Nations peoples of Canada – they Charleyboy are also damaging c it e s proto the social and confusing to grams like fabric of Canada First Nations peothe National ples themselves.

Screen – they are also Charleyboy Institute’s damaging and states that, for Aboriginal women, being programs for confusing to First portrayed only young f ilmNations peoples as the “Indian makers, and Princess” or the t he Ada m themselves.

“Squaw” leaves Beach Film little room to see Institute as other roles for promising prothemselves modeled in the media. grams for ensuring this happens.

The roles of mother, daughter, or “Our stories are very important doctor simply don’t exist. and through filmmaking we can “[Native women are missing] look at our oral traditions and stoall of these other shades that other rytelling in a new way.” races are able to view themselves as while growing up. This can shape

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

Arts & Culture

17

Experimental and unconventional One Night Stand investigates a new way to share contemporary art Kara Passey, staff

C

ollin Zipp is a multi-disciplin- native and experimental galleries. ary artist who works with video, There is freedom to try and see new photo, sculpture, painting, and instal- approaches to both making and lation. He received his BFA from the exhibiting art,” he adds.

University of Manitoba’s School of Zipp says he doesn’t want to limit Art in 2005 and his MFA from the himself to the local art scene either.

University of Lethbridge in 2011.

“I am looking into the opportunity In addition to producing work that explores notions of viewer experience and expectation, Zipp has an interest "If you want to in curating artwork and producing see the show, you shows in unconventional ways.

Before leaving Winnipeg for grad have to go that school, Zipp was involved in the opening and operation of an experi- night. Either you mental gallery space called Gallery do it or you don’t."

803. While that gallery’s location was unconventional—a showroom of a furniture store that ran shows for up to eight weeks—it is unlike to travel the gallery to different sites Zipp’s new project, One Night Stand, and organize one night shows there which is nomadic and exists for one as well. Where there’s an available night only. space, there is opportunity for an “One Night Stand exists as a exhibition.” nomadic contemporary art gallery.

One Night Stand’s most recent I want to approach the gallery in a exhibition was on the fifth floor of an very experimental way; organize and old warehouse in a rustic but freshlyprogram shows in different venues, painted gallery space. The show was with exhibitions running for one titled the Full Complement and shared night only,” says Zipp. “If you want diverse collection of contemporary to see the show, you have to go that paintings, sculptures, audio art, and night. Either you do it or you don’t.” performance from artists Ian August, “I’ve always been drawn to alter- Michael Benjamin Brown, Theo Sims,

Aston Coles (Single White Female), Ben Borley, and Peter Kralik. The evening was very relaxed and was not unlike old friends meeting and catching up on life.

“I’ve been working at [Plug In ICA] doing contract installation work with all the artists in the show.

There was no theme [ . . . ] so in a way I just programmed the artists, and not their work. I was curious in seeing how both their individual work and the artists themselves would come together to create an exhibition,” says Zipp.

August, who grew up in Winnipeg and received his BFA Honours Degree from the University of Manitoba’s School of Art, is known for his flawless oil paintings and collaborative work with Winnipeg’s Two-Six collective. His contribution to the Full Complement was an oil painting titled “Natura Morta”—Italian for “still life”—with an accompanying video by the same name.

The video was a static visual of a found art sculpture bust with an orange, sitting on top of a shipping palette and wrapped with shrink wrap.

It was played on a TV set which sat on a plinth near the painting, which was a well-rendered portrait of the

sculpture.

“The small spaces that I construct and use as source material for paintings are kind of like little architectural maquettes or miniature theatrical sets,” says August. “Lately I have been thinking of them more as the staged props for still life paintings. I have been into the paintings of Giorgio Morandi for a while so I guess the

title is a nod to him.”

Zipp is already planning his next exhibition, which will be a solo show of Sylvia Matas’ work, another graduate from the U of M. For updates and information on upcoming exhibitions and invites, make sure to follow One Night Stand on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/onenightstandartgallery.

photo by collin zipp

Phlegm Fatale A debut album of awesomely sloppy garage rock to be released on Nov. 30 Jenna Diubaldo, staff

jamming on ridiculous cover songs together when we hung out. After a while Karyn played me some of her original stuff and I kind of had a meltdown I was so excited! [They were] super catchy – I didn’t expect pop songs like that.

M: Where was your new album recorded and how did that influence the final product?

P

hlegm Fatale can best be due out on Nov. 30, but fans who described as a hot mess of dirty don’t want to wait that long can look guitar riffs, riot grrrl screaming, forward to the tracks being released and ridiculous stage antics that will on iTunes prior to the official CD leave you feeling fired-up and ready release. to party.

I chatted with Mercer through With Alana Mercer on guitar, the magic of the internet about their Karyn Broadfoot-Walters on bass, upcoming release and here’s what the and what sounds like a Casio key- rock and roll vixen had to say. board on drums, this duo has perfected the art of sloppy garage rock The Manitoban: and is now ready to release a full- How was Phlegm Fatale formed? length album.

Phlegm Fatale will be releasing a Alana Mercer: 10-song CD on Transistor 66 records We were friends that just started

"I feel like writing myself a letter back in time that says, ‘Just wait. You’ll have a dance-rock band.’"

AM: Kalyn Hanuschuk recorded us at Quagmire’s jam space, which is also her studio. Her presence had a fantastic effect on us. She was very positive and understood right away what we were doing and I think her attention to detail—especially when it came to recording all of Karyn’s weirdo sound effects randomly thrown into songs—brought out

the fun that we were having [while] recording it!

M: What can fans expect from this album?

AM: Well, we keep laughing to each other that it’s turned out to be the album we both wanted to make when we were about seven years old and obsessed with bands like Veruca Salt, Ace of Base, Technotronic, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts; basically everything that fell between (what we knew of) heavy metal and techno. I feel like writing myself a letter back in time that says, “Just wait. You’ll have a dance-rock band.”

songs. Also, the beauty of not having to move around a drum kit for every show is definitely a perk.

I love my old Pearl [drum kit] but holy hell some winter nights you just want to turn the kick drum into some sort of [a] transportation device where it magically whisks you and all your stupid hardware that’s freezing to your hands back home without any effort whatsoever. So no, pretty sure we’re sticking with the drum machine.

M: What can we look forward to at your album release (besides an awesome album)?

AM: A crazy party. We’ve been working on this album a while now and M: Given that you’re a two-piece, really can’t wait to put it out. It’s going have you ever considered adding a to be on iTunes before the actual show, drummer, or are you satisfied with but it’s so much more fun to have using samples to back your music? the actual thing. Also, Quagmire and Archagathus are playing which AM: I actually originally drummed means the night is starting off rowdy for this [band], and we had two men and really loud. We’re really tickled who played guitar while Karyn played pink to have these bands involved – bass and sang, but there was some- the members have been so supportive. thing missing, or maybe too much The least we could do is throw them was being added. When we stripped a big party. it down to just my guitar and a ridicu- Check out Phlegm Fatale’s CD release lous Salt-N-Pepa beat [ . . . ] we found party at the Cavern on Nov. 30. that so much more came out of the

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Arts & Culture

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 15 November 28, 2012

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ear Jodie, and desires is something that you Recently I get easily will need to do both alone and with aroused. I wanted to do something your partner. Deciding if you would different, other than masturbation, like to have one consistent partner, but I don’t have a girlfriend‌ Do or just random one-night stands is you think a friend with benefits is a good place to start. If you would a useful way to switch it up? like to have a consistent partner, Signed, anonymous how do you intend to do that? How Oh, yes – masturbation is a great often would you ideally like to be tool for self-pleasure and requires having sex with that person? Do no more than a hand and maybe a you want to hang out with them little lube. But, just like any great or just booty-call and have them sexual relationship, things can get over for a quick sexual encounter? stale after awhile.

There are a few ways you can spice up your solo routine, such as Deciding your using masturbator sleeves, which boundaries, needs, offer different textures, pressures, and new sensations. You can also and desires is masturbate to different porn or fansomething that tasies, or read some erotic literature.

If you’ve already tried these things you will need to or are just ready to try something else, a casual sexual partner could do both alone and be appropriate for you. It sounds like you know for sure you are look- with your partner. ing to have sex with someone else and aren’t looking for a girlfriend.

The first thing to consider is Is there anything specific you are your safety and the safety of any into as far as sexual acts, kinks, or would-be partner. Before you even fetishes that you are looking to think of making an arrangement explore? It’s important to sort out for continual casual sex, get yourself your sexual boundaries beforehand tested for a full STI panel. Unless - not just what you want to do, but you have been tested six months what is definitely a no-go. from your last sexual encounter, Deciding who will provide proyou need to get tested again. Keep tection and where you will have sex in mind that it is impossible to is also worth considering. A big test men for HPV – a virus whose issue is whether you will have other strains can cause cervical cancer in sexual partners or be monogamous. women and can cause warts and As many STIs are transferred cancer of the penis, anus, or throat through bodily fluids, deciding in men. Knowing your status will whether to kiss open-mouthed or help you make informed decisions ingest the other’s ejaculate (becomabout what kind of sex you are will- ing fluid-bonded) can be kind of a ing to have with someone and what big deal. kind(s) of protection you will need Kissing and cuddling can be to use. seen as very intimate acts; discussDeciding your boundaries, needs, ing this and deciding if you will

engage in them should happen as well. What will you do if one of you starts having emotional feelings towards the other? What will you do if one of you meets someone they are interested in dating? Hashing these things out beforehand will ensure that you can communicate with and trust your partner be prepared for issues that may arise and have a reasonable, agreed-upon way to deal with them. You might question whether you are over-thinking or over-discussing, but there really is no such thing.

In terms of staying physically safe, safer sex methods are not the only thing to worry about. If you intend to find a sex partner online—as many more people than you think do—then it is important to take as many precautions as possible to make sure you are not at risk of any other physical harm.

Meet a potential partner in a public place before getting down to the sexy stuff and make sure you feel safe and they are who they say they are. Let a trusted friend know where you are going, how long you expect to be, a physical description of the person, and what their name is. Get them to call you to check in when you think you will be finished getting it on. Be responsible and make sure you update them; there is nothing worse than having the cops bust in on your sexy-times.

Once you cover your bases, have fun with your new partner and make the most out of your mutually-beneficial relationship.

Check in often to ensure you are both comfortable with the way things are progressing – and don’t forget about masturbating!

You can confidentially submit a question or topic to jodie.m.w.layne@ gmail.com.

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

19

Diversions

carla risley

PHOTO —of the—

WEEK Fieldtrip to N.A.S.A.

By Juliana Kusyk

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No matter if you took it using your camera or your smart phone, send your “PHOTO OF THE WEEK” to PHOTO@ THEMANITOBAN.COM.

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

Sports

20

Bisons trample Cougars in men’s hockey Score 13 goals while only allowing two in pair of games Advertising – Media Management

Derek Gagnon, staff

Alternative Dispute Resolution Event Management Fashion Management & Promotions Financial Planning Global Business Management Human Resources Management International Development Marketing Management Public Administration

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H

eading into this weekend’s break that was denied by a sprawlgames, the Manitoba Bisons ing Deckert, who displayed why he and Regina Cougars found them- was named September/October 2012 selves tied in the Canada West Canada West men’s hockey Huskystandings with 6-4-2 records, good WHL Graduate of the Month.

On a scarier play, Regina forfor 14 points on the season. Both teams also had 32 goals for, but as ward Tyler Henry nearly impaled the Bisons had allowed four fewer himself on his stick when he ran out goals they owned the tiebreaker and of real estate behind the Bisons net. sat in fourth place, while Regina sat Luckily for him, the composite stick fifth. With stats like that it seemed broke and he only left the game for like this would be a pair of very a short time. close games and could easily go into The third period saw the Bisons overtime. That was not the case this grind line get in on the scoring act, as Dylan Kelly netted his second in weekend at Max Bell.

The Bisons came charging out of as many games with his linemates the gate on Friday night, taking the Jesse Paradis and Paul Ciarelli getlead just 71 seconds into the game as ting assists. The trio would give the James Henry tipped in a Brandon vaunted GST line of the Winnipeg Lockerby point shot that put the Jets a run for their money on this home team up early. Two and a half night, as Regina could get nothing minutes later, Luke Cain would net going when they were on the ice. his fourth of the year as he rushed The Regina power play was in and backhanded a shot passed dreadful, as the best chances during Regina netminder Lucas Gore. their three opportunities with the Before the opening period was out man advantage went to the shortthe Bisons would make it 3-0, as handed Bisons. Matthew Lowry fifth-year forward Tyler Dittmer would capitalize on one of these would be sent in on a breakaway chances in the third, as he picked and snap one in off the crossbar for up a pass from goalie Jesse Eckert his fifth goal of the year. and sprang in on a breakaway and The Bisons struck early in the scored a short-handed goal. All second period, as another Brandon that was left to see in this one was Lockerby point shot was tipped in, if Deckert would hold on for his first this time off a Regina player, earn- shutout of his Bisons career. A close ing Lockerby his first goal of the call occurred with two minutes left year. as Carter Selinger broke in alone, Manitoba goalie Jesse Deckert but Deckert denied him and helped was only forced to stop five shots in preserve the 6-0 final score. the period, but two of them were Game two on Saturday afterbeauties. Early in the period, a redi- noon got off to a rocky start for the rection caught him going to wrong Bisons, as the Regina power-play way, but he managed to extend his broke free from its slumber and got glove hand to make the save. Later the Cougars on the board just 1:05 in the period it was a two-on-one into the game as Carter Selinger

tucked one passed Deckert. Early on, it seemed as though the script might be reversed from the previous evening’s action.

The Cougars nearly scored a shorthanded goal a short time later as Deckert came out to play the puck, only to have it bounce off his own defender and just narrowly missed scoring on the vacated net.

The Bisons would tie up the score on a great play by Eric Mestery, who used all of his 6’5” frame to keep the puck in at the blue line and fed James Henry in the slot, who deked Regina goalie Andrew Hayes out of his jock and roofed it. The Bisons grabbed the lead before the period was out, as a bomb of a shot

by Darren Bestland was tipped in

by Brendan Rowinski.

The floodgates opened in the second period, as Manitoba put up four goals, three coming on the power play. Blair Macaulay, James Henry, Travis Bobbee, and Jeremy Schappert would all get tallies on the second period score sheet.

The third period saw the Bisons grab a 7-1 lead via Tyler Dittmer.

Regina got a late one from Mark Schneider, but it was far too little too late.

Jesse Deckert turned aside 41 of 43 shots on the weekend, improving his save percentage to 92.2 per cent on the year. James Henry had five points on the weekend to give him 10 on the year.

The Bisons play at home next weekend against Alberta, who are currently ranked first in the nation.

The Golden Bears won the previous meetings this season by scores of 4-2 and 7-2.

Sports

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 15 November 28, 2012

21

Legends of the Periphery: Introducing bad boy bowler Pete Weber Ryan Harby, staff

From time to time, even some of the greatest and most prolific heroes in all of sports fall through the cracks of obscurity and are lost to the world at large.

Legends of the Periphery celebrates the best of the best among the forgotten, the bizarre, the esoteric, and the obscure.

I

f Christopher Nolan’s Batman series has taught us anything it’s that heroes can at times be dark, conf licted, polarizing figures. They can be so driven and single-minded that it may even appear that they are themselves villains.

Such is the case with pro bowling’s Pete Weber.

Weber is a unique type of competitor; not unlike fellow L.O.P. inductee Billy Mitchell, his pursuit of perfection is matched only by his confidence and cocky, bad boy attitude. Get in Weber’s way and he’ll straight-up run you down. In a sport filled with a seemingly endless roster of run-of-the-mill average Joes, Pete Weber is anything but.

Born Aug. 21, 1962, in St. Ann, Missouri, Weber was the son of legendary bowler Dick Weber.

Introduced to the game of bowling at a young age, Weber was defeating adults as a teen before he broke into the Professional Bowlers Association as a 17-year-old.

In 1980, Weber won the PBA Rookie of the Year award, setting the stage to win a total of 10 PBA

titles within the next six years – the youngest player to achieve such a goal.

By the age of 26, Weber had claimed his first PBA national championship, making him a bona fide PBA triple crown winner, having won the U.S. Open, the Tournament of Champions and the PBA National

a single title. Adding to Weber’s woes what’s going to sell the PBA,” Weber was the fact that his classic in-your- told USA Today. face demeanor hadn’t exactly won Under the new ownership of the him many friends within the ranks PBA Weber flourished like never of the PBA; many thought his antics before. By this point in his career were unsportsmanlike and, at worse, Weber had begun wearing his now offensive to the players and fans. trademark sunglasses to every comThe new millennium brought with petition. According to Weber, the

Championship.

Pistol Pete’s rocket-like ascension to the top of the bowling world, however, didn’t come without its share of hardships. Despite a staggering amount of earnings and professional titles Weber would soon face his darkest days in the 1990s. By ’95 Weber had gone through his second of two divorces and was mired in a stretch that saw arguably the worst bowling of his career, going three consecutive seasons without winning

it a ray of hope for Weber, though, glasses were a means to block out as the PBA Tour was purchased by the glaring lights of the television a group a former Microsoft execu- crews but they only added to his tives who were very much eager to larger-than-life persona that now showcase the various personalities of included signature crotch chops (a the professional bowling world. And mimed gesture of the WWE “suck in the realm of bowling personalities, it” catchphrase) and a golf glove he Pete Weber was the unquestioned wore on his dominant bowling hand. king.

By his own admission, Weber is a “The new PBA has told me to be massive pro-wrestling fan, going so animated, and I was already animated far as to have his favourite wrestler to begin with. The new PBA likes Triple H’s ring entrance music play me, likes my antics. They think that’s following a strike or spare on televi-

Cougars pounce on Bisons in women’s hockey games Manitoba only grabs one point, falling to last place in Canada West

sion appearances.

By 2004, Weber had regained much of his professional stride (preceded by a major title win in 1998 and a Hall of Fame induction in the same year) when he won what would be the first of three PBA U.S. Open major titles in the next decade.

With the most recent of these U.S. Open titles, coming in 2012, Weber managed to fully transcend the world of bowling when his exuberance for the win caught the eye of many television viewers, then SportsCenter viewers, then YouTube viewers, now totaling well over 900,000 views for the uploaded video entitled, “PETE WEBER GOD DAMMIT I DID IT WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE” since February of this year.

In the now infamous video, which chronicles Weber’s record-breaking fifth U.S. Open title, the prolific bowler knocks down a game-clinching strike and then promptly losses his shit, screaming “That is right, I did it! Are you kidding me?! That’s right! Who do you think you are?! I am! Damn it, right!”

Thirty-six total titles and counting for one of the greatest bowlers of all time. As always, classic Weber.

illustration by Ryan harby

University Dental Plan Coverage Accepted Open Evenings and Weekends

Derek Gagnon, staff

W

hile the men’s hockey team was busy drubbing the Regina Cougars, their female counterparts had more than their hands full when they visited the Co-operators Centre in Regina for games on Nov. 23 and 24.

Friday night saw the Bisons grab the lead in both the first and second periods through goals from Nellie Minshull and Kyleigh Palmer. But Regina evened the score each time, eventually taking the lead in the third period. A goal by Kayleigh Wiens with 7:21 to play in the third

would tie things up 3-3, sending the game to overtime. The winner went to Regina, as Carleen Meszaros scored for the Cougars late in OT to give Regina a 4-3 win. Dée-Ana Marion turned aside 28 of 32 shots in the effort.

On Saturday night, the Bisons outshot Regina 26-19, but lost the battle on the scoreboard. It was 3-0 Cougars before the Bisons could respond with a pair of their own from Kayleigh Wiens and Sara Barnabe in the second period.

The Bisons kept it close until the

Cougars put the game to rest, as Paige Wheeler scored her second of the game into an empty net with 24 seconds left in the game to make it a 4-2 final score.

Leiette Klassen stopped 15 of 18 shots – including a penalty shot

by Stephanie Sawchuk in the first period.

The Bisons will next travel to Edmonton to take on the Alberta Pandas. Alberta sits in third in Canada West with 18 points, while the Bisons sit in last place, two points out of a playoff spot.

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We are located on the corner of Pembina and Bishop Grandin—close to the University.

22

Sports

VOL. 99 ½ NO. 15 November 28, 2012

Staying grounded The story of Houston Rockets rookie Royce White Adam Peleshaty, volunteer staff

W

hen the Houston Rockets picked Iowa State forward Royce White 16th overall in last June’s NBA Draft, it was widely considered to be a risky selection. White was an overall talent in college—the only player in the NCAA to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks—but it was his own mind that was considered to be his greatest weakness.

White has generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and a fear of flying. Diagnosed while in high school, White has chosen to be open and honest about his conditions and his success at the collegiate level has been an inspiration to those suffering from these disorders.

During training camp and pre-season, the Rockets agreed to let White travel by bus to most games in order to alleviate his anxieties. However, the relationship between the two sides has since evaporated without White having played a single regular-season game with Houston.

Earlier this month, White left

the Rockets claiming, in a statement, that the Rockets “have been inconsistent with their agreement to proactively create a healthy and successful relationship.”

His absence coincided with the team’s plans to send him to their NBA D-League affiliate, the Rio Grande Va l ley Vipers. Exacerbating the situation are White’s posts on Twitter saying that his mental health takes precedence over playing. He has also refuted claims by the Rockets that he had failed to attend sessions with the team’s therapist and that his absence was unexcused. The Rockets have fined him for every day of his absence, while White has told ESPN that he is considering leaving the NBA entirely.

White’s stance is an

admirable and understandable one. the investment into accommodating He has a right to defend his own White’s needs is worth the reward. well-being and if he feels that the White must also realize the harsh Rockets are not supporting him reality that the NBA, and the rest of properly—which is his claim—then professional sports, can only adjust he should not be forced into any so much to players like him. activity that endangers his health.

It is best for both sides to talk in The Rockets assumed White’s risk order to alleviate the miscommunicawhen they drafted and subsequently tion, but in the end, it is what White signed him to a contract. Rockets wants that matters. In his aforemenGM Daryl Morey has also said that tioned statement, he opened with, “In the team is committed to White in hindsight, perhaps it was not a good the long-term. idea to be open and honest about On the other hand, if the situation my anxiety disorder.” Perhaps he is to be resolved soon, then White will play for the Rockets this season. must also display some profession- Perhaps he will take a hiatus before alism on his part. Airing out returning to pro basketball. Perhaps grievances on Twitter he will leave altogether. But the best will certainly not help example he can be to those who have matters. It is okay to OCD or anxiety disorders is to show be open and honest, that he can live a healthy and happy but contract dis- life, with or without basketball. But putes, until they before he can help others, he must are ended, are help himself. sometimes better The truth is, halting his NBA kept behind closed career might, in the end, also set doors. The Rockets must him free. also examine whether or not illustration by allan lorde

Jump on the NBA bandwagon!

The Manitoban helps you find your new favourite team Marc Lagace, staff

T

he 2012-13 NBA season is underway!

If you’re a fan of the NBA, it’s a given that you already have a favourite team. But for NHL fans patiently waiting for the return of professional

follow – at least until hockey returns. 2. Brooklyn Nets Despite all that, they’re still the closWe would also like to cut down the Formerly known as the New Jersey est to Winnipeg, which means that number of fans who jump on the Nets, the team has revamped their you could realistically drive down to bandwagon of the league’s most suc- image and jersey with the move to the watch some games live in downtown cessful teams. So, without further borough of Brooklyn. This is the ideal Minneapolis. The Wolves currently ado, we offer our selections for trendy time to jump on the Nets bandwagon. find themselves reeling from a fiveNBA teams to bandwagon until the The Nets are sitting near the top of the game losing streak. Maybe, with NHL returns.

Atlantic Division, but there’s more to just a bit more support from out of this season than just wins and losses. town fans, they can turn this season 1. Los Angeles Clippers The team and the community will around!

The Clippers are a competitive, continue to deal with the aftermath of exciting team that has yet to win Hurricane Sandy that wrecked havoc 4. Seattle Supersonics a championship, or even a divi- on their home court and surrounding Yeah, I know what you’re probsion title, in the franchise’s 40-year communities. Much like the 2006 ably saying; the Supersonics no lonhistory. But all signs point to the New Orleans Saints, Nets fans should ger exist, leaving Seattle in 2008 and Clippers bucking that trend in the be in for good karma over the next relocating to Oklahoma to become near future. Defending slam-dunk couple years. Best of all, if you join the OKC Thunder. But the dream champion Blake Griffin, renowned the bandwagon now, no one could of NBA basketball is still alive in for his high-flying antics, is the face possibly accuse you of jumping on a Seattle; city officials have recently of the team. Despite Griffin get- “dream team” that’s sure to win mul- approved a new arena while a group ting off to a slower start this season, tiple championships (looking at you, of investors actively searches for a the Clippers’ supporting cast—that non-Floridian Miami Heat fans). team to purchase. Winnipeg sports already featured highly coveted talent fans certainly know the pain of losing Chris Paul—appears vastly improved. 3. Minnesota Timberwolves a beloved sports franchise – and the Lamar Odom returns to the team Historically, the Timberwolves overwhelming joy when a new team that drafted him after spending the have been awful. They haven’t made triumphantly returns to fill the void. majority of his career playing in the post-season since 2004, when they So while there is not yet a team to illustration by caroline NorMan the same city, but for the rival L.A. went all the way to the Conference follow on the court, this is an evolving Lakers. Meanwhile, Jamal Crawford Finals before losing to the team that sports story worth following that will hockey you might find yourself forced is off to the best start of his 12-year used to call Minnesota home: the hopefully have a happy ending for to talk about—or even watch—bas- career, coming off the bench and Los Angeles Lakers. The T-Wolves sports fans in the Washington state ketball on a regular basis. Heaven leading the team with an average of nosedived from there, hitting rock- region. Jump on the bandwagon now, forbid!

18.6 points per game. bottom in 2009-10 when they fin- so you can say “I told you so” later.

Here at the Manitoban, we want ished the season with a record of to help you find the right team to 15-67 – a win percentage of only .183!

Sports

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

23

FOLLOWING THE HERD MEN’S

W-WIN

L-LOSS

OTL-OVERTIME LOSSES

x = CLINCHED PLAYOFF SPOT

HOCKEY

W-L-OTL

ALBERTA SASKATCHEWAN MANITOBA UBC CALGARY REGINA MOUNT ROYAL LETHBRIDGE

13-3-0 11-3-0 8-4-2 8-5-1 7-7-0 6-6-2 4-12-0 1-11-2

NOV. 30 7:00 PM VS ALBERTA MAX BELL ARENA

GONE STREAKING! THE BISONS WILL TRY AND END ALBERTA’S IMPRESSIVE TEN GAME WINNING STREAK.

DEC. 1 7:00PM VS ALBERTA MAX BELL ARENA

VOLLEYBALL ALBERTA BRANDON TWU MANITOBA UBC SASKATCHEWAN WINNIPEG

HOCKEY

W-L-OTL

CALGARY REGINA ALBERTA UBC MOUNT ROYAL LETHBRIDGE SASKATCHEWAN MANITOBA

11-2-1 10-4-0 9-5-0 7-4-3 6-6-2 5-6-3 4-6-4 4-7-3

OTL-OVERTIME LOSSES

W-WIN

L-LOSS

T-TIE

x = CLINCHED PLAYOFF SPOT

TWO POINTS THE NUMBER OF POINTS T H AT SEPARATE THE LASTPLACE BISONS FROM THE FINAL PLAYOFF SPOT.

NOV. 30 8:00PM

@ ALBERTA

DEC. 1 7:00PM

@ ALBERTA

VOLLEYBALL 10-0 8-2 8-2 7-2 6-4 5-5 4-5

MOUNT ROYAL TRU CALGARY REGINA UBC OKANAGAN

4-6 4-6 2-8 1-9 0-10

NOV. 30 8:00 PM VS UBC

INVESTORS GROUP AC DEC. 1 8:00 PM VS UBC

INVESTORS GROUP AC

BASKETBALL PRAIRIE ALBERTA MANITOBA SASKATCHEWAN WINNIPEG LETHBRIDGE CALGARY BRANDON REGINA

WOMEN’S

TWU UBC ALBERTA MOUNT ROYAL MANITOBA UBC OKANAGAN BRANDON

9-1 9-1 8-2 8-2 6-3 6-4 5-5

CALGARY WINNIPEG REGINA SASKATCHEWAN TRU

4-6 2-7 1-9 1-9 0-10

NOV. 30 6:00 PM VS UBC

INVESTORS GROUP AC DEC. 1 6:00 PM VS UBC

INVESTORS GROUP AC

BASKETBALL 7-1 5-3 5-3 5-3 5-3 4-4 2-6 2-6

PACIFIC UBC VICTORIA UFV UNBC TRU MOUNT ROYAL TWU UBC OKANAGAN

5-1 5-1 4-2 3-3 2-4 2-4 2-4 1-5

DEC. 1 3:00 PM VS UBC OKANAGAN INVESTORS GROUP AC DEC. 2 3:00 PM VS TRU INVESTORS GROUP AC

PRAIRIE CALGARY REGINA ALBERTA LETHBRIDGE SASKATCHEWAN WINNIPEG MANITOBA BRANDON

8-0 7-1 4-4 4-4 3-5 3-5 2-6 0-8

PACIFIC UFV VICTORIA TRU UBC UNBC UBC OKANAGAN MOUNT ROYAL TWU

8-0 6-2 5-3 5-3 3-5 3-5 2-6 1-7

DEC. 1 1:00 PM VS UBC OKANAGAN INVESTORS GROUP AC DEC. 2 1:00 PM VS TRU INVESTORS GROUP AC

Bison athlete profile Bison volleyball co-captain Rachel Cockrell Marc Lagace, staff

R

achel Cockrell’s success on now. the volleyball court this season is a testament to her work ethic and M: perseverance. In her rookie season, Is this where you expected the team Cockrell was named to the CIS to be now, at 6-3 after nine games?

All-Rookie team. Unfortunately, a lingering injury forced her to miss RC: the entirety of the 2011-12 season, but I thought we’d be a bit higher, but you Cockrell did all she could to get back have your ups and downs. We have into game form. a big weekend coming up against Heading into the 2012-13 season— UBC. officially her second year of CIS eligibility—Cockrell was named one of M: three team captains. Nine games in, With the fall portion of the schedule she’s leading the Bison attack with wrapping up, how do you think this 130 kills and pitching in on defence team will do down the stretch? Is the with 17 blocks. The Manitoban caught winter break a good or bad thing in up with Rachel after the Bisons’ win terms of keeping momentum? over Thomson Rivers University on Friday night.

RC: Oh, it’s definitely a good thing. I have The Manitoban: full confidence in this team that we How has the season been so far for are going to go all the way and hopeyou? fully win this.

RC: Yes, it’s so nice. We’ve played together for so many years it’s nice to have her back here for sure.

Rachel Cockrell: Awesome, it’s really great. We’ve got a good group of girls and it’s a fantastic atmosphere. I couldn’t ask for any better. We had a rough weekend last weekend [against UBC Okanagan], but we’re hoping for a turnaround

RC: I want to be an occupational therapist, so I’m majoring in Psychology [and] minoring in Biology.

RC: TV for sure!

M: Switching over to questions to get

M: Why would you recommend Nashville

M: You also enjoy playing competitive beach volleyball with (first-year Bison) teammate Taylor Pischke. Is it nice to have her on the team?

M: You mentioned the team chemistry earlier. As a captain, what is your role? Do you try and keep people motivated?

RC: Yeah, you definitely have to make sure everyone is staying focused.

We all have one goal—to win the CIS National Championships—and every day when we practice we have to remember that’s our goal. Play every ball like it’s our last. That’s the biggest thing.

M: You’re enrolled in the Faculty of Arts. What’s your academic focus?

to know Rachel Cockrell the person, what’s your favourite band, or genre of music?

RC: I like lots of techno, but I also like country and basic pop. I’ll give you one of each. For techno right now, it’d be Tiesto; country, Luke Bryan; and pop would be… Rihanna.

M: Any recent movies that you would recommend to readers?

RC: Hmm, recent movies (Someone down the hall yells “Twilight!”) [laughs] I haven’t seen Twilight! I haven’t gone to see a movie in forever. I’m more into TV shows. Nashville, Vampire Diaries…

M: So, given the option between TV and Movies…

or Vampire Diaries?

RC: Because Nashville is all about country singers! [laughs] And Vampire Diaries, why not? They’re vampires!

M: What’s your favourite pre-game meal?

RC: Booster Juice. I always have a Booster Juice and a Booster Bake before every game.

M: Your choice: Coke or Pepsi.

RC: Pepsi, although I don’t drink pop ever!

M: Finally, if you could be an animal, which animal do you think best represents you?

RC: Kangaroo. People always say I’m like a kangaroo because I can jump!

Beauty

The Beast

We all need to manage the waste we create. If you’re like 90% of Manitobans, you already recycle. But one third of us admit we still throw into the trash some items that could be re-used or recycled into useful materials. Let’s manage to do better!

More than half of all household garbage can be recycled.

Are you recycling all you can?

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT SimplyRecycle.ca MMSM Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba

MMSM

Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba Industry funding recycling

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