23 October 2013

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

Academic freedom

pages 5, 7 & 9

n e ws

co m m e n t

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

a rts & c u lt u r e

No strike

Butt out

Rewilding

Pledge-O-Rama! Have you herd?

UMFM 101.5 needs your support

Cougars sent back to Calgary with tails between legs

page 5

page 10

page 21

pages 11-13

page 22

UMFA and admin reach agreement at 11th hour

Should U of M ban tobacco sales on campus?

The Once and Future World author speaks at U of M

Vo l 1 0 0 · N o 1 0 · o c to b e r 2 3 , 2 0 1 3 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

s p o rts

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Index

VOL. 100 NO. 10 October 23, 2013

News

3

Left out in the cold

5

U of M faculty narrowly avoids strike

Comment

cover image

Arts & Culture

| pa g e s 3 – 7

| pgs 14–18

15

Mentoring Artists for Women's Art

18

Reel Pride

Diversions

| pa g e 1 9

| pa g e s 8 – 1 0

Science & Tech

by Bradly Wohlgemuth

| pgs 20–21

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

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.

8

Assisted suicide, option should be available to patients

9

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

Student's opinion on potential U of M strike

10

End tobacco sales on campus

20

Controversial stem cell therapy refused clinical trials in Italy

21

The theory of combustion and the development of modern chemistry

21

Writer J. B. MacKinnon speaks about new book at U of M

UMFM pledge-o-rama | pGS 11–13

Sports

| pa g e s 2 2 – 2 4

22

Bison women sweep home opening weekend at Wayne Fleming Arena

24

How to train for a marathon

Toban Talkback

Q:

Stephanie Tokurah

Nra Batta

Lucy Salazar

Nathan Grammatico

"No I wouldn't, because I don't like trouble.

I don't want to get into trouble."

"Yes. I still have to finish and do my schoolwork. So whether we're delayed until late December for it, then I will do it."

"Definitely. Going to class and learning is more important to me than their dispute. As long as they're teaching, I'm gonna learn"

If there was a strike tomorrow, would you plan on crossing the picket lines? Why or why not?

Katy MacKinnon, staff

"It depends on where I'm having classes tomorrow. If there are classes, I will definitely attend."

Senior News Editor: Quinn Richert News Editor: Katy Mackinnon Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

3

News

Conservatives seek fresh start with Speech from the Throne New session of parliament likely to be dominated by old issues Kevin Linklater, staff

O photo by Dmitry G

Left out in the cold Winnipeg’s homeless population will face challenges as temperatures drop Caleigh MacDonald, staff

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hat does the thought of the that many conditions that have been changing seasons bring to linked to inducing weather-related mind? When hearing of winter, do injuries—such as hypothermia— you in your mind’s eye see visions of are significantly more prevalent in snowmen and scarves, hot choco- members of the homeless population late, or trees beautifully adorned with than in that of the general Canadian hoarfrost? puplic.

If so, you likely have a home.

Furthermore, the presence of As the temperature outside begins alcohol in one’s body poses a serious to drop, the cold is at the forefront of threat to a person exposed to cold many homeless people’s minds, as temperatures. This raises concerns well as those of the people attempting for the homeless, as 78 per cent of to aid them, as they the WSHR surprepare for another It’s estimated vey’s respondents admitted to having year of trying to that more at least one drink in survive the harsh the last year. conditions. than 20,000 With shelters Recreational and services buck- Winnipeggers drug use—which is also linked to ling down for the live some form higher instance impending spike in rates of weatherpeople seeking help, of homeless workers are in the lifestyle. The related injuries—is statistically high midst of preparing in the homefor another long odds of Daniels’ less population, winter, often with 73-bed facility with marijuana, inadequate tools.

Tylenol 3, crack, “We’re maxed out, being able to cocaine, sedatives, to the point where and opiates having people are literally accommodate in the halls to keep everyone seeking regular usage rates of 41.3 20.7, 20.3, out of the weather,” 18.3, 15, and 10.3 per said Keesha Daniels, help are slim cent respectively manager of the Main Street Project, in an interview amongst those surveyed in the with the Winnipeg Free Press this past WSHR. Winnipeg’s winter temperature, January.

“That’s wall-to-wall [sleeping] which ranges between 0 Celsius to mats and everything. It’s never -24 C during the coldest months of the year, is cold enough to freeze to enough.”

It’s also not a situation that’s likely death in. This is a risk posed during to improve much. It’s estimated that the day and night for those living on more than 20,000 Winnipeggers the streets, due to the fact that most live some form of homeless lifestyle. Winnipeg shelters are only open for The odds of Daniels’ 75-bed facility limited hours in the evening.

Brian Sinclair, now the subject of being able to accommodate everyone seeking refuge from the elements are a provincial inquest due to his 2008 death in a Winnipeg emergency slim.

Aside from the fact that the waiting room, lost both of his legs homeless tend to spend more of to frostbite in 2007 following protheir time outside and exposed to the longed exposure outside a Winnipeg cold, research compiled by Suzanne church. In 2010, a 31-year-old woman Gessler, Christina Maes, and Ian died of exposure in a Winnipeg bus Skelton for the 2011 Winnipeg Street shelter after temperatures dropped Health Report (WSHR) indicated as low as -20 C.

n Wednesday, Oct. 16, the Conservatives kicked off a new session of parliament with the Speech from the Throne. The speech came after an extra-long summer break, when the Conservatives delayed the return to the House of Commons by prorogation. Prior to the prorogation, the party attracted media attention for scandals that came to dominate the previous session of parliament.

The strategy in the speech includes a focus on a number of pocketbook issues aimed at appealing to middleclass voters, including promising lower roaming costs and allowing consumers to choose individual television channels instead of having to order blocks of channels.

University of Manitoba assistant professor Fiona MacDonald has a research interest in Canadian politics. MacDonald thinks that the Conservatives’ strategy just might work.

“I would say it’s a smart strategy; it’s a way to get some of the voters who have been isolated from the party back on board. Even though we might be talking about a huge amount of money, these pocketbook issues tend to have a very tangible effect on voters. When it comes to distracting from the current issues, it’s not a bad way to go.”

In the last federal election the Conservatives did very well in middle-class suburban ridings, especially

in southern Ontario. According to Royce Koop, assistant professor in political studies at the U of M, it is these voters that the Conservatives are trying to woo with their current focus issues.

“In terms of politics it’s a good strategy, and it’s in keeping with their previous tactics. They are popular amongst middle-class voters, and I think they sense that they’ve found their winning strategy, not in terms of reaching out to expand, but in solidifying their existing support.”

The speech was one of the longest in recent Canadian history, and contained references to an array of issues that the government hopes to address in the coming session of parliament, including new legislation to address cyberbullying, railroad safety, allowing the legal transportation of alcohol across provincial boundaries, and even a renewed effort to find the lost expedition of 19th century explorer Sir John Franklin.

However, Dr. Koop thinks that the speech failed to move the focus past the scandals of the previous session.

“If you wanted to change the channel you’d think you’d do something original, or unorthodox, that would capture some attention. The issues outlined in the speech probably won’t find much traction with voters. But this is [the Conservatives’] pattern; they’ve stuck to the strategy they

know. If the goal was to turn the page, it did not work. I don’t think it was a screw-up on the party’s part; it was a conscious decision to stick with the things that work for them, but it certainly didn’t work in terms of moving the government past the Senate scandal.”

The Senate expense scandal had embroiled the Conservative party in the previous session of parliament, when it was discovered that Prime Minister Harper’s top aide Nigel Wright had given a cheque for $90,000 to Senator Mike Duffy to pay for inappropriate expense claims.

The issue of Senate reform, which had been championed by the Conservatives, was largely ignored in the throne speech.

“It’s a lot easier to champion reform when you’re not in power. The longer they’ve been in power, the less they’ve focused on the issue. It’s like electoral reform: it’s great to campaign on when in opposition, but when you’re in power, you’re going to be less inclined to change things; it means the system is working for you,” said MacDonald.

The RCMP are currently carrying out an investigation of three Conservative appointed-senators: Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin, and Patrick Brazeau. The senators are facing possible suspension.

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News

Senior News Editor: Quinn Richert News Editor: Katy Mackinnon Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

UN special rapporteur highlights First Nations issues in eight-day Canadian tour James Anaya stops in Winnipeg amid demonstrations Kevin Linklater, staff

F

irst Nations issues have been thrust back into the spotlight with the UN special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya’s, recent visit to Canada.

The special rapporteur visited Canada to bring attention to the country’s record on the treatment of its Aboriginal population. Anaya toured Manitoba, stopping in Winnipeg on Oct. 12 before visiting Pukatawagan, a reserve in the northern part of the

ing an inquiry. isn’t focusing on; they are focused on Another demonstrator who did very short-term goals, and are not looknot want to be named suggested that ing at the long term,” said Wilson. this issue goes beyond missing and Protesters again converged at the murdered women, and speaks to the intersection of Portage and Main, and broader history between Canada and marched west down Portage Avenue to First Nations people. an RCMP detachment at Dominion “He knows it’s a systemic problem. Street, blocking off a lane of traffic to He’s not willing to address the question. draw attention to what was happening Not just Harper himself. It’s the whole in New Brunswick. government, all of Canadian society,” “With this resource extraction, and said the demonstrator. exploiting traditional lands, it doesn’t “Canada doesn’t want to address this, just affect First Nations,” said Wilson. as it goes to the root of what Canada “It affects all Canadians. These comis. Canada was founded on a genocide, panies need to consult with the people and it is continuing and is still being who live on the lands. And they haven’t ignored by this country.” been sharing the benefits of the extracOther issues are being raised by the tion. The people that live there should special rapporteur, such as the need be benefiting, but they’re not.” for the government to properly consult The position of UN special rapporwith First Nations when it comes to teur on the rights of indigenous peoples resource extraction. This issue grabbed was established in 2001 with the goal national attention last week when pro- of gathering and receiving information testers in New Brunswick demonstrat- from governments, indigenous people, Photo by Kevin Linklater ing against a shale gas development and their communities “on alleged vioclashed with police, resulting in over lations of their human rights and funprovince. In Winnipeg, he was greeted this spot of Portage and Main [ . . . ] 40 arrests and several police vehicles damental freedoms” and to “formulate by hundreds at Portage and Main, who We also want to show that we will not being torched. recommendations and proposals on performed a traditional jingle dress forget our missing and murdered sisters; University of Manitoba Aboriginal appropriate measures and activities to dance. we will no longer stand for this institu- Students Association (UMASA) co- prevent and remedy violations.”

Michael Champagne took part in tional injustice.” president Kyra Wilson helped organize The special rapporteur wrapped up the demonstration and waved an upside Champagne was referring to the a protest in Winnipeg in support of the his eight-day tour of Canada on Oct. 15 down Canadian flag with the head of nearly 600 missing and murdered New Brunswick activists. with a press conference in Ottawa. an Aboriginal man superimposed over Aboriginal women across the country, “When it comes to contaminating “From all I have learned, I can only the maple leaf. an issue that the special rapporteur lands, it goes above and beyond profits. conclude that Canada faces a crisis “We want to make sure [the special has said needs to be addressed by the It’s about sustaining an environment when it comes to the situation of indigrapporteur] knows what a united com- Canadian government. The Harper where future generations can live. It’s enous peoples of the country,” he said. munity we are. That’s why we chose government, however, has resisted call- something today that the government

John Greyson and Tarek Loubani: home at last Media criticizes the two men’s political ties and motivations Caleigh MacDonald, staff

A

fter seven weeks in an Egyptian . . ] We owe you our freedom.”

The Globe and Mail suggested prison, Tarek Loubani and John Loubani and Greyson were that the men were portrayed “as Greyson have returned home to reportedly attempting to bring innocents abroad, humanitarian Canada to find themselves once again medical equipment to a hospital do-gooders who were caught in the under fire. Reporters have accused in Gaza when they were arrested wrong place at the wrong time.” The the men of having political motiva- for taking part in an illegal protest. report claimed the men “are hardtions for their imprisonment.

Loubani had responded to cries of core anti-Israel activists who’ve been The pair were arrested and “doctor” from wounded protesters, mixed up in Middle East politics imprisoned without being charged and Greyson attempted to film some for years,” and suggested that “they in Cairo on Aug. 16 following their of the violence. should have known what they were involvement in a protest. Loubani Over 600 individuals were getting into.” and Greyson were released from arrested during the protests on Aug. According to the Globe and Mail, prison on Oct. 5 and left Egypt for 16, including Loubani and Greyson. Greyson’s leadership of Queers Canada on Oct. 11.

The two were held in Tora Prison Against Israeli Apartheid and past Upon arriving, the men extended just outside of Cairo. They claim history of anti-Israel demonstrathanks to all those who helped to that whilst there they were housed tions is evidence of his knowledge facilitate their safe return. in extremely unpleasant conditions of potential risks he faced travel“We’re home because of the work with dozens of other men, to have ling to Egypt. The report also of many thousands of people from had no access to a phone, and to have cited Loubani’s arrest in Israel 10 all walks of life, from all stripes of been beaten. years ago and subsequent impristhe political spectrum from Canada, Now back in Canada, the men onment as proof of his history of from Egypt, and from around the are facing a new assault – this “grandstanding.” world,” said Loubani in a statement. time headed by the domestic Sun News questioned the equip“They were outraged at our arbitrary media. Reporters have criticized ment the men had brought along, arrest and spoke out for our release. Loubani and Greyson’s personal asking whether remote control heliOur deepest gratitude goes out to all politics as being influential in their copters and GoPro cameras were of them. Your hard work mattered [ . imprisonment. necessary for the trip, and what

their true motives were for being in Egypt.

Greyson responded to critics, saying, “The overthrow of an elected government by a military is wrong.

Killing civilians is wrong no matter who [is responsible]. But believing in democracy, justice and fairness and the rule of law certainly does not make us members of the Muslim Brotherhood as some suggested. We are part of, instead, of civil society.”

In response to the accusations, Loubani admitted their mistake in judgment.

“We thought our work on Aug. 16, mine as a doctor and John’s as a filmmaker, tending to the wounded and documenting their plights, we thought that that would mean that we wouldn’t be blameworthy in the eyes of the Egyptian authorities. We thought that working in a field hospital would give us a pass on what was to come. We were wrong.”

Canadian Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular)

Lynne Yelich welcomed the men home. Yelich further thanked the government of Egypt “for its considerable assistance in [the] matter and for providing regular consular access.” Prior to the Canadians’ return, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, John Baird, told Egypt that the imprisonment of Greyson and Loubani was “a significant threat to relations between the two countries.”

Once they were home and free for the first time in seven weeks, Loubani and Greyson eagerly looked forward to reconnecting with their families. They emphasized that their thoughts remain with the other individuals who were also arrested in Cairo on Aug. 16 and remain imprisoned.

“We make the same demand for them on day 54 of their detention that you made for us: charge them or free them so they can have their day of hugs, tears and laughs soon, too.”

VOL. 100 NO. 10 October 23, 2013

News

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U of M re-envisioning food systems on campus Project focuses on local, sustainable food Katy MacKinnon, staff

illustration by PHILLIP FISCH

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he Campus Food Systems Project national co-ordinators of the Campus wants to change the approach to Food Systems Project, spoke to the food consumption and food services Manitoban about the history and goals on campus. The U of M was selected of the venture. in 2012 along with eight other pilot uni“We saw that universities are these versities for the project, which is aimed amazing hubs of research, innovation, at enhancing the student food move- and ability to really create a strong culment across Canada and increasing the ture and appreciation for food and local amount of local and sustainable food sustainable food,” said Archibald. on campuses.

Although Archibald and Colson saw Sarah Archibald and Caitlin Colson, that some campuses across Canada were

individually making headway into the local and sustainable food movement, they noticed that there was no collective movement that included students, chefs, and other individuals working in the food system.

The project places high value on student engagement. Throughout last week, posters in the Fireplace Lounge in University Centre provided a place for students to share their thoughts about where they consume food on campus and where their food comes from.

Julie Rempel and Allison Birch are the Campus Food System Project co-ordinators for the U of M campus.

Rempel understands the environmental and social challenges involved in a traditional food system.

“Understanding how that impacts everyone down the chain is really important, and so having that opportunity to educate students and really engage students in that process is valuable,” she said.

Although the project involves changing food services on campus, Rempel noted that food preparation areas and storage areas would also be taken into consideration. Many students only have access to microwaves, with no place to store their food.

Consideration of special diets is also

a key component of the project. The U of cost associated with the change. Colson M campus does not boast a large variety noted that on campuses already placing of options for vegetarians, vegans, and an emphasis on local eating, the cost those with celiac disease. has not risen.

Birch hopes that the project “will “When you buy in season and you also open up the dialogue to see how have relationships with those producmany students are vegan, vegetarian, ers, there hasn’t been a correlated cost need halal food options, [and] reduce increase,” she said. “They’ve actually food waste on campus.” seen their business on campus grow as Both Rempel and Birch noted that a result of their food systems and what the food associated with vegetarian and they’re offering.” vegan diets should not be restricted to Colson felt that although the cost of those who consider themselves vegetar- food is “one of the biggest perceived barian or vegan. Rather, those foods should riers to buying local,” raising the prices be celebrated. of local food does not make business Rempel indicated that the project sense to the chefs. Transparency and wants to “[celebrate] that eating veg- knowledge of where the food on your etables and having a vegetarian and plate is coming from are strong themes vegan diet doesn’t mean you’re some in the project. She stressed that local tree-loving hippie [ . . . ] it’s available and sustainable food is important to for everyone.” support jobs in the local economy.

“It’s tasty, and it’s delicious,” she Since campuses across Canada have smiled. “[We’re] really trying to different agricultural outputs dependchange the way we view very specific ing on the area, the project does not categories.” propose one single definition of local Additional aspects of the U of M food. Rather, communities and farmers campus food system being examined are encouraged to discover what is best include growing food, producing food, for the economy in their area. and waste reduction. The project is Individuals wishing to get hoping to involve UMSU’s Student involved in the Campus Food Community Garden .

Systems Project at the U of M can A question often posed in the debate email Julie Rempel and Allison Birch about the benefits of eating local is the at umanitoba@studentfood.ca.

U of M and faculty narrowly avoid strike A summary of the last week Quinn Richert, staff

T

he potential faculty strike loomed over the University of Manitoba last week, and both sides were hesitant to share negotiation details.

After the University of Manitoba Faculty Association voted 68 per cent in favour of taking strike action, a 12 a.m. strike deadline was set for Tuesday, Oct. 22.

The administration voiced their disappointment with an all-students email distributed via the U of M’s webmail system.

“While we are disappointed that a strike date was set one day prior to the start of the conciliation process, we remain committed to seeking a settlement with UMFA through conciliation that will not disrupt your learning and success,” read the notice sent on behalf of Susan Gottheil, vice-provost to students.

One day following this, U of M president David Barnard followed up with his own statement on UMFA negotiation. That message was sent to all students as well as all university staff.

Barnard denied that the university sought to implement a “performance management system for UMFA members,” and added that the university has not introduced “restrictions on research.”

UMFA responded to Barnard in a public statement, indicating that performance management systems

have already appeared in some faculties. Furthermore, according to UMFA, those systems are set to expand.

“Performance management systems have been proposed in the faculty of nursing and are under discussion in the faculty of arts.

They are also in place in the faculty of medicine for non-UMFA academics, with the explicit intention to include UMFA members by January 2015,” said UMFA. UMFA president Sharon Alward tion as an alternative to strike action, had also recently published an open but that UMFA had declined. letter to U of M students, argu“At this point the suggestion the ing that the administration is, in university had made about arbitraeffect, refusing to protect academic tion being a next step wasn’t accepted freedom. and the province appointed a media“UMFA members want to have tor,” said Danakas. the collective agreement clearly state Members of the U MFA that we have the right to criticize Collective Agreement Committee the university administration, and declined to speak in detail with the that we have the right to contrib- Manitoban, citing the provincial ute to social change through the mediator’s request for silence from free expression of opinion [ . . . ] both parties, but a notice was posted without fear of reprisal or repres- on their website explaining their sion by the university administration. decision to reject arbitration.

The administration refuses to put “Arbitrators act as judges. They these changes into the Collective have the authority to decide Agreement,” said Alward. what will go into the Collective While explicit details of the Agreement, including their own administration-UMFA talks remain language,” explained UMFA. unavailable, John Danakas, director “Faculty Associations have been of marketing communications for opposed to referring matters of the U of M, told the Manitoban that governance to binding arbitration. the administration proposed arbitra- Matters such as academic freedom,

photo by beibei lu

promotion and tenure procedures, and privacy are best dealt with by the two parties across the bargaining table.”

Meanwhile, the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) received questions from students concerned how a strike could impact their academic term. UMSU set up an email address specifically to correspond with students on collective bargaining-related concerns.

“Students are mainly worried about what will happen to their classes and how a strike will affect the rest of their semester. Students are also unsure about if their class will hold or not. There is so much information being spread and students just want to know what is going on,” said Susanna Ally, vicepresident advocacy at UMSU. Ally said that she has been in contact with the U of M’s student affairs

department, but not UMFA. She added that it has been difficult for the students’ union to answer specific questions, such as to how a strike might impact professorstudent webmail communications and coursework.

“As things progress we will know more about how certain scenarios will be handled. We will continue to communicate with the university to ensure students’ rights are protected.”

The university administration and UMFA moved into the mediation process after conciliation talks broke down on Friday, Oct. 18.

Late Monday night, the U of M announced via their website that an agreement had been reached between the two parties,and no classes would be cancelled.

VOL. 100 NO. 10 October 23, 2013

UMFA president’s open letter to students at the University of Manitoba Sharon Alward

T

he University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) has been negotiating with the administration since mid-June.

The issues that remain on the table are the ones that will determine the culture and the mission of this university far into the future.

A lthough Universit y of Manitoba academics, at virtually all ranks, are at the bottom of any list of average salaries for comparable universities in Canada, money is not the big issue. We believe that salaries could be negotiated. Despite what the administration has said publically, it knows that money is not the key factor preventing an agreement.

However, we are at a serious impasse on several matters: academic freedom; privacy of email and other correspondence; whether the administration can use evaluative measures to restrict the kind of research that will be valued here; and whether collegial governance principles will be respected when setting promotion and tenure criteria and weightings.

There has been a steady erosion of collegial governance over the last few years and a decreasing respect for the opinions, views, and beliefs of the academic community here at the University of Manitoba. We are fighting that trend.

Academic freedom is one of the pillars of a good university.

UMFA members want to have the Collective Agreement clearly state that we have the right to criticize the university administration, and that we have the right to contribute to social change through the free expression of opinion on all matters of public interest without fear of reprisal or repression by the university administration.

The administration refuses to put these changes into the Collective Agreement.

The administration has said that it is not attempting to reduce rights under the UMFA Collective Agreement. But the truth is that this administration is taking new initiatives outside the collective bargaining process that undermine academic freedom. It has proposed what it calls “performance management systems” that would control what research a professor could do, where that research could be published, and how it could be funded. Researchers would have to meet targets set by administrators, instead of having the academic freedom to choose research projects according to their best

professional judgment.

These restrictions on research essentially undermine the idea of the university. A good university has scholars who are immersed in, and passionate about, their subject areas. They strive to expand their fields, not to narrow them into easily “manageable” categories.

Protecting academic freedom is essential to maintaining a high quality of education for students.

The administration is also amalgamating and discontinuing faculties in ways that undermine fundamental principles of collegial governance. While the administration asks for the opinions of academics and students, it is clear that it does not take these views into consideration and is not going to change the direction that it has set. We can’t bargain for students, but we must bargain for our members’ rights to have a real influence on the administration’s decisions and for our rights to be respected when these changes do go forward.

The administration is using its vast public relations resources, including its student listserv, to send you, the students, its perspective on the current state of negotiations. We will do our best to provide you with information from our perspective. We are proposing a mediation process to the university in the hopes of reaching an agreement at the table.

We hope that we can reach a settlement and avoid a strike. But if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, a strike will begin on the morning of Tuesday, October 22.

If there is a strike, we hope you will support and respect UMFA’s picket lines. The Manitoba Human Rights Code covers the University of Manitoba and prevents discrimination against students on political grounds.

Therefore, students who refuse to cross picket lines must be accommodated and cannot be subject to academic penalty or disadvantage.

If there is a strike, picket lines will be up from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all Fort Garry campus entrances, with one on the Bannatyne campus as well.

Please check our website www. umfa.ca for updated information on the state of negotiations and on issues related to these negotiations.

Sharon Alward is president of the University of Manitoba Faculty Association

News

7

u ms u council briefs

By Quinn Richert, staff Finance report: Frosh Festival failed to break even Justin Paquin of Paquin entertainment reported to UMSU council on Monday, Oct. 21 that the Frosh Music Festival generated a net loss of $150,404.

Paquin entertainment was contracted by the UMSU executive to organize the Frosh Festival. Justin Paquin served as production manager for the event.

According to Paquin, the unanticipated loss was a result of headliner Childish Gambino’s last-minute cancellation for the Friday showtime. Lower-thanexpected alcohol revenues further compounded losses after the festival switched to a two-day format

to accommodate the rapper. ing this process where there could Following Paquin’s presenta- have been consultation, and there tion, UMSU vice-president inter- could have been outside infornal Amanda McMullin shared mation brought toward council the union’s 2013 to-date finance concerning appropriate means of report, where she outlined the going forward, and regarding how union’s attempts to counter the we’re spending our money,” said Stairs to council during a quesFrosh deficit.

McMullin explained that tion period.

UMSU has saved $10,500 in personnel costs, as well as $140,000 CFS review committee to on the union’s new Health and commence meetings Dental Plan, which, accordUMSU’s council’s ad hoc CFS ing to McMullin, works out to $10 in savings per University of review committee, which was struck earlier this year, will hold Manitoba student.

Councilor Steven Stairs nev- its first meeting later this week. ertheless expressed frustration at The meeting will be closed to all how the Frosh Festival was re- but committee members. Two organized following Gambino’s more UMSU councilors are still being sought to fill vacancies. unexpected ultimatum.

“There were critical points dur-

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Comment

VOL. 100 NO. 10 October 23, 2013

A great consolation Assisted suicide option should be on the table for terminally ill patients Caleigh MacDonald, staff

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do not know what it’s like to be This is not to say that physiciandying, but I know better than assisted suicide would be the answer most what it feels like to lose con- for everyone. Suicide should not be trol of your own body. high on the list of options of serI have epilepsy, a condition that vices that a doctor offers his or her sporadically turns my brain into terminally ill patient. But it should a skipping record player. When it be on the list. activates, I collapse, and every musOpponents have argued that cle in my body locks up. My ability the movement currently battling to swallow becomes impaired as I in courts for the right to “die with writhe on the floor for about five dignity” seem to claim that natural minutes. I drool all over myself, death is an undignified end of life. and if I’m really They argue that unlucky, I lose to pass this legBeing a victim of control of my islation would bladder. The potentially put your own biology on ly sav ing us on a slippery is incredibly grace is that slope towards while this is the euthanizadisempowering, happening I am tion of senior and not essentially out citizens or those cold, so I never with severe dissomething that remember any abilities. What of this – I just some of these you can truly hear about it opponents fail understand afterwards. to consider is the It’s discon“suicide” portion until you’ve lived cer ting and of the legislation, through it in frightening which requires to think that that the patient some capacity there is a part themselves of myself that be the one to I have no control over, no matter request the assistance of a doctor how small. I hate that there are in ending their suffering. They must these gaps in my memory that I give informed consent. can never truly fill, and I hate that Others have sided with the relithere’s something within me that gious argument that life is a gift that is in some way broken. only god can give or take away. But Being a victim of your own biol- just because a person’s religion says ogy is incredibly disempowering, one thing does not mean we should and not something that you can enshrine it in law. If my religion truly understand until you have said that on every Thursday I must lived through it in some capacity. have asparagus for dinner, that So when I hear the debate sur- would not mean we should pass a rounding assisted suicide that has law ensuring that every Thursday been so prevalent in the media lately, were asparagus night. If physicianI sympathize with those who push assisted suicide is not accepted in for the option because I know how your faith, no one is forcing you to devastating it is, even for someone participate. Denying the choice to with a fairly minor condition like everyone else because it makes you mine, to watch their own body uncomfortable is unfair. betray them. And knowing that, I In the end, the right to choose can only imagine what it would be should be exactly that: a right and like for someone watching it hap- a choice. It is a decision made pen to themselves knowing full well between a doctor, their patient, and that it will never get any better, and the patient’s family. It is not somethat the only thing they have to thing that we as a society should be look forward to is a slow, painful sticking our noses into. death from a terminal illness.

9 Editor-in-Chief Bryce Hoye

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Nothing looms larger

Advertising Coordinator Daniel Schipper

A student’s perspective on academic freedom and the potential UMFA strike

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n every course syllabus, there is a paragraph stating that students are required to adhere to the university’s policy on academic integrity. Almost every student I know, including myself, basically sums up this policy as “don’t plagiarize, and no stunt doubles at exams.” We then skip over academic integrity and jump right to “how much is the final exam worth?”

I think taking this policy so lightly, even though we are reminded of it regularly, is a dangerous oversight. Academic integrity, though it does include avoiding plagiarism, means much more than simply forgetting that your keyboard has a copy and paste shortcut when you’re reading Wikipedia.

It becomes most important when academic freedom is called into question.

There is never any paragraph in the syllabus, or discussion in class, when it comes to academic freedom. I think this is a mistake.

I believe that academic integrity and academic freedom should drive every regulation, policy, and decision that students, professors, and the university make.

How many students think about academic freedom? When it comes to the discussions we have, the papers we write, and the research we do, we are more likely to ask, “What does the professor want here?” rather than “where do my interests lie, and what new idea can I hash out?”

When it comes to controversial topics, as university study often does, we too often ask ourselves, “Can I say this?” To me, this is a sign that we do not place enough emphasis on academic freedom.

Sincere questions and criticisms need to be explored. As a university, as professors, as students, we are scholars. The entire point of an educational institution is to broaden minds, encourage critical thinking, and discover new knowledge, which sometimes involves debunking old or outdated knowledge.

We need the freedom to ask questions, offer criticism, and demand change, independent of financially-focused university dogma There have been a lot of emails from the U of M administration keeping students at least partially informed of the goings-on concerning the potential UMFA strike.

Some academic staff members have also been making their opinion known, which has been explained away repeatedly by further university correspondence. The problem that I see with every update is the emphasis the university is placing on dollar amounts and rejected raises. “UMFA is being greedy and unreasonable,” they seem to say. The fact that the same academic freedom policies have been used for 40 years is one of the university’s rebuttals to the UMFA’s demands for a new contract. The wording has served

for decades, so why change it?

But, as an academic at an educational institution, the moment I see information and policy not being continually updated to reflect the ever-changing society we live in, I see a problem. I see a loss of academic integrity. The entire purpose of being a scholar (which is what we are, despite the feeling of being exploited as a source of revenue), is to push forward: to think, rethink, and think again. To do that, we need the freedom to ask questions, offer criticism, and demand change, independent of financially-focused university dogma.

At its core, the university is an institution, and requires income and financial relationships to continue to function. As a world trend, this has—somewhat necessarily— caused the corporatization of universities.

But the day that university policy favours revenue-generating doctrine over academic integrity and freedom is the day we cease to be an educational institution.

As students, we need to understand that we can’t allow academic freedom to fall by the wayside to potentially support research being driven to maintain or create corporate relationships. We need to defend our and our professors’ right to think freely and share that information with others.

When you read a course syllabus, remember that academic integrity is about more than generating the necessary information to get an “A.” It is about upholding academic freedom – our right to think without conceivable censorship.

Marching together for safer streets Take Back the Night rally inspires positive change Spencer Fernando

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n Sept. 19, I had the opportunity to is truly safe and inclusive for everyone. women in our province are twice as high attend the 35th annual Take Back When you really get down to it, Take as the Canadian average. While this canthe Night rally.

Back the Night is about something fun- not be fixed instantly, one of the most This was the first time I had attended damental: the right to live without fear. important steps towards making a posithe march—which started at the North We cherish our freedom in this country, tive change is to raise awareness. This End Bell Tower on Selkirk Avenue—and and an essential part of being free is being is part of what makes Take Back the I was initially unsure of what to expect. safe from harm. For too many people— Night an important event. It is not just What I found was a powerful sense of especially women—in our city and around about those who march, but those who community, and a commitment to mak- the world, safety remains out of reach. read the news reports and learn about ing our streets safer for women and for the march, and who become conscious everyone. of the progress we still need to make.

As long as there are Before the rally began, the crowd gathWhile things may seem dispiriting, there ered together to listen to speakers, includ- women who have to are reasons for hope. One of the stroning Michael Champagne, the founder of gest reasons for hope was seen at the Take look over their shoulders Aboriginal Youth Opportunities, and Back the Night rally itself. People of all some amazing First Nations drummers backgrounds marched together, united in as they walk down and singers. their commitment to end violence against the street, our work Take Back the Night is an annual women and make our streets safe. march held in many parts of the world This is how change happens: through as individuals and as to advocate for safe streets for everyone, persistence, outreach, and a commitment a society is not over as well as raise awareness about violence to a positive vision for the future, and I against women. was honoured to be a small part of that On the one hand, it is very empowerat the Take Back the Night march last ing to see a community of people come As long as there are women who have month. together and rally for safer streets and a to look over their shoulders as they walk Despite how difficult or intractable the greater respect for women in our society. down the street, and as long as there are challenges may seem, there is reason to be On the other hand, the fact that there women living in fear of assault and abuse, optimistic. If we hold on to a vision of an is still a need to march for safer streets, our work as individuals and as a society end to violence against women and of safe and the fact that women still often face is not over. streets, we will move towards that goal, violence, is a dispiriting reminder of how In Manitoba specifically, the rates and one day, we can reach it. far we have yet to go to create a society that of sexual assault and violence against

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Comment

Comment Editor: Katerina Tefft Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Not on my campus End tobacco sales at the University of Manitoba Not on My Campus collective

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cross Canada, many provinces and territories have prohibited tobacco sales at post-secondary institutions. It is surprising that the University of Manitoba sells cigarettes in two locations on the Fort Garry campus: IQ’s and G.P.A.’s. Both stores are run by the University of Manitoba

and advertisements of tobacco (SWAT) group at the U of M to bring quarters of daily smokers who try to products. Provincial legislation is in awareness to the issue. This shows that quit smoking fail. place in British Columbia, Alberta, there is student concern surrounding To make matters worse, nicotine Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and this issue. SWAT supports prohibiting may be just as addictive as some narNewfoundland and Labrador that tobacco sales on campus. cotic drugs and alcohol. People who prohibits the sale of tobacco on uniWhy should you as a student care smoke cigarettes are more likely to use versity campuses. about tobacco on campus? illicit drugs, such as marijuana and An article published in the The incentive to eliminate cocaine, later in life. An American Manitoban in 2009, titled “Up in tobacco sales on campus ultimately national survey found that a shocking smoke,” addressed tobacco sales on comes down to the many risks asso- 90 per cent of cocaine users between campus. At that time, UMSU’s presi- ciated with smoking, such as those the ages of 18 and 34 had been cigarette dent stated that no laws were being of heart disease and lung cancer. smokers before using cocaine. broken and they were simply provid- Smoking is the leading preventable There is one ray of hope that ing a service to the students. While cause of death and its cessation has stands out from all of these facts. A this may be true, there are many been shown to have the greatest 2002 study by the Canadian Journal reasons why the health risks to stu- impact on reducing lung diseases of Public Health showed that of the dents should be considered over any such as cancer and chronic obstruc- post-secondary students surveyed, the financial gain. tive pulmonary disease (COPD). most students to successfully quite illustration by bram keast The intention of this article is to Health Canada’s 2012 Canadian smoking were between the ages of 20 inspire readers to think about how Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey and 29 years old. This further justifies Students’ Union (UMSU). Being the eliminating tobacco sales at the U of showed that an alarming 20 per cent why smoking cessation and prevention provider of the health and dental plan M will have positive health benefits of Canadians between the ages of 20 should be targeted at young adults in for U of M students, it is concerning for the student body. We advocate for and 24 smoke tobacco. This rate is the general. that UMSU also sells tobacco prod- Manitoba to become one of the prov- highest of any other age group suructs to its students. inces in Canada that prohibits tobacco veyed in the study. Further exasperat- Visit the “Not on My Campus: End To A tobacco-free campus helps pro- sales at post-secondary institutions. ing this situation is that about 70 per bacco Sales at the University of Manito tect non-smokers from “involuntary Earlier this year, a few students started cent of post-secondary students have ba” Facebook page and take part in our exposure to second-hand smoke” a Students Working Against Tobacco tried smoking at least once. Three- one-question poll before Nov. 6, 2013.

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

Arts & Culture

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PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT!

UMFM 101.5 holds 2nd annual PledgeO-Rama fund drive October 18-25 UMFM staff, Jared McKetiak (left) and Michael Elves (right) by beibei lu

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Arts & Culture

VOL. 100 NO. 10 October 23, 2013

U of M show hosts talk radio

photo of Michael Elves by beibei lu

photo of John K. Samson by beibei lu

Tessa Vanderhart, co-host of Winnipeg Internet Pundits I’ve been doing Winnipeg Internet Pundits for two and a half years now, every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Basically we bring the best undiscovered political minds of the city together every week for a raucous debate on issues of city and provincial politics, with a healthy dose of urbanism. There really isn’t anything like it in Winnipeg media – especially before the fire hall scandal, civic politics elicited a yawn from most Winnipeggers. Today, people are engaged and realize that the decisions made at a local level matter. And, more than ever, people are thinking about ways to make our city better. We’re glad to give those ideas a home.

We are pretty lucky to have a dedicated group of volunteers and people that listen to the show every week and provide feedback. But it’s not something you’d ever hear on professional radio. I’m proud to provide a place where this kind of in-depth, policyfocused, independent and original discussion of city issues can happen.

The bits of it that happen on Twitter in 140 characters and over Phil Sheegl’s tab at the King’s Head aren’t going to change governance in our city – but injecting humour and passion into discussion of these important issues just might get people involved enough to, I don’t know, vote.

The big thing [I’ve] learned at UMFM is confidence – the mic is on and people are listening and you

better be darn sure of what you’re saying.

Campus media is Canada’s version of NPR – and no, I’m not exaggerating. There is amazing programming you would never get [anywhere] else.

If it were focus-grouped or bleeped out, it would be dulling culture. Sure, UMFM educates students, but the big educational service is for the public, students, and community alike – anyone who tunes in and hears something they wouldn’t hear anywhere else. In an age of personalized playlists and computers telling you what you want to hear—never mind doofus mainstream DJs—what you get at UMFM is carefully curated selections that will expand your horizons and tastes.

Eric MacLise, co-host of Covering the Spread I’ve been doing the show for seven months now. Covering the Spread airs Tuesdays at 10 a.m. It is a one-hour sports talk show where myself and cohost Sean Angus discuss and debate topical stories from the wide world of sports. There is definitely a focus locally, with the Jets and Bombers, but we’ll hit anything current (Bisons, NHL, NFL).

We try to have a guest on each week.

Sometimes it’s hard to get talent

for a college radio station (people are busy), but a lot of people have been really good about it. Journalists have been great, and when you think about it, they were probably in our situation at one point too, so they’re good about making time for us. We’ve had the Canadian Press NHL writer Stephen Whyno on the show; former Bomber coach Paul LaPolice has been on the show; and Jets and Bombers reporter Darrin Bauming is a regular.

The station and show mean a lot to

me. It’s a chance to pursue broadcasting without dedicating yourself to a journalism degree. I’m in business, and plan on finishing my degree here, and then after that I’m looking at a oneyear post-grad broadcasting program at Humber College in Toronto. Radio is a tough field to make it in, so I think what UMFM does is give a lot a people a chance to pursue radio while getting a solid educational foundation in whatever area they choose.

Ian T. D. Thomson, host of 7 Deadly Songs I have been doing my show at UMFM for roughly two years, having started volunteering in 2011 during my second year of university. I am also part of the UMFM board of directors.

I host 7 Deadly Songs from 11 a.m. to noon every Wednesday. The show is rebroadcast on Sundays at 2 a.m. for the insomniacs. The 7 Deadly Songs is a theme-based program; we take a different topic or theme each week, and explore it through the many genres of music available. The primary focus is modern-indie rock music. Interviews

are frequently featured on the show. I have interviewed many local, national, and international artists, including Purity Ring, The Dodos, Disturbed, and Buckcherry.

As a student, I am able to fit the show in between my classes, sort of like a break. It gives me an opportunity to share my musical tastes and play new music that does not get airtime on commercial pre-programmed radio stations. I enjoy interviewing the artists who provide an insight into the creative processes of up-and-coming musicians.

It is extremely important for UMFM to continue running. At

its core, UMFM has a community of volunteers who strive every week to bring you the latest and greatest to their respective shows. Just look at the program grid and you can see the incredible eclectic diversity of the hosts and their programming. They reflect the diversity of the university community, both past and present, and literally serve as goodwill ambassadors for the University of Manitoba to world listeners. This puts the U of M in the same league as other major universities in North America and around the world that also have independent radio stations.

VOL. 100 NO. 10 October 23, 2013

Arts & Culture

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The importance of campus radio UMFM 101.5 provides invaluable service to students and community, and they need your help Bryce Hoye, staff

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he University of Manitoba’s official radio station, UMFM 101.5, is running their second annual Pledge-O-Rama fund drive from Oct. 18-25, and they need your support. UMFM broadcasts a wide range of music and talk-radio programming, the overwhelming majority of which is curated and hosted by volunteers.

In 2012’s inaugural Pledge-O-Rama event, UMFM board of directors set their goal at $20,000; however, due to the charity of listeners, they managed to gross over $30,000. The station’s target this year is $24,000, which amounts to 15 per cent of their total annual operating budget, and as of Monday evening roughly $14,000 in pledges had already poured in over the phones.

completion of his master’s degree [paired with] the escalating prices of in political science, Elves was hired technology, has kind of eradicated and joined station manager Jared some of that value.”

McKetiak in October of 2005. Eight The nature of the advertisements years on, his passion for community played on UMFM is that they are, broadcasting and the strong work- for the most part, for local businesses ing relationship between he and “like the West End Cultural Centre McKetiak is palpable. and the Park Theatre,” said Elves.

“We do call ourselves cam“We’re not a commercially-driven radio; we’re also not hitdriven. You’re going to hear a much wider variety,” said Elves. “Our playlist is very diverse on any given week whereas a lot of commercial radios cycle through a very limited playlist on any given week, and we, in a lot of senses, break some artists that eventually do become commercial.”

The station encountered some financial issues in the early 1980s that led it to close its doors for a time. However, in 1998 it reopened, this time in a new studio with its current station manager Jared McKetiak at the helm.

McKetiak studied computer science in university, but eventually found his way onto the airwaves and into the position he has occupied for the last 15 years.

Under McKetiak and Elves’ direction, as well pus and community radio; we try that of the vast amount of volunteer to embody those two different staff producing content on a weekly approaches,” said Elves. basis, the hope is that UMFM will What differentiates independent raise enough money to continue procampus radio stations like UMFM viding the campus and community from their industry counterparts is with quality independent programthe lack of reliance on commercial- ming into the future. ly-generated revenue. “[Our budget] primarily comes from student fees, Your pledges can be made over and we are certainly thankful for the phone (204-474-6610), in the continued support of the stu- person (Room 308, University dents here on campus, but obviously Centre) or online at https:// student enrolment can fluctuate – www.umfm.com/info/donate/. the value of five dollars 15 years ago versus the value of five dollars now,

What differentiates independent campus radio stations like UMFM from their industry counterparts is their lack of reliance on commercially generated revenue.

Faces of radio 101.5 The phone lines opened last Friday evening on UMFM program director Michael Elves’ variety show Free Range, which airs Fridays at 6:30, and will remain open until the end of his show this coming Friday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. “Last year I got to celebrate the fact that we vastly exceeded our target, and— fingers crossed—I’ll be able to cap things off this year with a bit of a celebration on air,” Elves told the Manitoban.

Elves, a U of M grad and former arts editor of the Manitoban, is a man of many hats. “Basically anything that is on air, I am responsible for: the music that gets played, the top programming, the volunteers that do the programming – that’s my bailiwick,” said Elves.

Mike is one of the two full-time staff at UMFM. Following the

UMFM pledges incentive packages: •

$25 – UMFM Friends With Benefits Card, Transmissions

From UMFM 101.5 Double CD

•

$35 – UMFM Friends With Benefits Card, Transmissions From

•

$50 – UMFM Friends With Benefits Card, Transmissions

•

UMFM 101.5 Double CD, Can Koozie

From UMFM 101.5 Double CD, Can Koozie, Bottle Opener Keychain

$75 – UMFM Friends With Benefits Card, Transmissions From

UMFM 101.5 Double CD, Can Koozie, Bottle Opener Keychain, Pint Glass OR UMFM Friends With Benefits Card, Transmis-

• • • •

sions From UMFM 101.5 Double CD, UMFM T-Shirt

$101.50 – UMFM Friends With Benefits Card, Transmissions

From UMFM 101.5 Double CD, Can Koozie, Bottle Opener Key-

chain, Pint Glass, UMFM T-Shirt

$135 – UMFM Friends With Benefits Card, Transmissions

From UMFM 101.5 Double CD, Can Koozie, Bottle Opener Key-

chain, Pint Glass, UMFM T-Shirt, Gig Poster Calendar

$150 – 2 UMFM Friends With Benefits Card, 2 Transmissions

From UMFM 101.5 Double CD, 2 Can Koozies, 2 Bottle Opener

Keychains, 2 Pint Glasses, UMFM T-Shirt, Gig Poster Calendar

$250 – 2 UMFM Friends With Benefits Card, 2 Transmissions

From UMFM 101.5 Double CD, 2 Can Koozies, 2 Bottle Opener

Keychains, 2 Pint Glasses, 2 UMFM T-Shirts, 2 Gig Poster Calen-

dars and entry into our special Golden Ticket draws!

Tax receipts are also available

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

Arts & Culture

Prudes, porn, and jealousy Jodie Layne, volunteer staff

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hat would you do if your fiancée got a job filming porn?

Emily Southwood was confronted with this conundrum and wrote about it in the book Prude: Lessons I Learned When My Fiancée Filmed Porn.

Robbie, Emily’s then-betrothed, was fresh out of film school and offered a long-term paying gig as a cameraman for the show Webdreams.

In the book, Southwood explores her feelings on porn, her feelings of jealousy, what monogamy really means, how porn affects her self-image, and the effect porn has on a relationship.

It’s relieving to hear Southwood

grapple publicly with how her femi- tinges of jealousy and insecurity nist ideals and porn interact with her coupled with the pressure to be a relationship ideals and ultimately “cool girlfriend” and be accepting make room for porn to coexist. Before of her partner watching porn and websites such as xojane—which is filming it for a living. The conflictnot to say that they can’t be proven ing feelings raised a lot of new questo be problematic—there were few tions: are they going to want to do women having conversations about anal now? Does that woman even porn openly in accessible media. It’s like what she’s doing or does she just difficult to figure out how you feel need the money? Does that matter, about something as complex as porn. even? Does my partner think I’m It’s okay to feel uncomfortable with an ugly troll now? it and it’s okay to be totally fine with Choosing to use or enjoy it. If you’re still working it out, this porn is a personal decision. For book is for you. many, the question of whether Southwood is frank with her porn usage is something we’re

14 obligated to negotiate about in of your partner. Express any conintimate relationships remains. cerns or boundaries you may have Porn can be a useful tool for self- regarding pornography without exploration, increasing intimacy, going into specifics. and fostering healthy sexuality. It can also be divisive, lead to resent- Go for it. ment, and give space for withdrawal.

You use explicit videos and/or Negotiating porn use in a relation- photos in your sexy times. You ship can be tricky and jealousy has talk about and share the kinds of a habit of trailing wherever porn porn you like, your favourite actors/ exists. It’s less about what you actresses. You fantasize together. think of porn and more about how This is a fully open-book policy efficiently you’re communicating that allows you to work out desires, with your partner. Here are a few hang-ups, issues, and everything approaches you can take: else that comes with the territory.

This, like the first option, definitely Don’t ask, don’t tell. requires trust.

You suspect your partner watches Just like porn, there’s no one porn or vice versa. You don’t think thing that does the trick for everyit’s okay to control their masturba- one. Also, it’s okay to have no defintory sex lives, but you don’t want itive feeling or to change your mind to hear, see, or know what they’re about how porn makes you feel. The flicking, rubbing, or jerking it to. most important thing is that we’re Cool. Carry on. Trust here is cru- being conscious consumers and cial – no snooping through browser compassionate partners. histories.

You can confidentially subBring it up. mit a question or topic Talk about the fact that you to jodie.m.w.layne@gmail.com. watch certain kinds of porn and analyse the effects that has on your expectations of your sex life or that

VOL. 100 NO. 10 October 23, 2013

Arts & Culture

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Mentoring Artists for Women’s Art MAWA’s year-end showcase to take place at aceartinc Lukas Thiessen, staff

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n Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. aceartinc., a contemporary art-focused, artistrun centre, will host a vernissage for emerging artists. This group participated in what hannah_g, co-director of the gallery, describes as Winnipeg’s premiere arts mentorship opportunity: MAWA’s Foundation Mentorship Program (FMP).

A quarter-century ago, MAWA (Mentoring Artists for Women’s Art) was established to address the underrepresentation of female artists in society. Lisa Wood, program and administrative coordinator for the organization, explains that advocacy is still needed. People assume underrepresentation is not an issue because work has been done to amend this lack, but it is a reality for artists from certain communities.

The recent centennial celebration exhibition at the Winnipeg Art

Gallery, 100 Masters, included only of directors for MAWA and a 2012-13 six female artists. The show was a col- participant of FMP. lection of works from the traditionSasha Amaya and Sarah Hodgesally accepted list of great artists, a list Kolisnyk, two artists from the same which enforces the idea that mastery program, emphasize MAWA’s openis male. ness as well as their own, listing male MAWA supports other communities who receive less attention, including the craft community, Aboriginal MAWA supports artists, and artists with disabilities. other communities Each year the FMP involves artists from an additional community not who receive less receiving sufficient attention. attention MAWA’s core activity is the FMP: established women artists mentoring emerging female artists. MAWA is an accessible space and all program- and female artists who inspire them.

Mentees are selected by mentors ming except the FMP is open to all genders. who believe in their protegé’s potential.

“I think it’s a common misconcep- Amaya and Hodges-Kolisnyk explain tion that MAWA is a female-identi- that discussing their work with menfied-only space, but it’s simply not true,” tors who personally chose them was says Elise Dawson, chair of the board invaluable, and meeting together

inspired them to work diligently.

Hodges-Kolisnyk laments that after school constructive feedback is rarely available, and Amaya says mentors push the artists to improve and prevent lasting discouragement. When asked what she would tell young female artists if she were to mentor them, Amaya listed the following: 1. Ask people if they want to work with you; some will say no, others will say yes.

2. Constantly work on things, even if you are only practicing.

3. Winnipeg is a super great place, but it is also small. If you don’t see what you want here, look for it somewhere else. You don’t need to be confined to this city.

4. Once you have made a few works, people will want you to continue doing the same thing. Don’t be afraid of exploring other ways of working.

5. Study another discipline in addition to art. It will make you more confident and give your work deeper meaning.

Come see what happens when fantastic artists are brought together to learn. There will be works by Sasha Amaya, Janessa Brunet, Amanda Damsma, Elise Dawson, Sarah Hodges-Kolisnyk, Megan Kraus, Gerry Oliver, and Natasha Peterson, who were mentored by Aganetha Dyck, Val Klassen, Suzie Smith, and Lisa Stinner-Kun, assisted by Danishka Esterhazy. They represent the current base of fantastic talent and the future of art in this city and abroad.

The year-end FMP showcase will be on display at aceartinc., 290 McDermot Avenue, until Saturday, Nov. 9. Visit www. aceart.org for more details.

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Arts & Culture

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

event Listings The arts events to attend this weekend

music

other

visual art

Friday, Oct. 25 MAWA: FMP Year-End Showcase aceartinc.

Thursday, Oct. 24 Hostile Life / the Bad Nerves / Unbelievable Bargains The Windsor

Friday, Oct. 25 RAW: SECOND HOUSE FIRST closing RAW: Gallery of Architecture and Design

Thursday, Oct. 24 A Amrak Society Booklet Collection Natural Cycle

Friday, Oct. 25 This Hisses / J Riley Hill and the Magic Bears Exchange Community Church

Friday, Oct. 25 Exhumed / Dying Fetus / Abiotic The Park Theatre

Friday, Oct. 25 Greg Rekus / Humble Hero / Kris Rendina / Harley James Flett Le Garage

Monday, Oct. 28 MORTALS (nyc) / VIOLENT GORGE / PLAGUE / FOOT SPA / CHICA BOOM BOOM The Rudolf Rocker Cultural Centre

Wednesday, Oct. 30 Bands as Bands Union Sound Hall

Saturday, Oct. 26 Frank Turner Garrick Centre

An evening with Chester Brown A biographical comic on Louis Riel celebrates its 10th birthday Anastasia Chipelski, staff

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n 2007, Manitobans got a new holiday, named after Louis Riel.

While many enjoy the day off, opinions of the man himself vary widely: was he a hero or a traitor?

For those who may be wary of the text-heavy nature of historical accounts, look to Chester Brown’s Louis Riel: A Comic-Strip Biography. This year marks the comic’s 10th birthday, and it is being re-released in a special 10th anniversary edition, with added bonus material, such as draft scripts and earlier artworks.

Chester Brown has been credited with influencing many cartoonists with this work, which led to a reinvigoration of the

genre. While biographical comics are not necessarily new, they have been used for more conventional ends since the 1920s and 1930s. “[Biographical comics were primarily used] as educational tools to depict the ‘great lives’ of religious leaders, scientists and inventors, political heroes and so on,” says Candida Rifkind, associate professor of English at the University of Winnipeg and host of the event to celebrate the 10th anniversary edition.

Brown, however, came from a different lineage – one of cartoonists from the 1960s and 1970s. “[They used the genre] as a countercultural medium to challenge the status quo,” says Rifkind. “A lot

of their work was autobiographical, confessional, and sexually graphic.”

Some other e xa mples of this genre are Art Spiegelman’s Maus and the work of R. Crumb.

While Riel is a politically and historically relevant subject, he was also a complicated and fascinating human being. “[Brown] depicts [Riel] as a complex man and doesn’t shy away from representing his religious mysticism and messianism,” says Rifkind. “[Brown’s book] shows the complicated situations Riel faced, both within his community and outside it, and so goes beyond the usual caricatures of him

as either ‘traitor’ or ‘hero.’”

Brown’s nuanced depiction of Riel also complicates the definition of lives worth chronicling, and has inspired many other alternative cartoonists to continue in this vein. “[Brown exposed] lesser-known aspects of famous subjects [by] telling the life stories of everyday people, outsiders, and rebels.”

In writing about Riel, Chester Brown has inspired a new way of writing history.

Spend an evening with Chester Brown at McNally Robinson on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. for a talk and book signing.

Image provided by Drawn and Quarterly

VOL. 100 NO. 10 October 23, 2013

Arts & Culture

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The power of persuasion Jean Kilbourne’s mission for media literacy Anastasia Chipelski, staff

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enerally, we like to think that we are smart enough that the media is not manipulating us. We’re beyond the age of Mad Men, of Don Draper-esque characters holding forth our universal—or specific—soft spots, and writing copy aimed right at our hearts. But we may forget, as Jean Kilbourne—a feminist author, speaker, and filmmaker—points out, that “we’re up against huge forces and huge amounts of money,” and the game has changed a lot since the 1960s.

In 1968, Kilbourne started clipping out and collecting advertisements, and she started to notice some trends. Taking ads seriously was a radical idea at the time, but Kilbourne was persistent, and continued to blaze a trail over many decades, studying, writing, and lecturing about the effects of advertising.

While Kilbourne has been joined by others sounding the alarm, we may still be deceiving ourselves about our immunity to persuasion.

“Most people still don’t believe that they’re influenced in any way [ . . . ] most people still haven’t been educated about it.”

Education about media literacy is an important step in lessening its influence over our lives.

This influence might not even be something that we are immediately aware of, says Kilbourne.

“Advertising affects us mostly subconsciously, and now with the

working in the field of media literacy today – more books, more documentaries, more people studying and understanding the psychology and effects of advertising.

“The more we make it conscious and the more we know about it, the more obvious it becomes [ . . . ] Paying attention to it reduces its power.”

For this reason, Kilbourne believes that media literacy should be included in school curriculums, beginning as early as kindergarten.

“We need to teach our children to be critical viewers, and that part of media literacy should be making people think of ourselves as citizens rather than as consumers.”

This small shift from a highly individualized, consumer-focused viewpoint to one of active engagement in our communities and society as a whole is a key issue for Kilbourne.

“That means, if you’re thinking of yourself as a consumer, you don’t really worry about what’s happening to the planet. If you think of yourself as a citizen, you do.”

It is this change in focus that Kilbourne has been working towards over the last 40 years, through her own lecturing and writing, being featured in documentaries such as Miss Representation, and creating the Killing Us Softly series. Her message of media literacy can have an enduring impact.

“The thing I hear most often after [people] have seen my lectures or my films is that they never look at ads again in the same way.”

With more education and more media literacy educators the persuasive influence of advertising media will become more obvious, and less insidious. With four decades of hard work, Kilbourne has seen many changes in her field.

“In general, things have gotten much worse [ . . . ] the obsession with thinness, the tyranny of the ideal image of beauty, the violence against women, the sexualization of children, the selling of alcohol to kids ‑ all of this is much worse than it was when I started out. But what’s different is that I’m no longer alone.”

brain research, they’re able to find out [ . . . ] how we’re responding emotionally to something [ . . . ] even if we don’t really know it.”

This is one part of a sophisticated system, along with incessant data collection, that has been leading marketers to targeting us more individually than ever before, using methods seamlessly integrated into services we use in our daily lives.

Think of the last time you visited a site like Amazon or Netflix. After making your selection, a list of recommended titles popped up. Or maybe you have noticed a pop-up advertisement that is eerily similar to the topic of your last Google search. These are the more obvious outcomes of targeted marketing, based on information you may not have realized you were disclosing.

“People don’t realize that it’s almost impossible to throw something away on the Internet [ . . . ] Marketers are tracking our every move,” says Kilbourne.

While the advent of more usergenerated online platforms has led advertisers to adopt more individualized tactics, they’ve also opened up possibilities for resistance.

“Never before in human history has there been this opportunity for people to communicate so quickly Join Jean Kilbourne for a free around the globe [ . . . ] so the pos- public presentation called “Deadly sibility for action and resistance Persuasion” on Oct. 24 at 7:30 are terrific,” says Kilbourne, citing p.m. at the University of Winnipeg, the Arab Spring as a major event 515 Portage Avenue. For more that was largely facilitated by social resources about media literacy, media platforms. visit www.jeankilbourne.com.

There are also more groups

What does Kato Destroy?

David Skene, volunteer staff

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ato destroys the rock star one’s ego in check. It’s impossible myth: the bullshit notion that to be someone you’re not when suryou have to give up living a real life rounded by people who have known to make big bombastic rock and you since grade school. Let’s face it: roll. Three guys making music they in a world of social media catfish care about while negotiating careers, and pitchfork hype bands, honesty home ownership, and partners is is the hottest commodity around. a lot harder Listening than surrento their brand It’s impossible to be dering to the spanking new narcissistic, digital EP, someone you’re not “lonely poet” Super Zang, I archetype. can’t help but when surrounded To say that think of that by people who Kato Destroy scene in Almost is just another Famous when have known you slice of gritty Lester Bangs since grade school Peg city rock is at the radio does the band station talka disservice. It ing about the ignores the deft experimentation difference between the Doors and with jazz and metal; it misses out the Guess Who. on their penchant for Jagermeister“Jim Morrison? He’s a drunken fueled humor; and—most impor- buffoon posing as a poet [ . . . ] Give tantly—it doesn’t speak to the fact me the Guess Who. They’ve got the that Kato Destroy presents itself in courage to be drunken buffoons, a way that is almost completely free which makes them poetic.” of persona and posturing.

Now I don’t think Kato Destroy Formed in the summer of 2007, are buffoons—poetic or otherKato Destroy came to life when wise—but they do have the courage Darcy Gudmundson (vocals/gui- to be themselves, and I can’t think tars) asked his estranged childhood of anything more poetic than that. friends Jimmy Marnoch (bass) and Jimmy Shand (drums) to join him Check out the band at katodestroy. in a rock odyssey that would see bandcamp.com and catch them them playing almost every room live at the Rose n’ Bee on Nov. 2, this town has to offer. when they rock the house with The combination of hard gigging Beefdonut and the Bad Nerves. and long-time friends is what keeps

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Arts & Culture

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

Soongava: Dance of the Orchids image provide by REEL PRIDE

REEL PRIDE Winnipeg’s LGBTTQ* film festival in review Lukas Thiessen, staff

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innipeg’s LGBTTQ* film festival, the largest of its kind between Toronto and Vancouver, is run entirely by volunteers. Additional support from the people of Manitoba who attend the festival as well as proud sponsors—Assiniboine Credit Union has been on board since the time when people told financial institutions not to support this community—is enabling the festival to grow.

The power inherent in Winnipeg’s REEL PRIDE film festival goes beyond great art and supporting the LBTTQ* community. This year, the festival raised awareness about breast cancer in conjunction with the The LuLu Sessions, a documentary about the

last months in the life of a woman with breast cancer, directed by S. Casper Wong.

Highlighted by the attention given to women’s experience with cancer, REEL PRIDE has a vast scope: last year was the first time films about queer women of colour were shown; this year, for the first time, the festival included a series of short films about trans men of colour. Organizers want to represent films about and by Aboriginal people, Canadians, international communities, and many more groups.

As much as REEL PRIDE is about great films, programming committee members David Wyatt and Kevin Maguire point out that in a LGBTTQ*

Who's Afraid of Vagina Woolfe? image provided by REEL PRIDE

event, everything is political.

Walking out of the mesmerizing 2012 film Soongava: Dance of the Orchids, written and directed by Nepalese artist Subarna Thapa, a patron breathed a sigh of relief.

“It makes me glad we live here.”

The film depicts two young Nepalese women played by Deeya Maskey and Saugat Malla who choose to live together. They are shunned and abused by their families, employers, neighbours, law enforcement officials, and others. Nepalese culture is depicted as antagonistic towards same-sex relationships for challenging traditional family bonds. A murder scene in the film begins as an apparently loving embrace between siblings and becomes an act of suffocation.

Soongava includes stunning choreography, cinematography, acting, set design, and more talent than can be enumerated here, and yet this art does not shy away from the harsh realities experienced by many.

Anna Margarita Albelo directed the semi-autobiographical 2013 film Who’s

Afraid of Vagina Wolf? Her character is a slick black-guy-white-guy buddy deals with a mid-life crisis by trying to comedy about an actor who takes a create a lesbian version of Mike Nichols’ private investigator course to prepare 1966 drama Who’s Afraid of Virginia for a role and uses his classroom skills Woolf?, which starred Elizabeth Taylor to solve a series of robberies in the comand Richard Burton. munity of high-class gay sex parties.

The frank imagery of the vagina But as Wyatt and Maguire said, everyasks questions about vulnerability, thing is political. with which the protagonist struggles In this excellent story full of laughs while pursued by beautiful women. The and brief glimpses of some of the tightfilm grapples with beauty, whether the est buns you’ll ever see is the harsh realvagina is a gorgeous member of the ity of date rape. The rich elites of Los body, and whether the main character Angeles strive to cover up their crimes and other women see their bodies as and punish their victims, who have alluring. returned for vengeance. The instrucWhen one character says amiably tor for the PI class (Alan Blumenfeld) to Anna, “You’re a walking vagina,” is offers advice which everyone should this statement a compliment, insult, take when engaging in sexual encounjoke, or something else? The main ters: Keep your wits about you, research character wears a vagina-shaped body is key, and protect yourself and your suit at the beginning of the work, with equipment. rhinestones and a tiara, and commences The selection committee for next crafting a slick remake of Nichols’ film. year might be able to use your help, and The finale finds her dressing and creat- volunteers aplenty are needed to make ing art in a radically different style. this great event possible. Get in touch Hot Guys with Guns, by writer-direc- through reelpride.org and Facebook at tor Doug Spearman and starring Marc REEL PRIDE Winnipeg to become a Anthony Samuel and Brian McArdle, part of this amazing festival!

Messages of Pride Art installation at Gas Station Theatre allows community to reflect on pride Anastasia Chipelski, staff

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hile the Pride Parade is a memory considered them carefully. from another season, many of the “We wanted to be able to be inspired sentiments collected from that day have by the cards, [to] come up with symbols found a new form. The multi-panel art that would evoke the same emotions that project “Messages of Pride” was unveiled the cards invoked in us.” on Oct. 15 and will remain on display at The final result is a piece that balances the Gas Station Theatre throughout the consistency and change, and while many REEL PRIDE festival, and until Oct. of the symbols are clearly celebratory, like 25. “loud and proud,” others reflect more somREEL PRIDE board member ber issues. Two of the panels feature a Annette Schultz didn’t know what large semicolon, meaning “could have the final form of the art project would ended, but didn’t.” be when she began handing out index Haughian explains that they found cards at the Pride Parade, asking people many cards expressing pride in having surto record what they were proud of on vived suicide attempts, and they wanted that day. Schultz knew it would become to note this, celebrate it, and be sure that art, but wasn’t exactly sure how, so the others could feel open about discussing Rainbow Resource Centre (RRC) was it. He sees these expressions not as a plea, but as the success of a strong community. asked to take on the task of turning the cards into a piece for REEL PRIDE. “It’s working. They chose life.”

Haughian believes that art is theraAt the end of the summer, local artist Tim Haughian began working with the peutic for the youth who worked on the youth attending the peer support program project, and for the community at large, and he will continue working with the at RRC. “Before anybody picked up a paint- youth at RRC. “I’m totally committed to supporting brush we had great discussions on everything from politics to philosophy,” says this group; I think it’s great that kids have access to [it]. It’s doing a lot of good and I Haughian.

Together, they discussed the messages am determined to do as much with this they had received on the index cards and group as I can.”

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Graphics Editor: Bradly Wohlgemuth Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Diversions

Science & Technology Editor: Tom Ingram Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Science & technology

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Controversial stem cell therapy refused clinical trials in Italy Panel of experts deem method unsafe and ineffective Elizabeth Drewnik, staff

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taly’s minister of health has announced that the Italian government will not permit human clinical trials of a controversial stem cell therapy. The Stamina

many scientists believe has no sci- the U.S. Patent Office, for being In July, the minister of health entific basis. too vague. ordered Stamina to provide scienAn investigation carried out tific information on their treatments The treatment involves removing the patient’s bone marrow by the journal Nature found that to a committee of scientific experts cells, conducting some in vitro Stamina’s U.S. patent application to assess the safety and effectiveness manipulations, and reintroducing contained images lifted without of this method for human trials. By the manipulated cells back into the context or attribution from unre- early September, Stamina’s treatpatient. Vannoni claims to be able lated papers published by a Russian ment methodology had been unanito cause bone marrow cells to dif- and Ukrainian team. mously rejected, primarily for being Under Italian vaguely described and unsafe. ferentiate into nerve cells, which would law, unproven stem Vannoni told reporters from the aid in the treatment cell treatments can journal Science that “the reasons for Vannoni be provided to ter- rejection are totally unfounded.” He of neurodegenerarefuses to tive diseases such as minally ill patients expressed surprise that the panel w it h o ut o t h e r did not look at the records of any ALS, Parkinson’s, reveal detailed and Alzheimer’s. options – provided of his current patients. “They are information As a result of these that certain safety doing very well,” he said. standards are mainVannoni also impugned the claims, thousands about the of people support tained. Earlier this impartiality of the panel, most of treatment year Italy’s previ- whose members expressed an unfaStamina’s treatment methods, despite ous health minister, vourable opinion of his treatment their questionable Renato Balduzzi, before they were selected. Although responded to pressure from Stamina Stamina will not be able to carry scientific value.

Many stem cell scientists have supporters by proposing a law that out human trials in Italy, Vannoni dismissed Vannoni’s claims. One in its original version would have claims that the minister of health anonymous source told the journal allowed the treatment of thousands for an unidentified African counScience that the theory behind the of patients without the prior perfor- try has approved the tests. He also claims that one European and one treatment is “unclear and scientifi- mance of clinical trials. cally inconsistent,” and stem cell The Italian Senate approved an Asian country are interested in the researcher Elena Cattaneo called amended bill that allowed Stamina treatment. it “alchemy.” to continue treating the patients Despite all of the recent events, illustration by bram keast Scientists have also been suspi- they already had, but prevented there are still many patients being cious of the secrecy surrounding the them from taking on new patients. treated by Stamina in a Brescia hosFoundation, a Turin-based non- treatment. Vannoni refuses to reveal It also provided three million euros pital, while around 100 people have profit founded by Davide Vannoni, detailed information about the for a clinical trial of the treatment. appealed to Italian courts for the has been at the centre of a months- treatment, and the only document According to Cattaneo, “this will right to be treated by Stamina. long battle to secure legal permis- publicly available is the U.S. patent probably be the first time that a parsion to provide the treatment, which application, which was rejected by liament orders a clinical trial.”

The cellular post office Nobel-winning scientists shed light on cell-to-cell deliveries Elizabeth Drewnik, staff

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arlier this month, the Nobel same cell.

Assembly at the Karolinska When proteins are synthesized, Institutet announced the winners of they need to be transported within the 2013 Nobel Prizes. The prize in a cell. Not all of these proteins are Physiology or Medicine was awarded meant to be localized in the same jointly to James Rothman, a Yale profes- area. Imagine a simple example of a sor of cell biology, Randy Schekman, a cell. Our hypothetical cell synthesizes biologist at UC Berkeley, and Thomas two kinds of proteins: protein A and Südhof, a professor of molecular and cel- protein B. These two proteins need to lular physiology. Their work focuses on be segregated to opposite sides of the the mechanisms by which molecules are cell. In order for this to happen, there transported within or between cells. has to be a way of recognizing proteins “These beautiful discoveries have A and B, as well as sorting them into importance for the understanding of the different compartments. human body and obviously implications The work of earlier scientists, for diseases in various organs such as the including several previous Nobel laurenervous system, diabetes and immune ates, clarified how this system works. It disorders,” said Jan-Inge Henter, a sci- was already known that vesicles played entist at the Karolinska Institutet. a critical role in the transportation of The transportation of molecules— molecular cargo by containing the such as neurotransmitters or hor- molecules and keeping them sepamones—in cells is incredibly important. rated from the external environment Generally, this molecular “cargo” is to ensure their safety. But until recently, packaged in vesicles—small compart- one question remained: How are molmentalized sacs—to be transported to ecules sent to the right destination with another cell or another location in the precision?

Schekman’s research compared normal yeast cells with mutated ones to identify the genes that control vesicle transportation. Rothman identified the proteins that allow vesicles to fuse with their target membranes—like a small soap bubble being absorbed by a larger one. Südhof discovered the mechanism that detects calcium ions and causes vesicle fusion, which explains how signals can be transmitted from one nerve cell to another with temporal precision.

These findings have changed the way we view the transportation of molecular cargo. This is important because molecular signals are continuously released within a cell to synchronize the cell’s activities, and outside of the cell to communicate with other nearby cells, or to the bloodstream to reach distant targets.

Disturbances at any step in this process can contribute to neurological diseases, diabetes, or immunological disorders.

Nobel Prize Winners: Physics:

François Englert and Peter W. Higgs “for the theoretical discovery of a mechanism that contributes to our understanding of the origin of mass of subatomic particles.”

Chemistry:

Martin Karplus, Michael Levitt, and Arieh Warshel “for the development of multiscale models for complex chemical systems.”

Physiology/Medicine:

James E. Rothman, Randy W. Schekman, and Thomas C. Südhof “for their discoveries of machinery regulating vesicle traffic, a major transport system in our cells.”

Literature:

Alice Munro, “master of the contemporary short story.”

Peace Prize:

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons “for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.”

Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in memory of Alfred Nobel:

Eugene F. Fama, Lars Peter Hansen, Robert J. Shiller “for their empirical analysis of asset prices.”

VOL. 100 NO. 10 October 23, 2013

Science & Technology

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The Once and Future World Writer J. B. MacKinnon speaks about new book at U of M Katy MacKinnon, staff

illustration by Bradly Wohlgemuth

Time’s arrow: Antoine Lavoisier The theory of combustion and the development of modern chemistry Tom Ingram, staff

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n the late eighteenth century, nothing is created or destroyed in a Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier chemical reaction. All that happens discovered fire.” to the matter involved in a reaction This is how the futurist and arti- is a change of state. Following this ficial intelligence researcher Eliezer theory, Lavoisier would carry out Yudkowsky described it, and he’s experiments in sealed glass vessels so not far off the mark. Through much he could weigh everything involved of the 18th century, the dominant in a reaction – including the smoke explanation of combustion was given off in combustion. known as the phlogiston theory.

Lavoisier’s innovation was to Phlogiston theorists held that one make chemistry mathematical. By of the basic building blocks of mat- weighing all the components of a ter is a substance called phlogis- reaction, he was able to use precise ton, which functions as elemental mathematical reasoning in his work. fire. Combustible substances are This allowed him to show that commade up of phlogiston and a “calx” bustion is a reaction between a flam(residue). When something burns, mable substance and oxygen, rather phlogiston is released until only the than the release of some inherent calx remains. fire element within the substance.

Phlogiston’s role in combus- The difference between phlogiston tion is roughly opposite of oxygen, theory and oxygen theory is subtler which is consumed in combustion. than it seems, but Lavoisier’s explaSo phlogiston theory is (as we now nation simplified a lot of our concepts know) wrong, but it is not horribly and provided a model of chemical wrong. It provides a nice bridge from activity that has endured, with some the alchemical writings of the 17th modifications, to present day. century to present-day non-mystical Incidentally, through physichemistry. In studying science’s his- ological experiments Lavoisier was tory it is important to remember that able to show that breathing actually our ancestors were not stupid. They involves the same chemical activity had very good reasons for believing as a burning fire. Like a fire, your as they did, and we can still learn a body takes in oxygen and produces great deal by studying the way they carbon dioxide and heat. The same thought of chemistry. rules that govern everyday chemiThe man generally credited with cal reactions also govern the basic the overturning of phlogiston the- processes of life. ory is the French chemist Antoine In Lavoisier’s case, we once again Lavoisier. Lavoisier was a fascinat- see a tragic collision of science and ing figure whose work touched on politics. Lavoisier, as a high-rankjust about every important topic in ing government official, fell out of chemistry. He was involved in the political favour during the French discovery of several elements, cre- Revolution. During the Reign of ated one of the first extensive lists Terror, people involved in tax collecof elements, reformed chemical tion were under suspicion and many nomenclature, and had a hand in of them—Lavoisier included—were the creation of the metric system. put on trial. One of the great figHe also published the Elementary ures in the history of chemistry was Treatise on Chemistry, the first mod- accused of stealing France’s money ern textbook on the subject. and watering down its tobacco, and One of the central ideas of on May 8, 1794 he was summarily Lavoisier’s chemistry was that guillotined.

photo by beibei lu

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ave you ever examined your relationship with the natural world? J. B. MacKinnon visited the U of M campus on Tuesday, Oct. 15 to promote his new book, The Once and Future World. The book examines the history of nature, the notion of personally reconnecting with nature, and the concept of “rewilding.”

MacKinnon spoke with UMFM on Tuesday regarding the recurring themes in his book. The idea for The Once and Future World was planted when MacKinnon revisited his hometown. As a young child, he was able to roam the adjacent expanse of grasslands, but upon returning as an adult he found that much of the area had been converted to suburban developments.

Reflecting on the visit to his hometown, MacKinnon said, “It just triggered this desire to know more about the history of the landscape I grew up on in general.” He discovered that not only were there a

number of species now missing from point. The degraded state of nature the area, but that people had forgot- for one generation becomes the norten about them. mal state of nature for the next,” he “Their presence had been totally said. forgotten,” he said. “Growing up, MacK innon proposes no one ever mentioned to me any of “rewilding”—the creation of environthese missing animals.” mental conditions that accommodate During his talk, MacKinnon and encourage the existence of wildproposed the “three ‘R’s”: remember, life communities in urban areas—as a reconnect, and rewild. possible solution to this generational The theme of remembering myopia. nature and exploring the history According to MacKinnon, of nature is present throughout the throughout history people have book. MacKinnon suggested that, farmed animals to the point of extincalthough students learn many forms tion; however, we need not continue of history in school and through pop to do so in the future. culture, the history of nature is often “I think what history indicates is overlooked. that we all too often get carried away “[Natural history] is perhaps our with whatever direction we’re headed most forgotten form of history,” he in, so we become persuaded that we said. “It’s incredible how quickly need to, [for instance], eliminate people lose sight of what the natural predators from the landscape because world was like in the past, and it fre- they threaten certain of our interests. quently does happen within a single So we go about destroying all of them, generation.” everywhere. It becomes this relentLosing sight of the changing nat- less pursuit, almost comparable to a ural world occurs all too easily and religious mania.” frequently, according to MacKinnon.

MacKinnon described the imporHe invoked the concept known tance of fostering a “meaningful” as “shifting baseline syndrome” to social relationship with wildlife, one explain how this forgetful feature in which we can live alongside each of the human condition distorts the other in harmony. He noted how, way we measure the generational for him, nurturing this relationship degradation of nature. began as a simple act of mindfully “Each generation is looking at the observing his surroundings in parks world that they grow up in and then and urban areas. measuring the degradation of that “If we allow nature to become world against their own life experi- meaningless to us, then that will ence. But then, along comes another certainly be the nail in the coffin in generation and they do exactly the the human relationship to the natural same thing, starting from their new world,” said MacKinnon.

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

Sports

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Herd hockey teams shut out Cougars Bison women sweep home-opening weekend at Wayne Fleming Arena Marc Lagace, staff

Photos by Beibei Lu

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he U of M women’s hockey team picked up a pair of victories over the Mount Royal Cougars over the home opener weekend in Wayne Fleming Arena at Max Bell Centre.

On Oct. 18, a busy third period featured three Bison goals, en route to their 4-1 win.

The Bisons came out of the gate firing hot on Friday. Nicole McGlenen opened the scoring just over one minute in. The team was quick and energetic, but the Cougars showed some fight.

With her teammate Rachel Piitz in the penalty box, Janessa Jenkins sped past the Bison defence on a breakaway and beat Bison goalie Amanda Schubert for a shorthanded goal.

The Bisons did a great job of cycling period, after a fortunate bounce found “I’m impressed that we won a close the puck around in the first period, get- her stick at the side of the Cougar net. one like this headed to the third, it’s ting shots on net and keeping play in Captain Amy Lee scored an insur- great for our confidence.”

Mount Royal’s end. Manitoba skated ance marker at 6:42 on the power play.

The following night, the Bison forwith amazing speed, successfully mov- The Bisons outhustled the Cougars to wards picked up where they left off, ing out of their own zone and creat- the puck, and outshot their opponents setting the pace and finding the net ing odd-man rushes and breakaway 32-17. early and often. opportunities.

Cassandra Taylor put a bow on the Meagan Vestby assisted on the Penalty troubles began for the game, beating Mount Royal goalie Jess opening goal—just 1:06 into the first Bisons late into the first period, and Ross high glove side on a penalty shot period—as Alana Serhan tipped in her first of the game and season. Vestby spilled over into the second. On the at 9:45. Final score: 4-1.

Strong play on special teams was a and Serhan would find the net just day, the Bisons gave up 22 minutes of penalties—even playing 6-on-3 for key to the Bison victory. three minutes later. A third goal, this “I was impressed by the speed and one by Litchfield-Medd at 9:15, chased a brief moment near the end of the second period—but they killed every pace we played at tonight. Our penalty Mount Royal goalie Katie Sigurdson kill, which has been outstanding all from the net. Ross came in and mansecond.

Maggie Litchfield-Medd scored year, probably won us the game,” said aged to stifle the Bison momentum. the go-ahead goal 3:23 into the third Manitoba head coach Jon Rempel.

While coach Rempel was impressed by the way the team came out and played early, he still expects more from his players.

“We managed the game well,” said Rempel, “I would’ve liked to see us put it away in the second, though, because we had plenty of chances.”

At the other end of the rink, Schubert followed up her 16-save performance the night before with a 20-save shutout, her first of the season.

In the sixth game of the regular season, Vestby earned her sixth assist of the season. She leads the Bisons in points with six and is currently sixth in conference scoring.

On the back end, Kyleigh Palmer and Caitlin MacDonald were solid offensively and defensively all weekend.

Palmer was fast to the puck and eager to jump in on the rush, finishing with an assist in both games. MacDonald

was solid along the blue line, getting pucks toward the net and providing an outlet pass at the top of the slot.

Manitoba is 3-2-1 on the season after the wins, while Mount Royal falls to 1-5-0. They travel to Calgary next for a pair of games against the 2-3-1 Dinos.

Bison men split outof-town series Deven Dubyk stopped 38 shots in a 1-0 shutout victory against Mount Royal on Oct. 18. Brendan Rowinski scored the only goal of the game midway through the first period. Dubyk and the Bisons survived the Cougars’ onslaught in the third period. The Cougars outshot the Bisons 18-7 in the final 20 minutes. Manitoba did everything they needed to protect the one-goal lead and hang on for their second win of the season.

The rematch the following night featured more offence, but yielded a worse result for the Bisons. A power play goal 27 seconds into the third period broke a 1-1 tie. The Cougars potted a third goal for insurance, winning 3-2. Jesse Paradis and Dane Crowley scored for the Bisons Saturday, while Dubyk had 29 saves on the day.

The Bisons and Mount Royal remain tied in the standings, at 2-4-0, after splitting the series. Manitoba hosts the 6-0-0 Calgary Dinos at Wayne Fleming Arena in a pair of games on Oct. 25 and 26. Puck drop is 7 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday evening.

VOL. 100 NO. 10 October 23, 2013

Sports

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Shootout in Saskatoon Bisons one win away from home playoff game Marc Lagace, staff

on Oct. 18. Winning over position in the second quarter, top early in the fourth. Shane The Bisons’ win over the Saskatchewan was key with Saskatchewan placekicker Buchanan busted out a 50-yard Huskies and UBC’s dominating to keeping their play- Denton Kolodzinski booting his run and later plunged into the 60-0 victory over Alberta has set off hopes alive. Now, second field goal of the day from Manitoba end zone to re-establish up an interesting final week in the the Bisons head into 29 yards. The teams would head Saskatchewan’s lead. The Bisons Canada West. The Bisons travel to the final week of into halftime with the Bisons lead- responded on the scoreboard play the Alberta Golden Bears in the Canada West ing 10-6. almost immediately.

Edmonton, while UBC travels to reg u la r sea son On the second-half kick, a Bison After a 24-yard rush by Coombs, play the undefeated Calgary Dinos, in a three-way tie fumble set the Huskies up with Yantz connected with Matt Sawyer and the Huskies are in Regina. for second place with great field position. Saskatchewan for a 41-yard touchdown passing The Bisons should now hold the S a s k atc h e w a n a n d running back Dexter Janke capped play that made the score 26-23. tiebreaker over Saskatchewan with UBC. a three-play drive with a 15-yard Kolodzinski tied the contest with the win, but if Manitoba and UBC Bison quar terback touchdown rush that put the his fourth field goal, but Yantz end up tied for second place, it will Jordan Yantz finished the Huskies up 13-10. Six minutes would put the game away for the come down to each team’s point game with good numbers, later, the Huskies would extend Bisons with his fourth touchdown total for the season. A three-way but had some issues in the their lead with a third Kolodzinski pass of the night, a 28-yarder to tie for second place will require all first quarter. After settling field goal.

Alex Vitt. sorts of math to figure out where for a field goal on Manitoba’s After only completing one of six The Huskies tried for a tie late each team will end up. first drive of the game, Yantz passes in the second half, Yantz in the fourth, but an interception Fortunately for Manitoba, was intercepted in the red zone connected with four different by Cam Teschuk in the final two they wrap up their regular season on their next possession. After a receivers, capping off a 95-yard minutes foiled any hopes of a dra- against the winless Alberta Bears, quick Saskatchewan two-and-out, drive with a 27-yard touchdown matic comeback. who have been outscored 170-359 Yantz and the Bison offence needed pass to Dustin Pedersen. The Yantz finished the game com- this season by their opponents. he Bisons are potentially one only four plays to find the end zone, score, plus a team safety given up pleting 18 of 32 passes for 364 yards, Nothing is guaranteed in football, win away from finishing sec- as Yantz hit Nic Demski with a by the Huskies, gave the Bisons a four touchdowns, and one intercep- but a win against the lowly Golden ond in the Canada West confer- 21-yard pass for Demski’s fifth 19-13 lead heading into the fourth tion. Coombs led all rushers with Bears might be enough to secure an ence after a 33-26 victory over touchdown of the season. quarter.

88 yards, and the Bison defence early November game at Investors the U of Saskatchewan Huskies The teams would battle for field The Huskies jumped back on recorded four sacks on the night.

Group Field.

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Bison soccer wraps up Season concludes with pair of losses at home Mike Still, staff

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he Manitoba Bison women’s soccer team was officially eliminated from playoff contention with a loss at home, falling 1-0 to the Victoria Vikes.

The Vikes were the far stronger team, heading into the game with an 8-2 record. Nonetheless, the Bisons were able to keep things close in a fairly even match.

After a few close chances, including a shot that went off the crossbar, Victoria was able to solve goaltender Chloe Werle in the 28th minute.

Carlita Branion-Calles scored on a wide open net as Werle attempted to grab the loose ball.

The two teams would head into the half with Victoria holding onto the one-goal lead. The Vikes continued to generate quality chances in the second half; however, Werle stood strong in net.

Beck on a pass that split the Bison defence. Fraser Valley took the 1-0 lead into the half.

Fraser Valley continued to dictate the pace early in the second half, preventing Manitoba from getting any sort of momentum. Things went from bad to worse for the Bisons in the 56th minute, as fifth-year defender Gillian Sidon took down forward Carly Neeson in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Neeson would make no mistake, extending the Cascades’ lead to 2-0.

Sidon was one of two Bison playPhoto by beibei lu ers participating in their final CIS game. Sidon was a leader on a young Manitoba’s best chance of the half Bison squad, starting in 53 games over came in the 82nd minute. Daniella her Bison career. She showed perseScerbo had a shot at a loose ball in verance, making up for the earlier the box, but it was quickly grabbed penalty and getting Manitoba on the

by Victoria goalie Tanya Jones. board in the 74th minute on a rocket With the loss, the Bisons fell to shot just outside the box.

1-6-4, while Victoria advanced to Laura Stewart was the other 9-2. graduating Bison, having played in After being eliminated from play- 26 matches over her career. off contention, the Bisons looked to Coach Vanessa Martinez-Lagunas finish the season on a positive note was pleased with the play of both her the following evening. Despite bat- graduating players, also noting how tling hard, they were unable to over- important the game was for them. come the Fraser Valley Cascades and “I’m just happy for them; they lost 2-1. played hard and had a good game, Manitoba was unable to generate both of them.” much offence in the first half, being Sidon’s goal seemed to ignite the outshot 10-3. Fraser Valley kept the Bisons: they picked up the tempo in pressure in the Bisons’ end, creating the last 15 minutes, but were unable to a number of scoring opportunities. tie the game, falling just short. With Chloe Werle held strong in net for the loss, the Bisons finished the reguManitoba, but was eventually cracked lar season with a 1-7-4 record, with in the 37th minute by forward Shelby Fraser Valley ending up 5-4-3.

Despite failing to qualify for the playoffs, Martinez-Lagunas maintained a positive outlook for next season, focusing on strengthening and growing the team.

“This season I said I wanted to

invest in development. This is a really young team. I think most of the young players got plenty of minutes of playing time. It’s a good experience for them.”

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Sports

VOL. 100 NO. 10 October 23, 2013

Running with the Herd How to train for a marathon Mike Still, staff

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efore committing yourself to a running event, it’s important to create a plan. The step is to set an achievable goal. Whether it is finishing at a specific time or simply just finishing, it is crucial to have a goal to motivate you.

It is also important to adjust your goals when necessary. When I ran my first marathon this past June, I had a goal of finishing in three hours and 35 minutes. Around halfway through my training, I sustained a knee injury and had to take a few weeks off. Once I was rested and back into training I realized that my original goal would not be achievable.

I decided I would aim for less than four hours instead. I was able to achieve this, running in 3:52:00.

Applying a realistic goal helps maintain a positive attitude as you progress and improve, and is vital

illustration by caroline norman

to maintaining your focus during training.

Once you set a goal for yourself, the next step is to design a training program. You can approach this in a variety of different ways: consulting a coach, going to a running specialty store, or searching for one online.

When I first started running half marathons two years ago, I did not know how often I needed to run, or even what types of workouts were best. I trained for my first two races on my own. This was not the smartest idea as I struggled to get through the second half of both.

It wasn’t until after I began working at the Running Room that I learned the importance of a proper training program, as well as receiving knowledgeable coaching.

My third half marathon, and first with a full training regime, yielded

huge results. I cut down my personal best time by nearly 19 minutes.

From that point on, I was incredibly motivated to improve and train harder with each race.

My typical training schedule for a half marathon is 16 weeks long. It includes speed work, slower long distance runs (9.5-21 km), quicker tempo runs (6.5-8 km), and hill training to improve the core.

Marathon training involves the same training runs—the difference being the longer training distances—all the way up to 35 km.

Training will vary depending on the individual. I usually like to train with a group that has similar goals and fitness levels, as I find it motivates me to stay committed. I have also met some of my closest friends through running. They were the ones who convinced me to run a marathon, and have kept me going

afterwards. on the full marathon course in Regardless as to how you choose Minneapolis and St. Paul, signifito train, setting up a consistent cantly more than the Manitoba schedule is what will get you Marathon. The fan support was through the weeks, and prepare absolutely amazing throughout the you for whichever race you choose race, especially during the toughest to do. parts of the course. There were far Most of my motivation comes more hills than in the Manitoba from the event that I am training Marathon, which was challenging. for. Once you’re committed to your The experience has allowed me to traning regimen, I would recom- appreciate the excitement of going mend trying to run at least one des- to a larger race, as well as the calmer tination race per year. Whether that nature of smaller, local races. be out of province or out of counSticking to your goals and traintry, it is exciting to experience the ing truly makes a difference, regardatmosphere of different race loca- less of whether you are a seasoned tions while enjoying a fun weekend veteran or just starting out. When I trip. I ran my second marathon in look back a few years, I am amazed Minnesota on Oct. 6 after com- at the progress I have made. I have pleting the Manitoba Marathon run 10 half marathons and two full in June. It gave me an entirely new marathons over the last two years. perspective on how different races I credit my accomplishments to my are organized. strong training plan and realistic, There were over 5,000 runners motivational goals.