24 July 2013

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

Killers on display

n e ws

co m m e n t

Leggett's story Man-haters!

U of M student files human rights complaint

page 5

Misconceptions of feminism debunked. page 9

page 7

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

a rts & c u lt u r e

s p o rts

Day in the life

Folkin' around

Colour Me Rad

DNA and ploymerase chain reaction. page 11

Winnipeg Folk Festival celebrates 40th anniversary page 14-15

Vo l 1 0 0 · N o 2 · J u ly 2 4 , 2 0 1 3 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

5k run, a bright splotch in Manitoba summer page 20

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Index

VOL. 100 NO. 2 July 24, 2013

News

| pa g e s 3 – 6

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Health unsurance

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Mental health strategic guide released to campuses across Canada

Editorial

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Science & Tech

| pgs 11-12

11

Day in the life: PCR

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Flash forward: SSD cards

Arts & Culture

cover image

“For Folk Festival Celebrating 40 years” by Angela Kara 2013. SEEdd

Comment

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| pgs 13–16

Dear Jodie: Wet Dreams

14-15 Folk Fest: A review 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.

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

Diversions 9

Hostility towards feminism

9

Ikea? No thanks

10

Letting history decide

Sports

Staff Talkback

Q:

Katy Mackinnon

Bryce Hoye

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| pa g e s 1 8 – 2 0

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Bomber blunder

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Colour Me Rad rundown

Are you satisfied with the current UMSU health and dental insurance coverage?

Quinn Richert, staff

N ews Edi tor

“The current plan requires proof of alternate coverage to opt out. Why should UMSU make the decision for me that I need to purchase alternate health insurance, whether or not it is the insurance they provide?”

Carlyn Schellenberg Copy Edi tor

"I am relatively satisfied, especially with dental coverage. However, I wish there were a little bit more money dedicated to vision care."

Edi tor-in - Chie f

"Based on the fact that I'm not covered by a parent, the UMSU coverage is my only option. I've used it for athletic therapy and some dental cleaning, and I was satisfied with the coverage I received."

Silvana Moran D esign Edi tor

“When I was a student a few years ago, I was satisfied. I regret not taking advantage of it then."

Senior News Editor: quinn richert News Editor: katy mackinnon Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News

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Health unsurance UMSU council will move ahead with Health and Dental Plan vote following delays Quinn Richert, staff

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ig changes may be coming for ultimately opting out of presenting tape was ironed out, that they’d the University of Manitoba a formal offer to the HDP group. be able to get it by September, and Students’ Union’s (UMSU) Health All companies were expected to that students’ plans would not be in and Dental Plan (HDP). UMSU match the prices and services of jeopardy.” councillors, representing under- the current provider, Green Shield UMSU VP external Christian graduates in all faculties, will vote Canada.

Pierce explained that the before the beginning of the fall On July 8, ACL Student Benefits next step following term on whether to switch insur- made a presentation to UMSU the delay is for ance providers.

Council on the recommendation of the HDP comEarlier this summer, services and the HDP committee. At that meet- mittee to health plan administrator Sharilyn ing, Knox announced that, upon re-review Knox and the UMSU executive, in review, the current HDP provider proposals. conjunction with the Graduate was “not even near the top.”

“We’re Students’ Association (GSA), One week later, UMSU Council still commenced a request for propos- was expected to vote on whether or happy als (RFP) process in an effort to not to accept ACL’s proposal. with the determine whether a superior insurThe Monday following that product, ance package could be provided to council meeting, however, an but we’ll students. “emergency” council meeting was go back “We haven’t done an RFP process held. There, it was announced that to review,” in seven years. This year coming a delay to the voting process had said Pierce. in, we decided to take a look to see arisen.

Last year, what else is out there,” said Amanda “One of the providers that we the GSA held a McMullin, UMSU vice-president asked to present doesn’t have a referendum to approve internal. licence in Manitoba yet. [The changes to their health insur“Our main objective is to make application process] has not been ance coverage. UMSU president sure that we have the best plan out completed,” McMullin told the Al Turnbull responded to questions there for students,” she added.

Manitoban. from the Manitoban on whether that Five insurance companies “Once we found that out, we set a precedent for UMSU to hold a responded to the RFP, with one wanted to make sure all the red referendum of its own.

“As per our bylaws, a referendum does not have to occur if prices go down. The prices went down significantly. For GSA referendum, the prices went up. They wanted to try to increase their coverage, and wanted to break away from an undergraduate-graduate combined plan.

They tried to go to a graduate-only plan, which did increase their prices quite a bit,” said Turnbull.

“That would require a referendum.”

While it is still uncertain whether the majority of councillors look favourably upon the proposed insurance shuffle, one UMSU councillor, Students Living With Disabilities

representative Steven Stairs, made his views known.

His message was that, while the proposed changes are attractive, more deliberation would have been appreciated.

“I’m interested in switching providers, but I wish there was more consultation done with the community as a whole,” said Stairs.

“We have a week, basically, as councillors, to take it back to our communities and relay the information to them, get their feedback, and relay it back on Monday, [Jul. 15],” said Stairs prior to the announcement that the meeting on that day would not see a motion before council.

“As a disabled student, I really wish [I] would have been contacted a little more regarding this, because I bet you a lot of the students that I represent are big-time users of the HDP.” Time will tell whether councillors like Stairs see the delay as a blessing in disguise. illustration by: gloria joe

Major donation gives youth a chance to PLAY True North Foundation and the Manitoba government taking action for Aboriginal youth Katy MacKinnon

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he Right To Play organization aims to help youth do what they do best: play. A $250,000 donation from True North Foundation and the Manitoba government will soon aid disadvantaged Aboriginal children in Manitoba in fulfilling that basic childhood right.

Right To Play is a non-profit organization that began in 1993.

The organization holds offices in six countries with programs in over 20 countries. International

Aboriginal culture and identity. philosophy of the foundation is to become sustainable and carry “The PLAY program encourages strongly aligned with that of Right forward the skills once the proyouth to become positive agents To Play. gram has completed. of change in their communities,” “We recognize that there is a “One of the big challenges Robert Witchel, national direc- need to help fund programs in [Aboriginal] communities face is tor of Right To Play, told the various Aboriginal communities,” low socioeconomic status. People Manitoban. said Green. are living in poverty and poverty Originally involved in only “[Right To Play] has an incred- takes away choice,” said Chief. t wo Aboriginal partner com- ible history and track record with He stressed the need to complemunities, PLAY is now working supporting millions of children ment positive aspects of Aboriginal with 47 communities throughout and youth,” said Kevin Chief, communities as well as improve Ontario and Manitoba. Aboriginal Manitoba’s Minister of Children leadership among youth. The reserves may have different needs and Youth Opportunities.

Manitoba government is looking and resources, so each PLAY proTrue North Foundation, the to help provide a positive environgram is community-specific. charitable organization of the ment for children.

Locally hired community men- Winnipeg Jets, strives to make a “If you don’t give young people tors are an important aspect of the difference in Manitoba through something positive to belong to, illustration by:bradly wohlgemuth PLAY program. various programs and events. they don’t wait [ . . . ] they will find athletes such as Winnipeg’s own “There is no better way to under- With the exception of donations something negative,” said Chief.

Clara Hughes are ambassadors. stand how PLAY can support to Canadian military members and “Every child is good at something The funding provided by the healthy relationships and stron- their families, all funds stay within – we just have to make sure every foundation and the Manitoba gov- ger communities than to witness the province. young person gets the support and ernment will go directly to Right the trust and friendship between a “Ninety-nine per cent of our services they need to maximize To Play’s PLAY program. young person and their community funding goes to youth-based pro- that talent.”

Beginning in Ontario in 2010, mentor,” said Witchel. grams that address underserved Pine Creek First Nation and PLAY (Promoting Life-skills in True North Foundation and the populations,” said Green.

Fisher River Cree Nation will Aboriginal Youth) has used sport to Manitoba government donated to Chief discussed the impor- be receiving PLAY programsupport and encourage leadership, Right To Play for similar reasons. tance of creating a program that ming. Updates on the progress relationship building, and healthy Dwayne Green, executive direc- would provide lifelong skills and of the PLAY program will be living in Aboriginal youth, while tor of True North Foundation, resources to Aboriginal communi- shown periodically on True North recognizing the importance of emphasized that the mission and ties in order for the communities Foundation’s website.

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News

VOL. 100 NO. 2 July 24, 2013

Mental health strategic guide released to campuses across Canada Katy MacKinnon, staff

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undreds of professionals, as well as students with lived experiences concerning mental health, have put their heads together to produce a systematic guide for mental health strategies on college and university campuses.

The Canadian Association of College and University Students (CACUSS) and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) are the organizations behind the guide, which provides a mental health framework and tools to improve campus approaches to mental health.

Mental health, as defined by the Government of Canada, involves a person’s emotional and spiritual well-being. Mental health is distinct from mental illness, in that mental illness involves significant distress and weakened functioning.

The guide was launched in June and is the first of its kind. It acknowledges that universities have an important impact on the mental health of the people within such institutions.

Universities can use the strategies in the guide to improve their mental health support systems.

“It’s broad enough that each individual campus can tailor it,” said Tessa Blaikie, youth mental health available resources followed. Finally, promotion worker, CMHA. over 300 students and professionBlaikie added that some campuses als began collaborating through a may be without a mental health strat- series of online seminars to develop egy whereas others may be looking to the guide. improve. The guide provides resources CACUSS and CMHA would for all types of campuses. like the guide to remain useful and “Every campus is different [ . . . ] relevant in the future. Health professome campuses are struggling with sionals will use a virtual space where how they are going to support stu- they can access resources and ask dents,” said Jennifer Hamilton, exec- questions. utive director of CACUSS. The guide was released alongHamilton pointed out that small side a national survey regarding the campuses with only one or two men- health and wellness of over 30,000 tal health professionals have differ- college and university students. The ent resources than large campuses. survey provided statistics on a wide Queen’s University is an example of a range of topics related to health and large campus with a detailed support wellness. system already in place.

The results of the survey as well as “[The guide] can be seen as a start- results from numerous other research ing point [ . . . ] a place to go back projects suggest that mental health and review [ . . . ] [or to think about] issues among university students are where can we do things differently increasing. and change things,” said Hamilton.

“I believe university students are The creation of the guide began in more stressed right now than ever 2010 through three phases. Faculty before,” said David Ness, acting members, students, and health prac- director of the Student Counselling titioners joined together to discuss and Career Centre at the U of M. issues related to mental health dur- “There’s likely an increased rate of ing a national town hall meeting in mental health issues on campus and Toronto. An examination of already the research shows that.”

illustration by: bradly wohlgemuth

Ness affirmed that university is a time of major transition in students’ lives. Students may experience high levels of stress as they try to adjust to many challenges such as friendships, housing, and finances.

“I believe university students are more stressed right now than ever before [ . . . ] there’s likely an increased rate of mental health issues on campus and the research shows that.”

“My best advice to students is to learn how to balance studying, socializing, working, and personal time. Balance in these areas reduces stress, which is key to staying mentally healthy,” said Carla Loewen, an academic advisor for university 1.

The U of M hired a mental health consultant in February of this year.

Stephanie Loewen is currently developing a new mental health strategy on campus.

Stephanie Loewen was part of the development of the mental health strategic guide.

“The guide has helped me in terms of envisioning the areas that are important to examine at the U of M that impact on the mental health and well-being of students,” Loewen told the Manitoban.

According to Loewen, the U of M is doing many things well in terms of an approach to mental health.

She listed the health and wellness educator, student life programs, and the Aboriginal student centre as examples.

Loewen also suggested many areas where the U of M could improve. “[One of the] biggest needs seems to be building community and supporting students to find places or groups where they can connect and belong,” said Loewen. She also proposed an increase in quiet spaces as well as additional student-led mental

health resources.

Loewen believes a new mental health strategy will be beneficial to both the staff and students at the U of M. “Staff who are flourishing are more productive, efficient, innovative, resourceful, and work better with their colleagues and clients [ . . . ] Students who are flourishing [ . . . ] have better learning outcomes and skill development, which has been shown to lead to higher retention rates and student success,” said Loewen.

A person’s mental health and wellness is an aspect of health often given less thought than physical health, Blaikie told the Manitoban.

“We need to be looking after our mental health just like we look after our bodies.”

Students can take personal steps to maintaining their mental health.

“Taking care of your mental health isn’t rocket science, and in doing so, we are protecting ourselves from becoming mentally ill,” said Loewen.

She referred to exercising, supporting others, and maintaining healthy relationships as examples.

The University of Manitoba has a variety of mental health resources available for students. The Student Counselling and Career Centre on the fourth floor of University Centre is the first stop on campus for students seeking mental health resources.

The centre provides personal counselling free of charge to U of M students, crisis and emergency services, as well as free groups and workshops throughout the year.

The workshop topics include career planning assistance, relationships, bullying, exam anxiety, and more.

Students who do not wish to visit the centre can utilize many self-help resources online.

David Ness hopes to involve students more in terms of the mental health resources on campus.

“It’s better when we can work with students and work together; it’s always more successful and more relevant,” said Ness.

Students seeking mental health resources can visit the U of M’s career and counselling services in room 474 of University Centre.

Senior News Editor: quinn richert News Editor: katy mackinnon Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

Charges of gender discrimination levelled against U of M Transgender student claims he was unfairly expelled from university’s social work ACCESS program Alycia Rodrigues

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To feed or not to feed Force-feeding procedure for Guantanamo Bay detainees exposed to the public Norbert Mibirung

illustration by: justin ladia

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News

amien Leggett, a transgen- saying that her brain was unable der student who feels he to process him as a male while he was discriminated against by the still looked female.

Leggett found it offensive that University of Manitoba, has filed a human rights complaint against the professor couldn’t rememthe school. The Manitoba Human ber which pronoun to use. The Rights Commission is conducting professor allegedly suggested it an investigation into the incident. would be easier if Leggett had a In his first year, Leggett joined moustache.

According to Leggett, students the Inner City Social Work ACCESS Program. The program brought a fake moustache to class is devised to give assistance to and asked him to draw a picture those facing difficulties access- of his genitals.

Members of Leggett’s class ing post-secondary education.

He was a single parent living on created a Facebook page to make social assistance, had obtained a babysitting plans among students, grade nine education, and was in but the page was also used as a the process of undergoing a gender place to vent about issues with class. Leggett was assumed to change.

Transgender individuals are be the leader of the page. He was often targets of discrimination, and eventually kicked out of the proLeggett felt this occurring from gram on the grounds that he had his first day. He abstained from made comments regarding another eating so that he could skip going student that were unacceptable.

Leggett’s response was that to the washroom. He was granted access to the staff bathroom after he was unfairly targeted based several failed attempts. on the fact that he is transgender.

Later, he began having When the U of M invited him issues with both professors and back, he had already moved to a students. new program.

Leggett told CBC News that Professor Pat Hrabok witnessed one professor continued to call the situation and found it diffihim a “she” although he repeat- cult to watch one of her students edly asked her to stop. The pro- face discrimination despite the fessor reportedly responded by program’s intent of being a safe

haven for individuals who have been discriminated against.

Maria Kari, a law student at the U of M, has worked in the human rights field for seven years. Kari suggested that Leggett’s situation fits into the parameters of a human rights complaint.

“Unfortunately, in Canada, transsexual/transgendered/gender-variant individuals have faced and continue to face a tremendous amount of discrimination.

Statistics consistently show that these individuals continue to exist on the margins of society and are one of the most vulnerable groups of people facing not just discrimination on the basis of their gender identity but also other forms of social and economic discrimination,” said Kari.

The House of Commons passed a bill this year that rules it illegal to discriminate against transgendered people.

The U of M has declined to comment on the complaint to media outlets. The school’s policy on workplace harassment, a document entitled “Respectful Work and Learning Environment,” was adopted in Jan. 2009 and revised in Jan. 2012.

That document outlines the protocol for dealing with instances of harassment. The policy states: “harassment and discrimination violate an individual’s human rights and run contrary to the university’s fundamental values.

The University of Manitoba will act promptly and efficiently to deal with these behaviours.”

Kari advised several changes within the university.

She suggested gender-neutral washrooms, which already exist at some U of M locations. She also stated that the university should reach out to minority groups, such as transgendered people, and provide educational resources on marginalized groups where necessary.

“Failure to do so not only limits opportunities for individuals like Leggett, but also stifles the environment at U of M as a whole because we are then faced with highly valuable, skilled, and intelligent individuals moving away from our campus to other places where they are more likely to feel valued, respected, and safe.

Leggett’s story is a perfect example of that,” said Kari.

O

n Sunday, July 21, a Google implemented in 1975 by the World search for “Mos Def force- Medical Association “where a feeding” yielded 10.6 million results. prisoner refuses nourishment and Such has been the global impact of a is considered by the physician as recent video released by Reprieve, a capable of forming an unimpaired UK-based non-profit that advocates and rational judgment concerning for the rule of law and the rights of the consequences of such a voluntary refusal of nourishment, he or she prisoners.

In the video, Yasiin Bey, the shall not be fed artificially.” musician and actor formerly known as Mos Def, voluntarily undergoes a force-feeding procedure similar “To force feed a to that conducted on some hungercompetent adult striking prisoners of Guantanamo Bay. against his or her At the peak of the hunger strike, 106 inmates were reported to be vol- wish is to commit untarily forgoing food, while recent a criminal assault numbers are said to have dwindled against that person” down to about 96. Of those 96, 45 are being force-fed via nasogastric – Arthur Schafer tube.

Donald Campbell, interim head U.S. President Barack Obama of communications at Reprieve, spoke to the Manitoban about the has said that he approves of forceorganization’s motivation for pro- feeding because he wants to prevent ducing the video. the deaths of prisoners.

Arthur Schafer, director of the “The video is important because it helps to bring home to people the University of Manitoba’s centre inhumane way Guantanamo detain- for professional and applied ethics, ees are being treated – despite the said in correspondence with the fact that all they are doing is under- Manitoban that force-feeding of taking a peaceful protest against political or security prisoners clearly their indefinite detention without violates international principles.

“Of course, the avoidable death of charge or trial,” said Campbell.

“Not only have the vast majority any human being is deeply regretof detainees in Guantanamo never table; but the overriding principle, been charged, let alone given a trial – when we are dealing with prisoners more than half of them have actually who are capable of understanding been cleared for release by the U.S. the significance of their refusal to take food, is the prisoners’ right to Government itself.”

In May, even before Bey’s video autonomy,” said Schafer.

“To force-feed a competent adult appeared online ,the Qatar-based news network Al Jazeera obtained against his or her wish is to comand released a document entitled mit a criminal assault against that “Standard Operating Procedure: person.”

Schafer suggests that persuaMedical Management of Detainees sion and negotiation would be more on Hunger Strike.”

The 30-page manual contained humane and effective than overtly detailed instructions pertaining to coercive means.

Asked about President Obama’s the involuntary feeding of liquid nutritional supplements to prisoners. support for the forced-feeding, he Also addressed in the document are said: “If President Obama is genuappropriate methods for restrain- inely concerned to save the lives of ing the prisoner, and post-feeding these detainees, then he ought to observation protocols intended to negotiate directly with them and accommodate their reasonable prevent induced vomiting.

Al Jazeera’s release of the docu- demands.”

“Indefinite detention without ment, as well as Bey’s video, has raised ethical and legal questions trial and cruel and degrading treatas to whether saving lives by force- ment are a dark stain on America’s feeding should trump the right of reputation as a nation that claims to respect the rule of law. These prisoners to refuse nourishment.

According to the Tokyo practices are morally intolerable Declaration, a collection of inter- and should be ended immediately, national guidelines for physicians regardless of the hunger strike.”

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News

VOL. 100 NO. 2 July 24, 2013

Egypt since Morsi Violent protests, disunity continue to mark the political landscape Quinn Richert, staff

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he political situation in Egypt to govern effectively contributed to remains volatile following the Morsi’s ousting.

July 3 military overthrow of elected “I think the real problem was that it President Mohamed Morsi. was an economic and security catasA July 19 clash between Morsi sup- trophe [ . . . ] it was the economy and porters and opponents left at least the politics together. The crushing three people dead. unemployment. The lack of freedoms Aggressive military and police and opportunities,” said Jacoby. crackdowns against pro-Morsi demShe also noted, however, that onstrators were also reported in the while the Muslim Brotherhood was days prior to those deaths. Amnesty unable to consolidate their political International stated that on the day power, they still enjoy the support of of Morsi’s deposition, the Egyptian many Egyptians. military opened fire on a pro-Morsi “They have deep roots. They just crowd that had gathered in Cairo. didn’t succeed politically at this time One person was killed as a result.

– they weren’t able to run the country Interim Egyptian President Adly effectively,” said Jacoby.

Mansour has, in recent days, made “They didn’t have the support of his first public address to Egyptians. the political apparatus. I think they “We are going through a critical still have their grassroots support stage and some of us want to move throughout the country.” towards chaos and we want to move towards stability. Some want a bloody A coup? The central path, while we are hoping to settle a role of the military better quality of life and to guarantee Mina Shenouda, an Egyptian Not a coup: A crowd gathered at the Forks on July 7 to show support for the military overthrow of president human rights. I would like to reaffirm graduate student in engineering at Mohamed Morsi to you my commitment to restore the University of Manitoba who security and stability in the country,” worked and was educated in Cairo, said Mansour in a taped television insists that the military’s removal of stration at the Forks in downtown Brotherhood members of the govern- tion, which was suspended during the message, which aired on July 18.

Morsi stemmed from popular outrage Winnipeg in an attempt to dissemi- ment,” she added. effort to remove Morsi, is currently Before moving into the position at the regime’s inability to provide nate this message.

From the first phase of the being modified by a committee of 10 of interim president, Mansour was basic resources and meet its election Participants at the rally carried Egyptian revolution up to present day, constitutional law experts appointed head of the Supreme Constitutional promises.

Egyptian f lags, as well as signs the military has consistently played a by Mansour. That small committee Court – a seat he only held for two “The way he ruled in one whole emblazoned with the words “Not a central role in the country’s politics. will then present their recommendadays. Morsi appointed him to that year proved to be a distressing year for coup: the civilians made a revolution Maged Nashat, a Cairo resi- tions to a larger panel. position.

Egyptians. and the military responded.” dent who spoke recently with the Professor Jacoby explained that Since the There wasn’t “A coup, according to what we have Manitoban, predicts that the army while it is important for Egypt to “The way he ruled in overthrow, security as seen before, is an eruption from the will continue to hold a position of adopt a constitution that provides the Muslim he promised. military against the system or against significant power. equal rights to all citizens, it would one whole year proved Brotherhood, There was not the regime. The chief leader of the “I think Egypt is heading towards not guarantee a peaceful and stable of which fulfillment army declares himself as the new the Turkish model, where the Turkish future for the country. to be a distressing year Morsi is a of any of the president. For example, what hap- military intervenes to resolve severe “It certainly guides politics and for Egyptians. There member, has promises he pened in Pakistan. In Egypt, things political tensions in the country. sets out the rules, but if a governrejected the pledged when are different,” said Shenouda in an The role of the Egyptian army has ment can simply override [the conwasn’t security as he possibility he came into interview with the Manitoban. been that of a neutral player,” said stitution] whenever it wants, it is not promised. There was of opening the presi“The army could never remain Nashat. that meaningful. It is not the most a dialogue dency.

There silent in this,” he continued.

“It could Shenouda, who served in the important thing. The most important not fulfillment of any w it h t he is no gaso- not be named a coup because it was Egyptian military, is confident that thing is real power sharing – bridging of the promises he Egyptian line. There not launched first from the army. The the army can play a positive role in wide divides.” government. is no elec- chief of the army did not name him- the lives of Egyptians.

“The divisions that have come pledged when he came The Muslim tricity. There self the president.”

“One of the perfect messages of about are really fundamental. There Brotherhood is no water.

Jacoby agrees that characterizing the army in any country is to protect are such different belief systems,” into the presidency” characterAnd above Morsi’s expulsion as a coup is mis- the security and the legality of the continued Jacoby. “The more violence – Mina Shenouda izes Morsi’s all, there are leading, but acknowledges it does constitution,” said Shenouda. “The they commit against each other, the removal massacres exhibit some of those features. army is not dreaming of power. The more entrenched those divisions will from power taking place “If you believe the military is act- army cares about the security of the become.” as a coup, and condemns the heavy- in the streets,” said Shenouda. ing in the name of the people against Egyptians themselves.” handed actions of the government While he acknowledges the role an unpopular government, it doesn’t With files from Norbert Mibirung against protestors. of the military in toppling Morsi, look like a coup,” said Jacoby.

Constitution will be revised Photo by: Abdallah Rizk Tami Jacoby, professor of political Shenouda asserts that the actions of “It does have elements of that It remains to be seen what interim studies at the University of Manitoba, the military do not constitute a coup. because military members orches- President Adly Mansour will bring to told the Manitoban that an inability He helped organize a recent demon- trated it and arrested former Muslim the table for Egyptians. The constitu-

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Killers on display The price of keeping orcas in captivity Carlyn Schellenberg, staff

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illustration by: ian cormack

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y first encounter with captured orcas took place at the age of 10 at SeaWorld Orlando. My family filed in with the rest of the unassuming crowd to watch the trainers ride the iconic whale Shamu in what must have been a relatively claustrophobic aquatic environment for a cetacean of that magnitude.

I also, around this age, witnessed an eager pod of killer whales jumping from the surface of the ocean while on a ferry from Vancouver to Victoria. In my awed and naïve state, I could not differentiate between the artificial captivity experience and the sublime wild one. I wanted to get as close to these creatures as I could, regardess of their welfare or that of the trainers, wanting a personal relationship with them for my own sake. ­ Unfortunately, the relationship we want with these animals is at odds with their wellbeing and, as a result, human safety.

The anti-captivity argument has many facets, but the one I’ll focus on is related to the preventable deaths of trainers and other human beings.

SeaWorld has shouldered much backlash since the bull orca Tilikum brutally killed trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010. Tilikum and two other whales were involved in the 1991 drowning of trainer Keltie Byrne, in which she fell into the tank and was held under water by one of the whales. This occurred at Sealand of the Pacific in Victoria, which closed its doors following the incident.

Tilikum killed one more person in between these two horrific occurrences: Daniel Dukes, a man who snuck into the tank at SeaWorld after hours and was found dead and partially dismembered in Tilikum’s mouth the next morning.

Tilikum is not the only SeaWorld-owned whale that has killed a trainer. Loro Parque, a marine park in the Canary Islands, took in some “loaner” whales from SeaWorld.

Trainer Alexis Martinez was killed by the whale Keto there in December 2009.

There have been no recorded human fatalities from a killer whale in the wild, which raises the question of why these killings are occurring solely in captivity.

When not forced to perform in order to

obtain food, killer whales are confined in relatively small quarters for long periods of time. At Sealand of the Pacific in 1989, according to then-trainer Eric Walters: “If the killer whales did not enter [ . . . ] [a small, dark, metal holding pool about 20 feet (6 m) deep and 26 feet (8 m) in diameter] at the end of the day to spend the night, we, as trainers, were instructed to withhold their end of-the-day allotted food.”

Their attacks and killings of humans have been attributed by activists to a lack of stimulation (or “sensory deprivation”) and stress from being kept in solitude for so long. In the wild, they are very social animals who often swim 160 kilometers a day, and being stripped of that may create a need to find excitement through other means – sometimes by playing with and eventually killing trainers.

Marineland Ontario likely won’t have trainer deaths because, unlike SeaWorld, they don’t do water work in which trainers actually go into the water with the whales; SeaWorld has abstained from water work since Brancheau’s death.

Death at SeaWorld, a 2012 exposé by David Kirby, is a comprehensive account starting from when the first orca was captured up until 2012, when OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) hit SeaWorld with safety violations. It has helped change opinions and educated the public about orcas in captivity. Blackfish, a documentary primarily portraying Tilikum’s life in captivity, hits screens in major cities this month. Both the book and documentary will hopefully change the way the public feels about this brand of entertainment.

So, now that we are becoming more aware of what occurs in captivity, what are the solutions to the inhumane treatment of orcas and the toll it takes on trainers?

It’s doubtful that conditions can get significantly better for whales and trainers alike at marine parks. SeaWorld is developing fastrising bottoms on their pools, which would presumably prevent drowning and make it more difficult for whales to brutally kill the trainers, but it will not absolutely guarantee the saving of lives. A whale will still be able to crush, bite, and jab a human whether it is

under the water’s surface or not. Thus, the most promising solution would be to take orcas out of marine parks entirely, which would ensure the safety of the trainers as well as greatly increase the well-being of the whales.

Not every whale was fortunate enough to get their big break as a movie star, as Keiko did in Free Willy, so, naturally, every captive orca will not be privy to the same benefits and means of escape as Keiko was. (Keiko became so popular from the film and its notions of freedom that millions were donated for him to be rehabilitated; he was moved from a subpar marine park in Mexico to an aquarium in Oregon and then a sea pen in his Iceland home where he was eventually freed to roam the ocean depths.) Most whales will not acquire the popularity and public support it takes to garner the funds necessary for release.

A different method is being utilized in the attempt to release Lolita, an orca at Miami Seaquarium, has been for activists to start a petition to include her in the US Endangered Species Act. Lolita is the only surviving captive southern resident whale (found on the south end of Vancouver Island) of those that were captured. All wild southern resident orcas were declared endangered in 2005. If the petition succeeds, the hope is that Lolita eventually can be released and reunited with her species to help continue the population.

Since it is speculated that Keiko probably died of pneumonia and also never found his pod, the debate over whether the release was successful or not continues. The implication is that transferring older whales to sea pens may be the most favourable option.

These whales are not on this Earth to spin in circles; splash the noisy audience among a frenzy of flash bulbs; perform backflips; or take trainers for a spin in manufactured versions of the ocean. They were born in the wild, meant to swim with their matriarchal pod in peace.

Perhaps the only contact we humans ought to be having with these creatures is to observe and marvel at their majesty from a distance, careful not to disturb, interfere, or involve ourselves in their lives.

VOL. 100 NO. 2 July 24, 2013

Comment

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Hostility toward feminism blocks positive change Examining Joni Mitchell’s rejection of feminism on CBC Radio Stephanie Haderer

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ne would think that with all the positive change brought about through feminism it would not get such a bad reputation, unfortunately that is not the case. A recent interview on CBC’s Q with Jian Ghomeshi revealed an offended Joni Mitchell, with feminism acting as the offender.

The interview contained many quotable, inspired moments from Mitchell, but her (almost) last words were the ones that rang in my ears.

Toward the end of the interview, Ghomeshi brought up the fact that Mitchell does not like to identify as a feminist. Mitchell then went on to assert that “the feminism in this continent isn’t feminine,” and that feminists she has encountered have been “so nasty.”

Nasty, hostile: words that seem to stick like industrial-strength glue to feminism, and Mitchell got right in there to slather it on. Mitchell makes it clear that she has been wronged in the past by “with us or against us” attitudes from some feminists; it is unfortunate that this has ruined Mitchell’s view of feminists in general.

The idea of feminism being “masculine,” in my opinion, is a harmful notion that works within the gender stereotypes and binaries between femininity and masculinity – with hostility, strength, and aggression

illustration by: bram keast

being masculine, and a more passive approach being feminine. The gender binary between femininity and masculinity is the very thing that restricts and marginalizes people within our society. It is no surprise that Mitchell presents the expression of feminism in two options: masculine or feminine.

The idea that there is a right and a wrong kind of feminism is a harmful one as well. Many people are put off by feminism because they feel that there are too many “rules” to follow, and statements like Mitchell’s only perpetuate this by creating a right kind of “feminine” feminism.

If there is no right kind of feminism,

then what is feminism, and how is it defined? I cannot write an article defining feminism. I would never get it right for everyone, and there is a reason for that. Not all people are the same. I only know what feminism means for me.

For me, feminism is not about starting “a posse against men,” as Mitchell says. I am a feminist because I want

to learn everything I can, to be able to empower myself as a person, and figure out how I can make changes to be able to live in a world where every person has the equal right to a happy life, lived the way they want, with their self and self-expression protected. To me feminism is about questioning norms, and acknowledging gender binaries and marginalization. This is a positive thing for all people.

Unlike Mitchell, hostile “man haters” do not scare me or turn me away from feminism. Instead, what we should all reject is a lack of understanding or willingness to understand each other and hear the voices of people trying to create positive change. What we should reject is the homogenized negative image so often associated with feminism.

Feminism has introduced me to a community of people who strive to make changes and who ask questions instead of accepting answers. Those are the heroes in my life. I do not speak for all feminists; I do not speak for all women. I speak for myself and I am sure of my words. I am a person who believes there are harmful imbalances within our society that work to marginalize people.

I am a feminist, and Joni, I think we could be friends.

IKEA? No thanks Local businesses, not big-box stores, stimulate local economies Steven Yaschuk

illustration by: phillipp fisch

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KEA (that Swedish mega-store that sells cheap furniture that you struggle to assemble) opened a store in Winnipeg off of Kenaston this past year. It has become a conversation piece for Winnipeggers. Sadly, it was

met with much love and excitement by the city, with politicians mechanically repeating the ways in which it would boost the local economy and provide much-needed jobs.

This response is unfortunate for

one reason: it’s based on misconcep- laws to protect us; these large compaPurchasing from the local equivations and assumptions. For one, local nies are all about profit, and they will lent puts money into the local economy economies are stimulated by local do the smallest amount for the indi- – whether it is to the retailer or the businesses, not multinational compa- vidual, whether it be following the producer. Keeping money within the nies that set up warehouses as retail labour laws in a third world country community makes it healthier, espestores. With that said, treatment of or the laws in a first world country. cially for a place like Winnipeg where employees is another issue that isn’t Big-box companies provide only we have little in the way of exports and raised enough. as much as they have to, as they don’t costs are too high on the national or IKEA brings in over 27 billion have to compete with anybody locally. international stage for us to compete. dollars in yearly revenue. And they A local Wal-Mart isn’t going to close The only way to build up our econwouldn’t be so large and powerful if because the community grocer down omy is to make it ours. These large they didn’t provide a needed service the street has a great business. That corporations can still exist in society or product; they are top-tier capital- grocer most likely provides benefits, without destroying it, but not in this ists, that’s for sure. So are Wal-Mart discounts, potential pay increases (if form or capacity. Thus, the cultural and Target, and all are large national not already above minimum wage,) perception needs to change. Less or multinational stores. and incentives to improve with profit means less incentive to maintain How many of these big-box busi- promotions. the businesses here; look at the disnesses do we need? They provide infeBy purchasing from one of these appearance of many Zellerses across rior quality products with the pitch retail giants, you are giving your Canada. This change in perception of being convenient and cheaper than money to a corporation that will take might even bring about a change in going to your locally-owned and most a portion of that money out of the law, boosting small businesses and likely locally-sourced store. country and invest it into more global- encouraging local growth.

These companies institute minimal ization efforts. Most of the products I won’t be shopping at the new wages—little incentive to contribute they are selling are likely not produced IKEA, and I hope after reading this more than minimum effort—and in the community or even the same you consider how small actions make minimal benefits. We have labour country. large impacts.

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Comment

VOL. 100 NO. 2 July 24, 2013

Letting history decide Are you a hero or villain in the fight against homophobia?

Matt Abra

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illiam F. Buckley Jr. once said, “A Conservative is a fellow who is standing athwart history yelling ‘Stop!’”

Allow me to elaborate.

In 1850, a black man named Martin Delany applied for admission to Harvard Medical School. Delany was of exemplary character. In his life he helped to found the North Star, the leading black newspaper in America; he served as a major in the Union Army, the highest rank achieved by any African-American in the Civil War; and before his application to Harvard he studied basic medicine in Pittsburgh while running a cupping and leeching practice. Harvard was more than willing to admit him, but a majority of the student body revolted with a petition to revoke Delany’s

admittance, claiming, “We cannot consent to be identified as fellow students with blacks; whose company we would not keep in these streets, and whose Society as associates we would not tolerate in our houses.”

A contrary petition was put forth by a minority of students, advocating for the acceptance of Delany into their faculty, noting that despite their reservations, “they would feel it a far greater evil, if, in the present state of public feeling, a medical college in Boston could refuse to this unfortunate class any privileges of education.” The faculty deliberated and ultimately decided not to admit Delany. This story did not have a happy or justifiable ending, but given the context of the 1850s, the dissenting students were by no means inappropriate or villainous at the time.

Regardless, when someone opens a history textbook and reads this story today, which of the two groups of students are the heroes and which are the villains?

A hundred and sixty-three years later…

On June 9, 2013, a topless man wearing a white mask jumped onto the tennis court for the final match of the French Open, wielding a flare in protest of gay marriage. He had the words “Kids right” written on his stomach. France’s president, Francois Hollande, had recently signed into law a bill legalizing both same-sex marriage and adoption. The move has been controversial amongst conservative groups. This was one reaction.

A week earlier, on May 31, the parliament of Nigeria unanimously

passed a bill making gay marriage a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The legislation criminalized gay clubs, societies, and organizations, and made any public display of same-sex affection punishable by up to 10 years in jail. The bill was first adopted by the Senate in 2011 and is now expected to be sent to Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigerian president, to be signed into law.

In early 2013, Tennessee Senator Stacey Campfield resurrected his infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill, a provision that would restrict elementary and middle schools from initiating any dialogue about homosexuality with their students. The original draft of the bill died in 2012, but Campfield’s upgraded version featured the added requirement that school officials notify the parents

of any student they believe may be gay, and that said students be offered counselling to prevent “behaviour injurious to the physical or mental health and well-being of the student or another person.” That incarnation of the bill, too, was struck down.

This is our present. These people are not deemed villains; they are merely deemed “conservative.” In 163 years, when someone opens a history textbook, what will they be recognized as? How will our present be perceived, judged, and written about? Who will be the heroes and who will be the villains? And what will you be?

Before you decide your answer, I urge you to look to history.

VOL. 100 NO. 2 July 24, 2013

Science & Technology

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Clarifying Prism A very short summary of the NSA spying scandal Tom Ingram, staff

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illustration by: caroline norman

A day in the life: PCR Prelude to a new experiment Elizabeth Drewnik

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earest readers, welcome back to

Completion of the cycles takes another instalment of scientific nearly two hours. It is this quick exploration! Last time, we left off exponential increase of DNA finishing our experiments involving that makes PCR such a valuable cell culture and drug response. Today, technique. Rather than spending we’re going to start diving into experi- days, even weeks, using older (and ments involving PCR (polymerase sometimes less reliable) techniques, chain reaction). Before we get ahead such as making DNA libraries, the of ourselves, though, we first need to advent of PCR allows for scientists establish a bit of general background to extract small samples of DNA, on PCR, and why it is used as a tool amplify them, and store them for in many molecular biology labs and later use, if need be. settings.

The PCR technique especially Polymerase chain reaction is comes in handy when very small the go-to technique for amplifica- amounts of DNA are isolated (such tion of DNA. In other words, PCR as from excavation sites, or from makes many, many copies of DNA crime scenes), and much more so that it can be used for particu- DNA needs to be generated in order lar experiments and repetitions to complete testing and analysis of of those experiments. Being able the sample. to work hands-on with DNA is The first, and most obvious, helpful in detecting mutations in thing that needs to be accomplished genetic sequences, detecting extra is the acquisition of the DNA samor lost genes, determining the ple! As an example, we can assume genotype of a test organism (i.e., that our DNA sample is taken from whether an organism has inherited a mouse. A new litter of mice was genes of interest that a researcher born, and each mouse needs to be needs to study), as well as many genotyped (we need to know the other applications. genetic details of each mouse, so The PCR process has three basic that we may know which mouse to stages: denaturation, annealing, use for which experiments). Using and elongation. During the dena- a process that I will not get into in turation stage, the double-stranded detail, the DNA is extracted from DNA is being “melted” apart into the mice and isolated into test tubes. two single strands. The annealing The DNA samples can be used right stage allows for small structures away or stored in the –20 Celsius called primers to bind to the single- fridge for future use, as mentioned stranded DNA. Elongation then previously. For our purposes, we proceeds as nucleotides (the build- will leave the project at this stage ing blocks of DNA) are added onto and place our DNA samples in the the single DNA strands (with the fridge. help of primers), making the DNA Next issue, we will begin to look double stranded again. These three into the details of how the PCR techsteps are repeated for approximately nique is executed, and what seemingly 30 cycles, each cycle resulting in an simple mistakes may be very costly to exponential increase in the amount the results of the experiment. of DNA present in the test tube.

ast month’s revelations about selves) is not protected as strictly directly with the NSA, but prothe large-scale program of elec- by U.S. law, and does not require vided data to the FBI, who acted tronic surveillance by U.S. and U.K. individual warrants to access. The as an intermediary. spy agencies have caused some con- NSA obtained it under a broad In theory, Prism does not allow fusion. The details emerged gradu- court order issued by the Foreign NSA analysts to collect communially in several long articles chiefly Intelligence Surveillance Court. cations between U.S. citizens in the published in the Guardian and the This court was formed in 1978 to U.S. However, various loopholes Washington Post. Updates on devel- review applications for warrants allow them to hold onto U.S. comoping situations in the aftermath of in national security investigations. munications they have collected by the leaks are still being published. It operates in secret, almost never accident.

Many things are still unclear, and publishes any of its findings or In late June a new article pubwhat we do know is gleaned from opinions, and in the vast majority lished by the Guardian showed that gigantic documents written in of cases has granted requests for Britain’s intelligence agency, the impenetrable intelligence-speak. warrants.

Government Communications This makes it difficult to find out The most dramatic revelation to Headquarters (GCHQ ), was exactly what happened, especially come from Snowden’s documents tapping into the trans-Atlantic if you are coming in late. was the Prism program. A top-se- Internet cables and sharing the data So what happened, then? It cret NSA PowerPoint presentation with the NSA in a program known started when Edward Snowden, published by the Washington Post as “Tempora.” GCHQ , which has then a technical contractor for the mentions two intelligence sources, lighter oversight than the NSA, NSA (National Security Agency), Prism and Upstream, with a note may be able to take advantage of approached the Guardian with clas- that says, “You should use both.” a legal loophole to collect data on sified documents describing U.S. Upstream is an initative to collect British users. Snowden called the surveillance programs in lurid data directly from the transoce- GCHQ’s monitoring “the largest detail. One of the first programs anic fibre-optic Internet cables as programme of suspicionless surto be publicized was the mass col- it flows past. veillance in human history” and lection of phone call records from Prism, on the other hand, col- characterized GCHQ as “worse Verizon. This was untargeted lects data (such as emails or text than the U.S.” bulk data mining – records were messages) straight from the servBoth Prism and Tempora collected from all U.S. Verizon ers of nine U.S. service provid- involve the collection of complete customers, even if they were not ers: Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, communications—such as emails, suspected of anything.

Facebook, PalTalk, AOL, Skype, videos, photos, and voice over IP The records include information YouTube, and Apple. When the (Skype)—and not just the metadata. about who called whom at what news broke, many of these provid- Privacy advocates have expressed time. They may also contain infor- ers denied any knowledge of the grave concerns over these and mation about where the callers were program. An Apple spokesman the many other revelations from at the time of the conversation. The said the company had “never heard” Snowden’s leaks. actual contents of the calls were not of Prism, and Google published a Jameel Jaffer, director of the recorded. However, especially with statement saying, “Google does not American Civil Liberties Union’s sophisticated statistical methods, have a back door for the govern- Center for Democracy, said “The an intelligence agency can glean a ment to access private user data.”

NSA is part of the military. The lot from this much data.

However, when more slides military has been granted unprecThis kind of information, from the presentation were released edented access to civilian commuknown as metadata (information by the Washington Post, the source nications. [ . . . ] That is profoundly about communications, rather of the confusion became clear: the troubling to anyone who is conthan the communications them- companies in question did not deal cerned about that separation.”

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Science & Technology

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

Flash forward Why you should be looking for SSD in your next laptop purchase Joey Perry

illustration by: peace odima

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urchasing a new laptop can be – more than four times faster than hard to an SSD will in most cases dramatia challenge, and usually involves drives for some operations. cally decrease the amount of time you making more choices than the averSacrificing some hard drive stor- spend waiting. age consumer is comfortable with.

While speed and storage are your Getting the best value for your dollar primary considerations when it comes The SSD offers is a delicate balance of selecting the to hard drives, there are a number of size, hardware, and features that meet other advantages that SSDs have. less storage space, your needs. Some of these choices, Hard drives contain physical moving such as laptop screen size, brand, parts that create noise. The clicking but benefits from colour, and keyboard layout, are easand crunching sound your computer dramatic speed ily distinguishable. When it comes makes while it’s “thinking” is actually to the actual “guts” of the computer, produced by the movement of these increases – more however—processor, memory, and parts inside of the hard drives. These than four times faster moving parts also generate heat. An hard drive—the differences might not always be so obvious.

SSD is unlike a hard drive in that it than hard drives for Until recently, the choice of hard contains no moving parts. This allows some operations. drive storage for your laptop was one the SSD to run completely silent. An of the easier decisions: choose the one SSD also consumes less power on with the most space. More storage average and generates less heat than space means you can store more video, age for greater speed has a number of a typical hard drive. On a laptop, the photos, documents, and music on your benefits. A hard drive is typically one lower power consumption of SSDs laptop. However, these days if you of the slower parts of your computer allows you to work longer on a single were to compare laptops in a flier or and ends up being responsible for long battery charge. at a computer store, you might notice boot times, the wait before programs SSDs are fast and quiet, but as that some of them include smaller hard open, and the delay when switching mentioned, they come at the price drives, under the description of SSD between different programs. Since the of either higher cost or less storage (solid-state drive). These “solid-state” data on an SSD can be accessed much space. A 120 gigabyte SSD will cost or “flash” drives are a new type of hard faster than on a hard drive, a computer you approximately the same as a drive. When comparing an SSD to with an SSD will boot roughly twice 2,000 gigabyte hard drive. However, a hard drive at the same price point, as fast as a hard drive. The speed at 120 gigabytes is more than enough the SSD offers less storage space, but which programs load will also be faster. for most day-to-day computer usage. benefits from dramatic speed increases Upgrading your computer hard drive If more space is needed, you can back

up files onto a flash drive or portable hard drive. Why carry a big backpack around with you everywhere when all you need is your wallet? Using an SSD with a large portable hard drive is the perfect way to take advantage of the speed of an SSD while still retaining all the storage space a larger HDD (hard disk drive) provides.

The idea of combining an SSD and hard drive has not gone unnoticed by hard drive manufacturers. Hybrid drives (or fusion drives on the Mac) combine the large storage space of a hard drive with 4-8 gigabytes of solidstate flash memory in one single drive.

To the average user, these hybrid drives behave exactly the same as a typical hard drive, but specialized software inside the drive optimizes frequently used files. By moving these files to the flash portion of the drive, they can be read by the computer at SSD speeds.

Talk about getting the best of both worlds! Hybrid drives are still very new, however, so for the time being you’re likely better off sticking with an SSD or HDD while hybrid technology matures.

If you are interested in buying a new PC or laptop with an SSD right now, it really couldn’t be easier: just look for “SSD” after the storage size of the hard drive in the description.

This will typically look something like “120 GB SSD.” All new Mac laptops come with SSDs under the name of “flash storage.” Upgrading an existing computer to an SSD requires the same amount of work as a regular hard drive upgrade, so if you aren’t familiar with how to reinstall the operating system, you may want to get some help from your tech-savvy friend or talk with a computer store employee. Upgrading your computer’s hard drive to a brandnew SSD takes less than an hour, and probably won’t void the computer’s warranty; however, you should first check with your computer manufacturer to make sure).

Although SSDs are a fairly new technology, their popularity has surged recently. This popularity has brought competition to the market, making SSDs much more affordable than they were only a couple of years ago. If you are looking for more storage than what current SSDs provide, hard drives still offer reliable performance. But if you want to experience the next generation of speed, silence, and power efficiency, then there is really no reason not to choose an SSD in your next laptop purchase.

SSD: Key Terms

Solid-state (flash) drive: A new kind of storage medium that has no moving parts, allowing it to operate faster and with less energy use. The tradeoff is that it costs more per gigabyte.

Hard disk drive: Still the most common way of storing data.

Encodes it on magnetic platters that rotate at high speeds. Because of the moving parts, it generates noise and heat and is more prone to crashes and data loss.

The tradeoff is that they are cheaper and can store more data than flash drives.

Hybrid drive: A standard hard drive with a small built-in flash drive. Aims to combine large storage space with fast speed.

Fusion drive: The Apple version of a hybrid drive. Comes with software that automatically moves frequently used files to the faster flash portion of the drive.

Gigabyte: A unit of storage. One gigabyte is 1024 bytes, and one byte represents one letter or number of text.

Terabyte: 1024 gigabytes

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

Arts & Culture

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Distorted Memory / Kindest Cuts / Ghost Twin David Skene

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Wet dreams Jodie layne

Dear Jodie, In the past couple years I’ve developed the ability to have “wet dreams.” I wake myself up having an involuntary orgasm, sometimes sans sex dream. It’s made for some awkward sleepovers but, trust me, I ain’t mad about it!

Sometimes I have a hard time masturbating because I need to have some mental imagery, but my mind wanders and the majority of porn makes me feel uncomfortable from a feminist point of view. I am of the mind that orgasms are like eating: a girl’s gotta eat! However—this is probably my socialization talking—is this something I should be embarrassed about or ashamed of? It’s okay when sleeping solo but when I’m sharing a bed with a lover or platonic friend I feel like maybe I’m gross.

I guess if I were sleeping next to a guy and he had a wet dream I would be freaked – granted mine are less messy, just loud. Am I the only one?!

Is it socially taboo or can I ask for high fives?

Signed, Liquid Dreams is Not Just an O-Town Song

of your socialization talking that you’re nervous about exposing your awesome dreams – women reaching orgasm of their own accord is h, girl: you are not alone and I still something we don’t really talk am way jealous that you have about. Part of it just seems like them so frequently. Ten high fives being considerate to someone you for you, most definitely! might be sharing a bed with. Albeit, While a much higher percent- our wet dreams are less messy, but age of men and boys experience I think it’s good manners to give nocturnal orgasms than women people a heads-up that you might and girls, Alfred Kinsey discov- be a little noisy. ered that 40 per cent of women Don’t be embarrassed but maybe do experience being woken up to warn potential sleepover partners some vaginal secretions and the that you have some sexy dreams. perception of orgasms. The fact Let them know it’s nothing perthat this is seldom discussed as a sonal and that you’re not being bodily function for people with a creep. You can joke about it or vaginas doesn’t make it any less just be straightforward – whatever real or common. Since female makes you feel more comfortable. ejaculation is less common—and There’s nothing you can do, so a lot of women haven’t experienced enjoy it! Our bodies are so amazing an orgasm before—many may not and you’re really lucky yours is takeven be aware that they actually ing care of your orgasms for you. had a wet dream and not just warm You can confidentially submit a fuzzy feelings. question or topic to jodie.m.w.layne@ I think it’s definitely at least part gmail.com.

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nough of this blue sky, hippy and of course his main gig as onedippy, fun in the warm sum- third of This Hisses. Short has mer sun bullshit. done a lot to shape this town’s I want to go somewhere I can sonic landscape and this is what dress in black and listen to the makes Kindest Cuts so interesthaunting swell of synths, the cold ing: you get to hear what happens throb of programmed drums, and when Short puts down his guitar singers that sing about isolation and digs deep into some minimaland the default position of the ist synth grooves. human condition. Thank goth Ghost Twin is the brainchild of for the Distorted Memory CD husband and wife duo Jaimz and release show featuring Kindest Karen Asmundson, two names Cuts and Ghost Twin, coming up that will probably be familiar to on Friday, July 26 at Ozzy’s. local film and music fans. Karen The headliners, Distorted is from Querkus, the art rock/ Memory, are a local industrial/ electro-acoustic group known for hard techno act that wraps puls- keeping audiences on their toes ing beats and gritty vocals in with inventive arrangements and atmospheric haze and flourishes a disparate cornucopia of themes of theatrical bravado. Their new and topics. Jaimz is best known album, the Eternal Return, is free for his work as a filmmaker, with to stream on their SoundCloud films like Goths! On the Bus! and page (soundcloud.com/distort- his dramatic documentary epic, ed-memory). If you are a fan of The Magus. The two combining Skinny Puppy and KMFDM get forces make for an experience that your butt over there and plug in. will tantalize your senses of sight Kindest Cuts is the new- and sound. est project from Patrick Short, So if you’re ready to pack up Winnipeg’s favourite moody your tent and put away the tie-dye, guitar god. You might know him I’ll see you at Ozzy’s on Friday, from his trailblazing work in July 26.

Under Pressure, or the turbulent but incendiary Electric Candles,

Angry, fast, violent, and socially aware The 13th annual Arsonfest comes to the Windsor Hotel Kara Passey, staff

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f you are into loud music and you’ve never heard of Arsonfest, man, I don’t know what to tell you.

For over a decade, Mike Alexander (Head Hits Concrete, Putrescence) has been organizing a festival dedicated to showcasing DIY bands within the genres of grindcore, doom, punk, and metal. This year’s fest takes place on Aug. 9 and 10 at the Windsor Hotel and includes an allages noise/grind matinee at a house.

The lineup boasts 20 bands from all over North America, and proceeds will go towards the annual Powwow to Honour Children.

The Manitoban: So, it being your 13th year of planning this fest, please talk about how it began and how it became something you’ve

dedicated so much hard work to.

Mike Alexander: Arsonfest started because there was nothing like it in Winnipeg and I was envious of cool music festivals happening elsewhere. I was and still am attracted to stripped-down, raw, ugly music being performed in barely adequate venues for people who prefer their sounds angry, fast, violent, and socially aware.

Over the years it’s sort of become this summertime monster that does whatever it pleases. I’m starting to think that I couldn’t stop this thing if I wanted to. Every year, good friends make it a point to be in Winnipeg during the second weekend of August because they know that for fans of grindcore, punk, and metal, this is the place to be.

M: Have there been any changes or developments to the fest over the years?

MA: Arsonfest has always been fairly nomadic over the years, which is a reflection of how challenging it can be to host DIY events in the city. I’ve tried my best to keep it as all-ages as possible, and in 2013 it’s a bigger challenge than ever. But I think the core values of the fest have never changed. I can’t really see this thing ever searching out grants, funding, or sponsorship. This isn’t about any of that.

M: Are there any notable supporters that deserve some recognition?

MA: The people that support this thing are individuals that feel like a gig should be a safe place for

everyone. These are people who enjoy the noisier things in life, who feel like it’s a positive thing to help raise money for grassroots organizations trying to do good things.

M: Have the proceeds from Arsonfest always gone to grassroots organizations? Would you mind talking about your decision to donate to the Powwow?

MA: I feel like if the underground music community is going to put its money where its mouth is, then this festival is a great opportunity to do so. I think your average festival attendee is concerned with the state of this city and the direction it’s headed. It gives us a chance to do some good with our cash. Because this festival does pay out to bands

that travel, it’s after the expenses that it’s able to hopefully donate.

The Powwow committee is a solid group of people who concern themselves with the healing that is required for those people who have lost children to violence, which is a very real and extremely tragic reality.

I have witnessed firsthand the impact that a murdered child can have on a family and an entire community. For the past few years, I have felt like this annual event is totally worth the support of the punk community.

To find out more or view the lineup of bands, check out the Arsonfest event page on Facebook.

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Arts & Culture

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

40 years of folkin’ around Winnipeg Folk Festival celebrates its Ruby anniversary in style Bryce Hoye, staff

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Photo by: Vladimir Snovida

hether you’re a seasoned veteran or a attendees in the direction of the main stage. first time Winnipeg Folk Festival goer, At the main stage, animated acts like chances are you’ve had your fill of folk (and the Cat Empire rallied young and old up to large exuberant crowds) for a while. their feet with their piping hot horn section; Three thousand volunteers, 300 musi- songstress Serena Ryder moved thousands cians, and over 57,034 patrons—full festival with her sonorous and emotive repertoire; pass holders, daytrippers, and campers all Josh Ritter and company were so electric they included—attended the spectacle that was caused power surges during their set; and City the 40th annual Winnipeg Folk Festival and Colour wooed and charmed festival goers (WFF). That total comes in just shy of the in the twilight of opening night. largest cumulative turnout which happened As usual, the main stage attracted the in 2011, when the fest attracted 59,553 festival most well-established acts and the largest goers. The 40th fest did, however, break crowds. Smaller stages like Shady Grove—a records for day ticket sales for Wednesday hole in the woods with an overdrawn forest (11,455), Thursday (10,658), and Saturday canopy, hence the name—provided festival (12,499). goers with an opportunity to take in up-andA sign of the times, WFF continues to comers like Sc Mira. make ever more concerted efforts to “green Sc Mira, or Stephanie Haderer, graced up” the six-day-long festival. Compost, the WFF stages for the first time last year as recycling, and garbage bins were numer- part of the Young Performers (YP) Program, ous; free “snuffer” pockets were handed out an initiative meant to both highlight talented for smokers to store their butts in lieu of local artists as well as pair them up with a littering; bicycling to the grounds was pro- professional musician (or “mentor”) performmoted; and free campground shuttle services ing at WFF for a daylong workshop prior to were offered in the name of reducing WFF’s hitting the stage. carbon footprint.

This year Sc Mira, Charlotte Kosc, Luke The festival location went through a num- Reimer, Marisolle, Brett Ticzon, Rebecca ber of other upgrades in the offseason. On Lappa, and Krista Janzen had the pleasure opening day, the new festival village was of being grouped together and spending the unveiled with a range of new eateries, tents, day with Melissa McClelland of the band vendors and the Festival Tower – a spiral- Whitehorse. Mentors like McClelland spend ling edifice comprised of fused iron rods and a day with a group of musicians, sharing career dense wooden pillars meant to subtly gesture advice, their own experiences in the industry,

and running through each individual performer’s songs with them in a group setting, giving them feedback along the way.

That group setting not only fosters new relationships between YP participating members of the local music community; it also functions to create future opportunities to play the Folk Exchange and other venues.

“I felt more a part of the community this year because the first year I [participated in the Young Performers], I didn’t know anybody,” said Haderer of Sc Mira.

“I got contacted by Folk Fest and was asked to open for [another artist] following last year’s performance, and then I played some open mic nights at the Folk Exchange. I ran into all of these young performers this past year, and so when I did the program this year there were more familiar faces, people that played the [Young Perfomers] stage last year.

[The Winnipeg Folk Festival] really likes people coming back and doing the program more than once.”

This collaborative aspect between artists in workshops on stage and behind the scenes represents one of the most important facets of what WFF is all about: bringing people together for six days of music and cultural fellowship unmatched by any other folk festival in Canada.

Until next year, Winnipeg Folk Festival: happy 40th!

[Folkfest: Campground chronicles

Lessons and reflections from the 40th annual Winnipeg Folk Fest Daniel Schipper, staff

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olunteering is so worth it. Backstage access, free food and camping, and a sense of community with a bunch of fest nerds who are as weird as you? Sold When using a porta potty, please, for the love of god, make sure to balance your coffee cup on a stable platform! When the guy beside you slams the door and you end up getting coffee spilled all over your crotch, the walk from the toilet to the hand sanitizer stand is both humiliating and eerily warm If someone is drinking Kraken Black Spiced Rum, calls to “release the Kraken” are a foregone conclusion, and given the appropriate level of inebriation, will ultimately lead to calls of, “you shall not pass!”

Money is useless as a form of currency in the Folk Fest camping grounds. Here, a select few, simply called “the toilet-papered,” rule supreme The definition of catharsis: having the raw stench of steaming poop enter your nostrils when the septic truck comes to clean the porta potties, while also acknowledging that it is the product of courageous young men and women battling the elements to ensure you can dispose of your waste as hygienically

as possible. parties. I’ve never seen so many people be so Short reflection: it seems like a lot of the gut-wrenchingly haggard and yet blissfully lessons I’ve learned so far have been poop- happy all at the same time related Lady who brought three 12-year-old girls There is no better feeling than when you and a four-year-old to the front of the main unleash a bellowing “woo” onto the camp- stage mosh pit: please don’t verbally lash out ground, and it eventually goes viral as more at me if I let an f-bomb slip out in the midst of and more people join in the chant your kids. You’re the one who brought them I feel like if Bob Ross ever wanted to into a perpetual fog machine of marijuana start a revolution, he could probably waltz smoke, populated by a dense crowd of highinto the festival campground and unleash off-their-faces dancing 20-somethings. Am the brutal man (person?) power of a 6,000- I wrong here, people? strong army. Of course, his troops might just Serena Ryder is pretty much just like the end up gathering in a big drum circle and Make-A-Wish Foundation, only she makes painting happy little clouds on a canvas dreams come true with the sounds escaping Hipster fishing: the sport of tying a glow from her mouth stick to a fishing rod, and then pulling it just To beat a dead horse: volunteering is such out of reach of anyone who tries to pick the a sweet deal, and the Winnipeg Folk Festival stick up. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not sitting staff worked miracles to organize and execute on a high horse here; if you see a glow stick the 40th annual festival! on the ground, you best be snatching that up! After all, the unbridled joy of Pope’s Hill Daniel Schipper is the Manitoban’s is beckoning, my friend Advertising Coordinator and he, clearly, had No walks of shame to be had here (at an absolutely idyllic time at this year’s Winnipeg the fest). Just a series of mutual lovemaking Folk Festival. sessions, followed in the morning by a nice light skip through the campground by both

Photo by: Vladimir Snovida

VOL. 100 NO. 2 July 24, 2013

Arts & Culture

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Photo by: Vladimir Snovida

Photo by: Vladimir Snovida

Photo by: Bryce hoye

A Review] A Tribe Called Red at Folk Fest Music that entertains and informs

Angela Kara

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ince its inception some 40 years ago, some video games on the ride out. I spoke to stereotypical pop culture iconography of “the the Winnipeg Folk Festival (WFF) has him somewhat awkwardly and candidly about Indian” during their performances. transcended the boundaries of what might be how I was in a sense afraid to be a fan of A The Huffington Post asked DJ NDN why thought of as the archetypal “music festival” Tribe Called Red. As absurd of a statement as it was acceptable for a First Nations person by bringing together artists of every genre to this is he was not at all deterred and continued to wear traditional Aboriginal garments but celebrate music and art in the beauty of Birds to listen with much affection and patience to not for certain demographics (read: nonHill Park. what I was trying to articulate.

Aboriginal) fans to do so as well. Speaking This year the band A Tribe Called Red “When I heard your band name, with as a fan that witnessed A Tribe Called Red brought their urban sounds to the Big what I’d learned about Aboriginal culture, perform at this year’s WFF, it’s clear to me Bluestem stage for a collaborative workshop and ‘tribes,’ and the racial connotations of the why it would not be appropriate to dress up with bands Afro Kumbé Sound System and word ‘red,’ I had this chip on my shoulder, like, in “Indian costume.” To do so would be to Blue King Brown. In the evening of the same ‘Oh, here we go, Aboriginal political music commit cultural appropriation and what the day, A Tribe Called Red transformed the that will be preachy or something.’” group referred to in their interview as “PanBig Blue @ Night stage through what they I kind of trailed off expecting some sort of Indianism”: the tendency to ignore distinct describe as “electric powwow” music. angry response, but instead I got a smile and a First Nations cultures and lump all into one Earlier that day as a volunteer, I had the nod of understanding from Bear. I continued, homogenous group. opportunity to speak to and ride the Folk “But after I heard your album I was blown away.

To mime a culture in this way would be Fest shuttle with members of A Tribe Called You rewrote my history books; you changed regressive rather than progressive in what I Red. After first listening to their latest album what I had thought I knew about Aboriginal perceive A Tribe Called Red to be articulating Nation II Nation, I was blown away by the music and culture.” through their music: their own story, a story craftsmanship and artistry of the Polaris In a recent interview published in the of their people.

Music Prize nominee finalists.

Huffington Post, band member DJ NDN asked Honouring their own heritage but allowDJs Shub, NDN, and Bear Witness syn- non-Aboriginal fans to not wear Aboriginal ing people of all backgrounds to participate thesize traditional Aboriginal powwow drum- headdresses or costumes to their shows. A in the electric powwow, A Tribe Called Red ming and singing with contemporary hip hop, Tribe Called Red incorporates traditional killed the pop culture understanding of “the reggae, and electronic music. DJ Bear Witness drumming and singing, as well as the visu- Indian” at this year’s WFF – both through and I shared a seat while he relaxed and played als of what some might perceive to be the music and performance.

Photo by: angela kara

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Arts & Culture

VOL. 100 NO. 2 July 24, 2013

Event Listings

MUSIC

ART

Saturday, July 27

Thursday, July 25

Sykamore (Calgary)/

until August 1

Bud Gordan

Garden by Erin

The Purple Room

Josephson-Laidlaw

(318 Ross Ave.)

The Atomic Centre

Wednesday, July 24

Friday, August 7

Crafty Drop-In Night

until August 31

Sew Dandee

Saves Nine

OTHER

Sunday, July 28

Friday, July 26

LSDS / EXTRACT /

Mini exhibit by

USURPER / OPPRESSOR

Sonia Nadeau

The Purple Room

The Edge Gallery and

(318 Ross Ave.)

Urban Art Centre

aceartinc.

Monday, July 29 The Shell Corporation / M&M Meats The Ghostwrite / Ghost Hole / The Butt Haus

Monday, July 29 Shred Kelly / Sidney York / Loon Choir The Windsor Hotel

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

Diversions

Dany Reede

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18

Sports

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

Blue blunders Blue Bomber stadium experience improving; team, not so much Eric MacLise

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innipeg Blue Bombers’ head coach Tim Burke was apologizing last week for emotional comments made about backup safety Dan West following an incident at practice resulting in a hamstring injury to breakout receiver Cory Watson, and he may be trying to retract more statements this week as well.

Burke told fans before the season to hold back judgement on the team until “after four games.”

Well here we are.

The Bombers sit at 1-3 with a sputtering offence and an injured Buck Pierce following Friday’s embarrassing 35-19 loss at home to the Toronto Argonauts.

Argos’ QB Ricky Ray only needed half the game, before leaving with an injury himself, to dig the Bombers a hole they would not come close to getting out of.

Ray was brilliant, virtually perfect, going 19-of-20 for 286 yards and two TDs before leaving with a knee injury early in the third quarter after getting tackled in the backfield.

The severity of both Pierce and Ray’s injuries were unknown at deadline.

The early theme of the 2013 Bombers’ season seems to be a commendable defensive effort that gives the team a chance to win each week, paired with a lackluster offensive attack that is unable to capitalize when given the chance.

Pierce looked good in the first quarter going 7-of-8 for 118 yards, but the offence failed to find a balance, with only 11 yards rushing. A second quarter interception by Pierce, leading to the Argos’ first touchdown, was the turning point of the game.

Ricky Ray and the defending Grey Cup champs never looked back.

It was a pretty dull show from then on out for the home crowd. In fact, the most entertaining part of the night may have been watching Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, in town for the game, patrol the Argos’ sideline, with one of his staff carrying a Bombers bag full of merchandise that Ford had purchased.

Of other interest in Friday’s game was a blocked punt by Bisons alum Teague Sherman, making a name for himself on the Bombers’ special teams. His development with the team is definitely something to watch.

Switching gears: the last time the Argos were in town, the off-field issues were as distracting as anything.

Traffic jams and inefficient concession stands made the fan experience less enjoyable than it should have been. As expected, these did improve. Timing of the traffic lights entering the university were properly adjusted, or in some cases, replaced by cadets directing traffic. Staff in all areas were better organized, making getting to the stadium and grabbing a beer a lot less frustrating than at the preseason game.

The only area of concern remaining is getting out of the university

after the game. Some of the $20 parking passes get you buried at the back of campus in “W” lot, and with that you would be hard-pressed to see any signs of Pembina an hour after the final whistle.

Bisons alum Teague Sherman blocked a punt attempt, making a name for himself in the Bombers’ special teams. His development with the team is definitely something to watch.

With the off-field distractions for the most part behind us, full attention now needs to be given to the product on the field. The appeal of the new stadium will soon wear off and then only wins, or at least competitive and engaging football games, will sell tickets.

The Bombers’ marketing line this year is “Get Ready to Play.” The fans are ready. With Calgary and B.C. up next, I hope the Bombers are, too.

Photos by Marc Lagace

VOL. 100 NO. 2 July 24, 2013

Sports

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A farewell to Jay and Dan TSN fan favourites leave for new sports network in L.A. Marc Lagace, staff

illustration by: Mathieu Boulet

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merica has always made a point You see, Fox is attempting to go of poaching the most talented head-to-head with ESPN and the Canadians – whether it’s talented American SportsCenter for the top athletes like Wayne Gretzky or spot in the competitive sports media Sidney Crosby, or cultural icons, market, but challenging a media musicians such as Neil Young, or juggernaut like ESPN is no small comedians like Jim Carrey. This is a feat. Fox Sports is looking for any simple fact of life and we Canadians and every edge that they can get over are mostly happy to see our compa- their competitor, and it would seem triots find success south of the border. that their plan includes the quirky But I believe I can speak for mil- appeal of two of the most beloved lions of Canadian sports fans when I sportscasters Canada has ever seen. lament the departure of SportsCentre Onrait and O’Toole sat behind morning hosts Jay Onrait and Dan the TSN sports desk as co-hosts O’Toole, who have been lured away since 2003. Over the past 10 years,

by Fox Sports for their new Los this dynamic duo of sportscasting Angeles-based sports network, Fox has refined their chemistry and style Sports 1. down to a science. They stood out

from the rest of the sportscaster pack had to crack down on MrLogue1021’s TSN careers. As usual, the best clips with their ability to seemingly get personal page, they followed up by from that show are available online. away with the most ridiculous gags hiring him on as an official YouTube Fox Sports 1 doesn’t hit the airwaves and hilarious behaviour. Their reputa- partner, and gave him full control until Aug. 17, and it’s uncertain tion for shenanigans ensured that fans over posting future clips from Jay and whether or not Canadian audiences would tune in daily not only to catch Dan and other TSN packages. will get an opportunity to check in up on all the sports news from the With appearances on CTV during and follow Jay and Dan’s careers. It is previous day, but also to see what sort the 2010 and 2012 Olympics, Jay and also uncertain whether the guys’ very of wacky antics would be interspersed Dan’s visibility steadily rose. Their Canadian-based humour will go over between highlight packages. onscreen popularity finally leaped on American television.

Those who don’t follow sports or off the television screen and into the It’s still too early to tell how watch TSN will surely fail to under- world of podcasting with the first American audiences will receive the stand the impact that Jay and Dan episode of the Jay and Dan Podcast, crazy Canuck co-hosts, but with had on TSN and the SportsCentre published to iTunes on Sept. 5, 2012. how calculated Fox Sports has been program. Furthermore, there are For fans of “Andre” and “Toolsie,” in making this move well ahead of sports fans, likely those among the the podcast is a weekly booster shot of the network’s launch, they clearly older generations, who will say good all the Jay and Dan shenanigans you see the value and appeal that Onrait riddance to Onrait and O’Toole’s can handle, delivered via a portable and O’Toole brought to TSN. They foolish behavior. medium in an unfiltered format. If are banking on American audiences To that point, it’s hard to pinpoint their shows on TSN were focused on embracing Jay and Dan just as much the full cultural impact that Jay and sports while occasionally drifting into as Canadians have.

Dan have had on the Canadian sports the absurd, then the podcast is the Fox Sports’ gain is TSN’s huge scene. Their popularity peaked thanks exact opposite of that. It defies proper loss, and replacing the void that has largely to clips posted on YouTube, description. If you’re a fan and you’ve been created by Jay and Dan leavespecially those posted by a user never listened to the podcast, you ing will be nearly impossible. On named MrLogue1021. His videos and should know there are 42 episodes. the bright side, it should allow room the “best of ” packages created based Riddled with jokes, sound bytes, and for new up-and-coming Canadian on his uploaded clips have collectively a unique behind-the-curtains look talent to take a crack at manning garnered millions of views from both at the world of TSN, it’s definitely the sports desk on Canada’s biggest fans and curious observers. worth a listen. sports network. And in the worstWith all the corporate concern The official announcement that case scenario, if things don’t work out over protecting the unauthorized Jay and Dan were headed Stateside in Los Angeles, I’m positive that Jay posting of copyrighted material on rippled through Canadian social and Dan would be welcomed back to the Internet, CTV Bell Media—the media, even eliciting a response Canada with open arms. company that owns and operates from Prime Minister Stephen TSN—were quite progressive in Harper through his Twitter account. their reaction to Jay and Dan’s new Their final show aired on June 29, Internet fame. While they certainly and was a crazy celebration of their

Extraordinary sports The game of Crud Marc Lagace, staff

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n the off chance you ever find yourself in the billiards room in an air force base officer’s mess hall, you should take a moment to find the one billiards table that appears oddly out of place. The felt on the bumpers at the two ends have torn or worn away, the corner pockets appear to be reinforced with duct tape, and the two side pockets may be stuffed with rolls of toilet paper.

Is this a case of equipment misuse and abuse? Well, sort of… but no. It’s the Crud table.

Back during World War Two, over 200,000 members of the Royal Canadian Air Force trained and embarked on the journey across the ocean to join the fight in Europe. Air force bases on the East Coast swelled with nervous and bored pilots, who probably had little to ease their mind other than drinking and shooting pool at the mess. They needed to create entertainment to pass the time, and your standard game of pool just wouldn’t cut it.

As legend goes, a group of

Canadian pilots—whose contribu- be as few as four or as many as there tion to the world of barroom sports are willing participants, and their is likely lost in the annals of histo- names are written down in the order ry—found an open snooker table and in which they play. devised a basic set of rules for a fastThe game begins (and play is paced, addicting game. restarted) with a “serve”: the shooter That game became known as sets themselves at one end of the table Crud, and has since spread amongst with the shooter ball, while the next all the Commonwealth nations – and player on the list is the receiver and beyond. As an example, CFB Cold sets the object ball an elbow’s length Lake, Alberta, hosts an event called away from the opposite end’s bumper.

MAPLE FLAG. Held annually, it’s The server has three attempts to hit a four-week international gathering the object ball into motion. Once the of military pilots for the purpose of object ball is struck play begins and performing aerial combat exercises. A the object is to take turns through the Crud tournament is as much a part player order hitting the object ball of the MAPLE FLAG experience with the shooter ball. The object ball as the exercises, with the walls of must be kept in constant motion with the mess featuring plaques of pre- the ultimate goal of sinking it in one vious years’ winners dating back to of the four corner pockets. Players are the 1970s. allowed to grab the cue ball as soon as The game requires a billiards table their turn is up, but can only attempt and two balls (the cue ball, known to hit the object ball from either end as the “shooter” ball and a striped of the table. ball known as the “object” ball). An Players remain in rotation until official, who makes the final calls on they receive three strikes. There are all plays, should preside over each countless ways to receive a strike— match. The number of players can including various country-specific

or base-specific rules—but the main ways that one receives a strike are: allowing the object ball to come to a complete stop during their turn; directly sinking the object ball into the closest pockets to their shot attempt; missing the object ball after three attempts on a serve; playing out of rotation; making contact with the object ball with anything other than the shooter ball; or knocking either ball off of the table.

Players also receive a strike for having the ball in hand while the object ball is pocketed by the previous player’s shot, or by setting up the next player for an easy pocket. Judgement on who receives the strike is left up to the discretion of the official.

As stated above, players are only allowed to make a play on the object ball from the two ends of the table.

A player must have his or her crotch within the boundaries of two imaginary lines projecting at a 45-degree angle from the corner pockets when making a play or they receive a strike.

The player rotation is set at the beginning of the game, and it is the responsibility of each player to know when it is his or her turn. You are on the clock as soon as the player ahead of you in rotation hits the object ball with the shooter ball, and you must immediately track down the shooter and set up your shot. You are free to take as many shots during your turn, as long as the object ball remains in motion.

This leads to frantic sprinting back and forth and around the pool table to snag the shooter and set up the easiest shot. You are allowed to sprawl out onto the table to get the cue ball but you mustn’t interfere with the object ball in any way, and your feet cannot touch the table. The game continues until a sole winner remains.

The game is very fun, but puts incredible wear and tear on the table and the billiard balls. As such, it is not a recommended game for public pool halls, such as IQ’s on campus.

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Sports

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

Colour Me Rad rundown Thousands dusted with colourful powder in charity run Bryce Hoye, staff

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number of Winnipegers were stained different shades of the rainbow this past Saturday and Sunday in the Colour Me Rad charity run at the Red River Exhibition Grounds.

Herds of white T-shirt clad participants scurried along a five-kilometre course, buffeted by waves of multi-coloured corn starch-based powder bombs and squirted with water throughout the race.

“It was fun dancing in a cloud of coloured powder,” said participant Jerrica Brisson.

The traveling fundraiser is held all around the world. In Winnipeg, the goal was to raise money for Camp Manitou – an organization that for over 80 years has aimed to provide camping experiences for children lacking the necessary financial resources.

Photo by:Dave parchaliuk

Photo collage by:beibei lu