Some holiday cheer to escape from the exam blues. CULTURE 10
THE sheaf
5 December, 2013 • The University of Saskatchewan student newspaper since 1912
Work hard in class? Students can send in research to an academic journal. NEWS 3
Huskies’ hockey teams heat up the ice in their final games before the break. SPORTS 6
The civic prayer debate continues. Is silence the solution? OPINIONS 12
24-hour Safe Study given green light ANNA-LILJA DAWSON Senior News Editor
Students studying late into the night on campus will no longer have to worry about finding a safe place to hit the books during this year’s exams. After including it as part of her campaign platform, University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union Vice-President Student Affairs Nour Abouhamra was pleased to announce at the Nov. 28 University Students’ Council meeting that the 24-hour Safe Study program is on its way to becoming an reality. The Safe Study program will be piloted in the Murray Library during this exam period as well as throughout the second semester’s midterm and exam periods. Currently students can stay on the ground floor of the Murray Library until 1 a.m. while the USSU Student Crew — a service dedicated to student-run security on campus and hanging posters — provides a safe studying environment. From 8 a.m. on Dec. 4 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 21, the Murray Library will continuously be open to students with full library services during regular hours of operation and the ground floor open during Safe Study hours. The engineering, law and veterinary medicine libraries will have extended hours but will not include Safe Study. Hours of operation for the science, education and music and health sciences libraries will not change. Abouhamra said increasing the hours of Safe Study was an important part of her election platform because she knows from first-hand experience the dangers students can face by studying in isolated places at the university late at night. “I’ve studied late in the library and I noticed that at one o’clock students start going somewhere else in the university, like random classrooms in [the Arts Building] or just different corners of the university that weren’t really safe,” Abouhamra said. Knowing that these isolated areas may not be patrolled by U of S Protective Services can be distracting for students trying to study. “Students feel that they always have to be
Students pulling all-nighters can now do so from the comfort of their very own library. cautious of their surroundings, which affects their concentration on coursework.” Another issue with students going to random rooms on campus is that doors are often locked from one direction. Students may end up stranded from their belongings if they go through a door that they do not know is locked from the other side. Student Crew Coordinator Ata Merat said he has seen that students have been needed 24hour Safe Study in the past. “We realized students weren’t happy to leave the library at 1 a.m. and for sure they would ask questions like where on campus they can study after Safe Study hours,” Merat said. After first bringing the issue to university administration over the summer, Abouhamra was met with doubts that students would use the extended Safe Study hours. However, after a meeting with the Association of Constituency
Presidents — where presidents of student associations for colleges, the Indigenous Students’ Council and the international students’ representative meet — Abouhamra said she asked each president to write a letter to the U of S indicating that a 24-hour Safe Study program is a priority. Abouhamra said university administration didn’t think this exam period would provide an accurate representation of students’ interest since the announcement came less than a week before exams begin. “They want to have it over a few trials to see if it is actually working and being used,” she said. Student Crew will conduct their usual head count every half hour while keeping track of the number of students who enter the library and submit their information to university administration.
JORDAN DUMBA/ PHOTO EDITOR
If 24-hour Safe Study passes the pilot stage, Abouhamra said she will recommend that the service begins one week earlier than it does this year. “This would target students that are working on term assignments, projects and those that have earlier exams. Lab exams tend to be scheduled during the last week of classes and students in colleges such as medicine and dentistry start their finals as early as Monday,” Abouhamra said. Students will have access to free parking in pay parking lot 1 — the lot across from Place Riel — from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. to accommodate students’ transportation needs since most busses do not run late during those hours. Culinary Services has offered to provide healthy snacks throughout the night.
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NEWS
Student voices on the air with USSU Radio Show
THE sheaf Editor-in-Chief: HenryTye Glazebrook, editor@thesheaf.com Production Manager: Samantha Braun, layout@thesheaf.com Senior News Editor: Anna-Lilja Dawson, news@thesheaf.com Associate News Editor: Scott Davidson, associatenews@thesheaf.com Photography Editor: Jordan Dumba, photo@thesheaf.com Graphics Editor: Cody Schumacher, graphics@thesheaf.com Culture Editor: Nicholas Kindrachuk, arts@thesheaf.com Sports Editor: Kim Hartwig, sports@thesheaf.com
5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
Opinions Editor: Travis Homenuk, opinions@thesheaf.com Copy Editor: Tab Rahman, copy@thesheaf.com Web Editor: Carter Bryden, web@thesheaf.com Ad & Business Manager: Shantelle Hrytsak, ads@thesheaf.com Board of Directors: Pete Yee, Matt Chilliak, Jenna Mann, Dan LeBlanc, Rose Lien, Liam Richards Index Photo: pmarkham/flickr Office Numbers: Advertising 966-8688 Editorial 966-8689
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Corrections • In “Silence! unveils fresh student art for auction” from last weeks paper, the body paragraph stated the show’s reception was to take place on Friday, Nov. 29. The correct day for the reception is Friday, Dec. 6. We apologize for any confusion.
ANNA-LILJA DAWSON Senior News Editor
Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union Radio Show goes on air at 90.5 FM to spread the word on student issues around Saskatoon. USSU Vice-President Student Affairs Nour Abouhamra is this year’s host of the union Radio Show. As a spoken word show, Abouhamra plays little music in the 30-minute time slot but covers student issues and events on campus extensively. Featuring weekly guests, Abouhamra has had Jack Saddleback, co-ordinator of the USSU Pride Centre, to talk about the centre’s events as well a number of members of University Students’ Council to talk about their student groups. Abouhamra has also welcomed members of the USSU executive — President Max FineDay, Vice-President Operations and Finance Jenna Moellenbeck and Vice-President Academic Affairs Jordan Sherbino to the show. Outside of the USSU, Abouhamra has had students from the School of Environment and Sustainability Students’ Association to discuss sustainability on campus, Edward’s School of Business talk about their annual LB5Q fundraiser, law students from the Program of Legal Studies for Native People as well as Just Rights — a student group dedicated to human rights. Abouhamra has also taken up the topics of mental health, sexual assault awareness and open-textbooks. She said that controversial topics make for good discussions, which is why she is not shying away from the hot topic of TransformUS — a university initiative dedicated to prioritizing academic programs and support services. “A major controversial topic that will be coming up soon is TransformUS,” Abouhamra said. “I believe there will be a lot of discussion on that. I don’t want student voices to be lost in this process and that is why I will be dedicating a lot of time to that.” On Dec. 9 students will be informed as to which programs are recommended to be eliminated, enhanced or left as are, and Abouhamra wants to have students voice their concerns and opinions. Occasionally students approach Abouhamra wanting her to discuss an issue on the show. One of the most recent examples is the Filipino Students’ Association. Following Typhoon Haiyan, a group of students at the U of S undertook fundraising to help the Philippines and promoted their cause on the show. “If anyone has anything that they want to come on the radio show, if they have an issue that they’d like to discuss or concerns or an event even that they want to advertise or promote, they can always contact me and we’ll try to schedule them in,” Abouhamra said. However, when asked if she ever seeks out professors, Abouhamra said the show is solely
Nour Abouhamra takes on student issues weekly on the USSU Radio Show.
ARSHVINY OLLEGASAGREM
for students. “I think the radio show is a great way of getting student voices heard by the community. There is always more we can do to get student voices heard and we try to explore all avenues.” As the vice-president of student affairs, Abouhamra’s job entails her to answer the needs of students on campus. She said running the show has helped her find and address issues that students are facing when she’s not behind the mic. “This is one of the main reasons I focus on issues that affect students,” she said. “It helps me look at issues at hand from a different perspective and I am able to make betterinformed decisions.” Once she became familiar with the studio equipment, Abouhamra said the only challenge she has with the show is that she never knows what her guests will say. Radio etiquette is one issue she expected to deal with, but sometimes Abouhamra’s guests forget that their listeners aren’t in the studio with them. “Most people forget when they’re on the radio is that listeners can’t see them. There were times when I would ask a question and my guest would nod their head,” she said. Reinstating a campus radio station is appealing to Abouhamra and although she said that student interest wouldn’t be an issue, she is concerned that it would not be a priority for the U of S to
take on. “I think that would be a great idea,” Abouhamra said. “I’m not really sure for the reasons why the radio station on campus, CJUS, was shut down before, but if we could get it started up again, if the university had a new plan to do that, I think a lot of students would show interest.” Radio broadcasting has been a constant element in U of S student life since the first broadcast from the independent university radio station on Dec. 9, 1965. Though no longer a full-fledged station, nearly 50 years later the philosophy of the USSU Radio Show has diverged very little from its original intent to offer the Saskatoon community with educational programs that spotlight student life at the U of S. Until September of 1984, the U of S had its own radio channel that students could tune in to for campus-related news and to listen to shows tailored to their demographic. The station, CJUS-FM, was the university’s first and only independent radio station for nearly 20 years. In 1985, the Community Radio Society of Saskatoon formed and bought all of the equipment formerly used at the university radio station. Saskatoon’s community radio station CFCR went on air in 1991. In 2005, the USSU officially began it’s own radio show that has been hosted weekly on Tuesdays throughout the school year.
Complete Country Christmas, where lessfortunate families in Saskatoon can receive food hampers and toys. As many families struggle to make ends meet this season, U of S Huskie Athletics is helping supply Saskatoon families with warm clothing with a new fundraiser called Cover Your Paws. On the weekend of Nov. 29 and 30, the Huskies gathered donations of new and gently used winter apparel during home basketball games at the Physical Activity Complex as part of the annual Cover Your Paws campaign. That same weekend, Huskie branded mittens were on sale for $5 to be purchased or donated back to the cause, raising $800 that was used to purchase winter gear for children. Approximately 1,600 toques, mittens, scarves and other winter clothing was donated that weekend. Cash proceeds from the mitten sales and the collected winter clothing will be given to the Saskatoon
Public and Greater Catholic school divisions on Dec. 5. The Huskies will also join the students at Bishop Roborecki School and Confederation Park Community School for a day of sledding on Dec. 5. Huskie Athletics corporate partner Tim Horton’s donated 500 pairs of mittens and 500 toques to Cover Your Paws. The College of Pharmacy and Nutrition students collected non-perishable food items and put together hampers that were donated to AIDS Saskatoon on Nov. 29. As the holidays approach, AIDS Saskatoon will continue creating hampers that include everything for a holiday dinner, healthy non-perishable foods and other items such as warm clothing and gifts for children. Each year the organization delivers approximately 100 hampers to families and individuals in the Saskatoon community living with HIV or AIDS.
City charities benefit from U of S groups REBEKAH LESKO
It’s that time of the year when the cold air of winter brings about a warmth of generosity. Some student groups at the University of Saskatchewan have decided to help out local charities this holiday season. Whether in the form of food hampers, children’s toys or warm clothing, it’s evident that the student groups are making a positive difference this Christmas season. The Agriculture Students’ Association is supplying new toys to less fortunate families of the city this year. On Dec. 2, first-year agriculture students headed out to Toys “R” Us to purchase new toys and take them to City Hall where they were compiled into a large donation. This toy drive was a part of CJWW radio station’s Denny Carr Secret Santa Foundation, which last year provided 600 families with toys for children during Christmas. Anyone looking to participate
CODY SCHUMACHER/GRAPHICS EDITOR
can drop off any new toy still in its original packaging for a child under 12 years of age at multiple locations throughout the city until Dec. 16. The Secret Santa Foundation was established as a federally recognized charity in 2000, 16 years after long-time Saskatoon broadcaster Denny Carr first dreamt that every child in the city should receive a gift on Christmas. Since then the foundation has expanded its donations to include A
3 Research journal highlights academic work NEWS
5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
SCOTT DAVIDSON Associate News Editor
Undergraduate students at the University of Saskatchewan will soon have a chance to have their research published in an academic journal on campus. The University of Saskatchewan Undergraduate Research Journal will launch on Feb. 27, 2014 and will highlight student research from various colleges and disciplines. The journal will be published online. “Students have an opportunity to publish their own work that might include research from a summer project, undergraduate honors theses or something written for a class,” said Undergraduate Editor-in-Chief Scott Adams. The journal will include original research, not published anywhere else, that will be reviewed and will provide students with a means to disseminate their findings to a broad audience Like all academic journals, submissions will be subject to a peer review process. Authors are required to submit the names of two U of S professors with relevant
CODY SCHUMACHER/GRAPHICS EDITOR
expertise in a field related to their academic work to assist the editorial board in selecting reviewers. After receiving comments from the reviewers, the editorial board can choose
to accept the paper, ask the author to make modifications, reject it outright or dismiss it for the current issue and welcome the author to resubmit. The journal is open to all submissions provided they were written in the last two years while the author was an undergraduate student at the U of S. Submissions for the first issue, to be published in February, are now closed. However, students can still submit their work for future issues. With the university’s push towards becoming a more research-intensive institution, the journal will seek to increase student research engagement. “As part of the U15 Canadian research universities, there needed to be an initiative to encourage undergraduate students to partake in research at the U of S,” said Orhan Yilmaz, an associate editor of the journal’s health and sciences section. “The journal allows students to have their scholarly work subjected to a peer review process and would encourage academic programs to incorporate research into degree programs,” he said.
Students began advocating for an undergraduate research journal at the U of S in February of 2012. The University Learning Center organized a Research Learning Community for students from a variety of disciplines to draft a proposal. Following the presentation of the proposal in April of that year, the journal gained support from the University Learning Center and the university’s Office of the Vice-President Research. The journal’s editorial board is comprised mainly of students and is divided into four sections: Health and sciences, social sciences, humanities and fine arts, and interdisciplinary. Each section has a head editor and two or three associate editors. Many of the current editors, including Adams and Yilmaz, were involved in the Research Learning Community that drafted the original proposal for the journal. New editors will be selected every term and all undergraduate students are encouraged to apply. Students wanting to submit to the U of S Undergraduate Research Journal can do so at usask.ca/usurj.
Student Council talks TransformUS with senior administrators ANNA-LILJA DAWSON Senior News Editor Senior university administrators answered student representatives’ questions and concerns regarding TransformUS at the Nov. 28 University Students’ Council meeting. University of Saskatchewan Provost and Vice-President Academic Brett Fairbairn and Vice-President Operations and Resources Greg Fowler were at the meeting, wherein members of students’ council had the floor for their own questions. The conversation focussed primarily on TransformUS — a program prioritization model that ranks academic programs and support services according to five categories ranging from being a candidate for enhanced resources, quintile one, to being a candidate for phasing out, quintile five. U of S Students’ Union Vice-President Jordan Sherbino started off the questions by asking for an expanded definition of the academic quintile four, in which a program or service is recommended to be reconfigured for efficiency and effectiveness. Sherbino said he was concerned about the fact that reconfiguration was ranked fourth — one above the ranking of phase out — could imply that restructuring will predominantly have negative effects on a program. Fairbairn replied by stating it is possible that programs landing in the middle to lowest rankings could be candidates for reduced resources. However, these programs may benefit from being reconstructed or even phased out. “It could be good or bad to be in any [quintile] so it’s worth thinking about ways in which it could be good for something to be in [quintile]
KATHERINE FEDOROFF
Greg Fowler talks about TransformUS.
five even,” Fairbairn said. “A program that is being phased out by being merged with something else, the parts of it that are the best might be retained in the university.” Member of students’ council for the College of Medicine Jon Herriot asked about the possibility of there being a disproportionate representation of liberal arts programs in the lower academic quintiles that may face large cuts. Noting potentially low student demand as one of the few probable weaknesses, Fairbairn said programs in the liberal arts and humanities are generally the most cost-effective programs that universities have. “Something most people don’t know is that in every university I’m aware of, the most efficient programs on a cost basis are those in the liberal arts, education, maybe business depending on the kind of program, followed closely by the humanities,” Fairbairn said. Following a question regarding faculty and staff adjustments after TransformUS from USSU General Manager Caroline Cottrell, Fairbairn said the university has signed a collective agreement for faculty and staff that includes procedures for dealing with employees whose programs or services are eliminated or restructured. Fairbairn also noted that a university often does not save money by simply eliminating programs and that the bulk of the savings do not come from lower utilities or space costs, but from lessening expenditures on staff and faculty. As the TransformUS taskforces are expected to release their recommendations to the campus community during the final exam period on Dec. 9, USSU Vice-President Operations and Finance Jenna Moellenbeck said she would like to know how the university will offer support to students, faculty and staff that may already be stressed. Deans and unit leaders will be widely available on Dec. 9 to talk to any students or employees that feel that they may be affected by their program being slated for elimination or reconfiguration, Fairbairn said. However, Fairbairn added that students need not to worry should their academic program receive a low ranking as all students have been promised an opportunity to complete their degree within a time period varying from five to seven years. He said he expects that faculty and staff will not have that same security and that these support services will be geared primarily towards them. “None of you [students] will be individually prevented from finishing the kind of program you signed on for. But obviously, there’s not
KATHERINE FEDOROFF
Councillor Jon Herriot questioned if the burden of budget cuts would fall on liberal arts programs. that same kind of guarantee there for staff,” Fairbairn said, adding that there will be a series of meetings throughout December focussing on the task force recommendations. “One of the most important messages is that what’s in the taskforce reports will only be recommendations,” he said. Fairbairn also addressed the fact that should sweeping changes to academic programs be brought to University Council — the governing body of the U of S responsible for changes to academic programs — that the council has the ability to approve or reject any of the recommendations. “Absolutely, council has the ability to say no to things,” Fairbairn said. “If we were to bring, say, a sweep of academic measures to University Council that are necessary for financial stability of the university and if they were to say no to those, they would have said no.”
With universities receiving less and less funding from their provincial governments, USSU President Max FineDay asked whether students should be expecting budget balancing projects like workforce planning and program prioritization to become normal aspects of their U of S experience. TransformUS will account for saving only five per cent of the university’s operating budget and will extend out seven years into the future, Fowler said, confirming that changing the university’s finances is best done without taking drastic measures such as across the board cuts. “This is something that will continue and it is continuing at a pace that is measured for the university,” Fowler said. “It is much more strategic, rather than something that we take any immediate action without the consideration of the students.”
4 NEWS Tuition tax credits targeting wealthy students
5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
ANQI SHEN CUP Ontario Bureau Chief
HAMILTON (CUP) — Every year, Canadian post-secondary students are eligible for tuition, education and textbook credits that cost billions of dollars in funding. However, students from lowincome households are the least likely to benefit from the credits during school despite needing the money the most. A recent study, conducted through the C.D. Howe Institute — a not-for-profit organization that aims to raise Canadians’ living standards through economically sound public policies, found that tax credits are “disproportionately” transferred to well-off families in a given tax year. Most students from lower-income households can claim the non-refundable credits only after they finish school and start earning enough taxable income. Christine Neill, an associate professor of economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, authored the study. She found that the tax credit savings amount to about $2,000 per year for the average Canadian undergraduate student. “For youth from relatively high income families, a couple thousand dollars per year may not change their decision to go to university or college, but it might change those from low-income families. The problem is, they tend to get the money later,” Neill said. In 2012, students with family incomes below $30,000 used only seven per cent of education credits transferred to parents in 2012, but made up about half of tax filers. Households with an income above $80,000 used about 42 per cent of education credits transferred to parents but made up just 10 per cent of tax filers. Neill recommended that simply making the credits refundable would vastly improve the program. Students not earning enough taxable income would then get a cheque in the mail for what they couldn’t claim on their taxes instead of having to carry the credits forward. The same recommendation has been made in the past by the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations and the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance. According to Neill’s study, undergraduate students in British Columbia save the least from the tax credits, followed by students in Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. Students in Saskatchewan save nearly the
same amount as those in Alberta, where students recieve the most tuition tax credits in the country, but only by a small margin. A 2010 study found that college students save a larger proportion of their tuition from the credits than university students. However, college students end up with a smaller dollar value from the credits because their tuition is lower on average. Last year, the federal government spent $1.6 billion on tuition, education and textbook tax credits whereas it spent $700 million on the Canada Student Loan Program. Tuition and education credits were first
introduced in 1961, and the option to “carry forward” unclaimed amounts was introduced in 1997. “Before the carry-forward was introduced, kids from low income families may never have been able to claim the credits. After 1997, the program became more expensive but it became better,” Neill said. A textbook credit was added in 2006, raising questions from the academic community on the efficacy of the program. Whether to stimulate enrolment in postsecondary education or to distribute wealth to students from lower-income families,
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the purpose of the tax credits hasn’t been clearly articulated. Neill argues that the credits currently fail on both efficiency and equity principles. She also made a point that the credits aren’t well-advertised on university and college web pages that display tuition fee information. “One major issue is that many people don’t know about [the credits], and they don’t know before going through postsecondary education,” Neill said. “If you don’t know something exists, how would it affect your behaviour?”
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University of Saskatchewan student Mohamadmahdi Kowsari, who was arrested for allegedly stealing sulphuric acid from a chemical engineering lab, was released on bail on Nov. 29. The 26-year-old chemical engineering student was taken into police custody on Oct. 23 after Saskatoon Police Service searched his home on the 300 block of Cumberland Avenue North and found chemicals stolen from the university. A small amount of sulfuric acid was removed from the residence, but according to police there was no threat to public safety. SPS charged Kowsari with theft under $5,000. Kowsari was in police custody for over a month following his arrest. Supporters, mostly from Saskatoon’s Persian community, were on hand to celebrate his release.
Following the initial incident, U of S President Ilene Busch-Vishniac suspended Kowsari from classes and banned him from campus. An academic hearing will be held on Dec. 9 to evaluate the situation. No one was harmed in the incident on campus. However, the lab Kowsari was working in was closed temporarily and swept by a hazardous materials team as a precautionary measure. Classes were not interrupted. CBC Saskatoon reported that police were tipped off when Kowsari told a university employee he planned on mixing chemicals to harm others. Details of Kowsari’s bail hearing have not been made public. He is set to appear in court again on Dec. 12. A press release issued by the university following the incident said any sightings of Kowsari on campus should be reported to U of S Protective Services or SPS.
SPORTS
5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
Huskies dominate court against Bisons
REBEKAH LESKO
The Huskies men’s basketball team strengthened their record to 9-1 as part of a three-game winning streak. The team posted two wins at home on Nov. 29 and 30 over the University of Manitoba Bisons. With the wins, the Dogs are tied for first place in the Canada West Prairie division with the Alberta Golden Bears. The Huskies overtook the Bisons 100-86 on Friday at the University of Saskatchewan’s Physical Activity Complex. The first frame was evenly matched, as both teams shot over 50 per cent in a backand-forth competition with the Huskies taking a 25-22 advantage after the first 10 minutes. The Huskies increased the tempo in the second quarter with tough defensive pressure while netting baskets. The push helped the Huskies outscore the Bisons 22-13 and secure a 47-35 lead heading into the break. The Dogs continued their dominance in the second half, as Andrew Henry went 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. The Huskies banked 30 points in the third quarter, sitting comfortably at 77-62 going into the final frame. Nothing would change in the fourth quarter as the Dogs took away any momentum the Bisons had left. The Huskies showed an unwaveringly strong offence as well as a solid defence in the win. The Huskies shot exactly 50 per cent from the field, while the Bisons trailed closely behind with 49 per cent. All five starting Huskies scored double digits; Stephon Lamar contributed 16 points, Ben Baker recorded 14, Andrew Henry
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Women’s basketball team top dog in Canada West
had 12, Dadrian Collins chipped in 11 and Matt Forbes added another 20. Forbes also recorded a double-double with 13 rebounds. Evan Ostertag banked 18 points off the bench. The following night the Huskies were equally remarkable, defeating Manitoba 9160, marking the last conference game until after the December break. The Huskies started the first quarter off strong and full of momentum, beginning with an 18-5 run. Finishing off the first ten minutes, the Dogs led 20-9, with Lamar contributing 11 of the first 20 points. The second quarter resembled the first, as the Dogs shot an impressive 57 per cent in the first half alone. The home team secured a 19-point advantage, heading into halftime with a score of 45-26. After the break Manitoba tried to regain lost ground and get back in the game, but the Huskies were dominating the court and led 74-45 after the third quarter. The story repeated itself in the final frame as Saskatchewan finished 31 points ahead of Manitoba, with a final score of 91-60. Huskies shot 46 per cent from the field and 39 per cent from beyond the arc, while the Bisons shot 37 nd 35 per cent from the same markers. Lamar was the Huskies’ top scorer with 23 points, adding four assists and two steals. Baker grabbed 11 rebounds off the boards and scored eight points. The Huskies head to Santa Barbara, California on Dec. 30 for the 38th Annual Tom Byron Classic Tournament.
KATHERINE FEDOROFF
The women’s basketball team finished the first half of the season in the best way possible. REBEKAH LESKO
JORDAN DUMBA/ PHOTO EDITOR
Matt Forbes recoded a double-double to help the Huskies defeat the Bisons.
The Huskies women’s basketball team is a force to be reckoned with and has secured the top spot in Canada West. The team earned two wins over the University of Manitoba Bisons on Nov. 29 and 30 at the University of Saskatchewan's Physical Activity Complex. With the wins, alongside victories in their last five games, the Huskies improve to a 9–1 record . On Friday night the Huskies outscored the visiting Bisons in a five-minute overtime period to win 87-76. The Bisons tried to steal the momentum during the first two minutes of the opening frame with an 11-3 lead, but the Huskies quickly replied with a 15-2 run to hold a 21-18 lead after ten minutes. The Huskies led for most of the second quarter but the Bisons remained close behind and the teams headed into the break with the Huskies up by one and a score of 36-35. Starting off the second half, the Dogs’ offence outscored the Bisons 18-10, ending the third quarter with a 54-45 lead. However, during the final quarter, the Bisons crept up on the Dogs and forced the game into overtime as they managed to tie the score at 70-70. Heading into the extra frame, it was evident the Huskies wanted the win by outscoring the Bisons 17-6 to secure the game. Huskie Kiera Lyons banked 10 of the 17 points scored in overtime. The Dogs shot 51 per cent from the field and 40 per cent from beyond the arc, while Manitoba shot 44 per cent and hit 33 per cent of three-point shots. Banking 32 points, Dalyce Emmerson was the top scorer for the Huskies. The Canada West blocks leader added four more to her season total
while snagging nine rebounds. Lyons racked up 21 points while Kabree Howard contributed five assists. The Huskies brought an even more impressive game to the court on Saturday by defeating the visiting Bisons 68-58 to secure their second win of the weekend. Saskatchewan led 8-2 in the opening minutes on Saturday night, but that’s as great a lead the Bisons would allow in the first frame. Finishing off the first quarter Manitoba closed the gap — trailing only by one with a score of 22-21. The Huskies ended the second quarter by taking a slight lead of 39-33 heading into halftime. Midway through the third quarter, the Huskies would secure an eight point lead and maintained the momentum into the fourth for a 54-46 advantage. However, the Bisons managed to reduce the lead to only four points early in the fourth. With three minutes remaining, the Huskies continued to cling to its lead as Manitoba tried to force overtime for a second straight night. Emmerson’s three-point play would be enough to seal the win for the Huskies with a score of 68-58. The Huskies ended the game shooting 45 per cent from the field and 33 per cent from outside the arc, while the Bisons shot 37 per cent and matched the Huskies in arc shooting. For the second night in a row top scorer for the Dogs went to Emmerson, who shot 8-for10 from the field. She also picked up a doubledouble, netting 23 points and grabbing 16 rebounds off the boards. Desarae Hogberg and Kelsey Trulsrud scored nine points each to bank the victory. Jordyn Halvorson ripped seven rebounds to go along with three points. The Huskies travel west to Victoria to take on the University of Victoria Vikes on Jan. 10.
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SPORTS
5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
Men’s hockey team finds offensive groove KIMBERLEY HARTWIG Sports Editor
The University of Saskatchewan men’s hockey team sent the Mount Royal University Cougars home empty handed after the Dogs swept the weekend series on Nov. 29 and 30 at Rutherford Rink. Heading into the break the Huskies are 8-7-1 on the season and are in third place in Canada West. The Huskies downed the Cougars 8-4 in a high scoring game on Friday night. Both teams attacked the net relentlessly to score eight goals in the second period. The home team was first on the board at 5:31 in the opening period after a goal from Matthew Spafford. Ryan McDonald scored again for the Dogs in the final minute of the frame to give his team a 2-0 lead. The Huskies offence continued to be effective, netting five goals in the second period. Goals from Sean Aschim and Andrew Bailey within 20 seconds of each other had the home team up 4-0 five minutes into the frame. After falling behind by four goals, the Cougar offence woke up and scored two goals of their own. Cody Cartier pushed the puck past Huskie goalie Ryan Holfeld during a scramble in front of the net at 6:54. Cougar Eric Galbraith scored during a power play
three minutes later to cut the Huskies’ lead to 4-2. With 10 minutes left in the frame, goals from Matthew Delahey, Ryan MacDonald and Aschim cushioned the Dogs’ lead. The Cougars closed out scoring for the period with a goal from Derek Huisman. Heading
into the final frame, the home team led 7-3. Each team scored once more in the third period. Cougar Mike Brown picked up the puck in the neutral zone after a giveaway and put it in the back of the net at 2:09. Spafford scored his second goal of the night at 13:38 to give the Huskies the 8-4 win.
JORDAN DUMBA/ PHOTO EDITOR
Holfeld made 12 saves and the Huskies were 1-5 on power plays while the Cougars were 2-6. The Huskies defeated the Cougars 4-1 on Saturday night with four goals being scored during power plays. The Dogs were first to score when Kenton Dulle beat Cougar goalie Dalyn Flette. The Cougars replied with a goal of their own off the stick of Brown just over a minute later. Huskie captain Brennan Bosch scored the only goal of the night that didn’t come during a power play at 11:46 in the first period. Ryan McDonald scored the Dogs’ third goal of the period during a 5-on-3 advantage at 14:18 to give the home team a 3-1 lead. After an offensive first period, neither team was able to find the net in the second and there was only one goal in the third frame. Huskie Jesse Ross added the final goal at 7:30 on another power play. Both Holfeld and Flette made 28 saves. The Huskies were 3-8 on power plays and spent 32 minutes in the box while the Cougars went 1-9 and spent 30 minutes in the box. The Huskies return to the ice on January 3 and 4, hosting the University of Manitoba Bisons at Credit Union Centre.
The men’s hockey team scored more than enough goals to net two victories this weekend.
Huskies in hot pursuit of number one ranking
KIMBERLEY HARTWIG Sports Editor
Heading into the mid-season break the Huskies women’s hockey team earned two much needed wins over the Mount Royal University Cougars on Nov. 29 and 30 in Calgary, Alta. The Dogs hold an 11-3-2 record and sit in second place in Canada West — one point behind the top ranked University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. The Huskies snuck past the Cougars 1-0 to win Friday night’s game. In the first period both teams played cautiously and failed to generate many scoring opportunities. The opening frame ended with the score at 0-0. The Huskies broke the deadlock at 7:24 in the second period. The Dogs had a one
man advantage after Cougar Ellen Lind was taken off for body checking. Carlie Hrenkiw used the opportunity to evade three Cougar defenders and launch a shot into the top corner. The goal gave the Huskies a decisive 1-0 lead. The Cougars tried to push for the equalizer, but Huskie goalie Cassidy Hendricks protected the Dog’s lead and didn’t let anything past. The first half of the third period looked exactly like the first, with neither team taking many risks. In the closing minutes of final period the Cougars began to pressure the Dogs and fought to draw even, but they couldn’t get past the strong Huskie defense. Hendricks made 22 saves in the shutout, while at the other end of the ice Jessica Ross turned away 26. The Huskies went
Canada West Standings Men’s Volleyball 1. Trinity Western 2. UBC 3. Alberta 3. Thompson Rivers 5. Brandon 5. Calgary 7. Mount Royal 8. Manitoba 8. Winnipeg 10. Saskatchewan 11. UBC Okanagan 12. Regina
Men’s Hockey GP-W-L 12-11-1 12-9-3 12-8-4 12-8-4 12-7-5 12-7-5 12-6-6 12-5-7 12-5-7 12-4-8 12-2-10 12-0-12
*Top seven teams from each division qualify for playoffs
Women’s Volleyball 1. UBC 2. UBC Okanagan 3. Brandon 4. Trinity Western 5. Alberta 5. Manitoba 7. Mount Royal 7. Saskatchewan 9. Calgary 9. Winnipeg 11. Regina 12. Thompson Rivers
GP-W-L 12-12-0 12-10-2 12-9-2 12-8-4 12-6-6 12-6-6 12-5-7 12-5-7 12-4-8 12-4-8 12-3-9 12-0-12
*Top seven teams from each division qualify for playoffs
1. Calgary 2. Albertaa 3. Saskatchewan 4. Regina 5. Manitoba 6. Mount Royal 7. UBC 8. Lethbridge
*All eight teams advance to playoffs
Men’s Basketball
1. UBC 2. Saskatchewan 3. Alberta 4. Mantioba 5. Regina 6. Calgary 7. Lethbridge 8. Mount Royal
GP-W-L-OTL 16-12-3-1 16-11-3-2 16-9-4-3 16-9-5-2 16-9-6-1 16-7-8-1 16-5-8-3 16-2-12-2
*All eight teams advance to playoffs
Women’s Basketball
Prairie Division 1. Alberta 1. Saskatchewan 3. Lethbridge 4. Winnipeg 5. Calgary 6. Brandon 6. Regina 8. Manitoba
GP-W-L 10-9-1 10-9-1 10-7-3 10-6-4 10-5-5 10-2-8 10-2-8 10-1-9
Prairie Division 1. Saskatchewan 2. Alberta 2. Calgary 2. Regina 5. Winnipeg 6. Lethbridge 6. Manitoba 8. Brandon
GP-W-L 10-9-1 10-8-2 10-8-2 10-8-2 10-4-6 10-3-7 10-3-7 10-2-8
Pacific Division 1. Victoria 2. Thompson Rivers 3. Mount Royal 3. Trinity Western 3. UFV 6. UBC 7. UNBC 8. UBC Okanagan
GP-W-L 10-9-1 10-6-4 10-5-5 10-5-5 10-5-5 10-4-6 10-3-7 10-2-8
Pacific Division 1. UBC 1. UFV 1. Victoria 4. Thompson Rivers 5. UNBC 6. UBC Okanagan 7. Mount Royal 7. Trinity Western
GP-W-L 10-7-3 10-7-3 10-7-3 10-6-4 10-4-6 10-2-8 10-1-9 10-1-9
*Top four teams from each division qualify for crossover playoffs
Cougars to cut the Dogs’ lead to one. The Cougars tied the game after Jade Osadchuk’s goal at 9:37 and held a lead for the first time after Emily Harrison scored at 18:19. The Huskies needed a goal and they got just that when Sara Greschner beat Ross with 25 seconds left in the third. Both teams had opportunities to score in the opening minutes of overtime and it seemed like the Cougars grabbed the lead when they put the puck in the net. However, the referee ruled it to be no goal and the teams remained tied. With time winding down Marley Ervine corralled a loose puck in the Cougars’ crease and scored the winning goal for the Huskies just shy of the seven minute mark. The Huskies return to action on January 3 and 4 in Manitoba against the University of Manitoba Bisons.
Upcoming Huskies Games Women’s Hockey
GP-W-L-OTL 16-15-0-1 16-14-2-0 16-8-7-1 16-8-8-0 16-7-8-1 16-6-9-1 16-5-10-1 16-1-14-1
1-3 on power plays while the Cougars were 0-3. The Huskies won another close contest on Saturday night with a 5-4 win in overtime. After a no-goal first period, both teams picked up their game in the second. The Huskies got on the board 14 seconds into the frame with a goal from Rachel Johnson. The Cougars evened the score at one apiece after Taralynn Suzuki found the net at 2:37. The Dogs regained a one goal lead after Cami Wooster scored to end the second frame. Goals came quick in the third period, with the teams combining for five. Just under four minutes in Huskie Alexee Klassen found the back of the net to give her team a 3-1 lead. Fifteen seconds later, Danielle Klein replied with a goal for the
*Top four teams from each division qualify for crossover playoffs
Men’s Hockey Jan. 3 vs. University of Manitoba Bisons at Credit Union Centre at 7:00 p.m. Jan. 4 vs. University of Manitoba Bisons at Credit Union Centre at 2:00 p.m. Women’s Hockey • Jan. 3 in Manitoba vs. University of Manitoba Bisons at 7:00 p.m. • Jan. 4 in Manitoba vs. University of Manitoba Bisons at 6:00 p.m. Men’s Volleyball Jan. 2-4 at EBWM Invitational Women’s Volleyball Jan. 10 and 11 vs. University of Winnipeg Wesmen
Men’s Basketball • Dec. 30 and 31 at Tom Byron Classic in Santa Barbara, California at 6:15 p.m. Women’s Basketball • Jan. 10 in Victoria vs. University of Victoria Vikes at 6:00 p.m. • Jan. 11 in Vancouver vs. University of British Columbia Thunderbirds at 5:00p.m. Wrestling • Jan. 4 in Edmonton at Golden Bear Invitational
Home Game
SPORTS
5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
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Women’s volleyball team rallies against Bobcats KIMBERLEY HARTWIG Sports Editor
The Huskies women’s volleyball team head into the mid-season break after picking up momentum with a win over the number two ranked University of Brandon Bobcats. The Dogs lost their first match on Nov. 29 against the Bobcats before coming back to win the second in five sets on Nov. 30. The team is now 4-7 on the season and sit in seventh place in the Canada West rankings. On Friday night in Brandon the Bobcats prevailed 25-17, 27-25, 18-25, 25-18 to win their fourth match in a row. The Bobcats jumped out to an early 12-6 lead in the opening set and at 16-14 the home side won five straight points to gain a 21-14 lead. At 23-17, two Huskie errors meant the Bobcats had sealed the first set. The Huskies fought for a 15-12 lead in the second but the Bobcats grabbed the next four points to edge ahead 16-15. Neither team could maintain a lead as they stood tied at 24 late in the set. Bobcat Mary Thomson’s kill gave the home side a set point but a kill from Emily Humbert on the next point saw off the threat. A kill and a service ace from the Bobcats earned the home
The women’s volleyball team scored a five set win over the CIS number two Bobcats.
RAISA PEZDERIC
team a 2-0 set lead. The Dogs earned a 10-4 lead in the third set and this time they were able to hang on taking the set 25-18 to keep the match alive. In the fourth set the Bobcats built a lead from the opening points and maintained their advantage, pocketing the set and match.
Emmalyn Copping tallied 13 kills and nine digs while Candace Hueser added 11 kills and nine digs. The Dogs fought for a 25-27, 25-22, 26-28, 25-19, 15-11 win on Saturday night to head into the break on a high note. The first three sets were incredibly tight,
with the Huskies winning Friday night's match 21-25, 27-25, 17-25, 25-10, 15-12. The Dogs jumped out to an early 5-1 lead in the first set, but the Bobcats quickly hit back with four straight points of their own. From seven-all, the Bobcats were able to keep their nose out in front until a kill from Roy Ching gave the home side set points at 24-20. A kill from Braden McLean kept the Huskies' hopes alive but a Dog service error on the next point gave the Bobcats the opening set. Neither team could hold on to the lead in
the second set, as the teams continually found themselves tied. The Huskies eventually held set points at 24-22 after a kill from Paul Thompson, but a service error from Thompson and an ace from the Bobcats made it 24-24. At 25-all two Bobcat errors gifted the Huskies the second set and tied the match at one set all. The third set was more straight-forward, as the Bobcats wrapped it up 25-17 to gain a two sets to one advantage. The Huskies dominated the fourth set and, after taking it 25-10, the teams headed into the decider. The Huskies carved out a 12-9 advantage in the fifth set and were able to maintain the lead to sneak out the set 15-12. Thomson was the big hitter of the night, tallying 18 kills and 15 digs for the Huskies. Bryan Fraser added 15 kills and 13 digs while McLean chipped in with 12 kills and seven blocks. The Dogs fell 25-21, 17-25, 21-25, 25-16, 12-15 on Saturday night. The teams stayed close throughout the first set until the Huskies began to pull away from 20-all. The Dogs stole four straight points to land at 24-20. The Bobcats saved one set point off a kill from Ching, but a Fraser kill on the next point gave the Huskies the opener.
with two needing extra points to be decided. The Huskies held a set point in the opener but a Huskie error leveled the score at 25. The Bobcats took the next two points on an ace and a Huskie error to take a one set let. The Huskies took the next set on a kill from Hueser to level the match at one set all. The third set was a mirror image of the first as the Huskies held yet another set point, this time at 26-25. Three straight Dog errors gifted the Bobcats the third. The Huskies took control in the fourth set, gaining a 21-14 lead. The Bobcats came back to score the next five points and pull within two. A kill by Humbert gave the Dogs the ball and Anne Hanbidge closed out the set with three straight service points. The Huskies jumped out to an 8-4 lead in the deciding set, but the Bobcats fought back to 8-9. The Dogs only gave up three more points on the way to wrapping up the set on a Kayla Tycholiz attack. Hanbidge recorded double-digits in the match with 13 kills and 16 digs. Tycholiz, Copping and Candace Hueser each added another 12 kills. The Huskies return to the court at home on January 10 and 11 to host the University of Winnipeg Wesmen.
Huskies go the distance against Bobcats KIMBERLEY HARTWIG Sports Editor
The Huskies men’s volleyball team split their series with the University of Brandon Bobcats on Nov. 29 and 30 in Brandon. The Huskies won a tight five set contest the first night before seeing their fortunes reverse to lose another five setter the following night. The Dogs are now 4-8 on the season and hold down tenth spot in the Canada West standings. There wasn’t much between the two teams
Learn more and apply at stmu.ca/teach
The Dogs led for much of the second set until, at 10-13 down, the Cougars went on a five point run to lead 15-13. The teams traded points until at 18-16 the Cougars tallied six straight to lead 24-16. The Dogs fought off one set point but a quick kill from Cougar Sam Tuivai tied the match at one set all. The Cougars let the Huskie back into the third set after leading 23-18. The Dogs came within two at 21-23 but the home side earned the next two points to end the comeback. Down two sets to one the Huskies took the fourth set by the most convincing margin of the match, forcing a fifth set for the second night in a row. With the teams level at 10-all in the decider, the Cougars took five of the next seven points, finishing with a kill from Brendan White to take the match. Jordan Nowakowski led the Huskies with a match-high 23 kills. Thompson added 15 kills and 14 digs while Fraser added and additional seven kills and 10 digs. The Huskies return to the court on January 2 to host the Enns Bexter Wealth Management Invitational.
The Department of Political Studies: Special Course Offering artsandscience.usask.ca/politicalstudies
Globalization & Global Issues - IS 110.3 (02) This course is open to students from all colleges. Students can use this course either as: • an elective for their current program • one of the 6 required courses for the Global Studies Certificate, which is open to students from all colleges
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION
The unique, highly supportive and inclusive 2-year Bachelor of Education program at St. Mary’s University College will prepare you to be a leader in your career as a teacher in both Catholic and public schools. Learn more at stmu.ca/teach
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
IS 110.3 is intended to orient students to globalization and global issues. The first part of the course focuses on the phenomenon of globalization. The subsequent parts focus on specific global issues, such as the following:
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Migration Terrorism Security Crime Development Poverty Food Security Health Education Energy Environment Trade
Contact for Course & Certificate: Prof. Joe Garcea Email: joe.garcea@usask.ca Phone: 966-5222 (office)
Course Offering January 7 - April 8 (2014) Tuesdays 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. U of S Campus
8 SPORTS Broadcast control bad for pro sports in Canada
5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
JESSE COLAUTTI — THE FULCRUM (University of Ottawa)
OTTAWA (CUP) — On Nov. 26, Rogers Communications Inc. purchased the exclusive broadcasting rights to all National Hockey League games in Canada for the next 12 years, effective at the start of next season. The deal shuts out The Sports Network, Rogers’s main competitor in sports broadcasting, from covering any NHL games outside of regional games in Winnipeg and Montreal, and gives the company control over the profits and editorial content of CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada. Canadians should be outraged with this purchase. It signifies the end of competitive hockey programming in this country, furthers the monopolization of the entire Canadian sports and television industries and effectively ends the relationship millions of Canadians have developed with HNIC since it began on the radio in 1931. While other networks will still be able to provide commentary on NHL news and games, Rogers’ network of stations will be the sole Canadian broadcaster of the games. This agreement destroys any type of competitive motivation for Rogers to produce effective and affordable hockey broadcasting. The NHL has the right to sell its broadcasting rights to whichever company it wants. But when that broadcaster already owns the only National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball teams in Canada, as well as the exclusive Canadian MLB broadcasting rights, they are selling more than just the NHL to Rogers. They are selling control over
by Rogers, fans of the Ottawa Senators can expect to find their team more often on CityTV than on HNIC.
But when that broadcaster already owns the only National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball teams in Canada, as well as the exclusive Canadian MLB broadcasting rights, they are selling more than just the NHL to Rogers. They are selling control over professional sports in Canada.
What will the broadcasting landscape look like now that Rogers owns NHL rights? professional sports in Canada The repercussions of this agreement affect more than just sports fans. Sports broadcasting was Canada’s number one source of television revenue in 2012. According to the Canadian Radiotelevision and Telecommunications Commission, TSN and its French affiliate station Réseau des Sports generated more than $542 million in revenue for the broadcast year ending in August 2012 — the majority of which comes from their extensive NHL programming. For comparison, the largest non-sports channel, the Discovery Channel, generated just more than $99 million. With Rogers now able to limit the
CEE-BEE/FLICKR
viewing of the majority of sports in Canada to only their customers, the competitive balance of the entire Canadian television and Internet market is threatened. The agreement also signals the end of HNIC as many Canadians have come to know it. Rogers will now control the editorial content of HNIC, including all personnel decisions — like whether to keep Don Cherry and Ron McLean at the helm. The company has also announced that it will broadcast other games across its network of channels during the same time as HNIC. This will end HNIC’s coverage of marquee Saturday night matchups. According to a sample schedule released
For millions of fans, HNIC is more than just a broadcast. It’s a familiar comfort every Saturday night, a tradition that has spanned generations and a testament to the connection fans have with their favourite sport. Rogers’s new agreement merits a response from Canadian sports fans, whose passion for sports is now tied to one company. But it also deserves attention from the Canadian Bureau of Competition, as it impends the end of a competitive television market in Canada.
CULTURE
5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
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Plenty of holiday music to go around There is so much to celebrate at this time of year — from peppermint everything to Christmas movies to decorations, light displays, gussied-up trees and more — but it would all seem a little lackluster without the delightful sound of holiday tunes playing in
the background almost everywhere. It’s practically a given nowadays that almost every musical artist is likely to release some sort of holiday music collection throughout their careers, ‘reinterpreting’ or ‘re-imagining’ the classics that many have come to love. Holidays are when waves of holiday
Just one of the holiday albums that can brighten your winter break.
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records crash into the ocean of album releases, sometimes changing the tide and sometimes slipping in completely unnoticed — and 2013 is no different. From Jewel’s second foray into the Christmas genre to Il Volo’s Buon Natale, there certainly is something for everyone this holiday season. Glee fans will be pleased to note that, despite what Columbia Records chairman and CEO Rob Stringer said, there is most definitely going to be a Glee christmas album this year. On their fourth volume already, it’s fair to say the show’s Christmas spirit has become something of an annual tradition. Leona Lewis’s old styled album, Christmas, With Love is reminiscent of Phil Spectre, while Mary J. Blige puts her signature R&B spin on holiday favourites and boasts collaborations with Jessie J, Marc Antony, The Clark Sisters and Barbra Streisand on A Mary Christmas. Wrapped in Red is Kelly Clarkson’s addition to this year’s Christmas roster. Though known for her big voice, if Wrapped in Red shows anything it’s that Clarkson definitely knows when to dial things down to create an intimate mood for the listener. And, of course, Susan Boyle’s Home For Christmas is everything that one would expect it to be, proving to be a perfect follow up to 2010’s The Gift. After hearing “White Christmas” sung a hundred different ways, a few more really can’t hurt. Besides, while some classics are better left alone — there’s a reason that they are so beloved — almost no one can deny the excitement in listening to longloved holiday tunes being crooned out by their favourite singer. Those who are looking for a more
alternative spin on their Christmas music know that they are few and far between. You can always look back to last year with 58-track epic Sufjan Stevens project Silver & Gold. The album contains classics and original Stevens songs with unique feeling to go along with them. So will the continual stream of new Christmas releases affect our love of classics by the likes of Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Ella Fitzgerald? Probably not. Although, they do provide a bit of fun for the time being and it can be refreshing to hear a different voice or take on holiday favourites. But one thing that is for sure is that as each year brings more festive music to the scene, there is definitely plenty of holiday music to go around. With such a wide variety to choose from, there’s sure to be something to fit everyone’s taste.
katoon 15 Years in Sas
C. Stuart HouSton & Merle MaSSie ©
UPCOMING EVENTS
WILLIAM LOUISON
Launching 36 Steps on the Road to Medicare, New Edition: How Saskatchewan Led the Way Thursday, December 5, 7:00 pM
alan anderSon Launching Settling Saskatchewan
Tuesday, December 10, 7:00 pM
sheaf dec 5, 2013 alt15.indd 1
11/25/2013 1:30:03 PM
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CULTURE
5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
Beat the pre-exam blues this December MADISON TAYLOR
Longing for a cure for those exam panic attacks? Or perhaps just a change of scenery that doesn’t involve oppressively fluorescent library lighting or coffee-stained textbook pages? Look no further, there is a number of great holiday events to take your mind off the stress. Nothing brings back those warm and fuzzy memories of childhood Christmases better than the unexplainable joy found in a simple string of colored LED lights. Now imagine strolling through an entire forest illuminated with them. Saskatoon Forestry Farm is here to bring your childhood dreams to life this December with their annual Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour, accessible on foot, by vehicle or — you may want to brace yourself for this one — horse drawn sleigh. Bundle up and bask in the magic every night this month from 5:30-11 p.m. for just $8 per person. If horse drawn carriage rides aren’t your cup of tea, perhaps a nostalgic skate on the Cameco Meewasin Rink located next to the beautiful Bessborough hotel will tickle your fancy. A Saskatoon winter classic, this simple outdoor rink is made all the more delightful when decorated with the glitter of fresh snowfall. Along with a priceless view of the city, the rink offers a fire pit that skaters can gather around with blankets and thermoses full of hot chocolate to ward off the chill. The greatest feature of all? Skating on the rink is completely free. Starving student problems and budget cuts have no place amongst this much festive joy. Looking for an alternative to Christmas cheer that doesn’t involve being exposed to the heartless bitch that is the Saskatchewan
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A glimpse of some of the holiday LED lights. winter? Teachers Credit Union Place is hosting a selection of live holiday entertainment, including Festival of Carols from Dec. 9 - 19 at noon and Saskatoon’s own Fireside Singers on Dec. 20 and 21. If you were hoping for something other than a suit-and-tie affair, how about a movie day at the Roxy Theater? The Roxy will be playing the modern classic Polar Express on the Dec. 19 completely free of charge. Die Hard will also be playing later that evening for free, because what says Christmas cheer better than Bruce Willis popping caps in some terrorists? Those festive feelings aren’t simply gained
from special events, however. There are oodles of little things that can be done during study breaks or lazy Sunday afternoons. How about turning the Bowl into your own personal war zone with some extreme snowball fighting? Or better yet, decorate your beloved campus with your best attempt at modern art in the form of snowmen and snow angels. Even something as simple as hanging a line of lights in your bedroom or putting up a dinky little Charlie Brown tree in your dorm room or apartment can brighten the exam hibernation period. If you’re feeling crafty, perhaps making some
festive little knick-knacks such as a mason jar snow globe or a classic kindergarten-inspired macaroni tree ornament will bring some cheer into your day. In the end, it can’t be denied that the coziest of Christmas feelings comes from snuggling up in a warm blanket with a mug of hot chocolate or a glass of eggnog — which let’s be honest, is probably more rum than eggnog — listening to Bing Crosby and watching the snow fall. There is a reason why Christmas is called the most wonderful time of the year — when else can you spend every hour of the day shamelessly drinking, eating and sleeping?
Students work together on innovative film project for new class NICHOLAS KINDRACHUK Culture Editor
International Students: New ESL Course Being Offered in Term 2 A new 3 credit unit course (ESL 105.3), entitled ‘Academic Speaking Skills for Speakers of English as a Second Language’, has been designed for students whose first language is not English. This course focuses on enhancing the oral and written communication skills of non-native English speakers with respect to a variety of academic and professional settings extending from business to scientific work environments. Students will expand and refine many practical components of communication (e.g., vocabulary, syntax, the art of conversation, oral presentation strategies, etc.).
ESL 105.3 will be offered in Term 2 Tuesday/Thursday 2:30-3:50 p.m. Interested students should contact v.makarova@usask.ca or richard.julien@usask.ca phone 306-966-5641 or visit Arts Building room 911in person learnenglish.usask.ca/esl-courses
A new class at the University of Saskatchewan has students from a variety of backgrounds coming together on an ambitious film project titled Paper Airplanes. Creating for the 21st Century Screen is a new one-term class looking to show students different ways of being creative and working in a group. 11 students participated in the class and were tasked with creating a web series for their term project. As a small group, each person had to take on four roles so that scheduling conflicts would not affect the shooting of the series. There was even a group assigned to screenwriting that met and what was originally meant to be a series of small web videos quickly grew into an 85-page script. Paper Airplanes is being filmed in four separate shorts, but the project is crafted as one interlocking feature film about campus life that holds a key theme of sleep deprivation. “It was kind of ironic since we’re all suffering from sleep deprivation making this film,” said crew member and director Sarah Grummett. While they are still holding a lot of the plot close to their chest, the film seems to be taking a deep look into student life and its strains. The students were able to partner with a group of fourth year drama students to participate and work alongside the film. For Jesse Fulcher-Gagnon, who plays Seth, his character is “a good guy who is just a bit lost right now.” Fulcher-Gagnon felt being involved with the project provided him with invaluable experience for his acting career. With use of the viral format and the small number of students involved, the main point of the class beyond the making of the film is making one that is creative. The form of having individual stories that link into one larger whole is a large part of that.
A behind the scenes glimpse of Paper Airplanes. The students involved had to be very innovative in getting the filming done as they would often have 18-hour days which they had to balance with their individual classes. Paper Airplanes had a total shooting time of three weeks, during which all involved had to pull many all-nighters to make sure they weren’t falling behind. Some students even just had to accept they would be falling behind in class knowing they could catch up in time for finals. The project became about more than the class. Everything involved went above and beyond what was expected, and the series became a passion project for the students. The mark of a truly inspiring class is one that can compel students to do far more than what was expected. Students have learned what they are good at in regards to working on film and whether or not they’d like to delve further into the film industry as a career option.
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“I definitely know that this what I want to do and that I am able to do it,” Grummett said. “It’s not as impossible as people would think. Anyone can get their friends together and make a movie; it’s all about the storytelling.” It will be interesting to see just where Creating for the 21st Century Screen goes from here and what Paper Airplanes will bring to the class. For those who are currently involved it has definitely awakened some inspiration while bringing some valuable on set experience. Those involved in Paper Planes are currently in the editing stage of production ,and will have something to hand in for the end of class. All of the students involved are going to continue the project well beyond the term and are planning on working through winter break to tentatively release the feature in December.
CULTURE
5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
U of S music program offers diversity for students NICHOLAS KINDRACHUK Culture Editor The University of Saskatchewan music program is one of the most active groups on campus. With its many concerts, student organizations and events, the program offers a much needed dose of culture for slow campus days. Even as one of the most unnoticed groups on campus, the music program has a lot to offer for musicians and music lovers alike. For fourth year vocal major Erica McFadden, the program means opportunities and experiences that were valuable. “I think that I have become much more of a performer and much more of a musician than I really could have imagined,” McFadden said. “I’ve changed a lot as a person because of how I’ve learned to look into music. There is the parallel of how I look at music and how I look at the rest of my life now. ” The way that she feels this personal growth was achieved was with hands-on interaction with instructors — an opportunity that comes with the smaller college, where each class contains about 10 to 14 students on average. With the changes to funding, programs like music tend to be swept under the rug. There are too many students who don’t even know about the many productions that the music students have to put on as a part of thier program. Each student has to be a part of certain amount of groups throughout their time in school in order to graduate. Many groups operate on an audition basis, meaning they have to meet a high performance standard. Collectives like the U of S jazz band hold many concerts throughout the year in a variety of settings: Quance Theatre, Louis’, the Bassment and even holding their own big band dances, such as their recent swing dancing extravaganza, Switch In Time. There are a lot of other unique programs that the department of music has to offer as well, with McFadden being involved in musical theatre. The program functions like a normal class and is part of students tuition. What musical theatre has done is help facilitate McFadden‘s training in opera
Braving the crowds of shoppers during the holiday season is always a challenge, but choosing gifts to buy for loved ones can be worse. Luckily, there are number of ways to still get that person something special without breaking a sweat — or the bank. Even if you’ve known someone for years, it’s a challenge to gift them something they want and don’t already have. This December, keep an eye out for unique presents for the people on your shopping list without resorting to envelopes stuffed with cash. One good option is to get the person some kind of experience. Movie tickets are a good idea if something is currently out that they would enjoy, or gift certificates for the theatre if there is a show coming to town further down the line. A spa or massage session could also be a pleasant experience for someone on your list. A pass for a specific event can be more personal than a gift card alone, and if it’s scheduled then there’s more incentive to make use of it, perhaps as a bonding experience. If you’d rather purchase something material, consider getting something practical. A good quality pair of work shoes or artist supplies can hold more importance and mileage than a basket of bath products. Think of what the recipient likes — gifts that match a person’s interests can show you pay attention to what they’re all about. If you’re crafty or artistically-inclined, handmade items can go a long way. A piece of personalized artwork can hold a lot of meaning, or you can make something that has an everyday use for the giftee.
Upcoming Events Thursday Dec. 5 • An evening for Tom Waits at Vangelis
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singing. A type of production that often goes unappreciated in in the city. The first term of musical theatre focuses on the opera that was capped off with a medley performance. The next year brings on more on Broadway Musicals for the focus and a completely different spectrum of music. For this portion of the class they will be holding a performance of The Beggar’s Opera. This variety that the program offers showed McFadden a new world of music that she can explore. For a long time she dreamt of being a music teacher, but soon found it was not for her. “For me, by the end of my time [at the school] I just couldn’t comprehend that I couldn’t make all of the children absolutely love music. It was very unrealistic of me, but I couldn’t stop that,” McFadden said. There is a lot more the music program has to offer and it helped McFadden discover a fondness for the world of opera. She was able to explore opera in her own way and wants to take it away from the stiff feet-planted singing common today, adding theatrics as well as emotion back to opera singing. Even if people cannot understand the words she is singing, they can get the feeling from the emotion she conveys as majority of opera is written in other languages. Music education provides valuable
learning for those who want to continue to create and spread their love of music. When going to one of the ensemble shows, this passion for what they are doing is evident in the U of S Wind Orchestra — who are known for their brilliant marching music having just performed a concert of old band standards. The U of S Greystone Singers who have done choral performances around the world, including China and Europe. For those who are interested in music, but aren’t necessarily professional or majoring in the subject, there are still other options like the University Chorus — open to all who like to sing as part of a large choral group. There is also the Concert Band for individuals whose musical talent strays away from singing. The music department has something to offer everyone and greatly deserves more attention. As McFadden said when asked about her hopes for the program itself, “I just hope it stays. With what’s happening with the university, music, drama and art are needed to continue the development of culture and creative minds. “The creative minds think out of the box, and I think that is very much needed in the positive development of society.”
Gifts for the person who has everything KATLYNN BALDERSTONE
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Handmade gifts also show the effort and care placed behind them — even if it’s as simple as a personally arranged gift basket. These kinds of presents show that you were willing to put the time into something meaningful. Consider things like handmade ornaments, drawings, a basket of holiday treats or even pet toys if they have an animal companion. If all else fails and you’re sure that they’ll get a kick out of it, there’s always the option of getting someone a gag gift. A toy xylophone for the music major, a video game console box weighed down with smaller unrelated items or a scavenger hunt with a special prize at the end all make for memorable presents. Avoid going for generic novelty gifts, as they’re not as enjoyable. Rather, go the extra mile for something personalized — just be sure that they’ll be in good spirits about it. Ultimately, holiday gifts should show that you’ve paid attention to the recipient and the kind of person they are. If you start by focusing on what they do and what they enjoy, finding an appropriate gift is easier than you may think — maybe what they want really is a gift card, new socks or just a ball of yarn. As long as there is time, effort and care put behind choosing a present, both sides of the gift exchange are bound to have a happy holiday.
Friday Dec. 6 • Grant Lawrence at Amigo’s • Guy and the Fellas with the Ray Elliott Band at Vangelis Saturday Dec. 7 • Bill Durst at Vangelis • Symphony Holiday Gospel Spectacular at TCU Place • The Pistolwhips at Amigo’s Sunday Dec. 8 • Buddy Wakefield with Saskatoon Youth Slam Team at Rock Bottom Monday Dec. 9 • Machine Gun Kelly at O’Brians Event Centre Tuesday Dec. 10 • Church of Misery at Amigo’s • Monster Truck at O’Brians Event Centre Wednesday Dec. 11 • Bam Margera as Fuckface Unstoppable at O’Brains Event Centre
If you are searching for some fun events over the holidays check out thesheaf.com for event listings. CODY SCHUMACHER/GRAPHICS EDITOR
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OPINIONS
5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
A moment of silence for civic prayer HAYLEE HANSVALL
It’s time that Saskatoon accepted a moment of silence in lieu of a prayer before events so that city council can move on to more important and pressing endeavors that affect our community. On Nov. 25, Saskatoon City Council opted not to go forward with the proposed creation of a scripted prayer policy. Thank God. This debate was prompted after Ashu Solo filed a human rights complaint after councilor Randy Donauer said a Christian prayer before a volunteer appreciation breakfast last summer. Feeling discriminated against, Solo made a case for the elimination of prayer at civic events and has since been vocal about his complaint. In an attempt to standardize prayer, several councilors put forth a greeting that would theoretically include all denominations. However, it is unreasonable to think a multi-faith council and community would willingly consent to a single scripted greeting — especially one that closes with the word “amen,” a word steeped in religious connotation.
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Would a moment of silence be a good replacement for a spoken prayer at civic events?
There certainly isn’t a clear-cut way to have a greeting that doesn’t have religious affiliations in one way or another. While I am by no means your friendly neighborhood activist-next-door, I can empathize with Solo. I cannot help but get irritated when someone tells me “to bow my head and pray,” even when I do find myself in a religious setting. Almost always I think to myself, “I’m good, but you can go ahead.” It’s not that I’m against a person praying, it’s just that I don’t want to have to be forced to follow suit. We must keep self-autonomy and the multicultural tenets of our country in mind. There is no one single prayer or greeting that, in my opinion, can please every Saskatonian. And if you have the magical solution, by all means, speak up! By simply spending a moment in silence before breaking bread, cutting a ribbon, or whatever the event may be, the need for inclusiveness could be satisfied. If one is so inclined they can pray to whomever or whatever keeps them safe at night, silently in their own head. This alternative to council-lead prayer was
suggested by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and is currently employed by the city of Toronto. Perhaps this is a solution we should embrace. But the question remains: is the complete separation of religion and state attainable? Many reasons suggest no — at least not in a largely Christian community such as our fine City of Bridges. Mayor Donald Atchison claimed such a restrictive proposal would be “a slippery slope” to go down and insinuated that it could potentially jeopardize his beloved nativity scenes. As such, it appears that Christian values remain protected whether a prayer policy is adopted or not by those in charge in our community. I think municipal government needs to reflect the recent move toward a secular political community and away from the custom of joining hands before eating. And to be quite honest, the time and effort of our city council is better spent elsewhere than on policy drafts regarding opening statements.
In defence of fall study breaks SEAN MCEVOY — THE XAIERIAN WEEKLY (Saint Francis Xavier University)
ANTIGONISH (CUP) — While there may be reasons against having additional breaks during a university calendar year, the benefits surely outweigh the costs. On Oct. 15, Maclean’s On Campus published an article titled “Why universities should quit adding more breaks,” making a case about why Canadian universities should not add a fall study break period to their academic calendars. The author outlined that a further reduction of class time would hinder students’ abilities to cope with the time required of jobs in the “real world,” and that the benefits of a fall break would only be “temporary.” Really? How wrong can he be? First of all, the article greatly minimizes the effort that many students put forth into their education. In the article, Josh Dehaas states that, in university, “9-5 work habits start to fade” and that a typical second-year student will have classes spread over three days. I would argue that many students have work habits that in fact surpass the 9-5 working hours, while students in many programs have classes four and five days a week. To put an emphasis on the number of hours a student spends in the classroom would be a wildly inaccurate observation as to the true amount of work hours someone puts into their education. In faculties of engineering across the country, many classes start at 8:15 a.m. and go until 5 p.m. Then come numerous hours of revision, assignments, group work, term papers and — to top it all off — midterms twice a term and a final exam. Ask many students what their average bed time is during the week and you’ll find it’s midnight or later as they try to keep up with the never ending workload. There’s a reason why there has been an increase in the popularity of “study drugs” like Adderall and Vyvanse nationwide — and why empty coffee cups and energy drink cans fill recycle bins around campus. Dehaas also notes that many students would name procrastination as their biggest problem with their studies, which leads us to feel “worthless” and adds to our mental health problems. This observation is absurd and backwards. When someone is struggling with depression or other mental illnesses due
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to a variety of social factors, it is then that thoughts of worthlessness or feeling pathetic will creep in. These situations are what contribute to the “why bother attitude” of procrastination in some people, not the other way around. Other students who simply procrastinate due to laziness or partying too hard are the students you often see flunk out or drop out. But the ones that are here to work hard for their future careers will put in as many hours as they can, and procrastination generally becomes a problem for them only when the workload gets overwhelming. National hikes in tuition have led to an increase in students working one or more part-time jobs during the school year just to get by, increasing stress and taking away
from time when we could be concentrated on studies. If balancing all the commitments of a parttime job and being a full-time student doesn’t prepare you for work in the “real world,” I don’t know what will. The concept of the “real world” being beyond university is a fallacy. We’re already living in it. Students know what to expect beyond university thanks to the education we receive. We will not be “in for a shock,” as Dehaas puts it. The amount of stress many students are under can lead to a deteriorating social life, whether it is with family or friends. More time cooped up in the library and less time with the positive people in your life can undoubtedly contribute to depression.
Make no mistake, this is a crisis that needs to be addressed at every university in this country. We are slowly making improvements, but it is already far too late for many. The September 2013 report by CTV’s W5 is just one of the numerous publications outlining the increasing suicide rates among university students. So how can anyone say that a fall study break that would positively affect mental health is not worth it? How can one extra week of classes be given more value than the quality of life of a human being? The benefits of the break may be short lived, lifting students spirits for only a few days, but often that is all they need — a little reminder to look after themselves, to refresh, relax and come back ready to learn again.
OPINIONS
5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
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Give gifts with purpose, not ease TRAVIS HOMENUK Opinions Editor
Tis’ the season to be jolly, get hammered during unbearable family functions and empty our pockets in the spirit of gift-giving. But is commercialized gift-giving really worth our time? The mall is an enchanting place this time of year. The lights are up, the music puts a smile on your face and it is at the mall where you’ll find aggressive mothers who will trample to death any poor soul who takes the last iPad off the shelf. Indeed, the mall is where you can hear the booty-shaking stylings of holiday music siren Mariah Carey while simultaneously maxing out your credit cards. Why would you do such a thing? In order to please your loved ones with over-priced gifts, of course! Electronics, gym equipment, fancy teas, chocolates and clothes all get snapped up by eager-to-please consumers. But somewhere between Frosty’s magical day in the snow, Jesus’ birth in a manger, every holiday album ever made, the Griswold’s holiday adventures and the influx of sexy Santa lingerie, I think we’ve lost the true meaning of Christmas — or whichever holiday it is that you celebrate. Spending time with family, friends or those in need has been replaced by the competitiveness that is gift giving. Materialhungry consumers all want the latest gadget, the hottest new pair of jeans or just cold hard cash. I’ve always had gifts under the Christmas tree— yes, Santa still comes to my house — so I’m writing from a position of privilege. But there’s nothing shittier than having some member of your gift-giving circle be unappreciative of what they did or didn’t get every year. While I don’t want to undervalue gift-
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giving, I do want to encourage us all to rethink what it means to gives gifts in the first place. For starters, we usually give our parents and loved ones lists: “I want this, this and this.” The worst is when someone calls or texts to you ask, “What store do you want a gift card to?” I know a few people who just get cheques of varying amounts for Christmas. Give me a break. Where’s the fun or mystery in that?
Put some effort into it, people! I like sentimental gifts — the gifts that someone purchases or meticulously hand crafts with you specifically in mind. It’s a lot more meaningful than opening up all of your presents simply to accomplish the task of making sure mom and dad bought you everything on your goddamn list. There’s something exciting about setting a low price cap on a gift exchange with someone, knowing that they will have to get
creative in one way or another. I know there are commercial gifts that everyone wants; it’s an inevitability of the holiday season. But try to think out of the box for at least one gift. If you’ve got an animal lover on your list, think about purchasing something from the World Wildlife Federation, or make a donation in your loved one’s name. On the surface it seems kind of lame, but it’ll do a lot more good for the world than a new iPod. Perhaps there’s someone you need to buy for who is passionate about helping those in the third world. Why not provide a family in the developing world with seeds, animals, books or clean drinking water? It’s easy to forget about all the things we take for granted, but remember that someone in a developing country needs these items in order to have a meal at holiday time. If neither of these options appeal to you, hopefully you’ve at least noted that gift purchasing doesn’t have to be done in a mall. Christmas lists are nice and all, but that’s not the point of gift-giving. It’s more than that. Show someone you care in unconventional ways, even if that just means writing a nice card to accompany the sexy Santa lingerie you’ve purchased for them or by buying them a goat in their name from Oxfam. If you’re feeling really ambitious, donating time at the Friendship Inn or providing holiday baking to a local charity might just be the best gift you give this Christmas. As said in Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “The Secret of Christmas,” “it’s not the things you do at Christmas time, but the Christmas things you do all year through.” Let this holiday season reaffirm your faith in humanity and try to spread the love a little differently this year. Throw your list in the trash and enjoy whatever it is you receive.
“Am I pretty or ugly?” AMANDA GALLO — THE ARGUS (Lakehead University)
THUNDER BAY (CUP) — With the media’s unrealistic portrayal of what constitutes beauty, particularly in women, countless teens are left unsatisfied and uncomfortable with their appearance. This dissatisfaction with one’s body image has reached a dangerous new level with a trend that leaves its observers shocked and, for many participants, severely emotionally scarred. The trend consists of teenage girls — ranging between approximately 12 and 15 years of age — posting short videos on YouTube asking just one question and for those who view the video to honestly respond in the comment box. The question: “Am I pretty or ugly?” More often than not, the query is preceded by the girl’s explanation of why she chose to make the video. What’s interesting about their explanations is that they all tend to follow similar lines; they claim to hear their friends and peers assure them that they are pretty to their face but are still unsure — sometimes as a result of hearing others call them ugly. Once the video is posted on YouTube, the girl’s self-esteem is at the mercy of complete strangers as they comment on her appearance. In a video posted by a young girl who goes by the name Faye, the majority of the comments were positive in nature. “It doesn’t matter if I think you’re pretty or ugly, it doesn’t matter if anyone here thinks you are pretty or ugly. You are worth more than your looks,” wrote a commenter named
Prince. “You have infinite potential and that’s beautiful. You are you. Go you.” Indeed, many of the Youtube community believed that Faye was not only pretty, but encouraged her not to base her self-worth on the opinions of strangers and to not worry about how she thinks others see her. But there were also a significant number of shockingly cruel comments on the video. Some were attacks on Faye’s physical appearance. “You’re ugly as fuck, in fact you should wear a paper bag over your head than hang yourself,” read one comment from user Xaeroforce33. Other comments attacked Faye for the very posting of the video: “Seriously bitch? Fishing for compliments on youtube? The world is better off with people like you dead,” wrote commenter LamfpDewd. According to Lakehead Graduate Studies Co-ordinator Sociology Professor Pamela Wakewich in Women’s Studies, this trend signifies “that you have a group of people who are, even at a really young age, feeling really insecure about body and body image, and feeling as though to have a positive sense of self that it has to be affirmed from outside. They need feedback from other people to tell them what they look like. “It speaks to the fact that even in a modern environment where we can think of so many more possibilities for girls and women, a sense of the importance of body image still remains a pressing part of how people construct their sense of identity” Wakewich also explained that while social media can be an exciting and useful tool for
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society as a whole, “we still don’t have very many avenues where people feel comfortable talking about body and body image, that maybe it doesn’t feel safe to do it with the people immediately around you. And so you throw it out there to see what your peers think.” These videos can be dangerous, according to Wakewich, in that they open the girls featured to the potential for exploitation, sexual or otherwise. She also affirms that the harsh comments on these videos can significantly damage one’s self-esteem.
Wakewich stated that more media literacy is essential in creating a better environment for cultivating one’s own body image. Understanding that the images portrayed in the media are not real, talking about when one does or does not feel good about their body in a healthy way, and that true beauty is not just skin deep are all important lessons that should be promoted among young women instead of focusing on one’s appearance.
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OPINIONS
The self-deprecating humour conundrum CASANDRA DE MASI — THE CONCORDIAN (Concordia University) MONTREAL (CUP) — Self-deprecating humour is a tool I use a lot in my daily life. Chances are if you’ve met me, you’ve heard me make fun of my unfortunate clumsiness and sometimes-awkward demeanour. But this can be problematic. As I grow older and start to take on more important tasks in my life I have begun asking myself whether my self-deprecating ways are actually affecting the way people view me. Does this talk allow manipulative people an opening to take a jab? Does it open the window for people to make unwarranted criticisms and scrutinize me for the sake of their own egos? The role of self-deprecation is a topic being discussed and studied. Researchers at Seattle University recently conducted a study on their undergrads in which they were presented with a list of descriptions about a new boss joining a fictitious company. The description that showed his self-deprecating side was most popular with the students, because they felt he seemed to be “a more likeable, trustworthy and caring leader.” According to the article in INC. Magazine, “Self-deprecating humor enhances perceptions of leadership ability because it tends to minimize status distinctions between leaders and followers.” I am always meeting new people and often find myself in leadership positions. This type of humour is my way of trying to make myself approachable and open to others. I also want to be likeable — there, I said it. However, this is where I have noticed it can become dangerous. I can’t help but feel that these comments, quips and jabs at myself should only be used around those who I know are sincere and when I have control of the situation. I find it important to be able to poke fun at yourself. I usually feel more comfortable around people who can because it shows a sort of acceptance of one’s weaknesses, which we all have. Someone who thinks they know it all and jumps at your throat the minute they get the chance to correct or criticize are exhausting to be around. This behaviour is not “tough love;” it’s being rude. It’s possible that the reception of this style of humour also has something to do with gender. The Guardian reports that linguistics expert Dr. Judith Baxter did an 18-month study into the speech patterns of women and men from seven big companies in the U.K. She studied the language used at 14 meetings led equally between women and men. She found that most of the time humour used by men was met with better reception than humour used by women. Women were also much more likely to use self-deprecating humour as it is a safer option to poke fun at themselves. Baxter also mentioned the fact that men have traditionally held leadership positions in the business world and women are still claiming their place. This insight suggests a broader issue in terms of a woman’s place in the work field. However, when it comes to using selfdeprecating humour overall, I think there is a general rule: there is a time and place for everything, regardless of who you are. It’s a double-edged sword because I want to be myself around others but this also opens me up to the wrath of megalomaniacs. I personally see nothing wrong with using a little bit of self-deprecating humour, being funny is just an asset. However, I just can’t help but feel it is important to be careful of your environment and whom you’re speaking too. You also don’t want it to be misinterpreted as selfdoubt; no one wants to be the human version of Eeyore.
War on Christmas over 5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
MATTHEW CHILLIAK
Mayor Don Atchison has won the war on Christmas with the announcement that the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission has thrown out the complaint over “Merry Christmas!” being electronically displayed on public buses. Blessed be our holy city of Saskatoon. Yes, in response to a barbaric complaint to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission that our city buses remove the message of “Merry Christmas” from their electronic displays, Mayor Atchison has spoken up for and defended our city's Christian roots. Hallelujah! Atchison has previously stated that the celebration of Christmas would not be
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removed from the city bus displays because “Saskatoon was founded 130 years ago on Christianity.” Now the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission has thrown out the complaint. That's right all you non-believers, Atchison is winning the War on Christmas once and for all. And why stop with winning the War on Christmas? This is, after all, just part of the larger liberal “lamestream” media’s War on Christianity. This whole separation of church and state thing is an all-out attack on our religious freedoms. We have the right to be Christian and praise Christ in every aspect of our lives as well as in others’. It would be nice to see more progress in defeating the secularist attacks on our persecuted Christian community. I suggest this holy crusade continues in order to ensure the secularists never threaten us with their logic and reason ever again. We should start with not only allowing but mandating Christian prayer in all city events, messages and reports. This will let the secularists know they lost the war, and they are not welcome here. To the victors go the spoils. We should also mandate businesses be closed on Sundays (including Atchison’s clothing store). This is God’s day, and I’m sure Atchison would agree that God deserves it. Our libraries are full of “science,” and are indoctrinating our children with the hell-forsaken idea that we evolved from some monkey-fish-squirrel’s sexual experimentation. Won’t somebody please
think of the children? These books should all be replaced with ones that teach creationism. Atchison has skipped Saskatoon’s Gay Pride Parade in the past. In the future it would be nice to see the parade be ordered to stay 200-meters away from any religious institution. That is, unless someone wants to stop in to pray the gay away. Freemason societies — of which Atchison is a member — ban atheists from their secret clubs and tea parties. Perhaps to ensure that this War on Christmas never flares up again, Saskatoon should follow suit. If it’s good enough for Atchison’s Freemason buddies, then it’s good enough for the rest of the city too. And last but not least, to deal with the most evil menace of all: alcohol. Saskatoon was alcohol-free in our founding colonial years, and again briefly in the early 20th century. I pray that Atchison’s Christian convictions will continue to guide his decision making process back towards prohibition. After all, it's what our Methodist Temperance colonial forefathers really wanted when they founded this holy city. Perhaps we can reinstate the alcohol ban our saintly forefathers instituted. And as for drinking the blood of Christ, that better be grape juice in the Eucharist. Winning these battles may not be easy, but surely they are no match for Atchison. Hopefully, with this War on Christmas finally over we can get back to celebrating the Christmas season. We are all forgetting the true meaning of Christmas: The birth of Santa.
Who should be responsible for birth control? COURTNEY DICKSON — THE OMEGA (Thompson Rivers University) KAMLOOPS (CUP) — Birth control for men has been making headlines lately. The pill hasn’t been perfected, but doctors and scientists are working on a hormonebased contraceptive for males and hope to have it ready for the market in the next five years. Other than throwing on a rubber, all guys can do to contribute to baby prevention is get a vasectomy — and for most university-aged males that’s not an option. Otherwise, it’s up to the female or both parties working together to be responsible for birth control. Women generally seem to be footing the bill for birth control. The cost is pretty minimal depending on the health care plan you have and what kind of contraception you choose. These expenses seem small, but they do add up. For three months (84 days) of birth control pills, I pay $20. While this number varies depending on generic or name brand products, what kind of pill you take and what your health care coverage is, this seems pretty common for the pill. Broken down, the cost is less than $7 per month — seems reasonable. After years of footing that bill, though, females can end up spending drastically more on contraception than their male partners. Mirena, a common hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), costs $400. It lasts for up to five years, but I don’t know many students or young people in general who can afford a $400 bill all in one shot. While it might be a good investment in the long run, it’s unreasonable for those who may be struggling with money — such as students. A box of 12 condoms costs roughly $10. That’s not so bad, and has the added bonus that it can be shared between partners.
However, depending on how often you have sex and whether or not you’re in a monogamous relationship, that cost can climb pretty quickly. In 1920, the founder of Planned Parenthood wrote Woman and the New Race, where she stated a woman cannot be free until she makes the conscious decision of whether or not to become a mother. While this was written almost 100 years ago, I think many would still agree. But does that mean no man can be free unless he makes a conscious decision to be a father? Women should be in control of their bodies and so should men. All genders need to take responsibility for their sexual health and activities. About 40 per cent of pregnancies in Canada are unplanned, according to a study by the University of Ottawa. Though this can be due to failed contraception — or a complete lack of it from either party —
would this number go down if males could also have access to more contraceptive options? Some might argue there’s no sense in men doing what some women are already doing to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, having the option certainly wouldn’t hurt. Some women don’t want to go on the pill or use hormonal contraception because they don’t want the side effects. Perhaps if their male partners could try a pill or an injection they wouldn’t mind any potential side effects and the contraception dilemma would be solved. The idea of a male birth control pill is very interesting. Not only would the concept mean big changes in relationships and health but it would mean a big change for society. Until then, both parties need to be active participants in deciding what kind of birth control gets used — including discussions over cost.
Do you and your sexual partners talk about birth control?
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HUMOUR
5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com
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Campus Chat What’s the worst gift you’ve ever received?
A dish towel with a reindeer on it. Cady Polishchuk
One Wurther’s caramel in a giant box.
Jamie Langen
Random crap from 7/11 because my parents forgot our gifts.
Daniel Fedrau
Fake News
Zach Strong
Comics
Raging reindeer murder Rudolph It was a sad day at the North Pole on Dec. 1 with Mrs. Claus announcing to reporters the murderous death of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. In the early hours of the morning, Mrs. Claus heard a terrible commotion from the bedrooms of the Claus’ precious reindeer. “Santa and I try to have our special time together in the morning because he’s too tired at night to eat a steak, let alone me. We were just getting going when we heard noises from Dasher’s room,” said Mrs. Claus. “By the time we got our robes on and rushed into Dasher’s room, the damage was already done. Rudolph was lying on the floor, throat slashed and his tiny red nose was cut off.” By the time North Pole Protective Elf Services arrived on the scene, only a repentive Blitzen remained. He recalled the actions of his brothers, who have reportedly all fled to Guam. “We’ve always disliked Rudolph because of his damn red nose and because he thinks he’s so freakin’ special, but things have gotten worse ever since they made that fucking song about him,” said an inconsolable Blitzen. “The boys and I just wanted to rough him up, but Dasher had other plans. He started to beat on him with one of the hammer’s from the workshop, but it was Vixen who did the final deed. We’re all guilty though,” sobbed Blitzen as Mrs. Claus looked on with tears in her eyes. Santa Claus refused to comment on the murder but insisted that Christmas won’t be affected by the carnage at the North Pole. Mrs. Claus hopes that justice will be brought to her beloved Rudolph. “All I have left of him is a bloody Christmas carol that is probably what got him killed,” said Mrs Claus. “What kind of world is this?” However not all the news is bad. Disney is reportedly writing a new Christmas carol in response to the murder titled “Santa’s Murderous Reindeer,” which they hope to use as a soundtrack for a made-for-TV movie about the trials and tribulations of sibling rivalries.
A Bible.
DAN
MIKE T.
Crossword
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5 December, 2013 • thesheaf.com