Saskatoon’s first food truck rolls into town Culture 5
Sheaf the
Latest round of layoffs a major blow to Facilities Management Division NEWS 3
Saskatoon hosts some of the best tennis you can see in Canada
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1, August 2013 | The University of Saskatchewan student newspaper since 1912
Huskie athletes travel to Russia to compete against the world’s best
SPORTS 4
SPORTS 4
Local rapper steps up to the big leagues CULTURE 5
The Manual of Mental Health Disorders causes controversy OPINIONS 6
NEWS
Dig at Wanuskewin long lasting
ANNA-LILJA DAWSON Senior News Editor Archaeological digs have been going on at Wanuskewin Heritage Park for the last 31 years, lead by the University of Saskatchewan’s Ernie Walker and his students. Walker, an archaeology and anthropology professor at the U of S, first started digging out at Wanuskewin in 1982 after he received his PhD from the University of Texas. He discovered that Wanuskewin was, and still is, an archaeological marvel. His digs lead to the start of several excavations. The dig at Wanuskewin is one of the biggest and longest lasting archaeological digs in Canada and draws a lot of international attention, Walker said. During the summer months,
christine warner
A student excavating a fire pit.
Walker leads a seven-week field course at Wanuskewin. Students excavate, survey the site and analyse their finds in the archaeology lab. All artifacts are taken to the U of S for
examining and are then returned to the Wanuskewin cultural interpretive centre. His students are working at the Wolf Willow site that is located on a large sand deposit on the west side of Opimihaw Creek. The presence of 16 stone piles suggests that a bison kill may be associated with the site. A number of occupational levels — indications of different cultural groups using the land at varying depths — have also been found and have been given approximate dates. In 2012, a student participating in the field course unearthed an amulet pendant carved out of bone. It would have been worn by an Aboriginal woman. Walker said that personal items, especially ones like the amulet, would have had special meaning and are rare finds. Artifacts that are
commonly found are everyday items like tools and pottery. Being of little significance to their owners, these items were left behind like trash, especially if heavily used or broken. This summer’s big find is a collection of hearths, or fire pits, some dating back 4,200 years. Although they may appear uninteresting to the naked eye, the real treasure is what can be seen with a microscope, Walker said. Charcoal found in the hearths can give clues as to what kind of vegetation was present in the area and is indicative of past climate patterns. Walker’s current focus is collecting climatological data within the Wolf Willow site about how it has changed. Walker hopes to create a larger understanding of how humans have adapted to changing
environments. For this reason, pollen, charcoal and seeds are just as valuable to Walker as traditional artifacts. “If climate changes,” Walker said. “How does that affect human adaptation? How does that affect human culture groups?” In order to gather the environmental information, sediment soil is sent back to the archaeology lab on campus where students extract the microscopic pollen to identify the plant species. Another way of identifying flora is by using isotope chemistry on bison teeth. Since Walker first started digging at Wanuskewin, he has noticed a huge change in archaeology.
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OPINION
Students’ Voices on the Operating Budget
DAN LEBLANC Student opinions are integral to the changes in structure, budgetary issues and to the future of the University of Saskatchewan. However, it seems student voices often fall on the deaf ears of university administrators. This is particularly true for the continual changes occurring as a result of TransformUS. The purpose of TransformUS is to prioritize programming in line with the university’s mission, which states: “The University of Saskatchewan belongs to the people of Saskatchewan.” TransformUS and other operating budget adjustment initiatives are reallocating resources towards resourcegenerating priorities without facilitating an inclusive discussion on our collective priorities as an institution and as people of this province. When the 2012 provincial budget was released, the U of S received a 2.1 percent increase in its operating grant. This was about three percent lower than the expected increase in the provincial grant, the university’s largest funding source. The U of S was told to expect similar funding increases in each of the next four
Is the U of S due for a student protest like this one in Montreal?
provincial budgets. In the 2013-14 budget, the government kept their promise to maintain an operating grant increase of 2.1 per cent for the U of S. As a result of this less-thanexpected allocation trend, coupled
with increasing operating budget expenditure projections, the U of S will allegedly have a $44.5 million operating deficit by 2016 — unless something changes. The TransformUS initiative is made up of two task forces
pedrofaitdelaphoto/flickr
mandated to rank all academic and support service programs supported by the operating budget. Through this ranking process, programs will be placed into one of five quintiles that will largely determine whether the university
administration will increase, maintain or reduce investment into these programs in future budgets. The TransformUS process began a January 2013 timeline with less than one year for completion. Since the beginning of the operating budget adjustment initiative, students have raised critiques and concerns to university administration. The first battle was for student representation on the TransformUS task forces. After the issue was brought forth at a packed university council meeting, the university administration consented to only one undergraduate and one graduate student on each task force. This under representation of a critical stakeholder in the TransformUS process — the numerically dominant group at this institution — is a major flaw within this initiative. Many students are concerned with the model chosen as the template for TransformUS. The model forces the university to become a place of vocational training, focussed on profit.
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NEWS
| 1 August, 2013 | thesheaf.com |
Sheaf What makes Saskatchewan tick the
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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
Board of Directors: Pete Yee, Matt Chilliak, Jenna Mann, Dan LeBlanc
Culture Editor: Nicholas Kindrachuk, arts@thesheaf.com Sports Editor: Kim Hartwig, sports@thesheaf.com Opinions Editor: Travis Homenuk, opinions@thesheaf.com Copy Editor: Christine Warner, copy@thesheaf.com Web Editor: Carter Bryden, web@thesheaf.com Ad & Business Manager: Shantelle Hrytsak, ads@thesheaf.com
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Corporation Number #204724 GST Registration Number 104824891 Second Class Mailing Registration. #330336 The Sheaf is printed at Transcontinental Printing Ltd. 838 56th St. Saskatoon, SK Circulation this issue: 4,500
The Sheaf is non-profit, incorporated and student-body funded by way of a direct levy paid by all part- and full-time undergraduate students at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). Membership in the Society is open to undergraduate students at the U of S, but all members of the U of S community are encouraged to contribute to the newspaper. Opinions expressed in the Sheaf do not necessarily reflect those of the Sheaf Publishing Society Inc. The Sheaf reserves the right to refuse to accept or print any material deemed unfit for publication, as determined by the Editor-in-Chief. The Sheaf is published weekly during the academic year and monthly from May through August. The Editor-in-Chief has the right to veto any submission deemed unfit for the Society newspaper. In determining this, he/she will decide if the article or artwork would be of interest to a significant portion of the Society and benefit the welfare of Sheaf readers. The Sheaf will not publish any racist, sexist, homophobic or libelous material.
Corrections
SCOTT DAVIDSON Associate News Editor
Professor Neil Chilton is asking everyone in Saskatchewan to send him their ticks. Chilton, a parasitologist and biology professor at the University of Saskatchewan, is researching Saskatchewan’s tick population. Chilton’s research examines where tick species are found in the province, as well as what bacteria they carry. Ticks are hard-shelled insects that latch onto passers-by when brushed against. They feed on human and animal blood by inserting their heads into a small cut they make once they have found an area of soft skin. One of the primary focuses of Chilton’s research is which tick species inhabit Saskatchewan and where they are located. To find this out, Chilton and his team have asked the public for help by sending in ticks they have encountered during the summer. This system has been highly successful for Chilton, who has recieved ticks from all over the province. Chilton’s findings show that two species make up a vast majority of the province’s tick population. The American dog tick is prevelant in eastern Saskatchewan whereas the Rocky Mountain wood tick is predominant in the western part of the province. A recently published paper by one of Chilton’s former graduate students, the first survey of its kind done since the 1960s, explored the expanding range of these populations over the last 50 years. Chilton said that since 1960, this range has changed. “They’ve certainly moved much further north in recent years,” said Chilton. “They could still be spreading further north. That’s why we’re continually monitoring ticks and asking people to send them in.” Another aspect of Chilton’s research examines the bacteria that ticks carry, which
•No corrections were brought to our attention for last month’s issue. If you come across any errors in this issue, please report them to copy@thesheaf.com
johntann/flickr
The American dog tick is usually found on dogs, but occasionally targets larger mammals like cattle and humans.
varies between species and even between where the ticks are found. Chilton’s team grinds up specimens using small hand drills to determine what bacteria the ticks are carrying. After the ticks are ground, the molecular makeup of the ticks can be examined using a microscope. Some ticks carry bacteria that restricts the spread of pathogens. Research into this bacteria could one day be used to help control the spread of infectious diseases. Despite their reputation as notorious bearers of Lyme disease, Chilton says that the risk of catching it from ticks in Saskatchewan is low. This is because the species of tick that carries the disease — the Blacklegged tick — is extremely rare in the province. “We might get 2,000 ticks from the public a year and we might get one or two Blacklegged ticks,” said Chilton. Even though the risk of encountering a Blacklegged tick in Saskatchewan is low, Chilton works with the Saskatchewan Ministry
Wanuskewin dig
Attention Students:
The Association of Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) is pleased to announce the launch of 16 new scholarships to be awarded annually beginning Fall 2013 at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina. Entrance Bursaries These bursaries are aimed at encouraging and assisting high school graduates entering the study of engineering or geoscience. These bursaries are particularly aimed at Aboriginal students who are under-represented in the professions. Two bursaries of $3,625 (one for each university) to be applied towards first-year tuition in any field of engineering for a self-identified Aboriginal student. Two bursaries of $2,750 (one for each university) to be applied towards first-year tuition in any field of geoscience for a self-identified Aboriginal student. Two bursaries of $3,625 (one for each university) to be applied towards first-year tuition in any field of engineering for a student of any background.
Undergraduate Scholarships
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Six scholarships of $1,875 (three for each university) for current students of any field of engineering
Professional Engineers and Geoscientists
We See More. www.apegs.sk.ca
Two scholarships of $1,875 (one for each university) for current students of any field of geoscience.
Graduate Students These merit-based scholarships are aimed at encouraging existing APEGS members to further their education.
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Two scholarships of $7,500 (one for each university) for current APEGS members returning for post-graduate studies in fields of engineering, geosciences or an MBA program.
For more information on these scholarships please visit the APEGS website at www.apegs.sk.ca
7/23/2013 11:32:28 AM
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16 New Engineering and Geoscience Scholarships Available
These academic performance and community participation-based scholarships are aimed at recognizing leadership and volunteerism among students currently enrolled in engineering or geoscience.
of Health to monitor their presence in the province because of the possibility of Lyme disease. Chilton first started researching ticks as a graduate student at Flinders University in Australia. After moving to Canada 10 years ago, Chilton continued his research on ticks. His current project has been going for several years and there are plans for it to continue moving forward. With tick season coming to a close in Saskatchewan, Chilton says his research is beginning to gear down for the year. However, Chilton also noted that Blacklegged ticks remain active well into the fall, increasing the potential that future encounters will yield information on the elusive species.
He said the practice has become much more scientific, adding that 30 years ago they didn’t consider DNA or isotope chemistry. While there has been a definite shift to the natural science side of archaeology, Walker said that students are still interested in the social science aspect. Although the vast majority of undergraduate students working on the dig are archaeology majors, students working on their master’s or doctoral theses often come from a broader range of disciplines including soil sciences, biology, geology and anthropology. “It’s a good mix of students, they have to be masters of a lot of different types of subject matter,” Walker said. “That’s the quirky thing about archaeology, it’s all of these [disciplines] mixed together.” In addition to the practical skills that students learn from the dig, they gain valuable work experience that is favorable to many types of archaeology. Walker said that many graduate students receive job offers because of their familiarity with plains archaeology, which is attractive to local development firms. As a result of the large interest in the dig garnered by the public, Walker assigns one student to public relations duty each day. Students are able to hone their archaeological expertise by greeting the site’s visitors and explaining the significance of the excavation. “At first they’re a little bit shy,” Walker said. “But boy, by the end of the six weeks they’re just right in to it. And what better way of being able to talk about your science, talk about why you’re interested in this... to people from the general public. I think it’s great.”
NEWS
| thesheaf.com | 1 August, 2013 |
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Facilities Management Division hit hard by budget cuts SCOTT DAVIDSON Associate News Editor
The Facilities Management Division is the latest department to be put through budget cuts at the University of Saskatchewan. From June 25-27, FMD was forced to lay off dozens of employees. Although the number of jobs lost has yet to be finalized, the most recent round of layoffs brings the total to around 200, according to Associate VicePresident of Human Resources Barb Daigle. FMD is one of the largest departments at the U of S and employs staff ranging from skilled tradespeople to office professionals. As a whole, FMD is responsible for the physical maintenance and management of the U of S campus. The recent layoffs to FMD are part of a broader, campus-wide workforce planning program aimed at reducing the size of the university staff. This program is separate from TransformUS, which looks only at programs and services rather than staff as a whole. Daigle said that no further job cuts will be made to FMD as a direct result of the workforce planning program. Reductions to the campus
The Facilities Management Division building will seem a tad empty after being forced to lay off dozens of employees.
workforce are being made in accordance with the projected 2015-16 budget deficit of $44.5 million. In light of the budget cuts, FMD is now looking to establish itself as a smaller, more streamlined department. FMD issued a customer service survey to all university departments to help determine which areas
needed improvement. Additional feedback was collected during a town hall meeting on July 11. The new FMD will focus on customer service, Daigle said. To facilitate this, FMD plans to move to a new service delivery model that will divide the university campus into zones with specific maintenance workers assigned to each of
them. Currently, FMD receives work requests from departments centrally and then assigns workers to situations as they arise. “If there’s a building and something needs to be done, [maintenance workers] will do it rather than having the unit call in and make a work order request,” Daigle said. “The whole idea is to improve
jordan dumba/photo editor
customer service and get work done in a more process efficient way.” Daigle hopes that the new system will not only expand the role of skilled tradespeople on campus, but will also give them more responsibility. Finalized numbers on the job losses to FMD are expected to be released at the end of July.
Campus news briefs ANNA-LILJA DAWSON Senior News Editor
Students lead EcoBlitz in city’s growth zone
TransformUS templates released
Kenderdine campus occupied by artists
Chair of Aboriginal education named
Fish are indicators of climate change, pollution
The School of Environment and Sustainability Students’ Association led groups through two days of ecological cataloguing June 26 and 27. The group of over 30 people took stock of plant and animal species in the fields north of the Regional Psychiatric Centre on Central Avenue. SENSSA received $4,000 from the Fulbright Canada-RBC EcoLeadership Program to plan their event, dubbed the 2013 EcoBlitz. The inventory was taken to help an ecological assessment for future Saskatoon developments. In 2011, a similar assessment was made of the northeast swale — a part of the Cranberry Flats conservation area. Within the swale area, 11 mammal species, 75 bird species and over 150 plant varieties were identified.
The program prioritization templates for the University of Saskatchewan were released to the campus community July 3. The templates consist of questions that administrative units, colleges and departments at the U of S will answer and submit to task forces. They will be used during TransformUS. TransformUS prioritizes the university’s programs and decides which will be kept, cut or enhanced as the university’s operating budget is adjusted to avoid a deficit of $44.5 million in 2015-16. The academic programs and the support services task forces each piloted their templates for one month. Ten programs completed draft versions of these templates and submitted their feedback. The larger campus community was also invited to share comments and suggestions regarding the draft version of the templates online.
Saskatchewan artists gathered at the closed Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus during the week of July 8-12 to show support for the facility and heritage site. The artists wanted to show the importance of the campus that has been an integral part of the Saskatchewan arts community since it opened its doors in 1936. The University of Saskatchewan put the satellite campus under a three-year suspension in November 2012 to save $500,000 in operating costs and $3 million in maintenance and repairs. Many expressed concern that the university will sell the Emma Lake campus. However, Vice-President of Finance and Resources Greg Fowler said that no decisions have been made regarding the future of the campus.
Jeff Baker has been announced as the College of Education’s new chair of Aboriginal education. Chosen for his research abilities and connections with indigenous communities, Baker is a Métis scholar and educator. He will teach both undergraduate and graduate classes with an emphasis on courses offered by the Indian teacher education program. Baker aims to build relationships locally, nationally and internationally. He hopes to establish more research partnerships that will be beneficial for all students. Baker will work with the Aboriginal Education Research Centre as he strives to accomplish these goals.
Paul Jones is leading a twoyear long study of the Slave River in Alberta. The University of Saskatchewan toxicology professor will be looking for the effects that climate change, industrial pollution and other variants have on the area. As part of the study, Jones will examine fish throughout August and will return during the winter to look at ice dynamics on the river and delta. Consisting of four other scientists as well as graduate students, Jones’ team will train the surrounding communities to conduct health assessments on fish so the work can continue even after the study’s funding runs out in two years.
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SPORTS
| 1 August, 2013 | thesheaf.com |
Top tennis players court Saskatoon KIMBERLEY HARTWIG Sports Editor After a full week of hard-hitting action, the winners were crowned at the third annual International Tennis Federation Saskatoon Futures Tennis Tournament. Walking away with championship trophies in both the singles and doubles events was left-handed American Austin Krajicek. The Florida native, currently ranked 221 in the world in singles and 121 in doubles, dropped only two sets on his way to capturing the two titles. Krajicek teamed with fellow American, Tennys Sandgren, to win the the doubles title and, in an odd twist, faced him in the men’s singles final. Krajicek was too consistent from the baseline and edged Sandgren for a tight 7-5, 7-6(6) win. In doubles, the top seeds Krajicek and Sangren beat the second-seeded team of Roman Borvanov and Canadian Milan Pokrajac 7-6(1), 4-6, [10-3] in the final. The field at this year’s futures event was particularly strong as it featured three players ranked in the top 300 in the world and another four within the top 500. The event brought in players from countries worldwide including: Australia, the United States of America, Peru, Japan and Moldova. There was a strong Canadian contingent this year with 10
kim hartwig
Florida’s Austin Krajicek kept his eye on the ball and caputured two titles at the ITF Saskatoon Futures Tennis Tournament.
Canadians in the 32 man main draw. Saskatoon was wellrepresented with three local players competing in the singles qualifying tournament and another player competing in doubles. The most notable Canadian competing was former junior world number one Filip Peliwo. Peliwo had an illustrious junior career winning two junior grand slams, Wimbledon and the US Open. However, at only 19-yearsold he stumbled against his older opponents.
Peliwo lost in the quarterfinals to fourth-seeded Benjamin Mitchell of Australia and lost in the semifinals of the doubles draw with partner Jose Hernandez to Borvanov/Pokrajac. Already ranked inside the top 500 in the world, it will be exciting to watch Peliwo’s progress in the coming years as he tries to adjust to the men’s tour. Peliwo is striving to join fellow Canadians Milos Raonic and Eugenie Bouchard in the upper echelons of professional tennis.
Another Canadian standout, 18-year-old Brayden Schnur, arrived in Saskatoon hot off an appearance in the finals of the Kelowna Futures the previous week where he fell to fellow Canadian Philip Bester 7-6(9), 6-7(6), 3-6. In Saskatoon, Schnur lost in the quarterfinals to the eventual finalist Sandgren in a tight 7-5, 6-3 battle. Although he possesses a cannon of a forehand and can hit stunning winners off the wing, Schnur’s lack of consistency and mental
fortitude showed against the more patient and steadfast Sandgren. With strong showings at his past two events, Schnur’s ranking has catapulted from outside the top 1000 to 811th in the world. Since its inception in 2011, the ITF Saskatoon Futures Tennis Tournament has continued to grow and draw high-profile players. The event boasts US$15,000 in prize money and, more importantly, 27 ranking points for its winner, giving players the chance to move up the rankings and spectators a chance to see professional tennis up-close in their own backyard. For tournament director, Michelle Alting-Mees, the event is important for Tennis Canada and for the growth of the sport in Saskatchewan. “This is how [Tennis Canada] gives their talented athletes a chance to break into the international tennis community,” she said. “To maintain this amazing event and to have a lasting impact on local, provincial and Canadian tennis we always need bright young people, like the students at U of S, to get involved, volunteer, hit some tennis balls, watch the games. I invite them all to come visit us.” The tournament was held at the Riverside Badminton and Tennis Club from July 6-14.
Huskies represent Canada at Universiade KIMBERLEY HARTWIG Sports Editor Five of the University of Saskatchewan’s finest athletes have a long flight home ahead of them, now that the 27th Universiade has concluded in Kazan, Russia. The Universiade brings together the best university athletes from across the globe to compete for their country in a multitude of sports. Many of these athletes hope to use the event as a springboard toward the Olympic Games, the world’s only event at which there is a higher number of participating athletes and countries. To be eligible to compete, an athlete must be a full-time student at a university, college or Collège d’Enseignement Général et Professionnel — or have graduated from one of these institutions in the year immediately prior to the competition. They must also be between the ages of 17-28 years old. Huskies men’s volleyball player Braden McLean, women’s basketball player Dalyce Emmerson, wrestlers Natasha Kramble and Jill Gallays and former Huskies trainer and shooting competitor Kelsey Bjorkman all made the long trip to Russia to represent Team Canada.
Team Canada finished with 16 medals — two gold, five silver and nine bronze — tying for 15th place overall in medal standings. The two golds were won in athletics (200m), by Kimberly Hyacinthe from Terrebonne, Que., and swimming (100 butterfly), by Katerine Savard from PontRouge, Que. In preliminary play, the men’s volleyball team went 3-1, defeating the United Arab Emirates, Mexico and the Czech Republic. Their only preliminary round defeat came in a 20-25, 2519, 17-25, 22-25 loss to Chile. Facing Ukraine in the quarterfinals, Team Canada lost a tight 21-25, 23-25, 23-25 battle which knocked them out of medal contention and into the consolation side of the draw. In consolation semifinals, team Canada took down Korea 25-21, 15-25, 19-25, 25-16 and 15-8, advancing to the consolation final where they faced off against the Czech Republic for fifth place. The squad came through in straight sets 25-20, 27-25, 25-17. After going 1-3 in round robin play, the Canadian women’s basketball team advanced to the playoff round due to point differentials. The squad was sent into the consolation round after losing 58-72 to Australia in the quarterfinals. In the consolation semis,
Huskies athletes joined athletes from across Canada to compete at the Universiade in Kazan, Russia.
Canada was edged out in overtime 72-75 against Sweden, and then fell in the seventh place game against Hungary 55-60. Former Huskies wrestlers Natasha Kramble and Jill Gallays competed in the women’s freestyle wrestling event. Kramble finished fifth while Gallays lost her opening round match. Kelsey Bjorkman, former trainer for the women’s hockey team, competed in three shooting events. She finished 44th in 25m pistol qualification precision, 35th in 25m pistol qualification rapid and 57th in 10m pistol qualification precision. Huskie athletes will next represent Canada at the 28th Summer Universiade in Gwangju, South Korea in 2015.
freestyle photography
LEGISLATIVE PAGES The Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan requires energetic individuals to work part-time as Pages in the Assembly. This is a unique opportunity to observe the daily workings of our Legislature. Pages will be employed in the Legislative Chamber to assist the Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly and the Clerks-at-the-Table in carrying out their respective duties. Pages deliver documents and messages both in the Chamber and elsewhere in the Legislative Building. Pages will also be employed in the Office of the Clerk to assist in the preparation of the Assembly for its daily sitting. This will include performing a variety of general office duties, such as distributing documents, running errands, mailing, filing, receiving telephone messages and photocopying. The term of the employment will extend over both the 2013 fall and 2014 spring sittings of the Assembly. The hours of employment will be Monday to Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Additional hours of employment between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Monday to Wednesday will be assigned on a rotational basis. Some overtime may be required each week, particularly when the Assembly is sitting on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6:45 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Pages will be paid at a rate of $16.350/ hour. Applicants must have graduated from high school or be enrolled in a post-secondary program. An interest in the parliamentary system of government would be an asset. Pages must exhibit initiative, sound judgment and reliability as well as possess excellent interpersonal skills, be comfortable dealing with a variety of individuals and be at ease performing in a team setting. The employees of the Legislative Assembly provide non-partisan service to all Members of the Legislative Assembly. Tentative start date will be October 2013. Original, fax or electronic resumes with references must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2013. If possible, electronic resumes should be submitted in a word format.
Sandra Gardner Administrative and Chamber Services Coordinator Office of the Clerk Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan 239 Legislative Building, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0B3 E-Mail: sgardner@legassembly.sk.ca Phone: (306) 787-0603 Fax: (306) 787-0408
CULTURE
| thesheaf.com | 1 August, 2013 |
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New food truck hits Saskatoon streets NICHOLAS KINDRACHUK Culture Editor Saskatoon foodies have something to rejoice over as Saskatoon has finally gained its first food truck in Disco Dog. The truck was co-founded by Chuck Prongua, who manages daily
operations, with his financial backer Kos Kosmas after the two learned of a pilot program for food trucks being passed in Saskatoon Disco Dog is far more than an average hot dog stand. For an extra dollar, famished patrons can forego the traditional wiener and ramp up their hot dog game into the
Chuck Prongua and his fresh new hot dog-slinging wheels.
wonderful world of smoked sausage. Not only are they bringing the big meat, Porngua and his team are dressing it up in some unique ways. The “Texas Shocker,” for example, includes bacon, crunchy peanut butter and barbecue sauce. A bizarre mixture like this is refreshing to the palette and is exactly the kind of
original twist on an old favorite that one hopes to find at a food truck. There’s also the “Red Rooster”, which is topped with scrambled eggs and maple syrup and is essentially the perfect breakfast or cure for that pounding hangover. Some of the dogs include secret ingredients that Prongua would
mothwurks
not reveal, but they just add to the decadent flavours available. Already there has been an overflow of enthusiasm for the food truck — especially from the late night bar crowd. “Last night I was parked on Broadway — and this is the main thing keeping me going — I have never, ever, in my entire life witnessed a frenzy of consumers of maybe 200 people crowded in front of our truck,” Prongua said. “We have a disco light going. We have music going. We’ve got the smell of bacon cooking. It’s like a drunk person’s paradise,” he added. The idea for a ridiculous disco inspired hot dog truck began as a joke between friends, but Prongua made that joke a delicious reality. He recalled a moment of inspiration he was “out working on a construction site with only 30 minutes to eat and nothing nearby just dreaming that a food truck would drive by.” He’s now aiming to be that food truck delivering quick and delicious food to the masses. There’s a lot of hard work to keep up with the demand that the truck has encountered, but seeing people enjoy his food is something Prongua can’t resist. Disco Dog will not be alone for long however. The owner of Weczeria Food & Wine is set to debut a truck of his own, Joy Ride, in the coming weeks. If these trends continue, it looks like there’s going to be a boom in the food truck industry here in Saskatoon that is hopefully a full-on summer trend for years to come.
RationaL’s latest knocks it out of the park NICHOLAS KINDRACHUK Culture Editor With the release of “A Swing and a Belt”, a love letter to baseball and tribute to the late Toronto Blue Jays announcer Tom Cheek, Saskatoon rapper Matt Brotzel — who goes by the stage name RationaL — is taking a swing at the big leagues. Professional baseball has been very impressionable on Brotzel, which he feels has a less hectic gait than is typically found in atheltics: “What’s unique about baseball is that the game is at such a slower pace compared to other sports. This really gives baseball’s TV and radio play-by-play analysts a lot more time and opportunity for old stories and experiences to be shared and to really let their individual personalities shine through.” Brotzel sees Cheek as an irreplaceable part of baseball history that everyone should remember. “Summertime baseball on the radio, at the cabin, on a road trip, in the backyard while the BBQ’s on — Tom was there no matter where you were. This was Tom Cheek and this was the definition of the voice of summer,” Brotzel said. Growing up, Brotzel made a point of catching every Blue Jay’s game and was dazzled by Cheek’s analysis of the game. Moments like the 1992 and 1993 World Series, which the Jay’s won, are burned into the rapper’s memory. But it was Cheek’s calls that stole
the show. They were so defining that he included them as lyrics in the song: “The most defining calls of Tom’s career were his championship calls in ‘92 and ‘93. The same reason I thought it was so important to include these calls in ‘A Swing and a Belt.’” With the Blue Jays releasing the single as a free download on their website and Sportsnet working on an official video, Brotzel is stunned by the recognition that his latest release is recieving. “I still find it hard to believe that this is happening. Few people know of all the barriers, obstacles, roadblocks and legalities that I’ve had to overcome just to get this far,” Brotzel said. “I almost went out and bought a lottery ticket because everything that has been happening is nothing short of a miracle.” Although no specifics were given, Brotzel hinted at some exciting possibilities in store for the future, “I’ve already had discussions with a couple of dream collaborators of mine who are really interested in working together on the ‘A Swing and a Belt’ remix with me.” For Brotzel, the success of “A Swing and a Belt” is the culmination of a passion he’s been chasing since childhood: “Growing up, every kid dreams of playing in the big leagues. For me, the endorsement from the Blue Jays and Rogers Sportsnet is the next best thing.”
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OPINIONS
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| 1 August, 2013 | thesheaf.com |
Manual of Mental Disorders falls short HAILIE NYARI The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is the most frequent way to standardize and define a psychological disorder. Some have called it the Bible of psychology because it is the universal resource for all mental health professionals and those suffering from mental health issues. However, this once trusted guide has recently experienced conflict; in many cases, the manual favors diagnosing personality traits and habits that many would not consider mental health disorders. The most recent edition, released in May 2013 as the DSM-V, was expected to be groundbreaking in psychiatry because of its updated information and diagnoses. Interestingly, not all health professionals validated the changes to the manual. In fact, many of the changes in the DSM-V were strongly opposed. Yet, the DSM-V was still published and released. For example, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder has been recently added to the DSM-V. The disorder essentially classifies a child’s temper tantrum as a mental disorder requiring medication. Excessive eating — quantified as binging 12 times in three months — is now classified as Binge Eating Disorder. I think we are all guilty of this from time to time. Anyone who has tried an illegal substance one or two times is now lumped in with drug addicts. I guess
Operating Budget
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If diagnosed, a child’s temper tantrum is now treatable with medication.
fhalexander/flickr
many of us need to go to rehab. Elderly people who occasionally forget where they placed their keys may be suffering from Minor Neurocognitive Disorder. Although there is a diagnosis there is no treatment offered. All the diagnosis will do is increase the individual’s anxiety. So why name it as a disorder at all? The American Practitioner’s Association published the first
DSM in 1952 in an effort to reduce confusion and form a consensus of sorts among health practitioners in psychiatric fields. The DSM was used to define, diagnose and eliminate possible ailments of patients. The manual has since guided the direction of mental health, creating a diagnostic language for mental health practitioners to use. Nonetheless, many mental health
professionals, established journals and members of the press and general public alike all oppose these changes to classifications of mental health disorders in the DSM-V. The opposed changes appear to have little moral or scientific backing and these changes can ultimately lead to a misdiagnosis, effecting both patients and clinicians. Scariest of all, this once highly used and recommended text — that
Students are also concerned about the framing of this operating budget adjustment initiative as inevitable, while there is a lack of resolve in university leadership to tackle the root of the problem: too little government funding for postsecondary education. University President Ilene Busch-Vishniac has traditionally
responded to questions about the university’s efforts to secure sustainable government funding by stating that the U of S’s funding situation is quite good relative to our ‘comparator institutions’ across the country (other U15 schools such as the University of Alberta and the University of Manitoba). However, the U of S has no true comparator institution for the purposes of funding allocation; the U of S is situated inside the only province with a ‘balanced budget’. This is a notable dissimilarity from the other U15 schools. The U of S must be sustained with adequate public funds if it is to maintain independence and excellence, while creating an educated, engaged, democratic citizenry. Operating budget adjustment initiatives such as workforce planning (read: job and service cuts) and revenue generation and diversification (read: increasing corporate influence at the university) undoubtedly affect the quality of education, content of courses, direction of research, and overall freedom of this institution. President Bush-Vishniac has thus far failed to advocate strongly for students and the people of Saskatchewan, she will have many more opportunities to deal with the provincial government on behalf of students and other stakeholders at the U of S. This situation can change if the powers that be change as well. University administrators must
provide more time for public inquiry and debate upstream of large decisions over priorities and process. There was little effort for alternative program prioritization methods, which is an indicator that due time was not given for a thorough exploration of options. In future initiatives, we need to apply our local knowledge and develop our own organically and democratically created methodologies for critical prioritization processes. When the U of S engages in strategic planning and priority setting, administrators must ensure a diversity of people and voices at the table. Those tasked with making these decisions need to reflect the diversity of the province if the University is to truly fulfill its mission to “belong to the people of Saskatchewan.” Furthermore, it is unacceptable that the U of S is subject to allegations of ‘perp walks’ for laid off employees. It is understood that laid off employees have been walked to their cars without being able to return to their offices; the only way for former employees of the university to clean up their offices is by appointment. Students at the U of S require assurance that inhumane practices are not occurring at our institution. Students do not support this treatment of committed staff at the U of S. Lastly, Busch-Vishniac must
managed to put chaos into order — has been treated as a plaything. Drug companies and lucrative businesses are able to profit off of diagnoses that have no scientific background and are so general that they can be applied to almost anyone. These mistakes are the start of a lack of credibility in the profession. Perhaps those who proposed and approved these supposed mental disorders had clouded judgment with potential profit in mind. How can we trust these same individuals to not have clouded judgment with their patients? It’s not simply a matter of ignoring the updates in the DSM-V but rather a question of the moral standing and scientific reasoning on which the discipline of psychology is based. The DSM-V claims to abide by the same basic principles as other scientific disciplines, yet the changes to the DSM-V have been and continue to be widely disputed. A manual — especially one regarding mental health issues — should be created for the benefit of patients and mental health practitioners. If the changes to the DSM-V only increase patient anxieties or unnecessary medicinal drug usage among toddlers with temper tantrums, forgetful grandparents or excessive eaters alike, then something is wrong.
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Under this corporate educational model, programs not immediately and directly related to job preparation — most notably the humanities and arts disciplines — are devalued and de-funded. The task forces have argued that they have adapted the program prioritization model to meet the specific needs of the U of S.
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be more bold and public with challenges to provincial funding allocations. She should trust the support behind her and use the power she has as the president of the U of S to advocate for increased government funding. This must be done publicly in order to cause the provincial government to pay a political cost for underfunding its dominant research institution and one of its greatest engines of economic growth. When polite negotiations happen behind closed doors, the government does not have to worry about political fallout from its post-secondary funding decisions. Make it costly, madame president. Critique the approach to lobbying for funding of this institution and step up the pressure. All healthy relationships are about respect, collaboration and compromise. Students at the U of S need to feel their education and their campus are being respected to the utmost extent. If administrators do not include students in important decisions, a mutual respect cannot be maintained. This university belongs to the people of Saskatchewan. Let’s keep it that way. Editor’s Note: This piece was written and signed by 30 students from 8 different colleges at the U of S.
HUMOUR
| thesheaf.com | 1 August, 2013 |
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Campus Chat What’s your favourite summertime hangout?
Rotary Park. Justin Pfefferle
Saskatoon Golf and Country O’Shea’s. Lane Pederson Club.
FAKE NEWS Repurposed kicks ignite fashion blitz
samantha braun/layout editor
Calvin Shoemacher knows how to make the best of a bad situation. At only 22, Shoemacher has hit the big time in the fashion industry with his revolutionary new shoe design, a twisted hybrid of shoes and sandals which the entrepreneur has dubbed Shandals®. “I was just tired of throwing away kicks simply because I could see my toe popping out the front,” Shoemacher said. “That’s perfectly good rubber underneath. I knew there had to be a way I could repurpose them.” Armed with little more than a Swiss Army Knife and his own steadfast determination, Shoemacher got to work and began carving his place in the world of high-end fashion. The footwear, which are fashioned using a secret process Shoemacher declined to share, have the toes and heels removed allowing for maximum breathability. What began as a cost-effective way to beat the summer heat has exploded into a fashion frenzy in only a matter of months. Tina Jackson, owner of Toronto boutique Crayze Clothez, encountered Shoemacher on the street and immediately contracted him for three dozen pairs. “I knew there was no way I could pass up an opportunity to partner with Shoemacher,” Jackson said. “With his Shandal line, Shoemacher’s done for footwear what Vera Wang did for wedding dresses. It’s very hobo chic.”
The young designer has been approached by Vogue and Cosmo, who hope to tap Hollywood hunk Hugh Jackman to sport a pair for their feature spread. There are even Hollywood rumours circling of a bidding war between Anne Hathaway and Gwyneth Paltrow for the chance to be the first to wear Shandals on the red carpet at the upcoming 2014 Academy Awards. But even with a burgeoning fashion empire at his disposal, Shoemacher says remaining environmentally friendly is what’s important. “My top priority has always been to remain nearly completely eco-friendly. Every Shandal you see in stores has been recycled from old discarded shoes,” Shoemacher said. “I am hoping to implement a donation program so I can stop digging through trash cans, though.” With Shandals flying off the shelves, Shoemacher said that he hopes to use his current cash influx to kickstart other business ventures. “They’re still very much in the research and development phase, but I’ve got all sorts of ideas spinning around in my head. There’s the mitts I’ve been frankensteining together from old socks and that hash pipe I built from discarded apple cores. “Shandals are only the beginning.”
COMICS
Ryan Wiebe
In my backyard with my Rob Morley daughter.
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OPINIONS
| 1 August, 2013 | thesheaf.com |