The Sheaf - October 3, 2013

What happens when you send four journalists to the gym?

SPORTS 7

THE sheaf

3 October, 2013 • The University of Saskatchewan student newspaper since 1912

Universities key recruitment area for blood donors NEWS 3

Breaking Bad comes to a fitting conclusion.

CULTURE 13

Are you an Internet troll?

OPINIONS 15

High costs for higher education OPINION

NATALIE DAVIS

The cost of tuition is a hot topic among university students in Canada. Is a university degree still a worthy investment if we the students face graduating with a sizeable debt and without any job offers?

From coast to coast, the cost of tuition has been steadily increasing and, when one compares the fluctuations to rates of inflation, it seems tuition fees are excessive. However, the fact is that at university one gets what one pays for and if the money is not coming from tuition or taxes, it isn’t coming at all.

When a government places caps on tuition fees while raising pay for professors, they reduce what is spent on education and therefore reduce the quality of education.

A major cost-intensive part of a university budget is teaching and, with less revenue available to cover costs of labour within a campus, there will be fewer teachers, fewer classrooms, less money for libraries and laboratories and generally an inferior educational experience.

One can argue a case for lower tuition with higher government grants to universities, more grants directly to students or for higher tuitions with a guarantee that general government assistance won’t be reduced.

Either step means more money for education.

Tuition cuts or freezes along with caps on grants means less money for education. The math is irrefutable — how else is education to be funded? And, if one argues for more government grants, one has to argue for higher taxes or cuts in other government programs because the government is already running deficits and has no money available to increase funding.

Notably, the 2012 student protests in Quebec were in response to a proposed 75 per cent increase in tuition put forth by the Quebec Cabinet, headed by Liberal Premier Jean Charest. His plan would have seen the

tuition fees for Quebecers rise by $325 a year for five years, starting in the 2012-13 academic year and continuing until 2016-17.

Ultimately the protest accomplished little, though the tuition hike was not approved for the time being. According to Geoffrey Kelley, Liberal politician in Quebec, the issue will have to be raised again. The protest climaxed on May 22, 2012 when 500,000 students marched the streets on the 100th day of the strike.

Anglophone students, especially those attending universities in Western Canada, looked eastward at the widespread protests with raised eyebrows wondering what all the fuss was about. Students in Quebec pay the lowest tuition in the country — roughly

$2,600 according to Statistics Canada in 2012 — and enjoyed a freeze on tuition from 1994 to 2007.

Canadian professors seem to reap the benefits of bleeding red and white, ranking the best paid professors in the world according to a recent study in MacLean’s magazine. So why the outrage among our French neighbours?

Students attending university in Quebec tend to more often draw parallels with European schooling systems, like those in France and Scandinavia, which offer free post-secondary education — and in Sweden’s case, even pays students to attend.

These are not realistic expectations for Canadian students. We live in a country that

CODY SCHUMACHER/GRAPHICS EDITOR

offers many opportunities for government assistance for those who attend centres of higher education but lack the funds necessary to do so. Students in the United States are burdened with tuitions nearly double what we must pay for similar experiences.

According to the Daily Mail UK, the cost of a year’s tuition at Stanford University is a whopping $41,250 USD; whereas a year at McGill University will put you back a relatively low $14,561 CND. It is important to keep a clear perspective on this issue and remember that the grass always seems greener on the other side. That being said, let’s not forget that the University of Saskatchewan has the second highest tuition in the country.

2

NEWS

Ryerson student to compete in Toronto’s Triwizard Tournament

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

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

Opinions Editor: Travis Homenuk, opinions@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 Index Photo: Jordan Dumba/Photo Editor Office Numbers: Advertising 966-8688 Editorial 966-8689

The Sheaf is non-profit, incorporated and studentbody funded by way of a direct levy paid by all partand 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-inChief 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 • In last week’s issue, we wrongly credited the photo accompanying the women’s soccer article to our photo editor Jodran Dumba. The photo was taken by Katherine Fedoroff. We apologize for the error.

NATALIA BALCERZAK/The Eyeopener

Ryerson students square off on the quidditch pitch.

DANIEL MORAND — The Eyeopener (Ryerson University) TORONTO (CUP) — Sheel Radia has been a Harry Potter fan since he was eight years old.

So when the Triwizard Tournament was announced earlier this month, signing up for it was an obvious choice for the secondyear civil engineering student and cocaptain of the Ryerson University quidditch team.

“Seeing that part of the book come to life would be awesome and I’d love to represent Ryerson and compete against other schools,” said Radia.

The Triwizard Tournament is a fictional sporting event from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series brought to life by students at York University’s Harry Potter fan club, aptly named the Ministry of Magic.

The challenges “will be physical in a sense and mental like puzzle solving,” said Alessandra Di Simone, president of the Ministry of Magic.

One representative from each of the three Toronto universities — Ryerson, York and the University of Toronto — will be chosen

by York’s Harry Potter club on Oct. 4 during the club’s opening feast.

The first task, which will happen on the evening of Oct. 18, will also be revealed on Oct. 4. The following two tasks will take place in February and March of next year.

“If competitors reach a [task] that they find incredibly hard, it’s easy to just give up,” Di Simone said. “But we want to see

who is able to push themselves and see what they can accomplish.”

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth book in the series, a chosen representative from each of the three wizarding schools competes in various tasks that test their physical, mental and magical strength.

In the book, the first task forces wizards to steal an egg from a fire-breathing dragon, the second task has them saving loved ones from a haunted lake and the third requires them to navigate their way through a giant maze full of mythical creatures.

Prizes are still being determined, but a trophy is guaranteed.

“It’s going to be similar to the book’s tasks. We’ve tailored them to make it so that it’s still enjoyable but doable and realistic,” said Adam Palmer, head of the ministry’s games and sports.

Radia has been going to the gym to keep in shape for quidditch season, and said that if he gets chosen to represent Ryerson, he’ll increase his regimen.

Radia says he’s read all seven Harry Potter books four times.

However, playing on the quidditch team is not mandatory to apply as anyone can fill out the online application — Harry Potter buff or not.

The application has three parts to it. The first asks for your personal information, the second part asks for a rating of your physical abilities, such as speed and flying skills, and the third part tests your Harry Potter knowledge.

However, Palmer won’t give away how they choose each school’s representative.

“There’s a method to the way we choose the representative. There’s a way that we do it that will make it fair for everyone but it’s also a bit random,” said Palmer.

To date, 17 students have applied from the three Toronto universities.

The phenomenon gained popularity in 2011, first by the University of Western Sydney and has since been done by Indiana University, Pennsylvania State University and York University earlier this year.

This is the first time the three Toronto universities will collaborate in a Triwizard Tournament, but Palmer says its creation was only natural given the success of quidditch.

“If they could do it with something as unrealistic as quidditch, which is flying around on brooms,” Palmer said. “Why can’t we do that with the Triwizard Tournament?”

Di Simone sees the event as a chance to bring Toronto universities together.

“I think a big element of our Triwizard Tournament is to bring the different schools together in a common task,” she said.

The tasks may be veiled in secrecy, but Radia is a seasoned quidditch player who understands the qualities needed to compete in the Triwizard Tournament.

“You’ll need the same things as in the books: intelligence, courage and determination,” Radia said.

3

Students driving force behind blood donations NEW

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

ANNA-LILJA DAWSON Prairies and Northern Bureau Chief

SASKATOON (CUP) — Blood donation clinics on campuses across Canada are key opportunities for students, faculty and staff members to start or continue their donations.

The Canadian Blood Services reports an estimated 11,000 donors attending clinics that are held on campuses, representing about 17,000 donations each year. Although these numbers appear to be quite generous, they are humbled by the average of one million donations CBS receives every year.

Donation clinics on campuses are cited

by CBS as being a good source for new, young donors. About five per cent of all new donors are recruited on university campuses.

Of all the clinic events held across Canada each year, clinics on campuses account for approximately 1.5 per cent.

This is attributed to the small number of clinics held on campuses during the summer months.

CBS reports that about 85 per cent of all university donors are under 29 years of age, representing a strong student-donor demographic. However, not all donors on campuses are students.

Approximately 60 per cent of donors on campuses are female.

To provide blood donation clinics to its campus community, the University of Lethbridge has teamed up with the CBS to provide a “Life Bus” that shuttles donors from the university to CBS and back.

Donors can reserve their spot on the bus or simply show up when the bus is scheduled to depart.

U of L faculty member Patti Leeb has partnered with Professor Carla Carnaghan to help organize the Life Bus. The Life Bus will be running at the U of L on Oct. 8 and 22.

Organizations, workplaces and schools

Brief: Indecent exposure reported near campus ANNA-LILJA DAWSON Senior News Editor An incident of indecent exposure was reported to the University of Saskatchewan Protective Services on Sept. 30.

At approximately 2 p.m., a female student was walking home from the university along Wiggins Avenue South when she saw a man standing between a truck and a fence. The student reported that the man was between 14th and 15th Street East when she walked by him and saw that he was masturbating.

The man is described as being five feet eight inches tall, Caucasian with a medium build, blond hair and as in his 30s. At the time of the incident he was wearing a green and white sweater and sunglasses.

U of S Protective Services and Saskatoon Police Service are currently investigating the incident.

Canadian Blood Services/FLICKR

can become Partners for Life with CBS. As a partner, groups have donors register as their members and each donation is contributed to the partner’s goal.

Leeb registered the U of L as a partner with CBS last year. The university’s goal for 2013 is to have 300 units of blood donated.

“We really surpassed our goal last year so we decided to increase it,” Leeb said.

CBS also holds What’s Your Type? events where anyone can have their blood type determined with just the prick of a finger.

Leeb said the U of L tries to host What’s Your Type? events to help promote blood donations among the younger demographics on campus.

Despite the presence CBS has on campus, Leeb said it is often harder to generate interest among students because of their busy schedules.

“We haven’t had as much luck getting the students involved as we have with the staff and faculty,” Leeb said.

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Students’ Association has organized a blood drive on their main campus with one day-long clinic held in both October and November of this year and in January and March of 2014.

The University of Alberta is home to the Blood Awareness and Donation Students Association, a student group that promotes blood donations among university demographics. BADSA also hosts What’s Your Type? events.

Universities, colleges and technical campuses in Alberta participate each year in the Blood 101 challenge put on by CBS. The event takes place annually from January to March and challenges campuses to get as many donations as possible. The donations are tallied through Partners for Life.

Every year more than one million units of blood are donated by Canadians.

University president issues TransformUS update

SCOTT DAVIDSON Associate News Editor

In an e-mail to the campus community on Oct. 2, University of Saskatchewan President Ilene Busch-Vishniac outlined what steps TransformUS will go through over the coming months.

TransformUS is the program prioritization process which will adjust university operations to account for recent budgetary changes. TransformUS aims to create an additional $20 million to $25 million in permanent savings and to reallocate $5 million to programs and services deemed to be top priority.

The letter identifies the next three phases of the TransformUS process that will take place between October 2013 and May 2014.

The phases are consultation and feedback, an analysis and implementation plan and decisions and action.

The consultation and feedback phase will begin when the TransformUS task forces turn in their reports to Busch-Vishniac on Nov. 30. Thus far, the task forces have worked to develop a prioritization model based on the university’s budgetary needs

and feedback collected from the campus community. The task forces developed separate prioritization models for academic programs and support services.

The task forces’ reports are projected to be issued to the campus community on Dec. 9 in their original forms as long as the Nov. 30 deadline is met.

Feedback on these reports will be collected both online and at several town hall meetings scheduled throughout January.

These town hall meetings will take place on Jan. 8 and 9, 2014 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in Convocation Hall and on Jan. 15 at a venue that has yet to be determined. The Jan. 15 meeting will be solely for students.

The consultation and feedback phase will end in February 2014, at which time the Provost Committee on Integrated Planning will move forward with creating an implementation plan. The PCIP will analyze the feedback gathered from the campus community to determine how prioritization goals will be implemented.

The PCIP’s implementation plan is expected to be finalized by April 2014.

The final phase of TransformUS will begin in May 2014. In the decisions and

action phase, the PCIP’s implementation plan will be put into practice. According to the Oct. 2 e-mail, some decisions will be implemented quickly while others will take more time.

When necessary, decisions will be presented to the University Council, Senate and the Board of Governors for final approval with no timeline set to complete all goals.

Although the majority of university programs and services will be affected in some way by TransformUS, Busch-Vishniac said that it will not affect current students’ degrees.

“I want to assure you that all students currently enrolled in the affected programs will be a given an opportunity to complete these programs within a reasonable time frame,” Busch-Vishniac said in the e-mail.

The next TransformUS financial town hall meeting will take place on Nov. 5 in Convocation Hall. Provost and VicePresident of Academic Affairs Brett Fairbairn and Vice-President of Finance and Resources Greg Fowler will be available to answer questions.

4

NEWS

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

B.C. government seeks sober new thinking on liquor policy PATRICK VAILLANCOURT — The Other Press (Douglas College)

VANCOUVER (CUP) — The British Columbia government is actively looking for public input on how to reform outdated liquor policies.

The province’s liquor policy review is a consultation process, which is taking place primarily online. The government is soliciting thoughts from people across the province on how to “improve consumer convenience” while growing the economy and maintaining public safety. Beer and liquor sales account for approximately $1 billion in provincial tax revenues every year.

According to provincial government data, “British Columbians consume approximately 34 million cases of beer, 6.7 million cases of wine, 2.7 million cases of spirits and 3.5 million cases of ciders and coolers” every year.

Reform in this area is so critical to the newly re-elected B.C. Liberals that it warrants a parliamentary secretary for liquor policy reform, a portfolio currently overseen by Minister of Legislative Assembly for Richmond-Steveston John Yap.

Campus crime report

Since the B.C. Liberals took office in 2001, there have been several changes to laws and regulations surrounding liquor control. The last major consultative process on liquor laws occurred in 1999 and the government admits that B.C. is due for a look at the entire system.

“It’s not that there haven’t been changes here and there, but there is a feeling from lots of people that we should take a comprehensive look,” Yap said in an interview with the Richmond News earlier this month. “So we are meeting with as many people as we can and looking for their ideas and opinions.”

One unique element about the online advisory process is that suggestions and ideas on provincial liquor laws can be submitted by anyone — not only those over 19 years of age who are legally allowed to consume alcohol. It enables the process to be enjoyed by a greater number of people, especially youth and student demographics who may feel more comfortable submitting ideas online as opposed to attending town hall meetings.

The public has until Oct. 31 to submit thoughts on the liquor policy review website. The submissions will then be presented to Suzanne Anton, B.C.’s

Incidents at the University of Saskatchewan involving Campus Safety in the week of Sept. 22- 28, 2013

Other reports:

• Protective Services issued one 24-hour driver licence suspension.

• Protective Services responded to one medical call and six collisions.

• A woman reported that items from her

locker in the Physical Activity Complex were stolen.

• A laptop was reported stolen from Lower Place Riel.

• A vehicle was broken into near the Royal University Hospital and some items were stolen.

• A male was arrested in Edwards School of Business for causing a disturbance.

• Protective Services are investigating a report of a website scam using University of Saskatchewan information.

of happy hours — B. C. is the only Canadian province that prohibits happy hours — and the selling of alcohol in grocery stores, a policy currently enjoyed by those in Quebec.

ANNA-LILJA DAWSON Senior News Editor

Two U of S researchers elected to Canadian Academy of Health Sciences

Campus news briefs The University of Saskatchewan took a step back in time to the Middle Ages on Sept.

28.

The Museum of Antiquities hosted its annual festivities — Kynge: A Medieval Festival — as part of the nationwide Culture Days celebration.

The festivities took place on the steps of the Peter Mackinnon Building and spread out across the Bowl.

There were live demonstrations of Viking and medieval combat, fencing and sword fighting.

Stained glass making, weaving, textile and leather making demonstrations were also included in the day’s program along with live medieval music and drama.

The event was open to the public and welcomed everyone to bring their own costumes and handcrafted instruments.

Culture Days is a federally funded threeday long celebration of cultures both within Canada and from across the world.

U of S asks for two per cent increase in provincial funding

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attorney general for additional review and legislation drafting. The changes proposed by this consultation could come into effect as early as next spring.

Some popular changes already proposed in the consultation include the introduction

Medieval festival takes over Bowl

Officers issued:

• 13 Minor consuming or in possession of alcohol • 4 Consumption of alcohol in public • 3 Disobeying stop sign • 2 Presence of alcohol in a vehicle • 2 Driving an unregistered vehicle • 1 Speeding • 1 Use of a cellphone while driving

Residents of British Columbia may soon enjoy happy hours and grocery store liquor.

The University of Saskatchewan is preparing its budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year and is asking the provincial government to match its increase in funding of two per cent for a second year.

The operating funding grant increase would ring in at a total of $326.5 million, supplying 68 per cent of the university’s operating budget.

Tuition revenue for the 2014-15 budget is forecasted to be at $115.1 million, based on an average increase to undergraduate tuition of 4.7 per cent and on stable enrolment.

The university also requested $46.95 million in capital funding. Of that request, $25 million is in cash for upkeep and renewal of facilities, $6.5 million will be allocated for the continued construction of the Health Sciences Building and $750,000 for the planning of a new natural resources innovation complex.

Clinical neurologist Ali Rajput and professor from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine Ted Leighton have been elected as fellows of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Fellows of the CAHS are elected based on their contributions to the health sciences, leadership, creativity, distinctive competencies and commitment to advancing academic health science.

Rajput, a professor emeritus from the University of Saskatchewan, has spent nearly his entire 35-year career at the U of S in the Division of Neurology. He has done world renowned research on Parkinson’s disease and levodopa, the first effective long-term treatment for Parkinson’s.

Leighton is the director and co-founder of the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, an organization dedicated to applying veterinary medical sciences to wildlife.

International disease management policy and wildlife disease management are two of Leighton’s major focuses.

U of S partners for healthier kids The University of Saskatchewan has partnered with the Saskatchewan Network for Health Services in French for the Healthy Start program.

Healthy Start aims to increase physical activity and healthy eating among young children with early learning programs in pre-kindergarten settings. The program is for children aged three to five from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick.

Part of the program focuses on identifying how Saskatchewan’s plan for healthier children will impact French and English child care centres in rural and urban areas of Saskatchewan and New Brunswick.

The College of Kinesiology and the Department of Community Health & Epidemiology at the U of S have also joined up with the Fransaskois Parent Association, the Council of Fransaskois Schools and In Motion.

Healthy Start has received nearly $1.6 million in federal funding.

SPORTS

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

5

Huskies fend off Thunderbirds

KIMBERLEY HARTWIG Sports Editor

The Huskies football team battled the elements and the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds on Sept. 27 for a 17-12 victory in Vancouver. The Huskies are now 4-1 this season and remain in the number two spot in the Canada West rankings.

Both teams had to deal with difficult conditions as heavy rain and wind wreaked havoc on field, making it particularly tough to generate any offence. Neither team was able to break through to score a touchdown in the opening half and both saw a missed field goal.

At the end of the opening half the score was a mere 5-1 for the Thunderbirds. The points came off of a field goal and single point concessions.

With the weather letting up in the second half, the two teams were able to find their footing and create scoring opportunities.

The Huskies would score the first major of the night after Seamus Neary ran a blocked Thunderbird punt into the endzone, making the score 8-5 for the the visiting team. In the ensuing drive, the Thunderbirds found themselves pushed deep into their own territory and conceded a two-point safety to give the Huskies a 10-5 advantage.

The home team would quickly take back the lead when Thunderbirds quarterback Greg Bowcott found receiver Patrick Bull for

CARTER BRUNDAGE

Receiver Kit Hillis ran through the Thunderbird defense and the rain during the Huskies 17-12 triumph. a 24-yard pass into the endzone, making the score 12-10 with six minutes left in the third quarter.

The Huskies ended the third quarter at the Thunderbird’s 12-yard line and would finish off the drive at the start of the fourth.

Quarterback Drew Burko found Charlie Power for an 11-yard pass that left the Dogs right up against the goal line. Shane Buchanan ran the ball in on the next play to

give the Huskies a 17-12 edge.

With plenty of time left in the fourth quarter a Huskies victory was far from a sure thing.

The Thunderbirds were not about to give up while looking for their first home game win of the season.

The home team found themselves at first and goal but would not be able to find a way through the Huskie defence. Liam Mahara fumbled the ball when he tried to leap over

the defenders. Joel Sutter recovered the ball for the Dogs.

Picking the ball up at their own one-yard line, the Huskies set to work moving out of their own territory. However, after completing a first down Burko’s pass was intercepted by Thunderbirds’ safety Jordan Bosa.

The Thunderbirds started at the Huskies’ 34-yard line and were quickly within scoring distance once again, digging in at the fiveyard line. The Dogs’ defence was up to the task and after a one-yard gain and two incomplete passes, the Thunderbirds turned the ball over on downs.

The Huskies were able to move the ball downfield and take some time off the clock during their next possession. The Thunderbirds would next pick up the ball at their own 48-yard line but wouldn’t get very far before having to punt the ball away.

With two minutes left, the Huskies were able to hold on to the ball and run out the clock.

Burko went 19-32 on the night for 231 yards. Receiver Kit Hillis had seven receptions for 85 yards and running backs Dexter Janke and Buchanan added 71 and 67 yards respectively.

The Huskies face the undefeated Calgary Dinos on Friday Oct. 5 at Griffiths Stadium.

Belay on and scale the rock wall

KIMBERLEY HARTWIG Sports Editor

Saskatchewan is known for its flat landscape but students can go vertical on the Physical Activity Complex’s rock wall.

John Archibald, wall supervisor at the PAC, sees rock climbing as something new and challenging students can try if they are getting bored with their usual activities.

“It’s a good way to change your routine,” he said. “It’s good [for your] upper body strength and it works core muscles too.”

Climbing also gives students the opportunity to test themselves physically and mentally as they see if they are able to reach the top of the wall.

“It’s a way to push yourself individually,” Archibald said. “It’s a good way to push yourself to your limits.”

Ceris Thomas, a third-year psychology student, frequents the climbing wall to socialize and exercise.

“It’s fun. It’s good to get together with your friends and it’s a better workout than people think,” she said.

First time climbers are required to complete a certification process which costs five dollars. Climbers are taken through a lesson where they learn the basics of climbing and must pass a belay test before they are able to scale the wall. The certification lasts for six months, after which students must get recertified if they wish to continue climbing.

Recertification is free.

All the required equipment is provided but students can also bring their own if they wish.

The climbing wall is 40 feet high and there are five different ropes that students can use.

The further out from the centre students go, the more difficult it will be to reach the top.

Students are also able to boulder, which is climbing without ropes or harnesses, but can only go up to a certain height.

In order to climb the wall, students must bring a partner to belay for them. A belayer makes sure the climber has the right amount

Nicole Nagy climbs the 40-foot rock wall at the Physical Activity Complex.

of slack by letting out or pulling in excess rope and keeps the line locked when the climber isn’t moving. Climbers need slack in order to be able to scale the wall but belayers must not let out too much in case the climber falls. A belayer is crucial to the climber’s safety so it is important that they pay attention at all times.

Rock climbing may seem intimidating because there is only a harness to keep you from falling but the equipment at the PAC

is very high quality. Archibald sees many students reluctant to try the wall for this reason, but assures those interested that there is no reason for students to worry due to the equipment.

“Usually it’s just mistrust in the gear that you’re working with or unfamiliarity with it,” Archibald said. “Everything that’s here is rigorously tested out so it will exceed any kind of standard.”

If students have questions or concerns, there

JORDAN DUMBA/PHOTO EDITOR

are always experienced climbing instructors on-site to help. These people can answer questions about safety, how to improve your technique, which route is the most difficult or can simply provide encouragement to those who need it.

The climbing wall is open from 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

6

SPORTS

Dog Watch: Cara Santaga

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

KIMBERLEY HARTWIG Sports Editor

a daunting opponent, the Huskies came out of the match with their record unscathed after tying the Spartans 1-1.

The game is one of Santaga’s best memories during her short time with the squad.

“Tying Trinity last weekend was a really big moment,” she said. “Even though we tied them it felt like we beat them 10-0. I was so excited.”

Playing for a new team is intimidating but Santaga quickly found her place and felt immediately accepted by her teammates.

“The team atmosphere is so great,” she said.

“All the girls are so close, there’s no cliques at all and we’re just like a big family. You come into the dressing room everyday and you’re friends with everyone so it’s really great.”

Santaga has a flair for the dramatic and loves that being in net gives her the chance to make show stopping saves.

“I love making the big dive,” she said.

“They’re so much fun and they look cool.”

Playing keeper gives Santaga the chance to be the hero but also means she’s often the deciding factor on the field.

“The worst part is that eventually all the pressure comes down to you. You get used to it but at the same time it kind of sucks if you lose a game,” she said.

However, Santaga has been excelling in net this year and it’s paying off with big wins for the Huskies. The team is off to a great start and hopes to ride their momentum all the way into playoffs this year. Santaga’s goal is to help her

Women’s soccer team goalkeeper Cara Santaga made a big change transferring from Trinity Western University to the University of Saskatchewan this year, but so far it’s paying off.

The third-year biology major hopes to one day study veterinary medicine and in order to get the best education she could, she came to the U of S. “A big part of it was school,” she said. “Their science program [at TWU] wasn’t as strong as here. I eventually want to be here anyway so it just worked out that I got in and got on the team.”

Santaga started playing soccer when she was eight years old and quickly fell in love with the game. She started guarding the net when she was 10 and it didn’t take her long to figure out that keeper was the position for her.

“By the time I was 12 I had really settled into” playing net, she said.

Before transferring to the U of S, Santaga played for the TWU Spartans, who won the Canadian Interuniversity Sport women’s soccer title in 2012. Santaga and the Huskies faced off against the Spartans for the first time this year on Sept. 21.

“It was weird, but it felt good to play against them. It was kind of like any other game,” she said.

The Huskies went into the match riding a three game winning streak, but were up against a team they had never beaten before. Even against

E T A D UP

JORDAN DUMBA/PHOTO EDITOR

preparation during the offseason and the attitude they brought to the field from game one.

“Everyone came in super focused,” she said.

Before this past weekend’s games Santaga felt confident in the team’s chances of remaining undefeated.

“I think we were more nervous about last weekend just because they were bigger teams,” she said. “Calgary’s been doing really well so we can’t take them lightly. I think we have a really good chance of keeping our record.”

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Residents, tenants, building managers, and building owners are encouraged to provide their comments on a proposed Multi-Unit Residential Recycling program that has been updated following consultations held in March 2013. This program would be for condominiums, apartments, townhouses and other residential dwellings not currently receiving individual black garbage cart service from the City.

INFORMATIONAL STAKEHOLDER SESSIONS: City staff and representatives from Cosmopolitan Industries will be present to share information, answer questions and collect your comments.

Thursday, October 3, 2013 Wildwood School 203 Rosedale Road 6pm – 8pm (come and go)

team get there by making it as hard as she can for other teams to score.

“Personally, I would like to keep my goals against average pretty low,” she said. “I’d like to get a couple more shutouts.”

After losing to the University of Regina Cougars last year in the quarterfinals of playoffs, Santaga thinks the Huskies are hungry to go even further this season and she won’t be surprised if they do.

Santaga attributes the team’s great start to their

Tuesday, October 8, 2013 Pleasant Hill Community School 215 Avenue S South 6pm – 8pm (come and go)

ONLINE INFORMATION & FEEDBACK FORM: Between September 30 and October 18, visit saskatoon.ca and click on “M” for Multi-Unit Residential Recycling for information and to provide your comments.

Men’s Football Oct. 4 vs. University of Calgary Dinos at 7 p.m.

Men’s Soccer Oct. 5 and 6 vs. University of Alberta Golden Bears at 2:15 p.m.

Oct. 12 vs. University of Victoria Vikes at 2:15 p.m.

Oct. 13 vs. University of the Fraser Valley Cascades at 2:15 p.m.

Women’s Soccer • Oct. 5 in Calgary vs. Mount Royal University Cougars at 12 p.m.

• Oct. 6 in Edmonton vs. University of Alberta Golden Bears at 2 p.m.

• Oct. 11 in Abbotsford vs. University of the Fraser Valley Cascades at 5 p.m.

• Oct. 12 in Victoria vs. University of Victoria Vikes at 5 p.m.

Men’s Hockey • Oct. 5 in Calgary vs. Mount Royal University Cougars at 7 p.m • Oct. 11 in Winnipeg vs. Manitoba Bisons at 7 p.m.

• Oct. 12 in Winnipeg vs. University of

Manitoba Bisons at 6 p.m.

Women’s Hockey Oct. 4 and 5 vs. Mount Royal Cougars at 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 and 12 vs. University of Manitoba Bisons at 7 p.m.

Men’s Volleyball • Oct. 11-13 in Regina at the University of Regina Invitational Women’s Volleyball Oct. 4 vs. Briercrest College Clippers at 8 p.m.

Cross Country • Oct. 5 at the Sled Dog Open in Saskatoon

Home Game

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit saskatoon.ca and click on “M” for Multi-Unit Residential Recycling, or contact the City of Saskatoon Environmental Services Branch at (306) 975-2487 or environmental.services@saskatoon.ca

Canada West Standings Men’s Football

Women’s Soccer

Men’s Soccer

GP-W-L 1. Calgary 5-5-0 2. Saskatchewan 5-4-1 3. Manitoba 5-3-2 4. UBC 5-2-3 5. Regina 5-1-4 6. Alberta 5-0-5 *Top four teams qualify for playoffs

GP-W-L-T 1. Alberta 8-6-0-2 2. Saskatchewan 7-5-0-2 7-5-1-1 3. Calgary 6-3-0-3 4. UBC 6-4-2-0 5. Victoria 7-3-3-1 6. Regina 8-3-4-1 7. Mount Royal 6-2-1-3 8. Trinity Western 6-2-3-1 9. UFV 7-1-3-3 10. Manitoba 7-1-6-0 12. Winnipeg 7-0-5-2 13. Lethbridge 8-0-7-1 14.UNBC *Top six teams qualify for playoffs

Prairie Division 1. Saskatchewan 2. Alberta 3. Mount Royal 4. Calgary 5. Winnipeg 6. Lethbridge

GP-W-L-T 8-5-3-0 7-4-1-2 7-3-3-1 8-3-4-1 8-2-4-2 8-2-6-0

Pacific Division GP-W-L-T 1. UBC 8-7-1-0 2. UFV 8-4-3-1 3. Victoria 6-4-2-0 4. UNBC 6-1-3-2 5. Trinity Western 8-1-6-1 *Top three teams from each division qualify for playoffs

7

SPORTS

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

Sheaf staff trades in pencils for dumbbells

KIMBERLEY HARTWIG Sports Editor

On Sept. 26, members of the Sheaf staff suffered for their readers.

In order to see what it’s like to go through a personal training session at the Physical Activity Complex, four unlucky participants signed up to be put through the wringer by the coordinator of the Human Performance Centre, Jason Weber.

Our group was composed of varying fitness levels. One had never set foot in the gym, another could remember the day of their last work out three years ago, there was a Brazilian jujitsu practitioner and the last was a semi-in shape tennis player.

But the one thing we had in common was that we were willing to get our butts kicked — and we did.

Dealing with a group of different abilities makes it difficult to plan an effective workout, but Weber made sure that everyone felt challenged.

“We try to create an individual workout in a group setting, keeping each person focused on their own performance,” he said in an e-mail to the Sheaf. “We will typically do large timed circuits so everyone can work at their own level and not feel the added pressure of being ‘last’ and that everyone is watching them.”

Weber considered the fitness levels of the participants and the equipment that the workout required before deciding on how to proceed.

“I chose the workout I did because I wanted to show ... something [the group] probably wasn’t expecting and [to] highlight the quality of workout that you can have even if you don’t

have a gym, much time or any other common barrier to exercise,” Weber said.

The workout wasn’t easy. In fact it was incredibly difficult and we all felt like giving up at one time or another, but we didn’t. In the end, we made it through. It’s much harder to give up when there is someone there to encourage you or who you want to beat so badly you can’t give up — pride is a surprisingly good motivator.

Working out with friends also made the experience more entertaining and enjoyable than hitting the gym alone would have been. There was someone else there for the trainer to terrorize and we all laughed when one of us could only get their head off the ground during crunches.

Training sessions also cost less when done in a group and when done more frequently. While an individual session once a week costs $45, each member of a small group of two to four people pays only $30. Sessions twice a week cost $35 individually or $25 as part of a group for each workout.

Whether exercising alone or in a group, the trainers at the High Performance Centre tailor the fitness plan to each individual.

“Each personal training client will have their own goals, exercise preferences, injuries, likes and dislikes that we need to consider in each session,” Weber said.

Even for the advanced exerciser, a session with a trainer can be a great way to change up a routine. Handing over the reins let’s you experience something new.

“We provide lots of variety and motivation to keep things ‘fresh’ and work you harder than you probably would have on your own,” Weber said.

JORDAN DUMBA/PHOTO EDITOR

HenryTye Glazebrook feels the burn, an unfamilair feeling for the Sheaf’s Editor-in-chief.

The goal of a training session isn’t to show someone what they can’t do, but to show them what they’re capable of whether it’s their first time exercising or they’re an elite athlete.

“We ensure that each session the client leaves feeling that they accomplished as much as they possibly could in that hour, had fun, feels proud of themselves and their accomplishments and knowing that they did the right stuff in the right way,” Weber said.

Anyone can sign up for personal training and the reasons they choose to do so are just as varied.

“Clients seek us out because they are unable to commit to an exercise program on their own or are unsure of what to do, [are] recovering from an injury or for sport performance,” Weber said.

Want to try the Sheaf workout for yourself?

You can find it on thesheaf.com.

KIMBERLEY HARTWIG Sports Editor

three ensuing goals saw the visiting team to victory.

Jarvis Ambaka put the Spartans on the board first in the 29th minute when he blasted a shot past Bandula.

The Huskies responded quickly with two goals of their own within 10 minutes. Luigi Bekwayo tied the game with a shot to the top right hand corner of the Spartans’ net.

Minutes later Mitch Bauche struck the ball past Spartans keeper Andrew Hicks into the middle of the net to give the Dogs the lead for the first time all weekend.

Levis added the third and final goal in the second half when he chipped the ball over an out of position Hicks into the open net.

Each team took 12 shots during the match but the Huskies shots were more accurate with eight on net compared to only five for the Spartans. Bandula had four saves on the night while Hicks stopped five on his end.

The Huskies host the number two ranked Alberta Golden Bears on Oct. 5 and 6.

Women refuse to lose Men’s soccer team tops Prairie Division

KIMBERLEY HARTWIG Sports Editor The Huskies women’s soccer team continues their impressive run after winning both of their home matches past weekend.

The squad defeated the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns 2-0 on Oct. 28 and the University of Calgary Dinos 4-1 on Oct. 29. The Huskies are now 5-0-2 on the season.

Saturday’s match against the Pronghorns was a close affair with neither team able to break through in the opening half. It wasn’t until the 80th minute that the Huskies found the net and gained the advantage. Leanne Mylymok’s header off of Erica Parenteau’s corner kick secured the win for the home team and Janelle Zapski added another goal in added time.

The keepers performed well for both teams.

Pronghorns’ keeper Myriah Marino recorded seven saves and Cara Santaga recorded her third clean sheet for the Huskies. The Dogs dominated possession of the ball throughout the match, outshooting the Pronghorns 18-4.

Another second-half scoring push helped the Huskies past the Calgary Dinos on Sunday. The Huskies opened scoring in the fourth minute when midfielder Daniela Fuenzalida lobbed the ball into the top left-

hand corner of the net out of the reach of Dinos’ keeper Lauren Good. The visiting team tied the match later on in the half when Ann Stranges shot got past Santaga.

The Dinos had their first chance to grab the lead in the second half but the ball sailed just wide of the net. The Huskies also saw an opportunity denied when Zapski was alone in front of the net but Marino was able to make the save.

The Dogs capitalized on their next opportunity when Kelly Cerkowniak knocked the ball into the net during a scramble in the box.

Jenna Newton added another goal to extend the Huskies’ lead to 3-1 off of a header set up by Gillian Pinder’s corner kick. Zapski capped off the scoring for the home team with a shot into the top right-hand corner giving the Huskies a decisive 4-1 finish.

Santaga made four saves during the match while Good stopped five. The Huskies outshot their opponents 15-10.

The win pushed the Huskies ahead of the Dinos in the Canada West rankings. The Dogs now sit in second while the Dinos have slipped to third spot.

The Huskies travel to Alberta to take on the Mount Royal Cougars on Oct. 5 and the Alberta Pandas on Oct. 6.

Glen C.larson Signing Come Hell or High Water

©

upcoming events

KATHERINE FEDOROFF

No team has been able to derail the women’s soccer team as they continue their undefeated run.

For the third weekend series in a row the Huskies men’s soccer team came away with one win and one loss.

The Dogs lost to the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds 2-3 on Oct. 27 but bounced back to beat the Trinity Western University Spartans 3-1 on Oct. 29. The Huskies are now 5-3-0 on the season and sit atop the rankings for the Prairie Division.

The Thunderbirds struck first, netting their first goal at the 16 minute mark. Navid Mashinchi was awarded a penalty kick after being taken down in the 18-yard box.

Huskies goalkeeper Michal Bandula made the save off Mashinchi’s initial strike but the midfielder was there to net his own rebound and give the home team an early 1-0 lead.

It wouldn’t take long for the Thunderbirds to extend their advantage. Two minutes later Reynold Stewart knocked in a header off a cross from teammate Milad Mehrabi.

The Huskies would see their best chance to score in the half denied as UBC keeper Chris Beck made a diving save to keep Garrett Peters’ penalty shot out of the net and keep the home team’s lead intact.

The second half saw the Dogs’ offence come to life as Jordian Farahani and Brett Levis each scored to level the match.

Farahani headed in a corner kick from Mathew Gillott during the 57th minute to get the Huskies on the board. Less than ten minutes later Brett Levis’ strike from 25 yards out found the top shelf. After two quick goals, the momentum was firmly with the visiting team.

It wasn’t until the fading minutes that the Thunderbirds scored the decisive goal.

During a scramble in front of the Huskie net, Mashinchi knocked in the goal to score his second of the night and secure the win for the home team.

In their next match against the TWU Spartand the Huskies fell behind early but

Saturday, October 5, 1:00 pm



Dianne linDen

Reading & Signing On Fire with guest Rachelle Brockman from the Tourette’s Syndrome Foundation of Canada Monday, October 7, 7:00

pm

8

CULTURE

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

Local artists look to bring the film scene back to Saskatoon NICHOLAS KINDRACHUK Culture Editor Gray Myrfield and Erich Jurgens have spent much time working together on theatre production but have now moved on to the world of filmmaking in a province that offers very little support for the industry.

Their film, Daimons, follows seven characters that each embody one of the deadly sins. Each character is meant to show these sins in a light that isn't necessarily easy to see as bad, it may be even easier to show how a particular one is good.

With the movie in production until the start of November, both Myrfield and Jurgens were a bit shy on letting out too many details before they know exactly how everything has actually turned out. However, it will be aired as a serialized YouTube series with an episode on each character. The final eighth episode will be aired alongside all prior installments compiled into one stretch at the Broadway Theatre before hitting the web.

Daimons stems from some research that came Myrfield being lead down in a familiar Wikipedia research hole.

"You know how it is,” Myrfield said.

“You're cruising Wikipedia and you end up at

A first look at the seven sins personified in Daimons.

[these different] places. I was looking at the sins and what they all kind of mean and what they all kind of symbolize."

Myrfield hit his creative gold with the character of Asmodeus.

"He could personify any sin, specifically the one of lust, and he was such a bizarre character that he got me interested in creating the other sins into likeable characters.”

The spelling of Daimons was a deliberate choice as well. By defintion, the word deson’t hold the typical connotations. Instead, it means to be motivated by spiritual forces or genius originating from a guidng spirit. It’s to keep with the tone that these sinful characters may not be that hard to relate to.

There was also a considered effort from Myrfield while writing the script to have many aspects featured in the film to be something a person would be intrigued by and research themselves.

Jurgens and Myrfiel learned early on that Daimons had grown into something beyond their normal theatre fair. With that decision they knew it was going to be a work of passion, considering the province’s choice of not supporting local filmmaking.

The tremendous outreach and support fromlocal business and those interested in

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filmmaking continues to surprise Jurgens and Myrfield.

As Jurgen scouted for locations, one of his primary roles during production, he found that almost no place would turn him down and were often even more accommodating than he could have hoped.

"We needed to film a dance club scene and we thought we'd just have to use a friends place accepting that the footage doesn't look great. But we approached the operator of 302 and he was pretty much like, ‘sure, just have the bar,'" Jurgen said.

Once the ball got rolling Kickstarter was always an option the two considered, though less for funding the film and more to gauge interest in a potential opening at the Broadway Theater.

After they started the campaign on Sept.

16, they were met with a stunning amount of support without having much information to give on the film. With an average donation of $100, the project has already hit its $2,000 goal a full month before its intended end.

This already marks a success for both Myrfield and Jurgen, as they can step up their post-production speed and quality while offering the hard working cast and crew some extra pay. It was also a very humbling experience to have the support for their film without having anything to show.

Those interested in Daimons should continue to follow the Kickstarter page, as both teased something special that should be posted to the page in mid-October.

The project already proves there is tremendous support for a film industry in Saskatoon and, with the way things are going and the incredible amount of outreach they’ve received, Jurgen and Myrfield are looking to be one of the few people left in Saskatoon looking to create films on a consistent basis.

These two aspiring filmmakers are practicing their craft not for the money but for the thrill and fun of creating something and showing the world. For Jurgen and Myfield, success is what they make of it­­— any financial gains is icing on the cake.

Janelle Monaé’s new album electrifies Katlynn Balderstone

Since the release of her first EP in 2003, Janelle Monaé has enthralled audiences with her energetic, soulful music and the building of narrative through songs about love, change and revolution. Her latest album, The Electric Lady, was released on Sept. 10 to great acclaim — and for good reason.

The Electric Lady is comprised of suites IV and V of Monaé’s “Metropolis” saga, which tells the story of love and equality in a decidedly science fiction setting. Monaé’s love of the genre is clear, with several bonus segments framing the album as a science fiction story with a radio show run by and featuring androids.

Many of the songs draw inspiration from outside works and experiences, from The Odyssey’s sirens (“Look Into My Eyes”) to Michael Jackson (“Dance Apocalyptic”) to Monaé’s own life and experiences (“Victory”).

The titular character mentioned throughout the album was inspired by a series of paintings Monaé worked on and is presented in-story as a revolutionary figure.

The symbolism of androids is present through most of Janelle Monaé’s work, such

as in her previous album The Archandroid.

When interviewed by The Evening Standard in 2011, Monaé explained that to her the idea of androids “represents the new 'other'. You can compare it to being a lesbian or being a gay man or being a black woman ...

What I want is for people who feel oppressed or feel like the 'other' to connect with the music and to feel like, 'she represents who I am'."

Monaé encourages the listener to keep going, be strong and tells them that the world can be changed through art and music. There’s a sense that she takes her strength from these “othered” groups and their struggles, and that connection is what allows her to reach such a wide audience.

Combining all of this in Electric Lady, Monaé delivers a clear message: dance, love and live.

Most importantly, though, the album is fun. It’s energetic enough to get listeners dancing along and every song flows lightly into the next.

Along with her usual funk and soul stylings, Monaé brings in other genres such as pop, ballads and gospel. And it all works together to craft an absolute delight to listen to with or without the accompanying story.

Upcoming Events Thursday Oct. 3

• Jason Aldean at Credit Union Centre • Lee Harvey Osmond at The Bassment • Kitchen & Bath Expression at TCU Place

Friday Oct. 4

• Groenland at Vangelis • Grandtheft at Louis’ • Oktoberfest at Jax Night Club • Johanna Skibsrud at City Perk

Saturday Oct. 5

• Ghost Cousin at Vangelis • Malcolm Holcombe at Village Guitar & Amp • Oktoberfest 2013 at Prairie Sun Brewery

Sunday Oct. 6

• Teen Daze at Amigo’s

Monday Oct. 7

• Gwar at The Odeon • Austra at Amigo’s • Water Under The Bridge at Persephone Theatre

Tuesday Oct. 8

• Hanson at The Odeon • Old Man Luedecke at Civic Centre • Cancer Bats at Louis’ • Woodpigeon at Vangelis

Wednesday Oct. 9

• The Sojourners at Broadway Theatre • Gabriel Iglesias at TCU Place • The Steel Wheels at The Bassment SUPPLIED

If you enjoy Monaé’s previous works, you will love The Electric Lady. If you haven’t listened to her before but enjoy science fiction, soul and R&B music, futurism or social discourse, this album is highly recommended. Even if these topics aren’t of interest it is worth a listen; with the effort and skill put into it, something in here is bound to get your attention.

The Electric Lady, much like Monaé herself, is compelling, has a great deal of passion behind it and is worth all the praise it’s given.

CULTURE

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

9

Mendel Art Gallery brings in the new season NICHOLAS KINDRACHUK Culture Editor Autumn is a period of changes, many of them beautiful and even artistic. It’s also a time when the Mendel Art Gallery brings in a new lot of exhibits for the fall season, all of which are on display now and will run until Jan. 5, 2014.

The first exhibit on the main floor is Rewilding Modernity, which aims to explore the influential art that came from the Emma Lake Workshop’s in the 1950s to 1970s. The gallery takes pieces from the Mendel’s own collection, local galleries and personal works from the artists themselves.

A major part of the work displayed is to show the modernist movement that Emma Lake influenced while looking at how contemporary artists are differentiating or holding true to these original pieces.

The infulx of artists to Saskatchewan during this highly influential time was due to the large amount of press the area received being that it was the only region to have elected government on a social platform.

Rewilding Modernity features many polarizing images that are meant to draw in the viewers and have them come to their own conclusions of what modernity means now and what it meant to past generations.

One of the main draws when first entering the gallery is the video installation that hits the ceiling, entitled “Sharpie,” which brings in thin streams of colour that move and fill the room.

Each area is filled with vibrancy and truly stands on its own, making it difficult to decipher from which era the pieces originated.

They Made A Day Be A Day Here, a second exhibit on display, brings to the forefront a selection of local and nearby artists in the early stages of their career. Guest curator Amy Chung noted that the pieces would be intricate and require a lot of physical effort to create.

Many are handcrafted and required a lot of tedious effort on the artists’ part. “Beyond Surrender,” a piece of paper weaving with a twist, was designed by artist Jennifer Bowes as she created an “I” shape with pages of one of her old journals. It offers an interesting exploration of confidentiality, as Bowes has cut up the pieces into small cup shapes so the journal is nearly unreadable, but it is still out in the open for all to read in fragmented form.

The show ensures the public can see all of the unique art coming from Saskatchewan artists by presenting diverse, content.

Another way that the pieces for the exhibit were chosen was through an initiative to explore artistic diversity from the female perspective. All of the artwork on display in They Made A Day Be A Day Here is produced by female artists to show that art can’t be so

easily generalized.

A more unusual piece for the show is done by former University of Saskatchewan student Tammy Campbell, who essentially recreated her personal workspace to give viewers an idea of her working conditions while displaying her artwork in all its different stages of progression.

Artists by Artists is an ongoing project that unites a mentor artist with an emerging talent to work together on a show.

The fall season had senior artist Bruce Montcombroux and fledgling artist Cory Schewaga working on Galicia, a synthetic interactive wheatfield.

The construction is very mechanical and industrial, with many rods used to symbolize wheat, and is topped off with color for a more natural effect. Its interactivity comes from the use of cellphones to call a certain number to change the field’s height and colour.

Galicia looks to explore more direct ways of interactivity with art while taking influence from farming and prairie life.

“Sharpie” by Jennifer Steinkamp, in the Rewilding Modernity exhibit.

Three stills make up “The Summoning,” by Amalie Atkins, part of They Made A Day Be A Day Here exhibit.

THE sheaf Like to write? Work with us!

The Sheaf is hiring a copy editor.

Interested applicants can submit a cover letter, writing samples and resumé to the Sheaf office in a sealed envelope.

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FEATURE

VIP !

T U O D L SO

11

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

USSU looks at opening prof ratings to public SCOTT DAVIDSON Associate News Editor The University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union is examining the possibility of making course evaluations public.

The idea is being put forward by Vice-President of Academic Affairs Jordan Sherbino, who used it as part of his campaign platform during the USSU election this spring.

Currently, the U of S has a standardized course evaluation tool called Student Evaluation of Educational Quality.

However, only about 25 per cent of the university’s courses

use SEEQ. Individual departments have the option to create their own evaluations.

Sherbino hopes to create a system of standardized course evaluations that would be accepted and used by the entire university. Individual departments and faculty would be encouraged to customize this evaluation to better fit the needs of their courses.

After the data is collected, the results of the course evaluations would be made available to students who are registering for classes.

“We’re hoping to distribute this information to students

STEPHANIE MAH

so they can make better course selections and get the best learning outcomes for their tuition money,” said Sherbino.

Ideally, evaluation results would be made public through PAWS for students during registration.

Sherbino noted that students currently have access to similar information through services like Rate My Prof, but feels that these websites have certain shortcomings.

“It’s not a scientific way of doing it and it’s not the best way of getting this information,” Sherbino said. “It’s just not accurate and, largely, you won’t see the best sample space like you do in the course evaluations.”

While researching how to create the program, Sherbino looked at other Canadian universities and found that the U of S lags far behind its U15 peers in the area of course evaluations. Public evaluation programs are in place at McGill University, McMaster University, the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia, among others.

The UBC program, which also operates on a voluntary basis, has a 64 per cent participation rate among the school’s academic faculty.

Implementing public evaluation programs has not been without controversy. In 2007, the UBC faculty union took legal action against the university’s students’ union because they felt the program violated their collective bargaining agreement.

The lawsuit was settled in 2010 when the Court of Appeal for B.C. ruled in favour of the students’ union and stated that the faculty union did not have jurisdiction over course evaluations. However, this did result in the program becoming voluntary rather than mandatory.

Sherbino said that lessons can be learned from the UBC situation and that he plans to take a non-confrontational approach to implementing such a program at the U of S. “Hopefully we can create a culture where it’s seen as a positive thing and where professors are encouraged to participate,” Sherbino said.

So far, Sherbino has received very little feedback from the faculty, but says that the responses he has gotten have been largely positive.

“Lots of professors are seeing the merit in being able to choose questions and not having the standardized 40 plus question that the SEEQ has,” Sherbino said.

Martin Gaal, a sectional lecturer for the Department of Political Studies, is supportive of the initiative. However, Gaal also acknowledges that there would have to be limitations to the program.

“For students this is about their four years of education and what they’re going to do in the future,” Gaal said. “For professors this is their livelihood, so there has to be some kind of protection.”

Gaal also said that public course evaluations could have an unfair, negative effect on new professors who are still in the process of learning how to teach. Furthermore, Gaal said that he feels professors could start catering to students’ demands in order to get higher ratings.

“I think you have to strike a balance between transparency and protecting the careers of those who are learning a trade or skillset.”

Peter Hynes, an associate professor in the Department of English, sees course evaluation as a tool that should primarily serve university faculty.

Evaluations “are designed so professors can get feedback on things they need to improve,” Hynes said. “And the other major institutional purpose is so they can be used for tenure and promotion cases, so it’s quite important from a professor’s point of view that they’re accurate.”

Hynes said he wouldn’t be opposed to participating in a voluntary course evaluation program, but that the participation of his colleagues in the program would also be a determining factor.

Both Gaal and Hynes predicted that university faculty would be split on the issue. Sherbino also acknowledged that there would be obstacles to implementing a public course evaluations program.

“I know this is going to be a long project to undertake; it’s something that will have to go beyond my one-year term here,” Sherbino said. “But it’s getting the groundwork set up, it’s doing the research and starting the conversation.”

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CULTURE

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

To Be Or Not To Be breaks every rule in the choose-your-adventure book TOM LUKE — The Muse (Memortial University of Newfoundland) ST. JOHN’S (CUP) — Choose-Your-OwnAdventure books could be called a lost art, had there ever been any art to them in the first place.

Traditionally a format that punishes the player for seemingly innocuous choices — a Pride and Prejudice version, Lost in Austen has Elizabeth Bennett blinded by “gypsies” if she turns left rather than right at the beginning of the book — Choose-You-OwnAdventures are almost universally badlywritten, unsatisfying gimmicks with close to zero lasting appeal.

That To Be Or Not To Be: That is the Adventure is such a success relies on the fact that author Ryan North throws out the rulebook for the genre before he even starts.

A­Kickstarter-funded reimagining of Hamlet by “Ryan North, William Shakespeare, and YOU,” To Be or Not to Be understands that an interactive medium shouldn’t have contempt for its player and is a thoroughly rewarding experience. The central premise of the book isn’t any sort of grand statement or parody of Shakespeare — though North does get his digs in — a sincere desire to have a bit of fun.

The book has over 30 endings, all illustrated by a massive range of talented artists — The Oatmeal’s Matthew Inman and Hark! A Vagrant’s Kate Beaton being the most immediately recognizable names—

though a significant portion of these have only tangential relevance to the plot of Hamlet.

The novel’s first choice is whether you play as Hamlet, Ophelia or the ghost of King Hamlet, and you can careen wildly away from what you’re “supposed” to do nearinstantly and still be rewarded.

My favourite example of this is when playing as the ghost. Once you’ve discovered that you were murdered, you can choose to swim back to Denmark to confront Claudius.

On the way, you discover a sunken pirate ship and, should you choose to explore it rather than pursue your revenge, the late King Hamlet begins a successful career as the world’s first ghost-oceanographer without ever interacting with the plot of Shakespeare’s play.

A lot of the fun of the novel comes from North’s writing — he’s principally known as the creator of Dinosaur Comics — which combines a genuine enthusiasm about his source material with a feeling that he really likes the reader and would be upset if they didn’t enjoy themselves.

Amusingly, the only time he gets really frustrated with the reader is if they try to follow the plot of Hamlet. Playing as Ophelia, if the player chooses to meekly submit to Laertes and Polonius raging sexism, North says, “listen, I’m going to cut our losses here. You’re not allowed to be Ophelia for a while.”

A new look for Prince Hamlet.

Even some of the bad endings are written so as to make the reader feel better about failing and the sense of contempt for the intelligence of the reader found in traditional Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books is rarely present.

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To Be or Not To Be doesn’t have much in the way of depth and never pretends to either.

It’s motivated by a sincere desire to entertain and it succeeds without falling into any of the myriad pitfalls of its genre.

CULTURE

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

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The Dirties is dark and steadfast in its portrayal of a school shooting ALEXANDER QUON In a year that has been dominated by big budget films, The Dirties stands out from the formulaic albeit entertaining blockbusters. It’s a story that is not just darkly funny but remains entertaining while touching on heavy material.

A joint release by Phase4films and Kevin Smith’s Movie Club, The Dirties is the brainchild of Matthew Johnson. Even with his hands full as writer, director, producer and editor, Johnson also headlines the film as one of the two main protagonists and the director of the film inside the film.

The mockumentary style that The Dirties is filmed in adds authenticity to it’s setting as it’s actually filmed by high school students, which helps disguise its budgetary shortcomings as more artistic choices.

The film opens with a collage of seemingly random film clips shot by two friends, Matt and Owen, for an amateur filmmaking class assignment. Showing them laughing, joking and enjoying life acts as a simple yet deceptive opening that belies the film’s true emotions and thematic intent.

In the beginning, the film inserts moments of humor into the dark subject matter that are

Owen (Owen Williams) and Matt (Matthew Johnson) dressed to shoot their film class movie. so light that the movie reads less like a dark comedy and more like two friends filming their daily lives. Yet below the happy surface are two kids falling victim to what would not be out of place in any high school: bullying.

It’s the most prevalent theme in the film and acts as the driving force behind every action

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and reaction between the characters.

If the film stopped at merely being about two kids being bullied than its other subject matter, though tragic, would not be as engaging as it is. The meat of the story lies in how Matt finally snaps and acts out on what were once only fantasies of bringing a gun to

school and solving all his perceived wrongs with violence.

It’s a topic which by its very nature makes people uncomfortable, yet The Dirties makes it as pleasant as possible.

The Dirties is crystal-clear about what it believes to be the root cause of school shootings and is unapologetic in the way that it shows Matt having been unstable long before the events of the film.

Even with Matt’s obvious flaws and Owen’s depressing and miserable existence, it’s easy to care about the two characters.

The acting in The Dirties is not particularly strong nor is its camera work fantastic, but what makes this film such a standout is the story that it tells. And it is a story that needs to be told.

The movie takes a look at a subject that in most mainstream forms of media is untouchable, giving the viewer a real human look at a subject that is ever-present in modern North American life.

Bold, entertaining and telling an important story, The Dirties sets its sights on the shooter rather than the victims and provides an unflinching gaze at what makes a high schoolaged time bomb tick.

With its final episode, Breaking Bad transforms its protagonist HENRYTYE GLAZEBROOK Editor-in-Chief

There’s a certain equation — a formula, if you will — that makes for the ideal conclusion to a long-running television series and, with equal parts closure, excitement and nostalgia, the Breaking Bad finale makes for a concoction that echoes the purity of Heisenberg’s own legendary product.

Fair warning to those who haven’t watched the finale yet: the following article is littered with spoilers.

“Felina” opens with Walter White, ragged and derelict, attempting to hotwire a vehicle using the lone screwdriver he scrounges from its glovebox. Fans have watched countless times as Walt has dragged himself from apparent downfall with little more than his inherent genius and the tools on hand, but this time it’s the unexpected variable of luck that saves Walt’s skin — for the time being, anyway.

“Just get me home,” Walt whispers as red and blue lights bleed through the car’s snowcovered windows. “Get me home. I’ll do the rest.” Walt tips the visor down and watches as the keys fall with a clatter directly into his open palm. The engine roars, a delightfully appropriate Marty Robbins track, “El Paso,” washes over the scene and, with a quick clearing of the windshield, we’re off.

What follows is a slowly paced episode that sees Walt painstakingly, even delicately, picking up the shards of his shattered life and piecing them together into an entirely new puzzle.

The task at hand for Walt is the tidy plucking of loose hanging threads, including insuring the financial security of his family, revealing his fallen brother-in-law’s final resting place and settling the score with a clubhouse full of skinheads that have been profiting off his particular brand of methamphetamine.

Although each of these goals are accomplished, Walt’s plan proves intricate in design but frayed at the edges in a way that only narrowly avoids falling apart in entirety.

An attempt at menacingly laundering money through Elliot and Gretchen Schwartz, his former business partners in Gray Matter Technologies, hinges on the unreliable Badger and Skinny Pete; a daring plan to level a gang of Nazis is dependant on a set of modified car keys that are

immediately confiscated and left just out of reach. This isn’t the shrewd and confidant Walt that viewers are used to seeing.

The man seen in “Felina” is not the calculating megalomaniac that wears a black pork pie hat nor the beaten down chemistry teacher left dizzy at his cancerous diagnosis, but an empirical tyrant finally sobered by the sudden and inescapable loss of everything that he holds dear.

There are many arguments to be made for what it is that Breaking Bad stands for: the scientific method as filtered through masterful storytelling, a clock-like diligence for specificity and purpose or the seductive nature of evil over good as reflected in Walt and his alter-ego.

But with the super-lab long since left in ashes, Walt’s wristwatch abandoned on a stray fuel pump and Heisenberg’s trademark bellow replaced by a raspy cough, what remains is a finely tuned experiment on the inevitability of change.

The true emotional payoff of “Felina”

comes not in its bloody final moments nor in Jesse Pinkman’s screeching, bat-out-ofhell escape from captivity but in a quiet scene shared between Walt and his lost wife, Skylar.

“All the things that I did, you need to understand,” Walt says to the woman whose life he’s left in shambles. “I did it for me. I Liked it. I was good at it and I was really … I was alive.” After five seasons worth of using his family’s best interests as an excuse even as his actions slowly ripped that very group apart, Walt is finally able to accept responsibility for what he’s done and, in doing so, completes his transformation from humble family man to monster and beyond.

Let’s go back to that opening scene in the car. Is Walt praying for some higher power to guide him? No, he’s speaking to that piece of himself that has always stepped in with some increasingly daring plan to pull him from the burner just before he boils. The part that lusts for more even when what he has is more than he’ll ever need. The one who knocks. Heisenberg.

The glory days for Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul).

It’s a piece of himself that Walt had long let run rampant, destroying his life in a reckless pursuit of the almighty dollar. But in this admittance of guilt to Syklar — a revelation to Walt and no one else — the two pieces dissolve into a single element that is as volatile as it is doomed.

The episode closes on Walt, alone in the Nazi stronghold and dripping from a bullet wound, stumbling through their closest approximation of a super-lab. He pauses and admires a particular canister, polished to the point of reflecting his own distorted visage.

The man who the series began with is gone, as is the meth maestro that once lauded the infallibility of a plan simply because it was his creation. Left in their place is a twisted combination of the two, both aware of his own ruinous decisions and able to plot one final scheme. And as the camera careens above him, collapsed and bloodied on the floor, this Walt fades alongside his former personas.

SHOW STILL

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CULTURE

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

OPINIONS

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

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The trolls of social media debates FATUMA ADAR

We live in a time where it is easy to make your opinion known — maybe too easy. Telling the difference between people who are steadfast in their opinions from trolls that will play the devil’s advocate until hell freezes over is no simple task.

We’ve gone from appreciating that everyone has an opinion to thinking, “oh my god if I see one more ‘like my status if you think child slavery is wrong’ on Facebook I will scream.” So does the use of social media help or hinder the power of debate?

This article is inspired by the aftermath of the debacle surrounding an article written

by Professor Kevin Flynn of the University of Saskatchewan campus. He wrote about the inclusiveness of different genders at pipe ceremonies within First Nations’ culture, with reference to an email he received that told

women not to participate in the ceremony if they were on their “moon time.”

Once the controversy became known — and because I follow Flynn on Twitter — I naturally wanted to find out what was going on. It was ridiculous how many tweets I had to go through to find the article in question.

Admittedly, I have very little knowledge on the cultural ceremony that the article was referring to. Reading it, I could only grasp that Flynn believed he observed something that was being discriminatory against women and decided to speak out. Something he had said set alight the Twitter cavalry that then bombarded him with hate tweets in what these people believed was for the sake of debate. But this is not a true form of debate.

As a person that was desperately trying to find out the truth about the workings of the ceremony, it was way too hard to locate the honest people with justified opinions.

CODY SCHUMACHER/GRAPHICS EDITOR

A debate entails that you do more than just tell the other person they’re wrong, but rather show them. I understand that it is next to impossible to have a valid argument in 140 characters or less, but does that mean that all a person can muster up for a rebuttal is the blanket “Oh look at the white man trying to bring us down again”? Which, for everyone’s information, is still racist.

I’d personally like to thank the people with a cool enough head — on both sides — that addressed this entire situation with what we may call social media etiquette.

It was because of you that I eventually got to learn more and you’ve successfully done what a debate should do: enlighten and encourage others to be introspective about their own opinions And so, in the context of this article, my message is to the trolls.

Freedom of speech was a big topic in question that surrounded this scandal — the notion being that, whether someone is politically correct or not, they are allowed to make their opinion known.

I fear that the trolls see themselves as freedom of speech activists when in reality all they are doing is peeling away the true reason why this fundamental right is so important.

Freedom of speech and debate is what propels our society forward. The ability that we are allowed to speak about what is on our minds — and point a finger at what we believe is wrong — is one that we should all know better than to abuse.

As a social media enthusiast, I see platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Youtube as an incredible way to bring awareness to what you as a person think might be wrong or right with the world. Yet what we are regularly left with is the mindless textual babble of those whose Internet connection is faster than the time it takes for them to rethink what they said.

Whether you agree with Flynn’s points or not, once the trolls came viciously knocking he responded appropriately by

asking those deeply offended to engage with him via email. No matter how much I believe in the power of social media, those who have a substantial opinion should be able to have an intellectual discourse via private as well as public mediums.

With the 140 character limit on tweets, you’re stuck with using a bunch of egregious punch words that look more like an attempt to get a rise than an attempt to educate someone on the flaws in their point of view.

I respect those who fearlessly state their viewpoints no matter what the risk. As long as there is honest intention and an attempt to bring substance to the argument, I’m all for a debate that emerges from two sides yearning for acceptance.

This entails that two sides are willing to speak out — no matter what the cost — on what they think is right. Even if you believe that he went about it all wrong, would you have been more at peace if Flynn saw something he thought was wrong and kept silent about it?

The presence of online trolls should not scare anyone from using their social media as a means to speak out, but we all have to acknowledge that it’s partly due to these critics that anything posted on Facebook or Twitter seems to lose credibility.

If I had copied and pasted this entire article onto Facebook, would it mean any less? Truly, an opinions article is just a lengthy, glorified tweet that has been proofread.

To get those introspective juices flowing, I ask you to think about whether or not you can actually debate on a social media platform. Or will there always be a troll that clouds the validity of anything being said?

As individuals, we should be grateful that by just typing on a keyboard we could be heard by the entire world. We also must understand that if any of us gets the chance to hold up a megaphone to all of planet earth, we should be saying something worthwhile.

New Miss America confronts narrative, met with racism DANI SAAD — The Cord (Wilfrid Laurier University)

WATERLOO (CUP) — After Barack Obama was elected President of the United States, it was suggested that a progressive step forward had been taken and that racism was finally looking like a thing of the past — a twisted set of ideas without any future.

Leading up to Obama’s election there was underwhelming media coverage of racism among registered voters, and when he was elected there was once again sparse coverage on any racist backlash to his victory.

On Sept. 16, Miss America was crowned just as she is every year — except this year she was a woman of Indian descent.

Nina Davuluri, representing the state of New York, was born to immigrant parents and is the first winner of Indian heritage.

Although she is fully American and of course identifies as such, the outrage over her victory, especially on social media, has been profound. In addition to the scale of the backlash, the message was crystal clear: Davuluri shouldn’t have won because she isn’t a real American.

On Twitter, people are calling her an Arab, a Muslim and even a terrorist. Apparently these are all acceptable insults and, perhaps more offensively, act as synonyms.

In my mind a “real” American would have some basic understanding of who an Arab is after all these years but, as people declare an Indian-American to be tied to al-Qaeda, I give up. My personal favourites were the tweets that read something like “I am not a racist but, come on, this is America.”

What does that even mean? Since when

did America mean white? What about when aboriginals were here living without any Anglo-European presence? Or when slaves were brought over to build the United States from the ground up?

If people can grasp that “American” and “white” are not the same in any sense, then we may finally be getting somewhere. Even the term “white” strips people of individuality and heritage. It lacks all logic to suggest that a Polish-American or an Icelandic-American or an Australian-American or a SerbianAmerican are more acceptable Miss America winners than an Indian-American when the only difference is skin colour.

To be clear, this is an extreme minority of Americans who are making their racist, misguided comments public.

But the criticism of Davuluri, despite being covered more heavily in the media, was surely not as widespread as the racist sentiment in America after Obama was elected. It stands to reason that racists would be more offended by a black president than a non-white Miss America.

So either racists have confusing priorities or the media decided to cover up some of the more disturbing instances of outrage following Obama’s election and re-election.

The real reason behind the racism and the mysteriously inconsistent media coverage is about something much deeper and more historically rooted than bigotry or hatred. It is about narrative. All countries have a history and a narrative that tells the story of their nation’s evolution and development to the present day.

In the U.S., the common narrative seems to begin somewhere after the American

Nina Davuluri of New York won Miss America 2013.

Revolution while simultaneously ignoring events that may negatively impact the narrative.

We think of the framers of the constitution, political figures like Abraham Lincoln and inventors like Thomas Edison, while all but ignoring the massive contributions of indigenous populations, slaves and immigrants in building America.

Even when considering notorious criminals, the media has perpetuated images of Al Capone, John Dillinger and Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel. These men and others like them were responsible for the deaths of thousands of people but are almost celebrated in infamy in a way that visible minority criminals never have been.

There is still a football team in the NFL called the Washington Redskins, despite

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petitions for years to have it renamed. You’d think it would be an automatic change to be made in a society that has supposedly grown so much in the last few decades.

Imagine if there was a major sports team called the “Crackers.” The whole thing is utterly ridiculous.

Racism is still as much of an issue today as it was decades ago. Policies have changed, sur, but until we acknowledge the falsities and flaws in the narratives we so selectively pieced together comprehensive progression will never be fulfilled.

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OPINIONS

G is for Get rid of rape culture 3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

TRAVIS HOMENUK Opinions Editor

attitudes still exist across the country. If we continue to normalize these actions, they are not going to go away.

I would love to think that this rape culture doesn’t exist at the University of Saskatchewan campus, but I know it does.

While we did just have Sexual Assault Awareness Week, there was also a sexual assault reported on Sept. 12, taking place in the early evening on Cumberland Avenue.

Not to mention the continued controversies over the Don’t Be That Guy campaign and the U of S Students’ Union’s positive spin on it with the Be This Guy campaign.

These campaigns attempt to end sexual assault, sexism, rape culture and everything in between; yet critics find faults within each advertisement, eschewing both campaign’s good-hearted and poignant objectives.

If we can’t all agree on a solution to end rape culture on our campus, in our province or in our country, how is it ever going to end? I challenge the Don’t Be That Guy or Be This Guy nay-sayers to come up with an alternative solution that works towards ending rape culture in Canada.

While the chant at SMU was criticized and publicized as not okay, the culture that perpetuates these ideas continues to thrive.

Rape culture will only exist as long as we allow it to, so we all need to be active participants in this change.

Those interested in working towards a change can submit an entry for the U of S’s Be This Guy video contest, which aims to show how everyone can help prevent sexual assault.

Rape culture is still alive and well in Canada. Let’s all congratulate ourselves on a job poorly done.

After watching and reading about the recent sexist chants produced by orientation leaders at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax during frosh week, I can’t help but shake my head and wonder where we keep going wrong. I might expect this kind of behavior in another country where misogyny and sexism are apparently more existent, but Canada is supposed to be better than this, isn’t it?

For those who are unaware, the chant goes like this: “SMU boys, we like them YOUNG: Y is for Your sister, O is for Oh so tight, U is for Underage, N is for No consent, G is for Grab that ass.”

While the whole chant is terrible, the part about — oh I don’t know — underage, non-consensual sex really irks me to the nth degree. Apparently these students at SMU don’t support the law or feminist values.

What generation is going to finally end rape culture in Canada? I would say the world but, frankly, if we can’t deal with this in our own backyard than how are we ever going to tackle it abroad? While the events at SMU are not representative of Canada entirely, all it takes is one piece of moldy bread to spoil the whole bag.

I do not want Canada to be associated with these sexist behaviours, and I’m sure many of you carry the same sentiments. Although the chant took place provinces away, this is a national issue because sexist and misogynistic

STEPHANIE MAH

Reality television is dramatic, entertaining and usually not real NAOMI ZUREVINSKI

SHOW STILL

What is your reality TV show of choice?

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Whether you’re into Big Brother or you keep up with the Kardashians, many people spend numerous hours each week watching reality television shows. And if you dare tell them what happens before they watch the next one, all hell just might break loose.

There are not many benefits to spending an entire day watching back-to-back episodes of a certain program. It’s an obvious waste of time as you procrastinate from studying and normal life.

Characters in these shows largely serve one of two purposes.

First, they represent an ideal. Their lives look fascinating and different from ours.

Take Lauren Conrad for example. While on The Hills, Conrad managed to hardly move all day — often getting pedicures or lounging by the pool — but ate out for all her meals and still managed to show up looking like a fox at unreal beach parties.

Seriously, who lives like that?

Of course my grade nine self followed those ladies from The Hills to The City, meanwhile hoping that someone would approach me to feature my life in something similar. I’m still waiting for The Prairies to take flight, starring yours truly.

Secondly, reality TV characters serve as a form of amusement to be laughed at and judged. Sure, you might be broke and failing all your classes, but at least you’re not Snooki. But whether Snooki is pregnant or her new book sucks is totally irrelevant because you’re still broke and you’re still failing your classes.

Then there’s more family-centered reality TV. Sister Wives, Cake Boss or 19 Kids and Counting would all fall into this category. However, even these shows can go terribly wrong. Remember John & Kate Plus Eight? Yeah, mostly just Kate nowadays. The marriage unfortunately imploded on television, effectively tearing

the family apart for a while.

What about Toddlers and Tiaras? They may look cute, but what kind of society is this that we sit at home watching six-yearolds get spray tans and compete to see who looks better. They’re six years old; who cares?

Reality TV is rarely about promoting social justice, good morals or kindness.

Instead people are applauded, judged or mocked at for acts of violence, lying, cheating, vulgarity and excessive materialism — ­ all the while setting awful examples for viewers of all ages. There seems to be no limit to how far is too far.

In effect, I think reality TV helps viewers to temporarily walk away from their own realities. Watching somebody else experience life — the good, the bad and the ugly — is generally pretty amusing and serves as great gossip. But it definitely doesn’t teach anyone anything worth learning. I really think there can be a better method of unwinding or amusing ourselves.

Reality television is fundamentally a massive waste of time that could be better used. Most viewers know this yet choose to engage anyway. But spending spare time watching series after series won’t get you more friends, make you smarter, help you in school and it definitely won’t improve your character as a human being.

So yes, count your blessings that you’re not Snooki. But don’t blame her if you’re looking to improve the quality of your life.

The next time you decide to hibernate in your bed with a reality TV show, maybe reconsider. My guess is that there are several other things that you could use that time towards. Rather than watching someone else’s life, try spending more time engaging in your own.

OPINIONS

17

What’s standard about English?

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

TRAVIS HOMENUK Opinions Editor As humans, we have the great and all powerful ability to speak — though very few of us actually know how to effectively communicate with each other.

The notion of standard English is one that has been drilled into my brain because it is the accepted form of English regardless of whether it is written or spoken.

When a non-native English speaker says, “I had went to the store,” or when your grandparent says, “so I goes over to the barn,” we — that is this entitled ‘elite’ group of English speakers who know exactly how to speak perfectly — get our gitch in a knot because we know better. Some of the snobbier folks might even go so far as to correct the person who has apparently misused our almighty language.

From the two examples given, the meaning of both sentences is not lost. Even though the grammar of each sentence is not correct according to standard English, the action is evidently clear. So in this case, are the sentences actually wrong? I think not.

Susan Walsh from Mount Saint Vincent University works to integrate discussions about language in the classroom in her essay, What Does It Mean to Problematize Language as We Teach English? She suggests that we all need to be more critical of language, effectively challenging the supposed standard by which we are all — regardless of our regional differences, age or ethnicity — supposed to abide.

Language is not at all a black and white discussion point. We as learners and teachers must uncover and embrace the grey areas in which the majority of the populace resides when it comes to writing or speaking the English language.

Notably, each language does not translate perfectly into English and vice versa, which

CODY SCHUMACHER/GRAPHICS EDITOR

is perhaps why it can be so difficult to communicate with someone whose additional language is English. If a non-native English speaker does not share an equivalent word in their language for something so seemingly simple and common to native English speakers, the former is seen as uninformed or lesser for either not knowing the word or speaking way that’s grammatically incorrect.

Unlike world politics or religion, the English language actually has a solid, irrefutable structure — with dictionaries and thesauri to boot. There is little room for interpretation or argument when it comes to English, which makes it terribly exclusive.

For Walsh, there are many factors that we all should consider about language in relation to culture and identity before we berate someone for speaking incorrectly. First and

foremost we must mentally problematize language.

Now, have you heard of the word "problematize" before? The long and the short of it is that when you problematize something, you critically think of it in such a way that you dismantle the common knowledge about the subject at hand and break it down.

So, problematizing standard English seems like an excellent thing to do since it is rarely challenged.

According to Walsh, language shapes our being. It has to do with what we know, who we are and who we become as humans. Thus, individuals from varying regions of the world will speak the English language differently — which is why we have dialects. Think about speakers from Newfoundland or Fargo, North Dakota and consider the ways in which their accents affect their spoken English.

Therefore language has multiple forms, although not all are valued equally. While I don’t want to speak for the masses, I will personally sonfess that I enjoy those who speak with British accents more than I do those individuals who have an accent from the deep south in the United States. I’d much rather hear “jolly good” than “yee-haw” any day.

In fact, people are often treated as others once they are identified as having an accent.

An example would be an immigrant from any given country being told by a native English speaker that he or she has an accent. The child may speak English perfectly, but is still identified as lesser because of the apparent dialect. Having this mentality when speaking to someone or describing someone as having an accent after the fact adheres terribly to the racist world in which we live.

Why do we say, “an Indian doctor with an accent diagnosed my illness,” when we could just say “the doctor diagnosed my illness?”

Does that fact that the doctor was of Indian

descent with an accent really matter to the story? It’s all about perspective and attitude.

This example ties in to Walsh’s last point: language operates in relation to identity markers such as race, ethnicity and gender.

These relations have to do with power and hegemonic forms of that power.

As humans — especially those of us who are native English speakers — it's important that we realize not everyone understands language in the same way or speaks it in an identical manner. Heck, I don't understand so-called “academic” language half of the time, so imagine what an immigrant child who's brand new to Canada must deal with?

Because English is spoken in so many countries the world over, it’s easy for us native speakers to be all uppity and snobby toward those who don’t have the training to adhere to standard English in its entirety.

If you were able to read this article, comprehend it and criticize it, you’re certainly in a position of linguistic power — but this is not the case for everyone.

Try for a day to be self-aware and critically reflective of the language that you speak.

Listen to how others talk and see what your reaction is to hearing English spoken by people of different genders, ethnicities and races.

Let's broaden our understanding of language and see what happens. Perhaps standard English does more bad than good because it shapes the ways in which we view others who speak the same language with different accents or grammatical structure.

While some may not adhere to perfectly grammatically correct sentences, these speakers should not be viewed as having any less value than someone who was raised with the apparent privilege of knowing and using standard English.

Volunteering abroad: the first world’s burden QASIM KAREEMI and SARAH MITCHELL — The Athenaeum (Acadia University)

WOLFVILLE (CUP) — Every summer, students find their way around the world on unique traveling opportunities in developing countries. From Ghana to Ecuador to India, volunteer programs for university students aim to bring development to impoverished countries through student leadership.

We commend our peers for their hard work in these faraway countries and assume that these programs present valuable and successful methods by which we bring aid to desperate communities that would be left in much worse conditions were it not for altruistic volunteer efforts.

However noble in intent, these programs are a new method of the imposition of western values of development and progress through programs that offer better opportunities to the individuals volunteering abroad than they do those they are supposed to be helping.

Volunteer programs abroad present a new manifestation of the first world’s burden to help those in need. We send our students across the world, like the missionaries who traversed the globe long ago, to impoverished places that lack those holy institutions of democracy and development.

These are institutions that we have been raised to idealize, much the same as the missionaries of old idealized Christian values. Like was done in the past, we build schools and aim to improve the communities by imparting our own values and knowledge, which we promise to be of great global value.

Volunteers who travel abroad are not necessarily motivated by the supposed altruism we imagine — in fact recent research suggests the opposite.

In Rebecca Tiessen’s 2012 study on the motivations of Canadian students who volunteer abroad, “personal growth was the motivation most often indicated as very important” — as indicated by 55 out of the 68 participants in her sample. They also highlighted the “luck” they associated with being born in Canada and the developed world.

As Tiessen herself notes, this suggests that

Who actually benefits from volunteering abroad?

these Canadian student volunteers see the developing world as unlucky. They assume that volunteering is a good way to reverse the fortunes of the unlucky, paying little regard to the global system they perpetuate and benefit from, which constitutes the real foundations of the “unluckiness” of the developing world.

These neo-colonial endeavors are not merely perpetuated by students, but are empowered by foreign aid institutions at a higher level.

The Canadian International Development Agency is a government organization that funds foreign development programs. A large

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portion of CIDA’s funds are actually directed toward various forms of volunteering abroad programs. This means that much of our foreign development money is being spent on sending Canadian students abroad for their own personal growth while keeping them safe and secure amongst the dangerous and unlucky. Again these programs are reminiscent of the state-funded missionaries sent to bring Christianity to the heathen masses scattered around the globe.

This is not to condemn those students who do volunteer abroad or to suggest that the work they do is without any benefit whatsoever to the communities they aim to help.

What is important here is to note our own selfish attitudes underlying some of the noblest looking programs we fund. But we should not simply abandon these enterprises and leave the developing world alone altogether.

As the famous post-colonialist author Aimé Césaire said, “for civilizations, exchange is oxygen.” The important question is whether the way that we currently exchange knowledge and goods with other nations is the most equitable and fair way of interaction and trade. To this end, the answer is simply no.

Whether we like it or not, we help to maintain a global system which perpetuates increasing disparities of power and wealth.

Even when we aim to alleviate the symptoms of this systemic inequality, our efforts amount to little more than self-beneficial endeavors that perpetuate neo-colonial ideals of development.

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HUMOUR

3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

Campus Chat If you were a new member of the Spice Girls, what would your name be and why?

Sugar Spice, because I’m really nice.

Stephanie Pankiw

Ginger Spice 2.0, for obvious reasons...

Rib Spice, because I like meat.

Evan Westfield

Salty Spice, because salt is my favourite spice.

Jill Meldrum

Crossword

Lisa Thalheimer

Faculty oF law the Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP $20,000 Entrance Scholarship is the largest scholarship of its kind in canada. winners of this prestigious award will have the opportunity to study at one of canada’s most innovative law schools, known worldwide for its expertise in natural resources, energy and environmental law, and the canadian leader in lawyering skills development.

• offered annually to a student entering their first year of the JD program, with the opportunity for renewal in their second and third years.

• Students must demonstrate community leadership and academic excellence.

• Eligible first-year students will automatically be considered by the Faculty for nomination.

law.ucalgary.ca

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HUMOUR

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Comics Fake News 3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com

Ziggy Marley chops roots, drops reggae

MIKE T.

Ziggy Marley’s famous dreadlocks have now been donated to charity.

Ziggy Marley has announced his retirement from the world of reggae, stunning music fans across the globe The news comes two weeks after Marley cut off his trademark dreadlocks — estimated by experts to be over six feet in length — in order to donate them to Flow for Schmoes, a charity that specializes in using the healthy hair of donors to craft wigs for those diagnosed with male-pattern baldness.

“I just can’t seem to find the music anymore,” Marley said. “I’m worried about everything. It’s like every little thing is going all wrong.”

Sources indicate that Marley has spent the last two weeks in his studio trying in vain to put the finishing touches on his latest album but hasn’t made any progress.

“Ziggy’s just been wandering aimlessly among the steel drums, staring at them like they’re some strange beast. I think he’s lost his touch,” said a source close to Marley, who chose to remain anonymous. “The other day, I saw him hauling a trolley full

JORDAN DUMBA/PHOTO EDITOR

of accordions into the soundbooth.”

Some have theorized that Marley cutting his dreadlocks is directly related to his loss of musical ability, though the artist insists that the idea is preposterous.

“It’s not the hair, man. Some unlucky guy got a fresh set of locks on account of that hair and I wouldn’t take that away from him for anything,” Marley said.

Fourty-two-year-old David Phillips of Portland, Oregon, a pastor and stay at home dad who was the gracious recipient of Marley’s donated hair, hopes that the world-renowned superstar will return to music soon.

“I’ve always loved Ziggy,” Phillips said, carefully stuffing his new hairdo into an oversized red, green and gold toque.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to announce my upcoming debut album, an all reggae rendition a familiar Beatles romp that I’ve titled Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Dub Band.”

DAN

SMBC-COMICS.COM

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3 October, 2013 • thesheaf.com