March 2, 2017

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March 02, 2017

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International politics and policies: U of S at Model UN and Model NATO conferences

USask Model United Nations / Supplied U of S students arrive home after the Model UN and Model NATO conferences in Ottawa.

TEEVIN FOURNIER

“

The reason I joined was for the counterterrorism aspects ... so the club really isn’t as dry as many believe it to be.

”

- Dali Holloway, second-year political studies student

With the increase of globalization and international relations, many students feel that finding solutions to global issues is paramount.

In order to do this, nine students from the University of Saskatchewan attended the Canadian International Model United Nations and Carleton Model North American Treaty Organization conferences in Ottawa over the winter break.

MUN and MNATO events

have a combined attendance of hundreds of students from across North America and the world. Participating students have the opportunity to role play as delegates from assigned countries and discuss current international topics, ranging from disarmament and the threat of cyber warfare to regional security in the Balkans and the link between women’s empowerment and sustainable development.

Matthew Selinger, president of the USask MUN club and third-year student of modern languages with a minor in political studies, sees the conferences as more than just an opportunity to act like a delegate from another country.

“MUN conferences aim to improve a student’s public speaking, co-operation and diplomacy skills while participating in a process to simulate a solution to a world issue. I think most importantly, it brings people from different backgrounds together and you gather different perspectives of the world throughout the conference,” Selinger said, in an email to the Sheaf.

Aside from public speaking, decision making and co-operation skills, the simulations at MUN and MNATO conferences help students understand how international organizations like the UN and NATO make

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decisions. Confidence building, research and negotiation are other skills that these conferences help to develop. MUN and MNATO also offer hands-on learning experiences for students interested in international politics and debate.

Preparation for these conferences includes researching the perspectives of a delegated country on a given topic and writing a position paper outlining that country’s stance and what the student, as a delegate, hopes to achieve during the conference. Dali Holloway, a second-year political studies student, comments on the preparation process.

“The deadline for papers was a week and a half before the conference, so after those were submitted I had to understand general NATO procedures and how the committee sessions are carried out, the specific wording for motions, voting, etc.,” Holloway said, in an email to the Sheaf.

The USask MUN club is open to all students at the U of S. According to Mackenzie Stewart, a fourth-year political studies major, the club is especially well-suited to students with a passion for politics, international issues and debate.

“I am very interested in politics and policy,” Stewart said, in an email to the Sheaf.

“MUN is a really great way

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The Sheaf is a non-profit, incorporated and student-body funded partially by way of a direct levy paid by all part and full-time undergraduate students at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). The remainder of the revenue is generated through advertising. The financial affairs are governed by a Board of Directors, most of whom are students. Membership in the Society is open to undergraduate students at the U of S who 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 Editor-in-Chief has the right to veto any submission deemed unfit for the Society newspaper. In determining this, the Editor-in-Chief 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. The Sheaf is published weekly during the academic year and monthly from May through August.

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to get to do both. Plus, it is really fun to get to pretend to be a country and vote and negotiate along the lines of your [delegated country’s] desires.”

Holloway also feels that the club is more approachable and interesting than it might seem to some students.

“Even though I’m a political science major, the reason I joined was for the counter-terrorism aspects of it, so the the club really isn’t as dry as many believe it to be,” Holloway said.

Selinger recommends that students who are interested in joining or who have a general interest in the USask MUN club contact the club at usask.mun@usask. ca.

“I will let people know the details and time of the [executive elections] meeting.

If you wish to show general interest for next year, then I will make sure to stay in touch with you and answer any questions you may have regarding the club or external conferences,” Selinger said.

To any students interested in participating at next year’s MUN conferences, either through the U of S or as an individual delegate, Selinger encourages them not to hesitate.

“I do not have one iota of regret for getting involved with MUN.”

The mission of the Sheaf is to inform and entertain students by addressing those issues that are relevant to life on campus, in the city, or in the province. The newspaper serves as a forum for discussion on a wide range of issues that concern students. Written for students by students, the staff of editors, photographers, and artists collaborate with volunteers as studentjournalists to produce a product with relevance to the university community. With each composition, the Sheaf stays in touch with students on the U of S campus. It provides unique insight to university issues through a student perspective.

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corrections There were no errors brought to our attention in our last issue.

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mar 02, 2017

PAGENEWS TYPE

Undergraduate student shares research

at Aboriginal Achievement Week university students should be finding ways to implement these kinds of renewable energy resources in order to change the course of energy consumption in the future.

“Looking for these kinds of alternative energy resources is important because we are in a time of transition and we have an incredible opportunity right now to implement these different ideas so that we can move away from nonrenewable energy resources,” Doucette-Garr said. “Our generation has the opportunity to leave a better footprint for future generations.”

Doucette-Garr is unsure if she will work further on this research, but she knows that she will continue to contemplate autonomy in Indigenous communities.

“I am always thinking about what I can do to help make Indigenous people more autonomous and I am always so baffled by the complexity of that question,” Doucette-Garr said. “There’s so many more deep-rooted issues than just trying to find an economic answer, but it does help. So I took an economic stance to [try] to help Indigenous communities with this research.”

Doucette-Garr emphasizes how important university can be for Indigenous students who want to make an impact in their home communities.

“Just having Indigenous people come to university is so important. Those innovative ideas are out there and having Indigenous people come to university and finding these ideas and bringing them back to their community could solve so many issues, so that is the principle behind my research. The ideas are out there. We just need to come to university to find them.”

Shazia Nagji / Supplied Breanna Doucette-Garr presented research on Indigenous energy sovereignty at AAW.

LYNDSAY AFSETH The University of Saskatchewan is consistently trying to create stronger relationships with Indigenous students and faculty, and Aboriginal Achievement Week is one more opportunity for all students to build community.

AAW began on Feb. 27 with a panel on sustainability featuring an undergraduate student, a graduate student and a professor who all presented their research findings. The week will also include a gala on Mar. 2 and a round dance on Mar. 3, both open to everyone.

Graeme Joseph, team leader of First Nations, Metis and Inuit student success at the Aboriginal Students’ Centre, spoke about how important it is for the U of S to host events like these.

“When we think about Aboriginal people, we often think about all of the significant challenges that exist within certain communities and Canadian society as a whole,” Joseph said. “What we want to do is take a moment to think about the contributions that Aboriginal people make to the university, Saskatoon and Saskatchewan, and to celebrate those contributions because they are significant and they are many.”

Joseph believes that it is important for Aboriginal people to have opportunities to express themselves outside of the narrative of common stereotypes.

“Through seeing Aboriginal people in a different way than they would be seen in things such as the media, students mar 02, 2017

will have an intercultural experience [that will] help them gain a better understanding of who Aboriginal people are and our history, our culture and our contemporary society,” Joseph said.

Breanna Doucette-Garr, a third-year health studies student, and Tennille Bear, a masters’ student in Indigenous land-based education, had the opportunity to share their research during AAW. Bear focused on relationality, the values in language and land, effects of colonization, sustainability and how to apply these teachings to Indigenous communities.

Doucette-Garr explains her research and the principles behind it.

“My main focus is Indigenous energy sovereignty, which would make First Nations communities more autonomous and less reliant on the government for money, and instead generating their own income,” Doucette-Garr said.

To begin her research, Doucette-Garr started searching for an alternative energy resource that could be implemented in Indigenous communities.

“I found the solar updraft tower and it was really interesting to me, so I started doing research on that. From finding the materials for the structure and the variables you need to build the structure, I started looking for a community that would match this type of energy,” Doucette-Garr said. “I found a reservation in Arizona that would work perfectly, so I took the research I found and applied it to the area.”

Doucette-Garr believes that

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Jessica Goddard / Supplied On the arctic field school program, Jessica Goddard captures a lone polar bear on the move, a unique opportunity for U of S students.

Arctic field school offers

students hands-on research opportunities NYKOLE KING At the University of Saskatchewan, many students never get the chance to explore their research interests through a hands-on approach. In the arctic field school program, students not only specialize in arctic studies but also present their research to Parks Canada and the general public at the end of their program.

Arctic field school is a two week intensive program in Churchill and Wapusk National Parks in Manitoba that engages undergraduate students with a research project of their own choice on a topic related to arctic animals. Students enroll in the three credit course Animal Bioscience 475: Field Studies in Arctic Ecosystems and Aboriginal Peoples. They submit a research proposal before the trip so that they can research their topic and collect and analyze their data during the trip.

Dallis Aiken, a student in her final year of animal biosciences in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, shares how unique this program is within the animal bioscience course options.

“It’s the most diverse animal bioscience program and it’s hardly a class. It’s very much a field class; there’s not a lot of lectures and barely any note taking at all.

There’s just tasks you have to accomplish through the program,” Aiken said.

The field school accepts students from the U of S and

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the University of Manitoba at the undergraduate and graduate level. Even though participants work on their own research, they also help graduate students collect data if necessary.

Jessica Goddard, a fourthyear animal bioscience student, explains how the program emphasizes an Indigenous viewpoint in arctic studies and often features lectures from elders in the community.

“We got presentations from [elders], we talked with a few of them, we learned about their history and their culture, and we went for hikes and such. We had a Parks Canada interpreter and she would show us all the historic sites and things like that. It really brought in the wildlife in the Aboriginal community and the history,” she said.

Goddard’s research group examined the use and location of polar bear day beds, shallow pits dug for areas of rest. They determined that the bears prefer spots with prevailing winds and specific kinds of vegetation.

Goddard then went on to present her research at the U of S Biology Symposium and will also be going to the U of S AgBio Research Day on Mar. 17.

Aiken’s research group investigated the use of trail cameras in detecting and studying animals in a non-invasive way. They collected data on which distance and speed captures the clearest images of animals, finding that trail cameras could clearly capture animals moving at walking

speed from up to 20 metres away.

Goddard reflects on the importance of attending the field school and how crucial the research aspect was in determining her future career goals.

“It was just a big eye-opener for me in the sense that I didn’t know whether or not I wanted to pursue research or not, and even though I am still debating, I feel like that’s definitely the direction I am going in. I’m wanting to, as soon as I am done my thesis, apply and do graduate studies or a bachelor program.

Specifically I am very interested in wildlife and conservation. It really instilled in me that this is what I want to do; and not only that, but I am able to do this, and that if I work hard then I can accomplish my goals,” Goddard said.

Aiken was enthusiastic in explaining that students had experiences that would not be available in a classroom, such as a daily two-kilometre hike that helped participants connect with their surroundings and build friendships with other students.

“There are things the trip gave me that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else. For example, we had to take a helicopter out to our camp, so I went on my first helicopter ride. [I] also went swimming with beluga whales [and] got to see polar bears maybe 20 feet from me on the outside of our camp.

I never would have gotten those experiences without the trip. I loved it all.” mar 02, 2017

PAGENEWS TYPE

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

Annual Shine a Light Gala raises money for women and youth refugees NATASHA HAUSERMANN The Shine a Light Gala on Mar. 2, hosted by the World University Service of Canada group at the University of Saskatchewan, aims to raise money to provide higher education opportunities for young women in refugee camps. With the growing refugee population in Saskatoon, the event connects the campus to a wider cause by promoting education for those who may have a difficult time accessing it.

WUSC is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged youth around the world. The U of S WUSC committee is a part of the Student Refugee Program

and has been involved in sponsoring refugee students who come to Canada for over 35 years.

Celestin Usengumuremyi, third-year regional and urban planning student, came to the U of S from Malawi’s Dzaleka refugee camp after he qualified for a post-secondary scholarship in 2013. He became an active member of the WUSC committee in 2014.

“I have been a member of WUSC since 2012 [coming] from Malawi’s Dzaleka refugee camp after qualifying for a post-secondary sponsorship to Canadian universities. The U of S seemed to be most pleased to welcome me as its new student as of August 2013. [In] 2014, I became an active member of

WUSC committee, and as of now I am the co-ordinator,” Usengumuremyi said, in an email to the Sheaf.

Shine a Light Gala includes cocktails, a buffet and some exciting entertainment for all students to enjoy. Tickets were $25 for students, with proceeds contributing to purchasing solar lamps, school supplies and classes for women in refugee camps. With the existing inequalities women face in pursuing higher education, Usengumuremyi explains that despite the increased ticket prices — previously $15 — this event offers important opportunities for young women to achieve a higher education.

“Shine a Light is attached to WUSC SRP as a small branch that aims to raise the number of girls coming to Canada through WUSC to reach that of boys. However, its main aim is to raise the girls’ secondary and post-secondary school enrollment in general,” Usengumuremyi said.

He notes that this event is important for U of S students to attend because it allows them to reflect on

their education and the opportunities they benefit from. “[Students] are the ones who hold a deep understanding of the struggles [they need] to overcome to progress academically. It will help to remind U of S students to never take for granted the facilities and the great university they have that support their education,” Usengumuremyi said. “Someone in the refugee camp does not have these opportunities — no electricity, girls’ hygienic basics and education-prohibiting traditions — but they never give up.”

Shine a Light Gala is hosted across Canadian universities once a year and Usengumuremyi explains how it changes the lives of many.

“Shine a Light changes the lives of [more] than most of us ever imagine. Funds go to Kenyan refugee camps to help increase the number of educated girls. There are two refugee camps: Dadaab and Kakuma. Dadaab is the largest refugee camp in the world, hosting [276,945] refugees, which is almost the

same population as that of Saskatoon. The Kakuma refugee camp hosts more than [160,000] refugees,” he said.

Usengumuremyi shares what he likes most about Shine a Light Gala.

“My favourite part about this event is that sometimes we have traditional performances and it reminds me of the traditional activities — dances and songs. It is also part of the students who came through WUSC and other former WUSC members re-uniting, catching up and sharing some improvements to be made,” he said.

Usengumuremyi encourages U of S students to attend, noting that this event is not only exciting but that students have the chance to take part in changing young women’s access to higher education.

“We raise a significant amount of funds that convey a remarkable change to the girls’ education level every year,” Usengumuremyi said. “So, I guess we should not think of how the ticket is expensive but rather think of how we are changing someone’s life forever.”

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SPORTS & HEALTH PAGE TYPE

“But you look fine:” Living with the stigma of invisible illness AMANDA SLINGER Since Bell’s Let’s Talk Day on Jan. 25, I’ve been thinking about ways to fight stigma. Openness and transparency are key elements of a compassionate democratic society, so let me be blunt: I’m 28 and I’ve just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia affects everything from mood and energy levels to digestion and chronic pain. The label is new, but the symptoms aren’t. Despite a list of physical problems a mile long, most doctors called me “sensitive” or “depressed” and then looked no further.

Although, it was generally assumed that an underlying condition must be responsible for my diverse array of symptoms, no one could identify the problem. At first, even specialists failed to locate the source of my troubles, so after 10 years of illness, it’s a huge relief to finally have a label that makes sense.

For me, like many others, it took more than a decade

to accurately identify my illness. Over the years, I was diagnosed with this and that until my list of medical conditions numbered in the scores — yet no one ever seemed to believe I was suffering.

If you’re struggling with an invisible illness or disability, I’d wager that this condescending and stigmatizing rhetoric will sound familiar: “You don’t look sick. You’re cancelling on me again? I wish I had time to take so many days off.

You’re just too sensitive! You’re young enough to take the stairs.

You’re better now, though, right? Just push through it. But you’re so young and thin, how can you possibly have anything to complain about?”

The list goes on, because if you happen to be young, slim or marginally attrac-

It’s still real to me: Professional wrestling comes to Saskatoon

Ryan Cadrain / Supplied Professional wrestling: neither sport nor art, but something else entirely.

COLE CHRETIEN Professional wrestling is often viewed as more entertainment product than sport, but fans of World Wrestling Entertainment may take issue with this statement. If the crowd response at the WWE event held on Feb. 19 was any indication, many of the fans in attendance find that authenticity comes second to the simple pleasures of theatrically cartoonish violence.

The WWE has always occupied a strange space in the

world of entertainment. The company has the look and presentation of sport but the legitimacy of competition has always been absent. Instead, the company has chosen to focus on soap-opera-style story telling with friendships, rivalries and vendettas playing out through campy multiweek storylines.

At its best, WWE represents an entire universe of characters contained in a single wrestling ring — a fantasy world where brave, steroid-abusing heroes prevail over cowardly,

tive, apparently your life is perfect by default. I can’t count the number of times friends and strangers alike have said to me, unaware of the irony, “But at least you have your health!”

It’s human nature to assume that illness takes an obvious, visual toll on a body or that you’re somehow perceptive enough to recognise suffering on sight, but many problems aren’t

so easy to detect.

Invisible illness refers to a subset of health problems that cannot be seen on the surface, many of which are chronic, recurrent or lifelong maladies. Synonyms for invisible illness include non-visible impairment and hidden disability.

These umbrella terms cover a wide array of imperceptible conditions including mental health and mood issues, sensory and perceptual disorders, cognitive and attentional difficulties, connective tissue disorders and chronic pain, intermittent physical impairments, autoimmunity and immunodeficiency, digestive and metabolic ailments, and disorders of the central nervous system.

This list is by no means exhaustive, but I hope it conveys at least a sense of the range of unseen impairments that are possible.

Those of us living with invisible illnesses and disabilities deserve your consideration and respect. I may look fine, but try to remember that each of us is mortal, uniquely flawed and deserving of human kindness. Any illness can be hard to spot in its early stages, and some medical conditions will never be visually apparent.

Moreover, you can’t assume that a person’s abilities and disabilities are fixed at a consistent level. Chronic medical conditions can also be intermittent, such as fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis, which further complicates the issue. Don’t assume people are overly sensitive, dishonest or lazy.

It’s much easier to treat strangers with compassion, if you first give them the benefit of the doubt. Just because you saw someone jogging across campus yesterday doesn’t mean they can give up their seat on the bus today. So the next time you find yourself judging a stranger, remember that health — like beauty — is more than skin deep.

steroid-abusing villains.

At its worst, it becomes a humorless, nonsensical slog where month-long storylines fizzle out into anti-climactic resolutions.

The WWE Live: Road to WrestleMania event, held at The SaskTel Centre, focused on quick matches with a minimalist stance on dialogue and storytelling. Both the WWE Intercontinental Championship and the SmackDown Tag Team Championship titles were successfully defended at this event.

The matches themselves were inconsequential and predictable, but an emphasis on clear-cut matches that pitted fan-favorite wrestlers against gimmicky villains allowed for the craft behind the performance to shine through.

The first match of the event was between two fan favorites, Dolph Ziggler and Apollo Crews. The match between Ziggler and Crews was the closest thing to a legitimate toss-up of the night, with no clear winner being telegraphed ahead of time. The fight consisted of highly choreographed acrobatics and uncomfortably long stretches of time where the combatants lay on the mat, pretending to be hurt or tired. After around 15 suspenseful minutes of fake-outs and reversals, Crews managed to pin Ziggler and

the match was over.

The second match was a bizarre tag-team showdown that pitted Heath Slater and Rhyno against the two-man wrestling team, The Ascension. The Ascension are visually inspired by Illuminati conspiracy theories and Norwegian Black Metal. In a particularly surreal moment, Slater entered the ring dressed in a t-shirt that read “I got kids,” which was met with a chant of “He’s got kids” from the crowd.

The juxtaposition of Slater, whose entire gimmick is fatherhood, against the occult-themed Ascension was jarring to say the least. The match itself quickly devolved into Viktor, the larger member of Ascension, attempting to obstruct Slater from tagging in his partner. The match ended after Rhyno successfully pinned Viktor.

Other fights of the night included a match between Mojo Rawley and Aiden English. English, who comprises one half of the tag team duo the Vaudevillians, was on brand, getting in several cheap shots while his tag team partner distracted the referee. Rawley, whose entire gimmick could be summed up with the phrase “sentient can of Mountain Dew Code Red,” ended up winning the match.

The first of the night’s two

title defense matches came in the form of a tag-team match between American Alpha, two incredibly angry men who just really love America, and Breezango, a two-man wrestling team who greatly resembled male strippers. This was the first important match of the night and also the absolute lowest point. The ensuing match was an embarrassing slapstick comedy routine which saw American Alpha successfully defend their belt.

The second title fight was three-way bout between AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose and The Miz for the Intercontinental Championship. Both The Miz and Styles were introduced as arrogant, showboating narcissists, while Ambrose filled the role of the heroic, working-class man. The match was a mix of incredibly serious showmanship and inspired — albeit corny — fight choreography. In the end, a stumbling, punch-drunk Ambrose defended his title after pinning both of the other wrestlers.

WWE Live focused on “actual” wrestling instead of overwrought melodramatic storytelling. Even though the matches were of little consequence to the overarching status quo of the company, it served as a fun introduction for casual observers to the surreal world of professional wrestling.

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

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mar 02, 2017

TYPE SPORTSPAGE & HEALTH

Huskies’ student trainer program offers hands-on experience EMILY KLATT Sports & Health Editor

Although many people are familiar with the achievements of Huskie student athletes, University of Saskatchewan students also work behind the scenes to help our sports teams succeed.

The Huskie Athletics student trainer program offers U of S students a hands-on opportunity to learn about the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries.

Students interested in careers in physical, sports or occupational therapy gain first-hand experience in these fields.

Participants work directly under the supervision of certified physiotherapists at the Athletics Sport Health Centre, assisting with the dayto-day services offered at the clinic. Each student trainer is also assigned a Huskies athletic team to follow for the year, both at home and while the team is on the road.

Jeremy Campbell, a fourthyear kinesiology student and a participant in the program,

mar 02, 2017

described how he became involved and the range of duties assigned to Huskies student trainers.

“I want to become a physiotherapist, that was my plan all along. So I heard this was a really good way to do it and I think the biggest thing we get [out of the program] is experience working with athletes,” Campbell said.

“You kind of have to solve problems, too, because [as] first responders the biggest thing [we do] is first aid, kind of dealing with that and getting to know people. We’re the middleman pretty much between the [physiotherapists] and the coaches and the athletes.”

Student trainers work on a volunteer basis, without financial compensation. However, the time commitment can end of up being comparable to that of a part-time job.

For Lisa Rystephanuk, also a fourth-year kinesiology student, that time commitment can sometimes be upwards of 30 hours per week.

“The bare minimum that they say when you come into the program is you have to do at least three practices a week, and then you’ll have to do a travel on the weekend.

It depends on how much you

want to put in. I know, just with regular practices — without anything extra — I’m with the team at least 12 hours a week and that doesn’t including travelling,” Rystephanuk said.

Managing a workload like that isn’t always easy. Like the Huskies athletes that they work with, student trainers also sometimes encounter challenges when trying to balance athletics with the rest of their lives.

“I think the biggest thing is at the start, just trying to manage [your time]. You’re told how much time, but you don’t really realize how much it is. When you’re on the road, you have to make use of the time on the bus — I’m always doing homework,” Campbell said.

Despite these challenges, both Campbell and Rystephanuk named numerous benefits they have received through their participation in the student trainer pro-

gram.

For Rystephanuk, the best part of her experience has been the people she’s been able to work with as a student trainer.

“One thing that keeps you around is — I’ve been around for three years — is the teams. You get attached to them. I started off initially as a float so my position was — I worked with hockey, track and field and wrestling. And initially I said, ‘Wrestling? I never want to do that,’ or had experience with it. [But when] you meet the team, I could never leave them,” Rystephanuk said.

For Campbell, it’s the critical thinking skills he’s gained on the job.

“Just kind of being ready for everything that’s going to happen, [thinking] far ahead so you’re prepared.

That’s the one thing this

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Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

has really helped me with — trying to think ahead and be ready for things,” Campbell said.

Regardless of what they’ve gained, both students highly encourage prospective students to apply for the program.

“Anyone in health sciences can apply to this program, and so applications are out now for it and we encourage everyone to [apply]. Even if you don’t get in after one year, apply again. It’s 100 per cent worth it, this program,” Rystephanuk said.

Applications for the 20172018 student trainer program are now being accepted. For more information, please contact sport.health@usask. ca.

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SPORTS & HEALTH

Unique fitness classes to break exercise boredom EMILY KLATT Sports & Health Editor

As much as we like to talk about the benefits of regular exercise, let’s be real: working out is hard, especially when you’re bored with your workout. Fitness classes are a great way to kickstart your workout routine when you’re feeling uninspired.

In some ways, group classes take the thinking out of exercise. You just show up and sweat — no other planning on your part required. But like anything else, fitness classes can also become boring after a while.

If you’re an avid fitness fan, maybe you’ve attended every damn spin class in the entire city. If you’re new to exercise, maybe traditional yoga classes bore the heck out of you.

No matter where you’re starting from, trying some new and interesting fitness classes can help you work towards a healthier you.

Saskatoon has a wide variety

of affordable, enjoyable and interesting fitness classes to choose from. Some are a little crazier than others, but all are something a little different from the norm.

1. Aerial silks at Club Mynx: Club Mynx offers a wide variety of alternative fitness classes ranging from pole dancing to “piloxing” — Pilates mixed with boxing.

It’s their aerial classes that are the most fun, though.

Aerial silks involves a series of artistic movements, all while suspended in the air from two pieces of fabric.

Feel like you’re flying while attempting to be graceful, even if you’re totally not.

Although it may look delicate, aerial silks aren’t for the faint of heart. An intermediate fitness level is recommended for aerial silk classes. Classes run for sixweek terms with once weekly classes.

2. Orangetheory Fitness: Orangetheory Fitness classes mix intervals of cardio and strength training, guaranteeing that you won’t get bored. Participants wear heart rate monitors to track their progress. The best part about Orangetheory? The

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor Tired of running from your fitness goals? Try a group class instead!

first session is free.

3. Paddle Board Yoga at SUP Saskatoon: If regular yoga isn’t intense enough for you, give paddle board yoga a try. The basics of yoga remain the same, except now you’re doing it while trying to balance on a paddle board. You might risk getting wet, but you’ll also build great core strength and balance skills.

SUP Saskatoon teaches classes on water all over the province from spring to fall.

4. Mat Class at Lead Pilates: Does anyone remember that episode of Corner Gas where Lacy tries to teach a Pilates class in

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Dog River but no one will go because they think it was invented by Pontius Pilate, the guy who ordered Jesus to be crucified? But it turns out that Wanda already teaches something called mat class, which is basically the same thing and everyone goes to that? No? Just me?

Anyway, Lead Pilates actually offers something called mat class. It’s just a regular old Pilates class, but I like that they call it mat class because it reminds me of a great TV show.

5. Underwater Hockey at YMCA Saskatoon: The name says it. The lo-

cal YMCA apparently offers drop-in underwater hockey.

What does this entail? You might need to get your feet wet to find out. All ages are welcome, and the class is free if you already have a YMCA membership.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the funky and alternative fitness class offerings in Saskatoon. Your gym might have a hidden gem, and the Physical Activity Complex on campus offers a wide range of options. This is just a starting point. Hopefully, you’ll find the fitness class that kickstarts your own personal wellness.

mar 02, 2017

PAGE TYPE

mar 02, 2017

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FEATURE

: e c n e l l e c x E In the key of

A look into the music department

JACK THOMPSON Staff Writer

Despite being a relatively small department when compared to others on campus, the department of music is quite active on campus and in the Saskatoon community. From scholarly activities such as lectures, to concerts and recitals, the department has plenty going on for the average student from any college to enjoy.

Starting with the faculty, of which there are eight, department head Gregory Marion listed some of the ways in which the faculty itself is involved in music.

“Our faculty are very involved in giving performances of either solo natures or as part of larger ensembles both at home, throughout the province and internationally ... We have faculty that are a crossover between the more article-driven and the performative. We have, for instance, a composer faculty member, which obviously is about composition as is suggested, but obviously has a performative aspect to the back edge of that as well,” Marion said.

Marion explained the outreach engagements that the music department puts on with

Music can be an excellent source of relaxation and entertainment for students, and the University of Saskatchewan music department is a great source of live music and other amenities for students outside the department, as well as those within it. the help of their students.

“Our outreach engagements vary, but principally they amount to an array of performances that go on over the course of any academic year and those performances involve our student ensembles that are led by our faculty members,” Marion said.

The music department currently runs seven ensembles each year, with others being offered depending on the availability of resources. The seven ensembles that have become a staple for the music department include the Greystone Singers, Wind Orchestra, University Chorus, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble and Music Theatre.

The Greystone Singers and the University Chorus are both choir-style vocal groups, with the distinction between them being that the Greystone Singers are available to join via audition, while the University Chorus does not require an audition and allows for nonstudents from the community to join. However, those who join the University Chorus must still be willing to commit to one

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rehearsal per week.

Another ensemble which does not require an audition is the Concert Band, which was the first instrumental ensemble to be sanctioned in the department in 1961. The Wind Orchestra was established out of the Concert Band due to growth in 1974 and has been chosen to perform at the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, the Canadian Music Educators Association and the Texas Music Educators Association.

Also noteworthy is the Jazz Ensemble, and aside from their reputable touring history, they have released six CDs as part of their “Bumper Crop” series. Students from the Jazz Ensemble have also played with the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra, a professional group.

Rounding out the U of S’s extensive ensembles are the smaller Chamber Ensemble and Music Theatre. The Chamber Ensemble is based around forming duets, trios and quartets, while Music Theatre takes eight to 14 students to create a musical in an opera, operetta or Broadway style.

Carlos Munoz Pimentel, firstyear political studies major and a first tenor in the Greystone Singers, explained some of the benefits of attending one of their shows.

“It supports the arts and usually that's a very big thing because a lot of people benefit. It’s a cultural benefit as much as it is a personal benefit. It benefits Saskatoon [and] it benefits our university, and you have a group of people who are able to joyfully sing music and it spreads their love of music through their voice,” Munoz Pimentel said.

To denote the level of talent found within these student ensembles, Marion provided an example of how these students are involved in the Saskatoon music scene outside of the U of S. “We have a number of our students, current students, who are members of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra. One of our fourth-year violinists is the assistant concertmaster with that group and when he earned that position — and it is an earned position — he was the youngest person in the country to have that kind of a position,” Marion said.

mar 02, 2017

PAGE TYPE FEATURE Ensembles are not the only way in which students can get involved in or simply appreciate the musical work of U of S students, as there are also recitals performed by music majors that are free to the public. Recital length for students varies on their year in the program, with first-years performing for 10 minutes and fourth-years generally performing for an hour.

Marion described the types of music that patrons can expect to hear at any given recital.

“A wide array of pieces will be heard on any of these concerts.

Principally these feature either solo instrument, in the case of one of our piano students for instance, or in the case of say, a voice student, there will be the singer and as well the person that is their collaborative performer on piano,” Marion said.

Marion explained that the focus is not wholly on one student at any time during these group recitals.

“

“Similar to any of the other instruments, there will be not only the focus on the solo instrument but as well the piano accompaniment.

Sometimes at these student-based recitals, students will play in small groups as well,” Marion said.

Ensembles are not the only way in which the music department can be an asset to students, as they also offer a lecture series.

“We have a very longstanding and active fine arts research lecture series, FARLS in Music for short. For a long time, this has been promoted and supported by the office of the vice-president research at the U of S, now Karen Chad, but this is reaching back into the 1990s as one of the longest standing lecture series on campus,” Marion said.

This lecture series allows for students to get a taste of the more academic side to music on a variety of topics, from music theory to how music relates

to culture. Presenters vary and topics change from lecture to lecture within the series, so each event is different.

Following the academic side to music, the music department also offers classes to students that do not require them to be a music major to take, allowing students to academically pursue music without committing to a full vocation in music.

“We have a music theory class that’s online [and] we also have a class that’s geared towards popular music online. Then for those students who don’t wish to be a music major, there’s a number of other classes that our music majors will take if non-music students have some experience in music and some love of continuing on,” Marion said.

These classes can often fill a fine arts requirement in many majors, so students can fill the requirements for their respective majors while still pursuing music.

Overall, the music department at the U of S is an excellent source of music, be it through academia or purely from an appreciation standpoint. This can be of great value to students who enjoy music that would like the opportunity to support their fellow students or simply because finding music on campus is convenient.

Either way one looks at music is valid, however, which Marion explains is one of the best aspects of music.

“Music is such a wonderful art form because one can engage at whatever level one’s comfortable engaging with music. Be it from somebody who just has a love of listening to music and that’s their connection, music is welcoming that way, to someone who loves to think about how music is put together in very, very intense structural ways.”

Music

is such a wonderful art form because one can engage at whatever level one’s comfortable engaging with music.

”

- Gregory Marion, head of the department of music

All Graphics by: Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

mar 02, 2017

www.thesheaf.com

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CULTURE

River Volta Reading Series

shines a light on Saskatchewan authors

“

Our biggest goal is to strengthen the community among writers and people who aspire to be writers.

”

Timlin Lecture in Economics Dr. Charles Noussair Professor of Economics University of Arizona

-Simon Boehm, MFA writing student and event organizer

“Economic Decision Making: Present and Future” Wednesday, March 8, 5:00 p.m.

Neatby-Timlin Theatre 241 Arts Building - 9 Campus Drive University of Saskatchewan Reception to follow Everyone is welcome to attend this free lecture Sponsored by the Timlin Trust, Department of Economics University of Saskatchewan

On now through April 30, 2017 Get your game on!

Explore the video game evolution - past, present and future. Try your hand at a super size Nintendo controller, play the giant Game Boy or test your knowledge of retro gaming music!

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River Volta / Supplied Author Lisa Bird-Wilson attended the last River Volta Reading Series hosted by the U of S.

LYNDSAY AFSETH Saskatoon has a rich literary community that offers regular author readings at bookstores and poetry reading nights — but the University of Saskatchewan master’s of fine arts writing students aim to offer a different kind of literary event and are doing just that.

On Mar. 1, the River Volta Reading Series held an event which featured readings from authors Lisa Bird-Wilson and Sylvia Legris. The RVRS is held once a month by the MFA writing students and it always takes place at 7 p.m. at D’Lish Café.

The events usually feature two authors who read from their latest works, after which there is an open mic session, where anyone can participate and everyone is encouraged to join.

Geoff Pevlin and Simon Boehm, MFA writing students and two of the organizers of the events, spoke to the Sheaf about the RVRS. “The River Volta Reading Series is a platform for authors or aspiring authors to get up and read their work, whether it be poetry, short stories, snippets from a novel or anything,” Pevlin said.

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The reading series was started in 2013 by two MFA students who had just moved to Saskatoon and wanted to find a way to get involved with the literary community.

“It’s been passed down through the students and we are the fourth ones to inherit it,” Boehm said.

The two authors who read at the most recent event, Bird-Wilson and Legris, are both based in Saskatoon and have won awards for their literary works — in fact, recently both authors were nominated for the Saskatchewan Arts Board Poetry Awards.

Bird-Wilson’s book, The Red Files, and Legris’ book, The Hideous Hidden, are both works of poetry that were released in 2016.

“We look for people who have recently published something or are going to publish something soon,” Pevlin said.

The reading series aims to create a space where writers of all levels can read their work among a supportive crowd, as this is something that the student organizers recognize is important for the literary community in Saskatoon.

“The literary world is very insulated, by nature.

Writers are generally in-

troverted, or their work is very private, and this is a good way to get exposure and to meet other people who are doing the same thing you’re doing,” Pevlin said.

As well as providing a platform for aspiring authors, the reading series is also a way to form a strong literary community that mixes both published authors and unpublished writers.

“Our biggest goal is to strengthen the community among writers and people who aspire to be writers,” Boehm said.

The events are held every month throughout the school year, usually on the last Wednesday of the month. The last RVRS event of the school year will take place on Mar. 29, and it will feature MFA writing students reading their work rather than the usual published authors — it will also have an open mic session as usual.

The events are laid back and fun, and have a supportive environment. It is a great opportunity for students who aspire to be writers to get exposure for their work and to network with other writers or students with common interests. Even students who are not writers can go to enjoy the talent of others and to have a drink and a dessert at the café.

“It’s a good way to meet new people and maybe present some of your own work,” Boehm said. “And if you don’t write yourself, there is great cake.” mar 02, 2017

PAGE TYPE CULTURE

Brodie Moniker brings eclectic sounds to Saskatoon

02 03 04 05 06 07 08

upcoming events • Danny Laj and the Looks, Sad Bucket and The Hook Up at Vangelis • First day of the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation Sports and Leisure Show at Prairieland Park • Saskatoon Blues Festival 2017 presents Ross Neilson with Paul Reddick at the Bassment

Thursday

friday

Jeff Sawatsky / Supplied Along with the release of his debut album, musician Brodie Moniker is set to play Amigos on Mar. 4.

BRIDGET MORRISON Culture Editor

Saskatchewan-based artist Brodie Moniker will be releasing his first album Nowhere Left to Ghost on Mar. 4 at Amigos. Alongside Moniker, the bands Von Jumbo and TOAM will also be playing, guaranteeing a fun night for residents of Saskatoon and students alike.

As part of the music scene for more than 15 years, Monkier has put together various albums under different appellations — most recently, PandaCorn’s Synthesis of Opposites, as well as one of his first albums with a band called Brian Sauce.

“Once I mustered the personal power to do that, [centre on myself], I found myself surrounded by beautiful people who shared the same vision. Drake Mark, Steve Leidal and Orion Paradis were integral to the recording of these songs,” Monkier said, in an email to the Sheaf.

Moniker describes his music as mixed genres — from rock to electronic, even to the blues.

“I’ve always had eclectic tastes. I don’t think that much has changed. I think what has changed is my worry about things fitting together and people understanding all my stylistic choices. Someday I hope to mar 02, 2017

be able to put the heaviest, hardest, darkest metal, next to the folk and heartstring ballad and do both with reverie and the respect all music deserves,” Moniker said.

Growing up, Moniker never felt his attention was meant for sports but luckily was introduced to music later in school, which sparked his passion.

“When I was young I struggled with sports … that was a serious downer, especially in rural Saskatchewan, where a good part of your manhood is measured by your sporting. Then in a small middle school in southern Saskatchewan someone gave me a saxophone and said, ‘blow,’ and it was then that I found something I could be good at without risking my life,” Moniker said.

Often artists cite their place of birth as a source of inspiration — this is only partially true for Moniker.

“I believe you are a product of your surroundings, but ultimately I try to take in what the world has to offer and express things bigger than my prairie upbringings. I love this place, but it is not my entire world,” Moniker said.

Citing artists such as Captain Beefheart, Frank Zappa, Nick Drake and St. Vincent, Moniker finds artists who explore outside of the box to be an inspiration to him and his music.

“When I see someone doing something great, with a voice and expression that

doesn’t remind me of anything past, present or future, then I’m inspired to traverse unexplored territory myself,” Moniker said.

In exploring his sound, Moniker even went on to discuss using less traditional ways of tuning.

“I often wonder if frequencies beyond our hearing are affecting us in ways, or the idea of ‘standard’ tuning not necessarily being harmonious with our environment.

I think Joni Mitchell used to tune her guitar to the sounds of birds and waterfalls before she’d write — maybe I’ll do more of that sort of thing in the future,” Moniker said.

Describing music as its own language, Moniker feels music is important to help express emotions.

“There’s something that can be expressed there that words can’t touch. Arranging sounds is as old as any vocalization and can express a wide range of emotions,” Moniker said.

Round up a couple of friends and come out to the show — it will be a night filled with good food and drinks and of course, good music.

Moniker’s album will be available on Mar. 25 for purchase on iTunes and off his website, brodiemoniker.com.

Tickets for Brodie Moniker at Amigos on Mar. 4 at 10 p.m. will be available for purchase at the door for $10. The event is 19+ and you must have valid ID to enter.

saturday

• Saskatoon Blues Festival 2017 presents Big Dave McLean with Jack de Keyzer and the 24th Street Wailers at TCU Place • Saskatoon Blues Festival 2017 presents Suzie Vinnick at the Bassment • The Cryptorchids, Seed and Alive in Tuscon at Vangelis • The Wild with The Classy Chassys at the Capitol Music Club

• Autopilot, Bang Bang Control and Pure Bliss at Vangelis • Brodie Moniker with Von Jumbo and TOAM at Amgios • Ellen Doty Trio at the Bassment • Saskatoon Blues Festival 2017 presents Suzie Vinnick with Cécile Doo-Kingué and Sue Foley at TCU Place • The Ashley Hundred with Castle River and Soft Cotton at the Capitol Music Club • First Aid Training in the Arts Building • Last day of the Saskatoon Blues Festival 2017 • Last day of the Saskatoon Wildlife Sports and Leisure Show at Prairieland Park

sunday

• Blackie and the Rodeo Kings at the Broadway Theatre • Old Man Luedecke at the Bassment

monday

• My Jokes Are Up Here at the Broadway Theatre • The Harlem Globetrotters at the SaskTel Centre

tuesday

• Comedy Night presents Mike Dambra with guests at the Capitol Music Club • International Women’s Day at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market

wednesday

www.thesheaf.com

∙ the sheaf publishing society 13

CULTURE

Laura Underwood / Layout Manager

Hidden gem of Saskatoon:

33rd Street brings promising future for business LAUREN KLASSEN Saskatoon’s 33rd Street is an area of the city that is providing local businesses a chance to thrive and a way to give customers a special experience — here are some stores worth checking out!

Pokeys Pinball Café Whether an arcade junkie or a student looking for something to do, this arcade bar promises to please all.

The business is a new addition to the 33rd Street area, and opened only a month ago. This new establishment is perfect for university students because of the afford-

able prices and late hours of operation.

The café serves lunch and dinner with prices ranging in the single digits. A café by day and a bar by night, customers can enjoy a drink while playing pinball on various retro pinball machines — and each machine has a different theme. The machines take $1 tokens to play, which makes this cafe perfect for those looking for a nostalgic night of playing pinball.

The Whimsy Store The Whimsy Store is a quirky shop filled with handcrafted goods from different businesses in the Saskatoon area.

There is handcrafted furniture ranging from drum tables to stools resembling mushrooms. Along with oneof-a-kind furnishings for the home, the Whimsy Store also has accessories to give a home character. There is a wide variety of decorations such as wooden carvings, artwork from local artists such as Ryan Kerpan, decorative pillows and wall hangings.

The Whimsy Store is a great place to buy items similar to those at department stores, but instead of supporting big corporations you are supporting a local business. These items include

homemade bath bombs, bath salts, deodorants, candles, lip chaps and lotions. Also at the Whimsy Store, you can find an assortment of handmade jewelry and hair accessories.

This is the perfect place to buy a thoughtful gift for a loved one.

33rd Street Market The 33rd Street Market is a vintage heaven filled with antiques that are one of a kind. The market makes do with the space they have to create a unique environment that’s not your average store.

The market’s vintage collection ranges from clothing to furnishings to magazines, to all sorts of odds and ends.

The furniture varies from antique mirrors, dressers and tables. These furnishings can win over a vintage lover’s hearts with the fair and affordable prices they are sold for.

The market has small odds and ends that are simple but illuminate the room with a distinct atmosphere such as antique keys, door knobs and jewelry — which are certain to impress those who have an appreciation for antiques but may not have the space to own anything that takes up too much space.

Christie’s Mayfair Bakery Christie’s Mayfair Bakery is a small yet beautiful bak-

ery that serves fresh baking such as a variety of breads, tarts and scones, which you can order to go or to stay in.

The bakery has seating along the front window so one can enjoy a drink while watching the goings of 33rd Street traffic. Christie’s Bakery prices range from the single digits to double, for some larger baking — but the fresh baking is worth every nickel.

If you are looking for a new place to check out, Christie’s Bakery is worth stopping by.

If students have tried Christie’s II Secondo on Broadway Avenue and liked it, they should definitely consider stopping in at the one on 33rd.

Better Off Duds This shop is a must for those with an Achilles heel for vintage fashion. Better Off Duds has a wide selection of vintage clothing to dress you head to toe, and the prices are reasonable, which makes it cost-friendly to university students.

The 33rd Street of Saskatoon is developing much like Broadway Avenue, but with new personality and new opportunity. For people young and old, 33rd Street is a great place to enjoy being out in the city of Saskatoon, supporting local businesses.

Safety first: Basement suite regulations BRIDGET MORRISON Culture Editor

Many University of Saskatchewan students who don’t live at home, instead rent out a basement suite, either individually or with roommates. Either way, this is a great option for students who need to save a little cash, as it can be a cheaper alternative to buying or renting an entire house or apartment.

Although a lot of students live in basement suites, they may not be aware of the safety regulations that should be followed. A lack of awareness can leave students living in a suite that does not meet the appropriate safety regulations, which could potentially lead to serious consequences — unfortunately, it’s common that these regulations aren’t met.

Chris Maierhoffer, a current U of S master’s of business administration student, and business partner Braden Mueller started the company All Cuts Concrete Cutting

and Coring this past year.

Combining Maierhoffer’s background in engineering and Mueller’s in geology, their company specializes in the installation of windows in basements, leaving them familiar with the regulations for basement suites, as they must be knowledgeable of and adhere to them in their own work.

Maierhoffer sat down with the Sheaf to discuss basement suite regulations, to help students ensure they are living in a safe and legal basement suite.

“Several years before starting the business, we strengthened our understanding of the regulations while going through the process of building a legal basement suite in [Mueller’s] basement,” Maierhoffer said, in an email to the Sheaf.

Administered by the municipality in which the home is built — in our case, the city of Saskatoon — the bylaws are similar to those required by the National Building Code of Canada.

These regulations are to

ensure that the tenants are living in a safe environment, particularly in the case of emergencies.

Maierhoffer provided some examples of regulations which should be met.

“This includes having the correct fire rating on doors,

of the home, such as the window opening up onto a driveway or pathway.

“In situations like this, we have engineered several cost effective solutions that homeowners can utilize. Additionally, we have developed specialized equipment to perform the installation so it is less cost prohibitive for homeowners,” Maierhoffer said.

Often, non-complying basement suites are a result of the associated high costs, with either the initial building of the home, Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor or of upgrading the basement to a legal suite. hardwire fire detectors, sepa“The City of Saskatoon has rate ventilation [than the rest realized this and modified of the house] and proper sized the rules for basement suites windows for emergency exit. built prior to 1999, which Additionally, there are some have slightly less restrictions payout requirements, such as than those built after, in order size and head room,” Maier- to make it less cost prohibhoffer said. itive to legalize an existing One of the most common- suite,” Maierhoffer said. ly unmet regulations is the Maierhoffer encourages size of windows in basement students to check in with suites, which typically is due landlords to ensure that the to the cost of installation. It suite is legal and to become can be difficult to install the aware of any deficiencies that correct size of window be- may exist. cause of limitations outside If a suite has not met the

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regulations it must adhere to, it can be reported to the City of Saskatoon.

“They will typically perform an inspection of the home and require that the suite be brought up to code before being rented out again,” Maierhoffer said.

This information is important for students when finding their next place to live.

“When a student is comparing a potential suite to rent, not only will the legal suite be safer than a nonconforming suite in the event of an emergency, but the living conditions will likely be better in a suite that has been legalized,” Maierhoffer said.

As there is an increasing vacancy rate in Saskatoon, students are in the fortunate position of having more options for basement suites, with an increased likelihood of finding a legal and safe place to live.

“The City of Saskatoon’s website lists in detail the requirements of a legal basement suite. It’s good information for any student currently renting or looking to rent a basement,” Maierhoffer said. mar 02, 2017

PAGE TYPE OPINIONS

What the provincial budget deficit means for Saskatchewan KYLE ASHDOWN With an ever-growing deficit, Saskatchewanians should be anticipating hard times. What do we have to blame and what are the province’s options moving forward?

By now, it should be common knowledge that Saskatchewan’s economy isn’t looking too good at the moment. With government deficits running over a billion for the 2017 fiscal year, it’s safe to say that most Saskatchewanians aren’t too happy. As is usually the case in this type of situation, Brad Wall and the Saskatchewan Party are going to be all but lynch-mobbed once the 2017-18 provincial budget is tabled.

To be fair, Wall doesn’t have a lot of control over the global economy. He’s far from an innocent man in the downfall of Saskatchewan’s economic situation, but it’s not fair to put the blame squarely on him.

That’s not to say that the Saskatchewan Party isn’t a major contributor to our economic woes, however. If

mar 02, 2017

not for the former economy minister Bill Boyd selling us the false pretense of lavish resource riches for the foreseeable future, we might not be in this mess right now.

With that being said, ripping apart the government for its past missteps is not particularly helpful right now. We can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube. What we can do, however, is try to do something to take the edge off.

Cutting government spending, which is what the Saskatchewan Party wants to do, is probably the worst of its two options. Although it worked for Canada in the 1990s, the economy was strong at the time. With the economy as weak as it is now, spending cuts could actually hurt the economy by reducing growth.

Raising taxes isn’t much better. Depending on what you decide to tax, you can cause a decline in growth, which could actually result in a decrease in tax revenues. If we are indeed going into a recession, the drop in consumer spending — and, therefore, economic welfare — could be huge.

That leaves the private sector as our last hope to save the day. Naturally, the provincial government will have to borrow from them to help finance the deficit.

Of course, we’ll have to pay them back at some point, even if it’s only just the interest on the loan, which means this is a stopgap measure, at best.

By now, all this depressing discussion on economic policy should make it clear that we are all inevitably going to suffer from the effects of the budget deficit and that there doesn’t seem to be much we can do about it.

Miraculous economic growth stimulated by the private sector would be our ultimate saviour, but no gambler would bet on that. What we really need is for the price of oil to increase, which is looking more and more like a crapshoot every day.

On one hand, OPEC is cutting production, which should boost the price of a barrel of light, sweet crude. On

the other hand, that same production cut could open the door for the United States to boost production — a sure bet given that they’ve got a guy in charge who really wants to make America great again — which could undo all of that good work.

In the meantime, the most we can do is accept that we’re going to see some losses in welfare, public services and jobs.

www.thesheaf.com

Perhaps we can listen to some sad and emotional — but actually quite good — music from rising country music star Colter Wall as a catharsis for our misery, even if you think his dad is the one to blame for it.

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

∙ the sheaf publishing society 15

OPINIONS

The Sheaf guide to staying informed

without losing your mind EMILY KLATT Sports & Health Editor

So far, 2017 has been a hard year for news coverage.

Between Donald Trump’s presidency and Beyoncé losing at the Grammys, it seems like there’s always something important happening in the world that we should know about. But how do you stay informed without losing your damn mind?

I like to consider myself a bit of a news junkie. Part of it is the nature of being a journalist, but a lot of it just comes from being curious about what’s going on in the world. Under ordinary circumstances, I’m constantly tuned in. I truly believe that being informed is a key part of being a good citizen and critical thinker.

These aren’t ordinary circumstances though.

Trump has all but declared

war on the media. Phrases like “alternative facts” and “fake news” have become common language.

From mid-November to the beginning of January, I couldn’t look at the news.

Sure, I caught the headlines on my Facebook feed, but I didn’t actively seek out information. I just couldn’t.

The unstable and surreal state of the world was too much for me to deal with at the moment.

When I did feel ready to start following the news again, I had to change the way I approached it. I couldn’t keep being over-informed at the cost of my own well-being. These are some of the ways that I keep up with current events while balancing my mental health — maybe some of them will work for you, too.

Don’t check Twitter at 3 a.m. Just don’t do it. Nothing will come of it, other than intense panic and anxiety about the state of the world. This is a very specific

example that I’ve experienced, but it can be applied to a broader point: being connected at all times isn’t necessarily a good thing.

It can be helpful to set limits on how and when you consume information and social media. Maybe this means only listening to a news podcast in the morning on the bus or turning your phone on silent after you’ve gone to bed — whatever works for you. The world will still be there in the morning, for better or worse.

Choose your news sources wisely. Multiple outlets are reporting on the same news, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reading the same story again and again can just intensify anxiety. I have a couple of news websites I follow and a few podcasts I listen to regularly. By limiting my sources, it’s easier to avoid getting overwhelmed.

I also make an effort to follow news and current events that aren’t related to

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor Proper media consumption habits can be your friend.

the current state of global politics. Over the last few months, the vast majority of major media coverage has focused on Trump’s presidency and the uncertainty that has come along with it.

While these are important issues to cover, there’s still a ton of other stuff going on in the world.

I’m particularly in favour of focusing on smaller scale issues — news from your local campus or community.

So much is happening at the University of Saskatchewan and within Saskatoon as a whole — rising tuition rates, the Meewasin by-election, the building of the Dundurn Megamall — and it’s all important.

Sure, it might not be any more cheerful than American politics, but it’s different. It’s tangible. Most importantly, local news is something that we can often have a direct impact on rather than silently worrying about it.

None of these strategies are foolproof. I still have times when I feel overwhelmed by what’s going on the world and have a panic attack in the middle of reading the news. But they do help. By being smart about how I stay informed, I’ve made sure that I stay informed while staying sane — and maybe that way, I can help make the world a better place.

More universities should mandate wellness courses ZACH TENNENT

Opinions Editor

A mandatory wellness course is soon to be introduced at the University of Calgary’s Werklund School of Education. While making courses compulsory is often a controversial move, I have

to throw my support behind spreading these kinds of classes to more programs at more universities.

Starting in 2018, undergraduates in education at the U of C will have to take a three-credit course focused on wellness. This class will cover physical, spiritual, social, emotional and intellectual forms of wellness, to name only a handful. The school is touting that this

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

class will be the first mandatory wellness course in Canada.

In theory, the course sounds nothing but great.

University can be a tough experience on a number of fronts and taking good care of yourself and those around you can sometimes take the backseat, so a class that emphasizes proper self-care would be highly beneficial.

Likewise, mental health crises on university campuses are no secret, and students across Canada are statistically a stressed and depressed lot that could stand to learn a thing or two about managing their wellness before entering the workforce.

All this is good, but the question we’re left with is whether or not this is something students want.

Mandatory is typically a hard word to swallow. When I think of mandatory courses, I think of the uproar that used to inevitably come up whenever the subject of a compulsory Indigenous studies class was brought up at the University of Saskatchewan.

While that issue was sorted out in November 2015 when the Universi-

16 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

ty Students’ Council voted to implement Indigenous content into all U of S programs, that decision ultimately represents a trend of opposition to being “forced” to take a class.

Students seem to be diametrically opposed to the idea of being forced into particular classes — and perhaps they have a right to be so. University is a huge financial drain, so no one wants to feel like they have to pay to take a class that they don’t want to or don’t think will ultimately help with their degree — or maybe they just hated gym in high school.

As valid as those criticisms are, my response to them would kind of have to be “tough stuff.” A 2016 survey by the Centre For Addiction and Mental Health found that 40 per cent of Canadian respondents in the workforce reported feelings of anxiety or depression that they had not sought help for.

It’s clear that these problems follow students into the workplace when left unaddressed, so I think a course on promoting healthier and better living is a great initiative towards

addressing issues of student wellness.

This kind of class could also function without requiring anyone to single themselves out or take individual action. While the U of S obviously offers services and resources for maximizing your health in a number of areas through the Stay Healthy initiative, they don't do much good if students don’t have the means, interest or will to engage with them.

Thus, a wellness course would allow students to receive an education in areas like well-being, personal interactions and relationships that they would not have otherwise received or might not have even known they needed.

It will be worth seeing how this course plays out at U of C, but more programs and universities should consider following their lead and adopting courses that focus on health and well-being.

No one should be opposing any initiative that effectively combats issues surrounding student health and wellness, and I truly doubt anyone is going to mourn the loss of a first year elective course all that much. mar 02, 2017

PAGE TYPE OPINIONS

A conservative

on campus

Andy Prokopchuk / Supplied Prokopchuk with Conservative Party leadership candidate Kevin O’Leary.

ANDY PROKOPCHUK Self-identifying as a Conservative on the University of Saskatchewan campus has become an increasingly unpopular choice, but despite that, I’m not backing down.

In the Western world’s political spectrum, we have two

highly publicized positions.

For left-wing politics, we have the social justice warriors, and in right-wing politics, what we have is sort of up for debate right now.

I’ve been told by SJWs that people who support the Conservative Party of Canada are a bunch of racists, sexists and Islamophobes. Well, I’m

a Conservative, and I can tell you that, no, we’re not. Conservatives are being judged as a part of this alt-right stereotype in every aspect of their lives outside of politics, as opposed to being judged for their individual actions.

Universities across Canada and the United States have the reputation of being left-leaning environments and the U of S is no different.

Because of this environment, we’ve been told that the virtuous left’s lifestyles and beliefs are beyond question and any difference in opinion will result in one’s persecution by socially shaming them as a right-wing stereotype.

These socially shaming situations can be the result of someone choosing to openly not self-identify as a feminist, or someone who would want to have a more traditional family model similar to the one they were raised in.

So why is there a political witch-hunt to shame rightwing students? Is it because we would like economic stability in our government?

No. It’s because the loudest, most involved left-wing students and SJWs believe politics is a life choice. It’s not — and your average Conservative student has a life out-

side of politics.

Other right-leaning students I’ve spoken with all seem to share the similar belief that they would rank thought and reason in politics above feelings and emotion. This is the reason we don’t hear many right-wing views in the classrooms because the majority of us don’t care to share our opinions.

I, however, am a rare example. Those of you who have taken a class with me know exactly what I’m talking about, and those of you who one day might have a class with me, buckle up.

Economically, I may be Conservative but socially and environmentally I am very progressive. This has led to more than one debate in the classroom and awkward conversations outside the classroom.

This includes everything from debating the stereotype of feminism and its negative effect on society, to having to explain that I actually do not think that the only relationship individuals should enter in is one that follows the traditional nuclear family. Most of these encounters end with something like, “I thought you were Conservative.”

Just because I am a

card-carrying Conservative does not mean that this part of my life solely defines me as a person, and this game of identity politics that people play is one of the most concerning and dangerous political issues that Canada is currently facing.

By judging an individual based on their political affiliations and not by their individual actions, divide is created where it becomes too easy to simply paint someone as the “bad-guy.” We are not the bad-guys, and not all our beliefs are tied to the Conservative Party.

Despite the negative reactions I get when I tell people I am a Conservative or when they see my Conservative sticker on my laptop, I am still proud to be openly Conservative. I will continue to stand up for Conservatives and their right to their beliefs against attacks from ideologic left-leaning students, but I will do so the Conservative way.

I won’t do it by protesting everything I disagree with or attempting to discredit or censor someone’s different beliefs, but by offering a glad hand to my political opposition and focusing on solving the issues we are faced with, and not adding new ones.

To be Gloomy ... or to be Happy?

A

s you go through this phase of life, take comfort in the fact that there is nothing new under the sun. While there is never going to be anyone with identical genes who will experience life exactly as you do, your emotions, good and bad, are something that we all have. Life comes in stages, getting a college education is one stage.

This is around the time in which your prefrontal cortex is getting developed, when you are becoming more aware that your behaviour affects other people. It is a time of great self-awareness, particularly awareness of a moral conscience. Up to this point your behaviour has been mostly shaped by fear of punishment. But never forget that the urges you have, and even your sexual orientation are largely part of the pre-package that you came into the world with. Don’t be hard on yourself, after all, you did not make yourself and you are not responsible for the genes that have shaped you up to this point. It is not for you to feel guilt or shame about how you were put together. What is important, is what you do about the traits that are harmful to others. With a moral appreciation of consequences, your behaviour should be shaped by a desire to pursue goodness, for goodness’ sake. This is a narrower road, but it brings peace of mind, success and happiness. It is also the surest road to wisdom. So try not to despair when the day seems dreary or the task seems impossible. Bad times never last and you will adjust like you’ve always done. Never forget that we live in our minds and so just as negative thoughts bring you down, positive thoughts will lift you up. As so, it is important to control your thoughts. Learn to shake off negative thoughts the moment they occur to you – practice makes perfect. This, by the way, is one of the triumphs in life – gaining control of what we allow our mind to dwell on. No one knows where thoughts come from, but with some effort you can learn to focus on the things that bring you happiness. Work hard, and try to remain honest, so you can keep growing in your ability. You are capable of much more than you realize. Learn self-discipline and organisation so that work doesn’t spill into play, and your play is not spoiled by guilt from work left undone. Try never to panic, instead seek help to recover from trouble. Offer good advice and don’t hesitate to seek counsel. We are all in this together. Don’t be embarrassed to embrace faith but do not become self-righteous or a hypocrite. Your friends may not tell you so, but they will respect you and admire you as a spiritual person. After all, true spirituality is about learning to love others. You will find that the more you pray, the better you know yourself and the less mistakes you make. Pray for those you don’t like and forgive others so that it is easier to forgive yourself. Overcome your shyness, not by heavy drinking or by using drugs, but by reminding yourself that we are all shy to some extent. In fact, shyness tends to be a result of self-awareness. No one is better than anyone else, we all have our warts. Through prayer you will gain more self-knowledge and understanding of how you fit into the world. The more you know about yourself, the calmer you will be and the more hopeful you will be about the future. Hope and faith are wonderful assets and they will teach you about love and laughter. You are about to come into your own so learn to pick up after yourself and hang in there. You have yet to taste the best that life has to offer, be patient.

~ Elvis & Twyla Iginla, The Compassionate Listening Society of Alberta 780.705.2289 ~ wedaretolisten.com

mar 02, 2017

www.thesheaf.com

∙ the sheaf publishing society 17

THROWBACK

First Huskie mascot in 1946.

The women’s curling team in 1949.

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections , Photograph Collection, A-2169

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Photograph C ollection, A-966

Freshmen representing their colleges in 1934.

A member of the U of S Varsity Curling team in 1960.

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections , Photograph Collection, A-10912

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Photograph Collection, A-989

U of S Anatomy lab in 1963.

A winter view of the campus in 1973.

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Photograph Collection, A-3952

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Photograph Collection, A-4904

18 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

mar 02, 2017

PAGE TYPE DISTRACTIONS campus chat

“

”

If your life was a movie what genre would it be?

Students switches major to English following encounter with inspiring graffiti

“Musical.”

Naomi Zurevinski

ARTS BUILDING — While area English major Ansel MacPherson always wanted to study accounting, he was moved to switch after a profound experience reading a poem on the wall of an Edwards School of Business bathroom stall.

“I had never been so moved by a poem,” MacPherson said. “I didn’t know words could be so affecting. One stanza in particular I committed to memory and I know I’ll never forget it: ‘Roses are

red/ girlie so groovy/ Mike Myers wasn’t even the worst part of that shit-ass Cat in the Hat movie.’”

MacPherson reports that his recent infatuation with everything literary has expanded his interests beyond merely bathroom limericks. He is excelling in his Creative Writing 392: Fridge Magnet Composition course and is currently finishing an application to attend graduate school at the University of Rhode Island in the nascent field of meme

technique in the late modern period.

“My thesis proposal is to attempt to prove that ‘what-in-tarnation’ memes in fact represent a literary tradition that can be traced as far back as Dante — very exciting stuff,” MacPherson said.

At the time of print, MacPherson is petitioning the U of S English department to include a compulsory 100-level McDonald’s picture-menu reading class in their 2017-18 course offerings.

XKCD.COM EATMOREBIKES.TUMBLR.COM

“Comedy.”

Kunal Kadia

Nothing Feels Natural

by Priests

EMILY MIGCHELS

“Comedy.”

Roggers Okrah

“Slice of life.”

Madeline Berezowski

Like the Cranberries — if the Cranberries went on vacation in Southern California and maybe joined a cult — this album has surf tones, powerful female vocals, lyrics about taking down the man and heavy riffs that’ll make you want to dance. Check out the title track, it’s brief but brilliant.

HARKAVAGRANT.COM

mar 02, 2017

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∙ the sheaf publishing society 19

BACKPAGE PAGE TYPE

ELECTIONS For USSU Executive, Senate and Members of Student Council

EXECUTIVE FORUMS Dates available at ussu.ca/elections or at facebook.com/theUSSU

VOTE ON PAWS!

Polls Open MARCH 22 - 9:00 a.m.

Polls Close MARCH 23 - 4:00 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

USSU.CA/ELECTIONS

INTERNATIONAL

WOMEN'S DAY Strength and Resilience in Indigenous Women

MARCH 8, 2017

Saskatoon Farmer's Market 6:30 PM Soup, bannock, & desserts

Speakers: Myrna McCallum and Colleen Whitedeer Entertainment: Teedly Linklater Donations gratefully accepted at the door In partnership with Status of Women

20 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

mar 02, 2017