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Avoiding credit cards Doing homework Fine print Is it even possible? without a home The library, the video store, For some students, the bar – do you owe them money? news  page 3 poverty is a reality arts & culture  page 17 news  page 5 02 The Uniter September 24, 2009 www.Uniter.ca

Go green! Code of conduct: Looking for listings? Cover Image Campus & community listings and Mickelthwate can't volunteer opportunities  page 4 "Namakan Lake Minnow" Win prizes! Music  page 12 wait to wave his baton Galleries, theatre, dance and comedy  page 13 Photograph by campus news  page 6 arts & culture page 11 Film  page 13, literature  page 15 Bill Beso

News UNITER STAFF Managing Editor Vacant » [email protected] Business Manager Manitoba rejects harmonized sales tax Maggi Robinson » [email protected] PRODUCTION MANAGER Province would lose money if GST and PST amalgamate, finance minister says Melody Morrissette » [email protected] copy and style editor Chris Campbell » [email protected] Ethan Cabel Photo editor Mark Reimer [email protected] Beat reporter » news assignment editor Andrew McMonagle » [email protected] The Manitoba government has de- news production editor cided that tax harmonization – a Cameron MacLean » [email protected] federal proposal to amalgamate the GST and the PST – will take away arts and culture editor provincial tax control and hurt Aaron Epp » [email protected] consumers along the way. comments editor “We are no longer considering Andrew Tod » [email protected] the option of an HST,” said Rosann listings coordinator Wowchuk, Manitoba minister of J.P. Perron [email protected] finance. “When the federal govern- » ment makes a proposal we must Campus beat reporter study it and as we see it right now, Courtney Schwegel » [email protected] Manitoba would lose money.” beat reporter Manitoba would lose over $240 Caitlin Laird » [email protected]

million in tax revenue according to A ra beat reporter a C.D. Howe Institute report, she nd said. Ad a Ethan Cabel » [email protected] This makes Manitoba one of few ams Beat reporter provinces not going ahead with Samuel Swanson » [email protected] harmonization. Both Ontario and culture reporter British Columbia plan to adopt University of Winnipeg. The Ontario Chamber of ment chooses to tax through the C. Jordan Crosthwaite [email protected] an HST by 2010, while the three According to many, including Commerce recently estimated that GST, the province would be ob- » Atlantic provinces continue to im- the federal government, businesses an HST would cost Ontarians $905 ligated to include the PST in the plement a combined HST rate. are currently subject to convoluted million in additional sales taxes a charge. This will diminish the prov- The proposal to harmonize tax regulations because they are year, while the bill for companies ince's ability to use tax-exempt ser- CONTRIBUTORS: would have seen Manitoba’s seven forced to administer two different would reduce by $1.6 billion. vices to encourage better behaviour per cent PST eliminated and added taxes (PST and GST), based on the Purchases that are currently ex- and purchases, Fernandez said. Brooke Dmytriw, Patricia Benham, to the five per cent GST to create product or service. Harmonization empt from PST – from haircuts to There have been several sugges- John Gaudes, Karlene Ooto-Stubbs, an overall HST of 12 per cent. would eliminate this problem by essential items like children’s cloth- tions over possible changes to the Melanie Murchison, Alexander Kavanagh, Meanwhile, the government giving businesses only one rate to ing and diapers – would be charged HST rate, or the adoption of tax re- Rob Holt, Paul Figsby, Brian Rice, seems to have made a decision, administer. an additional seven per cent under bates for consumers, but Manitoba Mike Duerksen, Crystal Laderas, Sam but some remain convinced that Manitoba businesses would no harmonization in Manitoba. remains unconvinced that harmo- Hagenlocher, Lee Repko, Brandon harmonization could benefit the longer have to pay the PST on op- “Taxation is about more than nization is the answer for the pro- Bertram, Ali Fulmyk, James Culleton, province. erating materials (computers, cash just raising revenue,” said Lynne vincial economy. Adam Klassen, Jaya Beange, Sagan Morrow, Melissa Hiebert, J. Williamez, Businesses, particularly small registers), which would be covered Fernandez, an economist at the “We cannot harmonize un- Kathleen Cerrer, Aranda Adams, Clayton businesses, are widely considered under the federal input tax credit, Manitoba office of the Canadian less there is a different formula Winter, Jonathan Dyck, Natalie Dyck, the main benefactor in the adop- along with the GST. Centre for Policy Alternatives. “It in place,” said Wowchuk. “Right Cindy Titus, Ryan Janz tion of an HST. “An HST would reduce the cost can be used as an incentive or dis- now we don’t see any advantage "Businesses would definitely of bookkeeping for businesses sub- incentive for certain behaviour for the general public. In fact, we save money on administering stantially,” said Abizadeh. “However, … harmonization decreases this see a disadvantage due to declining The Uniter is the official student newspaper of the University of Winnipeg and is published by Mouseland taxes,” said Sohrab Abizadeh, a consumers will end up paying [ad- ability.” revenue.” Press Inc. Mouseland Press Inc. is a membership professor of economics at the ditional] tax on services.” Whatever the federal govern- based organization in which students and community members are invited to participate. For more information on how to become a member go to www. uniter.ca, or call the office at 786-9790. The Uniter is a member of the Canadian University Press and Campus Plus Media Services. SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES, LETTERS, GRAPHICS AND PHOTOS ARE WELCOME. Articles must be submitted in by Courtney Schwegel text (.rtf) or Microsoft Word (.doc) format to editor@ uniter.ca, or the relevant section editor. Deadline Q: How do YOU stay out of debt? for submissions is 6:00 p.m. Thursday, one week before publication. Deadline for advertisements is noon Friday, six days prior to publication. The Uniter reserves the right to refuse to print submitted material. The Uniter will not print submissions that are homophobic, misogynistic, racist, or libellous. We Tolu Ilelaboy Kristie Matheson Jared Kesler also reserve the right to edit for length and/or style. Third-year, rhetoric/French First-year, undeclared First-year, kinesiology “I just work my ass off all “I just watch what I spend. It is “I try not to go out as much. I summer. I am not a fan of taking as simple as that.” just save all the money I can and out loans.” put it towards school because it CONTACT US » is the main priority right now.” General Inquiries: 204.786.9790 Advertising: 204.786.9790 Editors: 204.786.9497 Fax: 204.783.7080 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.uniter.ca LOCATION » Room ORM14 Eleni Vailas Rod Teske Allen Richter University of Winnipeg assistant manager, Barnes lead operator for the City of Red sales representative, Telus 515 Portage Avenue and Castle Deer, Alberta Mobility Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E9 “I just make sure I am putting “It's almost impossible isn’t it? “Still working on that one. I whatever is priority ahead of But if I want to buy something, try to save money and possibly everything else. No frivolous I save as much as I can before I even get a second job. I think spending.” actually buy it. Start saving!” accountability with money is a big one that I am going to start Mouseland Press Board of Directors: doing.” Michael Rac (chair), Shawn Coates, Courtney Berthelette, Clayton Winter, Devin King, Alex Freedman, Shannon Sampert, Rob Nay, Brian Gagnon, Meg McGimpsey, Kelly Ross (UWSA representative). For inquiries e-mail: [email protected] News 03 www.uniter.ca September 24, 2009 The Uniter Sidestepping debt in a credit-driven world staff Credit cards may be tors began pestering her at work. Being debt- She is now working to pay off her a necessity these free simply isn't remaining debt in one lump sum, but because of the missed payments days – just watch documentation she couldn’t obtain a lease for her how you use them enough that you are apartment until it was under some- a fiscally sound one else's name. However, Jennings' debt woes individual. pale in comparison to Doug's hell- ish ordeal. Caitlin Laird “I’ve had about eight credit Beat reporter cards,” said Doug, who asked that his last name not be printed. “My total debt from that and a loan Odds are if you are over the age of which I took out to pay that debt 18 you fall into one of three catego- off was about $25,000 by the time I ries: You have (a) never obtained a was 21. I bought things like a couch credit card and therefore have no and two big screen TVs.” credit history and can’t use eBay; Doug then used a debt pool- (b) obtained at least one credit card ing service called Canada Debt and found yourself saddled with Assistance to help streamline his some amount of unwanted debt, While some students are able to avoid credit cards, others have massive debt after purchasing luxury items like couches and big monthly payments. Upon hand- with moderate difficulty paying it screen TVs. ing them the last $10,000 he owed off; or (c) obtained multiple credit to them, the company inexplicably cards, made several large, ill-advised vanished and he lost it all, putting purchases, racked up tens of thou- throughout his studies, said obtain- “I’d prefer not to have one, but I and found that upon returning him back where he began. sands of dollars in debt and suffered ing a credit card with virtually no will probably have to get one even- home she quickly maxed out each He offered some advice for as a result. employment history is tough. He tually to have any buying power,” one – racking up between $1,500 avoiding a credit tailspin. James Sinclair falls into the first also knows that his credit-free exis- said Sinclair. and $2,000 in debt – on purchases “If you have debt and use debt category. tence is a temporary one. The best way to avoid debt is to like clothes and CDs. pooling, be sure the company is “I have never had a credit card. There is the unavoidable anxi- never buy anything you don’t need “I had a part-time job before I sound. Don’t get credit cards for I am sort of fundamentally op- ety created by the fact that in order and to live within your means, he got a credit card," said Jennings. "I stores, like Future Shop for exam- posed to them,” the 24-year-old to purchase a big-ticket item – like said. always liked to shop but it wasn’t ple. And if you do, read the fine University of Manitoba linguistics a house – you also have to build Charmaine Jennings, a creative until I got credit that I fell into print.” major said. credit. Being debt-free simply isn’t communications student at the debt.” Sinclair, who has worked pri- documentation enough that you University of Winnipeg, got two Jennings said after missing sev- marily as a freelance graphic artist are a fiscally sound individual. credit cards to use while traveling eral minimum payments, credi- Giving people a voice where they live There are many benefits to living in “It’s all designed for people to get to a housing co-op know their neighbours and interact with their neighbours.” Samuel Swanson - Jenette Goodman, president of Beat reporter Betelstadur Housing Cooperative

Housing co-operatives are an oft- ignored alternative to apartment or townhouse living. In a co-op, ev- eryone owns an equal share of the project. Often this results in lower monthly payments with more con- trol over executive decisions. “You can’t live here unless you’re a member and every member is a part owner,” said Jenette Goodman, president and resident of Betelstadur Housing Cooperative. Each member owns a share of the building, as opposed to own- cla

ing a unit at a condominium. That y t way the building is legally owned on Wi n

by those who live there. A board of ter directors is elected from within the membership. The cost of shares typically Westboine Park Housing Cooperative vice-president Stephen Troubridge says not having a landlord lets co-ops keep their prices down. ranges from $500 to $1,000. “It’s set up so that you get your investment back when you leave, but it also goes toward upkeep,” Goodman said a 600 sq. ft., what their needs are. hallway and nitty-gritty stuff like she said. said Cheryl Krostewitz, the prop- one-bedroom with air condition- The board of directors sets the that,” said Goodman. “You have a voice in how your erty manager of six Winnipeg hous- ing, a balcony, free laundry and course for the co-op by setting Part and parcel with the govern- co-op’s being run," said Krostewitz. ing co-ops. utilities costs $534 per month at up committees. For example, at ing system of a housing co-op is a “If you live in [an apartment] you On top of the deposit-type share Betelstadur. Betelstadur there’s a membership sense of community. don’t have that at all, you do what there are housing costs that are “There’s no landlord pocketing committee that decides who can “It’s all designed for people to get your landlord tells you.” comparable to rent. money so we’re able to keep the and cannot live at the co-op. At the to know their neighbours and in- “I think we tend to be around costs down and those savings are moment, members must be 55 or teract with their neighbours,” said seven to eight per cent below mar- passed down to the members,” said older. Goodman. She remembers one in- For more information on housing ket,” said Stephen Troubridge, Troubridge. “There’s a building committee stance when a member at a differ- co-ops, see Samuel's blog at http:// vice president of Westboine Park Instead of a single landlord, it’s that looks after stuff like how often ent co-op fell ill. The community uniter.ca/blog. Housing Cooperative. up to each housing co-op to decide the caretaker has to clean the front rallied to assist her back to health, 04 News The Uniter September 24, 2009 www.Uniter.ca International News Briefs Better than composting? Compiled by Brooke Dmytriw Ancient Japanese process breaks down waste by fermenting it Bria

Patricia Benham S n Lethal injection cannot be performed due to Volunteer malls unsuitable veins h all

CHICAGO, Illinois: Death row inmate ow Romell Broom was given a week’s Creating food waste is not a good thing for the environment, but reprieve from his execution after the "There are barriers. executioners could not find a suitable how do we stop? Some say com- vein to insert the lethal injection. Ohio posting is the answer. Not everyone wants Governor Ted Strickland issued the Michael Gordon, a Bokashi worms in their Cycle product distributor for stay of execution upon the warden’s apartment." request. Broom was convicted of the Canada, disagrees. rape and murder of Tryna Middleton “Composting does not occur —Michael Gordon, a Bokashi in 1984. Prison spokesperson anywhere in nature,” he said. Cycle product distributor Julie Walburn said prison officials According to Gordon, even would consult medical personnel though people think they are being about the future performance of environmentally friendly when they the execution. In 2006, convicted compost, the process actually pro- murderer Joseph Clark sat up to duces and emits methane because it inform his executioners the lethal is exposed to the environment. drugs were not working, according Bokashi, an ancient Japanese to Reuters. The prison then added process, breaks down food prod- ucts without oxygen in airtight Pickled garbage: Bokashi breaks down food products without oxygen in airtight containers, so that no greenhouse gasses are allowed a step to its execution procedure to escape. where the warden attempts to containers, so that no greenhouse rouse the condemned after an initial gasses are allowed to escape. injection of sedatives. Bokashi uses “effective microor- and actually convert it into produc- Bokashi can also break down cause he has never tried it, kitchen ganisms” (EM), consisting of fun- tive energy. meat and dairy without the worry composting is something that ev- gus and yeast already found in soil, The bokashi process takes about of attracting pests. eryone should be doing. Farmers crying over spilt milk to break down food. Because no three to five weeks in the bucket Gordon’s Bokashi Cycle sys- "[The bokashi method] makes CINEY, Belgium: In an act of protest, energy is allowed to escape, it re- until it is ready to bury and an- tem includes two buckets, a three- it a lot nicer to deal with because Belgian farmers dumped 3 million mains in the mixture and feeds the other 10 to 14 days once it’s in the month supply of bokashi mixture it’s not stinky and unpleasant. That litres of fresh milk onto pastures soil much more productively than ground in order to completely re- and a shaker and spoon. The pack- alone is enough reason to use it,” and roads across the country. The regular fertilizer. turn to soil. age costs about $120. Smallshow said. farmers are protesting a decrease “It goes to work on the waste “Compost, after six weeks un- Bokashi enthusiast Brian in dairy prices, which have fallen by fermenting it, whereas compost derground, is still rotting garbage,” Smallshow argued that you don’t 40 per cent since the spring. CBC works by spoiling and putridity,” said Gordon. have to pay a lot of money to do it. To learn more about Bokashi, go to reported farmers dragged milk said Gordon. Hébert admits composting can He uses livestock feed to dilute the www.beyondcomposting.com. You containers with tractors through Sylvie Hébert, compost proj- take between six months to three EM mixture and he uses restaurant can get your organic waste picked fields and pastures, leaving the ect coordinator for Resource years, depending on your dedica- supply buckets to store the food/ up for free by Samborski’s Garden equivalent of a day's worth of milk Conservation Manitoba, said that tion, and agrees composting is not bokashi mixture. It costs him about Supplies or drop it off at a commu- in their wake. Last week farmers also although large-scale composting always ideal. $25 every one or two years. nity garden. To learn more, go to closed the Belgian border crossings can produce methane because of “There are barriers. Not every- Smallshow said that even though www.resourceconservation.mb.ca. with Germany and the Netherlands the lack of air being distributed, di- one wants worms in their apart- he can’t compare the bokashi pro- to drive home their demands. Milk gester machines are used to trap it ment,” she said. cess to traditional composting be- prices are a contentious issue in the European Union. Most nations agree there is a problem with prices but cannot agree on a solution. The harsh reality of accessible transportation Woman regains sight after tooth implant Ontario man travels 650 kilometres by wheelchair to raise awareness MIAMI, Florida: Doctors used a woman’s tooth to help her regain her sight. Sharron Thorton had her eye his documentary, Idling: A Transit chairs are difficult to find. Also, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and tooth, or cuspid, implanted into her Jessica Ireland Story. many would require special transit Digg and has garnered some big eye socket as a base for a prosthetic Interrobang (Fanshawe College) The reason behind putting his to get to and from such an event, name attention. lens. Thorton lost her sight nine years work into a documentary was two- so it would likely not pan out, said The Christopher and Dana ago after an illness. She qualified for fold, said Preston. Preston. It made more sense to put Reeve Foundation have been “re- the procedure at University of Miami LONDON, Ont. (CUP) – Two “It aims to educate, and it aims it online where people could easily tweeting” his posts, something Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the batteries, two vans, two sets of to inspire,” he said. “News stories watch it from their homes. he said he never expected would first of its kind in the United States. tires, one control box, a tonne of give justification for excuses like Preston hopes the documentary happen. To date, the procedure has only been driving, a tonne of energy, two joy- (accessible transit) costs too much. will inspire those watching to feel Preston’s been working to get his performed 600 times worldwide. sticks, 650 kilometres, one man, It’s never explained how bad the they can do something about mak- message and documentary out to CNN reported that after two weeks, one wheelchair. system is.” ing transit accessible. viewers, but he also just wants to Thorton’s visual perception was These were all the things Jeff “I talk about the reality, what’s “There’s power in knowing show people what one man is ca- 20/70. The surgery involved both Preston, 26, needed as he traveled happening on the ground, day-to- you’re not the only one frustrated pable of doing. dentists and ophthalmologists, and by wheelchair from London, Ont. day.” by it,” he said. “They can fix this, “We as a society are so focused took several months to complete. to Ottawa last year as part of his The first chapter of the docu- they have the power to do it.” on what we cannot do,” he said. Mobilize March. His purpose was mentary was released online on The more individuals his docu- Slumbering teen narrowly to bring awareness to the issue of Sept. 4, and subsequent chap- mentary can affect, the more en- misses death on train track accessible transportation. ters have been released each week couraged he hopes they’ll feel going For more information on Jeff PARIS, France: A French teen was “People said, ‘Are you sure you after that. The goal is to have the head-to-head with city hall. Preston and his documentary, nearly killed by a high-speed train can do this?’” said Preston. “My entire hour-and-a-half documen- “I dare them to say it to our face Idling: A Transit Story, follow him after passing out on a railway track. response? ‘Why wouldn’t I be able tary available for free at the end of they can’t fix it,” he said. on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ The teen passed out face down on to?’” September. Preston, a doctoral candidate getmobilized, check out his website the track near Saint Nolff in Brittany. While on the road, Preston While the idea of having a public in media studies at the University www.getmobilized.ca/, or contact The driver of the Paris-bound train was diligent in taking footage of screening is possible, the facilities to of Western Ontario, is currently him directly at jeff@getmobilized. saw the body lying on the tracks the journey, which culminated in house that many viewers in wheel- promoting his efforts online with ca. but was unable to stop in time and halted metres past the slumbering man. According to Reuters, the COMMUNITY EVENTS ON CAMPUS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES police department credits his slumbering state with keeping him Sage Garden Herbs hosts a FALL EQUINOX FREE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CLASS. SMART START, a study skills workshop The MANITO AHBEE FESTIVAL is looking for alive. Unconscious, he was like a FESTIVAL with workshops, music and ar- An opportunity to meet with other stu- series, helps students improve their volunteers for the celebration of aboriginal dead body, allowing the train to pass tisans. Saturday, Sept. 26. 3410 St. Mary's dents and Canadian friends while learn- study skills and succeed in university music, art and culture. The festival runs merely 20 centimetres above him. Road. 10a.m. to 3 p.m. ing English and the Bible. Takes place on level courses. Mondays and Wednesdays, from November 4 to 8. Visit www.mani- Sundays from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Elim 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. in room 1L04. Register in toahbee.com or call 956-1849 for more Only grease stains were found on his ROCKIN' RICHARD'S RECORD AND CD SALE at Chapel, 546 Portage Ave. For more infor- advance by calling 786-9863 or e-mailing information. jacket. Police and firefighters were the Victoria Inn, Sunday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. mation call Val & Veda Chacko at 257-1670. [email protected]. able to wake the teen, who flipped to 4 p.m. the finger before rolling over to STOMP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS is a grape- Challenge your brain with host ACE BURPEE go back to sleep. According to the stomping food festival with proceeds going at the first annual ANIM TOBA LOTTERIES police, the young man was returning to build the Museum of Human Rights, on TRIVIA CHALLENGE in support of the home from the Saint Nolff music Saturday, Sept. 26 at Mona Lisa Ristorante. festival when he decided to nap on Alzheimer Society of Manitoba on Thursday, the rail line. Oct. 22 at Stereo Nightclub. 7 p.m. Want to see your event in The Uniter? E-mail [email protected] News 05 www.uniter.ca September 24, 2009 The Uniter Local Greyhound keeps rollin' on down the highway News Briefs Compiled by John Gaudes Creating a Crown staff bus service one Interim ministers announced by premier option for future As ministers Andrew Swan, Steve Ashton and Greg Selinger recently resigned from their current positions Ethan Cabel to pursue a run at the premier's Beat reporter job, the empty seats left by these three men needed filling.I n order to cover the open posts, Premier Gary After a week of threats and nego- Doer gave further duties to Rosann tiations, Greyhound Canada has Wowchuk, Ron Lemieux and Nancy decided to continue running their Allan, who will all become interim Manitoba passenger bus routes be- ministers for the positions left open yond Oct. 2, their previous date of by the candidates. withdrawal from the province. The threat of withdrawing from Bodily Fluids Act to the province, which would have cut support aid workers off service to nearly 160 cities and The province is hoping to assist communities, has some question- those individuals who put their ing whether Greyhound is the an- swer for long-term transportation health at risk when they come into contact with bodily fluids in the in Manitoba. Greyhound Canada will continue running their passenger bus routes to nearly 160 cities and communities in Manitoba. “I do not agree with a govern- performance of their duties. ment subsidy [to help Greyhound],” The province recently announced said Jim Maloway, member the Testing of Body Fluids and of Parliament for Elmwood- “There are many Although working with lic option for bus travel may be Disclosure Act. Under the act, Transcona. “Where do you stop providers interested in Greyhound remains the first pri- Manitoba’s best bet. paramedics, police or Good when you’re bailing out private providing bus service ority of the province, Lemieux re- “The Saskatchewan company Samaritans may request a testing companies?” mains open to other long-term has been around since 1946,” said order if the person they helped Earlier this month, Greyhound in this province strategies for transportation in Maloway. “No one, despite change refuses to submit one. was demanding either a $15 mil- but working with Manitoba. of government, has changed or dis- The source-individual will have 24 lion government subsidy or re- Greyhound is our first “Greyhound’s decision has given mantled it.” hours to submit an objection. forms to the Highway Traffic Act, us time to see any options in the A partnership between Manitoba priority right now.” in order to break even on unprof- short- and long-term,” he said. and the Saskatchewan company is Top restaurants take part itable routes. Manitoba was tar- – Ron Lemieux, Manitoba minister of One of the options on the table also being considered, but as long in friendly cook-off geted, in large part, because the infrastructure and transportation is the idea that a Crown corpora- as Greyhound remains in the prov- Top chefs from around the city Highway Traffic Act stipulates that tion be set up for transit services in ince and willing to communicate, it gathered at St. Norbert's Farmers' Greyhound must run buses in sev- Manitoba, similar to Saskatchewan’s is unlikely that a public option will Market to take part in a local food eral rural areas in order to operate inter-city bus service. The come to fruition. in higher populated and more prof- not everything is solved,” said Ron Saskatchewan Transportation “[A public option] is one thing cook-off at this year’s market. itable communities. Lemieux, Manitoba minister of in- Company is a Crown corporation we’re considering,” said Lemieux. “It’s important we showcase The provincial government has frastructure and transportation. that provides bus service to over “There are many providers inter- what our province has to offer,” acknowledged Greyhound’s need “But we must realize that a busi- 260 communities in Saskatchewan, ested in providing bus service in Ben Kramer, executive chef with for assistance and is willing to enter ness that has been in Manitoba with a considerable profit taken this province but working with Diversity Food Services at the into negotiations. for nearly 75 years must make a in by the province. Maloway has Greyhound is our first priority University of Winnipeg, said in a “This is not an easy issue and profit.” suggested repeatedly that a pub- right now.” press release. He said it’s a great way for local restaurants to show what they’re made of.

Exchange District gets its first grocery store Post-secondary poverty Long known for its high-brow shopping and dining, the Exchange District witnessed the opening of its Welfare system not set up to help students first grocery store recently. Tropica General Food Supply, located at 333 Garry St., stocks the same goods as Caitlin Laird ing on Employment Income and as the primary barrier to obtaining Few can truly relate an average suburban grocer. Beat reporter Assistance – also known as welfare. a post-secondary education. to being periodically Last winter, she found herself “People on social assistance have According to the blog Rise and without anywhere to live after a se- trouble getting the basic education homeless and still Sprawl, Tropica opened its doors Students are not known for being ries of housing mishaps, brought required to get into university in showing up for class. with relatively little fanfare. flush with cash but few can truly on by incompatible roommates the first place. It’s a problem of get- Some view this as the beginning relate to being periodically home- and a lack of funds. This occurred ting the proper credentials to begin of the end of the Exchange District, less and still showing up for class. all while she put herself through with,” said Jim Silver, chair of poli- Silver said even if a student were but others see it as a step toward “I stayed at Siloam Mission for school on virtually no income. tics at the University of Winnipeg. able to obtain a scholarship on wel- improving quality of life in the three days last December. It’s terri- Michelle Dubik, director of If they make it that far, there are fare, they would still struggle to historic district. ble," said Wendy Stevenson. "They policy and program development further hoops to jump through. make ends meet. close the building up three times a with Employment Income and “Another problem is there prob- “The shelter component of social Amendment announced day … You have to stand outside Assistance, said that students are ably aren’t enough scholarships assistance doesn’t provide enough for Public Schools Act for an hour every time. There are not welfare’s target demographic. and bursaries to participate in, and rent for adequate accommodation. The province has announced an no rooms. Just beds. There are no “We are there to help you find they probably aren’t aware of those The amount they get for rent, $285, amendment for public schools in walls. No safety. Anyone can walk work, not to help you get an edu- kinds of programs as much either,” I can well see that some of them Manitoba, where the elections of in. You just have someone lay in cation," she said. "Other programs, said Silver. end up in a crisis situation with board members at a select few bed beside you. There are only like Student Aid, are geared to- Stevenson, who is working to- housing, where they might have to school divisions would be publicized cots.” wards that. Welfare is also a pro- wards an honours arts degree, re- take rent from their scholarship and and open to the public. Stevenson described her or- gram of last resort.” ceives $285 dollars a month which rent from their food allowance.” deal as a university student liv- Poverty is widely acknowledged must go to her rent. This would be a suitable way of getting around the ward system, which is unfavourable to schools in small geographic areas. These school boards would be allowed to establish the number of trustees to be voted for. Hey you? Wanna write for The Uniter? The amendment will come into Mouseland Press publishes The Uniter weekly in print and on the web. Mouseland Press aims to provide effect for the 2010 school board opportunities for students of The University of Winnipeg and members of the surrounding community to learn about elections. and practice journalism, and also to provide a forum to express, exchange and criticize ideas. To get involved, send an e-mail to [email protected] 06 The Uniter September 24, 2009 www.Uniter.ca Campus News Campus News Briefs Compiled by Karlene Ooto-Stubbs My campus is greener than yours

In the chief's own words Universities challenged to one week of eco-friendly commuting University of Winnipeg history professor S

Jennifer S. H. Brown and northern am

Samuel Swanson u Algonquian history scholar Susan Elaine Sw el Beat reporter

Gray will launch Memories, Myths, and a n s Dreams of an Ojibwe Leader on Thursday, on Sept. 24 at McNally Robinson Grant Park Despite the jam-packed bicycle racks at the at 8 p.m. The book follows Ojibwe Chief University of Winnipeg, the school’s par- William Berens in the 1930s using first- ticipation in last year’s Campus Commuter hand stories and provides a rare look at Challenge was less than two per cent. the Berens River communities during this Resource Conservation Manitoba challenges period. Brown is the director of the Centre students of various Manitoba campuses to for Rupert's Land Studies and holds a see which can register the most students for Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal the challenge. History at the University of Winnipeg. “Transportation, more so than most things, is one of the ways you can save money while making a difference,” said Stephanie UWSA day-care now open Fulford, co-ordinator of the student trans- The University of Winnipeg Students' portation network at Resource Conservation Association officially opened its new day- Manitoba. care facilities last week. The centre will Students that register for the Campus eventually accommodate 112 children and Commuter Challenge are pledging to com- mute eco-friendly throughout the week of is open to U of W students, staff and the EcoPIA is hoping to improve U of W's two per cent participation in last year's Communter Challenge. general community. The day care helps September 21 to 25, as well as entering them- selves in several draws with prizes that include student parents find time to continue a full school year’s worth of free bus passes, a their education while juggling their busy $400 gift certificate to Natural Cycle, along Cycling, of course, isn’t the only eco- up,” said Cooke. “Not only are you saving lives. The new 10,000 square foot facility with gift certificates for Canadian Tire and friendly mode of transportation. Many uni- money, you’re saving the earth while you’re is built to LEED Silver Standard and will Canadian Footwear. versity students use the transit system to get doing it.” include a green, natural outdoor play area University of Winnipeg’s environmental around. If you’re already doing that, don’t for children. It is also a practicum site for awareness group, Ecological People in Action let it dissuade you from registering for the training early childhood development (EcoPIA), will be letting students know challenge. For more information on the commuter chal- students from St. Boniface College, Red about the challenge by setting up an infor- “If you are taking the bus anyway, then for lenge, including eco-friendly transportation River College and U of W. mation table on campus around the time of sure sign on," said Fulford. "It’s also about alternatives, see Samuel’s blog at http://uniter. the event along with handing out advertise- rewarding people who are doing good things ca/blog. ments for the challenge. already.” Dean of education wins “I was looking at the U of W website and Fulford said universities basically com- international education awards at least 10 per cent of people are biking, so pete for bragging rights in two categories: the The International Centre for Innovation we should at least get all the people already greatest overall number of students registered 2008 Commuter in Education presented University biking and then try to get more people,” said and the highest percentage of students regis- Challenge results of Winnipeg dean of education Ken Seren Gagne, member of EcoPIA and co-or- tered for the challenge. Last year, Red River ganizer of the U of W’s participation in the College’s Princess Campus won the "greatest A run-down of how many students McCluskey with its inaugural ICIE participated Creativity Award at an August ceremony Commuter Challenge. overall" category. in Ulm, Germany. The award verifies For those who aren’t cycling already, it’s an James Cooke, vice-president of the Princess advisable alternative, said Fulford. Street campus, won’t be pulling any punches McCluskey’s work in leadership, his Booth College “Cycling is a one-time investment of how- this year either. 70/155 (45 per cent) development of international projects ever much you can afford. You can pick up “So far, I’ve just set up the Facebook group and his contribution to the advancement bikes for cheap and fix them up for cheap or to get initial awareness, and then after that Canadian Mennonite University of knowledge in the field of giftedness you can buy a new bike for a couple hundred it’s going to be me and two other students 164/614 (27 per cent) and talent development. The World dollars.” during the week trying to get people to sign Red River College, Princess Street Council for Gifted and Talented Children Campus_Plus_5x65_2010_2.qxp 6/15/2009 10:55 AM Page 1 campus also gave McCluskey its International 253/1,500 (17 per cent) Creativity Award at its August conference Tomorrow’s Professionals Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface in Vancouver. The dean has presented 37/1,690 (2 per cent) at more than 125 conferences, published Apply Today! more than 100 articles and has written 15 University of Winnipeg 163/9,000 (2 per cent) books. University of Manitoba Apply Online! 114/28,783 (0.4 per cent) Juice 9 launches Sept. 25 Juice, the literary journal for the University Red River College, Notre Dame campus of Winnipeg, is having its ninth book launch 11/6,700 (0.16 per cent) in Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall on Friday, Sept. OMSAS www.ouac.on.ca/omsas/ Brandon University 25 at 4 p.m. Published annually, the Ontario Medical School Application Service 0/3,836 (0 per cent) literary journal is written by and for U of September 15, 2009: Last day to register for online applications W students. It features fiction, creative October 1, 2009: Application deadline non-fiction, poetry and drama selections. Friday’s launch features readings from the writers, as well as cookies and juice. Juice was co-created by Catherine Hunter www.ouac.on.ca/olsas/ OLSAS of the English department and former U Ontario Law School Application Service of W head librairian Mark Leggott, with November 2, 2009: Application deadline for first-year English programs the help of the University of Winnipeg May 3, 2010: Application deadline for upper-year programs Library and the UWSA. Copies will cost $5.

McFeetors Hall opens TEAS www.ouac.on.ca/teas/ The Furby-Langside campus officially Teacher Education Application Service launched last week with the opening of December 1, 2009: Application deadline for English programs McFeetors Hall. The building includes 25 March 1, 2010: Application deadline for French programs townhouses and 172 dorm-style single and double-bedroom suites on the upper levels. There are two lounge areas with nine-metre windows and wireless Internet www.ouac.on.ca/orpas/ ORPAS access. Great-West Lifeco chairman Ray Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service McFeetors donated $1.67 million to launch (Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology) the project. Great-West Lifeco donated January 8, 2010: Application deadline a further $1 million for a combined total of $2.67 million to help make the student residence a reality.

170 Research Lane Guelph ON N1G 5E2 www.ouac.on.ca Campus News 07 www.uniter.ca September 24, 2009 The Uniter Faculty fundraising efforts a success K ate

U of W unites to H but in terms of principle it is not,” ood “We are very she said. “The spirit of the faculty support student concerned about contributing to the scholarships scholarships and the possibility that fund is to say that we are all about students might be opportunities for students. We sup- bursaries port the effort to make the univer- negatively affected sity a more affordable and accessible by the current place.” economic situation." Hurley agreed with Failler and Courtney Schwegel is proud of the university’s overall Campus beat reporter -Pauline Greenhill, U of W professor efforts. “People have had to make sac- rifices and have had to make some Thanks to the fundraising efforts the possibility that students might personal decisions to help with the of university faculty and pay cuts be negatively affected by the cur- cost … but it is important that taken by staff and administration, rent economic situation,” she said. when difficult times come, they students this year received nearly Greenhill also said some fac- come together,” said Hurley. the same level of financial aid as past Despite paying off their own student debt, professors like Angela Failler donated money ulty who are still paying off their Greenhill said the close relation- years, despite the weak economy. to help fund scholarships for students. own student debt still made ships between students and pro- As The Uniter reported on July contributions. fessors at the U of W inspired the 17, the endowment investments the Angela Failler, assistant profes- extensive measures. University of Winnipeg relies upon “[This] help[ed] meet part of between six and 10 per cent. sor of sociology and women’s and “We care about our students. for scholarship and bursary fund- the need, but not all of the need," The University of Winnipeg gender studies, is one of the fac- We see one on one the effect that ing were hit hard by the recession. Hurley said. Faculty Association raised approx- ulty members who contributed to our students’ economic situation This threw into question how much For the rest, the university asked imately $95,000 through payroll the UWFA scholarship fundraising has on them and the stress that it funding students would receive. donors for more money. donations. efforts. While she is still currently has on them,” she said. “We didn’t Senior executive officer Dan In addition, the administration Pauline Greenhill, professor of paying off her own student debt want [lack of funding] to keep peo- Hurley explained that because and support staff raised $200,000 women’s and gender studies and from finishing her PhD, she still ple from coming to university and some money is restricted to specific for the cause. To raise this money, organizer of the UWFA fundrais- felt compelled to help U of W stu- continuing in university.” scholarships, the university used an over 300 support staff agreed to take ing efforts, said an overwhelming dents out financially. unrestricted fund to make up some days off without pay and senior ad- amount of faculty made donations. “Yes, it is financially challenging of the difference. ministration took pay cuts ranging “We are very concerned about for me to contribute to this fund, It’s cool to compost Down to the wire C la y

t Wesmen recalls favourite

University on Wi n composting ter memory from last season program kicks Sarah Reilly Ogidan sunk the first, to tie the off its third year, Volunteer game, then hit the second, giving but will students the Wesmen a 62-61 win over the Bisons. take part? “One second! One second on the This is 19-year-old Kaitlin clock!” Frison’s favourite memory with It was the Wesmen Women’s the Wesmen. The third-year for- Basketball Team’s last game against ward, from Eatonia, Sask., said Courtney Schwegel crosstown rivals, the University of she first began playing basketball Campus beat reporter Manitoba Bisons, in a three-game because her dad was a coach. playoff series earlier this year. "I joined my first team when I There was one second left in was six," Frison said. With the ban of plastic water bot- regulation time and the Wesmen Almost 14 years later, Frison is tle sales, the sourcing of local food Last year, many compost bags had to be thrown out because they were contaminated were losing 61-60. The ball was working towards a bio-chemistry in the cafeteria and a campus recy- with non-compostable material. inbounded to second-year guard degree, “geared towards pre-op- cling program, the University of Amy Ogidan, who caught it, and tometry,” and she’s still playing Winnipeg is consciously striving said, adding that many students managed to make a shot. basketball. towards environmental sustainabil- may still be confused around what What you should As the buzzer sounded to end When asked why, she said ity. And as the compost program on constitutes a compostable item. know about com- the game, the referee’s whistle simply, “I have the opportunity campus continues to gain momen- She pointed out that although posting on campus blew to call a foul. Ogidan went to continue doing something I tum, the university will further re- the coffee cups distributed by to the foul line with no time re- love.” duce its environmental footprint. Diversity Food Services are com- There are three bins located maining on the clock. She had Frison said she thinks the team Compost bins made their debut postable, coffee cups from off-cam- on campus: to make both of her foul shots is going to do well this year and on campus in August 2007. pus locations, like Starbucks, are for the Wesmen to advance to is looking forward to their first Kisti Thomas, materials con- not.  Pangea's Kitchen in Riddell the Great Plains championship home game on Friday, Oct. 9 servation co-ordinator at the “If you are not sure, put it in the Hall against Regina. against Lakehead University. University of Winnipeg, said the garbage because at least the rest [of  Malecón on the fourth floor S program got off to a slow start. the bin's contents] can be compos- of Centennial Hall (Buffeteria) ara “There were a lot of problems ted,” she said. R h  Café Bodhi in Lockhart eill

because if you just stick out com- But for some students the issue y post bins and you don’t show with composting is simply one of What to compost: people how to compost … then ev- awareness. erything is contaminated because Grace Bowness, a third-year  cooked and uncooked food people didn’t know what to put in English major at the U of W, said products it,” she said. many students don’t even real-  any food storage containers Thomas said a compost bin be- ize there are composting bins on from Soma Café and Diversity comes contaminated when it con- campus. Food Services tains too many non-compostable “They don’t seem to be adver- items. When this happens, the en- tised so students are kind of left tire contents of the bin cannot be in the dark,” she said, adding that to the soil, enriching it immensely. composted. since the bins are not well marked, In addition to soil enrichment, In its second year, the program students may mistake them for which benefits food production, began to progress due to a greater garbage bins and throw the wrong composting reduces methane, a emphasis on educating students materials in them. harmful greenhouse gas that is around what is and what is not Geoff Scott, professor of geog- produced when food waste breaks compostable. From April 2008 to raphy at the U of W, agreed with down in landfills. March 2009 the university com- Bowness that composting on cam- Thomas hopes that U of W’s posted 11.1 tonnes of materials – a pus should be better advertised. composting efforts will inspire oth- drastic improvement over the 1.5 Scott, who has studied soil in ers to embrace composting as well. tonnes of materials composted the several countries, stressed the im- “The community looks to the previous year. portance of students making use of university to set an example of Thomas is pleased with last year’s the compost bins. what they should be doing,” she outcome, though she said there is “For the students here on cam- said, adding that the U of W is Kaitlin Frison is a still room for improvement. pus, it should be part of everyday currently the only post-secondary third-year forward “I can say that the compost bins life,” he said, adding that compost- institution in Manitoba with a with the Wesmen.  are still being contaminated,” she ing organic matter returns nutrients composting program. 08 The Uniter September 24, 2009 www.Uniter.ca Comments Forget tuition – we need a vanity freeze

Education would costs anywhere from $15,000 to I can’t even count of students I personally know who $28,000 before residence and other have put their BlackBerries and be easier to pay fees, depending on where it is you the number of reading week vacations on their for if we kept things plan to study. For international students I personally student loans and chalked the ex- students, that number almost tri- know who have put pense up to being a student. ples. No matter what you go to Now that the credit crunch has in perspective school for, it takes a lot of money their BlackBerries tightened up the bursary, loan and to gain that seemingly necessary and reading week credit card strings, it’s getting a lit- education. vacations on their tle more difficult to secure those Melanie Murchison Our generation is also unique "want" items and, in some cases, Volunteer because it is starting off with an student loans even the "need" items. obscene amount of debt. Student I think that’s actually a good loans and lines of credit abound. originally paid. thing. Like no other generation before, I’ll be the first one in line com- In contrast, can you say the same Maybe it’s time that we all look ours is expected to gain a post- plaining that tuition fees are too about your education? Yes, school at our want items for what they re- secondary education. It seems high and that it’s unfair to burden is expensive, but when you com- ally are: things that we desire, but that nowadays, a bachelor’s de- us with such a heavy cost so soon in pare the cost of a Canadian degree even with their own cost of living don’t really need. gree has about as much prestige as our adult lives, but when you add against the same American one, it factored in as well. It’d be awesome if tuition were a high school degree used to have. up the money maybe the cost of takes one-third as much money to Many post-secondary students cheaper – don’t get me wrong, I’m Whereas a high school degree used school really isn’t the problem. receive the same piece of paper and, have been brought up in an age not for making us pay more money to at least be a guarantee of rela- How many of us live on our own likely, a similarly-placed job. of instant gratification where if for school – but I am in favour tively steady employment, obtain- when home is still a perfectly viable When the economic crisis hit you want something, regardless of students thinking about what ing one in the present day doesn’t option? last fall, students in the United of whether or not you can afford is important to spend money on tend to get you far in the way of the How many of us have cars, States started coming up to Canada it, you can have it. Credit cards, and what is not. And maybe, just work force. Most jobs now require iPods or laptop computers? All in huge numbers – particularly loans and lines of credit make it maybe, an iPhone is not one of at least some form of post-second- of these items and things are de- to the University of Toronto and possible for students to live well those important things. ary education. preciating assets. That means that Dalhousie University – instead beyond their means. Weighing That being said, a three-year once you buy them, they’ll only of universities on the eastern sea- needs has become irrelevant in an post-secondary arts or sciences de- decrease in value. You’ll never get board, because they realized how age of want. Melanie Murchison is a University gree from a Canadian university more for these things than you much better we have it up here, I can’t even count the number of Winnipeg student. The root of all evil and trust The dream shouldn’t die Most can be trusted by the attainment of money, whether it’s trying to make enough Analysts couldn’t predict economic collapse, so don’t let them with a life, but just to get by or it's the kind of cor- predict your future porate greed that lands financial money is another tycoons in prison. People spend their whole lives and a lot of en- matter altogether ergy trying to "stay in the black." Rob Holt broken cell phone. Even if your economists and hired pundits But the truth is that society sets Volunteer phone isn’t completely fucked, it want to angle into the crushing- us up for failure right from the would take a staggering amount young-people’s-dreams market, Alexander Kavanagh start. of time and effort to repair. It’s far they ought to take jobs as high Volunteer Take me for instance. Like “No catalogue of horrors ever more likely that you’re just going school guidance counselors. many students, I’m in the process kept men from war. Before the to have a busted cellphone from of accumulating a massive amount war you always think that it's now on. Fleeing from the big If there is one thing that I’m sick of debt from student loans. So not you that dies. But you will The combination of this bru- risks and running of hearing people say, it’s: “I’d trust much so, I’ll probably spend the die, brother, if you go to it long tal economic outlook with 15.9 this person with my life.” next 20 years paying it off after I enough.” per cent youth unemployment in head first into the It's annoying because what graduate. —Ernest Hemingway Canada (18.5 in the United States) sort of career you it indicates, to me at least, is To add to a student's financial has prompted many observers, an- have to “learn to that someone has a basic level of woes, credit card companies were Lord, what kind of terrible, alysts and pundits to offer bleak ad- human decency. And to make estimated to have spent $15.4 bil- evil opening was that? I doubt vice to young people entering the like” is a fate worse basic human decency an ultimate lion in a single business quarter Hemingway, speaking from his ex- job market. Namely, abandon the than death. declaration of trust is misguided. alone on advertising in 2001. As if periences in the First World War, hunt for your dream career. You’ll The fact is, I would trustmost peo- the pressure to have a credit card ever imagined his words would be be better off finding an entry-level ple with my life. wasn’t bad enough, companies used to describe the bleak world of position in a cubicle farm some- While I would encourage any- Think about it. If you saw some make it so enticing to spend be- finance. But this, of course, is how where, burying yourself within the one entering the job market to aim stranger hanging from a cliff, what yond our financial means, since we’ve been talking about the econ- bureaucracy and slogging through for more than just a job they hate would you do? You’d freak out it doesn’t feel like spending real omy for slightly over a year now. 40 or 50 years of safe, dependable with a wage they can live with, just like any other remotely de- money. A quotation such as Hemingway's employment. let’s be honest; not everybody who cent human being and help that To keep us indebted, major could fit above virtually any ar- This isn’t the time or place for chases their dream gig is going to person. credit card companies have in- ticle in any newspaper’s financial lofty goals, big risks or high ex- be successful. Some of us, suffice it My point is, most people are at vested obscene amounts in lobby- section. Or perhaps they could pectations. This is time to bite the to say, are not going to hack it. least inherently good enough that ing governments to make it harder use something from the book of bullet. After all, work is supposed to But fleeing from the big risks they would not just let a stranger than ever to get credit card debt Revelations. What comes to mind suck, right? and running head first into the die if they could prevent it. cleared by filing for bankruptcy. is “the moon became as blood; And I would like to humbly sort of career you have to “learn to No, the real test of trust is not So long as we live in a world the stars of heaven fell to earth.” disagree. like” is a fate worse than death. The with a life, but with money. It’s a driven by money, it shall always re- That the North American econ- One doesn’t need to look much prospect of failure – however am- hard thing to live with if you let main the primary source of greed omy has seen better days isn’t a further than the people giving this plified by hired geeks – shouldn’t another human being die. But in the world. That means money is surprise to anyone. In fact, there’s a advice to realize that it’s terribly hold anyone back who’s set to give money, on the other hand, is the an evil which makes it easier than word being tossed about by econo- bad. The very idea that your job their dream career an honest shot. easiest thing in the world to com- any other for us to betray another mists now to describe what’s hap- should be a mind-numbing, soul- promise one's own morals over. person over. pening. That word is hysteresis, crushing experience, that your ca- Let’s face it: Currency is some- So, the next time you really which comes from the Latin word reer choice should be based solely Rob Holt is a University of thing that all people strive to ac- want to convey that you trust for late. Let me explain. on the money, only makes sense to Winnipeg student who hopes the cumulate and a lot of us will do someone unconditionally, try Remember that time you got the types of people who grow up to economy is in better shape when he whatever it takes to get more of it. saying “I’d trust them with my drunk and threw your cellphone be economic analysts. graduates. Just in case. People lie, cheat and steal to get money” instead. against a brick wall because you The risks and uncertainties asso- money. People will sell drugs to were mad at it? Well, hysteresis – ciated with pursuing one’s dream get it and money is even a com- Alexander Kavanagh is a in an economic sense – is like your career are not new concepts. If mon motive for murder. University of Winnipeg student. We live in a world that is driven Comments 09 www.uniter.ca September 24, 2009 The Uniter Epitaph for all those multicoloured bills?

Jon nals in Canada which account for ing the national constraints of hard

The digital age at

h over $150 billion worth of transac- currency, it is thought that global- a n could mean the end D tions annually. ization will become a more efficient y ck Moreover, the mandatory pay- and profitable process. of money as we ment option for most large cor- Proponents of such currency porations, public institutions and amalgamation efforts claim that fi- know it government employees is the direct nancial systems will be more easily deposit method, where one’s pay regulated under this new method is automatically deposited in their and that they would be less subject bank account. Few objections have to the political instability of indi- been raised about this process, as it vidual states. Paul Figsby is far more convenient than travel- While a world of only five or so Volunteer ing to the bank every two weeks to currencies may sound attractive to deposit a cheque. some, the magnitude of such finan- But between a digital deposit and cial centralization is more than a Ever hear of the plan to get rid of a few debit purchases, it is very pos- little ominous. the Canadian penny? What about sible for one to never see any of the Where currency goes from such getting rid of paper money alto- money they have made. Currency a point is anyone’s guess, but there gether? As it turns out, these two is now far less tangible than it has are a few hints about what the fu- ideas are not so far-fetched. been in the past and "invisible ture may hold. Last year, Winnipeg Centre MP money" will be the norm for future Pilot projects in Singapore, Pat Martin unveiled his grand plan generations. Hong Kong and the Netherlands for abolishing the Canadian one- While paper money has not dis- have seen the expansion of transit cent piece. Since it costs more appeared yet, the influential U.S. pay cards into use within the wider money to produce the penny in Council on Foreign Relations has electronic cash system – mean- costly copper than it is worth as the use of digital payment has risen the Interac Direct Payment system, laid out the first steps of a plan to ing that cash has been relegated to currency, the idea makes economic to a point where it is now more which first allowed consumers to do so. being a total inconvenience. sense. Several countries, notably popular than cash. make their purchases with client Along with the International It may be only a matter of time Australia and France, have already It has been a quarter century cards. Monetary Fund and the World before financial thinkers openly ended the use of their smallest coin since debit cards were first intro- The popularity and availability Bank, global financial thinkers have contemplate a world without phys- denominations. duced in Canada and their avail- of debit payment is astronomical, called for the creation of geographi- ical money that you can hold in While the reason for ending the ability has fundamentally altered especially in Canada. Only seven cally based currency systems similar your hand. circulation of the penny is seem- the relationship between individu- years after its launch, payment for to the Euro. The "Amero" would be ingly benign, it is part of a chang- als and their money. items on debit surpassed payments the base currency for the Americas, ing understanding of currency in In 1994, the role of debit cards made in cash. Today, there are an while others would be adopted for Paul Figsby is a University of this country and elsewhere. Indeed, was expanded with the launch of estimated 550,000 Interac termi- all of Africa and Asia. By remov- Winnipeg student. Letters A loss of culture that has

Letter to the Editor a vehicle, it feels like open warfare when I try to bike down Stafford been lost in history In response to Andrew Tod's ar- Street to work around 4 p.m. on a ticle (“Sharing time is over,” Sept. weekday. I have had multiple ve- First World War detention camps have a Northwest Rebellion connection 10) I just want to suggest that you hicles that pass me and then pull open up the call for cyclists to over to hug the curb and prevent share their horror stories of being me from passing them. Sometimes For many, living in some dying in the camps. Others a cyclist in Winnipeg! Many mo- this is done while slamming on were shot while trying to escape. torists in this city are completely the brakes, almost causing me to Brian Rice Canada was made Another 80,000 immigrants had hostile to cyclists, and these atti- hit the car. Volunteer easier by suppressing to register as enemy aliens and carry tudes should not be tolerated. These kind of selfish and dan- their identity and identification papers with them at My girlfriend and I are not the gerous driving acts should not be all times. This was because they had poster children for bicycle ad- tolerated. I encourage you to open Often when beginning my ab- assimilating as best come from places such as Galatia, vocacy, but both of us do enjoy up your paper to accepting stories original education class, I will ask they could. which was considered a part of the cycling during the spring and from Winnipeg cyclists to bring students where their families origi- Austro-Hungarian Empire that was summer months. This summer attention to the perils that face nally come from. This often leads at war with the British Empire, of while cycling, my girlfriend was individuals trying to break away into discussions about ethnic- about Otter’s advance on the camp, which Canada was a part. hit twice by cars. The incidents from Winnipeg's car culture! ity, cultural background and lan- Poundmaker’s right-hand man, And who was in charge of the occurred in June and July, and guage. A segment of any given class Fine Day, proceeded to outflank 24 detention camps? It was Otter, since the second incident she has Sincerely, will say that they are of Ukrainian Otter’s troops and began picking the same man that Poundmaker become completely terrified to get Lindsey Collins background but never learned to them off one by one. Poundmaker, had allowed to escape with his back on a bike. speak their language. Older gen- when told of what was happening, men and who had refused to come Although I have yet to be hit by erations of their families had im- went to the battle and called off to the chief's defence when it was migrated to Canada around the Fine Day. His men allowed Otter needed following the Northwest beginning of the twentieth cen- and his troops to escape, thus Rebellion. tury yet many didn’t pass on the avoiding a massacre. Similar to the experience of Ukrainian language to their chil- When the Northwest Rebellion Aboriginal people who spent time dren or grandchildren. ended, Poundmaker was sent to in the residential schools after Was this simply a question of Stony Mountain Prison and re- the Northwest Rebellion, those assimilation or was it something ceived a three-year sentence. Seven Ukrainians and other Eastern else? other Cree leaders, some of whom Europeans who were sent to the de- During the Northwest Rebellion had participated in the killing of tention camps didn’t want to talk of 1885, as Métis and Cree resisters civilians, were hanged along with about their experiences there. were being suppressed by Maj.-Gen. Louis Riel. For many, living in Canada was Frederick Middleton’s 8,000-man Otter never defended made easier by suppressing their army, an incident was playing out Poundmaker in spite of the fact identity and assimilating as best which would have consequences that Poundmaker spared his life they could. for both Ukrainian-Canadians and and the lives of his men. After his As a result, their children and Got something others immigrants from Eastern release, Poundmaker succumbed grandchildren never learned the to say? Europe some 29 years later. to the severe treatment he had re- Ukrainian language. One of Middleton’s subordi- ceived while in prison. E-mail nates, Lt.-Col. Otter, decided he Some 29 years later 5,000 Eastern would attack a Cree chief named Europeans – many of them of Brian Rice is an associate profes- [email protected] Poundmaker who had tried to Ukrainian descent – were rounded sor of education at the University of keep the peace between the war- up as enemy aliens and placed in Winnipeg. ring factions. Poundmaker had set 24 detention camps across Canada. up camp with his people at a place While there, they suffered under called Cutknife Hill. Forewarned the harshest of conditions with 10 The Uniter September 24, 2009 www.Uniter.ca Arts & Culture Volcanoless in Canada, acoustically inclined in Saskatoon Bre

Saskatchewan Pu ndon dance-rockers rt bring their music on to the ‘Peg

Mike Duerksen Volunteer staff

If you look up the word “volcano- less” in the dictionary, chances are you won’t find it. But that hasn’t deterred Saskatchewan acoustic dance-rock outfit Volcanoless in Canada from capitalizing on its catchy ring. “It was a geology student’s Internet display name that our lead singer snatched,” bass player Enver Hampton explained on the phone from his Saskatoon home, days be- fore embarking on a tour that will bring Vocanoless in Canada to the Lo Pub on Friday, Sept. 25. Not only does the word not exist, but it’s also a misrepresentation of Canada – a country that boasts a number of volcanoes, though most of them are dormant. “Therein lies the irony of the Kids in the hall: Saskatchewan rockers Volcanoless in Canada pose for an aesthetically pleasing photo. [name],” Hampton said, laughing. “We’re a rock band with no electric guitars.” What started out as an acous- However, when it came time to Although the current tour will were looking for,” Hampton said. “A “Collectively, we want to make tic guitar trio in Yorkton, Sask. six record their sophomore outing, The take the band and its music all the certain energy, or ferociousness.” this a career,” he said. “We want to years ago quickly turned into a five- Way Forward, electric instruments way to New York for the famed Alex Newport (The Mars Volta) tour the world and make music.” piece with the addition of a bass were included to enrich the infec- CMJ music festival, it has already took on the project and tweaked player and a drummer. tious tunes. seen its fair share of the world. the songs to perfection. Renowned After independently selling “It adds a bit more flavour, more With some songs being con- engineer Troy Glessner then added  See Volcanoless in Canada Friday, over 2,500 copies of their debut edge to the sound,” Hampton said. ceived in London, England, the final mastering touches in Sept. 25 at the Lo Pub (330 Kennedy St.) EP, the band knew they were onto Onstage, however, the acoustic the band recorded the album in Seattle.  Weatherman Underground and something. guitars remain. Saskatoon before sending it to And while the chances of “vol- Oldfolks Home will also perform “Playing with acoustic guitars “An unconventional use of the Brooklyn for mixing. canoless” being included in the  Visit www.volcanolessincanada.com definitely adds a sensibility to it, a acoustic guitars is plugging them “Our guitar player sent out a English dictionary anytime soon certain charm that the electric gui- in, cranked to nine-and-a-half with whole bunch of e-mails to produc- are slim, Hampton hopes it will tars don’t quite have,” Hampton distortion. … It adds a completely ers to see who we could get to try at least catch on in the Canadian said. different twist!” and achieve a certain sound that we music landscape.

Cheering for the Bad Guy: More hardcore than most punk

Local musician Aud ing to be jacked up and pissed off re

yK all the time.” Sheldon Birnie eeler In keeping with that ribald explains his love of spirit, Birnie derived the name of the band from his love of villains in country music Western movies. “The bigger people who are gen- erally portrayed as good guys don’t normally end up being the good Mike Duerksen guys,” he explained. Volunteer staff Rounded out by Dan Stewart, Daniel Peloquin-Hopfner, Nathan Ham, Ben Moir and Jon Voss, the These days, Sheldon Birnie can be band’s eponymous self-financed seen straddling with an acoustic gui- 2008 debut – an old-timey, bucolic- tar and crooning dusty, hard-luck sounding affair – was recorded in a country tales with the Winnipeg North End basement studio. band he fronts – the amusingly And while their songs touch on named six-piece Cheering for the subjects like low wages and hard Bad Guy. travels, Birnie is quick to point out A few years ago, however, you the band is primarily about having would’ve found the 26-year-old fun. power-strumming his way through “We try to get people to stop in fast, angry, overdriven punk rock their tracks and start dancing and anthems. Forget about the likes of Keith Urban and Taylor Swift. Winnipeg's Cheering for the Bad Guy are the new face of country music. drinking. We have a blast playing “I grew up in small town north- together and we try to extend that ern B.C., so country was all around fun to the audience,” he said. us. I wasn’t particularly fond of it. “The songs aren’t mindless party I listened to mostly punk rock and That realization came to Birnie writing country tunes. “The ideas I found were quite tunes, but we like to infuse them rock ‘n’ roll,” Birnie said by phone when he was vagabonding through “I found punk and country were the same in punk as in the outlaw with a bit of fun.” last week from the University of Canada in 2004, working short very similar, at least the songs I was country I liked. Down and out, Manitoba where he’s a third-year stints here and there while touring writing. If I slowed them down, poor, not making ends meet, drink- environmental studies major. “But part-time with the bands he was the rhythm translated nicely to ing a lot and partying seemed to be  See Cheering for the Bad Guy then, when I sat down and listened playing with. your basic Hank Williams style,” a similar scene, just a different lan- Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Times Change(d) to artists like Steve Earle or Townes In between tours however, Birnie he said. guage,” he mused.  The Bushtits and Gordie Tentrees will also perform Van Zandt, I found out they’re needed a creative outlet for his mu- Besides song structures, Birnie “But as opposed to punk rock,  Download CFTBG’s debut album for probably more hardcore than most sical ideas. With no one else around found another commonality be- you can get mad at the system, or free at www.cheeringforthebadguy.com punk people I was listening to.” but his acoustic guitar, he started tween the two genres – ideology. mad at your situation, without hav- Arts & Culture 11 www.uniter.ca September 24, 2009 The Uniter Not throwing herself in other people’s faces Winnipeg singer-songwriter doesn't play by the rules when it comes to her career J are Neustaedter Barg, Paul Bergman

d F d “Life is really short. Aaron Epp alk and Karl Redding to record some Arts & culture editor I didn’t want to wait songs for posterity. In one evening years and years and she ended up recording six songs, years to make a big, which she turned into her debut This week Demetra Penner's in E P. Winnipeg, next week she could be fancy album.” “It was more just to put [the in Churchill. This year she's con- -Demetra Penner, musician songs] down to have something centrating on her music, next year tangible and to share it,” Penner it could be her painting. Not know- said. “Life is really short. I didn’t ing for sure doesn't phase her. self in people’s faces,” Penner said. want to wait years and years and “You've got to be present,” the “People come to me [to arrange years to make a big, fancy album.” petite 24-year-old said over drinks shows] and when they do, I’m very Since then, Penner’s managed to on a Corydon patio last week. grateful. Plus, it’s hard to play a lot sell nearly all 500 copies of the EP. It’s that attitude that’s brought of shows when you travel.” She’s taken part in Mike Petkau’s Penner to places like Thailand, But it’s because she travels that Record of the Week Club and is Nepal, the Arctic Circle, Costa she’s developed her singing and currently writing songs with Matt Rica and Guatemala. She’s a certi- songwriting over the past four Peters of The Waking Eyes. fied yoga instructor and self-taught years. Growing up on a farm near If she manages to settle in visual artist whose paintings have Altona, Man., Penner was a pro- Winnipeg for more than six hung in Vienna, Barcelona and lific painter in high school who months, she hopes to make another New York. dabbled in music at the occasional CD and then tour Canada. Somehow, in between all of that, coffeehouse. “I consider art and music my she’s managed to become a sought- When she began traveling, music own language and no one can tell after singer-songwriter whose beau- became her medium of choice sim- me how to express it,” she said. tiful, dramatic voice and spacious ply because she could write songs “I don’t really follow the rules or folk songs have been showcased at wherever she was – much easier script. I just do.” the Winnipeg Folk Festival twice than tracking down paints and a as part of the young performers canvas. program. In 2007 she went into MCM  See Demetra Penner Saturday, This Saturday, Sept. 26, she’ll Studio with her friends Darryl Sept. 26 at the The Folk Exchange (211 Bannatyne Ave.) play a show in Winnipeg – some-  Tickets are $8 in advance at the Folk thing that’s rare because of her self-  Happy in galoshes: Winnipeg's Demetra Festival Music Store or $10 at the door professed “lack of knowledge about Penner is a singer-songwriter as well as  Visit www.myspace.com/ how to promote myself.” an accomplished painter. tidessweetlyrolling “I’m not good at throwing my- Getting in the zone Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate confidently leads the WSO into its 2009-2010 season

Aaron Epp During the week of a perfor- he wants to make that happen in Arts & culture editor mance, Mickelthwate and the Winnipeg. Are we there yet? symphony will rehearse for two- “It's going really well. We're cre- and-a-half hours on Wednesday ating new festivals, we're balanc- When he talks about what it's and Thursday, do a dress rehearsal ing the budget, we're connecting like conducting the Winnipeg on Friday and then perform that with different communities – it's Symphony Orchestra, music direc- evening as well as the next. just gelling right now. Everything tor Alexander Mickelthwate uses It's easy to get sucked into work is very inspiring and satisfying,” he sports language. completely and forget everything said. “If I'm in the zone and get all the about home life, he said. That's “I don't know if this is the golden musicians in the zone, that is when why he's clear with his calendar era, but it feels good.” something new happens,” he said. on when it's time to work and And if everything clicks on stage, when it's time to be with his wife, For more information, visit www. the audience becomes a part of it, California-born fashion designer wso.mb.ca. too. Abigail Camp, and their two young “It becomes a completely con- sons, Jack and Jake. centrated group consciousness. It's Mickelthwate once told the just really amazing, actually.” Winnipeg Free Press that there's al- Mickelthwate will lead the 65- ways a golden era for orchestras and plus members of the WSO (and hopefully the audience) into the zone this weekend (Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26) when they open their season with perfor- “Live classical music mances of Tchaikovsky's Symphony is the purest way to Cou No. 4. rtes Speaking by phone from his get to somebody's o y f W

River Heights home early last heart, I feel.” S O Friday morning, the 39-year-old -Alexander Mickelthwate, maestro said that people who have WSO conductor never been to the symphony don't know what they're missing. “Live classical music is the pur- est way to get to somebody's heart, I feel,” Mickelthwate said in a WSO conductor Alexander Mickelthwate puts down his baton and gets decidedly casual. light German accent. “Music itself is simply pure emotion put into sound. … It's the strangest thing the world of music. Prior to being named music di- to have 80 people playing together, At 17, he was considering a ca- rector of the WSO in February creating sounds together in unison reer in finance when a teacher asked 2006, Mickelthwate was the asso- – it's highly unique. No other art him during recess if he'd ever con- ciate conductor of the Los Angeles form takes you in like that.” sidered becoming a conductor. Philharmonic, where he was praised And to think he almost became a “The lightbulb went on,” for his “splendid, richly idiomatic stock broker. Mickelthwate said. “I remember readings” (LA Weekly) as well as his Growing up in Frankfurt, where I was standing when this “fearless” approach and “first-rate Germany as one of three sons, happened.” technique” (Los Angeles Times). Mickelthwate studied piano, cello After training in Germany When he isn't rehearsing with and voice as a youth. In his teens, for a time, Mickelthwate's stud- the WSO, Mickelthwate is in he never imagined being a profes- ies brought him to the U.S. meetings, helping plan the 2010- sional musician because he thought Various conducting gigs across 2011 season. He's also studying the it was only musical geniuses like North America and in Germany scores for upcoming concerts, often Beethoven who could make it in followed. for five hours at a time. 12 Arts & Culture The Uniter September 24, 2009 www.Uniter.ca

MUSIC LISTINGS SHONDELS, THE JURY and THE QUID. ANDREW NEVILLE AND THE POOR CHOICES with BROCK J.R. Hill CD REVIEWS ZEMAN at Times Change(d). This Saturday, Hill's solo outing Thing On a Hill is released into Symptom Tech pounds the house music at the Academy the world. The album's songs will be reinterpreted by Hill's with DJ DUBBS, MAWJ, PHAZE M, CH BASSLINE and KRISCO band, the Oktars. GRAND ANALOG vs. KOMUS. "When you hear this record you'll see that there is lots of stuff Metropolis is Burning WSO: MASTERWORKS at the Centennial Concert Hall plays its you can't do with a live band," said Hill, who struggled to find a Slo Coach Recordings second evening of OPENING NIGHT! TCHAIKOVSKY 4. balance between collaboration with people and his obsession Forget previous rap-rock fads; Grand Analog consists with recording solo on the new disc. CALABI Y and WANG THE MERCILESS at the CAVERN. of music veterans (DJs, MCs, musicians and music Since improvisation is at the heart of the Oktars (their name FIGHTING HELLFISH 9th annual cancer care fundraiser at collectors) who take the best of all genres for their means nothing – it was made up on the spot), they should fare the Pyramid. sophomore album. You can rock a party like NERD on Stream the song I Play My Kazoo at www.uniter.ca well when they take the stage at the Standard this Saturday. Magnifico, head bump toStir Crazy, or relax with a ska SUNDAY, SEPT. 27 "Since I got my first four-track a large part of whatI find en- vibe as Odario Williams briefly sings before rhyming on joyable about music is screwing around with different sounds. BREAK YOUR BAND 2009 is an all-ages battle of the bands Take it Slow. They also know how to pick the best with On the new album I use drum machines, but rather than play a with a plethora of local talent at the Pyramid Cabaret. Canadian collaborators Shad, Cadence Weapon and Winnipeg's Nestor Wynrush, whose loop, I play along for a sloppier feel. At this point there's noth- STRATOVARIUS brings their melodic power metal to the humour is fitting on Not Enough Mondays. Williams also respects his duties as MC/lead ing I've wanted to do while recording that I can't do," Hill said. West End Cultural Centre with local band SEVENTH SIN. vocalist. Calling himself the "spokesperson for the broke person," he doesn't forget to consciously call attention to those in need. Like Grand Analog’s group members or any Doing everything alone is really enjoyable for Hill, but it's the CLINT BLACK at Club Regent Casino. DJ set, Metropolis is Burning gives crowds the best parts of many styles of music. other side of music, the business, that he finds daunting. Blues Jam With BIG DAVE MCLEAN at Times Change(d). - Crystal Laderas "There are bands where a member does music and business, like Mick Jagger, but I'm just not that good at networking," MONDAY, SEPT. 28 said Hill, who plans to move to Toronto to get more involved Miami's SEAN KINGSTON performs at Blush Ultraclub. INGRID GATIN with the industry. RYELEE at Shannon's Irish Pub. Tin Heart EP The new album should be quite refined, considering that out of Trash Can Romance Productions VINYL DRIP with JAMES BROWN at the Cavern. more than 80 songs recorded it contains only 12. Earlier this year, after weeks of self-imposed solitude up "I'm proud of it because a lot of the songs got whittled down JOHNNY BROADWAY will warm up the open mike at Dylan at her grandparents' cabin near Christopher Lake, Sask., into something more focused." O'Connor's. Winnipeg-based singer/songwriter Ingrid Gatin emerged Pick up a copy of Thing On a Hill on Saturday, Sept. 26 when LEA SALONGA at McPhillips Street Station. with a little prairie gem. A splendid melting pot of French, Stream the song One Bird at www. uniter.ca J.R. HILL AND THE OKTARS are joined by THE AFTER PARTY at gypsy and folk, Gatin's cultural heritage flows through TUESDAY, SEPT. 29 the Standard (formerly Hooligans). the veins of this EP, making it really come to life. The five SARAH MACDOUGAL is performing at the Park Theatre with accordion- and piano-driven tracks, written by Gatin and beautifully recorded in Marietta, -J.P. Perron special guest MARCEL DESILETS at 7 p.m. Ga., at WonderDog Studios, are peppered with strings, glass bottles, tambourines and THURSDAY, SEPT. 24 PEN TO PAPER kick off concert at the Academy, with ALANA hand claps. They recall the early days of Cat Power, with deep-cutting lyrics and stirring WE WERE LOVERS with RAH RAH at the Lo Pub. LEVADOSKI and THE OTHER BROTHERS. vocals to match. "How did I get so hard?" she inquires on the opening track, as if looking in a mirror hoping for a response. Tin Heart's display of Gatin's songwriting and musical SOUL NITE with THE SOLUTIONS at the Cavern. Prince Edward Island's TWO HOURS TRAFFIC are playing the potential is more than enough evidence to support full-length treatment. So Ingrid, if Royal Albert with SPIRAL BEACH and THE DANKS. Scottish songwriter DOUGIE MACLEAN performs at the Park you're reading this, please feel free to oblige. ASTRONAUT JONES AND THE DIRTY SWEETHEARTS play at Theatre. - Sam Hagenlocher Academy. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30 BEEFDONUT plays outside as part of the Gas Station Patio Series. Vancouver's CASH GRABS with THE EX-GIRLFRIENDS at the AMELIA CURRAN Albert. Hunter, Hunter THE DUHKS are at the Pyramid Cabaret tonight. ELLIOTT BROOD with THE WOODEN SKY at the West End Six Shooter Records READYMIX with DJ DIAL UP and DAN L. Cultural Centre. Her first album crafted with the support of a label with HOLD STEADY at the West End Cultural Centre. Palestine's premier rap crew DAM (Da Arabian MC's) take major distribution, we reap the benefits of the promise BILLY MANZIK and KERRI WOELKE play at the Timed Change(d) the stage following a screening of SLINGSHOT HIP HOP at of mass exposure. The pressure to turn out a hit record High and Lonesome Club. the Park Theatre, 7 p.m. is definitely felt in the deliberate veering towards full SIERRA NOBLE at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. YOUTH BRIGADE, BOUNCING SOULS, SAINT ALVIA and OFF arrangements and a more upbeat feel. Her latest retains WITH THEIR HEADS appear at the Pyramid Cabaret. the diverse songwriting styles as she swings through STAMPEDERS at McPhillips Street Station. backwoods Appalachia (Hands...) on her way to heartache (Julia). Swing to the recurring ROUTE 59 pop rock the Cavern. THURSDAY, OCT. 1 cabaret of The Dozens, not unlike All the Ladies from 2006/08’s War Brides. Effortless BUSHTITS, CHEERING FOR THE BAD GUY and GEORDIE Waits-ish drunken introspection is replaced with mordant deliberation and confidence FRIDAY, SEPT. 25 TENTREES at Times Change(d). more akin to Anne Murray: full voice dripping with the salt of seaside life. She is one to ROLLIN PENNER AND THE TRAVELING MEDICINE SHOW release watch. See her live at the Times Change(d) this Sunday, Sept. 27. GASLIGHT ANTHEM, FRANK TURNER and MURDER BY DEATH their debut album This and That at the Park Theatre at 7:30 - Lee Repko at the Garrick. p.m. WILHELM SCREAM, THE ARTISTS LIFE, RIOT BEFORE and HIGH Vancouver's HAGGATHA are joined by BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE FIVE DRIVE at the Pyramid. CHINA, KVRSK and THE BLOWHOLES at the Royal Albert. THE WOODEN SKY FATTOOTH plays at the Zoo. If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone HOARFROST, CODA, XPLICIT, NINJA SPY and BROKEN ARMY all Black Box Music take the stage at the Pyramid. HELPING HANDS, a fundraiser for breast cancer, lends a mu- sical hand with performers DEBRALYN NEUFELD and GORD My first introduction to The Wooden Sky was their bril- As part of the FREESTYLE Festival NESTOR WYNRUSH, PIP SKID KIDDER at the Park Theatre. liant cover of Colorado Girl by Townes Van Zandt, whose and BIRDAPRES play a free show at Into The Music, begins at influence can be heard on many of the songs on this, the 5:30 p.m. band’s sophomore release. The songs move seamlessly Saskatoon's VOLCANOLESS IN CANADA erupts at the Lo across genres from tender folk to country ditties and Pub with openers OLDFOLKS HOME and WEATHERMAN raucous rock 'n' roll, weaving a strikingly beautiful nar- UNDERGROUND. rative about change, leaving and the paradoxes within. BOP ENSEMBLE featuring BILL BOURNE, WYCKHAM PORTEOUS, GOGOL BORDELLO and APOSTLE OF HUSTLE Saturday, Oct. 3 The lyrics on the Blitzen Trapper-meets-Hayden-sounding alt-country track Bit Part talk JASMINE OHLHAUSER play at Times Change(d). at Burton Cummings Theatre. about how “there will always be some things that stay the same, even in a crazy world THE SHOUTING GROUND play at the Standard (formerly FINAL FANTASY and TIMBRE TIMBRE on Oct. 2 and 3 at the of constant change,” and move from that abstract statement to the concrete image of Hooligans). West End. changing the locks on a house. The songs here are well-written, honest and layered with eclectic instrumentation. It'll be a pleasure watching them open for Elliott Brood this TRACY BONE plays at the Folk Exchange. SHOUT OUT OUT OUT OUT, LEBEATO and NOT ANIMALS Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the West End Cultural Centre. FLOOR 13 and JOHNNY SHOTGUNN are at the Cavern. Tuesday, Oct. 13 at the Pyramid. - Brandon Bertram JAYLENE JOHNSON appears at CanWest Centre for Theatre MUM Friday, Oct. 30 at the Pyramid. and Film. NOMEANSNO Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Royal Albert. SLIM TWIG MANITOBA CLASSICAL GUITAR DUO and SKENDER SEFA, Prairie GWAR Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Garrick. Ink Grant Park, 8 p.m. Contempt! Paper Bag Records WSO: MASTERWORKS at the Centennial Concert Hall starts with OPENING NIGHT! TCHAIKOVSKY 4. Contempt! by Slim Twig is a remarkably confusing and unpleasant album. It's comprised of found sound SATURDAY, SEPT. 26 and extensive sampling, with Slim Twig talk-singing FREESTYLE III kick off party, presented by the UWSA, CKUW 95.9 his lyrics over the resulting noise. There is nothing FM and Mass Appear, features DJ's KUTDOWN and KINETIK at familiar for the average listener to identify with. It is the Lo Pub. extremely unconventional – not in a cool, indie way though, but rather in a scary and disconcerting way. The only way to describe Contempt! DRAGONFORCE and SONATA ARCTICA at the Burton Cummings is to imagine listening to the dance troupe Stomp. Just take out all the catchy beats and Theatre. musical integrity, and instead layer the sound of radio static over the screeching noise J.R. HILL AND THE OKTARS release Thing On a Hill with THE you hear when you call a fax machine. Then have a tone deaf individual sing over top and AFTER PARTY at the Standard. throw in tuneless, heavily distorted guitar riffs for good measure. In the rebellion against Benefit show for Mount Elgon Productions with SPREAD EM, traditional sound, artists like Slim Twig give new music a bad name. The average listener SKELETON, RAIDEN and The ANIMALISTICS at the Albert. will walk away from this album dazed and confused. - Ali Fulmyk WINNIPEG ROCK REUNION at the Winnipeg Convention Centre features Winnipeg classic rock alumni GETTYSBYRG ADDRESS, THE FIFTH, SATAN AND THE D-MEN, ELECTRIC JUG AND BLUES, THE PALLBEARERS, LOVE CYRCLE, RICK PEARSON, HANK TURKO, SUGAR N' SPICE and an all-star band featuring members of THE Arts & Culture 13 www.uniter.ca September 24, 2009 The Uniter

GALLERIES The pillar problem REGENERATION by JOAN SCAGLIONE ex- plores the critical need for humans to Artist Michel de Broin questions the structural integrity of Plug In ICA with Disruption from Within enter into dialogue with nature. The exhibi- tion will be launched Thursday, Sept. 24 by University of Winnipeg's Gallery 1C03 J Cu ames James Culleton on Smoking II, de Broin modified at 4 p.m.

Volunteer staff llet a bicycle to generate clean smoke, KEN GREGORY: WIND COIL SOUND FLOW

on playing on the hypocrisy of the launches Thursday, Oct. 1 at Gallery 1C03 world’s recent green movement. in conjunction with the Send & Receive Winnipeg art enthusiasts have not “Big companies pretend to make Festival. Exhibition displays until Saturday, one but two chances to see the greener things, like clean burning Oct. 31. work of Montreal artist Michel de coal and things like that, and really The Plug In Gallery is hosting MICHEL Broin this fall. it’s not true,” he said. DE BROIN's exhibition DISRUPTION FROM Last week, de Broin was in De Broin said he feels more like WITHIN until Saturday, Nov. 21. Winnipeg to open his new solo ex- a contractor than a visual artist at hibition, Disruption from Within, times and pushes the boundaries The Winnipeg Art Gallery display photo- at Plug In ICA. He also unveiled of what people might expect of an graphic portraits by YOUSUF KARSH. Some Monument, the inaugural sculpture artist. of the famous faces include Muhammad for the Jardin de Sculptures at Le “During modernity, artists were Ali, Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, Maison des Artistes Visuels in St. hidden in their studios, but before Grey Owl and Pierre Trudeau. Opening Boniface. that they were building cathedrals Saturday, Sept. 26 and continuing until Appropriating from traditional and acting as contractors – working Sunday, Jan. 3. art methods, de Broin focuses on with teams of people and making The University of Manitoba's Gallery of drapery in Monument. The piece sure everything [looked] right. I do Student Art hosts BLOODLINES, a sculptural started as an investigation into René a lot of that,” he said. essay of genetic impurity, by JOSHUA Magritte’s Les Amoureux, where a When asked about his studio PEARLMAN, until Friday, Oct. 9. couple kisses under a sheet. practices, de Broin said he’s uncom- “I’m interested in intimate space fortable with the fact that studios ART CITY invites artists to submit propos- versus public space.” are places where artists get a bunch als to conduct workshops at its community The Plug In show goes in a dif- of tools together and those tools are art studio located in Winnipeg’s West ferent direction, though. tied to a particular place. Broadway neighbourhood. Proposals will "When I was invited to show “I like to be free to choose any be considered for the Art City Professional Artist Series in 2010. [at Plug In] I looked at the space Monument by Michel de Broin is the inaugural sculpture for the newly developed Jardin medium at any given time. Sharing as a problem I needed to deal with, de sculptures is St. Boniface. studios with other artists permits ART OF MUSIC at the Folk Exchange fea- and specifically that problem was this. They are often set up to make tures drawings, paintings, photographs and the pillars,” de Broin said. “By re- something different and we can sculptures inspired by music. The show moving the pillars, I opened up the sculptural elements. The tabletops in Shelter face in- collaborate.” runs until Friday, Oct. 30. space, but placed the gallery in a In his third version of a piece ward. Presenting the tables in this dangerous position because with- called Shelter, de Broin creates new way creates an interesting dia- Wayne Arthur Gallery invites you to view out them the ceiling would fall.” a structure out of 10 tables he logue for de Broin. Disruption from Within is at Plug SUB-URBAN photographs by HEATHER In a series of oil paintings called found in Winnipeg to create an “This piece shows the tables’ un- In ICA (286 McDermot Ave.) until ROBERTSON. The exhibit is on display until Décolonnisation, de Broin illustrates assemblage, a form of sculpture derside, or dark side.” Nov. 21. Visit www.micheldebrion. Wednesday, Sept. 30. a deconstruction of the interior of comprised of found objects and ar- Some of de Broin’s art applies org. Come out to the Ken Segal Gallery to take the gallery space by pulling down ranged in such a way that they cre- technology in a playful way to in A GLOBAL INUIT (Sex, Jokes and Polar its pillars and then reusing them as ate a piece of art. make a point. In a piece called Keep Bears) by Milos Milidrag, which runs until Oct. 3. Platform: Centre for Photographic and Digital Arts is pleased to present the group exhibition AS THE SIDEWALK BLEEDS, on movie review display until Saturday, Oct. 24. MICHAEL JOYAL'S artwork TRINITY: PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS and COLLAGE is on display at the Cre8ery until Tuesday, And a five, six, seven, eight! Sept. 29. How much you enjoy the documentary Every Little Step will depend on how much you enjoy musicals The Urban Shaman Gallery is hosting CONDOLENCE, recent works by Greg Staats.

Cou Exhibition runs until Saturday, Sept. 26. rtes Adam Klassen The Blankstein Gallery in the Millennium Volunteer o y Library presents the photographs of Mong f BRUNO WOJNICZ throughout September. M rel

e THEATRE, DANCE & COMEDY d

Every Little Step ia Directed by Adam Del Deo and James Sarasvati Productions presents FEMFEST D. Stern, 2008 2009: HERSTORY, Winnipeg's festival of 96 minutes plays by women for everyone. Shows are Plays at Cinematheque Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, at the CanWest Centre for Theatre and Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 27 at 9 Film from Thursday, Sept. 24 until Sunday, p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7 Oct. 4. Check out www.femfest.ca for more p.m., and 9 p.m. details.

Adam Del Deo and James D. Stern's documentary Every Little FILM Step tells the duel story of the origi- SAY MY NAME, a film about women in hip nal production and the current re- hop, will be having a free screening fol- vival of one of Broadways most lowed by a panel discussion on Thursday, beloved musicals, A Chorus Line. Oct. 1 in Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall at the A scene from the movie Every Little Step. How much you enjoy this movie University of Winnipeg, 7 p.m. will depend entirely on your feel- ings about musicals. If you are The WINNIPEG SHORT FILM-MASSACRE is someone who would rather bang We begin with glimpses of the give the audience the American These sections are honest and now accepting entries for the 2009 fes- your own head against a wall than thousands of hopefuls as they Idol-like experience of critiquing moving, giving one a new respect tival. Enter your horror film (10 minutes listen to Julie Andrews singing vie for the few coveted roles. along with the professionals – a for dancing as a profession. There max.) and have it screened in front of a about the hills being alive with the Unfortunately, little time is spent fun game, but one that could tire is such passion and desire within live audience. Entry deadline is Monday, sound of music, it might be best to on the real people and, as a result, quickly if this was all the film had these people and the original pro- Oct. 5. For more information visit www.win- steer clear. we do not get to know them be- to offer. duction was able to tap into that. nipegshortfilmmassacre.com. But if you understand that grease yond their passion for the role they Thankfully, it isn't. This film makes it clear how This week at CINEMATHEQUE you can watch is the word and why that rain in are going for. Most of the actors ap- The most interesting aspects of much of an impact A Chorus Line THE COVE, a documentary on the dolphin Spain always seems to end up on pear as nameless faces passing by Every Little Step are when it looks at had on the Broadway world. It was trade and humanity's treatment of the the plain, this would be a good one just slow enough to be judged. This the original production. A Chorus able to tap into a truth and show blue parts of our planet. Also playing this to check out. makes it entertaining enough but Line had its origins in a single those on the outside what goes on week is FOOD, INC. and HOW TO TALK BACK Every Little Step gives a candid also the weakest part of the film. night's meeting when a group of within this world. It also stripped TO YOUR TV SET: FILMS THAT CHALLENGE look at the current Broadway au- Deo and Stern were able to film Broadway performers got together away all the makeup and costumes THE BOOB TUBE. For more information and dition process as well as the fasci- all aspects of the audition process. and talked about their lives. This and sought to tell the stories of show times visit Cinematheque's website, nating history behind this musical, We see how quickly those in charge was recorded and many of these the real people who are always www.winnipegcinematheque.com. which is itself about the Broadway must make a decision based on such stories are played throughout the performing. audition process. little time with each. These scenes film. 14 Arts & Culture The Uniter September 24, 2009 www.Uniter.ca

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h1n1_10-09-09.indd 1 8/31/2009 2:51:04 PM Arts & Culture 15 www.uniter.ca September 24, 2009 The Uniter Forward thinking fiction Arts Briefs C

ar Compiled by C. Jordan Crosthwaite o

New major network l yn C yn li

n Censorship in Scotland

TV series asks the k The Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art is question: What hosting a retrospective of contemporary art based on issues of sexuality – and are would you do if you censoring the exhibition as a result of criticism. knew your destiny? The Guardian UK reports that the exhibit, which attempts to raise awareness of gay, lesbian and transgender issues, has banned children from attending and Jaya Beange has moved some of the more provocative Volunteer staff works to a lesser known venue in another part of the city. The censorship comes after the Ontario-based author Robert J. gallery faced criticism and pressure from Sawyer easily ranks among the sci-fi religious and cultural groups. greats – illustrious among those in The exhibit, titled sh[OUT] , features the know. He is one of only seven the work of artists including David people to have won all three of sci- Hockney, Robert Mapplethorpe and ence fiction’s top awards for best Catherine Opie. The exhibit opened in full novel of the year: The Hugo, the force back in April, but scaled back its Nebula and the John W. Campbell most controversial pieces after receiving Memorial Award. Author Robert J. Sawyer (right), pictured on location is Los Angeles with FlashForward star Joseph Fiennes. letters of complaint. The amended show Now Sawyer’s work is being runs until November. taken to another level. Thursday, Sept. 24 marks the premiere of is true. FlashForward explores that "I've always wanted lem in attracting international The Jedi face discrimination ABC’s FlashForward – a new tele- issue at length – would we better off to help to make the markets. His characters are also of Adherents to the religion of Star Wars vision series inspired by Sawyer’s with knowledge of our destinies?" diverse nationalities, reflecting the may have to find a new place to buy 1999 novel of the same name. In the book, the entire human world a better place diversity of Canadian society. their groceries. When an adherent of the The Thin Air Winnipeg race loses consciousness simulta- – to set a good Perhaps most interesting is a Jedi Church wandered into a Tesco in Northern Wales, he was refused service International Writers Festival neously for just over two minutes example with my work." more subtle difference that distin- has arranged a premiere party at as the result of a scientific experi- guishes Sawyer’s work from novels for not removing his hood, according to - Robert J. Sawyer, sci-fi writer The Sun UK. McNally Robinson Polo Park that ment gone awry. During that time, from the U.S. England has a strange history of evening. Sawyer is looking forward nearly everyone sees themselves "American science fiction nov- banning hoods, when back in 2005 to speaking at the bookstore (one about 21 years in the future – or, in els end triumphantly and this is shopping malls outlawed hoodies to of his favourite Winnipeg haunts) the show, six months. science fiction. Whenever the ques- like the American approach to life. cut down on violent shenanigans in before and after the show airs. FlashForward explores how the tion arises as to what direction the They are big and powerful and they commercial centers. The Jedi faith "My inspiration for FlashForward characters respond to this knowl- human species will take, Sawyer get their way. Canadians tend to apparently requires members to cover came from a 20th anniversary high edge of the future. has sought to provide an optimis- seek compromise.” their heads at all times, which is getting school reunion that was held at my Sawyer has been writing for his tic example, echoing the work of tricky when an aspiring Jedi wants to buy house,” Sawyer said by phone from entire life, making his first sale at Arthur C. Clark, Isaac Asimov and a can of beans for lunch. his Mississauga home last week. the age of 19. The originalStar Trek Gene Roddenberry. The FlashForward premiere party This particular Jedi, upon being “Everybody was saying the same television series as well as movies "I've always wanted to help begins at 6:30 p.m. Sawyer will removed from the supermarket, cited thing: ‘If only I knew then what like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Planet to make the world a better place also appear at the University of the burqa worn by Muslim women and I know now, my life would have of the Apes provided inspiration. – to set a good example with my Winnipeg’s Eckhardt-Gramatté claimed prejudice. A Tesco representative been so much better. I wouldn't "The ‘60s were good but I work." Hall on Friday, Sept. 25 at 2:30 responded with a bit of Jedi theology: have had that dead-end job or the thought things could be even better When asked if there’s anything p.m. with fellow sci-fi writers Nick “Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda and Luke bad marriage. Everything would in the future. We were in the pro- that makes his work distinctly DiChario and Robert Charles Skywalker all went hoodless without have been better had I known.’ So cess of deciding what we would do Canadian, Sawyer responded that Wilson on a panel discussing the going to the Dark Side.” I suggested a thought experiment: as a species for the rest of time." his settings are all Canadian. He future. Visit www.thinairwinnipeg. let's find a way to see if that really Sawyer sees himself as a child of added that this has posed no prob- ca and www.sfwriter.ca. Monkey’s prefer Monkey Music, Metallica Scientists interested in the way monkeys hear music made a surprising discovery. Tamarin monkeys, when tested with LITERATURE life: Electronica. major point of contention) of the different sounds, from Bach to Tool, only Book review responded to Metallica, the Guardian UK Have breakfast with author HAL I applaud James Cummins for entire movement. Occasionally, his attempt to approach a by-and- however, the relevance of these reported. NIEDZVIECKI, as he discusses social Researchers wanted to discover if networks like Facebook and Twitter, large un-academic (perhaps even opinions appears questionable. anti-academic?) area academically. The philosophical exploration of human sounds could elicit response from at Prairie Ink Restaurant in Grant Park the monkeys and, while most sounds Few would be acquainted both the subject is interesting and often didn’t, Metallica’s boring blend of power McNally Robinson at 8 a.m. on Friday, with the underground movement captivating, but just as often, the Sept. 25. chords and ear-piercing solos had the and also disparate, in this case often relevance is unclear. Most would effect of calming the monkeys. Metallica The launch of JUICE 9 is on Friday, philosophical, sources that could have difficulty understanding the was the only human music that changed Sept. 25 at the University of serve to explain the essence of elec- relevance of philosophers like the monkeys’ behavior, while music Winnipeg's Ekhardt-Gramatté Hall. tronic music. Kierkegaard or Schopenhauer and composed of monkey-made sounds Features local writers reading their This is Cummins' fourth book those that would be sympathetic to would get a response from the Tamarins. juicy thoughts from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and his second on the topic of elec- this attempt at philosophical expla- The sound test was designed to see tronica. He begins by defining a nation, would find the work lack- if animal calls and human music were LYNN JOHNSTON, creator of the plethora of terms such as the sub- ing in depth and clarity. associated in gaining emotional response popular comic strip For Better or For genres of electronica and the major The point being made requires from primates, and to learn about how Worse, reads from FARLEY FOLLOWS roles played within the industry. clarification and distracting typos evolution is related to the creation of HIS NOSE, a collaboration with BETH He goes on to discuss the culture need to be fixed. Even metaphors, sounds and music. CRUIKSHANK, at the CanWest Global that surrounds this music – drug though sometimes apt, often seem Perhaps we should have left the apes Performing Arts Centre at the Forks use, dance and light shows – and contrived and superfluous, such as in Metallica behind with the Stone Age. from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. proceeds to examine their past, this passage: 26. present and future realities. It's a “Each art form embraced a wave Punkers go prancing survey that is both interesting and of change … that wave crashed Two weeks ago The Uniter reported that Attend THIN AIR 2009 for a week Jaya Beange informative. Often after finding on the shores of every major city Alice Cooper named Green Day as one of of literary feasting. Writers from Volunteer staff myself questioning why such-and- worldwide. The bulge of pent-up his top picks for hard-rocking American Canada and around the world come to such an issue hadn’t been addressed expression spilled over and then rock 'n' roll bands. This week, a musical Winnipeg for readings, lectures, inter- (spiritualism, escapism), I'd hap- knocked down the dykes that had version of the band's 2004 album views, conversations, book launches pily encounter it later in the work. been built around the norm. The American Idiot made its debut, according and more. In fact, there is so much Ambrosia: About a Culture The overall intention seems to be flood just swept away any person to RollingStone.com. The iconic punk happening in town for the literary – An Investigation of to establish electronica as a force to who tried to put any of their 10 fin- rockers were pleased with the frolicking festival that you'll have to visit www. be reckoned with, or the herald of gers in the way.” rendition of the album. Electronica Music and Party The musical, which opened in California, thinairwinnipeg.ca for a complete list a new era. Cummins attacks many After reading this book, I am was staged by the Berkeley Repertory Culture misconceptions with statistics and better informed on the subject of scheduled events. James Cummins Theater and directed by veteran stage- anecdotes. of electronic music, but I am still man Michael Mayer. The musical takes a 198 pages It's obvious that a great deal of unable to properly distinguish be- Clark-Nova Books, 2008 few narrative liberties, including setting Want to see your event research was conducted in the mak- tween subgenres. the action in Jingletown, USA. ing of this work – interviews with I also remain unconvinced that Alice Cooper must be proud of in The Uniter? E-mail Ambrosia is the attempt to fill a hundreds of people with opinions electronica is as holy as the author his favourite band, what with actors niche – an expose of the ins and on the subject, including the found- suggests and certainly not that it is prancing around in campy costumes and [email protected] outs, the highs and lows of a cul- ers (so the author insists, though “the purest form of sanctity.” singing their heart-wrenching songs like ture, a genre of music, a way of his insistence suggests that this is a Jesus of Suburbia and Wake me Up When September Ends. 16 Arts & Culture The Uniter September 24, 2009 www.Uniter.ca Slowing down and living the simple life University of Winnipeg IDS course teaches students how to do more with less Cou

Jaya Beange "Voluntary simplicity is also the rtes tion [and] with this international

Volunteer staff inner situation, to be really con- o y globalized trade which so quickly nected to what is your life pur- M f fuels conflicts,” he said. ark pose, why you are here, grounded “All of this stress has contrib- B u Fasten your safety belts for a light- in what you feel most called to do,” rc uted to the deterioration of our ning-fast tour of a movement that said Karen Ridd, who teaches the h communities – people feeling un- encourages people to do just the course. loved, lost, feeling existential pain opposite: Slow down. It’s not exactly a new idea – every day. If we lived more sim- While the dominant script dic- countless spiritual leaders like Jesus ply, less consumptively, we would tates that people do things faster, and the Dalai Lama have practiced have more time for each other and bigger, better and stronger, and simple living. But perhaps global- could re-knit social relationships. that people acquire more and People would see their own welfare more things, a class at University “If we lived more as tied-in closely to that of their of Winnipeg’s Menno Simons simply, less neighbours. College offers an alternative – sim- “There would be more of a sense ple living. consumptively, we of common fate and a generally im- Listed as one of the core classes would have more time proved sense of social harmony.” in the college’s International for each other and Voluntary simplicity offers a po- Development Studies program, the tential solution to much of what course is called “Study of Voluntary could re-knit social ails the world. As a result, many Simplicity." relationships.” people are singing its praises. Voluntary simplicity is the - Mark Burch, author “I think most of us, if we think mindful choice to be less depen- about it, we have an intuitive sense dent upon material things. Because of what simple living means and practitioners consume less, they that intuition is often enough to get reduce their ecological footprint. ization, consumerism and the in- Mark Burch, director of campus sustainability at the U of W, has written books on the us started and its helpful to know Because they’re less dependent formation era have pushed society topic of voluntary simplicity. what some of the myths are,” Burch upon income, they have more time to a point of no return, where al- said. “I don’t necessarily have to go for self, family and community. ternatives are hard to come by, to the farm, wear a black hat, sub- Many people are familiar with particularly when it comes to the brings a frenzy to life,” Ridd said. Burch insists that environmental is- mit to a religious regime, give up some of voluntary simplicity’s outer environment. “It’s as if the party is almost over sues are the source of trouble in so my computer and cell phone and practices: composting, recycling, “Consumer culture has taken us and so everybody wants to get their many other spheres. … live in poverty. There are no ten biking rather than driving, eating over an environmental cliff and I share.” “I don’t think voluntary simplic- commandments for simple living. organic food, yoga and regular ex- think even people who pretend to Mark Burch designed the course ity would, say, solve the conflict be- You just make it up as an artwork ercise. Though helpful, there’s more be unaware of that and pretend to U of W offers. A freelance writer tween Israel and Palestine, but it as you go along.” to simple living than just these be unconcerned are still aware and and speaker who has published certainly would help with climate outer forms. concerned at some level and this a number of books on the topic, change, environmental deteriora- Visit www.simplicitycentre.org. Plush, crocheted breasts and penises Artist encourages you to know your body J asmi

Fiona O’connor n necessary anxiety into the feel- F e

The Link (Concordia University) it ing foray – the artist’s message is zw

illiam “Know your body,” a motto that alternately encourages overall body MONTREAL (CUP) – Penis pup- consciousness. pets, crocheted cocks and mallea- Gerard has presented Boobs and ble mammaries – Shannon Gerard Dinks with a variety of adaptations makes them all. in a range of contexts, including art The 34-year-old Toronto-based galleries, book fairs, and Planned artist is the force behind Boobs and Parenthood. Dinks early detection kits – the “As it’s branched into different plush, crocheted breast and penis communities, the vocabulary has sets that take a fresh and creative changed,” she said, a process that approach to sex education. has undoubtedly contributed to the She is also the author of the project’s multi-faceted relevance. comic book series Hung, from Incorporating illustration, print which her Boobs and Dinks work techniques and crochet, Boobs and stems. Dinks straddles the conceptual di- The third issue of the autobio- vides of art, craft, and education, graphical zine deals with themes of with its genre classification ulti- fear and human vulnerability as it mately decided by a public’s unpre- tells the story of Gerard’s partner dictable reactions. who, one day, discovers a mysteri- Last year, a collaborative instal- ous lump in his testicle. lation called Playing Doctor featur- “My response to being afraid of ing a display of Gerard’s work – this something is to write a story about time a pair of crocheted breasts and it,” she said. “I started crocheting Toronto artist Shannon Gerard has created Boobs and Dinks early detection kits – plush, crocheted breast and penis sets to help with a pierced penis mounted on large penises with little lumps in them” sex education. cut-out dolls – was dismantled from and in turn, the project “became a the York University Bookstore. primary focus.” Allegedly, an unidentified pro- A mainstay of the indie zine com- tablishing a “continuous creative since 2007, the artist has been craft- Making the toys in a range of fessor considered the display munity who also teaches a course process” related to, but distinct ing the plush privates with love and sizes, colours, and with optional offensive. on nano-publishing at Toronto’s from, her comic series. dedication. foreskins, she hopes that the prac- Gerard says the much blogged Ontario College of Art and Design, “I like the idea of having a com- Each boob and dink is made tice of self-examination will be- about controversy failed to push Gerard was inspired to develop a panion to the story,” she said. with a lump sewn inside of it, and come more accessible and familiar the debate towards what she sees as separate work based on Hung for Whereas the relationship be- by following the instructions in the to all. its constructive limits. two reasons. tween author and reader ends once early detection kit’s accompany- “It’s about breaking down bar- “I wanted it to create a dialogue Firstly, in the wake of her part- a book is published, a work like ing booklet, people can learn how riers so that people laugh,” she ex- that went beyond censorship to ner’s scare, she found that while Boobs and Dinks, with its tangible to check their own nether parts for plained. “The medical dialogue one about the fear of the body,” she information relating to women’s quality and “personal and freaky” potentially unwelcome bits and around the value of self-examina- said. “But that didn’t happen.” reproductive health was abundant, dimensions, opens the channels for bumps. tion is regimented, clinical.” “People are okay with boobs, resources on men’s was consider- “an ongoing personal dialogue with “A lot of the medical tools Instead of the traditional man- but not OK with a giant crocheted ably scarcer. the readers.” make assumptions about gender tra of “Check your breasts” or cock with a Prince Albert.” Secondly, Gerard was artistically The project is Gerard’s first ven- and about people’s bodies,” said “Check your balls," – approaches compelled by the possibility of es- ture in the crochet medium, and Gerard. that, by Gerard’s count, inject un- Arts & Culture 17 www.uniter.ca September 24, 2009 The Uniter All about the other student debt You're so worried about paying off your student loan R Y

– but what about A JA N your library fines? NZ

C. Jordan Crosthwaite Culture reporter

Statistics Canada cites that 45 per tells a painful story of not returning renters to never return. frequently? Because the fine was well over cent of undergraduates at univer- her books on time. She had nearly The largest fine at Movie Village “Crappy action movies that peo- $100, little negotiating could be sities carry debt, with an average 80 books out when she collected a was $1,230, which caused the renter ple forget about. They forget they done. Peters ended up on a pay- of nearly $20,000. Those statis- $380 fine. to disappear. rent them, or forget to watch them, ment plan, made an initial $80 pay- tics surely refer to Canada Student “He just never came back,” said or forget they watched it,” Crawley ment, but hasn’t followed up since. Loans and student credit at banks. Erin Crawley, a supervisor at the said. “I just avoid, avoid, avoid and But librarians, barkeeps and video “When people video store. “People argue all the time. It’s then hide,” she said. store clerks tell a story even more are dinkheads, Fines at Movie Village will run like a sport. The best is when peo- Her fine wasn’t the largest at the horrific than Statistics Canada. you’re going to you 50 cents for older films and ple try to talk their way out of a 50 U of W library though, where li- Students regularly rack up $2.50 for new films. They were re- cent late fine,” she added with a brarian Russell has seen a fine over large late fees at the University of make them pay.” cently lowered out of courtesy, ac- smug smile. $1,000. Winnipeg library and at Movie - Erin Crawley, video store cording to Crawley. Fines have caused more serious Perhaps libraries and video stores Village, though apparently students supervisor At Movie Village, Crawley ex- grief at the video store. Police were can learn to control debt from their are good at settling up at the end of ercises discretion when assess- called once when a patron became local pub. Cousins Deli, a famous a night of binge drinking. ing fines and has the authority irate. student hangout, rarely has trouble “A lot of students do get library “I started getting these things in to lower or erase them based on Peters didn’t get irate or try to with unpaid tabs. fines, especially at the beginning [of the mail, but I was ignoring them,” circumstances. make excuses when paying her “I feel very loved by my clientele the year], because they don’t realize Peters said. “I had this drawer that I “If [people with late fines] want fines because she felt anxious over – I've never had a problem,” said there are fines,” said Pat Russell, the put all these letters in.” to come back, Movie Village is le- the gravity of the large debt. Yen Nguyen, the owner of Cousins. circulation supervisor at the U of Eventually, Peters' fiancé con- nient about working something “I went to the library and sat “People come back the next day W library. vinced her to check on the over- out. I’m not going to make some- there trying to work up some cour- and pay, or even six months later. You’ll be paying 50 cents a day due books. She was shocked by the one pay $200,” said Crawley, who age, trying to figure out which li- They always remember.” for most books and up to a dollar amount and finally forced to settle has both movie rental and library brarian is the nicest,” she said. Nguyen cites mutual respect and an hour for reserve material. up when her account at the uni- fines herself. When she eventually approached mutual affection as reasons people When a fine gets big enough the versity was locked and she couldn’t Crawley’s authority is wielded an amenable-looking clerk, he was are honest with their bar tabs. He consequences are more serious. register for classes. with a certain amount of joviality, quite familiar with her case. claims to know 95 per cent of his “We send out a bill, and they Avoidance is common strategy too. “I said ‘I have a big fine,’ and clientele by their first name. can’t take out more books until the among young debtors. At Movie “When people are dinkheads, he said ‘I know,’” Peters recalled. “People bring me business, and I fine is cleared up,” Russell said. Village, it's common practice for you’re going to make them pay.” “I said ‘Can we make this less?’ I give them something intangible – I English student Rebecca Peters large late fines to go unpaid and for Which movies get fines most didn’t have any money.” get to know them,” Yen said.

, DOWNLOAD ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS ARE DEAD LP FOR FREE AT WWW.THECALMBEFORETHEMUSIC.ORG/ALLOFYOURFRIENDS 18 Arts & Culture The Uniter September 24, 2009 www.Uniter.ca To dine in or to dine out? That is the question Separating fact from fiction when it comes to restaurant food

Quality food may be more expensive than the alternative, but it’s worth it

Sagan Morrow Our obsession Staff writer with food has hit a new high. We’re enamoured with it It can’t be denied that quality food is ex- pensive. Eating organic, free-range and all- at every level. natural products tends to be in the higher price range. It’s no wonder that we turn to “cheap” fare: fast food and junk food. Fast food appears to be the more budget savvy option in the short term. With an abundance of sugar in the world, manu- facturers can afford to sell it cheaply. But before you reach for the bag of chips or drive through the nearest McDonalds, think about the real expense of the cheap food. Barry Popkin’s The World is Fat details how the way we spend our money on food has drastically affected our health over the years. Fifty years ago, less than 100 million people were overweight; today, the num- ber of overweight and obese people is over 1.6 billion across the globe. Fifty years ago, the food industry changed drastically. Today, we’re paying

for it with our health. Natalie Social occasions today revolve around D

food. We never have to worry about what y to eat because it is available to us wherever ck we go. Portion sizes have also increased sub- eat a meal at a restaurant than to make it at purchasing it at Kelsey’s. stantially from what they once were. What Melissa Hiebert home yourself? That said, you would have leftover ingre- was once a regular-sized drink at a fast Volunteer I looked specifically at one restaurant and dients to use for a future meal. food restaurant is now considered kiddie- one supermarket. Kelsey’s was chosen because Some other meals this writer compared sized by today’s standards. they are the most generous in giving their restaurant prices against grocery ingredient Buying food in bulk is a good way to Dining out is a popular get-together option. menu prices over the phone and Safeway was prices were chicken linguine, grilled salmon, save money, but it’s wise to think ahead You can be with friends, family or co-work- chosen because their flyers are everywhere! chicken and ribs. The difference remained at when we have these opportunities for buy- ers, enjoy some food made by professional There are a few popular feature meals at roughly $6 no matter what the meal. If you ing larger quantities at a lower price. An chefs and taste some special drinks you can’t Kelsey’s. I chose one, the 11 oz. Triple-A New purchase a meal at a restaurant or at the su- extra-large chocolate bar, for example, is always have at home. York striploin steak with a side of Yukon gold permarket they will roughly be around the likely going to be eaten just as quickly as a We are living in the age of what CBC calls mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables for same price. regular-sized chocolate bar. The Food Revolution. Our obsession with $20.99. So it all depends on your preference: How Saving a couple cents on buying big- food has hit a new high. We’re enamoured Add the chef’s salad or soup for $4.47 and much you want to spend and if you intend to ger candy is going to cost you more than with it at every level – from production, ap- a soft drink for $2.79 and the meal comes to have any leftovers that taste any good. a quick sugar rush. The effects of the extra pearance and size to how it gets to our super- $28.25 total. Some think dining out is a waste of money, amount could be harmful not just to your market and more. No Yukon gold potatoes were found at but they’re wrong. Look at the ingredients teeth, but it could also contribute to the We are also living through a difficult eco- Safeway, just red potatoes which come in the in your meal next time – the herbs, veggies, development of disease. In the long term, nomic time which makes our food desires bags for $0.99/pound. The AAA steaks (New meat and sauce. Could you actually duplicate a few more cents are worth it to protect harder to attain. Many people you ask will York style) are $7.99/pound. Ingredients for that at home for a good price? Unless you’re your health. tell you that they think restaurants are over- a chef’s salad or soup come to around $8 or also a certified chef, it’s not likely. While we in the West are eating more, charging for their meals and that they feel more (tax included). The Man isn’t always out to get you. So people living in Third World countries are ripped off. So if you bought a five-pound bag of pota- this week, treat yourself to a night out – it'll still battling malnourishment. The United With this as the general public’s view, this toes and two-pounds of steak, plus the salad be worth it. Nations World Food Programme has re- writer decided to see if this was mere specula- or soup ingredients and a bottle of pop, the Bon appétit! cently issued a news release which warns tion or fact. How much more does it cost to bill would come to $34.50 – $6 more than that even if the economic crisis is subsid- ing, the worldwide hunger crisis is, if any- thing, increasing. Lately, much of our concern has been about the economy as opposed to our health. However, we should be taking ad- vantage of the attention we are now giving to the economy. We can do this by thinking about how we can recover from the crisis – for exam- ple, buying local and living green – rather than just worrying about it. This is also a great opportunity to bring awareness to important issues regarding our health and food distribution. Quality food costs a bit extra in terms of dollars but the savings on your health are astronomical. It is something that every- one in the world should have the chance to appreciate and enjoy.

University of Winnipeg student Sagan Morrow writes a health and wellness blog. Check it out at http://livinghealthyinthere- www.uniter.ca alworld.wordpress.com. Arts & Culture 19 www.uniter.ca September 24, 2009 The Uniter

Crossword Puzzle 04 Across 42- Commer- Down 32- Post Good Solutions to crossword and sudoku will be printed in the next issue. 1- Idle away cials 1- Gammy 33- Bird that & time 43- DDE's com- 2- Draft clas- gets you Evil 5- Senate at- mand sification down tendants 44- Soak up 3- Formicary 34- Fresh 10- Before long 46- Supple- residents 37- Young 14- ___ Domini ments, with 4- Tree planta- salmon 15- Author "out" tions 40- Hebrew Calvino 47- Happened 5- Lulu liturgical with J.Williamez 16- It's blown to 6- On prayer among the 49- Empty 7- U.S. space 45- Constable reeds display probe to 46- Ornamen- Beware Bob, the 17- Make urban 51- Shake like Jupiter tal shoulder animals are coming 20- Relaxed ___ 8- Best of a piece As citizens of a society, it is our duty to 21- Casino area 53- The Com- group 48- Diners act as ethically as we can. However, in our 22- Lustful pany 9- Drunkard 50- Size of quest to do the right thing, sometimes we deity 54- Stickum 10- Musical type misjudge the consequences of a particular 23- Paris pos- 57- Bad-mouth composi- 52- Designer action and end up doing something that o m c

. we later regret. s sessive 59- Heals tion Simpson d There are a lot of examples of this; each 25- Minimum 63- Think 11- Passing 54- Diving r ss wo

o of us have probably been in this very 27- Emasculate about notice position situation dozens of times. This week, I’d b estcr 31- Stops 66- Knot in 12- Exuding 55- Editor like to deal specifically with one example. 35- Mountain wood moisture Wintour Anyone who has ever played hooky from range in 67- Entreaties 13- Not e'en 56- Celestial school or been unemployed (or who has central 68- French 101 once body been my grandmother) is well acquainted with the daytime television game show Europe verb 18- Baltic 58- Adult male called The Price Is Right. 36- Inchworm 69- "…country- feeder deer The show features excitable people 38- Acapulco men, lend 19- Declare 60- Baptism, competing for prizes by guessing the aunt me your 24- OK to vend e.g. prices of everyday items and spinning 39- Philoso- ____" 26- Sour in 61- Poet Pound a giant wheel covered in numbers. The pher ___-tzu 70- Suit fabric taste 62- Appear show’s host, until recently, was a kind and gentle old man named Bob Barker 40- Gives birth 71- Side; 27- Biblical spy 64- CD forerun- who would stand, show after show, to 28- Winged ners calmly poised, holding a long, skinny 41- Illustrative 29- Parody 65- Application microphone. craft 30- Chuck Unlike most game show hosts, Bob Barker had a special message to pass along to his viewers – one that really set him apart in the field of game show hostery. At the end of every broadcast, he would tell his audience to help control the pet population by having their pets spayed or neutered. This always seemed to me like a strange thing for a game show host to say. It really had nothing at all to do with the show, it was just sort of what Bob always said and no one seemed to question it. I’m sure Bob meant well by giving this advice to his viewers, but what he might not have considered is how dogs and cats might feel about his cause. I find it hard to believe that the future recipients Solutions to September 17 puzzles. of the Barker Procedure, as I sometimes

www.bobthesuicidalpenguin.com like to call it, would think that his crusade stopped anywhere short of being absolutely sadistic. One thing I know for sure is that if there were a famous television personality who, on a daily basis, said something along the lines of “thanks for watching and don’t forget to cut off J. Williamez’s balls," he or she would most definitely be justified in expecting a punch in the mouth from this guy. This is a good example of how the subjectivity of morality makes it hard to make the "ethical" decision. Sure, Bob 95.9 FM CKUW Campus/Community Barker is doing what he thinks is right, Radio Top 10 CD – Albums but is he doing what horny cats and dogs September 16 - 22, 2009 Want to see think is right? ! = Local content * = Canadian Content your own byline? I guess what I’m getting at here is that no matter what you do in life, you will TW Artist Recording Label Want to know never be able to please everyone. All you 1 *Black Mold Snow Blindness is Crystal Antz Flemish Eye what a byline is? can really do is what you think is right, whatever the price. Then, stand behind 2 neko Case Middle Cyclone Anti Volunteer! your decisions while hoping that there 3 Sonic Youth the Eternal Matador aren’t millions of nutless cats and dogs 4 !Grand Analog Metropolis is Burning Urbnet Send an email to waiting to tear you to pieces in hell. 5 Dinosaur Jr. Farm Jagjaguar [email protected] or stop Good luck, Bob. 6 *Metric Fantasies Last Gang by The Uniter office, 7 Vieux Farka Toure Fondo Six Degrees ORM14, in the Bulman 8 John Doe & The Sadies country Club Bloodshot J. Williamez is a local musician with Centre mezzanine. enough free time in the day to think 9 !Jackpine Brand New Good Old Days Dollar tone this stuff up. See him Wednesday nights 10 *Great Lake Swimmers Lost Channels Weewerk at Shannon's Irish Pub. 20 Arts & Culture The Uniter September 24, 2009 www.Uniter.ca Great looks for great prices Second-hand stores prove you don't need to go into debt to look good p

Kathleen Cerrer Bibles for Missions offers "excellent Located in the heart of the ho t quality used merchandise at reason- Exchange District, this vintage o Staff writer by s able prices" in a retail outlet atmo- boutique-like shop definitely ci Second-hand shops offer a wide va- sphere, as stated on their web site blends the many genres of fashion ndy www.bfmthriftstores.ca. into one, as reflected through their tit riety of clothing, accessories, foot- u wear and other knick-knacks. It’s Chain-linked purses, fur jackets merchandise. Pieces here can be in- s like one big treasure hunt to find and flowy blouses in neutral earth terchanged with outfits and the ver- that one-of-a-kind item or vintage tones are just some of the ever- satility makes it worth the while. piece. changing selection available. Most second-hand shops have Looking for more second hand shop- such a vast selection that it’s best to Ruby Slipper Vintage Shoppe ping? Visit these other places: leave yourself plenty of time to sift 970 Sargent Ave.  Antiques & Funk, a furniture store, through every rack, shelf and bin at 474 Main St. to find something special. Because A well-known consignment shop in  Vintage in the Village at 194-A these stores are filled with items Osborne St. the city, Ruby Slipper is a popular that have history, shopping second-  Slic Chics Boutique at 845 hand is different and unique, much place to go for fashionable finds. Henderson Hwy. The extensive accessory collec- like the items you find.  Village Antique Mall, a clothes and The big fashion trend for fall/ tion is great for sporting over the furniture store, at 197 Osborne St. winter has elements of a distressed, top jewels. Vintage broaches, bold worn-out look and this goes hand necklaces, as well as earrings of all in hand with second-hand shops. designs are great investment pieces Thrift shops urge you to experi- to wear all year round. Handbags ment with your usual look and get of all brands and styles as well as a The big fashion trend for fabulous selection of hats – in fur, inspired by every interesting piece fall/winter has elements of you see. They're also an excellent velvet and leather – are sure to get place to make the most out of your your creative juices flowing. a distressed, worn-out look cash while pulling off the same Silk scarves are also available in and this goes hand in hand an array of styles and colours and, look seen in high-end boutiques with second-hand shops. and glossy magazines. at a fraction of the price of a new Instead of going to the same old scarf, you’ll have enough money to store and buying that one, mass- stock up. produced top, opt for a vintage Also, donating your unwanted, shop and discover what all the fuss good condition apparel to con- is about. signment shops allows you to earn Here are some places to start: money as others put your clothing/ furniture to good use. Bibles for Missions Thrift Store 919 McLeod Ave. Vintage Glory 88 Albert St. This hidden gem is definitely a one- Finds at Vintage Glory include stop shop and it’s almost guaran- classic leather jackets, funky shoes Vintage Glory on Albert Street is one of many great vintage stores in Winnipeg. teed you will find something that and a variety of sequined, jeweled catches your eye. and colourful dresses. The mix of Located away from downtown the old and the new creates a mod- and from any major shopping areas, ern and vintage feel.

The Uniter Fashion Streeter is an ongoing documentation of creative fashion in Winnipeg inspired by the Helsinki fashion blog www.hel-looks.com. Each issue will feature a new look from our city’s streets and bars in an attempt to encourage individual expression and celebrate that you are really, really good looking.

Kristel "My favourite fashion decade is the '60s." Does your co-worker ooze style? Should we photograph him/her s u

for the Fashion Streeter? Send an e-mail to [email protected] tit ndy ci