10 June 2015

Comment Editor: Evan Tremblay

Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Letter to the students

An open letter to friends, family, and the students at the University of Manitoba

a l t urnbull

The Manitoban received this letter from outgoing University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) president Al Turnbull at the end of his term on April 30. Turnbull offers his thoughts on public service, activism, and the true meaning of a university education.

Today was my final day in office as your UMSU president. It started and ended pretty much like every other day in office. However, if you have a moment to humour me, I have a few reflections that I would like to share.

This year marks a lot of lasts for me: last exam, last football game. But my biggest and saddest last will be this day. The other moments were powerful and moving, but it is this last day of public service that I will miss the most in this chapter of my life.

One thing I have realized over the past 730 days is that public service can exist in all shapes and sizes. It can be opening a door, participating in a student group, or being a designated driver. For those that are so lucky, public service might be called a job with an outlined mandate and maybe a salary.

But upon reflection, I leave this place with an understanding that public service extends far beyond our social circles or our surrounding communities. It’s a mindset; an understanding that it isn’t all about you. Public service isn’t a one- or twoyear term; it is a lifelong commitment to making the world a better place.

True activism isn’t yelling and screaming until you get your way. True activism is being the change you want to see in the world. True activism is engaging with your community. True activism is fighting for what’s right while respecting your opposition. True activism is trying to have a positive interaction with every single person you encounter. You do not need to be inherently political to be involved, you just have to care. True activism is giving a shit, whether it’s about your student group, human rights, or the type of food options on campus. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you care.

And if you care, care a lot.

Many students carry the belief that you can find true solace in your studies, and that success is manufactured on Aurora in the guise of As and Bs. I hear the “I’m too busy” followed by “I just don’t have enough time” line used ad nauseam. If I have taken anything out of the last two years it is this: an overemphasis on your academics is the path to a broken system that substitutes synthetic experience for real experience. I’m not saying abandon school. I definitely played the game. I’m saying be your own boss and fire some bullets, because it’s only when they’re flying that you truly grow.

So, for any new students wanting to get involved, here are a few things to keep in mind: first, although difficult to do, it is prudent to identify and invest in areas of your existing and emerging strengths. I naturally

gravitated to the things I liked, and less to the things I was told to like. Find something you enjoy and that you’re good at and go with it – whatever that may be.

Secondly, know that sometimes serendipity will play a role. I don’t believe in luck, but when certain people or opportunities are put in front of you, you need to pounce.

Lastly, take calculated risks and know that you won’t win every time. Failure is inherent in all aspects of life. Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable is a beautiful thing; once you realize you learn more from your losses than your wins, you can never lose.

Some things will be out of your control. You can’t get to know everyone, and not everyone will like you. Most of the latter will have never met you. Life is a constant battle of breaking down stereotypes and stigmas. If you’re told you can’t or are expected to not be able to do something, then be the paradox, break the stigma, and always dance to the beat of your own drum. No one can define you but yourself.

Obviously a huge thanks needs to go out to the two executive teams I worked with (especially Daria, Rebecca, and Jeremiah), and the hundreds of others that helped things move along the last two years. But most especially, I have to thank my brother, best friend, and partner from the beginning: Christian Pierce. Two and a half years ago, tipsy on Hub lager in Fletcher Argue, we started

to devise how we could work together and help change our university for the better. I asked him if he wanted to go for a ride, and thank God he said yes – twice. I love this school and everyone in it. I certainly made mistakes, and I know I wasn’t “the best.” But I hope to sleep well tonight knowing that I did my best. I have always tried to serve the interests of the students, and although not everyone will agree, I do believe the University of Manitoba is better today than it was yesterday.

In closing, thank you friends, family, and students of the University of Manitoba for giving me the opportunity to serve you these past two years. I will never forget the enormous and lasting impact all of you have had on my life.

One love,

Al Turnbull UMSU president 2013-2015

Tuition increases an asymmetrical burden on international students

A letter of concern

There is nothing but shock, resentment, and grave disappointment from international students regarding the budget released by the University of Manitoba administration in May. Depending on the faculty, there has been a 10 to 18 per cent increase in tuition fees. This means that international students will now be paying around $3000 extra annually. For an overnight increase, this is simply outrageous.

An average international student arrives in this country with a tightly managed budget from home. A 10 to 18 per cent overnight increase is nothing less than a major setback to that student’s aspirations. This decision by the administration is destroying the promising academic careers of international students, with many left with no choice but to leave. Making things worse is the revelation that not

all of this increase will be applied to international student support. The drastic increase in fees isn’t translating to a drastic increase in support for international students.

As the international students’ commissioner with the Canadian Federation of Students-Manitoba (CFS-MB), I can feel the pulse of my community. Tempers are very high and students want to protest, with some already planning on leaving the province.

In the U of M’s latest budget, slightly over $14 million in cuts were made, mostly affecting academic programs, classes, and departments. When the university has a shortfall in its budget and chooses to invest in capital projects while maintaining $130 million in liquid assets, the increases of tuition fees for international students is an unfair way to

balance budget choices.

What the university needs to understand is that if it wants to improve its global reputation, then it must avoid abrupt, massive fee hikes for international students and increase support for them. It must choose to keep the U of M affordable and accessible to international students.

Education for all—domestic and international students—should be the number one priority of the university administration. Being inclusive of international students improves the research and development capabilities of the university and engages an important group that will result in many future Canadian citizens. Keeping the U of M accessible to international students is good for its social and economic health.

CFS-MB supports international

students, condemns the fee hike, and strongly disagrees with dealing with budget shortfalls by increasing international student fees. Investing in education and keeping the U of M affordable for domestic and international students is critical.

CFS-MB stands in solidarity with international students and is coming out with a strong campaign against the discrimination by the university administration.

CFS-MB, in consultation with international student representatives, will campaign for a reduction of the upcoming increase in international undergraduate and graduate tuition fees, a differential fee freeze between international and domestic students to prevent unexpected and overnight fee increases from occurring in the future, and establishing province-wide guidelines for proper

supports for international students so that higher fees result in improved services.

These recommendations will ensure that the University of Manitoba, and the province as a whole, remains an inclusive place for international students. Keeping education affordable and accessible for all has a wide variety of benefits for universities and the broader society. This should be at the heart of the university administration’s budgetmaking choices.

Muhammad Jazim International Students’ Commissioner Canadian Federation of Students–Manitoba

Refuting the ‘silent majority’

A response to Ethan Cabel’s criticism of the modern student movement

dE von h an E l

The true absurdity worthy of note

in Ethan Cabel’s article “U of M budget woes a function of weak provincial leadership,” published in the Apr. 8 issue of the Manitoban, is just how much he claims to know about the demands and realities of the “modern student movement.” To take the most egregious example: “at the risk of over-generalizing,” Cabel states, “in my experience most student union and activist groups are populated with left-wing humanities students whose parents are funding their education or who have incurred some form of government student loan debt” and that “they have prioritized student politics over their academic careers.”

Now, how perfunctory does a remark have to be before it’s unworthy of a response? As a supposed member of the “revolutionary class,” I will attempt to reply to some of Cabel’s claims – although not all, as this would constitute a “laundry list.”

One criticism raised is that the student movement possesses a “fan-

tastical ideal of openness and accessibility.” Here, Cabel must be reacting to the call for the lowering and even elimination of tuition fees. It is patently false to call such an ideal fantastical. Evidence of such a reality is seen in Germany, Norway, Iceland, and Finland in which post-secondary institutions do not collect tuition fees. Cabel also makes the bizarre claim that “members of the student movement dismiss any argument that the ratio of teaching and research for tenured faculty may need to be readjusted to ensure that more students receive first-rate instruction” and that any questioning of such faculty practice is equivalent to “facilitating a neoliberal agenda.” Yes, this ratio may very well need to be adjusted. In fact, this seemingly misaligned ratio is a symptom of the claimed neoliberalization of higher education.

Take the article “The Neo-Liberal University,” published in New Labor Forum , in which it is argued that, exactly for reasons of corporate interest and “global economic competitive-

ness,” administrators are “pushing for greater faculty productivity in ways that affect faculty’s work units and ways of using time.” Further, Stanley Fish notes in the New York Times that in the neoliberal university where “research partnerships with industry” are common, even secure faculty members “churn out reams of scholarship [...] that is increasingly specialized and without a clear connection to the public interest.” In this climate of industry-prioritized research both teaching and traditional scholarship suffer.

On Cabel’s reading, the student movement disregards the idea that “a university education should have any direct connection to the practical realities of the Canadian economy.” I hold that not only is this untrue, but that it becomes distastefully so when combined with Cabel’s previous statement that the student movement does not “seek to lift suffering individuals out of poverty or help give them a leg up in the job market.”

So far as I can tell, the prioritization

of disadvantaged groups’ access to post-secondary education arises precisely from an understanding of the fundamentality of such education to economic well-being.

It is an unfortunate truth that the ‘inherent value’ of an education needs to be defended against an unpleasant streak of careerism

It is said that talk of “job prospects” and “practical approaches to education” is met with “idealistic intonations about the ‘inherent value’ of a university education.” An example of this value is the humanities, which, Fish reminds us, exist as “their own good.” However, it is an unfortunate truth that the inherent value of an

education must be defended against an unpleasant streak of careerism. I suggest we could well do with an ever sharper reminder to those making budgetary decisions of the traditional and fundamental purpose of the university. This purpose is to “educate, preserve, create and share ideas and new knowledge for the public good” as stated in the University of Manitoba’s Strategic Plan. There is no denying the need for education to serve certain practical realities, namely the employability and financial security of the individuals pursuing it. Yet there exists a form of myopia in those who believe that not only are the budgetary choices of administrators to be taken at face value, but also that education for its own sake is no longer relevant. Against this, I say that education is a good in itself and one to be both prioritized and preserved, and I say this in spite of anyone who might claim to speak for the “silent majority.”

India’s rockstar prime minister

Modi’s visit to Canada a historic occasion

Karti K Kul K arni

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ottawa on April 14 to a large number of fans waiting and chanting his name.

The visit was historic.

In 1973, Canada played host to Indira Gandhi, then prime minister of India. Relations between India and Canada have had their ups and downs since that time, but during that period there has been no similar visit from an Indian prime minister. After 42 long years, this visit by Modi has raised many hopes and emotions among Canada’s Indian community, which is 1.2 million strong. On his very first day in Canada, Modi gave a major speech at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, which was packed by 10,000 people, in which he said that Indo-Canadian relations are back on track and the solution to all India’s problems lies in development.

A range of issues were discussed between the Indian Prime Minister and his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper during the visit. This included infrastructure and strategic partnerships, and several agreements were signed – including a muchawaited uranium supply deal, which, it is hoped, will lead to the creation of thousands of jobs in Saskatchewan.

Rising from the humble background of a tea seller in his native city of Vadnagar, in the state of Gujarat, to being prime minister of the largest

democracy in the world, the story of Modi is nothing short of inspirational and is proof of a rising India. Recently announced one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time, he has met almost all major world leaders since his historic victory in the general ele ctions in 2014.

The story of Modi is nothing but inspirational and is proof of a rising India

U.S. President Barack Obama penned his approving thoughts about Modi in Time. “Determined to help more Indians follow in his path, he’s laid out an ambitious vision to reduce extreme poverty, improve education, empower women and girls and unleash India’s true economic potential while confronting climate change,” Obama wrote. Through his vision of developing India and making it a superpower in the 21st century, Modi was able to connect with the people of India and the ever-growing and influential Indian diaspora. Coming into office after a sweeping win in 2014, Modi has introduced many initiatives such as the Clean India Mission and Save the Girl Child. The Make

in India initiative, which is another brainchild of Modi’s, invites foreign investors to set up businesses in India by promising reduced corruption and quicker clearances for foreign projects.

For Canada, India is a place of opportunities to do business. India has a huge, and growing, middle class which is largely untapped by Canadian businesses. Bilateral trade between India and Canada in 2014 was just at $6.4 billion, as compared to $73.2 billion with China in 2013.

Though many challenges have yet to be overcome by India before it frees itself from the twin shackles of corruption and poverty, the world sees Modi’s leadership as the beginning of a new era for India.

Beyond Google

Alternative search engines for academic research

Stéphan E Jubinvill E

Just about every academic has used Google for research and it should come as no surprise that Google has a dedicated search engine designed with academics in mind: Google Scholar. For many university students, online research is an essential part of academic life. If Googling is your exclusive way of finding information, there are three other search engines that may help spice up your research habits. Here is a review of these search engines, and some tips on how to use them.

First, Microsoft. Seemingly in constant competition with Google’s search engine supremacy, Microsoft launched its own version of an academic search engine, aptly named the Microsoft Academic Search. Since 2006, the project has been in Beta and many have pointed out that its collection of 48 million publications has not grown much in the last few years. Nonetheless, there are still many benefits to using this search engine.

The crowning achievement of the Microsoft Academic Search is its use of visuals within its results. These visualizations, as they are called, are charts or diagrams that display such details as co-author information graphs to help expand searches to other publications, publication trends to observe the dates and popularity of publications, and a citation graph to show citation relationships between

publications. Microsoft’s visualizations may still be experimental, but it this is one of the most innovative ways to approach academic researching.

If Microsoft Academic Search lacks some of Google’s academic resources, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE) makes up for those shortcomings. BASE boasts one of the world’s largest collections of online academic materials. As a comparison, Google estimates its search tally at approximately 99 million documents (which represents about 87 per cent of all English written documents), whereas BASE claims to have about 70 million documents from 3,000 different sources. While not quite as large as Google’s collection, the BASE collection is still impressive.

It is worth noting that when using BASE, which is operated from the Bielefeld University Library in Germany, users have a distinct advantage when researching Europeanbased material.

Finally, BASE documents, which are intellectually selected and reviewed, allow users about 70 per cent full accessibility to their collection. Quite often other search engine for academic material will provide results granting only partial access (providing access to only the abstract of an academic paper, for example). If having only 70 per cent access to the

Hive mind

full materials of an academic search engine is a deterrent, there is JURN.

JURN, according to its website, is an acronym which stands for anything the user wants. This notion helps to set the kind of tone of freedom JURN wants to give to their users. One way to think of it is “Just Use Routine Nomenclature.”

JURN promotes itself as offering millions of free and open-access academic articles, theses, and e-journals. Furthermore, as an interdisciplinary search engine, it has an impressive selection of arts and humanities articles. In fact, JURN’s large directory of articles in arts and humanities subjects is organized in such an intuitive way that users probably will not even notice there are over 4,000 available titles in JURN’s directory.

JURN may not have as many resource results as Google or BASE, but users will not fall into the researching trap of reading past the abstract of an article just to discover a subscription is needed to gain access to the rest of the article. This timesaving and user-friendly approach will definitely attract many users.

Users that have decided to dive into this new world of search engines should be patient. A new search engine may not always be as intuitive as Google, but following these few tips will ease the transition.

Help, Help, Help!

It may sound redundant, but the “help” link is there to help you. Most search engines have an abundance of useful information to help users navigate and effectively use their search engines.

Auto-complete drop-down

When starting a new search, take the time to observe the auto-complete drop-down. These auto-completed results may mean someone else previously made the same search, which

may save time in formatting a search.

Be specific

The more specific you are, the fewer results should appear. Start specific, and if the results are not to your liking, broaden your search little by little.

With this new list of robust search engines and arsenal of tips, there’s a wealth of new information available. These tools will save researchers save time and, with any luck, help them in achieving their next big discovery.

What’s the buzz with disappearing bees?

Chant E ll E d uboi S , staff

Farmers, beekeepers, and scientists began noticing honeybees disappearing in 2006. The honeybee is responsible for the pollination of crops around the world, and plays a critical role in the world’s food supply. Without them, many crops will no longer be sustainable. The “save the bees” movement has recently surfaced as a response to the disappearing insects, with even the U.S. government making saving the bees a priority.

An increase in the occurrence of colony collapse disorder (CCD) began to be observed in 2006. This mysterious phenomenon is characterized by the sudden disappearance of a seemingly healthy adult bee population, leaving behind lots of food, immature bees, a few nurse bees, and the queen. CCD appears to be a case of hive abandonment, as opposed to the death of a colony, as no evidence of mass bee death has been observed, and the queen is left behind. So far there is no strong evidence as to why CCD occurs. Some theories suggest that mites, virus, fewer nutri-

tional food sources, fungi, pesticides, or even electromagnetic interference from cellphones, have contributed to the phenomenon. Most widely accepted is that neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides, is causing CCD. Pesticides are frequently used on crops to prevent harmful insects from damaging a yield. However, these chemicals are likely to be affecting the honeybee as well, preventing very important pollination from occurring. Currently, neonicotinoids are temporarily banned in the European Union.

Another widely considered threat to the honeybee population are varroa mites, which are easily spread within and between bee colonies. These mites attach to the bodies of bees and feed on the bee’s hemolymph.

In May 2015, the U.S. government announced a commitment to helping save the bees by offering a multimillion dollar subsidy to the effort. This subsidy will go towards research, making government owned property more bee-friendly, and encouraging the use of fewer pesticides on crops. The incentive for the government to

save the bees is great, as the effect on the economy would be significant.

Celebrities are even getting onboard with the “save the bees” movement. American actor Morgan Freeman revealed on the Tonight Show that he recently began beekeeping as a hobby, importing 26 beehives to his home.

“There’s a concerted effort to bring bees back onto the planet […] We do not realize that [bees] are the foundation, I think, of the growth of the planet, the vegetation,” said Freeman. Canadian environmental activist David Suzuki strongly opposes the use of neonicotinoids as pesticides on crops. His campaign to save the bees calls for the Canadian government to ban these pesticides in Canada. For the everyday person, some small actions can be taken to help save the bees. These include doing things like planting bee-friendly flowers, allowing weeds and other wild flowers to grow, or even getting into the hobby of beekeeping.

Defenestration

noun de·fen·es·tra·tion \(ˌ)dēˌfe-nə-ˈstrā-shən\

1 : a throwing of a person or thing out of a window

2 : a usually swift dismissal or expulsion (as from a political party or office)

“Mad Men is my favorite T.V. show to feature a possible defenestration in its opening sequence.”

Definition obtained from Merriam-Webster at merriam-webster.com

the

ivory buffalo

Graduating students celebrate never reading again

Extra custodial staff called in to empty refuse bins full of textbooks

Murv b E r K l E y, staff

Thousands of University of Manitoba graduates celebrated never reading again this May at their graduation ceremonies. Large refuse bins were on hand in the auditorium, where students were encouraged to throw away all of their books as they walked up to get their diplomas.

Charles Tipper, the University of Manitoba vice-president academia, spoke to the crowd of students and their families and friends during the ceremonies. “Remember, education is a static thing, bound by these hal-

lowed walls. Not only are you not required to learn anything else in life, but it would be impossible without having paid tuition, so don’t bother trying.”

Ray Daniels, graduate of the faculty of education, said he hadn’t thrown his books in the garbage.

“Students are throwing their books out and the university is enabling it. I just think it’s irresponsible,” said Daniels. “I wanted to do something special with mine so I’m taking them home to burn in a bonfire. You only get this opportunity once and people are literally throwing it away.”

Although for many graduates their ceremonies marked the end of their education and the last time they would ever open a book, not all graduates were so lucky.

Iqbal Gadhi, a former business student, told the Manitoban some of his friends would still have to read, even after graduation.

“For some of my friends this is a sad day. Several are moving on to graduate degrees – that means at least another two years of learning and books. It’s just hard to know it’s not over for them,” he said, holding back tears.

Zola Jesus to jazz up Winnipeg

Russian-American Synthpop Artist to perform during TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival

S E a M u S h a M ilton- patti S on, staff

Ethereal. Diverse. Independent.

These are but a few words one might ascribe to Russian-American singer Zola Jesus (born Nika Rosa Danilova), whose musical catalogue— consisting of five full-length albums and a couple of EPs—explores genres including electronica, classical, pop, new wave, and industrial. Fans of Danilova will be able to see her perform live in Winnipeg at the Union Sound Hall on Jun. 18 as part of the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival.

With her most recent full-length

offering, 2014’s Taiga, Danilova has created an extremely ambient, synthesizer-heavy collection of songs that contrasts the more traditional stringed instrumentation of her previous release, 2013’s Versions

The album’s lead-off single, “Dangerous Days,” sounds like any number of contemporary pop tunes with its pulsing synth beat, ghostly ambient sounds and Danilova’s unique, dulcet vocals.

Taiga has its share of softer moments, such as the melancholy, piano-driven “Nail,” but the vibe

Zola Jesus presents is more energetic than anything else. This is an album that will make you want to dance alone all night in your favourite dimly lit nightclub.

Taiga ’s grandiose yet isolated mood can be partially attributed to the inspiration Danilova drew from “non-musical things” during the creation of the album.

“I was very inspired by man’s collision with nature, and our inherent sense of alienation in the natural world,” she tells the Manitoban. As with her previous releases, the art-

ist herself has taken the lion’s share of work in the album’s production.

Danilova is credited with arranging, composing, producing, and programming the album’s music, as well as contributing synthesizer parts and vocals.

“I

was very inspired by man’s collision with nature, and our inherent sense of alienation in the natural world” –

Nike Rosa Danilova (Zola Jesus)

“I have very strong ideas about what I want to make, and how I want to make it. Since the beginning I’ve just done it all myself. It’s easier to do it myself then try to communicate my ideas to someone else, [...] even if the quality suffers, or it takes me a long time to learn all the jobs required.

The way I work, producing, writing, and recording all kind of happen simultaneously,” said Danilova.

Taiga has received positive reviews from music critics, with American

music publication Pitchfork stating that the track “Ego” uses “film-score ambience to impressive effect.” The album is her first on major British record label Mute Records, marking Zola’s first departure from independent American label Sacred Bones.

“Since I had been with Sacred Bones from the very beginning, I was starting to get curious about what it was like on a different label. Sacred Bones is my family, but Mute is kind of like going off and backpacking through Europe, [...] just trying to gather experiences with a different group of people. Mute has been amazing. They have so much integrity about what they do, which is really important,” Danilova says of the departure.

While Danilova simply stated she is “not sure how these things happen sometimes” with regards to Zola Jesus’ Jazz Festival performance, she also mentioned she is “very excited to visit Winnipeg.”

“It will be my first time there as a visitor and performer. I hear it’s really beautiful.”

Catch Zola Jesus live on June 18 at the Union Sound Hall with special guests Hana Lulu. Tickets are $20 in advance and can be purchased at jazzwinnipeg.com.

KEN mode anticipates ‘Success’

A band self-described as “northern bellicosity done politely,” Winnipeg’s KEN mode combines elements of noise rock, hardcore punk, and heavy metal into a controlled yet chaotic assault on the ears. Though currently touring Europe and the U.K., the group is scheduled to return to North America halfway through June. This North American leg of the tour will see the group playing record release parties in various Canadian and American locales, cul-

minating in a homecoming gig on Friday, Jun. 26 at Winnipeg’s own Good Will Social Club.

The record being released? KEN mode’s sixth full-length album Success — a follow-up to their 2013 release, the Polaris Music Prize-nominated album Entrench

The band has leaked five of the album’s nine tracks ahead of the release, and so far Success offers up the uniquely cathartic and cacophonous brand of aggression longtime

fans have come to expect. However, the album also showcases a farther departure from the band’s roots than ever before.

For the most part, Success abandons the sludgy, murky guitar tone and nearly indiscernible vocal howls of the band’s back catalogue in favour of tight, catchy numbers reminiscent of Texan noise rockers The Jesus Lizard or Bleach -era Nirvana on steroids.

“We definitely knew we were writing with the ‘metal and hardcore’ filter off this time,” said guitarist and lead vocalist Jesse Matthewson.

“We wanted to focus on the sound of bands that made us want to make music in the first place as teenagers, prior to ever listening to stuff like Slayer.”

The second track previewed by the band, “These Tight Jeans,” serves as a perfect example of a stylistic leftturn with its jagged, buzz saw power chords and instantly singable chorus, which features some Pixies-esque back-and-forth vocal interplay between Matthewson and special guest Jill Clapham. The song opens with Matthewson hoarsely barking,

“I would like to learn how to kill the nicest man in the world.” This line is one of several immediately memorable lyrics peppered throughout the album – lyrics Matthewson says were handled differently on Success then on any of the group’s previous albums.

“I prepared more for this album vocally than any other album we’ve ever done. We demoed all of the songs a good four or five times through the process [...] Historically, my lyrics have been something deeply personal, and this time around I’ve been taking notes for the past few years [...] of funny word combinations and phrases that entertained me, much of which were things my bandmates said.

“Additionally, this is the first album I’ve really ever made a conscious effort to utilize any rhyming schemes to make the song prose pop. Really, rhyming makes for inherently catchy vocal parts.”

Matthewson also described a ‘quality over quantity’ ethos that drove the band’s decision to hold their record release in Winnipeg at a relatively small, intimate venue such as the Good Will Social Club.

“I like the room at the Good Will, and all of the people involved,” Matthewson told the Manitoban “The focus of all of the release parties we’re playing is to do them in smaller, cooler rooms that we know people who follow us will actually want to attend a show at, and so we can pack the shows out. Makes for a more fun event for something like a record release.”

KEN mode will tour consistently throughout June and, according to Matthewson, are booking a twomonth North American tour in the fall that they’ll likely be announcing later this month. However, Matthewson said they will be taking July off and staying in Manitoba during what he described as “the most pleasant time of year to be in town.”

See KEN mode celebrate the release of their sixth full-length album ‘Success’ on June 26 at the Good Will Social Club with special guests Pop Crimes and Teethmarks. Advance tickets are $15 and are available at the Good Will Social Club, Music Traders, or online via Ticketfly.

Cover to cover with Carlyn

The Evolution of Alice,

Carlyn S C h E ll E nb E rg

Winnipeg writer David Alexander Robertson’s work has been published in Prairie Fire and CV2. He is the creator of several graphic novels, including the bestselling 7 Generations series; and he contributed to the 2012 anthology Manitowapow: Aboriginal Writings from the Land of Water. He was also recently awarded the John Hirsch Award for Most Promising Manitoba Writer at the Manitoba Book Awards.

Robertson’s debut novel The Evolution of Alice, published in 2014, follows single mother Alice as she raises her three daughters on the reserve she grew up on. When her family is struck by tragedy, Alice, along with her family and best friend Gideon, must find ways to cope.

Gideon provides first person narration for the bulk of the novel. He is only one of a number of characters who together form a sense of com-

by David Alexander Robertson

munity while trying to find solid ground.

Robertson contrasts the portrayals of the reserve and the city. Both are tragic, but on the reserve there is a sense of communal healing

While Alice’s story is central to the plot, these compelling side characters also drive The Evolution of Alice The reserve’s sense of community in dealing with tragedy is revealed in brief vignettes. Whether it’s grade schooler Matthew, who just found

out he is part Cree and tours the reserve; or Alice’s niece Sara, who’s haunted by the deaths of so many of her loved ones; each character is touched by their own or someone else’s tragedy.

Robertson contrasts portrayals of the reserve and the city throughout the novel. Both are tragic, but on the reserve there is a sense of communal healing. In Winnipeg almost everyone is a stranger, wandering and lost.

This distinction is evident in Alice’s experience in the city: “Walks in the city weren’t the same as walks on the rez – that much was clear and unsurprising. It was so loud in the city, deafening really, and her eyes rested not against the vastness of the rez and the quiet of its seclusion, but rather against the concrete and steel of the city, cold and austere.”

Often through a colloquial voice, Robertson pairs first person and third

person narration. The first part of the novel is primarily told through Gideon’s humble first person narration. This later switches to third person narration for the last part of Alice’s story.

This colloquial voice is exemplified in Gideon’s introduction: “The only thing you need to know is something you might have already guessed. Alice, she loved her girls more than anything. For Alice, it didn’t really seem like there was too much else to love, so she just threw all her love at them. I’m a friend of hers, me. Name’s Gideon.”

While Gideon telling Alice’s story is emblematic of the sense of community evoked in The Evolution of Alice, the novel is missing Alice’s voice. For this reason, the story is more Gideon’s than Alice’s.

Robertson’s strength lies in his illuminating examination of weighty

topics such as racism, discrimination, domestic violence, and suicide. The Evolution of Alice is sad, beautiful, and hopeful.

Envoi Poetry Festival makes its debut

Week-long poetry event highlights Indigenous and francophone writers

r ayl E n E paC i

From May 29 to Jun. 5, Winnipeg welcomed the best of Western Canada’s poets and spoken-word artists to take centre stage in the first ever Envoi Poetry Festival, produced by the Envoi Literary Foundation and Envoi Publishing and Productions. Program director and volunteer mastermind Victor Enns has been working on making the festival a reality for two years. Self-described as “not the retiring type,” Enns is also a University of Manitoba alumnus and former editor of the Manitoban

“I

know throughout the week we might not have reached hundreds of thousands, but we’ve changed individuals”

– Victor Enns, Envoi Poetry Festival program director

“I’ve been a writer since probably high school. I was published for the first time in 1979, so that’s been a long time. Since then, I’ve kept in touch with the literary community across the country and I’ve been a member of the League of Canadian Poets. I was one of the founders of the Manitoba Writers’ Guild, so I have a lot of contacts,” he told the Manitoban. “ The first idea for a festival like

this came to me when I was on the board of the League of Canadian Poets. They and the Writers’ Union of Canada have their meetings together in Winnipeg this year and so I thought that it would be a good time for them to see the kind of writing that was being done in Western Canada, particularly the work of Indigenous writers and Francophone writers — some writers they might not have been exposed to otherwise.”

Audiences at the festival were treated to a variety of styles, ranging from eclectic musical performances to the more popular form of spoken word.

“One of my favourite performances would have to be Rosanna [Deerchild’s] reading about her mother’s residential school experiences, with her mother in the audience. That was amazing. And then the Sunday night show at the West End [Cultural Centre], especially EMERADO’s performance of ‘Violinmaker’s Lament.’ They really brought down the house,” said Enns.

Enns hopes the diversity of events will not only challenge those who are “afraid of poetry” to appreciate the art form in a new way, but will also raise awareness surrounding the real life stories being shared by poets, particularly those of Indigenous backgrounds.

“It’s funny how none of this was planned. The festival was well underway before Rosanna Deerchild’s picture was on the cover of Maclean’s magazine or before Murray Sinclair’s work came out. It just happened to be at the same time,” he said.

“But, this is what the people in Toronto don’t get; it is probably the foremost social issue we have as Western Canadians. Yes, we have newcomers and some other [issues], but as far as dealing with major social problems in our community? Finding clean drinking water for Indigenous peoples should be right up there,” said Enns.

“There are a lot of people working to make that happen. I contribute to trying to raise people’s awareness to the poets who are telling their stories about that. That’s been a little disappointing; it’s not just the poetry I fear that’s scaring people off.”

“But, this is what the people in Toronto don’t get; it is probably the foremost social issue we have as Western Canadians” – Victor Enns

However, despite the obstacles, Enns remains optimistic about Winnipeg’s future surrounding these social issues. With the presence of Native Communications Inc., Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival, and Neechi Commons in the city, among others, there are always new developments in issues

surrounding Aboriginal Canadians.

“At the end of the day, I’m a preacher’s kid. My dad always said, ‘If I got through to even just one person today, that counts.’ I know throughout the week we might not have reached hundreds of thousands, but we’ve changed individuals.”

With the first festival now wrapped up, plans for the future are not concrete yet, but are still brimming with potential.

“The foundation is trying to get itself on its feet in all four provinces in Western Canada. Right now I’m exhausted, so the idea of thinking about the next one hasn’t quite crossed my mind yet,” Enns said.

“It would be possible to do something similar in Saskatoon. In Alberta, I’d be looking at doing a

symposium on Alberta writing like I did in Saskatchewan and Manitoba [...] I want people talking about Alberta’s writing too. I’m hoping that people in Western Canada begin to appreciate the writers, poets, critics and scholars in their midst and know how much talent there really is out here.”

To learn more about Victor Enns and the Envoi Poetry Festival, please visit envoifound.com/ envoi-poetry-festival/

Chihuly Gardens and Glass

Sports Editor: Mike Still

Putting her best foot forward

Q & A with new Manitoba Marathon race director Rachel

Mi KE Still, staff

Rachel Munday has had quite a lasting impact on the running community over the past decade, and now she will get the chance to shine as executive director of Manitoba’s biggest running event, the Manitoba Marathon, taking place on June 21. Originally starting as a part time worker at the Running Room in 2005, Munday rose quickly, moving on to the events co-ordinator position, and then area and regional manager. In that time, she has made her name known and gained valuable opportunities as both a leader and race director.

While she grew up as a dancer, Munday made the transition to the road later in life and has now completed over 20 half marathons and four full marathons, her first of which was Manitoba.

When now-former executive director Shirley Lumb stepped down back in December, Munday was among those who applied for the position, and ultimately got it in

March.

The Manitoban had the chance to sit down with Munday recently to discuss her thoughts on the race, as well as how things have progressed since she was appointed.

THe M ANiTOBAN: What was the interview process like for you? How long did it take, and when did you ultimately find out you were the one who was being appointed?

R AcH el MuN dAy: As far as the interview process goes, there was a call out to the public for applications.

I don’t know specifically how many people responded, but I know there were quite a few.

I had an initial interview in January with select members of the board. That interview probably was just over an hour. Then, I was called back a few weeks later for a second interview, again with select members of the board.

My final interview actually was

quite comprehensive, in February. That one actually was pretty fun, because it was with the full board, so there was 16 people present at my final interview, and I actually had to do a 10-minute PowerPoint and then [a second] five-minute PowerPoint presentation to the full board. It was really interesting because as a board they’re very engaged and they’re very capable people, and yet they’ve never had to hire for this position. Their expectations of who they had here were very high.

I got the word in mid-March, shortly after that final interview, and I just felt like it was the right opportunity at the right time.

M: Since you’ve been given the position, what other opportunities have you had to go to other places, and check out other major races, and how they do things?

MuNdAy: For me, over the years as a runner, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to races abroad. Your perspective is very different when you’re there as a runner, as opposed to a race director, who’s looking at the small details that most people don’t see.

I have had the opportunity historically to go to [Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon] and be a part of that event, and see their course, and amazing community involvement, and that kind of thing, and of course, I’ve run the Marine Corps Marathon, which was spectacular. Toronto Waterfront I’ve run as well.

As far as a race director, I did have the opportunity to go down to Fargo on Mother’s Day weekend, specifically to do recon of their event, and their course and expo, and kind of just participate in their activities and see them.

Then, this past week I went to Calgary, which was the National Race Directors’ Summit. That was really amazing, to have the opportunity to listen to panels, everything from marketing, to sustainability, as far as giving back to the community and running a green race, which we have been doing for years.

To connect with race directors who have events the same size as ours, and then even bigger, and what they did to take their race to the next level, and to see the elite programs, and their operations, it was really good.

M: What are a couple of the things that you’re hoping to do this year that

Munday

may be exciting for people who are registering?

While she grew up as a dancer, Munday made the transition to the road later in life and has now completed over 20 half marathons and four full marathons, her first of which was Manitoba

MuNdAy: We’re excited about lots of things. We’ve moved the start lines this year to Chancellor Matheson Dr., just in front of Investors Group Field. We feel like when you arrive on race day, it’s really going to be like that festival atmosphere, instead of having it spread over the entire footprint of University Crescent, it’s going to be condensed.

We’ve actually closed Chancellor Matheson entirely to road traffic, including race vehicles, so it’s only pedestrian traffic all day long, and diverted our parking lot program, so that no buses will be letting people off on Chancellor Matheson or anything like that.

In that starting area, we’ve added full marathon-specific toilets that will be fenced off, and we’ve really worked hard to improve our clothing drop off program.

Then, we’ve added 10km medals. It’s still not a competitive race yet, and going forward the course will be certified, but not yet, but we are giving medals to all the participants, so they’ll get medals and shirts.

We’ve added food tents in the relay zones for participants when they finish their leg of the race. That way they can have a small snack while they’re waiting for the bus to take them back to university. For the ones that aren’t, they’ll have the opportunity to have some post-race refreshment before they head back to their car.

We’ve added the full marathon infield recovery, so when the full marathoners finish, they’ll be directed to the in-field of the track, and we have some electrolyte replacement by Popeyes. Pita Pit has come on board, and they’ve donated what’s called a

snowball, which is a chocolate covered frozen protein treat.

We’re going to have dry clothes pick up in the in-field for all the full marathoners, and massage is being provided by Massage Athletica. Full marathoners won’t be limited to what’s in that area, it’s more of a post-race relax area.

At the finish line, we’ve added selfie and photo walls. We’ve got some fun signs, and wipe-off boards, and that kind of thing, so you can take pictures with your friends, or that random guy who helped you get to the finish line who you’ve never met before, but ran 26 miles with.

We’ve added more pace bunnies, and complimentary registration for them, and we’ve added bands.

We have like 30 bands on the course, and really working hard to enhance the cheer zones with our charity partners, so we have 15 charity partners on the course that have cheer zones.

Nothing major as far as route changes or time changes or anything like that this year, but more focused on runner experience.

M: Ultimately, what is your long-term vision for the Manitoba Marathon?

MuNdAy: I would say that the longterm vision is to make this a destination race. We want people to come to Winnipeg and travel here just like they’re travelling to other places. Like I’ve travelled to the Twin Cities, or Washington, or Toronto for an event, I want people to travel here, and I want them to know that we put on a world class event, which we do. I want them to know that Winnipeg has so much to offer. We have so many beautiful landmarks on our route, and going forward we’ll likely capture some of the newer landmarks of the city.

It’s such a great place to run. Our elevation is a maximum of 10 feet, which is ridiculous. We just have so much to offer, so I think that my vision is to create that destination event, where people are getting the full experience, and where they’re just going to want to come back.

Going the extra mile

‘Fast Eddy’ raising awareness for breast cancer and Alzheimer’s in his own unique way

Mi KE Still, staff

Edward Dostaler, also known by “Fast Eddy,” is currently pushing himself on a journey never done before. He is attempting to run across Canada and back in a single trip to raise money for breast cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Dostaler is running solo and unsupported. He is accompanied only by a stroller weighing over 100 pounds, which holds his supplies for the run and his camping equipment.

Dostaler was originally inspired by the stories of Terry Fox and Rick Hansen, who went across Canada (Fox on foot, Hansen by wheelchair), in support of cancer research in 1980, and spinal cord injury research in 1985, respectively.

Dostaler, a native of Hinton, Alta., opted to support Alzheimer’s charities due to his grandmother’s diagnosis with the disease. About three months into his training, he decided to add breast cancer charities in memory of the late Tom Owen – a former professor of his at Thompson Rivers University, who was an advocate for breast cancer research.

Dostaler began his run on Mar. 1 at Clover Point in Victoria, B.C., leaving with $2000 for the entirety of his run. By the time he reached Winnipeg in mid-May, he had racked up a total of 3800km. He hopes to make it to the east coast by Aug. 21.

While there’s still plenty of distance to cover, Dostaler is looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s going to be extremely financially tough,” Dostaler said.

“I will take it as it comes, one step at a time, whether it’s an inch, foot, or mile. I will keep moving forward ” –Edward Dostaler

“I’m not coming out of this with anything. I gave it my best, and I quit my job. I’ve literally put all the eggs in one basket, and said, ‘you know what, I’m going for it.’”

Another interesting facet of Dostaler’s run is his plan for distributing money. All donations that he receives from residents will stay within the province that he is in at that time he receives them.

“I want to see my money stay in my province, where I am, that kind of thing. That is very, very important for me. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As someone who wasn’t a distance runner growing up, Dostaler’s mental

Bison briefs

Football, basketball, and hockey

Mi KE Still, staff

So far it’s been a busy off-season for the University of Manitoba Bisons. Here’s a few highlights.

Bison football players compete at annual east-West Bowl

From May 5-9, four athletes from the U of M Bisons football program had the opportunity to show their stuff on the gridiron at the annual East-West Bowl. The event was a week long, and gave the top CIS prospects a chance to practice and play in front of CFL scouts.

Wide receiver Dustin Pedersen, offensive tackle Alex McKay, defensive tackle David Onyemata, and middle linebacker D.J. Lalama were all selected to participate for Team West. Despite losing 29-21, all four members of the herd made strong cases towards getting drafted in 2016, and will look to continue that success later this year when the season begins.

Bennaroch selected to Team canada

Third year men’s basketball player Kennan Bennaroch was recently

handed a tremendous honour, as he was selected as a member of Team Canada’s basketball team for the Pan American Maccabi games , which begin in December of 2015.

Hovi has extensive international experience, having participated as a member of the Finnish National Team in 2007, 2008, and 2009, as well as the 2010 and 2014 Olympic Games

The games occur every four years, and offer increased awareness of Jewish and Israel identity via various sport outlets.

This year’s event will occur in Santiago, Chile, and feature Jewish athletes from North, Central, and

toughness has also been tested, but he said that things get a little bit more natural the further he continues to run, despite sore muscles here and there.

“I feel well adjusted. I run as far as I can, I break a little bit. I run, I break, and do those sorts of things. I realize now it’s not a race. I’m going to get behind,” Dostaler said.

“It’s a great feeling to be sitting there, and feeling well adjusted.”

Along with his official distance of 18,885km, Dostaler will also be stopping in each of the 10 provinces he crosses to incorporate a 24-hour run. These runs will not be added to his total, and he says that he is doing so simply to stand out, which will hopefully help people notice his cause.

“I will take it as it comes, one step at a time, whether it’s an inch, foot, or mile. I will keep moving forward,” Dostaler said. “It may take me a little bit longer, but I won’t stop, I’ll keep going every single day.”

To donate or learn more information about Dostaler’s run, go to www.fasteddycanada.com

South America, as well as Great Britain, Australia, Israel, and more. Bennaroch, who red-shirted with Manitoba last year, after two years in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference, was the only player from all of Western Canada selected.

Women’s hockey recruits Finnish star

Back in late May, the U of M Bisons women’s hockey team made a huge splash, announcing their final recruit for the 2015-16 season – Venla Hovi, from Tampere, Finland. Hovi has extensive international experience, having participated as a member of the Finnish National Team in 2007, 2008, and 2009, as well as the 2010 and 2014 Olympic Games. She won a bronze medal with her squad in Vancouver in 2010.

The 27-year-old is head coach Jon Rempel’s first ever international recruit, and is sure to make an immediate impact as the Bisons look to return to the conference championship for a second consecutive year.

Bison football regular season schedule 2015

Pay close attention to the Bison’s two matchups against UBC. Former Dino’s head coach Blake Nill has jumped ship to the Thunderbirds and has his squad looking very competitive thanks to a number of prized recruits who will enter the fold in 2015. Manitoba’s last game of the year, at UBC, could very well decide who finishes as the number one seed heading into the post-season.

date and time opponent

fri. sept 4, 7pm (away) sasKatC hewan

fri. sept 11, 7 pm (home) Calgary

sat. sept 19, 6 pm (home) U

fri. sept 25, 7 pm (away) alberta

fri. oCt 2, 7 pm (home) r egina

sat. oCt 17, 4 pm (away) r egina

fri. oCt 23, 7 pm (home) alberta

sat. oCt 31, 2 pm (away) U

The game continues

What the 2015 NHL Entry Draft holds for the Winnipeg Jets

As Draft Day 2015 draws closer, the Winnipeg Jets will be looking to compensate for their devastating postseason exit with the selection of the next class of potential NHL superstars.

In previous years, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and his scouting staff have worked their magic to the best of their abilities in the NHL Entry Draft, yielding impressive results.

Mark Scheifele and Jacob Trouba – the first round picks from 2011 and 2012, respectively – have already cracked the Jet’s roster. This past season, Josh Morrissey and Nikolaj Ehlers, the first-round selections from each of the next two drafts, are proving themselves as NHL-ready prospects.

The Jets currently own two 2015 selections in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft to be hosted in Florida. Their elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs warranted the 17th overall selection, along with the 25th pick acquired from Buffalo in the Evander Kane trade.

So, amongst the tremendous group of water droplets from the NHL’s fountain of youth, who is the next in line to join this exclusive firstround crop of Winnipeg’s handpicked gems?

While speed and skill are abundant going forward, the pipeline

lacks size amongst both forwards and defencemen. Axel Blomqvist, the six-foot-seven Swedish power forward, provides only one definitive forechecking option for the future, while the rest of the skaters up front are noted for their offensive capabilities.

While speed and skill are abundant going forward, the pipeline lacks size amongst both forwards and defencemen

The best option for Winnipeg would be Canada’s World Junior standout Lawson Crouse of the Kingston Frontenacs. However with the six-foot-four, two-way forward being a guaranteed top-ten selection, the Jets would surely have to trade up from 17th overall.

There are two other options in the line of sized forwards in the mid-first round ranks.

If Cheveldayoff can overcome the hindering “Russian Factor,” Evgeny Svechnikov of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles would provide forechecking depth up front, as well as skill and strength while in

possession.

Svechnikov, the 17th ranked North American skater, posted 78 points in 55 games in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and rose four spots from his midterm rank.

The second option is American Paul Bittner of the Portland Winterhawks. Though he dropped from 19 to 26 in the final rankings, the left winger plays in a forechecking and soft hands style similar to Adam Lowry.

In terms of adding size to the blue line, Tri-City Americans assistant captain Brandon Carlo would boost physicality in the Jets pipeline.

Dropping from 16 to 25 in the final rankings, the native of Colorado is shy on the offensive side of the game but possesses great mobility, range, and reach with his six-foot-five frame.

The Jets may also turn to one of the NHL’s highest risers in the European pool, Sweden’s Gabriel Carlsson. Carlsson, the highest-ranked European defenceman, was also rated as the second highest amongst European skaters.

The six-foot-four blue-liner, who played for Linköping of the Swedish Hockey League in 2014-15, imitates the two-way smarts and stealthy frame style of Tampa Bay stalwart Victor Hedman and would reduce the Jets’ tendency to open up too much on

Changing the game

the back-check in the years to come.

Although the Jets retain an embarrassment of riches in the goalie department, don’t be surprised should Winnipeg draft another goaltender in Florida.

Prospect development in goal has been excellent, with the recent successes of Connor Hellebuyck, Eric Comrie, and Hobey Baker Award nominee Jamie Phillips.

The goalie class appears weaker this year’s draft compared to previous years, but Barrie’s Mackenzie

Blackwood or the KHL’s Ilya Samsonov would still be fine selections for the Jets to continue their coveted goalie output. Both goaltenders lack experience as top junior starters and would greatly benefit from the Jets’ intricate non-rush developmental system.

The 2015 NHL Entry Draft takes place on Jun. 26 and 27 in Sunrise, Florida.

Sports teams increasing fan engagement with mobile apps

Eri C MaCl i SE

As television broadcasts increase in quality and man-caves and she-sheds get more comfortable, it’s becoming easier to find an excuse not to go to sporting events, opting instead for instant replays and cheaper beer at home.

Sports teams face the challenge of improving the fan experience, drawing people off the couch and to the game. In doing so, many teams and firms are looking to go mobile.

The San Francisco 49ers commissioned tech company VenueNext to create an app for their new venue, Levi’s Stadium, which opened in 2014. The Levi’s Stadium app serves as a gameday app, integrated with Ticketmaster and the stadium’s pointof-sale system, Micros, allowing inseat purchases. The Brooklyn Nets have positioned certain cameras viewable only to users of their mobile application. For example, the “Slam Cam,” which is a durable GoPro mounted on the backboard.

In Winnipeg, Emotion Media Inc. is also changing the game.

Their mobile entertainment production system, Fannex, specializes

in connecting mobile devices with live sports events to improve fan engagement in the form of interactive games and experiences – like TimePlay before Cineplex movies, but now at sports events using the big screens, lighting, and public address.

The Winnipeg Goldeyes are one of the early adopters locally. Keep an eye out for Fannex at home games this summer

One of Fannex’s aforementioned experiences is the patented “Light up the Stand,” where, through a gameday app, production can take control of the fans’ smartphone display, turning it into a pixel within a larger image or animation that stretches across the seating area.

“Connecting the fan’s mobile

device to in-game production introduces a whole new layer of entertainment possibilities for fan engagement,” said Emotion Media Inc. President Kemal Leslie, who has over 20 years of experience in business development.

Fannex piloted with the University of North Dakota men’s hockey team and the U.S. Hockey League’s Fargo Force last season, implementing the production system in over 60 live games. This year is their first chance to take the product to the market.

“Fans that attend live sports know

the difference of being there and that is sharing the experience with thousands of other fans who love their team and the game,” said Leslie.

“Fannex gives them the ability to participate even further with interactive experiences, games, and contests during intermissions.”

The Winnipeg Goldeyes are one of the early adopters locally. Keep an eye out for Fannex at home games this summer.

“It’s a great way for people to stay connected to the team and have an even better experience at Shaw Park,”

Goldeyes general manager Andrew Collier told goldeyes.com. With Fannex, the Fish are one of the first to bite, but Emotion Media has many North American teams now in discussions and in the onboarding stage.

You can download the Goldeyes Gameday app, powered by Fannex, now on iPhone and Android devices.

Eric MacLise hosts Covering the Spread 10 a.m. Tuesdays on 101.5 UMFM.

The not-so-beautiful game

The FIFA scandal and its impact in North America

ryan St E lt E r

The past week has been an eyeopening one for the world of soccer. Recent events have finally forced all the shady business that FIFA has done over the years into the spotlight. It has been somewhat confusing to follow but here is a rundown of what has happened, as well as the impact on the game of soccer here in North America.

History of scandals within FiFA

FIFA has come under fire with various allegations, including taking bribes for previous World Cups, particularly the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

At the end of May, the FBI and IRS indicted 14 FIFA officials for wire fraud, racketeering, and money laundering. Seven of those 14 were arrested two days before the FIFA presidential election was to take place in Zürich. Chuck Blazer, a former FIFA executive, has admitted to taking bribes for the 1998 and 2010 World Cups. Blazer was heavily involved in CONCACAF, the governing body of North American and Caribbean soccer.

Blazer also admitted to corruption involving the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

“Beginning in or about 1993 and continuing through the early 2000s,

I and others agreed to accept bribes and kickbacks in conjunction with the broadcast and other rights to the 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2003 Gold Cups,” said Blazer in an article for ESPN FC.

After the arrests, Corriere dello Sport – Stadio, an Italian newspaper, claimed that there was match-fixing going on in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The FBI is also investigating the most recent World Cup in Brazil last year. The recent FIFA arrests of the 14 officials allegedly involve US$150 million in briberies.

The governing body of the world’s most popular sport should not be seen as corrupt

Other controversies

Another big talking point in all this is the 2022 World Cup, set to be played in Qatar. It is going to occur in the winter months due to the extreme heat of the Qatari summers. That is a decision has enraged many European associations because it would take place in the heart of the European

club season.

Another issue with the 2022 World Cup is the migrant workers and the treatment of those workers. They have been forced to stay within the country, working for poor wages. Most workers have been outright denied any of their documents, leaving them trapped.

change of location for 2022 World cup?

With former FIFA president Sepp Blatter now gone, the bidding process can be re-evaluated and Qatar might have its World Cup stripped, which would most likely be a good thing for soccer, and more importantly, the migrant workers in Qatar.

There has been talk of having the 2022 World Cup in the U.S. There are many reasons as to why the Americans should get to host the World Cup. First, it would allow them to grow the game even more in the American market and be a massive boost to their domestic league, the MLS.

The U.S. also has the infrastructure in place with many NFL stadiums and bigger soccer stadiums throughout the country. They hosted the 1994 World Cup and set records in attendance. Those records have since been broken, but it proved that the U.S. can appreciate the beautiful

game.

The only problem with the U.S. getting the 2022 event would be that Canada would have to wait. Canada is the only confirmed bid for the 2026 World Cup, and while there is plenty of time for other host nations to make bids, as of right now, Canada is the front-runner.

With Canada hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup this year, it might prove as a testing ground for the Great White North to have the biggest event in sports grace our soil.

If the U.S. does receive the rights to hold the 2022 World Cup however, Canada would not be able to host it in 2026, as FIFA does not allow the World Cup to be hosted in the same continent two years in a row.

FiFA moving in right direction?

Sepp Blatter was FIFA’s president since 1998, but recently stepped down, only days after winning his most recent re-election bid. In his resignation speech, he said, “It is my deep care for FIFA and its interests, which I hold very dear, that has led me to take this decision.” This evasive statement leaves the public with more questions than answers in regards to Blatter’s sudden decision.

Known as the most powerful man in sports, Blatter has been a very con-

troversial president. He was accused of financial mismanagement in a report saying that FIFA lost US$100 million under his tenure.

What does this mean for FIFA? It should be a wake up call. The governing body of the world’s most popular sport should not be seen as corrupt.

This hurts FIFA in its attempt to grow the sport here in North America. The average North American typically doesn’t follow soccer, due to higher levels of interest in the more familiar sports of hockey or football. With these recent events highlighting the level of corruption in FIFA, individuals have an even bigger reason to not follow the sport.

With Blatter’s resignation hopefully FIFA can start moving in the right direction and doing what is right for the game of soccer. FIFA has a long road ahead of it, but under a better leader, it can right the ship and gain some respect.

With the Women’s World Cup now underway, I hope that we can forget about these allegations and arrests for a while and focus on the World Cup here in Canada.