Despite the fact that new cases of HIV have largely levelled off across Canada, Saskatchewan has a surging infection rate. Over the past few weeks, the Sheaf has examined why this is the case and what can be done about it from the perspective of people dealing with the situation. This week is the final installment of the series, in which the Sheaf talks to both a doctor treating HIV-positive patients and someone who has been diagnosed with HIV.
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How to make a deadly virus: scientists fail to treat H5N1 like the WMD that it is
Western media love hyping the threat posed by the various nuclear programs of “evil” nations like North Korea and Iran. And although the reporting is sensational at times, history proves that nuclear weapons can produce megadeath and that every measure should be taken to prevent their use. So I find it strange that a weapon even more lethal than the nuclear bomb is being developed and has yet to garner much attention.
Scientists in the U.S. and Netherlands have recently created a mutation of the H5N1 virus that, if unleashed, could kill hundreds of millions of people.
Standardized nursing exam causes controversy: nursing students opposed to US company producing new exam
Controversy has broken out in nursing colleges across Canada as preparations are made to move to a single, continent-wide standardized exam for licensing registered nurses.
“The main thing is that nursing students across the country, since this announcement, have been voicing a lot of discontent and upset with the decision,” said Maggie Danko, western regional director of the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association and a third-year nursing student at the University of Alberta.
Carnival of Solidarity returns to praise diversity and social justice
Social justice groups will be celebrating at Louis’ Pub for the Carnival of Solidarity on March 2. The annual event consists of dance performances from various cultures, ethnic cuisine and presentations from local advocacy organizations.
In addition to a celebration of diversity at the University of Saskatchewan, the carnival is a networking opportunity for students and social justice groups as well as a fundraiser for Iskwewuk Ewichiwitochik (Women Walking Together), which is a local community organization that raises awareness and supports families of missing Aboriginal women.
New Year’s Eve assault triggers reform: almost a decade after notorious assaults, U of S lacks clear response protocols
A six-week delay in notifying the campus community about a reported sexual assault has stirred up questions over the university’s policy when responding to violent attacks.
It was reported that alcohol and other drugs may have been involved in theassault. This incident was first reported to, and is being investigated by, the Saskatoon Police Service. The university is fully co-operating in this investigation.
Getting spanked by the law: BDSM sexual practices continue to hover in a legal grey area
“Consent is a critical tool in western legal traditions,” says the University of Victoria’s own Dr. Maneesha Deckha in her article “Pain, Pleasure and Consenting Women.”
However, BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadomasochism) sexual practices hover in a legal grey area where the law states that people cannot consent to physical harm unless it’s in the context of “socially useful activities.” Acceptable activities have been recognized by Canadian common law as sporting activities, body piercings and tattoos, surgical interventions, and stunts. S/M sexual practices, in the eyes of the Canadian Court, do not fit the bill.
Women are on top: how feminist porn is changing a male-dominated industry
Porn and feminism make odd bedfellows.
Mention pornography to feminists of previous generations, and they’ll likely shudder. Porn at its worst is demeaning and sometimes even violent, which is in opposition to a movement that makes empowerment its goal. But a new generation of feminists has transformed these anti-porn sentiments. Having grown up in an increasingly sex-positive culture, third-wave feminists began reexamining pornography in an effort to reform the industry. Thus, a feminist porn movement was born.
Scares, stigmas and STIs: old taboos shouldn’t prevent communication about sexually transmitted infections
STIs, or sexually transmitted infections, have been a feared and stigmatized topic since biblical times. In contemporary times, we see a prominent stigma surrounding these infections. People are often labelled as “dirty” or “overly promiscuous” due to their affiliation with STIs. These people find themselves affected by a stigma that suggests all STIs are unmanageable problems that cause a person to be tainted for life. Though stigmas have been helped along by popular culture and old literature (for example, every Shakespeare comedy written), it is often taboos that prevent communication about STIs.
Let’s talk dirty: the incomparable Sue Johanson shares her wisdom on all things sex
Many Canadians of a variety of ages can associate late night sex-related programming with none other than the world-renowned sex educator Sue Johanson, host of the now-retired The Sunday Night Sex Show.
Johanson was awarded the Order of Canada for her work in the field of sex education, providing many young people with knowledge they wouldn’t otherwise receive from schooling or home — all before the popularity of her television show.
Environment Canada issues extreme weather warning for weekend
Environment Canada warns Saskatoon and Southern Saskatchewan will face a “major winter storm beginning on Saturday.”
The late-winter chill comes to the area via Alberta and promises “a heavy dump of snow and very strong easterly winds,” with 10 to 25 centimetres of snow before the end of the weekend. Despite the bad news, Saskatoon will be spared the brunt of the storm as the corridor stretching from Kindersley to Moose Jaw is expected to get the heaviest snowfall.
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University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association responds to report that says U of S professors amongst highest paid in Canada
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Gordon Oakes-Red Bear Student Centre plan unveiled: architect Douglas Cardinal weaves features of traditional Indigenous lodges into modern design
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UPDATED: Ben Heenan drafted first overall by Roughriders
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Confrontation between police and protestors outside Quebec Liberal Party meeting turns violent
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Forty playwrights set to compete for spot at Fringe: 24-hour Playwriting Competition takes place May 25 and 26
