$4.00 CA
But only if you want
Editor’s Letter J
anuary is here, and to be honest, it has almost always been my least favourite month of the year. January, and February, are both always so cold that I’m trapped in my house cursing the fact that I have the misfortune of living somewhere so cold. And though I’m always aware of the possibility that I could--in theory--move to a place that is warmer I’m currently stuck dragging my arthritic body around Canada hoping that I can avoid using a cane until I’m, at least, 26. I usually find myself trying to speed up the arrival of spring (despite the face that April is the cruellest month) by sitting down and trying to force time to go faster. However, this year the lack of snow, fairly persistent rain, and a storm I was fairly sure was actually the apocalypse, has actually left me wishing that the snow would just happen. There’s something about changes in weather that I find disconcerting. Perhaps it’s all of the documentaries that I have watched on global warming and the fact that I’m fairly sure our carelessness is going to ruin my chances of living to 150. Or maybe it's that I recently watched a documentary about the impact chemicals are having on human reproduction (titled The Disappearing Male and available free to view on CBC.ca), and if it has gone far enough to affect us and not just our atmosphere we're really in trouble. But I digress, on one hand I'm thrilled that I haven't had to bundle up as much, on the other hand I sincerely hope that we get our shit together. As we've mentioned in The Ten Commandments of Campus Etiquette your littering isn't doing us any favours, so if you'd like to partake in--arguably--the most narcissistic human activity (breeding) let's focus on making sure that is possible.
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The mandate of Absynthe Magazine is to encourage constructive dialogue and critical thinking within the Trent community. As an on-campus publication, Absynthe shall strive to represent as many people of the community as possible by presenting varying views on all matters that are of importance to the community and especially the student body. In the spirit of free and independent press, Absynthe shall strive for the highest degree of journalistic integrity and excellence while providing a medium for creative and alternative expression. It will actively stimulate and concourage discussion through itself or any other means available to members of the Trent community.
Hey, you! Yeah, you!! You look like you’ve got some talent in you, kid. Submit your work to Absynthe Magazine! Submission Guidelines Absynthe is a submissions-based magazine. Any Trent student who wishes to be published can send their work to us at trentabsynthe@gmail.com. Submissions can be any length, and can be written in any style. Submissions will be subject to editing for spelling and grammar as well as verified for appropriate content. Please include your name for publication. Photos and images are encouraged, but are required to have a minimum resolution of 300dpi. Articles may be held for publication at a later date.
Jen Boon They say that no two snowflakes are exactly alike, and the same can be said about students. Attending Trent University is a rich mixture of culturally diverse people, many of whom shape their identity through their involvement in a series of faiths, belief systems, and religions. Recently, a new spiritual group has emerged at Trent University. This group is called Roots – a Trent U Pagan Collective. Over the December holiday break Absynthe staff interviewed Mallory H a i g h , P r e s i dent and Founder of the group, to discuss the thought behind and purpose of its inception. Roots was founded in September 2012, and states that its goal is to “explore various Pagan paths and traditions, to honor the Ancestors, the Shining Ones and the Nature Spirits of the region, and to develop as spiritual individuals in the context of a university environment.” The collective is open to
newcomers and experienced Pagans alike, aiming to promote and educate others about various Pagan faiths in a positive light. The group also hopes to encourage fellow Trent University Pagans to participate in Roots, and
a connection with our universe in a way that is tangible and heartfelt,” explained Haigh. “As far as I know, there have been Pagan clubs at Trent in the past, but there haven't been any lately. Groups tend not to last long because of the eclectic nature of Paganism. I have a lot of experience in leading groups, so I figured I would have a go at starting up a community-based Pagan club open to all paths, not just Wiccans or Druids or Asatru or any specific tradition.”
Although Roots is a still young, the group has already held two events, both of which revolved around major holidays in the Pagan calendar. The first event took place in October, close to Halloween, which Haigh said she recognizes as the holiday Samhain, which is essentially the New Year for many to support them as they metaphori- Pagans. Recently, in early Decemcally “come out of the woodwork.” ber, Roots also celebrated Yule or the Winter Solstice. At each holi“Being Pagan, to me, means having day gathering, members talk about
the traditions of the season in Pagan culture, how these are celebrated in modern times, and then perform a quick ritual to honour the season. When asked to describe what a ritual might entail, HaighMallory answered, “Our rituals involve praise offerings, usually in the form of foods, to deities and local spirits, as well as our ancestors. Unfortunately, we cannot use candles or incense unless we're outside, so we are limited. These things aren't just for atmosphere, but they're for sending messages to the universe. Candles represent fire, and the spark of inspiration, and incense represents the element of air, which carries our thoughts to the Gods. At the
end, we will take the omen - that is, we will ask the Gods and Spirits whether our offerings have been accepted, and what blessings we might receive in return. We do this usually with tarot or oracle cards.” Absynthe then asked Haigh if there are any challenges associated with being Pagan in the academic setting, to which she replied, “University tends to be a lot more accepting of people from all different walks of life, spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, culture, etc. I've found that applies to Trent more-so than any other institution I've attended, which I'm thankful for. One of the goals of Roots is to educate non-Pagans on what we do and to dispel negative
stereotypes. A lot of Pagans, especially first years in residence, find challenges with their living situation; burning of candles and incense is limited, as is privacy. It is hard to meditate or to do a magical working with roommates! By offering a time and place for people to come and celebrate in the fellowship of Paganism, hopefully we'll lend a hand to those who can't necessarily practice within their living environments.” Students interested in becoming involved with Roots or learning more about the group are encouraged to add Roots – A Trent U Pagan Collective on facebook, or email: trentroots@live.com ■
Whether you’re a new or returning student all of these will apply to you. Let’s be real for a second. We’re not children, we were not raised by a pack of wolves. Little Trentite, it’s time to be an adult. Read these and take them to heart. Let’s make spending time on campus a little less obnoxious!
Throw your garbage out. We know, it’s really hard to walk the extra 10 feet to find a trash can or recycling bin, but perhaps you might be able to make the effort. It’s a gross habStop smoking right by entranc- it that we’ve been scolded for es to the buildings. You might since childhood, not sure why not think it’s a big deal but it’s still an issue. Also, we go to to us non-smokers, it makes Trent. One of the more environus want to punch you in the mentally friendly schools, let’s face. It doesn’t matter to us if at least pretend to care. you want to inhale everything that is bad in the world, if you want to smell like garbage, or if you want to blow your osap funding on little sticks of cancer... just don’t do it near us. There’s this little rule that says you’re not supposed to smoke Slow walkers. We’ve all had the within a certain distance of unfortunate scheduling issue the doors. We don’t care if of having a class at one end of it’s cold, or rainy or too hot the campus and then having outside. That’s your problem, 10 minutes to make the hike to not ours. We shouldn’t have the opposite side. There’s nothto hold our breaths to walk in ing more annoying than being and out of buildings because stuck behind people who inyou make poor choices. Suck sist on walking at the pace of it up and step 10-15 feet away a snail. Totally cool that some from the doors. It’s the least people walk slower than others, but if that’s you, could you you can do! maybe make sure you’re off to one side, instead of taking up the whole walkway?
Bata Library. Next time you walk through the main entrance take a peek at the signs indicating the level of conversation that is appropriate for each floor. It doesn’t matter if you’re “whispering about class stuff”, if you are on the 3rd floor you’re being a douche. This also applies to loud music that can be heard through your headphones, crinkly bags from your snacks, having your phone on vibrate instead of silent, and any form of laughter. If these are all things that you cannot live without during the duration of your “studying” then pick a different floor. It’s really that simple. Those of us who actually have shit to do would love it if you would disappear so that we can work in silence. Don’t believe us? Check out Trent U Problems on twitter. Half of them are angry tweets about people just like you! #toughlove
Here at Absynthe we’re all social people. We understand the relief that follows the words “see you next class” at the end of a lecture. If we could make a suggestion though, it would be that you don’t have life conversations with your friends while standing in the doorway. People need to get in and out. Maybe have those conversations over a cup of coffee!
The foursome. Or fivesome. Or even sixsome. No, we’re not talking about that, get your mind out of the gutter. We’re talking about those people that walk in large groups but instead of condensing themselves they all walk side by side. We know how awesome it is to talk to your friends - hell, we do it all the time. But please, please please, be aware of where you are. Often your group chat means that people either have to squeeze past you or they just start to pile up behind you.
Speaking of coffee... we’ve all stood in the line up at the Bata Tim Hortons. It can be a long and painful process, especially closer to midterms and final exam times. To help avoid the massive line that never seems to end, start thinking about what you want before you get there. The walk from East Bank can be a long one, what a great way to utilize your time. That way you’re not standing in line, at the register reading the menu and contemplating whether or not you want a hot chocolate of a large double double.
If you’ve spent any amount of time on campus you have probably realized that there are never any plugs for your laptop available. The OC cafeteria is expecially guilty of this. There is one plug that is functioning on a routine basis. If you’re the person who sits there with their computer AND cell phone charger in then you’re being a douche. This also goes for those people who sit there with their laptop plugged in but aren’t using it. Share the laptop plug love!
There are very few comfortabale places on campus to sit and study. And by comfortable we mean big comfy padded chairs or couches. Let’s try to not ruin the places that we do have by putting our muddy shoes all over the places that other people sit on. In addition to that, let’s not draw things on the arms of the couches or the tables. Would you do that in your own living room? Didn’t think so!
Spills happen. There are numerous places on campus where one can get food or drinks, but if you’re going to eat it somewhere other than the cafeteria be careful about spilling. There’s nothing worse than sitting in a seat in your class only to realize that it’s sticky because someone was using that chair to balance their soft drink in the class before you. Clean up your shit. Make your parents proud.
Evelyn Deshane
When a monkey was found in a Toronto Ikea store, its presence dominated most of the television News coverage and sparked far too many memes online. Not only was he very well dressed, but the seven month old rhesus macaque was named Darwin. How could this not be any cuter? The little guy became a star overnight and may be one of Canada’s best known icons of 2012, hopefully one day replacing Justin Bieber. Eventually Darwin’s owners came forward to claim him. They had left him in the car on the Sunday afternoon while they were going to go shopping. Not only did he manage to escape from their vehicle, but from the cage that he was in. Clever and industrious - and stylish - but un-
fortunately, also quite illegal. He was not allowed to return to the home of his owners and they were fined for owning the illegal pet. Soon after, YouTube videos began to surface. There is one of Darwin brushing his teeth with his “mom” and several of him interacting with the other ani-
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up to help collect donations in order to properly care for him there. This monkey and these two very different ways of helping him - validation through viral internet videos or through charitable donations - have been one of the many cases of illegal pet ownership and the sudden visibil-
n order to make them pets, their teeth need to be removed one by one.
mals his parents have in their Toronto home. They released the videos as an attempt to prove themselves to be good owners of Darwin and to later help their legal case to get back their pet. Currently, Darwin is at Story Brook Primate Sanctuary, where a kick-starter fund has been set
ity of it. It should be no surprise that people can get these animals; if you know the right people, and have the right amount of money, anything is possible. But the internet and sites like YouTube have made these pets have a different type of allure than before, and we become aware
much faster of the animals that could be in our own possession. I Has Cheezeburger no longer dominates the internet marketplace in animal cuteness anymore. With the plethora of cats that are now available to us, an ordinary one with bad grammar isn’t good enough. The recent sensation on the net, right alongside Monkea, is Tard, the perpetually frowning cat. What most people who find her jowl amusing don’t know is that her face and her body are shaped the way they are because of birth defects. She has been inbred so many times that this particular litter has given the cats in it shortened mouths, underbites, small limbs, and small tails. The next time you watch one of her videos, notice how she walks and moves. Her legs can’t always support her body. This is one of the main reasons she’s almost always lying down or be-
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working, we now know about a lot more exotic pets. With the viral spread of memes, the idea of ownership has gotten into everyone’s head. Most people will treat this as a passing fad and simply be amused by photos - and there is nothing wrong with that. Tard and Monkea are utterly adorable. But some people know the right people and have the right amount of money and will go out and buy these animals. Some of the people who do this won’t take care of them as well as we’ve seen Tard or Darwin’s parents do. There are some animals that no matter how cute, people should not own. One of them is the Slow Loris. After a few viral internet videos on YouTube became a hit, people with more knowledge of the animal and its particular behavior began to draw attention to their treatment.
hey move slowly because they are tired, and more often than not, they are actually terrified.
ing held in many of her photos. Tard is cute and her owner is taking great care of her, at least, as far as we can tell from the videos and her own appearances on day time TV. It looked as if Darwin’s “parents” were also taking good care of him. But taking care of these animals is not necessarily the point and arguing for these parents is not going to help the bigger issue at hand. With the advent of social net-
If you watch any of these videos, you will be struck, like we always are, by how cute they appear. They look like a cross between a sloth and a monkey, and with their huge eyes and slow movements it’s hard not to love them. These animals, however, because of their slow birth rate and heavy sales on the black market, are endangered. They are also one of the only toxic primates and in order to make them
pets, their teeth need to be removed one by one. They are nocturnal, and chances are, if you’re watching a video of them on YouTube, their sleep pattern has been disrupted. They move slowly because they are tired, and more often than not, they are actually terrified. Cute to us as a meme on the internet, but when we actually consider the well-being for these animals, we realize that at someone’s house in a cage and with a camera is not the right place. The Slow Loris is probably one of the worst examples of this, but this issue is still something to consider. It’s not that people shouldn’t have pets or enjoy these strange and exotic animals, but ownership is more than being able to take care of something sufficiently. The Ikea Monkey has definitely illustrated the difficulties of caring for something that is so clever, in addition to being so stylish. ■
Zafer Izer I graduated in ‘52 and, for want of anything better to do, went to work with the firm belonging to my sister’s husband. My brother-in-law knew that I did not much care for the big city and sent me out on client calls in the countryside as often as he could, which was quite decent of him. Having no car of my own (I used to travel to my classes at Victoria College by bicycle) I had to borrow my brother-in-law’s automobile to make these trips. He had a magnificent car, a Cadillac Coupe de Ville
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the office a windy September morning to confer with a client who lived in some hamlet a few hours along the 401. I left the city in fine spirits, making good time and soon finding myself cruising comfortably toward the highway. In those days, before suburbs overwhelmed every viable scrap of land around the city, there were stretches of Kingston Rd that passed through beautiful, rolling farmland. My wholesome surroundings instantly made me feel more at ease. As I approached the on-
noticed a man standing on the shoulder with his thumb outstretched.
convertible with a glossy, light blue finish. It was my deliverance – a moment of unbridled, masculine existentialism in an otherwise oppressive and bureaucratic existence – to take this luxurious vehicle out on the open road. Every day, while sitting at my desk filling out paperwork, I desperately looked forward to the next time I would feel the Coupe’s lustrous leather seats under my palm – the next time I would ease it out of its lot and into the smooth flow of traffic. These drives were the only thing that made my dreary job worthwhile. On one such call, I set out from
ramp for the 401, I noticed a man standing on the shoulder with his thumb outstretched. He nodded at me and tipped his cap as I pulled over. “Hullo,” I greeted him, leaning across the empty passenger seat. “Where are you headed?” The man had a slightly weathered face, with lank, lightcoloured hair under his hat and an ill-fitting, bottle-green suit of the kind that had gone out of style some seven or ten years ago. It was the garish sort of outfit that had two large rows of buttons down the front. As I squinted at the fellow through the watery
September sun, I had difficulty placing his age. “East,” he stated simply, opening the passenger door and sitting down. Heading east myself, I had no reason to object and led us onto the highway. As we cruised along, the man whistled appreciatively, stroking the leather interior. “Nice ride you got here. 1950 Coupe de Ville, am I right?” “Fort-nine,” I corrected him, smiling politely. He gave me a strange, piercing sort of look before continuing, “What kind of engine do they put in the Coupe’s these days? V8?” I nodded, impressed by his knowledge. “D’you work with cars yourself?” He seemed to hesitate a moment before shaking his head, “No”. Then, seeing that this was not satisfactory, he added cryptically, “I’m in sales.” We drove in silence for a few minutes before he spoke again. “What do you say you show me what this machine can do, then?” “How do you mean?” “Why don’t you gun it up that hill? There’s not another car in sight.” “I shouldn’t,” I told him regretfully, “Something might happen. You see, it’s not my car.”
“Oh, come on,” he coaxed me. “I bet she can put on quite the show.” I sighed. “Well... Alright, just over this hill, then.” I revved the engine, placing a hand on my hat to stop it from flying away, and we flew up the ridge in the road. The wind tickled my face and made my eyes smart. To my left, golden fields fell away into the distance; on my right, Lake Ontario glistened in the sunlight. I grinned as I breathed in the chill fall air, and let our a great whoop. This was what driving was all about! But my heart sank as we crested the hill; there, parked on the shoulder, was a police cruiser. In those days, traffic cops were still something of a novelty – it had only been a few years since the 401 had opened, after all. I shot past the cruiser and it immediately swerved onto the road, trailing behind me. My surge of euphoria disappeared as quickly as it came, and I pulled over, fuming. The cop exited his automobile and swaggered over, taking an unseemly amount of time to traverse the distance between my car and his. After an age, he stood towering over me. “Hello, officer,” I mumbled. “A good day to you,” he said to me gruffly, tugging idly on his moustache. “I gather you know why I pulled you over?” I grunted, “Yes... Yes, I was speeding.” The officer nodded gravely and asked for my iden-
tification. After glancing at it, he looked down piercingly at me and intoned, “Son, I hope you understand the gravity of your situation. You were driving in excess of at least fifty kilometres above the posted limit. I might have to recommend a full removal your
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paid; I am ashamed of the amount to this day. All I will say is that it might not seem like such a bothersome amount anymore, but back then it sure put a dent in my savings. I got the business over with as soon as possible, and was
ust as the words left my lips, his eyes lit up and he nodded knowingly.
license.” I blanched. “But... but surely that’s not necessary!” The old bastard frowned at me in what he clearly thought was an authoritative manner. “Young man, I think it is very necessary. We cannot sit idly and allow every young firebrand to go drag racing in broad daylight because he thinks he is above the law after getting a degree in finance from U of T!” I was horrified. I would never again ramble through sprawling countryside; I’d be confined to eking out my moronic job at the office and die, forgotten, in some dank cubicle. Clutching at straws, I croaked desperately, “Is there nothing I can do?” It was almost as if the cop was expecting me to say just this. Just as the words left my lips, his eyes lit up and he nodded knowingly. “As a matter of fact,” he grumbled, his smile revealing a gold tooth, “There is just one thing.” He was asking, of course, for a bribe. I will not say how much I
about to start the car to continue on my way when my passenger opened his door and climbed out of the Coupe. During the whole business with the police officer, I had completely forgotten about the hitchhiker that had been the source of all my trouble. Now he said to me, “Gosh, I’m terribly sorry about all that, eh? This is where I get off, anyhow.” I thought it strange that he would want to get out, since we were on a completely empty stretch of highway and the next town was a half an hour away, but in my dazed state I did not protest. Standing next to each other, now, I could have sworn I saw a slight resemblance between the two men; something in the line of the jaw, or perhaps it was the keen way they both eyed me as I mumbled a sullen farewell and pulled into the lane, continuing on my way. As I drove away glumly, I glanced in my rear-view mirror and saw the hitchhiker follow the police officer to his cruiser. He opened the passenger door and climbed in, and they drove off in a flurry of autumn leaves. ■
Jenna Goldsmith on with my day. I was often asked why I did that, but I didn’t even know. Maybe I was trying to Not because my editor prove it to myself that I was right fired me, or because none of my about the statue. stories had been published– in I wanted to be right. I fact, every single one of my stoneeded to be right. ries has been published. No, I was But I never saw anything a failure because I had never writout of the ordinary most of the ten anything that I really wanted time. If I was lucky, the statue’s to write; I just went through the posture would be a tiny bit difmotions. ferent, or its nose would twitch f I was lucky, the statue’s posture would be when a fly landed on it. It was disappointing that I could never a tiny bit different, or its nose would twitch be at the right place at the right when a fly landed on it. time. I finally told the editor, that I wanted to do a piece on the On Monday, I got up and tom of my gut, where the heart of made coffee. I drank said coffee your intuition is, told me I wasn’t statue. He scoffed, “Who would on my commute to work: one imagining it. read about that?” bus, two subway rides, and a ten Suddenly, I had my inspi“I would,” I said, defendminute walk. My shoes clicked ration. I would do a piece on the ing my writing credibility and my against the pavement as they statue, and try to figure out who should, young men who passed the mysterious artist was. Know- honour. The scoff continued, “It’s by smiled at me... which they ing the editor wouldn’t approve I a statue, Margret, a statue.” don’t usually do, but I bask in the started my research anyway. But I I gathered up my pen, luck of my day. knew this wasn’t really about the notebook, and camera, “And My ten minute walk from artist, I wanted to be sure of what there’s something lovely and the subway to the office involves I saw. mysterious about it. I think you walking past a park. Outside ■ ■ ■ need to give people a bit more of this park is a bench, and as I walked I noticed something dif- On a normal day, people credit, sir. They don’t always ferent: Someone put a statue on a would just pass the statue, not want to read about stabbings and park bench. giving it any notice. I however, stock prices.” When I got out of the I stopped mid-stride and had to stand there and observe it building, the sun was starting to turned to look at it. It was made of for a while before I could move I was a failed journalist.
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bronze, or something that looked like bronze. I thought it was a statue at first, an art installation done by a zealous artist. But one of the eyes, one empty bronze eye staring back at me winked. I jerked back, thinking that I had just had a stoke or something that would have caused me to imagine the statue moving. Something in the very bot-
set in that way where the ground is dark, but the sky is on fire. Like, the roles of the sky and the earth are reversed. As I walked towards the park I heard a soft tune in the wind, as if someone up ahead was playing on a pipe of some sort. And when I made it to where the statue was, I saw that it had a flute raised to it’s lips. Without thinking, I charged over to it, “AHA!” I
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nobody believed I could,” he said in a slow quiet voice, like he had to think of each word before he could say it. “What do you mean?” I asked. “I’ve been sitting here, waiting for someone to see me. But, people easily disregard things as ordinary, they have no idea to see what is out of the ordinary.” I sat there in silence and
eing alive is quite tiring, so I think I’m going to go back to sleep now
cried. “I knew you weren’t just a statue.” He looked up at me, still playing. I decided to sit on the bench beside him, waiting until he was done. But, I couldn’t wait to ask questions, “Why haven’t you done this before?” He stopped, lowering the flute from his mouth. “Because
he continued, “I could feel your doubts, but your suspicions were not enough until now.” I smiled, “So what are you going to do now? I mean, since you’re not really a statue anymore.” “Actually,” he said, “being alive is quite tiring, so I think I’m go-
ing to go back to sleep now.” Without another word he leaned back into his original position and froze. I sat there, staring at the statue that had been alive only a few seconds ago. I couldn’t let myself pretend that it didn’t happen. “And there goes another one,” a voice said from beside me, “I can never get them to want to stay awake.” I turned my head to see a man standing above me. He had shaggy hair, glasses, and looked generally disheveled, like an artist would be. “You created him?” I asked. He just nodded and smiled. My words caught in my throat, and I couldn’t do anything but smile back. ■
Jennifer Freele We all dream of travelling. Whether it is to a new country, a different province, or even the next town, stepping out of the day-to-day student routine and experiencing a little more of the world is a very appealing prospect. But it can also be expensive, especially when considering the cost of transportation and accommodation. As students, many of us do not have the time or funds to ride the rails and explore Canada, or hop
weekend in Toronto, Ottawa, or Montréal, if the itinerary’s right, can be just as thrilling as in any city in the world. To get there, you can find some amazing bargains in flights, buses, and trains. Last minute seat sales can also be an option, if you are willing to travel on short notice. Pack light and portably, to allow for some freedom when touring around. Many of us are used to staying in hotels or motels when traveling because that’s what we
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ome hostels even organize events such as pub crawls and karaoke nights where the conversation flows as easily as the beer. on a plane and see what all the hype’s about in Amsterdam, but that does not mean that we have to spend the semester confined to Peterborough. Planning a nice weekend trip with some solid friends could be just what you need to break out of the monotony of a second semester at Trent. When considering where to go, try not to limit yourself to seemingly exotic and distant locations, and keep the local hotspots on your radar too. A
typically grew up doing. This option allows for private rooms, elevator rides, and more television stations than any one person should have access to. If that’s your thing, you can find combination travel and accommodation packages that knock several hundred dollars off of a nice hotel stay. Still, if you want something new and cheaper, considering couch surfing or hostelling is another option. Couch surfing is an online community of trav-
elers that offer up their couches and spare bedrooms to house fellow “surfers” for free. It has users worldwide, and has managed to maintain a positive reputation in the realm of inexpensive accommodation. To become part of this community you need to be prepared to host couch surfers too. When looking for someone to stay with, you can browse through reviews written by their previous guests and make a decision based on that feedback. The couch surfing organization can also provide a certification to members that ensure the safety and security of the hosting party. If you are traveling with others, be sure to look for the number of surfers the host allows. Most times the host or host family will be very hospitable and offer food and tours around the city, depending obviously on their own schedule. It is a great way to discover a new city, or learn more at the local level about a city you’ve visited before. Abroad or locally, staying in a hostel is always a great option. Often less expensive and usually very centrally located, hostels are a fun place to meet people from all around the world. Most guests will be international travelers and
their diverse experiences can make for fascinating conversations. Hostels most often have common rooms, kitchen and activity areas so you aren’t confined to a single room, rooms that can span from private ones to rooms that have upwards of 8 or 12 beds. There are places to lock-up luggage and valuables if you are staying with strangers. You need to follow the basic precautions of checking the edges of the bed for any sesame-seed sized residents and wearing something on your feet in the communal showers, but if you check hostel ratings online you can weed out the questionably sketchy places. There are so many websites available to find hostels worldwide, and if you are doing extensive traveling, you can get discounts on your stays by getting recognized as a longterm backpackers or hosteller. As a Canadian, don’t feel weird about staying in a Canadian hostel either. It will probably be filled with accented folk on a North American visit, and they will love you all the more for your citizenship. Hostellers here are often surrounded by international people who are traveling to discover Canada, just as they are, and so spending time and bonding with some actual Canadians is something they look forward to. Some hostels even organize events such as pub crawls and karaoke nights where the conversation flows as easily as the beer. Hostels aren’t solely places to stay when you are traveling internationally, and there are many
great places around Canada to consider when booking accommodation. This semester, I challenge you to try something new and travel to a city, either near or far, that you have always wanted to see. Do the research and find your best options for transportation and accommodation, but be open to new experiences like couch surfing or hostelling. Travelnow, find some good friends, ing doesn’t have to wait until the summer or gradua- and break up the day-to-day roution, so just book off a weekend tine in favour of a good time. ■
- Feb 18) There will never be Aquarius (aJan5020Shades of Ron Weasley mov-
ie, so you should probably stop talking about it. It doesn’t matter how many erotic dreams you have about him, it’s not going to happen. Feb 19 - Mar 20) Good things Pisces (come to those who wait.
That’s pretty much the nice way of saying you should probably stop having sex with all of those random people. The other saying “big things come in small packages” is actually referring to a baby. Time to close up shop for a bit...
Aries
You pride yourself on always being right when it comes to any disucssion, but the moons have aligned with the stars and your winning streak is over my friend. (Mar 21 - Apr 19)
Apr 20 - May 20) You work too hard. You should probably stop. Stop having amTaurus(bitions, hopes, goals and dreams. Just stay home all day and watch reality tv.
Dance Moms and Honey Boo Boo are calling your name.
(June 22- July 22) The losing streak 21 - Jun 21) You were Gemini(May not diligent when it came Cancerthat is going to hit those under the
to completing assigned homework last semester. This is the time to grab the bull by the horns and make it your bitch. Giddy up!
Aries sign will be directly beneficial to you. All of those discussions you may have lost previously will suddenly swing in your favour. Everything’s coming up you!
(Aug 22 - Sep 22) The person you’ve
23 - Aug 22) You’ve come Virgobeen crushing on for months will fiLeo (toJulthe realization that you’re
never going to stick to your New Years resolutions who why even try this year? After all... the world doesn’t need another skinny, sober bitch!
nally notice you. Don’t trust it. Remember all of those high school movies where the popular kid shows an interest and then humiliates him/her in the most public way possible. That has you written all over it.
(Oct 23 - Nov 21) Do something nice (Sep 23 - Oct 22) All of your Librahouse mates hate you and are Scorpiofor someone for a change. Don’t be
slowly plottng to kill you. Feeling a little bit “off” each day? They’ve probably been slowly adding poison to your food...
the selfish asshole that you normally are, it’s time to give back. Make it a late new years resolution.
22 - Dec 21) Remem(Dec 22 - Jan 19) Now that Sagittarius(Nov ber that time that you were Capricorn school is back in session a rockstar and had all of those young first year students lusting after you? Gone are the days of potential random hook ups. That relationship you entered is going to totally cock block you from now on.
you should probably give up the hope of having any form of social life. This semester is going to try to wreck you. Study, study, study, let your books be your buddy!