The Athenaeum, issue 78.5

Acadia’s Student Newspaper since 1874 December 1st, 2015 Issue 78.5

atheditorials The Athenaeum Acadia University’s Student Newspaper Issue 78.5 ASU Box 6002, Acadia University Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R5 Editor-In-Chief: Andrew D. Haskett Email: eic@acadiau.ca SUB room 512 EIC Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 3 - 6 Advertising Inquiries: connell.finance@ acadiau.ca Business Inquiries: 116765m@acadiau.ca Section Editors Art: Adam Langille Creative: Rebekah Hutten Features: Hope Latta News: Hannah Hutchinson Opinions: Kody Crowell Science: Katie McCulloch Sports: Sam Gillis Online: Senewa Sena

Management Production Manager Robin Lawson Photo ManagerAnjuli Ripley Advertising Manager Theresa Connell Business Manager Robyn McMillan Copy Editor Tyler Nelson Editor-in-Chief Andrew Haskett Managing Editor Kendra Petrie

The Athenaeum is the official student newspaper of Acadia University and is published in print and online year-round at theath.ca. The opinions expressed herein do not represent the Acadia Students Union or the staff of the Athenaeum, they are held by the individuals who contribute to the Athenaeum as essential members of our completely student-run newspaper.

We pride ourselves in publishing and participating in a diverse community, and we are more than eager to work with anyone, regardless of age, economic situation, race, creed, sexual orientation, or any other defining or diversive human trait. In the spirit of great debate we will argue with you and your opinions to the ends of the earth if we deem it necessary.

Articles submitted will be published at the discretion of the editorial board. If there is content that we feel will not add to the philosophy, dialogue, or tone of our newspaper, it will not be published.

We’re always looking for controversial and rowdy material that challenges society and its norms, but any material deemed offensive or hateful will be met with extreme scrutiny. That being said, all of our staff members look forward to working together with writers to improve their quality of writing, and to make sure the Athenaeum remains professional and well-rounded.

The Athenaeum may accept submissions from any student or member of our campus, present and past, and is always looking for more writers and photographers. If you are looking for coverage of an event or story, would like to notify us of a complaint or correction, or would like to submit a letter to the editor, contact Andrew D.Haskett at eic@acadiau.ca There are open story meetings every Wednesday at 6pm in the Athenaeum office, room 512 in the SUB. Everyone is welcome, and we encourage you to join us!

The Athenaeum, since 1874.

Call it like you see it.

T his Issue’s cover art wa s created by Sha nnon Gunning.

2 December 1st, 2015

On University Raymond Wieser Contributor

University. The word itself has connotations of higher status, of education, better futures, and better jobs. When I first heard about university from my parents, I was so excited. I was excited to be an adult, to get an education, to learn new and exciting things. But now that I’m here, I feel like it was all just a colossal lie. It’s one of the biggest letdowns of my life so far. Not only am I paying through the nose to study at university, have I also felt like I am back in high school all over again. High school is something I liked as a teenager. When Grade 12 rolled around, I was tired of the constant homework assignments, the same boring, artificially lit classrooms every day, the whole routine. Not that I expected university to not have those things, but I expected my university experience to be more mature, more open. Not only does university feel like high school, it is also a money grab and a propaganda tool.

The whole problem starts with the growing corporatization of the Canadian university system. Joel Westheimer, a former professor of Education at the University of Ottawa, states in an article written for Academic Matters that, “Universities now model themselves after corporations seeking to maximize profit, growth, and marketability. As a result, the democratic mission of the university as a public good has all but vanished. And many of the (never fully realized) ideals of academic life – academic freedom..., intellectual indepen-

On University: A response Andrew D. Haskett Editor-in-Chief

Raymond puts forward some well-thought and articulate points in his criticisms of the modern day post-secondary education system. What I have to offer is a lack of evidence, a lack of experience, and a burning desire to spout my opinions of the post-secondary education system to the masses.

Dating back for millennia the university has been a bastion of enlightenment and developed intellect. The existence of furthered education (and education as a whole) has been in-progress for the entire span of our human existence. We’ve learned and we’ve unlearned, we’ve read books and we’ve burned them too. The history behind education is immense and complex and it would take us years to have every nuance of its development under our belts. Where should we begin?

Plato’s Academy was founded in 387 BCE. The

www.theath.ca

dence, collective projects, and pursuit of the common good – have been circumscribed or taken off the table altogether” (Westheimer, 2010). It is the increasing use of a business model for education delivery that is impeding the preservation and promotion of a democratic society. More importantly, the evaporation of the culture of criticism and critical thinking has led to a decline in intellectual independence among the student body.

As more and more universities become certification factories instead of institutions of higher learning, the democratic education ideals are going down the drain. Post-secondary institutions have become a “shopping-mall” where students aim to find the cheapest, fastest way to get the basic skills and credentials.

As part of this business model that universities are using more often, instead of faculty meetings discussing the “... program of courses might yield the most robust understanding of a field of study and of the debates and struggles that field entails are rapidly being replaced by brainstorming sessions about how to narrow the curriculum to fit into, for example, two weekends in order to incentivize matriculation and increase student enrolment” (Westheimer, 2010).

In addition, there is an increasing number of university presidents who are not academics. In 2009, Maclean’s Magazine published an article focusing on this issue, speaking specifically about Acadia University’s President Ray Ivany, and the growing trend of non-academic university Presidents. As a university president, it might be expected that Academy, by all means, was the first institution of higher learning and to this day serves as the foundation to most (if not all) intuitions of higher learning and social development in our world, past and present. Plato’s Academy did not promote itself as a “shopping mall”, nor did it print off a diploma to any wayward student who had the ability to sink thousands of dollars into it. It educated its pupils in a wide curriculum of the arts, math and astronomy included. The same holds true today.

The modern university may have deviated from Plato’s original path in some form, but the formula to which the post-secondary institution is developed still holds true. Students attend, professors lecture, and an enrichening of the mind is offered, whether or not the individual chooses to adopt it. There are always deviations from this norm, often dependent of the intent of the student, of the teacher, or of the universities’ management. There are cash-ins: a student seeks nothing more than a money-printing degree specific in some lucrative trade such as underwater basket-weaving or, Gods forbid, business administration (hehe). A professor tracks tenure and until the day of death occupies life with the

they would have a Ph.D and be dedicated to the pursuit of higher education for youth, and to “have an intimate understanding of what a university is, and what its employees do. [The President has] to be able to relate to them, and they have to be able to relate to [the President]” (Keller, 2009). The position of university president has become a managerial position, much like any other corporation.

For students, this is not good news.

With less focus on maintaining an adequate program of courses for each discipline, ensuring that students are taught to think critically about the world, and to have intellectual independence, the institutions for higher learning have become expensive high schools.

As tuition rises, enrollment drops, and the sponsoring companies lose recruits.

We have commoditized education, and access to jobs. Without time to volunteer, to attend club meetings, to attend events, we, the students, are robbed of opportunities to connect with the community they are living in, and with many potential employers. Instead, we have become walking machines: we take in material and we spit it out. We take in more, regurgitate, and repeat.

Multiply that by five or six, and add on daily readings, written assignments, lab reports, papers, projects, presentations, exams, performances, and part- or fulltime jobs. It’s no wonder we can’t be involved in the community as well, or taking time to investigate personal interests and passions; we are stripped of them. How can students be expected to learn about the world they live in without experiencing it? simple pleasures of hap-hazard teaching and intense researching of microbial antiperspirants.

These are, if you haven’t picked up the cues, lighthearted jabs. I respect you all and the work you may or may not do.

Philosophy, political theory, gender politics, ethics, logic, biology, environmental sustainability, and all other disciplines are equal in merits and pitfalls within our modern post-secondary education system. I have not properly contested Raymond’s argument proposed in his contribution to this article, but I have detailed my opinions, no matter how limited, in relation to our current educational status. I believe that the system itself has taken on some bloating in the form of funding and direction towards hard sciences in contest to funding for the humanities, but I also laud the work that experts in both disciplines have produced for our worldwide educational conscious.

I can exhibit a direct poll-quote from the Socratic paradox and try not to exert my status as a plebian in an academic environment, but I can paraphrase here and act like less of a fool. I know one thing in my existence: I know nothing. That’s why I’m in university.

atharts

www.theath.ca

Das Rac i s t: I n S e a r c h T h e S y lv i a P l at t e r s : M a k e G l a d T h e D ay of Bac k pac k R a p Sid Kondapuram Contributor

It’s been a couple of years since the New York based rap collective Das Racist disbanded. The pain still lingers – ever y time I’m scrolling through my iTunes librar y and the name pops up, an iota of my being dies. Before I get into a psychoanalytical examination of feelings, and their relation to my being, I must explain why Das Racist holds a special place in rap culture, and in the cold, cavernous depths of my heart.

To understand the charm, we must deconstr uct the mythos. Simply put: there hasn’t been anything else like Das Racist. They synthesized ly rical content that was offsetting and apocr yphal, layered with puns on racism, capitalism, television, fast food, and a plethora of other jabs at the inane bullshit that pervaded life in a Western Culture.

“Backyards, kittens, puppies, 401k’s, libels, yuppies Yeeah, I’m talkin’ bout wine drinkers Bald-head men, Klux Klan swine-thinkers What motivates you?

Let’s go around the room ‘I wanna own a boat one day’” At first it may seem like some nonsense that a word generator might spit out. But a deeper reading shows an incredible amount of consciousness about the inherent practices of predator y capitalism. Painting the vision of an attainable affable lifestyle, and yet the cards are tilted to the favour of these “bald-head men.” Does capitalism layer life with mirages of ostentatious things like boats? Most definitely! But the canvas this utopian vision is painted upon is one of intrinsic inanity:

“Backyards, kittens, puppies, 401k’s, libels, yuppies” And this is the most important lesson I’ve learnt from listening to Das Racist. The system is not in our favor.

It is probable that there is no greater meaning to life, or a higher calling to success. But on the bright side of life, the youthful experience is drenched with plurality. We don’t have to sit down and take it; life is just as much about eating Sour Patch Kids as it is about fighting the establishment (or whatever the pseudo-socialistic new age hippie bongo banging analogy is). If we do come to terms with this: the plurality becomes entrenched in our being. This is the spirit that Das Racist so viciously tried to embody.

While we’re on the topic of plurality, it is important to address the ethnic backgrounds of the comprising members. They were t wo brown guys – a product of post 9/11 New York; lamentation paved the way to an eerily accurate view of a vir ulently racist quasi-society that arose after the towers fell. It’s just t wo brown guys, alluding to the rampant racial divisionism with surgical precision.

They don’t come from a view point of courage or hatred. They are revelers of the divide, tirelessly working to build a bridge across it. I find it conflicting, and I like it that way.

Das Racist is relevant to me for this ver y reason: they refuse to be boxed or categorized into a niche. They did not latch on to a new counterculture to stay relevant; instead they are merely zooted brown weirdoes playing hopscotch on the grey area bet ween humor and tragedy.

Sid Kondapuram Contributor

The Sylvia Platters are a power pop trio

My praise is not to say that it doesn’t have

from Vancouver, British Columbia. Self-

its imperfections. Sometimes the songs

described as a “a power pop band in-

meld into one. While I can hear the influ-

spired by the brevity of Guided by Voices,

ences of Cronin and the Replacements in

the loud-quiet dynamics of Mikal Cronin,

the songs (especially in drum heavy sec-

and the punk playfulness of The Replace-

tions), the variance between the songs

ments,” they have recently released an

tends to be low. While the songs do hit

album titled Make Glad The Day, and be-

like a wall of sound, it is difficult to dif-

fore I start off with the review, I would like

ferentiate between the walls. They’re all

to apologize for my lack of knowledge of

painted the same way. In a way it be-

the nuances and intricacies of power pop.

comes referential to itself, a triptych of the same salient walls of sound. It’s influences

The press manifesto describes the album

crack around the edge. Leaving the album

as a way “to turn life’s string of ephemeral

desperately clamoring to find a voice of its

moments, jobs, ideas, and relationships

own – an entirely new one that effectively

into something meaningful.” I really do

communicates a melancholic topic with-

get what they are going for here. There’s

out leaving it a lumbering mess of heyday

an offsetting – yet endearing – je ne sais

referentialism. The Sylvia Platters have yet

quoi. Amalgamating – so beautifully – the

to hit that spot, but it is excusable for their

jarring disconnect of an urban life, and

debut.

life’s inanity. In essence, it’s a love letter: a letter so abrasive and standoffish, that

Prima facie, this album was a wholly en-

it becomes so blatantly apparent that it is

joyable ride. It’s laden with some eerily re-

merely a theodicy for a city. This is where

latable emotions, and the lyrical content is

I really get the album: it is equal parts

of a caliber that is extremely deserving of

meaningless drudgery, and equal parts

the 21st century schizoid man. A pigeon

a chokehold on vacuous happiness that is

lost between granite graveyards, and bills,

slowly coming loose. Because no matter

and work. Yet the album strives to not be

how tightly it is held onto, it manages to

bleak; it’s fun, and it’s fast. I do have some

become a completely different entity. All

problems with differentiating between

of this is packaged into a compact, half-

the band and their influences. But in due

hour runtime spanning fourteen tracks.

time I do expect them to find incredible

Sonically, it hits like a wall of sound, in-

footing, and a unique voice that laments

corporating elements of punk, shoegaze,

with apparent glee.

and glam rock. The medium is concerted with the message. Do not mistake the rhythmic power pop sound as an undercut of the true message of the album. It bobs on vicious vitriolic vindication.

My Rating:

7.5/10

December 1st, 2015

3

atharts

www.theath.ca

The first Acadia Environmental Film Festival a success, say student co-founders Rebekah Hutten Creative Editor

This past November, Acadia students Robin Lawson and Raymond Wieser developed an entirely new event on the Acadia campus and in Nova Scotia: the Acadia Environmental Film Festival.

The festival was a project towards completion of a fourth-year Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ESST) course.

Lawson: From a very early age I’ve understood the connection between people and nature. Another reason I care about environmental issues is because they impact human lives, and I love people. People aren’t going to exist if they don’t have an environment that can support them. We need to start supporting our environment so it can continue support us. It’s a symbiotic The Acadia Environmental Film Festi- relationship that a lot of people forget. val ran from November 3-13th, featuring six films in total. Each film was What goals were you trying to achieve followed by a reflective discussion be- through the festival? tween the audience and guest panel- Wieser: Our main goal was to eduists. What began initially as a plan to cate students on environmental issues screen films for students evolved into a through film. Movies are played on project involving a number of members campus all the time but rarely is there and organizations within the commu- a time to discuss them, and rarely are nity. Wieser and Lawson were able to they environmental-based films. meet for an interview to discuss their Lawson: It was a way to build further thoughts about the festival, as well as connections between Acadia and the broader topics regarding the environ- community. mental crisis.

Wieser: For example, people throw things in garbage cans and recycling Why did you decide to create and pro- bins everyday but they don’t really duce an environmental film festival? know who deals with it, so I think havLawson: Raymond is extremely pas- ing [a panelist] from Valley Waste come sionate about film. I’m more passionate and talk was really good because it about environmental education. gave people an idea what happens to Wieser: We decided to combine the their waste. two, and then we took it a step further and added discussion to that, with What was a highlight of the festival community members or people in [en- for each of you? vironmental] fields.

Lawson: Actually, the film that didn’t Lawson: Showing movies is great, but end up happening, Billions in Change. allowing people to expand on their own We were competing with the Bob Rae ideas gives them a place to learn more. [lecture] and a few other things hapWe couldn’t be as effective in educating pening around Wolfville, so we didn’t [the audience] if we didn’t have a mean- end up having an audience, but we had ingful discussion afterwards. a panelist, Richard Zurawski. He’s an Wieser: If you have someone in the amazing man. So we had him and an field locally come to talk, then they can Acadia professor, Leo Elshof, who’s give a local perspective on what’s hap- another amazing environmental activpening. ist and educator. They’re really good friends, so they just ended up sitting To put it bluntly, why do you care with us and talked to us about the about issues pertaining to the environ- state of the world and the education mental crisis? system. It made me think about some Wieser: First of all, I’m in ESST, but it things that are connected that I’d never has mainly to do with the way I grew up [realized] were connected. That was the as a child. I’ve actually never lived in a highlight for me. city, nor a town. I’m from the middle of Wieser: The highlight for me would nowhere, in the forest! My elementary probably be either that same night, or school was a Waldorf School, which working with Fundy Film on the first had a huge focus on Mother Earth and night [on the screening of] This Changthe planet, so that had a huge influence es Everything. They’re a really cool oras well. ganization and they bring a lot of re-

4

December 1st, 2015

ally cool things to Wolfville. They work with TIFF so getting to work with them was like, “Yes!” Lawson: Susan and Bill [of Fundy Film] are a really, really amazing couple too.

They’re wonderfully inspiring people and were supportive of us and excited about what we were doing.

What is the most pertinent environmental issue that the films portrayed?

Wieser: [All of the issues] are very pertinent, but the most important one is water.

Lawson: Yes, water and the health of our oceans. Which relates to a lot! Because it’s such a broad issue, and everything else reaches out to it, like energy production, food...

Wieser: Bottled water.

Lawson: Every environmental issue goes back to it.

Wieser: If we were going to isolate one film that is important for people to see today, I would say Billions in Change.

Even though no one came to see it, it’s

the most important because it deals with what is currently being done. It’s dealing with a group of people who are working all around the world in different scientific communities, [and it deals with] what they’re doing now to help the environmental crisis.

Do you hope that other students will pick up from where you left off?

Wieser: I hope so! I mean, that was the point with our film festival. We also ordered more films that we couldn’t show because they weren’t in the library already. We ordered more for the library to have for the future.

Lawson: It would be great to see somebody pick this up and continue on to make it an annual thing. And have it grow, maybe it would get as big as Devour! Which was another event we were competing with! That was one of the points of the project, as we’re graduating, to leave a legacy at Acadia. To leave something behind. It would be really nice if people were to continue.

atharts

www.theath.ca

Have a Dart: Ben Caplan and the Casual Smokers at the Acadia Athletics Complex Andrew Haskett Editor-in-Chief

With a voice like a sandpaper blanket enveloping you within a crass warmth, Ben Caplan (and his backing band, the Casual Smokers) serenaded and bolstered to a sheepishly cold crowd of the young and old as a part of Roger’s Hometown Hockey Tour on Saturday night at the Acadia Athletics Complex parkade.

Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, but born and raised out of Hamilton, Ontario, Ben Caplan is a jewel of the East Coast. Hot off of over 15 months of touring in Europe, the United States, and in Canada, Caplan has seen it all. I had a hot minute (fifty four seconds, to be exact) to talk to Mr. Caplan, and here it is: So we’re back in Wolfville. Whaddya think?

Caplan: I, ah, I love Wolfville. It’s always

great to get the chance to come here – coming over that ridge, seeing that expanse. It’s just always a cool vibe, I have some friends living around so it’s just great.

When was the last time you played in Wolfville?

Caplan: So, ah, in September, I think the 15th and 16th, we played two shows actually, two double-headers at the Al Whittle here in town.

Ah, okay, very cool. So I wasn’t able to make it to your show (with Symphony Nova Scotia) in Halifax. What was your take? I heard it was absolutely impeccable.

Caplan: Oh, it was so great. There’s nothing quite like being on stage with

Photo courtesy of http://bencaplan.ca so many musicians, playing the songs you love and cherish to a crowd that is just as passionate about what’s going on.

Totally, something all of its own. We’ll wrap up here, but I have to say: that was intense. That last song you played, Under Control, had some heavy Russian Bolshevik vibes to it and I loved it all. I’ll let you go, thanks for your time Ben. Caplan: (laughs) I’m glad you enjoyed. It

was my pleasure. Take care.

The proud owner of two full-length albums and a pool of fans worldwide, Ben Caplan is a force of his own accord. His on-stage presence and unruly wizards beard only accompany his allure as a world-class folk musician deeply embedded in his professional element. His sophomore album “Birds with Broken Wings” is out now on CD, vinyl, digital, and probably also on wood carving.

December 1st, 2015

5

athcreative

www.theath.ca

Thane’s Brain Boggler: Christmas Crossword ACROSS 1) To consume 4) Large estate 6) Type of lodge 8) Sandler movie “Eight ____ ____” 12) Gar field’s victim 13) Leak out 14) Sports network 15) Used to be 18) Vote in favor 19) ____ Mutant Ninja Turtles 22) Christmas treat 24) Insect pest 26) Grind 29) Farm building 30) Opposite of amateur 33) Great Lake 34) 2010 movie “Book of ___” 35) Cages 37) Attempt 38) Timer 41) What gorgons could turn you into 42) Toronto Maple ____ 44) London river 46) Blackbeard’s occupation 49) Hunting weapons 50) Maple syrup’s only ingredient 53) Appropriate position 54) Collections 55) Soft drinks 57) ____ out: barely makes a living 58) Plumber or welder 61) Famous mother 63) Seeds removed 66) Woman’s name 67) Back street 68) Movie villain Krueger 70) Clothing pattern 71) Period of time 73) Skill 74) Observe DOWN 1) Simple 2) Without a name (abbrev.)

3) Author Morrison 4) What replaced the crossword in each of the last two issues 5) Manipulates 6) Preserve

Nostalgia Keisha Lent Contributor

Just the other day, someone called me fierce and I still don’t know if they meant that as a good or bad thing.

So I looked it up and I found that it meant I was aggressive, destructive, or that I had emotional intensity and I was okay with all of those options.

Today, they told me that ever yone lived their lives tr ying to impress others.

I argued, that I do not.

I only live to impress myself.

I did not tell them it was because that is the hardest thing for me to do,

6

December 1st, 2015

7) Wyoming city 8) Fold-out bed 9) Sports network (Fr.) 10) Golf Accessor y 11) Resort 15) Married 16) Whichever 17) Bag-like structure 20) Complete 21) Joke 22) Holiday decoration 23) Advantage of reusable shopping bags 24) Simpson or Lincoln 25) Friend 27) A title 28) 2003 song “____ Ya!” 30) Francis I 31) What you do, do, do to your boat 32) October birthstone 35) Criminals 36) Stage in a process 39) Digits 40) Abel’s murderer 41) Sodium chloride 43) Bag 44) TV network 45) Gardening tool 47) South American revolutionar y 48) 2008 movie “____ Man” 50) Pop 51) Beer 52) Go by 55) To be covered 56) Spread 59) Sever 60) Abbreviation for the Auckland Engineering Lifelines Group (No, I do not actually expect anyone to have heard of them. I just couldn’t find a word to make this section of the puzzle work, and I got desperate. Don’t judge me.)

61) Tiffany, to her friends 62) Make a mistake 64) Snakelike fish 65) Easter egg feature 69) Votes in favor 70) Stakes 72) Mining find and I always seem to be good at picking the hardest things to do.

But it’s my life, not theirs so why would I tr y to impress them?

And they just shook their heads, agreeing with their eyes closed.

Who were they to tell me other wise?

And some people say I am heartless because I won’t allow myself to fall into the depths of Nostalgia from when I was in high school.

I won’t reside in the memories and cling to those I formed them with, because Nostalgia is a dirty liar that insists things were better than they seemed.

And they are not. they are absolutely not because things were just as terrible then

as they were good and that is just as terrible and good as they are now. and I refuse to be anything but intense and passionate even yesterday, when they told me I could not allow myself to be depressed to be angr y to be empty their thoughts could not control me, because that was when I accomplished most

because I was striving, because at least I was not anxious I was not afraid.

I was sad and the most beautiful words came from my mind and the most hurtful words ended up on my arms and it shaped me. and I am okay.

I am more than okay. because I am fierce.

I know that I scare them, I scare myself.

And it is better to be feared than loved.

athcreative

www.theath.ca

Photograph taken by: Kayla Westhaver-Covin

In The Still Midwinter Raymond Wieser Contributor T h e wa r mt h sl ow l y s p r e a d s f r o m t h e t ip s of my f i nger s r ig ht t o my co r e, a n d f r o m t h er e l i ke lava, p en et rat e s my w h ol e b ei ng.

T h e cold i s p u s h e d away l i ke t h e m o r n i ng m i s t o n a cr i s p au t u m n m o r n i ng. T h e f i r e i n t h e s t o n e f i r epla ce off t o my l eft cra ck l e s ha ppi l y s en d i ng s e e d s of lu m in e s cent fla m e s w i r l i ng u p i nt o t h e a i r. O u t s id e, s n ow i s s oft l y fa l l i ng t h e e a r t h w i t h a d ia m o n d co m fo r t er t hat s p a r k l e s b r i l l ia ntl y i n t h e s i l ver m oo n l ig ht. T h e cu p of h ot a ppl e cid er i n my ha n d i s my wa r m s p r i ng s u n s h i n e t on ig ht. Aft er a l l, i t’s Ch r i s t m a s.

W i t h a b oo k i n my la p t hat t ra n sp o r t s m e t o a n ot h er u n i ver s e, t h e s t ra ngel y s oot h i ng s ou n d of t h e woo d o n t h e f i r e cra ck l i ng a n d s h ift i ng a s t h e f i r e la b o r iou sl y l i ck s u p t h e f u el, I fe el co m pl et el y, w h ol l y at p e a ce. W i t h my ow n b u bbl e of wa r mt h, coz y i ng u p t o a s t e a m i ng cu p of a ppl e cid er t hat w i t h ever y s ip s p r e a d s wa r mt h a n d ha ppi n e s s t h r oug h m e l i ke f i r e, t h e s n ow ou t s id e fa l l i ng s oft l y a n d t h e w i n d fa s t a sl e ep, t h er e i s n o way t o d e s cr ib e t h e fe el i ng. You r e a ch a l evel of m ent a l r ela xat io n t hat i m p er cept ibl y t a ke s you t o u np a ra l l el e d t ra n-

qu i l i ty. A s m i l e cr e ep s o nt o you r l ip s a n d b e co m e s i n fe c t iou s u nt i l you r w h ol e b o d y a n d s ou l i s s m i l i ng. You b eg i n t o a pp r e ciat e s m a l l t h i ng s i n l ife. T h e mu s ty s m el l of you r t h i ck wool s w e at er, t h e s i l ent r o a r of t h e ever hu ngr y f i r e. T h e cr e a k i ng a n d cra cki ng of t h e h ou s e a s i t b r e at h e s, t h e s n ow ou t s id e gl i s t en i ng l i ke a bla n ket of j ew el s f i t fo r t h e r i che s t K i ng o r Q u e en. Ever yt h i ng co m e s i nt o fo cu s, you r m i n d f ina l l y go e s qu i et, a n d t h i ng s a r e p er fe c t fo r a m o m ent. T h e wo r ld i s i n p er fe c t ha r m o ny. R a ccoo n s b u r r ow i ng i n t h e s n ow a l l p u ffe d u p a n d f u r r y t o ke ep wa r m, a d e er s i l ent l y r o a m i ng t h e fo re s t s, a p u ff of s t e a m a pp e a r i ng ever y few s e co n d s a s i t b r e at h e s.

T h i ng s t hat b ot h er e d you b efo r e, n ow b e co m e b e au t if u l, a n d t h e i nt r i c a cy a n d i nt i m a cy a n d co n-

n e c t e d n e s s of t h e e a r t h b e co m e ra pid l y a pp a r ent. T h i s s t at e of s er en i ty h elp s t o sl ow d ow n, t o co n s id er l ife, t o t h i n k i n t h e p r e s ent fo r o n ce, a n d r e a l i ze t hat t h e e a r t h i s of i m m en s e b e au ty.

T h e m a g n if i cent s p a r k l i ng of t h e s n ow, t h e qu i et w h i s p er i ng of t h e pi n e s i n t h e f r ig id a i r.

At la s t, you have r e a ch e d t h e bi tt er en d of t h e cid er, a n d sl ow l y, l i ke r u s h h ou r t ra ff i c, t h e t ra n ce l e ave s, t h e h ig hway s cl e a r a n d t h e b u bbl e of ha ppi n e s s a n d t ra nqu i l i ty d i s s ol ve s i nt o t h e f r ig id a i r l e av i ng you a s you w er e b efo r e. Gr e e d a n d e co n o my a n d m o n ey a r e n ow t h e w h i r l i ng focu s of you r i n d u s t r ia l i ze d m i n d, a n d t h e wo r ld t o w h i ch you a r e a p a r t, a n e s s ent ia l p a r t, va n i s he s i nt o t h i n a i r l i ke Ja ck Fr o s t’s n ig ht l y i cy a r t.

December 1st, 2015

7

athfeatures

Social Steganography: The New Invisible Pen Hope Latta Features Editor Snap chat is a p opular social networking app that allows users to ta ke pict ures that can b e sent and displayed for a couple seconds.

These messages disapp ear after the designated time allocation, and cannot b e op ened again. Due to a recent up date, the Snap chat Ter ms of Service show that the app now has the ability to duplicate, reshap e, and broadcast any pict ures ta ken with the service, and also has the right to save those pict ures onto the Snap chat server. This also applies to the new “Live Stor y” feat ure. Kal Penn, a for mer W hite House Associate Director of Public Engagement, brought attention to the subject when he publically announced the changes that had b een made. W hile the document produced by Snapchat do es say that there are certain

rest rictions to the publication of infor mation, it do esn’t sp ecif y the typ es of barriers that are involved, and the ways that p eople could surpass them.

A page published for supp ort information stated that messages sent privately on the app would b e deleted after they were viewed, which was satisf ying to some, but this was not sp ecif ically stated in the Ter ms of Service. Snap chat has also made it harder to access the up dated ter ms in addition to downloading the newest app up date. The new technicalities that have b een int roduced are only available through a different window, and users must log out of their account b efore accessing any imp ortant document s.

W hile this new up date may seem

Shop with Meaning: Socially Conscious fashion Theresa Connell Fashion Columnist

Social conscious shopping starts here with my favorite fashion labels that are committed to changing how we view fashion. The medium is the message with these brands. Buy something worth your money and your mind this holiday season.

Wear Your Label Ending the stigma surrounding mental health just became oh-so fashionable thanks to the team at Wear Your Label in Halifax, NS. They are changing the way we perceive mental illnesses in the most direct way possible: writing it across a t-shirt. Their t-shirt designs are not only conversation starters, but also a great basic tee that can be styled to suit many occasions. If you are Sad but Rad or just care to support an undercut cause, check out Wear Your Label on their Instagram page!

People Tree I first heard of People Tree in the documentary True Cost. Both the company and the film aim to bring awareness to the effects of the global fashion industry on people and the planet. People Tree has showed that sustainable fashion doesn’t

8

December 1st, 2015

mean wearing a burlap sack. All of their collections are Fair Trade and hand woven from organic cotton. It’s a win-win scenario if you can feel glamorous and not feed global warming.

The Little Market Inspired by a trip to Tanzania, the founders of The Little Market wanted to make an impact for female artisans and entrepreneurs by starting this business venture. Beautiful, one-of-a-kind, artisan pieces are sold online to help artisans around the world support their families.

If you are in the market for accessories, handbags, or jewelry, check out this socially spirited option.

Pura Vida My entire life I have had an enthusiast bracelet collection, making additions every time I visited somewhere new. For those who love a little wrist candy, Pura Vida is a stellar marketplace for buying bracelets that give back to charities around the world. Their bracelet designs are simplistic and chic, appealing to men and women. Their brand embodies spreading the pura vida lifestyle around the globe to those who need it most.

www.theath.ca

redundant to some, this is alar ming for a couple of reasons. The previous Ter ms of Service indicated that a deleted pict ure was gone forever, and that these pict ures would never b e stored on the servers. Newer feat ures such as, “My Stor y,” and “Replay” have come with an up date to the Ter ms of Service. Photos placed into those feat ures are automatically stored on the Snap chat server and are subject to third-party manipulation. W hile the p opularity of Snap chat may seem to indicate that teens today are too carefree ab out their online security, think again.

A st udy conducted by the Pew Research Center concluded that teenagers have adapted newer ways to b e st rategically private. W hile parent s may think that privacy means deleting all apps and not cont ributing to the abundance of social activity, teenagers have lear ned to encode their social up dates in a way that allows b oth privacy and expression at the same time. Most young p eople routinely ma ke use of privacy settings and delete old pict ures of themselves. This sort of activity highlight s the awareness that young

p eople p ossess when it comes to online security.

The ter m “social steganography” was coined by Danah Boyd to describ e a habit for med by teens today that allows them to conceal messages in plain sight. Boyd often def ines steganography using the following example: Jasmine brea ks up with her b oyfriend. She p ost s: “Always look on the bright side of life” Her mom: “You seem so happy!”

Her friends: “W hat’s w rong?”

Gone are the days when p eople would use invisible p ens and create secret codes to send messages to their friends. Teens today use deliberate messages in social media that p ort ray implications in ver y discrete ways. A teenager saying, “I’m act ually obsessed with my b est friends” sp ea ks a sp ecif ic message to those that act ually k now them. This sort of thinking counteract s the declarations that teenagers are too carefree when it comes to social media. The upsurge of social steganography has proved that teens are more clever and aware of security than most adult s conclude.

athfeatures Peeling Away Conceptions of Crazy: Acadia Theatre Company’s The House of Blue Leaves*

www.theath.ca

Robin Moir Contributor “Crazy” can mean many things to many people: cracked, flawed, erratic, unusual, extreme, obsessive, and insane.

The Acadia Theatre Company’s upcoming production of The House of Blue Leaves certainly paints pictures of each and every one of the ways you could see the word as “crazy.” The volatile and quirky atmosphere manifests in a grim and hysterical fashion.

Artie and Bananas, a married couple in the production, exemplify two differing aspects of the term. While Bananas is mentally ill, Artie is unable to appreciate her or his job.

He is unable to live in the moment because of his obsession with fame. Robert Seale, director of the ATC’s upcoming production, refers to this as, “our unbelievable pursuit of material wealth and… celebrity worship.” The black comedy illustrates what can happen to a longstanding and deep relationship when one of the parties is driven by these pursuits.

Despite being originally written in the late 1960s, The House of Blue Leaves is still an incredibly relevant play. In many ways, it’s about the desperation for fame and validation, and the ways in which this desperation drives an individual’s actions. “Witness Facebook,” says Seale, “or the constant onslaught of tweets... We constantly need to know how many followers we have, know how many people like us... [We want others to] think well of us or think that we’re something that they’re not privileged enough to be.”

In fact, Bananas is the only character that looks out for others more than for her own personal gain. Jenna Newcomb, the actress playing Bananas, states that, “she is probably the calmest character as well as the sanest character in the play… Which is

How to Stop Hating Winter in Three Easy Steps The Un-Abominable Snowman Contributor

kind of funny and ironic considering everyone thinks she’s crazy. But, [the other characters] are so wrapped up in their own lives... and very driven to get what they want.”

In fact, Bananas’ schizophrenia is treated in a way that makes it clear that, as Newcomb states, “she’s not the one in the wrong and the way [the other characters] treat her is not okay.”

Seale cites the inclusion of Bananas as a central character and catalyst is what makes The House of Blue Leaves so groundbreaking and courageous. Mental illness is incredibly present in everyday life. “We could talk about vets coming home from Afghanistan and committing suicide,” says Seale.

“We could talk about Robin Williams and his depression. We could talk about... the de-stigmatization of a number of mental disorders and our wish to have them simply considered like any physical malady…

They should be on an equal basis.”

Although each character shows glimmers of “crazy” throughout the production, there is also a far gentler side that only leads to explosive chaos after misunderstanding. Chris McEwen, who plays the role of Artie, said “[Artie’s] just trying to be accepted by everyone, and loved by everyone… but, he doesn’t go about it the smartest ways...

He’s just very out of touch with reality and himself.”

One of Seale’s hopes for the audience is that seeing the characters show the many layers of their personalities, bit by bit will cause “some questioning, some searching and some re-examination of one’s own attitudes - as a result... I think that’s a good thing for anybody at any stage in their life.”

1: Make Winter Cute If you love your winter attire, you will love winter! Duh! Spending lots of money on cute things is okay only if it makes you really happy. For instance, I bought some cute mittens, a cute pompom hat, and an adorable swishy and fuzzy winter jacket! It’s just so cute!

You can also extend winter-cuteness past fashion and into your diet. Peppermint hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and chocolate shavings in a truly adorable travel mug is a cute way to brighten your soul on an otherwise fucking miserable day. Plus, if you have dark hot chocolate, you’ll experience the joyful effects of endorphins!!!

Synopsis: Artie Shaugnessy is a songwriter with visions of glory. Toiling by day as a zookeeper, he desperately wants to escape his lower middle-class existence to become a popular singer and songwriter. He lives with his wife, Bananas, much to the chagrin of Artie’s downstairs mistress, Bunny Flingus.

She’ll sleep with him anytime but refuses to cook until they are married. The ambitious Bunny hatches a plan to commit Bananas and move to Hollywood so Artie can collaborate with his childhood friend Billy Einhorn, who grew up to be a film producer.

2: Snowshoe, Skate, or Ski Everywhere Walking in w inter tend s to b e kind of hard. So, st rap on some snowsho es, lace up your skates, or jump w it h great alacrity into your skis!

You’ll b e t he most hip p erson on ca mpus, sliding a nd gliding over t he snow w it h a sm ile on your rosy- cheeked face while ot hers t r udge t h rough slush a nd bliz zardlike conditions t hat ma ke walking, like, tot ally imp ossible.

If you live at t he top of Highla nd, t his is a n esp e cially great option!

W hy not grab a sled or a craz y car p et a nd slide right down to t he BAC?

Also on the scene are a deaf movie actress (in Billy’s tow), a trio of excitable nuns, and an AWOL relation of Artie’s.

November 25-28 & December 1-4, 7:30pm Denton Theatre. Tickets at the Acadia Box Office (902) 542-5500 or at the door. $15 regular, $10 students & seniors, $7 for groups of 8 or more. 25% OFF JOE’S BREAKFAST & LUNCH WITH PROOF OF ATTENDANCE. *CORRECTION: This article is in reprint due to a mislabelling of the author’s name during initial publication.

3: Constantly Make Snowmen Rememb er b eing excited ab out snow when you were a kid? A nd how t hat feeling no longer ex ist s due to t he fact t hat w inter is a complete bitch here in Nova Scotia?

Well, forget ab out t he m is er y a nd ma ke a snow ma n! In fact, never stop ma king snow men! Ma ke a litt le snow ma n on your f ront step, on t he side of t he st reet while walking to cla ss, or even in your neighb our’s yard! T hes e f riendly litt le snow men w ill prov ide endless entert a inment, joy a nd compa nionship in a n ot her w is e solit ar y a nd completely depressing, joy- depleting, a nd physically debilit ating s ea son.

December 1st, 2015

9

athnews

www.theath.ca

Job Opening: Station Director of Axe Radio

Acadia Students Cooking up Change: Reimagining the 100 Mile Diet

Axe Radio Media Partner

Kaitlyn Bell Contributor

Do you like listening to music? Are you interested in campus media? Are you looking for a part-time job in the coming semester? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Acadia’s campus radio could have the perfect position for you!

Axe Radio, Acadia’s non-profit online broadcasting service, is looking for a driven individual who will oversee radio proceedings in the winter semester of 2016. This is an exciting opportunity for students in any year of their degree.

Axe Radio’s ideal candidate is focused and motivated, but can also kick back and have fun. After all, there are lots of great events in Wolfville to attend!

Duties of the job include: - Organizing live music and/or guest speakers on campus - Dealing with the annual radio budget, ensuring it is properly distributed - Coordinating and collaborating with an executive team of students - Printing and distributing posters throughout the community - Welcoming volunteers to the radio during campus events and assigning them with tasks to improve operations of Axe Radio Those that are interested in the position and wish to know more, you should email Tyler Nelson at tyler.nelson@live. ca. If you wish to apply to Axe Radio, please email your resume to Jessica Boone at jessica.boone@acadiau.ca.

The final core class to graduate from the Environmental and Sustainability Studies program at Acadia required students to do a project that would make a change. The project could be anything we wanted as long as it would make a change in our community and make a lasting impact beyond our upcoming graduation. I had no idea what to do, how to start, or how to create something that would leave a lasting impression on the local community. The class worked in pairs or alone to make some sort of change. Other students had film festivals, created environmental education programs, hosted community bike rides, created hiking and biking maps, collected keurig cups, paired with the nutrition department to add more local food to our diets, or looked into a solar retrofit of the athletic complex. I decided to make a local eating cookbook.

The cookbook was inspired the vast array of locally grown and produced food as well as the book The 100 Mile Diet. The book was w ritten by a couple outside of Vancouver who were attempting to eat only locally grown or caught products for one

year. I decided to take concepts from this book and create a local eating guide for Nova Scotia. Though the book does contain recipes it also included a few other sections. It starts by giving definitions of different diet and food related terminology to help consumers know what they are eating and what the terms associated with their products mean.

Following the definitions is a guide to different farmers’ markets, farmers and distributers in the area, and ways to get in contact with vendors to purchase locally grown produce, dair y or meats. The cookbook then includes a reference guide of product availability by season.

After all of the terms and references were in place, the recipe portion began. This section of the book was broken down first by meal type; breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From there it was again broken down into seasons. For each season and each meal type there was one-week worth of meals. I created the recipes myself or altered some of my friends’ and roommates’ recipes to ensure they were all created using local ingredients. Though I tried to create

fun and interesting recipes, it was not always easy. First: I had never heard of or tried some of the produce that can be grown in Nova Scotia. Second: I do not eat meat, and at the start of this project I did not consume any animal products. So tr ying to create recipes that would be more appealing to a wider audience was difficult, as my personal choices prevented me from basic knowledge around animal products.

I tried my best to include a variety of foods while keeping recipes simple and appealing to ever yone.

The overall goal of the book was to encourage people to eat both seasonally and locally while remaining healthy and not completely changing one’s relationship with food. The cookbook is free - available online as an e-book. I wanted it to be as accessible as possible for anyone who is interested in eating locally.

Check out the cookbook here: h t t p : / / w w w. b l u r b . c a / b / 6 6 4 8 0 57 eating-locally-in-novas cot ia?u t m_m e d iu m=s o cia l&u t m_ source=faceb ook&ut m_ campaign=bookstore-share

Climat e M a r c h I n wolv i l e Raymond Wieser Contributor

O n Su n d ay, Novem b er 29, 2015, p e o pl e a l l over t h e gl o b e c a m e t o get h er t o d em a n d a c t io n o n cl i m at e cha nge f r o m o u r wo r ld l e a d er s w h o a r e m e et i ng i n Pa r i s fo r COP21 t h i s w e ek. W h i l e m aj o r ci t i e s a r o u n d t h e wo r ld have p r e s s covera ge a n d mu ch t i m e s p ent o n a d ver t i s i ng, a n d m a ny m o r e p e o pl e l i v i ng cl o s e by, t h e Wol f v i l l e Ma r ch fo r Cl i m at e Ac t io n wa s a huge s u cc e s s.

B eg i n n i ng at 2p m, co m mu n i t y m em b er s, s t u d ent s f r o m Ac a d ia Un i ver s i t y, f r i en d s of s t u d ent s, a n d fa m i l i e s of a l l a ge s c a m e o u t d e s pi t e t h e cold t o m a r ch t o get h er t h r o ug h d ow nt ow n Wol f v i l l e.

10 December 1st, 2015

Fol l ow i ng t h e m a r ch, w h i ch t er m i nat e d o n t h e s t ep s of Ac a d ia Un i ver s i t y’s Un i ver s i t y Ha l l, s p e e ch e s w er e m a d e by t h e l e a d i ng fo r c e b eh i n d t h e o rga n i z i ng t e a m, St ep ha n i e M i l l er, a n d ot h er s t u d ent s f r o m t h e Env i r o nm ent a l & Su s t a i na bi l i t y St u d i e s St u d ent S o ci et y, a n d f r o m Eld er Jo e M i ke. I nt er s p er s e d b et w e en s p e e ch e s wa s s o m e l i ve ent ert a i n m ent f r o m t h e R a g i ng Gra nn i e s, Kel l y Ma cNei l, a n d ot h er s t u d ent p er fo r m er s. T h e t u r n o u t fo r t h e m a r ch p r ove s t hat p e o pl e c a r e a b o u t t h e env i r o n m ent, a n d t hat i t i s t i m e fo r cha nge.

Photo Credit: Ziyad Alsudays

athopinions

Brew Review: London Porter? I H a r d ly K n o w ‘ E r !

Jon Smith Semi-pro Beer Drinker Most of the beers I’ve been covering so far this year have been Canadian beers, but I recently found out that other cultures exist. To quell any rumors of me being a filthy canuck xenophobe, I decided to review a favorite of mine from across the pond, Fuller’s London Porter. Porters are a favorite beer style of mine, directly behind stouts, so this one means a lot to me. Fuller’s description for the porter is “rich, dark, and complex,” and while I’m neither rich

nor complex, my heart is a black gaping hole in my chest so the London Porter really hits home.

This beer pours a deep dark brown with a light brown one finger head. The smell hits you with a bit of chocolate and malt, with a hint of nuttiness, much like that one uncle everybody has. The mouthfeel is inoffensive and pleasant, with a bit of a lighter body than I like on my porters. Carbonation is kinda absent. The taste is

glad tidings: A Joie-ful Christmas Alec LaJoie Contributor I oft en l oo k a r ou n d at Ch r i s t m a s t i m e (o r t o b e a s p ol i t i c a l l y co rr e c t a s p o s s ibl e, t h e h ol id ay s e as o n) a n d wo n d er ju s t w hy I l ove i t s o mu ch. I m e a n, i t d o e s n’t have a w h ol e l ot goi ng fo r i t: i t’s cold, i t’s u s ua l l y gr ey, ever yo n e’s b u bbl y a n d a n n oy i ng, a n d my h ou s e get s p a cke d w i t h fa m i l y a n d I u s ua l l y have t o en d u p sl e epi ng o n a cou ch – n ot t h e p u l l- ou t o n e.

S o r e a l l y, w hy i s Ch r i s t m a s a l l i t’s s t a cke d u p t o b e?

Fi r s t of a l l: t h e cold cou ld b e wo r s e. I’m f r o m Va n cou ver. We d o n’t r e a l l y ex p er i en ce cold o r s n ow. I t’s a l ot of ra i n, w h i ch m a ke s t h e d ay wo r s e t ha n i t a lr e a d y wou ld b e. Ever yo n e b ei ng b u bbl y a n d a n n oy i ng l e a d s t o f r u s t rat io n i n m o s t c a s e s. T h e a ngr y s h ov i ng w h en s o m e o n e get s i n t h e way of you r s h o ppi ng c a r t a s you wa l k t h r oug h Co s t co b u y i ng you r Ch r i s t m a s cra cker s.

T h e a ngr y h o n k a s you d e s p erat el y t r y t o get ou t of t h e p a r k i ng l ot at t h e m a l l b e c au s e t h e o n l y pla ce t h ey have t hat o n e p er fe c t

g ift fo r you r d a d i s at t h e s t o r e a n h ou r’s d r i ve away a n d you t ot a l l y d o n’t wa nt t o t a ck l e t hat i n t h i s s t u pid w e at h er. T h e a ngr y gla r e a s you s e e s o m e o n e pi ck i ng u p t h e la s t b ox f r o m t h e s t o r e a n h ou r away a n d you r e a l i s e d you ju s t wa s t e d you r w h ol e d a m n d ay f i n d i ng t hat o n e p er fe c t g ift. T h e a ngr y yel l a s you get b a ck t o you r h ou s e, o n l y t o f i n d you r m o m a lr e a d y b oug ht t h e go dd a m n p erfe c t g ift fo r you r fat h er, a n d you n ow have n o clu e w hat t o b u y h i m s o you en d u p b u y i ng a t i e. O r a s cr ewd r i ver.

A s fo r t h e fa m i l y i n my h ou s e, t hat’s a bl e s s i ng a n d a cu r s e. S e ei ng fa m i l y a ft er s o l o ng i s a l way s f u n. You c at ch u p o n old t i m e s, f i n d ou t exa c t l y w hat t h ey’ve fa i l e d at i n t h e p a s t t wo ye a r s, a n d you get m a d e f u n of by you r cou s i n s fo r hav i ng yet a n ot h er g i r l f r i en d. A s l o ng a s you r d a d a n d you r m o m’s s i s t er d o n’t get i n a f ig ht, t h i s s h ou ld b e a goo d cou pl e of d ay s. Bu t you k n ow w hat t h ey s ay. Fa m i l y i s l i ke f i s h

www.theath.ca

characteristic of those specialty milk chocolate bars with almonds in them.

I’m detecting a hint of vanilla, which is conveniently the name of my next mixtape. The overall character of the beer is very sweet. The aftertaste is pretty much the same, with a slight bitterness and hoppiness. A fruit fly landed in my glass while I was drinking this and it made me angry. The fruit fly did not compliment the flavor.

If you’re into dark beers, I highly recommend checking this one out. However, if you’re in a love affair with shitty coolers it might not be the drink for you. It’s not my favorite porter I’ve ever had – that award goes to a chocolate porter I found in Vancouver – but it’s still one of the better beers at the Wolfville NSLC. If you happen to be British and you’re missing home, I guess this London beer will remind you of the homeland. Or you could just Skype your family like everybody else.

– i t s t a r t s t o s t i n k a ft er t h r e e d ay s. S o by t h e t i m e D e cem b er 28 t h r ol l s a r ou n d, t h ey ha d b ett er b e t h e h el l ou t of t h er e, b e c au s e you d o n’t wa nt t o s ha r e you r b e er a n d cha m p a g n e o n New Ye a r s Eve. A n d ju s t fo r t h e r e co rd, I a c t ua l l y f i n d ou r a c t ua l p u l l- ou t cou ch k i n d of co m fo r t a bl e. T h e n o r m a l cou ch, h ow ever, i s t h e u p h ol s t er e d e qu i va l ent of a n i ce hu n k of r o ck.

S o o n ce a ga i n, w hy d o I l ove Ch r i s t m a s s o mu ch? I t’s a n overco m m er cia l i s e d, over- hy p e d, m i s u n d er s t oo d h ol id ay t hat a va s t m aj o r i ty of my f r i en d s hat e. T h e o n l y r e a s o n t h ey l ove i t i s b ec au s e t h ey s e e t h ei r h ig h s ch ool f r i en d s, a gr ou p of p e o pl e t hat I, p er s o na l l y, have sl ow l y l o s t co nt a c t w i t h over t h e p a s t t h r e e ye a r s. I f a nyt h i ng, t h e o n l y t h i ng t hat m a ke s m e r elu c t a nt t o r et u r n t o BC i s t h e fa c t t hat I wo n’t have a s m a ny f r i en d s a s I d o h er e.

I t h i n k I l ove Ch r i s t m a s fo r t h e s a m e r e a s o n s I hat e i t. I l ove i t fo r t h e d e s p erat e, la s t- m i nu t e, over- p r i ce d g ift s. I l ove i t fo r t h e t u r key, a n d t h e b r u s s el s p r ou t s p a n-f r i e d i n b a co n, t h e s t u ff i ng, t h e p ot at o e s. I l ove i t fo r t h e genu i n e exci t em ent t hat I s t i l l fe el o p en i ng p r e s ent s, even if i t’s my u n cl e w h o w ra pp e d i t i n a n otbig- en oug h n ew s p a p er o r o n e of t h o s e s k i n ny g ift b a g s m e a nt fo r

w i n e. I l ove i t fo r t h e d r i n k i ng, t h e hug s, t h e laug h i ng, t h e f r u st rat io n. I l ove i t fo r t h e mu s i c, even t h oug h I have co n s id er e d d r i v i ng t o M i cha el Bu blé’s h ou s e by t h e t i m e t h e ra d io s t at io n s a n d my f r i en d s have s t o pp e d play i ng h i s a l b u m a d nau s e a m.

I d o n’t even m i n d t h e a nger, b ec au s e i t m a ke s m e laug h w h en p e o pl e get s o s er iou s a b ou t i t a l l.

A s s oo n a s I fe el t hat s er iou s n e s s s ett i ng i n, I a s k my m o m t o b u y my d a d s o m et h i ng goo d a n d I’l l p ay h er b a ck. O r I ju s t fo rget t o b u y t h em p r e s ent s (s o r r y, Mo m a n d Da d. I a c t ua l l y b oug ht you p r e s ent s. I l ove you g u y s).

I g u e s s you cou ld s ay I l ove t h e d ay m o r e t ha n t h e t i m e of ye a r. I l ove t h e en d of D e cem b er 24t h (w h i ch i s w h en my fa m i l y e at s ch e e s e fo n d u e a n d t ou r t i er r e) a n d a l l of D e cem b er 25t h, w h i ch s t a r t s w i t h Fr en ch t o a s t c a s s er ol e, o p en i ng p r e s ent s, a n d s o m e o n e m a k i ng a co piou s a m ou nt of latt és. I l ove t h e en d of t h e d ay: t u r key a n d ever yt h i ng t hat s h ou ld go w i t h i t, i n clu d i ng s o m e l ou d b a ng s a n d f u n l i tt l e p a p er hat s, w h i ch lat el y haven’t b e en col ou r e d. T hat’s o kay, t h oug h, b e c au s e t h ey s t i l l d o n’t f i t my h e a d. A l l i n a l l, I w i l l l ove Ch r i s t m a s n o m att er w hat.

Ju s t d o n’t get i n my way at Co s tco. You w i l l ex p er i en ce a w h ol e n ew wo r ld of Ch r i s t m a s p a i n.

December 1st, 2015

11

athopinions

www.theath.ca

Can Tidal Energy Make Nova Scotia Green?

Dr. Richard Karsten Acadia University Briefly describe your background as it pertains to the study of tidal energy.

I am a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics who uses mathematical models and numerical simulations to do research in physical oceanography and fluid dynamics. For the past eight years, I’ve led a team of Acadia students and research assistants that have researched the potential of tidal energy in the Bay of Fundy. Working in collaboration with other universities, several Nova Scotia businesses, and the Nova Scotian and Canadian governments, our team has calculated the size of the resource and determined the best possible locations for turbines. And along the way, we’ve also learned an incredible amount about the tides of the Bay of Fundy.

What is the practical resource of tidal power in the Bay of Fundy?

Most of you are familiar with the incredible tides of the Bay of Fundy: the highest in the world, with a tidal range reaching 17 metres in the Minas Basin, and somewhere between 100 and 160 billion tonnes of water flowing in and out of the bay with each tide. The flow through Minas Passage during a strong flood tide exceeds the flow of all the rivers in the world combined, with the water’s speed exceeding 5 m/s. There must be a ridiculous amount of energy in these tides and tidal currents!

In reality, the energy we can extract is actually rather modest. The potential energy in raising the water of Minas Basin by 15 metres is ver y large (1015 J) but this process takes place over 6 hours and we can only generate power from a difference in water depth– so, at best, we can only take advantage of half of the tidal range. All of this reduces the average power we

12 December 1st, 2015

The flow through Minas Passage can exceed the flow of all the rivers in the world combined, but the electricity that can be generated from this flow is only the equivalent of a single large hydroelectric dam.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Richard Karsten

could theoretically generate from the Minas Basin tides to roughly 10,000 MW. That’s less than half the generation capacity of the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, the Three Gorges Dam in China. Despite having water flow greater than all the rivers in the world, the power potential is that of just one hydro dam (but it would be ver y large!). It is also four times the size of the current electricity-generating capacity of Nova Scotia, so it is still an important amount for our local energy concerns.

Scotia’s electricity needs. But, they also meant that tidal energy wasn’t a global or national energy solution and (unfortunately) there would be no Nobel Prize.

The hard work still remains. How can we change these theoretical calculations into electricity? Renewable energy has an unfortunate histor y of promising large amounts of power, but producing much less. The province of Nova Scotia has set a goal of deploying tidal turbines with an installed capacity of 300 MW, both a modest and an ambitious goal. This will require the deployment of approximately 150 turbines in Minas Passage – a considerable challenge, since only a handful of turbines have been deployed throughout the world. And, given that the turbines will have a capacity factor of maybe 50%, they will produce less than 10% of Nova Scotia’s electricity needs. By our calculations, 150 turbines would have only a small impact on the tides, roughly reducing the high tide in Wolfville harbour by 5 cm. But we are still a long way from getting there.

research has been in collaboration with small Nova Scotia businesses, in particular Fundy Tidal Inc. (FTI), a community-owned company that is tr ying to bring tidal energy to Digby Neck. FTI’s goal is also to keep the benefits of developing tidal energy in the local communities, something that I support so strongly that I became a shareholder in FTI. Should Nova Scotia pursue tidal energy as an energy source?

In short: yes. But we still need to do a considerable amount of work to determine if we can do this in an efficient, economical and environmentally friendly manner. On what scale should tidal energy be developed?

We don’t know yet, but if we are going to reduce our use of fossil fuels, say by using electric cars, we need to substantially increase our sources of renewable electricity. And there is only one form of renewable energy in Nova Scotia that is among the world’s best opportunities, where we can be a world leader in its development.

Could tidal energy bring both types of green to Nova Scotia? We have to at least tr y.

The potential that exists within the Bay of Fundy tides has been recognized for at least a centur y, with a recent focus on tidal turbines, which act much like wind turbines – using fast-flowing currents to turn turbines that generate electricity. We have calculated that such turbines could in theor y extract 7500 MW from the fast-flowing currents of Minas Passage, which is close to the theoretical limit. More importantly, we found that 2500 MW of power could be extracted from the flow while reducing the height of the tides by only 5%.

These numbers were ver y important to me – they meant that the research was worth continuing and that tidal It’s also worth noting that tidal ener- For more information on tidal energy turbines placed in Minas Passage gy isn’t just about large, commercial- efforts at Acadia, visit <http://tidalehad the potential of meeting Nova scale projects. In fact, most of our nergy.acadiau.ca/>.

athopinions

Our Once and Dwindling Future Stephanie Miller Contributor

We are humans. We are the smartest, the planet to the point of their own brightest most superior species on extinction. A smart species would this planet (or so we think). We dom- not sell away ever ything they tr uly inate nature and all that depends on depend on in their lives for worthit. But that’s okay, because our life’s less pieces of paper that someone pur pose is progress. We cut down one day decided was more valuable the trees that give us the oxygen than the Earth. This is not “progwe need to breathe. We catch fish ress.” If humanity continues down from the ocean in such enormous this path, we are in for a r ude awakquantities that they cannot replenish ening. It’s not the Earth we need to themselves. We suck up the water of take care of. The Earth will be just drought stricken communities, only fine. We just need to decide if we are to bottle and sell it to people who worth saving. already have more than enough free drinkable water of their own. We steal the fossil fuels that nature intended to store safely in the ground—fossil fuels that we know are warming our planet and threaten the ver y system that allows us to live. Why do we do this, you ask? Well that’s easy. We do this because of this paper, and these coins—the more we get of

“I’ll be just fine, you fools-take care of yourselves.”

- Earth

these, the happier we will be. We The world has known about climate work away our whole lives to gain change for decades, and climate nemore of these, and because they are gotiations have been taking place so valuable to us we are willing to do since 1992—longer than many of us anything in our power to get them. students have been alive—yet deciEven if this means destroying our sion makers have still not been able homes. But – we are the smartest, to commit to an agreement. To some brightest, most superior species on this may be discouraging. Some peothe planet. Right?

ple may say that if they haven’t come to an agreement yet, they never will.

“I beg to differ.

We are illogical in our actions.”

A smart species would acknowledge that cutting down trees destroys biodiversity, contributes to erosion and desertification, and reduces the amount of oxygen that is produced in the world. A smart species would acknowledge that our oceans are dying and that maybe we need to stop taking so much without giving anything in return. A smart species would not dump toxic waste into the water that all life depends on. A smart species would not continue burning a substance that has the ability to warm

Some people may choose to turn a blind eye because the reality of climate change is too difficult to think about. However, as the young generation who will be around to face the severe consequences of inaction we must act. What other choice do we have? This is our future, the future of our children, and the future of all generations to come. As overwhelming and mind boggling as it is to think about, without a habitable planet, for us there is no life. Nothing. Our ver y existence depends on action, and unless we come together and demand it, we will perish.

Millions of people all over the world have already acknowledged this fact and have taken a stand to

www.theath.ca

show decision makers that they will not tolerate inaction any longer. On November 29th, the eve of the United Nations World Climate Summit in Paris, people all over the world marched in solidarity to demand climate action from their world leaders. Acadia students, Wolfville residents and people from surrounding communities joined in this global day of action and organized a Climate March of their own. Starting in Wolfville Water front Park, ever yone headed out onto Main Street with their signs in hand, yelling various chants such as “cor porate greed we must fight, polluting Earth is not a right!” and “hey hey, ho ho, dirty oil has got to go!” In estimating the turnout, it is safe to say that there were at least eighty people participating in the march. After walking through Main Street and around the Acadia campus, the crowd convened at the steps of University Hall where they sung along with the Raging Grannies, welcomed Mi’kmaw Elder Joe Mike from Indian Brook First Nation, listened to guest speakers, and danced along to the music of Rebecca Flawless, Kelly MacNeil and Daniel McFadyen.

were still so many dedicated people who came out and gave their support. While some may have had different reasons for being there, there are a few things that are clear. By coming out and participating in the this

crowd

acknowledges

that climate change is an issue that threatens the future of humanity.

They acknowledge that action is needed. They have indicated that they won’t tolerate inaction any longer, and most importantly, their presence has shown that they believe a better world is possible—because it’s tr ue. A better world is possible, and it is movements such as these that are going to pave the way forward.

Contrar y to what some may believe, politicians notice these things. They tr uly do, and if they face enough pressure they know that for the sake of their job (if nothing else), they will need to act. U.S President Obama once said:

So thank you to all of the amazing volunteers who made this event a success, it never could have happened without all of your hard work. Also, thank you to ever yone who took the time to come out to the march today and just know that by being there, you really have made a difference.

Putting pressure on your government for the things that you want to see in your society is an essential part of democracy and we should take advantage of this right ever y chance we get. Not ever yone is so lucky, but we have the ability to push our leaders to act. When humanity has known about climate change for decades, I

Though it was ver y cold out, there

march,

“Our citizens keep marching. We cannot pretend that we do not hear them. We have to answer their call.”

would argue that anything other than action at this point is wilful negligence. We know that climate change threatens our future. It is time to stand up, stand together, and defend the future of humanity and all other species who are threatened by this damage that our lifestyle has caused.

We do not have time to waste. It’s our mess; it’s time to clean it up.

To all world leaders: your citizens will be watching you in Paris. Make them proud. Be the ones who go down in history as the first group to actually do something—but not just something. Acknowledge that this system of ours cannot continue forever, that change is inevitable and the sooner we act, the better. Form science-based climate policies, commit, and keep your promises. If not for all of humanity, think of your own families. With the amount of power in your hands, you have the ability to change the world. You don’t want your children and grandchildren to look at you one day and ask: why didn’t you do more?

December 1st, 2015 13

athscience

Stress Katie McCulloch Science Editor As students with exam season rapidly approaching, we feel stress. It could be about exams, final papers, lab tests, marks, travelling home, writing a thesis, shopping for gifts or paying the rent. We all have a lot on our plate.

Stress is seen by many as a natural part of being a student, or a natural part of many jobs.

What does stress actually do to us, though? Most people know how stress makes them feel, mentally, and physically. At times, for some people, it’s exhilarating. For many, it’s exhausting.

Why do we feel the way we do when a stress enters our life, and how can we deal with that feeling? The answer lies in what “stress” actually is.

We feel stress as a bodily response to perceptions of external danger. Stress is the result of the activation of your fight-or-flight mechanism, which evolved as a response to danger, real or perceived, to keep us alive. Nowadays, we still feel a physical response to anything we take to be potentially damaging, such as a poor mark on an exam or in a class. When you perceive a threat, the portion of the brain which controls hormone production, the hypothalamus, is signalled by the amygdala. You

then get a dose of stress hormones – adrenaline and cortisol. This is your body’s automatic response to something bad. Being chased by a tiger?

Better up my heart rate, breathing rate, stop worrying about digestion, and get my brain to work quick, plus full steam ahead on those muscles. This is great, except when that tiger is an exam, and instead of running and hiding in that cave, you have to sit and study.

In nature, most stressful episodes last a short amount of time, after which someone would be able to recover in relative comfort. However, when us students stress about exams from now until the last one is written, whether early December or right on the 19th, we’re essentially in fight-or-flight mode, on the run from predators, for days or weeks on end. Short-term stress, called Acute Stress, may actually be healthy (Dhabhar, 1990) as it can boost our immune systems. However, Chronic or long-term stress is mightily detrimental. If you’re experiencing stress from daily events with no reprieve, your body doesn’t get to recover from its use of hormones and reset them to normal levels. This causes excess wear and tear on your body, and leads to feeling burnt out.

TL;DR, Real or perceived danger activates the area of our brains responsible for fightor-flight, which stimulates our endocrine systems to release stress hormones, which make us more prepared to think quickly and run away, but also put a strain our bodies. This is the feel-

www.theath.ca

ing of stress we experience. Short periods of this, spaced with recovery time, are potentially healthy, but long-term, unrelenting stress is damaging.

Well, this is a good argument to cancelling exams, right guys?! Down with the system!

Yeah, I wish.

It’s difficult to deal with stress when something like exams are important to you, but the feeling of stress inhibits your ability to prepare or do well. The opposite of “fight-or-flight” is “restand-digest.” I like that. Essentially, you have to give your body the break it needs, even if your brain is still screaming BUT CALCULUS. How, you say?

Sleeping well is a good start! Time spent getting a good sleep is time spent recharging. If you can get a solid amount every night, or the night before the big test, your body has a better chance of approaching the day fresh, not burnt-out. Exercise could also be a major help! Hopping on the treadmill is not only doing what your body thinks you should be, but it’s healthy in general and could improve your sleep too.

Also, here is this obligatory comment on eating well helping with just about everything. If you want to refill what is being drained, put some quality protein and a couple of fruits/veggies in the tank.

This all deals with some of the physical feelings, but taking your mind off things, even for a few minutes at a time, can do wonders. A good laugh is

worth almost a whole textbook chapter in terms of making you feel better about things. If you can be social for the time it takes to eat dinner, do it. If you need a quick fix or late night solution, take an internet break. Imgur, 9gag, reddit.com/r/funny, whatever floats your boat. Click till something makes you chuckle (or sharply exhale through your nose) and then close the tab. Doing that, and then going back to feeling productive, could be great for you. Meditation can also be a huge help. Whether following a yogi in class or watching a Youtube video, give it a try. Slow deep breaths and focusing on smaller stuff can temporarily life a huge weight from you, and give you a moment to get straightened out and ready to shoulder it again.

Also, always remember: gold star for making it to today. Gold star for reading this. Gold star for giving this whole university thing a shot, whether it’s your first exam season ever, or your 9th and final semester. The small successes add up. Don’t forget that there are resources out there. I have gone to counselling for stress. If you are dealing with extreme stress, significant physical reactions, or feeling overwhelmed, lost, or despairing, you are not alone here, and there is help. It might not solve everything, but no harm in giving it a shot.

Acadia Student Resource Centre: 902585-1246, counsel.acadiau.ca Student Services: studentservices.acadiau.ca Best of Luck!

Food for Thought

ful berries such as cranberries, raspberries, and cherries contain antioxidants and phytonutrients that improve blood flow to the brain, enhancing neural activity. Spinach is rich with folic acid, and has been shown to reverse memory loss.

-Try adding pomegranate juice for a potent boost of antioxidants, which protect the brain from the damage of free radicals.

Hannah Hutchinson A cup of freshly brewed tea News Editor - Tea contains a good amount of caffeine, During the busy end of semester crunch, which can boost brain power and aid in it is important to do your best to take care memory, focus, and mood. of yourself, and fueling your body with good “brain food” is a central part of this self-care. Although it is definitely tempt- Whole grain sandwich with 1/4 avocado. ing, and at times even more convenient, You can get creative with other toppings the quick and easy options are often not such as lettuce, tomato, spinach, chicken your best choice. Below are some ideas or other protein sources, and dressing. for breakfast, dinner, lunch, and snacks - Using whole grain products provides an that full of ingredients that will feed your energy boost as opposed to overly refined body and mind and help you get through carbohydrates such as white bread and these busy times. pasta that may cause lethargy and mental

Lunch

dullness.

- Avocado is full of healthy monounsatuMixed berry smoothie with spinach rated fats, which contribute to healthy Blueberries, raspberries, banana help to blood flow to the brain. sweeten up and mask the flavor of the spinach. Adding in some milk or almond milk makes a smooth consistency.

Pan-fried Salmon, salad with cauliflower - Studies have shown that consuming and broccoli blueberries can help improve learning ca- - Salmon, and other oily and deep-water fish pacity and motor skills, as well as easing (e.g. herring) contain lots of omega-3 essenthe brain of oxidative stress. Other color- tial fatty acids, necessary for brain function

Breakfast

Dinner

14 December 1st, 2015

Photo Credit: Becca Davison and also provide inflammatory functions.

- Eating raw cruciferous veggies (think cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage) has been shown to have a positive effect on memory retention. Avoid cooking them if possible, as this will significantly decrease nutrient levels.

Snacks

Apple with nut butter (try sunflower seed butter for an allergy-friendly alternative) - Apple peel contains a powerful antioxidant, quercetin, that has been shown

to enhance memory function. Nuts and seeds such as almonds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts are good sources of vitamin E, high levels of which can decrease cognitive decline with age.

Dark Chocolate - Dark chocolate contains many brainboosting benefits, such as activating stress-reducing endorphins, boosting blood flow to the brain to increase attention span and memory, and contains some caffeine to improve concentration.

The higher the cocoa content (and less sugar) the greater the benefits!

athsports

Athlete Assassins: A Story & A Challenge Sam Gillis Assassin/Sports Editor

I’d like to believe that I’ve coined the three P’s of a successful assassination career; perseverance, patience, and a slight case of pantophobia (a fear of literally ever ything).

The sun had long since fallen and the dark winter night was in full effect. That was alright because all we needed was the Hunter’s Moon shining down to identify the target.

Actually that’s not tr ue. The sub-par conditions made it ver y difficult to identify the target. Our only source of identification was a dated prom picture, which provided ver y little information on what she actually looked like. With that being said, we figured we’d take a different approach and go for the ole’ classic deer in the headlights strategy. In hindsight, it was definitely not the most effective approach, but definitely the most fun way to do it. We had waited over an hour in the car, due to some poor planning on our part and some misinformation. Lesson number one, always double check your sources. I don’t think we would have made it through the wait if it weren’t for the

old-school 50 Cent pumping through the aux chord – didn’t hate it, didn’t love it. It was a gangsta-given source of false confidence, enough for us to yell at any potential target out of our car window. I mean, think about it: we didn’t have a positive ID and who isn’t going to react strangely to their first and last name being yelled from an unknown car in the dark of the night by a group of idiots with a megaphone? No one.

Lesson number t wo, designate a chase song. Our personal favorite was the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song, as it gets your heart beating a little bit. Also, if you can round up a hit-man crew, it makes the job a lot easier. Our first strike went super smooth. We saw our potential target walking up from the gym – go time. Our song comes on full blast, megaphone on, windows down, and the driver stalls putting us into first, fantastic. The first flaw in the deer in the headlights approach is that even if it’s not the right person ever yone gets slightly terrified when approached by obnox-

www.theath.ca

iously loud strangers. Sorr y. Back to our stalking zone in the parking lot.

I will admit with red cheeks that we frightened about three or four more parties before we found our target.

We were weirdos of the night for sure.

To my sur prise, the girl who didn’t react to our hooting and hollering turned out to be the target. If they know you’re coming, they won’t be scared of the mighty megaphone.

Lesson number 3, always stay t wo steps ahead of the game. After the odd interaction with the un-phased target, we knew that we’d been tricked. Bee-line straight back up to residence to corner them going in. Hope was not all lost, but it was definitely waning at that point. I was wiping off beads of sweat with the rolled up pair of socks, red Adidas – never miss. “Next in importance to having good aim is knowing when to pull the trigger.” –David Letterman.

The next few seconds were a blur in my memor y, but I swear the sock made contact before her foot landed in her dorm room. Another kill down for the count.

I learned a lot from that first hunt, and they’ve become much less problematic since. Boasting a kill count higher than Dal’s fake fraternity, and with a taste of blood on my tongue, the body count will be going up exponentially. Watch out athletes.

Photo Credit: Mahmoud Istanbouli

Orgasmic Oral Anya K’Nees Sex Columnist

Fellatio, cunnilingus, a nd a nalingus: isn’t t hat a mout hf ul! All are te ch nical ter m s for titillating tongue tea s ers. You may collo quially k now t hes e a s “giv ing head,” “going down,” “rim m ing,” or a whole host of ot her oral s ex des criptors. No matter what you call it, oral s ex prov ides a variety of ways to give a nd re ceive satisfaction. However, b efore we dis cuss t he more plea surable side of t hes e act s, let us touch on w illingness, re ciprocity, a nd healt h. A s w it h a ny s exual interaction, all participa nt s must b e one hundred p ercent w illing to part a ke at all times, a nd if a ny memb er w ishes to t a ke a brea k or stop t hey should not b e p enalized. Oral s ex should b e somet hing you look for ward to giv ing, re ceiving, a nd t hin king ab out. If you don’t wa nt to do it, t hen don’t do it.

Likew is e, oral should b e somet hing t hat is re ciprocated. If you are regularly going down on your part ner t hey should b e w illing to ret ur n t he favour. If, for some rea son, t his is not t he ca s e, have a f ra n k a nd op en dis cussion w it h your part ner a s to why. Perhaps it is not somet hing t hey are w illing to do, in which ca s e you must resp e ct t heir w ishes.

However, ma ke sure to work out a n equally enjoyable action t hat t hey ca n p er for m on you, a s all parties should b e satisf ied after each s exual encounter. If your part ner is unw illing to p er for m oral s ex for a rea son ot her t ha n a p ersonal nonnegotiable b oundar y, dis cuss w it h t hem how you ca n work t h rough t his. Mayb e t hey f ind oral s ex unapp ealing b e caus e of t he smell or t a ste. If so, bat he t he area prior to intercours e. T his ca n b e done solo or toget her a s a f un, play f ul, a nd erotic prelude to foreplay. If your part ner is unsure how to p er for m oral s ex dis cuss w it h t hem what you would like. Have t hem t r y different met hod s on you while you prov ide judgment-f ree feedback during a nd after t he event. Oral s ex should b e f un for ever yone, a nd you ca n always exp eriment to incor p orate new actions into your rep ertoire. (continued on page 16)

December 1st, 2015 15

athhealth&wellness (continued from page 15) As with any sexual activity, awareness of associated health issues is paramount. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be transmitted orally from mouth to the genitals/anus and vice versa. The most commonly transmitted oral-genital/anal STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To protect yourself and your partners from STI transmission, always have an open and honest conversation about STIs prior to engaging in any sexual act. Use a condom, dental dam or other barrier method. Get regular STI testing. If you are participating in analingus, remember that STI transmission to the genitals is a possibility, and many bacterial diseases are also passed on via the fecal-oral route. This risk can be reduced by washing the anal region prior to oral, using a dental dam or other barrier method, and avoiding performing unprotected fellatio or cunnilingus imhead consists of one partner sucking mediately afterwards. the penis of another. As every individOnce you have taken willingness, reci- ual has their own personal preference, procity, and health into consideration, make sure to discuss with your partner you can proceed to give and receive how they would like to be pleasured, fellatio, cunnilingus, and analingus. and always have fun with your actions.

After oral intercourse you can sanitize Remember, swallowing is a personal the oral cavity by rinsing with an anti- choice, and if you don’t feel comfortbacterial mouthwash or oral antiseptic. able doing so, don’t.

However, use caution if brushing your teeth immediately after, as the bristles Cunnilingus (from the Latin words cunmay cause small cuts in your gums, nus, vulva, and lingua, tongue) is a less permitting contaminant transmission. frequently discussed form of oral sex.

Now, let’s get down to this orgasmic Also known as “eating out,” cunnilingus involves oral stimulation of the oration on oral intercourse. vulva (consisting of the clitoris, labia, Fellatio (from the Latin fellare, to suck) and vaginal canal). If you want to be is the technical term for blowjob. Have a cunning linguist, keep in mind that you ever wondered why it’s called a 18% of women prefer oral to achieve blowjob? Although there is no one orgasm and 75% of women require reliable etymology, many competing direct clitoral stimulation to reach orreasons abound. “Blowjob” could be a gasm. The clitoris has 8,000 nerve endderivation of the 1940s jazz expression ings on the glans alone (in comparison “to blow,” meaning to play an instru- the penis has 4,000), which connect to ment with some skill using the mouth. a network of 15,000 nerve endings in Further, it could be a holdover from the the pelvic region. Over three-fourths of Victorian-era, when the slang term for the clitoral body is internal, although prostitute was “blowsy,” and slang for stimulation can occur via contact with blowjob was “below-job.” Over time the external glans, located under the these terms evolved into today’s blow- clitoral hood. If you are unsure where job. It could also have come about as to start try the “alphabet technique.” a facetious use of “blow” as the op- This method involves writing out the posite of “suck,” or as a descriptor of alphabet with your tongue on the vulthe volcanic final result. Whatever the va, focusing on and around the clitoris. route, the expression was in colloquial Repeat any letters your partner enjoys, use by the 1950s. Much of the confu- and pay attention to their body lansion surrounding this term comes from guage and vocalizations for feedback. the action itself. Fellatio rarely, if ever, As with any sexual act, communication involves blowing. More often, giving is key. Ask what your partner does and

16 December 1st, 2015

www.theath.ca

Photo Credit: Anjuli Ripley does not like, have them tell you what to do next, and let them physically direct your movements by either moving their hips against you or placing their hand on your head. As no two women are the same, make sure you are in constant communication with your partner in regards to speed and pressure. Due to the hypersensitivity of an aroused clitoris (remember those nerve endings and pelvic neural networks) start with a gentle caress of the area, working up to harder more direct stimulation as arousal builds. (continued Keep in mind that some sensations may be too strong, and always be willing to decrease the pressure.

Analingus (from the Latin anus, ring, and lingere, to lick), commonly referred to as “rimming” or “salad tossing,” is an oral-anal sex act in which one partner’s mouth, lips or tongue contact the anus or perineum (space between the ass and genitals) of another. As with any act, analingus requires discussion with your partner prior to engagement. If your partner is willing to try analingus, but decides during the act that it is not for them, respect their wishes and do not pressure them to continue. If you are practicing analingus always clean the area thoroughly with soap and water prior to any oral contact, as many bacterial diseases are passed on via the fecaloral route. Internal cleansing can be preformed, but is not required. If you will be cleansing internally make sure

you are aware of all health and safety concerns associated with this practice.

External preparations can involve pubic hair maintenance, however this is a personal preference, as no one has the right to tell you how to treat your body. Nonetheless, hair-back-there can trap fecal particles, leading to potential health risks for your partner. If you are expecting a rim job, trim, shave, or wax the area prior to engagement. If this is just not your style, make sure you give the area an extra thorough clean, and do not be offended if you partner declines to participate. Protective layers, such as dental dams or a condom cut in half, can help prevent the spread of infection, intestinal parasites, bacteria, viruses, or diseases. Always remember to sterilize anything that has been in contact with the anal region prior to placing it into or near the vaginal canal. Failure to do so could lead to vaginal bacterial infections, such as vaginitis and cystitis. Once the requisite health concerns have been appropriately addressed, try slowly working your way towards to anal region and gently separate the glutes for easier access. As with any sex act, there is no one successful formula. Communicate with your partner about what they like, show your enthusiasm, and, most importantly, enjoy!

Fellatio, cunnilingus, and analingus.

Willingness, reciprocity, and health.

Good things come in threes and now, so can you.