The Athenaeum, issue 78.9

Acadia’s Student Newspaper, since 1874 March 29th, 2016 Issue 78.9

EDITORIAL NEWS girls’ night outcry finding fiander page 4 page 5

ARTS critical incident page 9

OPINIONS an american page 13

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The Athenaeum Acadia University’s Student Newspaper Issue 78.9

ASU Box 6002, Acadia University Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R5 Editor-In-Chief: Andrew D. Haskett Email: eic@acadiau.ca Office Hours: Tues & Thurs 1:30-4:30 Advertising Inquiries: connell.finance@acadiau.ca Business Inquiries: 116765m@acadiau.ca

Section Editors Management Arts & Culture: Adam Langille Creative: Rebekah Hutten Distractions: Thane Mullen Features: Hope Latta News: Hannah Hutchinson Opinions: Kody Crowell Sports: Sam Gillis Online:

Senewa Sena

Production Robin Lawson Photography Anjuli Ripley

Advertising Theresa Connell Business Robyn McMillan Copy Editor Tyler Nelson Editor-in-Chief Andrew Haskett

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 If there is content that we feel will not add to the philosophy, dialogue, or tone of our newspaper, it will not be published.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

On the Cover: This weeks cover was taken by Mahmoud Istanbouli

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LETTERS TO A YOUNG RA:

Why I’m Leaving Residence Life, and Why You Shouldn’t Kody Crowell Opinions Editor & Resident Assistant

It was March of 2014 when I first received the email from Residence Life. I remember having to irritably scroll halfway down the page before I found out if I got the job or not. To my surprise, I did – I was to be an RA in Cutten House for the 2014/2015 year.

I didn’t know how to react to the news. The mixed feeling of excitement, pride and doubt was the same feeling that I am sure every new RA has felt before me. Needless to say, I accepted the position. The excitement eventually waned, but the doubts prevailed. How was I to know if I would be a good RA or not? What if I failed or froze in a situation?

These thoughts returned to me often.

My first year as an RA came and went quickly. I received yet another email from Residence Life informing me that my time in Cutten was to end and that I was to be placed in my first year residence home, Seminary House. This time, I felt more excitement than I did doubt. Seminary was a wholly different residence from Cutten, with its own unique culture. One former RA dubbed it an “RA retirement home”.

This is a bit of a lazy generalization – each residence has its own problems, and the social skills needed to handle situations is no less important than in other buildings.

Nevertheless, I felt entirely ready. My confidence and self-awareness had increased substantially. My judgement was decisive. My trust in others was expanding, and most importantly, I was becoming more compassionate. These were the traits I had honed in my second year, and they could only improve during my time in Seminary. It felt like my experiences should have prepared me for any issue I should encounter. They didn’t.

My problem lied in the assumption that any trouble would come from my residents. I never once suspected that the cause of my turmoil (and the turmoil of many other RAs) would come from the institution that employs me.

My frustration stems from the lack of professionalism and accountability within the hierarchy, how the concerns of RAs and SRAs are ultimately dismissed as attacks on the

administration’s methods, and how the residents themselves, if ever they are upset by a decision made by Res Life, are labelled troubled or cranky. There exists an unstable framework for leadership, demonstrated by a lack of support, mistrust, and arrogance. I have never seen so many RAs and SRAs feel so neglected and underappreciated by the current administration as they do now. Perhaps this isn’t surprising. Bureaucratic ineptitude exists everywhere.

Sometimes it’s tolerable. Other times, like now – not so much. This is why I’m leaving Residence Life.

With all that said, I don’t think these reasons are enough for you, the new RA, to leave.

The RA job can be both exciting and humbling if you let it. Maybe I’m an idealist, but I am hopeful of the future.

The idea of seeing good work continuing is inspiring. However, there are a few pieces of non-specific advice that I wish to pass forward along with some things to look out for in your first year as an RA. Eleven points compiled from my own experiences and from those of other RAs. This is by no means an exhaustive list – you will encounter things that these rules will not prepare you for. However, should you find yourself in need of some sort of “guiding principles”, you might be able to extract a few from these words.

1. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

You’re nobody’s boss. You didn’t just get this role because you’re better than all the other candidates (more on this later). Never accept that you are superior to any other student. You put on a polo once in a while and tour a building.

You have a one-week training course under your belt.

Don’t think that makes you anything special. Some residents will have more relevant life experience than you will ever have as an RA. In short, level with your residents. I say this piece of advice often, and I have tried to follow it ever since I started out as an RA. Do what the administration fails at doing: practice self-awareness. You’re a student, first and foremost, and so are your residents. Understanding this will accomplish much more for your residents, and will ultimately prevent the power from getting to your head.

2. Your residents should be a

high priority.

You have to balance school work and personal health.

Those always come first. However, you still have a job to do. Never slide on your commitments to you residents.

I don’t just mean those living in your section or on your floor, I mean any student who depends on you, even if they live in a completely different building. There is a popular maxim that you have likely heard that is passed around Res Life: “Fake it ‘till you make it.” Don’t listen to that piece of advice. While it is arguably useful in some circumstances, in general, you should never fake your interactions as an RA. Your team doesn’t deserve that. Your residents don’t deserve that. You don’t deserve that. Don’t ever fake it. Just make it.

Issues should be tackled head on. This means talking openly and freely. This is the nature of being professional. Residents will appreciate the honesty and straightforward attitude. If you can’t do this for any given message, then perhaps you should consider an alternative to what you have to say.

6. Keep your door open often.

This can be written more succinctly as: be present. I have talked to too many students who have said of their RA, “Oh, ______? I hardly ever see them!” These students are by no means introverted.

Keeping your door propped open when you’re home – even deadbolted open – sends a far more powerful message of approachability than a closed door with a sign that says “busy”. You don’t need 3. Be sympathetic. to be bubbly or outgoing. You Try not to judge your resi- just have to be there when dents. I know it’s hard; we all your residents need it. judge people. But as the saying goes: if you stare at a tree for 7. Be lenient (but not too letoo long, you’ll miss the forest. nient).

Everyone has a story, everyone Some employees of Res Life has a struggle. Everyone has seem to take a great joy in skeletons in the closet. We’ve documenting as many people all had our shining moments as possible. This is unnecesof triumph and crippling mo- sary – things can often be ments of failure. It’s not your worked out with discussion place to criticise someone and mediation. It ultimately based on what they’ve been boils down to sympathy (See through. Remember Rule 1 – Rule 4). Rather than staring you’re a student too. You were at the “what” of the problem, likely in a similarly vulnerable open your eyes and search for position once. the “why”. It took me a long time to learn this. This doesn’t 4. Avoid the gossip groups. imply that you should never This one might be unfair, but enforce policy or discipline it’s also very true. Resident students who are particularly assistants, being in a posi- rebellious. If keeping order tion of power, love to gossip. means asserting yourself, by I will admit that I am guilty of all means do so. Just rememhaving done it, and I think ev- ber that respect is something eryone who works for Res Life that is earned, not given. has been at one point (with or without knowing it). Regard- 8. It’s okay to be critical of less, try your best not to talk policy and policy changes. about the secret lives of your All humans err. Even those in residents, even in RA meet- positions of authority (even ings. If sensitive informa- you!). I don’t believe that tion was shared to you by a RAs are leaders. RAs are put resident, it is best to ask them in place to protect and suppermission first before talking port their residents. Failing to someone else (provided it’s that is much worse than failnot critical and/or life-threat- ing Residence Life. You don’t ening). You will be told that have to agree with all the rules information should always go you enforce. And sometimes up. Well sometimes, informa- you don’t have to enforce all tion should stay right where it the rules. It’s all about proper is. If you can solve the prob- judgement regarding what is lem alone, clean and simple, best for your residents. The then do it. Too many bad de- armchair generals may decisions are made by people in ploy the troops and lay out authority when they have too the strategies, but they don’t little information, and think it always see every corner of enough to act upon. the battlefield. The real-time tactics are up to you and your 5. Don’t be passive aggres- team to decide. sive.

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Many people will have no trouble accepting this one.

There is such thing as a bad RA. You may have one on your team. It will be hard to befriend this person. They will break one or more of the above rules constantly. They might be in favour with the administration, thus protected from criticism. That’s okay. You can successfully do your job by ignoring them. However, they might even make this difficult for you. They might undermine your decisions, or leech off of your programs while contributing nothing.

Residents might throw complaints like “but ______ does ______.” Just say: “I don’t care how ______ does it, we’re doing it this way.”

I was once told by the administration that there is no such thing as a bad RA, only RAs with strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, some RAs possess the weakness that they are RAs. I don’t think that Res Life is entirely to blame

for this. The interview process is greatly flawed. You can’t expect university students to become experts on selecting qualfied candidates after giving a few questions. From a list of applicants, some great and some not, poor decisions are made. Even poorer decisions are made when that list of applicants is further windowed, making it difficult to construct effective teams. To those of you reading this that did not get the job: don’t worry. It’s no reflection on your character. In many ways, it’s more of a reflection on theirs.

www.theath.ca 11. Seek support from sources outside Res Life.

This is the most important point. It’s good to talk to your teammates about things. They lead similar lives to you, and have shared many experiences with you. It’s also good to talk to your SRA, especially if the information is sensitive. Beyond that, I would strongly advise you to find someone you can talk to who is out of the loop. Maybe it’s your mother, who lives three timezones away, or maybe it’s a recently graduated peer (again, be careful with the personal details).

Finding someone to be an RA for you will prevent you from burning out in the long run. You will be able to forget the petty office dramas and return to the only reality that needs attention: your residents.

10. You can’t be everyone’s RA. Not everyone will like you.

This is true in life. You won’t be that pillar of support for everyone. People might be drawn to you for one reason, and drawn to someone else for *** another reason. They might even seek help from RAs outside your building. Don’t take So with any luck, these rules it personally. “Your residents” will help you make the transition into your first year as an are not just your residents.

RA. Hopefully you will go in

with a better understanding of what to expect. Hopefully it will make you a better person. I myself did not become an RA until after my first semester in Cutten; that was the real training period. These thoughts were only just beginning to form in my mind then.

I don’t mean for this article to sound jaded or cynical, but the truth is far greater than silence. Many RAs and SRAs I have talked to have been through far worse then I. But this article is not for them. It is for you. You will be the ones who wear the polo and carry the responsibility. I hope that you will be better off than I was, and I hope that you don’t end up with the same misgivings and anxieties. If you do, then you need to start asking yourself the tough questions.

I eventually came to a point this year where I found myself filled with the same doubt that I possessed going into the job.

I realised that I didn’t want to be an RA anymore. That was a sad thought. But as one SRA

put it: once you’re out, you’re free. I realised that I wanted to experience university as a student again, like I in first year, only with less of my fears, and more of my strength and wisdom. I hope that you will come to a similar resolve of purpose during your tenure at Acadia, even if in your next year you happen to hold the title of SRA (though that is a different experience altogether, one that I initially believed I wanted. I didn’t get the position, and in many ways I’m glad – it’s a hard job, and sorely underappreciated).

If I had a hammer, I would nail these 12 points to the front door of Res Life like Martin Luther did with his 95 Theses.

Remember that the problems that Res Life faces are not unique. You will find them in almost any institutional organisation. It’s a product of everyone’s action and inaction, and it’s irreparable. You can’t fix the system (at least, not alone). But you can fix yourself.

CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE? The Risks of Letting the Cat Out of the Bag (House) Erika Holland Contributor/Columnist As we transition into the warmer months and spring migrants start to return, it’s time to discuss something few people wish to mention: outdoor cats. Domestic and feral cats are the number one cause of avian mortality, and feline predation causes ~95% of all avian mortality. That’s 200 million birds killed by cats per year in Canada alone!

Don’t think your cat contributes to this problem? Keep in mind that 79% of your cat’s kills are not brought home, and visual kills do not represent the whole picture. During the breeding season, one avian mortality left on your doorstep represents an entire nest of chicks starving to death in your yard. With onethird of free roaming cats capturing and killing wildlife, it’s no surprise that cats are responsible for the extinction of 33 species worldwide.

If these numbers don’t move you, consider the following.

Keeping your cat indoors may seem cruel, but your pet receives everything it needs inside: play, exercise, a good diet, rest, and companionship. Think of your pet when making the decision to let it out unattended. Outdoor cats

live a hazard-filled life and have a much-reduced life expectancy in comparison to their indoor counterparts.

Once outdoors, cats are at risk of accidents or injuries if hit by a vehicle, and if hit by cars will rarely survive. Lifethreating injuries can also be incurred during negative interactions with unfriendly dogs or other predators (such as coyotes and racoons), as well as in fights with other outdoor cats. Not only is injury a possibility during these altercations, disease and parasite contraction is also a very real danger. Once your cat has acquired an illness, it is at an increased risk of a shortened, more painful life, barring you spending thousands on vet fees to cure it.

Your outdoor cat is also at risk from other humans’ actions, as not everyone loves your cat as much as you do. If your cat leaves the safety of your relatively cat-proofed yard, it may be exposed to poisons (such as rat or other vermin poisons, antifreeze, or pesticides) and negative human interactions. Cats found digging in other people’s gardens and making kills at neighbour’s bird feeders are at risk of injury or cruelty. If this does occur, as a pet owner you have no legal retaliation, as it is your responsibility to con-

trol your pet’s actions. Keep in mind that it is illegal in many locations to allow your cat to trespass on another person’s property, and that it is well within the legal rights of your neighbours to contact animal control. This will likely result in your cat being live trapped and impounded, earning you a fine and impound fee to regain your feline companion.

Within the Municipality of the County of Kings (including the Wolfville area) you are guilty of a finable offence if your “… Cat… runs at large in the Municipality of the County of Kings when the Animal… is found in any place other than the premises of the Owner and is not under the apparent restraint or control of some person. Every Owner of a Cat whose cats run at large is guilty of an offence” (By-Law #12A). Persons found guilty of an offense under this By-Law can be fined between $100 to $5,000 or face imprisonment for up to thirty days.

Letting your pet range unsupervised outside exposes you to potential fines and your cat to a variety of hazards. If your pet spends the majority of its time unsupervised outside its average life expectancy is a mere three years. In comparison, indoor cats are expected

to live a much lengthier 12-15 time outside invest in a leash, years. run or pen. Cat pens come in a variety of designs and sizTo make the transition from es. If you want a great break free-roaming to indoor cat from studying, curl up with more pleasurable, try adding your feline friend and Google indoor activity centres such “Catio.” These colder winter as cat trees, scratching posts, months are the perfect time and toys near sunny windows. to commit your cat to an inConsider the amount of com- door life, as this decreases panionship your pet receives. their risk of exposure to harsh Are you around during the winter weather. majority of the day to enter- So consider keeping your tain your pet? If not, con- cat indoors. It would be the sider investing in a compan- purrfect gift for your cat, the ion for them, or purchasing local wildlife, your neigha specially made “cat video” bours, your bankbook, and to provide mental stimula- your heart. tion. If your cats requires

Photo by Robin Lawson

March 29th, 2016

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GIRLS NIGHT OUTCRY:

Misrepresentation and Sensationalism in CBC’s “Girls Night Out”.

Hannah Hutchinson & Andrew D. Haskett News Editor & Editor-in-Chief

Girls’ Night Out is a crisis of conscience and representation. Directed by independent filmmakers Phyllis Ellis and Donald Brittain, Girls Night Out is a sensationalist 44 minute misdirection in ethical and just reporting. Although not explicitly named, the documentary takes place at an unknown regional Nova Scotian university during what is known as “homecoming”, a celebration of returning students and alumni from past graduating years, and where there is an explicit feeling of merriment and university pride.

Published and produced as a CBC Firsthand report, the documentary goes to great lengths to create a climate of epidemic where drinking amongst female youth has reached a level wherein sexual violence, crime, and bodily destruction is a common result. The basic premise of the documentary has merit. Binge-drinking and a drinking culture that normalizes getting black-out drunk is something worth assessing, but it is not the femalecentered catastrphe it is presented to be.

Alcohol consumption is certainly an issue amongst individuals from a variety of backgrounds, regardless of sex, creed, nationality, or any other identifiable social situation. That being said, one of the most glaring oversights in the documentary is the absence of the discussion of males. Leah McLaren, in her article “CBC’s “Girls Night Out” Is a Patronizing, Factadverse Travesty” says that “Heavy drinking in Canada is marginally up, but young women are certainly not the culprits … It’s the middleaged moms and dads, sitting in their renovated kitchens cracking a second bottle of wine … who are truly cause for concern.” The documentary may intend to have a focus on girls and young women, but it fails to acknowledge the instances of male binge drinking and other contributions of males to the university drinking culture depicted. By presenting this as a female-only issue, the documentary not only reinforces rigid gender binaries, but also the idea that

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young women are to blame for university binge drinking cultures.

The documentary also examines the experiences of a select group of women who have had traumatic and negative experiences with the alcohol, but does so in a way of almost hyper-trivializing their experiences to a standard that is normative of a regular Western drinking culture. In the eyes of the producers, these women are the norm: young women drink and are therefore at the risk of death and bodily danger. The film does an exceptional job of sensationalizing but also invalidating the claims of these women, some of whom are victims of serious substance abuse issues and have made extended efforts to move past them.

Another major error in the documentary is the generalising way in which women are portrayed. This presentation assumes all women to have the same experiences, opinions, feelings and values.

Sweeping claims are made that blatantly support damaging female stereotypes.

There is mention of how girls who supposedly dress up do so just to look good for males, all while competing and comparing with other girls. According to another source, girls skip meals and make themselves puke after the bar, not from overindulgence, but because girls are always worrying about their weight. Although the young women do voice these views, one can’t help but wonder why the film-makers asked them questions about this in the first place. How does the discussion of supposed interfemale competition relate to what the film is supposed to speak to? By including this, the documentary is aiding to perpetuate misogynistic thinking and gender role stereotypes that negatively impact females. Not to mention that the filmmakers sought out personal anecdotes only to demonize the students who offered their own experiences, opinions, and struggles with alcohol in a way that was likely not anticipated.

Another instance of essentializing is that of the ‘typical’ experience of university students in relation to drinking and partying habits. Statements about binge drinking like “it’s what everyone’s doing every weekend” and “I drink just to get drunk, and I think that’s what most people do” is presenting the experience of only some students at university. The documentary takes personal and anecdotal evidence, presents it as universalizing fact, and then accompanies such shots with inapplicable statistics.

Furthermore, the documentary focuses heavily on a relationship between alcohol and sexual assault. Flashing across the screen is bold text stating “Alcohol is involved in 9/10 rape cases on college campuses”. Not only is this an American statistic, but it is misleading viewers to come to the conclusion that rape is a consequence of alcohol, and not because of rapists. A mere 20 seconds is dedicated to discussing rape culture and the wider societal and systemic issues that lead to sexual assault. One important claim is made that rape pre-

vention should include teaching boys not to rape as opposed to teaching girls to not get raped. This is far from the tone of the rest of the documentary which seems to carry a tone of victim-blaming. One of the women featured discusses waking up in jail after having her drink drugged at a bar. The issue of the person who drugged her drink was glazed over, and instead the woman fights back tears as she talks about the cop who told her she had ony herself to blame because of where and with whom she spent her time drinking.

A question posed by a prominent source asks: “Why do women not listen when we tell them that drinking is bad for them?” A better question would be, why do we feel the need to police and blame individual women for the harm inflicted upon them while drinking instead of criticizing and attempting to change the wider attitude towards alcohol and the drinking culture in North America? I leave this question to the reader to ponder.

Photo by Rachel Sparling

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FINDING FIANDER:

Sociology Students Uncover Details of Student’s Expulsion in 1959 Hannah Hutchinson News Editor

It is difficult to imagine being expelled today for an act as innocuous as writing a featherruffling poem, but that is exactly what happened to former Acadia student Robert Fiander in 1959.

On the afternoon of March 14th, students, faculty, and community members alike gathered in the Fountain Commons to learn about the “Fiander Fiasco.” The presentation was lead by a group of sociology students in a Graduate Research methods class, detailing the expulsion of Acadia student Robert “Bob” Fiander nearly sixty years ago.

Fiander’s expulsion was based on the grounds of “foul blasphemy” regarding the controversial poem that he had penned and published in the Athenaeum. On February 3rd, 1959, Fiander received a letter from the then president, Dr. Watson Kirconnel, informing him of not only his suspension but demanding he leave the town of Wolfville. The grounds of suspension? Foul blasphemy, regarding a poem he had written for the student newspaper, the Athenaeum, titled “Paradoxically Speaking.”

Sociology students involved in the project were in their fourth year or doing a graduate degree. There were six students who presented their findings and the story of Fiander, as follows: Kate Dalrymple, Nora Allen, Sulemain Semalulu, Elise Snow-Kropla, Jessica Bundy, and Vicki Archer. The student researchers noted that putting the pieces of Fiander’s story together was not an easy task. The researchers had little information regarding Fiander to work from, and had to refer to archival sources, interviews

The Acadia Athenaeum with students at the time of Fiander’s Acadia career, and interviews with his relatives.

Through months of work and dedication to the project, the students uncovered events leading up to Fiander’s expulsion, deliberations regarding the poem and his dismissal from Acadia, as well as those involved in and opposed to the process.

January 30, 1959

by Tredor Rednaif (Robert Fiander)

Dr. Zelda Abramson, a sociology professor who aided the students in the project, introduced the project, emphasizing that Robert “Bob” Fiander’s situation had sparked interest in not only his expulsion, but his life, his personality, and the wider Acadia culture at that time. The crowd listened as Dr. Jessica Slights of the English department performed the poem that Fiander penned. Slights asked that the audience imagine that they were being transported back to 1959 as she delivered the poem in the satirical and conversational style Fiander had intended .

Stressed was the importance to understand historical and cultural context at this time.

Researchers spoke to the cultural context of Acadia in 1959, highlighting the community standards and social pressures, sharp gender roles, taboos that continued to surround alcohol and the “slight religious undertone” of Acadia’s Baptist roots. Acadia at the time housed less than 1000 students, of whom most lived in residence. The town of Wolfville, still largely dominated by conservative values, was very separate from the school, often at odds with Acadia’s more liberal body of of the time were strict rules, students. Also characteristic regulation, and punishment deemed “moralistic,” but the lack of formal documents and communication of these students presented another intervening factor. Especially relevant was the existence of a demerit system, one that Fiander seemed to have encountered before the poem.

The students also delved deeper in to Fiander’s situation, regarding who made the decision to have him expelled from Acadia. Although on the surface it appeared that it had been the singular motion of President Kirconnel, further Emmerson Memorial Library. research proved otherwise.

Photo courtesy of Acadia University Archives

The importance of the student judicial committee and students’ input in the event as well as the minutes of the Board of Governor’s presented a story that showed both support for and disdain for Fiander.

The presentation finished with an analysis of the poem from Dr. William Brackney of the Divinity College. Dr. Brackney provided insight on to the content of the poem, and the contempt of god and sacred people, such as alluding to the Virgin Mary and the death of Christ in a very untraditional manner. Ultimately, he expressed that although

“blasphemy” was a harsh assertion, the piece certainly did contain many elements that could certainly bring about a negative reaction from the Baptist Community that Acadia housed at the time.

Blasphemous or not, the poem is certainly communicative of Fiander’s intelligence, wit, and willingness to bring dominant and traditional modes of thinking in to authority. The group of student researchers did a phenomenal job not only uncovering details of Fiander’s time at Acadia, but of portraying the climate of Acadia in the late 1950s, and of humanizing Fiander so that he is not to be forgotten.

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ACADIA MENTAL HEALTH RECAP A Year in Review Rachel Sparling Contributor

While 1 in 5 may face a mental illness, 5 in 5 have mental health. That’s right everyone, just like physical health, mental health can be cared for, improved, and supported. Here in Wolfville, Acadia Mental Health works diligently to raise awareness and offer support to all the students on campus.

Acadia Mental Health considers their weekly meetings vital to their work on campus. The team meets regularly during the year and weekly when event weeks are coming up. These weekly meetings have acted as a way for students who are passionate or interested in Mental Health on Campus to meet like-minded peers, get to know each other, and work together for a common cause. Janet Aucoin, the Acadia Mental Health Coordinator, says that the meetings are about raising awareness in fun ways around campus and creating a sense of community within Acadia Mental Health. These meetings often consist of brainstorming and planning sessions for the various events as well as a game or two at the end so everyone can get to know each other.

When the Mental Health Weeks and Chill Weeks are approaching, they kick into full gear. They hold events, campaigns, giveaways and more around campus. According to Janet, the goal of the Mental Health and Chill Weeks are to, “…try and bring resources directly to the students through some of our events and campaigns.

We also try and break down the barriers that may be preventing students from accessing resources”.

The first Mental Health Week of the 2015/2016 Academic year started off on a rough note after the Monday Movie night was cancelled, as was the week’s bonfire.

Despite the setbacks they continued with several more events. The team was aware of the importance of physical health to one’s mental health, so they planned an active Workout Wednesday.

Those who participated met down at the Athletic Complex to go for a run with Rick

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Metta around the Dykes.

Therapeutic Thursday was the biggest event of the week with Break the Silence End the Stigma, My Wellness, the resource center, and Get Real all teaming up with Acadia Mental Health to hold the “I Define Me “campaign.

Thanks to Break the Silence End the Stigma this event was held in the BAC where students were able to stop by to write what mental health and mental illness meant to them. They then had the option to hold up their sign and pose with it in a photograph.

On top of this, there was information about resources on campus, as well as pins, bracelets, and information on My Wellness and Get Real. This appeared to be the highlight of the week and was met positively by the students who participated. It even received a wagging tail from Figgy, the school’s furry friend from Acadia Paws.

The week then concluded with Foodie Friday, where Acadia Mental Health members were up bright and early handing out hot chocolate to lift the spirits of those facing their midterms.

For the next month or so Acadia Mental Health continued to grow as a community as they planned and prepared for their next major event, Chill Week. The Chill Weeks were designed with the hopes of giving students moments in their hectic final weeks of the semester, a small smile, or a moment to pause and relax.

The week before Chill Week the Acadia Mental Health all sat down to music and put together one thousand Chill Kits for the students of Acadia. These were then handed out on the Monday alongside the Break the Silence End the Stigma’s T-Shirt campaign.

The Chill Kits included many of their classic items as well as new ones such as; chocolate, condoms, tea, earplugs, coupons, information on campus resources and the occasional post it notes pad from CMHA. There that day with Break the Silence End the Stigma and Acadia Mental Health was the Annapolis Valley branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, who provided information on services in the Valley.

Throughout the day, they also had a Hammock Room in the SUB where students

could go and take a break or a nap in one of the Hammocks to chill out during the day. The next day, the Pause Squad came to the library to give the students a fun and furry way to de-stress – that’s right, they brought dogs. That evening Acadia Mental Health held a movie night where they played Inside Out where a grand total of 105 people showed up – a huge success. The movie was, according to them, a fun way to get people talking about their mental health while enjoying the relaxing lightheartedness of a Pixar film.

On Wednesday, the Pause Squad once again greeted the students who were studying away in the library.

Earlier that evening the Acadia Mental Health held an “Espresso” Yourself Coffee House, where students were encouraged to come and perform or listen to others and to take a break from the long week of studying. Thursday the Pause Squad returned for their final visit of the week, and the group hosted an Improv Night in the SUB to give the students a well-deserved laugh. Lastly, Friday was a Pyjama day to raise awareness about mental health and mental illness on campus. They said that it was not only a fun way to try and get the people talking about mental health, but it also raised awareness around some of the challenges those

struggling with their mental joy some homemade sweets health face. with a baking and board game night. They held the This past January, Acadia event in the Chapel’s BaseMental Health held their ment where Students could second Mental Health Week drop by to enjoy some fresh of the academic year. After baking while playing a numsitting down and discuss- ber of board games. Lastly, ing ideas at meetings, play- the week concluded with a ing a bonding game or two, Free Skate and Hot Chocolate and creating plans for the down at the Ice Rink. The events, they had their next event was to promote again major week laid out. Monday the importance of physikicked it off with a popcorn cal health to one’s mental and move night featuring health and to bring together ‘The Perks of Being a Wall students for an enjoyable Flower.” On Tuesday, Aca- break from their work. dia Mental Health decided to focus on an information- While some events that Acaal event where they held a dia Mental Health has put on peer support education night have faired better than othwith tea. The group brought ers these past seven months, in counsellors from the Stu- their work and planning dent Resource Center to help have lead to the execution of those who attended learn not one, but three fun-filled about what it means to of- weeks for the Students of fer peer support, how you Acadia. Some of the events can help a friend, as well as have kept their focus on creunderstanding where one’s ating enjoyable ways for the limits are in providing sup- students to destress; othport. The event began a ers have encouraged educapresentation and conclud- tion around student mental ed with interactive discus- health here at Acadia. No sions amongst the group. On matter what the event was, Wednesday, Acadia Mental Acadia Mental Health tried Health held a Twitter Party to ensure that they reached in the Peer Support Lounge out directly to students in for Bell Let’s Talk Day. Stu- ways that they felt would dents from around campus help them the most. With were encouraged to hang the next Chill Week coming out, enjoy some food and up quickly, the Students of music, and Tweet with the Acadia can be assured that hashtag #BellLet’sTalk. For Acadia Mental Health is foThursday’s event they de- cused on providing them yet cided to give the students another eventful week. a fun way to relax and en-

Photo by Rachel Sparling

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INTERNATIONAL THE SIN IS IN THE SANDWICH Food Safety Infractions at Wheelock Remedied WOMEN’S DAY Events at Acadia University Rachel Watts Contributor International Women’s day was celebrated at Acadia on Tuesday March 8th. This was a day where women were able to come together and acknowledge the contributions that the female gender has made and will continue to make on a social, political, and economic level. This day highlights the fact that female work is often overlooked. It also emphasizes the awareness issues that take place with regards to female issues. An important component of the international celebration is that it is international.

Many women in different countries still face gender issues due to biased laws, and are more likely to be uneducated or unable to deal with the hardships of poverty and food insecurity as a direct result of their gender. This is why it’s important to celebrate the things that women do, and to continue to strive for more equality around the world.

This is why it’s so great that Acadia has taken part in the celebration of women. The following is a brief description of the events that took place in Wolfville, and the effects that they have had on our town and campus.

International Women’s day at Acadia focused on gender equality within the University student population. There was a large gathering on campus consisting of students, faculty, and town members. One topic that was addressed during this gathering was the use of social media platforms, such as Yik Yak and the infamous Tinder.

This discussion lead to an exploration of the role social media plays in encouraging gender inequality on our campus. Groups focused on creating solutions which could make our campus safer for both male and female students, and providing faculty members with possible changes which could be made in or-

der to improve this issue.

The following day, one hundred attendees from across the country took part in Champion, which was a day-long seminar intended for women and girls to discuss the issues faced by females in sports.

A variety of speakers took part in this event who work in sports related fields. Attendees listened to speakers talk about Global statistics and work in gender equality both in and out sport. Let’s take a second and do a brief history of women in sports, back during the Roman Empire. Every four years the Olympics took place, in which men participated in competitive sports while women weren’t allowed in the arena! Fast forward a couple thousand years to 1967 – Kathrine Switzer was the first official female runner in the Boston marathon. In protest of her attendance, a group of men circled, heckled, and tried to stop her from completing the race. Did you know that today 60 percent of marathon runners are men, while merely 40 percent are women?

Kody Crowell Opinions Editor

According to inspection reports provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture Food Protection and Enforcement Division, Wheelock Dining Hall has violated several standards in food safety.

On February 24, 2016, a notice to comply was given for the lack of sneeze guards used

on the pizza preparation table and behind the counter. Mold was discovered in one of the shelves in the basement walkin cooler. In fact, several dairy walk-in cooler racks and carts were found to be unclean in general. Foods required to be stored at low temperatures had to be thrown out, as it was sitting out for more than four hours. Hot held foods were not maintained at the minimum

temperature required for the holding units.

A follow-up inspection on March 4 concluded that all of the previous deficiencies were remedied save for the lack of sneeze guards used. NS Food Inspections can be found at: <http://novascotia.ca/agri/ programs-and-services/ food-protection/food-inspection-reports/>.

Photo by Kamryn Minors

After initial Women’s Day presentations, attendees took part in a cafe style discussion and engaged with speakers. Individuals were able to interact with one another and visit booths to gather more information about the speakers and their roles in sports.

Acadia is a great school to go to, but there are ways that we could add to the female empowerment that is already taking place. Some students believe that there are ample opportunities for Acadia and its students to effectively address sexism issues such as consent. As a whole, Acadia has done a great job with working towards female empowerment and addressing sexual consent, but we as a society still have a long road ahead of us in order to build a safer and better environment for both men and women.

March 29th, 2016

7

athcreative Loose T-shirt in a Tight Space

By Emily Cann I’m sure it started in a warehouse but eventually you’d wear it down to be little more than threadbare

red hair

still stuck to its seams.

You left it in your dresser for far too long

it used to lie

in a heap of haste

on the carpet by the bed the lazy blue hues reminded you too much of old summer day dreams caught up in a haze of cotton sheets and cotton t’s cast

off.

It’s so much more than the American Apparel tag or iconic unisex complexity

jammed in between

jeans and sweaters

or separating bodies

pressed together

plant based fibres

woven tight to fight

the quickened breath

of chest on chest and

air breathed between

four lungs

your breath her sweat knit tight

between the dishonest thread count a businessman came up with in his pyjamas working from his mother’s old laptop while he lounged on the futon.

Screen printed somewhere in the basement of a low budget geek chic enterprise

when you ordered it online the colours looked brighter but pictures and computer screens and smiles and affectionate pleas—

they can be deceiving.

who owns it while it is crumpled on the carpet by your bed you let her wear it when it’s dark outside; on her way to the bathroom— the hem barely covering the top of her thighs

she hasn’t worn it

in a long time her red hair is still stuck in the seams

and you haven’t worn it since

Brevity and Superfluous

by Sidharth Kondapuram I remember how the water crested.

And also the pupils that remained fixated beneath the deluge of a dimming August sun on iridescent Scotian lakes.

I remember how your hair floated; swelling with the sonorous tremors of the ephemeral cosmos tugging.

Love tints everything, and hate eventually undercuts it.

When I escape the fatalist clutches of each, and the memories merge with tangibility it’ll dawn that maybe I was in love with a girl that couldn’t love herself.

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Road Trip

by Kody Crowell We darted out from the wooded grove and into a flat, open expanse, where fields of canola and corn and fallow land spread far into the flat horizon, studded with silver mountains and the blue sky was laced with wisps of white cloud. Pale shades of yellow blended with deep greens and red dirt. Deep grooves in the earth ran parallel to each other, each without ending or beginning on either side of the road. The golden line we followed stretched onwards against the hot asphalt, snaking round shallow coulees and rolling hills.

As the engine hummed and tires beat against the pavement, you watched the fence posts flash by too fast to see the names on the mailboxes from the roadside. Occasionally, we’d pass an abandoned farmhouse occupied by squatters, or a wooden barn with the roof collapsed and the paint chipped. There was a scarecrow in one of the fields. Ugly, black crows rested upon its arms.

They had picked the eyes out and the hat had long since blown away in the wind. You turned your head to look at me, your light blue eyes were subdued by the bright sun behind you. It looked as though you had been crying.

I remember in the winter, when we had first walked down to the green space together. Around and around the track we walked, hours upon hours, until our conversation started to falter and you split and left me standing alone in the field. The snow danced around you as you walked away, out from the lighted paths and into the night. The look you gave me as you glanced back over your shoulder was the same you gave me then, in the car: your face was still darkened, but I could see the outlines of your furrowed brow and pursed lips, and your head was surrounded by the bright earth in the window behind you, a halo of rapeseed and wheat.

This was a look of lonely hurt, of fear, and of confusion. It marked a coming change – a new era in our lives. Red lights flashed up ahead, signalling the approaching cargo train. The striped barriers descended. The engine driver waved his hat at us as he passed, and a deep rattle persisted as the flatcars moved by carrying no containers on their back. We sat idling and watched them go, and talked for half an hour or so until we had made up our minds. The decision was reached there at that silent junction, long after the bars had risen and the slow heavy train had disappeared from sight and slipped quietly between the mountains.

Prairie Seasons

By Tori Fink Fresh buds bloom on the branches of a tree green seeps into the brown of the prairies reminding us the cold did not kill – free from the frigid snow and angry flurries.

Summer shocks, with her temper flaring.

Searing the memory of Winter’s howl Cooking us in a flat frying pan, burning away Winter’s chilly embrace and growl All day farmer’s tractors leave patchwork weaves on land that can feel the harvest fervor Orange, red, and yellow appear. Dead leaves fall – shrouding the earth for Summer’s murder.

Winter charges in, along comes the snow, The wind brushes the trees silent and slow.

Directions

by Rebekah Hutten Walking alone through night on the third day of fall; walking to the store to buy a lighter - hair loose and makeup is fading, smiley lips at the busy busy people with their various lives - I look like I’m going somewhere by the way I gaze ahead and slightly skyward and the way the heels of my boots sound on the ground (he told me once that he is in love with the sound of my footsteps on wet pavement).

I’m not going anywhere, really – the lighter was an excuse to get out of the house and to have a sense of direction in what really is wandering alongside other people (I wonder if they have meaningful direction, and if such meaningful direction can be revealed by the speed at which people walk).

In the convenience store I ask for a lighter (they quietly wonder ‘what does she smoke?’) and I want to tell them that I don’t smoke much weed unless I’m drunk with friends who offer it with glazed eyes and the suggestion of escape. I never smoke cigarettes because I don’t want to be sad like my father on Christmas day who allows himself his “Christmas Cigarette” and looks both anxious and nostalgic and full of regret even though he always says “I have no regrets.” I don’t tell them any of these thoughts and feel inexplicably guilty for keeping them to myself.

Walking home down the same street which now looks ominous. The sun has fully set itself (goodbye, lovely streaks) and the moon is out and pale and menacing because it lights the faces of strange men; I allow myself to accept that they are not strange; they are strangers. (Does the moon become menacing, or anything else, depending only on what it illuminates?) I walk quickly past the areas where men gather outside and discuss their monotonous lives punctuated by girls’ “cute butts” (they are profoundly still; lacking meaningful direction).

At this time of year, the white hydrangeas look the most beautiful in rain or the light of dusk (I once cried while he was walking beside me; it was morning and a white hydrangea in the light rain as well as his hand in mine was enough beauty to both break and sustain me).

With the lighter I light a bundle of green and white sage. It smells like the forest and like something else I cannot name. Something reverent. After a while I run cold water over the wand of sage to quell the glowing embers before he is home and I am no longer with only myself.

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VIRGINIA WOOLF RETURNS TO WOLFVILLE Don’t Be AFRAID... It’s Only a Play!

that not only brought acco- group of theatre enthusiasts) Nick, and Emily Lutz as Honey. Afraid of Virginia Woolf?… All Mike Butler lades and stardom to its cast performed a small sold out run And guess who received the of Us! Community Contributor members but always generated of this play to a very passion- dream job of directing? That’s

We all have dreams right? Not just night time sleepy dreams about flying or a grocery store shopping spree – I mean dreams such as ambitions, goals, or something that you want to attain that sometimes seems unattainable. I’ve had many of these kinds of goals pass me by in my life because of aging, missed opportunities, being in a different place in my life at the time etc., but this past year I worked with an incredible group of people to help one of my lifelong dreams come true – being part of a particular play called Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Theatre and film buffs will easily recognize the title because it’s been a hit Broadway play and an Academy Award winning film (starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor)

tremendous buzz in the media for its mature subject matter, strong language and intense, emotional presentation. The film, released in 1966, was initially banned in all Maritime theatre because of its content.

When Who’s Afriad of Virginia Woolf? was first performed in New York in 1962, America was still saying good-bye to the ideals of the stable and productive 1950s. Television projected the happy nuclear family, with success being measured on kids, house, car and dog. These trappings of success often hid real problems and it’s this idea that Albee used to fuel Woolf, revealing the truths and illusions beneath success and marriage.

ate and responsive audience.

The Collective received praise for not only the performance itself, but for taking the initiative to perform it in the first place.

Because of the incredible response, the Collective has decided to put on a second run of the play for all of those patrons who missed it or those who wish to see it again. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, a prime example of experimental theatre for its challenges to both the cast and the audience, is being performed on the Main Stage of the Al Whittle Theatre from April 13th through April 16th. Doors open at 6:30 and the show commences promptly at 7:00pm.

right… ME!!! Woolf? is my directorial debut and I am really excited to see it performed again, as we get revisit the material with a new cast member in a bigger venue. It has been very rewarding.

This play has been a tremendous challenge for me as director, as I have to equally balance the love and hate presented in the play. It’s also a challenge for the audience, who has to watch and sustain the barrage of emotions this play lays on them. How is this possible?

Well, the answer of course, is that this brilliant production is about ALL OF US. In its devious, twisted, and yet straightforward heart it urges us, all of us, to abandon illusion and Cast members include Thea to seek the truth. It may be a In September 2015, the Burton as Martha, Paul Abe- painful journey, but it is the Wolfville Theatre Collective (a la as George, Mike Dennis as only path to salvation. Who’s

Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at The Box of Delights Bookshop on Main Street, Wolfville (902) 5429511 or at the door. It is strongly recommended you purchase tickets in advance because of the plays popularity. So come, sit back and enjoy an evening of fun and games with Martha and George! Don’t be Afraid… it’s only a play!

ATTENTION STUDENTS!!!!!!

On TUESDAY APRIL 12th, you are invited to a $5.00 Student Preview performance of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Al Whittle Theatre. Bring your ID and enter for only $5.00, CASH ONLY! Seating is limited to the first 160 students who show up. Doors open at 6:30 and the show commences promptly at 7:00pm! Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Critical Incident

Anthony Clementi at Acadia’s Art Gallery Lindsay Bilodeau Contributor

The Acadia University Art Gallery’s latest installation Anthony Clementi: Critical Incident, explores world crisis through powerful and real images translated into paintings. Clementi’s work not only highlights issues, but seeks to display, using techniques and styles inspired by the old masters. He captures the beauty and hope that can be found even within a crisis.

Throughout the exhibition the works take the visitor on a journey through the world and to an assortment of recent incidents of crisis spanning environmental disaster, disease epidemics, and the on-going refugee crisis. A particularly

interesting aspect of his work is his selection of images that include what he calls “optimistic objects.” One might think that a plastic bag or a medical mask would fade into the background of an image, but Clementi’s work highlights these objects and uses them as symbols of optimism.

Objects play roles of varying important in our everyday lives. Many objects go on existing without us ever recognizing how useful and important they are, but others are revered and they take on meaning outside of their practical uses, physical existence, and purpose. There are objects that act as a connection to the past or to other people, some that make us feel something,

or that remind us of someone special, there are objects to symbolize love, happiness, celebration, and sadness. Objects, whether we realize it or not, have an immense hold on human lives and their importance is infinite.

Clementi’s use of images that feature every day objects being used in times of crisis emphasizes the power and symbolism of objects we see as everyday (read: unimportant), and in some cases, objects we see as trash.

capacity in these images; instead they’re being clutched in the hands of people who have lost all but the contents of their plastic bags. The bags are certainly optimistic images; they indicate that the people so brilliantly captured in these images have hope that one day they will find safety and comfort, and that until then they will carry what they have.

Without hope, these people would have no use for these bags; they would have no interest in keeping anything if they did not believe that they Arguably the most striking would survive to see a better objects in his works are plastic life. bags, which are especially visible in the section of the exhi- Perhaps more powerfully, the bition centered on the Syrian bags act as optimistic objects refugee crisis. The bags aren’t by making the people in the just being used in a temporary paintings relatable. We all

know what it feels like to hold a plastic bag in our hands. We all understand the object, and somehow that offers a connection to these people. The bags offer a glimpse into the impact of crisis on human beings who have the same fundamental needs as those of us living in a relatively stable and privileged world. There is nothing more optimistic than humans making connections with one another, and humans empathizing because it is human connection and empathy that lead people to demand change.

Anthony Clementi: Critical Incident can be viewed at the Acadia University Art Gallery until April 21, 2016.

March 29th, 2016

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GREASED LI G H T N I N ’

Acadia Singing Theatre Production Ensemble to Put on Production of Grease Rachael Fitzner Contributor

Grab your leather jackets, grease your hair, and come on down to Acadia University’s production of Grease on April 1st and 2nd in Denton Hall (this is no joke). Final papers, projects, and performances are weighing down all of us these days. Don’t become a “Beauty School Dropout.” What better way to lighten your pre-examination heart than by indulging in some good old fashioned musical theatre? Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students, and FREE for Acadia School of Music students! What. A. Deal.

As classes wind down for the semester, late on a Wednesday

night the Acadia Singing Theatre Production Ensemble is still hard at work preparing for their early April show. I sit in quietly and observe the threehour rehearsal, watching the magic unfold. The students have all arrived half an hour early to finalize their costume choices. Director Paula Rockwell gives careful attention to detail to ensure that each role is properly expressed through their fashion choices. Each student has been tasked with procuring their own costumes and they do not fall short. Rizzo, played by Brenna Robins, presents a flowing 50’s style polka dotted dress and some casual daytime stripes.

Andrea Mathis, pianist extraordinaire, also whips the sleepy students into shape with her musical direction. Giving expert advice, perfectly accompanying every number, and singing along to fill in for anybody that couldn’t make it to rehearsal. There are a lot of different factors to consider in a production like this. Set design, costumes, choreography, lighting, staging – the list goes on. Students work alongside the directors to choreograph every dance and stage each scene. I learned on Wednesday that the production students take extra time out of their days to meet up and build the sets. Their advice is taken seriously by the directors and they

DRONE SELFIES

The Robotic Future of Photography Hope Latta Features Editor

The future of selfie photography is going to include robots. This statement reflects a changing demographic and a new trend in digital culture. This specifically refers to the new idea of taking a drone selfie, or a “dronie.” Drones are flying robots, and can be controlled from another location, or can be programmed to fly through systematically predetermined patterns.

While drones were previously known for military attacks, crowd control (with the use of chemicals such as tear gas), and for monitoring sensitive areas for crime, they are now taking a turn in the modern art world. Being able to access a literal flying camera has allowed artists to take stunning pictures without spending a lot of money.

So how are drones controlled? Some drones are controlled using an app that can be installed on a tablet or touchscreen computer.

Others can be controlled by remotes similar to that of a video game console. Since drones are able to fly up to over 1000 feet, they have a lot of capabilities. Most artists are using them for wide distance shots, starting with a close up of a person sitting or standing in a cool

10 Issue 78.9

exotic place, and ending the drone video with a giant view of an environmentally awe-inspiring place.

So how could drone selfies change the selfie game? For one thing, there is a big difference in the type of quality that drones have. There are big differences between cheap drones and ones that use military technology.

Drones were originally designed with an internal combustion engine, but due to noise they’ve been adapted to include an electric motor that is powered by a lithium ion battery. In order to use a selfie drone, you must hold the drone’s remote in your hand, and keep the camera directly pointed at your face at all times. After you do this, you can let it go, and it will fly further away from you while keeping the lens focused on your face.

Controlling drones is something that comes as a primary cause of concern, given the military implications of having such machines around people. Instagram user “wrenees” has a wall of drone made pictures, which is a great look into the future of the medium. LA-based artist Renee Lusano takes incredible pictures of earth from an area perspective.

Lusano’s images were taken as her drone followed her around a tour of the Cher-

nobyl disaster zone. Her images are able to document an area that so few people have been able to enter. Still curious? Google #dronie for lots of content created by drone selfie machines.

The shift towards environmental pictures highlights an interesting transition of the way that people are able to view themselves. By expanding a regular selfie to include the environment that a person is standing in, there is an extension of becoming more aware of that area.

Picking the perfect spot to take a picture becomes a lot more complicated when your camera can fly up to 1000 feet above you. This concept shows that people are increasingly aware of the ways that cameras and technology force them to modify their behaviour in small but critical ways. Drones are able to capture the human experience on a whole new “level” and are able to create memories that take more thrill into account. How does the environment directly affect a concept of what it means to be human? If people are a product of their environment, will drone selfies lead to an enhanced appreciation for the beauty that is nature?

Will people be able to extend their view of the world to not only include themselves, but also include the world that surrounds them?

work as a team to bring every Alongside Bryden is the very element together. talented Shanoa Phillips as Sandy. I have attended a few When asked to describe Aca- of Shanoa’s shows in the past dia’s production of Grease in couple of years and she never one word, cast members re- ceases to impress me. Her fasponded with answers such as cial expressions are priceless “Pretty Greasy” and “Stop- and bring every character she showing.” I reached out to plays to life. Her audience is alBryden McNamara who plays ways guaranteed a good laugh. the famous Danny Zuko - he was able to answer a few ques- I am lucky enough to be pertions for me. When asked how sonally acquainted with celebhe relates to Danny, Bryden rity Mairi Demings, who plays told me that he doesn’t actu- Jan. The other night I was even ally relate to him at all, but the given the opportunity to run disconnect makes the character lines with her. Not to boast, more fun to play. Bryden gets but I’m pretty talented when into character by spending the it comes to foreign accents. At day imagining Danny’s life and the show if you hear a little Jertrying to recreate his thoughts sey or Italian in Jan’s voice, you and feelings as best as he can. know who to thank.

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STUDY HACKS:

Ways to Combat Stress this Exam Season Rachel Watts News Editor

Stress is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as: A) a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc.

B) something that causes strong feeling of worry or anxiety C) physical force or pressure Nine chances out of ten, if you are a former or present day student you have experienced the side effects of stress due things such as financial state, academics, living situations, or even high expectations from parents. Scientifically speaking, there are two types of stress: eustress and distress, eustress being “good” stress which can be caused by a job interview, date etc. Distress is a negative kind of stress which can push an individual to the brink of breaking emotionally, or even physically. This is the kind of stress that we as postsecondary students face on a day to day basis. Many students have accepted the “sink or swim mentality” put forward by professors and University staff – in other words you either work until complete exhaustion in order to succeed independently, or you fail.

Looking at the statistics made me cringe, because they are entirely relatable to the student lifestyle and they’re actually scary. Out of over 30,000 post-secondary students surveyed, almost all have felt stressed, overwhelmed, lonely, and some have even considered suicide in the past year. Over 90 percent of post-secondary students have admitted to feeling overwhelmed in the past year, more than 50 percent have felt hopeless, and 63 percent of the population surveyed had admitted to feeling lonely. An even scarier thought is that 9.5 percent of students have claimed to have had suicidal thoughts and 1.3 percent have attempted suicide. In the United Kingdom, student mental health counselling has increased by 10 percent in the past year, and right now about 115,000 students in the UK are demanding help. Why is that?

Why are the statistics so high?

What variables come into play when talking about student mental health?

Part of the root to the problem exists in the present role of social media in our society.

Social media fuels a culture in which individuals are in constant comparison with one another, therefore achieving the sense of inadequacy. We as students not only feel the pressure to be a “first class student” but also the pressure to be a “first class individual” socially and academically, but is this possible without putting a strain on our mental health? Is it possible to take part in 20 hours of classes per week, and spend the rest of our time either studying, volunteering, and then filling in the void with maintaining an overactive social life? I feel as if we as students should join together and rejoice because these feelings of loneliness, sadness, stress, etc. are not out of the ordinary for the student lifestyle. They are a part of the natural landscape, which is incredibly sad when you think about it.

Let’s think about the facts.

University is a very difficult time in an individual’s life, however these four to eight years will also include some of the most memorable experiences that we will forever cherish 20 years down the road. University is a time for self-discovery, self-growth, learning, and challenging yourself to be a better person than the day prior. It changes your outlook on life as a whole.

For students, particular stress points occur at the beginnings and ends of academic years, and right now we are focusing on the end of the year. This time period can represent a tipping point when coping resources become overwhelmed.

Sadly, most of our suffering is done in silence, and this is part due to the stigma which still presently surrounds mental illness. Even though a plethora of mental health and counselling services exist, many of us still feel very much afraid to come out and admit that we suffer from mental illness.

In the past 10 years there has been a cultural change in being a student. Instead of living up to the stereotype about being lazy and spending long days watching Fresh Prince, there have been increasing numbers of individuals whom experience anxiety and stress.

Our student culture, and even

Photo by Anthony Chu our society as a whole has been built around anxiety, and worrying about possible outcomes of our current actions. Due to large amounts of stress, our bodies have a hard time coping, which inadvertently interferes with sleeping patterns, metabolic activity, moods, emotions, etc. This decline in coping skills is causing a decline in the human body’s ability to fight off flu and infection, making us much more vulnerable to serious illness such as pneumonia and mono.

Due to such large workloads and restrictive deadlines, many students have admitted to not having time to think about being stressed out, and almost 39 per cent of Canada’s post-secondary student population say that stress is affecting their performance at school.

So, how can you tackle this exam season and avoid large amounts of stress? Here are some quick tips and pointers in order to better prepare yourself for that final exam that you may be dreading: 1.ASK QUESTIONS: If you do know the answer, then there is a pretty high chance that a few of your fellow classmates

are also wondering the same 7.Avoid caffeine: Caffeine thing, so let’s be adventurous raises levels of anxiety and and raise that hand! restlessness, so opting for that nap is probably better for your 2.Make a plan: Schedule your mental well-being. time wisely, writing out a one or two week study plan can 8.Create study sheets: ORGAhelp to keep you on track in NIZATION, PEOPLE! order to better prepare you for the test.

9 Plan answers, and remember that studying is more than 3.DO NOT rush yourself: Rush- just reading. ing yourself only increases stress levels, and cramming If you, or anyone you know is in for an exam (especially a final) need of peer and mental supdoes not work. port please feel free to contact the Acadia Student Resource 4.Take breaks: Not only does Centre at 1(902)-585-1246 taking breaks keep you sane, as Acadia University provides it also helps to reduce stress free counselling sessions to all levels. Going for a walk, get- students. Online mental health ting some fresh air, or even screening is available through hitting the gym can help to re- Acadia Health Services Online, lax the mind for better mental and you can also book a doctor preparation. or nurses appointment online.

The Acadia Yoga Club offers 5.SLEEP: Your mind needs rest free yoga classes in the Stuin order for successful infor- dent Union building, please see mation retention to take place, their Facebook page “Acadia so get those eight hours!

Yoga Club” for further information and details regarding 6.Join a study group: Studying class times. Also, remember to with your peers can help with check your student e-mail in information retention, talk- order to keep up to date with ing about the study topic and Acadia Student Union e-mails quizzing each other helps with which provide information on exam preparation and pro- upcoming events around camvides you with peer support. pus.

March 29th, 2016 11

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SOCIAL JUSTICE WARRING Genny Rowell Contributor

There are posters up about an approaching campus contest that challenges us to go without smartphones for an entire 24 hours. 24 of them.

It seems to have been created by some high-minded people who want to rub it in our faces that we can’t handle the nondigital world for more than a few hours without shriveling into ourselves or having mental breakdowns from the overstimulating feelings we get when we pay attention to our immediate surroundings. What a snarky contest. I don’t need anyone reminding me that I wouldn’t survive if I were sent back to the 90’s.

I don’t have a smartphone, but it’s more out of laziness than taking the social high ground, and we’re all tired of patronizing lectures on how the individuals of our generation have lost touch with each other despite being constantly connected. Having grown up with and having created internet culture for ourselves, it’s our reality.

A bunch of people glued to their phones don’t constitute some Matrix-y, dystopian nightmare. If you want to live without a smartphone, go for it, but you’re not living as a lonely human amongst zombies. “Smart” technology has enabled those who can afford it to interact with each other in radically different ways – many of them good.

But if we allow ourselves to spend hours of our days

on the internet, passively browsing or posting, we need to acknowledge our responsibility to treat the World Wide Web as part of the real world. We’ve heard this over and over. Our teenage selves were told not to cyber-bully.

Parents were alarmed at the new, anonymous forums we had for putting other people down. Our government and official justice systems have been slow in adapting laws to address the crazy, mostlyanonymous internet. With no police force in place to control us. What do we have? A new frontier of free speech! A wild west, where we can all live out our dreams of vigilantism and claim territory as our own through blogs and video channels! And we don’t even risk getting dysentery!

cally-correct fit about some made-up oppression – usually, just for the sake of getting attention or justifying your own sense of victimization. People plugging feminist and civil rights causes are often called SJWs. Their opponents argue that their arguments aren’t justifiable, that they’re too sensitive, or that they cowardly accuse those they disagree with of “political incorrectness” and try to shut them down. They are frequently accused of making false accusations.

But if you’re on the side that feels that real “social justice” entails shutting down SJWs before they shut you down, you’re being a social justice warrior yourself. And it’s increasingly popular to drag cases of “real world” justice into the internet realm, where “social justice” can manifest itself in full force. For instance, when online articles are published about sexual assault, it usually doesn’t take much time for their comment sections to be full of opinions that reflect a lack of patience with the official court system.

The forces of the internet decide who is guilty or lying, and they unleash their wrath upon them without hesitation.

When you’re anonymous, it’s very easy to call someone a lying whore or threaten them with violence. Imagine someone doing that in a real court room. There would be consequences that are completely avoidable on social media.

The fact that everyone can have a platform is one of the cool things about the internet. It also allows us to constantly engage in war with each other. The language we use to talk about arguments on the internet is often warrelated (“flame wars” in Youtube comment sections and whatnot). But though we’re all aching to engage in these wars – to assert ourselves, use the platforms we have – we look upon internet battles with a certain amount of disdain. We do this even if we’re the ones battling. The term “social justice warrior” is used to belittle people who make attempts at activism of a certain kind. To be identified as an “SJW” means that you’ve been throwing an People involved in court cases unreasonable, hyper-politi- and public conflicts have al-

Photo by Anthony Chu

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ways been subject to reputation-smearing and gossip, but the internet has made the effects of those things much more severe and widespread.

If you don’t think that’s a problem, fine – no one is stopping you from participating in inflammatory conversation on Yik Yak, Reddit, and the like (in the “real world”, we might call these conversations gossip). But I would ask you to think about whether or not you have a responsibility to make your internet behavior mirror your “real life” behavior. You’re entitled to free speech (an often misconstrued notion itself), but it’s all just, like, your opinion, man, and you’re supposed to be responsible with it. The people who get to pass judgment in the real world are either serious students of law or (theoretically) impartial members of a jury. We have formal institutions to try to make things fair. If you’re a person campaigning for justice on the internet, it’s likely you’re not a certified authority, and while we tend to love

it, vigilantism is pretty romanticized and definitely not always just. You may be convinced you’re doing a better job creating justice than the actual justice system – which is possible, since the system is flawed – but justice is a complex thing, and deciding that you know better than everyone else is presumptuous.

So please, if you’re someone who’s always glued to your phone, spending several hours a day engaging in public, uncontrolled arguments about real-world issues, do it responsibly. Consider the consequences of your actions and whether or not you are entitled to bring them about. We know that in the real world, we can’t just say whatever we want without being held responsible for it. That can be a positive function of society. If you need to get off your phone for 24 hours to exist in a reality that holds you responsible for your words and actions, do it.

The ASU may even give you a prize.

BREW REVIEW

Belgian Moon Belgian White Jon Smith Beer-Human Hybrid

carbonation and nothing too unpleasant. It’s a little sour and watery but that’s kinda what I’d expect from a macrobrew like this. The body is very light, but reminiscent of the more expensive Belgian white ales you’d find at the top of the shelf for ridiculous prices.

It feels kinda like an imitation of the real thing, but I’d probably enjoy it more if it was my 6th or 7th beer of the night.

Belgian Moon is to real Belgian beer what [Walmart version of thing] is to [thing]. The taste has the same sweet citrus hint that normal Belgian ales have but without, you know, being very good. The aftertaste reminds you that you are really just drinking a Coors with lemon juice in it.

‘Twas the night before Cheaton, and all through the res, not a drunkard was cheeringnot even the prez! The tie dyes were hung round the hallway with care, in hopes that the turnt up folks soon would be there. The froshies were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of getting laid danced in their head. The RA in their polo, and I in my cap, with my Trojans real close so I don’t get the clap. When out in the quad there were bros all a clatter, I sprang from my dorm to see which one was fatter. I went to the window, I flew like a flash. The Chipman fuccbois were all baring their ass! The moon on the cheeks of the new student bros, gave This beer is fine. It’s not that a lustre of beauty to the ob- good. I had a lot more fun writing that rhyme than I did jects below. Etc. Etc. drinking the beer, but I’m still Anyway, it’s Cheatmas Eve gonna finish it because it’s and I’m reviewing Belgian cold and I paid for it. I know Moon Belgian White. I dunno that this article is gonna come how it pours because I’m just out after CHeaton so this is all drinking it out of the can, so in the past, but have a happy I also don’t know what the Saturday. May your beers run head looks like or the color cold and your naps run short. of the beer, but I assume it’s alright. The mouthfeel of the Summary: Not that good, but beer is mild, with a tingle of Merry Cheatmas I guess?

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AN AMERICAN IN TURKEY:

A Cyclist’s Take on Donald Trump and his Views On Muslims Ian Turner Contributor

“Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.”

That was a quote Trump himself read out loud at a rally in South Carolina. And when Barack Obama chose not to attend US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s funeral, Trump tweeted: “I wonder if President Obama would have attended the funeral of Justice Scalia if it were held in a Mosque?” But he’s gone a step further: he’s also called for a scorched earth strategy towards the Middle East, bombing civilians and targeting terrorists’ families.

I find comments like these troubling. They show a complete lack of respect towards Muslims, a group of people I have interacted with, shared food with, and have come to greatly admire. *** Over the years, I’ve heard this story a few times: my parents had taken me out to San Antonio Rancho Park in the Santa Cruz mountains, and a stranger approached them and said, tongue-in-cheek: “There’s something wrong with that kid.

He’s laughing too much.” That has always been my proudest moment. But sadly, the laughter would come to a halt. We left Sunnyvale, California and moved to Ottawa, Ontario. For nine years, I attended the same school. Its system and people did not work for me. I came to believe I had no control over my own destiny, and that I was not the commander of my own ship. In California, I had never stepped away from the spotlight. In Ottawa, I came to lurk in the corners.

From my time in Ottawa until the end of my 25th year of existence, I moped about from one city to another, from one job to another, and from one clusterfuck to another. And as the years dragged on, I felt ever more a knotted, twisted feeling inside my stomach, my mind, and my soul.

In this time period, I cannot point to any accomplishments, whether socially, romantically, academically, or employmentwise. I dropped the ball everywhere I went. I awoke each day certain there was a tomorrow, and I goofed off in all senses of

the word like there was a to- would eventually take me to morrow.

Yalova, the starting spot of a 6,500 km solo trip that would That time period ended with a see me cycle 3,500 km through year long stint teaching English the western half of Turkey and in Taiwan, which was with- 3,000 km through the Balkans out doubt the lowest extended and the Germanic region of the point in my life. I worked at a Alps. cram school, and I was a complete train wreck. I had un- The first seven weeks of this kempt, knotted hair down to trip was the most stressmy shoulders that I let cover ful period I have ever experimy face. I let people trample all enced. With the exception of over me like a doormat. In my one past job, this was the only final two weeks, a co-worker time in my entire life, at 25, took me aside and succinctly no less, where I was applying summed up my time at work: myself, and seeing something “Ian, you’ve been here a year, through. Before that, I always and everyone hates you. Even I moped through the day cerstay away from you.” Obvious- tain my actions would have no ly, there were a few odd excep- impact on the direction of my tions, but no more than I could life. While cycling, I felt almost count on two hands. I have no physical pain in those inithought about that berating tial seven weeks, but my mind every day since it happened. I was stretched beyond anylet down far too many people thing I had ever felt reasonin my life who had invested in able or thought possible. In me, who had stuck their neck short, sometime not too far out for me. You do no one a fa- after grade 4, I stalled, and vour, particularly yourself, by now, cycling along highways not standing in the spotlight. and country roads in Turkey, I was trying to catch up to where From my time in Taiwan, there I should be. were only two other moments worth mentioning: booking There were a million stresses. my flight back home and a A constant language barrier. scooter accident. The scooter Night in and night out, I had accident happened on a back- no idea where I would sleep. I country road in Dayuan. From only slept roadside in my tent what I was told through broken or at strangers’ places who had English, I had torn a muscle invited me in when I happened in my foot. I was furious. The to cycle by them. I would spend week before the accident, I had hours repairing the simplest of summited Taiwan’s highest bicycle fixes and I had no idea peak, and in a rare moment of where I was because I never inspiration, I opted to cycle the purchased a map. There were a length of New Zealand. That plethora of noises and strangbum foot wreaked havoc on ers at night that would prevent that plan. But under the sur- me from sleeping more than gery lights, I vowed that if I four hours straight. The eleever walked again, I would do ments were beating me - the something much more chal- cold, the rain, the heat, and lenging than cycling across hail. And all the while, with the New Zealand. exception of the odd off day, I was cycling between 100 and After some consideration, I 150 kilometers daily. settled on cycling the length of Turkey. I wanted to see a Mus- The trip was full of unforeseen lim country because my moth- variables. One night, wild dogs erland, America, had been at would wake me up; the next, war with Islam since 9/11. To the stench from a pile of poo me this trip was non-negotia- I accidentally pitched my tent ble: Either I follow through on on. But through it all, there was this idea or I signal to myself one constant: a friendly Turk and the world that I would just always looking to help me out. call it quits on my life. I had Three or four times, a bicycle decided to jump off a cliff af- mechanic repaired my bicycle ter the cycling if I couldn’t see for free. Maybe twice a week, myself fitting into society. a Turk would flag me down and host me for the night. Free So to Turkey I went, and there, food was a daily occurrence. in Istanbul, a few months af- And I was served tea upwards ter my surgery, I lugged an of seven times a day. enormous cardboard box, one morning at dawn, that con- At times I’d stop for a few days, tained my bicycle and two duf- and in Yalova, I came to know fel bags across the harbour one man’s family particularly front of Yesilköy to a ferry that well. His name was Soner. I met

Photo by Mahmoud Istanbouli

Soner’s friend in my first hour of cycling. I was unsure where I could cross the highway. He eagerly gave me guidance, and I cycled off. A day later; however, I found myself back in Yalova, since I needed to go to Istanbul to buy new bicycle panniers. Again, by complete chance, I bumped into Soner’s friend on the street, and he said his friend would be happy to host me. I spent two nights at Soner’s, sleeping in his auto work shop.

Seven weeks later, on a Saturday, I woke up in Iznik, on the floor of a local pottery artist’s shop. Her mother put on a feast of a breakfast for me.

Later that day, I headed over to Yalova to crash at Soner’s again. When I arrived, we parked my bicycle in his store, and he brought me up to his flat for a bath. Then, his family and I gathered around his television and watched Germany play Ghana to a 2-2 tie in the Brazilian World Cup. That day was my 26th birthday. Neither the artist nor Soner ever found out it was my birthday. It was just another day for me cycling across Turkey.

The next day, Soner gathered his family, 30 plus people, and we drove off to the beach. I spent the day eating barbeque and playing in water. Our favorite game was to impersonate Cristiano Ronaldo while doing diving headers in the Mediterranean waters. We had a lot of fun. A few days later, I left for Bulgaria.

When I came to Turkey, I had only one goal: to see something through. But somewhere between when I started my trip in Yalova and cycled those

wretched 3,500 km, I left a lot of anxiety, fears, stress, tension, and doubt on the sides of the roads I cycled. And I have become addicted to cycling because cycling came to remind me that life is self-powered, that I am the commander of my own ship. But what helped me through the ride was the support I received from the locals. This is the point I wanted to emphasize, and it’s why I am greatly saddened by Trump’s vitriolic comments towards Muslims. There’s a thing or two to like about Trump, in particular he lacks our era’s suffocating political correctness and his emphasis on highlighting globalization’s detrimental impact on all but a few niche segments of society.

But with regard to his views on Muslims, he’s crossed a line and entered into the territory of Nazism.

As Trump continues to dominate the news cycle and positions himself to become the Republican nominee, I wanted you to know that this nasty image that Donald presents of all Muslims being terrorists who hate Westerners is far from what I experienced. Less than two years ago, I was cycling across Turkey just attempting to get my life to inch forward.

Very unintentionally, I came to be the man I always wanted to be - that kid that someone facetiously pointed out and said there was something wrong with because he was laughing too much. And a lot of that had to do with those construction workers in Orhangazi, Turkey who let me sleep at their worksite and brought me breakfast the next morning. That was my first night on the road.

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MASTURBATION Anya K’Nees Sex Coloumnist

Jerking off, jilling, fapping, flicking the bean, beating your meat, playing the clitar; there are lot of names for masturbation. No matter what you call it, there’s really nothing quite like coming into your own.

Masturbation is a safe and healthy practice that over half of males and a quarter of females have engaged in by the age of 16. Many people continue masturbating into their 50’s and 70’s.

Although both males and females masturbate, there is less open dialogue about female masturbatory practices.

Perhaps this is why males commonly discover masturbation in their teens, while females often don’t until their twenties, and on average 61% of males admit to masturbating, compared to only 38% of women. However, there are many benefits to solo sex, making masturbation a healthy and pleasurable activity for both genders. Achieving orgasm increases relaxation, lowers blood pressure, provides protection from colds, maintains mental health, and increases pain tolerance. Solo sex also offers no risk of STI’s or pregnancy.

If you’ve never masturbated before and want to give it a try, start by setting the mood.

Take a long hot bath, light some candles, put on soft music, and relax. There is no need to feel any guilt, shame, embarrassment, or anxiety when exploring your body.

Get relaxed and comfortable in a private location where you know you’re not going to be disturbed, and get to know yourself. Focus on the pleasurable feelings you are generating, and don’t make it a “goal” to orgasm. Practice makes perfect, and like learning any new skill, confidence comes with repetition. Consider what works for you, and incorporate those actions into any future sessions.

If you have vulva, try varying motions of contact with your clitoris (located towards the top of the labia and below the pubic bone). Research shows that women are most likely to reach orgasm by stroking diagonally across the clitoris. You can also try rubbing your clitoris with one finger in circles, tapping it with one or two finders, and using the palm of your hand for a harder pressure. Alternately you can purchase a vibrator for increased stimulation. Vibes come in a variety of forms,

and if you are worried about discretion they are available in a wide range of non-assuming shapes. For your first vibrator look for one offering an external stimulation feature for clitoral stimulation and as you increase your comfort level try a G-spot penetration vibrator.

If you have a penis, common masturbatory practices include stroking along the shaft with a few fingers or your entire hand. Alternate the pressure of your grip to feel a range of sensations. The majority of nerves are located in the glans at the head of the penis, so try rubbing this for more intense pleasure. If you’re feeling adventurous, try stimulating your prostate. This walnut sized gland is located directly underneath the bladder, not far from the internal root of the penis. If you choose prostate stimulation use lots of lube and make sure you’re relaxed. Alternately, sex toys are another option for spicing up your solo-sex life. Consider investing in a Fleshlight or cock ring, just keep in mind that the material of your toy determines which lubes are safe for use. You can also use lube without a toy to decrease the coefficient of friction, and decrease your risk of chafing.

This can be especially helpful if you are circumcised.

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If you are using lube, keep in mind oil-based lubes are not sex toy friendly, and silicone-based lubes shouldn’t be used with silicone-based toys. However, silicone-based lubes do work well with harder material toys, such as hard plastics, aluminum, or steel. If unsure, your best bet is water-based lubricants, as these are safe for use with siliconebased toys and latex condoms.

Always sterilize your sex toys after use. You can do this by cleaning them with warm soapy water, or buying a premade sex toy cleaner. Most non-motorized toys can be sterilized in boiling water, and motorized toys can be wiped down with a 10 to 1 water-tobleach solution. It’s best to store silicone toys in a dry and sealed container, as silicone tends to attract lint and dust.

If you are in a relationship, mutual masturbation can be a fun way to spice up your sex life. Tell your partner they can look, but not touch, and give them a show. Showing your partner how you masturbate allows them to observe what you like, so they can incorporate those actions into their lovemaking. Solo masturbation while in a relationship lets you continue to verify what you like, so you can tell your

partner. If your relationship is long distance masturbation can be used to spice things up.

Skype sex anyone?

If you want to work towards a stronger orgasm, try Kegel exercises. These exercises are suitable for any gender and can easily be done in almost all locations. To do Kegel exercises, find the muscles you use to stop urinating (the PC muscles) and squeeze them for three seconds, relax for three seconds, and repeat. In women, these exercises not only help tone and strengthen the vaginal muscles, they can also cause a tighter grip during intercourse and more intense contractions during orgasm.

For men, Kegels not only intensify orgasm, but also lead to better control of ejaculation, allowing you to last longer. Kegels can also be incorporated into sex, with women squeezing tighter while contacting their PC muscles during penetration and men flexing their penis against the G spot.

Discussing masturbation can be a touchy subject, so hopefully this article gave you a hand.

HOW IT GOES DOWN ON CHEATON CUP Good Morning, Hockey Fans Samuel Gillis Sports Editor It’s seven-thirty in the morning and the sun is just starting to show its grey little face. The streets are calm and the wind is cold, another day in paradise. I roll over, shut the blinds, in attempts to catch the last little bit of sleep in me, which I’m going to need so desperately come midafternoon. The sound of scampering footsteps around the house became clearer. Quick change of momentum when the Big Ginger wakes up. Nothing like waking up to a 6’7 red haired lunatic bellowing at you from a funnel. “Boys! Time to get on the piss” The war drums begin. The irresponsibility which comes along with a Rolling Rock for breakfast gives you a real giddy feeling about the day. There’s this childish look-at-menow-mom kind of atmosphere around me. It was when we

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rode the bus for breakfast when I realized that this day was definitely not the day for smart decisions. It was only about nine when we needed a change of scenery. The block was hot so we had to flee the scene before we really did something out of hand. The hired rent-a-cop who sits outside our corner was getting chirped mercilessly for no great reason. We already had two jump off the deck suggestions. We we’re running out of booze and the Big Ginger had nearly sniped an unsuspecting Chipman fan with a beer bottle for not giving us enough attention. Nothing but trouble.

We wrapped ourselves in our finest green and white attire and made our way over to Brown House. Lit, is unfortunately the word I’m going to use to describe it, absolutely lit.

There was a keg being pumped in every room in the house, plus a backup keg for when the first one tapped out. There were ter-

ribly mixed drinks being handed out by a pretty girl in an Eaton hat. Music could have been louder, but the second I thought that, I also considered the fact that it was not even ten in the morning, no one needs a rave that early. The Big Ginger and I decided it was time to pay our dues so we manned the nearest keg for a what seemed like a century. Since filling cups is a waste of time, and basically just a spill waiting to happen, we introduced the keg stand corner.

Results we’re uncanny, I got a disgusting amount of drool and beer combo spit back up on my hand, regardless, super worth it. But on a very serious note, anyone who slights EC’s partying capabilities, smarten up. It was rock solid, good vibes all around.

In the midst of all the fun, I tripped and fell all the way up the hill to the Chipman party. Red Death. What a miserable waste of time. Chip-What?

Shut up. I felt a little dishonest up there, but who cares, Dennis can play either side. Literally the only cool thing at that party is the snapchat story.

Safe to say, it was a short visit. Left enough time to change back into my green and make it down to the game. The Big Ginger didn’t make it to the game, he took a lovely lady down to library pub for a lunch date,

didn’t even catch her name, what a gentleman.

The Game Arrived at the game fashionably late, so we won’t have any coverage on the first period. None too worry, the rest of the “coverage” is so hazy that you’d probably be better off without it. At the beginning of the

Photo by Anthony Chu

athsports&wellness second Eaton was up 1-0. The boys in green had a couple big hits but other than that, there wasn’t too much excitement.

With eight minutes to go in the second, Chipman scored and the other side of the rink erupts in a “Fuck EC” chant. Eaton responds within minutes as they score to make it 2-1. The momentum is picking up as the green half of the rink explodes for the second time. It’s tense on the ice as some of the players almost started a little rumble. Give the people what they want! Chip ties it up with two minutes to go in the second.

The period ends with Chipman playing hockey and Eaton playing kill the carrier.

During the intermission I was able to get a word in with Olivia, the SRA of Eaton. “This is great.

I hope we win. I’m having fun.”

Good stuff Olivia. Third period starts off with a bang. Fortyfive seconds in and Eaton scores to make it 3-2. Eaton is playing on their heels this period trying to hold off Chipman’s offense.

They couldn’t hold off long enough as Chip ties it up with 7 minutes to go. Yellow bucket is looking like a fool on the ice as he misses a huge chance. Things are really starting to heat up as Eaton is pushing to even the count to 10-10 on this twentieth Cheaton anniversary. My notes get really sloppy at this point, they become either unreadable or simply just don’t make any sense in my current mind frame. “Kill the body and the head will die” That’s enough out of you Big Ginger. Tuning back into the game, EC is pushing and it could go either way.

First year stud, Spencer Buck jumps on the ice with 2:24 left as green goes a man up. The kid comes through! Spence scores with 1:58 to go, making history, a real shame that 60% of the audience won’t even remember it. The Eaton crowd quickly turned into a zoo, homemade shirts we’re off and swinging, so much hype for the closing minutes. Eaton’s defense is solid and Chip has their goalie pulled. Absolutely nothing, Eaton’s resilience pulled through and the buzzer rang to bring in this year’s Cheaton cup. I wonder if they still have beer at Brown House? Chip leaves bitterly as Eaton celebrates with their buckets off on the ice.

What a game.

Editor’s note: They did not have beer at Brown House. The place was an absolute dead zone.

Also, to whom it may concern, I took one of the kegs. It was empty, it is now being used as a side table in my living room.

You can come get it back anytime at 14 Linden, I’m sorry.

Thanks for the awesome party.

Can’t wait for next year’s chEATON cup.

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THE RISE OF CHEATON CUP A Look at Twenty Years of Cheaton Cup

Absolute chaos. On a positive note, the event was able to generate around $1000 in its This year marks the twenti- very first year which went toeth anniversary of the ever- wards feeding those in need in so controversial tradition of Wolfville.

Cheaton Cup. This annual hockey game expresses the Since then the transformarivalry between two campus tion has been unbelievable. residences, Eaton and Chip- Incidents at the game itself diminished entirely. man. Many people choose to have remember this day as one to The crowd has been limited forget: long-lasting parties, to solely Acadia students, front lawns stained with solo and others who personally cups, swinging fists over shirt request to attend. Students colours, the list goes on. What stream in from either side of people don’t remember is the town to support their chosen history of the game, the school residence anticipating a good, spirit, the precautions we take old-fashion hockey game. The to ensure student safety and arena is littered with rent-amost importantly, the chari- cops, yellow jackets, events table donations which this staff, organizers and repregame collects year after year. sentatives from the chosen Just as in life, those who want charities (L’Arche and the to concentrate on the nega- SMILE program) to ensure tives will always be able to a safe and controlled event. find them. Hopefully, we can There have been multiple prolook past the few bad apples visions which have been put in who bring these negatives to place to promote the positive, light and focus on the count- healthy environment which less positive outcomes of this the game initially intended. timeless tradition.

We recently had representaSince the beginning of time tives from our Student Union, there has been a rivalry be- Ted Higa and Jess Boone, who tween Eaton and Chipman. gave a presentation outlining The on-campus antics which four helpful hints for Chetook place between these two aton-day participants. The houses were in good spir- ASU offered free food half its, but commonly taken an hour before the game betoo far. Out of character for cause as many people forget, nineteen-year-old boys? I’d lack-of-food hurts in drinksay no. Twenty years ago we ing situations. It’s a lesson were at the point where guys we are trying to teach withwould just walk twenty steps out the need for experiencing to the opposing house just it. Another tip was outlining to vandalize it. There would the pace of the day. Too ofbe fights between groups of ten we see people get overly guys in opposing houses due excited because they’ve got to a combination of ego and a beer in their hand before liquid courage. What a poor noon and their mother in anexcuse for house pride. Sim- other province. The day is not ply stupid. In order to chan- a sprint. It is not a marathon. nel this energy a hockey game It is a jog at your own pace, was proposed. One game, each for however long you feel like house handpicks their best stretching your legs. The third team, a leave it all on the ice tip was one which I believe is kind of mentality. This game was started by Steve Hassapis who, at the time, was head of both houses. Hassapis is now the Coordinator of Student Community Development and handles the non-academic judicial process. Most students probably just know him as the “guy you do not want to get a letter from.” After a conversation with Steve, I was able to put in perspective of how far this event has come. The very first game, Cheaton Cup 1996, was a pleasant disaster. With a grand total of three authoritative figures, two referees and an overwhelming amount of students. It ended in an on-ice team brawl which carried through to the crowd.

Samuel Gillis Sports Editor

unbelievably important, and commonly overlooked. We need to watch out for one another. Over-consumption is etched into the human DNA, and it will happen to those who aren’t careful. So, be a good friend, or a good neighbor at least. If you see someone over-the-top pissed, take them home. Regardless if they admit it at the time, it will be appreciated. Ted and Jess also warned students of the consequences which unfortunately happen time after time again during Cheaton cup. The fines for underage drinking, open liquor, drunk tank experiences and others. In conclusion, they are all expensive and two-hundred percent never worth it. Be smart.

Room. To my disappointment we had a limited amount of games that he could play. We got out an ancient, homemade ramp, eight bowling pins, and an assortment of spheres, one bowling ball, one tennis ball and a soccer ball. We took turns rolling the balls down the ramp and celebrating wildly every time we were able to knock some pins down.

You knew it was a good throw when you saw Owen’s face light up before the ball even left the ramp. But, the ramp has decayed from its years of service in the SMILE games room, giving us difficulty during every roll. The balls were either deflated or warped. As far as pins go, I guess all eight of them were simply perfect.

We bowled happily for about After looking at all of these twenty minutes, we didn’t ways in which we, the stu- even give him the opportunity dents, can make this an en- to get a strike. joyable, safe and memorable event – you still may be ask- This year, the Twentieth Aning yourself, why? I’m going niversary of this great hockey to give my personal reason, game, we hope to generate hoping that you will appre- more money for these lociate the first hand benefits cal causes. So when we think charitable donations can give. about this day, let’s try not to The Sensory Motor Instruc- focus on the negatives. Forget tional Leadership Experience the parties, the early wakeup, Program is a free, predomi- and the trash the next day. nantly student-run organiza- Think about where this has tion. A vast amount of their come from, what it has befunding every year comes come, and why we do it. Myfrom Cheaton cup. Last year it self, along with many other generated nearly $5000 dol- students believe that Cheaton lars to split between itself and Cup is more than just what it L’Arche Homefires, a commu- is rumored to be. This is an nity of homes helping people annual opportunity: an opwith disabilities. This year was portunity to bond with one the first time I became in- another, an opportunity to volved in the SMILE program show our town some maturias a volunteer. I was fortu- ty, an opportunity to continue nate enough to be partnered this well-intentioned tradiwith my new friend Owen. tion, and for myself – an opOwen has cerebral palsy, and portunity to show Owen what has very restricted fine mo- a strike feels like. So let’s take tor movements. During our advantage of this opportunity first day, we were unable to and make this year another go swimming so we spent success and keep Cheaton Cup the morning in the Snoezelen alive for years to come.

Photo by Anthony Chu

March 29th, 2016 15

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T W O D O K U 16 Issue 78.9