The Athenaeum, issue 79.6

Acadia’s Student Newspaper, since 1874 February 8th, 2017 Issue 79.6

The election Issue PAGES 9, 10, 11

EDITORIALS GB: a response page 2

FEATURES acadia art page 5

OPINIONS too chipper page 12

ARTS our picks page 16

ath atheditorials The Athenaeum Acadia University’s Student Newspaper Issue 79.6 ASU Box 6002, Acadia University Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R5

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LET THE HUMANITARIANS HELP: A n E ducated Response

Editor-In-Chief: Andrew Haskett Email: eic@acadiau.ca O�ce Hours: Tue & Thu 1:30-4:30

Emily Sweeney, Paetra Addison, Emma Whitley, Amy Lee, Carrie Wood, and Morgan Uhlman with input from the Global Brigades Community.

Advertising/Business Inquiries: tompkins.biz@acadiau.ca wile.biz@acadiau.ca

On January 23rd, an anonymous article was published in the Athenaeum criticising Global Brigades. As former participants and current executive members of a few university chapters of Global Brigades in Atlantic Canada, this particular piece struck us as not only unfair, but completely uninformed. Throughout our years of involvement with the organization, criticisms and concerns about our goals that are constructive and wellresearched have always been welcomed in our discussions.

However, this article is neither. The author seems to have done his or her “research” no further than perusing the very Facebook photos of children he or she condemns in their writing. And for this reason, they sound like nothing but, as one online commenter put it, a “student writer trying to push buttons with the voluntourism spiel.”

Section Editors

Management

Arts & Culture: Sidharth Kondapuram Creative: Kelsey Crosby Distractions: Thane Mullen Features: Katrina Kwan News: Allison Smith Opinions: Emma Hughes Sports: Hayley Phoenix Science: Hope Latta

Production: Adam Langille Photography: Anjuli Ripley Business / Ads: Noah Tompkins & Colleen Wile Managing: Hannah Hutchinson Copy Editor Kody Crowell Editor-in-Chief Andrew Haskett

The Athenaeum is the official student newspaper of Acadia University and is published in print and online yearround 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 5pm 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 week’s cover photo was taken by Janani Chandramouli

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For background, Global Brigades (GB) is the world’s largest student-led sustainable health and development organization; it is available to university students in the United States, UK, and Canada. Global Brigades is built upon the idea of collaboration between motivated individuals and professionals. It propels the concept of “holistic development” – the system of collectively implementing health, economic, and education initiatives to strategically meet a community’s development goals. This global development theory suggests that sustainable change can be accomplished when a community’s health, economic, and educational components are collectively developed and improved together. For Global Brigades, this holistic model includes preparation, delivery, and follow-up of nine unique programs conducted in collaboration with community members, student volunteers, local technicians, and professionals.

The first comments we wish to address from the Athenaeum article are as follows: “Don’t try to pitch it to me that I’m going to be single-handedly responsible for improving ‘quality of life, resolve global health and economic dispari-

ties and work collaboratively with community members to work towards an equal world all while respecting local culture.’”

The following can be read directly from the Global Brigades website: “We are often asked: “How can a one-week brigade with just university students be sustainable?” Our answer: In and of itself, it is certainly not.” GB utilizes thousands of students, working within nine development programs alongside specialized, local technicians who come from each of the four countries Global Brigades is active in: Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, and Ghana. Each brigade works o� of a previous group’s work to accomplish a larger health or development goal. No one is “single-handedly responsible” for improvements. And perhaps one of the most important parts of GB is that it would not operate without the community members and local technicians designing and perpetuating the projects with GB sta�, both local and international employees, when the brigades are not there. Global Brigades employs hundreds of in-country sta� and local technicians to work with community-based committees year-round – and the volunteers who come? They simply provide time, donations, resources, and extra hands to allow projects to be completed.

The next section we wish to address is below: “If you wanted to respect local culture, you should not be involved in perpetuating Western forms of “development” … Who are you to come in and dictate what the people need?””

When it comes to selecting communities, Global Brigades allows their methodology to depend upon relations with local government and community leaders. The community must buy-in; therefore GB sta� and volunteers do not work where they are not invited, and where community members are not willing to put their own time and resources into a project. GB identifies communities that have needs that align with their program-

matic strengths, but it is the community that decides which projects are to be completed.

When Microfinance and Business Brigades are available, the community leaders identify what their goals are for their community bank and capital. When Public Health and Architecture Brigades are utilized, it is only because a family has chosen to participate and work collaboratively upon their new home or sanitation facilities. Families are required to invest and make a financial contribution to begin the work; those that need assistance to pay for their Public Health Projects are able to take out a low-interest micro-loan from the community banks established by Microfinance Brigades prior to Global Brigades’ entrance into a community. And between brigades? In times of interim, the in-country team provides follow-up to ensure the maintenance of the structures, and work to find funding that will complement the health goals of the community to perpetuate future construction.

The last points we wish to respond to are the following comments: “…if you’re sick and in need of some life-saving injection, do you want a student administering that shot for you? Do you want a student giving you advice about your nutrition?

Do you want a student building your homes? The answer is no. You want an actual doctor giving you medical attention.

You want fully-trained nutritionists giving you advice. You want actual labour-skilled workers building your home … Leave them to their shoddily built houses made by 18 to 22-year olds with no building experience … It would suck to find out that the house you built for a Honduran family came crashing down on them because it was poorly constructed.”

As former and current Medical/Dental Brigade participants and leaders, we can assure you that all diagnoses, injections, prescriptions, and medical procedures are performed by trained health professionals. For Acadia, and any other participating universities here in Canada, this medical team is made up of Canadian physicians, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists, who travel with the students and collaborate with them.

This occurs alongside local

professionals, who volunteer their time to serve in the rural areas of their own country.

It is students that assist in triage, where they can weigh children and record patient information, while trained nurses checks vitals such as blood glucose levels. Students assist physicians in transcribing the details of their patient’s appointment and prescriptions, so that Global Brigades can retain a history of individual patients, and track improvements in a community’s health. Students become a second set of hands to pass and fetch tools for a busy dentist where there is no hygienist to assist in procedures.

Students are the manpower in the pharmacy, while a pharmacist oversees their work, and the mountain of prescriptions that would cause a bottleneck at the end of everyday is avoided.

The extra hands that an “untrained student” can provide are why GB can see over 1500 of a community’s patients in a week. And likewise, this is the case for the labor-intensive brigades, where we see houses, stoves, latrines, and so much more created. Trained, local engineers and foreman oversee this work. The students are simply there to help it grow faster, not reach beyond their scope of practice.

“Ethically”, GB states on their website, “volunteers are not to conduct any activities on a brigade that they would not be licensed to do in their home country. There are disciplinary actions and ethics committees that intervene when these instances are reported.” If you’d like, you can read their entire ethics policy online.

Constructive, well-researched criticism about global aid is a useful tool. It helps our services improve and grow. However, this anonymous article accomplishes none of the desired quality or criteria, and does more harm than stimulate factual discussion. Rather than continuing to post rebuttal articles through the Ath, we invite you to engage in discussion with Global Brigades members in a transparent and open medium that is better suited for this conversation. We invite you to drop into a meeting at 7 pm every Sunday in BAC 207 to engage in discussions with regards to the impacts of voluntourism, common critiques, the holistic model, and sustainability.

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ASSOCIATED ALUMNI OF ACADIA UNIVERSITY AND THE ATHENAEUM STUDENT OF THE YEAR The Student of the Year award is presented annually to an Acadia student who has excelled throughout his/her time at Acadia. The award is presented to a nominee who has contributed to the Acadia and Wolfville communities and has worked to further the Acadia spirit through his/her extracurricular and/or academic activities.

The award is presented to the student at the Graduation Banquet on Sunday, May 14th.

Deadline for nominations: March 31, 2017.

Nomination form(s) available at: http://www2. acadiau.ca/alumni-friends/alumni/awards.html

February 8th, 2017

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NEVER ENOUGH COFFEE IN WOLFVILLE Allison Smith News Editor

As if choosing where to buy your morning co�ee, afternoon brew or all nighter fuel isn’t hard enough… there’s a new co�ee shop in town and Charts is sure to be on your list of places to hit in Wolfvegas. When Il Dolce closed in the fall, a co�ee lover like myself was eager to see if a new café would fill this large bright space. Meanwhile, Jesse, a corporate businessman living in Victoria BC, caught word of the empty space in Wolfville from his parents who live in the Valley. Seeking a route out of the humdrum of corporate life, Wolfville wasn’t always on the top of Jesse’s list. He had hidden sights set on Halifax but when this came up it seemed like the right op-

portunity. So he bought the business and was back in Nova Scotia within a week.

The inspiration for the name Charts come from Jesse’s childhood growing up living all over the world and the time he has spent living abroad on his own. The walls of the coffee shop are adorned with maps and the space is filled with comfy couches and the scent of fresh baked goods. Though he didn’t grow up in Nova Scotia, he went to school at St. Francis Xavier and even lived in Wolfville while working at Atkins, the former muchloved restaurant that once occupied Privet House’s former home. So I would say opening Charts is a bit of coming home for this wandering soul.

Now, about the co�ee.

After many tastings, Jesse narrowed in on North

Mountain co�ee for their great taste, small batch roasting and emphasis on fair trade. And delicious it is. The team at Charts is striving to serve immaculate espresso drinks, everything from cappuccinos and Americanos to lattes and Americano mistos.

The shop o�ers more than just co�ee, though. All the baked goods at Charts are prepared in house by Jesse himself or the other employees, many of whom are Acadia students. They are compilations of family recipes and his own adaptations of Google’s finest.

I can vouch for the deliciousness of the compass buns (cinnamon buns).

They also prepare lunch; two permanent soups and some sandwiches to choose from (including vegetarian) and are hoping to add a more exotic soup on rota-

tion soon. All the ingredients are sourced as locally as possible including meat from Oltan’s farm here in the Valley.

The atmosphere at Charts is truly unique. Such a bright large space, with couches you sink into and no wi-fi to impede your de-stressing, Charts aims to encourage conversation and relaxation. And once they get their music up and running it will be just that. In warmer weather look forward to a sprawling patio and drinking your co�ee in the sun without too much tra�c from foot tra�c, since Elm Street tends to be quiet. Unless it is Saturday, however then it is hard not to stop in on your way home from the market for one last treat.

A co�ee shop seems to be just the beginning for this entrepreneur. He has big

plans for Charts in the future, such as hot breakfasts, mocktails and even possibly a wine bar. You will certainly have to keep checking in to see if any of these dreams come to fruition. They may seem lofty but so does quitting your job and moving across the country for a good cup of co�ee.

With no experience in managing small businesses, Jesse has an uphill battle ahead of him. However, so far the trails and tribulations of running his own business, such as forgetting the float on opening day have not gotten him down and a love of co�ee and a great team behind him will surely make it all possible. So make your way down to Elm Street sometime soon for a relaxing afternoon and a cup of co�ee and welcome Wolfville’s newest entrepreneur.

“MAKE NO MISTAKE, THIS WAS A TERRORIST ATTACK” Sarah Bachar Contributor

On Sunday, January 29th at around 7:50 pm, 6 men were killed by gunfire at a mosque in Quebec City, and 19 were left injured. As of Monday, January 30, a man named Alexandre Bissonnette has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder, and five counts of attempted murder using a restricted firearm. Bissonnette, 27, is currently a student at Laval University in Quebec City, where he studies Political Science and Anthropology and has been known in activist circles to be associated with the french extreme-right.

Prime Minister Trudeau has called the events that took place on Sunday evening an act of terror.

According to witnesses, gunshots rang out at around 7:50 pm, at the Centre Culturel Islamique du Quebec, with the first 911 call taking place at 7:55 pm. All six individuals who

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died of their injuries were men, ranging in age from 49 to 60.

The Mosque, the Centre Culturel Islamique du Québec, is found within Quebec City’s Sainte-Foy neighbourhood, which has one of the lowest homicide rates in the country. The mosque has re-opened as of Wednesday, February 1, 2017.

Le Centre Culturel Islamique du Quebec had apparently been targeted by racist and anti-immigrant vandalism in the past, but with nothing coming close to the tragedy experienced Sunday evening. Along with a multitude of other acts of vandalism, the Mosque received in June a severed pig’s head, gift wrapped with a note reading “bon appétit.” Acts such as these prompted the Mosque to install security cameras inside and outside of the building, which helped lead authorities to identify the perpetrator as Alexandre Bissonnette.

Bissonnette is thought to have been acting alone and is facing 6 counts of first-degree murder, and 5 counts of attempted murder. Though Prime Minister Trudeau, along with Quebec Premier Phillippe Couillard have called the shooting a “terrorist attack,” many legal experts have expressed that it is unlikely that Bissonnette will be charged with terrorism. Canada’s definition of terrorism in the Criminal Code is: an act committed “for a political, religious or ideological purpose, objective or cause,” and, according to University of Toronto Law Professor Kent Roach, this law is written in “such a way that a person acting entirely alone is unlikely to face terror charges.”

To not press terrorismrelated charges against Bissonnette, a white male, would send a strong signal as to who the Justice system and Canadian public deems capable of committing acts of terror, and who

they do not— namely, men of colour, and Muslim men in particular. Despite the connotations associated with not being formally accused of committing an act of terrorism, Bissonnette, if found guilty, will most likely not be able to apply for parole for 150 years, thanks to a 2011 federal legislation called the Protecting Canadians by Ending Sentence Discounts for Multiple Murders Act. On Monday, January 30, Prime Minister Trudeau, and the federal opposition party leaders spoke out about the attack, before attending an evening vigil in Quebec City. The Prime Minister went on record saying, “Make no mistake, this was a terrorist attack. It was an attack on our most intrinsic and cherished values as Canadians: values of openness, diversity and freedom of religion. Canadians will not be intimidated, we will not meet violence with more violence. We will meet fear

and hatred with love and compassion.”

The massacre has raised international attention, with political leaders such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President François Hollande, and Pope Frances o�ering their condolences to those a�ected by the events of Sunday evening. The Ei�el Tower was switched o� after midnight on January 31 in memory of the victims.

The events that unfolded on Sunday evening have raised concern about Canada’s conversation about immigration, racism, and Islamophobia; especially in light of the recent immigration ban adopted by American President Donald Trump. As a nation, we must remain hopeful that in spite of these horrific events, we can collectively work together to repair the deep divide that still remains among many marginalised groups in Canada, and try to prevent any further su�ering.

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RIHANNA AND JK ROWLING “CLAP BACK” #stayawayfromourchickens

Katrina Kwan Features Editor In recent months, politics has become a buzzword.

Some people relish in discussing politics, while others are deeply opposed.

From classrooms to coffee shops, it has become increasingly rare to stay away from the subject.

Even celebrities, such as Rihanna and JK Rowling, are turning to social media sites such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to express their views. It’s not too di�cult to notice a pattern emerging in the comments section of these sites: while many people support their political commentary, there is also great and often antagonistic resistance to it.

On January 28th, in response to President Trump’s executive order of the so-called Muslim ban, Rihanna exclaimed on Twitter: “Disgusted!

The news is devastating!

America is being ruined right before our eyes!

What an immoral pig you have to be to implement such BS!!” Earning 150,000 retweets and nearly 400,000 likes, it was clear that she expressed an opinion that resonated with many.

However, fellow singer Azealia Banks thought di�erently about Rihanna’s comment, responded (on what are now deleted posts): “As far as [R] ihanna (who isn’t a citi-

zen, and can’t vote) and all the rest of the celebrities who are using their influence to stir the public, you lot really REALLY need to shut up and sit down…. Stop chastising the president. It’s stupid and pathetic to watch…

Hoping the president fails is like getting on an airplane and hoping the pilot crashes.”

In a similar way, JK Rowling was also told to “shut up and sit down.” Commenting on the Muslim ban and the experiences of those being detained at American airports, she posted on Twitter: “When I worked for Amnesty International in the 80s, these were the kind of stories told by political prisoners in dictator-

THE ACADIA ART GALLERY: An Interview Katrina Kwan Features Editor The Acadia Art Gallery opened in 1978, providing both students and public alike the opportunity to indulge in their artistic side. I recently had the opportunity to interview Hunter Gillis, who works for the gallery, and asked him a few questions about his role, the new exhibit currently on display and more.

Q: What can you tell us about the new exhibit?

A: This is the 26th time that the Acadia University Art Gallery has opened itself to submissions from Acadia students, alumni, faculty and members of our community. The

Annual Acadia Art Exhibition is an important event that celebrates creativity in our community. It provides a public forum to explore both the work of new and established artists.

The exhibit contains a wide range of artwork that not only allows visitors to view works from the community, but also the creative talent and expression that the members of our community possess.

sential tasks for the day to day operations are complete when I leave.

I also focus on social media, which entails Twitter, Instagram and other social media accounts that the gallery has.

Q: What is your favourite thing about working at the gallery?

A: Getting a chance to meet members of the community. I would consider myself to be a people person and I enjoy hearing someone’s Q: What is your role at perspective of the work the gallery? on display or their own A: I typically have two personal stories. main tasks. I act as a liaison between the gal- Q: Why do you think art lery and the public. I is important? answer any questions A: I think art is an imthat people have on portant part of our dethe exhibit and ensure velopment as humans that the gallery is well and an essential elekept and that the es- ment of empowering

ships.” In response, an individual known as Mr. America on Twitter responded: “You’re a grown ass woman whose entire career is based on stories about a nerd who turns people into frogs. Stay out of politics.”

“Shut up and sit down.”

“Stay out of politics.” Do celebrities like Rihanna and JK Rowling warrant such responses because the realm of politics isn’t necessarily their expertise? If you’re a singer or an author, does that automatically make your political opinions and engagement moot? Isn’t Azealia Banks, a fellow singer, being hypocritical in her response due to it’s political nature? Telling people to “stop chastising the hearts of people.

Artists can strengthen the will of the people and inspire them to act through revolutionary ideas and powerful imagery. Artists have the unique power of being able to move people to action, thus signifying their cultural and political contribution and importance.

Q: Do you wish more students would get more involved with the arts? How would you achieve this?

A: Yes, but finding an answer on how to achieve this is a difficult task. I think part of the issue is how neoliberalism has affected the university. Universities as we know them today promote STEM fields over liberal arts, and encourages instructors to teach students for future employment, rather than toward

the president” is political commentary. Should she practice what she preaches? What makes “Mr. America” qualified to tell a person to stay out of politics? What makes his opinion any more valid?

Taking the high road, Rihanna posted an image on Instagram with the caption: “the face you make when you an immigrant. #stayawayfromourchickens”. Comments telling people to remain silent only promote ignorance and shallow discussion.

Now, more than ever, individuals should engage in open discussion to hold those in power accountable and to understand di�erent points of view.

JK Rowling says it best: “In – Free – Countries – Anyone – Can – Talk – About – Politics.”

broad and informed citizenship. I am not entirely sure exactly how we can rectify the situation we find ourselves in.

Q: When is the gallery open?

A: We are closed on Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday: 127pm and Thursday to Sunday: 12-4pm.

Q: What is your favourite piece/exhibit so far?

A: It’s hard to pick just one piece, I have a few that I love, but my favourite is by the artist Gus Rhodes, titled “The Creative Impulse, for $35 an hour, Imitating the Idea of a Zen Master, to make a pretty picture, to try and make some money, to pay a couple of bills,” (and yes that’s the name of the piece). It is number 88 in the exhibit.

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THE MAPLE LEAGUE Colin Mitchell Contributor

Selecting a university is never easy. By the time Grade 12 rolls around, students are surrounded with applications, viewbooks, and guides pressuring them to choose the flashiest institution. It’s a game that’s gone on for decades, and the big names like McGill, Queen’s and UBC have consistently won. But there are new challengers in the ring.

The former U4 League, now known as the Maple League, has proven to be a viable alternative. Composed of four schools – Acadia, Mount Allison, St. FX, and Bishop’s – the Maple League is challenging larger schools sucking young minds out of the Maritimes and providing an education focused on hands on research, intensive participation, and student engagement.

Creating this association among small, primarily undergraduate schools is two-fold. First, it’s a brilliant marketing play. When these schools go into high schools to persuade students to apply, they present more than one choice for small schools in Atlantic Canada. They present four schools that are similar on the surface, being small town liberal arts schools, while o�ering incredible breadth and depth. This kind of marketing demonstrates to the rest of Canada that we present a di�erent kind of education. Our model, which focuses on liberal arts and sciences, is mostly non-existent within Canada but plentiful in the United States. With recent political turmoil down south and the relatively inexpensive Canadian dollar, it is also an attempt to push into other markets and expand our business pool.

Secondly, they offer incredible opportunities to collaborate. Collaboration with other schools in the Maple League takes many forms.

Little things, like Axe Radio sharing their programs with other schools in the Maple

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League, or big things, like working together on research projects are the hallmarks of the Maple League. Recently there was a talk given by former Prime Minister of Canada Paul Martin at St. FX and it was livestreamed to other Maple League schools. This past fall, Mount Allison made it possible to o�er Greek courses to students at Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Quebec.

Here at Acadia a course on Genocide and Justice is being taught via livestream to other institutions within the Maple League. In order to make a successful team, one has to figure out how to work together. The Maple League was only established a few years ago (originally named the U4), and we’re still looking for our footing that will set us apart from all others.

Many think of the Ivy League as a similar institution. In reality, the Ivy League is just the name for an athletic conference that happens to encompass some of the wealthiest schools in the United States. Of course there’s an elitist, arrogant, and upper class connotation to the phrase ‘Ivy League.’

Looking beyond the social aspects that these schools share, their ability to collaborate through projects similar to what Axe Radio is doing is incredibly important. Cooperation through competition is what is necessary, especially in today’s day and age.

The Maple League o�ers something that many larger universities across Canada and the United States can’t: intimacy. The ability to sit in a class of 30 people and have your professor know your name is a privilege that students at McGill or the University of Toronto would gladly pay more (or less) for.

I was once haphazardly talking to my parents during the break, both of whom are UBC graduates, about their days in undergrad. I mentioned how almost all of my professors knew my name and noticed if I wasn’t in class. Their facial expressions verged on pure amazement. When they were

Photo by: Colin Mitchell

pursuing their education, they didn’t have that kind of intimacy. The most similar experience they could get was sitting at the front of the lecture hall of 500-1000 students, hoping that they would be able to raise their hand or ask the professor a fleeting question after the class ended.

The value in small institutions is priceless. Compared to larger schools where lecture halls are hundreds if not thousands of students, the student to faculty ratio at these schools is around 15:1.

Having professors who know your name, who know you as a student, and who know you well enough to write reference letters is infinitely more valuable than going to a university with a big name but little personal connection.

Small schools like the ones in the Maple League have consistently come in the top ten of Maclean’s primarily undergraduate university rankings, and maintain incredibly high student satisfaction and retention rates. That certainly speaks to the fact that there’s a reason to stay at these schools.

Some may say that these small schools haven’t produced the same calibre of alumni that bigger schools like Queen’s, Western, or Dalhousie have. Well, let’s take a look at that. Mount Allison has more Rhodes scholars per capita than any other university in Canada. Acadia has had members of the Irving family,

as well as Alex Maclean and Charles Huggins (who won a Nobel Prize) pass through its doors. Bishop’s has housed several CFL players during their undergraduate careers, and St FX has educated former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and several Maritime Premiers. If that isn’t enough alumni who have achieved greatness to persuade you to attend, who says you can’t?

At the launch of the Maple League, President Ray Ivany laid out some of the benefits of an education at any of this institutions: “In the upper-year courses at our schools, you are essentially a graduate student in your ability to do independent research,” he said. This strikes a chord with many students across the country, as an undergraduate degree is becoming more common and grad schools harder to get into.

Having the opportunity to essentially be a grad student in your final years of undergrad prepares one to be that much more ready for the workforce, which is becoming increasingly more competitive every year.

There is a lot of promise for the Maple League.

In addition to adding revenue to the four universities, it also brings students from across the continent to these institutions. Students from Bermuda, British Columbia, California, Nigeria, Scotland, and countless more places are crucial to these institutions. Not only are

they exposed to the beautiful towns of Wolfville, Sackville, Antigonish, and Lennoxville, but they also begin to develop an attachment to their province. Outmigration deprives Nova Scotia of nearly $1.2 billion every year. Why? Simply, in the past, we haven’t had many students. With a multilateral approach facilitated by the Maple League we have the ability to draw students to these parts of Canada so they can fall in love and give back.

There will obviously be ups and downs in the Maple League’s progress. Each institution will play a crucial role in attracting students to invigorate the respective town, but working together through the Maple League will make it that much easier. Regardless of the university, Acadia, Mount Allison, St. FX, and Bishop’s all have so much to o�er. They deliver on the promise of a solid liberal arts education and they provide the intimacy that so many larger schools lack.

But if there’s one thing they do best, it’s that they ensure students aren’t just numbers.

Students are the central focus of the institutions. They’re the poets, the scientists, the artists, the athletes, the singers, the mathematicians, the leaders, the writers, the activists, and the scholars that form the bedrock of each school. They are the future. The least these universities can do is help them make the best of it.

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JOBLESS IN A JOBLESS TOWN:

Surviving the Summer in Wolfville Katrina Kwan Features Editor

As the second semester quickly gets under way, my mind wanders to the thoughts of a warm and sunny Wolfville. While I am certainly enjoying my time here at Acadia, a looming concern presses down on my shoulders. Looking to the future, I have been trying to plan out my summer here. I have a sublet apartment all ready and signed for, a summer reading list that I can’t wait to start, but one major thing is amiss: I can’t find a job here in the

Town of Wolfville.

This isn’t a reflection on my capabilities or past work experience, or a lack of trying. If I may toot my own horn, I think I’m a qualified candidate for any job. What concerns me is the lack of job opportunities here in this small town. I have visited local businesses and dropped o� resumes and I have visited Job Bank and Indeed almost daily. I suppose, of course, that the lack of employment makes sense.

Wolfville is a small town, and when the students

leave at the end of the academic year, Wolfville only gets smaller. Demand just isn’t there for small businesses to hire, and I understand that.

So I am forced to look elsewhere, to New Minas and even Kentville for summer employment. This, in itself, poses more problems than solutions. The public buses are notoriously late, so I would hate to rely on them as a mode of transportation. In addition, my status as a student makes it far more di�cult for me to obtain a job because of the fear that I may quit as soon as the new academic

year starts. So, here I am in quite a pickle.

It makes me wonder if my predicament is my fault.

But then I think of the grander scheme of things.

Nova Scotia’s economy isn’t exactly in its tip-top form. Politicians and economists are worried about a brain drain, and from my point of view, I can completely understand why.

With the limited opportunities, I have seriously considered going home to find work. I am holding out on the hope that a job opening will present itself, but I must admit that I am feeling really down on my luck.

I’m not an economics ma-

jor, but that hasn’t stopped me from thinking about what Nova Scotia can do.

How can Nova Scotia create more jobs? How can Wolfville create more jobs?

I feel as though Wolfville is overlooking a prime opportunity for growth and expansion. There is literally a source of new and ready individuals to join the work force, but Wolfville hasn’t taken advantage of that.

So instead, freshly capped graduates seek employment elsewhere and eventually settle down elsewhere, leaving Nova Scotia as a whole with a faltering economy and stagnant population growth.

In the mean time, I am jobless in a jobless town.

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE RETURNS TO THE VALLEY Mike Butler Contributor

After a very successful, near-sold out run at Centrestage Theatre last year, Tuesdays with Morrie (following a lot of demand for a repeat run) is returning to the Valley for six more performances! Audiences laughed, wept, and cheered for this beautiful production and the experience was so rewarding to the cast and crew that another run of the show was a no-brainer. The quality and message of the show will remain the same but the venue has changed to the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville, hoping to capture a new audience which will hopefully include more of the University students and faculty who were unable to make it the first time.

Cast and crew include director Cherie Zinck with lighting and sound by her husband Ernest.

Lending a helping hand with the production is Beth Irvine whom with-

out, we could not have managed the first time or this time! And the cast of two includes Kentville resident (and frequent CentreStage performer) Bryan Stoddard and me (Mike Butler) reprising our roles of Morrie and Mitch, longtime friends faced with the challenge of dealing with life, illness, death, insecurities, aging, and so much more.

Based on the best-selling memoir written by Mitch Albom, who also penned this play, Tuesdays with Morrie was an incredible experience for both Bryen and I (as well as the crew) who spent many hours chatting about our own experiences with death and illness and most importantly, Life!

We were so appreciative that this play came into our lives and we can’t wait to share it with an audience again.

Tuesdays with Morrie, produced by The Wolfville Theatre Collective (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? And Death

of a Salesman) is part of a new experimental One Act Play Series that will hopefully appeal to audiences. Please take advantage of seeing this rewarding and engaging piece of theatre that takes you on a journey like no other play you’ve seen.

Tuesdays with Morrie plays evenings starting March 8th through March 11that the Al Whittle Theatre on Main Street, Wolfville. Doors

open at 6:30 with a prompt show start time of 7:00PM. There will also be a MATINEE presentation on Saturday, March 11th at 2:00PM. Tickets are available in advance at The Box Of Delights Bookshop, Wolfville or at the door.

For more information please contact Mike at butlermike50@gmail. com.

Please take note as well that Tuesdays With Morrie will hold a SPECIAL $5.00 PREVIEW SHOW

on Tuesday March 7th at 7pm with all proceeds going to the ALS Society Of Nova Scotia!

We look forward to sharing this journey with you and hope you take away even just a bit of what we have during the production. It’s a production you’re bound to love and, to quote Morrie, “Without love we are birds with broken wings!”

Photo contributed by: Mike Butler

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A Thunderstorm Keisha Lent

You May Sid Kondapuram

i wish i were more things that a person could love, but my skin is raw and scarred, every second that i breathe is a second too long, and even with the right intentions my actions end up wrong.

What I’m trying to say is I find myself appreciating the rain but still I hope for the sun, and too often i am falling before the drop has begun.

It seems I am never enough, and loneliness hugs me until i cannot scream

I will never let you keep the accent lamp in the kitchen.

There’s pans, and pots, and spoons, and knives.

Cutting boards are littered with chives.

The wine we have is Spanish, and the cheese we have is French, and the rug we have is Turkish, and the steaks are made from deer.

But the accent lamp?

It’s not going to be here.

but i need to be this way, it’s how you left me.

Echos of Jazz Benjamin Pierce He was a Jazz player at a glance A family man in context He was cool, not as a description That was his definition His voice was bold, proud Echoing the music That didn’t play out loud “Better get it while it’s hot brother” I thanked him for the experience

The Secret Garden Amy Parkes His sins do you confess them?

No I keep them.

To some a peculiar matter for wife and husband, but the summer I was sixteen thirty-two years after the summer my sister was sixteen Pawn Manipulated.

Easily captured.

Often deemed the weakest. Insignificant.

Or so it may seem when it is so e�ortlessly annihilated by all of the other stronger pieces and even stronger still, the hand that displaces one without much of a second thought, because it is only a pawn after all. There are plenty others all across the board, equally as easy to displace as the last. But an important rule the pawn must always follow is that it is only allowed to move forward.

Never backward. And it does so one square inch at a time. Continuously moving forward until: checkmate.

Kelsey Crosby

what to do when daughters and fathers for he was surely a di�erent man then live as equals? Words unbound exchanging.

I know now how it was unfair but at the same time – he was never my hero, always just another man slowly sowing another garden to make up for his paradise lost.

I keep my own secret garden, and his too.

It made us closer.

(It made us the same person.)

But now I cannot tell apart bruised blooms mine or my father’s so I will keep these, too; in the same small box as his gold cu�inks, and that chip of gravel from another life.

Photo by: Anthony Chu

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Grace H-B

Ryan Myers

Justin King

Hi there! My name is Grace H-B and I’m from Halifax, Nova Scotia. I’m in my fourth of the Environmental Science Program working towards my Honour’s in a Bachelor of Science. I have fulfilled two out of my three cooperative education placements working for the provincial government at Nova Scotia Department of Environment and working for the federal government at Kejimkujik National Park. Currently, I am the Sustainability O�cer for the ASU, play on Acadia’s Ultimate Frisbee Team, sit on the Environmental Sustainability Committee of Wolfville and work at the on-campus student bar. You can often find me singing along o� key at Paddy’s on a Monday night!

Bio: My name is Ryan Myers and I am a 4th year music major running to be your Student Union President. As the current Equity Officer for the ASU, I hosted the extremely successful 1st annual Acadia Pride Walk, I sit on the sexual health committee where we devise strategies to ensure safe and consensual sex on campus, and represented the ASU at the Truth and Reconciliation conference to develop a plan of education and respect surrounding First Nations students and territory.

Meeting and representing students from countless different backgrounds has been an absolute privilege, and I hope to continue this work on a much larger scale in the upcoming school year.

Hey Acadia! My name is Justin King and I’m running for President of the ASU. A bit about me: I’m a 2nd year Economics and Business double major student and before coming to Acadia, I studied Industrial Engineering Technology at NSCC for two years. I am a volunteer member of Enactus’ Autism Works Project, the Acadia Economics Society and recently joined the Acadia Rotaract Club, and on top of all that; taking 6 courses and a 7th online this semester.

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for this position to continue the momentum of the e�orts that myself and other students have worked so hard to put forward. It is important now more than ever that we bring as much positivity, democracy and empathy to politics. Leaders are often made of similar material: strength, passion, optimism and drive. I am running for this position because I believe it is time that we bring compassion and warmth into our leadership positions in combination with tenacity.

What do you want to do?

By working with other students to discuss what is important to them I have determined four main goals for next year if I was to be elected. Firstly, explore financial solutions for students with lighter course loads. This would mean finding ways for students taking three courses, who also work full-time jobs or have children to not have to pay full-time tuition. Secondly, making ASU resources available to ALL students. Thirdly, promoting environmentally responsible solutions in every decision the student’s union makes. Lastly, building community by integrating the international and domestic students through better communication as well as wider representation of students in leadership roles.

Why am I running for the position? Simply put: I am running because I believe I am the best fit for President of the Acadia Students’ Union. Asserting myself in meetings and fighting for student rights is something I have taken pride in doing over the past year at Acadia. I have gone over and above what my current position requires of me and I plan to do the same as President. I have a solid platform that will facilitate real changes on campus that will ultimately make the Acadia experience a more enjoyable and inclusive one for all students.

What am I going to do? Beyond my deep pride for Acadia University, I have concrete plans to ensure that students feel knowledgeable and secure about what occurring on campus. Transparency, increased accessibility, and transitionary courses are three ways in which I plan to make a more versatile and welcoming Acadia University. Furthermore, working with Provincial and Federal governments to ensure students are financially able to attend University is something I will graciously and fervently strive to accomplish on behalf of Acadia students.

Why am I running for this position: I am running for the position of President for the Acadia Student Union because I believe in advocacy and representation of all groups on campus. I have noticed many subgroups of students being disenfranchised and disengaged with what the ASU stands for. I would like to lead the change in 2017-2018 to return the focus of the ASU to all students. Vote for me and I will be your voice Acadia.

My Platform: Airport Transportation – After writing exams, the last thing you want to do is worry about how you are going to get to the airport to start your break. I want to work with a local shuttle company to create a program to help ease the burden of finding transportation for students.

Union Transparency and Club Funding – Increased transparency of how Union funds are being spent and a review of the allocation of funds for societies and clubs. Currently many groups are having di�culty finding access to funds that were promised and no guidelines on how much their groups received.

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athelection Emily Murray

Bio: My name is Emily Murray and I am running for the position of VP Student Life in this year’s ASU Election, to be a part of next year’s ASU Executive team. Since beginning my degree in Environmental & Sustainability Studies (ESST), I’ve been heavily involved, dedicated, and motivated by each Club, Internal Organization, and House Council, of which all work extremely hard to better our undergraduate experience. Now, because I have been so lucky to work with and be a part of at least one of each, I feel it is time for me to give back and implement change.

Why are you running for this position?

I have been heavily involved in Clubs, Internal Organizations, and House Council since beginning my degree. To give a few examples, I was a part of my residence’s House Council for two years, am a member of Community Outreach Acadia, am a member of ESST Society, amongst other student initiatives. Being involved has shaped my overall experience; now it’s time to give back.

What do you want to do?

I want to promote the importance of transparency between Clubs, Internal Organizations, House Councils, and the on and o� campus communities through embracing the diversity of each individual and group. This will thrive through better communication from the ASU, which I hope to perform. I want to give equal opportunity and experience both inside and outside the Clubs, International Organizations, House Councils and the communities by creating a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Sean Porter

Why are you running for this position?

Being an ASU Councillor has prepared me for this position. Parts the ASU constitution were changed last semester, including aspects of VP Events & Promotions.

Some responsibilities of VP Programing and VP Communications were combined into this new position. Being present for each proposed change while simultaneously working with the previous VP’s will allow me to seamlessly enter the o�ce of VP Events & Promotions and hit the ground running!

What do you want to do?

As a Councillor I have been instrumental in success of many major events including SuperSub, the dodgeball tournament, and LSAT/MCAT practice tests. I will be key in planning events such as Cheaton Cup and St. Paddy’s day. I want to carry this experience into next year as VP Events & Promotions! I also want to e�ectively coordinate the ASU social media pages, properly articulate media releases, and plan events that students will love!

Alyssa Hall

Hello Acadia! I’m Alyssa Hall, a second year business student majoring in finance. Originally from Quispamsis, New Brunswick, I moved from one beautiful valley to another. As a very personable and outgoing person, I find myself an excellent candidate for councillor. I ran for this position earlier in the year and sadly did not make it; however, watching all the great work the current councillors are doing I knew I had to give it a second shot. I am running for this position to ensure that everyone at Acadia has a voice that will be heard. If elected as councillor, the mental health of students will be one of the most important things for me. I want every student at Acadia to feel as though they are able to talk about their mental health and for Acadia to be stigma free. We are already doing such great things for mental health here at Acadia but I know we can do even more!

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Noah Tompkins Bio:

I am in my third year at Acadia majoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Currently, I am working an eight month co-op position with Just Us! and spend my the rest of my time as an Enactus Project Manager as well as the Business Manager for this newspaper.

Why I am running: I have a passion for sustainability and see a lot of changes that need to be made around campus. I love getting involved in the Acadia and Wolfville communities and am excited to have another opportunity do so in a meaningful way that will benefit these communities and the world.

What I want to do: I want to help Acadia become a leader in sustainability by properly supporting other companies and organizations with the same mission. I will lobby for more local and sustainable products to be used and sold by Acadia and for more transparency within the university.

Regan Haley

My name is Regan Haley and I am a third year Kinesiology with Honours student. Throughout my years at Acadia I have volunteered with many groups such as Global Brigades, S.M.I.L.E, and the Special Olympics. I am the Third Year Representative on the Acadia Kinesiology Society.

I am running for the Professional Studies Senator because I am so passionate about my program and the other programs in this field. I thrive when in a leadership role and I would be honored to be given the opportunity to represent Professional Studies here at Acadia.

In the upcoming year I plan to be a clear form of communication between the Business, Kinesiology, and Education departments as well as with the S.R.C. I want to reinforce the events we already have and plan more events for all students of Professional Studies to partake in.

Christopher Saulnier Bio:

Hello, my name is Christopher Saulnier, your candidate for the position of Community Relations O�cer in this year’s General Election. I am a second-year marketing student from Liverpool, Nova Scotia, and an ECR alumni currently living o�campus. Aside from my studies, I currently volunteer with S.M.I.L.E. and work part-time as a cashier at Sobeys.

Why am I running for this position?

I am running for this position as a way to become more involved with Acadia’s relationship with the community. As well, like the many others running in this election, I wish to do my part to give back to the student body and work to keep making our university better.

What do I want to do?

As the Community Relations O�cer, my goal will be to encourage the development of mutual understanding, trust, and support between the Acadia student body and the Wolfville and surrounding community. Specifically, I want to create more opportunities for Acadia students to be able to become closer with the community members.

Colin Mitchell

As one of the youngest members on SRC, a Second Year Politics & History major from Vancouver, British Columbia, I’ve been active as the ASU Arts Senator, sitting on several Senate committees and working with the university on issues ranging from scholarships for new students to timetable changes.

Our Board of Governors is one of the most important bodies on campus. Sitting on the Board, I will ensure that students have their voices heard. Every detail of every proposal will be scrutinized and the university will be held accountable.

I’m here for you- the students of Acadia.

I want to work this upcoming year with the incoming administration, university and SRC, to craft a 10-year sustainability plan and put Acadia on the map as a leader both regionally and nationally. Our history has proven that we can innovate, and now we can prove it. Let’s work together and make change.

Carter Bobbie Bio:

Hello fellow Acadia students! My name is Carter Bobbie and I’m a 4th year Political Science student running for the ASU position of VP Academic and External.

I currently serve as councillor on the Acadia Students Union. This privilege has provided me with a clear understanding of the current challenges we all face. My involvement with council, including revisions to our Constitution, has provided me with important relationships and strong negotiation skills to successfully advocate on your behalf. I am a level-headed, determined, and approachable individual who will work hard towards bringing real and sustainable change that will benefit the entire Acadia community.

Why Are You Running for This Position?

Attending Acadia University is a privilege, but sometimes things go sideways. I understand because I’ve been there! I’ve worked hard towards developing the right negotiation skills needed to successfully advocate on a student’s behalf. It’s important to make a contribution at the individual level, but it’s also important to fairly represent the entire Acadia community. I understand the pulse of the student body and will work towards bringing real and sustainable change that will benefit everyone.

What Do You Want to Do? Enhance and improve relations – Work with external lobby groups including Students Nova Scotia, Atlantic Universities and Federal/Provincial governments; provide a large-scale platform for Acadia’s voice to be heard; create achievable, coherent policies that provide real change for Acadia students.

Senate – Make Senators accountable to work towards a better understanding of the current academic divisions/issues important to students.

Equity – continually advocate towards resolutions that are equitable for students and the entire student body; bridge the gap between demographics.

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Samantha Nixon Devon Earle Bio: Hi, I’m Samantha Nixon and I’m running for the position of VP Academic & External Hello! Bonjour! My name is Devon Earle and I come from the dairy town for Acadia Students’ Union. I am currently in my third year of politics at Acadia with a minor in business. I’m from Dartmouth, NS but like many of you I proudly call Wolfville my home.

From my first year in Dennis on house council, to an ASU councilor in my second year, I have been passionate about being involved at Acadia. I’m hard working, energetic and driven and my goal is to make an honest di�erence in the representation of students’ needs.

Why are you running in this election? Aside from my love for Acadia, I am running for VP Academic and External because I know that I can be a fair and reliable representative. I believe that more can be done to represent, inform and support students through the ASU. I want to help make needed change happen in order to fully enhance our academic experience. I’m passionate about this position, and I want to be the determined push behind your voices.

What are you going to do? I want to: • Advocate for more resources supporting academic needs, mental health and financial need.

• Conduct research and surveys to gain adequate student input.

• Create a more transparent union through a revamped student handbook, clear advertising, and public forums/events.

• Working with associate organizations in pursuing policies for more reasonable scholarship standards and turning more loans into non-repayable student grants.

• Encouraging civic engagement as students from our campus to our country.

Malcolm Anderson Bio: My name is Malcolm Anderson. I’m a third year Community Development and Environ-

mental & Sustainability Studies student. Over the past three years, Wolfville has truly become my home. This unique and amazing town deserves student leaders who are passionate and who care about our incredible school. During my time here I have served as Sustainability Officer, worked at The Axe Lounge, and sat on multiple ASU committees. I believe what sets me apart is my love for this amazing university. If elected, I promise to work every day to make Acadia the best that it can be.

Why are you running for this position? The position of VP Events & Promotions is uniquely hands on. The idea of getting to engage with the student body and make a lasting change is something that really excites me. I love the Students’ Union, and can’t wait to get more involved. I see a lot of potential for more comprehensive, engaging communication and diverse program-ming that meets a variety of needs.

What do you want to do?The Stud ents’ Union represents the entire student body. I want to make sure that students who might not otherwise feel comfortable using Union resources and participating in events are reached and feel engaged. I want to meet with past and current stu-dents and learn what they loved about their welcome week, and what needs to be improved. I also want to strengthen the union’s relationship with Acadia Athletics. If elected there will be much more!

capital of the Maritimes, called Sussex, New Brunswick, (Also the origins of Sussex Ginger Ale). Here at Acadia, I’m majoring in Psychology and Economics and have enjoyed every minute of it. In a town where cows out populate the people, I aimed to keep myself as busy as I could with sports and music, to avoid contracting a case of severe boredomitis. I first laced up the skates at the age of three and was lucky enough to play competitive hockey up until just a couple of years ago. During my grade 10 year of high school, I was fortunate enough to move away from home to play hockey for a school that was built on a strong sense of comradery and close-knit amity, and even more fortunate to have met the people I did. After my dear family and friends and playing hockey, performing in a band and playing music is next on the list. That basically sums it up for who I am and I would love to leave you with a little quote to keep in your back pocket for later, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”

What I want to do: I have high hopes to sit in the position as Vice President of Student Life on the ASU council for 3 fundamental reasons. Reason one: although the ASU has indisputably continued to work hard and strive for student-academic success here at Acadia University, from what I have heard there is a lack of awareness from the perspective of the student body regarding the ASU and what they do. The ASU needs to become more easily accessible for each and every student to reach out with any concerns or ideas they may have. I believe I can improve the mechanisms of conversation between the ASU and student body and bring a little more life to the council.

Reason two: it is imperative and essential that Acadia University strives to be the most comfortable safe place for all students, faculty, and sta�. Regardless of who you are and where you come from, every single individual student who goes to Acadia not only has a good experience during their time here, but an enjoyable and memorable one too.

Reason three: I believe I am very fluent with connecting and understanding people on multiple levels and because of this I have the confidence and ability to see through the eyes of not just the student body in general, but each individual student. I will have the ability to understand the concerns and social welfare of the students have while they are thriving here at Acadia University. Because of that, I would be proud of making sure that each and every student gets absolutely everything they can out of their University experience and will remember Acadia for strictly, all the right reasons.

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS Anonymous Contributor Transition is a terrifying concept. Drastically shifting the dynamic in your life is one of the most stressful things to do.

The anxiety that builds up prior to whatever changes you are making can be enough to drive a person crazy. The first time I had truly felt the stresses that can be brought on by transition was at the beginning of the twelfth grade. Mounting questions about what I wanted to do with my life, where I wanted to go, and what kind of person I wanted to become were continually piled on top of me an a near-daily basis. My anxiety was induced partly because, at the time, I did not know the answers to any of these questions, but also because I had a constant stream of negativity flowing inwards towards me from the very people who were supposed to be guiding me towards success. After speaking to a variety of students in the

History, English and Politics departments, I have learned that my high school experience was not much di�erent than theirs. The self-induced negativity that is projected from some high school teachers successfully creates feelings of anxiety and expectations of failure from the students that they are supposed to be helping.

When I began the ninth grade I was optimistic that I would have a great high school experience. One of my biggest hopes was that I would have a good relationship with all of my teachers, that I would feel comfortable around you, and that I would feel at ease if I needed help or had a question for you.

I learned quickly that this idealistic vision of what my high school experience should be was very far from the reality that quickly developed.

I did not realize that you all picked favorites. This is a concept that I thought was made up by my friend’s older siblings. I wanted to believe that

you would use merit and good judgment to decide whom you saw potential in. I didn’t realize that this could have been made so personal, I also did not realize how much it would hurt me later on.

In my first two years of high school, I had chosen to be oblivious to these issues. I thought that if I ignored the problems, that they would turn into background noise and would not have any serious a�ect on me.

The beginning of grade eleven is when I became extremely bothered with the treatment I was receiving from the majority of you. Although you were friendly to me (most of the time), my marks were average regardless of the amount of e�ort I would put in, and I was constantly made to feel like an outsider with the rest of my peers. You would make me feel lesser, as if a number on a page was the only true marker of what type of character I possessed. How did you think this was okay?

Grade 12 biology. I was so excited for this course. At the time, I thought I wanted to start my university education in science. I would enthusiastically participate in class, hand my assignments in on time, and study hard for my tests. Apparently my enthusiasm to learn and do well was not enough for you. After you gave us back our tests on the Krebs Cycle, I was absolutely distressed to see that I had received a 68%. A friend of mine had gotten a high 90% on her test. After comparing our answers, I learned that they were the exact same and that mine were worded di�erently than hers. How, I thought, could it be possible that I had gotten a way lower mark than her when our answers were the exact same? At the time, I had convinced myself that there must have been something wrong with me. Is that what it was? I remained silent.

Grade 12 chemistry. What a conundrum. The class was split between university and college

bound students. Because of this, the university students were required to teach themselves 2 units without any guidance.

I took on this task ambitiously and had convinced myself that I was capable of doing this.

Unfortunately, I learned very quickly that chemistry was not my forte. You recognised that I lacked confidence in the class, and instead of trying to help me you only made my anxieties more dominant.

At this point, I think the reader is beginning to understand what I am addressing.

High school is a di�cult landscape to navigate, and you often find yourself questioning whether or not you are good enough. What you fail to see is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, a gleaming ray of hope that you will one day be good enough. That your unique skills and interests will be appreciated. Although it is difficult, you begin to realise that high school does end and that you will eventually understand how true accomplishment feels.

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IS POSITIVE THINKING UNDERMINING AMERICA? Emma Hughes Opinions Editor

The outcome of the American election shocked the global community. With hopeful optimism, we all sat back and watched on a Tuesday night as Donald Trump gained electoral college votes and eventually won the bid for President of the United States of America. Initially, the reaction from the masses was absolute shock. How could we have gotten here?

What type of a world are we living in and how could this many people elect a man who mirrors many aspects of the 1930’s foundations of Fascism? Initially, it seemed as though there were no answers. Now, a month has gone by, and we have been given time to reflect. After deliberating over the phenomena that is Trump, two

of my professors have led me to the conclusion that this outcome was A) a reaction/backlash from the white working class and B) the result of partisan voting. In her book Bright Sided, Barbara Ehrenreich discusses the negative consequences of positive thinking in America.

The entire country has made a habit of ignoring negative outcomes, especially in terms of the economy. We continued to perpetuate the ideology that there is no way America would elect a man like Trump as a means of reassurance, yet here we are.

We are now faced with the question of how. Although positive thinking has become the go-to “mantra” of society, it may be the American culture has transformed over the last 50 years in order to favor a

MURDER INC. Chris Vanderburgh Contributor

The barrel bombs and chlorine gas of Syria have been making the news lately for mostly obvious reasons. But what is the real killer in this theatre and many other modern day theatres of war today? It’s not gas, shrapnel, torture, or even suicide bombs. It’s small arms that are doing the killing. It is estimated that in conflict, 60-90% of deaths are caused directly by small arms. What is more concerning than this is that roughly half a million people are killed by small arms globally every year. Let’s delve deeper into the small arms trade and the industry supported by them.

Small arms are defined as weapons that can be carried by one or two people, by pack animals or by vehicles (this includes their parts, accessories

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or various other forms of ammuni-tion). They can range from pistols to anything as large as mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. The trade in smalls arms occurs on a global scale, but the trade is concentrated in areas of conflict and organized crime.

Not surprisingly, there are those who sell small arms legally; however, there are two other basic types of arms deal. The “black” or “black market” arms deals are illegal, and the statistics for these types of arms deals are hard to come by.

Then there’s the “grey” arms deal. This is an arms deal for which the legalities are often unclear. Amnesty Inter-national as well as Oxfam are the two organizations at the forefront of fighting small arms proliferation and they agree that the greatest killers in conflict are often legally-procured small arms.

According to the

particular model of the status quo. The prison system, for example, represents this transformation well. The emergence of the War on Drugs in the 1980’s reshaped the concept of law and order, and the justice system saw a drastic shift towards Old Jim Crow ideologies. However, it was the model of positive thinking that made this racialized shift in the legal system seem okay. How could we possibly justify the disparity between harsh sentencing between black and white drug crimes? Honestly, it was because we were being convinced that there was less crime in the streets.

Less harmful violence that was aimed at our families.

This was just an example of how positive thinking undermined the human rights of a particular group of in-

dividuals. If we move to a more recent example, we can think of the outcome of the 2016 Presidential Election as a result of positive thinking. In extension, we could think of it as a sort of backlash. If we put the voting rights in the context of positive thinking, we could begin to understand how this was the result of the positive, hopeful vision of the future that the white, working class of America felt. For the last 8 years, they have believed they have been neglected.

Donald Trump offered them a hopeful vision for what a future America could be. Essentially, they saw this as the promise for a future of policy that would cater their best interests. This positive ideology placed us in our current context, and has planted the question of “how could this

Small Arms Survey, a Swiss-based research group, there are over 1000 companies in 100 countries that participate in the production of small arms or their accessories and ammunition. For those of you who aren’t math majors, thats ten companies per country. There are only about twelve countries that participate in the advancement of guided light weapons, or rather, there are only about a dozen countries that seek to further research on these weapons. Statistics would suggest that eighty countries currently participate in the production of ammunition for pistols, assault rifles, carbines, sub-machine guns, and machine guns.

The United Nations 2006 review on illegal small arms also considers the fact that the presence of an abundance of small arms deters humanitarian intervention in places in which there are conflict, which can result in further deaths from malnutrition, lack of

medical aid, personnel, as well as continued conflict between competing factions. With all this in mind, one might be asking why it is that small arms have not been further regulated.

The answer to this question is simple, and it comes in the form of a three word term that defines the crises of the 21st century: military industrial complex. The military industrial complex is a term that refers to the economic benefits of producing arms for export. More particularly, it is the alliance between a nation’s military and the industry that supplies it.

This means that in some cases, it is in the nation’s best interest to keep a war going. The number of companies that actually supply global militias is astounding; however, the countries they call home are not quite as surprising. Canada, The United Kingdom, the United States, Russia, and China are all home to numerous companies that produce small arms. These

have possibly happened” into our everyday conversations.

The answer, I believe, is positive thinking. If you give individuals the power to envision a desired outcome, eventually this vision is transformed into reality.

The power of an idea is one thing, but when you combine the two with aspects of positive thinking you have created circumstances that can generate a particular outcome, even if it is not favourable. Many people will hypothesize how we have gotten to this point, how we could have possibly made Donald Trump the president. There will be multiple answers to that question, all of which are valid, and this is my interpretation of how we have gotten to the point we are in. companies lobby those governments on their own behalf on a massive scale.

Lockheed Martin, an enormous arms producer, donated money to 72% of US congress members in 2011.

The world’s top 44 arms producers are located in the United States. Lockheed Martin, the largest arms company on earth, employs 132 000 people, they are second only to BAE systems, a British company that produces small arms and employs nearly 100 000 people. In fact, the five biggest arms companies on earth all employ between 90 000 and 161 000 people each. It is easy to see how this and the military industrial complex result in the massive distribution of small arms yearly: the defense industry is worth trillions and has shown no sign of slowing down, but at what cost? Jobs over here mean a twelve year-old wielding an AK-47 over there.

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EXERCISE IS MEDICINE Emi Vargatoth Contributor

Is it possible that there is a hugely under-recognized and under-utilized tool that could be key in the prevention and treatment of rising chronic disease in Canada? According to Acadia Kinesiology professor and National Chair of Exercise is Medicine Canada, Dr. Jonathon Fowles, there is, and it’s a relatively simple one: exercise.

According to a Statistics Canada report using data from a 2012-2013 Canadian Health Measures Survey, physical activity has been shown to lower the risk for chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, depression, stress, and anxiety. These conditions are so common that almost every Canadian knows someone a�ected. The report goes on to say that regular physical activity can have a hugely protective e�ect on these conditions, reducing the risk for some of them by as much as 50%. Many Canadians would probably admit they are not getting the physical activity they need and the sta-

tistics reflect this. According to a 2013 report by the Canadian Chief Public Health O�cer, just two in ten adults and one in ten children and youth met the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for that year. These guidelines were relatively modest, recommending at least a weekly goal of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity. According to Dr. Fowles, inactivity is a huge problem as humans are designed to move, meaning that all our body systems have evolved to support intense energy expenditure and movement. It’s also not just about the exercise you’re not doing but the sedentary activity you are doing as well. The Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology has updated their recommendations for children and youth to actually limit sitting time and recreational screen time due to the unhealthy consequences of physical inactivity which a�ects everything from cardiovascular health to mental health.

Not only does physical inactivity cause a lot of problems at an individual level, but it can have huge economic and ecological burdens. In

Canada, Dr. Fowles estimates that direct healthcare costs of physical inactivity amount to about seven billion a year plus about thirty billion a year in indirect costs (such as in reduced workplace productivity, the e�ects of poor mental health etc.). He estimates that if we were to increase the population’s physical activity by only 10%, we’d save Canada about two billion dollars a year.

The ecological impact of inactivity refers in part to our complete reliance on cars. Many people agree that it would be better for their health to exercise more but simply don’t feel they have the time for it in their day to day life. A good way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase physical activity could be to build infrastructure that allows for safe and reliable active transportation like cycling.

Exercise is Medicine Canada aims to help Canadians increase their daily physical activity by encouraging healthcare professionals to do more to address the importance of physical activity to their patients.

They want to encourage physicians to incorporate it as a key health indica-

tor and as a vital sign of a patient’s health status.

Also, they’d like to see certified exercise professionals have a more significant role as healthcare resources.

Some of these goals are not far o� from being attained. Currently in Ontario, there are 184 Family Health Teams which are groups of health care professionals working together to provide a wide range of health services to their patients. These collaborative teams include family physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, dieticians, mental health professionals, and pharmacists.

About 20% have registered kinesiologists on sta� already. Dr. Fowles says interest in this collaborative approach to healthcare is growing in Nova Scotia. At the Wolfville Professional Centre for example, patients can see family physicians, a psychologist or a nurse practitioner. They can also receive referrals to see a physiotherapist or kinesiologist.

Across the country, physicians are even starting to prescribe exercise to their patients. This is most prolific in B.C. as it is subsidized so physicians get reimbursed for participating. In Alberta, the Prescription to Get Active program involves around 3000 physicians

that refer their patients to over 90 fitness centres that in turn provide those patients with two weeks to a month of free membership to get started. This exciting model of care has recently been launched in Truro as well.

The main goal of Exercise is Medicine Canada right now is to seek to work with physicians by fostering education and awareness through newsletters, workshops and presentations. Exercise is Medicine clubs are also appearing at university campuses all across Canada. Here at Acadia, the Exercise is Medicine club started in September 2015 and has been growing rapidly since. The club maintains strong ties with the community and has organized several fun runs with participants from seven to eighty-seven years old participating! They are also looking forward to organizing a Walk with the Docs event March 11th 2017 from 1-3 pm which will give the opportunity to Acadia students and members of the community to connect with local physicians and talk about the importance of physical activity. Acadia students who are interested in finding out more are encouraged to find the Facebook group or to email eimca@gmail.com.

ITALIAN FOOD NIGHT FOR WOLFVILLE COMMUNITY Hosted by Nutrition and Dietetics’ Students Renee Bujold Contributor On January 18th, Management in Dietetics’ Students hosted a night called, “Autentico! A Night in Italy” which highlighted many traditional Italian dishes. The event

took place at 5:30 pm at the Acadia Café, which is located in Room 422 of Huggins Science Hall. The night featured sparkling apricot pineapple punch, butternut squash and apple soup, focaccia, chicken cacciatore with lemon orzo & peas, and dark chocolate

cranberry biscotti served with co�ee & tea. The cost of admission was $13.50 (taxes included), and guests could pay via cash or by cheque at the door.

The event was by RSVP only and sold out quickly with a full house. Are you looking for a delicious,

low costing and nutritious meal? The Management in Dietetics’ students plan and execute an appetizing meal twice a week. Every Wednesday and Friday from 5:30-7:30 pm there is a three course meal served that highlights a specific cuisine around the world! Past meals have highlighted countries such

as Morocco, India and the Greece and that is just to name a few. If you are looking for an opportunity to try something new and meet members within the community, come and support your peers and enjoy a delicious tasting meal. Keep your eye out for future management meal advertisements!

February 8th, 2017 13

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CANADIAN NHL TEAMS COMEBACK FROM 2016 R. J. Thurner Contributor

The 2016 Stanley Cup Playoff games were a disappointment to Canadians everywhere as none of the Canadian NHL teams moved on to compete for the Holy Grail of hockey. It was only the second time in Stanley Cup history where this happened, the first time being in the 70’s. This time around, the Canadian teams are undoubtedly feeling the pres-

sure to at least qualify for the postseason games. The question on everybody’s mind is how many teams, if any, will represent our country in the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs?

So far, so good! 2017 is looking promising for Canadian hockey, and I’m happy to say that last year’s disappointment will not happen again.

The teams sitting in playoff positions are the Montreal Canadiens

and the Ottawa Senators, currently sitting at first and second place respectively in the Atlantic division. Sitting third in the Pacific division, the Edmonton Oilers can also see playoffs in their future. The Calgary Flames are even incredibly close to a wildcard position. This is not surprising, not for me at least. But let’s look at something that is: the Toronto Maple Leafs.

FASHION FORWARD:

Mental Health Message Behind Clothes Hayley Phoenix Sports & Wellness Editor It all began with a hand stitched shirt that reads “keep me high, love.”

Now, there are seven products to choose from all bearing the message that it is okay to put yourself first. What makes this company stand out from the rest?

The founders use their platform to open engaging, encouraging, and supportive messages about mental health through their products.

Me Before You Clothing Co. is new to the fashion scene of Nova Scotia, but co-founders Vanessa Hamkens (Dalhousie) and Rhiann MacDonald (Acadia) have big plans for their forwardthinking company. Their goal is to “raise awareness about mental health by spreading positivity

14 Issue 79.6

and curbing the stigma around it,” as said on the Me Before You website. Themes of self-care and self-love are central to the clothing designs, but Hamkens and MacDonald are aiming even higher. The duo is giving back to the community, contributing a portion of sales to local charity initiatives.

An embroidered yinyang symbol hovers above the word “balance” on one of the products, a black crew neck sweatshirt. This product is a part of one of the commitments that Me Before You Clothing Co. has taken on with a portion of each sale going towards Feed Nova Scotia, an organization that strives to reduce the food insecurity that many Nova Scotians experience. According to Feed NS, food insecurity has resulted in a dra-

matic increase of food bank users all across Canada. Specifically, in Nova Scotia, the 2016 statistics show a surge of approximately 20% compared to the previous year. Compared to 2008, Nova Scotian food bank usage increase by upwards of 40%. While Feed NS isn’t a mental health initiative, it is certainly related.

Most recently, Me Before You Clothing Co. made a special release on Bell Let’s Talk Day with a specific person in mind. Sold at the Halifax Forum during the Saint Mary’s versus Dalhousie Bell Let’s Talk hockey game, the limited-edition shirts sported a fox on the front and words that read “Fox 12” on the back. A portion of the sales were put towards the Cayley Fox Memorial Award of Saint Mary’s University, an award es-

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As it currently stands, the Leafs are currently 4th in the Atlantic division trailing by a measly 3 points behind Boston who are current playoff position holders. This makes the Leafs 3rd on the wildcard list, where only the top two teams from each conference will move on to the playoffs. The Leafs are 3 points behind Philly for one of the wildcard spots. I repeat, the Toronto Maple Leafs are 3rd on a list that accepts the top two and 4th on a list that accepts the top 3. Is 2017 their chance? The energy that the Leafs have been putting out this tablished to commemorate the SMU student and rugby player who struggled with mental health issues. After shirts were sold out, $1000 of the proceeds were raised for the award. Upon announcing this on their Facebook page, Me Before You encouraged to “keep the conversation going although Bell Let’s Talk has ended. Share stories of Cayley and others who are struggling even if they are smiling”.

So, what is next for the new entrepreneurs?

“Right now we currently only have the Feed NS and Cayley Fox Memorial Award donations happening and that’s where our focus is for the next few months,” Me Before You commented. But the future holds even more opportunities for the clothing line. “Moving forward we are planning on creating new clothing items to partner with a donation to specific organizations or funds that align with our goals.”

season has shocked some, and confused few. In my opinion, the team has improved greatly, especially in terms of defense. But will that be enough to snag a spot in postseason? Unlikely. But then again, stranger things have happened on the ice.

After the catastrophe of having no Canadian teams qualify for the Stanley Cup games, having three currently secured playoff spots and two teams inching closer and closer to wildcard slots is something to celebrate. This is Canada’s game, so let’s take it back.

Using creative outlets to combat mental health stigma has recently been more prominent in Canadian universities. An art project titled “Ventilation Movement” from Erin Chapman of the University of Ottawa made headlines in 2016 for the innovative way in which the project allows for people to vent about their struggles. Another Maritime clothing line, Wear Your Label, created by two UNB students sends the message that it isn’t selfish to practice self-care. Hamkens and MacDonald hope to contribute to this important discussion with their own clothing line by, as stated in their mission statement, “starting a conversation about self care and self love, with our name ‘Me Before You Clothing Co.’ prompting you to put yourself first and take care of your own needs.” Me Before You Clothing Co. is open to new ideas of community outreach, and encourage those with interest to contact them.

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WHAT’S IN A NAME? RACISM: A Response.

Shelby F. Contributor

This is in response to the article in the last issue titled “Unpopular Opinion: Controversial Team Names Aren’t All That Controversial.” In short, I call bullshit.

I appreciate the fact that you, Anonymous writer, would rather see more productive means of protest that doesn’t involve boycotting games.

This I can agree with.

I understand that you feel as though the controversial team names in question are honouring the Native people.

Not only are you wrong about this, but perpetuating this idea is dangerously ignorant.

You may be thinking that something as simple as a team name or their mascot cannot possibly promote racist ideologies. It’s all in good fun, right? Wrong. Take the Washington Redskins for example. Do I even have to go further with this explanation? “Redskins” is a term used to refer to the scalps that were collected for bounty. Scalps were literally taken o� the heads of Native people and sold o� like a trendy pelt.

Over time the term developed to literally mean ‘person with red skin,’ aka Indigenous people.

Does this development make the term more acceptable? No. It is completely degrading and one of the most grotesque terms available.

So, how are the Wash-

HOROSCOPES Thane Mullen Distraction Guru

� Aquarius

January 20-Febraury 18

Your strong independant spirit makes it di�cult for you to accept help and advice from others. Most weeks this gets you in trouble, but this week you need to trust your instincts. Don’t look to outside sources to direct how to live your life; trust in yourself and your own better judgment. � Pisces

February 19-March 20

Your intuition is strong, but you still have a tendency to be overly trusting. There is comfort in trusting others, but this week you need to shoulder the burden of making your own decisions and bearing the responsibility that comes with it. No matter how trustworthy a source may seem, you know you better than they do. � Aries

March 21-April 19

Your inner confidence and courage should be your guide this week. You will need courage to shake o� your reliance on metaphorical crutches that you have relied on to for support and guidance, and the confidence to remind yourself that you never needed them in the first place. � Taurus

April 20-May 20

Stubbornness and aversion to change are two things that you have in great supply, but you need to keep your mind open to change. This appears to be the week to question some of your old habits and invite skepticism regarding whether they were ever necessary (or even useful) in the first place.

three examples of many more. Now that we have established that racism ington Redskins showdoes exist, let’s turn our ing respect and honour attention to cultural apas you so eloquently propriation. point out? This isn’t an homage. It’s a reminder Have you ever seen of social hierarchy. It’s a Braves game? The making a joke out of “Tomahawk Chop” is our Indigenous peoples, a fan favourite that inwhere the punch line is volves swinging a foam the acceptance that peotomahawk and participle like yourself feel topating in a “rallying cry” wards this issue. that is supposed to replicate what these people If you still don’t believe think a Native one would that team names can sound like. The Kansas promote racism, take a City Chiefs will also say look at some of the headthat they are honourlines that have appeared ing Indigenous people, over the years: “Scalp and yet they encourage ‘em, oh wonderous Redstereotypes. They play skins” (Chicago Sun at Arrowhead stadium, Times, 1987) “Hartley sport a logo of an arClaims Redskins’ Scalp” rowhead, and have a (The Mirror, 2000), horse mascot named and most recently “Red Warpaint. The fans are Robins Scalp Indians in often seen wearing head Solid GNC 6-0 Shutout” dresses, and yell out war (Antigo Daily Journal, cries for their team. The 2017). These are only

� Gemini

May 21-June 20

Your indecision has caused you to look outside of yourself for the answers to the big questions for far too long. Don’t look for supernatural guidance, or for any source to miraculously have all the answers.

You may feel nervous about shouldering these decisions yourself, but you will quickly learn that you are better o� for it. Libra should be able to relate this week. � Cancer

June 21-July 22

Your powerful imagination sometimes causes you to make connections that were never there. This is especially dangerous when it comes to taking life advice. You need to be suspicious of any source or idea that refuses to be challenged or explain its rationale to you; that goes for this week and going forward. � Leo

July 23-August 22

You are extremely driven, but you sometimes worry that your drive lacks direction. Know that you’re not alone; this is a common concern. You need to rely on yourself and the advice of those you trust to find the direction you seek, not to superstition or the back page of a second-rate university newspaper. � Virgo

August 23-September 22

Many people see your critical nature as a bad thing, but in today’s world it is a blessing in disguise. It is your critical mind that needs to be given the reins this week. Before you put any stock in a source, you need to ask yourself: could this source be trying to play you as naive? Also, do you have any reason to think that the source is reliable?

� Libra

Cleveland Indians, besides having a name that is well known as a derogatory term, have an incredibly racist mascot named Chief Wahoo.

But I suppose you feel as though Indigenous people should feel honoured to be made fun of, because at least they get some recognition, right? What you are really saying in your article, dearest Anon, is that we should be grateful for any kind of representation we can get in this world, even if it’s o�ensive. What you are saying is that you can still take and take and take from us, and there isn’t anything we can do about it. We are not your mascots. We are not your property, and we sure as hell aren’t going to sit here and accept it like you want us to do.

September 23-October 22

You and Gemini should maybe have a talk this week, because you are dealing with very similar issues relating to indecisiveness. Don’t run from tough decisions, or give anyone else the chance to make them for you. Keep your wits about you, and let your rational mind win the day. � Scorpio

October 23-November 21

There is a part of your nature that is distrusting, but it seems it may have been focused in the wrong direction. Give those who care for you the benefit of the doubt, but carefully consider refocusing that distrust in a di�erent direction. Is there someone or something in your life that you have been putting your trust in for no reason? � Sagittarius

November 22-December 21

You have a good sense of humor, and this should be the week that you take some time to have a good laugh at some of your old habits. Reflect on who you are and what you believe, and look for that one little aspect that doesn’t make sense. Don’t feel bad about it, just laugh it o�. You may find that you are better o� without it in your life. � Capricorn

December 22-January 19

Many people see you as a know-it-all, but deep down you far too often feel like others ‘know it all’. If you want to make responsible choices this week - and you usually do - you need to think critically. There is likely at least one source you turn to for guidance in your life that your critical self suggests you walk away from.

February 8th, 2017 15

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ATH FAVS: Compiled by Sid Kondapuram Arts Editor

Joel Plaskett The Park Avenue Sobriety Test Tobias Jesso Jr Goon

There’s something divine about the icy chill of this album. With each listen it I find a new reminiscence of orange curtains. And sun.

To me it is one of the truest ‘maritime’ albums that I’ve ever heard.

It will forever remind me of driving around with my best friends in Dartmouth.

Noah Tompkins Columnist

They call it the best-selling jazz album of all time. I don’t know if that statement is true, but it most certainly serves as a full force tour of some of the best the genre had to o�er: Bill Evans on the keys, John Coltrane on the sax, a whole new epoch of modal jazz composition that continued to ripple through the epoch, influencing artists for years to come (including Coltrane himself, who would go on to release his own spiritual masterpiece, A Love Supreme, in 1965).

Kody Crowell Co�ee Getter

Janis’ gravelly rasp gives me chills every single time. Her singing style is uninhibited, unapologetic, and full of soul. She is a favourite in my family. Anytime I want to walk down memory lane I just listen to her version of “Me and Bobby Mcgee” and think of my Papa singing along to the cassette in the car when I was a kid, or my Mom singing/screaming along with me at a camp fire.

The Lumineers Lumineers

Every time I’m sad or feel like I need some inspiration or direction, I listen to that album. Each song has a di�erent meaning for me and each of them reminds me of a person or a memory, happy or sad (It also sounds phenomenal on vinyl!)

Emma Hughes Opinions Editor

Hayley Amelia Sports & Wellness Editor

Sid Kondapuram Arts Editor

Miles Davis Kind of Blue

Janis Joplin Pearl

Blackbear Cashmere Noose

Baths Obsidian

Nap Eyes Whine of the Mystic

This album brings together all the sounds and vibes that I love the most about Blackbear. He has a tendency to be blunt in his lyrics and that’s something I really appreciate. Blackbear makes lots of references in this album to his dislike of pop culture, the fascination with celebrities, and Hollywood culture.

Such a potent intimate record.

From what I remember, Will was going through some really bad illness, and maybe playing a lot of Skyrim in bed, so the whole album has this negative vibe shrouded in fantasy and emotion. Musically this album is just the perfect amount of great production, danceable beats, catchy melodies, and melancholy themes.

Nap Eyes debut album has more subdued energy than any other album I’ve ever listened to. In October of my second year I discovered Nap Eyes (and Andy Shauf) whilst hitting up a gig at St. Matthews in Halifax. I arrived late but was totally fucking blown away by the amount of stage presence and energy that Nigel, Josh, Seamus, and Brad were able to conjure. As soon as the show let up I picked up a copy of Whine of the Mystic for my then-girlfriend. She hated it, but she also had shit taste in music. C’est la vie.

Favorite track: Oh My Friends

Anjuli Ripley Photography Manager

Adam Langille Copy Editor

Andrew Haskett Editor-in-Chief

16 Issue 79.6