Issue 1, Volume 122

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VOLUME 122 ISSUE 1 SEPT 1 2013

GOING FOR IT SINCE 1895

ISSUE 1

X XAVERIAN AVERIAN WEEKLY WEEKLY

Thursday Mar 29 2012

Volume 120 Issue 20

EDITORIAL STAFF

Sunday, Thursday, September March 21,1st 2012 2013 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Volume 121 Issue Issue115 Sean McEvoy122 xw.eic@stfx.ca | (902) 870-9431

OUR STAFF

PRODUCT ION MANAGER Emma MacPherson EDITORS-IN-CHIEF xw.product@stfx.ca

Sean Ron Jeremy McEvoy

Welcome to STFX Canada’s Animal house

MANAGING EDITOR Lewis Peter North Forward Joe T hibault xw.managing@stfx.ca | (902) 867-3732

A LOT OF US DRINK, LEARN HOW TO DO IT RIGHT

COPY EDITOR Alexandra Adams ART PRODUCT IST IC COORDINATOR ION MANAGER xw.copy@stfx.ca

MARK RISEBROUGH | News Editor

Clayton Jesus ART IST ICBlagdon COORDINATOR Marie-Eve Pomerleau xw.photo@stfx.ca xw.product@stfx.ca xw.photo@stfx.ca

The thing with drinking at StFX is that everything tends to happen so fast while partying in the residences; it seems like only a song or two has played before the residence’s war chants come out to play.

The truth is, people like to get black out drunk at StFX; they even celebrate it. StFX itself, and the residences in particular, are the best places in the world to party because of this. However, having said that, you need to be aware of a few things. From personal experience, I can say that the only problem with blacking out is that one cannot think rationally, and this can lead one to bathe in a pot of boiling water. Be aware of your surroundings. It is true that the RAs and Security are there to maintain the peace, but even something that you may think is not a big deal can lead you to a have a meeting with the lovely Megan Turner, the Student Conduct Coordinator. As

xw.eic@stfx.ca

NEWS EDITOR BUSINESS ART IST IC COORDINATOR MANAGER Lewis Forward xw.news@stfx.ca Graham Fanny McToaster Haynes

xw.managing@stfx.ca xw.photo@stfx.ca CULTURE EDITOR Kennedy Murphy xw.culture@stfx.ca COPY MARKET EDITOR ING MANAGER

SPORTS & HEALT H EDITOR Molly Burt Simmons Schreiber Micha Saade xw.sports@stfx.ca

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FEATURES EDITOR Annie Ewing NEWS BUSINESS EDITOR MANAGER xw.feature@stfx.ca

Mark Dolores Risebrough Umbridge OPINIONS EDITOR Amanda Daignault xw.news@stfx.ca xw.managing@stfx.ca xw.opinions@stfx.ca DIST RACT IONS EDITOR OPINIONS COPY EDITOR EDITOR xw.distract@stfx.ca

Laura J.K. Rowling O’Brien

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week, with 12-14 weeks in a semester, and 2 semesters. If you are written up for this minor infraction in the first few weeks, it can affect the rest of your year at StFX. Drinking at StFX can be seen as running a marathon; don’t blow all your lifelines in the first couple legs of the race.

What is truly exclusive to StFX is the residence life that it provides; each residence has a different culture. This directly relates to what type of party to expect in each res. Hats off to those living in MacIsaac (I did); buckle up cause it is going to be a long and rowdy year. My words of advice are to stay cool and go with the flow. You are going to be faced with heavy drinking and tons of college shenanigans, so know your limit. You are going to be living alongside these people for the rest of the year so don’t go embarrassing yourself and making things awkward with your

neighbour.

If you are looking for a chill place to go and talk and listen to live music, then Wing Night at the Inn is a perfect place to go with your friends to crush some beers. When it comes to raging off-campus, Piper’s Pub is the place, where the venue’s ambiance consists of loud music, cheap drinks, tons of people, and the occasional Dartmouth 3-point.

Somewhat new to us is the Split Crow, which prides itself on its abundance of beer selections and is also a good place to sit and chill with friends and listen to some live music.

Let loose and blow off some steam, your journey here is going to include some of the best years of your life, guaranteed. You will quickly realize that StFX is the embodiment of the Animal House of Canada’s ocean playground; learn to play by the rules and you’ll do fine.

A WEEK TO REMEMBER HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR FROSH EXPERIENCE KALEIGH BENT | Ditractions Editor

Ever had a continuous week long bender with a bunch of people you don't really know?

Well, it might take a toll on you.

Remember: everyone is in the same boat as you, it's a really fast, awesome blend of excitement, nerves, givin' er, and saying hi for no reason. It only comes once. It's a great chance to throw yourself out there. Do it right. Here are some tips us experts have put together to help you keep it real this Frosh.

DRINK WATER. That wonderful substance that is known to provide super hydration powers and help your body keep going through the hours of amazing frosh festivities.

Throw a bottle of water beside your bed before you go out: 10 AM you will thank you later.

BUDDY SYSTEM. Make sure someone (you trust) always knows where you are and where you are going so that you don’t get lost. A buddy also means you will have someone with you at all times to enjoy all the awesome events!

material phobic, orthat libellous. is racist, misogynistic, sexist, homophobic, or libellous.

nice and pleasant as she may be, she has a job to do, and that is to enforce a cap on the level of rowdiness on-campus.

It is truly unbelievable how a simply minor offence can lead to major infractions. So how does one avoid these circumstances?

The most fundamental rule to partying and drinking oncampus at StFX is one that is simple, but can be easily disregarded: make sure your beverage can pass the spill test. By mixing drinks in a water bottle or a sippy-cup purchased at Sobeys, you can avoid being written up for having open alcohol in the hallways. Simple enough. So where does the difficulty of maintaining this rule come into play? Well, once you do start to get loose, you might think it’s not a big deal if you walk around with an open can of beer. But you must remember that the average student will drink 1-5 times a

RELAX. If ever you feel as

though you have cheered too loud or partied too hard, do not be afraid to sit out an event and nap. The fast-paced backto-back outrageousness that is frosh week can be a lot to handle. Do your body a favour and rest!

LIQUOR SMARTS. In some cases, university will be your first real experience with the dancing juice, so be responsible! Don’t feel pressured to keep up with, or out-drink, your friends. Know your limits and embrace them and always keep an eye on your drink.

DON’T KNOCK IT ‘TIL YOU TRY IT. Just because something does not look like you’ll enjoy it on the schedule does not mean it won’t be a good time. You are only going to be a frosh once so live it up!

Try to make it to each event coherent. If something does not tickle your fancy, chances are there is another event running at that time that will better suit you.

JUST BE YOU. Everyone has had a friend or knows of a friend of a friend who has gone away to university and become a different person, and not in a

Clayton Blagdon positive way. University is a place where you are able to expand on yourself, not completely change. So be yourself and meet people who like you for you.

BE GOOD TO PEOPLE. Douchebags don't do well here. People are generally pretty rad, and it's the people who are good to everyone that end up having an easier time, and an army of friends. Frosh week is when many of us met most of the people we know here. We still revere the Frosh saints and remember the dickheads.

The Xaverian Weekly | Volume 122 Issue 1

NEWS

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Getting to know those crazy people in pink You can’t lose with O-Crew as they guide you through your amazing frosh week exPerience AMY SHEPPARD & AJ ‘DASHER’ DOYLE | O-Crew Co-Chairs

Q: So, what exactly is O-crew?

A: O-crew is a group of outrageously high-energy, high enthusiasm and highly motivated team of people that are there to welcome the first year students. We ensure they have the most memorable and positive first week here at Stfx.This big team all dressed in pink are the first people you see when you arrive on-campus. We are here to ease both the nervous and excited individuals into what will become their new home for the up-coming school year.

Q: How is O-Crew divided up and what is its purpose?

A: O-Crew is divided into 7 equal parts, Off campus-responsible for helping orient those students who are living Off campus in there first year, Perma- Responsible for helping the house presidents moving their houses to the Orientation events, Chill Point- Responsible for counting the house points during orientation week and crowning a winning house cup at the end of the week, Photo/video-responsible for

AJ ‘Dasher’ Doyle

documenting and sharing photographic evidence of Frosh Week, Hype- Responsible for making sure that people are hyped up and energized for the events, Run and Gun- Responsible for X-games and lending a hand during frosh week, Shine- Responsible for Shine-a-rama and shine day, the fundraiser for cystic fibrous on the final day of Orientation week. Our purpose during frosh week is to be there for the incoming student to lend a helping hand when need.

We are the first contact to Xavier community who are there to make Stfx feel like home.

Q: As O-Crew leaders what are your goals for Frosh Week?

A: Our Goals for this Frosh Week are make sure everybody feels more than welcome to their new Xavier home and that events that they attend will motivate new students to become part of the St. FX community. We want to ensure they feel as happy, safe comfortable as possible in their new environment.

Amy Sheppard

Q: What is your favorite part of being on O-crew? What do you love about frosh week?

A: Amy- My favorite part of O-crew is the energy and positivity that overcomes the entire Stfx community. Everyone is pumped up with such enthusiasm and excitement; the feeling is like no other. This will be my fourth year on O-crew and I’ve loved every minute of it, it’s opened so many new doors and I’ve made several new friendships.

What I love about frosh week is the first day seeing all the new excited and nervous faces and finally getting the chance at welcoming them into our family. There’s no specific event I can choose, everything is insane and amazing and perfect.

Dasher-My favorite part of O-crew is definitely the social aspect! Meeting new people is definitely one of my favorite things in life. O-Crew is filled with over 100 extremely outgoing individuals that help make St.FX the best school in the world! Frosh week is also a great way to meet the incoming frosh

and enables us to share from our experiences while building relationships!

Q: What tips do you have to the frosh on surviving the first week/how to have the most fun?

Amy- Get out of those comfort zones, be daring and meet as many people as possible. Follow suit with o-crew, get all dressed up and don’t be afraid to jump into the cheers. You only get to experience frosh week ONCE unless you join O-crew and do it foreva like ME. P.s. go to EVERY event, you won’t regret it, all of o-crew will be there so come hangout with us!

Dasher- If I had to give some tips for frosh week I would definitely say to meet as many people as you can! The more people you know during your time here at X the more enjoyable of an experience it will be!

Another tip I would give if to go to all the events, we have the best Frosh Week in the country for a reason so definitely don’t miss out!

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NEWS

Sunday, 1 September, 2013 | The Xaverian Weekly

Meet our fearless leaders Students union president ben gunn-doerge and vice president TAYLOR MASON welcome you to into the xaverian family Hey new Xaverians!

Summer may be over, but it is still truly the best time of the year!

When my mom is upset with me she calls me Benjamin Rene-Francis Gunn-Doerge.

However, most of my friends call me Ben. I am honored to be your Students’ Union President for the 2013-2014 academic year.

The Students’ Union, or ‘The U’, is a not-for-profit organization run for students, by students. It is an organization in which every StFX student is a member. The Union (The U) is here to make your student experience what it was always meant to be (something along the lines of epic, wonderful, glorious, and/ or dreamy).

We, the employees and volunteers of the Students’ Union, are here to make your university career the best it can be by providing you the best events, services, campus bar, advocacy work, and residence experience. The U is here for you from Frosh Week (MTV’s best Frosh Week in Canada!) to graduation and for every up and down in between.

This upcoming year is one of great importance. In the fall, there will most likely be a provincial election and it is important that student’s voices are heard and that postsecondary education is one of

the main priorities. As many of you know, government funding for education has been cut each year at the provincial level. It is important for students to become informed of the political landscape of this province and to help students find a voice to express their concerns to our provincial politicians. Students Unite! As tuition is increasing, it must be a priority to evaluate the way students’ tuition is being spent and to ensure transparency to allow students to know where their money is being allocated.

In particular, the lack of a tuition cap for international students is inequitable, to say the least.

Mental health has become a very important subject over the past few years across Canadian campuses. There are an increasing number of issues associated with mental illness, documented at Institutions all across Canada. We believe that as student leaders, it is important that we ensure that students receive the services and support for the mental health concerns that they may be facing during their time here at X. The U is committed to ensuring that StFX remains an inclusive institution that treats everyone with equality. The U will be working with various stakeholders on campus and in the community, including

specific groups on campus that have felt a lack of support in the past; to implement strategies to provide services, and support to these students by decreasing the gap that they may be feeling. By increasing inclusivity, the U hope’s to strengthen student’s involvement in campus life.

This year is truly a year of moving forward. Following the events of last year, it is more important then ever that the Xaverian spirit is remembered. The Xaverian spirit will never be entirely fulfilled without the power of collectivity. Collectivity is what has made X the number one undergraduate university. As members of this community, it is essential that we stand together and make this place a home for all peoples. Only as a collective, will there be significance. And that to me is the Xaverian spirit. That we as a group can change society, where sexism, homophobia, violence, and intolerance do not take place. Together we have this obligation and must hold each other accountable.

Please feel free to send me an email at su_pres@stfx.ca or come visit the SUB at any time. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.

Here’s to an outstanding year!

Ben Gunn-Doerge Students Union President

Sup new Xaverians?

My name is Taylor Mason and I am your Vice President of the StFX Students’ Union this year! I grew up and spent most of my life on the gentle Island(PEI) but now am stuck in ol’ Regina, Sask. I am currently heading into my fourth year double majoring in Aquatic Resources and Public Policy/Social Research, and I absolutely love it!

For my first year at X I was an official baby tiger in TNT, and I can now say that purple and orange will be my two favourite colors for a VERY long time. I also ran for Frosh Councillor in my first year, and I have to say the stress and nerves that came with running in an election during my first few weeks here was completely worth it. Being a part of the Students’ Union Council really opened my eyes to how much the U does for students, and how I could be apart of getting students what they need to have the best university experience possible!

My second year at X I was the House President of TNT, and let the Tiger Spirit take over me. Being able to guide first year tigers and be a leader for students was an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. Working as a House President, Off Campus Leader, RA or Hall Director is an opportunity for students to take that next step in leadership and help give

other students the best time of their lives.

I was lucky enough in my third year to have the opportunity to study abroad in New Zealand for 6 months. I had the most amazing time, and although it wasn’t experienced at StFX, I have to say it really made my third year nothing short of incredible. I would absolutely recommend for anyone at X to take the opportunity to travel and broaden your educational horizons, it is 100% worth it! If you ever want to hear about my exchangeexperience or know more about how exchanges work, do not hesitate to give me a shout!

This year, in my role with the U as Vice President, I will be doing work surroundingacademics and equity throughout the StFX community! Myself and the Students’ Union Equity Advocates focus on providing equity-seeking groups the resources and support they need to succeed and feel included here at X. One of our goals this year is to help promote events held by diverse groups throughout campus, so if you ever see or hear anything about an X-Pride, BLAC, International, or Aboriginal Student Society event, make sure to check it out because they are always a good time and a great chance to meet new people! I also sit as a member of the University Senatewith four other Student Senators. Senate is the

highest governing academic body at X and deals with various academic issues, services, program updates, course changes, etc.

We are also hosting a First Year Student Senator election in September this year, so if you are at all interested in academic issues or initiatives then you should absolutely run! It’s also a great way to get involved with the U and can provide countless opportunities for your future here!

To finish off, I will share a few words of wisdom . Try and find ways to make the most of every moment because your time here will FLY by! Before you know it you’ll be at your X-Ring Ceremony getting that big, gold token of perfection, which will hold all your favourite memories and constantly remind you of what it means to be an Xaverian. The most important tip I can share with you is to GET OUT THERE! Go to EVERYTHING, introduce yourself to EVERYONE, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and take that extra step! If you ever have any questions, ideas or just want to chat then come on by my office on 4th floor SUB where my door is always open (I also keep candy in stock)! Keep in mind Xaverians– we’re here for a good time, not a long time.

Taylor Mason Students Union VP

OPINIONS

The Xaverian Weekly | Volume 122 Issue 1

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THE GREAT CFXU 93.3 FM OUR STATION, BORN ILLEGALLY IN A BASEMENT, is STILL ROCKING BRENDAN MORLEY | CFXU Station Manager

Ah, the campus radio station: a fuzzy dialed soundtrack to the lives of many students. Whether it be playing softly in the background of an early morning study sesh, or blasting at a party, CFXU Radio has been providing StFX and the Antigonish community with an alternative choice of music for almost 45 years.

Our story begins in 1969 in the basement of Fraser Hall, where a couple of amateur DJs and Rock and Roll enthusiasts rigged up a homemade AM transmitter to broadcast throughout the town of Antigonish. This pirate rock station became known as the VOX (Voice of Xavier) and was very popular amongst the students. In a time of social justice and civil rights, it provided the student body with a newfound sense of independence and freedom of expression. With the VOX growing in popularity, the students decided in 1970 to expand, switching over to closed circuit broadcasting and relocation to its current home in the basement of the then-brand-new Student Union Building. With this new expansion came a larger audience; the station played all throughout the SUB and in all of the residences around campus.

Now circulating through residence, it became the lifeblood for student culture, and slowly the “VOX” (Voice of Xavier) evolved into what we recognize today as “THE FOX”.

The dawning of everyone’s favourite decade, the 80’s, saw our station reestablish itself back on the airwaves with the help of an AM transmitter and a new broadcasting license. Back

on the air, this time legally, The Fox thrived as one of the top campus stations in the province, embodying the essence of student voice, music, and spirit.

Fast forward to the 90’s. CFXU acted as a trailblazer, becoming the first Canadian university radio station to broadcast on the internet (Yeah, take that CKDU!). In the summer of 2002, a license was granted for CFXU to broadcast on FM radio; this allowed the whole family to enjoy their favourite CFXU programs in the convenience of their own home or automobile.

Today, CFXU 93.3 FM The FOX has a 13 member all-student staff and over 60 DJs broadcasting an incredible array of unique programs and cart music 24 hours a day. In addition, CFXU also hosts many artists and newsmakers for interviews, song recordings, and live shows at the Golden X INN. The station itself, located on the first floor of the Student Union Building, is a very welcoming place featuring a comfortable lounge and more CD’s than your iPod can handle. It is absurdly easy to get involved with CFXU radio, so come on down and say hello!

There you have it, a brief history of CFXU radio. Despite a 100% turnover of staff and DJs every four years, CFXU the FOX has been able to stay afloat and remain relevant for 45 years. This consistency is due to the underlying goal of CFXU Radio which began as a dream by some students in the basement of Fraser Hall: to provide the St. FX community with some bitchin’ tunes.

The danger of distance HOW TO MAINTAIN A LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP AT SCHOOL. It’s tough, but possible.

MARIA RIZZET TO | Columnist

It’s the end of the summer and you’re convinced you’ve found the man or woman of your dreams – but there is one problem: they’re going to Ryerson and you’re here at StFX. You probably discussed a plan of action weeks before you left but now you’re here and realizing it’s not as easy as you thought.

For people who are convinced it’s going to work, good for you! Honesty is key. The more you tell your boyfriend or girlfriend at another university the better. In other words, never do something or post something you feel would upset your significant other because there is a good chance it will reach their ears or their eyes and be misinterpreted. Being realistic, there is always a chance you may slip up even if it’s just a little dancing at a bar. Everyone has his or her own definition of what cheating means, make damn sure you are on the same page as your boyfriend or girlfriend. We are only human and you are probably going to get intoxicated with freedom and beautiful people pretty fast, whether you act on your feelings or not is another story.

Bottom line: you may look, but you may not touch.

An easy way to keep your relationship intact regardless of distance is scheduling time to see each other. If there is an actual date set to see each other you have something to look forward to. It also helps impromptu plans from malfunctioning or never happening. Skyping, phone calls, or Facetime must happen because texting, even if it’s 24/7, is not going to cut it. Make sure to talk about things other than how much you miss each other. Not only does that get exhausting, it limits your relationship progression. When you get home at Christmas you will have absolutely no idea what is going on in each other lives which leaves you feeling like you’ve grown apart.

What you’ve probably heard the most from friends or family is the question of whether or not you are willing to put in the work. The real question before embarking on a long distance relationship is, are you both willing to put in the work? If you are up in the air at all about how your boyfriend or girlfriend is feeling you need to have a serious discussion. Reflect for the first couple of weeks and look at the big picture. Yes, you very well may be smitten

with your boyfriend or girlfriend across the country, but in reality you have your whole life ahead of you and the best is yet to come. It may or may not include your current object of affection. If you don’t see that person in your future way

down the line it’s probably best to say ta-ta for now. You can always rekindle old flames but you cannot get your first year of university back. In other words, according to my super-mom, “what is meant to be will be.”

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OPINIONS

Sunday, 1 September, 2013 | The Xaverian Weekly

THE TREWS COME HOME LOCAL ROCK LEGENDS DECIDE TO PLAY FOR THEIR HOME CROWD. WE’RE STOKED. HARLAN STEELE | Contributor

If you’re reading this article in hopes of using it to defend your alcoholic tendencies, you’ve come to the wrong place. However, it’s too late and you’re already reading, so you may as well keep going. “The Power of Positive Drinking” is one of the newest singles released by The Trews as a part of their Extended Production, …Thank You and I’m Sorry, in 2012.

The Trews are performing right here at the Keating Millennium Center on September 7th as part of the frosh week events. But unlike many of our frosh students, The Trews are natives of Antigonish. When the band formed, three of the band members, guitarist JohnAngus Macdonald, drummer Sean Dalton, and bassist Jack Syperek, attended Dr. J. H. Gillis Regional High School. The fourth member of the band, John Angus’s older brother, vocalist Colin Macdonald, was an Arts student at StFX. They originally called them-

selves One I’d Trouser, after a line taken from Monty Python.

Their first performance was at Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School.

Colin received his BA, majoring in Political Science, from StFX in 2000. John-Angus and Jack also attended StFX, however they chose to leave school to pursue their music career on a full time basis.

The band released their first EP in 1999 as The Trouser. However, the Trews received their big break in 2002 when they won a competition hosted by HTZ-FM, a radio station in southern Ontario, called Rocksearch. Following this victory they soon landed a contract with a recording company, Bumstead Productions Ltd, and 2003 saw the release of their first full length album, House of Ill Fame. The song “Not Ready to Go” hit number one on Canadian Rock Radio and was nominated Single of the Year in the 2005 Juno Awards. That same year The

Trews released their second album, Den of Thieves, which saw such hits as “Poor Old Broken Hearted Me.” They followed up with another in 2008, No Time For Later, and their latest album, Hope and Ruin, in 2011. The Single, also titled “Hope and Ruin” was nominated for 4 awards at the 2012 East Coast Music Awards, and won the 2012 Rock Recording of the Year. Since 2002 The Trews have also released three EP’s; The Trews E.P. in 2002, A Trew Holiday Gift in 2011, and their latest production, …Thank You and I’m Sorry. They have also released a number of singles, the most well known being “Highway of Heroes” in 2010.

Despite their fame, The Trews have never forgotten the town they came from. The band has regularly returned to Antigonish to play concerts and other performances, most recently being in 2011. Colin and John-Angus also performed a duet at the Schwartz

School of Business auditorium on June 12, 2013. The band also has family still residing in the local area, and they have not forgotten the people they have met either, as is evident in their hit single “Highway of Heroes,” a song commemorating Captain Nichola Goddard, a classmate who died in Afghanistan.

On May 17, 2006, Captain Nichola Kathleen Sarah Goddard was killed in the Panjwaye district of Afghanistan when two rocket-propelled grenades hit her LAV III. Captain Goddard was the first female Canadian soldier to be killed in the Afghanistan conflict. Nichola attended high school in Antigonish alongside the members of the band. She was the head of the student council and would regularly hire them to play at various school functions. Colin’s mother, a teacher at Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High, was a friend of Nichola’s mother. When Colin heard about Nichola’s story, he

was inspired to write “Highway of Heroes.” The Actual Highway of Heroes referred to in the song is a section of the MacDonald-Cartier Freeway between CFB Trenton and Toronto. This is the route is taken by funeral convoys for fallen Canadian soldiers.

The Trews are working on a new album, scheduled for release in early 2014. They are currently on tour, testing out some of the new songs for their album, some of which may be performed at the Keating Millennium Center. In a recent interview, Colin was quoted as “looking forward to coming home,” a sentiment that the whole band likely shares.

If you haven’t heard of The Trews but would like to find out more about the band and their music, you can find them on Facebook, Twitter, iTunes, and YouTube, as well as their website: www.thetrewsmusic. com.

HOMESICKNESS: IT’s NATURAL We’ve ALL been there. Keep it real and use these tactics to get over the tough parts of moving away MARIA RIZZET TO | Columnist

The best way to look at homesickness is as a rite of passage. Experiencing the feeling is normal, and getting past the feeling is also normal. You need to be able to validate the feeling because you’re going to run into it later on in life. The severity of homesickness is dependant upon how much and how often you’ve left the nest as you were growing up. For some, your first year of university could be the first time you’ve left besides from the occasional summer camp. The good news is university is designed to keep you busy enough that

homesickness will be kept to a minimum. There are definitely ways you can prepare yourself for the feeling and banish it without a trace.

It is easy to confuse homesickness with stress.

To avoid a mental breakdown during exams, which is probably just a collaboration of homesickness and stress, book a trip home to break up the semester. Even though you may feel that Thanksgiving came too fast, you don’t really miss everyone that much, or you’ll miss too much at StFX by making the trek home you should really consider it. Next thing

you know you might be crying on the phone to your parents. I’ve been there and it’s not pretty. Downloading Skype for your parents is also a good idea. If you have a parent who is unable to travel to StFX it is a convenient way to show them your new humble abode and introduce your roommate.

Trust me, this goes a long way.

Sometimes when you feel homesick you are not necessarily just missing your family or your home itself.

You could be missing your friends or things you are used to participating in at

home. Well we have more great news! StFX offers an abundance of activities to get involved in coupled with a huge community of new friends just waiting to meet you (don’t let frosh week completely brainwash you, it is not illegal to make friends with students in different residences). Maybe you were an athlete in high school but never ended up considering varsity sports?

There are numerous intramurals, some being quite competitive. Remember – exercise releases endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. As well, X is home to

many societies so there are lots of places to meet people who share your interests.

The best part about going away for university is the fact that your parents are probably missing you just as much as you are missing them. The more you call, the easier it will be. Even though they probably don’t want to hear about your excessive drinking on frosh week and the sexy girl or boy living down the hall, call and tell them all about your classes.

They want to hear from you too because, believe it or not, they are still adjusting too.

OPINIONS

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SOCIETY NIGHt: Check it out WIth societies ranging from scuba diving to swing dance, there’s something for everyone. It’s awesome.

MEGAN DEWEY | Senior Reporter

One of my favourite Frosh-centric events is society night, a time when members of each of St. FX’s many student-run clubs and organizations gather in the SUB to tell you all about themselves, pass out some swag and give you the opportunity to sign up.

There are societies for each different major, as well as for almost any sport/ cause/organization/creed you can think of. Joining a society is a great way to make friends outside of your program or residence and meet members of the Antigonish community.

Here’s a look at some of the societies X has to offer:

well. There are ways to get involved behind the scenes as a member of the stage crew, creating costumes, or other activities found behind the scenes of theatre production.

Theatre Antigonish Theatre Antigonish is a campus and community theatre organization based out of StFX’s beautiful Bauer Theatre. They produce a number of full length plays each year, as well as the annual One Act Play festival and a handful of coffee houses throughout the year. Don’t worry if you’re not an actor, as the One Act festival gives amateur writers and directors an opportunity to show off their talents as

X-Pride Full of warm, wonderful people, X-Pride provides support, advocacy, and education to campus members of the LGBTQ* community and their allies. Along with putting on a number of events such as Pride Week and the Welcome BBQ (Sept 6th from 5-7 in the Coady Gardens), X-Pride provides LGBTQ* students with a safe space and some wonderful people, both staff and students, to talk to. X-Pride is

Scuba-X Have you ever wanted to explore the mysteries of the deep? Scuba-X can help you get started. This society welcomes both novice and experienced divers, allowing you to learn the basics, practice your technique, or gain diving experience by scheduling both indoor and outdoor diving excursions.

based in “The Space” on 2nd floor SUB across from The Inn.

health issues you may have, no matter how big or small.

X-Treme Dance If you’re looking to get your groove on, this society is for you.

Whether you’ve got twinkle toes or two left feet, X-Treme Dance offers classes and workshops at various levels in an array of dance styles, from hip-hop to ballroom and in between, so you’ll be able to find something perfect for you. They also put on performances throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled for posters around campus telling you the details.

These societies and more will be set up in the SUB in early September, so be sure to check it out!

X Mental Health Connection This society is aimed at increasing awareness and erasing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. They hold events like poetry readings and music nights to help bring light to the mental health needs of the campus community.

They are also a wonderful resource for mental health support and strategies for dealing with any mental

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FEATURE

Sunday, 1 September, 2013 | The Xaverian Weekly

The Xaverian Weekly | Volume 122 Issue 1

FEATURE

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10 CULTURE

Sunday, 1 September, 2013 | The Xaverian Weekly

CULTURAL SPACES IN THE ‘NISH The things O-CREW WON’T YELL AT YOU ABOUT LIAM PROST | Contributor

Any grizzled StFX senior will provide you with a list of the cheapest places to enjoy a beverage, twerk your brains out on the dance floor, or pound your head against a desk during midterms; but the real trick to kicking the boredom out of town is to find the little things that make it unique. As you have probably seen from your fabulous friends and neighbors, Antigonish attracts the most talented people, and here are a few ways to experience local art and culture.

Farmers’ Market The Antigonish Farmers’ Market is not just a place to buy carrots and beets (although if you are need of

those things, this is probably the best place to get them) The weekly market is also full of local artisans and food vendors. Need a loaf of kosher spelt? Need a knitted hat shaped like Pikachu? Want to hear a local banjo songster or jazz trio while you enjoy a bagel? This market is the only place to be on a Saturday morning better than a nice warm bed.

CFXU Presents CFXU 93.3 FM is the best resource for new and Canadian music in Antigonish, and these hardworking folks are always putting on fantastic concerts featuring local and touring artists of all genres.

From intimate Art Gallery

folk showcases to raucous rock shows at the studentfavorite Golden X Inn, keep an eye out for The Fox logo on posters and find them on Facebook and Twitter.

fresh locally grown ingredients and an excellent menu.

The Townhouse is the perfect place to ask that cute girl/guy in your calculus class out for dinner and a show.

The Townhouse Last April The Townhouse hosted legendary singersongwriter Al Tuck along with some other great talent.

This Friday (September 6th) they are hosting “blues Vagabond” Doc Maclean. But in addition to being a great venue for music, it’s also the best place in the ‘Nish for food and drinks, featuring great local beers (and even an in-house micro-brew coming soon) and amazing food. The Townhouse redefines local, with

Antigonish Underground Local folk-rock outfit Macminima takes a unique approach to practicing – they let other local musicians come in and join them! Every Friday night at the Antigonish Legion (the building with the terrifying wooden RCMP officer in front of it) the boys jam out to some of their own tracks and some recognizable covers.

It’s free every week, so bring a tambourine, guitar, oboe, or whatever instrument you want and jam along as long

as you are ok with entertaining the Legion’s arcane no-hat policy! No one will judge you for just watching, but dancing along is always encouraged.

Antigonight: Art After Dark Sep 27 and 28 the green space by the post office will be lit up with activities. In previous years attendees were encouraged to sculpt figures to fit in a canoe, finger paint on a plastic-wrapped wall, watch interesting performance art pieces featuring people dressed as blobs, and so much more. The best part is that it is totally free, so take your face out of that psychology textbook for five minutes and come on down!

In X’s House, there are many doors A look inside residence culture around campus for pitbulls, tigers, Assholes, marauders, mustangs, brawlers, PANTHERs or chicks MARK RISEBROUGH | News Editor

Prepare for the best time of your life in one of the most community-oriented residences that Canada has to offer. The many houses at StFX each have distinct personalities, offering different settings to suit everyone’s needs.

MacIsaac is nestled away in the southeast corner of campus. MacIsaac is a co-ed residence with roughly 40 people per floor. They call it the Jungle for a reason – Mac parties are the wildest on campus and attract people from all over campus. Everyone seems to know everyone and it is a very neighbourly residence. MacIsaac’s fierce rivalry with Burke is without a doubt the most heated rivalry at StFX, so mark the BurMac hockey game on your

calendars.

Lane is generally seen as a great place to live. Despite no strong rival, Lane’s camaraderie is second-to-none and it is a great place to meet tons of new friends. Lane residents have the Lane Hall Coffee House to look forward to, which happens a few times a year. The Coffee House has increased in popularity over the years and is a great chance to show off to your peers and meet new friends.

Cameron Hall is made up of three residences: MacPherson, MacDonald, and the exclusively female residence TNT, which separates the two rival Mac houses. MacPherson and MacDonald are both small all-male houses, and a resident of either always

finds themselves ‘with the boys’. The rivalry between MacDonald and MacNeil will make for an interesting year, certainly with TriMac fever in the air. As far as TNT goes, it is a great place to meet many amazing girls. It is made up of Thompson, connected to MacDonald; and Tompkin, connected to Macpherson. The all-female residence is bursting at the seams with school spirit, which always makes for an interesting rivalry with the across-the-street Chillis Chicks.

The Chillis Chicks share their residence with the allmale residence MacNeil, and both are located in MacKinnon Hall. Chillis is a small, close-knit residence where your Chick family matters.

The residence is a very open community and their banquet at the end of the year is certainly something to look forward to in anticipation of all the Chick Awards.

MacNeil is a mysterious “brotherhood” with a notorious frosh ritual where, so I hear, frosh are woken up in the middle of the night and given a name that will last for the rest of their time in MacNeil. This name comes from an experience of the prior resident. Second-year Marauders may choose to get the MacNeil tattoo, as a token of their unwavering loyalty to the Brotherhood.

Lastly, we have Bishop’s Hall, which is composed of Burke, Fraser and Plessis. The residence is certainly more

on the quiet side and it is not odd to see many of those living there at the other residences’ parties throughout the year.

All three have rivals: Fraser versus Lane, Plessis versus MSB (which is not a residence anymore), and finally the most well-known, Burke versus MacIsaac. Bishops is known for being the home of scholarship recipients, it is our very own on-campus four-star hotel. Not known for it's parties, Bishops is relatively quiet on most nights, although that is not to say its residents don't know how to have a good time.

No matter where you are living, whether on campus or off, in Burke or in MacIsaac, you are sure to have the time of your life in the tight-knit community that StFX offers.

CULTURE

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New Tattoo Parlour inks the ‘nish They actually give really, really, good tattoos. Get them, sober(-ish).

RORY MACLEOD | Culture Editor

Walking through Antigonish, newcomers and old passersby alike will surely notice a new establishment gracing the town’s main drag. Three Thirty Main, Fine Electric Tattooing, opened its doors on Mar 1 of last year at the street address that gives the brand new tattoo parlor its name. According to co-owners and tattoo artists Sean Brophy and Joshua Dobbs, business has been going extremely well.

The two are already booked for weeks, if not months, but are ready to accept the large influx of students nonetheless.

According to Sean, the idea for the shop made its inception over his kitchen table in the winter of last year, and the idea has since evolved into a very real and professional establishment. The front of the shop is all glass, welcoming potential clients into the shop. Upon entering it, you can have a seat on the comfortable sofa in the waiting area while observing the Sean and Joshua’s illustrations on the opposing wall or browsing through numerous tattoo magazines. According to Sean, these magazines, along with popularization of tattoo culture through TV shows, books and social media make tattoos less taboo. As a result, Joshua and Sean are in a position to capitalize on the popularization and proliferation of tattoos, especially among the young student population.

Sean has been tattooing for three years in Pictou county, and has been living in Antigonish for fifteen years. He specializes in “old-school type tattoos with hard bold outlines and bright colours; typical tattoo lore

like skulls, anchors, roses and ships,” Joshua has been in the business for about nine years and has been living in “the city” and came to Antigonish looking for a more rural lifestyle. He, on the other hand, primarily does “black and grey tattooing, fine line stuff, and also colour traditional.” A third “awardwinning” member will soon be added to the team roster to accommodate the large walk-in rush that they anticipate in the following weeks. Sean and Josh both agree that the popularization of tattooing and tattoo culture has definitely helped tattooing as an industry and an art form, but is a “double-edged sword.”

Sean points out that when he went to school tattoos were reserved for deviants and outsiders, while now they are far more commonplace and therefore much more accepted. By the same token, according to Sean there are many tattoo artists making a good living off of bad tattoos, but at the same time the increase in demand for tattoos has forced the industry to evolve as it has become more competitive, creating better and more talented artists.

However, the lower end of the tattoo talent spectrum leaves a legacy and, combined with bad decisions of their clients, creates business for those on the higher end of the spectrum. Sean and Joshua say that they both spend lots of time doing cover-ups of poorly executed or poorly chosen tattoos, of which they have a few themselves.

When asked how to avoid poor decisions that one may regret in the future in Sean advises that the client should “educate themselves about

what they’re going to get and from who, look at [their] artist’s portfolio, find an artist that does the kind of tattoo that you want because there are a thousand different genres within tattooing [because] artists specialize in different things.” On the same note, Joshua suggests that clients looking for small tattoos that tend to be popular with the student demographic are often the hardest to do and show the most flaws. Sean recommends that one looks at the tattoos in the artist portfolio similar in size and style to the one

that you are looking to get, because that is the really the best representation of the artist themselves, along with the environment they work in.

However, as Joshua put it, “let them sherpa you up the mountain of getting a tattoo.”

The key, according to Josh and Sean is being able to live with it for the rest of life your life. Joshua's advice: don’t do homemade ‘stick-and-poke’ tattoos or get one of a third nipple. He would know; he’s speaking from years of personal experience.

Living life on campus 6 useful tips for an easy adjustment to CAMPUS life ANGELA MACKENZIE | Staff Writer

Welcome to StFX! This beautiful campus will be your home for the next chapter of your life. Moving away from familiar territory and starting fresh on your own can be scary, but it is also exciting and exhilarating. Here are some tips that will make the adjustment to residence living slightly easier.

1. Don’t be afraid to socialize. Keep your door open while you are unpacking your new room. This way you can get a general introduction to the people on your floor and begin making new friends.

Someone might poke their head in an offer you a beer. The transition is a less nerve-wracking when you have others to help get you through it.

2. Get to know your RA. The Resident Assistant of your hall is there for you and wants to get to know you. Developing a close relationship with your RA is key.

You can ask them advice about anything, turn to them in difficult times, and they will help you keep you informed about events going on within your building and all around campus.

3. Find the right study space! At the beginning of the year, take a tour around

the campus and keep an eye out for places you may want to study. During exam time the library fills up quickly, but there are lots of places hiding around campus that are less crowded: the SUB, the Coady, and many other secretive spots. Find a quiet study place to call your own and make a habit of going there. Learn what Wellspring is.

4. Get to know your roommate. It is important to bond with your roommate – after all, you will be living with them for the next year. Find common interests, go shopping for groceries together, and talk

about splitting the costs for stuff that you both can use throughout the year (printer paper, paper towels, etc.) You don’t need to be the best of friends with your roommate but it is important to get along.

5. Find the right time to do laundry.

Trying to do your laundry when all of the machines are full is a pain. Plan to do your laundry at the least busy times during the week like Monday mornings, Wednesday nights, or between classes.

Always set an alarm to remind you when your laundry is done. (Editor's note: I did laundry twice first year. It is possible)

6. Invest in the proper appliances.

Mini fridges, microwaves, and fans are key appliances to have in your room throughout the year. It’s always good to have food in your room for snacking and the occasional meal outside of Morrison Hall. It is important to have a fan in your room especially in the hotter months, as it will be much more comfortable.

Use this guide as a kick start to surviving residence life. The longer you live here the more comfortable you will get.

Enjoy your year at X! Party hard, study hard, and enjoy the best years of your life.

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Sunday, 1 September, 2013 | The Xaverian Weekly

KNOWLEDGE NICHES THE BEST STUDY SPOTS ON CAMPUS AND THROUGHOUT ANTIGONISH EMILY MACDONALD | Contributor

Frosh week can be one of the most fun, crazy, and tiring weeks of your life- but once all the pancakes have been eaten and the Jell-O washes away, you may feel the need to study. If you’re new to the area it may seem intimidating to go out and explore campus and Antigonish to find the perfect study spot, so here are a few tips from students who have already done the work for you.

The library is a popular go-to place for frosh because everyone knows about it right away, but you may be more productive if you branch out and find your own niche.

Aleaha Zampaloni, a third year nursing student, prefers the fourth floor of the Student Union Building because it’s not as busy during the year.

Don’t underestimate your room as a good study spot. You’d be surprised how much can be

accomplished when you close your door, put on some instrumental tunes (Editors Note: The Lord of the Rings soundtrack is all I've listened to for three years), and get comfy. Your room is an especially good spot if you don’t get distracted easily and if you like taking short but frequent breaks. If you do choose to study in your room, I suggest setting a timer for your breaks so you don’t end up spending twice as much time watching cat videos as you spend actually studying.

If you don’t mind a little noise then Mini Moes, located next to Morrison Hall, and the Tall and Small, found on Main Street, are great places to grab a cup of coffee or a snack and study for a few hours. The Tall and Small has interesting artwork hanging up everywhere and relaxed people playing chess, so it’s a nice change from the stark beige

walls around campus.

For group projects you may like the breakout rooms on the fourth floor of the Schwartz building because they’re a little more private and conducive to group discussions. If you’re willing to wake up early to get there then it’s definitely one of the nicer study areas on campus.

Aisha D’Eon, a second year nursing student, and Zampaloni both recommend the nursing lounge beside the MSB Café.

D’Eon notes the “comfy couches” as an asset while Zampaloni says that it is a good place for late night studying because “the janitors....let you stay as long as you want” which is especially nice during midterms and exams.

Additionally, Zampaloni likes to study in some of the conference rooms in the nursing building because they have whiteboards.

Invest in some whiteboard mark-

ers and you’re all set.

Even though Mount Saint Bernard is no longer a residence, the courtyard is still a lovely place to study. A second year Science student, Lisa Croisier, especially likes studying there during “the warmer months because there’s no wind.” It is a great place to go after you’ve been pent up in your room or the library for a few days and want some fresh air and a change of scenery.

Katherine Bekkers, also a second year Science student, advises going to Nicholson Hall on the weekend if you need to use a computer because there are usually a lot available while Zampaloni likes Wellspring because sometimes they have cookies.

One place that is often overlooked is the Public Library.

They have different resources and nice spacious desks to use.

Megan MacDonald, a fourth year

Business and Economics student, likes to sit by the fireplace because it’s “quiet, calm, and cozy.”

If you manage to discover campus' greatest not-so-secret secret, Wellspring, you've lucked out. Think about it: A bunch of amazing nuns make cookies, supply tea, and provide a perfectly quiet place for you to absorb all knowledge. It's the best study space. Hands down.

There are many different places to study around the community so try to branch out and find where you can be the most productive. Not everybody learns in the same way so try not to be offended if your friends prefer a different area. During the years you spend at X, be sure to find what works best for you and be open to trying out new places in order to make the most of your academic experience.

Professor pointers Tips on how to succeed in your first year classes, directly from the mouth of our faculty The time of your undergraduate studies is the last chance you will have to develop the most important part of you: your mind.

The rest of your life will be taken up with jobs and family, and you will not have the leisure to read, to study, and to think that you now have. If you do not discipline and educate your mind while you are at St. F.X., you will be stuck for the rest of your life with a common, narrow mind, a mind that cannot think for itself and that is simply the product of the latest media influence. If you understand how precious and irreplaceable this time is, you will want to take courses that challenge, discipline, and broaden your mind. You will not measure success merely by grades, because you will know that a low grade in a difficult course can be a success, just as a high grade in a bird course is a kind of failure; you will not measure success by parental or peer approval, for your standard will be your own mind’s improvement and not what merely looks good to others; and you will certainly not measure success by whether your courses provide job training, for such training narrows a mind that wants breadth. Your standard will be realized if you can learn your own culture and history, if you can gain some appreciation of other cultures, including their languages, if you can understand your world in a scientifically rigorous way, if you can appreciate the fine arts, if you can analyze a moral or political problem, if you can give a reasoned account of why you are or are not a theist, and if you can argue consistently from principles.

If you can grasp what this undergraduate time is really for, and set your face like flint against the distractions, you will be an academic success -- I guarantee it.

-Professor Steven BaldnerPhilosophy This suggestion is generally true for any discipline, but especially so in mathematics. In first year, students arrive from different high schools, different levels of expectation and preparedness, different systems. If you find yourself underprepared or overwhelmed, *take ownership* of the gap between your current skills, and what you will need for success. There is a tremendous set of resources to help you with this (Math & Stats Learning Centre, tutors, meeting with your professor, fellow students, online tutorials, and so on), but you must have the self-awareness to know you need help, and the initiative to access the resources. Most importantly, make this process happen early - the longer you go without attending to foundational math skills, the more overwhelming it will be to come to grips with the course material. Professor Ryan Lukeman -Mathematics Office hours are as important as class hours. Make it a goal to visit your Professors' office hours during the first two weeks of school. Demonstrating your interest in the class material and in your education at the beginning of term will help to get you started on the right foot. You can ask a specific question about

the course or share an idea you had about the readings that you did not get a chance to discuss in class. Your university learning experience extends outside of the classroom so take advantage of all of the resources that St.FX has to offer.

-Professor Kailin WrightEnglish

Top: Professor Wright, Bottom Left:Professor Lukeman, Bottom Right:Professor Baldner

VOcal Ensemble Auditions The StFX Vocal Ensembles are forming their performing groups for the 2013-­‐2014 a c a demic year. We invite StFX students to sign up for audition/ interviews in early September.

WHEN/WHERE TO SIGN UP: 215 Gilmora Hall,StFX Campus.

Wednesday, September 4,5:00pm–7:00 pm

Thursday, September 5 2:00pm–3:00 pm 4:30pm –7:00pm Friday, September, 6 2:00pm-4:30 pm

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Men and Women who have a talent for singing, are motivated, and enjoy being on stage.

For the auditions, choose a song of any style that best suits your

voice. You must arrange for your own accompaniment(guitar, ipod, etc.)

STFX Vocal Ensembles have toured the Maritime Provinces and appeared on national and regional CBC Radio. For more info, contact Ryan Billington at (902) 867-2268 or email rbilling@ stfx.ca Best of luck to all students auditioning!

THE NEXT EPISODE

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EXERCISE: ITS GOOD FOR YOU IF YOU EXERCISE, YOU will just feel way better. WE PROMISe. LAURA ALOISIO | Senior Reporter

When students walk onto campus in September their routines change immediately. They trade in family and home cooked meals for roommates and meal hall. This change is more dramatic for freshman, as they have the chore of discovering the best place for pizza or figuring out how many hours of sleep you actually need each night before you begin to fall asleep in class.

Although there is a sacred irony in watching a new student, looking to release stress through a workout, get even more stressed just trying to locate the gym, I thought it would help to give some tips on exercising at StFX that don’t simply involve walking back to your room to retrieve a forgotten textbook.

The fitness center, located in the Keating Millennium Centre, is no more than 7 minutes from every residence on campus. Besides housing two ice surfaces, several racquetball and squash courts, there is a fully equipped gym that has free weights, exercise equipment and cardio machines. If you’re unsure how to use a piece of equipment the front desk has someone to help. Machines are reserved by putting your name on the attached list. The change rooms have showers, lockers (bring your own lock) and a sauna. For group classes, the semester’s schedule is on the fitness and recreation website but you will need to purchase a punch card at the Oland Centre front desk.

The Keating Center skating arena offers open ice times and learn to skate classes. The stadium field is always open for a walk or run with friends while catching up on gossip. Intramurals between the houses is a fun way to bond with your housemates and feel like a varsity star.

The Oland Centre has a pool and aquatic center for swimming and water aerobics classes. You will need a swim cap, but don’t worry, everyone looks silly! For access to the gym or aquatic center, don’t forget to activate your free membership by signing a waiver form at the front desk.

If you don’t feel like using the gym on campus, the Antigonish Goodlife Fitness Centre on College Street is

a great place to go. It is always filled with X students and offers fitness classes and a variety of machines spread out over the two floors. Alex Capson is the fitness manager and as a StFX graduate himself, he is always happy to talk about establishing and maintaining your fitness goals while going to school. Goodlife offers a complimentary fitness assessment and there are discounts on membership rates for all students.

With crazy schedules and constant pressure of schoolwork, taking care of your physical health shouldn’t be an added stressor. So stay healthy this year by making physical fitness a part of your routine, and getting fit just another part of being a student at StFX.

are you a fit frosh? how to avoid unnecessary weight gain in your first year MAT T MACDONALD | Sports & Health Columnist

In my first year at StFX, I arrived on campus in great physical shape after a summer of actively running, biking, and swimming. I spent the majority of my high school years participating in various sports, clubs and intermural programs. Life in High School was perfect!

I was fit and happy and had a strong social network of family and friends. This routine was abruptly interrupted when I arrived in September at X having zero friends, no family, or familiar teammates surrounding me. For the first time in my life I was no longer “Matt the Athlete”, but one in one thousand frosh trying to create a new identity and a place to call home.

I was told university would be a challenge. However, what I didn’t expect was the challenge of staying healthy. All of a sudden there were frosh parties, late nights, early mornings, meal hall, and zero extracurricular programs. This meant serious change! I was eating and drinking more than ever and exercising a fraction of what I had been used to for years. While I don’t recall gaining the Freshman 15, the fifteen pounds said to attack students like the plague in their first year, I do recall feeling stressed,

tired, homesick and caffeine dependent.

Looking back now, the solution seems so easy. Get adequate sleep; drink lots of water; fill up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains at meal hall; and exercise daily. I am not suggesting you spend your Friday nights at the library or skip out on the parties and social outings that are part of the university experience. What I am suggesting is that you, a newly independent young adult, become aware of how the choices you make influence your physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Chances are, if you are feeling stressed, tired, anxious, sluggish, or cranky, it’s because your body isn’t getting the nutrients, exercise, and rest it deserves.

Hi there! We are Ryan Billington and Rachel Hurst, and we are the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, and Questioning) Student Advisors at StFX.We are faculty members, too – Ryan is in the Music Department, and Rachel is in the Women’s and Gender Studies Programme.

On behalf of the LGBTQ student advising office, we extend a warm welcome to all new X students! Our office exists to provide support and advocacy for LGBTQ students, in both their academic and personal life. All students are

welcome to the LGBTQ welcome BBQ on Friday, September 6th at 5 pm in the Coady Gardens, where you can socialize, enjoy some free food, and chat with us. Come see us at Society Night, where we will be promoting X-Pride, and you can sign up for our email list to keep up to date on our events! We work closely with the other student advisors (Aboriginal, Black, and International), and one of our goals as advisors this year is to continue to connect these vibrant student societies!

Treat exercise as an insurance policy that you need to take out on your health, and each day that you go to the gym, you’re paying the premium. Make your health a priority and you too can reap the benefits of daily exercise! Remember that no matter how busy you get, or how much pressure is on your shoulders, a good workout will make you feel at ease.

Top 10 ways to stay healthy and stress free this school year!

1. Get adequate sleep. Aim for 8-9 hours per night.

2. Drink lots of water.

3. Learn to say “No.” Do what you want, not what others want from you.

4. Rely on fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains to nourish your body throughout the school year.

Avoid processed and refined foods.

5. Sign up for intramurals. StFX has one of the best programs in the country!

8. Make use of your gym membership. You are paying for it in your tuition. We also have a swimming pool, racquetball and squash courts, and a beautiful turf field and synthetic track.

9. Join and ‘Like’ the WE MOVE THIS TOWN Facebook page. Every Sunday, you can find a new FUN, free physical activity to participate in.

10. Aim to move at least one hour per day. Buy a pedometer and aim to get 10,000 steps per day. It’s easy to achieve!

6. Attend society night, as it showcases heaps of great opportunities to become active.

“Good health is a crown on the head of a well person that only a sick person can see.” – Robin Sharma

7. Go for a walk or run on the Landing. I didn’t discover this gem until third year

Matt is the founder of We Move This Town. Check out his website at driven2move.com

Here is our contact information – we look forward to hearing from you!

Ryan Billington rbilling@stfx.ca Rachel Hurst rahurst@stfx.ca Join fellow LGBTQ students and allies on Facebook by searching X-Pride (StFX University)

WELCOME TO STFX

Varsity Sports guide At X Your guide on how to get involved and support your x-men and x-women AARON THORNELL | Sports & Health Editor

If you’re the athletic type, and you think you have what it takes to represent St. FX, keep on reading. Contrarily, if you are just interested in following one or several of St. FX’s 12 varsity teams, this article is still for you.

Despite the seemingly daunting nature of trying out for a university varsity team, there really isn’t anything to worry about - until you get to the tryouts. Getting in contact with coaches at St. FX is just as easy as doing so with professors. The first step is to send an email. You can find the emails of all the head coaches at goxgo.ca, and this website will guide you in all your varsity sports ambitions.

After sending out a message expressing your interest, you will more than likely receive a response within a matter of days, and the coach will hopefully give you some guidance on how to proceed.

Now, if you don’t make the cut, be it because you didn’t move more than twenty feet on any given day during the summer (we’ve all been there), or because there was just no room for you on the roster, don’t fear - there are

still lots of ways to be involved with varsity sports teams at X. The easiest thing to do is grab a calendar of all the varsity sports events, which is usually given to you in your frosh kit, and slap that guy up on the wall. With this, you can see every game there is to be played at St. FX. Now, if by chance you were too busy “hydrating” in res, and misplaced your calendar, just hop onto goxgo.ca, and you can find all the information you need there.

As for the locations, this can be trickier than it would seem. Most outdoor sports teams, such as men’s and women’s soccer, women’s rugby and men’s football will play on the Oland Stadium turf. Otherwise, you can find your hockey and basketball inside the Keating Centre.

There is the odd men’s hockey game played at the Antigonish Arena, which is a stone’s throw down James Street.

Remember to play or cheer hard whenever X is involved. Varsity sports at X can be a lot of fun and are really easy to be a part of. And let’s face it, would you rather talk about sports or school at the family Christmas dinner?

Drink like a fish and balloon like a whale: Calorie intake is another great reason to rethink your drink MAT T MACDONALD | Sports & Health Columnist

It seems that as time passes, students are becoming more aware of healthy eating. While many will choose healthier food options this coming school year, we often lose sight of the calories we consume while drinking alcohol. A typical light beer, for example, has as many calories as a hot dog, and a glass of wine could be substituted for a large donut.

Shotgunning two beers is like inhaling a medium fries from McDonald's.

This school year, try to rethink your drink. That Bailey's hot chocolate you savour will give you a caloric punch to the face. Alcohol, like desserts, packs unnecessary calories that will eventually hurt your waistline. If you are at all serious about keeping off the Freshman 15, rethink your drink and limit the amount of alcohol you consume. Otherwise, those new jeans that fit you now may be too snug come Christmas.

Think about some of the alcoholic beverages you consume.

Do they have nutritional labels?

Most don’t. If they did, many people would not consume them. Most people don't want to hear this information, as people generally enjoy drinking. However, education is knowledge and that knowledge is power.

Keep the following information in mind this school year!

The Facts Bailey's Irish Cream - 350 calories in just 100 ml Regular Beer - 150 calories per 355 ml can Coors Light - 102 calories in 355 ml can Wine - 74 calories in 100 ml Vodka - 222 calories in 100 ml Rum - 60 calories per ounce Molson Canadian 67 - Only 67 calories!

Remember: moderation is the key! While you might feel pressured to binge drink, keep in mind being social does not mean being drunk. If you do decide to drink, but don't feel like drinking a couple Big Mac's worth of calories, limit yourself to one or two drinks per social event. This may be hard for some of you. In fact, it is not uncommon for some of us to drink ten or more in one evening. Simple math: drinking ten beers at 150 calories per drink equates to 1,500 calories.

One pound of fat is just 3,500 calories, which means that in one night it's possible to drink the caloric equivalent of almost half a pound of fat!

It may help to think of alcohol as another form of sugar or dessert. Often I hear people saying they are drinking “liquid carbs.” This, however, is far from the truth. Alcohol yields seven calories per gram, whereas carbohydrates only yield four calories per gram.

In fact, alcohol is closer to fat (9 calories per gram) than carbohydrates! If we compare the nutritional facts of the 1,500 calories of beer you may have consumed Saturday night to that of a chocolate Mars Bar, which packs about 233 calories, you have just eaten about 6.5 chocolate bars. Yes, 6.5 chocolate bars! That does not include the slice of Wheel Pizza you may have picked up at 3 a.m.

So now is the time to rethink your drink for this school year.

What are your education and fitness goals for this semester?

For some people, they aspire to be on the Dean’s List and see exercise and eating wellbalanced meals as an integral part of achieving this goal.

However, for some, alcohol is something they really enjoy and giving it up is not an option. I say that you do not have to give it up – just be responsible. Be safe, have fun and rethink your drink!

THE BACK PAGE

The Xaverian Weekly | Volume 122 Issue 1

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Dealing with mental health at university VP Union services shares how the stFX plans to raise awareness, and shares advice to frosh on dealing with difficult times AMY BRIERLEY | VP Union Services

This summer we, the Students Union, have been planning for the upcoming year and have set out a strategy to increase awareness of mental wellness for all students here at StFX. It remains a complex realm of students' lives.

The Executive team has been exploring several Student Assistance Program options this summer. If implemented, the program would offer 24/7 support for students who may be struggling to maintain mental wellness with the stresses of life and school. This program would offer counselling support through a variety of mediums--phone, instant messaging, video chat, etc. The service would also offer supplementary services such as nutrition and financial advising. We hope to present these options to Council when meetings commence this September. We would also hope to offer additional support on top of the amazing work that Counselling

Services does.

Furthermore, we hope to plan awareness programming through inviting speakers to campus who speak to their experiences with mental health and wellness. We believe that through hearing these experiences and speaking to issues that are often stigmatized, students will feel more comfortable addressing issues of mental health and wellness issues on campus. A study by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, "Opening Minds", shows that these sorts of approaches have a substantial effect on decreasing stigma of mental health issues on campus-- and often stigma is one of the most paralyzing aspects of mental health.

Another discussion that we have had is the fact that there are many contributing factors to mental wellness. In this sense, we will continue to seek to create connections between different aspects of student life.

One platform item is to build a stronger relationship with Athletics and Recreation-- something that we have begun to work towards.

Further to this, I hope to work to promote the services that are offered underneath my office. I will be working closely with the Student Food Resource Centre Coordinator, Shannon Lynch, to ensure that this resource is more accessible and that students don't have to worry about the added stress of food insecurity if they are already struggling with other aspects of wellness.

In terms of advice for first years, I would like to give some personal advice The first week, even the first few months may be tough. The move to university can be so overwhelming and it absolutely can take a huge toll on a person. But the thing is, so many people are going through the samething-- I definitely went through

it and I know of many more people here on campus who have. It can be hard because the first few weeks can be so saturated with really stimulating stuff-- meeting people, having fun, starting classes, etc, and it can seem like you are struggling in an environment that everyone else is breezing through. However, that's not the case.

A lot of it comes down to recognizing that you need to take care of yourself as a whole person-- that means keeping your well-being in mind through it all, including your mental health and emotional health. I that means going to yoga, pursue that. If that means volunteering, pursue that. And if it means accessing services on campus, such as counselling, definitely do that. Don't ignore what your body, mind and emotions tell you! Also, reach out to people on campus. Sometimes speaking to someone who has had a similar experience can really help.

getting your first year facts straight Student life office has created program to help students become aware of all X has to offer them KERRIN DUGGAN | Contributor

The Facts for First Years program is designed to help transition first year students to life here at StFX. The goal of the program is to introduce First Year students to the many resources available on our campus. The program’s focus is largely on the first six weeks of school, which have been identified as a key time in a student’s transition to university. A major part of the Facts for First Years program will be promoting events and information about the departments and services here on our campus. We are currently in the process of develop-

ing a website that this information will be featured on. There will also be a Launch Party for Facts for First Years on September 20th in the MacKay Room. This will feature a Welcome Day style showcase along with fun and interactive ‘Minute to Win It’ games. Invitations with a schedule of the day sent out shortly so please keep this date.

Any information and questions can be forwarded to Kerrin Duggan, Student Transitions Coordinator by email at kaduggan@stfx.ca or by phone at 902-867- 3934.

student union elections!

Want to represent all StFX Frosh on this year’s student council? Applications to run in Frosh Councillor for the 2013-14 school year will be available Tuesday, September 3rd. Applications must be submitted to the Student Union Building Info Desk By September 10th. Make your voice heard! Best of luck to all students who will run in this year’s elections.

Photos by Clayton Blagdon

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Sunday, 1 September, 2013 | The Xaverian Weekly