ISSUE 10
XAVERIAN THE WEEKLY XAVERIAN
Thursday Mar 29 2012
Volume 120 Issue 20
EDITORIAL STAFF
Thursday, January March 21, 302012 2014 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Volume 121 Issue Issue10 15 Sean McEvoy122 xw.eic@stfx.ca | (902) 870-9431
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PRODUCT ION MANAGER Emma MacPherson EDITORS-IN-CHIEF xw.product@stfx.ca
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news THE STFX STRIKE IN RETROSPECT
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STFXAUT PRESIDENT PETER MCINNIS DISCUSSES THE STRIKE ONE YEAR LATER, AND VARIOUS CONCERNS FACING FACULTY
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A year later, the StFX Strike may be a distant memory, though a lasting impact has been made. As President of the StFX Association of University Teachers (StFXAUT) , Peter McInnis was one of the central figures of the strike conflict and an outspoken voice for faculty needs and priorities. The Xaverian sat down with McInnis to discuss the strike one year later, as well as other recent issues facing the university and its teaching staff. The interview has been edited for length. The Xaverian Weekly: What is the current state of the StFXAUT? Peter McInnis: Well, I think there's always a cyclical pattern for these kinds of things, especially intense during times of contract negotiations. So things have quieted down somewhat into more of a routine into the kind of day to day, week to week things we do as an association. So we're also interested in broader advocacy issues for post-secondary education, not only at this university but also provincially and nationally. It's business as usual. There is however the looming ongoing Presidential Task Force, so that's causing some concern with the faculty. XW: Looking back at the
strike one year later, would you say it has had the desired effect that you had hoped for? PM: Well you don't try to invoke a strike. We feel strongly, and we still do a year later, that the failure of the administration to negotiate in good faith led to the strike, so we didn't have a choice. Not having a choice, I think we did the right action and I think it's better for the campus going forward. XW: Is the StFXAUT in a better position than it was last year? PM: I think we're renewing ourselves. We're always looking at our other responsibilities as teachers and researchers, so we don't have the same kind of capacity as administration to hire people dedicated to only those types of jobs. I think it's sort of an issue with all associations. Attracting people and keeping them on as they cycle in and out, it's a lot like committee's that govern the university as well. XW: What were the benefits of striking looking back now? PM: I think in the long term students will benefit from a campus that retains the really important prinCONTINUED ON PAGE 4
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STFX AT A GLANCE
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JULIA O’HANLEY | Senior Reporter & SEAN MCEVOY | Co-Editor-in-Chief
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No replacement named for Director of Student Life
StFX supports Mental Health Awareness Week
Pictou County Teacher Facing Sexual Assault Charges
Minister Tony Ince Visits X for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
A month following her resignation, StFX has yet to name a replacement to fill the position of Director of Student Life, vacated by Corinna Fitzgerald. “We have posted for the position and have it advertised on several prominent websites relating to student services”, says Director of Ancillary Services Bob Hale. “I am overseeing the Residence Life and Student Union relations portion of the Director of Student Life duties. I have also been appointed interim Head of Student services and have Athletics, student life and the Health and counseling centre reporting through to me”, Hale adds. His office is now located in the SUB.
After a successful first few days, Mental Health Awareness Week continues with a multitude of events. “I see this week as the product of a pretty amazing movement on campus to create a stronger and healthier community through collaboration”, says Students’ Union VP Union Services Amy Brierley. “The events have been a great success so far and the week to come is exciting. Each event is open to all students, faculty, staff, communtiy members alike.” Events for this Thursday and Friday include a Dog Den, a Rally and March, Music Therapy, Open Skate and Coffee House.
Thirty-seven year old Carolyn Amy Hood, a teacher at Thorburn Consolidated School in Nova Scotia’s Pictou County, is facing charges in the wake of an eleven week police investigation. Hood has been charged with one count of sexual interference, one count of sexual assault, two counts of luring minors for a sexual purpose, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a young person, and will appear in Pictou County Court on Mar 17. Hood is said to have known both boys she is accused of sexually assaulting. The alleged sexual assault of the minors, occurred between April and Sept 2013.
StFX graduate and Minister of Communities, Culture, Heritage, and African Nova Scotian affairs Tony Ince visited campus on Janu 21 in honour of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Minister Ince spoke to StFX and Coady students in Dennis Hall in the evening about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Minister Ince is the recently elected MLA for Cole-HarbourPortland Valley; a riding previously held by former Premier Darrell Dexter. While on campus, Ince also met with politically-minded professors and students to speak of his electoral campaign and his plans for his ministerial jurisdictions.
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NEWS 3
The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 10
Olympic Advice Advice on Student Leadership at Inaugural Leaders Summit at X ELLA MICHEL | Contributor
Great Traits of Champions With animated demonstrations, compelling videos, and powerful facts, Debbie Muir and Mark Tewksbury worked together as teammates to describe the benefits of using a positive mindset when tackling barriers that restrict us from reaching our goals. The presentation was held in the Schwartz School Auditorium for the audience of Acadia, Bishop’s, Mount Allison, and StFX students - all U4 League schools. Being the prize-winner of five major synchronized swimming coaching awards, Debbie Muir was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 at age 42. Raised in Calgary, Alberta, Mark Tewksbury trained his way to greatness from a young age. He is most widely known for his gold medal in the 100 meter backstroke at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Having joined forces, Muir and Tewksbury founded Great Traits, “a program that teaches people to be victors in their own right”, which is based upon the book that they penned, The Great Traits of Champions: Fundamentals for Achievers, Leaders and Legacy Leavers. The Secrets of Champions In just over one hour, Tewksbury and
Muir had the auditorium laughing, experimenting, and thinking. One of the most inspiring tasks recommended to the audience was to personally internalize a list of five words which defined oneself or one’s team when striving for success. Tewksbury revealed that this secret is used by the Canadian Olympic Team to reinforce positive mindsets. The words chosen to represent Canada in the London 2012 Olympics were: relentless, fierce, world class, proud, and unbreakable. Muir followed up on this secret by stating that people forget to evaluate their attitudes, and therefore resort to dwelling on the negatives. She added that one must “think about what [he/she/they] think[s] about” because it is believed that the average person experiences 60,000 thoughts each day. Of the 60,000, 80% of these thoughts are focused on oneself and two thirds of these are negative in nature. Therefore, 32,000 negative thoughts occur each day. To conclude, Muir claimed that “we pay attention too often to what we do and not enough to what we think”. When asked what he would tell all of StFX if he had the chance, Tewksbury responded with a list of requirements that each student
could put to work so that everyone could reach their potential. The list is as follows: constantly challenge yourself, take various perspectives on everything you do, see every opportunity that you are exposed to, and help others to see their potential as well. The presentation by Tewksbury and Muir was encouraging and influential, but other aspects of the Leader’s Summit event at X also resonate with those involved. Being an event solely for students and staff members of U4 institutions, the atmosphere of the occasion was laidback and inviting. Having a room-full of small community advocates also enhanced the desire of those involved to strive for greatness in the future. At the end of the presentation, student president Ben Gunn-Doerge expressed his endearment for the community at StFX, and he may have even shed a tear or two. This reinforces the passion that people acquire by experiencing a tight-knit institution like ours, which resembles the make-up of a team. Student Services Advisor of Acadia University, Cecilia Jacobs, observed how the U4 league schools are engaging for students. Jacobs referred to attending the institutions as sort of an irreversible bond that
occurs between student and school. She believes that larger schools are trying to mimic the solidarity of U4 schools, but can’t due to size. Overall, the event was successful in inspiring students and faculty to achieve their best in an environment that allows for engaging and meaningful relationships. The Great Traits of Champions January 2014: • Challenge yourself • Change your perspective • See every opportunity • Help others see their opportunities “Think about what you think about.” Create a list of five words that define yourself personally, or any team that you work with, to create solidarity. Key Qualities for a Path to Greatness • Continually Evolve “How will you challenge yourself to be better this year?” • Utilize Power of Thoughts “Our psychology affects our physiology.” • Create Synergy “By bringing together the right people, an inexplicable energy is created that produces winning results much greater than any one individual’s contribution.”
The WORLD AT A GLANCE Issues of Athlete Security Start to Make Official Weary Coupled with every Olympiad is an overwhelming number of questions concerning safety, but in the 2014 host city, Sochi, security issues have reached an all-time high. Threats of suicide bombings have been sent to European Olympic offices, in addition to Russia’s notorious anti-gay legislation, fans from across the globe are watching closely to see if the site will be safe for the world’s most elite athletes to visit in the coming days. Despite all of this, Sochi Olympic officials say they do not expect any empty seats during the sixteen-day event that will see viewers the world-over set their sights upon Sochi. It looks like we can still expect to see our red and white ambassadors fighting for gold no matter the security threats.
After a Tour of the Region, PM Harper Promises more Funds
Justin Bieber’s Magnificent Mug Shot
During his recent visit to Syria, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced an additional $15 million in support of international efforts aimed at the destruction of the country’s chemical weapon. This $15 million is part of the $150 million Harper has promised to contribute to Syrian efforts this year, funding said to be used to aid displaced Syrian refugees as well as continue the work toward chemical weapon destruction. Harper’s government has already contributed $630 million to humanitarian efforts to Syria. This announcement was made during the prime minister’s six-day trip in the region, as well as neighbouring countries Israel and Jordan.
The Biebs has done it again, this time making headlines for DUI charges, resisting arrest, and driving without a valid license in Miami Beach on Jan 23. It seems the pop star’s mug shot has been catching more attention than the actual driving offences themselves. Bieber’s exposed pearly-whites have been the topic of discussion all over social media since the incident. Even celebrities are putting their two cents in, such as actor Seth Rogen, who tweeted, “All jokes aside, Justin Bieber is a piece of shit.” It would certainly appear that our Canadian pop prodigy is headed down the same beaten path travelled by many child stars before him, and
L’Isle-Verte Fire Sparks Outrage as well as Provincial Inquiry A fire at a senior’s home in the small town of L’Isle-Verte, Quebec on Jan 23 took the lives of 17 elderly residents. Thirty-seven of the fiftytwo residents living in the home at the time of the fire were over the age of eighty-five. The failed sprinkler system has caused many to become outraged in the wake of the incident, infuriating residents of the town of 1500 and family members of the deceased. Although renovated areas of the seniors home were equipped with a working sprinkler system, there were no sprinklers in the affected wing of the building. This Quebec senior’s home is the seventh home of its type to catch fire in Canada since 2009.
4 NEWS
Thursday, January 30, 2014-The Xaverian
NSHRF Scholarship x-bound four xaverian students granted scholarship for their psychology thesis’ JULIA O’HANLEY | Senior Reporter
Four StFX psychology students will be going into their thesis with a little more money in their pockets. Claire Lothian, Jeff Foshay, Brianna Boyle, and Erin Orr are this year’s StFX recipients for the Nova Scotia Research Foundation Scholarship for their work in psychology. The Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation, founded in 2000, is an organization that offers funding through scholarship programs with the goal of enhancing the future of health research in Nova Scotia. The Undergraduate Level Scotia Scholars Award granted to these four StFX students is offered only to students from Cape Breton University and StFX. Four students from StFX and two students from CBU receive $5000 each year to allow them to work towards their thesis in the area of health sci-
ences. All four students chosen from StFX were eligible for the award as their honours thesis work will be in the area of health sciences. Topics covered by the four include drug addiction, personality traits, and coping in relationships. Third year student Claire Lothian plans to focus her study on drug addiction. “I’m doing a joint honours in bio and psych, so I chose Dr Karen Brebner to oversee my thesis for her work in neuroscience. I was planning on doing just a major in bio, and in bio there is not a lot of health or human process. I took Psych 100 with Dr Brebner, and I loved it. I’m really glad that the bio and psych departments were able to work together so I could do my honours degree in psych.” “It’s all pretty exciting,” ex-
pressed third year student Erin Orr. “It’s such a great opportunity because it will mean that this summer we will focus mainly on our honours thesis. Most students won’t be able to start until the next academic year, and so that has been a huge opportunity for us that we are really grateful for,” she explained. The $5000 provided toward academic research created opportunities for Lothian she would not have been granted before: “[The scholarship] will make our research this summer a lot easier because I won’t have to worry about not working this summer and just doing research and stuff like that... It opens up a lot of opportunities for actually doing our research.” For Jeff Foshay, a third year student who transferred to StFX in his third year, the schol-
arship will allow him to continue to do what he loves. “It helps pay off my tuition so I can do other research things. I plan to go into clinical psychology [in grad school]. It’ll be fun.” However, eligibility requirements caused Foshay to almost miss out on the scholarship. He explains, “I had to be in StFX for two years. I almost wasn’t allowed to apply because I transferred into my second year.” Third year student Brianna Boyle says she is very thankful for the opportunity to receive the grant: “I just feel really lucky; I feel so happy to be given this opportunity to dive in and spend a lot of work on our thesis projects... For me [psychology] was something that I was always really interested in. I have always been interested in learning as much as I can about the area; it’s just really rewarding.”
This prestigious scholarship for undergraduate students will allow these StFX students to get their feet wet in the world of psychology, and stay competitive in the ever-growing field. For Orr, the inclusion of undergraduates means a lot. She says, “I’d like to thank the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation for extending this scholarship to undergrad students, because it is going to be a huge opportunity.” “I would encourage other people to consider diving into [psychology] because it is really rewarding and [there is] limitless opportunity,” stresses Boyle. The application process for next year’s Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation Undergraduate Level Scholars Award for StFX students will begin this coming fall, with results expected to be released in mid-November.
‘WE SEE HIS RESIGNATION AS A POSITIVE’ MCINNIS CRITICIZES RAMSAY DUFF FOR ‘SMOKE AND MIRRORS’; FEARS PROGRAM CUTS FROM PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2.. ciple of collegial governance. So what that means is that faculty and staff have a substantive role in the decision process of the university. Sometimes administration can get on to a particular angle of doing things, a particular perspective, and they need sometimes another voice for debate on these issues. So I think having a campus where faculty were increasingly frustrated with administration is not good. I think we're in a better place now, and I think students realize that. XW: Recently we've seen faculty at UNB and Mount Allison go on strike. Do you feel that those strike actions were justified? PM: Yes. I was just in New Brunswick as a matter of fact last week and spoke to the people at UNB, and also some members from Mount A. What they've done is really look at the budgets in the case of UNB very closely, looking at the operating fund. What they've done at UNB is really take funds out and put them into capital expenditures, restricted areas. They can do that, and sometimes it's justified to have a reserve fund or put it in for a specific capital expenditure like a new building. But it's also an administrative choice. What they've found at UNB, is that they have about $84 million in surplus. So the
requests of the faculty are a little over $2 million, so they can clearly pay for that without impacting students, and without having a negative impact on taxpayers in New Brunswick. So I t h i n k t h e s e things tend to be struggles over the vision of postsecondary education and issues of turning universities into more of a corporate environment rather than a place of collegial self governance. XW: What concerns do you have with the Presidential Task Force operation? PM: Well this is a kind of measurement exercise which is extremely time consuming of dubious volume. The idea is to rank all the programs. It tries to often divide faculty against themselves looking for the scarce funds. It talks about allocation, but really what it is about is cuts and elimination perhaps of some programs. There's always an ongoing
quest to look for efficiencies, and the question is whether we can do that ourselves without bringing in this kind of template. It's an American one, and also one that was
behind this kind of thing, a man named Robert Dickeson specifically, he seems to have some really negative things to say about faculty, like they've built a little empire for them-
developed in an atmosphere where there are very few unions. So we have some questions, and we've also been looking at the experiences of other universities, particularly in Ontario (Laurier, Guelph, York). Most of their comments are skeptical of the utility of this exercise. I think there should be ongoing reviews of programs, whether they need to be supplemented or changed in some ways, and we are accountable. But if you look at the language from the people
selves. We don't see that happening at StFX, we've always had a very close relationship with students, researchers,and the community. We are responsible to those kinds of things and we want to continue that. XW: Last summer you called for the resignation of Sean Riley. What are you looking for in the new President of StFX? PM: Well there was some consultation through the Board of Governors in the late summer and early fall. I was at one session with a lot of facul-
ty. We think there is time for renewal. The President has been in his position for a very long time, things have changed. We are looking forward to more consultative administration, an administration that really values that policy of collegial self governance. The strike obviously was about oppositions, but we have to corporate in the administration in a week to week fashion because that is in our self interest. XW: StFX VP Finance and Interim VP Recruitment & Student Experience Ramsay Duff has resigned for his position and will be exiting soon. Do you feel that this is a desirable occurrence? PM: A number of us in the association had long questioned some of the decisions and actions of Mr. Duff. I think we see his resignation as a positive in that his replacement will be more accountable and more willing to explain the decisions. The semi-annual budget explanations (by Duff) were always more of an exercise in smoke and mirrors. I think that Mr. Duff had some challenges around trying to make everything balance out. So we're optimistic. EDITORS NOTE: Ramsay Duff declined to be interviewed for this piece, as well as declined to discuss his depature from the university with The Xaverian Weekly.
OPINIONS 5
The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 10
OPINIONS majorly under-appreciated please stop making fun of my degree LAURA O’BRIEN | Opinions Editor
I am an English major. I love poetry and literature, and as it turns out, I love film theory as well. I get my kicks writing long papers in the middle of the night and reading until the words go fuzzy. I pride myself in feeling like old friends with my favourite authors and being able to assess their work with an objectivity that only makes me appreciate them more. I have taken classes under nearly all of the StFX English professors, and can honestly say that I’ve grown and learned from each one, which is unique to my experience here at X. However, an interesting phenomena occurs whenever I publicize my major to others: I get an eye-roll. However subtle it may be, students and adults alike feel the need to judge me based on what I love to study. This fact could not make me more sad. We live in a world where the pursuit of knowledge comes second to getting a job, and while a career is most certainly important, that is not
the sole reason I’m here. I chose English because I wholly believe in doing what you love to do, and not accepting anything less. However, the pressures of society are trying to steer me - and apparently everyone else - into the mindset that there is no use in an English degree, along with many other humanities. Instead of approval for making my personal happiness and interests a priority in life, I’m responded to with a raised eyebrow and questioned, “Were you not smart enough to do Science?” This question has been asked of me too many times to be acceptable. The choice to pursue English is exactly that: a choice. It is not, and never has been, runner-up to science. Why are we teaching each other to feel shame in enjoying something for nothing more than what you can learn from it? We should be educating each other on the wealth that our majors provide us without the illusive promise of a job by graduation day. My most interesting
conversations have often spun out of someone trying to describe their major to me and what they love about it. Some people think of these as just a means to an end and respond in brief, short sentences, but then there are those who get a twinkle in their eye at the question and immediately light up in a flurry of deep thought and reason as to why their major matters. Sometimes others try beat the idea and passion down, with arguments on future homelessness and poverty. If you’ve ever been in a similar situation, I’m sure you’re familiar with the argument. A few years back, this taunting would bother me greatly. However, I’ve recently realized that, alongside all I’ve gained from my developing English degree, I’ve also adopted a skin thicker than a collection of Shakespeare’s works. I could not be more proud of my academic choices here at X, and while everyone has their own preferences
and tastes, it’s safe to say that all faculties have their own merits. So, with this in mind, think before you assume the superiority of one degree over another. So many things we learn in university cannot be quantified by a percentage: the desire to learn, curiosity, critical thinking, an understanding of personal potential, and many more. By comparing degrees, we undermine the growth that we have all experienced as students over our brief four years here. University teaches us tolerance and appreciation, for learning and for other humans, and it is our duty to respect one another as peers and as people. No matter why you’ve decided to pursue university, don’t illegitimize another’s experience. We may never be able to agree on the true worth of different degrees, but perhaps it is not a problem meant to be solved. Perhaps we just need to accept the diversity in learning that university provides us, and embrace a culture in which this is possible at all.
russia versus rights the world will be watching as the olympics unfold MICHEL BOUCHER | Contributor
Russia has never proven itself to be the most tolerant nation when it comes to contemporary issues. In September, Russian authorities arrested Greenpeace activists when the group protested against the oil company Gazprom, and in 2012 members of the band Pussy Riot were arrested during a protest advocating for the separation of church and state in Russian government. The fact that both groups were charged with the act of “hooliganism”, which can earn an individual up to seven years in a Russian prison, is both troubling and utterly ridiculous. So it was not very surprising when the Russian government stated that homosexual athletes could be subject to arrest during the Olympic games in Sochi. The recent statements from Russian officials during the summer have caused much controversy and have caused protest among LGBTQ* communities. The United States is sending openly gay athletes like figure skater Brian Boitano, tennis player Billy Jean King, and hockey player Caitlin Cahow to the Olympic games as a sign of protest against Russia’s statement. Also, Canada has stated that they will send Vancouver’s openly gay city counsellor, Tim Stevenson, to help represent Canada in Sochi. However, people should not have to
worry about any trouble these individuals might receive from Russian officials. Vladimir Putin would not dare
to ensure security to the participants of the Olympics and guests of this sports fête and we will do everything to that end.” Although we shouldn’t
risk causing an incident at an event that is supposed to inspire camaraderie between nations. Furthermore, Putin himself has stated in interviews “Our task as the organizer is
be worried about the safety of gay athletes at the Olympic games, we should still pay close attention to how they represent our nation in Sochi. Many countries maintain anti-
gay laws, and it is important that the United States and Canada can be seen as a supporting front for the gay community. For example, in India, homosexuals can earn up to 10 years in prison simply for being gay; Nigeria makes even associating with a gay individual a punishable crime; and in Uganda, homosexuality can earn you a lifetime imprisonment. In Russia, an LGBTQ activist was recently arrested for waving a rainbow flag during the torch relay. Even the United States and Canada have had their fair share of issues when it concerns the LGBTQ* community. For reasons like these, it is important that our nations remain a united front against anti-homosexual beliefs. Hopefully the representatives being sent to Sochi will help to show others that Canadians are people who believe in equality regardless of an individual’s sexual inclination. Maybe this will inspire other nations to view homosexuality in a more positive way. This is why I believe these Olympic games are very important for the progression of gay rights in our society. I hope that many of you will be watching the games to cheer on our Canadian athletes; most importantly, I hope that we, as a nation, can show support for our LGBTQ community.
6 OPINIONS
Thursday, January 30, 2014-The Xaverian
the beauty of booze the perks of being plastered often outweigh the risks BEN KENT | Contributor
Now that the first month of classes is well under way, many of us have become reacquainted with our relationship to alcohol. It seems that people often focus on the dangers of improper alcohol use, but for a change I would like to take a moment to pay respect to its many merits. The beauty of alcohol is that every experience with it is entirely unique. It is so adaptable to a variety of situations that nothing else can be compared with it. There is nothing that can bring people together and cross barriers in the way that alcohol can. It can be used for anything from personal relaxation, to friend-
ly conversation, to festive celebration. The beauty of alcohol is not in its intoxicating effects, but in its ability bring about and enhance enjoyable experiences. When used in moderation, alcohol is an excellent companion to social situations. This is why there are always events around which the consumption of alcohol is planned- whether this is live music at the Split Crow, dancing at Piper’s, or conversation and darts with friends at the Townhouse. Sure, there are always those who will abuse alcohol, but I believe that is a defect in the person using the drug and not in the drug itself. Because it
causes lowered inhibitions and elevated moods, the possibilities for an enjoyable experience with alcohol are endless. As a student at a small university, I have come to realize the potential for bonding through alcohol. There is nothing that can compare to having a drink with a professor, a classmate, or even a member of the community. There is nothing that brings so many people together in pursuit of a single common goal — to have a good time — in the way that alcohol does. Although I believe that alcohol is inherently a good thing, I do believe that the
way in which it is used not only at StFX, but also globally, is widely misguided. I think that for many, there is need for a radical reassessment of the way in which alcohol is viewed, consumed and tolerated. When tales of a Wednesday through Saturday binge are commonplace, when missions of “going blackout” are accepted as normal, it is evident that the substance under question is being misused. I believe that too often we attribute the good times we have while intoxicated to alcohol itself and we fail to appreciate the amazing circumstances and acquaintances that alcohol introduces us to.
If you think my opinion is wrong, I challenge you this weekend to find someone new to introduce yourself to the next time you go out instead of buying another pint. I challenge you to say something you have always been meaning to say to someone instead of getting so drunk that you talk to no one. I challenge you to go do something that you would normally be too inhibited or cautious to do. With alcohol in the mix, there is always the opportunity for an unexpected experience. I think it is important that we focus less on what we are drinking and more on the people who we are drinking with.
to sleep, perchance to dream why do we hold out on getting enough sleep? ANGELA MACKENZIE | Staff Writer
Sleep: a five letter word that means bliss, peace, and relaxation. It’s a necessary part of living and in an ideal world nap time is a class you can get credit for. However, when life gets busy it is hard to get a decent sleep, especially when you have stresses on your mind and a lot of work to do for multiple classes. Over the break I got into the routine of waking up, watching Netflix, and having multiple naps throughout the day. Since getting back to X, I have gotten into a new routine. Waking up early for class, working on readings throughout the day, work-
ing at my job until 9 or 10, and then coming home to procrastinate and attempt to work on assignments. These longs days get the better of me and sometimes I don’t get to sleep until 1 or 2 in the morning. This lack of sleep puts a toll on my life. My eyes hurt from being tired; my brain hurts from all the reading I have to do as a double major; and on top of that, I still want to keep a healthy social life on the side. I know that if I took an extra 20 minutes in my day to hide away and nap I would feel better. Stress levels would be down and I would have more energy to run around
getting things done. Yes, sleep would be beneficial to increase the happiness of day-to-day living, but very rarely do I take my own advice. Sometimes it’s hard to find time to sleep overall, especially for busy university students. When you have two jobs on the go and the added worry about finishing assignments on time, getting readings done for your next class, and making time to eat and socialize, time seems to become lost. There must be ways of making time to fit all this into everyday life without being stressed or overwhelmed… but I have still not found the magic
combination that allows me to do everything I want while keeping up with the things I need to do. Three years into university and I still haven’t figured out exactly how to do things. If anyone has figured out how to do everything without feeling stressed, please feel free to write a returning opinion article about how to perfectly balance a schedule. Regardless of how busy life gets, everyone should make time for sleep. If I were to give myself advice, it would be to put down the books before 10, watch a TV show or two, and then get to sleep before midnight. Even
with this advice I would probably put the books down then watch Netflix until much later because of the mentality, “Just one more TV show; then I’ll be done.” The bottom line is this: sleep is important, and I’m sure that students are not getting nearly enough. I put more time into getting work done, spending time with friends, and going to work than I do into looking after myself. What I should do is set aside 20 minutes per day for that little bit of extra sleep. Unfortunately, sometimes life just gets carried away.
Respecting diversity of thought The importance of an arts degree and of true Learning ALEX MILLER | Contributor
When I first told my friends in high school that I wanted to do a Bachelor of Arts degree in university, their first response was: “Well, have fun working at McDonalds for the rest of your life”. These friends, who are now studying sciences in their own university careers, were the first to make me realize the biased and stigmatized view of the Arts which exist in students today. Many people dismiss Arts students as being lazy, lackluster individuals who choose the path of least resistance in order to graduate with a degree which will ultimately be useless to them. A former co-worker of mine once poked fun at my choice of education path by telling me that I
wouldn’t really be earning my X Ring if I was studying Arts. Through this piece, I would like to explain my view of the Bachelor of Arts degree as an educational pursuit and the importance of recognizing the validity of any and all educational paths, whether it be a BSc in Computational Chemistry or a BA in English Literature. As an Arts student, and as an Arts Councillor on the Students’ Union Representative Council, I recognize a sad and discouraging reality: people are choosing not to study Arts because they don’t think they’ll be able to get a job with it. While I recognized the legitimacy of this concern, as it is one I share, I would like to sug-
gest a simple idea: that you are not in university solely to get a job. University, particularly for an undergraduate, is about diversity rather than specialization, about exploring options and exposing yourself to new opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise have. Your degree should give you skills such as critical thinking and analytical ability, as well as the ability to understand context and learn about competing theories. These skills can be applied to a multitude of challenges, and give you an advantage over narrow-minded linear thinkers who accept everything at surface value. The value of an Arts degree, to me, is the development of these valuable skills by
teaching you not what to think, but what to think about. By studying the humanities and the social sciences, you can better understand the world and your place in it, which is valuable beyond words. We are lucky at StFX to have a wide variety of programs and degree options, in Arts, Sciences, and Business. With various specialized programs within these faculties, and our interdisciplinary programs such as Aquatic Resources and Development Studies, students can study the subjects which interest and challenge them. The way I see it, no one has a right to criticize or belittle someone’s educational path, so
long as the student pursues something that interests them and gives them the valuable skills of critical thinking, analysis, and understanding context. If you find yourself presented with someone with an educational path foreign to you, rather than mocking or poking fun at them, engage them about it. Learn why they find it interesting and valuable, and try to recognize the importance of diversity of thought. By getting a wide range of perspectives, you can develop a more holistic and well-rounded understanding of the world we live in. Through this meaningful dialogue, we as a community of students and as citizens can begin to truly learn.
OPINIONS 7
The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 10
HOW DO you SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIA? Wing(wo)man: You’ve got my back right?
DEVON GREENE | Staff Writer
An ode to sweet intoxication Drunkenness, inebriation Liquid courage, inspiration The weekend test of temptation Will it be wine? Will it be beer? A bar that’s far or one that’s near?
MARIA RIZZET TO | Columnist
I’ve always considered myself a mediocre wingwoman. I’m all right with introductions and huge on nobody-gets-left-behind. Unfortunately, I get over-tired, easily frustrated, and basically just pretty hungry and cranky towards the end of the night. But after recent evenings out and a flattering, “you’re making a very compelling case to be awarded wingwoman of the year” text, I am starting to re-evaluate my wingwoman capabilities. By compiling my previous knowledge and experience, my single friend’s opinions, and common sense - I bring you some tips for being the ideal wingperson… When it comes to initial introductions, less is more. The fail-proof “name, name... name, name” with a mention of a random commonality should suffice. You want to avoid sounding like you’re reading your friend’s online dating profile to a person of interest when introducing them. A smooth entry means allaround introductions. Have fun trying to be a successful wingperson when their friend gives you the interrogating “Do you even know my name?” Always allow your friend to have the first choice when approaching a twosome. If you really want to out do yourself, let them scope out the scene. Then coherently, with your help, choose a suitable mission. But, the ideal wingperson does research, potentially even groundwork, until you’re at a point where you can suggest a certain someone before your friend even knows they’re interested. That’s impressive. The wingperson commitment begins before you get to the bar and can continue for hours after the bar. Presentation is half the battle. Honesty is key when being asked questions like, “How’s this look?” It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there in the battlefield. You must make the ultimate sacrifice — drink, but always drink less — in order to ensure your partner in crime is lookin’ fly, functional, and fearless. Don’t underestimate the power of the best friend. The relationship between prospects can be up in the air, but don’t even take the chance. You piss him or her off from the get-go and it’s see you later for both you and your friend. You can never be sure who’s wingin’ for whom; maybe you’re the one getting perused. Avoid
AN ODE TO ALCOHOL
figuring this out the hard way or ruining your own chances by leading with compliments. Never say, “I’m the wingman/woman tonight,” because you could unknowingly be digging your friend’s grave. Never leave the bar without checking in. Contrary to popular belief, it does not matter if you checked in 15 minutes prior; a quick scan before an exit is not enough. We all know how fast things can go awry. Pre-meditated hand gestures, text cryptographs, Morse code, or interpretation of your friend’s body language are all suitable options. They can help minimize the awkwardness of the last check-in. Nothing kills the mood like an exaggerated, “Now, you’re suuuure you’re okay?” As a wingperson, you cannot be afraid of failure. You need to be fearless so you can make sure your friend is fearless. They may reach home more often than not or constantly strike out, but we all know you can’t win ‘em all anyway. If things take a bad turn, a good wingperson will tell you, or worst-case scenario force you, to bow out. It’s all fun and games until someone is on the bar yelling “You’re hideous anyway!” Exceptions need to be discussed prior to hitting the party scene. Being wingpeople for each other has its benefits but also its downfalls. There is the brief period where group chatting is engaged and confusion of who is into who may surface. The key to reciprocal winging is agreeing that nobody can be happy if everyone isn’t happy. It’s achievable, and if luck it not on your side that particular evening, at least you still have each other. Even as the most loyal wingperson, you don’t have to do anything (or anyone) you don’t want to do. Sometimes it’s a good idea to attend an after party if you’re sceptical about a situation, but that by no means binds you to keeping up the charade. You have gone above and beyond most wingpeople by accompanying your friend to an after party. Don’t feel hesitant to call a cab or grab a blanket and hit the couch. You’re the wingperson; you don’t need to explain yourself. You’ve already taken one for the team by not being comfortably asleep in your own bed. Play safe!
So many choices, but one thing’s clear We’re here to party, let’s get weird. Slurring, stumbling, laughing, singing Girls are flirting, men are winging Music blaring, ears are ringing Pace yourself, we’re just beginning Flip cup, quarters, king’s cup, pong We win ‘em all, so bring it on Funnels, shotgun, keg stands, beer bong Flaming shots, the list goes on Inn, Pub, BP, Split Crow We bring the party wherever we go On the dance floor, getting low Can you say “DFMO”? Let’s get rowdy, a little hazy There’s all day tomorrow for being lazy Moderation, sometimes, maybe, But on burMAC we get twice as crazy There’s nothing else to do on Tuesday Wing night Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Funday-Sunday, Hell, I’ll even drink on Monday. So let’s get drunk, that’s where the craic is Just for now, forget your next quiz Put your books down, take a break kids And spend the night with Dionysus.
www.xaverian.ca - www.xaverian.ca
8 FEATURE
Thursday, January 30, 2014-The Xaverian
Students’ union exEcutive reorganization A POSITION SHUFFLE MEANS BIG CHANGES FOR THE U JULIA O’HANLEY | Senior Reporter
Major changes to the Student Union were approved at the SU meeting Jan 26. The elimination and creation of executive positions were the central changes of the Sunday evening meeting, along with adjustments to the role of almost all existing SU executive positions. Proposed changes were passed the evening of the proposal, and it looks like the current year will be the last year the StFX’s Student Union will operate in its current state. The new Student Union organization will be implemented in the 2014-2015 school year, altering the outcome of this week’s President and Vice Presidential election. As it stands now, the Student Union here at StFX is composed of a three tier system, with the president making up the top tier, executive vice president the second, and five vice presidents making up the third (VP Finance and Operations, VP Student Relations, VP Communications, VP Activities and Events, and VP Union Services). If proposed changes were to go through, the system would shift to a two tier system, with the positions of Executive Vice President, VP Student Relations, and VP Union services eliminated, and three third-tier VP positions added: VP Academic, VP Internal, and VP External. VP Academic will cover areas of student life directly connected to academics. The position will be responsible for student representation on academic committees, and accessible learning, senate affairs, library services, liaison with university Academic Vice President and Deans, and academic supports such as tutoring services. The VP Academic will still assume presidential responsibilities if the position is vacated. VP Internal is slated to cover student issues on campus. These services include HP/VP/OCLs/ House Coordinators, liaisons with Residence Life, Student Orientation Committee, alcohol policy, campus affairs, Internal Equity and Environment Offices, student advocacy, international student affairs, among others. VP External will cover the jurisdiction of student affairs off campus: community issues. Some areas covered under VP External include Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, government relations, liaise with Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre and GASHA, share of responsibility for community relations with SU president, and overseeing of External Equity and Environment Office, etc.
Of course, with the position of Executive Vice President now dissolved, the structure of future elections and platforms must change as well. With these new changes, election campaigns in future will elect individual President and VP Academic independently- the remaining executive’s hiring practice will not change. The announcement came just days before the two-day election to determine next year’s President, and the StFX Student Union’s final Executive Vice President. “I believe these changes will be a very positive change to the Students’Union. It was incredible to attend the council meeting and see the changes being made in real-time”, said Students’ Union Presidential candidate Brandon Hamilton. “Other University Students¹ Unions have a similar structure, and being a delegate at the U4 summit and speaking to other delegates at Bishop¹s, Acadia and Mt A about the success with a VP Internal and VP External, I can see how it will benefit StFX. The President will now be ableto focus more on StFX itself, while also being a representative for external groups such as Students NS and CASA. However, now, the VP External can allow the President to focus both internally and externally by alleviating some of the external tasks”, he said. Hamilton’s running mate, Alicia Silliker echoed the positive sentiments for these changes. “I think (that this) is a great change because it will allow the Vice President to have a more direct purpose, and although I am a little disappointed that the Equity side to the position will be moving because of my experience with that, I know that collaboration will still be available for this position to be able to still have input on equity-related issues on campus. Also, the addition of the Vice President Internal and Vice President External is a really fantastic idea that will once again allow for purposes to be more clear, and it will take a lot of the external pressure off of the President, and a lot of the internal pressure off of the Vice President.” “It is definitely a step in the right direction in my opinion”, added Silliker. The Students’ Union election platform of Kurtis Pankow and Andrew Jennings could not be reached for comment on these policy changes by The Xaverian Weekly.
The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 10
9
10 CULTURE
Thursday, January 30, 2014-The Xaverian
Culture And the award goes to This years award season was hard to ignore, with just the right amount of cheesiness LAURA OBRIEN | Opinions Editor
Beginning in early January, the tabloids and celebrity culture magazines and websites start buzzing as awards season nears. Nominations are bet on, the celebs are interviewed and prodded, and dresses and jewellery are catalogued and critiqued. We, the masses, are reminded of the lack of extravagance in our own lives, and we watch celebrities being best friends with more celebrities and wonder why we never pursued acting. But with all the cynicism of awards season, there is also an undeniable amount of fun. We finally get to see our favourite celebs portraying themselves, and looking their utmost fabulous. In today’s culture, staring at beautiful people is practically a part-time job from all the exposure we see on TV, film, and in the media. Awards show season only exploits this, and we scoop it up in heaps. The sad part about the awards season is that no one really cares the day after. Sure, there are the unexpected wins, but for the most part, everyone is just waiting to see who wore what, who will win the final award of the night, and if the hosts of the show will ruin the evening. The internet explodes
with new GIFs of washed-up actors reclaiming their fifteen minutes of fame, and everyone talks about that one person “who really deserved it”, practically making them a god. If this article has yet to dissuade you from the glitz and glamour of televised awards, here’s the lowdown on the most popular events of the season. The Golden Globes: this show aired on Jan 12, and was hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poelher. One of the more light-hearted awards shows, Tina and Amy were hosting for the second consecutive time and brought a great humorous style to the show. The Golden Globes are well-known for stars getting drunk. Unlike the Oscar’s, nominees are served dinner while in attendance with access to a full bar. The less-serious nature of the event makes it less critically acclaimed, and despite The GGs having very similar categories as the Oscars, they are not seen as competing events. The Screen Actor’s Guild Awards: an awards show based solely on acting in film and television, the SAG awards often get overlooked during awards season. The 2014 SAG awards aired
last week on Jan 18. The Grammys: the Grammys aired on January 26 and they are the pinnacle award in the music industry. Hosted this year by LL Cool J, the Grammys are one of the more enjoyable awards show because they include performances by nominated musical acts. The Grammys are becoming known for cretaing cool mixups in these perfromances. Last weekend, This year included a Madonna/Mackelmore mashup to Same Love while 34 same-sex couples got married on stage, as well as a mashup performance by Kendrick Lamar and Imagina Dragons. Daft Punk won the evening with the award for Record of the Year and Album of the Year. The British Academy Film Awards: also known as the BAFTAs, because they are awarded by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, this lesserknown awards ceremony is the British version of the Oscars. Happening on Feb 16, this show serves as a British counterpart to the Oscars and gives out many of the same awards. Unlike the Golden Globes, the BAFTAs focus primarily on British achievements, making it much less popular in
North America than the previous. And finally, The Academy Awards, aka The Oscars: airing this year on Mar 2, the 86th Academy Awards are the be-all and endall of the awards season. The most glamour, the most prestigious awards, numerous crying speeches, and Meryl Streep are what make the Oscars one-of-a-kind. It does not matter how many other awards a celebrity may have won; it is the Oscar and only the Oscar that defines a career. This year’s Oscars are hosted yet again by Ellen DeGeneres, who successfully hosted the awards back in 2007. DeGeneres is an excellent pick because not only is she respected by her peers in the industry, but she is wildly liked by the general public as well. In recent years, the Academy altered the number of films to be nominated for Best Motion Picture from five to 10. This year, the films up for the big award are: “12 Years a Slave”, “The Wolf of Wall Street”, “Captain Phillips”, “Her”, “American Hustle”, “Gravity”, “Dallas Buyers Club”, “Nebraska”, and “Philomena.” While these four awards ceremonies define the Awards Season every winter, it is worth mentioning the two other prominent
Awards ceremonies that complement the Oscars and Grammys: The Tonys (June) and The Emmys (August). Called the Grand Slam of Hollywood, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony in a lifetime is called and “EGOT” and has only been achieved by 11 people in the history of the awards ceremonies. Some notable EGOT winners are: composer Richard Rodgers (of the Rodgers and Hammerstein duo), actress Audrey Hepburn, director Mel Brooks, and actress Whoopi Goldberg. Whether you enjoy the awards season or not, it is undeniably hard to ignore. After each ceremony, magazines, television, and the internet explode with mumbojumbo of who-wore-what and who-brought-who as a date, and numerous trivialities which are fawned over and gobbled up by us regular folk. And while it may be superficial, the awards season lets us get lost in the extravagance of fame and fortune, and not unlike a zoo, we can ogle and judge celebrities like animals, cry and laugh with their triumph and losses, and above all, endlessly gossip about the latest nip slip.
ITS COLD IN THE ‘NISH, But Life is good. There are at least 7 things to do when It gets freakishly cold and snowy around here. LEWIS FORWARD | Co-Editor-In-Chief
There are two ways to deal with the constant sub-zero temperatures that Antigonish’s local tempermental weather god inflicts on us for the entire second semester each year. The first, saner choice is to do what our ancestors did: seal the hatches, build a fire, and watch Netflix and play Catan for four straight months until that mystical anomalous thirty degree day reminds us what the sun is, sometime in mid April. The other, slightly insane lifestyle choice is to head into the great white outdoors and earn our Canadian passport. Most of us will subscribe to the first method, but once in a while we might look at that blizzard outside and feel the lure of extreme elements and the incredible draw of the chaos of winter, and strap on our boots and go for a romp. When frozen nostrils take in the coldest breath, there’s few things more refreshing. Here are a few things you can do outdoors (and in) over the next months that will make you feel like a northern Scandi-
navian- and not spend that much money in the process. 1. Rent snowshoes from the Antigonish Town Hall. 5$. For that five dollars, you can rent a pair of snowshoes (they have 58 pairs) for an indefinite period of time. Book in advance, because they are often fully booked. Antigonish and the surrounding area are known for excellent snowshoeing. Browns Mountain (10 minute drive) has a great 4 km loop which takes about an hour. The Beaver Mountain (15 minute drive) has beautiful views of the Antigonish lowlands, and has both 3 and 6 km loops through birch forests and snow-covered fields. 2. Ski or snowboard. Wentworth (Full day student lift $37, with rental $60 - 2 hour drive) and Martock (Full day student lift $40 with rental $70 - 2.5 hour drive) are nearby enough to make a day trip to from Antigonish. Ben Eoin (Full day student lift $34, with rental $48) is smaller, and cheaper, and boasts a great view of the Bras d’Or lake in Cape Breton.
3. Cold therapy at Mahoney’s Beach (or in your shower). As many ice-bathing athletes (and Wim Hof, a ice-bath record holder who is featured on page 14) will tell you, there are valuable payoffs for the pain-price of cold water submersion. Fiveto-twenty minute immersions in icy water constrict blood vessels of extremities, and after exiting the water, blood is pumped vigorously back into tissues. The contraction of blood vessels also flushes waste compounds, like lactic acid, from muscles. Users report reduced muscle soreness, reduced inflammation, reduced stress, improved sleep and a sense of invigoration. Cold has also been proven to increase testosterone and spermatogenesisthe production of sperm cells- in men. The practice of cold water therapy has been used in Japan for centuries as part of a morning purification ritual known as Misogi. Scandinavians alternate cold therapy (usually ice hole swimming) and sauna use in a practice known as avantouinti.
Starting the day off with a cold shower or creek dip increases the strength and energy you carry with you throughout the day, and makes 8:15 classes seem warm and bearable. 4. Free skating at the KMC and Antigonish Arena. I know this isn’t really an outdoor activity, but I promise skating in arenas is actually based off of a true story: skating outside. If you’re lucky enough to find an outdoor rink, or if the weather gods can participate long enough to freeze the Memorial Field rink for Winter Classic, then go do that. If not, the KMC has open skating (free for students) from 12-12:50 PM and 2:30-3:20 PM on weekdays, and 3:30-4:20 on Sundays. Pick up hockey is on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 12:15 and 2:15. For the times we’re feeling less outdoorsy, there are plenty of indoor things we can use to drive away the winter blues. 1. Bowling. Pins bowling has a full bar, and costs 6$ per hour per person. Beers are 4$, cool-
ers, spirits, and wine $4.50. $1.50 shoe rentals. Sun-Thurs 12-10pm, Fri-Sat noon-11 PM. If you feel like establishing dominance over your roommates with bowling supremacy, or just feel like drinking beers and hurling heavy stuff, we’ll see you there. 2. Go to the Tall and Small. It is the best winter’s day refuge in Antigonish, if you can make it there. Located two stores down from the intersection of Hawthorne and Main, it’s open until 6 PM weekdays, 4 PM Saturday, and closed on Sundays. Inside you’ll find warm coffee, people reading, playing chess, and studying, alongside a lot of newspapers, good local art, and some of the greatest berry muffins around. 3. Pool at Dooly’s. $8.99 buys all-you-can-play pool at our local pool hall from 10AM - 6PM. It’s open from 10 AM - 12 PM Monday to Wednesday, open until 2 AM on Saturday, and open from noon to midnight on Sunday. Wednesday is all-you-can-play night, $15 lets students play until close.
CULTURE
The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 10
It’s a trap!
DIVEST X
the new internet music sensation sweeping the nation
investing in ethical alternatives for stfx
RORY MACLEOD | Culture Editor
LUKAS KNOPP | Contributor
For those of us born in the 90s, the Internet has been a constant companion. Not only does it track the cultural pulse of your social circle, the community, and the world at large, the Internet is also really good at creating its own sub-cultures and communities. Like-minded individuals have the opportunity to come together, exchanging otherwise farfetched ideas that can coalesce into a culturally relevant phenomenon. In the mid-to-late 00s, a seemingly new and unprecedented genre started gaining momentum, and would become omnipresent in high school iTunes party playlists. Dubstep and its success, I would argue, have been derived completely from the Internet and a dubstep community that came together to popularize the genre. In fact, the beginnings of the genre could be traced back as early as the 90s. Now that dubstep has been more or less relegated to the Internet of yesteryear there is a new kid in town who is just as loud, albeit completely different. “Trap” music is the new Internet music sensation sweeping the nation, and even if you don’t think you know what it is, you have probably heard its influence dripping into “pop” music. It is hard to pin down exactly where the word “trap” comes from or what it really means, but it could refer to the location where drug transactions take place, or possibly be a contraction of “trill,” which itself is a contraction of true and real, with “rap.” According to Urban Dictionary, Trap music can be boiled down to a simple formula: 1/3 hip hop, 1/3 dubstep, and 1/3 dub. Personally, I find this reductionist recipe a little un-informative. The three distinguishing features of capital-T Trap music are much more easily recognizable and far less ambiguous than fractional genre-fication: Roland 808 hi-hats, super-bassy, and often syncopated low-ends, and EDM (Electronic Dance Music) style samples. If you still aren’t sure about a particular song, look for emphasis on the offbeats. While the genre is often said to have originated from southern-style hip hop, Trap music’s origins can be traced back even farther to 90s dancehall music. Rhythmically, Trap music’s bass lines and snare patterns share similarities with those of Shabba Ranks, while the intricate 808 hi-hat patterns can be seen in the hip-hop styling of rappers like Gucci Mane. Key to this equation are the aforementioned 808 drum samples; you may remember Kanye’s album “808s and Heartbreaks.” The 808 was an early and primitive synthesized drum machine, whose distinct sound permeates all Trap music. Quirky electronic samples are also a staple of the genre – that is, distorted pan flutes, whistles, bells, clicks, and ominous synths. The best example of this powerful trifecta in action can be seen in the music of a new wave of Canadian
producers hailing from Montreal and Toronto. Montreal’s own Lunice, the Canadian component of Trap music powerhouse TNGHT, has been in the industry since the mid-00s, but rose to fame with TGNHT’s self-titled debut EP. Recently he and his partnerin-crime Hudson Mohawke produced “Blood on the Leaves” from Kanye’s most recent album Yeezus. Listen to them for the distinctive samples, tremendous horns, and deep lows. Torontonian 3-piece KEYS N KRATES put their own spin on the genre, performing live remixes for thousands of screaming fans. Just two short years ago they were on small-time Canadian west coast hip hop label Urbnet and now they hold an illustrious position on Dim Mak’s roster, the label started by house producer Steve Aoki. Started in 2008, the band consists of drummer Adam Tune, synth player David Matisse, and DJ Jr. Flo. Now the band headlines festivals like Lollapalooza. By way of Toronto and Ottawa, Trap duo THUGLI, comprised of Tom Wrecks at Pat Drastik respective-
ly, have been making waves in the scene. Fresh off of releasing a bunch of new tracks and a few mixes, all of which can be found on their Facebook page, THUGLI has graced the airwaves on BBC Radio’s 1Xtra, the stage at Diplo’s Mad Decent Block Party, and YouTube with their latest video “Run This” released via VICE. Even if it isn’t your cup-o-tea, the genre is worth investigating not only to diversify your musical palette, but also in the interest of being a music consumer. Just as dubstep’s caveats trickled from the musical underground into radio-ready pop songs, Trap music is already doing so, and is therefore culturally relevant.
Climate change is a game of numbers. Bill McKibben, of 350.org, knows this all too well. He can see the complexity inherent in solving the problem of global climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) constantly updates their database with average global temperature rises, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, consumption rates of fossil fuels, predicted growth of renewable energy, and so on. The list is almost endless; it seems impossible for any one person to understand the breadth of the issues, let alone make a significant difference. In his book, Blessed Unrest, Paul Hawken finds that there are currently over one million environmental and social justice organizations throughout the world. This outright astonishing fact goes unacknowledged by many. Chances are, you live right next to one of these organizations and may not even be aware of it. 350.org is one such organization. 350.org is not only the name of a website, but of a growing movement and network of environmental activism. Founded by McKibben and a small group of American college students in 2008, 350.org has spread throughout the globe with the aim of spreading awareness and creating bottomup solutions to the problems posed by climate change. They have multimedia information, handbooks on how to go about organizing against climate change, and, most importantly, support from and solidarity with other citizens around the world. Here at StFX, a group of students have begun to take action, and are planning to screen the film “Do the Math”, which brings these ideas together in an informative and moving documentary. The screening is set to take place on Tuesday, Feb 4 at 7:00 p.m. in Schwartz room 215. The event is a collaboration between the Environmental Social Science Class (ESSC), the StFX Environmental Society, and the Environmental Office of the Students’ Union. The ESSC is also busy recruiting support from various off-campus organizations that deal with climate change, such as Sustainable Antigonish. One of the main tactics employed by the members of 350.org is “divestment”. Divestment is simple: university students in the United States and Canada are pressuring their respective universities to withdraw their endowment from fossil fuel industries and to re-invest in more environmentally friendly enterprises. Some might argue that the university would lose money by divesting, although there are many sustainable business initiatives that are growing at rates far outrunning the fossil fuel industry; they promise long-term re-
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turns. By transforming a financial portfolio from large amounts in a small number of big businesses to a diversity of smaller, faster growing stakes, the school would essentially build both resilience and increased growth into their endowment fund, while helping to build new sustainable infrastructure. The Social Justice Radio show, hosted by CFXU 93.3 The Fox, is to feature a discussion of issues surrounding climate change, with a focus on Divestment. The show airs on Jan 30 at 5:00 p.m. However, as of yet the groups involved in the Divestment campaign at StFX have been unable to acquire financial details regarding the university’s endowment, including where the assets are invested and in what amounts. The ESSC comments that their intention is not to work against the university management team, but that they would prefer for both groups to cooperate in the interest of the future of StFX. They not only believe that StFX’s financial portfolio will benefit, but that the school’s reputation and brand image will also be improved. Members of the Board of Governors have been contacted by the ESSC, but are reluctant to divulge any information. Many sources claim they are most likely under a confidentiality agreement. If this is the case, the ESSC may have to pressure the school for transparency, which would be a thorn in the side of all parties involved. In 2010, a portion of the endowment belonging to the StFX Students’ Union was invested on their behalf by the StFX financial team. If this is still the case, then the Students’ Union and the students they represent should have access to this information. The ESSC has contacted the Students’ Union President, Benjamin Gunn-Doerge, asking for assistance in uncovering the details of the endowment fund. He has agreed to discuss this at an upcoming Students’ Union meeting. Mary Oxner was also contacted by students, but insisted she could not release any information regarding the university’s endowment fund. She directed students towards members of Invest X, but they again had little luck. Despite these setbacks, the ESSC plan to continue with their environmental campaign and are hoping to draw more support over the next semester. They are already planning events to take place after the film screening, including discussions and information sessions. Although the project is still young, it has already been met with obstacles and controversy, and will no doubt continue to do so into the future.
www.xaverian.ca
12 CULTURE
Thursday, January 30, 2014-The Xaverian
moonlighting
sex with an x
chinese new year is upon us, so we tested the food for the festivities
Why it’s okay to laugh during sex
LAURA ALOISIO | Senior Reporter
MIRANDA | Sex Columnist
This Friday is the Chinese New Year, and where is a better place to celebrate the Year of the Horse than the Moonlight Restaurant? It’s the perfect place to fill your stomach before heading out on a Friday night to start the weekend and forget the troubles of the past school week. As Confucius said,“A good horse never turns its head to eat the grass behind.” With weather so cold you are going to want to get something warm to eat right away, so start off with a bowl of hot and sour soup. Be warned: the name doesn’t lie – this is some seriously spicy fare. The staff understands that for some East Coasters spicy means two shakes of black pepper, so you can order the dish mild, medium, or spicy. The brave and the bold might go for hot, but the medium is hot enough for most. This soup is also a great option for a warm lunch with a spring roll on the side. With Six You Get Eggroll was a 1968 romantic comedy that highlighted the life of a couple with four kids. At Moonlight they take that to heart, offering a round of eggrolls with a party of six combos. These crispy appetizers are delicious and are one of the more popular items on the menu. Tired of those prepackaged, dehydrated attempts at rice or fried noodles? Moonlight has oodles of noodles of different types and in different sauces with veggies, meat, or seafood, making this
dish the perfect “make it your own” meal. The portions are large so the staff suggests everyone picking a dish and then sharing them to help balance the ratio between sides and mains. This way everyone in the group gets what they want to eat and what they need to feel full. Take home containers are also available! While you can get anything from the classic beef with broccoli to a steak, the Xaverian suggests sticking with the more
classic dishes that are made well. Seinfeld’s George Costanza had it right with General Tso’s Chicken, another spicy and delicious pick; we recommend you complete the meal with an order of fried rice. The pork fried rice is a very popular choice but to meet the needs of everyone in your group, the vegetable, scallop, shrimp, or beef fried rice are each a yum-
my compromise. They haven’t forgotten vegan or vegetarian dinners, either – the baked tofu in a black bean sauce has any carnivore consider converting and the vegetable egg foo young is a delicious surprise. Many want to try the Mu Shu Pork, but the couple at the next table says, “Get the sweet and sour pork and all your dreams will come true.” Now that’s just good life advice! The Moonlight hasn’t just gotten the food right – the service is also terrific. One popular pet peeve is when your order comes with a side of sauce and the bowl is so tiny that you wind up waiting for more sauce while your food gets cold. This isn’t a problem at the Moonlight. As other restaurants worry about whether they can trust you with more than a few tablespoons of condiments, Moonlight has taken a great leap of faith in your character, trusting you with an entire bottle of sweet and sour and soya sauce at each table. For those who feel that this all sounds too exotic, believing that rice can only be served in pudding and egg rolls should be a new breakfast sandwich at Tim’s, fear not. Moonlight does offer a Canadian menu with traditional items like fish and chips and pork chops. A delicious meal, great service, and a dessert that can predict your future. What more could anyone ask for this New Year?
For some reason, we’re all raised to think of sex as some big serious issue. Having it for the first time is a big issue, who you’re having it with is always an issue, and whether or not you’re doing it at all gets raised to the table as well. Even during the act, we’re all way too concerned: how we look, if we’re doing it right, if everything is going according to plan. But that’s the thing: sex doesn’t have a plan. Sure you can have your favourite moves and an idea in your head of how it’s supposed to go, but it often just doesn’t. Sometimes things are even hotter than expected, sometimes they aren’t. Sometimes your roommate will walk in on you, or one of you will come too early, or someone will fart unexpectedly. Sometimes you’re trying something new and realize halfway through that it’s not humanly possible to do. Sometimes during sex, stuff happens. There is always a spontaneous, unknowable element to sex and that is one of the things that make it so fun. The thing is, we too often don’t see these as a part of sex, and that’s where we’re going wrong. We get consumed in the idea of what is supposed to be sexy and how sex is supposed to go that we forget altogether that sex is just as funny as it is hot and pleasurable. Movies and porn don’t showcase all the weird sounds that happen in between, or the awkward position changes or when someone
leaves their socks on. But in real life, these moments are frequent, and totally normal. We build up an image of what sex is supposed to be and ignore what sex actually is. Laughing during sex is seen as a major turn off and something to be avoided, but fact of the matter is that so much of sex is funny that we should be embracing laughing as much as we do moaning. Some may say that laughing ruins the “mood,” but who got to decide the “mood” of sex anyways? Maybe a more laughable mood would lessen all the pressures of sex and let everyone enjoy each other a little more - just as long as no one is laughing at anyone else’s body, because that’s just not cool. So, if you crack a smile that turns into a giggle while you’re doing the dirty, let it out. Laugh your sexy little heart out and let your partner in on the joke. Sex is a tantalizing and raunhy activity, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be hilarious. Being good at sex and really getting a lot out of it comes down to a lot more than your repetoire of moves from Cosmo, By appreciating the funny moments, you get to make the most out of every aspect, insteading of just emulating your favourite porno. You’re a student, you’re hot, and sometimes your body will squelch with another’s. And when that happens, just laugh; its a beautiful thing.
RE: fiver at the the townhouse simone schmidt’s lyricism and storytelling bring her songs to life PAULINE CAMERON | Contributor
This past Thurdays, Simone Schmidt, a songwriter aligned with the country-folk tradition and front-woman of Fiver, graced one of our local watering holes. Her solo show at the Townhouse captivated audiences with personal refletion and engaging lyiricism. Her own life and experiences are regularly told by way of fictive characters, like in the song Rage of Plastics. Here, her way of expressing the hopelessness of observing the passing of someone dear, while sharing her story through the eye’s of another. The emotions might have been hers, but it was shared
by all who were present. Simone says her songs were all written to help her get through hard times, but she always tries to balance the gravity of her music by interspersing home-made jokes and bantering with the audience in order to make our acquaintance. It’s not as though Simone is unfamiliar with the east coast, even if it was her first time in Antigonish. In this neck of te woods shes participates in SappyFest in Sackville, New Brunswick over the past near-decade, and her next stop along this 2014 tour is In the Dead of Winter, a music festival held at various
venues around Halifax. Her storytelling style stems from her time working as a speech facilitator, and particularly from her experience with one man named Aaron. His mode of expression was very visual, and he left a profound impression on Simone as a friend. Aaron’s Song brings this person to life, and radiating with the vigour that carried him through life. Fellow concert-goer Michel Boucher described Simone’s unique and effectively gives dimension and vivification to characters who the listener will never meet and, in some cases, who Simone has never
met either. The song Rockwood 1868 was written from the point of view of a woman whose story would never otherwise be told. It discusses the existence of an institution for the criminally insane where the men were housed indoors and the women placed in the horses’ stables for two years at a time. Simone admits that Fiver is a project where she can dapple in a kind of songwriting that is different from what she writes in her two other current bands. However, her personnality shines through in all of them. Her voice is low, warm, and haunting; on
par with Timber Timbre, but more folk-y and honest. Simone in no way tries to imitate other genres. Rather, expresses a shared feeling through a time-tested traditions. Her other projects include a more country-genre band and a psychedelic rock group. Those who went to the show were lucky to be a part of this experience. Rose and Terry of The Townhouse always see value in supporting and promoting this kind of music, so stay tuned and give Fiver a listen! http://www.f iverf iverf iver. com/
DISTRACTIONS 13
The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 10
DiStractions Kaleigh Bizent: Editor/ Professional hop-scotcher
Easy Peasy PB&J Energy Bars INGREDIENTS: 1cup of fresh strawberries/berry of your choice 1 cup dried cranberries (Craisons) 1 cup of peanutbutter (all natural is the best) 1cup whole raw almonds 1 cup instant plain oats (gluten free if you need!) INST RUCT IONS:
1. Stop eating all the peanut butter 2. Place all ingredients in a food processor ( Magic bullet) and blend until combined well 3. Scoop mixture into a square baking pan and press down firmly. 4. Place pan in freezer for 20 minutes (or until firm) 5. Cut into bars, or fun shapes, depending on how you are feeling
*Make sure to keep bars refridgeratied or they start getting all mushy and weird.
SOCIETIES AND CLUBS VOLLEYBALL DANCE HABITAT PHILOSOPHY PREMED RELAY BUSINESS CHEM MATH GEO XAV THEATER TOMS LGBTQ BESTBUDDIES
MODELUN SOC PSYCH NURSING SCUBA SKI RADIO
My deepest apologies to the ST FX Janitorial Staff, I promise ALL the words are here.
SUDOKU
ANTIGONISH UNRATED No clever title can truly encapsulate the crappiness of this month. It’s winter but not Christmas, the beginning of a new term but there’s more work, and all of your New Years resolutions have already failed (I know you’re eating chocolate while you read this). I personally have been buried under so much homework I no longer know what day it is, and my midterm season has already started. All this work and what am I doing as I write this? Eating cookies and watching Netflix…obviously. This is why second semester is so terrible, it’s like a new school year but all of us are still unmotivated from the previous term. Last year we had the strike to look forward to (or so to speak), and the prospect of completing a
comic by: Emma Dys-ART
FULL second term seems unholy. I hope January is going better for some of you, because for me it’s the
“Novemberofsecond term. By: Kurt Brothers
SPORTS AND HEALTH
SPORTS & HEALTH WIM HOF: HOW TO BECOME AN ICE MAN WIM HOF IS ABLE TO WITHSTAND TEMPERATURES THAT WOULD KILL MOST OF US. He wants to help you learn how.
WARNING: COLD TEMPERATURES CAN BE VERY DEADLy. EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION AND COMMON SENSE WITH COLD EXPOSURE. YOU ARE NOT WIM HOF.
LEWIS FORWARD | Co-Editor in Chief
It’s not science fiction: Wim Hof can change his body temperature and physiology with his mind. Hof holds the world record for immersion in ice: one hour and 52 minutes in an ice bath. He climbed Mt. Kilomanjaro in two days wearing only shorts, and made an attempt to climb Everest under similar circumstances, but was hindered by a foot injury. In 2009, Hof ran a full marathon, barefoot wearing only shorts, in Finland when temperatures were -20 degrees celcius. Using techniques that sound like fantasy, but are real according to Dr. Peter Pikkers and his team at Radboud University, Hof has demonstrated the ability to mentally adjust his body temperature and antibody concentrations to adapt to extreme cold situations. In a laboratory setting under Dr. Pikkers’ supervision, Hof practiced a Tibetan medi-
tation technique, known as Tummo, designed by monks to warm themselves in cold mountain caves. A study published in science journal PLOS ONE in 2013 showed reliable body core temperature increases as a result of Tummo. During his meditation, Hof ’s cortisol levels rose by nearly half, reducing inflammatory bodies in the blood known as cytokines to concentrations of nearly zero. Cytokines are partially responsible for tissue damage experienced in subzero temperatures. Wim’s extreme temperature feats are not things he jumped into. Years of training and acclimatization have helped him gain his near-superhuman endurance, the ability to submerge himself in arctic waters, and ice baths for hours at a time. “What I do is lethal to a normal person. A normal person is not trained to do this. It will
damage the body.” “I learned all this in hard nature,” said Hof in a 2011 TED talk. “Hard nature is merciless, but righteous. It taught me to do things with my immune system, my nervous system, cardiovascular system, and my mind, beyond my thinking, and beyond my belief....I exposed myself to the extreme, naturally, in hard nature. That’s my teacher.” Hof ’s training involved subjecting himself to extreme hot and cold temperatures. According to Hof, will was his secret. “If you focus, and learn to use the focus, things work.... we can do so much more than we think.” There are some specific exercises Hof recommends to
Next Week At STFX Jan 31st Women’s Basketball vs smu - 6 pm Jan 31st men’s Hockey at unb - 7 pm jan 31st men’s basketball vs smu - 8 PM Feb 1st woMen’s hockey vs mun - 6 pm Feb 1st men’s hockey at mun - 7 pm
start increasing resilience to extreme temperatures. As a warm up, he recommends inhaling until pressure is felt on the inside of the chest, then, hold for a second, and exhale as much as possible. Then, Hof says, do 30 breaths imagining blowing up a balloon. With belly pulled inward when breathing out, and outward when inhaling. Repeat 30 times. Hof, during these power breaths, becomes aware of sensations in his body, and moves his awareness through his body, becoming aware of any stress, and embracing it, focusing awareness calmly on these areas. After the power breaths, he inhales once, fully, then exhales fully, holding his lungs empty as long as possi-
ble. During this time, he does push-ups, yoga poses, and other strength exercises to test the anaerobic capacity of the body. Once he is forced to inhale (after as long as six minutes, in Wim’s case) he inhales to full capacity, and holds it, chin down. He repeats this full cycle several times, but he recommends starting with one or two rounds. In case of intense dizziness or pain, he recommends lying down and breathing easily. Wim is now ready for the cold. He recommends starting with cold showers, immediately following the breathing warm up. Beginning with feet, then legs, stomach, shoulders, neck and back, finally the head. The shock of the first two minutes may be startling, but controlled, sustained breathing helps overcome the initial reaction. Starting with short durations, one to two minutes, he says, allows for a build up of tolerance. The key, he says, is to relax as much as possible- a real test of will. While sitting inside a fish freezer at -23 degrees celsius, Wim described the sensation. “Right now I’m focused from within. I feel strong, and warm. A power is inside.”
Your Marquee matchup this week’s matchup Features your St. FX woMen’s hockey team playing host to the university of muncton aigles bleues, on Saturday, february 1st at the keating centre. the xwomen try to beat these frenchies and start this month as they ended the last: atop the AUs standings. Smu is nipping at their heels, and moncton is riding a six game winning streak entering this weekend’s action.
SPORTS & HEALTH 15
The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 10
Who is qualified to give nutrition advice? experts hold the title, but we could all have the knowledge MAT T MACDONALD | Health Columnist
Is it possible to be a self-taught and advise the general public on the topic of nutrition? Not according to some local nutrition experts. Shortly after advertising my services on a large poster at one of the local grocery stores, several complaints were apparently made demanding its removal. According to these ‘experts’, I did not have the proper credentials to advise the general public on nutrition. While the store had no issue with my sign or the specific services I was offering, or my credentials for that matter, the fear of possible corporate backlash resulted in the removal of my poster. So, who can give advice when it comes to nutrition? According to the ‘experts’ and those experts being Registered Dieticians, apparently only they can advise. Sounds like a monopoly in the field of nutrition. In fact, that’s exactly what it is. In the Province of Nova Scotia, and according to their website, Registered Dieticians have legal control over the term ‘Nutritionist’, which is a path to limit competition for its members, against any competing type of nutrition counseling others may offer. Furthermore, as noted in the document Regulatory and Competitive Environment of Dietetic Services (developed by the American Dietetic Association) personal trainers, nurses, pharmacists, chiropractors, naturopaths and ho-
meopaths are viewed as significant competitive threats to dietitians in the marketplace. With that being said, is it possible that the service I was offering was perceived as simply competition to those who had their own business? Is the ultimate goal not to help educate people and help them become more aware of healthy food options, thereby improving their overall health and enabling them to make healthy food choices that can help reduce disease? I am all for quality control and having certified professionals in every field, but I’m also not naive enough to believe that Registered Dieticians are the only ones who can offer nutrition counseling. If you are driven, have passion and smarts, you can educate yourself on just about anything. I’m not advising people to put Dr. in front of their surname and begin operating on themselves, but what I am suggesting is that education comes in many forms. While some people pay thousands of dollars for a degree, as did I, it is possible to gain additional knowledge though reading, writing, audio, film, and hands-on on experience. Over the past few years, I have come to realize that the ‘truth’ is funded by various industries, and that there is no money to be made in healthy people. Canada’s Food Guide might as well be the industry guide,
as its powerful corporate entities lobby for space, promoting their brand. Want strong bones? Drink _ _ _ _? If you can answer that, then that industry has you wrapped around their finger. While most of us have come to believe that the government is for the people, and serving our best interests, careful examination may prove otherwise when it comes to nutrition. If you visit the Health Canada website, and visit the Food and Nutrition segment, you can access the Recommended Daily Allowances(RDAs). These RDAs have been established by The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), which have been making recommendations since 1943. According to the most recent report for good health, “To meet the body’s daily energy and nutritional needs while minimizing risk for chronic disease, adults should get 45% to 65% of their calories from carbohydrates, 20% to 35% from fat and 10% to 35% from protein.” You might have trouble comprehending what these figures actually mean in practice, and blindly trust that they know what they are talking about, so I have prepared the following menu that supplies nutrients in accordance with these specific guidelines. Keep in mind these are the guidelines being recommended by Health Canada and those same trust-
ed dieticians who petitioned my sign. A parallel example was used in T. Colin Campbell’s National Best Selling book, The China Study. Although considered controversial by some it contains a wealth of information, which can be used to make wise food choices. According to acceptable nutrient ranges on the Health Canada website, breakfast could include Reese’s puffs, skim milk, chocolate candy; lunch could consist of fast food (e.g. cheese burger, french fries, chocolate filled cookies and a diet pop; and a dinner could be 3 slices pepperoni pizza, cookies and pop. This disastrous menu plan fits the recommendations of the report and is supposedly consistent with “minimizing risk for chronic disease.” Now, I’m no health ‘expert’ but if you ask me, a diet such as this does exactly the opposite. My advice. Seek guidance from people getting the results you desire. If you goal is to learn about food, lose weight, or become more fit, seek out trainers who have successfully counseled individuals through long-term sustainable healthy habits. Finally, use common sense and always ask questions when in doubt. Read food labels and learn to interpret and understand them. Asking questions on how to improve my health is what got me started on the road to a much healthier lifestyle.
superbowl XLViii: what you need to know Seattle Seahawk Richard Sherman kindly gives us his thoughts on this week’s championship Game RICHARD SHERMAN | Pro-bowl cornerback, celebrity columnist
Let’s be honest. We all know who you should be pulling for. The team with the best corner in the game: yours truly. If there is any better player on the defensive side of the ball, let me know, cause I would love to meet him. To be honest though, I’m just another player, and you should be looking at this from a team perspective. A Seattle Seahawks perspective or a Denver Broncos perspective. On the one hand, you’ve got my Seattle Seahawks. This is a team with heart, soul, and our coach is a works harder than half our special teams players. Have you seen that man get into a squat? He has a better ass than half the cheerleaders. We’re led by the shortest quarterback in the league, who just happens to be one of the best. Coming in at 5’11”, 200 pounds, this guy might weigh less than my dreads alone. He can move though, and has he got a cannon for an arm. His speed is gonna force those Broncos O-linemen to think twice about the blitz. He might even be as fast as me...please, nobody’s that fast. If that weren’t enough, we’ve got an absolute beast of a running-back in Marshawn Lynch. This
is a guy who picks up the majority of his yards after initial contact. He’ll drag three big ass men into the endzone with him without even breaking a sweat. Not to mention he is one of the scariest individuals on the planet. Add in the best defence in the league (led and inspired by the play of yours truly), and the most beautiful jerseys in the whole league. That is a winning team. Now, I wanna give credit to our upcoming opponents. The Denver Broncos are a great team, a classic, classy team. The best offence in the league combined with the greatest quarterback in the last 20 years, if not of all time. They made the New England Patriots look like the New York Jets, and that is no easy feat. That’s a good mix. If you can look past his massive five-head and his fetish for Nebraskan cities, Peyton Manning is a pretty likable dude, especially for a 37-year old. He throws a record 55 TDs, when the next guy throws 39? What a joke. His receiving core is ridiculous, none of them are as mediocre as that punk Crabtree. But I won’t get going on that again. Really, this team is great. But they live and die by the laserrocket arm of Peyton, so I may have
something to say about that. This game is about so many different things. The league’s best offence taking on it’s best defence. An old and traditional, kill-you-by-takingseven-minutes-on-every-drive team versus a young, ‘college’ team, with a locker room with more butt-slapping
than a house full of dominatrixes. Now, if that isn’t a recipe for a great Superbowl, I don’t know what is. Make your pick based on whichever of those two you would prefer... but if you wanna pick the winning team, you pick Richard Sherman’s team. Simple as that.
Health tip of the week
in this feature, we ask one St. FX athlete for a health or nutrition tip that will help you reach varsity athletelevels of healthy living. Name: josh day Sport: hockey position: defense hometown: saint john’s, nl Academic program: arts “i try to bake things instead of fry them, and i also never add salt to anything i make or eat.” thank you to allie macdonald for putting this together.
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Thursday, January 30, 2014-The Xaverian
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