Issue 11, Volume 122

ISSUE 11

XAVERIAN THE WEEKLY XAVERIAN

Thursday Mar 29 2012

Volume 120 Issue 20

EDITORIAL STAFF

Thursday, February March 21,62012 2014 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Volume 121 Issue Issue11 15 Sean McEvoy122 xw.eic@stfx.ca | (902) 870-9431

OUR OURSTAFF STAFF

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

Sean Ron Jeremy McEvoy

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

news Cause for Concern?

xw.eic@stfx.ca

University Strikes becoming regular occurences

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

MICHEL BOUCHER | Contributor

Clayton Jesus ART IST ICBlagdon COORDINATOR Marie-Eve Pomerleau xw.photo@stfx.ca xw.product@stfx.ca xw.photo@stfx.ca NEWS EDITOR BUSINESS ART IST IC COORDINATOR MANAGER Lewis Forward xw.news@stfx.ca Graham Fanny McToaster Haynes

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

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

xw.copy@stfx.ca xw.managing@stfx.ca

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

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

Laura J.K. Rowling O’Brien

SENIOR REPORT ER xw.opinions@stfx.ca xw.copy@stfx.ca Seth Rutner xw.report@stfx.ca SENIOR REPORT ER FEATURES NEWS EDITOR EDITOR Ellen Crosby xw.feature@stfx.ca Larry King xw.report@stfx.ca

xw.news@stfx.ca

DIST RIBUT ION MANAGER Adam Ross EDITOR CULTURE

Rory OPINIONS MacLeod Contact EIC atEDITOR xw.eic@stfx.ca for information xw.culture@stfx.ca Bob Marley xw.opinions@stfx.ca DIST RACT IONS EDITOR Kaleigh FEATURES BentEDITOR CONTACT US

General xw.distract@stfx.ca Nas inquiries (902) 867-5007 Advertising inquiries (902) 867-3732 Fax (902) 867-3941 xw.feature@stfx.ca E-mail xw.eic@stfx.ca

SPORTS & HEALT H EDITOR Aaron CULTURE Thornell EDITOR

FIND US

xw.sports@stfx.ca Big 111D, L Rm. Bloomfield Centre PO Box 924 xw.culture@stfx.ca St Francis Xavier University Antigonish NS, B2G 2X1 SENIOR REPORT ERS Laura DIST RACT Aloisio IONS EDITOR

The Xaverian Julia Oprah O’Hanley WinfreyWeekly is the official student newspaper of St Francis Xavier xw.report@stfx.ca xw.distract@stfx.ca University.

The Xaverian Weekly is published on Thursdays by the Xaverian Weekly Publications Board and is COLUMNISTS SPORTS & HEALT H EDITOR editorially autonomous.

Maria Jared “Subway” Rizzetto Fogel Matt xw.sports@stfx.ca MacDonald The Xaverian Weekly is a proud member of the Canadian University Press, North America’s largest cooperative of student STAFF SENIOR WRITERS REPORT ERS newspapers.

Campus Plus is the Xaverian Angela Peter Parker MacKenzie Weekly’s national advertising agency.

January 27 marked the first day that Mount Allison University’s faculty started picketing when negotiations between the Mount Allison Faculty Association and Mount Allison’s Administration failed. The date also marked the second university strike in New Brunswick this year, as there was also a significant strike at the University of New Brunswick campuses at Fredericton Saint John, and Bathurst campuses, which was ongoing from January 13. UNB recently reached an agreement after nearly three weeks on strike which saw students returning to class on February 3. However, Mount Allison faculty members continue to strike over issues concerning workload and a need for greater support towards academics. Other issues include salaries, pensions, and benefits for full-time and part-time workers.

Recently university faculty strikes, along with the threat of strikes, have been occurring frequently across campuses in Canada. StFX students and faculty are not unfamiliar with this often pain-staking process, having endured a strike that lasted for three weeks just last year.

There are a number of contributing factors that could

be causing university strikes to spike in Canada. All across the nation, monetary support for post-secondary education is being slashed due to provincial budget cuts.

In 2013, government support for Alberta’s post-secondary education institutions saw a decrease of more than 3%, meaning universities in Alberta would only be partial recipients of more than $100 million in funding.

Nova Scotia’s government also cut 3%, or $10 million, from operating grants for post-secondary education systems. In Quebec, the provincial government cut its support for universities by a staggering $124 million. The British Columbian provincial government also plans to cut

its funding towards post-secondary education by $46 million over the next three years. The lack of funding towards post-secondary education systems, combined with growing student admission rates and rising tuition costs, indicatively show that Canadian universities are headed for treacherous waters.

For university faculty members, this can lead to work environments that are less than ideal. Salaries may be lower than expected, and proper funding for alwaysimportant educational materials and supplies may be lacking. Outdated and deteriorating classroom conditions was a key element of last year’s strike at StFX

from the position of the StFXAUT. Due to the acrossthe-board cutbacks, universities might have to look to initiatives not conducive to the institution’s educational goals, including staff layoffs, causing a heavier workload for the rest of the university. staff. This is one of the issues that the faculty at Mount Allison currently face.

Mount Allison also believes that a heavier workload could be even more worrying with regards to ensuring an increase in firstyear admissions every successive year. For many reasons, it is clear how many university faculties can feel as if their jobs are not being treated with proper due respect, which can ultimately lead to strikes on university campuses.

Unfortunately, the deficit incurred by the provinces of Canada is not able to support the current climate in which Canadian universities find themselves. With a growing number of students, diminishing economic support, and rising tuition costs, it is not hard to figure out why working at a university in Canada can become a very stressful.

This is a major contributing factor to why professors, lab instructors, and teacher assistants at a university might go on strike,

Veronica Clark Kent Farley

Rachel xw.report@stfx.ca Revoy opinions

STFX AT A GLANCE

xw.eic@stfx.ca

LEWIS FORWARD | Co-Editor-in-Chief

Opinions expressed in the Xaverian Devon Greene Weekly are those of the author and DIST RIBUT ION MANAGER do not necessarily reflect those of DIST T heXaverian Flash RIBUT ION MANAGER the Weekly or the Xaverian Weekly Publications Board. for more info Currently contact EIC Hiring at xw.eic@stfx.ca

CONTACT US CONTACT US

copyright

All materials appearing in the Xaverian Weekly copyright their creator(s) Generalare inquiries: (902) 293-4366 and may not be used without General Advertising inquiries: inquiries: (902) (506) 867-5007 378-3326 permission.

Art Piece Stolen in Brazen StFX Heist

Debate Team Wins at U4 Competition

StFX Considers Innovation Centre

As StFX Art Gallery Director Bruce Campbell was packing up Theresa Marshall’s exhibit early this week, he noticed that one piece was missing from the exhibit. Marshall’s “Moose Sling Shot” was taken from the gallery. sometime during business hours. The gallery supervisor’s line of sight covers most of the gallery, except for the area where “Moose Sling Shot” was located, behind a central post in the gallery. Campbell is asking anyone with information on the theft or the whereabouts of the piece to contact him, at 902-867-2303, bcampbel@stfx. ca

Last weekend, StFX’s debate team swept the U4 debate tournament hosted at Bishop’s University. StFX’s two teams won all rounds they debated in, beating teams from Acadia, Mt. Allison, and Bishops. Both teams swept their opponents and ended the tournament debating against one another. Ryley Erickson and Alex Warshick edged out Chris Duignan and Hanna Stordey to take the top prize. The topic?

Should officials of public organizations be able to wear religious ornaments? The team will next compete in the Atlantic and National Championships in March.

StFX is conducting a study to determine the viability of establishing an Innovation Centre in Northeastern Nova Scotia, and is seeking input from StFX students.

The study, which is being led by the StFX Extension Department, will seek input from StFX faculty and administrators, as well as from government, business and industry leaders and community members. StFX students will have an opportunity to contribute ideas during a focus group this Friday, February 7th from 1:00-2:30 PM in Bloomfield Council Chambers.

“This is a real opportunity to build on StFX’s strengths in re-

Email: xw.eic@stfx.ca

Twitter: @xaverianweekly submissions

FIND US

The Xaverian welcomes Facebook: TheWeekly Xaverian Weekly submissions of articles, letters, photos, Room 111D, Bloomfield Centre and graphics.

Submissions must be PO Box 924 received

by Friday 5 pm the week prior to Submissions should be Room St.publication.

Francis 111D,Xavier Bloomfield University Centre sent to xw.eic@stfx.ca or to the relevant PO Antigonish, Box editor.

924 NS B2G 2X1 section

FIND US

St. Francis Xavier University

The editor-in-chief thethose section Antigonish, Opinions expressed NS B2G areand 2X1 solely of their aueditors reserve the right to refuse to thors and do not necessarily reflect the views of print submitted material and to edit Opinions The Xaverian expressed Weekly solely or The those Xaverian of their Weekly authors submissions for are length and/or style.

The Xaverian Weekly not print mateand Publications do not necessarily Board. will reflect the views of The Xaverial that is racist, misogynistic, sexist, rian All materials or The Xaverian appearing in TheBoard.

Xaverian Weekly homophobic, or Publications libellous.

All arematerials copyrightappearing those of their in Thecreator(s) Xaverian and are copyright may not

Contributors those be used of their without creator(s) permission. and may not be used without

permission.

Editors reserve the right to refuse to print submit-

JAMES Editors ted material reserve MALLOV, and thetoright edittosubmitted refuse MAYS to print material(s) CHAMI, submitted for LAURA material length/style. and O’BRIEN, toThe edit Xaverian submittedWeekly LIAM material(s) will PROST, for not length/ print BREANNA style. material Thethat Xaverian is racist, MITCHELL will misogynistic, not print material sexist, thathomois racist, phobic, misogynistic, or libellous. sexist, homophobic, or libellous.

search and innovation and deepen our connection with regional business and community initiatives,” said Dr. Phil Davison, Director of the StFX Extension Department. “We feel that there are a number of ways StFX students could contribute to, and benefit from, such a centre.”

Innovation centres typically assist with research and development, business growth, job creation and commercialization of intellectual property. Innovation can also focus on solving problems and seeking opportunities to address community issues. Input gathered during the feasibility study will drive how a local centre could function.

NEWS 3

The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 11

Xaverians enroute to boston stfx students headed to Harvard University for 60th model un JULIA O’HANLEY | Senior Reporter

27 leadership-driven StFX students will be travelling to Boston to attend thie 60th Harvard University Model United Nation from February 13th – 16th. These students from all years of study are coming together to travel to the prestigious annual event to simulate debates of the actual Model United Nations.

The group of students this year is the largest StFX has sent in recent years. Teams from universities all over the globe make up the thousands of students who attend the conference each year. This year StFX was assigned two small countries instead of one large country: Guyana and Cameroon. “We did not get the country that we wanted, but that’s usually what happens”, explained faculty adviser and Political Science professor Dr Youngwon Cho. “We get to submit a list of ten preferences, but it is up to the organizers to assign these countries. So what happened with us this year was that we actually did not get any of the countries that we requested, and in fact, that rarely happens”.

The conference allows students interested in domestic and foreign affairs to debate with like-minded peers from across the globe. Specific topics or committees are created by organizers of the event, and vary year to year.

Popular committees and topics include things like national corporations, immigrant issues, problems with drug trafficking, development related issues, and cyber security. “Basically the things that you hear and read about in the news”, said Cho. Cho notes the conference is more than just an opportunity to meet and network with students from around the world,with learning objectives also included in the three day trip.

“Students have to have a very good knowledge about the country that they are representing, so they get an in-

depth look on the standing of the country”, noted Cho. “Then they have to get a good understanding of the topic that is being tabled on the agenda, so they get an exposure to that”.

Although the conference is simply a simulation of what actually occurs at actual UN conferences of the like, students still take it very seriously. Guest speakers speak to students at this conference, sometimes even UN officials.

“It’s a lot of fun”, says Cho, a comment student participants seem to agree with. First year student Allison Randall is one of the twenty-seven students travelling to Boston for the trip. After seeing many high school students taking part in conferences such as Model UN, now in university, Randall has taken the opportunity to try it out herself. “I heard that it was a really great experience, and that [Model UN] is a chance to use what we are learning [in class] outside of the classroom. It is a great opportunity to meet all kinds of people from different schools”, she explained.

The influence of friends who participated in last year’s Model UN caused second year student and Upper Campus Councillor Isaac Turner to join the Model UN team. “I got involved with this because it was very much something that peaked my interest. I am interested in politics. Also some of my friends like John Nicholson who were on the trip last year had really great things to say about it, so I thought it would be worth getting involved”.

However, combined with anticipation and excitement, the twenty-seven students are feeling a financial stress with the trip. This year, due to tighter budgets at the university, finances have proven to pose an issue this year more than in the past.

“The university is facing significant budget cuts in the last couple of

years. Before that happened, students were able to raise some money from different departments, different faculties. The department of Political Science used to be the biggest contributor to this.”, noted a frustrated Cho. With a lack of donations from the university, students have had to fund raise more independently than in previous years. Students have been busy this year, working coat checks at functions on campus, hosting bake sales, and approaching local businesses in search of donations.

Will Zylmans, as treasurer, knows of the financial struggle this first hand: “Last year, with a lot more funding from department chairs and all that it was a lot easier to alleviate costs for all our members. We have certain costs we have to meet: hotel costs, travel expenses. All that funding is supposed to make it easier to go by making it less out of their own pockets. This year with all the cut backs the university is experiencing, we have a lot more to fund raise independently. So that has made it a lot more difficult” Cho stresses explained the complexity of the funding issue: “Because of the budget cuts, departments are strapped for money, the faculties are strapped for money. We have been trying to get administration to commit to some source of funding, and so far we have not been successful. We are hoping the university will step up to the plate and see the value of the whole exercise and provide a stable source of funding in the future”.

The large size of the group is also not helping the issue. Finances and size combined with new university travel policies have caused some changes to transportation for the group. Rather than travel by flight as the group has done in the past, the group will be Boston bound by bus

this year. “The bus is a lot easier to go as a whole group, because there is a lot more of us this year than there has been in previous years. Also it was a lot cheaper, and due to the university’s new travel policy of having to go as a group, everyone has to go as one. The bus made that a lot easier”, explained Zylmans.

Funding is a big issue, and if we could reduce the cost for students, I am sure there would be more students who are willing to participate”, Cho expressed.

Leslie MacLaren, Academic Vice President of StFX respects the society and the work that they do, but stresses that education in the classroom is priority over education abroad. MacLaren responded to the society’s financial complaints with the following, “The university does support these kind of initiatives; we support a lot of them, and we think this particular one is a really good one. We don’t have any problem with it – its not any sort of political statement. We are under financial constraint, and we have to make choices. I think the financial constraints are well known. The government grants have been cut the past four years. We are trying to limit tuition increases, and trying to make as high quality of an education that we can with the resources that are available. We tend to make the classroom our first priority; making sure we have enough highly qualified people in front of the classroom. We do still support things like this, but what we have been doing is trying to find other sources of funding to help students go. So for several programs, students have done fund raising on their own, perhaps more than they have had to do in the past. There are still donations, I understand, from several other departments.

I think it would be a stretch to say we are not supporting it.”

THE WORLD AT A GLANCE Alberta Pipeline Incident Report Emerges Two Years After 1.45 Million Cubic Meters Leaked On July 20, 2009, a pipeline in the Peace River region in Alberta ruptured and exploded, razing a two acre area. A report about the incident made by the National Energy Board was only released this January, after an investigation by CBC. The pipeline leaked about 1.45 million cubic meters of natural gas, further fueling the fire, before TransCanada was able to stop the gas flow and fire. A report on the incident was drafted by the NEB in 2011, but not released, due to an ‘administrative error.’

The pipeline- the Peace River Mainline- was built in 1968 and has a track record of incidents, six occurring since the 1970’s. It was targeted for decommissioning by TransCanada in 2010, but still remains operational.

Japanese Whaling Vessell Collides with Sea Shepherd Anti-Whaling Vessel

Koreas Discuss Family Reunions, While War Games Increase Tension

The Bob Barker, a ship crewed by Australian anti-whaling activists Sea Shepherd, was struck across the bow on Jan 3 by a Japanese harpoon ship they had been trailing- the Yushin Maru No. 3- while trying to interrupt Japan’s annual whaling trip. Japanese officials and the Sea Shepherds blamed each other for the incident, which occurred in New Zealand waters.

Video footage of the crash shows the Japanese whaling vessel crossing the prow of the Bob Barker closely, and then striking the ship. The group said that the Japanese ships had been dragging steel cables across the bow of the ship in an attempt to tangle the propellor.

No one was injured in the event. The Bob Barker is currently pursuing the main whaling ship, the Nisshin Maru, towards Australian waters.

South Korea and North Korea began talks on Feb 4 as part of a plan to reunite families separated during the 1950-1953 Korean War, for the first time in three years. The meeting is currently scheduled to be held from Feb 17-22 at North Korea’s Mount Kumgang resort. A meeting was scheduled for Sep 2013, but was cancelled last minute by North Korea. South Korea is scheduled to conduct its annual war games with the US at the end of February to mid-April, a move which may increase tensions in the region. North Korea has called the games a provocation, while South Korea says the games are purely defensive. North Korea and South Korea ended the war six decades ago in an armistice. Technically the two countries are still at war.

Snowden Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize Two Norwegian politicians, one Brazilian senator, and several organizations have nominated Edward Snowden for the peace award. Snowden’s whistleblowing, said the Norwegians, “contributed to a more stable and peaceful world.”

Nomination means that Snowden will be considered by the Nobel prize committee for the 2014 prize. 256 candidates were considered in 2013. Nominations can be made by those approved to nominate, including members of national parliaments and governments, university professors and previous laureates. Nominations were due Feb 1.

The Nobel committee does not release the names of Nominees until 50 years after the prize is awarded, but nominators are free to release the names of those they nominate.

4 NEWS

Thursday, FEBRUARY 6, 2014-The Xaverian

stfx nursing headed overseas Xaverian nursing students headed to Rwanda for valuable experiences LAURA ALOISIO | Senior Reporter

Every year a group of nursing students from StFX complete their fourth-year consolidation in Rwanda. The idea for the partnership between the students and the referral centre at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Butare (CHUB) began in April 2008.

The great success of the initial encounter caused the Director of Nursing at CHUB to spark an ongoing partnership to further support for the program.

By assisting the nurses at CHUB in developing their nursing profession they are providing students with an excellent way to share information and help students improve skill sets while directly benefiting a population in need.

Elsa Jensen, a StFX faculty member, explained to theAntigonish local newspaper, The Casket that she had been working in Rwanda for a few years and her students at thetime had asked if they could

join her.

This partnership, the Canada Rwanda (STFX/CHUB) Nursing Capacity – Building Collaboration, dictates that each year students come to work, bringing with them skills sets and a willingness to learn. The students also bring important supplies that keep the facilities going such as medical equipment, drugs, and mosquito nets for patients. Learning materials such as textbooks and CDROMs are donated and have become integral for the continuous and sustainable learning practices in the area. StFX nursing students are exposed to hospitals that are wellfunded here in Canada. Rural hospitals like Butare do not receive the same funding as the hospitals that the students are accustomed to working in.

Thus the students are able to see how a lack of resources affects the care of patients and

learn how to work in an environment stricken with poverty.

In Rwanda, the level of education amongst nurses varies across a wide spectrum and thus a standard level of care is difficult to maintain. It can be argued that proper, consistent care is nearly impossible as opportunities for professional development are few and far between. Students will live in the community and immerse themselves in the culture so as to gain a greater benefit from this opportunity. Working eight-hour shifts, five days a week is a challenge in itself and will push these students to places previously unknown.

With the program in its seventh year of operation, being a part of the Rwanda trip is something that students look forward to since becoming aware of it in their first year as nursing students. The opportunity to spend four weeks

alongside members of the health care team at a 500-bed rural hospital that serves approximately 2.2 million patients is an unparalleled experience that will serve them well when looking for employment after university. The hospital matches Rwandan nurses with a StFX student nurse and together they carry out clinical practices. This may not appeal to everyone but due to the high interest in the program a selection process has been put in place. Students have to apply and a short essay must accompany their application.

StFX is doing their part to help bridge this gap through fundraising initiatives. With all proceeds going towards the trip, the funds raised can be split between medical supplies for the hospital and professional development such as workshops for staff. This trip is also unique in that it is entirely independent of school-

sanctioned fundraising initiatives - as students begin their journey to Africa, many set up blogs to get the word out and raise awareness. It’s an exciting time for students and this once in a lifetime opportunity means putting four years of learning at one of Canada’s leading universities towards a worthwhile cause. Nursing education continues past graduation, and many wait years for a chance to use it this way. In fact, each year after returning home, at least one student has applied for a six month Coady International Institute internship to go back to the same hospital.

In the months leading up to take off, these group of skilled and generous individuals ask the StFX community to come together and support them in fundraising efforts across campus now and in the future to help sustain this wonderful program.

U.S. Senator Angus King was quoted saying, “I would not go and I don’t think I would send my family.” House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul added, “If the security threat gets any worse, the games may need to cancelled.” Clearly, four days before the start of the twentysecond winter Olympics, the media has been doing much more covering of the perceived threats to the games as than they are covering those who are participating in them. The media seems to be bolstering public anxiety; the more press the terrorist groups attract, the more powerful they appear; the more powerful they appear, the more terror they can instill. It is textbook “How the Media is Related to Political Violence 101” and the cycle does not appear to be slowing.

It can be that there is no such thing as bad publicity, and the excessive media coverage of the threats in Sochi has in fact been assisting the terrorist groups in their missions of dispensing fear and anxiety. Paul Pillar, former Senior CIA Counterterrorist Official and Senior Fellow at Georgetown University’s Centre for Security Studies,

confirmed this statement, noting that, “extensive media coverage is part of what terrorists are seeking.” Granted, in today’s tech-dominated world, self-promotion via Internet videos and websites can be easily accessed by terrorist organizations, but as Pillar pointed out, terror groups “still want coverage by the mainstream media in order to realize their publicity goals.”

To date, security concerns have been at the centre of the media’s spotlight leading up to the 2014 Olympics. The media has adequately displayed the profiles, resumes, past acts and recent videos associated with the terrorist groups. However, those fixated on destroying the Games and those advocating for the loss of civilian life through political violence do not deserve media coverage.

The athletes who have trained long and hard to get to this point in their careers do. The participants from around the globe who have traversed their territory and fought against seemingly insurmountable odds in order to boldly wear their nation’s colours in the Olympics, undeterred by the safety threats that come with them, deserve this coverage.

threats of terror at sochi Security concerns overshadow athletes’ olympic feats MARK RISEBROUGH | News Editor

The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics have yet to begin and the majority of media coverage has been focused on the abundance and frequency of terrorist threats.

Up to this point, it has been those advocating for political violence who have won the gold. The threats have caused a great deal of concern for those who had wished to see the events live, as well as bolstering questions concerning player safety at the sixteen-day event.

The terrorist threats that have been plaguing the Olympiad this year can be attributed to Sochi’s location within Russia, coupled with Russia’s historical relationships with the countries that are nearby.

Within the province of Krasnodar Krai lies the Russian port city of Sochi. The city is situated on the Black Sea and is close to the border Russia shares with neighbouring Georgia in the Caucasus Mountains. Since Soviet times, Russia has exerted political and economic influence over the Caucus countries, including terror and ethnic conflicts in the states of Chechnya (practically wiping the state off the map), first from 1994-1996 and then again from 1999-

2009, and Georgia in 2008.

Political violence, and other terrorist-related activities, have been occurring on a regular basis within the Russia Caucasus, and threats have been emanating from this region for months now.

Countries in the region feel as if Russia is benefitting from the occupation of land that had not been historically thiers. Given Sochi’s due appearance in the international spotlight, it is a prime target for terrorist groups, as it gives them an unprecedented opportunity to send their message out to viewers around the world.

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has been charged with the task of securing the Olympic grounds and the surrounding area during the events. They have already released information to the public concerning the terrorist threats they have received up until now. “Terrorist attacks in the North Caucasus have an international connection,” commented Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak. “Al Qaeda and Arab terrorists are involved, and our secret services have uncovered plans for more attacks. We expect terrorist activity to increase the closer we get to

the Sochi Olympics. That’s because terrorist want to attract as much international attention as they possibly can.” Clearly, the threats emanating out of this area are seen as an opportunity for them to remind people around the world of the Russian tutelage and over-lordship that the Caucasus is still subjected to.

The amount of media coverage that the terrorist threats have been attracting cannot be exaggerated. Most Canadians could probably only name a handful of Canada’s Olympic athletes, but they could most likely tell you of the security concerns and perceived terrorist threats clouding the international competition.

This over-hyped coverage is exactly what terrorist groups were hoping for. Some of the headlines from international newspapers from around the world have read: “Upcoming Olympics Most Dangerous Due to Terrorist Threat”, “Urgent Search for ‘Black Widow’ Suicide Bomber, May Be Already in Sochi”, and “U.S. Olympic Athletes Warned Against Wearing Uniforms”. These headlines have been disseminated through to the public, even high-ranking public officials.

OPINIONS 5

The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 11

OPINIONS Has Your residence Changed You? A LOOK AT THE CULTURE OF BEING A FROSH IN RESIDENCE at X JULIA O’HANLEY | Senior Reporter

From the biggest hockey rivalry outside of the NHL to the clean slate of New Res rivalries, residence life on the StFX campus is unlike that of any other university. Whether you are proudly a MacNeil Maurader or one of the first ever O’Regan Leopards, your residence is more than likely deeply embedded in your blood.

With House Cup season now in full swing, residence rivalries and pride in one’s home is at its annual high. However, do we take our rivalries too far? Why do residences act the same way year after year?

Why do you suddenly stop speaking to your long-time friend when she moves into TNT, while you decided to live across the street? As a student mid-way through my first year here at StFX, I am fascinated by the concept of house rivalries, and have decided to put my two cents in about what I think they are really all about.

Attending StFX is in my blood; with my mom being a StFX grad, I was brought up hearing stories of residence rivalries and overall StFX shenanigans. However, house rivalries are not the same as they were in the 80s (sorry for the exposure, mom), and being thrown head-first into rivalries from the very first day at X was a little intimidating. Frosh week was composed of forming positive rivalries, and getting to know your opponents. “Lane loves Fraser”, “Plessis loves OC” and “MD loves MP” echoed through campus,

as we were told to make nice with our “rival house”.

Oh, how things have changed.

Midway through Frosh Week, my fellow froshies and myself met with our second year house-mates. House Presidents and Vice Presidents continued to enforce friendship between Burke and Mac, MacDonald and MacNeil. Meanwhile, our second year friends were all chitter-chatter of how excited they were for our rival cup. Hockey-playing frosh were encouraged to sign up for their house team, and soon began training for their big day.

With the hustle and bustle of midterms and term papers, the days turned to weeks and relationships between many rival residences turned a new, less loving leaf. Suddenly MacIsaac Asshole chants were heard outside of Burke, and brawls began between the rival residences within Cameron Hall. The girls’ residences began to bicker, and the newest residences on campus began to mark their turf.

Eggs were thrown, windows smashed in, subtle hip-checks in meal hall, and stealing of toques became something all-toofamiliar. Many first year students began to fear their rival residence - scared to enter the wrong party, or look at a rival student the wrong way. Group projects became awkward; how is a Pitbull expected to complete a Nursing care plan with a Phantom?

What happened to the kinship we were told to observe? Why were we suddenly shouting insults and causing damage? Why did meal hall the day of a house hockey cup suddenly require more security than the G20 Summit?

While it is true that the House Presidents are in charge of their assorted residences, I truly place no blame on House Presidents. Who, then, do I blame for the continuation of house culture year after year? I think it is the second years. If each house was entirely frosh, they would choose to act in the way that they choose.

I think this is actually what is happening with the new residences this year. Neither has a reputation of being a residence that likes to party or a residence that chooses to stay in and study. These two residences have not yet established how harsh their relationship is going to be, and I think it will be interesting to see how it pans out.

So what do I mean by house culture?

Before writing this opinion piece, I took to the streets to ask students from all years of study to describe different residences in one or two words, to find out how houses appear to people both within and out of said residence. For each house, I asked two people who lived in that residence, two who lived in a rival house of that residence, and two people who were neither resident nor rival of said house. I told the

WHEN IN DOUBT, DISNEY. watching disney movies in university can be the perfect escape from adulthood ANGELA MACKENZIE| Staff Writer

On Wednesday after Wing Night I lay awake in bed thinking how tough it is to be an adult. Maybe this was my drunk self just going on a rant, but I realized that getting old sucks. My life in a nutshell includes work, sleep, school, papers, readings, social life, and occasional relaxation. On top of that I have to worry about fixing my car, paying rent, buying groceries, keeping up with chores around the house, and making sure the internet is paid on time for my roommates and I. These thoughts kept going through my head so I decided to post my frustration on Facebook like the social media junkie that I am: “My brain is going a mile minute and I can’t sleep; I have come to the conclusion that being an adult is hard... who wants to fly to Neverland with me?”

For those of you unfamiliar with the Disney movie Peter Pan, Neverland is a beautiful place where children go to never grow up and constantly play whilst avoiding the adult pirates. It may sound silly, but in my mind it is a wonderful place and if I could fly there even just for a day to escape the pressures of university I wouldn’t hesitate.

I find I take comfort in watching Disney movies and I have no shame in it. I am 20

years old and just the other day I decided to watch the Aristocats because talking cats are adorable. Life is too short to pass up an hour and a half long Disney movie, and what’s the harm when they make you feel better? When I was younger, Disney

movies were funny and cute - it was all about the love story and the silly things that the animals would do for attention.

Not a lot has changed in my mind since. I still think Disney movies are funny and cute, but now that I’m older I can appreci-

ate all that subtle adult humour that Walt placed in the classics to keep the adults entertained. My favourite example of this is in Snow White when Doc tries to ask Snow what she is up to, but he mixes up his words and a simple, “Who are you and what are you doing?” turns into, “What are you and who are you doing?”

Being older now, I can appreciate that subtlety that young children wouldn’t understand.

I’m sure I’m not the only person who has an undying love for Disney movies. I don’t think anyone is too old to watch the classics. It has gotten to the point where I can sing any song that plays during the movie, and I can lip dub almost all of the lines in my favourite Disney movie Robin Hood - the history nerd in me loves the phoney king of England references regarding King John. Disney movies in general are just perfect to put on in the background if you are having a rough day. The cutesy animation and catchy song lyrics make it easy for anyone to feel like a kid again. What I am saying is this: there is no shame whatsoever in doing seemingly childish things to get your mind off the stresses of being an adult.

surveyed students that I did not want a nasty opinion, nor a biased one. Student response for the most part appeared honest. I have to say, the survey absolutely showed what appears to be a house culture in each residence. Students labelled Plessis and Fraser as “study central”, “low key”, “peaceful”, and “a community”. Chillis and TNT were described as “die-hards”, “close-nit”, and a “sorority”.

“Brotherhood”, “tattoos”, “traditional”, and “frat-house” were used to describe the TriMac residences. Lane’s size was noted as a major part of its presence on campus. The upper campus residence was also recognized for its “community”, “good culture”, and “friendliness”. “New” and “expensive” came up time and time again for StFX’s newest residences, while MacIsaac had the most mixed reviews.

Some students described Mac as “great”, “partiers”, and “fun”, while others dubbed the residence as notoriously “violent”.

I’m not saying house influence is all bad. Let’s take a look at MacKinnon and Cameron Hall; homes of campus’ only allgirl and all-guy residences. I dare you to try to say ill of a TNT Tiger in front of a MacPherson Mustang; I promise you it won’t end well. MacNeil Marauders year after year after year are known to have a close bond with their Chillis Chicks, and MacDonald and MacPherson assume the same role with the Tigers across the street. Fraser and Plessis are cultured to have undying support for their neighbours down below in their quest for the BurMac cup. MacKinnon Hall hand-signs and the MacIsaac whalebone are fixtures of the residences they represent, allowing residence pride.

So maybe residence influence is not all bad, but I am willing to bet it has changed students’ personalities in some way, no matter which residence. I think certain personalities are better suited for certain residences. Those who want to party, according to my survey, are most likely best-suited to live in MacIsaac, while those who like to keep their home relaxed and study-oriented might be best fit for Fraser. It can’t be denied that MacIsaac has been, as their shirts say, “givin’ er” for as long as they have existed, or that the Lane Hall pit hasn’t been the chillest hang-out spot year after year. Maybe there should be an honest description of each residence’s house culture posted below the room descriptions on the StFX site. I wonder if this would change the residence application of any future StFX students.

Perhaps residence culture will change in coming years, but it seems as though the dominant res stereotypes are, until then, here to stay. Whether you agree with what I have said or not, remember to always have pride in your house, and always remember where you came from. Your four years here are about finding out who you are; remember there’s a great big world out there once you take your final pic with your XRing in front of your freshman year door.

6 OPINIONS

Thursday, FEBRUARY 6, 2014-The Xaverian

living on the straight edge TWO STUDENTS WEIGH IN ON THE BENEFITS OF STAYING SOBER who said you need alcohol to have fun?

CHANTAL PEPPIN | Contributor

When I arrived at StFX two and a half years ago, a freshfaced and terrified little frosh, I resolved to try anything once.

So yes, my frosh week was a haze of belligerence, strobe lights, and 3 am Kenny’s runs.

Thinking back now I remember most of it… I think. And yes, it was fun. It was exciting and new and scary and it all came from my place of insecurity. I was horrified by the idea that I wouldn’t make any friends. So I did what everyone else was doing; what I thought I was supposed to do at university. But then the summer rolled around.

I was back home, working a laborious landscaping job and too exhausted all the time to even think about venturing to the liquor store, let alone go to a par-

ty. All this time digging in the dirt allowed for some reflection: I realized that the person I was when I was drinking wasn’t who I wanted to be. Totally deep, right? Anyways, it led me to where I am today: an unashamedly sober 20-something. Yes, every new person I’ve ever met who finds out I don’t drink, I actually do know what I’m “missing out on.” On that note, here are the other two biggest misconceptions that I am so frequently faced with at parties or when meeting new people who find out I’m straight-edge: 1.“Anyone who says you don’t need to drink to have fun is lying to themselves.” I’m sorry, but that’s just stupid. Are you telling me that you never had any fun before you started getting drunk

on the regular? When I decided to stop my intake of alcohol, I was not giving up on having fun.

I still go to parties, and when I do I still have fun. I play drinking games with pop or juice or water, I dance, I let loose, and the next morning I wake up hangover-free and actually remember how much fun I had. Yes, my anxiety and discomfort with crowds and being social sometimes flares up, but you know what? I feel better when I deal with it consciously now than I did when I would just take another shot to make the feeling go away.

2.“Oh, you don’t drink? You must think you’re better than me.” Nope. Not even a little bit.

But I also don’t think I’m less than you. Yes, there are some

Dalhousie University

MSc Clinical Vision Science with concurrent Graduate Diploma in Orthoptics and Ophthalmic Medical Technology This professional two-year graduate program offered by Dalhousie University in partnership with the IWK Health Centre’s School of Orthoptics/Ophthalmic Medical Technology provides students with unparalleled research opportunities in the vision sciences along with extensive clinical practice to prepare them for the profession of orthoptics/ophthalmic medical technology.

Orthoptists/ophthalmic medical technologists are allied health professionals who perform a wide range of diagnostic and highly technical procedures and, in consultation with an ophthalmologist, plan, implement and monitor treatment of a wide variety of ocular disorders, including disorders of binocular vision and ocular motility. They are engaged in a wide range of activities including research into ocular motility, education of other eye care professionals, patient education and vision screening.

The program involves 7.5 class credits, two extended practica and a thesis in an area of vision research.

Students are permitted to exit the program after two years (prior to completing a Master’s thesis) with a Graduate Diploma in Orthoptics and Ophthalmic Medical Technology.

Applications for the MSc (Clinic Vision Science) program beginning in September 2014 are now being accepted. Applicants must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum B average (GPA 3.0), with at least one undergraduate class in human anatomy and/or physiology, and a class in psychology with a laboratory component. Exceptional students may be accepted without these prerequisites on the condition that they are fulfilled either prior to or concurrent with the program. Work/volunteer experience in the health care field is considered an asset.

Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate the ability to participate in a graduate program conducted in English prior to acceptance into the program. The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL test is 580 for the written test and 237 for the computer test.

Financial assistance may be available to qualified students.

Deadline for applications is March 1, 2014.

Further information is available from our website www.dal.ca/cvs or by contacting Clinical Vision Science Program IWK Health Centre 5850/5980 University Avenue PO Box 9700 Halifax, NS B3K 6R8 orthoptics@iwk.nshealth.ca (902) 470-8959

non-drinkers who, for their own reasons, judge or disapprove of people who drink - just like there are some people who drink who judge and look down on us. But the majority of those who I know recognize that this is all personal. I choose not to drink or smoke or do drugs but that’s just because I don’t want to; it’s just not my idea of fun anymore. Your life is your life. If you’re not hurting yourself or anyone else, then do whatever you want. I won’t judge you for being drunk if you won’t judge me for being sober… unless you’re a douche. Then I

might judge you. But not because you’re drunk. Because you’re a douche.

So next time you meet a straight-edge at the pub or at a party, keep in mind that underneath it, we’re all the same. We just want to have fun and chill with buddies and maybe learn a little something at this school. I don’t expect you to be impressed that I don’t drink, so don’t expect me to be impressed hearing about how blackout you got after BurMac. Let’s just say it this way: live and let live. Party and let party.

100% Alcohol proof V. FARLEY | Staff Writer

Being a non-drinker is a bit like being gay: most everyone assumes you drink alcohol unless you tell them otherwise.

Except that, unlike your sexuality, your alcohol intake is a choice. When it does come up there are a variety of reactions and they all revolve around trying to determine why you don’t drink.

Perhaps their eyes flicker between their own drink and you as they gear themselves up a morality lecture or a religious buzzkill lesson. Perhaps they fail to meet your eyes as they try to delicately inquire as to who you lost to drunk driving or alcohol poisoning. Perhaps they cajole you to try just one certain you can be converted with a nice buzz.

Whatever the reaction, they all share the same goal: they want to know why. Why do you not drink? In a single admission you have been transformed. You have become an entirely new creature. Someone who needs to be categorized, re-filed, re-evaluated - after all, before the whole declining free beer thing, you seemed so normal and approachable.

Strictly speaking, alcohol is not good for your health. It leaves you vulnerable to creating and following through with some really, really stupid plans and can also lead to addiction.

It has also been linked to increased risk of conditions like strokes. Of course, the relative merits – or lack thereof – of alcohol to one’s health could be contested, but its relationship to ridiculous shenanigans would be somewhat more difficult to disprove.

So it seems like the question to be answered is: “Why on Earth do people drink alco-

hol?” rather than, “Why do some people abstain from alcohol?” However, according to Wikipedia, humans have been manufacturing and consuming alcoholic beverages since before the Neolithic era and, as evidenced by the university culture students can see at X every weekend, mankind will no doubt continue to drink ethanol long after this current era.

But as non-drinkers remain a minority on campus, most students know why they do drink. So it is those of us bordering on straight-edge that prompt curiosity and beg the question, “Why not?”

I, myself, have several reasons. Alcohol tastes worse than my least favorite cough medicine. Being the sober person at a party can be dull but it can also be hilarious and afford some great blackmail material – not that I would ever use my friends lowered inhibitions against them. Spirits do not come free or even cheap and I prefer to save for my own personal indulgences such as hot chocolate, which also lacks nutritional value, but does not put me in mind of paint thinner when I inhale its beautiful cocoa-y aroma. I also come by enough headaches naturally to find courting a hangover incredibly foolish.

I cannot speak for everyone, but generally speaking the whole not drinking thing is a personal choice made, not for moral superiority or to avoid tragedy, but for small reasons like the three I just gave. And as a choice involving no participation in alcoholic consumption, I have found the greatest effect it has upon one’s university experience is that it ensures you actually remember all of last weekend.

OPINIONS 7

The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 11

HOW DO you SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIA? DON’T GO STICKING YOUR NECK OUT FOR NEKNOMINATIONS MARIA RIZZET TO | Columnist

Babies, public outrage, kittens, and posts from my grandmother are usually the entirety of my Facebook newsfeed. But as of late all I’ve been seeing are short videos of people chugging beers. The first few videos were friends sitting down, talking into the camera, chugging a beer, and then nominating someone else to do that same. I thought, “What a unique way to stay socially connected through social media with your friends from home or at other universities!” Naturally, I began to click them automatically because, well, beer chugging is entertaining in itself (I struggle, hard), but apparently everyone is in strong disagreement.

If you’re completely lost, just give me a second, you don’t want to miss this…

Beginning in Australia, “Neknomination” has been around since 2008 and was primarily used in the United Kingdom as a way to connect friends.

Originally, the game was to “neck” a beer in a ridiculous manner on video, then nominate a friend to follow in the same manner. Welcome to North America, where the urge to one-up your friends is so intoxicating it becomes dangerous. Instead of drinking out of a boot, toilet, or playing nicky-nicky nine doors, we are jumping on rooftops, lighting ourselves on fire, and driving backwards on mo-

torcycles. Blindfolded.

The Next Selfie?

Before I watched my friend staple his chest, I was making the assumption these videos were going to be the new selfie. It appears neknomination is not just a drinking challenge, but also a way to demonstrate manhood. Does having your shirt off make you chug faster? People get penalized for posting selfies to flaunt their self-confidence, but there is nothing wrong with people posting two-minute videos proving one is man - or woman - enough to chug a beer? The likes and comments that come with both selfies and neknominations, whether it’s “nice eye-makeup” or “well-done, you beauty” are eerily similar. The problem surfaces with the difference between “why do you wear your hair like that, it’s hideous” and “what a fucking pussy, can’t even finish a beer.” While seflies are posted voluntarily, neknominations are a dare. What kind of friend nominates another to be put on the virtual chopping block?

You’re doing it wrong.

The game is meant to connect people. It completely defeats the purpose when you nominate someone from the same university, who you’ll be partying with later that night – or worse, one of your roommates.

You’ve probably seen your friend

chug a beer hundreds of times and that’s why attention is being placed more on the action that comes during or after. Unfortunately, this is now a distorted version of Simon Says; not to mention, it’s an unorthodox use of the internet. Why are we cheering our friends online instead of meeting up in person and sharing a drink?

There are less than eighty days of university left for some of us before we all disperse across the country; are we really going to waste it making and watching videos of people chugging?

Where is the danger in chugging a beer?

The news is calling the neknomination “shocking and extremely dangerous” with the death count at two so far. If it was just beer chugging it would be less problematic, but binge drinking is just not dangerous enough, right? I am not going to use the word stupid, because there have been more ridiculous games circulating, but in this instance some people are too competitive for their own good. The worry is placed on someone who has a lot of pride but lacks the physical capabilities of whoever they’re trying to one-up. Guess what?

Those proud lions will always be the one’s ‘nominated’ for this reason alone. Smart move contributing to a vicious and intimidating circle, I

hope it doesn’t take a funeral to break it!

Think about your reputation.

If you’re underage, taking part in neknomination is basically delivering yourself to punishment. People will see it, people will talk about it, and then everyone will know about it, even if you lock down your privacy settings. Current and future employers do not care if it was all in good fun, and they are not going to listen to your case of “it was just one beer, you’ve chugged a beer before,” so stop painting yourself with an “I’m a careless and alcohol crazed university student” brush. It doesn’t matter why you did it, what you meant by it, or that you didn’t think it would get back to whomever it got back to.

Trust me on this one: things you post are going to be taken into whatever context the person viewing them wants to see them. Nobody is exempt from the consequences of what they write or post online; it doesn’t matter if you’re an A+ student or the craziest person on campus.

Nobody is going to stop chugging, but if you really care about your friends, how about “nominating” them by buying a round at the bar and staying out of danger instead of inflicting pain upon yourself for a Facebook like. C’mon, what’s next?

sex with an x The ins and outs of anal sex MIRANDA | Sex Columnist

The topic of anal sex is undeniably a taboo subject. Everyone knows that people do it, but no one is particularly eager to talk about doing it. So this week, Sex With An X is here to give you the answers to the questions you didn’t even know you were supposed to be asking.

Q: Does it hurt?

A: Just like a girl having sex for the first time, anal sex will most likely hurt.

However, just like regular sex, with increased exposure and experience, anal sex can become very pleasurable for both partners.

Q:What is anal sex?

A: Anal sex is when a penis or object is inserted into the rectum for sexual pleasure.

Q: Do all gay guys have anal sex?

A: No. Just how everyone has their personal preferences and libidos, being homosexual does not automatically mean someone enjoys anal sex.

Q:Why do people have anal sex?

A: The male prostate can be accessed through the bum, so males can achieve a different kind of orgasm this way. Females can also find anal sex pleasurable despite not having a prostate.

Q: What are some important things to remember for anal sex?

A: As with all sexual encounters, you and your partner should use adequate protection (read: condoms and whatever else). Lube is also a crucial element to anal sex as the butt has no natural lubrication.

Q: Is there any preparation required?

A: The person being penetrated may want to poop before doing the act to avoid things getting unnecessarily messy. This is also a crucial point for those wishing to begin anal sex while also having vaginal sex, because crosscontamination can happen.

Q: Can someone with a large penis have anal sex?

A: The butt is actually more expansive than a vagina, and despite the hole itself having a tighter grip and smaller size, it will expand.

Q: How do I tell my partner I want to have anal sex?

A: Anal sex is not for everyone.

Therefore, it is best to approach the topic with your significant other before you

get to the bedroom. And no, poking someone’s butthole while having sex does not count as discussing the matter.

Q: Can I get pregnant from anal sex?

A: If you’re a guy, no, definitely not. If you’re a girl, it’s just highly unlikely. If your partner jizzes outside of your bum, there is a minute chance that it could leak into your vagina (yet another reason to wear a condom).

Being informed about sex is one of the most important things a university student can be. Whether you’re having anal sex, regular sex, or even no sex at all, knowing about the sexual parts of life can only make you wiser. Understanding the human body and respecting one another is the key to a healthy and positive relationship with sex, and this week’s column was made for the specific purpose of contributing to that.

www.xaverian.ca

8

Thursday, FEBRUARY 6, 2014-The Xaverian

The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 11

9

10 CULTURE

Thursday, FEBRUARY 6, 2014-The Xaverian

Culture pat walsh plays local gallery local musical duo performs at new glasgow’s eventide art galery DEVON GREENE | Staff Writer

Eventide Art Hub in New Glasgow expanded its horizons last week when it welcomed up-and-coming music duo Pat Walsh and Lacey Morrell to the stage. The art centre is a valuable resource for both new and established artists alike, and cousins Pat and Lacey took full advantage of it when they made their performing debut on Thursday, January 30th.

The space created a laid back setting and an intimate audience of friends, family and community members completed the relaxed environment that the musicians were hoping for. Pat Walsh commented after the performance that he really enjoyed playing in the space; “The gallery is awesome. The sound is cool, and for us who haven’t been performing together a lot, it’s perfect to come out and play for a group of people that we know.” Their carefree vibes certainly translated throughout the performance as their charm and witty banter had the whole audience smitten.

The two played an acoustic set featuring original compositions and uniquely arranged covers to suit their style. A combination of musical talent and family intuition allowed Walsh and Morrell to create balance and blend with their powerful vocals and improvise harmonies that really settled in the soul.

Coming from a big musical

family, the two have been playing music from a very young age, however it was not until recently that the two began rehearsing and writing together.

“This past month we really picked it up and got some stuff together,” says Morrell. The young artists are excited to be working together and are planning to continue to write and perform together as a duo.

Having been writing and performing original pieces for some time, Walsh is glad to add his cousin to his act. Morrell is equally as happy to have a change of pace in her repertoire of performance. “For me, it was the first time I played with someone else and didn’t play the piano, normally I accompany myself.” Morrell has been playing the piano since the age of four and found the experience of being a vocalist liberating; “It’s awesome.” I just get to focus on my voice and really enjoy it. I always enjoy playing, but it’s nice not to have so much to think about.”

New Glasgow’s arts community has been undergoing some drastic changes in recent years, but it still has quite a long ways to go. Walsh recognizes the difficulties that living in a small town can present to young artists of all mediums who are trying to showcase their talents.

“For us to be living around here, at this age, and to be able to just play like this- we just got lucky.

We got some songs together

and just started writing.” Being a supporter of Eventide Art Hub since its opening in October of 2013, Walsh saw the opportunities that this kind of space could offer to musicians like himself and his cousin.

Executive Director of the space, Andy Cunningham, was more than happy to have them take advantage of those opportunities and make their debut at the art centre. “It was nice to be able to offer music in our space to tie together the community that we are building within the arts, through visual art, performance, music among others,” says Cunningham.

It is always something to keep your eye on when two talented musicians come together for one act. In this case, an almost telepathic compatibility that only cousins can share and charm that clearly runs in the family, makes Pat Walsh and Lacey Morrell a pair to be on the look-out for in 2014. More information about Pat Walsh and his music can be found at his Bandcamp website, patbonascontagiousvibrations. bandcamp.com. This page features original work by Walsh

as well as several songs featuring Lacey Morrell. For more links to Pat and Lacey’s music as well as information about upcoming events, you can “like” Pat’s Facebook page “Pat

Bona’s Contagious Vibrations”.

If you’re looking for some great tunes from a couple of very talented local artists, Pat Walsh and Lacey Morrell are definitely two to watch.

renaming or defaming? a recently added royal prefix is condemned by members of the local gaelic community RACHEL REVOY | Staff Writer

The name change of the Gaelic College in Cape Breton has ignited controversy for many descendents of the Scottish immigrants that landed

nearly 200 years ago. Recently, the college’s board of directors have added a royal prefix to the title renaming the school as The Royal Gaelic College. The royal prefix has been added as a designation to the Queen herself.

For many Scottish Gaelic descendents the new addition to the title is offensive based on the long history of Scottish people and the struggles that have taken place throughout history for the independence of Scotland, Ireland and Wales from the British monarchy.

“Historically, in the union of crowns then followed by the union of parliament, there was a great deal of resistance to the idea of being taken into the col-

ony. Scotland became a colony of England, as did Wales as did Ireland, so historically, there is a reason why people are not enamoured with the crown because its an English crown, even though there is a union of the Kings,” explains StFX Sociology Professor Daniel McInnes on the historical reasons for the controversy.

Not all people of Scottish descent in the area are offended the the royal prefix. In fact, some claim that the Scottish relationship to the British Monarchy is strong and positive. For some, the name change was added with good intentions.

At the beginning of the last century, the number of gaelic

speakers in Nova Scotia was close to 100,000. Currently, 1,200 gaelic speakers live in Nova Scotia. The Gaelic College opened as a way to preserve the gaelic culture and language. “The Gaelic College has done a good job in trying to resurrect gaelic and keep gaelic going, so thats a marginal pursuit today, it doesn’t have a tremendous amount of support. You can’t be dividing people on this issue. You can’t have division, it just weakens everything,” explains McInnes.

Many of the descendents who are opposing the name change realize that many of their ancetors migrated out of Scotland and into Nova Scotia following a battle that took place against

the British in the 1700s. The Scottish were pushed out of the highlands. In Scotland, numerous attempts were made by the British over the centuries to try and stamp out the Scottish gaelic language and culture. A name change designated for British royalty seems ironic to numerous people, especially since the Gaelic College was created to preserve the culture and language that was once trying to be destroyed.

A petition to remove the royle prefix to the name of the college is currently circulating. So far, more than 500 people have signed the petition. The petition can be found online at ipetitions. com.

CULTURE

The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 11

11

The taste of the town (house) it will have you clam-oring for more LAURA ALOISIO | Staff Writer

Students at StFX may have a reputation of liking a loud party where drinking and eating is about balancing cost; and volume and conversation is dominated by how well you can shout or read lips. The Xaverian knows there is more to university life than wild nights.

Our students appreciate the taste of a well-brewed pint and home-cooked food while talking to friends. But where in Antigonish, you may ask, can you find a gastro pub with a great atmosphere?

The Townhouse, of course.

Located just off Main Street, this hidden gem is a sanctuary to locals and students. The décor holds true to an Irish Pub, with a hardwood bar and small tables grouped to allow intimate or open conversation. But don’t worry about where you sit, as access to their craft beers and great food is available to all.

Selections of Maritime Craft Beer are on tap and this golden nectar of the gods comes in many varieties to suit the needs of all the pub’s patrons. At five dollars for a 12 oz glass you can try a few before applying for an increase to your student loan. However, Terry’s Best Bitter is the most popular option for both ladies and gents. Made right above the restaurant, this beer provides the taste of Olde Anglia and is dispensed in the traditional fashion using the only handpump in Northern Nova Scotia. Look at

it as research for your Canadian History paper. For the beer connoisseur, this ale is described as having balanced rustic, earthy notes while maintaining a strong malt backbone with a gentle hoppy bitterness for a clean finish. For the rest of us, it’s called the moustache dipper!

The Townhouse kitchen is committed to freshness and supporting local businesses. They use The Pork Shop’s sausages and Knoydart Farms’ organic cheese, while local beef is supplied from Vacheresse’s with all the fish and seafood coming from Nova Scotia. As the friendly staff will confirm, with so much being from scratch it is more work and therefore takes more time to prepare, so don’t come if you’re in a rush. This is a meal to be savoured and the extra time is surely worth it. When they say almost everything is from scratch, you know they mean it: it includes the pickles, chutney, soda bread, desserts, and pates. So let’s get to it.

East coast mussels steamed in beer and seasoned with garlic and herbs are perfect for sharing, but they also offer a size just for one. The Ploughman’s Lunch - don’t let the name deceive you - is a sophisticated starter of pork pate, apple chutney, homemade pickles, homemade soda bread, and a selection of cheese. Soups and chowders could be meal on their own, but with so many

great choices to come it’s served as a starter. It takes twenty-five minutes to prepare but the Georgeville Lobster Chowder is worth it. Good things come to those who wait, and this rich and creamy chowder with lots of lobster, scallops, smoked haddock, and bacon is a satisfying ending to the long wait.

The Salt Cod Fritters are a flavourful option but have a bit more potato than one would hope.

The Fisherman’s Pie is a hearty casserole of smoked cod, fresh haddock, and scallops in tarragon cream sauce, topped with mashed potatoes and an herb crust that has been toasted to perfection. Lani’s daily curry specials are boldly spiced, but not too hot, and if you come in on Kaju Masala day then you already know what to order.

For the more health conscious, hearty salads are a big hit. Butternut squash, quinoa with corn and black beans, or the Townhouse’s spin on the Waldorf Salad make a full meal and

leave you feeling satisfied. If you have eaten healthy, been able to control your appetite or just braved the cold to walk in, the backside of your menu is your reward. Featuring house specials and decadent desserts, these sources of inspiration and comfort should be enjoyed while sipping on a cup of fresh-ground organic fair-trade coffee. There are also games like cribbage and checkers to play with friends or bond with someone new at the bar.

The famous Irish poet Yeats said, “There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.” That must be the inspiration for the Townhouse: the perfect place to meet or make friends over food, drinks, and games.

sexuality and sport: the olympics putin’s anti-gay laws spark controversy in sochi and abroad ANGELA MACKENZIE | Staff Writer

The Olympics are meant to be a time of celebration. Countries all over the world join together every four years to compete and show off their skills. This year, the Winter Olympics are being held in Sochi, Russia from Feb 7 to Feb 23.

Russia is a smart place to host the Winter Olympics due to their strong winter climates, however the Anti-Gay laws within the country are causing many complications with people coming from around the world.

On Jun 11, 2013, a bill was passed in Russia that banned the distribution of propaganda of non-sexual relations to children. This law made it illegal to suggest that homosexual relationships are equal to heterosexual relationships and distribute any material on gay rights.

This bill resurfaced in the media once Olympians arrived in Russia.

On Jan 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the Olympians, telling them that homosexual individuals were welcome in their country as long as they don’t express their views and expose the youth to homosexuality. The resurfacing of the anti-gay law is causing a controversy in Russia. Openly gay Olympians may have struggled with coming out and now they have to face oppression again.

They find themselves no longer able to express who they truly are.

Russian LGBTQ Activists are taking matters into their own hand. At the Olympic torch relay on Jan 20, activist Paul Lebedev unfurled the rainbow flag, a symbol of the LGBTQ community. This

man was attacked by the Olympic police for this alleged crime. He was wrestled to the ground and was taken into police custody. He later stated, “Hosting the games here contradicts the basic principles of the Olympics, which is to cultivate tolerance.” The Olympic Games are supposed to bring countries closer together, not tear them apart due to violence against homosexuality.

Chris Frazer, a History professor and an active member of the LGBTQ community at StFX, states that he will find it hard to get swept into the Olympic craze this year. He claims that he will find it hard to watch something with the knowledge that homosexual Olympians are not free to express themselves. He is also puzzled as to why the Canadian government and sponsors of the Olympics are doing so little to stop the segregation.

“Take Coca Cola for example; there are images of police taking people of the LGBTQ community into custody and their logo is in the background or on their jacket.” Frazer states that he and others are writing in to the Coca Cola industry to ask them to step back so it doesn’t look like they are supporting a negative cause. The pictures make it look like certain sponsors may be supporting an act that is violating human rights, and this may not necessarily be the vision they want to hold for their company.

There is a petition circulating reaching out to all Olympic corporate sponsors asking them to publicly affirm that discrimination doesn’t belong in the

Olympic movement. The petition can be signed at https://www.allout.org/en/actions/olympic-sponsors.

There has been talk of certain Olympians boycotting the games to make a statement, but nothing has been confirmed. However, if even one Gay Olympian took a stand and refused to compete, it would make a difference. It takes a lot of courage for anyone to come out

of the closet, especially Olympic athletes who would have the media all over them if they chose to come out. Frazer believes that they shouldn’t feel pressured into hiding who they are after gaining the courage to come out to the world in the first place. “Be free to be who you are and love who you love,” he says. This is a belief that many people around the world would agree with.

12 CULTURE

Thursday, FEBRUARY 6, 2014-The Xaverian

feel da riddim, feel da rhyme is cool runnings still cool?

DEVON GREENE | Staff Writer

Excitement is building with the 2014 Winter Olympic Games just around the corner. What better way to get yourself amped up for a two week long TV marathon than with a viewing of a heart-warming, sport themed Disney movie? Cool Runnings is a light hearted film based on the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team to compete in the Winter Olympics. Starring John Candy, Leon Robinson and Doug E. Doug it was released in 1993 in true Disney fashion; inspirational, childishly charming, and chock-full of shameless stereo-

types.

Cool Runnings follows the same plot line as just about every other sports movie in history. An unlikely group of people find themselves in an unideal situation and have to make the best of it. The movie doesn’t take itself too seriously as it depicts four naïve, yet determined, Jamaican men who make up a classic group of characters consisting of the leader, the brains, the muscle and the comic relief. John Candy completes the dream team as the man who will coach a bobsled team in a country with no snow. A typical 90’s style we-can-do-it montage, accompanied by Disney flavoured steel drums follows the team as it fights against all odds to train and raise money to travel to Calgary for the 1988 Winter Games.

Once in Calgary, the team is faced with even greater challenges; constant heckling from opposing teams, criticizing family members and something that is completely foreign to them – snow and ice. Of course, the only way to show the progression from barely being able

to stand to full wind sprints on ice is through another inspirational montage. Somewhere between overusing the term “Rasta” (including “Rasta-rocket” “Rasta ice-man” and “I’m freezing my royal Rastafarian naynays off”) and unnecessary singing, the team manages to get some decent training in. Despite their best efforts and growing support from fans, the other teams don’t take them seriously. The European teams are equally as stereotyped with their blonde hair and unfriendly, pompous attitudes. Every team seems to be squabbling and fighting– except Switzerland. Switzerland manages to remain neutral through the whole movie.

As the host city for the Games, Calgary is prominently featured throughout the movie, but it is unable to escape misrepresentation of Canadian culture. While I am assured by my Albertan roommate that twostepping and cowboy hats are not uncommon, the outright hoedown in the middle of the movie was indistinguishable from what I imagine Texas to have been like in the 80’s. It

even went as far as replacing the usual American interpretation of a Canadian accent with a southern twang. At least Calgary was depicted as a good host city that knows how to throw one hell of a party.

The final chapter of the movie does well to stick to the true events and even uses actual footage from the race at the 1988 Olympic Games, but naturally, Disney finishes the story with a fictional dramatic flourish (you will have to watch the movie for yourself to find out exactly what happens). Keeping with the clichéd sports movie motif, there is epic, victorious celebration no matter what the result of the race. Disney gets its happy ending and everyone is a winner.

Overall, this is a fantastic movie. The combination of cliché sports epic and family friendly Disney creates and inspirational story of determination and struggle while toning down the seriousness that many sports movies overdo. A constant lightheartedness makes this a kid friendly film, while its utter ridiculousness makes it equally as entertaining for adults. The characters are

over the top and spit out shocking lines that will keep you laughing through the whole movie. Never mind a lesson in perseverance and following your dreams, it is worth watching this movie for the quotes alone. Yes, it is full of stereotypes and boarders on the inappropriate side, but the jokes are harmless and do a good job of highlighting the real life bizarreness of a tropical country entering the Winter Olympics.

Besides, show me a 90’s Disney movie that isn’t just a little bit racist and I’ll show you a movie you were too young to understand.

The movie is hysterical (maybe for all the wrong reasons) but the events are true.

Jamaica entered a bobsled team in four Olympic Games following Calgary in 1988. After failing to qualify in 2006 and 2010, Jamaica is making its return to the Winter Games in Sochi 2014 with a two-man bobsled team. Team members Winston Watts and Marvin Dixon will represent their country in black, green and yellow in hopes of winning the first Winter Olympic medal for Jamaica.

guilt trips is a trip GUILTY AS CHARGED: RYAN HEMSWORTH’s sonic enigma is a GLIMPSE INTO A MUSICAL IMAGINATION RORY MACLEOD | Culture Editor

Working as a Music Director for two years at CFXU, you get a lot of CDs. Along with these CDs come pamphlets and printouts describing the sound of the artist. More often than not, they are an assortment of ambiguous superlatives and subjective genre-identifiers. Sometimes, however, you wish an artist would send you one of these pages to describe them, because you cannot find the adequate words to do so.

Ryan Hemsworth is one of these artists. Straight outta Halifax, Hemsworth has been making waves in the electronic music scene in Canada and abroad, performing alongside the likes of Lunice, Thugli, and Baauer.

Hemsworth’s new album, Guilt Trips, is a sonic enigma that melds different genres of electronic music together with ease and incorporates many feature performances from artists all across the board.

First impressions of the album leave the listener intrigued and wanting to come back for more. If you were to try and put a finger on the type of sound

that he is going for, you would soon find yourself running out of fingers. It is as though Hemsworth is trying to create a sonic soundscape, rather than trying to fit a single niche. Straying away from powerful bass riffs, he uses restraint when employing the trendy 808 hi-hat and snare. All of this leaves the listener questioning: what kind of album am I really listening to?

The album feels just like that: an album. It is an artistic unit rather than a collection of singles thrown into a digestible package. As you listen to the album a sonic narrative starts to develop. The first track opens up with a percussive and repetitive sample that leads into a hook made of distorted vocal samples and Sinead Harnett’s airy vocals. Like many of the other songs on the album, this

one does not have a conventional song structure; it serves as an intro to the record rather than a radio-ready single. Likewise,

the final song on the album has an unconventional song structure accompanied by light female vocals. It in turn serves as a conclusion to the rest of the album.

The rest of the album is the interesting bit. From the end of

the first track, Hemsworth develops a restrained sonic narrative full of ups and down. One of those ups is the second track, titled “Against A Wall”. Here, Ryan pairs dubstep elements with a friendly and poppy vocal hook courtesy of Lofty305. The following song is worth noting as well. In this case, restrained trap staples like the 808 hihat accompany EDM synths in a soaring track that brings the production of Stat Slinger to mind. The subsequent track, “Avec Vous”, employs the same trap staples very effectively amidst a swirl of synthesized organ sound.

The latter is probably my favourite track on the entire album.

In keeping with the previous tracks, “One For Me” features collaborator Tinashe’s lofty female vocals. Here they really

steal the show in a neo-soul number utilizing the 808. Reminiscent of 1990s and early 2000s pop music, the song has the most conventional song structure on the album, and rounds out the diverse set of songs.

Unfortunately, the album does lull a bit towards the middle. The tracks lack the driving hooks of “Avec Vous” or the wooing voice of Tinashe, and seem to be the most experimental tracks on the album. Hemsworth even flirts with drum and bass in a few instances. Nevertheless, they are quite interesting, and together make sense adjacent to their neighbours.

Ryan Hemsworth has accomplished something on this album: he has let the listener into his musical imagination. He melds genres and styles, mixes and bends samples, and keeps you guessing at what else he is going to pull out of the hat. Each track brings something a bit different to the album. Together they make something that is greater than the sum of its parts, even if some of the parts may not seem all that impressive.

DISTRACTIONS 13

The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 11

DiStractions Kaleigh Bizent: Editor/Poor Crossword maker

CAKE IN A CUP INGREDIENTS: One large tea cup of your choice.

4- tablespoons of flour.

4- tablespoons of sugar.

2 -tablespoons of baking cocoa. (optional) 1/4- teaspoon of baking powder.

1 -egg.

3 -tablespoons of milk.

3 -tablespoons of oil.

Small splash of vanilla extract.

INSTRUCTIONS: 1- add dry ingredients into cup and mix well.

2- add egg, and mix thoroughly.

3- pour in oil, vanilla, & milk and mix well.

4- set your cup in the microwave for 2-3 min

(watch carefully!!!)

5- remove cup from microwave.

Emma Dys-Art

Questions to Ponder Did I watch the superbowl for the football, Or for the commercials?

*Add: Chocolate syrup, whipped cream or berries!

ANTIGONISH UNRATED

Would I rather have a valentine, or a large X-Burger poutine?

HOCKEY HYSTERIA

Do I have the ability to name 5 movies that Phillip Seymour Hoffman (RIP) was in?

Do I like goatcheese or am I just expectedtolike goatcheese?

HEROES DR. RILEY JANE GOODALL HARRY POTTER MOM MARIO OPRAH BATMAN WONDER WOMAN NELSON MANDELA ELLEN

Tis the season for hockey cups, and along with that comes day drinking, pranking rivalries, and awkward tension in meal hall.

Being in 3rd year, the house hockey cups seem to be a thing of the past. Yes, I will still celebrate BurMac, and reminisce over Messis (Plessis alum here), but the insane amount of hype surrounding them seems so strange to me now. In first year, it was all about the rivalry; meal hall stare downs, shameless facebook wars, and of course pranks, which were always taken too far. Even though it seems childish now, it was a part of the frosh experience. Where would I be today if I hadn’t gotten in trouble for house pranks? Probably a more successful, well-rounded individual, but who wants that?

What is BurMac without the day drinking during class, or the multitudes of students begging to switch their anatomy lab? So, this year I’ve decided to do it all over again; the pre party, the game (if I make it), and of course the celebratory after party, because I’ll side with the winning team of course. Take advantage of the hockey cups while you’re still young frosh, and remember, rivalry is only fun if its friendly!

BY: KURT BROT HERS

SPORTS AND HEALTH

SPORTS & HEALTH What’s your favourite sport?

You might not realize what your sports passion says about you - i’ll tell you A HOCKEY FAN | Sports Columnist

We all love our respective sports here at StFX, but what you might not realize is what your choice says about you...

Hockey: You are one of many. Hockey is probably the most popular sport here on campus, as well as in the ‘Nish.

You enjoy kicking back with your friends, having a couple pops, and watching a game on a Friday or Saturday night.

That said, when you go out, you’re probably gonna go pretty hard. Whether it is a night out with your boys gettin’ greasy, or an evening with your fellow ladies, you know that when you’re with your hockey loving friends, you’re gonna have a great time. You might enjoy Trailer Park Boys more than you should.

Basketball: While your crowd may not be as big as the hockey gang, you bring just as much, if not more, energy to the court. You love to get into

the game by wearing some sort of X paraphernalia and when you enter the arena, the cheering doesn’t stop till you leave. You’ve got a sharp mind from following a fast-paced game, but you might be a tiny bit on the dramatic side - buzzer beaters and whatnot. You probably love hitting the clubs more than some others, but you back it up with great moves on the dance floor.

Rugby: After people meet you, they wonder if they’ve ever met such a nice person in their life. Until they meet another rugby fan. Fans, not to mention players, of this hardhitting, seemingly brutal sport are incredibly easy going and friendly. If you ever found yourself in a fight with a roommate or friend, you would quickly take the high road, and solve the problem over a cold beer. Unlike the basketball folk, you’re not so much

for drama, and prefer to move at your own pace. However, once you do get a couple frosty ones into your system, tell your friends to watch out. You have a tendency to relapse back to your days of high school rugby, and aren’t afraid to lay someone out with a nice tackle. But don’t worry, you’ll pull them up and insist they try one on you right after!

Football: Your sport might be just behind hockey in terms of popularity on campus, but you yourself are the life of the party. When you walk into a room, everyone knows who you are. You love talking about the game on Mondays with anyone who will listen. Similar to rugby fans, you have a slight tendency for violence, which comes with the nature of your favourite game. You’ve stuck by the X football team, and at the beginning of each year you think that this must be the one (next year’s looking good...) You’re good with numbers due to the number of first downs, two point converts, field goals, and ten yard penalties you’ve witnessed while watching some

good ol’ pigskin.

Soccer: You’re passionate about your game, and have to be. You are used to getting buttloads of flack for your love of the beautiful game, and you’ve heard more about diving than Alexandre Despatie.

But you don’t let it get to you.

You know your favourite athletes are magicians with the ball, combining vision, fitness, precision and power to create a masterpiece. You may be partial to the odd embellishment, whether it be the success of a good test score or the agony of a stubbed toe. In a fight, you’re going for the headbutt right off the bat, no question.

Cross-country: Let’s face it; if you’re a die-hard crosscountry fan, you probably are a cross-country runner. You’ve got a big lung capacity. Awesome. You might not be the life of the party, but if you get naked-mile’d in a game of beer pong, you’re not sweatin’ it.

You’ve got a great body, let’s be honest. You don’t get too many opportunities to watch your favourite sport on TV or even here at StFX, but when

you do, you can always impress people by talking about the runners’ VO2 max.

Baseball: Good god, you’re a baseball fan? Why? Just kidding, you are definitely an easy going person. Like hockey fans, you enjoy a day at the ball field with a cold beer maybe a light beer, but that’s okay - and a bag of sunflower seeds. You know stats inside and out, and you can come up with some pretty good trash talk when the situation calls for it. But seriously, baseball?

Field Hockey: You mean hockey?

Lacrosse: You’re a hockey fan who doesn’t like the cold, and loves to see people using sticks as weapons.

Rowing: You’re either a wealthy industrialist, or you want to get into a sport off the beaten track. You probably love getting up at the crack of dawn, or earlier, and travel in packs of 4 or 8.

Now I realize I may be making some assumptions here that you, as a sports fan you are, may not subscribe to.

Please do not hunt me down. I mean only to entertain.

THREE ESSENTIAL RUNNING WORKOUTS IMPROVE YOUR 10K TIME DRASTICALLY WITH THESE SIMPLE WORKOUTS MAT T MACDONALD | Health Columnist

Whether you are a novice miler or an Olympic Champion we are all looking to improve. Improving your 10k time is easier then you think. Regardless of your age or ability, in just 8 weeks you too can run your fastest 10k ever.

Let me state what you already know. To achieve maximum performance, you need to improve both endurance and speed. You can do this by running more miles, running faster, or some combination of both.

To prepare for the 10k distance, you must train your aerobic capacity and lactate threshold to their maximum capabilities.

This means solid foundation work, a strong emphasis on interval training, and spending enough time on repetitions and threshold runs at speeds close to your aerobic capacity become pleasant – or at least acceptable.

Learn to run a fast kilometer!

Before embarking on your training regime, consider the mile. The mile is the perfect blend of leg speed, endurance, stamina, mental and emotional toughness required to run a personal best in

the 10k. The mile also proves what your oxygen transport carrying potential is, and how quickly you can clean out lactic acid. According to the world’s best running coaches, Jack Daniels and Greg McMillan, the mile is critical for middle distance runners.

Based on your mile time, you can predict all other distances.

These tables and calculators, which are easily found online, are based on years of research and statistics. Consider running a mile, one week prior to your planned 10k. This will give you a good indication of how fast you can expect to run. If your disappointed by your mile time, consider training for a few more weeks before trying to run a personal best in the 10K. The secret to a good training program for medium-distance events is knowing when to do the various types of training and how much of them to do. Below, I have outlined 3 critical workouts for running your fastest 10 K. Aim to run at least 5 days per week, 2 of which are hard efforts. By the end of these workouts you should be exhausted. If not, increase the in-

tensity of each workout or add a third workout session to your training schedule.

Workout 1 400 m repeats X 12 repetitions 45 seconds rest between each 400 m effort Workout 2 800 m repeats X 6 No more then 60 seconds rest between each 800 m effort Workout 3 (Optional) Tempo Run 15 minutes easy ·20 minutes hard at race pace ·15 minutes easy Be sure to include a long run into your training program, this should constitute 25% of week’s total mileage or 1.5 hours, whichever is less.

SPORTS & HEALTH 15

The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 11

the house hockey cup season is upon us for those who haven’t noticed, it’s kind of a big deal AARON THORNELL | Sports & Health Editor

Every year, many students both on and off campus get an opportunity to partake in some good, old-fashioned fun by means of Canada’s national pastime: hockey. Game day usually begins with a modest consumption of one’s favourite alcoholic spirits. Following this, students, clad in their respective house colours, take a brisk winter walk - or run - to the Charles V. Keating Centre or the Antigonish Arena, where they spend the following hour cheering, booing, and launching any and all insults that come to mind at opposing players, officials, and especially enemy fans. But don’t worry, Parents; security is tight at such events. Last night’s BurMac game, featuring Burke and MacIsaac, was overseen by a battalion of RCMP officers.

While these games may seem trivial and foolish to many, they offer an opportunity for students to engage in tradition and experience firsthand why StFX is an academic institution rich in student life. However, many students may experience a dip in academic performance at this time of year. But what is fun without a little sacrifice? Fun not worth having, that’s what. This House Cup Hockey Season, which began with the Chillis/TNT Cup last Friday and concludes in late March with the TriMac tournament, is a time of year when lasting friendships are solidified between housemates. It is a

chance to forget for a time about responsibility, about inhibition, and simply support or represent your house.

Oftentimes, these games receive criticism due the rivalries which, when unchecked, can produce some harmful results. This is most definitely true. Every year, instances of violence, vandalism, and some pretty controversial Twitter battles emerge, putting a black eye - yes, I mean that both literally and figuratively - on the games. There is no positive spin to put upon this, but it does remind us to keep things in perspective. Hockey, while it may induce rage or bliss and has the ability to bring a less-than-sober 19 year old to tears of joy, is a game meant to be enjoyed. We should all attempt to remember that. Of course, this does not mean some strong verbal abuse shouldn’t be thrown back and forth between houses.

The results of these games are of great importance to the players and fans in the weeks following them, but not long afterwards, the scores are forgotten until the next year’s rematches. What remains entrenched in memory, both for the last months of the school year and for years after that, is the experience and the people you share it with. Just as long as it can be remembered and is not spent in the drunk tank, you’ll have a great time!

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 athlete-levels of healthy living.

Name: Katlyn Walsh Sport: Soccer position: Forward hometown: stellarton, nS Academic program: Science “Start every single day with a tall glass of water to ensure you are always hydrated!”

AthleteS! Send your tips to allie macdonald at x2009itq@stfx.ca

Next Your Week At Marquee matchup STFX Feb 7th men’s hockey vs smu - 7 pm

this week’s matchup Features your St. Feb 8th FX woMen’s basketball team taking on the women’s basketball vs unb - 6 pm university of new brunswick reds. in this feb 8th 4-point game, the x-women will be supportwomen’s hockey at dal - 7 PM ing the “shoot for a cure” cause, in an efFeb 8th fort to raise money for the canadian breast Men’s hockey at smu - 7 pm cancer foundation. not to mention, the Feb 8th x-women have a chance to pass the second men’s basketball vs unb - 8 pm place cape breton capers, who sit only two feb 9th points up on St. fx. catch the action in the women’s hockey at mount a - 4.45pm main gym, saturday night at 6!

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

@XAVERIANWEEKLY

16

Thursday, FEBRUARY 6, 2014-The Xaverian

The right course, right when you want it.

What course are you missing? Find what you need with an online course from Acadia University. With over 100 undergraduate courses to choose from, you can pick up credits you want for your degree program or take courses that may not be available online at your home institution.

 Our courses are open-entry, not term-based: begin studying anywhere, anytime.

 You set your schedule: study at a pace that fits your commitments.

 Easily transfer the credits you’ve earned back to your institution by studying with a Letter of Permission.

 Also available: enhance your degree and open a world of possibilities with our online TESOL certificate.

rightchoice.openacadia.ca 1.800.565.6568

The xav is hiring!

We are Currently looking for someone to fill the role of distributions manager.

Interested??

Email xw.eic@stfx.ca

WWW.XAVERIAN.CA