ISSUE 12
XAVERIAN THE WEEKLY XAVERIAN
Thursday Mar 29 2012
Volume 120 Issue 20
EDITORIAL STAFF
Thursday, February March 21,13 2012 2014
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Volume 121 Issue Issue12 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
news House damages down
MANAGING EDITOR Lewis Peter North Forward Joe T hibault xw.managing@stfx.ca | (902) 867-3732
Residence office releases end of year figures, reports major decrease in damage costs
COPY EDITOR Alexandra Adams ART PRODUCT IST IC COORDINATOR ION MANAGER xw.copy@stfx.ca
SEAN MCEVOY | Co-Editor-in-Chief
Clayton Jesus ART IST ICBlagdon COORDINATOR Marie-Eve Pomerleau xw.photo@stfx.ca xw.product@stfx.ca xw.photo@stfx.ca
Residence Office released end of year figures on residence damages last week which revealed a significant decrease in total damage costs. $23,980.99 in damages were incurred from September to December of 2013, with $31, 759.29 in damages accumulated over the same time period in 2012, for a total net decrease of $7,778.30. Excluding new buildings O'Regan Hall and New Res B, all residences saw a marked reduction in total costs or only a small increase, with the exception of MacIsaac 2nd floor which saw an increase of over $1200. Topping the list of damage costs for the first half of the year was O'Regan with $2525 followed closely by MacPherson with $2507, and MacNeil with $2455. While these totals are high, they show a dramatic improvement compared with 2012 figures, where MacDonald had $5386 in damage during the same period with MacNeil following with $4406 in total. Allison Sampson, Manager of Accommodations ,told The Xaverian that she is pleased overall with the numbers so far this year. With total numbers for the 2012/2013 school year exceeding $60,000, Sampson says that Residence Life Office has a goal of getting that number down to $50,000 or less. Major concern areas according to Sampson were dry wall damages in MacIsaac as well as high costs in Tri-Mac residences. General campus damages that
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SPORTS & HEALT H EDITOR Molly Burt Simmons Schreiber Micha Saade xw.sports@stfx.ca
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Mark Dolores Risebrough Umbridge OPINIONS EDITOR Amanda Daignault xw.news@stfx.ca xw.managing@stfx.ca xw.opinions@stfx.ca DIST RACT IONS EDITOR OPINIONS COPY EDITOR EDITOR xw.distract@stfx.ca
Laura J.K. Rowling O’Brien
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cannot be attributed to one specific residence are also rising, the costs of which are presently being
absorbed by Residence Life. Sampson warned that if trend continued, residence living costs
across campus could see a significant increase for the 2014-2015 school year.
Board of Governors/Sr Class President Debate Thursday
StFX Physics student wins AUPAC Prize
An all-candidates debate featuring students running for Board of Governors positions and platforms running for Senior Class President and Vice President. The debate is scheduled for Thursday, Feb 13 in the MacKay Room. Two BOG positions are available to fill vacancies left by Alex Warshick and Kathleen Sheridan who graduate this spring. The Senior Class President and Vice President positions are currently filled by VP Tessa Burns and President Sarah Dodsworth, who also graduate this spring.
Second-year student and SU Councillor Siobhan Morris took the top undergraduate presentation prize at the Atlantic Undergraduate Physics and Astronomy Conference (AUPAC) hosted at SMU Jan 31-Feb 2. The ACEmat award in Computational Modeling of Materials was awarded for her presentation entitled “Coexistence of distinct liquid phases in simulations of supercooled water.” Siobhan currently works as a research assistant at StFX.
Veronica Clark Kent Farley
Rachel xw.report@stfx.ca Revoy opinions
STFX AT A GLANCE
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StFX Alum signed by Colts Henoc Muamba, a linebacker who played with StFX from 2007-2010, signed with the Indianapolis Colts Feb 6. Muamba was a three-time CIS all-Canadian. He leads StFX football in career tackles, with 149.5. Muamba was released from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Feb 5. Muamba, after learning the news, tweeted “I’m so gr8ful for this new opportunity! Thanks for ALL the support from my family friends and fans! I feel the love!” Muamba was selected first in the 2011 CFL draft, and played three years for Winnipeg, recording 191 total tackles and four sacks. He was voted as the team’s Most Outstanding Player during the 2013 season
NEWS 3
The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 12
COming of Age Relay For life celebrating 10th anniversary LAURA ALOISIO | Senior Reporter
On Mar 21, St. Francis Xavier University will be hosting the 10th anniversary of Relay For Life in support of cancer research. The relay lasts twelve hours and teams raise money by committing to have one member walking the illuminated track at all times. The event officially starts at 7 p.m., but planning and organizing begins much earlier. Bridget Burgess, a second year student here at StFX, is this year’s media chair and she sat down with the Xaverian to give the scoop on all things Relay. The planning started in September as the co-chairs set up a booth at Society Night to raise awareness and spark student interest in the cause. Students were able sign up to be a volunteer or join the official committee. After attending a small meeting where they learned about the different opportunities, students listed their top three choices and the co-chairs did their best to match the requests with the right positions. There are no speeches and long essays asking you to list your strengths and weaknesses – all that’s required is a desire to help. As Burgess explained, “this is a great way for students, no matter what year
or how new they are, to get involved on campus. The process is purposefully not intimidating and encourages you to be a part of the experience.” With the committee selected, the work began. This year, the fundraising goal has been set at a record high of $700,700. While it may seem daunting, the committee believes that with all the students working together it is a plausible goal. The Antigonish community also supports the cause, with people who live in town and local businesses all actively participating. Luminaries that create the glowing track are sold and decorated to raise funds and lit during the lighting ceremony, which has always been one of the most emotional moments of the evening. Speeches from survivors, chair members, and students are made followed by musical performances ending with the lighting of the luminaries in the dimly lit gym. Bridget said, “This is always my favourite part. I have participated in Relay since I was in grade six and every year it gets to me.” The luminaries are lit to honour those who are in the fight against cancer, those who have lost their battle, and those who have sur-
vived. This is not meant to be a depressing event; it truly is a celebration of life. Maybe it’s the sound of an acoustic guitar or bearing witness to the room becoming slowly illuminated by candles; whatever may be the cause, there is rarely a dry eye to be found. For many students it is a personal reason that has driven them to this cause. For Bridget, her mother’s diagnosis of cancer inspired her at an early age to become involved in Relay. Co-chairs Alicia Silliker and Ian Carrigan find the fight against cancer important because they have never found someone who could say they had not been touched by cancer, whether directly or indirectly. This event also raises awareness among the students, faculty and staff of the StFX community who have been touched by cancer. It serves to inspire others to help. Everyone has a reason to participate in the Relay. “Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back,” are the words of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, and these words lose no weight among Xaverians. “Celebrate” may at first seem counter-intuitive to an event related to cancer, but Relay For Life captures the spirit of hope, accomplishment, and reverence that is part of any celebrated occasion. Relay For
Life released no spoilers to the Xaverian, but we did find out is that at this year’s event the theme is Flash Back to 2004 and it includes a possible midnight swim, cake walk, Zumba (generously donated by Mary Thompson, a third year X student), and more. It will help keep you awake and motivated until the ceremonies finally close with the big fundraising reveal. Registration for the event can happen anytime by going onto cancer.ca/ relay. One should hurry, however, as registration is limited to 450 participants and 416 spots have already been filled. If you aren’t on a team, you can donate to a team or to a participant. If you can’t make the event, there is no need to stress; there remains an abundance of ways that you can participate. Volunteering your time to decorate luminaries or helping with fundraising is a great way to stay involved and make a difference. Luminaries will be sold in the Student Union Building on Mar 5, as well as in front of Sobeys on Mar 8, so bring your $5 and support Xaverian students. Run completely by students, the Relay for Life is always looking for volunteers, so contact Bridget through the StFX Relay For Life Facebook page or by email at x2012byd@stfx.ca anytime. Good luck to all those participating.
The WORLD AT A GLANCE New law could strip citizenship from Canadians Bill C-24, unveiled Feb 6, is designed to reduce fraud and streamline the process of becoming a Canadian citizen. The bill also contains provisions which grant Canada’s Immigration Minister the power to revoke the citizenship of natural-born Canadians- without the approval of the courts. Canadian dual citizens who are convicted of terrorism-related crimes in any country and have served at least a five year sentence for their crimes could, under the law, be deported without a hearing or tribunal. Omar Khadr, who is serving an eight-year sentence in Guantanamo could possibly face deportation.
Massive fossil bearing deposit discovered in BC
University of Birmingham criticized after student protestor suspensions.
A fossil-bearing shale deposit recently discovered in Kootenay National Park, BC might have the potential to surpass the geological significance of the nearby Yoho national park’s shale deposit. Both deposits are estimated to be over 500 million years old. Yoho’s Burgess shale deposit is the site of the discovery of almost 200 animal species in 100 years. In 15 days of collection at Kootenay since the discovery, over 50 animal species have already been excavated. Dr. JeanBernard Caron, a Paleontology Curator at the Royal Ontario Museum says that the recent discovery is “an epic sequel” to the Yoho Burgess. “There is a high possibility that we will find more species here than at the original Yoho National Park site.”
After five university students were suspended by the University of Birmingham for protesting on campus, international author Noam Chomsky penned an open letter to the university criticizing the university administration for their actions. The suspensions follow student arrests on Jan 29 as part of a 12day long occupation of two campus buildings criticizing the commercialization of universities, and demanding increased wages for staff. Thirteen students were arrested after including the five now facing suspensions; all were released without charges. Chomsky described the suspensions as “further evidence of the contempt for freedom of expression, both political and academic, in the contemporary university.”
Massive online attack hits US, EU EU and US-based servers were hit with a massive DDoS attack in an event that security experts say was the largest of its kind. CloudFlare, an online DDoS defense firm fighting the attacks, said that this attack was evidence that hackers have “a big, new cannon.” They said that an attack this size could be a “start of ugly things to come.” DDoS attacks generate a large amount of traffic and hit servers, overwhelming their capacity and making the site unavailable to users. An attack last year known as Spamhaus reportedly slowed the entire world wide web for a short period. This attack, according to CloudFlare representatives, is 25% more powerful.
4 NEWS
Thursday, FebRUARY 13, 2014-The Xaverian
StFX Students show their love LOve is love campaign comes to campus just in time for valentines day MARK RISEBROUGH | News Editor
The “Love is Love” campaign was begun by Atlanta, Georgia, native Laurie Edwards. She decided to start the campaign after a historic decision was handed down by the Supreme Court of the United States on June 26, 2013, which repealed Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act. DOMA, as it was known, prevented the government from legally recognizing same-sex marriages, which extended to these samesex couples not being able to access an array of federal benefits. The Love is Love campaign is aimed at bolstering the public’s awareness and ultimately their support for marriage equality and human rights. The campaign came to Canada through Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax last year. At the time, MSVU took part in a photo shoot and produced a video which has gained over 7000 views online. Emily Miller, Vice President of Communications for the StFX Students' Union, attended a conference during this past summer where MSVU Vice President of Student Relations presented on the significant work that had been done for this cause and suggested that any schools interested in the campaign take part in it during the upcoming school year. Miller commented that,“I was very excited to bring this idea back to the executive team and
work with other schools to be a part of this great initiative.” She added that “since it is our first year involved, we will be following suit to what the Mount did last year and produce a video asking a variety of students what they love.” She expects responses to vary from “pizza and pets,” to ultimately “friends and significant others.” Miller concluded that TheU is looking to make aware to StFX students that “they are united and allowed to love who, or what ever they want, and to show that they support love equality.” The video for the campaign was filmed in the SUB on Tuesday featuring many StFX students. Photos were also posted to the campaign’s Facebook page. StFX education student Kate Cole had nothing but praise for the campaign. “The campaign is something that allows visibility”, she said. “In every single one of the comments that I’ve read so far it is not gender specific loving another. It is ambiguous, which is the way it should be. Love is...love. It’s people loving each other; no more no less. The campaign is all about just being comfortable in your own skin and being able to give your example of what love is to you.” StFX’s “Love is Love” video will be released on Valentines Day.
Photos via Love is Love Facebook page
‘Salternatives’ Hit Canada Major North American Cities experiment with snow melting alternatives JULIA O’HANLEY | Senior Reporter
If you are planning on taking a trip to the metropolis of Toronto anytime soon, leave the white Uggs at home. In an attempt to cut costs and provide a more environmentally friendly winter in many parts of North America, Toronto has began to test the use of beet juice to melt icy roads and sidewalks instead of salt. Living in Canada, we have become all-too-familiar with the necessary use, and negative effects, of salt on icy roads. We know that without it, our daily commute across campus would be more treacherous and daily wipe-outs a guarantee. We have seen the salt-stained boots, and the white-tinted porch tiles, but we may not all know of some of the other negative effects that salt has throughout the winter months. Some sources are now linking salty sidewalks to negative impacts on the environment. The Toronto Conservation Authority believes declining fish and insect populations can be
linked to salt usage by the city during the frigid winter months. Salt used to melt ice and snow from highways and streets has been running into streams and watersheds according to the TCA, harming the natural habitat and inhabitants of the affected areas. Not only is salt harmful to the environment, but it is also not very friendly to Toronto tax-payers. Toronto dumps an average of 130 thousand tons of salt on city streets and sidewalks each winter, with even more being used with the weather the city has been experiencing this year. All this comes with a hefty price tag – upwards of 10 million dollars every year. In response to environmental and economic concerns, the city has been experimenting with beet juice. Although the substance comes with complaints of a slight odour and a dark colour that can often stain footwear, it seems to be working well with
regards to melting ice and snow. Experts have said that beet juice is a great alternative to massive salt use, as it works very well in low temperatures. Toronto is not the only city trying to cut costs with more environmentally friendly alternatives; many North American cities have been trying their hands at different ice-melting substances as well. Michigan State has experimented with beet juice alongside Toronto. A mixture of beet juice, calcium chloride, and sodium chloride (salt) is used to wet the streets of Michigan in the time before an expected snowfall. Although beet juice makes up only 20% of the salt solution, it’s the method of its use that is making the biggest impact. Less solution is used overall in Michigan: instead of waiting for the snow to fall and the temperature to drop, crews in Michigan wet the streets with the beet juice and salt solution before the snowfall occurs. Less solution, and therefore less
salt, is used in this method because salt is used to break the bind between snow and pavement. By preventing the bond from occurring in the first place, less solution has to be used – which is cost efficient. Cheese brine is another popular choice in the US, although the substance has yet to be tried in Canada. The state of Wisconsin, one of the largest supporters and contributors to the American dairy industry, is one of the most noted participants in the usage of cheese brine. Cheese brine is the liquid used in factories to soak certain cheeses, namely mozzarella. Cheese brine is without question one of the most economically efficient when it comes to melting snow and ice. As it is a byproduct that cheese factories typically simply dispose of, using cheese brine to melt ice is literally free. Polk County, Wisconsin, home to 44 thousand, people saved an estimated 40 thousand dollars in the first year of substi-
tuting a portion of salt usage with the dairy byproduct. Molasses, garlic salt, and kitty litter are all other “salternatives” that are being tested across the continent. Some may say this is taking things too far, but others are seemingly supportive of the environmental and economical savings that come with these allnatural snow-melters. It is important to note that no methods listed have completely replaced the use of salt on streets – they have simply been added to the salt solution to swap out a portion of the salt. So if you are ever looking to change things up a bit and save a little money, maybe you should take the ideas of these North American cities into consideration and raid your cupboards for some snow-melting alternatives to salt. But remember: wear your pub shoes while doing it; no need to ruin your expensive boots on your beet juice covered walkway.
OPINIONS 5
The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 12
OPINIONS What is love? baby don’t hurt me a positive outlook on valentine’s day from the perpetually single DEVON GREENE | Staff Writer
From a very young age I have always been a lover of Valentine’s Day. I love the cards, the candy, the chocolate, the friendship, and everything that comes with it. As years went by I started to notice a growing number of anti-Valentine’s Day advocates. I can see why it might be seen as a sad and lonely day for the single population, but the most negative comments often come from people in relationships. Some people see it as another day they have to plan something special and it’s nothing more than a chore. Others believe that you should express your love for people every day, and Valentine’s Day is simply a way for greeting card companies to make money. While both of these views are fair, this is how I see it: as someone who has been single her whole life, I use this day as an excuse to take time out of my busy schedule and be loving and happy. This doesn’t address the fact that we should be nice to people all year, but the truth is that we don’t always live like that. February is a rough time of year. School is stressful, it’s freezing outside, and it usually leads to the February blues.
If there is a time of year when we need a day to remind us to stop and smell the roses, it’s definitely February. Being single, I have never felt obligated to participate in Valentine’s Day, but I do because I want to. Doing nice things for other people is good for the soul. It makes you feel better about yourself, and it can bring people closer together. My favourite feeling is coming up with an idea that someone else will absolutely love. When I was younger I always thought people were crazy when they said they would rather give a gift than receive one. Now I understand that getting to know someone is an adventurous journey, and reaching the point in their relationship when you know them well enough to judge something the way they would is magical. The feeling of satisfaction that comes from showing someone how well you know them is like a justification of all the work you have put into building your relationship. Showing someone you care doesn’t have to be a big project. You don’t always need to plan out a day
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of activities or spend time searching for the perfect gift. In fact, you don’t even have to be really close to people to show them that you appreciate them. Random acts of kindness sometimes have the biggest impact on people. You usually don’t even have to go out of your way to make a difference for someone else. Asking someone how they are and actually listening and remembering the answer can mean more than you know. Everyone is busy and it is easy to get wrapped up in our own lives but remembering to wish a neighbour good luck on their midterm or asking how a classmate’s weekend was helps to break down the barriers of “me” and “you”. Use Valentine’s Day to build habits of kindness. If we try to be extra thoughtful and considerate on Valentine’s Day, maybe it will rub off on our everyday lifestyle. Maybe people will use this day to discover that they really love random acts of kindness. Maybe people will get hooked on doing nice things for people and maybe – just maybe – the whole world will become addicted to kindness. All kidding aside, Valentine’s Day
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is a day to celebrate love. It’s not just about hopeless romantics and lovely-dovey couples, because that’s not all love is about. It’s not a day to be bitter about being single, because love is about more than being in a romantic relationship. Love is about family and friendship. If you are in a relationship, take some time to show the other person how well you know them. People never get tired of being appreciated, but if you truly believe you do a perfect job of showing them all year, try showing someone who you don’t usually. If you are single, like me, take this time to show your friends and family how much you love them. Don’t let being single stand in the way of enjoying a wonderful day. Valentine’s Day is going to happen every year, whether you enjoy it or not. Why let a whole day be spoiled every year when you could participate in the love and enjoy it? If you live eighty years, that is eighty days of unnecessary bitterness instead of unnecessary kindness. If Valentine’s Day is arbitrary then let it be an arbitrary day of love! Be creative, be thoughtful, and most of all, love each other.
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6 OPINIONS
Thursday, FebRUARY 13, 2014-The Xaverian
savour the student life artsy fartsy take time to appreciate univerisity while it’s happening
has art become too weird?
DEVON GREENE | Staff Writer
RACHEL REVOY | Staff Writer
They say that university will be the best years of our lives – the years that will define us and shape us into the person we will become. That is a lot of pressure to put on our already stressful undergraduate years. What is it about this experience that is so pivotal? The truth is that these years don’t define you because they are more important, but because there are more options. There are more paths you can take and a single choice can alter the course of the rest of your life in amazing ways. When I was in high school I used to hate hearing this stuff, but as a fourth year student I can honestly say that they are true. Looking back at the person I was when I got here is like looking at a different person altogether. It may sound cliché, but these are the years during which you will be presented with incredible opportunities that won’t be possible when you have a career, a mortgage, a family. I can’t stress enough how important it is to take full advantage of these opportunities while you still can. My campus involvement started with my time in residence. Student housing is a unique experience that you can only do - of course - as a student. You have the rest of your life to live in a decent house or apartment. Now is the time that you can live in a dorm or a really run-down student house and not feel bad about it. You can live with complete strangers and know that you will at least have StFX in common, if nothing else. It is also probably the only time that your home will be so temporary. Student leases are easy come, easy go. If you don’t like the people you are living with, you can move next year. You can live in a different place every year if you want to. Finding a great group of people to live with early in your undergrad is amazing, and you will probably
want to keep your living situation the same for the next few years, but finding people you hate living with can be a valuable experience as well. It’s a great way to find out what kind of people you like living with, and what things drive you crazy. When you move to a strange new city to find a job, you won’t have the option to move around year to year. So experiment now while you can. Live on a busy street, try a quiet area, have a couple roommates or a house with ten people. You’ll have a better idea of what to look for when you move on from Antigonish. University is a unique place made up of people from all different walks of life. Your friends will be from different places, be enrolled in different programs, and have different hobbies from you. When you’re older, the majority of your friends will be people from work or people you’ve met through common hobbies. At no other time will you be exposed to such a variety of lifestyles simultaneously. Joining societies is a great way to expand this exposure even further. Before coming to StFX I never thought that I would ever go surfing or scuba diving in Nova Scotia, try snow-boarding, have a radio show, write for a student newspaper, go rock climbing, or play wheel chair basketball. Now, I’ve done all of those things, and I’ve done them through the university. Whether through classes or societies, they were amazing opportunities that simply fell into my lap and are open to all students. Societies receive funding and do fundraising throughout the year to make these opportunities accessible for everyone, so you might as well use this time to try something new and exciting when it’s affordable. I was completely new to almost everything I tried during my time at StFX and I never felt like I was out of place or too inexperi-
enced to be there. The openminded people here create a safe, judgement-free environment to explore new possibilities. I think one of the most important things I’ve learned from my student experience is that it is okay to be dirt-poor. I can’t stress this enough. Student living is hard. It’s hard for everyone. Some people are better off than others, but for the most part we are all struggling. Embrace it. Being a student is a great excuse to be poor so don’t be afraid to be cheap. Everyone is in the same boat, and they will understand. You’re not going to look any cooler blowing all your money at the bar; you’ll just regret it later. Take advantage of student discounts. There are some really great deals out there for students if you do a little digging. Don’t be afraid to use the student food resource centre on campus; that’s what it is there for. People don’t judge students for being broke. Some people are fortunate enough to work through their undergraduate years, but most of us must suffer through four years of poverty. There is no need to be embarrassed. You have the rest of your life to make money and stress out about it. Wear a sweater and turn down the heat, look up some cheap recipe ideas, or live off of cereal for a while. Things will get better, but for now there isn’t a lot you can do about your financial situation. It sounds cheesy, but it really is true: these are the years that will shape your future. The things you do and the people with whom you surround yourself will be the difference between an amazing experience and one that is sub-par. So be bold, be brave, be broke if you have to, but most importantly, embrace your student lifestyle because it won’t last forever.
The age old question of what defines art will never have a black and white answer. Art is subjective and can literally be any expression of skill or imagination. Some artists take their expression and intent for emotional reaction to a whole new level. This movement of weird art can evoke feelings of appalling to brilliant, and everything in between. Is there a point where its just not art anymore? When a piece by an artist crosses the line into disturbing the message can be lost behind the grotesque image or action. For example, a women named Millie Brown created her “art” by drinking coloured milk and throwing it up onto a canvas. Millie Brown - also known as The Vomit Artist - has mastered the art of regurgitation. By the way, her spewed-on canvases have sold for thousands of dollars. In case you were asking if it could get any weirder, one of her works, titled Nexus Vomitus, was accompanied by acoustic music and the voices of opera singers. A freelance artist named Missmonster makes fetus sculptures that you can buy as “presents for your quirky friends.” Nothing says happy birthday like a pig fetus. Her other work includes jewelry, figurines, and skulls. Some of her figures are cute looking little monsters; others are what nightmares are made of – and, worst of all, some are a mix of the two. Japanese artist Ai Hasegawa was inspired by the looming fear that the world is becoming overpopulated and soon there will not be enough food for everyone. Hasegawa came up with a foolproof solution to this problem women should give birth to various animal species for eating. From this controversial idea, her artistic representation was born. In one of her pieces, she poses
with a shark between her legs as if it was just birthed by her. Hasegawa explains how this idea is revolutionary because woman will satisfy their desires for giving life while satisfying their nutritional needs. She also thinks if women gave birth to endangered species that it would save another population while we save our own human population. Maybe this is just my opinion, but allowing any women to birth a creature just to have others eat it is completely appalling. I could also see this taking a turn for the worst. This sounds like a futuristic sci-fi horror. Imagine the feeling of having a shark grow inside of you, or even more terrifying - if people were forced against their will to have these creatures grow inside of them. Do these creations equal art? They are expressions, and they are creative in a sense. They usually draw a crowd and evoke emotions and reactions into the viewers. Sure, by definition, I would say this is art. Its hard to imagine anything created not to be art. Just because something isn’t visually pleasing or makes you feel happy and content doesn’t make it less than art. In a way, I get it - it’s like what people say, any press is good press. Surely these artists are receiving quite a lot of press. Pretty art barely makes the cut these days. If you went to a gallery filled with scenes of flowers and gardens if would be visually satisfying, but I doubt you would run home and tell all your friends about it. The shock value makes it more alive, and brings viewers through the door. So many people watch horror movies for the same reason. It creates a feeling of being alive. I realize there is a difference between a scary movie and puke on a canvas, although the intent is similar: it’s all about shock value.
The U will function perfectly fine without your input. Your mandatory Union dues fund the planning of recreational activities and distractions, as well as the Communications Block, whether you actually use these or not. When the U does consult the student body, they send out their canvassers with ever-listless advertising and half-fill the room with students already on the payroll to grease the wheels. It really isn’t important at the moment whether you or I give a damn as long as somebody comes out and votes one way or the other.
What, then, are we to do? I refuse to believe that campus is as apathetic as the voter turnout implies. If you’ve got an opinion, share it. I want to overhear you trashing my article at Mini Moe’s if that’s how you feel about it. If the President we find ourselves stuck with next year is as involved with the corporatization of our university as Dr. Riley is, let him know how you feel about it. If you don’t want to hear the U Pres bleat on about civic duty and democracy and the campus culture of political apathy, spell it out for him. This is our institution and we
ought to take it back. Drop banners from your windowsills. Organize your own unofficial societies. Camp out in Xavier Gardens across from the Dr. Riley’s office or on 4th Floor SUB and bring your instruments. Use your $12 of printing to run off some leaflets. Read about what StFX was and what it can be. Talk to your friends about another Student Union – an autonomous, voluntary student lobby. That’s what I’m doing. Heck, talk about whatever you want, just start talking. And then, give your words feet to stand on. Act.
It’s all about u Campus politics and apathy at X CHRIS GREENCORN | Contributor
This year, about a quarter of StFX University students voted in the U’s General Election. You really don’t need to be an honours student in math to understand that winning the majority of votes of a quarter of the population isn’t much. But surely a thousand votes between two sets of candidates is better than a number shy of nine hundred for last year’s joke of an election, which could have been decided by acclamation, right? Maybe. What is certain, however, is that StFX is unique for more than just its drinking culture. “I
don’t care” is the de facto majority opinion at an institution that prides itself on having produced generations of extraordinary community leaders, exceptional businessmen, and exemplary politicians; an institution that spawned an economic and political ideology that did much to lift rural Atlantic Canada – and later, post-colonial and developing countries – out of poverty; and, paradoxically, an institution whose quads and streets were almost entirely barren during perhaps the most politically engaging event that campus will see for another decade - the Strike of 2013.
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The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 12
how do you solve sex with an x a problem like maria?
who needs a valentine when you have a right hand? MIRANDA | Sex Columnist
THE DOS AND DONT’S OF VALENTINE’S DAY MARIA RIZZET TO | Columnist
Hate it or love it, it is here. Hallmark’s masterpiece is known to get us out of sorts, for better or for worse. Materialistic? The epitome. Expensive? Well of course. Overrated? Potentially. It really doesn’t matter how you slice it; blatant ignorance of Valentine’s Day can easily put you in the doghouse. V-Day die-hards are not exempt from the headache either. In fact, all of those hopeless romantics, over-analyzers, and Casanovas can experience the brunt of Valentine’s Day blunders. It is easy to blame the magazine that told you melted wax provides a “sensual tingle” when your significant other is cuddling frozen peas at the end of the night instead of you. It is easier to blame your Mother who told you to “be thoughtful” when your new girlfriend is hysterical over getting a fruit basket instead of chocolate. How could you ever have anticipated this? You were just trying to spice things up in the bedroom. You were just being mindful of her strict diet since spring break is around the corner. Don’t worry! It is not you, it’s Valentines Day. Awkward situations are inevitable when you factor in high expectations, vague dating statuses, and relationship plateaus. With gift fails and emotional double bookings tied for most malfunctioned V-Day events, here are some dos and don’ts of Valentine’s Day. Share the love, gracefully. Whether you’re attempting to fizzle out a fling but you’re certain you’ve just met “the one” you’re pulling in some (adulterous) extra hours at library, or you’re just living the dream, it can happen. When plush bears and chocolate bombard you at shoppers or flower displays engulf your senses at superstore, you’ll realize you’re a goner. If you find yourself in a situation where you have two valentines — you anticipate two separate people are expecting a V-day gesture — don’t go hide in the closet. DO take action towards both parties. Even if one is a hand sized bear holding a Hersey’s kiss while the other’s a dozen roses, you can’t be burning bridges on Cupid’s watch. DON’T make lunch and then dinner plans at restaurants. If you go public then you’re feeding yourself to the wolves. DO have a complete abort Valentine’s Day plan. Once you’ve committed to both, if you cancel on one you have to cancel both. What’s worse than being caught on your second date of the day? Being caught on your second date of the day when you cancelled the first… on Valentine’s Day. DON’T start or overly contribute to talks about “what we are” or “where we are”. Basically avoid any conversations involving the word “we”. If you have an epiphany and decide who you want to be with during the day then fantastic, save it for tomorrow; you’ve already sleazed your way into having two valentines, do
not end ANYTHING on Valentines Day. Don’t. PAY ATTENTION… It is impossible to create a foolproof guide to Valentine’s Day gift giving because all relationships are unique. Some girls love corny singing frogs, while others would swoon at a bottle of wine. Some guys would be happy with their favourite candy, some guys would fawn over a homemade card… DO listen to anything Valentine’s Day related your significant other says. In every instance ignore ‘Valentines Day is overrated’ comments from girls; they say it but goddamn you’ll know they did not mean it when the day arrives. DON’T just grab any chocolate or candy. Think about any junk food patterns thoroughly before purchasing. A giant Toblerone may be eyeing you up, but it’s not worth an “I thought you knew I don’t eat almonds…” later that evening. DO read cards. If there is one day when things get completely magnified and overanalyzed it’s V-day. Those sappy writers always want to hit the spot so L-bombs are thrown around like nobody’s business, or potentially grenades. Read the card and save yourself the “Gasp - OMG I love you too!!!” before it’s due. DON’T go overboard. Maybe you want to buy the world for your Valentine… but realistically the pressure of Vday has probably left you thinking that you shouldn’t even be dating such a materialistic greedy human. If you’re really into them you can suck it up and spend as you see appropriate, but you better be ready to top it next year. Generally Speaking… DO something if you’re on the fence. It is way better to be the thoughtful person who picked up a little something because you were thinking of someone than to be on the receiving end awkwardly muttering ‘you shouldn’t have.’ DON’T miss an opportunity. If a time exists to profess a secret crush that time is now. Anything overly forward is excusable on Valentine’s Day. What if that person feels the same? Guess you could wait another year until it’s considered “romantic” again… DO call up the people that mean a lot to you, in a non-romantic way. You don’t know their personal Valentine’s Day struggle, so why not make the effort. It may not mean something to you, but it could mean everything to them. DON’T mistake Valentine’s Day as sexual experimentation day. Even with surprising lingerie thrown into the mix, if oddly shaped sex toys and threesomes were out of the question before V-Day, they probably still are. DO embrace being single on Valentines Day. If you are single and don’t have an urge to hit up Valengrinds Day, you’ve
Valentine’s day, also known as Single’s Awareness Day, is a great time of year to appreciate and love the one you’re with. But what if the only person you’re with is yourself? Not everyone has another person to have sex with on Valentine’s day, so sometimes having sex with yourself is the best offer going. On that note, masturbation is a wonderful thing. Touching yourself is an experience everyone should be rewarding themselves with, and it can even be better than sex at times. With masturbation, you’re completely in control of your orgasm, and that means you get what you want, exactly how you want it, and when you want it. However, there’s something to be said about the difference between male and female masturbation, not just about how it’s done, but also about the conversation (or lack thereof) that surrounds it. As soon as puberty hits, it becomes commonplace to assume that all boys have discovered the magic of masturbation. Movies, media and the people around you all address the idea with acceptance, and it becomes understood that it is a normal thing for a guy to do. Sure, the topic is often handled jokingly, however rarely is it seen as something to be avoided altogether. On the other hand, the conversation about female masturbation remains so taboo that it is hardly mentioned. The concept of a girl touching herself has a tendency to make men and women squeamish and uncomfortable, in a way that treats it entirely different than male masturbation. This type of negative attitudes not only prevent the conversation about female masturbation
from happening, but it stops girls from doing it altogether. This may be in part because the vagina is not nearly as interactive as the penis. If a girl is trying to masturbate, she really needs to know what she’s doing before she starts. There’s lots of places to feel and touch down there, but not all are the key to orgasm. You also can’t see all these places when looking down at the vagina, and sex ed in middle school doesn’t exactly explain how to go about masturbating as a girl. People often assume that girls need some sort of penetration to get off, but the answer is much more simple than that, and it’s called the clitoris. Of course, there are many ways to achieve orgasm as a girl, but it is safe to say that the clit is the most direct way of getting there. And what’s even more, is the hand is not the only way of getting off. Men are (for the most part) confined to the fist, but there’s endless options to reach your orgasm as a woman. If you don’t own one already, do yourself a favour and buy a vibrator as a personal V-day present to yourself. Not only do they take orgasming to the next level, but the different sensations will really change up your sex life. So ladies, please go out and touch yourself this Valentine’s day, single or not. Hey, you could even let your partner watch! Either way, there’s no excuse why you should be holding yourself back from feeling great and appreciating your body to its fullest potential. And gentlemen, just keep doing what you’re doing, because I’m sure you’re doing it well. Stay safe. Stay satisfied.
still won. You save money, no sappy selfloathing girl/boy to get out of your apartment in the a.m., and nobody is going to see you naked! Power to unshaved legs, exactly what chocolate you crave (because you picked it), and whatever damn thing you want to do that day! Just in case you aren’t convinced to be
cautious on Valentine’s Day, take a look at the picture beside this article. That was the Valentine’s Day card given to my grandmother last year by my grandfather on their 54th Valentines Day as a married couple (61st together). She did not make him a sandwich for over a week.
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Thursday, FebRUARY 13, 2014-The Xaverian
The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 12
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10 CULTURE
Thursday, FebRUARY 13, 2014-The Xaverian
Culture A Valentine’s Day To remember a romantic roadmap of things to do on february 14th ANGELA MACKENZIE | Staff Writer
That time of year has come again and romance is in the air in Antigonish. Valentine’s Day is soon approaching and with the winter blahs, one may have a hard time finding inspiration for a romantic evening in the ‘Nish. Here is a list of a few places to go and things to do that may make your evening a little more romantic.
1. Find a romantic restaurant: Restaurants in the ‘Nish can be very romantic when you know where to go. I have been in Antigonish for three years now and I have tired almost every restaurant in this town at least once. There are certain places that host a more romantic setting that can be taken advantage of on
Valentine’s Day. The restaurants around that best fit this romantic description are the Townhouse, Gabrieau’s Bistro, Sense of Japan, Brownstone Café, and Justamere Café (located by Sobeys). There four restaurants offer a more peaceful setting with a volume that is reasonable for talking - and gazing into each others’ eyes. The prices are reasonable as well, which will make Valentine’s Day easier on the wallet.
2. Take a Snowy Walk: Antigonish has a beautiful walking trail that not a lot of people take advantage of. This trail is known as the Landing and it is located just past the Tim Horton’s on Main Street. Put on your winter boots and a warm jacket and trudge through the snow to-
gether. There is plenty of untouched snow that would be perfect for building a snowman or making snow angels. There is something about a clear winter night spent making a snowman as a couple that just screams romance to me. You can see all the stars in the sky and cuddle up if it gets too cold. As long as the sky is clear and there is no blizzard on Valentine’s Day, a night of snow fun would be one of many romantic options.
3. Get Artsy: Valentine’s Day happens to be held on a day when the Bauer Theatre is still hosting Macbeth. Even though Macbeth may not be the most romantic of Shakespeare’s plays, it would still be romantic to go out as a couple. Sit
winter warriors familiar faces let us in on their winter staples RORY MACLEOD | Culture Editor
<<< Adam What look are you going for? Modern Lumberjack What are your three winter staples? 1. Earth-tone layers 2. Wool Socks 3. Winter-y boots with contrasting laces Travis>>> What look are you going for? What are you talking about? What are your three winter staples? 1. Blundstones and complementary ‘boot’ socks 2. Wool mitts from girlfriend 3. Dollar-store hunting hat (4.) Plaid
next to each other and hold hands while tragedy happens on stage. The other option is to check out the Art Gallery on campus or on Main Street. The Lyghtesome Gallery is a quiet place to go where you can admire beautiful pieces of art work while enjoying each others’ company.
4. Make an indoor picnic: Unfortunately, we happen to live in a small town where extravagant and romantic nights out are sometimes hard to come by. Sometimes the most romantic evenings happen by doing something simple but meaningful. If you have access to a kitchen, there is always the possibility of making a special meal that the two of you can share. Take a walk over to Sobeys and to-
gether decide what to make. Get the ingredients and treat yourself to a feast at home. To set the romantic mood, light some candles - if you are not living in residence, that is. I’d recommend a small tea light placed inside a white teacup. It looks adorable and it sets the perfect romantic lighting mood. After dinner it’s so easy to just put on a movie while cuddling up and the night will go on from there. These are just some of the possible suggestions to make your Valentine’s Day in the ‘Nish a little more Romantic. On a personal note, my ideal romantic Valentine’s would include dinner at Sense of Japan, followed by a relaxing night at home with a little bit of wine cuddling up with a movie in the background. That’s all I would need to be in pure bliss.
CULTURE
The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 12
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piece of the week MY ode to valentine’s day MARK RISEBOROUGH | News Editor
Ernest Becker has been quoted as saying, “Man is literally split in two: he has an awareness of his own splendid uniqueness in that he sticks out of nature with a towering majesty, and yet he goes back into the ground a few feet in order blindly and dumbly to rot and disappear forever.” This has made me realize that love is an existential bummer. There is a great essay written by Sigmund Freud titled “On Transience” in which he cites a great conversation he had with a poet named Rainer Rilke as they were walking along this beautiful garden. At one point, it looked like Rilke was about to tear up and Freud asked him, “What’s wrong? It’s a beautiful day; there are beautiful plants around us. This is magnificent.” Rilke responded to him, “I just can’t get over the fact that one day all of this is going to die. Everything dissolves into meaninglessness when you think about the fact that impermanence is really a real thing.” I was really struck by this, realizing that perhaps the greatest bummer of all is entropy. I believe that this is why when we are in love there is sadness to the ecstasy; beautiful things can make us sad because we realize that they will someday cease to exist. For this reason, I believe Valentines Day is worthy of celebration because you and your lover’s time here, and more particularly your time together, is limited. Much like Freud’s discoveries in “On Transience”, any creative genius who truly succeeds at what they endeavour upon is one who loses themselves in the moment; who finds the world spinning around them in a tornado of creative ec-
stasy. Though Antigonish’s limitations as a small, rural Nova Scotia town may establish boundaries to one’s creativity, one may nevertheless create an environment that amplifies the romanticism between one and their lover. Drawing from my own experiences, the experiences of others, and blending them with poetic license, I hope to make real - through careful articulation - a way in which two lovebirds may spend this Valentine’s Day. The blushed-cheek, nervous flutter of her eyes and euphoric smile is the motive; the ambient-lit room smelling of Macintosh-spiced apples the setting; you and your love being the defibrillator that brings this moment to life. The rhythmic, consoling keystrokes of a piano providing the buzz that seems to make the lighting both dimmer and brighter at the same time, bringing the two of you together on a night like this. You go to lay on the bed, your lover following suit, and as your head hits the pillow, with your counterpart’s hitting home shortly after yours, the two of you indulge in pillow talk, being replicable by few, and envied by many. The two of you laugh and then give pause, as her jovial smile fades to one that is smaller, though carries with it no less weight. Personified brilliance ensues as you go to kiss and she fades from your vision, eyes closed, and lips meeting. As you retract, she fades into sight with rosé cheeks and attentive eyes. You get up and walk over to the refrigerator where a bottle of wine lay and reach above, into the freezer where the bottle will find a new home within a
bucket of ice. You run the tap over the bottle as it cascades to the bottom of the bucket, causing of the crackling ice. You bring the bucket over to the bed where your beauty awaits, her eyes fixated on you, breathing new life into the meaning of ‘undivided attention’. You grab two glasses, a bowl for the blue-corn tortilla chips, and retrieve the guacamole that you had made hours earlier. The two of you lay there while all is still, silent, the piano’s keys speaking for the both of you. You pour her glass, followed by your own; you cheers and then drink, saluting to time well spent. Things carry on like this, but with every passing minute you and her draw closer to one another both physically and mentally. The pillow talk becoming more intimate, your mouths being perpetually refreshed by the cool crisp acidity of the wine, compounded with the cracking and crunching of the chips under pressure. A drop or two of wine is spilt and some crumbs fall to the padded, smooth surface of your bed. No matter. The bottle runs dry, the chip bowl’s vacancy is restored, and the two of you become starry-eyed from the good company and the wine. As your seemingly boundless talks continue exploration into each others’ souls, you realize that, as with all good things, this moment is fleeting and the night transient; the nowpresent reflection of your silhouette in her icy blue eyes, a reminder of its impermanence. You kiss her, time after time, each succeeding touch sharpening the senses: the colour of her eyes becoming brighter and the smell of her hair more fragrant. The pull of her body clos-
er to yours reciprocated by her want for your tender embrace. The raw emotion howling like lighting from the piano’s quickening speed, tempo and pace is matched only by your give-and-take exchange that rolls along like thunder. This stormy frenzy comes to a momentary still and you find yourself between her legs looking both down and over her. Your unzipping of her sweater is met by a sharp, promiscuous smile that is both inviting and intimidating, and as she sits forward to release her shoulders from their cotton shackles, you too free your own from theirs. Your blood running thin and fast, the moment marked by heat and passion, you step back so as to displace her pants from their original position, turning them inside-out in the process and casting them aside. You button-down your own, remove them, and rejoin her on the bed. The mood is intimate; the company, perfect; the day, perfectly executed; the time, ripe. This is but one of many ways for two lovers to do as they wish on a night like Valentines. Take from it what you will, draw inspiration from it where you so choose, the possibilities are endless. In all that you do remember: practice kindness, all is well, and heaven is nigh. PIECE OF THE WEEK is a brand new weekly segment meant to showcase the artistic work of students and community members. If you would like to contribute anything. be it a photo, painting, or creative writing piece, feel free email submissions to x2011srx@stfx.ca. Please include it as an attachment along with a short description. Goodluck!
del barber is killing it manitoban folk-ROCKER just RELEASED a New album with home in mind TRAVIS BRASCHUK | Contributor
Released Feb 4 is Folk-Country singer Del Barber’s fourth studio album, Prairieography, his first of what I hope will be many with the TrueNorth label. Throughout the album, Del tells the tales of people he has met from his home in rural Manitoba. Singing songs that make use of folk and country harmony, Barber builds on folk tradition while adding a personal touch on his latest album Prairiography. After hearing Ian Tyson’s 1987 release of Cowboyography while on the road, Del felt a strong connection to how that album describes Western Alberta
and the Rockies. He knew that he had to make an album aspiring to connect people to his home of Manitoba. “Home” being a common theme in his songwriting, this album is the perfect task for Del. This album has a different sound and style than his previous releases, but it has a very suiting country twist compared to usual Del Barber music. One thing that is really interesting about the album was the actual recording process and the lengths Del went to in order to get his signature reverb sound. They did reverb recordings in an old 150ft Grain Silo at his friend’s farm in Manitoba, sampling combines and augers in the background to give a true and authentic prairie feel and sound to the recordings. The “Ramblin’ Gamblin’” Del Barber has spent the last four or five plus years on the road steadily, playing every nook and cranny, bar, hall, and church across the country. He toured in the States and in Europe; he has proven himself time and time again to be a force to be reckoned with. When I heard tell that this CD came in to be reviewed, I dropped what I was doing and took it. As Del’s likely #1 fan I could not wait to listen to this new al-
bum. Upon hearing Del’s new sound I could not help but smile at his feel good country/folk/rock sound and demeanor. This album still has not left my CD player, and has been repeat on my IPod since. A couple songs that have really caught my attention are “Living With A Long Way To Go” - The title track from the album, “Tell Me Where to Start”, “Big Smoke” and “Country Girl”. All songs that are catchy and well written. In “Living With A Long Way To Go” he tells the tale about a man who has to move west to make money to save the family farm from bankruptcy on. “Yellowhead Road” tells the story of a man who drives truck who ends up doing the wrong things for the right reasons. That’s just a sample of the great lyricism and storytelling that appears on this album time and time again. In my books, this album gets a nobrainer 5/5 star rating. His first of what will hopefully be many releases under a new label - the future is bright for Del Barber. Del Barber is easy one of the finest songwriters in Canada, his songwriting always reflects his home, and topics that are easy to relate to while making the listener feel good about
themselves. Sharing the stage and warming the crowds for giants such as Buffy St. Marie, Billy Bragg, Leon Redbone, Taj Mahall and John Hiatt, just to name a few, Del is one traveller whom you do not want to miss the opportunity to watch; he is an energetic, positive, and fun musical act and story teller. Constantly on the road, Del is coming to a town near you sometime soon, so keep your eyes and ears open - this is one artist you will not want to miss.
Me (left) with Del Barber (right)
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Thursday, FebRUARY 13, 2014-The Xaverian
no love for sense of japan the main street restautrant seems to be a little less than sense-ational LAURA ALOISIO | Senior Reporter
As this Friday is Valentine’s Day, the goal set by our editor was to review a restaurant where we people share a special feeling of love. To some, that would mean an establishment that was dimly lit, decorated with romantic tables for two and a menu that could be enjoyed single-handedly so as never to let go of your date’s hand. For others, Valentine’s Day is a day to forget that two-timing cheater who broke our hearts and gather with friends in order to convince each other that being unattached is liberating choice that will not lead to our becoming a future star of Hoarders. This leads us to the one place in town that caters to one-handed dining and group counselling: all-you-can-eat sushi at Sense of Japan. Unfortunately, logic and taste are not on the same continuum. Hopes for good service are high as you cross the street to the restaurant and see the waiter peering out the window searching for customers. You would think that when you arrived they would be ecstatic to
see you, as the rest of the place is completely empty. Wrong. The service turned out to be the most disappointing aspect of eating at Sense of Japan. The staff does not uphold the friendly disposition that makes eastcoasters so famous. If you decide to try it for yourself make sure to go early. They will seat you but inform you that the last call for all you can eat is 8:15 so come early and eat quickly. It is not cash only every night but the three times the Xaverian attempted to eat in or order delivery they were only accepting cash. Being a part of the east coast lifestyle tends to correlate with high fish consumption, so allow us to recommend the allyou-can-eat option for best value. The menu is quite expansive and covers all aspects of the perfect sushi meal. Appetizers range from small orders of different rolls or sushi and sashimi combos and covers all your deep fried options. Any maki roll or house roll you could think of is available with some specials of their own. A common problem
with most all-you-can-eat menus is that they always seem to elude a few things you have wanted to try and you are faced with a tough choice of ordering separately, which is more expensive, or sacrificing a few options and saving a few dollars. Sense of Japan has an excellent selection on their menu including appetizers such as miso soup or tempura. The menu covers deep fried rolls, teriyaki, sushi, sashimi and all of the main rolls including the more expensive dragon rolls. Portions are one aspect this restaurant has gotten right. No need to worry about wanting to try something new but fearing you won’t be able to eat it all. Smaller portions are served for each selection so you can be adventurous and enjoy variety. Unfortunately, ordering more won’t be a real temptation. If you were told you could get all you can eat rice for twenty dollars, would you go? Well, that’s all this is. Living in Canada’s ocean playground, fresh seafood is readily available, but frozen scallops and water
logged shrimp was the method of choice for Sense of Japan. The clearly-store-bought sauce was pretty tasty! The top secret avocado shortage has finally made its way to Nova Scotia and has chefs at Sense of Japan are using it sparingly, as evident in the green dragon roll that only had one piece of avocado smeared across the roll leaving ends empty. Cucumber is apparently readily available leaving rolls with a ratio of 90% rice to 9% cucumber with the remaining percent a scrap of the fish or vegetable you expected to find. This scavenger hunt for the fish does add a little fun to the meal and can help take your mind off the poor quality. “Guess that fish” is another popular game among patrons. The sushi and sashimi is a testament to the chef’s knife skills. The practice and dedication it must take to slice a piece of salmon so thin is dangerous to the fingers and should not be attempted at home. The upside is that although you are getting mainly rice, it’s some pretty good rice. It sticks together well
and these rolls never fall apart; even when dunked in soya sauce you can enjoy the whole thing without making a mess of yourself. At the Xaverian we aren’t monsters, but firm believers in second chances. A second attempt was taken and the results were disappointing. The service was rude and demonstrated that some are not meant for the service industry. There was one redeeming aspect: the rolls that were not ordered as part of the all-you-can-eat menu were less skimpy. So on Valentine’s Day, if you are a large group who is more interested in the conversation than the food, Sense of Japan is perfect. If you are looking to impress that certain someone by telling them you rented out the entire restaurant for just the two of you, then take them here as well. But the real value in eating here is reminding yourself of that special someone in your life who, after a bad relationship, you decided to give another chance to, only to be disappointed yet again.
telling her sarcastically that she clearly “made it” in the music world and stormed out of her classroom. In hindsight I was pretty disrespectful, and I would like to say that I have an enormous amount of respect for those who dedicate themselves to the music program here at StFX and elsewhere. The moral of this being: music programs and I just didn’t get along at the right time and it is still a bitter topic for me. Q: How has being at StFX and/or living Nova Scotia influenced your music? A: It’s hard to say how being here has changed my music, but it has definitely helped me along my journey and growth as a musician. StFX and Antigonish have provided the opportunity to play for small intimate groups in cafeterias, halls, churches, and theaters, while also giving me the chance to play for large sold out crowds by either warming the stage for giants like Tim Chiasson and Ron Hynes or by headlining my own shows here in town. Antigonish is a great place
for a small-time up-and-comer such as myself. Q: What is your writing process? A: My writing process is not clearly defined. A lot of times my songs just have to do with personal experience and how I feel at the time. When I have something on my mind and I pick up my guitar it just comes out, lots of times its just jibber jabber, but I find that if I keep at it I can work out some sort of song and if I like it I write it down.
artist profile: Tb stfx musician by-way-of manitoba explains his budding career GRAHAM HAYNES | Contributor
Travis Braschuk, a Manitoba native, has been playing the Antigonish music scene since he came to StFX. A roots-focused folk artist, his sound encompasses a broad variety of deltablues, folk, and rock techniques. Playing a lap steel guitar with an emptied 40 ounce bottle off the bar top as a slide and singing into his guitar pickup for effect is commonplace. Sweat dripping and guitar strings broken, Travis Braschuk has gained a reputation for burning down the house, whenever and wherever he goes. Q: What inspired you want to become a musician/performer? A: My Great-Great Grandfather was a national champion fiddle player in his day and music has always run in my family. For as long as I can remember at family get-togethers everyone in my extended family would play music and have such a good time, I always wanted to be a part of that. My father and my uncle have always pushed me and encouraged me to keep playing anytime I started to lose interest in my instrument, until I was in grade nine and did my first performance. Since then I have fallen in love with playing
my guitar. Q: How has your upbringing in Manitoba affected your music/writing? A: I have family ties to the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and because of this I have had the opportunity to be immersed in folk music and inspired by musicians whose music I made a connection with. When I was 16 Del Barber and JD Edwards (two prominent Folk and Roots musicians) came to my house and played music with me for an evening which lead to a lasting friendship and what one could say is a bit of a mentorship. From watching these guys play and write songs about the Prairies, I wanted to be just like them. Mitch Podolak, the founder of many Folk music festivals and the 2013 recipient of the CFMA (Canadian Folk Music Awards) Lifetime Achievement Award, kind of took me in a few years back, and has always pushed me in the right direction. Q: What led you to come to StFX? A: My mother is from Tor Bay, NS. My grandparents and a few of my uncles still live in the Antigonish area. I came to StFX
to be closer to them, and for a change of scenery. In Manitoba there has always been a lot of pressure to go to the University of Manitoba, I hate that - it is in my nature to disobey authority and break the mold. Q: Why didn’t you join the music program? A: At the end of my grade 11 year my class went on a field trip to the U of M to experience university life for a day and to get a feel for what program we want to go into. My first choice was Music. In the music classroom that day after raising my hand to state that I do play an instrument, the teacher went around asking each person who raised their hand what instrument they played and who their instructor was as if playing an instrument and being taught by a professional went hand in hand. When it was my turn I told her that I play the guitar, that I had actually taught myself and was proud about it. Upon hearing my response, the dean of music made an example of me in front of classroom telling me that self-taught musicians will never make it in the music world. Shocked and hurt by her response to me I rebutted by
DISTRACTIONS 13
The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 12
DiStractions Kaleigh Bizent: Editor/ Professional hop-scotcher
VALENT INES DAY
FUDGE LOVE CAKE
CHOCOLAT E DAT E ROMANT IC KISS LOVE COUPLE FLOWERS CANDY HEART SINGLE
INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup cocoa 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 2 cups flour 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 3/4 cup vegetable oil 1 1/2 cups water 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar
INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In an ungreased 9 x 13 pan- yes un greased, sift all dry ingredients. Add the liquids and stir just until blended. Bake for 25 minutes.
Frost with your favorite frosting, cake is extremely moist so care must be taken that you don’t tear up the top of the cake.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
ANTIGONISH UNRATED
V-Day Ahh Valentines Day, the single (pun intended) most disputed holiday of the year. Couples love it, unattached people hate it, and I enjoy the “day after” chocolate sales at Shoppers. It’s everywhere; restaurants are offering Valentines Day specials, romance movies are coming out exactly on Feb 14th, gigantic teddy bears are blocking the aisles at stores, and single people across the globe are taking to social media to rant. Because everyone “hates” Valentines Day until they’re in a relationship themselves, that’s how the cookie crumbles folks. But if you’re single, don’t just curl in bed and watch Netflix this Friday evening, get out there! Don’t let cupid beat you down. There are tons of ways to find happiness this V-Day; go to a movie (alone…), take yourself out to a nice dinner (McDonald’s drivethru?), stay in and have a classy drink (an entire bottle of vodka). Okay, maybe this day does suck for all of the single students out there, but at least we have each other right? So I’ll see all of you guys at the pub Friday night, we can make it the unofficial “singles night” By: Kurt Brothers
If I get an ice cream cake with all of my ex’s names on it will the workers of DQ judge me?
Am I bitter because Im single, or single because Im bitter? Is my daily caloric intake allowances doubled on holidays? How much will the Tall and Small make on the 14th?
Paige Chisholm
SPORTS AND HEALTH
SPORTS & HEALTH so you want to be an olympian become a true xaverian hero by completing these stfx-flavoured events AARON THORNELL | Sports & Health Editor
The Olympics are in full swing. Dozens of different events are taking place everyday. Dreams are being realized while hopes are dashed. Midterm studying is being usurped by spending the day watching every event, from the two-man luge to the biathlon. You don’t really know why you are so into it, but you don’t mind. The mind begins to wander, and you contemplate what event you would take part in. God, they all look so hard; so demanding. You lose heart and doubt that you could ever even come close to becoming an Olympian (for the record, I think you can do it!). But for those of you who want to stay grounded, or are just plain lethargic, here is a list of events you might find more intriguing. Fair warning though, these will test your mental and physical strength in the cruelest possible ways. You’ve been warned.
THE StFX & ‘Nish Olympiad The Monday/Friday Morning 8:15 This event is fairly straightforward. Participants must make it to their 8:15 on BOTH Monday and Friday morning. That’s all. To those of you who do, you clearly demonstrate the will and hardiness of an Olympian. World Record: If twenty or more centimetres of snow fell the previous night. The President’s Challenge For those of you who aren’t aware, this is an eating challenge available to students (and faculty, presumably) at The Inn. It consists of five hamburgers, a double order of fries, a double order of onion rings, and a pitcher of pop, all of which must be consumed in half an hour. While this may
also seem simple, it is no event for the faint of heart. I have seen men and women alike, all with ravenous appetites and a sanguine swagger as platter after platter is laid at their table, shamefully push a final half eaten burger and a handful of french fries away from them, full to the brim. I have also seen some finish, but not be able to “hold it in” for the mandatory 5 minute period afterwards. World Record: Do it obscenely fast. Like ten minutes. And take a video of that shit. I will be amazed. The Marathon Night This challenge is best accompanied by several beverages, and some good, dedicated friends. One must make their way to every residence of campus. There is no minimum time one must spend in each, but let us say that contestants must drink one drink in every residence (except for in Plessis, because... Plessis). Following this you must make your way to the pub. The challenge in this event lies in that you need to gain access to each residence, something easier said than done, because no one wants to let some creepy person they’ve never seen before into their residence...unless it’s MacIsaac, where creeps thrive. World Record: Do it on a night when it is at least -10 out. This might not seem cold, but you probably won’t want
Next Week At STFX Feb 14th Women’s Basketball vs acadia - 6 pm feb 14th women’s Hockey vs smu - 7 pm feb 14th men’s hockey at stu - 7 PM Feb 14th Men’s baskeball vs acadia - 8 pm
to keep walking out into it, especially if you’re only wearing your dancin’ shoes. The Pizza Challenge These games would not be complete without an event involving the seemingly millions of pizza joints in Antigonish. To earn Olympian status in this event, one must venture to all of these fine establishments and purchase a slice of heavenly ‘za. This includes: Snappy Tomato, Pizza Delight, Kenny’s, The Wheel, Little Christo’s, and the always interesting Greco. This will take a financial and physical toll on you, but think of the glory and sheer bliss you will feel after conquering this mountain of cheese, tomato sauce, bread, and grease. Actually, you’ll probably just feel like throwing up, but you’ll be throwing up with an imaginary gold medal around your neck. World Record: This might be necessary to most of you anyways, but to gain world record status, you must slather a healthy serving of donair sauce all other those slices. Treadmilling This event is usually most associated with the actual Olympics, because it actually involves some level of physical exertion. To win this event, you must go to the Wellness Centre at approximately 4:30 on a Thursday afternoon. Once there, you have to acquire and use a treadmill for half an hour,
without anyone asking you if you are almost done. To those of you scoffing at such a puny event, you’ve obviously never been to the gym at 4:30 on a Thursday. World Record: Get right off the treadmill, quick towel wipe-down, and proceed to claim the bench press without hesitation. Meal Hall Dash This one, like treadmilling, is a test of braun and endurance. Starting from the door of MacIsaac, you must make it to meal hall in a minute or less. Navigating the student-filled path alongside the football field can prove treacherous, and you are gonna get some odd looks. But stay focused on your goal. You’re an Olympian, dammit! World Record: Complete the same thing, but the other way round after having thrown a plate of beef teriyaki and four glasses of chocolate milk into your belly. Extra points if you do it with an ice cream cone in hand. So there you have it. A couple of events any StFX student would recognize as being just as gruelling as half the traditional Olympic contests. Go forth into this community, and become Olympians of your own kind. And try not to spew doing half of them, because the majority of them revolve around excessive consumption. But if you do chunder, do so like an Olympian.
Feb 15th women’s basketball vs dal - 6 pm feb 15th men’s hockey at upei - 7 pm feb 15th men’s basketball vs dal - 8 pm feb 16th women’s hockey vs dal - 2 pm All Basketball games this week are worth four points. the x-men, who have already clinched a playoff birth, have a chance to jump to second in their aus division. similarly, the x-women have an opportunity to solidify their position, as they face bottom-of-thebarrel acadia, and fifth place dal. catch all the b-ball action this weekend at the KMC!
SPORTS & HEALTH 15
The Xaverian-Volume 122 Issue 12
hey putin, where’d all the money go? this year’s olympics have been mired in controversy, although none concerning canadian athletes AARON THORNELL | Sports & Health Editor
The 2014 Winter Olympic Games have been underway for a week. So far, we’ve seen all manner of physical feat, displays of sportsmanship, and creepy mascots. Our Canadian athletes have represented us with class, distinction, and honour. What is lost in all the pomp and showmanship, although many news sources have been reporting on it, is the cost of these Olympic Games. These games have already been subject to opprobrium for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s views and legislation on homosexuality. Some of the most recent reports have placed the expenditure for the Games at a whopping $51 billion US. According to Human Rights Watch, many families and individuals in and around Sochi have lost their places of residence. This, unfortunately, is nothing new to the Olympic scene. So the question is: why do we still tolerate these twoweek gongshows? Now, before you dismiss me for some righteous, condescending asshat, let me say this: I love the Olympics. Especially the Winter Games. With that said, I think there must be a better way to go about celebrating sport. How can an event with so much spandex in it be so negative for the host country? Could a more equitable way of funding be found? Mind you, not every Olympic Games have cost as much as these. A great deal of speculation has been floating around surrounding potential kickbacks for
all of Putin’s buddies in the construction business. Otherwise, it is unlikely that an eighteen mile stretch of road would cost an embarrassing $8.6 billion. With costs like that, it’s like they aren’t even trying to hide it. Surely we could get some of the NHL players going to chip in a few bucks to help the Russian people pave this road, or build an arena. What is most frustrating to humanrights advocates is undoubtedly the return that the average Russian, or Canadian or Brazilian for that matter, who have no real say in whether their country hosts the Games. Advocates of the Games point a rise in popularity for politicians who help bring them to their country, and the cliché claim of “showing the country off to the world” is also thrown around. The latter pays off in the long term, bringing in foreign investment, and the rise in tourism is ridden for many years after all the athletes have gone home. But does capital investment in large Russian and multinational companies justify the tax hike shouldered by the Russian population? This is where some questions have to be asked. So far, the actual Games have gotten underway relatively scot-free, save for a small hitch during the opening ceremonies and some embarrassing photos of the Olympic Village rooms. One can only hope that this trend continues, and that the Russian mafia don’t go after Sidney Crosby or
Duncan Keith. From a Canadian perspective, these Olympic Games are bound to be a good time, and so far they haven’t disappointed. Since the success experienced in 2010, Canadians athletes and citizens have been eagerly awaiting these Games, hoping to build upon their winning ways. They racked up 26 medals, 14 of which were gold, to lead all nations in that category. In the lead up to Sochi, Canadian athletes were undoubtedly aware of the controversy surrounding the hardships and sheer injustices imposed upon members of the LGBTQ community in Russia. However, they were surely crossing their fingers that Canada would not opt to boycott the Games. A more devastating announcement for an athlete of that calibre, I could not imagine - pouring all those hours and dollars and effort in an attempt to represent their country, and being denied that opportunity because of something completely out of their control. Sure, they probably would have been proud of their country for standing up to such oppression. But can you imagine the hell they would be experiencing as they watch their event take place, powerless to control the results? Regardless, they are present and well at the Games, and Team Canada has gotten off to a strong start. With 9 medals - four gold, three silvers, and two bronze - through the first four days of competition, Canadians must
be feeling good about things so far. We have seen the likes of Alexandre Bilodeau and Charles Hamelin put up repeat gold-medal performances, while the Dufour-Lapointe sisters and Dara Howell have become household names. It may seem foolish to most for ordinary citizens to place so much importance on the exploits of others. But as a fervent sports fan, I can say there are few times when pride is as palpable as watching a Canadian athlete succeeding, or participating, for that matter, in a sport that they have dedicated themselves to. One great moment we have witnessed so far took place during the men’s cross-country sprint. Russian skier Anton Gafarov took a hard fall, breaking one of his skis and putting him well out of the race. Gafarov, however, was determined to finish, even with only half his hardware. Then, out of nowhere, Justin Wadsworth, head coach of the Canadian cross-country team, ran over and helped Gafarov into another ski he had brought over. Gafarov finished the event in last, but happy. Now, I’m not gonna tell you how to watch these Olympic Games. But what I will say is that it is important to remember what goes into the Games, whether your country is hosting them, or what it took for an athlete to participate in them. But at the end of the day, as Canadian sports fans, I think we can all agree on one thing: our athletes are the best.
how about your new year’s resolution? experts hold the title, but we could all have the knowledge MAT T MACDONALD | Fitness Columnist
More than six weeks have passed since New Year’s and resolutions are in full swing, or are just a thought of the past. Each year, millions of people resolve to improve their lives. Common resolutions include weight loss, eating healthy, exercising, saving money, managing stress, quitting smoking, and drinking less. While I should applaud most of these people for their intentions, the reality is that most people fail. According to the University of Scranton, only 8% of people fulfill their New Year’s resolutions. So why do the majority fail and only a few succeed? The secret may be simpler than you think! Learn from the past If you’ve failed in the past, learn from your experience. You can only bang your head against the wall so many times before you realize your approach simply doesn’t work. The great Albert Einstein defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If you’ve been trying the same approach for years, it’s time to smarten up. Change your strategy or seek out experts in the field who can assist you in this pro-
cess. Choose one goal Choosing too many goals is a common mistake. Trying to improve your health, wealth, and relationships all at the same time can be a daunting task for even the most organized individual. The key to achieving your resolution is selecting one goal. This will allow you to focus all your energy and attention towards one meaningful goal. Schedule time every day to work on your goal You can’t expect to achieve your goal if you don’t make time for yourself. Just like a skyscraper needs a strong foundation and months of construction work, your goal requires time and energy. Your goal will not happen overnight, as all worthwhile things take time. Schedule time each day to work on your goal and don’t let trivial things stand in your way. Don’t tell yourself it will get done later. This seldom happens. Take care of business daily and your consistency will pay off. Become the expert When I was in my first year of Human Kinetics at StFX, Dr. Angie Ko-
len devised a plan for daily experts in her class. These experts would answer questions pertaining to that day’s lecture. This kept students accountable for attendance and up to date on current topics covered in class. To achieve your goal, you will need to become an expert on the goal you are wishing to achieve. If your goal is to lose weight, you’ll need to become a weight loss authority. For the next several months, I would advise you to immerse yourself in the culture and become an expert on the topic. Spend time reading books, watching videos, learning to cook healthy meals, exercising, and spending time with people who support your new habits. You’ll want to become almost borderline obsessive about your goal and soak up everything that will take you one step closer to achieving your goals. If not, your energy will be focused elsewhere. When you love what you’re doing, motivation takes care of itself ! Make the process enjoyable is the key to sticking with your resolution. If you enjoy it, you’ll do it without thinking and make it part of your
daily routine. Make time to experiment with various types of strategies that motivate you towards your goal. Just like when trying a new food, sometimes we try things we dislike. The same rules apply for goals. There are multiple ways to reach goals and some strategies work better than others. If your goal is to become more active, try walking, running, swimming, biking, dancing, skating, weight training, yoga, or take part in any fitness class offered at your local gym. Remember, all worthwhile things in life take time; finding a strategy to suit your needs is no different. An old Chinese proverb says, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is today.” If we apply this same proverb to resolutions, the following statement is true: The best time to achieve my goal was twenty years ago. The second best time is today. Don’t give up on your goals just yet, or else you may find yourself making the same silly promise to yourself next year. Resolve today- quit yappin’ and make it happen!
16
Thursday, FebRUARY 13, 2014-The Xaverian
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