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December 1, 2011

THE

Mount Allisons

Wishing you a (insert politically correct holiday here) since 1875

Gryphon Trio highlight of the Series

ARGOSY
Independent Student Newspaper

Vol. 141 Iss. 12

50th Mt.A Rhodes Scholar


Dixon awarded scholarship to pursue studies at Oxford
Rachel Gardner
News Editor

Members of the Gryphon Trio performed at Mount Allisons Brunton Auditorium on November. 25. It was the last performance of the 2011 Performing Arts Series. The Series kicks-off in 2012 with pianist Simon Docking on February 4 in Brunton.

Argosy/Rosanna Hempel

Julia McMillan
Arts and Literature Editor
True artistry is recognized in any form. Last Friday evening, the spectators at the Brunton Auditorium were fortunate to witness the astounding skill of Toronto based chamber group, The Gryphon Trio. It was clear to all in attendanceregardless of musical background that we were experiencing a rare and masterful musical performance. The Gryphon Trio performed as part of the ongoing Performing Arts Series presented by the university. The internationally renowned trio features David Parker on Piano, Roman Borys playing cello, and Annalee Patipatanakoon on violin. The three performers each have distinct on stage personalities that immediately captivated the audience: Parker is intelligent and powerful, Patipatankoon dramatic and regal, and Borys animated and intense. However,

despite the three seemingly differing personas, the performers play as one indistinguishable entity. Their body movements, breathing, and eye contact all indicate precise and well-practiced communication that shines through in the caliber of their music. The ensemble is perhaps most well-known for their rendition of Beethovens works. Upon hearing their performance of Beethovens Piano Trio No. 3 in C minor (Opus 1, No. 3), it is no surprise why. The colour-tones required to perform the Beethoven were of a large variety; the ensemble mastered everything from the broken and tuneful sections of gallant style music to the lamenting largo sections in the second movement. The groups interpersonal communication was also especially impressive. With their synchronized breathing, and flowing body movements, it seemed as though they were dancing both with the music and with each other. Next was a three movement work by Andrew Staniland called Solstice Songs. The piece was composed for The Gryphon Trios inaugural Listen

Up! outreach program that engages entire communities in a collaborative arts creation process. The piece was built upon a series of extremes: piano vs. fortissimo, slow vs. fast, broken vs. legato. The continually building and resolving tensions within the music were emphasized by the use of extended techniques. The audience saw examples of timbre, wherein Parker reached into the piano to pluck and pound different strings, tremolo, which is the quick buzzing of the violin and cello, and pitch bends. The performers precise and entertaining execution of the piece, combined with its unique and exciting composition made Solstice Songs my favourite piece of the evening. Following a brief intermission, the trio returned to the stage with a rousing rendition of Anton Arenskys Piano Trio No.1 in D minor. Arensky dedicated the piece to his teacher, Russian cellist Karl Davidoff, and it is undoubtably one of his most celebrated works. The piece was unpredictable, yet romantic, with a distinctly Russian aesthetic. The music swelled with

anger and drama throughout the first and third movements, but was damped by delicate and playful melodies within the middle of the piece. The pinnacle of the piece was in the fourth movement when the music fully erupted into a wave of raw emotion, with the return of themes from previous movements. It was an effective way to tie the entire performance together. As a product of an instant standing ovation from the audience, the Trio graced the stage once again to perform an encore featuring a powerful, colourful Spanish Tango. Needless to say, the crowd left Brunton both satisfied and inspired after the Gryphon Trios concert. The group is truly one of Canadas most valuable chamber music ensembles, and the only complaint I have is that there should have been more people in attendance to witness such a performance. If students knew that chamber music could be so riveting, the Gryphon Trio would have (and should have) drawn a large enough crowd to fill Convocation Hall.

Fourth- year student Rebecca Dixon was announced as the fiftieth Rhodes Scholar from Mount Allison University this past Saturday, and will be heading off to Oxford to pursue graduate studies next September. After meeting with the Atlantic Regional Selection Committee for the Rhodes Trust in Halifax on Saturday afternoon, Dixon received the news that shed been awarded the scholarship later that evening. I was speechless for a minute or so, said Dixon. I let out a pretty loud scream once I got off the phone with the Secretary for the Maritimes. I had to write some information down during the call, and if I didnt, I wouldve been doubting that it ever happened.Dixon commented on the support of her parents throughout the process. My parents have always been very encouraging and supportive of everything Ive wanted to do. Whenever I came up with a project or idea, theyve always given me the confidence I need to give it a try. Her parents showed their excitement, flying down from Ottawa to celebrate with Dixon after hearing about the news. They were so excited and wanted to share that with me, so they decided Saturday night at 1 am to look up flights, and then fly down and surprise me, states Dixon. They showed up Sunday afternoon. My roommates and boyfriend were plotting all morning on how to get them here without me knowing. Pursuing an International Relations honours with a double minor in Spanish and Geography, Dixon is the co-coordinator of Mt. As Rights and Democracy, Sentinel Project for

DIXON, PAGE 4

INSIDE
Online News Features Op-Ed Humour Centrefold Entertainment Sci/Tech Arts&Lit Sports

2 3-4 5-7 8-9 11-13 14-15 16-18 20-21 22-24 25-27

Resolved.
Read about what Mt.A students feel should be the Universitys New Years Resolutions. FEATURES, PAGE 7

Basketball win
Mountie Womens basketball earned a pair of victories in their recent games. Find out more! SPORTS, PAGE 27

ONLINE
THE
Independent Student Newspaper of Mount Allison University thursday december 1, 2011 volume 141 issue 12
Published since 1875 Circulation 1,800
62 York Street W. McCain Student Centre Mount Allison University Sackville, New Brunswick E4L 1E2
THE ARGOSY is published by Argosy Publications, Inc, a student run, autonomous, apolitical not-for-profit organization operated in accordance with the province of New Brunswick.

December 1, 2011

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Out of the Abyss


Simon Murray and Pat Daley

Internet Photo/Maple Leafs Hot Stove

Argosy Writer and Contributor


Internet Photo/Wikimedia

With just over a quarter of the NHL season complete, it is safe to say that the 20112012 edition of the Toronto Maple Leafs are substantially improved from the team that Brian Burke inherited in November of 2008. After what can best be described as a series of unmitigated disasters over the past several seasons, this Leafs team holds a glimmer of promise for the long-suffering and oft-ridiculed Leafs Nation. With slow but resolute progress towards a seat at the table in the post-season, Burke has built a surprisingly resilient team which has finally started living up to the lofty expectations prescribed by the followers of this once-proud franchise.

Following the trail of holiday traditions


Elise Dolinsky
Features Writer
The holiday season is here. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other winter holiday, family traditions make the season bright. The Argosy spoke with Mount Allison students about their favourite Christmas traditions, and investigated the origins of such holiday practices. A shared holiday tradition is gift giving. While it is often felt that this practice led to the commercialization of Christmas, many people feel that buying presents spreads the spirit of the holidays. I would rather buy presents for other people than receive presents for myself, said Mt. A student Taylor Kirkbride, thats why I love Christmas. Gift giving most likely originated from the Roman celebration of Saturnalia, an ancient festival that took place in late December and involved gift giving, though it was also influenced by the Magis gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh which were given to the newborn Christ. Though the rosy-cheeked Santa Claus has become the face of Christmas, Santa had little to do with the original holiday. The inspiration for Santa came from two Christian bishops, Nicholas of Myra and Basil of Caesarea. Today, feasts are still held in their honour near Christmastime.

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PRODUCTION MANAGER Susan Rogers argosy@mta.ca COPY EDITORS Audrey Bagnell, Kyra Jones, & Laura Gallivan argosy@mta.ca

Gimme some mo
ILLUSTRATOR Danica Lundy argosy@mta.ca PHOTO EDITORS Lea Foy & Rosanna Khempel argosy@mta.ca

Anissa Stambouli
Features Editor
Since November 1, moustaches have been spotted across campus on the faces of Mount Allison students and faculty. This no-shaving concept is meant to raise awareness about prostate cancer, and began in Australia in 2003. While socializing over a few beers, the founders of Movember decided to bring the moustache back as a bit of a joke and do something for mens health. However, the original Movember boys began to realize that this joke had a stronger effect than they anticipated, and that the moustache sparked conversation regarding prostate cancer. These Mo Brosmo being the Australian slang for moustachebegan to understand the power of raising awareness. The curious look alone served as an opportunity to spread knowledge of the most common Argosy/RosannaHempel cancer for Canadian men.

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NEWS Carly Levy POLITICAL BEAT Vanessa Million FEATURES Elise Dolinsky ARTS Joel Young

ENTERTAINMENT Taylor Mooney SCIENCE Marc-Alexandre Chartrand SPORTS Wray Perkin Simon Murray

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contributors

Mid-air meditations
Anissa Stambouli
Features Editor
I was in the studio of the Mount Allison Fitness Centre when I first saw the amazing, beautiful positions of acro yoga. Two Mt. A students had surrounded themselves with mats and a laptop containing Youtube instructional videos. The pair then proceeded to arrange themselves in challenging positions I had only ever seen in Cirque du Soleil. Acro yoga is a usually two-person, hybrid method of exercise, combining the meditation and spiritual contemplation of yoga, the dependable strength of acrobatics, and the loving kindness of Thai massage. Though the physical demand can be strenuous, the activity itself offers many benefits. Both yoga and acrobatics require a being in the moment mentality. Bringing the two practices together allows the partners to experience harmony with themselves, each other, and the divine. The activity is a fun and fulfilling approach to bonding with your partnerplatonic or romanticand experiencing an intimate trust in oneself and others. There are seven main approaches to acro yoga, including circle ceremony, asana, partner flow, Thai massage, therapeutic flying, inversions and spotting, and partner acrobatics. Each focuses on achieving a different element offered by acro yoga. Though acro yoga calls for skills acquired through experienced yoga practice, flexibility, and more, it offers beginner-friendly activity as well. The circle is an ancient symbol of unity and continuation. In the circle ceremony, individuals are invited to come together as a group; to move, breathe, and exist as one. This mutual vulnerabilitythe opening up of the self and sharing with others of the circlecreates a harmonious atmosphere of trust.

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The Argosy is the official independent student journal of news, opinion, and the arts, written, edited and funded by the students of Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Argosys staff or its Board of Directors. The Argosy is published weekly throughout the academic year by Argosy Publications Inc. Student contribution in the form of letters, articles, photography, graphic design and comics are welcome. The Argosy reserves the right to edit or refuse all materials deemed sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise unfit for print, as determined by the Editor-in-Chief. Articles or other contributions can be sent to argosy@mta.ca in microsoft word format, or directly to a section editor. The Argosy will print unsolicited materials at its own discretion. Letters to the editor must be signed, though names may be withheld at the senders request and at the Argosys discretion. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Comments , concerns, or complaints about the Argosys content or operations should be first sent to the Editor in Chief at the address above. If the Editor-in-Chief is unable to resolve a complaint, it may be taken to the Argosy Publications, Inc. Board of Directors. The chairs of the Board of Directors can be reached at the address above.

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New Brunswick improving the lives of diabetic youth


Program set to improve health outcomes and save money
Carly Levy
News Writer
Families in New Brunswick affected by type-1 juvenile diabetes can now breathe a little easier as the province launches a new program that will mean reduced costs for life enhancing technologies. A new paediatric insulin pump program announced this month will help families with diabetic children buy insulin pumps and supplies. This initiative will give over 200 families greater peace of mind and allow parents more precise and easy management of their childrens health. One of the most advanced systems for managing diabetes, the insulin pump has been shown to improve the health of people with diabetes and reduce the number of serious complications related to the disease over the long-term. Insulin pumps are convenient, and more precise in their insulin delivery than what has been available in the past, and offer Argosy/Rosanna Hempel a better quality of life for diabetes A new paediatric insulin pump program was announced patients. this month to give over 200 families with diabetic chilNew Brunswick Health Minister dren the possibility of buying insulin pumps and supplies. Madeleine Dub announced the establishment of the programme at a luncheon held by the Canadian care offered to people earlier in the Diabetes Association (CDA) as part management of diabetes, to lessen of Diabetes Awareness Month. "This the impact of complications of the program will help lessen the financial disease. People with type-1 and typeburden on families in our province 2 diabetes have an increased risk for by reducing out-of-pocket costs and eye disease, kidney failure, heart reduc[ing] the impact of diabetes attack, stroke, and limb amputation, on the lives of young people, said all of which are consequences of Dub. poor management According to of the disease early the CDA, the This program will help on and which have need for these lessen the financial a severe impact types of programs burden on families on the health are particularly in our province by system. Research For a NB person with significant in the reducing out-of-pocket conducted by type-2 adult-onset province, as New costs and reduc[ing] the CDA found diabetes B r u n s w i c k e r s the impact of diabetes that the net living with diabetes on the lives of young financial savings face some of the people to the province highest levels of from reduced personal expenses. Madeleine Dub complications is These expenses New Brunswick Health expected to match For a NB person with often prevent them Minister and then exceed type-1 juvenile diabetes from being able to the financial costs effectively manage of implementing their disease. The association reports the program, reaching approximately that average out-of-pocket expenses, $1.3 million by 2032. including diabetes medications, The program will begin accepting devices and supplies, for a person applications in mid-January. Parents living in NB with type-2 adult-onset of children aged eighteen or younger diabetes is more than $3,400 per with diabetes are eligible to apply. year - the highest in the country. For Applications will be assessed to people with type-1 juvenile diabetes, determine the family's contribution costs can rise to nearly $7,000 per based on income and size, with the year, depending on whether they use remainder of expenses being covered an insulin pump. by the provincial government. A This initiative supports the calculator will be available online to provincial government's diabetes help families determine their share strategy announced in June. The of the program. About 250 children strategy focuses on prevention, as with type-1 diabetes will be eligible. well as on improved support and

NEWS
Vanessa Million
Political Beat Writer

SAC looks into security measures at Mount Allison

SAC responds to revised University Strategic Statement


Student Administrative Council President Pat Joyce presented a copy of the SACs response to Mount Allison Universitys Strategic Statement. The statement was brought to Council to review and to recommend amendments before voting on the document at the next meeting. The statement suggested that the University review the terms of Mt. A entrance scholarships, as many students do not continue to receive funding in their second year. It further suggested that a restructuring of the guidelines to maintain scholarships would help raise retention rates among second-year students. The SAC argues that Mt. As commitment to the co-curricular experience, as well as academics, is not supported by the 3.7 GPA required to continue receiving their scholarship. The report also recommended that the University issue students surveys to those who leave Mt. A during, or after, their first year to provide insight into how the school could improve student retention. Another suggestion was to target funding opportunities to low-income students because of high tuition costs at Mt. A. The University has iterated its desire to bulk up its financial aid offerings, so weve simply said [to] make sure that those student grants are targeted to the students who need them most - the lower-income students, said Joyce. The SAC also recommended that the University look into the benefits and feasibility of per course tuition model, because of the rising number of parttime students in Canada over the past few years. The main argument against it that comes from the institution is that the costs associated with it are quite great and that fixed, flat-rate tuition brings in a greater amount of funds because you have more students paying the same fee, said Joyce. Joyce said that the important part of this task would be that the University come back with hard evidence as to whether this is feasible for Mt. A. The document looks at furthering academic support for students, continuing the investment into a Disability Services Coordinator, and the development of post-undergraduate preparatory programs. There were minor amendments made to the statement during the Council meeting. Joyce hopes that by next meeting all major changes and suggestions will be dealt with so that Council can vote on the statement on November 30. The response will be given to Mt. A administration upon approval by Council. VP External Affairs Mark Kroeker and SAC President Pat Joyce went to Ottawa from November 15-18 for the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) Lobby Conference. CASA arranges meetings between its member schools, MPs, and Senators to discuss and engage with political leaders in issues within post-secondary education. The issues brought forward from the schools are presented to the politicians through a lobby document. Kroeker said that he personally met with MP Mike Allen, MP Dominic Leblanc, MP Brian Storseth, MP Jean Crowder, and senior policy advisors to Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) Keith Ashfield. Bill C-11, the Copyright Bill, and accessibility of post-secondary education for international students were some of the main discussion topics. Kroeker said that he would also like to see the Canadian student loans updated to reflect current student lifestyles. Right now if you have a vehicle worth over $5,000, you are required to declare that on your student loan application, and for your federal portion of that loan, every dollar that your car is worth more than $5,000 is detracted from your loan, said Kroeker. CASA believes that that number should be infinity for one car, which would greatly help students that live in suburban or rural areas. Kroeker said that the group received good traction on the vehicle exemption, the Copyright Bill, as well as on international student issues. They also discussed whether parental contributions should be included in student loan assessments, as it assumes that parents will contribute a certain amount to their childs education. Many middle class families are not able to support their children through post-secondary education, but they are expected to, so CASA this year is calling for a twenty-five per cent reduction in that assessment over the next four years, said Kroeker. The SAC partook in the Sprouting 7 Campaign over the past few weeks to promote the Bay of Fundy as one of the top ten Wonders of the World, although it did not receive a spot among the top ten. For participating in this campaign, the SAC received a $1,000 cheque, and briefly debated about where the money should be spent. VP Campus Life Michael Watkins suggested the money go to the Environmental Affairs Committee to assist with the Sackville Bike Coop. Off-Campus Councillor Nikki Bhatia suggested that the SAC allow committees to apply for access to the money. Science Senator Jacob Levigne suggested putting the money into the SAC innovation fund. SAC President Pat Joyce supported this idea, stating that once it is decided where the money should go, the SAC can then take out the money and distribute it accordingly. With one Councillor opposed, the motion to put the money into the Innovation Fund passed.

The SAC goes to Ottawa

The Numbers

Out of Pocket Expenses per year

$3400

$7000

Sprouting 7 Campaign

Net financial savings to NB from reduced complications caused by diabetes

$1.3 million

NEWS

December 1, 2011

argosy@mta.ca

Ending violence against women


Awareness activities take place worldwide
Carly Levy
News Writer
Last week, people around the world took part in activities in observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. A Mount Allison leadership group spearheaded the event on campus, which was marked by several events leading up to and taking place last Friday. A screening of the film The Price of Sex about sex trafficking in Eastern Europe was held on Thursday evening, and on Friday, the group encouraged students to wear purple and were selling ribbons, with proceeds going to a womens shelter in Moncton. Students were also invited to sign a banner with positive messages to be given to the women of the shelter The United Nations states that violence against women is a problem of pandemic proportions. Secretary General Ban-Ki Moons campaign against female violence is called UNite and raises awareness that violence against women takes many forms: physical, sexual, psychological and economic. The UN reports that upwards of seventy per cent of women will experience violence in their lifetime. This will most likely come in the form of physical violence inflicted by an intimate partner, sexual violence such as rape, sexual assault or rape as a tactic of war in conflict areas, female genital mutilation, honour killings, and human trafficking. UNite campaign materials cite these interrelated forms of violence as affecting women from before birth to old age. Women who experience violence also suffer a range of health problems and their ability to participate in public life is diminished, says UNite. Womens activists have marked November 25 as a day to raise awareness of the fight to end violence against women since 1981. The date was chosen to commemorate the lives of the Mirabal sisters, who were political activists and highly visible symbols of resistance to the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic between 1930 and 1961. Originally marking the day that the three sisters were violently assassinated in 1960, the day was used to pay tribute to the Mirabal sisters, as well as global recognition of gender violence. In December 1999, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution that invited governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations to organize activities for raising public awareness of the problems with violence against women on November 25 each year. The resolution expressed that endemic violence against women was impeding womens opportunities to achieve legal, social, political, and economic equality in society. According to the Assembly, the term violence against women refers to acts capable of causing physical, sexual, or psychological harm, whether in public or private life.

No time to COP out


Bridging the gap between North and South
Anna Robertson
Entertainment Editor
Nansiniq Oral History Project, are currently at the conference as part of a youth delegation. WattCloutier had a message for them, there is no heartbeat, often times, at these conventions. You are there to provide that heart beat, and that human face. While the thought of making a change may seem overwhelming to an individual, Watt-Cloutier insists that it is entirely possible. The best thing to do is to learn about it, learn about how its negatively impacting the Arctic and its people. From there, your own wisdom is going to take over. Thats really the issue, learn more about it in terms of the Arctic and other vulnerable places and how the Arctic connects to all of us. The significance of the Arctic

This Week in the World


A weekly miscellany compiled by Scott Green

On November 29, Sheila-Watt Cloutier spoke at Convocation Hall, the result of a semester of working with the Arctic Environmental Change class. Watt-Cloutier was jointly nominated with Al Gore for the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for her work in bringing a human rights aspect to the issue of climate change.

NASA Rover en route to Mars


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, launched a rover to Mars on Saturday. The Mars Science laboratory rover, nicknamed Curiosity, launched in an Atlas 5 rocket that blasted off from Florida. The vehicle is equipped with technology designed and programmed to scour the terrain of Mars in search of rocks and soils that could indicate signs that the planet may have supported microbial life. The rover is scheduled to land on Mars on August 6, 2012.

Hostages taken in Mali


Two parties of tourists were taken hostage in Mali on Thursday and Friday. The first party was a pair of French geologists, who were kidnapped by an armed gang in the east of country in a village called Hombori. The second abduction took place on Friday in the northern city of Timbuktu, where two Dutch nationals and a South African were taken prisoner. A fourth tourist in this party, a German man, was killed while resisting his would-be kidnappers. The four were dining in a restaurant when a group of armed men entered the restaurant and demanded that the tourists leave with them. It is unknown whether these two incidences are connected. The talk was streamed to universities across Canada, the United States and some universities around the world, with viewers able to skype in at the end of the talk for the question answer period. Watt-Cloutiers talk began the story of the Inuit people, the forcible relocation of communities to the north in the 1850s, the traumatizing experience of Inuit children within residential schools (which WattCloutier was victim to herself), to the effect of climate change on Inuit life today. In spite of the hardship within the history of the Inuit, WattCloutier emphasized that dwelling on despair was not her focus the problems I am citing here are not the natural states of our people. The talk coincided with the seventeenth Conference of Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking place in Durban, South Africa. A Canadian delegation is present at the conference, and WattCloutier urged, We must insist that our government take bold, principled action domestically and internationally to promote balanced sustainability in the Arctic. Two Inuit youth, Jordan Konek and Curtis Kuunuaq Konek, of the cannot be understated in terms of how it impacts everybody else. Over the course of the fall semester, Watt-Cloutier has been working with the students of the Arctic Environment Change course to explore the human rights issues of climate change. Canada Research Chair in Human Dimensions of Environmental Change, and professor of the course, Ian Mauro, explains the benefits for students in working with Watt-Cloutier They were given the opportunity to see the Arctic through the eyes of an Inuit leader and learn how to inspire a world to create positive change for humans and the planet. Many of these students got the opportunity to feel connected to a place thats part our national imagination, but in a way that was so personal. The most important thing they learned was that university can be a place that inspires you to want to change the world. Watt-Cloutier will be staying in Sackville until June, during which time she will be working on her book, Right to Be Cold. To continue the dialogue of climate change and human rights and to watcha replay of Sheila Watt-Cloutiers lecture online, visit the website isuma.tv/ siila.

Dixon latest in long line of Mount Allison Rhodes Scholars


things I feel are important to reflect upon. Theres a particular professor within the department who focuses Genocide Prevention, and OXFAM. on urban poverty and citizenship She has lived in Germany for two within India, and its really close to years, where she took an IB program my undergraduate thesis right now. at Salem International College. Her Despite having won the Rhodes past summer was spent conducting Scholarship, Dixon states that she research for her has yet to apply u n d e r g r a d u a t e I had to write some and be accepted thesis in India, information down into the University r e s e a r c h i n g during the call, and if I itself. Im c o m m u n i t y didnt, I wouldve been technically only a p a r t i c i p a t i o n doubting that it ever scholar-elect. I still platforms for urban happened need to apply to my development in specific program. New Delhi. She Following that, I plans on working Rebecca Dixon need to apply and abroad at the Rhodes Scholar Elect be accepted into a logistical level with college. a development The Rhodes organization in the future.Dixon Scholarship was founded by Cecil plans on pursuing a Master of Rhodes, a British-born entrepreneur Philosophy in Development Studies who made his fortune on diamond at Oxford University. The first year mines in Southern Africa, graduating of the program covers the political, from Oxford in 1882. The Rhodes is economic , and social key aspects awarded to eleven Canadians each of development and it reviews year, two from the Maritimes, to the internal debates within the pursue studies at Oxford University, discipline, such as ethical issues of covering university and college fees development or whether we can even and a stipend of 1,020 UK pounds talk about development as something per month for living expenses for to do, states Dixon. All of these are two and possibly three years of study.

Continued from cover

Arab League to slap Syria with sanctions


The foreign ministers of nineteen Arab League states voted on Sunday to begin economic sanctions against Syria. The foreign ministers for all Arab League States, except for Iraq and Lebanon, who abstained from voting, agreed to stop dealing with Syrias central bank, to ban Syrian officials from visiting Arab nations, and to freeze the assets of the Syrian government being held in their respective countries. This marks the first time that the Arab League has placed sanctions on an Arab country. A meeting to work out all of the details of the sanctions has been set for next Saturday in Doha, Qatar

A forty-year-old man was stabbed to death in Windsor, Ontario on Thursday. This is the first homicide in Windsor since September 2009. Police in Windsor reported to the press that a thirty-year-old male acquaintance of the departed faces murder charges for this crime.

Canadian murdered in Windsor, Ontario

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Punk Rock Cookie Jar


Through Stained Glass
Rev. John Perkin
University Chaplain
Its that time of the year again time to get a Christmas tree. I am sure I am not alone in my experiences with Christmas trees; most of us have been there. I recall, as many others will, there was always a tree that shed all its needles one week after being set up, and stood there bare and forlorn for the next two weeks; a tree that looked lovely in the woods or on the lot, but at home was enormous and took over the whole living room; the tree that fell over; the Charlie Brown tree. We have all struggled with lights, the ones that didnt fit, didnt match, didnt work; and the decorations, including those that use every year, saying, just one more year, but we wont use these ones again next time. Most of us have trees for the season, lit and decorated and taking over a portion of our house or apartment. In this, we stand in a tradition that is filled with more legend than fact, more controversy than necessary, and perhaps offers more festive cheer than we realize. The stories of the origins of the Christmas tree are legion. One version claims that Saint Boniface, the English saint who evangelized Germany in the eighth century and was named the patron saint of Germany, invented the concept of a Christmas tree while in Bavaria. In one legend, Boniface sees the holy fir springing from a pagan oak that he felled in stand against pagan practices; another variation has Boniface extolling the wonders of the evergreen, which points to the heavens as a symbol of the Christ child, bringer of eternal life from heaven. Yet another version credits Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, who carried a tree home from the woods and placed candles on it to represent the wonder of the holy birth as he reflected on that birth while journeying homeward one star-lit evening. We will never know the true origin of the Christmas tree. Evergreen has certainly been used as a symbol of life and eternal life in various places at different times; it is suggested that the Romans hung garlands of evergreens at Saturnalia as part of their celebrations, and Saturnalia was eventually replaced by Christmas as the feast following the winter solstice. Whatever its origins, we enjoy the Christmas tree, known in many places as a holiday tree or festive tree. But still the tree is a part of our festive celebrations as winter begins. We decorate our trees, adorn them with lights, place gifts under them, and gather around them. Whether we are Christian or not, the tree of lights seems to represent the goodness of the season: joy, festivity, life, light, and warmth in the face of darkness and cold. Harvey Cox, writing in his work Feast of Fools, lamented the loss of a spirit of celebration in the modern industrial world. He argued that society needed a sense of celebration in regularly recurring rituals. The Christmas season, by any name, gives us this spirit of celebration, complete with tree. And whether we call it a Christmas tree or not, whether we ascribe to the tree any religious significance or not, I am glad we have them in our homes and public spaces. The seasonal tree serves as a reminder and rallying point to all people of good will, that we need a time to celebrate life, to be with one another in festive spirit, to be filled with light in a time of darkness, and to share some love in what can at times be a cold, dark world. As for me, I have my solarpowered lights on a living Christmas tree in the field behind my house, and as I look out in the cold dark evening, I remember again that it is a time to have hope, to share love, and to be filled with joy. I remember Charles Dickens words: I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. Best wishes of the season to everyone; may it be filled with love and light, shining as though through stained glass.

FEATURES
without making a mess. 6) Add the flour first, along with the baking powder, salt and flax. Then add the pecans and use a spoon to press them into the sides so that they show through. Add the sugar, then chocolate, then the chocolate chips. Seal jar tightly. 7) Make the card. Make a rectangle big enough to fit the text. Fold it in half and punch a hole in the upper left side. 8 ) Besides a personal note to the receiver of the gift, dont forget to write: Double Chocolate Pecan Cookies: Mix with: 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup soy milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla. Roll into 1 inch balls. Place on parchment lined baking sheets. Flatten into 1 1/2 inch discs. Bake for ten minutes at 350 F. Makes twenty cookies. 9) Slide the ribbon into the hole you punched and make sure its secure. Wrap ribbon around the lid and affix it with a safety pin. The card should be dangling a few inches. 10) Stick a few silver stud stickers on the jar letters, and the card. Youre done! Make sure to pad it really well if youre mailing it. InternetPhoto/PostPunkKitchen

Joel Young
Arts and Literature Writer
This idea was inspired by cookbook author Isa Chandra. Her recipes are crazy wonderfulthey are perfect for both those who appreciate food as an art, and those who simply eat for sustenance. This is more of a craft than a recipe, and a wonderful gift idea--especially for recipients who live too far away to receive fresh cookies in the mail. 1) Gather your ingredients. 2) Wrap jar one inch from the bottom and 2 inches from the top with stickers. You can make your own strips with some printed paper and a glue stick. 3) Cut out letters from magazines to spell out C-O-O-K-I-E-S 4) Place the K first. Because its the middle letter it will give you more control in where the other letters are going. Use a glue stick to completely coat the backs of the cut out letters, and stick them firmly in place. Rub them to make sure they stay put. 5) Fill the jar. Make a funnel out of rolled paper to get your ingredients in

Gotta Have:

1 cup all-purpose flour tsp baking soda tsp salt 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tsp ground flax seeds cup roughly chopped pecans cup sugar cup chocolate chips

Supplies:

A clean empty jar and lid, enough to hold 3 cups of dry ingredients. Ribbons Glossy magazines A used card or stock paper with a blank side. A small safety pin A hole puncher Glue stick Sticker strips (optional)

Green team: Reducing the carbon footprint


A look into Mount Allisons water supply
Naomi Martz
Argosy Correspondent
From the spurts of snow to the Christmas decorations that are popping up around town, the holiday season is clearly upon us. Whether you are staying in Sackville, driving further afield, taking the train, or getting on an airplane in the days after your last exam, consider your mode of transportation before enjoying a much-needed break. This years Environmental Audit featured a chapter about transportation at Mount Allison; it discussed how people associated with the university are travelling from point A to point B. While the small areas of Sackville and the Mt. A campus enable a pedestrian lifestyle for those who live in town, the audit reminds us that: Approximately fifty-eight per cent of the student body comes from outside of New Brunswick, with twenty-one per cent from outside of the Maritimes. Nine per cent of our student body is international, travelling to Mt. A from over fifty countries around the world. Furthermore, students from the university participate in exchanges to over fourteen countries, as well as a variety of additional studyabroad programs. With varying degrees of frequency and methods, people are coming and going from the university on a continual basis,

InternetPhoto/The Guardian and this peaks at the start and end of each semester. Although the fact that many students travel in order to be with their families for the break will not likely be compromised in the near future, the environmental footprint of travel is something that we should all be aware of. Alternatives such as carpooling, taking the bus, or taking the train instead of a personal vehicle or an airplane all merit consideration when making travel plansas well as the idea of travelling less often. In terms of travel that is tracked by the institution, the Financial Services department, using the Clean Air Cool Planet Calculator," carried out the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 carbon footprint calculations. Information was entered into the program, such as method of transportation and distance, in order to assess how much greenhouse gas emissions were associated with the mobility of the Mt. A community. Employee travel, such as going to conferences and trips related to research or networking, accounted for approximately 860 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency website, this is on par with burning 4.7 railcars worth of coal. Team travel came to fifty-five metric tonnes in 2009-2010, which decreased to thirty-one metric tonnes the following year. However, the field trips category showed an increase from 207 to 314 metric tonnes, which is equal to consuming an extra 250 barrels of oil. As awareness of our carbon footprint grows, other transportation methods are being sought; another method for reducing the carbon footprint are virtual means of communication, such ask Skype, which serve as an alternative to regularly visiting nearby relatives. Financial Services is also looking into the carbon footprint of travel when financial reimbursements are filed, in order to ensure that travellers are considerate the dollar, and environmental, cost of their trip. Overall, it is clear that awareness is key. As we strive to think critically in the classroom about world issues, we should also critically evaluate our own choices and the impacts they have on the environment around us.

Alissa Sylvester Students from Mt. As Arctic Environmental Change class launched a fake iceberg in the universitys Swan Pond on Tuesday. Bearing the words Ice Matters, the stunt was meant to attract attention before Sheila Watt-Cloutiers Not the Time to COP Out lecture on climate change and human rights taking place later that evening. The idea came up as a joke in a class planning session but a group of students decided to go ahead with it. The phrase ice matters was used in reference to the integral role of ice in ensuring the physical and cultural survival of Inuit and the risk they face as this ice melts as a result of climate change.

FEATURES

December 1, 2011

argosy@mta.ca

by Abs of Steel

Bringing the Wall Street protests to Sackville

InternetPhoto/danielmiessler I think that sex is all-around awesome. Its intimate, its wonderful, and its passionate. But maybe this is something I shouldnt comment on as I have never had sex, nor do I want to until Im married. Yes, Ive decided to remain abstinent, but not with any high school pledge or fundamentalist doctrine in my head: its just my personal decision. Tis the season, and the reason for Christmas is due to the most famous birth of all timea delivery by a virgin. This weeks Sex Bomb delves into why Mary and many others have decided to stay pure. 1. I never have to worry about the chance of getting STIs, having unexpected pregnancies, cervical cancer, or deal with the expenses of contraceptives. Theres no added stress of using birth control. No hormonal rampages, odd food cravings, bloating, and other lovely side effects of those magical little pills. Its environmentally friendly! Birth control is linked to increased levels of estrogen in our water streams, which results in an abnormally large female fish population due to estrogen leaking into fish eggs. Its empowering. Ive heard a number of stories from friends who have been pursued by someone, had sex with them, and were subsequently dumped by the pursuer the next day. When there are no expectations for sex in the relationship, its easier to discern which partners want to get to know you for what reasons. No awkward social situations. My roommates never comment on the mattress thumping against the wall, the ohs and ahs coming from the shower, and Ive never had to worry about my parents finding condoms amongst my things. Best of all, theres no unmentioned white elephant in the room after a break up, when two people who have seen each other naked decide to go their separate ways. While some use the argument that premarital sex allows you to test drive the car before you buy it, the social phenomenon known as the cohabitation effect indicates that this argument may not be as solid as it seems. A number of studies have been released, one by the University of Denver, indicating that couples who decide to live together, or cohabitant, without marital commitment, are prone to experience more negative communication between each other and more physical aggression; also lower relationship adjustment, confidence, and dedication. There is also indication that cohabitation leads to higher levels of insecurity in the other partners attachment, and more symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is important to note, however, that the studies indicated that cohabitation is rarely the result of a moral decision against the institution of marriage, but rather of testing a relationship. I have friends who are living together and are unmarried because they do not believe in the institution of marriage; yet they have as happy a relationship as many married couples. I also know people who were married but their marriage ended in disaster. Theres also, to top that off, the parents--such as mine, who have been together for three decades and are still very much in love. Sex will never fail to be orgasmically fantastic. We all have different standards, faiths, and beliefs guiding our decisions. For many, marriage tends to be the time when you make a clear and public commitment to remain with your partner, and so sex is saved for after those vows are made. But more than anything else, its important to know why youre making a particular decision in your sex life: once you understand whats guiding your decision, stand true to who you are and what you feel is important to you. Our sexual lives are certainly different, and what works for one person is not necessarily what works for another. 6.

Argosy/JanelleBelayea

START Gallery hosts political discussion


Elise Dolinsky
Features Writer
Few people would have predicted that the Occupy Wall Street protests would have spread across North America and the world so quickly. Yet despite term papers, cold weather, and the excitement of the holiday season, Occupy Sackville took place on November 27. A number of Mount Allison students, Sackville locals, and professors came together to hold their own Occupy movement at START Gallery. The issues of income inequality, political manipulation by the wealthy, and corrupt banking resonate with the university community. While this meeting was not a formal protest, there were many passionate viewpoints expressed. The other nearest official protest is currently underway in Moncton. On the first day of protests, October 15, over 300 people gathered at City Hall to protest peacefully. Occupy Sackville was held by Oxfam Mt. A, in coordination with Mt. As Social Justice group. According to Oxfam member Rebecca Dixon, the idea for the event came about when the group noticed the similarities between their goals and the Occupy movements cause: both focused on poverty and inequity, which were in demand for discussion. [Oxfam Mt. A] found that many people didnt really know about the [Occupy] movement, and we wanted to hold an event where everyone could come to learn about it, said Dixon at the event in START. An important discussion point during the event was the Robin Hood Tax, something that both Oxfam and the Occupy movement strongly support. This tax would place a very small fee on financial transactions, and all the

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money raised would go to those in the importance of uniting in a stand need. against inequality: Its unjust not to The Occupy movement has spread be caring, he said, [yet] the majority remarkably fast since Adbusters, a of Canadians have jobs and couldnt Canadian activist group, initiated care less about income inequality and it just over two months ago in New unemployment. York City. Over 1,500 cities across the There was much discussion of globe have taken part in the protest, economic theory at the event, along making it impossible for governments with moral and ethical issues. The to ignore. While participants in the issue of police involvement in the protests range from academics, to the Occupy movement was another homeless, to celebrities, they all have hot topic, especially the incident the common goal that occurred at of fighting rising the University of income inequality California in Davis, Its unjust not to and the role of where a police be caring [yet] the wealth in politics. officer peppermajority of Canadians Many passionate sprayed a group of have jobs and couldnt Occupy Wall student protesters. care less about Street supporters income inequality and This act inspired were present at backlash across unemployment. the START event North America, to express their and a number of opinions, but quite Dr. Frank Strain Internet sources a few people also Mt.A Economics centred on the came to learn about Professor incident have been the movement. created. It seemed that At Occupy Occupy Sackvilles goal was to simply Sackville there was also much debate provide a forum for discussion on the on whether these Internet memes issue, and they succeeded in attracting are making light of an oppressive a wide variety of people. situation, or just spreading the word International students and about the Occupy movement. community members were in To learn more about the Occupy attendance, as were faculty members movement, visit www.occupywallst. Bill Evans and Dr. Frank Strain. org, or get connected with Oxfam Mt. Strain, an economics professor, A by emailing oxfammountallison@ gave an opening address that stressed gmail.com. Argosy/JanelleBelayea

Happy Holidays from the Features Section!


See you on January 5th for the first Argosy meeting of 2012!

The Argosy

www.argosy.ca

FEATURES

Students voice New Years resolutions for Mt. A


What would you change?
Geoff Hutchinson
Argosy Staff
Traditionally, the end of the year is a time reserved for reflection on the past 365 days, as well as contemplation on all the days to come. Many attempt to identify their accomplishments over the span of passed year, calling to mind things that they want to change, improve on, or keep doing for the foreseeable future. In the spirit of such personal reflection, The Argosy asked students to share their thoughts regarding Mount Allisons administrative functions over the past year: what was done, what wasnt done, what should be continued, and what could be improved. Students were asked, What do you believe Mt. A, as a university, should resolve to do in the New Year? The majority of students opted to look at what could be improved, expand and improve the training that RAs receive, so that their learning will be more independent from the Dons experience, considering the recent change in policy towards the length of term for a Don in residence. Third year student Carly Furlong made reference to a topic which had become increasingly more focused on in recent years: financial aid from the university. I think that the universitys goal should be to work toward offering more financial aid, and maybe to lower the standard of keeping your scholarship, as well. This is a point well received, considering that the average debt of a student in New Brunswick reached a level of $28,000 in 2008, and has continued to climb since. Many students are required to maintain a consistently high GPA during their university careers in order to keep entry scholarships. While this list is but a small representative of the student body, the resolutions stated thus far address pressing concerns on campus, which the university would benefit from considering.

Argosy/Lea Foy rather then what could be maintained. In particular, many issues regarding facilities and locations around campus were voiced. Fourth year student Graham Wilbur said that the university should focus more on improving resources offered at the library; particularly regarding the librarys facilities. Wilbur commented, It is arguably the place where most students spend their time . . . and yet maintenance to its facilities seem to go unnoticed. In addition to the library, those students surveyed made a point to include in their resolutions the general day-to-day upkeep of the campus; the icy slope beside Avard Dixon was an example of an area that didnt, and isnt, receiving enough attention, according to third year student Maria DiCarlo. There was also a focus on issues relating more to the administrative side of the university, and how Mt. A might resolve to continue improving throughout the coming year. DiCarlo addressed the Residence Assistant program when voicing her resolution: I think it is important for there to be RA debriefing at the end of the year . . . [it will] help to close off the year with an examination as to what worked and what didn't. It would give a chance to the RAs to really speak from experience. Such debriefing suggested by DiCarlo would help to accumulate a comprehensive base of knowledge which could be used to further

An Argosy run down of coming events in Sackville

The Ships Log


Thursday
Live Bait Theatre presents the Christmas dinner theatre... A Christmas Ceilidh, November 30, December 1 - 3, December 7 10, December 14 - 17, 7:00 pm. Celebrate the spirit of the season with traditional music and comedy at an old-fashioned kitchen party. A holiday tradition since 1994. For additional information contact 536-2248, 1-800-655-2248 or info@ livebaittheatre.com

Friday
Friday, December 2nd, 2011, 8:00 pm Mt. A Universitys Department of Music presents the Mt. A Symphonic Band Directed by James Kalyn andMount Allison Jazz ensemble, directed by Linda Pearse. The event is being held at Convocation Hall. For additional informtion contact 506-3642374 or music@mta.ca.

Saturday

David Myles with Banded Stilts will be performing at the Vogue Theatre, Saturday, December 3rd, 7:30 pm. Please join us for an intimate evening of folk music at the Vogue and warm your little toes up. $15 Advance Tickets available at Thunder & Lightning Ltd., 6 Ford Avenue or online at Ticketpro Starry Sackville, The Moon, Dunn 108, December 3, 7:00 p.m. Come join Louise Edwards and Angus Findlay for a public lecture on the Moon. Afterward, you will get a chance to view the Moon and other celestial bodies at Mount Allison Universitys Gemini Observatory!

Christmas Collegium, Music Conservatory Foyer, December 5, 4:00 p.m. Christmas Collegium, featuring students and faculty of the department of Music. Admission is free

Monday

Wednesday

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Owens Art Gallery, December 6, 6:30 p.m. An opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. If you would like to speak or participate with music, performance, etc., for the event please contact Toni Roberts (troberts@mta.ca or 2159). Mount Allison GIS Open House, Avard Dixon 115, December 6, 12:00 p.m. 1st Annual Mount Allison GIS Open House, from noon to 3:00 p.m. Students from Dr. Lieskes Advanced GIS classwill present their term projects, and J. Bornemann and C. Tardif will be onhand to talk about GIS research. For more information: http://arcgis.mta.ca/AdvGIS-2011_ v2.pdf

Tuesday

Cinema Politica American Radical: The Trials of Norman Finkelstein The Wu Centre, December 7, 7:30 p.m. American Radical is the probing, definitive documentary about American academic Norman Finkelstein. Mt. A Advent Organ Reflections Wednesday, December 7th, 2011, noon Advent Organ Reflections, Gayle h. Martin, organ, at the University Chapel, 63A York

Have you accumulated fines this semester? You can wipe your slate clean by bringing in items for the Sackville Food Bank to the Library (1 item = $2) Starts Dec. 5.

Mount Allison Library Fine Amnesty

Freedom to hate

OP/ED

December 1, 2011

argosy@mta.ca

Landlords
to live off-campus it can be a totally overwhelming process and choosing the right landlord can be a difficult. Recently, a friend of mine had some issues with their landlord (who is also a professor) which has caused them extreme distress. When they signed the lease they did not know that their landlord was a professor and imagine their surprise when they found out they had, said professor in a class the next semester. Everything would have been fine however, after extensive issues with the building and the co-signing landlord, said student wanted to move out. As any student could imagine the thought of moving out affecting how they were treated by that professor in that class next semester would have been very concerning. In fact it was so concerning that the student transferred out of the class. All I can say is lucky that they had the option to do so! What if this class was necessary to graduate or complete a degree? Professors need to be aware that if they choose to be a landlord they hold two positions of power over their tenants and students which in my opinion should mean that they should be held to higher standards then the average landlord so that students can feel safe signing a lease AND comfortable going to class. Concerned Tenant and Student

InternetPhoto/Advocate

Polands tolerance for homophobia


Anna Duncan
Argosy Contributor
Poland is no stranger to controversy surrounding anti-homosexual tirades, and recently the Polish government made a decision that drove many activists over the edge. When the National Rebirth of Poland (NOP), a small but extremely right-winged party, decided to register two new controversial symbols as their logos, many expected them to be outlawed immediately. But it came as a surprise to many that a court ruling approved the usage of the logos, one of which is a Celtic cross and one which is an animation of gay sex with a cross through it. This ruling, made shortly after Poland elected both its first homosexual and first transgender Members of Parliament, has shocked and appalled many. How can a seemingly advanced, first world nation, allow itself to take a step backward with equal rights? To some, this is an issue for freedom of speech, and, in a sense, that may be a viable argument. But is there a fine line between freedom of speech and blatant hatred toward an entire community of people? Where do we draw that line? Although homosexuality has never been a crime in Poland, the country has a lengthy history of controversial struggles for the gay community to obtain equal rights and protection from the government. It was only twenty years ago that homosexuality was officially taken off the countrys

national list of diseases, and with a population that is nearly 95% Roman Catholic it is, in general, a hostile environment for many gays who call the country home. But Poland is not the only European nation in the news lately for taking a step backward with homosexual rights; a recent ruling in Russia has made it illegal for homosexuality to be discussed in schools. Although thousands around the globe, including the US State Department, signed a petition against its implementation, the bill was passed. The bill is an unsettling reminder of the surprisingly large community of pro-fascists in Russia and their apparent strong hold on the government. This new law, which has been described by LGBT activists as nothing short of medieval barbarity, is an eerie example of the ever present cause that is the back and forth struggle to maintain equal rights for all. Based on the world we live in today, theres no doubt that its easy for us to forget how far weve come in the many facets of human rights. However, there are always instances when societies take a step backward. When this happens, it is discouraging, but it also reminds us that there is still a cause worth fighting for. There are small battles won, and lost, this being a prime example of the latter, but as long as there are close-minded people in this world, there will always be a struggle. It is certainly quite astonishing to many that these advanced nations have disgraced themselves by allowing such bigotry to have a place in their society, but as long the moral agents of the world continue to believe and practice love and acceptance, hatred will never prevail.

Sackville as most students have experienced a less than ideal landlord. This is a large problem in itself however I would like to focus on an issue with larger implications. The professors of Mount Allison are unquestionably role models and mentors for students which is why I decided to write in. When a student begins to look for a place

Airline Security
Security Authority (CATSA) stopped him. Going through his school-ridden backpack (noting he did not empty it before we left) security pulled out three serrated knifes, five forks and a bottle of water; all of which had been inside prior to leaving Halifax. Their unbeknownst presence to either of us, was not a problem when CATSA confiscated these items, it was more so the question of security. With a so called standardized security scanning system nation-wide, how did this happen? While this may come as a slight shock, this is the second time I have known someone to pass through security at Halifax with items that are considered by CATSA to be dangerous. The Red Pass system allows airport workers to pass through security quickly and efficiently. I have a friend who works with horses and also in the airport. Coming straight from the barn, she did not empty her purse, and passed without so much as a second glance through security with two horse tranquilizers in her possession. So, what is the reason? Do we look like harmless citizens? Yes, Maritimers are known for their friendliness and hospitality, but really? The reason why we have security measures is because you never know exactly who will try and infiltrate the system and wreak havoc in the airspace. Step up your game CATSA Halifax, or you might be finding yourself in a bit of a sticky situation. Concerned Traveller

During a recent trip to Ottawa, my boyfriend casually packed his carry on, not emptying his school bag, just throwing in what he needed. We got to the Halifax Airport, passed through security without a hitch and were on our way. The weekend passed and it was time to return. Not having really touched his bag the entire trip, one would assume he would have no problems getting through security, well, we were wrong. The Canadian Air Transport

The former University Centre/Memorial Library


about the hundreds and hundred of students who will benefit from it, not one person (even if the building bares the name of one person) This brings me to a point about the contentious nature of the new building. However it pains me to participate in this pedantic exercise in beating a dead horse, the fact is this: although the Gairdner Fine Arts building is dear to my heart, it was built for a different time. It no longer effectively fulfills the needs of contemporary art education. Real estate on this campus is at a premium, and the need for this new building should be without question. The idea that tearing down the old library is disrespectful because it is a memorial is insulting. When a Canadian flag becomes torn and faded, the department of Canadian heritage states that the best way to honour the idea it embodies is to follow the means of dignified disposal. The memorial library is torn and faded and the best way to honour the idea it embodies is to not let it decay any further. What could be a better monument than a structure that is alive with creativity and new experiences; a building with a function? Do we really need to hang on to a crumbling, ignored object in order to commemorate the sacrifices of those students who died in the First World War? Are we so disconnected with the past that we need a physical reminder of it? The fact remaining is this, most people on campus did not give two shits about the Fine Arts Department until several members of the Sackville community decided to kick up a stink about this building; a building that the Government of New Brunswick itself says is of little historical significance. Now every time I open the Argosy, I find vague, speculative, uninformed bits of sentimentality, masquerading as political statements. Unlike the anonymous author of last weeks illustration, I am ready to talk about the real issues at hand. If you wish to discuss this or anything else further, I can be found working in my living room, that doubles as my studio, at 17 Bridge Street, apartment 2. Nic Wilson

To see this weeks article from Arrr-gosy Correspondent James Wilson, and letters to the editor about the memorial library go on-line to www.argosy.ca

A memorial to one? Are you serious? Last week, the op/ed section of the Argosy ran an illustration of the Memorial Library with the words a memorial to 73 under it and the new Fine and Performing Art building with a memorial to 1?. I am confused as to how I am supposed to read this illustration. Am i supposed to assume that the new building will act as a memorial to one specific person? And if so, who is it? In that case, the graphic is uninformed at best, and blatantly ignorant at worst. I would like the illustrator to say this to the ninety BFA students currently crammed into studio spaces that, when added together, roughly amount to the size of the Wu Centre, and the thirteen Fine Arts Majors that are often not even granted studios due to the lack of space. This new building will be

The Argosy

www.argosy.ca

OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

Student apathy, who cares? Embrace the Charlie


Geoff Hutchinson
Humour Editor
Its 2:00 am. Youve just finished your fifth cup of coffee in the past three hours, youre quite literally surrounded by books, and this paper has taken you 14 straight hours of research and writing. This seems like a huge commitment. The problem? You only have four pages written, its all terrible, and honestly? You just dont care anymore. Sound familiar? While its always a logical fallacy to talk in sweeping generalities, its nigh on impossible to deny that the student population, as a whole, is apathetic. And I dont just mean here, at this university; I mean that of the entire population of 17 to 23 year olds currently working towards their bachelors degrees at institutions countrywide, we, the students, just dont seem to care about our education. If you can honestly tell me that you have never procrastinated, left an assignment to the last minute, or given some sort of preferential treatment to your social life rather then your academics, youre lying. Why do we, as a group, seem to care so little about our studies? Were paying thousands upon thousands of dollars, many of us going into extreme debt, to afford the education that we are supposed to be getting, and yet so many students are only concerned with finishing the paper, or reading to page 60, or just having this midterm over and finished. There are relatively few students who actually want to engage with the material, actually put the effort into retaining information, or furthering their grasp of a historical narrative or the tendency of molecules to interact. It seems to me that this stems from a combination of issues. This is a time in our lives when we have the ability to socialize in ways never before open to us; were forming those bonds of friendship, those professional contacts that are going to allow us to pursue careers. Were dedicating ourselves to making changes in society, to pushing ourselves to our athletic peaks, or attempting to immerse ourselves in those issues that really resonate with us. Meanwhile, our degrees are becoming worth less and less every year. Fifty years ago, a university education was a privilege, enjoyed by the elite few who were talented enough, or wealthy enough, to pursue further education. Now, this degree is not an advantage, but an eventuality for many of the population in our age bracket; it has become mandatory. Most of us wont even use our university degrees in our actual career, especially those of us with backgrounds in the liberal arts. Going to university, for so many of us, is just what you do now. Its the next logical step after high school, and were here because its expected, not because we want to write term papers or conduct research. Dont misunderstand me, Im not implying that the entirety of the student population is here merely to socialize and learn how to live as adults in a simulated adult-like environment, although it certainly could be the case for a few. There are certainly those people here who desire to go further in academia, or in scientific research. The point Im trying to make, though, is the one that can best be made by considering this: the student who originally planned on writing this article? He didnt feel like doing it; he said hed rather go hang out with his friends instead.

Brown Christmas tree


A personal love for a real Christmas tree
Alex MacDonald
Op/Ed Editor

Up in smoke
A case for cannabis
John Trafford
Argosy Columnist
Ill come right out and state it: I voted Conservative in the past federal election. The remaining three national parties were all unappealing and Harper looked to be the only reasonable choice at the time. I like some of the initiatives that the Harper government has undertaken and I dont believe that the Prime Minister is the bogeyman, but the actions of the government sometimes make me second-guess my vote. In our increasingly open and accepting world I find it remarkable that Government of Canada wishes to strengthen penalties for substances like cannabis. I suspect that I may not be taking a radical view when I say that a war against drugs like cannabis is a complete waste of time. The Harper governments position on the issue of increased jail time for cannabis production and trafficking are reminiscent of the senseless attempts by governments to limit the consumption of alcohol during prohibition. Legalization of cannabis is something that I believe is only logical when people recognize the substance for what it is. I challenge anyone to think of a death that was directly caused as a result of cannabis consumption. Few are able to cite a fatality due to cannabis usage, but nearly everyone can think of someone who has died because of alcohol.

Polymer, PVC, aluminum and fibre optics all have something in common; they are all material options for the modern Christmas tree. I grew up in a fairly simple household; Christmas was not about the presents but about the time that we got to go out as a family to celebrate the holiday. One of my favourite memories from my childhood Christmas was when all of us would trek out into the snow to cut down a tree. Many of my friends would have trees up in November or early December, but not us MacDonalds, we wouldnt have our tree up until at least the 20th, strung with popcorn and cranberries. Last year, for the first time ever I experienced the plastic Christmas tree. Aside from the benefit of no pine needles, I was not a fan. The plastic tree is aesthetically perfect, and that perfection is somewhat discomforting. Much like the people I sometimes see in the world, with perfect teeth, blonde hair and blue eyes, and surgical enhancements that are just a little too obvious, I was not interested. There is true beauty in our imperfections, rather than our attempts to create a mould of

Argosy Photo/Lea Foy idealized beauty. The fake tree versus real tree argument is the epitomy of that argument. The fake tree is embracing our personal insecurities and desire for a mass-produced, and uniform aesthetic perfection, while the real tree is about embracing our imperfections and celebrating our unique individuality. Some of my environmentally conscious friends will be resistant to cutting down trees, but I say go for it and while youre doing you can always donate to wonderful non-profits or charitable groups like Community Forests International where $1 donated helps go towards planting five trees. In most provinces every person over nineteen years old is entitled to cut down a single Christmas tree, so I encourage you to grab your axe, get out there and get chopping. Rather than spend $100 on a new fake tree at Canadian Tire, get some exercise, spend some time with your family and go chop a nice pine or fir and embrace the real world, not the mass-produced, plastic world of fake Christmas.

Argosy Photo/Lea Foy Thousands of people die every year because of a perfectly legal substance, but a natural plant that has had no deaths directly attributed to it is illegal. Marijuana is certainly not a beneficial substance, but it is not the devil that many conservative politicians make it out to be. The law has been improperly focusing attention on the prohibition of cannabis when it could do more about other, more dangerous problems. Cigarettes, motor vehicles, and Big Macs are more likely to shorten ones life, but the law does not prohibit them. Many things in life are not healthy, but no government has the right to limit an adult citizens ability to consume a substance based on the damage it may cause to the individual. The Conservatives need to begin to look forward to a more progressive drug policy and not backwards to the past. Harper is supposedly an advocate for individual liberty, but in this issue he is more conservative. It is ironic to see Canada enter an age where two members of the same gender can receive the marriage equality they deserve, but everyday Canadians cannot use a recreational drug that causes substantively less damage than alcohol. What the Conservatives need to realize is that in a time of fiscal restraint, police time is a valuable resource and shouldnt be wasted trying to stamp out cannabis when these resources could be better used fighting real dangers to the Canadian public. The Conservatives will likely continue in their campaign against cannabis for the length of their majority government. Canadian Members of Parliament need to wake up to the reality that as they have an evening drink, they are doing more harm than an evening toke. Ultimately, cannabis is not healthy, but government has no right to regulate the use of such a substance that is nothing in comparison to drugs like heroin. The Conservatives may not see their error of their ways by the next election, but theyll certainly see my support for them end if they cannot clear the smoke from their eyes.

Forget that cute guys name at the bar? Did somebody make your day? Wanna shout out your meal hall crush? Send in your missed to missed@mta.ca
Dear Ash Ketchum: I saw you with your hat in Gracies on Monday! But wheres Pikachu? PokeFan To that good looking House Staff reppin Campbell: I could not have asked for a better team. Thank you for everything you all do, you are all awesome. We have made it half way, heres to an incredible semester. Meet you at sassys. Love the girl in 125. Dear Rain Dancer, I wrote my letter to Santa the other day. All that I asked for was a pigmy goat, and you. Love, your little friend. Dear girl in the front row of CHEM 2111, Goggles are for skiing, not for everyday wear. To my eccentric but ever so wonderful MACF Cuthbertson buddy, Have a Merry Christmas in PEI hope all your New Years wishes come true! Dear Arctic Class, You cook a fine brunch. Thanks for making the semester so enjoyable and putting on an epic lecture. Dear Mountie Swimmer, Damn girl, you make me Byrne with desire. Dear Hutch, Im so happy to be eating for two these days. I owe it all to you. I look forward to meeting your mother. Sincerely, your honey bunches of oats. PS, We need another box of Honey Bunches of Oats.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

MONDAYS
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Submit all written work to: 7mondays@gmail.com All photographic submissions to: Fine Arts Dept. Ofce (hard copies or on a disk 300 DPI .tiff format, 5X7) ALL WORK DUE JANUARY 7th, 2012

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HUMOUR

SUPER HAPPY FUN-TIME

How To Play: First: find yourself some kind of marker. This can be a coin, or some rocks, or grapes, or candies, or the pieces of your shattered soul that you picked up from the floor, after you got the mark back on your final paper.

Second: Whenever you observe someone on this list, place the marker on the square. If youre sitting with a friend, you must submit to their judgement on each individual you choose to fulfill the square. This prevents you from cheating, and from being a douche unnecessarily.

If you get 5 in a row, YOU WIN! Congratulations! Bring your completed card to the Argosy office for a high-five!

12 HUMOUR

December 1, 2011

argosy@mta.ca

HOLIDAY

TRIVIAL TRIVIA!
1. What is the name of Scrooges dead business partner? 2. What ocean is Christmas Island in? 3. In which authors novel is it always winter but never Christmas? 4. Santa Claus is based on which medieval Saint? 5.Which department store created Rudolph, the Rednosed Reindeer? 6. Who invented the Christmas Cracker, and when?

CRYPTOQUOTE!

In this quote, each letter had been switched with a corresponding letter of the alphabet. For example, ABC becomes TUV. Get it? Good. Here we go!

Answers!

X dbkqibjxk fp pljblkb tel zxk mixv qeb xzzloaflk, yrq albpkq. Qlj Txfqp
Solve the quote, bring it into the Argosy Office, and be entered to win an ACTUAL prize from the Humour Editor!

bobpickle chronicles

The

By Lake

1. Jacob Marley 2. Indian Ocean 3. C. S. Lewis 4. Nikolaos of Myra 5. Montgomery-Ward 6. Tom Smith, 1847

The Argosy

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HUMOUR

The Exciting Conclusion of: The Fantastic Adventure of Will and Fred!
Heather Baglole
Argosy Correspondent
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH Were all gonna di- Dear baby Jesus please save our sou- The three men screamed as the car shot over the ridge. For a time they were suspended in mid-air, and they felt as if they were moving in slow motion as they watched themselves fall into the dark abyss. All three closed their eyes, said their prayers and thenTHUNK! A huge jolt shook the three, with Freds head hitting the ceiling. All the men were momentarily dazed, then eventually they sat up and poked their heads out the windows, only to discover that they had landed on a huge pile of potatoes? What the what the hell is this all about? exclaimed the first officer, as Fred and the second officer just sat there dumbfounded. Fred tested his door, and was able to shove it open, sending a shower of potato peelings cascading down the potato mountain. He thought for a moment, taking it all in. Then it hit him. This must be where they dump the peels from the MTA farm potatoes! he said amazedly. God, we students can really pack them in its only the end of first term! I just dont understand where did the others go? asked the second officer. All three looked around, but couldnt find them anywhere. Help! Fred and the two officers looked across the potato hill, but couldnt find where the voice was coming from. Will? called Fred anxiously. Yea! Over here! Fred followed the sound of Wills voice, occasionally tripping over a larger potato peel on his way. Eventually he spotted the green top of Wills hat. Rushing over (and falling into the pile a number of times in his hurry), Fred reached Will, pulling him out of the potatoes and leading him back to the police. Kid, are you the one who was in the car with those men? asked the second officer, looking concerned. The other agreed with his question with a dignified Harrumph. Yes, sir said Will, still clearly shaken. I was just minding my own business when suddenly they grabbed me and shoved me into their car. When the car got close to here, I jumped out trying to escape and ended up in this potato heap. They stopped just before flying off the ridge and watched you fly off, then drove away. The impact from my fall buried me so far into the potatoes, I couldnt escape! But who were they? asked the first officer. Im not sure I didnt recognize them. I guess well never know They all looked at each other silently, and then the first officer said to the boys, Well, I think you boys can go. Well be spending some time here trying to dig our squad car out of this err the officers scratched their heads and got to work finding more hands for the job. Will and Fred climbed out around the tracks and onto the road. Well that was interesting, said Will, a big grin on his face. Fred just looked at him and smiled, but said nothing. Oh, come on man, you KNOW you had a good time. You wouldnt have had this crazy time without me here you owe me big. Fred just kept on smiling, and wouldnt say anything. The two walked along in silence for awhile. A beautiful night said Fred, and Will expressed his agreement. Fred heard a car behind him, and wondered if the police had managed to get their car out of the potato pile. He turned around and spotted the car that had driven away with his best friend. Ahhh, get down! said Fred, grabbing Will and shoving him into some bushes. Will and sputtered and attempted to get away but Fred held fast. He wasnt letting him go so easy this time. The car slowed down, then pulled to a stop near their bushes. Freds heart began beating very fast what if they were found? What would happen then? Wow, guys, I cannot believe you fell for that, said a familiar voice. GaGarrett? sputtered Fred incredulously. Two voices pealed with laughter as Fred and Will poked their heads above the bushes. There they saw Garrett and Rachel pulling balaclavas off their heads, shaking with giggles. Heat rose in Freds cheeks. You were freaking- and those police- the potatoes!- so brilliant- the two couldnt stop their laughter, and suddenly Will joined in. Freds mouth broke into a smile, and then he too began chuckling, and then he couldnt help laughing in spite of himself. It WAS pretty funny. Come on guys, hop in, well give you a ride, said Rachel, and they sped off into the night. Will turned to Fred with a sheepish expression. So, Fred do you want to go back to res now and study? Ive kept you longer then I was supposed to. Fred was quiet for a few moments, and then he said, No, lets go to Larrys. The car erupted with cheers and Garrett continued on to Uncle Larrys. As they pulled into the parking lot, got out of the car, and walked into the front door, Fred couldnt help thinking to himself: I wonder what other shenanigans well get up to tonight He couldnt wait for the next chapter.

Top Ten: Things to do on an exam when you know youre going to fail anyway.
Taylor Losier
Argosy Correspondent

13

Youve procrastinated for weeks and its the day of the exam. You realize you understand nothing and that theres no way youre going to learn everything in a few hours. What are you going to do? Our suggestion: go out in style. 1. Answer every question with another question. 2. Wait fifteen minutes and then hand it in; make sure to loudly say how easy it was. 3. Staple a twenty dollar bill to your exam sheet. 4. Come up with complicated explanations for why you cannot legally/medically/ religiously answer the questions. 5. Loudly sing the Jeopardy theme song during the entire exam. 6. Change seats every ten minutes. If someone asks what youre doing, tell them the aura in the area is ruining your concentration. 7. Take a nap. 8. Bring a crystal ball into the exam. Stare into it and mutter to yourself when trying to answer each question. You could also bring in tarot cards and incense if you want. 9. Make paper airplanes out of the pages of the exam. Proceed to throw them at the people who look stressed or the even the Professor. 10. Make a scene: either breakdown into hysterics or jump on your desk and scream. Whichever you think is more your style.

MORE ON WILL AND FREDS ADVENTURES IN THE NEW YEAR!

14 CENTREFOLD

No distraction study corners


Anissa Stambouli

The Argosys guide to


Features Editor

December 1, 2011

argosy@mta.ca

While the school year may leave pockets of time to procrastinate, exams are often merciless when consuming students time. Its hard to remain focused when classes end and the temptation to celebrate sets in. However, finding the right place to work can make a difference in efficiency and productivity. For those social butterflies, snag a large table in the second basement of the library. Silence is enforced by unspoken rules (and your neighbours glare), but theres room enough to study with friends. The library also has many group study rooms that you can occupy if you arrive early enough. For solitary studiers, the second basement of the library offers a handful of closed in study spaces. Theyre great spots for zoning-in to your work and forgetting all other distractions. The Wallace McCain Student Centre is full of study cubbies on each floor. These hidden nooks have ample table space and outlets for computer chargers, making them a great spot for solitary or group work. In addition, the numerous conference rooms are usually empty, offering large spaces for group projects to meet and discuss ideas, without disturbing others. For those whose studies involve much reading, take some books to the Chapel. Its atmosphere is serene and beautiful, and the place is almost always quiet and empty. Study beneath the stained glass and enjoy the colourful lighting, while trying out a new study space. Bridge Street Caf, Pickles, and the Dancing Dogs Caf all offer free wireless internet and great snacks while studying. If background noise doesnt affect your studying abilities, theyre great spots for enjoying warm drinks on a cold day while prepping for exams. During exam period, take advantage of the extra time and find the study methods that work best for you, in the places that help you focus the most.

Its true. Exams are right around the corne going to be business-as-usual - for others, th of anxiety and stress. Dont panic! Take a dee Argosy help you out. Weve compiled some g you through this demanding time. Read, lea celebrate your first, or yet another semste

Have a wonderful holiday season and

Whos got Sackvilles best c


The Cackling Goose
The aroma is mostly how you would imagine a Guatemalan rainforest would smell as it is being burnt to the ground. The flavour is quite spicy and a little on the bitter side although there is a residual lavender that stays with you after this coffee passes your gullet and into your belly. 2.5/5

We all know that a great cup of coffee can keep you awake... and sane. The Arg have percolated on the below selections to help you in your decision for the be late nights and early mornings of exam studying. They are ranked out of a possib
Tims Hortons
The aroma of this coffee was a little earthy, but earthy in a coniferous forest where the soil would be highly acidic. The flavour was a little bit sour but watery enough that it also went down smoother. Definitely not recommended unless there is no other option. 2/5

Wendys

A fairly neutral ar with a slight must to it, the flavor has of caramel, with a a bite to it. The fla lingers on in the ba your throat and is much on par with th Hortons coffee. 2.25

The Flying Bean


Holiday Blend: While the aroma of this blend was a little burnt the flavor was like a mellow happiness in my mouth, although like many of our other coffees was a little on the bitter side. 3/5

Circle K (Irving)
The aroma was reminiscent of a delightful gaunt through a Swiss forest. The flavour was spicy in a delightful sort of way that warms your belly on a dark and stormy night. The aftertaste stays with you and leaves you wanting another delightful sip. 3.25/5

Bridge St. Ca

The Sumatran Blend The aroma was sweet and quite not for the faint of h The taste of this co doesnt settle on th of the tongue but ra in the back of the th The dry aftertaste be due to a wate down product. 2.25/

All Photos Argosy/Rosanna

o exam period at Mt. A


Finals fashion faux pas
Anna Robertson and Geoff Hutchinson

The Argosy

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CENTREFOLD

15

er. For some, this is his is a daunting time ep breath and let The great articles to help arn, study, write, and er under your belt!

Entertainment Editor and Humour Editor

d see you in 2012!

1. Bathing yourself in perfume before an exam: its distracting for those writing around you, especially those sensitive to scents. On the same note, it is not appropriate to write an exam with no memory of the last time you bathed. In general, if anyone can smell you within a two-meter radius, you need to change something. 2. Wearing high heels: Nothing is more disruptive, and infuriating, than the sound of heels plodding across a hardwood floor. The inability to walk with any discretion at all seems to be directly related to those who choose to wear heels- not a good combination. 3. Not bringing a hair elastic: spending three hours pushing your hair out of your face is not a good way to spend an exam. Bringing something to tie your hair up for you is a lot easier. 4. Dressing like a piece of garbage: While wearing sweatpants to an exam my be tempting, studies have shown that wearing clothes that make you feel confident can improve your performance on tests. So wear something that makes you feel good about yourself, except for heels. 5. If you arent going to be dressy, at least get dressed: Slippers, pyjamas and a robe are quite comfortable, but theyre really not appropriate for wearing out in public normally, let alone to an exam hall filled with a hundred people. If you really want to communicate how much you dont care about this exam, just make a sign. 6. Dry Clothes: If its sowing, or raining, you might consider bringing a dry sweater or shirt to change into. This is going to make you much more comfortable then something thats half-soaked from the storm outside, and has the added bonus of not smelling like wet dog; those people around you will appreciate it. 7. Dress for an Exam, not the Pub: As weve said, its great to dress nicely, and great to feel good about your outfit. That said, dont dress as if youre headed to a club after the exam. It gives the wrong impression to your professor, and will probably be rather uncomfortable. Try to strike a balance between comfy and professional.

cuppa Joe?
McDonalds
This one is a party in your nose but dont pour it in there... There is a sweetness to this aroma, some may describe it as a floral scent while other would describe it as more of a molasses smell. The taste confirmed the aroma, a frolicking dance of deliciousness in your mouth that has you wanting to come back for more. 3.5/5

Internet Photo/Visual Photos

Giving your body and mind a workout


The benefits of excercise
Robert Murray
Sports Editor

gosys own John & Alex est cup of java for all your ble score of 5. Enjoy!

roma, tiness hints bit of avour ack of very he Tim 5/5

afe

Gracies Cafe
Mexican Morning/ French Roast: The sugary stench emanated from this coffee was thick and caramelly, however the taste was on the sour side. Not the most desirable coffee. Also we sampled some of the French Roast but found that the taste did not differ enough to warrant a separate review. 1.75/5

d: quite rich; heart. coffee he tip ather hroat. may ered/5

Hempel

Exam time is always a significant source of stress for students all across Canada, a sentiment echoed at Mount Allison every December and April. While most students will spend what precious hours they have to study either trying to cram (and failing) or worrying about what types of questions will be on the exam, there are several benefits towards taking the time to exercise during exam period. Whether you go for a ten minute run on the treadmills at the Fitness Centre or decide to shoot some hoops, (before the Athletic Centre closes for exams of course,) nothing will set you up for exam success better than exercising. Exercising sets structure in your day. By setting up a schedule and more importantly sticking to it, you will not feel in a pinch when studying for exams. You can also relate your exercising schedule to your studying schedule. This level of preparation, if done far enough in advance will help you set up blocks of time for studying certain subjects, a big help for students with exams back-to-back. Exercising will also allow you to release bottled up energy that will help you when it come to studying long hours for an exam. Students who attempt to pull an all-nighter or plan out a seemingly beneficial ten-hour studying session rarely ever succeed. The main reason behind this is that we are full of energy and cant sit in a chair or on a couch without becoming easily distracted. By running for 1015 minutes, going to a yoga or Zumba class with friends you can release this energy in one burst and then be ready to focus on studying for the rest of the day. The most important thing to take away however is that the cliche of finding balance are not just strong words. Most students wont be happy at either end of the spectrum, but by balancing both studying and exercising effectively, the later can perfectly compliment the former leading to a healthy body and a healthy mind. Argosy/Rosanna Hempel

ENT.
Comedy as commentary
Anna Robertson
Entertainment Editor
On November 18,students at UC Davis gathered peacefully as a part of the Occupy movement. Under the orders of the University Chancellor, campus police arrived to disperse the students. Without the Chancellors consent however, the police then proceeded to pepper-spray the sitting crowd. Other Occupy protests have witnessed similar episodes of violence, with police using batons against protesters at UC Berkley on November 9, and a young woman from Seattle miscarrying after an officer aimed pepper-spray at her face and kicked her in the stomach. The UC Davis incident has been thrust into the public eye, as a video of an officer contemptibly pepperspraying the students at close range went viral days after. In addition, memes of the video have been cropping up on the Internet, depicting the officer, identified as Lieutenant John Pike, pepper-spraying the founding fathers, the statue of liberty, John Lennon, and even Edward Cullen. But is there a point at which political cartoons no longer effectively commentate, and instead trivialize the cause that they seek to defend, and even distance the audience from the brutality of the event? It is possible for the cartoons to frame it in a way that is not effectively communicating any reading in which people would be

December 1, 2011

argosy@mta.ca

Police brutality no laughing matter


outraged, explains Mt. A Sociology Professor Erin Steuter. But its kind of unlikely given the power dynamics of that situation. I think people would be able to see that and recognize whats happening there. Throughout history, art has been used as a means of social commentary, particularly when it comes to politics and protest. From Charles Addams (whose caricatures became the basis for The Addams Family) to Art Buchwald (an American humorist who held a long running column in the Washington Post and was honored with the Pulitzer prize on Commentary), comedians have used the medium of humour to communicate more sobering aspects of society. Political satire, while macabre at times, is nevertheless effective in raising awareness about cultural and political events. There is a long tradition of using humour as establishing a critique of something, and sometimes its brutal, says Mount Allison History Professor Elaine Naylor. When there is a public response to inequities within the power structure of a society, periods of reform can be captured within the single frame of a cartoon. The freedom of speech movement, the civil rights movement, and the American Revolution were each reflected within a cartoon or comedic turn of phrase. Videos parodying FOX News anchor Megyn Kelly have also appeared recently in response to her comment that pepper spray is essentially a food product. The video portrays Kelly preparing a Thanksgiving meal, during which she pepper-sprays her guests, eventually turning the spray on herself and stating, It burns me not, for I was conceived in hell fire. While Kelly may assert that pepper spray is harmless, it appears quite the opposite upon inspection of its active ingredients, one of which includes capsicum. In 1993, a US Army study concluded that capsicum could cause mutagenic effects, carcinogenic effects, cardiovascular damage, vision damage, and human fatalities. The rapid defence of protesters through the Internet comedy and satire is signature of our generation. People often say, What happened to all the protest songs? because they think of the sixties, when the popular expression of analysis and outrage came through music, and theres a little bit of that happening now, but its much more coming through in comedy and satire, comments Steuter. Thats very much the way that we express our critical commentary now. While there is the concern that people may laugh at an incident like UC Davis and not be stirred into action, there is no doubt that humour has been effective in raising awareness about the Occupy Movement and police brutality. The goal of the movement at this point is to highlight, for the rest of the public, what a small group of activists knows to be true, says Steuter. And the public doesnt necessarily recognize how widespread the issues of police brutality and lack of respect for fundamental rights of free expression are. This is a highly successful way to bring it to the attention of a lot people who didnt realize that this is happening all the time. So the fact that people are freshly outraged, and freshly motivated to make humour around it is a good sign of success for the movement.

The original photo of Lieut. John Pike (Below) has been satirized in many memes, such as above, that have appeared on the web.

Internet Photo/Motley News

Internet Photo/ The Atlantic

Winding down a Saturday evening


Jon Mckiel, David Simmard, and Corey Isenor play at Georges
Taylor Mooney
Entertainment Writer
David Simmard, hailing from Montreal, kicked off the night with a series of smoky, haunting numbers. He combined sensual vocals with elegant, minimalist acoustic guitar picking, topped off with a vocal trumpet impersonation. His lyrics were personal and intimate, creating a sense in the listener of being able to look into his life and experiences. Stylistically polished, Simmards music is tinged with an element of darkness. Towards the end of the show, he brought up the mood in Georges with an impeccable cover of Big Rock Candy Mountain. Its not a song I would have expected him to perform, but he did a fantastic job. Corey Isenor followed, always early last month. At times, the album employs a heavier sound with a loud, substantial focus on driving guitar riffs and drum pieces. Behind the aggressive instrumentals lie sensitive lyrics, poetic and thoughtful in nature. His music is unpolished in a way that adds a completely different and necessary dimension to his work. A few of the softer numbers on his album are also backed by strings, adding a full, textured sound to each tuneas is to be expected, McKiel was unable to incorporate strings into this performance. In truth, I was a little disappointed in the show. Ive grown attached to his new album, and was dismayed to find that his performance was lacking a certain element of enthusiasm. He didnt have much to say between songs, and overall he seemed a bit tired. This makes sense, considering Sackville was one of the final stops on his Maritime tour. Its unfortunate that we couldnt have caught him earlier. That being said, it wasnt a bad show, by any means. There was quite a bit of dancing to be done, and the fact that the concert was as enjoyable as it was with his apparent lack of excitement speaks for McKiels pure talent as a musician.

Sackville was the last stop for Jon McKiel on his Maritime tour. The lineup at Georges on Saturday night included Corey Isenor and Savid Simmard (above) as well.
a treat now that hes relocated to Halifax. He played mostly new work from his latest album, The Hunting Party. Isenor began the show with a few slower numbers, working up to more fast-paced material. At one point Isenor invited his brother, Carson Isenor -a Mt. A, student, onstage to play with him. The two possess a familial onstage chemistry, and the extra guitar added a pleasant textural layer to the music. Finally, wearing a fuzzy yellow cardigan, Jon McKiel traipsed across Georges small stage and promptly sank into his setlist. The line-up consisted mostly of tunes from his new album, Tonka War Cloud, released

Photo Credit/ Vanessa Blackier

The Argosy

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ENTERTAINMENT

17

Familiar Ground On the bandwagon at the Vogue Astral Gunk


An exploration of Quebecois cinema at the Sackville Film Society
Ian Moffat
Argosy Correspondent
This evening at 7:30 at the Vogue Cinema, the Sackville Film Society will be rounding out this semester with something a little closer to home: Familiar Ground, by Qubcois director Stphane Lafleur. As his subject matter, Lafleur takes the very dysfunctional relationship between a distant brother and sister. Maryse and Benoit are both in their thirties, living at home, and thoroughly discontent with what life has shown them thus far. Neither of them seem to have any meaningful relationships; Benoit is constantly preoccupied with tinkering with and puttering about on his aged snowmobile, Maryse seems resigned from the world and cantankerous. Overhanging their humdrum reality is a bitterly cold Canadian winter filled with infinitely overcast skies and cars that wont start: Familiar Ground takes suburban stagnation to a new level. Even the introduction of a self-proclaimed Man from the Future, who forsees Maryses death by car accident is not enough to shock them out of their stupor. Familiar Ground was warmly embraced in Quebec with box-office success and was awarded the honour of opening the very popular RendezVous Du Cinema Quebecois. The film was equally well received by the international community after its release earlier this year. Already, the low-budget production has been awarded top prize at the prestigious L.A. Film Festival and was marked as the official selection for the Berlin International Film Festival. Quebecois film has had a long (very long) and tumultuous history, beginning way back in 1896 when Frenchman Louis Minier inaugurated the first movie projection in North America in a Montreal Theater Room. Of course, it was not until the late 1960s that a legitimate industry took hold in the province. Quebec filmmakers have come to success only after great struggle- the victory of the NO camp in the referendum on sovereignty marked a turning point in Quebecs culture. Afterwards, the rest of Canada exhibited hostility towards any voice that was distinctly Quebecois; so many filmmakers began making movies that were no longer centred on Quebecois identity. Fortunately for everyone, this is slowly starting to change. Familiar Ground is just one of the many recent Qubcois films to receive success within Canada, and abroad. Movies like Incendies, directed by Denis Villeneuve, Curling, by Denis Cote, and the very popular and very funny Bon Cop, Bad Cop have, at different times over the past decade, have all enjoyed time in the spotlight, and helped bring the Quebecois voice to a mainstream audience. For more information, visit the Sackville Film Society Facebook page, and to see Film Societys full line up go to www.voguecinema.ca

Argosy Photo/ Lea Foy From left to right, Joe Charmandy, Keith McFadden, Joel Young and Zach Carriere, are the members of Astral Gunk, and are spreading their brand of gunk-rock through Sackville.

Taylor Mooney
Entertainment Writer

The essentials
Interviewing: Joel Young, Joe Chamandy, Zach Carriere, Keith McFadden In Sackville Young: English at Mt. A Chamandy: Fine Arts at Mt. A Carriere: Sandwich extraordinaire at Pickles/ Part-time student at Mt. A McFadden: Fast food aficionado at Wendys Upcoming shows: December 8 at Pickles Website: http://astralgunk.tumblr.com/
band, and then this summer my new nature of life in Sackville, the band band came to Sackville and played doesnt expect to have a long lifespan. with Noise Hounds. They came and Young explains that this has its played at my house in Montreal, and advantages: it puts pressure on us to then when I moved to Sackville these record. Were recording a full length three guys were the only people I in Januaryand now this is on the knew. In the end, we record, so we have started the band to do itand were because we knew we Its a little dirty. going to work on all played in groups another full-length Sloppy, but somewhat almost immediately, that like similar music. Carriere intentionally sloppy. as soon as we can adds, Originally, we A lot of the songs afford to do it. were going to hijack are able to breathe All members of Joe to the Noise because of the the band write songs, Hounds bassist, and have progressed sloppiness. but then we decide from presenting to keep it separate Joel Young individually written and form the superMember of tunes to each other group. You should Astral Gunk to creating them as really emphasize a group. I think the that we describe fact that we all sing ourselves as a superis my favourite part group, mentions Young ironically, of the band, mentions Young. Its drawing laughter from his band mates. pretty equally split up, but it can be In reference to Sackvilles music weighted on who wrote the song. scene, Carriere notes, its pretty Chamandy sums up the long-term easy to stick out here, and people are ideals of the group: the concept of pretty accepting of different styles the band is that we have a bunch of music. People set the bar high, of songs and a bunch of time to too, adds Young. There are a lot of slack off in school, so we might really good, thoughtful musicians in as well write as many songs and Sackville, and its a pretty tight-knit be as productive as possible in the community. Because of the transient short amount of time that we have.

Familiar Ground is a production from the contemporary Quebecois film movement, focusing on a dysfunctional sibling relationship.

Internet Photo/The Seven Sees

If I could play a show with anyone it would be Daniel Johnson. Wed do an acoustic set, and wed all wear morphsuits and water wings. Wed each have to stand in a little kiddie pool. Someone would have to sit on the drums in a kiddie pool. And hot girls would come and dump water on us and wed mix jello into it. This is the inspired dream-show of Keith McFadden, member of Sackville-based band Astral Gunk. The imaginative show reflects only a fraction of the humour and expression infused in the bands demeanour. Relatively new on the Sackville music scene, Zach Carriere describes Astral Gunks music as being gunk rock. Its not quite punk, its not quite funk, its not quite grunge. Its a little dirty. Joel Young describes it as being sloppy, but somewhat intentionally sloppy. We dont try to be perfectionists. A lot of the songs are able to breathe because of the sloppiness, with Joe Chamandy adding that its an amalgamation of all the stuff we like to listen to without trying to copy anyone. Bands including Dead Kennedys, Minutemen and Fugazi have served as inspiration for Astral Gunk, as well as contemporary musical movements. These include punk, post-punk, American hardcore, eighties hardcore, post-hardcore, and garage rock. Really any kind of leftfield or rock music, notes Chamandy. All of the band members are involved in various other music groups, but came together in September to form Astral Gunk: Zack Carriere and McFadden are both in a band called Noise Hounds, Joe is in a band called the Beatles, and Joel is part of a two-piece group called Money in the Banana Stand. Chamandy elaborates: I went to PEI with my old band and met Joels

18 ENTERTAINMENT

December 1, 2011

argosy@mta.ca

You should always listen to your Mother Mother

Photo Credit/ Vanessa Blackier

Ryan Guldemond (left) and Jasmin Parkin (right) of Mother Mother performing atThe Manhattan Bar and Grill on Nov. 21 in Moncton.The show was part of their tour across Canada.

An interview with Ryan Guldemond of Mother Mother


Vanessa Blackier
CHMA Programming Director

from the west coast, so its taken longer to get things feeling feverish, but this tour has be really good in that regard. It feels like all the years of tackling the market has paid off a little bit. Were selling out our shows, there are bigger crowds, and people are really into it. Youve just recently come back from Europe, as well. What was it like being a Canadian band touring in Europe? It was great, such a new cultural experience for us. I personally had not been to Europe at all, aside from the UK, so in that regard it was eyeopening in many respects. Musically, they celebrate the gig a little bit more fervently than over here. We were

playing in small clubs, and often when youre building up from the bottom in a new market, a small club will come part-in-parcel with a certain lack of enthusiasm on the promoters part, but over there it just seems like everyone is so for the music. That was something we were quite taken by. Speaking of small venues, this is probably one of the smaller ones that you would play at. Does that change your dynamic? Its familiar wherever you go. Youre still the same band, youre playing the same guitars, and you just try to strike a chord with a person or a group of people. The recipe is so familiar; we just try to focus on those fundamental

elements and let not the size or environment sway our intentions. You have an amazing talent to create these really vivid images within your lyricsone of your lyrics from Stand is nominated for a Bucky award for best lyric. How do you come up with a line that fits into a song so well? The thing about a good lyric is that when you hear it or write it, you know its good because it hits you in a certain way. It sparks this feeling of utter relatability, or dramatic or comedic value if its good, and if it has the right rhythm and the right punch line, its just an undeniable feeling. I tend to take a long time to refine the lyrics.

Usually there will be a theme that is alive from the beginning, but then injecting different words and different synonyms and paraphrases with the same theme can take a long time its a process that Ill pull my hair out doing a lot of the time. At the end, I never finish a song and regret any Vanessa Blackier is the Programming Director of CHMA, Music Lover, Vinyl Addict, Avid Concert Goer, and Community Radio Enthusiast. To read her full interiew with Ryan Guldemond of Mother Mother, visit argosy.ca. To listen, visit Vanessa Blackiers blog, Lookin Good for Radio at goodlookingradio.wordpress.com.

How has Atlantic Canada been treating you? Its been very, very hospitable. Its great, very charming out here. We spend less time here because were

Coming to a turntable near you


Bolivia set to release an EP
Anissa Stambouli
Features Editor

On Novemeber 19, the members of Bolivia ( Jake Bastedo, Zoe Caddell, Liz Kent, Graham Ereaux and Luke Trainor) gathered in a cold loft over a friends garage to begin recording their new EP with Patrick Edmonds. In spite of the frigid environment, the band was smiling and upbeat. Before recording a song, the musicians would gather around a space heater to warm-up; not a typical recording experience, but nevertheless one that Bolivia is excited about, I think this EP is a milestone in our band history, its moving us forward. Were all really excited about itI mean look at us: were in a subzero arctic attic right now and loving it, says Liz Kent. Bolivia has become a Sackville favorite, with fans knowing the lyrics of their songs by heart just through live performances. The band is truly grateful of their fans, and the chance to start a band in a town as supportive as Sackville. Sackville is the best place to start a band. There is just so much support. I think that becomes evident when people know

Argosy Photo/ Rosanna Hempel Bolivia gathered in the loft of a friends garage to record their upcoming EP, from left; Zoe Caddell, Graham Ereaux and Liz Kent. your songs, says Graham Ereaux. The process of recording the EP has been a meticulous endeavor, with thought and reflection put into every track. We hope to arrange the songs so that they will each kind of flow into the other like a story. We strive to make the EP less of a collection of songs and more of a full experience when all songs are listened to, explains Ereaux. Combine patiently listening to each song, mixing all the tracks, and compiling all of them together, and the result is a final product that will hopefully please the ears of Bolivia fans and fans-to-be. The recording has been a very handson experience, with a low-key release planned, Bolivia will be copying and packaging the EP themselves- a process that the band affectionately refers to as craft making. After the release of their album, there will hopefully be similar projects of Bolivias musical horizons. As far as band relationships go, were pretty deeply in love, and plan on staying together for as long as we can. Once we have more time, money, and songs, Im sure an album will start to develop. Its a lot more work recording an album, and we have decided that if we do one, we want to put in a full effort and get the most out of it as we can. Really, we just havent been together long enough to start thinking about that. This EP is the best first step though, explains Ereaux. The EP, untitled as of yet, will have five songs on it and hopefully be finished before Stereophonic and available for music lovers to purchase, I received possible life threats after concerts because we didnt have things to sell to people, jokes Jake Bastedo, so that was enough incentive to record an EP.

ATTIC TRANSMISSIONS
DECEMBER 1, 2011

THE CHMA 106.9 FM CAMPUS & COMMUNITY RADIO BULLETIN


THE FAREWELL FALL EDITION

THE CHARTS
FOR THE WEEK ENDING TUESDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2011
RANK ARTIST TITLE (LABEL) 01 JON MCKIEL* Tonka War Cloud (Saved By Vinyl/Youth Club) 02 COREY ISENOR* The Hunting Party (Self-Released)

STEREOPHONIC FESTIVAL UPDATE


Coming to a Sackville near you January 18--21
Kevin Brasier and Jess Palmer
January is a very special time in Sackville shining faces are returning from their cozy homes abroad, ready to give their all for another awesome semester of wonderful 8:30 A.M. classes, three-hour seminars that run until 9 at night, and of course, those fun fun essays! Horse apples you say? Then you are probably wondering what the hell Im talking about when I say January is a special time in Sackville but trust me, it truly is. How so? How about Stereophonic! Now in its ninth year, Stereophonic is a four day music festival that brings some of Canada and the Maritimes best independent music right here to beautiful Sackville. Stereophonic is organized by the ne ladies and gentlemen at CHMA 106.9FM, Sackvilles premiere campus/community station. Taking place from January 18-21, Stereophonic offers eight concerts in four days in all of Sackvilles best venues, including the Chapel, The Vogue, and of course, Georges Fabulous Roadhouse. Now, if you are thinking that there is no way you could afford to see eight fantastic concerts in that short a time, think again! Full festival passes cost only $45, which comes to a little over $5 a show. The reason Stereophonic is so affordable is because it is also a fundraiser for CHMA. Purchasing a pass will be your way of saying, Thank You to CHMA for always being there when you need it most awkward car rides, bad rst dates, roommates having sex too loudly not to mention all the new independent Canadian music thats shared with you every single day!! At this point, Im sure you are dying to know exactly who will be performing at Stereophonic 9. Good news! The full festival lineup is going to be announced live tomorrow night at Georges Roadhouse, as part of the Stereophonic 9 launch party. This party features performances of past Stereophonic hall of famers (and Maritime legends) Cousins, Klarka Weinwurm, and Peter Bohan. The fun begins at 10:00 P.M. and cover is just $10.

03 DEVARROW*
The Coast, The Cottage (Self-Released)

04 FEIST* Metals (Arts & Crafts) 05 ST. VINCENT Strange Mercy (4AD) 06 MARINE DREAMS* Marine Dreams (Youve Changed) 07 BAD VIBRATIONS* Black Train (Self-Released) 08 SANDRO PERRI* Impossible Spaces (Constellation)

09 TASSEOMANCY*
Ulalume (Out of This Spark)

10 DAVID MYLES* Into the Sun (Little Tiny) 11 THE STROKES Angles (RCA) 12 APOLLO GHOSTS* Money Has No Heart 7-inch (Geographing) 13 DOG DAY* Deformer (Fun Dog) 14 SNAILHOUSE* Sentimental Gentleman (Forward Music Group) 15 COUSINS* Secret Weapon 7-inch (Noyes)

16 WILCO
The Whole Love (dBpm)

However, we cant pull off an event of this proportion by ourselves. We depend upon your support to make Stereophonic one of Canadas most exciting winter music festivals. If you are interested in lending a hand, come to a volunteer meeting TODAY at 5:30 P.M. in the CHMA of ce, located on the third oor of the Wallace McCain Student centre. If you cannot make the meeting but are still interested in volunteering, please email Kevin and Jess at chma.stereophonic@ gmail.com For more information about Stereophonic 9, visit our website: http://stereophonicmusicfestival.wordpress.

17 BJRK Biophilia (Nonesuch) 18 THE SKELETONES FOUR* Gravestone Rock (Label Fantastic) 19 PAT LEPOIDEVIN* Highway Houses (Bridge Port Falls) 20 ADAM & THE AMETHYSTS* Flickering Flashlight (Kelp) 21 THE DECEMBERISTS Long Live the King (Capitol)

22 TOM WAITS
Bad As Me (Anti-)

CHARTER #31: David Simard Slower, Lower (Self-Released) Last weekend, David Simard started Saturday night off at Georges Roadhouse (followed by Corey Isenor and Jon McKiel) with a set of songs he sung with only an electric guitar for accompaniment. He released a full-length debut at the beginning of October, and has been touring to support it since. Last years Stereophonic saw him playing a haunting set in the Mount Allison Chapel; perhaps Sackville will be treated to another of his performances this coming January!

23 THE BARR BROTHERS* The Barr Brothers (Secret City) 24 ELLIOTT BROOD* Days Into Years (Paper Bag) 25 SAM ROBERTS* Collider (Rounder) 26 CARLETON STONE* Carleton Stone (Groundswell) 27 SEBASTIAN Total (Ed Banger) 28 THE WOMBATS This Modern Glitch (14th Floor) 29 THE LUYAS* Too Beautiful to Work (Ide Fixe) 30 PURITY RING* Ungirthed 7-inch (Transparent)

31 DAVID SIMARD*
Slower, Lower (Self-Released)

UPCOMING EVENTS & CONCERTS


DAVID MYLES & BANDED STILTS DECEMBER 3 VOGUE THEATRE $20 @ door all ages 7:30PM COUSINS & KLARKA WEINWURM & PETER BOHAN DECEMBER 9 GEORGES ROADHOUSE $10 19+ 10 PM THE IRISH ROVERS DECEMBER 17 CONVOCATION HALL $50 @ door all ages 7:30 PM

NEWCOMER SESSIONS EVERY TUESDAY 4PM 364-2221 WWW.MTA.CA/CHMA 3RD FLOOR STUDENT CENTRE

SCI & TECH


tracking in two malls shutdown
Shawn Seeley
Science and Technology Editor
The Promenade Temecula in southern California and Short Pump Town Center in Richmond, Virginia, attempted to conduct an anonymous survey in their malls, beginning on Black Friday. By using antennas positioned around their shopping centers, both malls aimed to analyze to the behaviours of their shoppers by tracking their smartphones. Customers were notified of the fact that they were being tracked by small signs around the mall, which were relatively indistinct and highly omissible from the attention of mallgoers. The only way customers could stop themselves from being tracked was to completely turn off their mobile devices. No other option for opting out of the survey was provided. The malls had originally planned for their non-consenting research to continue through the holiday season until New Years, but those plans were cut short by a phone call from Senator Charles Schuman. A shoppers personal cell phone should not be used by a third party as a tracking device by retailers who are seeking to determine holiday shopping patterns, Schuman argued in a public statement about the situation. Personal cell phones are

December 1, 2011

argosy@mta.ca

American malls attempt to NASA Curiosity track shoppers behaviours rover set to reach Mars by 2012 Smartphone
New Mars mission pushes boundaries of science
Marc-Alexandre Chartrand
InternetPhoto/GlobeandMail Whos watching you ? Two malls in America admit to trying to capture information about shopping behaviour by tracking smartphones. just that: personal. If retailers want to tap into your phone to see what your shopping patterns are, they can ask you for your permission to do so. Forest City Commercial Management (which oversees the operations of both malls where smartphone tracking took place), seemed relatively unapologetic and optimistic about the future of their shopper-tracking technology. We have temporarily suspended further trial of the technology while we work with the system developer on possible enhancements, and in deference to concerns raised by Senator Schumer, Forest City commented. We look forward to meeting with the senator and his staff, together with the system developer, to further explore his concerns. Sharon Biggar, the CEO of Path Intelligence (the company who designed the tracking technology) suggested that her company is only trying to even the playing field between online and offline shoppers and retailers. She argued that online shopping websites often employ tracking software, and her company creates a product that allows retailers in the physical world to get the same edge. Path Intelligence and Forest City Commercial Management alike have reasoned that their technologies are anonymous and respectful to shoppers. Each cell phone is coded as a different number, and individuals appear only on the display as a black dot that corresponds with the movement of the individual. Black Friday has now passed, but if Schuman fails in renouncing the pitfalls of tracking technology, the world we live in might just get a little more big brother than we would like it to. scientifically interesting locations on Mars because it exhibits exposures of clay minerals that formed in the presence of liquid water that could provide an opportunity for the genesis of biological life. From NASAs prior missions weve learned that Mars is a dynamic planet, said Michael Meyer, lead scientist for NASAs Mars exploration program, at a pre-launch briefing for reporters at the Kennedy Space Center. Weve learned that it has a history where it was warm and wet at the same time that life started here on Earth. And we know its undergone a massive transition from that more benign time to what it is today. Mars is worth exploring because of the potential for its having been habitable, at least in its past, said Meyer.

Science and Technology Writer


Last week, NASA launched a new rover into space. The rover, named Curiosity, was mounted on a United Launch Atlas V rocket and blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It is set to reach Mars by August 2012, where it will spend

InternetPhoto/CNET The Curiosity is NASAs most expensive rover yet. Perhaps one of the most advanced pieces of technology launched into space, Curiosity is set to reach the red planet in August, 2012. almost two years exploring a large crater on the planet. Curiosity is about the size of a passenger vehicle, and has been in the works for a few years. It is loaded with some of the most advanced scientific instruments ever sent into space. The new rover runs on a powerful nuclear battery a generator that converts heat from the natural decay of Plutonium-238 into electricity. Curiosity is slated to spend over 687 earth days exploring the rock, soil, and atmosphere of the red planet. Of particular interest to NASA is a region referred to as The Gale Crater. The Gale Crater is five kilometers deep, and has long fascinated Mars enthusiasts because of the mountain of layered materials that compose it. These layers hold the key to understanding what Mars was like in the past, and may hold answers to some longstanding questions about the planets history. The crater is one of the most The Curiosity rover is equipped with cameras, which will allow scientists to study the Crater from a distance. The rover is also furnished with a drill and scooper that will allow it to dig into the ground to obtain soil samples. A laser beam has also been mounted on the rover that will allow it to blast through patches of rock, producing dust clouds that can be analyzed for the presence of carbon-based molecules, the primary biological constituents of all known life forms. The success of this mission is of a transcendental importance that goes beyond scientific exploration. Though NASA hopes for the best, they know that if their mission fails to produce any significant results, they may not be able to get the funding for such expensive and extensive missions into space in the future. Curiosity is set to push the limits of science and technology, and only time will tell if the results are favorable.

Get your Sleep in Order


Jenna Gaudet
Argosy Correspondent
How often do you hear your friends complaining about their sleeping habits? No, I dont mean people talking about who they slept with, I mean their actual sleeping. Sleep is often underrated. We do it every night, but we sometimes forget how important sleeping is for our bodies. However, not everyone is able to just lie down and get a decent nights slumber. Insomnia Insomnia is a well-known sleeping disorder, severely affecting about 15% of people. According to a United States National Sleep Foundation Survey, it is classified as often having trouble falling asleep, waking too early in the morning, and waking up during the night and having trouble returning to sleep. Aside from pain and depression, stress and relationship problems can bring onsets of insomnia. However, if you toss and turn only a few nights each year, dont worry, you are probably insomnia-free. If you do find yourself taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep most nights, try going to bed at regular times, hiding your clocks, sleeping in a cool room, or avoiding caffeine consumption after 2pm. Narcolepsy Narcolepsy is the opposite of insomnia, wherein the onset of sleep is often rapid and unexpected. Being unable to sleep is the least of a narcoleptics worries: sleep could pounce on them at any moment, whether they are riding the bus, eating a sandwich, or having sex. While you may find yourself dozing off during a lecture, or suddenly being struck with an immense urge to nap while studying, these are not symptoms of narcolepsy, for narcolepsy unfortunately has more intense attributes. Narcoleptics fall into deep sleeps uncontrollably, and these bouts of unconsciousness can last anywhere from a few seconds to an hour. Cataplexy Cataplexy is a disorder that sometimes tags along with narcolepsy (as if having one disorder wasnt bad enough). Cataplexy is similar to narcolepsy, only the victim is conscious, but still loses control of their muscles. Essentially, they become entirely limp, but are still aware of everything. If this wasnt unfortunate enough, cataplexy is brought on by feelings of strong emotion such as surprise, elation, or even laughing really hard. Sexual emotions fall into that category, so if you are ever getting hot and heavy with someone, and their whole body suddenly goes limp, just take it as a compliment. And call a doctor. Sleepwalking Sleepwalking can happen to someone without them knowing. Sleepwalkers have even been known to drive, work electronics, and engage in physical activities with nonsleeping people. Sleepwalking is most common in children, so dont worry too much about going for an unintentional stroll tonight. And, despite popular belief, it is not dangerous to wake a sleepwalking person.

InternetPhoto/CanadianSpanceAgency

The Argosy

www.argosy.ca

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

21

Battle of wits
Journal explores military uses of neurotechnology
Tom Ingram
The Manitoban (University of Manitoba)
WINNIPEG (CUP) What will the wars of the future look like? Thats the question posed by a recent issue of the journal Synesis, centred on the theme of Neurotechnology in National Security. The issue assembles seven articles discussing the use of emerging brain-related technology for military purposes, detailing practical and ethical issues, and making recommendations for American policy. Spurred on by developments in brain science, such as an experiment in Germany that used neuro-imaging to predict test subjects decisions before they had conscious awareness that they had made a choice, the Synesis contributors seek to promote the issue of neuroscience in national security and bring the existing knowledge from theory into practice. cyber-neurosystems. They provide drugs in combat scenarios. Such examples, such as nanomachines that drugs could paralyze or bring about modify the brains functioning to passivity in enemy troops, or even enhance the performance of troops, kill them instantly. Using drugs in mind-reading by means of neurocombat is not a new idea, according to imaging, and devices that would Giordano and Wurzman, but modern increase a persons brainpower by scientific knowledge of the brain linking them to a computer. makes the idea more viable today The other papers go into more detail. than ever before. Some of them Giordano argues discuss brainthat opposition to machine interfaces, It cannot (nor should the use of science which could wire not) be overlooked in combat is a human into a that other nations are unrealistic. The computer network. making tremendous fact of the matter These devices could investments in brain is that we do live be used to control science, and much in a world in which advanced weapons of this research could there are people systems directly provide a basis for who would like to from the mind, or offensive capabilities do bad things to for training and us or our friends, supplementing said Jonathan the abilities Moreno, a scientist Chris Forsythe and of intelligence James Giordano at the University analysts. DARPA, Synesis Editors of Pennsylvania in the U.S. Defense Philadelphia, and Advanced Research the author of a Projects Agency, is already developing guest editorial in Synesis. technology that would allow However, Curtis Bell, of the Oregon intelligence analysts to sift through Health & Science University, images at unprecedented speeds. disagrees. He is opposed to the use of One article, by Giordano and Rachel neurotechnology research for military Wurzman, discusses at length the purposes. Its not enough just to issue of neuropharmacological study the issue of ethics, he said.

CUP/Nigel Sutcliffe

Nano-neuroscience, pharmaceuticals, neuro-imaging and cyberneurosystems may soon become the artillery of the frontlines.
It cannot (nor should not) be overlooked that other nations are making tremendous investments in brain science, and much of this research could provide a basis for offensive capabilities, says a paper co-authored by Chris Forsythe and James Giordano, the issues editors. The paper argues that the U.S. needs to be proactive in researching and developing neurotechnology for military purposes, to remain ahead of international competitors and protect national security. But a forward-looking program of research, development, testing and evaluation ... does not imply our developing and stockpiling potential neuroweapons, it says, arguing that developments in neurotechnology would best be used for intelligence efforts. Forsythe and Giordano discuss four broad types of technology they believe could be valuable for national security: nano-neuroscience, pharmaceuticals, neuro-imaging and

New MRI technique to diagnose Alzheimers


ASL-MRI removes risk factors of previous testing methods
Marc-Alexandre Chartrand
Science and Technology Writer
requires the patient to be exposed to small amounts of radioactive material. The ASL-MRI method that has recently been heralded as a promising alternative that does not involve exposure to any radioactive substances, and is four times less expensive than a PET scan. ASL-MRI can be used to measure neurodegenerative changes similarly to how FDG-PET scans are currently being used to measure glucose metabolism in the brain. Both tests have been shown to produce images that can be correlated with cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease. This alternative method is relatively new, and scientists have begun to experiment with it, and a few studies have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals evaluating the new technique. The results look quite promising. In the first study, available online in Alzheimer's and Dementia, ASLMRI and FDG-PET images from 13 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's and 18 age-matched controls were analyzed by visual inspection. Independent, blinded review of the two tests by expert nuclear medicine physicians demonstrated similar abilities to rule out or diagnose Alzheimer's. Neither technique revealed any clear advantage from quantitative testing. In the second study, published in Neurology, the ASL-MRI and FDG-PET images were compared statistically at each location in the brain by computerized analysis. Data from 15 AD patients were compared to 19 age-matched healthy adults. The patterns of reduction in cerebral

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has found a new way to diagnose and track the onset of Alzheimers disease by using an innovative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique called arterial spin labeling (ASL) in order to measure changes in brain function. Alzheimers disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that gradually destroys memory and cognitive functioning, eventually rendering one unable to carry out the most basic tasks. Alzheimers primarily strikes individuals in their old age, with symptoms generally appearing after the age of 60. It is the most common cause of dementia in older people. Scientists still dont know exactly what causes Alzheimers disease, but it has become quite clear that it develops because of a complex series of events that take place in the brain over a long period of time. Alzheimers is currently diagnosed using a specific positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan that

InternetPhoto/FrontiersofAgingNeuroscience blood flow were nearly identical to the patterns of reduced glucose metabolism by FDG-PET, both of which differed from the patterns of reduction in gray matter seen in AD. According to the authors of the aforementioned study, "given that ASL-MRI is entirely non-invasive, has no radiation exposure, is widely available and easily incorporated into standard MRI routines, it is potentially more suitable for screening and longitudinal disease tracking than FDG-PET." Further studies will try to focus on larger sample sizes including patients with mild cognitive impairment and other kinds of neurodegenerative conditions. If diagnoses continue to be easily reached by ASL-MRI, this new technique could eventually replace PET scans, nearly eliminating the risk factor of Alzheimers testing procedures.

InternetPhoto/Siemens

ARTS & LIT


Elliott Chorale and Choral Society perform festive concert in the Chapel
Julia McMillan
Arts and Literature Editor
For some, the holiday season begins when Christmas music begins to play incessantly on the radio, when shopping hours are extended for the masses, or when brightly coloured lights begin to twinkle all over town. However, for we at Mount Allison, the holiday season begins when the Elliott Chorale and Mt.A Choral Society present their annual Christmas Concert. The Chapel was packed to its maximum capacity on Saturday, November 26, as students and townsfolk alike gathered to hear the choirs, each directed by Gayle H. Martin. The evening began with the choral groups walking slowly towards the front of the church singing a beautiful and haunting acapella procession called the Hodie Chant. The entrance was effective, and the music was chilling and captivating, making the first song of the evening my favourite overall. Both choirs then moved on to perform Hodie

December 1, 2011

argosy@mta.ca

Choral concert sings, rings in the holiday season


Throughout Opella Novas performance, The Elliott Chorale moved to the upper-level of the Chapel, where they performed a selection of Bachs Canatata: Wachet auf, ruft uns die stimme. The piece opened with a beautiful organ introduction performed by Martin. The three movements each featured different student conductors, who led the singers with enthusiasm and precision. The first movement in particular featured bouncing, energetic melodies that were a joy for the audience and performers alike. The second half of the evening featured more traditional Christmas tunes performed by the Choral Society. The audience was delighted to hear more familiar pieces that evoked warm memories of the holiday season. The large number of singers involved in the ensemble was impressive, as was their expression and enthusiasm throughout their performances. The choir performed Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella, arranged by Parker and Shaw, Marys Little Boy Child arranged by Ed Lojeski, and Din Dong Merrily on High by Howard Cable. Helen Tucker accompanied the choir on piano, and her beautiful and sensitive playing stole the show several times. The evening closed with a hugely powerful, uplifting rendition of Gloria, composed by John Rutter. The concert was a great success, and helped get all involved into the Christmas spirit. Gayle H. Martin must be commended for her work with the choirs, and the high calibre of their performances.

Gayle h. Martin enthusiastically conducts The Mount Allison Choral Society at the Chapel on Saturday.
Christus Natus Est by Renaissance composer Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck. True to the Renaissance tradition of composition, the piece featured richly layered harmonies, cascading melodies, and polyharmonic textures. Despite the large size of the combined ensembles, the singers voices blended seamlessly together, and they sang with delicate, yet deliberate phrasing. The piece featured spots of tension, but it always pleasantly resolved. The Elliott Chorale then performed Motets by French choral composer Francis Poulenc. A motet is a vocal composition in polyphonic style, based upon a Biblical or prose text that is intended for use in a church service. The three movements of this particular motet are part of a four-movement piece intended to be performed around Christmastime. The piece is replete is dissonant and complex harmonies, and is an especially technically challenging work for singers. Throughout the motets, Poulenc breaks the rules of counterpoint in traditional choral arrangements, which makes the piece exciting both for the performer and the audience. Following the Chorales performance was a series of short selections by Opella Nova, a quartet featuring Maura MacDonald, Kayley Patterson, Colin Frotten, and Eric Biskupski. The singers voices complimented each other as they performed more familiar and upbeat selections, such Lo How the Rose is Blooming and Fum Fum Fum. Although there were a few pitch issues throughout the pieces, the quartet gave a lovely and entertaining performance.

Argosy/ Fiona Cai

Have a very crafty Christmas


Make your holidays a bit more creative using these easy Christmas DIYs
Julia McMillan and Kiera Foti
Arts and Literature Editor and Argosy Correspondent
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! Finals are finished, snow is (hopefully) falling, hot chocolate and Christmas cookies have become dietary staples, and your world is full of friends and family. But then there is the issue of presents while you love the people in your life, and would give them the moon, youre probably a poor student and therefore definitely dont have the resources to do that. Instead, make this a DIY (do it yourself ) Christmas using some of the Argosys fun, practical, and heartfelt craft ideas that will help make your gift giving a whole lot easier! Internet Photos/ Profile Kiss 1)Knitwear Growing up, almost everyone looks forward to hand knit winter apparel from their Grandmother. This year, you can be as cute and loving as a little grandma (or grandpa!) by knitting your friends their very own hat, scarf, or sweater. 2)Baked Goods I dont know anyone who doesnt love getting a tin of freshly baked cookies or cupcakes on Christmas. Baking someone their favourite desert is a personal, yet creative gift for anyone on your list. And dont forget to try out some gluten-free and vegan dishes! Check out Christies Corner ( http://christiescorner.com/) for a great gluten-free ginger bread man recipe. 3)Mixed CD Yes, we know this is just like junior high when you gave your crush a CD of songs about love or something. But, when done well, a mix CD (or tape, if you want to be really old-school) can be a really touching gift. A compilation of meaningful or fun songs, along with a creative cover, can be a great gift when youre on a budget. Play up your packaging by painting, collaging, or using a photograph you took to make the album cover. 4)Homemade Candy Everyone loves candy. Something that doesnt cross many people minds is the cheap and fun practice of making your own candy. This would be a very touching gift, and you can make it in bulk so that your recipe provides for many gifts! In terms of recipes, Martha Stewart has a lot of good ideas on her website for Homemade Holiday Candy including brittles, peppermint icicles, and fudge. The wrapping she uses is also really beautiful, if you need inspiration in that regard. One really great dessert blog, http://www. raspberricupcakes.com/, also provides a lot of ideas for candy recipes! 5)Silk-Screened Gifts Last year, I got a couple of gifts out of the way while still at school. The Little Armadillo is a print shop on Lorne St. that is run by fine arts student Kallie Garcia. Its a really enjoyable way to make some really heartfelt presents. I made a pillowcase for a friend at home by bringing in photos of us to the shop, tracing them, making a screen, and printing the images with clothing paint onto the pillowcase! It was a really fun process and I learned about silk-screening, which is something I didnt know much about beforehand. Its also cheap, especially if you pick up a few shirts from Salvation Army, and Kallie is really

Internet Photo/ Creature Comforts helpful for first-timers (she also has an AWESOME dog thats usually hangin around). There are also a lot of gift options for this choice. You can make bags, clothes, cloths, tablecloths, pillows, and whatever else you can silkscreen on! 6)Wrapping Paper and Bows Now that you have all of these fantastic gifts for the ones you love, you have to make them as pretty on the outside as they are on the inside. Get as creative as you can with collaged wrapping paper, handmade gift tags, and bows made of features or leaves. Remember Christmas is supposed to be fun, not stressful. So, make your holidays as relaxed and enjoyable as possible using some of these quick and easy gift ideas!

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ARTS & LIT

Windsor Theatre does Ibsen with style


Enemy of the People sells out three nights in a row
Joel Young
Arts and Literature Writer

23

Last week, Windsor Theatre delivered wonderful performance of Henrik Ibsens famous slightly comedic drama, An Enemy of the People. This was the final play put on by Windsor Theatre for the fall season. This was the first production I took in at Windsor Theatres new location in Convocation Hall. I must say I was not disappointed. After being whisked in from the frigid November evening, I found myself in a comfortable, intimate environment on the stage of Con Hall. The space was enclosed by tall partitions that separated the production from the rest of the hall. An Enemy of the People was one of Ibsens most overtly political works. Written midway through the Norwegian playwrights career, the play tells the story of a Doctor in a small resort town discovers the towns water supply is contaminated, and is subsequently denounced by the entire town. I wanted to do Enemy of the People with the students of Mount Allison because it speaks so clearly to our time. Said director Mary Vingoe in the directors note. It could be the pipeline, it could the oil sandsthis play is stunningly relevant today. The entire cast was absolutely onpoint for the entire performance Saturday evening. The players channeled a vibrant intensity, and

All photos by Lea Foy

The cast of The Enemy of the People performed sold out shows at Windsor Theatres new location in Convocation Hall last weekend.
delivered their lines with conviction without being overbearing. Justin Thomas was cast perfectly as the eccentric and wise protagonist Dr. Thomas Stockmann, opposite to his somber brother Peter Stockmann (played by Jeffery OHare). Thomas and OHare were dynamic and complimented each other perfectly, matching seriousness with quirky insight. The entire play was overflowing with extremely serious ideas and insight coupled with fun comedic interplay. The acting was extremely physical at times; all of the players worked together to deliver scenes of loud, cacophonous intensity, juxtaposed with sentimental scenes with memorable lines. Absolutely no space within the small stage was wasted. There were seats in the audience reserved that the actors occupied in the second act, interacting with the players on center stage. It was an audience within an audience: a great example of some light meta-theatre. This really added to the intimacy of the entire production, and made for a very real and profound theatrical experience. The costumes were very well done; everything looked as though it was straight from the late nineteenth century. The stage fixtures were simple yet effective: a wall with simple wallpaper as a backdrop, tables and chairs depending on the scene. The actors made great use of the relatively small space. An Enemy of the People is far from an easy play to stage. The actors of Windsor Theatre truly succeeded in bringing Ibsens work it to life.

The Arts and Lit Section accepts creative writing pieces each week. If you are a budding poet, dabble in fiction, prose or perhaps are creating your own literary genre, email argosy@mta.ca to submit your masterpiece and share your work.

Creative Writing

Trees

By Sam Page
May 24 Today was a pretty normal day, worked the long shift at the library then came home for some R&R. I found some seeds under a shelf on third floor this afternoon though, and thought that was weird, but when I told Mandy about it she told me that the library had had problems with squirrels in the past. You learn something new everyday I suppose. June 1 What an awful day. The sprinkler system went off in the library for some mysterious reason. The cops werent able to find any culprit but whoever it was managed to ruin millions of dollars worth of books and to make me very busy for the next few months. June 12 Weve been working almost nonstop for almost two weeks now to try and dry all of the books in the library. We started with those in the basement floors because those got the wettest and are for the most part irreplaceable.

July 7 Something unbelievable is happening in the library. Today we finally started drying the last of the books on the main floor and are going to move on to the upper levels, before today, however, nobody has been up there

for about a month simply because we couldnt spare the time. The risk of mould was worth saving the other books while we still could. What exactly is happening up there or how its happening I have no idea, but we were all stupefied when we saw it.

Plants and small trees, all growing from piles of damp books which had been knocked off their shelves. I know this makes no sense, but I saw it with my own eyes. July 8 Men in white coats came to the library today to looks at what was happening on the upper floors and were struck dumb just as we had been, they became worried after seeing the size of some of the trees, almost reaching the ceiling and stretching out towards the windows. Frankly I think its beautiful everything is so vibrant and green. The way they all grow between the rows of shelves gives me a certain sense of serenity. July 10 We werent allowed inside the library today, nobody was. Apparently men in hard hats had given the order, saying that the integrity of the building was at great risk because the roots of the all the trees had burrowed throughout the upper floors and walls. They had even breached to water pipes and

there was flooding again. June 15 The men in hard hats told us that the building could collapse at any time so we were not allowed inside to save the books we worked so hard to dry. Today I went over, however, because Mandy told me there was something I needed to see. When I got there I was far from disappointed. The trees had started bursting through the windows, desperately seeking open air and sunlight and growing at a frantic rate. It made the building look as if it was about to erupt from being to full of foliage. A large group had gathered at the front of the library protesting the plans to demolish the building. Yelling at the men in hard hats, demanding how they could destroy such a show of the miraculous powers of nature. They should be ashamed of themselves. Monsters! What are you so afraid of anyways? June 19 The library was knocked down today. I have an interview at a bookstore thats not too far away tomorrow.

24 ARTS & LIT

December 1, 2011

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A FINE Arts show indeed


Kiera Foti
Argosy Contributor
The Fine Arts Show and Sale took place this weekend on Friday and Saturday. If you had a chance to go, youll know that there was a really great selection to choose from. Many art aficionados in attendance had a chance to do some of their holiday shopping at the show, and it was also a great opportunity to buy some original art for your own collection! There were tables of prints, drawings, and paintings, and even a few large pieces on the edges of the room. The prices were fair, and it was definitely intriguing and inspiring to see lots of artwork created by our fellow students. Betty Liang, president of the Fine Arts Society and fourth year fine arts student said, Its a really good opportunity for art students because not only do they get to sell their work, but it also gives them a chance to show to the community their work even if they havent been able to get a show anywhere in town. In case you didnt get a chance to buy anything or visit the show, another show and sale will be taking place next semester in February. Get your butt over there! Argpsy/Lea Foy

The Fallowfield Carol


Must-buy Christmas novel witty, whimsical
John A. W. Brannen
Editor-in-Chief
Are you looking for a book that you simply cant put down? Do you want to catch yourself smiling, laughing, or even shedding a tear whilst reading? Well my friends search, no more. Once youve got The Fallowfield Carol in your hands youll be following the adventure of Messrs. Wiggin and Clarke and their search for an ancient carol of Christmas. I suppose Ihad it in my mind to come up with some sort of Christmas story since the latter part of junior high school at least, says author Andrew W. Smith. Then I got to be so exasperated with the Christmas stories on offer in our own time, that I knew what I had to do. The result was this novel, which in true Dickens' style both a short and long title (The Fallowfield Carol or The Adventure of Messrs. Wiggin & Clarke, Concerning Their Search for an Ancient Carol of Christmas). Smith, who grew up on Cape Sable Island in Souwest Nova Scotia notes on the back cover that his fixation with Christmas is mildly unhealthy. The story follows Wynslowe Wiggin, an older eccentric man in a long line of seemingly eccentric and storied men, and his search for an ancient Christmas carol. Smith provides vivid and droll descriptions; Wiggin, for example: his hair has a permanent windswept look and a face that is creased like a relief map of the Nile Delta. His acquaintance and neighbor, Oliver Clarke is the mild mannered and levelheaded partner in this most unlikely partnership. He helps Wiggin in his quest part because he didnt have the heart to refuse and partly because he needs the money. Theres no need to rack your brain or strain to find a great underlying message in this story. If there's a moral to that story then I can't find it, states Smith. My cause in writing the bookwasn't much higher than to make a little good Christmas fun. He insists that hell save any preaching or societal critique for an Op-Ed in a newspaper. I fail to see why a Christmas story shouldnt be good fun all the way through. And fun it is. Smiths mastery of the English language and ability to convey subtle nuances in people and situations to the reader is wonderfully refined. Smith lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma nowadays, and may be coming to Nova Scotia this Christmas, to the place where the fascination with the season began, to visit family. A fellow can hardly grow up ina family with the kind of aunt who keeps a Christmas Room in her Victorian house year-round, and not come out the other end with something more than the usual interest in Christmas, he notes emphatically. That this fixation has produced this novel is fine by me. Wiggin is looking for much more than just an ancient carol. It is a search for purpose and fulfillment, since he has lived a relatively stable and uneventful life in comparison to his predecessors. A truly heartwarming and brilliantly witty book is a fine addition to any library either the small and quaint bookshelf or one with a rolling library ladder and several high back chairs and maybe a small pipe organ. Its the perfect gift for those looking for a novel of part humour, part mystery, part history, part Anglophilia, and altogether good Christmas fun. Your copy can be purchased at www.tatepublishing.com for a very reasonable $11.99 US, not including shipping. Argosy/LeaFoy

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Ninety-ninth Grey Cup ripe with perseverance


Sponsored by Joeys Pizza and Pasta

SPORTS

Brandon Malally Basketball


Mount Allisons six-foot-four forward BRANDON MALALLY has won University Athlete of the Week honours for leading the Mounties mens basketball team to their third straight victory, a convincing 92-68 win in Truro over the NSAC Rams. He had 25 points and 13 rebounds to pace the Mounties, who finished the first half of their season with a 4-3 record. The third Mountie from Truro, NS, Malally currently ranks second in the ACAA for points per game. A third-year player with the Mounties, Malally comes from Truro, NS, where he is a past two-time MVP with the Cobequid Educational Centre team. The former high school league all-star was the Mounties Rookie of the Year in 2009-10. At six-four and 235 pounds he has been a dominant player every game for the Mounties. Malally is currently enrolled in his third year of Arts and is majoring in psychology.

Lauren Oickle Hockey


Mount Allisons hockey captain LAUREN OICKLE led the Mounties to a 4-1 victory over Saint Marys Huskies on Sunday. Oickle had two goals and one assist to lead the way, and she was named Player of the Game for her efforts. Oickle was also one of the top Mounties on Saturday when they lost a close 3-2 decision to number-four-ranked St.FX in Antigonish. Oickle was an AUS second-team all-star in 2010-2011 on defines, but she has successfully made the move to forward early in the new season, consistently performing as one of the top players on the ice. A 59 fourth-year leader with the Mounties and last years MVP, Oickle comes from Moncton, NB, where she is a former player with the Moncton AAA Rockets and Bernice MacNaughton High School. She is currently studying Commerce at Mount Allison and majoring in marketing management. Also nominated this week were standouts Erica Cronkhite (volleyball), and Sara MacKellar (basketball).

Fullback Rolly Lumbala lifts the Grey Cup after his team beats the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 34-23.

Internet Photo/BC Lions

Bombers, Lions come back from the depths to shine on national stage
Wray Perkin
Sports Writer
If theres one thing to take away from the many story lines surrounding the CFLs ninety-ninth Grey Cup last weekend, its that anything is possible. While the game may not tell that same story itself, as the BC Lions essentially controlled the game en route to a 34-23 victory at home in the new BC Place, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the losing team in the game, along with the Lions, overcame many obstacles on their way to the championship game, and each team has their fair share of individuals who have overcome much adversity in their time. Starting with the Blue Bombers, who finished dead last in the CFL with a 4-14 record in 2010, it would have been easy for them to chuck their systems, ditch a few players, and try and rebuild. They didnt do that, and instead put their faith in Head Coach Paul LaPolice, who entered only his second season as Head Coach in 2011. They also returned twenty of twenty-four starters, and their biggest off-season acquisition was bringing in two-time Grey Cup champion Tim Burke to coordinate the defence from the sidelines. Quarterback Buck Pierce was one of the 20 returning starters, but he did not finish the 2010 season; on Labour Day against Saskatchewan last year, Pierce dislocated the elbow on his throwing arm, a gruesome injury which no quarterback in professional football has ever come back from. Pierce set career highs in completions, passing yards, and rushing yards in 2011 to pace the Blue Bombers in 2011, and, had it not been

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for Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillos record-setting season, may well have been a contender for East Division All-Star at the position. Early in the 2011 season, the Bombers faced heartache of the worst kind. On July 26, just two days before their week five matchup against BC, beloved assistant coach Richard Harris suffered a heart attack in his office, and passed away moments later. The Blue Bombers played on, dedicating the following game and the rest of the season to Coach Harris, who many saw as more than a coach; in many of the interviews leading up to the Grey Cup game, Bomber players described Harris as a father figure to everyone on the team. Despite losing Harris, the Blue Bombers stayed strong, winning their game days after his death, and the defensive line, which he coached, was a strength of the team, boasting CFL sack leader Odell Willis. Even though one can look at the champion BC Lions, it was not all rosy and happy for them in 2011. If it is said that some teams stumble out of the gate, it is safe to say that the Lions actually fell down on their face out of the gate. A 0-5 start to the season which was full of blown coverage assignments, dropped passes, and an overall inability to do anything well had the Lions winless, and then at 1-6. In week 8 against Edmonton that all changed. The Lions dominated 36-1 and did not look back. 28-6. 42-5. 43-1. Those are just some of the scores from the Lions run for first place in the West, which included an eight-game win streak en route to a stunning (seemingly) 11-7 record. In the West Final, the Lions stuck it to those same Eskimos, before beating Winnipeg in the Grey Cup game. At the centre of the Lions 2011 season was quarterback Travis Lulay. A couple of bad interceptions by the second-year starter cost the Lions dearly in those early losses, but the fiery pivot didnt fold, and improved every game. Thursday night before

Three and out

12-24 21-15 270

Combined record of both teams last season Combined record of both teams this season Total yards passing by both Lulay and Pierce

the Grey Cup, Lulay was honoured as the Leagues Most Outstanding Player, an achievement which many would not have seen coming three years ago. After bouncing back from a career-threatening injury in the NFL Europe, Lulay got a shot at the Lions roster. At the start of the 2009 season, Lulay made the roster as the fourth-string quarterback. Jarious Jackson, Casey Printers, and Buck Pierce (yes, the same one) were all ahead of him on the depth chart. Pierce was shipped out after injury troubles, and when the Lions came to the realization that Printers would never win them a championship, they decided to give the kid Lulay a shot at the starting job in 2010. Lulay started the final few games for the Lions last season, and started the West Division Semi-Final, an overtime loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who would lose in the Grey Cup game. This season, there was little doubt Lulay was the man for BC, and he showed it, finishing in the top two in the CFL in virtually every passing stat. So when you look at the ninetyninth Grey Cup, dont just look at the game and result, take note of the many story lines of resolve and determination. Because, as any CFL fan will tell you, its what makes the CFL so great; you never know what is going to happen.

26 SPORTS

December 1, 2011

argosy@mta.ca

Mounties mastering martial arts

World AIDS day


Event calls attention to AIDS awareness
Jenn MacKenzie
Health Intern
December is AIDS awareness month. This month is dedicated to educating people about this health problem and is a way for people worldwide to show their support in the fight against AIDS. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus attacks the immune system, which can make common bacteria, yeast, parasites, and viruses that usually do not cause serious health problems in healthy people life threatening. HIV can be transmitted through contact of bodily fluids such as blood or during sexual encounters (oral, vaginal, and anal sex). HIV can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn child. There have also been many myths surrounding the transmission of HIV. HIV cannot be spread by hugging, mosquitoes, or by touching objects that were previously touched by an infected person. People who become infected with HIV may not experience any symptoms for up to 10 years. Although these people do not show any symptoms, they can still transmit the infection to others. Usually within 2-4 weeks after contracting the HIV virus, those people who are not symptom free will experience flulike symptoms. If infected people are not treated for the HIV, then it most always develops into AIDS. People with AIDS are very susceptible to disease a n d of HIV in the body and control the symptoms. The antiretroviral therapy is the treatment used to suppress replication of HIV, but HIV can become resistant to these medications over time, making it less effective. HIV can be prevented through safe sex, avoiding contact with another persons blood, and by not using or sharing needles or syringes. The World AIDS Campaign is set in place to ensure access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support. They also make sure that these services are provided to those in need without discrimination or judgement. They also work in collaboration with many communities and organizations. They focus particularly on regions with AIDS epidemics such as SubSahara Africa and other regions in the developing world. World AIDS Day is December 1, and the Health Matters Society at MTA will be placing red ribbons on trees around campus to show our support, and will also be hosting a booth on campus where you can pick up your AIDS ribbon. They will also be collecting donations at the table that will go towards HIV/AIDS research, prevention, and education. Check the Coming Events Calendar on the MTA website for more information about time and location of the booth.

The Mount Allison Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu squad consists of (LR): Justin Groves, Jeff Hicks, Chris Arsenault, Kelly Minion, Harry Wenban and Tim Wingate. The team achieved several podium finishes at a tournament this past month in Moncton.

Argosy Photo/Jeff Hicks

frequently have chills, fevers, sweats, swollen lymph glands, become weak, and experience weight loss. HIV is very difficult to treat because the virus has a high mutation rate, so it is not easy to generate a treatment that will affect all mutant stains within a persons body. Therefore, there is no cure for this virus. There are treatments that are available to patients that can help suppress the replication

Brazilian JiuJitsu club gaining strength at Mount Allison

Sean Connors, CA Senior Wealth Advisor Tel: 506-867-0705 Sean_connors@scotiamcleod.com

Kevin Monaghan, Mens Basketball


Lisa Riley
Argosy Correspondent
Kevin Monaghan from Moncton, New Brunswick, is a point guard and shooting guard (for those of you who dont know that means he has been the play maker, brings the ball up the court, and he scores all the baskets) in addition to being a fifth year Commerce student. Though this is his fifth year on the basketball team, having played at Mt. A since the 2007-2008 season (07/08 11/12), he also keeps busy off the court. Kevin has been a member of Mt. A commerce society for 4 years, taking part in numerous events and commerce trips, much like the trip to Toronto last year. During the summer months he volunteers at the Sunny Brae Royal Canadian Legion, and has been volunteering at the Legion since the summer after his grade twelve year. He also helps out during turkey and roast beef dinners, fundraisers,

and yard sales whenever they need the extra help. He is also the captain of the Mt. A mens basketball team, and has been captain for the last two seasons. Some of Kevins best memories from Mount Allison come from playing on the basketball team as well as some of his best friends, travelling on the road is the best part that is where some my best memories will come from. Basketball season is long, from late September to the beginning of March, so balancing school and work can be tough. Hes found that basketball has actually been a motivator to get things done. It helps him plan out his days and schedule time for everything, as compared to when basketball ends and sometimes he finds himself getting a little lazy. Having basketball at a set time, working school around it, just gives him the break he needs to get focused and hit the books. The basketball team has just acquired a new coach for the upcoming second half of the season and they plan on treating it like a brand new season. January it is going to be like the season is starting over again as we prepare for the remaining games in our schedule with our

MountAllison/Sue Seaborn

new head coach, Duane Starratt. Its exciting and our team feels we will accomplish great things by seasons end. With this being Kevins last year as a Mountie, his plans for the future are simple: start working or head back to school. Either way he is very confident that basketball will play a part in whatever he chooses because of the confidence and drive to succeed he has gained from playing. The next time the Mount Allison Mens basketball team plays at home is Wednesday January 18 at 8:00pm. So, come on out and cheer on Kevin and the rest of your Mounties!

strategy. Its focus is on grappling and ground-fighting, in which an opponent wins by submissions such as arm-bars or guillotines. The team is led and coached by fourth year Commerce student Chris Arsenault, who runs classes twice a week outside of other training time. Tournaments such as the one Jeff Hicks in Moncton provide an excellent opportunity for the teams members Argosy Contributor to test their techniques and strategies against new opponents. When asked Mount Allisons Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, about the tournament, Chris had one of the universitys most active club this to say: Im proud of all the guys teams, competed in two tournaments that competed, win or lose. It is really throughout November, collecting an most important to get out on the mats impressive array of medals. From the and see if your techniques work in a first tournament, held in Moncton, competitive environment. Its really Mt. A students Chris Arsenault, rewarding for me as a coach to see the Kelly Minion, team executing Tim Wingate, the moves that and Justin Groves Its really rewarding we worked on each fought their in training. At for me as a coach way to podium all tournaments positions. At to see the team and classes, the second participants executing the moves tournament, and coaches hosted in Truro, that we worked on in stress respect Nova Scotia, the training and politeness lone competitor b e t w e e n Adam Semple opponents on Chris Arsenault and off the mat. represented the club well The classes are Mixed Martial Artist by amassing a always open to 3-2 record, and newcomers, and coming in fourth do not require place. a serious commitment from anyone Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a form of who does not intend to compete in submission wrestling and selftournaments. The classes take place defence, originating out of Japan in the fitness centre every Wednesday and Brazil. It has rapidly spread from 8:30 to 9:30, and Sunday from into popular culture through its 6:00-7:30. For more information, prominence in mixed martial art contact Chris at: cearsenault@mta.ca.

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SPORTS

Women and men Hockey Mounties holding Mounties roll down fourth place over NSAC Mounties split Hockey stats
weekend games against Xavier, Huskies
for the game, with Meghan CorleyByrne taking the loss in goal. Sunday, the Mounties line of James, Courtney King and captain Lauren Oickle accounted for all the offence, with each member of the line recording multiple points in the 4-1 victory. Oickle got things started on the powerplay just over halfway Wray Perkin through the first period. Oickle scored her second of the Sports Writer game midway through the second, though the Huskies cut the lead in half in the third period. Oickles two The Mount Allison Womens Hockey linemates then put the game away, Mounties head into the Christmas with King and James scoring five break on a winning note, splitting minutes apart to seal the deal. their weekend games this past James recorded a goal and two weekend on the road. Saturday, the assists, while Oickle collected the two Mounties dropped a hard-fought goals to go with Kings goal and assist. contest 3-2 to fourth ranked St FX, Corley-Byrne stopped 30 of 31 shots before defeating the Saint Marys for the victory. Huskies 4-1 on Sunday. We are playing good games The fourth-place Mounties (5-4-2, 12 points) head into the break having against the best teams in our league, won five of their last seven games said Head Coach Zach Ball. We after starting out the season with four have shown that can have success losses. against those teams and we belong at At St. FX, the Mounties found the top of our division. The Mounties themselves down three minutes in. defeated fifth ranked Moncton a week Failing to clear the puck from their ago, and held their own against St own zone, FX, so it has been a the Mounties couple of promising surrendered a We are playing good weekends to end off goal to Daniela 2011. Falconio. The games against the best This weekend rest of the teams in our league. was filled with period was strong individual fairly evenly and team efforts, Zach Ball as the Mounties played, with the X-Women Head Coach narrowly outshot holding a 10-8 their opponents 60shots advantage. 58 in the two games. The faceoff circle was dominated by Early in the second, the Mounties the Mounties, however, with their managed to take a 2-1 lead following centres winning sixty-four of ninetygoals by Lindsay James and Katelyn nine draws over the weekend, led by Morton. The lead wouldnt last, Courtney King, who won twenty-six however, as 2010-11 CIS Rookie of her forty faceoffs. of the Year Alex Normore scored a Jamess four-point weekend puts goal and assisted on another before her on quite the streak heading into the second period ended, giving the the break, as the sophomore forward X-Women the 3-2 lead they carried now has goals in five of her last six, until the final buzzer. as well as recording twelve points in Despite surrendering the tying and her last eight games. She is also on a winning goals in the second period, three-game goal and points streak. the Mounties had a clear shots After missing four games due to advantage, 17-8, and created many suspension, Oickle has come out chances in the X-Women zone. The firing as well, with six points in the Mounties held a 30-27 edge in shots

27

+4 .968 1.5

Goal differential for the Mounties so far this season Save percentage of Meghan CorleyByrne in Sundays victory over SMU Points per game for sophomore Lindsay James in the last eight games

Mt. A forward Marlon Smith controls the ball against NSAC.


McHatten, who went four of seven from the field in addition to draining two from beyond the arc to record the first double-double of her young career at Mt. A. The team appeared to be undisciplined as evidenced by their thirty personal fouls throughout the game, leading to thirty NSAC points from the line. However, they Robert Murray dominated in the paint, scoring thirty-two points in the area while Sports Editor also recording twenty-one offensive rebounds. Both the mens and womens The men picked up where the basketball teams closed out the 2011 women left off, taking their game portion of their schedule this past by a final score of 92-68. The men weekend with wins over the Nova got out to a quick start, putting up Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC.) thirty-one points in the first quarter. Al Hart and the womens squad had From there the defense took over, to work overtime to beat the Rams not allowing the Rams to break by a score of 85-78. On the mens twenty points in any of the four side, Truro resident Brandon Malally quarters. The statistical breakdown and Valley native Tim Crouse had of scoring reflected the teams ability a prefect homecoming, leading the to capitalize on opportunities. The team to a 92-68 victory. men scored twenty-two points off The women outscored the NSAC of offensive turnovers while posting Rams 12-5 in overtime to take an forty-two in the paint, and getting a 85-78 decision in Truro this past helping hand from the reserves who Saturday. While chipped in thirtythe Mounties led eight off the by a single point It felt really good to bench. a half- time, the go into the break over In all it Rams battled back was a perfect .500 after having a to tie the game homecoming for after a strong slow start. Brandon Malally, fourth quarter. who after the Mounties starters game said, It felt Brandon Malally really good to go Marlon Smith and Mounties Forward into the break over Sara McKellar combined for .500 after having forty-six points a slow start. He as each played over thirty minutes in then went on to note that it was the game. Jennifer Lutes and Hillary good playing in Truro, his hometown, Hooper dropped twenty-four and stating that the game felt, almost like seventeen points respectively to lead another home game for me. the Rams charge. While both teams In addition to Malallys twentystarting five were more or less equal, five point efforts, his second double putting up points with determination, double of the season, Ben Chisholm the offensive turnovers and benches added sixteen in twenty-four minutes for both teams were the ultimate of action while Trevor Mann and Akil difference in the game. Mt. A scored Smith added twelve and ten points nineteen points off the bench and respectively. The teams have a break eighteen off of offensive turnovers, now until the New Year when they while NSAC only managed eleven make a return trip to Truro to face points on offensive turnovers and NSAC again on January 8. Tip off is another eleven off the bench. at 2:00pm for the women and 4:00pm Also contributing for the Mounties for the men. in a large role was MacKenzie

Internet Photo/BC Lions

Mounties basketball close out 2011 with pair of victories

five games since returning to the lineup, and is also on a three-game points streak. Defensively, the Mounties have seen Kristen Cooze and rookie Emily Van Diepen emerge as strong offensive threats from the blueline, while seeing steady defensive play from veterans Meg Davies and Megan Cameron. Corley-Byrne and Jenelle Hulan are teaming up in goal to put together a solid season; the Mounties are ninth in the CIS as a team with a .923 save percentage. Hulan is undefeated in three starts while Corley-Byrne has won two of the last three. In what might be the biggest turnaround from years past, the Mounties are holding down a respectable goal differential, having outscored their opponents 29-25. The individual plus/minus ratings are significantly higher than past seasons as well, with the highest rating belonging to Ashlyn Somers, who at +12 is tenth in the CIS. The Mounties return to action on the first full weekend of January, with a pair of home games. Saturday, January seventh the Mounties play host to the Huskies at 2:30pm, and will welcome the St FX X-Women to Sackville on Sunday the eighth at 2pm. Four of their five games in January are at home, so be sure to mark your new 2012 calendars and support the Mounties as they search for their second playoff berth in a row.

Henderson jersey tour in town


Pieces of history from 1972 Summit Series paraded around Canada
Robert Murray
Sports Editor
Hockey history rolled through Sackville this past week as memorabilia belonging to Paul Henderson, famously known for scoring the deciding goal against the Soviets in the 1972 Summit Series, was put on display. Although the jersey and gloves were only in Sackville for four hours on a chilly Thursday afternoon, it provided a glimpse into the past for many young hockey fans. In a phone interview, Tour Field Manager Rob Wighton shared his experiences from previous stops on the tour, talking about a stop in Souris, Prince Edward Island not ten days earlier where the whole town, including the mayor, came out for the celebration and provided a great deal of hospitality. He also shared his thoughts on the preservation of hockey history, saying it was very important, before adding that hes thankful the Summit Series happened, or it might be hard to find items from this time period. The tour, packed neatly into the back of an 18-wheeler, features a chronological timeline of the series, spanning all eight games and features video replays of each game to give fans a glimpse into history. Wighton was hoping the tour would target Canadians of all ages. The tour aims to share the experience of the 1972 Summit Series with Canadians young and old as it travels across Canada. The Summit Series is approaching its fortieth anniversary in September 2012. The eight games series was projected by many to be a easy test for the Canadian side, but they found themselves in over their head after the emergence of stars such as goaltender Vladislav Tretiak. Be sure to check out future stops as the tour continues on around the Maritimes before finishing in Halton Hills, Ontario on February 18, 2012. Check out henderjerseytour.com for more information and tour dates!

December 5th - 13th


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Pop/Juice $1 Red Bull $2.75 Red bull Combo: Wings/Mozza Sticks and a Red Bull: $8.25

AT THE POND DURING EXAMS:

FOOD AND REDBULL UNTIL LATE!

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