Issue 14, Vol. 147. The Brunswickan

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Volume 147 · December 4, 2013 · Issue 14

brunswickan canada’s oldest official student publication.

H C T A W E STRIK See page 5 for all the details

Alex Walsh / The Brunswickan

December 4, 2013 • Issue 14 • Volume 147 • 3

THE BRUNS

NEWS news@thebruns.ca

Emma McPhee News Reporter When it comes to buildings that need renovating at UNB, the two-year-old Currie Center is probably the last place to come to mind. However, it’s this building that is currently undergoing some upgrading.

UNB’s $62 million recreation centre officially opened in October 2011. This fall it received a $100,000 renovation to the first floor entrance.

The information desk and rental desk were combined to face the entrance doors and space was opened up for more offices.

“Basically what we’re trying to do is to combine these two [desks] together.

In the past, there was one desk on one side of the hallway and one on the other side,” said David Saad, director of facilities at the Currie Center.

“Previous people were coming in the entrance doors and they couldn’t see anybody because the rentals desk was way down and the information desk was around the corner. So one of the reasons for doing it is so that when people come in, [the desk] can actually be seen.”

By moving the two desks together, more office space was made available.

This means the centre will be able to house more programs.

“Current office space right now is being turned into program area,” said Rebecca Wilson, the Currie Center’s

marketing and public relations coordinator.

These new programs will include a personal training studio, a reformer’s studio and a fitness assessment area.

The centre will also be increasing its instructional program offerings in the winter term as a result of the renovations.

“So there is a ripple effect actually, a positive spin by relocating this desk across the hallway which creates a lot of spaces for other programs as well,” said Gansheng Xu, the centre’s director of recreation services.

While the desk renovation is complete, Saad doesn’t expect the offices will be finished until January.

According to Saad, the project’s $100,000 price tag will pay for itself within a five-year period. None of the cost will be covered by student fees.

These savings will come largely from savings in salary. Because the rental desk and information desk are now combined, fewer staff are required.

“We’re going to save approximately $20,000 each year with combining staff. So over five years that $100,000 is going to be recapped,” Saad said.

He said the decision to renovate came after two years of lacking efficiency in the operational side of the centre.

“We just discovered that as we went for the first two years that things weren’t the way we’d like them to happen,” said Saad.

Currie Center gets facelift After only three years of being open, the first floor is seeing renovations

The new renovations include combining the information desk and the rental desk.

Karsten Saunders / The Brunswickan “With any construction there’s engineers and architects involved, but then the actual users of the space once you get in there [find that] there’s always little things that come up that could be increased and improved for efficiencies,” Wilson said.

Some students have been left wondering why the renovations were necessary.

“They said that they needed that information booth to be on the other side, and I don’t understand why, but it sounded like they thought it was necessary,” said Jesse Reid, a student at UNB. “I’m not really sure what the purpose of making a new rental desk was cause they haven’t really told us,” Rachel Hudson, another student, said.

Gansheng said that the renovations will ultimately benefit everyone.

“This will benefit students as well as our other paying members from the faculty and staff, alumni and some of the community members,” he said.

“And also certainly we’re creating a better working relationship among our staff as well as financial savings.”

Council talks NBSA (again) Cherise Letson News Editor Continuing the tradition of the past four years, the New Brunswick Student Alliance (NBSA) was the hot topic at council on Sunday.

Greg Bailey, UNBSU vice-president external, put forward a motion to repeal a motion passed by last year’s council that called for a referendum question in the 2014 UNBSU general election regarding the UNBSU’s membership in the NBSA. Bailey argued that the issue should be decided by council, for it deals with the questions of “how” the UNBSU does its lobbying.

“You go to your constituents for the ‘what’ and it’s council’s job to figure out the ‘how,’ ” Bailey said. “If you look at other services the Student Union offers like SafeRide . . . you would never go to a referendum to ask them how they wanted it to be run.”

Bailey said that student lobbying is no different.

“We know that students want us to lobby externally. It’s in our founding documents, it’s in our by-laws and students continuously tell us that debt and tuition are issues they want us to

address,” he said. “The NBSA is a ‘how’ through which we look at our external lobbying.”

Bailey said through best practices, it should be council’s job to decide whether to stay in the NBSA, for councillors were elected to make the best decisions for their constituents.

He also said that a mandate from last year’s council is not binding.

However, not all councillors agreed.

Arts councillor Nicole Saulnier said other universities outside the province have a student vote regarding their membership in lobbying groups.

“I feel like our students should have the right to see what our lobbying group does and I don’t think we’re letting them have that decision by removing the referendum,” Saulnier said.

Computer science councillor Andrew Martel, who was UNBSU president last year and seconded the referendum motion, also disagreed. He said since the NBSA has membership fees, it should be looked at as a service.

“To say that this is a ‘how’ isn’t really accurate because it’s the service that we’re looking at and the medium that we’re doing it through,” Martel said, adding that one of the goals of the mandate was to educate students

Council discusses who will decide whether they stay in NBSA on Sunday night.

Alex Walsh / The Brunswickan about the NBSA. and ask them what they want, because said. “We talked about the NBSA a lot they won’t know what’s going on,” last year at council so the fact that a lot Bailey said using a referendum as an educational tool isn’t responsible.

Hannah said. “We’re supposed to bring of new councillors don’t understand it, I don’t feel comfortable about passing that back here with us. It’s our job.”

“It’s the fact that your representative owes you not just their time or their UNBSU vice-president finance this motion.”

Saulnier put forward a motion to industry, but their opinion,” Bailey Marc Gauvin said councillors could inform students about what’s going table the repeal until next council meetsaid. “That’s why you guys are here, on without a referendum. However, ing, so councillors can receive more to make the hard decisions.” some councillors then said they didn’t information on the NBSA and see a Arts councillor Brittany Hannah know enough about the NBSA to talk presentation from the organization. said it is the role of the councillors to Bailey seconded the motion and it was find out what their constituents want to their constituents. before making any big decisions.

“I feel uncomfortable with this mo- passed 16 to eight.

“If we’re going to be making the tion, since a lot of people don’t underThe next council meeting takes place stand what the NBSA does,” Saulnier Jan. 12. decisions, we’re supposed to go to them

BRUNSWICKANNEWS

4 • December 4, 2013 • Issue 14• Volume 147

The sweet smell of independence Brief Cases

Graham Leupp

In the King’s Place Shopping Centre, close to the Scotiabank entrance, colourful bouquets and gifts catch the eyes of passers-by in Florique flower shop.

Inside, diligently working away, is the shop’s new owner, Jafar Soleimani, who’s owned the store for less than three months.

“I worked for a very long time in my home country, Iran,” Soleimani said. “I worked mostly in the industrial chemical field, before I immigrated to Canada from Iran almost six years ago.”

Soleimani, who’s now a permanent resident of Canada, spent a lot of time researching the Fredericton business scene, including what businesses exist, and what ones are successful.

“Finally, I found this business, and I bought it, and I’ve been here since,” he said.

Soleimani made the leap to entrepreneurship for a variety of reasons, including being comfortable with a manager role, and tight barriers into the Canadian job market.

“I have more than 30 years experience in my home country. Now, it’s hard for me to work under another person. In my years of working, I became very familiar with the managerial role,” Soleimani said.

“I just wanted to use my experience for myself. Also, if I want to find a job here, they require a Canadian certificate for my field, and at this point in my life it’s a bit late to go back to school.”

Though he loves being the boss, Soleimani isn’t doing this alone. He has the full support of his family right behind him.

“My wife and my daughter help me,” Soleimani said. “My daughter

Florique’s new owner, Jafar Soleimani, likes to run his own show.

Graham Leupp / The Brunswickan passed a course related to the floral business, she’s specializing in this sort better quality and better service to my customers,” Soleimani said. “I want to of business.”

Soleimani has certainly faced his build a reputation for those things for fair share of difficulties during his few my business here, and I want people to know this is the best place to come months of running Florique.

“For me as an immigrant, everything to.”

Soleimani would tell anyone looking is new here. I’m not so familiar with the rules and regulations, and it’s a difficult to become their own boss a few things, job learning them all and adjusting before they take that leap.

“Research, research, research,” he yourself and your business so that your in good standing with them,” he said. said. “Doing all of that work to open Picking the different merchant ser- a business without researching your vice companies to go through has also market first, only to find you’ve made a mistake later; that’s very hard to bounce been a challenge.

“It takes time finding out which will back from.”

Soleimani also recommends a combenefit you and your business the most.

Every company wants your business, prehensive business plan.

“Having a good business plan which and sometimes all of that choice is not accounts for what you will face in the a good thing,” he said.

Despite his hardships, Soleimani has future will help a lot,” he said.

“Also, hard work, hard work, and high hopes for his new business, and believes that through research and hard more hard work, that’s the only way you will make it.” work he can attain his goals.

“My goal and strategy is to give both

UNBSU helps bust your stress Anika Duivenvoorden The Brunswickan The UNBSU is adding a fun twist to that time of the year we all dread most: exam period.

The dog therapy room is back along with other new activities that will allow students to have fun and relax during this stressful period. These activities are all part of the UNBSU Stress Buster week, which will begin on Dec. 9.

Jenn Connolly, UNBSU vicepresident internal, said the purpose of Stress Buster week is to encourage students to recognize the importance of mental health.

“It’s one of the biggest concerns we have this year,” Connolly said. “We’ve been working a lot on different initiatives to ensure students are looking after themselves and taking the opportunities to de-stress when necessary.”

April Kennedy, the acting director of UNB counselling services, said the event is an excellent idea.

“It’s a chance to engage in some of the stress-reducing techniques as a group,” Kennedy said. “It reminds us that we’re not alone in our stress. We know people are stressed, we can feel it in the air right now.”

Connolly said the dog therapy room

offered on campus last year was so successful they had to turn students away.

Kennedy also received positive feedback at counselling services about the event.

Some students even asked if they could bring their dogs to counselling with them. She said pets help to relieve stress.

“Pets have a calming effect. There are a number of research studies that show that,” she said. “Pets are used for treating anxiety and stress and even sometimes depression.”

Connolly believes spending time with the dogs allows students to take a time out from exams and be themselves.

“Even if you just spend a few minutes with the dog, you just get so much happier. They’re just such happy creatures,” she said.

Both UNB and STU students will have the opportunity to spend time with the dogs, but it’s by appointment this year. Students will be allowed ten minutes with the dogs.

The dog room is one of four events taking place during Stress Buster week this year. Other activities include a piñata, yoga-related and physical activities and an arts and crafts day.

Connolly said they included these extra events to allow more students to participate.

“Students who might not necessarily be able to attend the dog room specifically, due to allergies or maybe they just don’t like dogs – it gives them the opportunity to be able to have a couple stress-relief activities that they can do,” she said.

Besides Stress Buster week, Kennedy said there are many other ways students can relieve stress during exam period.

Some of these tips include studying early, creating a timetable chart with clear and realistic goals, and taking breaks.

“You’re brain can only focus on one task for 25 minutes or so at a time,” said Kennedy.

She also says it’s good to reward yourself after a day of studying. It’s also important to eat well, get plenty of sleep, and drink lots of water while avoiding energy drinks and too much caffeine as they only make you anxious.

“Drinking energy drinks and extra coffee will not actually help you to focus, or concentrate, or perform at your best,” she said.

Connolly said she’s excited to participate in Stress Buster week herself.

“I get stressed out myself so I’m going to take full advantage of these activities,” she said.

BRUNSWICKANNEWS

December 4, 2013 • Issue 14 • Volume 147 • 5

H C T A W E STRIK

by Cherise Letson

e

The facts you need to know #UNBStrik

What the professors want:

What UNB is offering:

They believe this will make them closer to the national average of other Canadian universities in their comparison group and will keep UNB competitive

They believe this offer is competitive with salary increases at other universities across Canada

Negotiations between the two parties will resume

December 9

Strike vote day 2

December 4

Strike vote day 1

December 3

UNB and AUNBT announce truce will extend until Jan. 2. This means no strike or lockout will occur before then

November 28

Professors’ union AUNBT authorizes a strike vote, which will take place Dec. 3 and 4

November 25

University and professors agree to “truce” during exam period, agreeing no strike or lockout will take place during that time

Sites to check out: UNB.ca/labour and AUNBT.ca

November 22

November 20

March 2013

Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Jody Carr decides not to appoint a conciliation board for the negotiations after receiving reports from both parties earlier that month

6 per cent increase over four years (1.5 per cent per year)

Collective agreement negotiations between UNB administration and its full-time professors begin

7 per cent increase in salary each year over two years

Throughout the holiday break, the Brunswickan will be posting updates on the negotiations online at Thebruns.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date.

TIMELINE TRIP TO PARLIAMENT HILL A SUCCESS Student representatives meet with over 120 government officials Cherise Letson News Editor After a week in Ottawa, Atlantic student representatives say Advocacy Week was a success.

From Nov. 18 to 22, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) had its annual Advocacy Week, where student representatives from across the country came to Ottawa to meet with over 120 MPs and government officials.

“About a quarter of students in Canada were represented by delegates in this conference, and I think that played very well into what we were looking to do,” said Travis Gordon, vice-president

academic and external for the UPEI Student Union.

Students presented politicians with CASA’s policy research, which included student assistance (including further increasing the in-study income limit), indexing student loans to inflation and off-campus work visas for international students. Policies around mental health and better access to post-secondary education (PSE) for aboriginal students were also included.

Matthew Rios, president of the Acadia Students’ Union, said with the federal government focuses on the economy, all parties are looking for ways make PSE fit into the plan.

“They certainly see post-secondary education as part of that puzzle and they were quite receptive on a lot of our asks,” Rios said. “And they’re certainly going to continue to have conversations going into budget season and to the lead of the 2015 election on how they can fit some of our asks into their agenda.”

Having participated in Advocacy Week in previous years, Rios said he’s noticed a shift in attitude this year.

“Anecdotally, I’ve seen a lot more receptiveness this year. In the past couple years it’s been educating MPs on the issue,” he said “Now it’s building the political capital and the political

willpower to do something about it, and I think we’re right on the cusp of some significant changes.”

Students were generally matched up with MPs and ministers from their area.

Greg Bailey, vice-president external for the UNB Student Union, said this showed that “all politics is local.”

“Because at the end of the day that’s what MPs are concerned about, it’s their constituents.” Bailey said. “So if you can really bring it home down to their level, you’ll get a lot more traction.”

Though CASA hopes some of their suggestions will be implemented in the upcoming budget, the big focus is on

the 2015 federal election.

“A lot of the parties are in the process of making their platforms,” Bailey said.

“They’ve told us that they can’t wait to work with us. I expect that [CASA’s] home office will hear a lot from them before 2015.”

Rios said since the Maritimes have more students per capita than the rest of the country, it’s important that the region’s students continue to have good representation.

“So I think it’s important that we continue to be strongly represented and I think that in a sense, the Maritimes do a fantastic job representing their provinces and their schools,” Rios said.

BRUNSWICKANNEWS

6 • December 4, 2013 • Issue 14• Volume 147

Whiting out the silence Emma McPhee News Reporter White Ribbon, a campaign to raise awareness of men’s violence against women, is coming to Fredericton on Dec. 9.

By gathering members of the community it aims to start a conversation on the role of men in stopping violence against women.

“The White Ribbon Campaign is basically a statement saying violence against women is a men’s issue therefore there needs to be men who are speaking out against that violence,” said Nick Dean, a member of the campaign’s planning committee.

The event will begin at 12 p.m. in Officer’s Square on Queen Street.

This will be followed by a march down Queen Street that will end at City Hall.

A free barbeque will be offered for all marchers.

White ribbons will be given to all attendees.

“We’re hoping to have a big group of people,” Dean said.

All men in attendance will be given the opportunity to sign a banner as a pledge to stand up and speak out against men’s violence against women.

While the campaign is aimed at men, everyone is welcome to participate in the event.

“The march itself is for people of all genders and ages. It’s the signing of the banner that’s specifically the ceremony for the men to make a pledge,” Dean said.

Jennifer Richard, another member of the White Ribbon committee and a representative from the Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, said that

The White Ribbon aims to promote men’s role in stopping violence against women. Submitted. the campaign will hopefully create a social shift.

“It’s more than wearing a white ribbon. We are looking to create a cultural and social shift that no longer tolerates men’s violence against women, and promotes equality for all,” she said.

“For Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, we are always looking for ways to engage men and boys in ending violence against women. The White Ribbon Campaign committee and the march itself is unique because

it is men engaging other men.”

Dean said the campaign is not aimed at painting men in a negative light.

“We don’t want men to feel like they’re being attacked if they attend something like this,” he said. “Because it’s men’s violence we need to have men who will not be violent speaking up against this violence.”

This is the first time the White Campaign will be held in Fredericton but the movement has been in Canada since 1991 when it was first started in

Toronto.

“It was started because we always hear either violence against women or gender-based violence or intimate partner violence but the statistics really when it comes to violence the majority of the perpetrators are men,” Dean said.

According to Statistics Canada, men are responsible for 83 per cent of police-reported violence committed against women.

Dean said that men’s violence against

women is a social issue that affects everyone, for most men have women in their lives they care about.

“We need men to be speaking out against this type of violence because it’s prominent in our music culture, in our movies, in pornography. We’re being surrounded by all of these depictions of men’s violence against women and it’s normalizing,” Dean said.

“As a member of the community we need to be saying that that’s not how we feel.”

TEDxUNB igniting the spark in February Brandon Ramey The Brunswickan UNB is going to be talking in the New Year.

For the second year in a row the UNBSU is bringing TEDxUNB to the UNB campus.

On Feb. 6, seven guest speakers will be taking the stage to inspire and “ignite the spark” within the students of UNB. Jenn Connolly, UNBSU vicepresident internal, is the one of the main organizers of TEDxUNB and is making some changes to the event this year.

“We are bringing in a whole bunch of speakers who will all be talking about all kinds of different ideas, which will help inspire the students of UNB,” Connolly said.

This year’s TEDxUNB will be more focused on all of the students and not a specific topic.

“Last year’s TEDxUNB was more focused on the mind and technology but this year’s event is more focused on people’s experiences and their passions,” Connolly said.

TEDxTalks rules state that there can be no more than 100 audience members in the room with the speaker at any given time. This can become an issue for the UNBSU as

the TEDxUNB event is popular and a growing number of students have shown interest in attending.

Connolly has come up with a solution for this problem and hopes it will bring larger crowds out to the event.

“We will be doing an overflow room with a screen that will be live streaming the event as it happens,” she said.

Whether you can find yourself a seat in the actual auditorium with the speaker or you end up in the live streaming room, Connolly still believes the event is worth attending.

“The speakers have so many amazing experiences and there is so much for the students to learn . . .

They make you think differently,” she said.

The full list of speakers will be released in January and tickets will be sold in the weeks leading up to the event.

If you are looking to get yourself into TEDxUNB, finding a ticket this year may be easier than before.

“Last year we gave out tickets on a random draw but this year it will be on a first come, first serve basis, each day leading up to TEDxUNB we will release more tickets,” Connolly said.

December 4, 2013 • Issue 14 • Volume 147 • 7

THE BRUNS OPINION

Pay the profs

editor@thebruns.ca

Richard Kemick Opinions Columnist Despite being one of the oldest universities in North America, UNB has never had a teacher strike or lockout.

This is largely due to the fact that teacher salaries were tied to the salaries paid by other institutions of a similar standing with UNB. Because of this link, the salaries of teachers were largely out of the hands of both the union and the university, making negations considerably less acrimonious. UNB’s current administration, however, wishes to do away with that link. As the saying goes, “If it’s not broke, make sure that it soon will be.”

The way talks are currently going, the outlook doesn’t look too rosy for students hoping to have an uninterrupted calendar. The silver lining, however, is that both sides – the university and the union – have agreed to implement a “truce” over the exam period.

By no means are we, the students, out of the woods yet. The fine print of the truce was barely even agreed upon.

While the Association of University of New Brunswick Teachers (AUNBT) wanted the truce to stay in place until the 6 of January, the university demanded the truce only extend until the 2. That small difference of four days means that, come the New Year, the university will have the upper hand of locking the teachers out by not letting them start the term.

If the debate surrounding the truce is indicative of how consultations will go after the New Year, it seems that both the union and the students have a rocky road ahead. Unless UNB president Eddy Campbell, along with the rest of UNB’s upper echelons of administration, is paid a well-timed visit by three ghosts this holiday, it seems unlikely that the bargaining will

go smoothly.

In the event that the post-holiday discussions do not go well, UNB students need to clearly situate themselves on the side of the teachers.

Within the past few years, this university’s administration has displayed more and more contempt for unions – specifically the Student Union. Whether it was the severe lack of consultation on the new food plan or on the Currie Center, this university’s administration consistently treats students as nothing more than speed bumps. The result of this constant dismissal has earned UNB Fredericton the prestige of being dead last in its class of “small” schools in The Globe and Mail’s student satisfaction poll, with the grade of C+.

According to UNB Fredericton’s degree applications webpage, if you are a New Brunswick resident and seeking entrance into UNB for any bachelor program other than a BA, your average needs to be a minimum of 75%. If you’re applying for the BA stream, your average needs to be at least 65%. Therefore, with UNB’s student satisfaction at a C+ average, which falls somewhere between 64 and 67%, there’s a decent chance that UNB wouldn’t even be able to attend its own university.

UNB prides itself on treating students as more than “just a number.”

This seems a bit odd since I need to show my student number to do practically anything on campus, but their point is fair enough: come to UNB and you will have the individual attention that you need to succeed. It’s really not a new marketing campaign. The Toronto Dominion Bank has been saying the same thing for decades.

UNB, much like TD, offers this level of individualized attention not out of any altruistic vision, but solely out of commercial gain. The only way this university is able to compete with

the brunswickan

Editorial Board

Contributors

Staff Advertising Sales Rep • Bill Traer Delivery • Dan Gallagher Arts Reporter • Tess Allen News Reporter • Emma McPhee Staff Reporter • Marc Gagnon Staff Photographer • Karsten Saunders Opinions Columnist • Richard Kemick Videographer • Lance Blakney

The Brunswickan relies primarily on a volunteer base to produce its issues every week. Volunteers can drop by room 35 of the SUB at any time to find out how they can get involved.

Editor-in-Chief • Nick Murray Business Manager • Andrew Martel News • Cherise Letson Arts • Lee Thomas Sports • Bronté James Art Director • Alex Walsh Copy • Sarah Dominie Multimedia • Gordon Mihan Web Developer • David F. Stewart Online Editor • Kaylee Moore

Ryan Belbin, Michael Bourgeois, Arun Budhathoki, Nikki Lee Chapman, Bobby Cole, Johnny Cullen, Benjamin Dugdale, Anika Duivenvoorden, Shane Rockland Fowler, Scott Hems, Cody Jack, Connor Jay, Kevin Lemieux, Graham Leupp, Sebastian Maynard, Johanna McPhee, Brandon Ramey, Arielle Rechnitzer, Caitlin Sowers, Jacie Targett, Lindsey Weidhass.

About Us

The Brunswickan, in its 147th year of publication as Canada’s Oldest Official

Tilley Hall could have a much longer Christmas break if talks break down between UNB and AUNBT. Alex Walsh / The Brunswickan the recruitment of universities like the will always be able to meet up with you form to the best of their ability, UNB University of British Columbia and and discuss your individual progress in loses one of its largest draws. How this the University of Toronto, is to offer a his or her class is not a uniform practice administration treats its teachers has a professor-student ratio that is far better across all universities in Canada. direct effect on how this administrathan any larger university. And much to This past week, I sent an unedited tion treats its students. That is because UNB’s credit, according to Maclean’s copy of a final essay to my Shakespeare this university’s teachers, unlike its magazine, UNB has the second best professor for him to look over before I administration, still actively consult professor-student ratio in its class. handed it in. This paper was so dry it with the student body on issues, such This university has chosen to build its would dehydrate a camel. I would’ve as what courses to offer and when. academic foundation on the backs of rather had Richard Currie’s Gregorian President Campbell has justified professors, but then will not even go monk haircut than have to read that the size of his own salary by arguing far enough to guarantee to not lock thing. My professor, however, replied to that for universities to attract the best them out before Jan. 6. my email, with a full discussion of what people for the job, salaries need to be How many times have any of us parts of the paper were and were not competitive. It is unclear why he does ever actually seen a member of the working, within twelve hours. I won’t not extend this same justification to the upper echelons of this university’s ad- even get drunk with my wife unless she teachers of the university, the people ministration? (And no, the walk from gives me 24 hours notice so I can fit it who are both the brains and body of the Old Arts Building to their BMWs into my schedule. How he did this in the institution. parked outside does not count.) I think twelve hours, I have no idea (and by Of course we all hope that the uniI’ve seen Eddy Campbell once, at the “this” I mean edit my paper – not get versity and the teachers’ union are able library. I’ve seen the ghost of Pierre drunk with my wife). to come together and work this out.

Elliot Trudeau more times!

The student body needs to be on the However, in the event that both sides UNB’s professors, on the other side of the teachers because the teachers are not able to come together, we need hand, are the epitome of accessible. are the last part of this university that to show support for those at this uniMany of the benefits that students still looks at us as something other versity who are the ones that actually receive from a low professor-student than walking dollar signs. Without a support us. God help us, everyone. ratio, however, are at the expense of community of teachers that is given the the professor. The idea that a professor concessions needed for them to per-

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W E I V OINT P

on What’s YOUR week? s i h t d n mi

Are you concerned about the potential upcoming strike?

Joel Boyle

Charlotte Chiasson

Claudine Paris

Darren Deinstadt

James Woods

“Not now that exams are guaranteed but I don’t want to have to extend the semester into the summer.”

“Yes, because I plan on working immediately after school and if the strike happens the semester will be extended.”

“Yes! I am paying my profs to be here.”

“Yes! What if it has an impact on my course load?”

“No, but I think next semester shit is going to hit the fan.”

Alfredo Tellez

Johanna McPhee

Lyndsay Tuplin

Olivia Allen

Robbie Roos

“Yes, I think that as students we should be concerned because our education could be affected. We need to be kept informed.”

“Yes. Will it impact my education next semester? If so, does it mean we will fall behind?”

“No, not really. I think it would be cool if we went on strike next semester for like a week or so – then it would be like frosh week all over again!”

“Not this semester. If it carries on to next semester, possibly.”

“No, They said exams would be okay so . . . up to them!”

December 4, 2013 • IIssue 14 • Volume 147 • 9

Earthbound Trio turnips the beets

THE BRUNS

ARTS arts@thebruns.ca

Tess Allen Arts Reporter A heap of home-grown hops for Fredericton’s Picaroons Traditional Ales is not all that members of three-piece Maritime group Earthbound Trio get from their time at the Happy Hopyard every summer.

Although Mike Humble (drummer) and Dwayne Doucette (vocals/guitar) technically join Bob Fitzgerald (bass) on his hop farm in Corn Hill, N.B. to harvest hops for the local brewery’s annual Harvest Ale, it’s an experience that gets their own creative juices flowing, too.

“We work [at Happy Hopyard] three days a week in the summer, so every night we sit around and play music and talk and laugh,” said Humble,

adding that this past summer was spent between the farm and a slew of music festivals across the region in what he called a “very artistic farming endeavour.”

“We take inspiration from the outdoors and nature and [Earth]. It was here long before we were here and it will be here long after we’re gone.

That’s where we come from and that’s where the music comes from,” he said.

It was certainly the inspiration for their new [and first] EP, Lettuce Turnip the Beet; a six-track debut featuring saxophonist/vocalist Kelly Waterhouse that Humble describes as a “mix of folk, reggae and funk” – otherwise known as “farmer funk.”

“Whenever somebody asks what your band is, it’s the hardest question unless you’re just pigeon-holed into

one little genre. It’s good to have a silly, catchy thing to answer with and that’s ours,” he said. “[Our music] is really a bit of a mish-mash with many different styles,” added bassist Bob Fitzgerald.

“We have rocky blues songs, some reggae songs, some slowed down waltzy songs, some funk . . . we also use a lot of effects on the bass and guitar, so when you’re looking at us on stage, some of the sounds that come out of us are unpredictable.”

It’s a vibe the group plans to bring to the Capital Complex this Friday.

“The crowd really gets into [our music]. I could be sick or hungover or feeling down about something and as soon as we start putting our stuff in the stage, it’s like I took a shot of adrenaline. I think that translates into what we play,” said Fitzgerald.

“We like to try to make the floor bounce and we succeed more often than not. It’s an amazing feeling when you see everyone moving and you can actually feel the stage and the floor responding.”

Humble said spectators can prepare to “get sweaty.”

“The circular energy that comes out is just amazing. The harder we play, the harder they dance, and the harder they dance, the harder we play,” said Humble, who calls the group a “band of brothers,” a quality he believes comes across in their many performances across the region.

Earthbound Trio will be at the Capital Complex on Dec. 6 Submitted “We just have fun. You can definitely tell that we love doing it and we love each other.”

Earthbound Trio will play at the

Capital at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, where they will be joined by Drake Adams & The Sticky Bandits. Admission is $5 at the door.

Miracle on 34th Street brings Christmas magic to the stage Marc Gagnon Staff Reporter Get ready to believe in Santa Claus again.

In TNB’s upcoming production of Miracle on 34th Street, the classic film will be brought to life on the stage by a cast of New Brunswick actors under the direction of Caleb Marshall, director of last year’s It’s a Wonderful Life. Marshall said that his goal is to remind audiences of “that sense of awe and wonder when they were children and were struck by the magic of Christmas.”

Marshall himself adapted the 1947 film originally written by Valentine Davies, which centres on a young girl’s friendship with a shopping mall Santa Claus. Claiming to be the one true

Kris Kringle, the kindly pensioner is institutionalized, taken to court and made to prove his identity. While the subject matter may sound serious, the play is anything but, combining broad, ‘40s-style performances with a potent affirmation of love and faith.

Marshall believes these themes are exactly what modern theatre-goers need.

“I think a cynical audience is probably more in need of this story. I think we all need to be reminded of magic and goodwill and a spirit that’s larger than ourselves,” he said.

While both the original film and this new production are set in the 1940s, Marshall believes that Miracle on 34th Street tells a uniquely contemporary tale compared with other holiday standards.

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“We’re dealing with big urban centres, busy department stores, and the legal system. So while the story’s a couple of generations old, aside from the fact that they didn’t have the Internet and cell phones at the time, you could absolutely transplant this story to today.”

When it came to casting Kris Kringle himself, Marshall turned to veteran actor Walter Learning, UNB alum (1961) and founder of TNB. With a performance history that spans from Stratford to Australia, Learning hopes

to live up to the iconic image of Santa Claus that audiences expect. He praised the themes of the show, such as “loss, redemption – and all those nice things that go along with Christmas.”

“Walter’s got a natural joviality to him, but he also has real gravitas and real wisdom – and you need both a wise mind and a warm heart to pull off Kris Kringle,” said Marshall.

Marshall hopes that holiday audiences will be as fond of his staging of Miracle on 34th Street as they are of the classic film.

“It’s an opportunity for adults who love this story to introduce it to a new generation,” he said.

“If nothing else, everyone finally gets to see it in colour.”

Miracle on 34th Street runs Dec. 5 to 7 at the Fredericton Playhouse at 7:30 p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m., followed by performances on Dec. 8 at the Imperial Theatre in Saint John at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 9 at the Capitol Theatre in Moncton at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for students.

BRUNSWICKANARTS

10 • December 4, 2013 • Issue 14 • Volume 147

The Nutcracker showcases homegrown talent

Tess Allen Arts Reporter For 13-year-old Sophie Theriault, Christmas starts five months early.

“When we start [rehearsing] in August, it’s really hard to get back into it but once you hear the music, you’re ready for Christmas,” said the École Sainte-Anne student.

“It brings back so many memories.”

It certainly should for Theriault, who has performed in Dance Fredericton’s annual production of The Nutcracker since its debut seven years ago – and this year will be no exception.

Theriault will take the Fredericton Playhouse stage alongside 64 fellow dancers on Dec. 11 to help bring the fairy tale ballet to life once again.

This year’s rendition of the Christmas classic – which follows Clara and the Nutcracker Prince on their journey to the Land of the Sweets – will feature not only the crew’s own original choreography, but the talents of Alana McAdie and Yosuke Mino, soloists from Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company.

Dance Fredericton artistic director Leslee Dell can’t wait to bring the magical production back to Frederic-

tonians this holiday season, especially considering how far it has come since its humble beginnings.

“We conceived the idea [seven years ago] but it was certainly overwhelming in its size of production and the budget that was required, so we built our Nutcracker very slowly,” said Dell, adding that the group’s first few productions only showcased a handful of excerpts from the show at École Sainte-Anne.

“Three years ago we moved to the Playhouse, [where] we have put on The Nutcracker in its entire storyline for the last two years. And because of generous grants from the City of

Fredericton, we’ve been able to add to the production value every year.”

Last year, this came in the form of a magnificent staircase and a winter wonderland backdrop. This year, Dell will wow with an “amazing Nutcracker Prince mask and jacket” created by local artist Denise Richard, along with “a few little surprises.”

“It will be a full Nutcracker that will be an absolute visual delight for the audience.”

Despite any changes to this year’s production, Dell assures that audience members can expect the same wealth of local talent, as well as the same warm and fuzzy Christmas feelings signature to the annual show.

“We really try to bring a Fredericton

element to it, so it’s Fredericton’s own Nutcracker. All the choreography was done for our own Nutcracker, so it belongs to the city of Fredericton,” said Dell.

“If you just want to get in the Christmas spirit and be truly in awe of this amazing production put on by local students, please come out and get your tickets and you will certainly leave the theatre with an awful lot of Christmas spirit.”

This year’s production of The Nutcracker will take place on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets – $30 regular and $15 for students and children – can be purchased online or at the Playhouse.

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BRUNSWICKANARTS

December 4, 2013 • Issue 14 • Volume 147 • 11

Songs of the week.

by Sebastian Maynard

Volcano Choir - Repave Listen To: “Dancepack” For anyone hoping that Justin Vernon would go back to the acoustic ways of his debut solo album, For Emma, Forever Ago, he and his bandmates in Volcano Choir showed that the more complex they can make a song, the better. Volcano Choir’s second album picks up where Vernon’s self-titled Bon Iver record left off. Songs start off simple enough, usually with a guitar or piano, but gradually get more complicated as the track progresses. Vernon continues to use his voice as an instrument as well, though he opts for his normal tone more often on this record, instead of the falsetto voice that has made him famous. Repave won’t get the attention that Bon Iver’s records do, but it is easy to see that the other members of Volcano Choir (from the band Collections of Colonies of Bees) have had a huge impact on what Vernon has been doing musically over the past few years, and that all members are eager to evolve and create interesting music.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4 You picked up the last Bruns of the semester! Happy holidays and see you in January!

24th Annual Advent Carol Festival Food Bank Fundraiser at St. Paul’s United Church. 7:30 p.m., food bank donation JMC-Fredericton presents Puccini’s La Boheme at Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne. 7:30 p.m., $14 for students

THURSDAY, DEC. 5

DARKSIDE - Psychic Listen To: “Heart” On DARKSIDE’s debut album, electronic artist Nicolas Jaar and guitarist/ composer Dave Harrington combine their talents to construct an interesting blend of electronic music, rock, blues and techno. The formula they follow seems to be to have a steady beat to keep the song grounded, allowing Jaar to add as many electronic elements as he sees fit, with Harrington coming in and out of the song with guitar solos, sometimes restrained, and other times going all out. Jaar also contributes vocals, but it is often times an afterthought, as it is the musicianship that the two artists possess that are the highlights of the songs. The duo never create a simple or predictable arrangement, and the end result is a sound that is totally unique but feels very natural.

Miracle on 34th Street at the Playhouse. 7:30 p.m., $10 student tickets. See the story by Marc Gagnon in this week’s issue!

FRIDAY, DEC. 6 Cinema Politica: Tears of Gaza at Conserver House. 7 p.m., by donation Miracle on 34th Street at the Playhouse. 7:30 p.m., $10 student tickets

Pusha T - My Name Is My Name Listen To: “Numbers on the Boards” In a year that has seen some of the biggest names in rap, like Jay-Z and Eminem, putting out pretty uninspired work, there were a few hip hop albums that did not play it safe. One of them is Pusha T’s My Name Is My Name. The album features some of the weirdest beats you will ever hear, screeching guitars, applause looped to shape a backdrop, marching band drums and Pusha stating: “I rap . . . I don’t sing hooks.” It’s not always an easy listen, as Pusha clearly expects his fans to appreciate the rawness and just how against the grain he is going. Ultimately though, the album is a reminder of how underwhelming some of his peers have become. Rolling Stone described the single “Numbers on the Boards” as a “near-perfect no-bullshit hip hop” song, and that description transfers to the entire album.

Earthbound Trio, Drake Adams & The Sticky Bandits at the Capital. 10:30 p.m., $5 at the door. Check out the article by Tess Allen in this week’s issue!

SATURDAY, DEC. 7 Miracle on 34th Street at the Playhouse. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $10 student tickets The Belle Comedians, Year of Glad and Kurtis Eugene at the Capital. 10:30 p.m.

Arcade Fire - Reflektor Listen To: “It’s Never Over (Hey Orpheus)” Coming off The Suburbs, which won the Album of the Year at the 2011 Grammy Awards, there was a lot of hype and expectation surrounding Arcade Fire’s fourth album, Reflektor. The record was heavily inspired by Haiti, and the carnivals and sounds that band members took in when they were visiting, but the album has more inspiration that just Caribbean music. James Murphy, frontman of LCD Soundsystem, was the lead producer on the record, and along with him came electronic and indie influences that Arcade Fire had never explored. On the liner notes of the album, the first person the band thanks is David Bowie, who contributed vocals to the title track, and his style can be found throughout the album. Combining the music of their past with Caribbean, electronic, glam, disco, indie and just about anything else seems a bit overwhelming, but the band somehow manages to create a cohesive album that truly is devastating. After listening to this album, you realize there isn’t really anything this band can’t do, and everyone else you have been listening sounds inferior.

Dear

Ari.

Bel Cante Singers of Fredericton Christmas Concert at Christ Church Cathedral. 7:30 p.m., $10 students

SUNDAY, DEC. 8 Swingle Singers at the Playhouse. 7:30 p.m., $36 Silent Art Auction supporting the 2012 Spring Sprint for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada at the Old Train Station. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., free The Rabbit-Town Christmas Concert at St. Dunstan’s Parish. 2:30 p.m., by donation.

TUESDAY, DEC. 10 Dear Ari – Everybody’s doing Christmas stuff in my residence and on campus, but I’m not Christian.

How do I make people care about other holidays too?

Sincerely, Not So Merry

Dear Not So, This is precisely why I’m bringing Hanukkah to Lady Dunn this year! I love Christmas as much as the next person, but I think it’s If you have a question for Dear Ari, important, especially as university students, to be multiculturemail Arts@thebruns.ca with the ally aware. subject line “Dear Ari,” or tweet While you can’t make people her @AskDearAri care about the other holidays, you can certainly take a giving and sharing approach. Unite the

people around you with your favorite recipes and songs from home. Share stories from childhood – one of my fellow residents had me in stitches laughing at the story of her accidentally glittery dog after a craft gone wrong.

Be open-minded, and ask questions when you don’t understand.

Ten Scooby Snacks for whoever can explain to me when Jesus’s birthday actually is!

Make the most of Canada’s best-known season. Cuddle up with your friends and loved ones, and be thankful that you’re a university student, and free to honor your own culture and traditions.

Merrily, Ari

Dog Day, Shorty Tubbs, The Arlens - live all-ages show at reNeu Boutique. Tuesday, Dec 10. 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11 The Nutcracker at the Playhouse. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $15 student tickets. Check out the article by Tess Allen in this week’s issue!

GLORIA, presented by the Fredericton Choral Society at Wilmot United Church. 7:30, $15 student tickets HAVE AN EVENT THAT YOU’D LIKE ADDED TO THE ARTS CALENDAR? EMAIL ARTS@THEBRUNS.CA OR CALL THE OFFICE AT 506.447.3388

THE BRUNS

Deck the halls with basketballs

SPORTS sports@thebruns.ca

The holidays are a time for coming together with family, giving gifts and of course, sitting in front of the TV watching festive commercials. Submitted / The Brunswickan Bronté James Sports Editor ‘Tis the season.

Which means it’s also time for the oh-so-awaited Christmas commercials. I don’t know about you, but one of my favourite things about Christmas is waiting to see ads with holly, red ribbon and athletes in their holiday attire – okay, I may stand alone on the last one.

The first commercial that comes to mind is the “NBA Players Play ‘Jingle Bells’ with Jump Shots” – absolutely hilarious. Who wouldn’t

want to watch Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, James Harden and Steve Nash serenade the audience with a jump-shot version of jingle bells? Fun to watch, gets you in the Christmas mood and is easy on the ears. If you haven’t seen this already, you need to get on that.

Maybe it’s a little simpler, like the FIFA ’13 commercial. A man walks down his hall after hearing the roaring of the crowd and excitement of players . . . coming from his living room in the middle of the night . . . only to find Santa and three of his elves playing the new FIFA ’13

PANEL

THEY KNOW WHAT’S UP

video game.

Simple, yet festive.

But it isn’t always about comic relief and sometimes the commercials have more of a sentimental tone to them.

Dick’s Sporting Goods’ Christmas commercial did exactly that.

It starts off with two boys jumping on their parents – which, let’s be honest, we all did . . . or still do – and moves to them sitting around the Christmas tree, opening presents.

The oldest unwraps a gift to unveil a baseball glove. The rest of the commercial shows the older brother

and his time with baseball while his younger brothers, Brady, watches and emulates every move. After years have passed ¬– along with hundreds of games and practices ¬– it comes back to another Christmas morning.

The difference? Brady jumps on his older brother, they scurry downstairs and he is greeted with a glove of his own from his brother. They practice outside in the snow just like his father and brother had done so many years before.

Pass the tissues, please.

Although we will be bombarded with commercial after commercial

trying to get us to spend dollar after dollar, just remember, there are some that have a true sentiment behind them and should not go unappreciated. Laugh, cry and remember, ‘tis the season!

So sit back with your cup of hot chocolate, nestle into the couch with a nice warm blanket, and enjoy all the commercials Christmas has to offer Happy holidays, fellow sports fiends.

What is the best way to stay active over the holday break? cellarpub.ca

Bronté James

Josh Hooper

One word: sledding. It is the easiest, cheapest – and let’s be honest, most fun – way to get some exercise in over the holidays. Plus, it’s so fun you won’t even think it’s exercise, you’ll be all like “hey, this is awesome!” So grab your toboggan, jacket and gloves and head up for some “doesn’t-feellike-a-workout” workout.

There are plenty of ways to stay active over the holidays that are also a lot of fun. There’s sliding, skating, snowball fights – or if you’re friends with Frigault, drunk wrestling.

Sports Editor

Kinesiology student

Andrew Martel Business Manager

If you’re like me and the only thing your family owns for workout material are 5 lb weights and a yoga mat, then you need to be creative. Before you go home, do a bit of research, or talk to the folks at the Currie Center. There are plenty of exercises you can do that don’t involve weights or machines. No excuses!

Alex Walsh Sports Guru

The best way to stay active over the break really comes down to your arm strength. I recommend filling a container with a liquid of sorts and repeatedly raising it to your mouth and back down again. The countless repetitions will have those biceps toned in no time!

BRUNSWICKANSPORTS

December 4, 2013 • Issue 14 • Volume 147 • 13

UNB takes top spot going into the break

The men’s basketball team now sits in first place in the Atlantic University Sport standings.

Michael Bourgeois The Brunswickan UNB men’s basketball played host to the Saint Mary’s University (SMU) Huskies in a battle for first place in the Atlantic University Sport conference on Saturday. A number of fans showed up to watch these two top Canadian Interuniversity Sport contenders take each other on in the Currie Center.

The f irst quarter brought the audience a very close game score, with both teams starting strong.

Most points for UNB were being produced in the paint early on, but the task was met by SMU keeping the game within four, mid-way through the quarter. Varsity Red #10 William McFee came off the bench, scoring two huge consecutive

three-pointers for UNB, pushing them to a 10 point cushion and helping give them the 11 point lead at the end of the quarter.

“It was a great start, that ten point cushion came in very handy because they are very athletic team,” said head coach Brent Baker. “They are very good team they shot the ball extremely well.”

UNB began moving the ball more in the second, using their shooters and forwards down low to increase their lead. Shooting 51 per cent field goals and 60 from three-point range, the Reds finished the quarter with the score 51-36. UNB’s Javon Masters lead both teams in scoring for the first half with 16 points.

Both teams increased their field goal (FG) percentages in the second, attempting more shots down low

THE V-REDS PLAYLIST

Athletes are infamous for blaring music through the locker room before a game to get them ready. Music can amp you up, and some need it as part of their ritual. This week we’re looking at what the men’s hockey team plays pre-game to get focused and get ready to play.

1. MARTIN GARIXX – ANIMALS 2. KEITH URBAN – COP CAR 3. ZAC BROWN BAND – SWEET ANNIE 4. THE RANKIN FAMILY – MULL RIVER SHUFFLE 5. TOM COCHRANE – BOY INSIDE THE MAN 6. MILEY CYRUS – 23 7. LUKE BRYAN – DRINK A BEER 8. CHRIS YOUNG – AW NAW 9. RIHANNA AND EMINEM – MONSTER

and in the paint. Saint Mary’s began to battle back in the third quarter, adding some dunks and even an alley-oop to their drives. However, UNB were up to the task, making some spectacular plays and acrobatic finishes, giving the crowd lots to cheer for.

As the intensity in the gym started to pick up, Masters once again led his team in points and made key plays under the basket and outside the arc. Huskies Boyd Vassell and Theon Reefer gave UNB lots to handle, scoring 34 points collectively in the second half, 53 in the game.

With time winding down in the fourth, Saint Mary’s battled back shooting 50 per cent FG and earning 47 points to UNB’s 39 in the half, making it a two-point game, 85-83, with 28 seconds remaining.

“In the second half I think the 10 point cushion was really, really the difference,” said Baker. “It gave us that little bit of leeway as we saw tonight.”

UNB had possession and burned some of Saint Mary’s valuable time off the clock, moving the ball outside the arc, until they got an open shot, putting them up by four. The Huskies, with 14 seconds left and a two-possession deficit facing them, a rainbow shot went up, rebounded

by Jordan Irvine on UNB sealing the deal and giving UNB the victory.

“They’re so darn athletic; they’re never out of any game and it came out of bigger deficits than that,” he said. “So we were lucky today to hang on to be truthful.”

Master added that it was a great win for the Varsity Reds program.

The quality of the AUS team – UNB ranked 9th in the country going into the holidays – he said it sets “staples about our program.”

“I mean everyone has us under the radar but I don’t think they’ll have us under the radar anymore,” said Masters. “It’s good to get this when it’s good to crack the rankings but we still have unfinished business.”

Masters leads the CIS in points and finished the game with a game high of 30 points, leading his team to victory over the Huskies and widening the gap on his national point lead.

The men will start the New Year with the Crandall University Atlantic Colleges Athletic Association Non-Conference Exhibition tournament on Jan. 2 and Jan. 3.

BRUNSWICKANSPORTS

14 • December 4, 2013 • Issue 14 • Volume 147

Keeping Checked In

THE REPORT CARD

Lindsay Weidhaas The Brunswickan

MEN’S SOCCER

MEN’S BAKETBALL

BRONTÉ JAMES Grade: A+ MVP: Yousuf Mohammad

BRONTÉ JAMES Grade: B+

Winter break is nearing and you know what that means – frosting, cupcakes and all the other delicious parts of the holidays.

We all know how to eat unhealthy, but how do you eat healthy when there are mass amounts of baked goods and potlucks to attend? I’ll tell you how!

1. Plan ahead of the holidays.

Chose a few days a week to get some exercise, even if it is walking your family dog. Have the mindset that you want to eat healthier foods before you go on break.

2. Eat before going to the potluck or family gathering. There will be temptations everywhere, but if you already have food in your stomach you will be less likely to indulge in plates full of food.

3. Go to the buffet table once.

Take a plate and put what you want on it only at that time. Then steer yourself to a room that has more people than food. Socializing is a great way to get your mind off of the contents on the buffet table.

4. Pick up the smaller plate. You won’t be able to fit more on it, which means less food!

5. Count your drinks. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks can have large amounts of calories and sugar – plus, it might keep you from telling your aunt you hate the pink bunny onesie she sent you. A Christmas Story, anyone?

6. Eat special holiday-specific treats. Many dishes that are on the table are chips and chocolate, but you can get that through out the year.

7. Substitute healthy for unhealthy. Low-fat dips and vegetables instead of nachos, fruit and dip instead of shortbread cookies, salsa instead of creamy dips etc.

8. Get a hold of the nutritional information. When you realize how many calories and trans fats are in one serving of mozzarella sticks you may want to choose a different appetizer to serve you family and friends.

9. Bring a healthy meal. If you are invited to a potluck bring a dish such as an arrangement of colourful vegetables and fruits in a holiday shape.

Send home leftovers. If you are the one hosting send all of the meals back when the party is over.

The most important thing is to be realistic. You most likely will overeat; it is the holidays after all!

Don’t beat yourself up for overeating or only having desserts for a meal. Enjoy yourself and remember there is time in the New Year to work it off!

If you are looking for more tips and tricks on how to restrain yourself from the 30 cookies you so desperately want to eat, visit Canadaliving.com.

Overall Grade:

A+

Mid-season Grade:

They finished top in the AUS conference and third at CIS nationals, held at home. Diego Padilha had first-team All-Canadian and AUS Rookie of the year, Ben Law with First Team All-Star and Yousuf Mohammad and Marcus Lees with Second Team All-Star.

Yousuf Mohammad was my MVP pick for the season. He not only scored major goals needed, but helped dominate the play on the field. He was also named Second Team AllStar.

B+

Leading 6-1, the men are showing a dominant presence on the court, not to mention having a player leading the CIS ranks in points scored.

With players like Javon Masters and Will McFee – giving them a strong defence and offence – I think they are off to a strong season and will be getting more wins under their belt.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

BRONTÉ JAMES Grade: B MVP: Eden Vanderlaan

BRONTÉ JAMES Grade: C+

Overall Grade:

B

Overall Grade:

C+

The women’s team saw a rebuilding year, and they didn’t make it to AUS playoffs, but they cut the goals scored-against in half. But, they tied more than they won, so they have room for improvement for next season.

Eden Vanderlaan played a main role in goals scored, setting up plays and leading the team. She was an easy pick for MVP as she displayed all the qualities of a valued player.

The women are going back and forth in their games, with three wins and four losses, but are doing better than they were last season, where they had more losses than wins.

What they need to do to “improve their grade” is to start winning the games they should be winning – i.e. UPEI, Acadia, etc. Losing Claire Colbourne was a hit to the team, she helped put points on the board, but I think they should be able to rebound – pun intended – but I don’t think they have a shot at AUS playoffs this season.

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

WOMEN’S SWIMMING

BRONTÉ JAMES Grade: A

BRONTÉ JAMES Grade: A-

Mid-season Grade:

A

A-

Mid-season Grade:

Seven wins and only three losses – not including their eight wins and only two losses in pre-season – show the men have the ability to take a win in almost any game they play.

Not to mention do it in only three sets for majority of their games.

CIS playoffs are definitely in the future of this season.

The swim team got a C because although they sent two swimmers to CIS it is a double-edged sword, as they were only able to send two. Having sent five last year, none of which graduated, more was expected from the team. They fared well at AUS but there is always room for improvement.

I chose Danielle Losier as MVP because she continually ranks, and is a good representation of the team’s dedication.

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

MEN’S SWIMMING

BRONTÉ JAMES Grade: B-

BRONTÉ JAMES Grade: A-

Mid-season Grade:

B-

A-

Mid-season Grade:

The women were able to take 11 wins out of their season, having only taken nine wins the season before. With a new coach, they have been able to come together as a team and work as a unit.

Paige Nelmes is my MVP pick because even though she is a rookie on the team, she has become a strong presence on the court and has assisted in her team’s victories.

The men are doing a great job keeping themselves in the run for qualifying for CIS. Eyad Albassiouny has already qualified and they show no signs of slowing down. If they keep this up they may be able to send more to nationals then they did last season.

IRONMEN RUGBY (A Side)

MEN’S HOCKEY

Overall Grade:

B+

BRONTÉ JAMES Grade: A for B side, B+ for A side MVP: JP Carson (A Side) and Emil Sehic (B Side)

A

(B Side)

The A side came second in the Maritimes after losing to DAL by nine in the finals, but sit first in the standings for NB and PEI. The B side ended their finals with a tie, and so they are tied for first in the Maritimes for B side.

JP Carson is MVP because he was chosen to be MVP for the Ironmen. All around he was a strong player and consistent. He set the standard for the team and they always tried to match him – this made them better players for it.

Emil Sehic is MVP for the B Side because he was one of only two chosen from NB to be selected for the U18 Canada team.

A-

Mid-season Grade: NICK MURRAY Grade: A-

Despite losing more than a dozen players from last year’s national championship-winning team, the boys are still competing for the top spot in the AUS. They’ve had two hiccups against Acadia, and one loss to STU for the first time in seven years, but we can forgive them for it.

Top forward Tyler Carroll only played four games in the second half after nursing a shoulder injury, and while things may seem bleak, they’re actually in a batter spot than they were at Christmas last year. They have one fewer loss than they did at this point a year ago, and ironically they’re going into the mid-season break with a loss to Acadia.

Sound familiar?

The grade is indicative on the fact that they’ve scored more goals than any other team – Chris Culligan and rookie Phil Maillet each tallied 15 points – and their power play is second-best in the conference. But in a year where only one team will go to nationals, an AUS silver medal won’t cut it come March.

BRUNSWICKANSPORTS

Huskies take a bite out of AUS record

Michael Bourgeois The Brunswickan Every game comes with a win and a loss, but some games come with something extra.

Saturday’s matchup of the UNB Varsity Reds women’s basketball team up against the first-ranked team in the country, the St. Mary’s University (SMU) Huskies was one of those games.

The Atlantic University Sport (AUS) sixth-ranked UNB had a hard time stopping the Huskies from the start, with a 14-point lead after the first quarter and SMU never looked back.

Their defence was strong down low, forcing UNB to take long-range shots.

It also gave them some difficulty in bounding the ball in Huskies territory.

The powerful SMU offence was apparent down low, shooting 41.2 per cent in field goal range and scoring 43 points in the first half, to UNB’s 26 points.

In the second half the Reds were only able to rack up 27 points, three baskets outside the arc, to add to their total of six three-pointers made in the game. St. Mary’s found themselves on the free throw line 22 times in the game, making 17 of them, adding to their large point lead. UNB’s #20, Hannah Currie, came off the bench to score 10 points and earn four rebounds for her squad in the game.

But the big story in the game came from the other side of the court – that little bit extra. Winning the game by 25 points, SMU’s #5 Justine Colley also over took most all-time career points in the AUS.

Rachel Cleary handles the ball at the top of the key as Coleen Daly (4) looks on.

The Saint Mary’s guard from East as a player,” said Colley.

Preston surpassed the former record “When she made the decision to of 2,111 points, owned by Theresa come here five years ago it changed MacCuish from St. Francis Xavier our program,” added SMU head coach University, and now sits at 2,116 points Scott Munro. “From day one her comwith half a season left to play in her fifth petitive nature and spirit from the outand final year with the Huskies. set really helped change the culture.”

“It doesn’t mean much to me as long Colley was named captain her first as my team is winning doing well,” said day on campus and Munro said he Colley. “Getting W’s, doing well in could see her leadership potential from playoffs and getting to nationals – that’s day one. all I can ask for individually.”

As captain of her team, Colley was Colley said she knows she is doing a dominant leader on the court and in well, but would “rather see my team the huddle. UNB struggled to keep her exceed.” at bay, making buckets inside the paint Being the dominant score-driver to and long-range jumpers. the basket, she has developed as a player “We’ve played pretty well all year, and been able to add to her assists and we’ve got a pretty good depth of scoring as well. She said through high offence this year [and] we got some school she had tunnel vision, but now different people that can score on difin her fifth year she enjoys assisting and ferent nights,” she said. “The key for us distributing the ball. is that we have to make sure we always “I feel like I’ve definitely developed defend well.”

FLASHBACK This week:1984

December 4, 2013 • Issue 14 • Volume 147 • 15

BRUNSWICKANSPORTS

16 • December 4, 2013 • Issue 14 • Volume 147

Home of the Bray-ve Kyle Merritt Sports Writer Answering a challenge is one of the many appeals of playing sports, but when the challenge faced is based on gender bias, it takes on a different feeling.

Red Blazers goalie Laura Bray, a Nova Scotia native, came to UNB just after the time of the female varsity program, but loves playing for UNB just the same.

“For one, we have a very young [and] new team,” said senior goalie Laura Bray, “and many of the girls were unaware that the team ever had ‘varsity status.’ ” Once again the women are playing out a season in hopes of one day returning to varsity status, after being downgraded effective as of the 2008-2009 season to “competitive club team status.”

This administrative decision was met with great opposition and the team filed a Human Rights complaint against the university in 2008.

The decision to forward the complaint to a board of inquiry was ruled in 2011 and the university filed an appeal.

Judge Paulette Garnett denied the appeal in the spring of 2013, ruled the rights of former player Sylvia Bryson may well have been violated, according to a CBC article.

The downgrading of the team cost them most of their funding, as well as the right to compete in the Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport conferences The team said the decision was rooted in sexist discrimination, as the men’s team never saw such a cut.

“UNB continually treated the men’s varsity hockey team in a preferential manner compared to the

women’s varsity hockey team,” said Blazers player Sylvia Bryson in the official complaint laid by the team, “and removed its ‘varsity status.’ ” Despite the recent ruling, the women continue to push forward in their season.

Bray had been playing hockey long before her decision to come to UNB. She started when she was in grade six because her “friends were all playing.”

“So I decided to give it a shot,” she said.

Bray started out with the Puppy Dog program hosted by the Antigonish Bulldogs Minor Hockey Association, which was a skills program for girls from Grades 3 to 6.

“Then I had to convince my parents to let me play goalie in Grade 7,” said Bray.

From there she played one year on the bantam boys’ team before fin-

ishing out her minor hockey career with various female teams, including female midget AA and AAA teams.

Bray holds a pair of silver medals from the Female Atlantic Championships, as well as a few provincial titles, which include banners and a bronze and silver medal.

Her hard work and dedication earned her Rookie of the Year for UNB in the 2010-2011 season.

“I came to UNB because of the club team and I really wanted to play hockey,” she said.

Bray said the past decision does not affect the team directly while on the ice, but it does play a part in their financial decisions.

“What it means for us is that we receive no funding from the school [where the men do],” she said.

“Which means we have to pay a fee and raise our own funds.”

Playing for the team takes up

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much of her time. The women have three practices, one dry-land training session and one study session per week.

Despite the drop from varsity to club, Bray and her team have accepted their status and do hope to one day regain their varsity ranking.

“We have accepted it,” said Bray, “We work every day to be professional and look like a varsity, just without the status.”

The Red Blazers hit the ice this weekend against the Moncton Female Midget AAA Rockets, Sunday Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m. in the Aitken University Centre.

They will also be hosting the championship from March 15-16, 2014.