news 2
thursday september twenty-fourth, 2015
THE xaverian Jan 11 2021 Vol 128: Issue 4
OUR STAFF EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Will Fraser Catherine Poag xw.eic@stfx.ca
EDITOR: IZAAK MACMULLIN xw.news@stfx.ca
Open contributor meetings are held Sundays at six in the newsroom: bottom floor SUB, left from the bookstore. X
Henderson Cartwright on Pride Month
Halle Cordingly Columnist
NEWS EDITOR Preet Banga OPINIONS EDITOR Sarah Laffin FEATURES EDITOR Gabe Richards ARTS&COMMUNITY EDITOR Addy Strickland SPORTS&HEALTH EDITOR Jack Millbank STAFF WRITERS Mitchill Brown Brendan Boucher Nathan Penman Claire Schofer Ryder Ferris Blanche Yap Pagobo Sarah Breen COLUMNISTS Halle Cordingly Haillie Green Sophie Hadley Jena Cook
xw.eic@stfx.ca for general inquiries
As we move into 2021 with new hopes and optimism for the new year, I found it to be a perfect time to sit down with Henderson Cartwright, President of X-Pride to discuss how X-Pride has managed the challenges in 2020 and their plans for this year. Henderson is a student at StFX. A multi-talented person, Henderson is the African Descent Representative for the Student Union, a Community Advisor for O’Regan Hall, and President of X-Pride. He discussed in detail about X-Pride, challenges faced during Covid-19, and the future goals. Henderson explained that X-Pride has many things planned for the month of January, as StFX celebrates the Pride month. “There will be tons of events for anyone who wants to just show up, have some fun, learn a little and do something while in isolation. There will be many events within the two weeks of isolation and plenty of events for when you get out of isolation that you can attend in person.” The schedule of events for the entire month is available on the GSDA Instagram page (@ xgdsa). Henderson explained that of all the events taking place at the University, he is personally most excited for “Sex Toy Bingo” because it is always fun, and this year he gets to be apart of running the event. He is very excited and expressed “I cannot wait!”
Like many other societies on campus, X-Pride has struggled due to the pandemic. Henderson said the biggest challenges X-Pride has faced due to COVID-19 is the lack of engagement. He found that many first- and second-year students don’t know about the society, while the senior students don’t live on campus or are very busy with academics. As President of X-Pride, he finds it more challenging this year to plan events due to the new regulations related to the pandemic that must be followed. Henderson believes that to improve connectivity of students with X-Pride, they can increase their outreah to students and improve social media management skills. Introspecting on the year gone by, Henderson feels he could also “improve his delegation skills.” “I’m not the delegating kind of person, so I’ve had to learn this year as President that I can’t do everything, and I have to give tasks for other people to do,: he said adding “I’ve definitely learned a big lesson on delegating this year!” Henderson explained that he is putting his best efforts into reaching out to firstand second-year students, getting people involved, and improving his delegation skills! As President of X-Pride, Henderson said the best thing about their society is its com-
munity. “The best part of being in X-Pride is that no matter what position I am in, whether that be a regular member, an exec, or the President, it will always be the community that has been built and that the community will continue to be built after I am gone. I will always know X-Pride is a staple at this campus,” he said. Explaining how students could get more involved with X-Pride, Henderson said that students could follow their social media pages, come to events, participate, have fun and bring friends! He loves when people bring their friends and new people so they can see what X-Pride is all about and what goes on! “You don’t have to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community to participate in most of the events,” he said. Henderson said that XPride’s main focus right now is increasing engagement and continuing advocacy on campus. “We definitely switched
to more advocacy and education on campus this year. I hope for the future that when things calm down, we can look back at the past crazy two years to see how this increase in events and engagement happened.” Henderson said: “My final message would be to find us on Instagram, Facebook, check out the GSDA page and again just show up, have fun, and spread awareness.” My discussion with Henderson was educational and inspiring. I can only encourage more students to get involved, attend events, become advocates, spread awareness, and become educated! To find more information on X-Pride and see their future events you can go to their social medias; Instagram @xpridesociety @xgsdsa and there Facebook @X-Pride 2020-2021
StFX Raises Pride Flag Preet Banga News Editor The Xaverian Weekly is the official student newspaper of St Francis Xavier University. The Xaverian Weekly is published on on a monthly basis by the Xaverian Weekly Publications Board and is editorially autonomous. The Xaverian Weekly is a proud member of the Canadian University Press, North America’s largest cooperative of student newspapers. FREE Media is the Xaverian Weekly’s national advertising agency. submissions
The Xaverian Weekly welcomes submissions of articles, letters, photos, and graphics. Submissions must be received by Monday 5 pm the week prior to publication. Submissions should be sent to xw.eic@stfx.ca or to the relevant section editor.
The editor-in-chief and the section editors reserve the right to refuse to print submitted material and to edit submissions for length and/or style. The Xaverian Weekly will not print material that is racist, misogynistic, sexist, homophobic, or libellous. opinions
Opinions expressed in the Xaverian Weekly are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Xaverian Weekly or the Xaverian Weekly Publications Board. copyright
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CONTACT US Twitter: @xaverianweekly Facebook: The Xaverian Weekly www.xaverian.ca FIND US Room 111D, Bloomfield Centre PO Box 294 StFX University Antigonish NS, B2G 2W5
On January 4, 2021, a Progress Pride flag was raised in the StFX Flag Plaza to mark the beginning of Pride Month. Due to the pandemic, restrictions made it difficult to attend the event in person, but COVID19 didn’t dampened the spirits of students and community members as they participated in the event virtually. According to available literature, the original rainbow Pride flag was designed by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. The transgender Pride flag – which features white, pink, and light blue stripes – was designed by Monica Helms, a transgender activist and veteran, in 1999. Designer Daniel Quaser reportedly combined the two into the Progress Pride flag to support Black and
Brown Queer and Trans people, as well as those living with AIDS. At the flag raising ceremony, Claydon Goering, StFX Gender and Sexual Diversity Advisor, began their speech by acknowledging the ceremony’s location on unceded Mi’kmaq territory. Claydon also talked about how the Progress Pride flag’s additional black, brown, blue, pink, and white stripes represent people of color, especially Trans people of color, and call for greater inclusivity. The flag serves as a constant reminder that colonization is responsible for internalized biases. They said that “raising of the flag is not an action, it is a symbolism. We need to engage in much more solid action.” Henderson Cartwright, President of the X-Pride Society,
shared that while some progress has been made, “there is a lot of work that we have to do.” Henderson also raised the issue of deadnaming people and said that “not using people’s chosen names is witnessed across campus and is very disturbing.” “I will ask you to personally promote engagement and spread awareness when you see people around. Get the word out,” he urged the audience. Sylvia Phee, StFX representative for UNIFOR, also spoke. “I am proud to be an ally of the pride community,” she shared, and said that UNIFOR does not stand for tolerance, harassment, or discrimination of any. “I am a fierce advocate of diversity and inclusivity,” she said. Andy Hakin, President and ViceChancellor of StFX, said that StFX has to be a place where diversity is recognized. “When we raise the
Progress Pride flag, StFX symbolizes the little ways of celebrating ourselves and showing support to the LGBTG community.” “We have work to do,” he said, to “educate people, listen to them, and move their minds. The flag points the way forward. But it also shows that we have work to do.” Claydon has planned a number of other exciting events in celebration of Pride month, such as online Positive Space training and a Pride online concert. A Pride pin beading event also took place on January 7, where participants learned about Mi’kmaq beading traditions and made their own Pride Flag pins. Another event that happened on January 8 featured Halifax-based 2SLGBTQ+ tattoo artists discussing the importance of 2SLGBTQ+ spaces and the significance of tattoos within the community.
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Varsity Athlete Charged with Human Trafficking First Year Student Facing Serious Charges Will Fraser Editor-in-Chief In an email to students on December 29, 2020, Elizabeth Yeo, Vice President Students, revealed that a first year StFX student was charged by the York Regional Police in relation to a human trafficking investigation. Justin Barrett, 20, of Brampton was charged by the York Regional Police with a number of offences, including Trafficking in Persons Under the Age of 18, Material Benefit from Trafficking in Persons Under the Age of 18, and Material Benefit from Sexual Services of a Person Under 18 Years. A media release by the York Regional Police stated that “the accused spent time in West Virginia, United States, and currently has ties to Nova Scotia.”
Barrett, a first year Bachelor of Arts student, was in his first year of eligibility as a goalkeeper on the StFX Men’s Varsity Soccer team. Barrett’s name no longer appears on the team roster and his player bio has been removed from the StFX Athletics website. In her email to the students, Yeo stated that “the university will be monitoring and reviewing the situation closely to ensure the safety of our community, which is always our priority. This includes attempting to gain more information from the York Regional Police about the file. Under the Sexual Violence Policy, StFX will implement immediate measures in cases of elevated risk to the StFX and/or broader Antigonish community.” The immediate measures de-
scribed by Yeo range from no contact orders to university suspension. The Xaverian Weekly was unable to confirm if interim measures had been implemented against the accused. Representatives from the soccer team were unavailable for comment prior to publication. The charges against Barrett have not been tested in a court of law.
Justin Barrett Photo via York Regional Police
Two COVID-19 Cases Identified on Campus Catherine Poag Editor-in-Chief On Tuesday January 5th Dr. Andrew Hakin, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Francis Xavier University sent out an email to the StFX community to announce that there is now a positive covid-19 case on campus. The student arrived on January 3rd and had been isolating in residence. A second email was sent out on January 9th to notify the StFX community of a second positive case. This student arrived to campus on January 5th had been isolating in residence since their arrival. Dr. Hakin wrote that the two cases appear to be unrelated. The Public Health Centre is working on
contact tracing and the university has made the decision to even reach out to those considered a low-risk contact. Both cases are said to now be following the COVID-19 protocol in place by the university. Inside the Protocols for Isolation Handbook provided by the university to ensure a safe arrival back to campus explains that if a positive test result occurs that Public Health will take the appropriate steps to contact the student and start contact tracing, then the student will remain in the same location they are isolating in unless they share a campus apartment or bathroom. The university has set aside rooms in AC, Gover-
nor’s Hall, and International House. Individuals who test positive will have regular phone or email support from Public Health or a Health and Counselling Nurse to assess the student’s condition. Students are being asked to monitor their symptoms, and to get a COVID-19 test on day 6,7, or 8 of their isolation as they return from New Brunswick and outside of Atlantic Canada. Dr. Hakin in his emails to the StFX community reminds students that if they think they have symptoms you are to do a COVID-19 self-assessment or call 811 and those students who are sent for testing are to email Isolate@stfx.ca.
Classes Pushed due to Border Changes Brendan Boucher Staff Writer Hundreds of StFX students from New Brunswick were forced again to make a mad dash to the border to avoid quarantine with less than one days’ notice. On Friday, January 8th, the Nova Scotia government announced that all travelers coming from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia will have to complete a mandatory 2-week quarantine period as of Saturday January 9th at 8am. This caused many StFX. student to have to make a sprint to the border or face being locked away for 2 weeks in isolation.
This is the second time in just over a month student from New Brunswick had to make a charge on the boarder. In November, students were told one afternoon that they either had to be over the border at midnight or quarantine, causing a mass exudes from campus. This newest announcement caused turmoil among the university administration. The decision was made to push the start of in-person classes from January 20th to January 25th in an attempt to allow more students to make it back in time. In the updated plans, students from New
Brunswick are required to return by Sunday January 10th, and student who are not required to quarantine are being asked not to return until Sunday January 24th. “It’s frustrating” says Courtney Taylor of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, “I came to Nova Scotia Friday to avoid quarantine, but now I need to find somewhere to stay until I’m allowed into my apartment in Somers Hall on the 24th.” Taylor, who plays for the X Women Basketball team has to be back for practices before the start of classes but currently has no where to stay. “My roommates are out of quarantine on the 19th,
but I’m still not allowed back. Our coaches are being as helpful as possible but it’s really the school who isn’t doing enough to support us.” StFX continues to take extensive measures to try and hold potential COVID infections at bay. Recently, StFX has had their first two positive COVID tests on campus with two out-of-province students in isolation testing positive. StFX says both students have been isolating as required and there is little to no risk to the community. Most students in Antigonish continue to be in isolation, where they receive support
like grocery delivery and delivered meals for those on campus. It remains to be seen if more cases will come as students come out of isolation.
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thursday september twenty-fourth, 2015
features Pride Month Set List Gabe Richards Features Editor If you haven’t heard somehow, or you’ve blocked out all social media for some reason, January is Pride Month, and there is quite a setlist for the month here at St. FX. Even though the Covid-19 pandemic has affected many of the activities and events on campus throughout the year, and made it harder for students to engage in the programming, XPride and the GSDA (Claydon Goering) got planning early. Goering noted how hard it was last semester to get students to engage, and also noted that because of the overlap with students returning to campus and quarantining, there would be a lot of other programming happening simultaneously on campus and online. Because of these reasons, they got planning very early, and hoped that that meant that there would be more emphasis placed on the pride month events. So, for the first few weeks, the events will mostly be online in an effort to include the folks that are self-isolating, and as the month goes on things with become both online and in person, and then eventually in person by the end. First up, on Monday, January 4th, pride month was kicked off with a virtual flag raising, where students could tune in via zoom to watch the raising of the flag, and listen to the speakers that were included to kick off the month. Last summer, a pride flag was raised in Antigonish at the town hall for the first time, and this ceremony was loosely
based on that ceremony. Many people were contacted to speak at the event, and in the end the ones who were available and spoke to the crowd were: Henderson Cartwright, the president of X-Pride, Claydon Goering, the GSDA, Sylvia Phee, the UNIFOR representative for St. FX, and St. FX’s current president Dr. Andy Hakin. . Secondly, on January 7th. St. FX will host a virtual pride pin beading. While this year we can’t gather to bead together, students can register to be a part of the zoom with the indigenous student affairs coordinator, Terena Francis, and Ruby, a beader. On the zoom call, students will have the opportunity to learn from Terena and Ruby about Mi’kmaq beading traditions, their history, importance, and how to follow the traditional way of beading. Meanwhile, students will be provided with a kit of sorts full of materials to use while learning how to bead their own pride flag pin that they can proudly display afterward. On January 8th, the programming of the day is a 2SLGBTQIA+ Spaces with the theme of tattooing, an event that Claydon has projected might be the best attended event of the month. On this unique zoom call, st. FX students will have the opportunity to speak to Nova Scotian 2SLGBTQIA+ tattoo artists and tattoo shop owners/workers about the importance of tattoos and queer and trans
spaces for the community, of having safe spaces to create art and display it proudly on your body. Listeners will also be learning about the experiences of the speakers’ as artists or otherwise members of the tattooing industry. The speaker list, a group of queer and/or trans folks, is going to include the folks who work at Outlaw Country Tattoo in Halifax (Gabe, Emerson, Amy, and Amber), as well as someone from the halifax tattoo Company (Nate Hartley). January 10th brings with it a very special surprise for St. FX students, with an event called Get Ready with Richard. Via Zoom, students can meet Drag King Richard Rockhard, and learn about his tips and tricks about how to do drag king makeup, developing a drag king persona, performing live, and any advice or stories that he has to tell. A few days later on January 12th, there will be an online positive space training workshop. Students who are interested can spend the early afternoon in a workshop that is going to delve into the details about relevant topics like relevant sexuality and gender-related terminology, as well as important concepts like hetero- and cisnormativity, privilege and oppression, and inclusive/ anti-oppressive practices with the intention of increasing 2SLGBTQIA+ cultural awareness among the campus community. This workshop is one that you won’t want to miss
and the conversations that arise will hopefully help them make St. FX a more inclusive environment for everyone. Over the past few years, St. FX students might have attended the now-familiar Sex Toy Bingo. Though this year it will be held virtually on January 14th, it will still be everything that it always has been. This year put on by a collaboration between the GSDA and the Students Union, students willing to participate can join via zoom in order to play this quirky version of Bingo and maybe even win some free sex toys. January 19th brings with it an event called Hooking up with Heart, a workshop put on by Venus Envy, a sex toy, and bookshop in Halifax. Venus Envy Community Educator Rachele Manett will be having a sit-down talk and exploring compelling topics such as queering safer sex, communicating desires, and exploring ethical non-monogamy. She will be bringing books and toys to talk about, and there will be a chance to win a $50 gift card to the Venus Envy store. St. FX students on the 21st of January are getting an pride-themed evening to remember called the Night of 100 Moiras (and Davids) and the Golden X Inn. At the inn, the night hosted by a collab between the Golden X Inn, the GSDA, and X-Pride, has asked that you don your best wig or statement sweater to enjoy pride-themed drinks, pride
themed music music (playlists made by X-Pride), Schitts Creek Trivia, and if you have a good costume, the chance to be crowned the best Moira or David. Winners of the trivia questions and best costumes will be entered to win drink vouchers, gift cards, and more. What better night could be possible for fans of Schitt’s Creek. On January 26th, is the Spill the Tea night with the theme of Labels. X-pride announced that this will be an in-person and online facilitation discussion covering themes like how labels help us make sense of our experiences, how labels can evolve, how labels can hurt us, and how labels can make us feel honoured and seen. While the conversation has some themes, it will be largely audience-driven, and be a wide discussion. On January 28th there is a double feature. In the late morning and early afternoon, there will be a drop-in buttonmaking workshop, where buttons that you have designed or created (either in advance or in-person) will be pressed by the GSDA. Later in the day, students will get another chance, this time in person, to play Sex Toy Bingo. At the Golden X Inn, X-Pride in collaboration with the Students Union will be putting on ANOTHER night where you can win even more free sex toys, hosted by Henderson Cartwright and Sarah Elliott. The last day, bringing in the end of Pride Month on January 29th, will be a Pride Online Concert or ‘Quoncert’ as Henderson suggested. The concert was announced to be featuring talented local musicians and St. FX alumni, who also happen to be 2SLGBTQIA+, such as Good Dead Good, Valmy, Katherine Chaisson, Joanie Cash, Cass Mann, Behruz, Yasmin Kawar, and more. Each artist or group will perform about 3 songs, and Claydon suggests that you tune in for them while you’re getting ready for a night out, a night in or whatever your plans are after slogging through the always difficult first month of semester. If you’re looking for any more information, the GSDA and X-Pride both have instagram and facebook accounts (@xgsdsa @xpridesociety) that are posting about the events, and have more information about how to get involved. Happy Pride Month!
opinions
5 EDITOR: EMILY KEENAN xw.opinion@stfx.ca
Let’s Talk about Bell Let’s Talk Sarah Breen Staff Writer Bell Let’s Talk is a mental health awareness campaign that began in 2011 in an effort to fight the stigma against mental health. It has gained extensive media attention in recent years and while I agree it is positive that people have become much more understanding of mental health and illnesses, I don’t agree that Bell Let’s Talk deserves the praise it receives. I do believe Bell Let’s Talk has merits to it’s campaign, however, I want to illustrate the problems with it. I am someone who has been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety disorder. The mere fact that I am able to make that statement without feeling afraid or embarrassed I owe partly to social media awareness campaigns like Bell Let’s Talk. I feel privileged to be a young person living in an age where conversations about mental health are encouraged, and people are working to com-
bat the stigma surrounding it. This makes battling depression as a university student a little easier. With the support of my professors who tend to be very understanding, I find it easier to advocate for myself. I believe, however, that it’s time we talk about the negative aspects of Bell Let’s Talk and stop giving it so much undeserved praise. People with mental illness don’t need more talk, we need action. When I see a #BellLetsTalk post on social media, what does this do on a deeper level to help me? For me, these are just empty words. If the people supporting this campaign don’t talk about and support mental health and illness the rest of the year, why should I believe their words have any weight on January 29th. The terms anxiety and depression have also been heavily watered down nowadays. Sure, everyone feels anxious and sad from time to time, but having anxiety or de-
pression disorders is not the same. Bell Let’s Talk is essentially a capitalist marketing campaign that manipulates the image of mental health. It does not draw attention to the messier and very real aspects of mental illness. It tries too hard to be relatable by stating that everyone has mental health problems, but what about those who suffer from severe depression, anxiety, mood and personality disorders such as bipolar disorder? Bell Let’s Talk is also flawed because it fails to include intersectionality in its campaigns. Marginalized groups may be more likely to experience mental illness. Factors such as disability, race, gender, and sexual orientation can all have huge effects on a person’s mental health. The Bell Let’s Talk campaign often does not discuss access to resources or the intersectionality of mental health. People who have been discriminated because of their
race, sexuality, gender, or disability are more likely to experience mental health issues, although this does not negate the experience of mental health issues in non-marginalized groups. Minority groups in Canada are often not involved in the conversation about mental health, and it’s important that we change that and bring attention to intersectionality so that the specific needs of these groups can be addressed. I’ve made it obvious that I don’t like Bell Let’s Talk, but it’s not entirely a lost cause. I hope that in the future it will improve and become more inclusive for minority groups suffering from mental illness, address the problems of non-mentally ill people and their performative allyship, include people with psychotic, mood, and personality disorders in the discussion, and use their huge platform to better support mentally ill people.
Isolation in Residence Hally Cordingly Columnist Isolating for 14 days in a dorm room doesn’t sound like the most appealing two weeks but personally I believe StFX has done it’s best to make the most out of isolation. The University has made improvements from last semester’s isolation and truly prioritizes students’ health. I have isolated in Cameron Hall both semesters and feel the University puts its best efforts into making quarantine as comfortable as it can be! StFX has made a few minor changes since the previous isolation that have improved the experience. Students can now go to the Morrison Hall to grab their food, which I personally believe is the biggest improvement from last semester as the food is now higher quality, fresher and students have options when it comes to their food. There are many misconceptions about students going to Morrison Hall. Students are not sitting down and eating their food, it is similar to grab and go where students pick up their food and go back to their room to eat. Additionally, all residences have different timeslots, students are in a single file line,
there are stickers on the floor to ensure social distancing and there is a barrier between the students and Morrison Hall staff. The staff at Morrison Hall also ensure all students follow the guidelines and keep the students as safe as possible. It’s been demonstrated that the health and safety of students is highly prioritized during this isolation. Masks are required both indoors and outdoors, there is extra cleaning in place and when it comes to the bathrooms there are signs that indicate whether the bathrooms are for isolating or not isolating students, they also provide extra cleaning wipes and hand sanitizer. The University also has prioritized students’ mental health. In Cameron Hall, CA’s email students daily to ask how students are coping or if we need anything. Student Life is also very quick in responding whenever you have a question and volunteers are available to support students. In addition, we also have the opportunity to go outside twice a day for an hour at a time, separated by residences and different fields on campus. Overall, I feel that StFX has put great im-
portance on keeping their students healthy. StFX has made isolating much more bearable by providing many different activities and entertainment. There is an Instagram page (@stfxisolated) that provides students with all the activities students can do during their quarantine. There is a wide variety of virtual events for people with all types of interests; there are Bingo Nights, Workouts, Lounge Chats and much more that are all done virtually. In addition, starting classes online on the 13th gives students something to do while they are finishing their last week of isolation and in my opinion was a good call. The one thing I believe could be improved is Covid-19 testing. Last semester during quarantine it was required to get tested and the testing took place in residence. This semester testing is not required, students must book their own appointments and leave campus to get their test done. I emailed Student Life and they confirmed that you are only required to take a test if you are from New Brunswick. Student
Life stated “if you are from New Brunswick, it is a requirement from the Province. Otherwise, it is strongly encouraged.” Although it is highly encouraged to get tested, I feel less students will choose to get tested if it is not required and if they have to leave campus to do so. I believe it would’ve been better to continue the testing like they previously had last semester and I hope students take the University’s recommendation and get tested. Overall, I feel that StFX has majorly improved isolation from last semester. In my opinion the University has put their best efforts into making isolation as enjoyable and safe as it can be for students!
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thursday september twenty-fourth, 2015
arts & community StFX Grad Brings Authentic Mauritian Chai to Antigonish Addy Strickland Arts & Community Editor Yajna Ramgoolam, a member of the StFX class of 2020, is bringing the flavours of Mauritius to Antigonish through her new business: Mo Chai. Ramgoolam launched Mo Chai in November 2020 with her homemade blend of authentic Mauritian Chai. Since arriving in Canada in 2016, she has struggled to find Chai that tastes like home. “When I came to Canada and I went to a cafe … I saw Chai … and it just tasted like cinnamon, which is not what it’s supposed to taste like,” she shared. In Mauritius, it’s lemongrass that’s heroed, rather than cinnamon. Unable to find a commercial product that met her standards, Ramgoolam began blending her own Chai, and has been doing so for the past four years. Even before she started a tea company, she was known for her tea among friends— “whenever they would come over … they would ask me to make them some tea.” The idea to turn her home-
made tea into a business came at a few months into the pandemic, and after working to perfect the recipe and finding a supplier, the first batch of Mo Chai made its appearance at the Antigonish Farmers Market on November 14. While handling COVID-19 has proved challenging for a lot of small businesses, Ramgoolam said that the increase in free time she had as a result was one of the key motivating factors in bringing Mo Chai to life. Another surprising benefit she’s noticed is that COVID-19 restrictions on travel pushed people to do their Christmas shopping locally, so business was great over the holidays. Ramgoolam’s original recipe of black tea, cardamom, ginger, fennel, clove, and lemongrass (and an emphasized absence of cinnamon) is certainly a crowd pleaser. The blend is aptly named, too— Ramgoolam explained that the name “Chai Lakaz” is inspired by something Mark Twain once said: that god visited Mauritius, and then created paradise. She sold
her first batch within two weeks, and then the second. “I just didn’t know if people would like this kind of tea because it’s not a traditional thing for here,” she shared, but the community’s response quickly reassured her that the tea would be a success. “A lot of coffee people, people that drink strictly coffee … had it and they really liked it because it’s different,” she said, and she’s received positive feedback from people who don’t usually like tea as well.
“I just want people to feel the same way,” Yajna Ramgoolam Business Person Ultimately, to Ramgoolam, her Chai feels like home. “I just want people to feel the same way,” she said. Mo Chai currently offers both a regular and a decaf blend, and Rangoolam hopes to expand the range of flavours as the business grows its clientele. When asked what kind of products she’d like to try making in the future, a cardamom-rose blend with
apple and clove was at the top of her list; she’d also like to bring in new decaf blends that hero the herbs of Mauritius. Anyone looking to get a taste of paradise can find Mo Chai online at at www.mochai.ca or in-person at the Antigonish Farmers Market, the Tall and Small, and Safe and Sound Cafe.
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A New Class of Xaverians Addy Strickland Arts & Community Editor On December 3, 2020, as per Xaverian tradition, the class of 2021 received their coveted X-Rings. Deciding what to engrave on the inside of one’s ring can be a big decision, and we were curious about what this year’s class had in mind — so we asked them to tell us about what they chose!
Tania Tesson “My engraving reads “NaturallyMe.” It is the name of my business. I started it here and I believe that it will be successful over time.”
Veronica Curry “My engraving reads: “Veronica Curry/ENGR/TK341.” TK341 was my residence room number during my first year. Since I will only be at X for two years, because of engineering, I am extra thankful for my first year. Especially because this year hasn’t been ideal, my best memories were made in first year, along with the strongest bonds.”
Cynthia Forgeron
Emma Kuzmyk
Shayelle Boudreau
“My engraving reads: “Task Failed Successfully.” It took me 7 years to get my degree. Made so many mistakes that I limped my way across the finish line. I was the little engine that could... eventually.”
“My engraving reads: “even the weariest river.” It’s a line from my favourite poem! The full line is “Even the weariest river winds somewhere safe to sea,” which has been a comforting sentiment through some of the difficult times I’ve had while at X.”
“My engraving reads: “Shay BScN” with a heartbeat symbol. I can look at this ring and know that I followed my dreams and I have achieved them.”
Victoria Banka “My engraving reads: “Have courage”.” Sometimes anxiety gets in the way of things, this is a constant reminder that I am powerful and I can do anything!”
Leah Hewitt “My engraving reads: “One last lap - XXOO.” One last lap represents my love for the community around me. It is something I used to say when I was at the pub, or at a party (pre-covid of course). I used to ask my friends to “do a lap” with me around the party or get together to see everyone in attendance to chat and catch up. The second line XXOO is for my grandmother, because that is how she signs all of her cards. She is empathic and kind, which is what I strive to be in my life and nursing practice.”
Kristen Rolle “My engraving reads: “Kristen Rolle BBA - MBA - CPA.” I put my name just in case it gets lost and then on the 2nd line I put my career path! I’ll be taking over the world one degree/designation at a time!!!”
Gabriele Brownstein “My engraving reads: “Fuck it up.” I chose it because it sums up my time here at X.”
Isaac Bezanson “My engraving reads “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” I chose this inscription because it was a quote said to me from a business professor in second year. It stuck with me because I really believed in it. The more I did at X, the more I accomplished, and the more opportunities revealed themselves. I believe it sums up my university career well as a well-rounded individual who got out of my comfort zone and took on multiple opportunities. When I look at it, it specifically reminds me of the opportunity I had to take a class with this professor in first year, leading to the opportunity to build a strong connection, resulting in a connection for co-ops, then resulting in the opportunity for a full-time job after I graduate. And the opportunities are only just beginning.”
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sports & health 2021 World Juniors Jack Millbank Sports & Health Editor As provinces start to head into lockdown for the second time, Canadians are left isolated struggling to keep themselves entertained. As the new year begins, so does the 44 year tradition. The World Juniors Championships U-20 is an ice hockey tournament that was created in 1977 by the International Ice Hockey Federation. The tournament starts late December running through to the new year, the tournament only lasts 10 days. The tournament is designed for young players under the age of 20. Every year Canada proudly watches 20 of its finest hockey players go head to head against the 9 other top countries. Most of these athletes are on track or have been drafted to NHL. In January 2020 Canada pulled off the impossible by scoring 3 goals in 11 minutes in the gold medal game giving Canada the win. Canada knowingly needing to defend their gold medal title built a team that was very capa-
ble of doing so. The original team consisted of 20 players who were all selected at the first round in the NHL draft. The team captain Kirby Dach was coming off his rookie season in the NHL with an impressive 23 points. Kirby Dach was given the position to lead the Canadian team to battle for the 2021 World Juniors Championships. Unfortunately in an exhibition game versus Russia Kirby Dach broke his wrist, doctors expect a 4-5 month recovery. Unfortunately this leaves Team Canada with a gaping hole to fill. Head Coach Andre Tourigny chose Bowen Byram and Dylan Cozens to step in as alternating Captains. Round Robin: Canada vs Germany 16-2 Win Round Robin: Canada vs Slovakia 3-1 Win Round Robin: Canada vs Switzerland 10-0 Win Round Robin: Canada vs Finland 4-1 Win
Quarter Final: Canada vs Czech Republic 3-0 Win Semi-Final: Canada vs Russia 5-0 Win Canada went on to go undefeated in the round robin. Canada’s goalie Devon Levi was named the tournament’s top goalie after finishing with 3 shut-outs, 0.75 goals-against average, and .964 save percentage. Levi’s three shutouts were tied with the most ever recorded in that tournament. Canada faced a hard battle in the gold medal game facing their rivals from past years; The United States. Canada came out slow giving up a goal in the first period, this was the first time Canada trailed in the tournament. As the second period rolled around Canada’s luck had not changed, The Americans top scorer Trevor Zegras who ended up winning MVP of the tournament was quick with scoring USA’s second goal putting Canada down a 2- 0. Canada fought hard for the rest of the period
and momentum started to shift. As the third period started it looked like Canada got their mojo back. Canada’s top line could not finish as they did throughout the whole tournament. Unfortunately as time expired USA finished on top, Canada fished with 34 shots to USA’s 21. This tournament was even more relevant because of the attention it received due to the pandemic. It gave Canadians something to look forward to as well as cheer for. It seemed more important to have an event like this that could unify our country in these trying times.
Bobybuilding Growing Quickly in Canada Haillie Green Columnist
When you think about Canadian sports, bodybuilding may not be one that immediately pops into your mind; but perhaps it should be. There are countless studies proving that fitness improves both mental and physical health, and many Canadians are swarming towards bodybuilding and the vigorous competitions that come along with it, because of a desire to take their fitness to the next level. Both men and women are taking on the challenge of pushing themselves to the limit, through an intense routine of nutrition and resistance exercises. Interestingly enough, the roots of bodybuilding lie within ancient Greece; professional Greek athletes believed that physical health and mental clarity were deeply related; so their desire for intellect attributes to why ancient Greek statues have similarities to modern day bodybuilders. Since the days of ancient Greece, the sport has morphed into a new physical culture focused on the aesthet-
ics of a trained and fit body. While some argue that bodybuilding is a superficial sport because it concentrates on outer appearance, bodybuilders view the sport as an impressive physical challenge; a mental hurdle that once they persevere through, has the ability to enrich their lives and make them feel healthier. In short, the sport involves training to get into a fit physique, and enrolling in competitions in order to be judged, and perhaps win a cash prize. Bodybuilding puts an emphasis on the human body’s muscular development, and judges are looking for overall muscle mass, symmetry, and definition. In Canada, competitions are generally split into different categories that differ for men and women. From a woman’s perspective, you would be competing in categories such as bikini and fitness. As a man, you would be judged in physique and bodybuilding categories. In order to succeed, men and women go through extensive resistance training and diets that, according to retired bodybuilders, can sometimes have adverse effects.
After a competition, some bodybuilders experience binge-eating as a result of over-restriction or they find themselves injured from over-training. This, of course, is not always the case, as most of these problems result from not consulting with a professional before embarking on the bodybuilding journey. The COVID-19 pandemic has also made bodybuilding more difficult for Canadians, due to the closure of gymnasiums across the nation. This has not stopped the exponential rise in popularity of the sport though. An interest-
ing statistic that proves the popularity of bodybuilding among Canadians is the profit increase for the company, The Crystal Suit. The Ontario-based company provides the custom-made competition suits worn Canadians, and has seen a 600% increase in profits since 2010. COVID-19 has not killed off the sport either, professional bodybuilders are adapting to alternative measures in order to keep up their physique, which can be attributed to the mental strength they have developed in their careers. There are also opportunities for amateur body-
builders, such as the Canadian Bodybuilding Federation (CBBF), which will offer competitions for bodybuilders across Canada once it is safe to do so. Many Canadians are seeking to build gyms in their homes, or utilize spaces that it is safe to train, so that they can maintain their desired physique and mental clarity. There are also some competitions that are being offered to bodybuilders, but of course come with the price of self-isolation before and after the event. I hope that Canadian bodybuilding is now on your radar, even if it was not before. Unfortunately, if you wish to experience professional bodybuilding, you will not find it at the 2021 Summer Olympic Games, which has been rescheduled for July 23, 2021 after being cancelled last year. There has been an active petition to make bodybuilding an official Olympic sport, but bodybuilding has not been accepted as of the time this article was written. Perhaps Canadians will alter the global perception of bodybuilding? Only time will tell.
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thursday september twenty-fourth, 2015
distractions culture
EDITOR: RACHEL REVOY xw.culture@stfx.ca
Blanche Yap Pagobo Staff Writer Aries (March 21-April 19) You need to start crossing out things on your to-do list. Do them now so you can relax and have fun later. Use this month to think about the more meaningful things in your life and how you can better manage them. Even when you’ve had enough, something keeps you going. You’re more driven to “win” in the areas of love and money this month and you think of ways to get ahead of other people and rise to the top however, always remember that balance is the key. By the end of the month, it is of your best interest to try and reconnect with the world, maybe someone you used to be close to or interacting with new people. This is the perfect opening to your New Year! Taurus (April 20-May 20) Start catching up on the things you left off last year. If you have some cleaning and organizing to do, this should be on the top of your list. Finances are your biggest focus as of this month however, don’t be too stubborn to listen to people who could help you improve in several aspects of your life. If you feel a little more aggressive about getting what you want, don’t be afraid because it helps you balance things out. You will have a lot of mixed thoughts—both old and new since you’re more open to new ideas and perspectives now but you still hang on to most of your own opinions. Talk to someone with a lot of life experiences, it will have a very powerful impact on you this month. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Your thought process is very brief and to the point this month. You don’t want to think about a lot of details right now and you want little to no effort put into your actions. At the beginning of this month, you have to slow down and start to realize that you haven’t been making the best decisions lately especially in terms of love and money. You can move into a better direction for the next few weeks though if you keep a steady energy. This month will also bring you a lot of excitement with potentially dangerous consequences—choose your decisions wisely. Besides being cautious, this month is also a good opportunity for you to expand your social circle. Cancer (June 21-July 22) You feel restricted however, use this to help you become more organized and set goals for the year. Aim high and see what you are capable of. You can feel more confident as your love life improves this month and you are able to balance your wants and needs. If you’re willing enough, express what’s been missing in your life because you deserve to be happy. This month, express your individuality and show the world what you’re truly capable of. Let your personality shine! Leo (July 23-August 22) Life would not be boring for you this month. Your spontaneous actions can lead to some very interesting situations. As energetic as you are, it is important to keep in mind to slow down and approach things at your own pace. If you’re worried about a deadline, ask for an extension. This is the one time to get the details right instead of going for first-place finish. You have the ability to win friends and influence people because they are impressed by your sense of confidence and strong belief that your way is the right way. Be careful though because your intensity might be too much for others to handle. Others might also wonder where your head is because of your seemingly weird ideas so be sure to make it clear and obvious what your best intentions are. Virgo (August 23-September 22) This is the month to start being responsible but in a reasonable way. Set your goals high so you can brag about your amazing accomplishments later in the year. Be cautious because for the next couple of weeks you’ll be hard to communicate with because of your stubbornness. You listen to other people’s perspectives, but they rarely have an impact on you. Use practical energy in order to accomplish a lot this year. You are gifted with a large amount of determination. Don’t rely too much on technologies on the next following weeks instead find other alternative ways in order to help you avoid catastrophes.
Libra (September 23-October 22) Take risks this month as it can pay off in a huge way or else you would end up losing everything. This is not the time for moderation. You will regain back your solid work ethic because you want the best in life and you’re willing to work hard this month to get it back. You will do some crazy things in the name of love or the quest for wealth this month. You are automatically attracted to something that is different than all the rest. Going the least traveled route isn’t always productive, but it’s usually fun! Scorpio (October 23-Novermber 21) You will experience quite a change of pace. The lack of excitement will take some getting used to. Around mid-January, you’ll be able to take control of things but don’t let it get into your head to much. Someone will come along and challenge you eventually and the longer you’re in power, the hard it will be to lose your crown. When one thing ends, you expect another to begin, but it doesn’t always work that way. Try not to have a lot of expectations. You aren’t usually needy so your desire for love and affection might throw you off of your game. Find healthy distractions to help you avoid thinking what you want but don’t have. Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You will make a lot of new friends this month and potentially new love interests. Your financial situation is fairly positive and free-flowing. If you lend money to someone, make sure to keep track of the details. You become stricter about matters of the heart and finance. Hard work pays off more than anything now since you start to take a more detailed look at the potential of things. There will be some unexpected news so check your social media regularly for a post you’re tagged in or scroll through incoming texts to make sure you haven’t missed anything. You will have new projects started but be cautious as you might not have the attention to detail to see them through. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Start self-discipline this month. Projects that are in their final phase should get a lot of attention now. Soon you will be able to reach the level of success you’ve always dreamed of. You have excellent decision making skills which will help you come to so much-needed conclusions in various areas of your life. Feeling scattered? This is the time to pick up the pieces and put them in place. It is also a good time to take a look at the mountain ahead and decide which route you want to take to climb it. There will be a lot of challenges this month, but your optimistic personality will help you succeed. Aquarius (January 20-February 18) This is a very experimental month for you. Download new apps or video games on your technology to amp things up! It is a good time for change and do not let your stubbornness hold you back from progressing forward. You can honestly say that you couldn’t care less what people think of you this month since there’s no one else life your silly and odd personality. Careful with showing off too much of the technology and the apps that you’ve discovered as you can find yourself in a pretty embarrassing situation once they malfunction. Pisces (February 19-March 20) You finally have the time to finish those projects that have been bugging you lately. Take a sit back and take a patient view of situations. Keep it slow and steady and don’t try and force anything because it might end up backfiring. Your ego might get in the way of enjoying things to look forward to. You will be in the spotlight but you might not get the applause you think you deserve and that’s okay because sharing the stage is also fun! Try to keep an open eye this month—turn arguments into opportunities to learn something new without passing judgement on anyone.
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