Category: Opinions

The road to physical fitness is not paved with miracle pills, diet crazes or fitness fads. If you’re looking to lose your love handles you have to be prepared to get a little sweaty.

If you want to slim down, you’ve got to burn fat. If you want to burn fat, you’ve got to burn calories. And if you want to burn calories, you’ve got to work hard. Period.

The science of weight loss is simple_it all boils down to calories in versus calories out. What isn’t always easy is achieving and maintaining this balance, especially when you’re a student. Countless hours spent in class or at home studying combined with a dependence on unhealthy convenience foods is a recipe for weight-gain. This is where a structured cardiovascular routine becomes your best weapon in the battle of the bulge.

Move!

Start by choosing an activity that will raise and sustain your heart rate at a consistent level, such as jogging, walking, cycling or aerobics. Try to pick something you enjoy_having fun is a great motivator and will ensure you stick to your plan. Also, don’t be afraid to think outside the box; the monotony of running on a treadmill isn’t for everyone. Join a pickup basketball league or sign up for an aquabics class at your neighbourhood pool. How you move isn’t important_it’s how often and how hard that will make the difference.

Repeat!

To increase your cardiorespiratory endurance and whittle your waist, you should aim to exercise three to five days a week, for 30-45 minutes per session. If you’re new to the fitness scene, however, start with three and work up to five. Also, be sure to warm up before and cool down after each workout with lower intensity cardio and light stretching. This will ease muscle tension and soreness, and help prevent injury.

Harder, faster!

Once your fitness level begins to improve, you’ll have to step up the intensity of your workouts to avoid fitness and weight-loss plateaus. One of the best ways to rev up your cardio routine is to interval train_that is, to add high-intensity spurts to your existing program. For example, if you usually jog at a steady pace for 30 minutes, try walking for one minute, sprinting for 30 seconds, jogging for two minutes and then repeating the cycle. By constantly challenging your body you will maximize its fat-burning potential. As an added bonus, interval training also staves off boredom. The more you mix it up, the more fun your routine will be.

Don’t Stop!

Aside from a svelte silhouette, cardio training provides many other benefits. It elevates your metabolism, maintains, strengthens and tones your major muscle groups, and helps prevent a wide range of diseases including diabetes, high blood-pressure and obesity. So nix the quick fixes, commit to a cardio routine, and make the transition from flab to fab!

Next week: we are going to PUMP, *clap*, YOU UP!

It seems that the media is on its final legs with regards to the tsunami disaster that devastated so many countries five weeks ago. While many will claim this is an injustice to those who have suffered, many will also be relieved they will no longer be bombarded with the same horrifying images day in and day out.

There’s nothing wrong with supporting either of the above schools of thought. At a university student newspaper it would be assumed that, by now, we have exhausted all possible angles pertaining to one of the most significant natural disasters since the dawn of mankind.

So, have we really explored all angles? Well, there will almost certainly be some far-reaching points of view and less significant relief efforts out there that could be included, but we’re relatively satisfied we’ve done our part. That’s not intended to be arrogant or self-righteous, we could always do more, but there really is only so much that can be said while keeping the story relevant and connected to the lives of thousands of Concordians.

However, for those out there who have donated to the cause in an effort to help the suffering, there will still be a sense of unfinished business with the matter. It would be hoped the Concordian population that helped the school raise over $260,000 for relief thus far, would remain eager to stay informed about the allocation of the funds. It would also be expected that mainstream media would do its best to keep us all informed about progress made over the last 38 days in helping to rebuild the lives of the victims.

When taking into consideration the past week in news, it’s no surprise that tsunami-related stories have been bumped down a few notches in their significance. With the historic election that took place in Iraq, where millions of people looked past death threats made by insurgents and went to the polls in hopes of bringing their country a step closer to becoming peaceful and democratic, it’s no wonder. There are also many local concerns that may need to be covered in various cities before delving too deep into foreign relations and politics. This is completely understandable.

In Montreal, for instance, we’re worried about where our new superhospital is going to be built, or if it will even get off the ground at all. Then there’s the story of private Jewish schools trying to organize cultural exchanges with public schools, despite the Education Minister nixing plans to give about $10 million to the project. We have our own issues that take precedent, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But there is a ‘however’ to all this.

There was an article printed in The Gazette on Tuesday (Feb.1) about the 800,000 Indonesians that require food aid from the United Nations. The story appeared on page A14 of the paper, which isn’t so bad, considering that it was on the lead page of the WORLD section. The bigger problem has something to do with the fact that the world section of so many publications in North America takes a backseat to local political conflicts.

Also featured on A14 was the story of a UN report that determined no genocide has occurred in Darfur, and we all know how the western world has responded to past cases of genocide or potential genocide. Although last week’s editorial stated that there should be a growing sense of optimism about our dealings with the third world, in retrospect, the sentiment was fleeting at best. Page A14 did a wonderful job of bringing this journalist back from a temporary state of delusional hopefulness.

Maybe it would even be possible to overlook the placement of the section if an effort was being made to draw the readers into that part of the publication. However, on this page, with two stories explaining the hardships facing two different populations, there is also a story about how monkeys like to watch porn. So, which one of these was advertised on the front page of the paper? You guessed it – the monkey porn.

Xydous’ absurd accusations

I was quite disturbed by the accusations that are currently being thrown around by Christina Xydous and her friends about the CSU executive. Xydous (and CSU Councilor Tom Price) lied about the CSU, which is her employer, in a recent press release which was distributed to student media around campus.

She didn’t tell CUPE 4512 members that she was going to do it in advance and let them vote on it, so she could not have democratically been acting on their behalf. What Xydous did was wrong, plain and simple, and the issue itself is extremely simple; Xydous made libelous statements about the CSU’s finances and then when she was disciplined for her irresponsible (and potentially illegal actions) she tried to spin the issue and convince people that the CSU was engaging in union busting, which is absurd.

I understand why she launched a coordinated propaganda campaign against the CSU, though. For the first time in a long time the CSU is focused on issues that really effect students like Financial Aid and International Students Tuition.

The CSU’s events are ridiculously popular; they even threw the biggest orientation event ever at Concordia. I get why Evolution’s few remaining political adversaries are trying to drag them down with manufactured and convoluted issues and why they’re working overtime to try and manipulate public student opinion.

Evolution is just too good and in politics; the better your performance, the bigger and more ridiculous the opposition’s lies will be.

Carla Garcia
Political Science

Xydous propaganda offensive ridiculous

From the first moments of Christina Xydous’ propaganda offensive against our democratically elected student union, it was apparent that her pronouncements lacked credibility. It seems that Xydous is capable of doing anything…in order to advance her political goals, and running CUPE 4512 (the CSU’s staff union) in an undemocratic manner doesn’t seem to be above her. Xydous unilaterally took minor complaints against the CSU executive public, and mixed them with ridiculous libelous statements about the CSU’s financial standing and then used fear to keep the CSU’s staff quiet and in line.

When it was quickly discovered that her claims against the CSU executive were false, she refused to divulge her source regarding the CSU’s alleged financial mismanagement and refused to apologize. Sounds awfully familiar, doesn’t it? Xydous took unilateral steps without the consent of union members, refused to admit wrongdoing on any level after it was proven that the intelligence she used was flawed, and then not only refused to apologize but persisted in her position. She then changed her tune completely and advanced a narration of “union-busting,” which makes no sense because saying that she lied about the CSU’s finances to protect the rights of the CSU’s employees makes no sense.

We’ll have to see what exactly the propaganda impact of Xydous’ coordinated offensive is, but looking at the few misinformed letters that have appeared in the Link (mostly written by non-students or recent graduates who were part of past unrepresentative CSU’s, the impact will probably be pretty minimal and inconsequential.

Benoit Bertrand
Political Science

Poetry and the Pub
Review of CASE’s Open Mic

With the portraits of Irish literary giants like James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Oscar Wilde looking on from the Pub’s walls, one could have felt intimidated. But CASE’s (Concordia Association for Students in English) first open mic. of 2005 at the Old Dublin Pub on January 27th was all about taking it easy and supporting local talent.

The evening may have started slowly – most probably because of the cold weather – but soon enough, the second floor of Montreal’s oldest Irish Pub was bustling with admirers of the English spoken word, students and faculty members alike.

The evening was not limited only to poetry; many other forms of artistic expression were present: theatre, music, prose, and yes even stand up comedy. To make the prospect of performing in front of rowdy English students even more appealing, there were raffles for prizes and free beers offered to the first performers who signed up. As the beer taps and wine carafes flowed into the evening, the audience got louder and the performers seemingly became more profound, and thus a great time was had by all.

The next time CASE has an open mic., don’t worry if you don’t have anything to read out loud. If you appreciate creative expression, the company of like-minded folks, and a fine Irish Ale – then this event will be just the thing to tickle your fancy.

Gregory Santos

Darfur panel discussion next week
Thursday, Feb 10, 6-8 PM

“The Crisis in Sudan/Darfur: Reports from the Front Lines,” (100,000 killed, 1.5 million refugees and displaced) will be a photographically illustrated panel discussion sponsored by the School of Community and Public Affairs, the McGill Refugee Research Project, and the Concordia-UQAM Chair in Ethnic Studies. Place: Bronfman Bldg, Coincordia U., 1590 Dr. Penfield (Corner Cote-des-Neiges).

Speakers will be field workers from Medecins Sans Frontiers and a faaculty member from the Concordia Political Science Dept. Free Admission. Information: (514) 484-6523.

I am sad to say this is my final column because I loved writing every single one. I truly believe that everyone has the potential to look good. The problem is that many people don’t bother to make an effort. So for my last column I will advise you on what kind of clothing items to look for and I will make a short list of shops to visit in the city.

When shopping try to avoid the really trendy items like uggs and those awful bear-like boots. There is nothing flattering about them. What ever happened to just wearing simple black or brown leather footwear? And for the love of Prada, why must people take their fashion inspiration from celebrities in music videos? What those artists are wearing is just for the screen, not for school!

The best way to insure looking your best is by sticking to the classics. So invest in a few timeless items like turtlenecks, sweaters, skirts and pants in natural materials. If it feels cheap, it won’t look good against your body. Merino wool, viscose, rayonne and tencel are all great fabrics to look for. Another important rule to remember is to make sure you buy clothes that fit. I cannot stress that enough. Please keep these things in mind when you decide to go shopping.

Where to shop

Club Monaco (Men & Women)

Practically all my clothes come from here. Sure it’s a little pricy, but they’re excellent quality clothes that almost never go out of style; they’re classics.

You really gotta love that, even after losing to the Concordia Stingers women’s hockey team last Saturday, the St. FX X-women are still able to hold claim to a perfect record of 11-0.

There is some justice in that victories against the likes of St. FX could help improve Concordia’s national ranking, where they currently sit in third spot, trailing the #2-Laurier Golden Hawks and the unconquerable #1-Alberta Pandas. However, if the Stingers were being awarded points for victories in non-conference matches, it would be a lot easier for them to pad a lead atop the Qu

With February fast approaching, are you finding your New Year’s resolution to get in shape is becoming as distant a memory as the warm weather? Sure, shorter days and frigid temperatures may seem like respectable excuses for ditching the gym, but they should, in fact, motivate you to get moving. Engaging in regular exercise during winter elevates your energy level, boosts your mood and reduces stress, all while helping you maintain a fit physique.

Still not dusting off your runners and heading for the door? Here are a few strategies that may help make your workout regimen a bit easier to follow.

Rise and Shine

Numerous studies have shown that people who exercise in the morning are far more likely to stick to their routines in the long run. A long day at work or school can serve to weaken the resolve of even the most dedicated gym-goer. Getting through your workout early in the day eliminates the temptation to skip the health club and head home to curl up on the couch.

So what if you’re not exactly a morning person?

The key to making an early workout part of your fitness plan is getting a good night’s sleep every night. It’s important to establish a schedule and stick to it, even on weekends. Sleeping late on Saturday and Sunday can lead to Sunday night insomnia, throwing sleep patterns for the rest of the week.

Other ways to ensure quality slumber include avoiding caffeine and nicotine for eight hours before your desired bedtime, not consuming large quantities of food or drink right before crawling between the sheets and resisting the temptation to nap.

Buddy Up

Hitting the sack early, rising at the crack of dawn, and still not a gym regular? Maybe what you need is some external motivation.

Finding a friend with similar fitness goals and agreeing to be “workout buddies” is a strategy that works on a number of levels. First, if you are both new to the health club scene, it makes tackling the weight room and cardio equipment far less scary. Attending classes, such as aerobics or yoga, is also more fun in pairs. Having a buddy is a great way of committing to a specific workout time too – you’re far more likely to brave the elements knowing your friend is waiting for you.

Having a fitness partner can also spark a bit of healthy competition, motivating you to shave that extra minute off your mile on the treadmill, or squeeze out a few extra reps during your lifting session. And hey, if nothing else, you’ll at least have someone to gush to when you’re finally able to slip back into your “skinny jeans!”

Treat Yourself

If alarm clocks and fitness allies still don’t have you making the most of your gym membership, consider implementing a rewards system for yourself. Set realistic goals, such as fitting in a workout three days per week for a month, or dropping the five pounds you gained over the holidays, and treat yourself to something special once you’ve achieved them. Just make sure your rewards are in line with your ultimate goal of getting into shape – treating yourself to a tray of mom’s brownies because you made it to Pilates twice this week would be more of a hindrance than a help!

Just Get Moving!

Your hectic schedule may not always allow for regular gym sessions, but remember that exercise can be cumulative. Don’t stress out over a missed workout, make up for it! Take the stairs, walk instead of riding the bus, or do some quick stretches or strength-training exercises before you take your morning shower.

Above all, don’t get discouraged – do your best to stick to your routine and stay motivated, either by setting an alarm, enlisting the help of a friend, or striving to earn that special something.

With their first commemoration of the Holocaust yesterday, the UN has demonstrated they are capable of viewing the atrocities of our history and respecting the importance of those violations. They did this not only by commemorating the Holocaust but also by concluding the session in only a day, whereas similar gatherings often last for days at a time.

There could be an argument that such a commemoration should have taken place long before now and that the lack of such recognition indicates a failure on the part of the world to adequately respond to crimes against humanity. This is an instance, however, where people need to acknowledge the occasion, and not rush to remind governments around the globe they are still far behind where they need to be in protecting their citizens.

In a world overflowing with bitterness and anger for all the right reasons (i.e. war, starvation, poverty, disease and genocide), it’s easy to point fingers at every government official in a suit and blame them for the state of things. Part of the reason this is so easy, is a lot of these people actually deserve a good part of the blame.

Another reason has more to do with the fact that we’ve grown so accustomed to holding these people and institutions accountable, that we can’t conceive of developing any type of trust in them. The most popular recipient of this criticism is the United States, and it will likely remain that way for some time. Whether it’s because foreign countries think George W. Bush is an incompetent baffoon or that the U.S. is the epicenter of elitism and materialism, outsiders will always focus the majority of their frustration on the world’s wealthiest country.

Maybe the best reason people come down on the U.S. is because, as a wealthy, democratic and capitalist society, its government should have a better handle on how to make the world work together. At least, if there were a greater effort on their part, there might be a more unified sense of optimism. That said, this isn’t just about bashing our neighbours to the south. No, the world has had more than enough time to clear out its conflicting political ideologies and figure out how to integrate itself into a productive global village.

This isn’t suggesting we all follow the same system of government or religion. Afterall, diversity is what should be helping to make the world into a more beautiful place; we get an idea of this on a smaller scale in Montreal. However, the major problem has stemmed from the reluctance of many countries to make necessary sacrifices to work with other countries that haven’t been willing to modify their systems to work within a peaceful coalition. But it seems like a change might be on the horizon.

When thinking back to the Holocaust, or the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 the lack of attention they received and the way that the entire world failed to respond, there has been a significant improvement in terms of the light being shone on the plight of the third world. The tsunami disaster has served to put media attention on the affected areas, and will hopefully reveal other problems that plague the region after the initial catastrophe has been dealt with.

There has also been increased coverage of the crisis in the Sudan, as society is finally provided with the opportunity to become more informed from mainstream media. It can only be hoped that this will spark some form of chain reaction that will draw attention to similar problems in the world.

If these efforts by government are being made simply to pull the wool over our eyes, they surely won’t succeed in blinding the critical and untrusting society that exists in Canada. Hopefully, that won’t prove to be the case, as an opportunity such as this probably won’t present itself again for a good long while.

Cudos to CSU tsunami relief effort

I had the incredible fortune to pass by the mezzanine last week as the CSU was hosting a day long effort to raise money for Tsunami victims.

At one point, over 50 people stood at the top of the mezz watching break dancers as different clubs and organizations distributed information about their activities to onlookers.

In my two years at Concordia, I’ve never witnessed such a powerful display of unity anywhere on campus. I have to say I was truly impressed to see so many different cultural, political, and religious clubs coming together to support an extremely worthy cause. I was also informed that the CSU, which had originally pledged to raise $20 thousand for Tsunami victims, has in fact raised well over $100 thousand.

Incredibly, this is more money then the Qu

Xydous should apologize for actions not the CSU

Dear Editor,

I was shocked but not surprised to recently read the Link headline claiming that the CSU violated their hiring agreement with their employees’ union. I wasn’t surprised, though, to see Christina Xydous at the helm of this so called controversy.

Xydous, as it’s well known was a member of the CSU slate that stole nearly $200 thousand from students five years ago. Since then she’s gone out of her way to take advantage of student trust and apathy, attempting to be a thorn in the side of hard working student governments because of her fundamental dislike for their approach at being representative of the entire student population.

In her quest to sabotage successive CSU representatives, Xydous has misused her position as CUPE 4521 President to make the CSU Executive look bad.

Rather then sincerely advocate on behalf of CSU employees and bring forward legitimate concerns to their employer (the CSU Executive), she has used every opportunity at her disposal to make the CSU look bad, including manufacturing grievances.

Xydous has now turned CUPE 4512 into her own personal fan club, spending its

money to produce stickers and other paraphenelia to advocate on her own behalf.

Do students really want unelected and unaccountable employees, who were hired by past CSU Executives that have been thoroughly discredited, (ACCESS, CanDO, etc.) eating up student money and making a mockery of our student government?

Xydous got herself into this mess by releasing a ridiculous press release claiming the CSU Executive had misappropriated funds, when such was clearly not the case. The press release was not sanctioned by the employees she, supposedly, represents and it contained a number of out-right lies about the CSU’s finances.

The only possible reason for the circulation of such a press release is to make the CSU look bad, as its contents did not deal, in the slightest sense, with the working conditions of the employees Xydous claims to represent.

Now, we learn that Xydous wants an apology from our union. Well, I think an apology is in order, but it should be from Xydous to our union and to all students.

David Kogut
Psychology

False sympathy for Xydous

Dear Editor,

Over the past two weeks I’ve read a number of letters to the editor supportive of reinstating Christina Xydous, who was recently suspended from her position as coordinator of the CSU’s Housing and Job Bank for lying about CSU Executives misappropriating student funds. Unfortunately, the individuals submitting these letters (most of whom aren’t even students) have consistently and purposely failed to take into consideration the actual reason for Xydous’s suspension and instead have peppered readers with personal stories about their relationship with her in an effort to deceive readers and manufacture unwarranted sympathy for her.

Xydous was not suspended from her position for fulfilling her mandate as union President of the CSU’s staff, no matter how hard some Link letter writers try to convince people is the case. It’s absolutely ridiculous to overlook the fact that Xydous, along with CSU Councilor Tom Price, held a press conference to denounce the CSU for stealing $21 thousand of student money without even making an appointment with the CSU’s VP-Finance to go over our union’s finances. Even more ridiculous is the fact that Xydous refuses to divulge or explain where the $21 thousand figure came from… in effect, she’s admitting that she randomly made it up.

I find it appalling that Xydous wants to be reinstated and receive an apology. An apology is certainly in order, but it should be from Xydous and Price to Lauren Teblum (the CSU’s VP-Finance) and all Concordia students. Finally, if Xydous and her hardcore blind supporters are so concerned over union busting and “solidarity,” then maybe they should stop using a workers’ union to bust a student union. Xydous shouldn’t be reinstated or apologized to, she doesn’t deserve it and it’s not in accordance with what’s right. It’s time for Xydous and company to stop “busting” the truth.

Andrea Urman
Psychology

The truth about Xydous

Dear Editor,

Over the past two weeks I have read quite a number of letters in support of reinstating Christina Xydous based upon the notions that unions are good, being suspended is bad and being suspended without money is worse.

Ahh, if only life were that simple! But, alas, irritating little aspects, such as the reason she was suspended, not only figure in but are essential in understanding why this was done.

The articles claim that Xydous should not be punished for being “critical” of the Union. I agree, but Xydous was not just critical. She, along with Councilor Thomas Price held a press conference and issued a press release accusing the CSU of having a $21 thousand slush fund in addition to the executives granting themselves an exorbitant bonus, all without a stitch of actual proof.

The legal term for baseless and damaging verbal falsities such as these is “slander” and the written form is called “libel.” By not providing proof for her claims, Xydous and Price’s actions, not only potentially fall into the above categories, but as such, they can be the prelude to *gasp* legal actions.

The CSU Executive had a five-day window within which to react to Xydous’s actions, and was advised to summarily dismiss her. Feeling that this reaction would be too harsh, they opted to suspend her without pay for two months.

Is it good to be suspended without pay? No. Is it acceptable to make slanderous and libelous statements without repercussions? Absolutely not.

So, please, let us not confuse emotion with fact. It is time to reinstate the truth.

Alyssa Blank
Arts & Science Councilor

It’s true that I, at times, tend to place an awful lot of significance on the Laval – Concordia rivalry in varsity sports. I hate them with a passion and wouldn’t be sad to see their sports complex swallowed up by a gaping hellmouth.

That having been said, after three and a half years, I still have certain affection for the McGill Redmen/Martlets. I hate them too, just without that crazy hellmouth part.

“Cross-town rival” is a term that has become positively gag-worthy for anyone who has followed Montreal university sports for more than a two month period. It’s overused, bland and predictable…but damn, we got us some good cross-town rival action coming up this weekend

Actually, to be quite frank, it probably means a heck of a lot more to the McGill faithful. We’re hosting both basketball teams (men – 4 p.m., women – 6 p.m.) and neither one of them should be able to hold a candle to either of our teams. Both our teams are ranked in the CIS top 10, and theirs barely qualify as worthy competition for that kind of rep. Then again, stranger things have happened.

The point is, they get to come to our gym and heckle us, all while we beat them into a sound submission. Unfortunately, the competition is somewhat lackluster and I would happily trade in games against McGill for Bishop’s.

However, if you want to see the weekend’s marquee match-up, you’ll have to climb the hill up to McGill’s McConnell Arena to check out some men’s hockey action. These teams are currently in a tie for second spot in the OUA conference and are in hot pursuit of the first-place UQTR Patriotes.

McGill aside, there will also be a dandy of a women’s hockey game taking place on Saturday against St.FX.

Here’s hoping the shuttle buses have their collective acts together because it looks as though we’re heading into a cold spell that could send students hailing from outside provinces running back to the warmth and security of their respective homesteads. Talk to some of them and you might be surprised how many would actually favour a reliable weather forecast to the opportunities that Concordia could possibly offer them.

This is in no way intended to dump on the shuttles or their drivers before they actually become deserving of it but let’s face it, at some point, the complaints will almost surely start filing in, especially if the -20 degree whether keeps up. Having already heard one account of a bus arriving about 45 minutes behind schedule, there might already be plenty of good reason for pessimism.

However, in a city with a subway system and bus routes that can get you pretty much anywhere you want in the country’s third largest metropolis, have we become a population of spoiled little transit brats? Consider how much we complain about the unreliability of the services the STM provides to us. There are those who have the bad fortune of getting delayed several times a week depending on what times they travel and what routes/lines they take. But there are those that could travel by transit two or three times a day and not get held up for months at a time.

Although individual transit experiences shouldn’t be based on the luck of the draw, the population at large needs to show greater appreciation for what they have and not complain so much about the yearly increase in tariffs. It’s especially disconcerting to hear the students that complain about the cost of a monthly STM pass in the city with the cheapest transportation in the country.

Even when combining the cost of our relatively low tuition and the purchase of a pass every month, we’re still ahead of the game when compared to other cities where costs are higher and services are not as diverse (i.e. subway and bus) as they are here. Rarely would going downtown be considered too great of a hassle, with the exception of those residing in the West Island, the East End, or similar areas. And even in those cases it’s still within a reasonable time frame.

There are those who would contend that it’s unfair for transportation costs to rise due to the construction that is being done to extend the orange line to Montmorency. “Why do we have to chip in for that? The city should pay for it,” is what some say. Well, this is what we call ‘give and take’, no one ever said the subway system was a gift of the city to the people, although maybe it should still be considered as such.

It’s true that the construction of a subway line that reaches out further that the immediate area will serve a fewer number of travelers to begin with. However, when taking into account the effects that urban sprawl will continue to have on those areas, the more they need to be considered deserving of the same privilege as the rest of us.

Even students that live on their own or with a couple of roommates should be able to make the financial expenditures. Working that extra job to pay off living expenses and taking out a loan for school are very serious inconveniences. But these are inconveniences that so many of us face it’s hard to start feeling too sorry for ourselves.

Furthermore, when taking into account the financial obstacles faced by those in other provinces, how can we justifiably claim any grievance in being asked to help contribute to the bettering of our transportation system? Where the money is being allocated could be debated, but until proof is available we’ll assume that all is legit.

So, while I may soon be joining the droves out there cursing our shuttle bus system while steadily losing feeling in my limbs, I won’t turn my back on the STM anytime soon.

There’s nothing like going on a three hour drive to Quebec City. I did last Friday, to watch the Stingers take on my beloved Laval Rouge et Or. Despite the fact that we lost both games (being the second time that this has happened with yours truly in attendance, suspicion is beginning to rise that I might be some form of bad luck charm), I couldn’t prevent myself from being at least modestly entertained by the grand spectacle that encompasses basketball games at the PEPS.

We’re not talking about fireworks here, and it’s not like I would trade in the comfort of the Loyola Gym for anything; but one has to give the Laval athletics department some credit; they know how to throw a party. There’s the uncontrollable and unbelievably annoying Rouge et Or mascot, who’s likely to injure players from the opposing team if they’re not paying attention, or is just as liable to bust your camera when you’re trying to take pictures. Over here, we’ve got Buzz. The giant bee is a great mascot for the family environment that is encouraged at our sporting events, and the kids love him. Laval’s mascot would be better suited cheering on the Duke Blue Devils, and would be loved and adored by every intoxicated fan from the freshman to the seniors.

Then there’s the hobbit-resembling giveaway guy that runs around in blue shorts and jersey, whipping a wide array of souvenirs into the crowd. While this guy often acts like he’s just chugged a case of Red Bull, it’s nothing compared to the manner in which the spectators fight it out for the booty being dolled out to them. So what’s the point? Laval is a nice place to visit…you know the rest.