Rap is crap — or is that just T.I.’s new show?

By Meagan Meiklejohn

The countdown begins for Clifford Harris as he casts his final 45 days in front of the camera in “T.I.’s Road to Redemption.” Awaiting his final day of reckoning, one that could land him in jail for up to 30 years, rapper T.I. attempts to steer seven young hustlers off their prison-bound path and out… Continue reading Rap is crap — or is that just T.I.’s new show?

Why the worst offence means poor defence

Johann Hari wrote an article in The Independent three weeks ago, evaluating the right to criticize religion. Islamic countries are demanding that the definition be changed for the United Nations Rapporteur on Human Rights, so that offence to religions can be stifled. The Cairo Declaration seeks to enforce shariah law, whereby critiques of Islam will… Continue reading Why the worst offence means poor defence

February art has something for the attached and the lonely

By Olivia Komorowski

Ahh February, the official month of over-priced rushed meals for two and tacky stuffed animals. Sure, you can celebrate the relationship you have with your significant other(s) in this potentially phony manner or you can do something thoughtful. Take your sweetie to an art show or literary event and not only will they be impressed,… Continue reading February art has something for the attached and the lonely

Giant rats once again permitted in New Jersey sky

By Elijah Stauth

In our Western culture, we generally don’t get on too well with rats. They’re chubby, furry, unclean and vicious. Eastern cultures give rats credence as being creative, honest, generous and ambitious. But down states-side, when you see the depiction of a rat standing on his hind legs and bearing his teeth, you’re not supposed to… Continue reading Giant rats once again permitted in New Jersey sky

Saint Valentine’s charm

By Laura Bardsley

St. Valentine’s Day is coming and it’s coming fast. Yeah, yeah, this must mean that it is time to truly show one’s hate for “corporation-created, greeting card holidays.” But Valentine’s Day, although decently rooted in the greeting-card business, is so much more than a money-making scheme. It gives a definite date to something one should… Continue reading Saint Valentine’s charm

Darwin part deux

By Eric Mathison

Last week I finished by pointing out the difference between a scientific truth and a political (social, cultural) ought. Many people, including some well-known scientists, have confused this issue. Science is not in the business of telling us how we should live; rather, it describes the world and defines the implications of philosophical ideas. Darwinian… Continue reading Darwin part deux

The siren song of nationalism

By Tyler Wolfe

There tend to be a handful of events throughout the year in which I find myself singing our national anthem. Undoubtedly some will find more occasions than I, others less. To be compelled to sing it five days a week, however, seems like overkill. A New Brunswick elementary school principal who decided it was unnecessary… Continue reading The siren song of nationalism

What Darwin did

By Eric Mathison

In a two-part special for the bicentenary of Darwin’s birth Feb. 12, I’ll be addressing how the theory of evolution by natural selection changed the world and how those that reject it hinder humanity. Evolution remains the easiest scientific theory to understand. Unfortunately, it is also one which most people think they understand though they… Continue reading What Darwin did

The tao of Zhao

By Cam Cotton-O’Brien

Being that he doesn’t actually intend to win the election, one might think that Jeremy Zhao’s Students’ Union presidential campaign is entirely superfluous, but that is not entirely correct. Though there is a strong possibility that he would resign during his acceptance speech next Thursday in the Den, Zhao’s campaign is actually quite beneficial for… Continue reading The tao of Zhao