Capilano Courier | Vol 56, Issue 1

The Kids Are Not Alright

Barbenheiner and the Return to Cinemas

(SHE/HER)

Editor-In-Chief

“I lived off-grid for 10 years, and for 3 of those years, I lived in a yurt.”

YIKES! SO MUCH SO FAST!

The past year has gone by so fast. I feel like the older I get, that cliché holds truer than ever. Last year, while entering my third year in the IDEA program at CapU I anticipated a demanding academic journey. Little did I know that all of my energy would be funneled into the Courier, where nearly every waking moment revolved around our publication. Was it a bit unhealthy? Undoubtedly. But I firmly believe it was essential to bring the Courier to the thriving state in which it is today.

Now, as we embark on a new year, our ambitions have swelled. We’ve assembled one of the most extensive production teams in Courier history, boasting a roster of 20 talented individuals. Notably, we’ve introduced a video production crew who will be the ones producing one of the best podcasts you’ll ever hear, along with some wicked video content you’ll be able to catch on our YouTube page and our newly revamped Instagram.

Speaking of our digital presence, you may have noticed our fresh Instagram page @capilano.courier. Over disputes with the Canadian government in regards to Bill C-18, Meta has restricted Canadian news publications on thier platforms. This has not only effected large Canadian media agencies, but also many smaller publications, like our very own. Regrettably, this has affected our social media and our means of reaching you. Thats why we are making a new account (it isn’t a bot, it’s simply your trusty student publication striving to adapt to the dystopian world we find ourselves growing closer too daily).

On a personal note, I am starting my fourth and final year at Cap. Naturally, everyone has been asking me, ‘What are your plans after graduation?’ Which I answer very politely by rolling my eyes and shrugging. Like countless soon-to-be graduates, my future remains under the category: TBD. I may find myself plunging right into the graphic design industry, immersing myself in the 9 to 5 screen life. Or, more preferably, I’ll find myself within the season of tree planting that I’ve been too scared and hesitant to do. One things for sure, I am excited for this year with the Courier and my approaching graduation.

Unlike my dramatically undefined future, the Courier has some incredible plans for the next eight months! Stay tuned for the unfolding chapters of this adventure.

Hugs, Freya

Your 2023-2024 Editor-in-Chief

CREW

COORDINATING EDITOR

Matt Shipley (he/him) matt@capilanocourier.com

“I’m getting my braces off this fall after eight long years—more than a third of my life”

NEWS EDITOR

Bridget Stringer Holden (she/her) bridget@capilanocourier.com

“I’ve given a speech in the Senate of Canada”

SPORTS EDITOR

Mya Fraser (she/her) sports@capilanocourier.com

“I’m really into athletics, but when I’m not competing or watching sports, I’m listening to Taylor Swift.”

FEATURES EDITOR

Gates Ogilvie (they/them) gates@capilanocourier.com

“I collect novelty teapots from thrift stores and have about 13 in my collection thus far.”

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

Gwen Pemberton (she/her) gwen@capilanocourier.com

COMMUNITIES EDITOR

Avery Nowicki (they/them) avery@capilanocourier.com

CREW

OPINIONS EDITOR

Jayde Atchison (she/her) jayde@capilanocourier.com

“I collect first-edition Stephen King novels.”

COLUMNS EDITOR

Sara Brinkac (she/they) sara@capilanocourier.com

ART DIRECTOR

Angelica Blanch (she/her) design@capilanocourier.com

“I went to school in three different countries! I love travelling and discovering new places”

VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGER

Laura Morales Padilla (she/her) videoproduction@capilanocourier.com

“I can make a very convincing impression of a chicken (the secret is in the cheeks).”

VIDEO EDITOR

Ely Davidson (he/him) videoeditor@capilanocourier.com

VIDEOGRAPHER

Jasper Chu (he/him) videography@capilanocourier.com

“I graduated from BCIT School of Business + Media with a Diploma in Broadcast and Online Journalism, as an individual passionate about the politics of British Columbia and Canada.”

CREW WRITER

Lea Krusemeyer (she/they)

“I learned English mainly from Books and TV Shows rather than school and therefore spoke in “slang” for the longest time; for me, that seemed like perfect English, and it took me a while to adapt.”

CREW WRITER

Kirsten Wiltshire (she/her)

CREW ILLUSTRATOR

Chelle Lussi (she/they)

CREW ILLUSTRATOR

Andy Poystila (he/him)

“I grew up in the Gulf Islands!”

BUSINESS MANAGER

Terrance Alanis (he/him) business@capilanocourier.com

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Lucy Benson (she/her)

communications@capilanocourier.com

CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Yasmine Elsayed, Santiago Canto Cornell, Mizuki Kinoshita, Ren Zhang, Jasmine Garcha, Ana X. Martínez Lima, Eugenia De Coss, Vansh Malhotra, Mayumi Izumi.

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

Megan Barry, Natasha Lee, Sophia Spanos McGill, Yohahnah Loker, Eva Staub, Celina Zhong, Jasmine Linton, Sol Yoon, Geraldine Yaris, Alina Sandu, Sharleen Ramos, Tobin Elias, Tricia Tang.

FEATURED ARTISTS

Anaïs Bayle, Ethan Woronko, Nuha Thayyib.

COVER ART

Andy Poystila

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE?

Email editor@capilanocourier.com for interested writers and illustrators. Illustrators are required to send a portfolio or samples of work.

@capilano.courier capilanocourier.com

“WEBSLINGER”

ETHAN WORONKO (HE/HIM) @epworonko_art

Across the Spiderverse pinup. 11x17, inkwash on Bristol board, digital colour

MOVEUP STRIKE AT CAPU: AN UPDATE

COORDINATING EDITOR MATT SHIPLEY ILLUSTRATOR MEGAN BARRY

Nearly seven weeks after full strike action began on CapU campuses, the MoveUP union representing members of CapU’s workforce reached a tentative bargain with the University’s administration. This tentative bargain has now been ratified, and CapU’s workforce is back in time to offer a relatively uninterrupted experience to fall 2023 students, but some bitterness lingers between the two parties involved.

One of the main issues that dragged the strike onward was the fear that the University would seek to punish actions taken by MoveUP members during the strike. While the strike was intended only to last for a few days, following weeks saw the entrenchment of both sides and a heightening of tensions that ran deeper than merely the wording of their contract.

Through the lengthening of the strike, students unavoidably became involved. Classes were cancelled and work was put on hold, leaving many international students uncertain of their ability to continue studying in Canada.

“I had lost all certainty within my pathway to permanent residency,” said Sofiia Iudanova, an

international student working within the MoveUP union. “I’m really tied to a full-time job to make that work, and the strike pushed my timeline a whole month back.”

Much of the lingering tension between the two parties hinges on blame placed for interrupting the lives of students.

“It’s not a huge change in the contract,” said Christy Slusarenko, VP Combined Units at MoveUP in a previous statement to the Courier. “However, [the University] is choosing this fight and, in turn, letting the students down.”

Registration for new students was also affected, as staff in the Registrar’s Office and IT Department were striking during this crucial period. Since the end of full strike action, most registration concerns have been addressed, but unprecedented numbers of students have been left waitlisted or unregistered.

The University did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

More information will be provided soon.

The strike may be over, but residual changes and tensions remain

CAPILANO UNIVERSITY’S V. VICTORIA SHROFF RECEIVES

OXFORD FELLOWSHIP

Learn about her work on animal rights and cosmetic surgeries

CONTRIBUTOR

YASMINE ELSAYED

ILLUSTRATOR

NATASHA LEE

Capilano University instructor V. Victoria Shroff is one of Canada’s first animal law practitioners and was also on the short list for Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada in 2018. She has been practicing for 23 years and her work is dedicated to animals and their well–being.

Recently, Shroff was awarded a fellowship from Oxford University in the United Kingdom. She will be an Associate Fellow to the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics.

In 2023, she also presented a TedxCapilanoU talk, where she highlighted the commonalities between animal law and environmental law. She also described how climate change disrupts animals and their habitat, and how we, as humans, need to be aware of our impact.

When asked why she didn’t become an environmental lawyer—as it covers both animal law and climate change—she explained that both law fields should be linked but her focus was on the animals for now.

“People would talk about decimating a forest, for example, but there wouldn’t be a lot of talk about what would happen to the millions of animals who would live in and around those trees,” Shroff said. “I think that there’s a real important aspect to speaking up for animals, but also making and drawing the connections with environmental law. It’s a question of also being able to make those bonds strengthen between the two areas of law.”

During the TEDx Talk, Shroff also explained that humans hold themselves at the top of the pyramid, considering anything else to be lesser.

“Throughout the years [women and People of Colour] had to come before the law and beg for rights,” she said in the talk, adding how now, it is the animals’ turn to be heard.

Shroff received criticism based on this conclusion. She explained that having been born in Africa, she viewed animals as equals to herself, which is why she drew this comparison.

She further explained, “It took begging at a conservative effort, persistence, and tenacity, to be able to see that there are these overlapping vulnerabilities between different groups, but they persisted. And they have succeeded in gaining human rights. And now, we need to look at rights for animals.”

While PETA is known for their controversial campaigns and advertisements, Shroff thinks PETA is doing what it can to stand up for animals. However, as a lawyer, she believes their approach must be revised.

“I don’t agree with breaking the law to make a point. As a lawyer, I absolutely do not agree with that,” she said. “I think that we can expose individuals and organizations through legal channels, and we can use our advocacy wisely but I do not believe in breaking the law to do that.”

Recently, many veterinarians have been coming together to ban specific domestic animal disfigurements. In 2015, cosmetic ear cropping was banned by B.C. veterinarians. In 2019, Global News reported that Alberta veterinarians were voting to ban declawing, ear cropping, and tail docking surgeries, explaining that they are inhumane. Later in the year, in New Brunswick, as reported by CBC, veterinarians voted to ban cat declawing.

Shroff has also been working to ban these cosmetic surgeries for almost six years. “It’s basically just cruelty wrapped up in what’s called breed standards,” she said, explaining how she’s worked alongside animal advocacy groups to further the cases. In 2018, she founded a group called the Canadian Animal Law Study Group, which advocates for the rights of animals. “We liaise with other animal groups, and one of our platforms has been about banning cosmetic surgeries,” she shared.

Shroff feels that her Oxford fellowship is another significant step forward to creating a better future for animals. “It has to feed my goal of being there for animals and being able to stand up and be the voice, in court and classrooms, and in some cases, in legislatures to be able to say, animals need to be heard,” she said.

She plans to continue centering her work around access to justice for animals, in classrooms, courtrooms and in writing. She does dozens of media interviews every year, including topics such as coyote culls in Stanley Park. “A crown prosecutor animal law colleague and I have put together a proposal for Canada’s first animal law section through the Canadian Bar Association,” she added.

In addition to working on a variety of documentaries, cases and pro bono work, Shroff is participating in an upcoming online conference on November 9 called “Violence Link for Humane Canada,” where she will be a part of the panel discussing the link between violence against humans and animals. Registration will be open later this summer.

Schroff will be teaching animal law at UBC this fall, but returning to CapU in September 2024.

HOME OPENER –

MEN’S BLUES SOCCER TEAM

What’s new with the Blues men’s soccer team

The Blues men’s soccer team will kick off the 2023 season at home against the Mariners from Vancouver Island University (VIU) at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 9, 2023. After a tough season last year, the team has welcomed many new players and a new head coach, Steve Millar. This will be an exciting fresh start for the men’s team.

After their first match, the next home game for the men’s soccer team will be against the Douglas College Royals on Sept. 16, 2023. Two weeks later, they will be facing the Mariners on Sept. 23 at home again. These three home matches will all take place at Lillooet Park. The Blues will be playing away as visitors on Sept. 10 visiting Langara College, and Sept. 17 and Sept. 24 visiting the Douglas College Royals.

Luca Martinelli is one of a few returning players to the men’s team. In his 2022 season, he was named a PACWEST All-Star. When asked about the season ahead, he shared his optimism, stating: “I’m looking forward to playing with new players and coaches, and helping get this team back to its winning ways. Our team goals this year are to make the playoffs, win provincials, and contend at Nationals in Ontario in 2023.”

Millar was hired in March of 2023, and is full of knowledge. With more than 25 years of experience on the field, Millar has managed to win the 2022 Vancouver Metro Soccer League and the provincial championships with his under-21 team. The men’s team has a coach with skills and knowledge that will serve to motivate the players.

The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) will be having its Men’s National Championship from November 8 to 11. The event will be hosted by St. Clair College in Windsor, Ont. All matches will be played at Acumen Stadium.

Stay up to date with the team and their schedule by following their Instagram account @capumsc. Come and cheer the team on for their first game of the season at Lillooet Park. Go Blues!

CONTRIBUTOR SANTIAGO CANTO CORNELL ILLUSTRATOR CHELLE LUSSI

HOME OPENER –WOMEN’S BLUES SOCCER TEAM

What’s new with the Blues women’s soccer team

SPORTS EDITOR MAYA FRASER ILLUSTRATOR CHELLE LUSSI

The Blues women’s soccer team will kick off their season with a home opener on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. against the visiting Vancouver Island University Mariners. Head coach Dennis Kindel will be returning for a ninth season with the team. Assistant coach Andrea Standerwick will be returning for a seventh season and goalkeeper coach Darian Roussy for a third season.

The team lost the provincial semifinals last year in the last minutes of overtime to Douglas College. The year before, in 2021, they were provincial champions and had the opportunity to play at Nationals in Toronto.

PACWEST BC is a small league consisting only of four teams: Capilano University, Vancouver Island University, Douglas College, and Langara College. A small league fosters a highly competitive environment, as teams are playing against the same three opponents consistently. With just 12 regular season games before playoffs, the team must have a good start. The team that finishes first in the league will advance right to the provincial finals, which will be held this year at Vancouver Island University. The second and third-place teams will face off in the semifinals and the fourth-place team will be eliminated. The winner of the finals will go to Nationals.

The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) has scheduled its Women’s National Championship from Nov. 8 to 11. The event will be hosted by Holland College in Charlottetown, P.E.I. and all matches will be played at the Terry Fox Sports Complex near Cornwall.

When asked about the team’s goals this year, returning player and captain Lauren Grey stated, “We want to finish first in the league and give ourselves the best chance at getting to Nationals. Last year we were disappointed with the way things turned out, we felt we had so much more to give and that’s what’s fuelling us right now to start this season.”

Grey also spoke highly of her teammates, saying, “We have many strong returning players that will be key to our team’s success. We also have a great group of rookies this year that have been proving themselves. I think they are going to make a positive impact. I’m excited for them.”

The team welcomes nine rookies to the team: Ayesha Fraser, Alessia Bellotti, Caitlyn Chiu, Maria Gonzalez, Taylor Melnyk, Scarlett Sparrow-Felix, Kaitlyn Johnson, Isabella Bolognese, and Riya Gill.

Stay up to date with the team and their schedule by following their Instagram account @capuwsc. Come and cheer the team on for their first game of the season at Lillooet Park. Go Blues!

MEET COACH

Angad Multani, or ‘Coach’ as the athletes call him, is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Capilano Blues. He’s a new addition to the program as of last year, and he is responsible for all the Blues athletes’ weightlifting (both men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, and volleyball teams). All teams typically train with him three to four times a week in the athletes’ weight room.

Coach completed his undergraduate science degree at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, majoring in chemical biology. From there he went to Hofstra University in New York to complete his graduate science degree, majoring in strength and conditioning. He got into the field after struggling with multiple injuries that derailed his athletic career. His experience inspired his motivation to ensure the least amount of injuries for other dedicated athletes.

people overcome adversity and pursue excellence. That’s what life is all about. I like to think I have a small part to play in each of my athletes’ journeys.”

When it comes to weightlifting, Coach emphasizes safety as being the most important part and to respect the weights at all times. While lifting weights will greatly enhance and prolong one’s athletic career, he also counsels that it can be the fastest way to end it. Strength training is something everyone can get into to improve their overall physical and mental well-being.

For beginners who have not weight lifted before, or maybe feel intimidated by it, he shares his advice on getting started: “I know most people are concerned about executing movements incorrectly; however, most people’s intuition on safety is better than they

Some of his previous experience as a strength coach included working at some Division 1 schools, which typically have the best athletic programs in the United States. Coming from weight rooms that rivaled the size of a Costco, he now manages to work with as many as 25 athletes at once in a weight room smaller than a classroom. Most of the training for all six teams varies, for the phases of their respective seasons do not line up. Additionally, each sport has different athletes and cultures. The goal is the same for all of the athletes though, and that is developing strength.

When asked about his goals as a strength coach at CapU, Coach gave two answers. In terms of athletics, he wants to “develop bigger, faster, stronger athletes and to reduce injury significantly.” Knowing his job tackles more than just one’s lifting abilities, he also aims to “develop true resolve, both in the weight room and in life outside the weight room. I love watching

think.” (Trust your gut though, and lifting with someone is always a good idea.) “Yes, there are nuisances that are very important for safety and progression, but it doesn’t take too much time to learn. The most difficult thing to do is to walk into that noisy room, not care about looking slightly silly and getting your work done. Just get in there.”

The school’s athletes are extremely lucky to have Coach as part of the Athletic Department. He brings a new element to their training that CapU athletes have not previously experienced. Additionally, they’ll be able to learn about strength training in a safe environment and take that knowledge with them wherever they go. In his final thoughts, Coach claims, “My job is not about creating better athletes, my job is about creating better people. Though it is a bit of a fairy-tale answer, the two often go hand-in-hand.”

“I love watching people overcome adversity and pursue excellence. That’s what life is all about.”

CANADA SOCCER’S WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM

What happened at the World Cup and what’s next for Christine Sinclair?

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, with upwards of 250 million players in 200 countries. The FIFA Women’s World Cup, the highest-level women’s soccer tournament in the world, was held this year in Australia and New Zealand.

Canada’s biggest achievements have included reaching fourth place in the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup and becoming champions at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. However, this year the Women’s National Team did not advance past the group stage. Canada tied Nigeria 0-0, they won against Ireland 2-1 and they lost to Australia 4-0.

At the start of the tournament, Canada was ranked seventh in the FIFA ranking, making them the highest-placed team in this group. Australia was ranked 10th, Ireland was ranked 22nd, and Nigeria was ranked 40th in the FIFA ranking. When analyzing the games, one can see the team managed to pass the ball well. Julia Grosso, Ashley Lawrence, and Cloé Lacasse stood out with their dribbling skills. Unfortunately, the team’s defence as a whole and poor ability to defend against corner kicks likely played a part in their losses. Additionally, the team needs more accuracy going forward. With many opportunities to score they left the World Cup having only scored two goals.

Team Canada has one more month to prepare for the Olympic qualifying games in September. To qualify for the Olympics, Canada must win against Jamaica on September 22 and 26. Despite the FIFA rankings not always being accurate to how teams perform on game day, it’s worth noting that Canada is ranked seventh, and Jamaica 43rd.

Christine Sinclair is one of the most famous soccer players, not only in Canada but worldwide. She is 40 years old and showed extreme motivation for the 2023 World Cup. Many sources stated that this would have been her last World Cup. No one knows if she will retire or continue to play; however, she will definitely be a key player when Canada faces Jamaica. She has a lot of experience playing in international games. Even if she does not play on the pitch, it will still be valuable to her team members to have her there. Although her potential last World Cup didn’t go as planned, she will have an opportunity to end on a higher note if the team can qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.

Fans can hope she will show up on the pitch in September against Jamaica and then hopefully the Olympics in 2024. Tokyo 2020 was a gold medal-winning year for Canada. Maybe the Olympics is what it will take to get Canada going again. If the team can perform, hopefully Sinclair can have the send-off she deserves.

Anaïs Bayle (she/her) @anaisbayle_art

“August”

Three-part acrylic painting series

BIG EVENTS HAPPENING ON CAMPUS IN SEPTEMBER

Your CapU Social Calendar

COMMUNITIES EDITOR AVERY NOWICKI ILLUSTRATOR FREYA EMERY`

As the autumn semester begins, students all across the city are crowding into libraries and late night cafes, cracking open their textbooks, and returning to their studies. As long days at the beach and evenings at the PNE fall behind them though, a host of new events are on the horizon.

Our semester begins with the CapU Street Party on Sept. 5 from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. A campus-wide event, the street party will include a free barbecue, student club fair, games provided by the Capilano Students’ Union (CSU) and more.

On Sept 6th, at 11:30am the CSU will hold their upcoming Anti-Racism Legislation Group, exclusively for in-

digenous students. This event will be followed by a Gender Diversity Focus Group, for TNB2S (Trans/Non-Binary/Two Spirited) students exclusively. Lastly in September, the CSU will hold an Anti-Racism Focus Group for international students only on Sept 13th, 2023 at 11:30am.

Our semester at CapU ends with a concert on campus by Donny McCaslin, the three-time Grammy nominated bandleader behind David Bowie’s blackstar album. The concert will be held on September 24, at the BlueShore Theatre. Tickets can be found on the blueshore website.

Looking forward to October, students may now register for the CSU’s 2

dents. They will stay in cabins at Camp Jubilee, enjoy delicious fireside meals, and make great friendships.

To note: this event costs $200 per student. Registration can be found via CSU website. Sign up for a chance to join our Glamping Extravaganza.

Tattoo Culture in Vancouver

A city fueled by artwork and a community that thirsts for it

CONTRIBUTOR JASMINE GARCHA (SHE/THEY)

ILLUSTRATOR EVA STAUB

From graffiti murals to body modifications, Vancouver is a city with a diverse community of artists and expressionists. While the tattoo does not originate from Western culture, it has swifty been adopted as one of the most widely practiced and accepted forms of modern body modification. Tattoo parlours are located throughout Vancouver, with a full range in atmosphere, style, and pricing to cater to the diversity of markets within our city borders. The new generation of tattoo artists in the city is adding to these differences, aiming to provide customized experiences for the styles and preferences of each client.

Mouse, aged 22, is a tattoo apprentice from Saskatchewan who moved to Vancouver in 2018. Originally moving here for university, she soon met a friend in the tattoo community who saw her potential and encouraged her to take a tattoo apprenticeship, diverging her educational goals and heading her toward the aspiration of being a full-time tattoo artist. She’s been an apprentice since October 2022 and began tattooing on real skin in February 2023.

Mouse works out of a private studio with her mentor in two locations, one in the West End of Vancouver and one in Surrey. Her inspiration comes from her uncle, who is also a tattoo artist back home in Saskatchewan.

When asked what Mouse expects from clients, she says that she doesn’t expect much other than sobriety, having something in your stomach, and some water for yourself. It’s also important to wear something comfortable and bring something to entertain yourself, as sessions usually take upwards of 30 minutes with an additional 30 minutes of preparation beforehand.

For newbie clients, Mouse’s advice is to be willing to put down a deposit for your appointment. This shows that you respect the artist’s time. On top of this, she finds that a lot of clients who use public transit end up coming

to appointments early. This is fine, though she says not to expect the artist to be ready. She also says to ask to move the stencil as many times as you need if you don’t like the placement.

Sandra Mondragon, a 20-year-old student going into her third year at Capilano University, has been getting tattoos since she was 13, starting by doing her own stick-and-pokes at home. When asked what makes her a returning client in Vancouver, she said “I’ve found that tattoo artists here treat you like you’re a person and not just like a paycheque.”

Another notable aspect of getting tattooed in Vancouver, according to Mondragon, is the pricing. She says a lot of her tattoos have been costly, citing her recent rib tattoo, which cost her upwards of $950. She shared that if you want to get tattooed here, you have to expect a high cost at an hourly rate. Both Mouse and Mondragon stated that their preferred form of tips are little gifts, such as jewelry, paintings, candy, etc. Though, it should be noted this may not be the case with all artists.

Mondragon says that her best tattoo experience was with an artist named Olivia at Pacific Rose Tattoo in Gastown. Over the course of their two sessions, the artist did everything to make Mondragon feel comfortable, from giving breaks to bringing her juice boxes. She even gave Mondragon extra little tattoos at the end of the second session free of charge.

Both Mouse and Mondragon say that Instagram is a useful way to identify an artist you’d like to work with. Mouse added that she used to like going to tattoo conventions and collecting artist cards with which she would find the artists’ Instagram accounts to follow them.

Finding any local tattoo conventions can be a struggle, but Instagram account, @TattooerDB spotlights Vancouver artists. One can look through the account, find an artist with a style that they like, and the account is tagged for easy discovery. Mouse herself can be found on Instagram as @behindtheguillotine.

OPTING OUT

A hidden money-saving fact surrounding your CapU Health Plan

CONTRIBUTOR REN ZHANG (THEY/THEM)

ILLUSTRATOR FREYA EMERY

Every year, The Capilano Student’s Union offers health and dental plans to all full-time CapU students. This plan provides numerous benefits including prescription medication coverage, dental care, therapy coverage and more.

However, for any student already covered by the plans of their families or workplaces, the ability to opt out of CSU care could save them money they’re already spending with tuition. Students can opt out of either or both of the CSU plans, saving up to $274.75 for the policy year from Sept.1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2024. Students are only allowed to opt out during the Change of Coverage period, which lasts until Sept. 18, 2023.

Many students have expressed an immense interest in opting out and the flexibility to control their tuition costs for their needs, including some who hope to partially opt out, such as Nathan Lintott, a third year CapU student.

Students surveyed shared that access to opt-out information was not universally accessible, with some having been informed during high school and others trying the process on their own, often without success. Some cited be-

ing taught how to do so at their high school, while others have tried the opt-out process on their own, without success.

Those wanting to opt out may follow the steps below:

1. First, go to the website, www.studentcare.ca. From there, type Capilano University into the prompted “association or school” bar.

2. Next, Scroll down and click Coverage Overview. Scroll down once more to view the link called Opt Out or Complete an Enrolment. *

*Alternatively, from the home page, scroll down to find a subheading called Coverage on the right side of the screen with the link, Opt Outs underneath. Click on the link Opt Out Now.

3. Fill in required fields and continue after accepting the terms and conditions.

4. View current status and coverage; scroll down to find Change My Coverage.

5. Change your coverage preferences.

This is where you can opt out of both plans or just one.

6. Provide proof of your non-CSU coverage—this may include having policy numbers or related documents on hand.

7. Proceed to review your new coverage and confirm your changes

Afterward, students will be ready to begin their school year with altered coverage to meet their specified requirements.

*We should also add that the refund does not come in the form of a cheque, but as a credit to your CapU Account.

Once more, the deadline to complete the opt-out process is Sept. 18, 2023.

THE RELENTLESS RETURN OF WILDFIRES

How Kelowna’s McDougall Creek Fire has impacted students, and what aid exists.

Within one week, Canadians have been faced with two massive forest fires affecting both Yellowknife, N.T. and Kelowna, B. C., sending residents fleeing from their homes through direct highways and last minute flights, having no choice but to leave their cities to burn.

Kelowna’s McDougall Creek fire has plumed over the last week, altering size from 1,100 hectares to 6,800 hectares overnight. BC Emergency Minister Bowinn Ma reported that 27,000 community members were sent on evacuation order in B.C. and 35,000 on evacuation alert.

Ren Zhang, a Courier contributor, shared, “I remember seeing pictures of my friends standing on the riverbank at night, watching the fires on the Westside rage like lines of angry light against the darkness. My mother had never been so happy for a rainfall when it came.”

Cassical music major, Azeen Maleki, a classical music major, was living in Kelowna when the fires flared out of control, “I’d been working on an opera there. It was meant to be my stage directing debut, though due to the fire,

our performances were completely canceled right before opening night.” Azeen and her team had been in production for two months, “The cancellation, though hard on these artists, was a small price to pay in comparison to people’s safety.” Azeen ended by saying. “I personally know multiple people who had to evacuate their homes in West Bank and Glenmore. Some are able to go home, but others don’t know if they’ve even got a home to return to. It’s scary and It’s real but our community came together.” Azeen said that they had seen fo`lks offering help wherever they could. In the form of donations, rides, housing, and so much more, this community has banded together to help.

“It was really worrying hearing that the friends in my neighborhood had been evacuated.” said Matt Shipley, a recent graduate from CapU That was the turning point for me—realizing that although we’d seen wildfires in the valley in the past, this was truly a whole different beast that affected not just faceless suburbanites but my friends and family directly. Rushing around my home and frantically packing everything I couldn’t afford to burn was a frightening wake-up call.”

Shipley ended his recollection with a discussion on climate change, stating “As climate change continues, fires like this are only growing bigger and more frequent. After this one, I can’t help but wonder if my home’s destruction is not a matter of if, but an eventual when.”

Those seeking to help community members in need, may aid by donating to CanadaHelps.org/BC-Wildlife-relief or Redcross.ca/donate.

JINGLING OF KEYS

A Closer Look at the Charms That Represent Our Personalities

CREW WRITERLEA KRUSEMEYER CREW ILLUSTRATORCHELLE LUSSI

When it comes to self-expression, keychains have emerged as a powerful tool for showcasing one’s identity. Especially for queer individuals, keychains have taken on new significance, becoming a symbol of pride, belonging, and personal narrative. While wandering around Capilano University’s beautiful campus, one can not help but notice the jingling of hundreds of keys and little accessories. Those chains hold a significant role in every student’s life, carrying the keys to their houses, cars, and jobs. However, space on a keychain usually allows for more than just house keys, there is space for memories of a past vacation or merch from their favorite band—possibilities are endless when it comes to the decoration of the little rings that hold our life.

Queer keychains go beyond the functional purpose of holding keys; they are portable declarations of identity. From the vibrant colors of the LGBTQIA2S+ pride flag to symbols like rainbows, gender symbols and more, these keychains carry a spectrum of stories. Each element on a keychain is like a brushstroke, creating a canvas that speaks to the person’s unique journey. Just like art, it can not be defined in one way. Some may call it too much and some may think it can never be enough, no matter if your chain only holds two things or ten, it tells the world your unique story if we are just mindful enough to pay attention.

Alex (they/them) uses their keychain as an embodiment of their artistic personality. They pair a transgender pride flag with a flute charm to create a fusion of personal identity

and creative passion. The keychain becomes a representation of both their identity as a transgender individual and their love for art—a reminder that their identity is a masterpiece, a collection of ideas and passions and belonging to a group. Every day while walking around the campus and rushing between classes, Alex knows that the core of their personality is with them wherever they go. “I do this for more than just myself though, if another student sees my little trans flag charm and feels less alone because of it, my mission is complete,” Alex said. It is about community, about standing together and lifting each other up in a world that otherwise tries to bring people down at every chance it gets.

This feeling of community seems to be a pattern when it comes to queer individuals. Sam, whose keychain caught my attention at Phibbs Exchange one day, told me that she made her core group of friends because of the LGBTQ+ charms she carries on her chain. The chain, which features a rainbow flag as well as a lesbian symbol, is more than just an accessory; it’s a beacon of friendship. “One day when I was sitting in Birch having lunch, my keys were on the table and two students came up to me to ask about the lesbian charm I had on them. They just wanted to know where I got it but out of that conversation an incredible friendship was born,” Sam said. These symbols spark conversations and educate others about LGBTQIA2S+ experiences and identities. Sam’s choice of keychain not only reflects her journey but also serves as a conversation starter to build relationships on campus.

Queer keychains are more than just adornments; they open doors to conversations that might otherwise remain unspoken. A simple

glance at someone’s keychain during class or at lunch can lay the ground for discussions about identity, experiences, and shared struggles. These conversations foster connections among strangers, turning everyday encounters with hundreds of students into meaningful exchanges that benefit everyone’s life. In the best case, new friendships are born out of those conversations and our community grows.

As CapU makes efforts to become more inclusive, new resources are offered. With the women’s center, the Indigenous Students center as well as the Students of Color Collective and the queer resource center, CapU seems to make efforts to become a more inclusive and safer place for all students. Queer people play a role in shaping this environment because no one can tell our stories as well as we can ourselves. Visibility normalizes diverse identities and sends a message that acceptance is not only encouraged but celebrated. In this way, keychains act as beacons of diversity contributing to the larger movement for equality, not just at CapU but everywhere. We are vibrant, we are loud and most of all we are a diverse community of individuals.

However, many students still struggle with feeling comfortable showcasing their identities publicly, in light of a rise of hate crimes against the queer community this is a sad but real truth. There were students that I met on campus who opted out of commenting due to fear of identification.

For those students, their charms are a personal statement for themselves. They are careful to not leave their keys laying around and their charms are harder to clock as queer themed. This is a reminder that everyone’s journey is different and that there is not just one way to show your queerness. For some, their chains and charms are a loud and proud statement about who they are, yelling from the top of the roof that they are valid and demanding their spot on the table, while for others they are a private reminder that who they are is good enough, and others do not define their identity.

It seems like finding like minded people and having a feeling of belonging is the common ground when looking at these keychains. It is the community that holds us together as a society and showcasing charms that celebrate that belonging is the first step to building strong and meaningful connections.

THE KIDS ARE NOT ALRIGHT

CapU Strike’s Impact on Summer Students

CONTRIBUTOR EUGENIA DE COSS (SHE/HER) ILLUSTRATOR JASMINE LINTON

June 6 began as a perfect summer day. While warning signs of the imminent strike had been present across campus for several days, none of us could have guessed it would reach our summer classes.

In one day, classes had been cancelled for over 4,000 students, leading to the discontinuation of academic and other essential support services. We were up the creek without a paddle—totally uncertain on what we should be doing, what our summer semester would look like, and what this would mean for those of us trying to graduate.

Students were given two options, either to withdraw from classes-–which they had already begun and turned in assignments for—or to continue handing in assignments for credit rather than a grade. Among the worst of us affected were students with children, who were expected to continue working and completing schoolwork, unexpectedly without the support of the CapU Childcare Centre. Parents were left scrambling for a temporary

solution, adding increased expenses and stress halfway through the semester. As well, international students had no other option than to continue struggling through assignments without proper instructions, due dates, or feedback, as withdrawing from classes would mean the loss of their visas.

According to Karandeep Sanghera, the president of the Capilano Students’ Union, “It was causing chaos. Students didn’t know what to do.”

Summer courses are only eight weeks long, making them more intense than regular classes. Interruptions in those eight weeks could have severe impacts on the course outcomes and students’ satisfaction with their schooling.

Amy Llles reported to CBC News her own unique challenges during the strike. As a second-year student in the Rehabilitation Assistant program, she was meant to have a week off after her coursework and before the beginning of her practicum, which

she had already planned a vacation over. This week was taken by professors hoping to catch up on missed coursework— meaning she wouldn’t have the chance to catch up on that work. This caused anxiety surrounding her graduation date—having to retake a course would mean she wouldn’t graduate by December like she had hoped. The uncertainty over graduation was something students across all programs shared.

Third-year psychology student, Katerina Derbas, reported to North Shore News the general anxiety students were feeling. Derbas began an online petition to end the strike for the students, eventually reaching her goal with over 500 student signatures. According to Derbas, “everything was left in limbo.” She’d paid $3,000 dollars tuition for four summer courses but luckily had dropped two classes when she suspected a probable strike. Derbas explains that students who were expected to graduate by the end of summer were impacted the most.

Niko Williamson, a third-year Interdisciplinary Studies student, decided to withdraw from all her courses for a refund. She was disappointed that all the work she had already put into her courses was in vain–but decided she did not want to continue working on assignments without faculty support. I found the same struggle that Williamson did, but decided to finish my course for credit. The uncertainty of completing assignments without guidance was difficult for my work ethic and motivation, and made me feel like I wasn’t getting everything out of the class that I had hoped for. Thankfully, I was still able to finish the semester, despite some late and rushed assignments.

By sharing students’ experiences from different programs and years of study, it is evident that the strike had caused deep distress on staff and students. Everyone had a unique situation impacted by the lack of support from staff, lack of communication from the school, and uncertainty in their path of studies. While the Strike officially reached a tentative agreement on July 21, students may still be dealing with the ramifications on their program completion and budgets—with hope, we will be able to adapt and get back on the right track.

POV JOURNAL

A community that has persistence of vision

CONTRIBUTOR ANA X. MARTÍNEZ LIMA

ILLUSTRATOR CELINA ZHONG

Art and culture are two indispensable elements in our lives, and Sara Brinkac is well aware of that. That’s why she, along with her incredible team, have created a new publication on campus called POV Journal, a space where contributors can express their individual creativity freely. This project took flight on January 8 of this year. Grouping ideas and dreams into words, paper, colours, and letters.

With a backpack and head full of ideas, the creator of this project embarked on a journey to Europe last summer, where everything she had imagined for Vancouver started to make sense.

“There were cinema showcases in various theatres, each with more care and physical space for socialisation one could only dream to see in Vancouver,” Brinkac said. This trip to Europe awakened something within her; she knew that their sense of art and community was something she wanted for our city, that art in all its expressions can bring people together. And thus began what would become POV Journal today, with its first printed edition arriving on April 4, 2023.

POV stands for Persistence of Vision, and for its creator, there are many ways to understand its meaning; the first being that persistence of vision is an awareness of illusion. The human eye retains a visual image for a duration longer than the actual presentation of the visual stimulus—it’s an optical phenomenon. “This is what contributes to us believing images are moving when shown in rapid succession like on a film strip,” said Brinkac. Another meaning is that one needs to be persistent in their goal, in their vision, to stand firm, or as she would put it, “to stubbornly stand for community, creativity, and the celebration of the individual.”

Alongside her, there is a whole community of incredible individuals who persist in the vision of making our Vancouver community what many artists would desire: a space where you feel safe to risk, where you can express yourself freely, where art, culture, heritage and a sense of belonging exist together. Some of these individuals include Eva Staub (Design Editor), Jacob Brundrett (Co-Design Editor), Lucas Isidoro (Head of Marketing), Adam Stothard (Extras Editor), Mia Lancaster (Idea Generator), Vlada Hayvoronska (Social Media Manager), and many more.

More than just a new publication within the university, POV Journal has goals that extend beyond our campus. Brinkac believes that in a city like Vancouver, where discovering artistic spaces and opportunities can be challenging, it’s important to stand her ground and not give her talents away to a different city. She knows that she can only truly be herself in the land that witnessed her upbringing and the blossoming of her ideas.

“Art heals the soul, strengthens communities, and is both

a space where you feel safe to risk, where you can express yourself freely, where art, culture, heritage and a sense of belonging exist together.

individually and communally cathartic. So it only makes sense that art from where we’re from would speak to a more intimate and personal experience,” said Brinkac. With this in mind, one of the key goals of the journal is to have a dedicated space for art, free from industry pressure, that primarily focuses on the growth of each individual within the community in this city.

One of Brinkac’s dreams would be to see in Vancouver everything that she witnessed during her trip to Europe. Brinkac knows that if she wants to see a change in the city, she also has to become a part of that change.

“I wanted to carry that spirit back home and I was looking for a place to put that energy. A student journal seemed like the right place to start,” said Brinkac. Vancouver is full of incredible artists with passion and talent for art and filmmaking. For the creator, there are many things that could be done, such as a film theatre with its own café or a film publication. In her own words, “A future I would like to head towards is one where there are permanent dedicated spaces for the growth, study, and celebration of film.”

Like a lot of artists, a source of inspiration is important in day-to-day life, where new ideas and creations emerge. However, for POV Journal, inspiration can come from anywhere and anyone. Key individuals who have brought inspiration to Sara Brinkac have been John Cassavetes, an American actor, screenwriter and director, and Andrew Savage, a songwriter and lead singer of Parquet Courts.

Brinkac believes that one of the most important motivations for carrying forward this project is to enable people to coexist, create together, get to know each other, and build connections. She believes that among artists, there should be a support network, and individuals should

feel free to express themselves, create, and challenge themselves and others.

Even at Capilano University, a sense of community among fellow artists should prevail, transcending differences in degree, department, and age. “We have so many artists at our school, and understanding the beauty of their craft and their passion for their art form is, in my opinion, invaluable,” said Brinkac.

POV Journal represents a unique opportunity for artistic growth, not only on our campus but also for Vancouver as a whole. It’s a space where everyone is welcome, and where each artist has their own voice. Among its contributors, you will find MOPA students, ASAS students, individuals from the artistic community, and possibly you.

The doors of this community are open to all; if you’re interested in becoming a contributor, don’t hesitate to send an email to povjournal@gmail.com . For Brinkac, one of the most exciting aspects of this project is having different perspectives and to find a new spark of inspiration in each potential contributor. “I started thinking about revolution and the importance of physical community,” said Brinkac. You can find POV Journal available on their website www.povjournal.com and printed copies will be available at Bosa Centre and soon at the library.

Art and community are part of human lives. Vancouver needs voices that rise up and strive for their dreams. Art is another way to convey emotions, ideas, and communicate with a global language. POV journal understands this purpose and strives to embody it, emerging as a community with persistence of vision.

“VERY BERRY”

NUHA THAYYIB @nuhathayyib

Very Berry is a pattern created for a fictional brand called Pulp. Pulp is dedicated to crafting reusable bags from eco-friendly, sustainable materials sourced from fruit waste!

DO THE THINKING ON MY BEHALF: AI IN OUR EVERYDAY

Has AI gone too far?

CONTRIBUTOR YASMINE ELSAYED (SHE/HER) ILLUSTRATOR SOL YOON

Artificial intelligence has recently become such a normal part of daily life that it can often be unnoticeable. Recent developments have seen artificial intelligence (AI) becoming more integrated into many facets of life and work. For example, Adobe Photoshop released a beta AI program that can edit photos for the user. This has sparked a serious discussion about the extent to which AI has been incorporated into creative processes.

IBM classifies AI as “computers and machines [which] mimic the problem-solving and decision-making capabilities of the human mind.” It has been a topic of discussion and fiction since the Middle Ages, specifically in Greek mythology. Adrienne Mayor, a research scholar in the classics department in the School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University, concluded in her book, “Gods and Robots: Myths, Machines, and Ancient Dreams of Technology” that the concept of AI was first recorded 2,700 years ago. The Greek poets Hesiod and Homer were the ones that were the first to describe manufactured self-moving objects. Mayor draws on examples such as the story of Talos, which first describes a robot built by the Greek

god of invention and blacksmithing, Hephaestus.

The concept of AI was further developed by Alan Turing as he decoded the Nazi Enigma machine during World War II. He created the Turing Test in order to determine whether a computer could “think” like a human or better than one. Even more recently, AI research began in earnest in 1956 at Dartmouth College, where John McCarthy hosted computer chess games against human opponents. McCarthy also created LISP programming, an easy language that manipulates data strings. Although not as popular as C, Python, or Perl, LISP is one of the oldest and still in use programming languages.

From Photoshop to writing websites like Grammarly, it has become difficult to find tech that does not incorporate AI in some ways. However, despite the raised concerns, AI does have its pros. For example, it can make menial tasks more convenient, such as booking doctor appointments, signing up for classes, or translating text from one language to another. It also offers better accessibility for people with disabilities. For example, HOOBOX Robotics recently created a software that uses facial recognition to move wheelchairs.

While having facial recognition or fingerprint readers to unlock phones is convenient, there are fears about the jobs that will be lost as AI begins to make certain positions redundant. Since AI is cheap and easy to use, it has many corporations questioning their current practices. Why hire writers when you can feed a few lines to a program, and it will give you a script? The use of ChatGPT was one of the many issues that prompted the Writers Guild of America (WGA) to go on strike. Generative AI was also a tool utilized in making the 2022 film, Everything Everywhere All at Once. Visual effects artist Evan Halleck used an AI tool to remove background images from green screened shots, a task which usually involves a lot of time and manual labour.

Another primary concern is how AI artists are now being considered artists in many notable art competitions. One famous case was Jason Allen, who submitted an art piece to the Colorado State Fair’s fine arts competition. This incident was received poorly; some judges said they were unaware the work was AI generated. However, they claimed it would not have mattered since they sought “art that tells a story.” Allen argued that his work clearly showed signs that it was made with AI, naming it “Jason M. Allen Via Midjourney.” Midjourney is an artificial intelligence program that turns text-to-images. He explained that he won fairly without breaking any rules. When entering text into an AI program to create a piece of art, the program does not create from scratch. It looks for original source paintings, combines them, then provides an image. Allen argued that this was different from an artist looking up references to create something original.

There are many that view AI as a way to make life easier. However, it is rapidly evolving into a tool to make things more efficient, cheaper, and faster. Though this sounds great, there are real world implications that are much more complex than maximizing profits. As data processing becomes faster, repetitive tasks are sped up, and human error is minimized, the impact of AI on the labour market will only grow. For what it offers in its efficiency, AI lacks certain human qualities, which should not be discounted, such as empathy, ethics, morals and creativity.

On a small scale, AI can be used as a tool to make certain tasks easier, but in the macro its implications for large corporations and their business practices remains to be seen.

BARBENHEINER AND THE RETURN TO CINEMAS

We all love the memes, but what does this massive box office summer really mean for the film industry?

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

GWEN PEMBERTON

ILLUSTRATOR ANDY POYSTILA

Technically breathtaking existential dread and bubblegum pink comedy-satire may not be the likeliest pair, but they have come to define the summer of 2023. At least when it comes to movies. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer both slammed onto the big screen on July 21, and they’ve shown no signs of slowing down. The fact that these two diametrically opposed films were slated for release on the same day did not escape the notice of the viewing public, and the internet did what it does best: it ran with it.

Viewers flocked to screens for the double feature of the year, dressed to the nines in hot pink and cowboy hats. What started as a social media in-joke has had a massive financial and cultural impact. As of August 13, 2023, Barbie has grossed over $1.18 billion worldwide, making it the highest grossing film ever made by a female director. Barbie is also currently the second-highest grossing film of 2023, only losing the top spot to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which was released in April this year.

Oppenheimer has also managed to crack the top ten. Currently, it sits at the number six spot worldwide, just behind Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Its worldwide gross of nearly $650 million is very impressive for a nearly three hour historical biopic. In fact, it is Christopher Nolan’s third highest opening weekend ever, only beaten by his two Batman sequels, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises.

Along with the critical hype surrounding these two films, what sets them apart is the way that they have driven viewers back to physical movie theaters. Oppenheimer in particular has made a massive effort to market the film as a must-see theater experience, with its 70mm IMAX presentation. Not to discount Barbie which, as anyone who has seen it will tell you, draws theaters full of excited viewers dressed in their best Barbie gear.

2023 in general has been a big year at the box office. Aside from those already mentioned, it has also seen the releases of juggernauts like Fast X, Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3 and Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning: Part One. The theater industry took a big hit in 2020, and has been slow to return to its pre-pandemic numbers, but this July marked a 20 per cent increase in gross from the same period last year, with August on track to deliver a similar feat.

Though the return to cinemas is certainly a welcome sight for many, amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes it is slightly bittersweet. As writers and performers call for fair wages and residuals, as well as protections against the incorporation of AI in the film industry, the massive numbers being brought in by studios this summer may help to keep the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) away from the bargaining table.

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav reported that the company has saved more than $100 million in Q2. Notably, Warner Bros. is the distributor behind Barbie. Zaslav also stated that the company expects an end to the strikes and a return to production in early September, but members of both unions are holding strong in their demands. On Aug. 4, negotiators for the WGA and AMPTP met for the first time since the beginning of the writers strike on May 1. Both gave no indication that they were prepared to alter demands or proposals. Though negotiations on that date were unproductive, as the writer’s strike passes its one hundredth day negotiators from both sides are set to meet on Aug. 15, with hopes of a more cooperative discussion.

Amid industry turmoil, the receipts from the summer indicate an eagerness to return to cinemas, as numbers continue to trend upwards from their 2020 lows. Whether or not the studios will see this as a push to negotiate or to remain staunch in their rejection of SAG-AFTRA and WGA demands remains to be seen. As the strikes continue, their impact on the film industry and its release schedule may not be felt immediately, especially by the public. Even so, a shrinking number of new releases is inevitable, unless an agreement is met between the studio and the unions. The supercharged response to Barbie and Oppenheimer indicates that the demand from audiences, particularly for the theater experience, is strong. 2023 is certainly the biggest summer for cinemas since 2020, but what is to come in 2024 is still up in the air.

THIS WEEK IN VAN

A guide to the beat of your life

CONTRIBUTOR ANA X. MARTÍNEZ LIMA (SHE/HER)

ILLUSTRATOR

GERALDINE YARIS

Any fans of live music, read on. Back on Oct. 1, 2022, a fresh Instagram account popped up and it’s here to stay. This account goes by the name “This Week in Van.” If you want to stay in the loop about local and global music scenes, here you will find all the information you need about where, when, and who will be performing your favourite musical styles live. It has emerged as a way to discover live music in Vancouver with just a click.

The Instagram account @thisweekinvan presents an extensive roster of weekly events encompassing the current musical landscape in our city. A variety of musical styles can be found, from techno and house, to soul, R&B, and many others, such as rock and jazz.

Classic rock holds its position as one of the most listened-to musical genres among Canadians, capturing nearly 20 per cent of the population. Hip hop and rap have garnered considerable popularity among individuals aged 18 to 34. You will find a great diversity of genres, artists, and styles showcased in this online compendium of weekly live music Check it out and look for your favorites on the list.

Some of the venues featured include Orpheum Theatre, home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, where you will find popular national and international artists, or The Pearl, located on Granville Street, which is the place to go for alternative and rock music. Village Studios, which opened in the summer of 2021, is a new and innovative space that is not only a recording studio, but also a venue that showcases a variety of musical genres such as punk, house, and techno. Rogers Arena, better known as the home of the Canucks hockey team, also serves as a venue for events, music, and concerts of well-known artists from around the world. Some of the other local venues include the Hol-

lywood Theatre, The Roxy, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and Biltmore Cabaret.

Depending on the genre and musical style you enjoy, you’ll find the right event for you. The price range may vary depending on the artist and the venue at which they will be performing. The account doesn’t provide a list of event prices, but it makes it easy for you to find your favorite one.

“This Week in Van” is focused on making your life easier by listing the groups that will be performing live on a weekly basis. You can find everything organized by week, and day. In the list, you will see the artist or band’s name in uppercase letters, followed by the musical genre in parentheses, and ending with the name of the venue where they will be performing in bold letters. The format makes it easy for everyone to find what they are looking for.

In addition to offering a list of bands, venues, and genres, “This Week in Van” also has a playlist available on Spotify where people can discover new music from artists around the Greater Vancouver Area. The playlist is updated every Monday, so you won’t miss any new releases. If you know of any group or event missing from the list, you can click the link in their profile to submit one, and it can be featured on the main account so that no one misses out.

This account is the place to go to stay up to date on the latest shows and artists, and to ensure that you don’t miss out on your favorite event. Anyone can contribute to the growth of local talent by attending and supporting their favorite artists and venues. Let’s keep an eye on what is happening this week in Van.

“‘This Week’ in Van” is focused on making your life easier by listing the groups that will be performing live on a weekly basis.”

FEATURED ARTIST

Ethan Woronko (he/him)

@epworonko_art

Jake and Murf

Artwork inspired by Daniel Warren Johnson’s Murder Falcon graphic novel. 11x17, Acrylic ink on Bristol board, digital colour

BEST MOVIE

Barbie — a sensation

CONTRIBUTOR VANSH MALHOTRA (HE/HIM) ILLUSTRATOR ALINA SANDU

of the SUMMER

Since childhood, I have thought of my passion for watching movies as transporting to another world and dreaming consciously has had an enlightening impact on my soul. This summer was an exciting time for me, as it brought a fascinating buffet of movies from different genres. However, one movie that was a sensation for me and captivated my heart is none other than Barbie.

Barbie has been considered a symbol of being feminine in society. Nevertheless, something unexpected happened that got me rolling to the cinema to watch Barbie dressed in a pink outfit.. Suffering from anxiety issues, I could not live peacefully. I often spent time vacillating about my future with uneasiness. My father noticed my concern and took me to the movie Oppenheimer. I went with him in the vain hope of coming back home in a happier state.

However, watching the historical thriller movie had the opposite effect on me — as indulging in the severe and monotonous world of science diverted my mind from the film, which started jumping like a monkey from one thing to another happening in my life. Thoughts began pounding in my head, and I lost track of the movie as I could not stay mindful. I came home in an enraged state and wept bitterly.

I recounted the events of Oppenheimer to my Indian friend. She again encouraged me to watchBarbie; this time, I gave in as I needed something to make me feel happy. Soon, Barbie became my medicine. Watching this lighthearted

movie involving humor and comedy with a deep meaning, I did not realize when I started looking at anxiety with a lens of positivity to help me achieve my goals and enable me on the path of success in life. I made anxiety fall in love with me by treating it like a friend that triggers motivation in me to work hard on my goals rather than considering it an enemy which drives me crazy. I started laughing while watching the movie with its colorful background and the fairytale music that enlivened my spirits.

I realized that the idea of watching the movie Barbie felt so silly that I could not control my unconditional laughter bubbling like a fountain. This movie helped me cultivate a childlike, playful attitude toward life. After watching this movie, my anxiety decreased, and I enjoyed being silly. The solemn world of Oppenheimer increased my knowledge about science while I battled with concentration, Barbie became the stress buster that helped me live in the present moment.

I became a different person as I took a new approach to life. Small things make me happy, and I love viewing my destiny from the lens of Barbie, who knows the importance of mindfulness. I called my friend and thanked her for suggesting this excellent film. It revitalized magic in my life. So, if you think that watching Barbie seems childish, believe me, you are making an egregious error and stopping yourself from discovering one hour and fifty-four minutes of happiness.

WHERE TO EAT

(Now That You’re Sick of McDonald‘s)

A guide to affordable places to eat in North Vancouver

North Vancouver boasts a multitude of restaurants to dine at on a student’s budget. I have created a North Vancouver guide to affordable places to eat—from wine restaurants to the best falafel in town, I’ve got you covered.

Being a foodie who actively posts reviews of local restaurants on my Instagram and website, I have tried countless eateries. I will describe each restaurant based on price, umami (Japanese for tasty), value and ambiance.

Beginning with 16 West, a wine restaurant located on West 16th Street, just off of Lonsdale Ave. The restaurant has a variety of dishes, freshly baked desserts, biscuits and a vast selection of wine. This summer, they began an all-day happy hour every Tuesday and also available until Saturday from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. They offer duck-fat popcorn for only $4.00, Potatoes Bravas for $5.00 and a trio of meatballs with garlic toast for $9.00. Their happy hour prices are affordable, dishes are filled with umami, and the value is wonderful, as is their elegant decor and ambiance.

Tequila Cocina is a Mexican restaurant located across the street from London Drugs at 1933 Lonsdale Ave. They have Taco Tuesdays starting at $2.99 per taco and a happy hour every day from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. During their happy hour you can order nachos for $13.00 (only a few dollars more than a McDonald’s combo, and much tastier), three meat or fish tacos for $11.00 andtwo cauliflower tacos for $6.00. Margaritas and Tequila Cocina beer are both only $5.00. Great prices, good food and festive ambiance with patio seating and a parklet.

Bobzaa’s Bistro & Dessert Cafe offers great affordable meals and is conveniently located at 107 East 12th, a block down from Fitness

World. Their $11.99 lunch special is a grilled chicken bowl, with shredded lettuce, topped with cilantro, crispy tortilla, and sour cream, on a bed of rice. Every night they have $2.99 bubble tea between 10:00 and 10:30 p.m, they also do Taco Tuesdays. I highly recommend this delicious food that pairs nicely with the good prices and Instagram worthy decor.

Chicken Box is located in Lower Lonsdale at 180 East 2nd Street. They are a small take-out restaurant with a couple of seats inside and about three tables outside, though what they lack in space, they make up for in value. I had their crispy chicken burger combo that comes with fries and a drink for $18.00. It was so filling that I could not finish it in one sitting. Good food, prices and value—just prepare for the limited seating.

Best Falafel is an awesome choice for people who like a big bang for their buck. Located at 1829 Lonsdale Avenue, and with a lot of different Lebanese menu items to choose from. One of my favourites is the chicken, beef or lamb Shawarma Plate that comes on a bed of rice, with pita bread, hummus, Greek or Tabouli salad and pickles for $18.99, and for $2 more you can get extra meat. Their food is delicious, you get tons of it (with lots leftover for lunch), great value with a small to medium sized seating area and patio.

While Mcdonald’s does have some inarguable perks like soft serve ice cream for only $1.00 (if you have their app), I would recommend the alternatives listed above to spice up your eating routine and support local. However, when in doubt you can’t go wrong with a classic Filet-o-Fish combo, my childhood favourite meal.

“I highly recommend this delicious food that pairs nicely with the good prices and Instagram worthy decor.”

Stop Telling Me My Life is Easier

Based on a true story

CONTRIBUTORANA X. MARTÍNEZ LIMA ILLUSTRATORSHARLEEN RAMOS

There comes a point in life when people start asking you personal questions as if they were of public interest. You arrive at Christmas parties and they ask about your boyfriend, or when you will get a boyfriend, if you don’t have one already. If you are in a stable relationship, they start asking you about the wedding, or when you’ll be having children. It seems like we have to follow the same pattern to keep everyone satisfied.

I am 26 years old, and most of my childhood friends already have children, while I only have my cats. I do not say this as a complaint. I love not having children, and I love that my friends are happy with theirs. What I do not love is that every time we meet, we always have to talk about the same thing.

We start with them trying to find me a partner, making “jokes” about how I know nothing about babies because I have never had one (even though I am a teacher of children), and then we move on to the part where they say, “You should take advantage of not having children, your life is way easier than ours.”

If I am honest, many times I have thought that my life was easier because I only have to take care of myself,and not a mini version of me on top of that. But then I realize that no, our lifestyles are not the same, our priorities are not the same, and our goals (at least in the short term) are not the same. Why do people consider my life to be easier and simpler than one with kids? While you stay up changing diapers and putting your children to sleep, I stay up completing assignments and working. The only difference I see is that we are focusing on separate things.

I do not believe that one person’s life is easier than another’s, everyone chooses their battles and fights. Just as you dedicate your life to raising a child, I dedicate mine to my job and personal life. With this, I am not implying that the lives of parents are simple or that they should stop complaining; on the contrary, I admire all the effort, dedication, and courage they have to raise a child and support a family

While my friends make comments about how I can enjoy life, travel, and do whatever I want, they complain about everything they have to do. I am not allowed to complain. Why? Because I do not have children.

It’s annoying to listen to the same story every time, and even worse when it comes from people you do not know or are not your friends. If you say something like “I am so tired”, they will say “Tired of what? You do not have children.’’ After that comes the story about how they had to stay up all night because the child was sick. Sis, I did not choose your life, and you do not live with me or know everything I do. I do not want to be rude, and I do not want to have an argument, which is why I really would like to tell them to not stick their noses where it is none of their business, or belittle the lives and efforts of others. Would it be rude of me? Perhaps, but these words are a knot in my throat in every conversation.

It all comes back to respect and not shutting down other people’s feelings. In one way or another, by making comments like, “Your life is way easier than mine,” you are diminishing the work and life of another person. Of course, sharing how tiring your day-to-day is is valid; what it is not valid is wanting to compare theirs with yours.

So, I just want to say one simple thing, stop telling me my life is easier.

Words from a Swiftie

Was the Eras Tour everything I dreamed it to be?

It’s me, hi! I’m the lucky one who was fortunate enough to have gotten tickets to see Taylor Swift. And yes, it was totally worth the hype it’s been getting across the internet.

I went to her show in Seattle on Sunday, July 23, 2023. I was one of many Vancoverites traveling across the border to attend her show. To avoid traffic, we left at 4:30 a.m. I was riding shotgun next to one sister, with my other sister in the back. We drove right to the stadium, getting to Lumen Field by 8 a.m. Our hotel check-in wasn’t until 2:00 p.m. though, so what did we do? We staked out in the merch line. We were maybe the 15th group in line, and over those five hours we chatted with other Swifties and watched the line grow immensely.

After collecting our matching Eras Tour crewnecks, we grabbed lunch and checked into the hotel. From there it was straight to business. We started to make the friendship bracelets—a must for the concert. One of my sisters had an arm cast on so we bejeweled her cast with dollar store stick-on jewels to make it shine. Then it was time for hair, makeup and outfits. We all bought matching dresses in three different colours from Anthropologie and rocked our cowgirl boots to the concert.

HAIM and Gracie Abrams were her opening acts, and they were great. HAIM later came back out to perform “no body, no crime” with Taylor later in the

show. It was around 8:30 p.m. when she opened with “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince.” If you were a true fan though, you probably already knew that would be her first song from stalking her setlist.

It’s hard to say what my favorite performances were since I’m obsessed with all of her songs. Her classics like “Enchanted,” “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me” were so fun to sing with the whole crowd. Then again, most of her crowd is singing every song at the top of their lungs. There’s no experience like it. My favorite part of the concert was that she was singing songs from all her albums. There was a little taste of everything, and she performed for three and a half hours straight, so you get your money’s worth and an incredible show.

At every concert, she sings a couple of surprise songs. We were lucky to get “Message In A Bottle,” which she released in November of 2021 when she rereleased her album Red (Taylor’s Version). Additionally we got “Tied Together With A Smile,” which was released back in October of 2006, from her debut album, Taylor Swift. The anticipation of which surprise songs you’ll be getting is something the fans know all too well.

Overall, it was far from a cruel summer getting to experience Taylor Swift live. If you have the opportunity to attend one of her shows, jump at the chance. She has the record for the most number one albums by a female artist for a reason. She truly is a superstar.

SPORTS EDITOR MYA FRASER ILLUSTRATOR YOHAHNAH LOKER

WHAT THE X IS THREADS?

CONTRIBUTOR JASMINE GARCHA (SHE/THEY) ILLUSTRATOR TOBIN ELIAS

Twitter was launched back in July of 2006 by founders Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams. The app was rooted in the simple art of “shitposting,” but you could also catch up on politics, news, entertainment and even interact one-on-one with your favourite celebrities. However, everything changed on Oct. 27, 2022, when public personality and mogul Elon Musk purchased Twitter.

This was met with a very divisive reaction. In December, there was so much backlash that Musk tweeted a poll asking if he should step down as Twitter’s CEO. The results were overwhelmingly supportive of this notion. He stepped down from this position but continued driving the app into the ground.

Musk came in with big changes. The first one was to add subscriber-based verification to the app, which he called Twitter Blue. Celebrities’ blue checks were removed and given to any user who was willing to pay monthly. Around the same time, Kanye West was banned for trolling Musk on the app. Then, the nail in the coffin for many: rate limits.

In early July, Musk tweeted that the app was enforcing rate limits, wherein Twitter Blue users would be limited to viewing 6000 tweets per day and regular users would be limited to 600. However, rumours stated that the truth behind rate limits was

that Musk refused to pay the Google Cloud bill required to host Twitter’s servers, and the site began crashing. This claim was made by an ex-Twitter employee, and supported by the fact that the rate limits began before the seemingly retrospective announcement.

That same weekend, the newly minted Bluesky social app, created by the aforementioned Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, saw an unexpected influx of new users. The app is currently invite-only as part of its beta launch. I will keep my thoughts on the app brief to continue the suspense before it is released to the general public: the community is, in general, a thousand times more wholesome than Twitter’s, but its algorithm makes it tough to find an abundance of users you may want to follow. Overall, it’s a great Twitter alternative.

Meta, Mark Zuckerberg’s social media company encompassing Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook, was quick to hop on the #twitterisoverparty by launching its version of the bird app, dubbed Threads, a few days after the rate limit incident. Not long after, I had finally obtained an invite code to Bluesky, my Twitter and Instagram friends moved to Threads! Here’s why …

Threads is a Twitter alternative that uses the same login as your Instagram account, which is why Instagram us-

ers hopped on it immediately. It exploded with account creations in it’s first few days. A lot of my friends who were among those first users told me that they wouldn’t be using it anymore within a few days of having the app. There were also cases where upon being banned on Threads, the ban transferred over to Instagram. A month later, I scarcely heard anyone talk about it. The only use I’ve seen of the app now is promotion; comedians, musicians, etc, post about shows and such that they have upcoming.

Twitter has since been rebranded to X, with a giant strobe light at the headquarters to prove it (although, this “X” light was quickly dismantled amidst backlash from those who lived both near and far). There have also been discussions on the app formerly known as Twitter about why having a website beginning with the letter “X” is a bad idea, but I will leave this discussion up to the reader’s imagination.

Now, finally, which app will win this race? Personally, I’m sticking to Bluesky—bugs and all. I’m still holding out hope for Twitter to make a comeback through this X mess. Needless to say, though, Threads is not a strong contender for anyone in this discussion. It was abandoned as quickly as it was downloaded for many users, especially amongst malfunctions in its early launch. Though, only time can tell who the true victor will be.

A tragic tale of the app formerly known as Twitter

“TWIN FLAME”

ANGELICA BLANCH @angelicowthemoo

COLUMNS

THE STARVING ARTIST

Broke-ass student recipes

Hello all you lovely broke souls. It’s me, Sara, The Starving Artist. I’m both a starving artist and someone who sees the beauty in the weird meals we make when broke and especially tired. We all have one, the strange concoction from the back of the cupboards, something we take an odd satisfaction in eating and an even odder particularity in how that meal should be prepared. As The Starving Artist, I am making it my mission to supply you, my faithful readers, with an accurate recording of these recipes. For you and future generations these secret recipes will be protected to pass the torch of oddities and keep the human race from the brink of extinction. You’re welcome.

Speaking of oddities, boy do I have an odd recipe for you this month. This weird little meal comes from my weird little roommate, Sofia. She holds this recipe very dear. Many a time have I slandered this meal, and many a time has she staunchly advocated for it. I don’t know if I love it, but after talking to her more about the process, I must say, I certainly do respect it. Buckle in for a wild and tasty (?) recipe y’all.

The Post 16 Hour Shift

COLUMNS EDITORSARA BRINKAC ILLUSTRATORTRICIA TANG

Cost of Meal: $1.27 and your pride

1 Pack of cheap spicy ramen 500 ml of water to cook the ramen in? I don’t know, you figure it out

1–1 ½ heaping Tbsp of the fattest thickest sour cream you got

Directions

1. Grab a pot. One of those good pots for cooking ramen in and eating out of. You’re tired, you’re hungry, of course you’re going to be eating out of it.

2. Put enough water in that pot to boil ramen in. I am upset that you would expect me to know how much water that is.

3. When the water starts boiling, get excited because it’s ramen time. Crack open that bag of the cheapest, spiciest (within your tolerance) ramen you have and toss that hunk o’ noodles in the bubbling water.

4. Alright, time has passed, you’ve pulled the ramen apart with a fork and really made yourself feel like you’re actively cooking something. Great. One thing though. You’ve just worked a 16 hour shift and you’re starving. There’s no time to wait around for these noodles to fully cook. Shut the stove off, say the noodles are al dente, not undercooked and head on down to step 5.

5. Turn heat to low, remove pot from the stove and drain all the water out of the pot. I know what you’re thinking. “Drain all the water out of the pot? But this is ramen! It requires water for broth!” Hey kid, I didn’t ask for your opinion. Just drain the water out of the pot.

6. Place said pot back on the element. Next, grab a heaping tablespoon of thick sour cream and plop that in your dry noodle mass. Allow that low heat to really warm the sour cream, mmm yummy, so warm and creamy. Hey, y’know what? If you’re feeling extra creamy get another half tablespoon in there, you only live once #treatyourself #yolo #:P

7. Alright, now it’s time for the spicy mix. Shake that packet in and get all those flavours melding. Be sure to mix it fast. Real fact: the faster you stir the more the flavour is activated. Stirring faster also results in you thinking less about that thing fucking Cary said during your shift.

8. Grab the pot off the stove, let it and your temper cool down, then, get this, eat the food. Don’t make me explain that part just thank me for the cool new recipe you have that’s super awesome. You could also thank my roommate Sofia since it’s her weird little recipe — but hey — I’m the one who typed it, give me all the credit, why don’t ya?

Bjorn Appletini!

GWENESDAY MOVIE NIGHT: TALK TO ME (2023)

What happens after ninety seconds? They’ll want to stay.

Talk To Me is a gripping supernatural horror that blends an elevated, modern style with a break-neck pace and an ending that will leave your jaw on the floor. When a group of teenagers acquire a severed hand that gives them the ability to speak to the dead, they are taken in by the intoxicating rush of possession. As their sense of reality begins to slip, and the hold of the spirits becomes stronger, what began as a light-hearted party trick turns sinister, disturbing and perilous.

Talk To Me is an independent Australian film that gained substantial buzz on the festival circuit, and was picked up for distribution by A24 earlier this year. This is the first film from directors Danny and Michael Philippou, who some may know better as the minds behind RackaRacka on YouTube. Despite being new to the medium, the brothers’ familiarity with the camera shines through, especially in the bombastic editing, pace, and sound design, which are a refreshing change for modern horror.

Sophie Wilde is absolutely magnetic in the lead role, showing off both dramatic and comedic chops, and delivering one of the most emotionally intelligent performances I have seen this year. Other standouts include Miranda Otto, who plays the sharp as a tack mother of two teens in the group, and Chris Alosio as Joss, who is the first to experience the twisted magic of the hand. Though the dialogue can be a bit clunky in

ARTS & CULTURE EDITORGWEN PEMBERTON ILLUSTRATORTRICIA TANG

its exposition, the story is tight, exciting and shocking at every turn.

Despite the supernatural, Talk To Me manages to stay incredibly grounded. The characters are consistent, interacting with each other and a world in a way that feels very authentic to the modern young adult experience. Even when the characters make frustrating choices, every decision is motivated and understandable.

Sophie Wilde plays Mia, a girl who has recently lost her mother and is struggling with her grief. In an attempt to forget, she drags her best friend Jade and Jade’s younger brother Riley to a “possession party” where a severed hand gives people the chance to contact the dead.

Once the group starts, they can’t seem to stop. The allegory to drug use adds another layer of intrigue to the film. When one evening things go too far, the ramifications ripple through the group, causing rifts between friends and leaving the door open to persistent spirits. The audience’s grip on reality begins to slip along with the characters as the influence of the spirits becomes stronger.

With a runtime of just over an hour and thirty minutes, the movie flies by. From the beginning, Talk To Me gets your attention, and keeps you guessing until its final gut punch of a conclusion.

A warning for the squeamish, though the gore in this movie isn’t constant, or in my opinion gratuitous, when the movie chooses to, it goes there. It also utilizes some fantastic practical effects and makeup. All of the spirits, the possession scenes and the gore sprinkled throughout deliver in a way that is hard to replicate with CGI alone. There were a few scenes that had me clutching my face and resisting the urge to cover my eyes. The impact is visceral, and when paired with the highly effective sound design and editing, unforgettable. These moments are carefully chosen, and serve to illustrate the true horror and tragedy of the situation these characters find themselves in.

This is a must-see for any horror fan, and a movie you won’t soon forget. Equal parts entertaining and disturbing, Talk To Me is a film that should not be underestimated. Despite its smaller budget, the Phillipou brothers have delivered a technically stunning debut that tugs at your heartstrings even as it makes you shudder in terror.

AIRPLANE MODE

Changing my life one jumpseat at a time

Walking home, I looked into the garden next to my apartment building and saw a few of my neighbours enjoying the summer breeze, cocktails in hand. They waved me over and were in the middle of discussing what jobs everyone would want if they could go back in time and start over. One said he would be a pilot, but there was a restriction on corrective eyewear when he was younger and he never pursued it. One said she would have dabbled in more fields before becoming a mom. The table turned to me and the question was again asked, and I thought about it for a second and answered, “I feel like I did go back in time, because my answer is flight attendant.”

I was raised to believe that there was one path to follow — graduate high school, get your degree (it didn’t matter in what), get a job but make sure it had a pension, and then work until you could retire. I did the school thing, in fact I did it for ten years and ended up with two degrees and a certificate. I was still working at the rec centre as a lifeguard because it already crossed off two important needs — a good wage, and a pension. I wasn’t really using my degrees for anything other than side gigs that didn’t pay much. I was nearing thirty and an irritating voice was constantly pulsating in the back of my brain asking, “is this really going to be your life?”

I hadn’t really done any traveling or accomplished much memory making — my life was a revolving door of school, work, reading, working out and sleeping. I was dreading being “a big girl” and getting a job that suited the latest degree I had earned. Sitting in an office, or working from home seemed like a punishment. I wanted flexibility, excitement and for

every day to feel new. A few neighbours of mine worked for an airline, two years ago I told them I had always wanted to be a flight attendant, but I didn’t think my second language would be strong enough to get a position. I confessed that I gave up and never pursued my dream, and assumed that it was not in the cards for me.

Those neighbours, and soon to be friends, gave me links to job applications, names to use as references, and a push to start a career that could change my life. I didn’t get an interview the first time around and decided to apply as an airport employee so I could get a foot in the door and maybe have a better chance at the end goal. I was quickly hired, halted my old life with a two week notice for my old employer and began a life in aviation.

I loved the fast-paced environment. Even when passengers were yelling at me because I personally ruined their holidays, it was a thrilling job and I loved coming to work. I loved watching planes and YVR has some of the most impressive sunrises and sunsets — not to mention the flight perks. Shift work wasn’t always easy and it could be a draining job, but I was in love. I knew the airport gig was a means to an end, but I took it all in until then. I applied, and applied and, after three applications were rejected, I finally got an interview to become a flight attendant.

I packed my bags and headed to training — many weeks of intense drills, terrifying videos that made me question if I wanted to get on a plane ever again, and an exam every two days. I cried, I laughed, I sweat more than any one person should, but I graduated and began flying. I have always been told “when you know, you know” when it comes to love and relationships.

I had no idea the same was true for a job. The moment I stepped on my first flight, in my crisp new uniform, I felt at home. The head flight attendant introduced me to the full plane and mentioned it was my first day — the crowded Boeing cheered and for once I wasn’t cringing at people clapping on a plane, I felt welcomed.

Since that day in May 2023, I have been on over 102 flights — that’s 102 times that I have felt like I finally found what I was looking for. This is the first time I have felt connected to a job, in a way that contentment washes over me and I know in my gut that this is where I was meant to be. In the sky, discovering new cities (even the small Canadian destinations), and growing as a person. I took a chance on a career that wasn’t a part of the white picket fence model and it was the best decision I have ever made. I get to explore the world and tell people I am doing the job I always wanted, without inventing time travel.

PREP TIME COOK TIME

TOTAL TIME

2 Hours 20 Minutes 2 Hours 20 Minutes

CINNAMON ROLLS

FREYA EMERY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Recipe of the Month

If you’re like me, you might be craving the colder, cozy autumn weather. I’ve been making tons of cinnamon rolls to get a taste of those rainy days. My roommates can back me up when I say our apartment has smelled like a bakery these past few months. Let me take you through my favorite cinnamon roll recipe from Monique at Ambitious Kitchen. Warning: not gluten-free or vegan-friendly — Sorry!

INGREDIENTS

DOUGH

¾ cup warm milk (I use oat milk and it works fine) (110 degrees F)

1 package quick-rise or active yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 egg + 1 egg yolk at room tem-

INSTRUCTIONS

perature

¼ cup butter, melted (I prefer salted, but unsalted works, too)

3 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting (Reg Flour works fine)

3/4 teaspoon salt

Warm milk to around 110 degrees F. I like to do this by placing milk in a microwave-safe bowl and microwaving it for 4045 seconds. It should be like warm bath water. Transfer warm milk to a larger mixing bowl. Slowly stir in the yeast using a wooden spoon. Add in sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Next, stir in flour and salt until a dough begins to form.

On a well-floured surface, knead dough for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should form into a nice ball and be slightly sticky. If it’s too sticky (meaning it’s sticking to your hands and feels like glue), add in 2 tablespoons more flour.

Transfer the dough ball to a well-oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel. Allow dough to rise for 1 hour to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. This may take more or less time depending on the humidity and temperature in your home.

After the dough has doubled in size, transfer dough to a well-floured surface and roll it out into a 14x9 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving an ¼ inch margin at the far side of the dough.

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Use your hands to sprinkle the mixture over the buttered dough,

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

4 oz cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons butter, softened

¾ cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

FILLING

2/3 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)

1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

¼ cup butter, softened

then rub the brown sugar mixture into the butter. Heads up — this is pretty messy

Tightly roll the dough up, starting from the 9-inch side, and place the seam side down, making sure to seal the edges of the dough as best you can. You will probably need to cut off about an inch off the ends of the dough as the ends won’t be as full of cinnamon sugar as we’d want it to be. Then Cut into 1-inch sections with a serrated knife or floss. You should get 9 large pieces.

Place cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x9 inch baking pan or round 9-inch cake pan. (I also recommend lining the pan with parchment paper as well, in case any of the filling ends up leaking out.) Cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel, and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove plastic wrap and towel and bake cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until just slightly golden brown on thwe edges. You want to underbake them a little so they stay soft in the middle, that’s why we want them just slightly golden brown. Allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes before frosting.

To make the frosting: In a bowl, combine cream cheese and butter together, then slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Spread over cinnamon rolls and serve immediately. Enjoy!

STAFF PLAYLIST

SPOTIFY APPLE MUSIC

ADVERTISE WITH US!

Unlock the potential of this premium advertising space! Your message deserves a spotlight, and this is where it shines. Connect with your desired audience and amplify your brand’s visibility with us.

To secure your ad space or for any inquiries, please feel free to contact us at editor@capilancourier.com. We look forward to helping you make a significant impact through our publication.

CAPILANO UNIVERSITY is located on the traditional territories of the LíỈwat, xʷməθkʷəỷəm (Musqueam), shíshálh (Sechelt), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and SəỈílwətaʔ/ Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

We recognize our presence here as guests on this sacred land and deeply appreciate the privilege to work, study, and reside in this remarkable place. The Capilano Courier acknowledges that this gesture is just a starting point on the path to reconciliation, and we are committed to amplifying Indigenous voices and sharing their stories.

THE CAPILANO COURIER is an autonomous, democratically-run student newspaper that encourages literary and visual submissions. However, all submissions undergo editing for brevity, taste, and legality. We are committed to not publishing material that the collective deems as promoting sexism, racism, or homophobia. The views expressed by the contributing writers are not necessarily those of the Capilano Courier publishing society.

Additionally, we prioritize a human-centered approach to content creation and do not support the use of AI in our editorial processes. We believe in the value of human perspectives and storytelling in our publication.

Maple Building 122

CAPILANO COURIER

56, ISSUE NO.1