Capilano Courier | Vol 56, Issue 3 by Capilano Courier

CSU AGM Recap

Greenwashing Farmers Market

United Against Hate

FOOD, FOOD, AND MORE FOOD! Volume 56

November 2023

Issue No. 03

“NYC PIGEONS” ANAÏS BAYLE @anaisbayle_art

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

REFLECTING ON RECIPES FREYA EMERY (SHE/HER) Editor-In-Chief “Just upgraded by drivers licence to an N after taking my 3rd road test”

Food has a remarkable way of bringing people together, evoking nostalgia, and nourishing not just our bodies but our souls as well. It’s a universal language, a source of comfort, a canvas for creativity, and a celebration of diverse cultures. Whether it’s the aroma of your grandmother’s signature dish or the first sip of a warm, spiced latte on a chilly morning, food holds the power to transport us to cherished memories and create new ones. In the midst of our busy lives, when the world often feels like it’s changing so fast, I hope this issue serves as a reminder that some things remain constant—our love for food and the stories it tells. I encourage you to take a moment to savor every bite, share a meal with loved ones, and appreciate the beauty of a homemade feast. This November, let’s celebrate the diversity of flavors and the warmth that food brings into our lives. In this issue, our writers and Illustrators have embarked on a culinary adventure to bring you a feast for the senses. From exploring local farmers’ markets and uncovering the tasty treats of pre-game meals to delving into the world of fictional foods, we’ve left no stone unturned to tickle your taste buds. With that being said, food can be a complex and sensitive topic for many, and we’re committed to approaching it with the utmost care and inclusivity. We recognize that not everyone has the same access to food, and we want to celebrate the joy of food while respecting the challenges that some individuals may face. As we indulge in this culinary journey, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own relationship with food. What are your favorite dishes, the ones that transport you back to cherished memories? How can you make your meals more mindful and sustainable? Are there local food restaurants you’ve yet to discover? And what role does food play in relation to your family? Before I sign off, I want to express my gratitude to the incredible team behind The Courier. Their dedication and passion have made this publication what it is today, and I couldn’t be more proud of the work we’re doing together. To more issues to come! Bon appétit!

CREW COORDINATING EDITOR Matt Shipley (he/him) matt@capilanocourier.com “I just did a full condo renovation from start to finish by myself”

BUSINESS MANAGER Terrance Alanis (he/him) business@capilanocourier.com “Surprisingly, I am not related to Alanis Morissette.”

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Lucy Benson (she/her) communications@capilanocourier.com

NEWS EDITOR Bridget Stringer Holden (she/her) bridget@capilanocourier.com “I held a baby crocodile once”

SPORTS EDITOR Mya Fraser (she/her) sports@capilanocourier.com “I have three siblings and we all have different colored hair”

FEATURES EDITOR Gates Ogilvie (they/them) gates@capilanocourier.com “I’m an aspiring novel writer and have been working on the same novel for the past 7 years.”

CREW ARTS AND CULTURES EDITOR Gwen Pemberton (she/her) gwen@capilanocourier.com “I just made my first photo album and it is my most prized possession.”

COMMUNITIES EDITOR Avery Nowicki (they/them) avery@capilanocourier.com “I’m an international superstar.”

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 “My older sisters name is Teghan so, together, we are Teghan and Sara (we are not named after the duo my parents promise)”

ART DIRECTOR Angelica Blanch (she/her) design@capilanocourier.com “One of my fingertips is permanently bent from a sport injury”

PRODUCTION MANAGER & CREW ILLUSTRATOR Andy Poystila (he/him) production@capilanocourier.com “I’m a Capricorn :o)!”

CREW VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGER Laura Morales Padilla (she/her) videoproduction@capilanocourier.com “I’m so happy Freya upgraded her drivers licence, la tercera es la vencida!”

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

VIDEOGRAPHER Dylan Smith (he/him) videography@capilanocourier.com

CREW WRITER Lea Krusemeyer (she/they) “In highschool I refused to learn spanish because I couldnt think of a reason why I would need it. Now I have a big latinx friend group and I wish I had learned spanish in highschool.”

CREW WRITER Kirsten Wiltshire (she/her)

CREW ILLUSTRATOR Chelle Lussi (Any)

CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mizuki Kinoshita, Saul Morales, Eugenia De Coss, Yasmine Elsayed, Christien Di Angello, Jenna Luscombe, Ana X. Martinez Lima, Jasmin Linton, Jasmine Garcha.

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Eva Staub, Sharleen Ramos, Shruti Karthikeyan, Geraldine Yaris, JJ Eng, Noureen Elsayed, Cameron Skorulski, Natasha Lee, Lauren Howard, Celia Palomar Robisco, Lucy Benson, Jasmin Linton, Christine “Tin” Raganit, Ethan Woronko, Liza Borissova, Sol Yoon, Anais Bayle, Yohahnah Loker, Sophia Spanos McGill, Celina Zhong.

FEATURED ARTISTS Anaïs Bayle, Ethan Woronko, Natasha Lee Siobhan Barry, Tara Asadi, Andy Posytila.

COVER ART Jasmin Linton

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 7

“THE RINGWRAITH” ETHAN WORONKO @epworonko_art 8

FEATURED ARTIST

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS

ARTS & CULTURE

Unofficial Results of the CSU Fall 2023 Elections

Greenwashing Farmers Markets

CSU AGM RECAP

Shoebox Art: The Gallery on Wheels

New funding for Enactus

VIFF 42: Voices From Around The Globe

Misyrion on their upcoming debut

Coldplay’s Big First at BC Place

The Liar is on Fire!

SPORTS Pre-game meals

Powders and Supplements

Women’s Blues Basketball

Men’s Blues Basketball

Meet Andrea

COMMUNITIES United Against Hate

Late Night Study Spots

The Returning Rise of Masks

Study Tips for Students

OPINIONS What Isn’t Pumpkin Spice?

Wish You Were Real

Sikhs Aren’t Safe Here

Let’s Get Cooking

Eggnog or Bust

Don’t Feed Me Diets

COLUMNS Table for One

Food as a Cultural Bridge

Alt-Rock band Meltt’s New Album Release

Gwensday Movie Night: Mystic Pizza (1988)

Airplane Mode

VOLUME 56 ISSUE 03

FEATURES

FOOD, FOOD, AND MORE FOOD!

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF THE CSU FALL 2023 ELECTIONS

An introduction to the new CSU board members and CBPS association presidents NEWS EDITOR

BRIDGET STRINGER-HOLDEN (SHE/HER)

ILLUSTRATOR

EVA STAUB (SHE/HER)

NEWS

The unofficial results of the recent by-election have now been released on the CSU’s Simply Voting website. Voting opened on Oct. 3 and closed at 5 pm on Oct. 5, during which 1670 students voted. Here is an introduction to the newest members of the CSU Board of Directors and the CBPS presidents for the rest of the 20232024 year: At-Large Representative *This position is pending a complaint investigation. Our online version of this article will be updated as results come in. Education, Health, & Human Development Representative

CBPS President Aryaa Israni (he/him) A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to exercise your voice this election! My goal for this elected term is to provide greater chances for student engagement. With your help, I can ensure we all have a wonderful time at Cap. CBPS Vice-President Aishprit Kaur Grewal (she/her) I am truly honoured to have been elected as the Vice President for CPBS at Capilano University. I want to extend my sincere thanks to students who trusted and believed in me for this position. I am excited to work alongside the CSU. I hope to make a positive impact in my CSU journey.

Kimia Nikoonam (she/her)

Capilano Accounting Association President

My gratitude and excitement at being elected to this position are overwhelming. My responsibilities will be held to a high standard in return for the trust you have placed in me. It is my priority to make sure that your voice is heard. Feel free to send me your suggestions. kimianikoonam1@gmail.com

Yaseen Shivji (he/him)

Indigenous Students Liaison

I’m thrilled to be elected as President of the Capilano Accounting Association. I’m excited for a year of impactful events and empowering accounting students. I’m always open to suggestions and feedback at yshivji@csu.bc.ca. Let’s make this year remarkable!

Riley Simmons

Capilano Communications Association President

Candidate did not submit a statement.

Aylin Polo Calderon (she/her)

Mature and Parent Students Liaison Shourya Sharma Candidate did not submit a statement. Queer Students Liaison Hargun Kaur Sodhi (she/her) I’m honoured and overwhelmed by the love, support, and acceptance I’ve received throughout the course of the elections. I want to ensure that I do not, and will not take this lightly and intend in bringing about positive changes for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at Cap. Feel free to reach out to me! Students of Colour Liaison Tarman Singh (he/him) Thank you Capilano students for your trust in electing me as the Students of Colour Liaison. I appreciate your support. In my term, I aim to foster inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and ensure vibrant representation for all. Let’s create a campus where every color enriches our collective experience. Together, we’ll paint a brighter future!

Having volunteered for the association since last year, I have learnt a lot and cannot wait to bring CCA to the next level! As a communication student, I understand our needs the best and will guarantee support for our students in the best way possible! Capilano International Business Association President Amisha Maini (she/her) I am genuinely grateful to be part of IBA as president, where I am excited to contribute to creating opportunities for students and fostering their personal and career growth. Thank you to everyone for their unwavering support. I extend my gratitude to CSU and CBPS for providing the valuable opportunity to impact student development positively. Together, let’s build a community that thrives on learning and advancement. Capilano Legal Association President Priya McMurtrie (she/her) I’m deeply grateful to be elected as President of the Capilano Legal Association. I’m thrilled to lead and offer diverse events and learning opportunities to Capilano University students. Together, we’ll create an exceptional experience. Thank you for your trust!

CSU AGM RECAP The CSU presents financials, elections changes and a contentious proposal

COORDINATING EDITOR ILLUSTRATOR

NEWS

MATT SHIPLEY (HE/HIM)

SHARLEEN RAMOS (SHE/HER)

The Capilano Students’ Union (CSU) Annual General Meeting occurred between 11:30 am. and 1 pm. on Tuesday, Oct. 17 in the Library Lounge. The AGM is where the CSU’s Board of Directors meets to present financial statements, adjust necessary bylaws, and report on their ongoing work for the CSU in the presence of the student body. To ensure students are represented properly when voting happens, a quorum of 75 students is required to be able to hold the meeting. The meeting was called to order at 11:38 a.m. Mayumi Izumi, chairperson of the CSU Collectives Committee, was unanimously ratified as the meeting chair, and subsequently, the agenda was approved by the membership at 11:42 am. The presentation of the CSU’s Audited Fiscal Statements began at 11:43 am, with Erik Allas of Tompkins Wozny LLP quoting that the audit went “very well.” This audit covered the fiscal year from June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023, and is therefore not necessarily representative of the CSU’s current financial status. The CSU’s current total fund balance (total current assets minus total liabilities) is $8,018,709, an increase of $1.2 million from last year. Of this total fund, over $5 million is currently allocated to the Student Union Building Fund, which will be put towards the construction of a new Student Union building in the coming years. An overview of the CSU’s revenue and expenses can be found at https://csu.bc.ca/fees/. Tompkins Wozny has been involved in auditing the CSU since the 2016 fiscal year. While the personnel auditing the CSU has changed every two or three years, the firm has remained the same, and the membership voted to continue the CSU’s partnership with Tompkins Wozny LLP into the 2023-24 fiscal year at 11:55 a.m. Next, a memorandum brought forward by Marko Cosic, VP Finance & Services, recommended that the language be changed to allow a more select group of Board executives to act as bank signers for the CSU. The proposal cites the excessive number of signers as an internal control risk, and clarifies that most current signers do not participate in bank signings regardless. This motion passed at 12:01 pm. The second of five proposals came from the recommendation of Karandeep Sanghera, CSU President. The proposal suggested that the Elections Administrator be a part of an up to three-person Arbitration Panel, which would be responsible for adjudicating appeals from the decisions of the Elections Administrator. This Arbitration Panel would act as a check to the Elections Administrator, where the Panel could vote to reject a decision by the Elections Administrator that it deems to be unreasonable. The members of the Adjudication Appeal must be separated from the CapU community by at least 12 months, therefore disqualifying current students and recent alumni. This motion was carried at 12:16 pm. The third memorandum also came by the recommendation of Sanghera, proposing that the Elections Administrator be given the power to designate deputies to exercise the powers and duties of the Elections Administrator, except where prohibited by bylaw. This amendment was introduced mainly to ease the workload on the Elections Administrator in deciding on routine elections complaints. This motion passed at 12:19 pm.

The fourth proposal came by the recommendation of Cosic. It proposes that the CSU, instead of holding a fixed fiscal year from June 1 to May 31, be given the ability to set the organization’s fiscal year, given a two-thirds majority resolution. This motion would not immediately change the fiscal year — rather, it would grant the authority to the board to change it in the future. This motion was carried at 12:26 pm. The fifth and final proposal was also introduced by Sanghera. It requests that staff draft a proposal to alter the structure of the Board of Directors by converting some or all of the at-large board members into roles that would assist in each vice-president’s executive portfolio areas. This would assign every vice-president to an associate vice-president to assist them in their day-to-day administration duties. These AVPs would be elected in general elections as normal, and they would not be forced to vote in alignment with their VPs. If nobody runs for a certain AVP position, the VP of the area in question could call for a nomination, asking the Board to appoint an AVP to the empty position. Within this proposal, an amendment was proposed regarding whether or not the AVPs should have to contest by-elections. This amendment recommends that VPs should not be able to appoint AVPs outside of the democratic by-election process. The amendment passed at 12:54 pm. The main concern around the proposal was the opportunity for VPs to delegate their work to a lesser-paid member of the Board. There have already been issues with VPs not attending meetings and important functions, and the AVP change could allow VPs to get away with much more disconnection before action could be taken against them. This motion, after a lengthy discussion period, was defeated at 1:07 pm. The AGM ended with a brief presentation from current CSU executives, detailing the CSU’s work over the past year. Most notably, their work to eliminate the $500 course drop fee that international students must pay but domestic students do not.

NEWS

NEW PRESIDENT BRINGS FUNDING AND COMMUNITY BUILDING TO ENACTUS CAPILANO

A community on campus that helps students build ideas into operational projects, and share them with the world CREW WRITER ILLUSTRATOR 14

NEWS

KIRSTEN WILTSHIRE (SHE/HER) SHRUTI KARTHIKEYAN (SHE/HER)

“They’re not only Enactus members that are listening to me during the meetings… at the end of the day I can say honestly that these people are all friends,” said Enactus President Rigo Cely Cardenas.

He added that sometimes it felt like people didn’t see all the hard work he was putting in. “But when people do see it, it’s the most rewarding thing you can feel.”

Cardenas is in his final year of the Bachelor of Business Administration program at Capilano University and got involved with Enactus Capilano in 2019, becoming president in August of this year.

Cardenas’ wants to build longevity and sustainability into the Square One project. His approach is to create an app that allows students to take the information they’ve learned in workshops with them into their everyday lives. The app will be a way for students to remain accountable to their goals and healthy habits. He hopes to graduate with Square One in his pocket and turn it into a CRA-registered non-profit.

He was originally inspired by the Enactus team that came and taught financial literacy workshops at his high school, Argyle Secondary School. Then, on his first day at CapU, he was recruited by a fellow student, reigniting his curiosity for the program he was taught in high school. While Enactus is a global non-profit that helps students turn their ideas for projects and initiatives into a reality using business as a framework, Enactus Capilano began in 2016 with a project called Counting on Action that taught students about sustainability and entrepreneurship within business practices. Enactus Capilano is currently working on two projects; Square One and U-Belong. Square One was created in 2017 with the goal of educating youth on financial literacy and life skills. The Square One team has developed five distinct workshops: banking smart, budgeting, savings and taxes, basic credit, and career development. These workshops have been taught in high schools in North Vancouver and Burnaby. With Square One, Cardenas started out as a project representative, then a presenter, eventually stepping into the project manager role to fill a gap. Now, he is president of Enactus Capilano. “I think the best thing I’ve gained from this is obviously the professional experience, but also just the confidence around myself and the abilities that I have,” Cardenas said. So far this year the Square One team has already doubled their program reach from the previous year and is on track to reach over one thousand high schoolers.

The other project, U-Belong, started in 2020 and focuses on mental well-being and belonging within the CapU community. The Enactus team is in the process of developing a third project: a free budget tracking app, just like the Square One courses they teach in high schools. They’ve paired up with two software companies, Softcaribbean and OpenWorks Canada, to build the app. Both of which outsource labour to his home country of Columbia, a serendipitous collaboration for Cardenas. Although it’s challenging making time for two part-time jobs, a girlfriend, school, friendships and Enactus, Cardenas thinks it’s worth it. “Doing things like this will make your university life a lot better and you’ll gain a lot more knowledge than if you were ever at a normal job that a university student has,” Cardenas asserted. “I’ve learned way more doing Enactus than any university course and any job I’ve ever had.” Although CapU is known for being a commuter school, Cardenas has managed to find a community and a home for innovation, creativity and passion through Enactus. He encourages students of all faculties to join. “If anybody in this school has an original idea, whether it’s a business or a non-profit project… Enactus is the place you should start,” said Cardenas. “You can get the funding and resources you need to build this project into whatever your dreams are.”

This spring, Cardenas competed in the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards in Victoria after placing in the top eight at Enactus National Exhibition in Montreal. His presentation, a personal account of his life and the work he has done with Enactus Capilano won him the Impact Award and $20,000. “It was honestly a surreal experience to be on the stage,” said Cardenas, who didn’t expect to get called onto the stage and awarded the Impact Award. NEWS

FOOD, FOOD, AND MORE FOOD!

PRE-GAME MEALS

SPORTS

Do you know what athletes are usually eating before/after games and training? CONTRIBUTOR ILLUSTRATOR

What do you eat if you are an athlete, and when do you eat? One of the most important things for athletes is their meals. Simply put, the food they eat will fuel their energy. Athletes typically care about what they consume both before and after games or training, and they can have preferences as to when they eat too. Each person is different though; therefore, three of Capilano University’s varsity athletes lend some insight.

MIZUKI KINOSHITA (SHE/HER) CHELLE LUSSI (ANY)

She consistently tries to reach her daily caloric goals so she can maximize her strength, so she eats a lot of carbohydrates and protein. For post-training, she notes, “I’m not picky about what I eat after as long as it’s a big meal and is accompanied with a protein shake.”

Julia Peyton plays on the women’s soccer team at CapU. She is allergic to gluten, dairy, and fish, and she usually eats meals an hour and a half to two hours before training and games, so that she can properly digest her meals and avoid cramps. She usually eats gluten-free toast with scrambled eggs and sriracha for breakfast on game days. For lunch, she eats pesto chicken pasta — with gluten-free pasta — or a sandwich. Closer to kickoff, she usually eats a quick snack, such as a granola bar. After games, she likes to eat a meal with protein and veggies, so she usually eats a lettuce-wrapped burger or a chicken burrito bowl. For recovery, she makes sure she rehydrates herself by drinking plenty of water.

Julian Denham-Rohlicek plays on the men’s soccer team at CapU. He has one dietary restriction: sugar. He explains, “My body reacts poorly, and then my muscles become incredibly sore and painful. Therefore, I don’t indulge in treats like candy and chocolate.” He’ll eat granola, granola bars and cereal regularly though. Regardless of if he has a game or training, he always eats a big breakfast in the morning. He enjoys two eggs, two pieces of toast, and a protein smoothie. He eats an apple and a granola bar an hour or two before games, and he eats a banana one hour before kickoff. If a game is later in the afternoon or the evening, he might have some chicken and a salad instead of snacking. For recovery, he does not have any special regimes. However, he always brings a Gatorade to keep his electrolytes up for the entirety of a game.

Kirsten Abo plays on the women’s basketball team at CapU, and she does not have dietary restrictions, but she stays away from sugar and greasy food. She usually eats meals two hours before games. Abo typically eats steak, rice, salad and a banana because, in her words, “I like to treat myself before games, and I had a great game with that meal when I was younger.” However, if it is an earlier game, she usually eats eggs, rice, bacon and avocado. After games, she usually goes out to Cactus Club or Gyu Kaku to treat herself. On the other hand, if it is training time, she eats meals one hour before.

All three athletes have their routines, dietary restrictions and different preferences for their meals. What can be seen from all three individuals is their structure and consistency in their meals. In summary, they all mention eating good meals both before and after games, they all specifically mention getting their protein in, and hydrating post-games and training. They are all thoughtful about what’s going into their bodies, and they know what works for them. On that note, every individual’s needs and bodies are different, so make sure to find what personally works best for yourself while drawing inspiration from others.

SPORTS

POWDERS AND SUPPLEMENTS What dietary enhancements do athletes like to use, and why? CONTRIBUTOR SAUL MORALES (HE/HIM) ILLUSTRATOR GERALDINE YARIS (SHE/HER)

In the world of sports and fitness, powders and supplements are now common tools for athletes across a wide range of sports where people are trying to get an edge over their competition. These supplements are used in a variety of sports, from powerlifting and marathons to even soccer or basketball. These products are typically crafted to provide benefits that will enhance performance, maintenance or recovery in athletes. There are many options for powders or supplements athletes can take to increase their performance, but a few of the most popular ones are protein powders and pre-workout supplements. Protein powders have become a staple for athletes like Kai Belbin, from the Capilano Blues women’s soccer team, who are looking to optimize muscle growth and repair. The most common version of a protein powder is whey protein, which is a supplement derived from milk. This option is very popular because of its rapid absorption, rich amino acid profile and convenience. As Belbin said, “I find it extremely difficult as a student-athlete who lives on my own to get the correct amount of protein intake. With protein powder, it’s quick and easy.” Pre-workout supplements have been gaining more popularity over the last couple of years. The purpose of these supplements is to get an immediate surge of energy, enhance focus, or increase the endurance of the athlete. They are usually a blend of caffeine, amino acids and other stimulants. Belbin explains, “It benefits me physically, but mentally it just gives me an extra edge. If I’m going to be lifting heavy or doing sprints down the field, I just know I’m capable of pushing myself a little harder.”

increase my energy supply and overtime assisted in progressing my weightlifting in the gym and my overall muscle mass.” Creatine can make you feel fuller at times, as you should be drinking a surplus of water to assist with the supplement. The supplement pulls water into your cells to build muscle. King admits, “There have been times where I haven’t had enough water, and it has resulted in cramping of my muscles during strenuous activities. Creatine is not going to give you bigger muscles, but overall, more energy to push around weight for more reps.” All in all, she has found creatine to be a great addition to her supplement’s regimen. If you’re looking for natural supplements that aren’t made in labs, there’s still plenty of options. Ginger and turmeric both have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; turmeric is also used to support joint health and has some cognitive benefits. Ashwagandha is used to help the body manage stress, improve cognitive function and boost energy levels. Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants called catechins, it supports metabolism, aids in weight loss, and has potential cardiovascular benefits. It’s important to remember that natural supplements offer nutrients in a form the body recognizes, promoting optimal absorption. They also tend to have fewer side effects and risks than the lab counterparts, since they align with the body’s natural processes for better overall health. Ultimately, it’s up to you, your needs and what resonates with your body.

Another example of a popular supplement in this category is creatine. Alexis King of the Capilano Blues women’s soccer team speaks on her experience with it: “I take 5 grams of creatine daily. For the duration I’ve taken it, I’ve noticed that it has immensely helped to SPORTS

BLUES BASKETBALL What’s new with the women’s team SPORTS EDITOR

MAYA FRASER (SHE/HER)

ILLUSTRATOR

JJ ENG (THEY/THEM)

The Capilano Blues women’s basketball team just started their season two weeks ago. On Friday, Oct. 20, they faced off against Langara at their home opener, winning their season opener 83 - 49.

When asked about the team’s goals for the season, Ward stated: “As a team, we talked about winning gold at provincials, making it to nationals, and keeping the team GPA up, so we can win academic team of the year again.”

Chris Weimer returns to head coach the team for a sixth season. Weimer served as the assistant coach for an additional six seasons before assuming the role of head coach. He is accompanied by two assistant coaches: Emma Cunningham and Curtis Allamby. They are both starting their fourth seasons alongside the team. Cunningham is a former CapU basketball player while Allamby is involved in many basketball programs over the North Shore.

The Blues play in the PACWEST BC division which includes Camosun College, Vancouver Island University, Douglas College, Langara College, Columbia Bible College and Okanagan College. CapU will play 24 regular season games in the league before Okanagan College will host the top six teams for the provincial championship tournament. The winner of the finals, which is scheduled to be played on March 2, will go to nationals. The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) has scheduled its nationals at Lakeland College in Lloydminster, Alberta.

Kirsten Abo, the Blues’ 2022/23 athlete of the year, has returned for a final season as one of three senior players. Alongside her are Alanya Davignon and Camie Ward. Ward is a fifth-year student and plays as a shooting guard. When asked about the season ahead, she stated, “I’m honestly just excited to bask in my last year of collegiate athletics. Another thing I’m looking forward to this year is the change in our team’s style of play.” She went on to explain how the team is relatively short this year, and that without any players over 6 feet, it changes their game. “We will have to play small ball, which is a super fast-paced style of play that focuses on running the court.”

SPORTS

Last year, the team was only defeated twice in conference play. They made it to the PACWEST provincial finals but fell short 67- 61 to Vancouver Island University. Ward believes they will be one of their biggest competitors again, expressing, “VIU is always our biggest competition in the league, but the PACWEST looks significantly different this year. Many teams have rebuilt and are looking good this season. I would say aside from VIU, there have been many rumors that CBC is going to be considerably stronger this year, so I would say CBC and VIU.” Come cheer them on this season at their home games in our gym. The schedule for the women’s basketball team can be found on the Blues website. To keep up with the team, follow them on Instagram @capuwbb.

BLUES BASKETBALL What’s new with the men’s team SPORTS EDITOR

MAYA FRASER (SHE/HER)

ILLUSTRATOR

JJ ENG (THEY/THEM)

Before the provincial championship tournament, the team will play in 24 regular season games. The top six teams will head to Okanagan College where the playoffs are hosted. The winner of the final, which is scheduled to be played on March 2, will go to nationals. The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) has scheduled its nationals at Sackville, New Brunswick and Mount Allison University. Regarding his team, Athman comments: “We have no seniors this year, but in comparison to last year we have a bunch of new players.” The team welcomes a total of seven new players to the squad. The rookies include Max Brougham, Arshya Ghasemi, Marco Proverbs and Carter McCauley. The transfer players include Jasha’juan Downey from Holland College, Kash Lang from Blue Mountain Junior College and Anthony Tamburrino from King’s University. Come cheer on the men’s basketball team this season! You can find their schedule posted on the Blues website. To stay up to date with the team, follow them on Instagram @capumbb.

The Capilano Blues men’s basketball team tipped off their season two weeks ago. On Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 they secured the win against Langara, winning their home opener 109 - 87. Alex Van Samang returns as head coach to the team for his third season. In his previous two years with the team, he was a part of winning silver in 2022 and winning gold in 2023, for the first time since 2003. He has previous PACWEST experience under his belt, having been an assistant coach at Douglas College in 2021, and was head coach at Quest University from 2016 to 2018. He is accompanied by assistant coach TJ Klim. Last year, the men’s team won provincials against Vancouver Island University with a three-pointer from senior — since graduated — CJ Campbell. They competed at nationals, making the school proud, but couldn’t secure a spot in the finals. After a big season, they’ll be a target this year for other teams. Their PACWEST league consists of six other teams, including Camosun College, Okanagan College, Columbia Bible College, Langara College, Douglas College and Vancouver Island University. Third-year Ahmad Athman is a starting point guard for the team. Last year, he averaged over eight points a game and appeared in all 18 games. When asked about the season, he exclaimed, “I’m most excited about the opportunity to win the provincial championship again.” Simply put, he states that the team’s goal this year is to make it to nationals. After defeating VIU in the finals last year by just three points, he believes they will be their biggest competition again, also mentioning Langara as a possible threat.

SPORTS

MEET ANDREA From former player to assistant coach

SPORTS EDITOR MYA FRASER (SHE/HER) 22

SPORTS

ILLUSTRATOR NOUREEN ELSAYED (SHE/HER)

Andrea Standerwick has been an assistant coach for the Capilano Blues women’s soccer team for seven seasons now. After being a standout player on the women’s team herself from 2013 to 2015, she has nearly been a part of the program ever since. The center defender was named a PACWEST all-star and the team’s most valuable player in both her seasons.

Her coaching philosophies stem less from the tactical aspect and focus more on who the players are. She’s all about accepting every individual as they are. That means being inclusive to everyone and making sure everyone feels like part of the team. She explains, “Everyone is here to play, and I want to help best support them and make sure they are included amongst the team.”

Her soccer journey started in her backyard, playing soccer with her brothers. Throughout her high school years, she played on the metro team and the provincial team, which were the highest levels at the time. She didn’t plan on playing university soccer; she attended CapU to take some general studies courses to help with her job. Her friend, Darren Rath, happened to be coaching the team at the time. Upon finding out she was attending the school, he asked her to play for the team.

When it comes to keeping players motivated, she emphasizes having fun with the team while keeping training light, but competitive is key. “I’ve noticed most players are not motivated by being yelled at, and at CapU we work hard and joke around at the same time. I think that works best for our team.” She also mentions that she loves being able to join in and play with the players in training as much as she can. “I’m competitive so it’s fun to go against the players and push them to work harder. It also allows me to coach within the moment.”

Standerwick admits, “My favorite part about playing was coming back later in life to play. It was a lot of fun getting to compete against players 10 plus years younger than me and being the oldest player in the league.”

When asked about something she enjoys most about coaching, she expressed, “Watching the players grow as players and individuals over the years that they are here playing, and knowing I had

“At CapU we work hard and joke around at the same time. I think that works best for our team.”

She started as an assistant coach back in 2017, two years following her time on the team. Head coach, Dennis Kindel, simply called her up and asked if she would be interested in being a part of the coaching staff at CapU. She reflects on that time, mentioning her excitement for the opportunity to coach at this level, and alongside a friend of hers. She said yes and has been with the team ever since. Her main responsibilities include supporting the head coach, Kindel, and supporting the players, giving them advice when needed or providing feedback. She’s an extra set of eyes and ears for the team. Sometimes her responsibilities include implementing training plans, and she enjoys being able to challenge players and have them think outside their comfort zone by bringing new ideas to training sessions.

a little part in that growth.” This year especially, she is at a point where she was here coaching the graduating seniors in their rookie year. On being a part of their full post-secondary soccer experience, she says it’s both exciting and sad. The soccer team is lucky to have a positive female role model supporting them both on and off the field. What sets her apart is the expertise she brings from her own student-athlete experience at CapU, not to mention the incredible athlete she was. She’s always been committed to the team, and now she’s helping the program continue to grow.

SPORTS

Natasha Lee Icarus Music Festival Posters

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Icarus is a fictional orchestral EDM festival that celebrates the accomplishments of humanity in a symphony of techno and classical instruments. This classical-modern juxtaposition is mirrored in the design, featuring the three most powerful forms of biblically depicted angels, futuristic grids and glowing gothic fonts.

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FOOD, FOOD, AND MORE FOOD!

UNITED AGAINST HATE A Community bands together surrounding Trans rights CREW WRITER LEA KRUSEMEYER (SHE/HER) With the recent protests against SOGI 123, opinions in Canada are divided, but the queer community of Vancouver is standing with its trans members. Though things began to look brighter for the trans community in Canada amist wider acceptance, recent developments show that we are in fact heading in a more conservative and divisive direction. When SOGI 123 was first introduced to schools in 2015/2016, it came with the intention of creating a safe space and a safe learning environment for all students across Canada. SOGI, which stands for Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity, is a set of tools teachers and schools can access in order to help diversify their teaching materials. This includes information on diverse gender identities as well as sexualities, and is designed to make Canadian schools a more welcoming place for all students. However, as long as there has been progress there has been backlash. With the introduction of SOGI 123 came a long wave of protests saying that children were being “indoctrinated and sexualized” in schools, according to standunited.bc. Fast forward to Sept. 20, 2023, nationwide protests were organized by the far-right in order to protest SOGI 123. In B.C. those protests were organized by Stand United B.C., a conservative group claiming that the media is a virus in our society and has infiltrated the minds of people. In Vancouver, the people of Stand United B.C. and their supporters began gathering in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery around 11:30 a.m. and by noon they were already outnumbered. Against about 300 of them, stood about 1,000 people spreading messages of support for the rights of trans

ILLUSTRATOR CAMERON SKORULSKI (HE/HIM) children within the school system. The queer community of Vancouver and its allies came together to support their trans family in what seems to be a never-ending fight. As I walked towards the protest I saw an ocean of flags raised into the sky. I heard a voice on the Art Gallery steps saying “I am trying to be the safest place possible for as many people as possible.” Those words caught my attention because they sounded like they came from a place of pure love. As I turned around to see who was currently giving a speech, I sadly did not recognize the person and was unable to catch a name, though those words stuck with me nevertheless. This is what it is all about, creating safe environments for trans people overall, though specifically within the education system. Kids should be able to express who they are without fear of judgment and they should be surrounded by an environment that supports them and provides tools to develop proud and authentic adults. Creating a safe and open-minded community is also something that Julie Vu takes very seriously. Julie, who some of you may know as PrincessJoules from YouTube, or as the first openly trans contestant on Big Brother Canada, has been a friend of mine for a while. I had the privilege of seeing her tirelessly fighting for the people of her community. While listening to those speeches given at the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery, I turned to Julie and asked her what she thought about the day’s events. “Transgender people have always been here. We will not back down and be told what to do with our bodies. The

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turnout is amazing and I am so happy I am not fighting alone. Our voices will be heard and our light will never be dimmed. Let’s stay strong and never forget to shine on.” As we were standing in the crowd, multiple people came up to us to thank her for her work in the community. Julie was one of the first people to document their transition on YouTube and as I realized, she really made an impact on the community. Having role models is something so vitally important for young people trying to figure out who they are. This brings me back to SOGI 123, which was designed to do exactly that. Give teachers tools to support and understand their students better. Stand United B.C. claimed to be there because they wanted to secure the safety of their children, they proclaimed over and over again that they were only spreading love and came with peaceful intentions. My friend Paola thought otherwise. She told me that she was not sure if she should come because she was scared. When I asked her if she felt supported today, she said “Yes! But it is also scary to have to fight for rights we already had and now they want to take them away.” Stand United B.C. spreads a message of hate and their actions are harmful to kids, they do not protect the children. “They have the right to not agree but

they don’t have the right to take our rights away,” said Paola in reflection of the claims and actions of Stand United B.C. In times of crisis, the 2SLGBTQ+ community stands together because they have always been the only ones they could truly rely on. Queer people from all over B.C. came together in support, there were people talking about skipping work and skipping school in order to be there. “Today I left home feeling sad about what was happening. I left work early because my community, my friends, and my rights are more important than my paycheque,” said Ramses Ibanez. He has been a part of the queer community of Vancouver for years and said he felt protected when he heard his community scream and shout from blocks away when arriving at the protest. “We as a community will always have each other’s back,” standing together united as one. We left the protest feeling grateful for our community though we do not forget that the reason for us coming together was having to fight for the simple right of trans existence. This fight is not over, but the community’s future has so much hope.

LATE-NIGHT STUDY SPOTS The perfect places to chug a coffee and speed-write an essay at all hours of the night STAFF WRITER LEA KRUSEMEYER (SHE/HER) ILLUSTRATOR NATASHA LEE (SHE/HER)

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Most locations have been tested and approved by myself and fellow students, compiled over my last two years.

Finding the perfect study spot is a task that takes serious effort, and during exam season that isn’t something most students have time for. To ease exam fatigue, we’ve compiled a carefully curated list of study spots all around Vancouver, North Vancouver and Surrey. Most locations have been tested and approved by myself and fellow students, compiled over my last two years. No matter what time of day, especially in those dreadful evenings before exams, these are essential spots to visit for any study session. Let us begin with the most infamous cafe in Vancouver, Breka. There are various locations all over Vancouver and each one is open 24/7. Breka is one of those essential coffee shop chains that allow you to stay as long as you want, with no additional purchases to lengthen your study session. Pros: Wi-Fi, free water, and a lively atmosphere at all times Cons: loud environment, crowded during peak hours (W Hastings, and Bute(s))

Another option is Duffin Donuts, they are located on Knight and East 41st and are open until midnight during the week and 24 hours on the weekend. As the name suggests, they have an assortment of doughnuts, as well as fried chicken and hot tortas. The perfect place for those who get hungry during their study sessions. Pros: family-owned, serves snacks and meals, right across the number 22 Knight bus stop Cons: only one location, limited seating, not the most reliable Wi-Fi

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Next up we have a study spot in North Vancouver. JJ Bean, which is open until 10 p.m. every day. This location serves as a great place to visit after class and write that essay that is due the next morning. Admittedly 10 p.m. does not count as late night for everyone but it is still a good location to study at later hours of the day. There are multiple locations across North Van, so this chain is convenient for students living on the North Shore. Pros: Wi-Fi, free water, unlimited access to caffeine. Cons: limited amount of outlets, generic chain so lacking charm, closes at 10 p.m.

For those who do not want to spend money while studying, this next spot might be a good option. The SFU Library, located on the campus of Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, is open until 11:45 p.m. Monday to Thursday and until 10 p.m. on the weekend. You do not have to be a student there in order to access the library. Some areas are students only, but there are a bunch of options for the public as well. Pros: university library, quiet, easy access to washrooms, Wi-Fi Cons: crowded during exam season

Last but not least, a spot in Surrey. I have not tried this one myself but someone I used to have a class with in my first year always went there. Bandra Cafe located at the Strawberry Hill Shopping Center is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 11 p.m. during the week. Pros: they serve snacks and meals, are close to a mall, and are open late Cons: limited outlets, can get crowded

Regardless of where you choose to study, remember to set aside the time necessary to ace your exams, and when in doubt, the CapU library is open until 10 p.m. on weekdays.

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THE RETURNING RISE OF MASKS With a potential new Covid threat, our community must band together COMMUNITIES EDITOR AVERY NOWICKI (THEY/THEM) LAUREN HOWARD (SHE/HER) ILLUSTRATOR

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Canada is witnessing rising numbers in positive Covid-19 cases, including raised hospitalizations and Covid-19 related deaths. As a result, some CapU students and faculty have chosen to continue wearing masks on campus, inciting local backlash. According to https://health-infobase.canada.ca/ covid-19/, the national percentage of positive cases has been steadily increasing since July, with the number of hospitalizations due to Covid-19 increasing nationally from October 3 to 10. Deaths due to Covid-19 remain low, though there has been a gradual increase since mid-July, which continues today.

*Information in the following article provides statistics last updated on October 17, 2023.

In terms of variants, the government of Canada currently cites recombinant XBB sub-lineages as the continual dominant variant, equating to 99 per cent of cases in the month of October and end of September. In total, Canada is experiencing 10,218 weekly cases, with 42,117 weekly tests reported. Amidst the cold and flu season, it is not hard to assume why some students may choose to take extra precautions and return to wearing their masks after a mild hiatus.

With the newest vaccine becoming available in Canada this fall, small events like these may resurface, reigniting the debate over for or against vaccination, and for or against mask mandates to enter common discourse once again. In the wake of the original wave of these arguments, what can students and community members on both sides do to ease the inevitable tension? Perhaps there is a way to approach this issue with fact and equal free-will on either side. Though, to understand this, we must first examine where these Some forms of backlash have existed against country-wide arguments left off, and how they students who choose to do so. A student at continue to be fueled. Phibbs Bus Exchange waiting for the 245 bus to CapU, witnessed a man roll down his window, Protesting on either side has dramatically subsided, give her the middle finger, and yell that she stop though the implications of the 2025 election may wearing a mask. be a factor in future implications with masks and vaccine mandates causing anger. Conservative candidate Pierre Poilievre has been vocal in his views against Covid-19 related mandates. According to CBC’s John Paul Tasker in a quote of former Quebec premier, Jean Charest, “It’s not clear whether Poilievre will procure vaccines for Canadians in a future pandemic,” leaving the door open for future debate. Overall, B.C. students should remain vigilant on the rise in Covid-19 cases. Take common precautions in this cold and flu season, and aim to express understanding toward students who choose to or not to wear a mask as a preventative measure. We can learn from the heated discourse and mutual hatred of the last three years, and if mandates become a future topic, let us choose to be respectful, kind, and put the health and safety of all people above opposing personal beliefs.

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Study Tips for Students Your go-to study guide for midterm season CONTRIBUTOR ILLUSTRATOR

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EUGENIA DE COSS CELIA PALOMAR ROBISCO (SHE/HER)

Efficient study habits are different for everyone. Though a good rule of thumb is to remember that choosing study habits is dependent on the specific area of studies. For instance, studying for a math exam is different from an exam for business school. Because we are all different individuals, we need different approaches, which might vary depending on the number of courses. Based on the interviews with students and teachers, there are a variety of effective practices for each student’s needs. While analysing our interviews with random students on campus, it was amazing how different studies have their own strategies, even though many students shared similarities in their study habits. In the interview with a full-time student in business school, he explained his approaches, including the importance of resigning from employment during the term. He talked about potential problems if he had decided to continue work while studying since over-work affected his academic performance. We also talked about how he was able to focus while studying; he said that he prefers a quiet study environment, without music. Moreover, he said that he starts early, giving him lots of time to finish assignments. What works for him best, is to memorize content by studying through books and teacher’s notes. Students in other areas also share similar studying habits. Two students from kinesiology explained their strategies, which vary from the programs. The students mention that they worked on assignments and exam preparation based on the deadline dates. Also, the two students shared that study without listening to music, and it helps them when they are in a quiet space. Due to the content in kinesiology, they often cue cards and notes to study for exams. Similarly, they also rewrite notes for better clarity.

As an ECCE student, I have my own strategies for studying. I share similar approaches from the students mentioned above, but I often listen to music while studying. It helps me to focus and understand content. These students mention effective strategies; students should select them depending on their programs. Instructors also shared their advice about study habits. An instructor from the writing center explains her top advice for students taking courses that required written assignments. She emphasises that it is important to get an early start in assignments because she explains that a proper assignment takes time. That way, students have enough time to redrafting, organizing ideas, and finding materials for easy access and reviews. If students are having difficulties with their assignments, they should see help early. Moreover, the instructor emphasises the importance of proper nutrition. Instructors in the math department have similar ideas. The instructor explains that it is important to ask for academic support on time. To be efficient, scheduling time for homework and studying is essential. Also, students can ask for clarification and go to instructor’s office hours. For students, they shouldn’t be shy about asking teachers for support. There are several study strategies, but not all of them work on everyone. For instance, I find music helpful to study, which is something some students don’t like. Another important factor is the areas of study. Depending on the area, some study strategies don’t work well. Practice exercises might not work for my courses in analyzing text and reading skills. Luckily, experience and seeing support help students to determine the good ones for them. Study habits can determine students’ successes.

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FOOD, FOOD, AND MORE FOOD!

TABLE FOR ONE With the Holidays coming up, ads and pictures of tables full of food are everywhere. From the traditional turkey to mashed potatoes or creative vegetarian options, there is food as far as the eye can see. Those elaborate meals unfortunately are not a reality for many students. Either because students are far away from family or because the budget is tight. Fortunately, Capilano University has numerous food resources for struggling students. Food security is a big issue for people and CapU has recognized that and taken measures to support its students. With food insecurity often comes a level of shame. No one likes to admit that they cannot afford a proper meal. An easy option offered by CapU is the Community Cupboard, located in the CSU Lounge in the Library Building. It is next to the microwaves, is a green cupboard that is usually stocked with non-perishable foods. Divya Jiandani, a third-year communication student told me she has grabbed everything from ramen, pasta sauce or even spice mixes from there before. “The Cupboard is great because I can access it whenever I want to and I can do it without having to talk to anyone,” Jiandani said. She got entire meals together with the things she found in the cupboards over the last three years as a student at CapU. “There is always something interesting in there, I found a pasta sauce in there that now is my favorite and I get it all the time.”

When it comes to fresh produce, CapU also offers an option for that. Every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. there is a pop-up produce event in the CSU Lounge where students can grab veggies, eggs, milk, or sometimes even frozen foods. This resource is on a first come first grab basis and usually runs out of products fast, as the demand is high. Students are encouraged to grab as much as they need but still leave enough for other students. The general rule of thumb is to take the amount you need to cook a one-person meal. Sami buses every Thursday to CapU even though they do not have classes that day just because of the produce popup. “I am doing a little better now, but there were times when the veggies I would grab here were all I had to eat for the week.” This demand for fresh produce and groceries is also fulfilled by a resource that is not offered directly by CapU, but is affiliated with the Students’ Union. TheQuest Food Exchange is a well-established institution across the lower mainland. With five locations all over the area, Quest offers groceries at a reduced price to its customers. They are able to do this because they source their products mainly from local farmers and food producers who donate their products to Quest. The Capilano Students’ Union can refer students to their organizers and help get access to this resource. Students can do this by asking a member of the CSU about a referral.

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Affordable and nutritious food on a budget LEA KRUSEMEYER (SHE/HER) STAFF WRITER CREW ILLUSTRATOR CHELLE LUSSI (ANY)

The Eat Share Care Fund, which is offered through the Financial Aid Office, is a relatively new resource for CapU students. Similar to an emergency bursary, students can apply for funds through the Financial Aid office and use the provided funds towards groceries and necessities of life. This is an option that is available for both domestic and international students, so everyone in need at CapU can reach out and inquire about the Eat Share Care Fund. Overall, CapU offers a multitude of options for students in situations of food insecurity, but with the rising demand the resources seem to be put to a test. CapU is trying to grow their options for students in regards to produce and food but keeping up with a system that systematically undersupports the people in need is a challenge in itself and will be for the foreseeable future. More information about this can be found here: https://www.capilanou.ca/student-services/community/ safety--security/food-security-program/

Food as a Cultural Bridge Connecting with others through the universal language—a perfect meal

CONTRIBUTOR YASMINE ELSAYED (SHE/HER) ILLUSTRATOR LUCY BENSON (SHE/HER)

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Food is the great equalizer. It transcends borders, languages and backgrounds, forging connections between individuals from diverse cultures. It is a universal language that speaks to the heart, inviting us to share our stories, traditions, and humanity, exploring how we connect with others through food, and sharing stories about food’s profound importance in different cultures. From grand feasts to humble family meals, food is a unifying force that brings us together. Food also acts as a powerful form of storytelling. It provides a medium to share personal narratives and cultural histories. When we cook a dish from childhood, for example, or prepare a recipe passed down through generations, we are not just making a meal; we share a piece of our family’s history. Through these stories, we connect with others on a deep, personal level, making each meal more enjoyable than the one before it. Food has a remarkable ability to challenge and break down stereotypes. Often, stereotypes and prejudices arise from ignorance or misunderstandings. However, when we sit down to share a meal with someone from a different culture, we can see beyond those preconceived notions. For example, enjoying a traditional Middle Eastern meal can shatter stereotypes about the region, revealing its rich culinary heritage rather than focusing on political or social issues. For many communities, their food is a source of pride and a way to preserve their cultural heritage. Passing down traditional recipes from one generation to the next helps keep these culinary traditions alive. When communities share their food with others, it is an opportunity to showcase their cultural identity and connect with people who may not be familiar with their heritage. Through my own experiences, I find it wonderful when a friend shares one of their family recipes with me. Whenever I decide to make that dish, I remember their story and how it came about in their culture. I often see similarities between my culture and others. For example, in Middle Eastern countries it is customary to gather with the family to share a meal every week or so. There is an unspoken rule that after dinner we have to drink tea and eat dessert. Occasions like these are lively and in the moment, and they remind us of what the term family means and teach us humility.

specific cultures, things can get out of hand. In 2017, a mother threw her daughter a Japanese-themed tea party for her birthday and dressed her in Japanese geisha attire, sparking debate among X (formerly known as Twitter) users. One commenter said that since the makeup was meant to be reflective of traditional geisha makeup, it counted as yellowface. Another defended the girl, saying, “I am Japanese, in Japan at this very moment… The picture is not ‘yellowface’ they are not making fun of Asians. In fact, it looks like they put extra care and research into their work.” The line between celebrating and appreciating culture or appropriating it is still blurry, and this incident faded from public attention without resolution. In another example, Vogue has been known for “popularizing” culture-specific attire, for instance, Kendall Jenner’s afro in one of her photoshoots in 2018. Due to this incident, cultural appropriation returned to the public eye yet again. The question lies in how we distinguish between appreciation and appropriation. Appreciation is when one takes the time to understand and educate oneself about another culture — making an effort to broaden one’s perspective and connect with others. Appropriation, on the other hand, is taking a piece of someone’s culture and claiming it as your own or trying to benefit from it without giving credit. Recently, many Instagram Reels and TikToks have been popping up where people attempt to cook Middle Eastern dishes and name them something completely different, known as the “Middle Eastern Diet.” Some believe that it is incredibly and undeniably healthy. The diet includes foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seafood, beans, and nuts, which doesn’t fully represent Middle Eastern food. You can eat healthy, but this is not exclusive to only the Middle East, and ‘clean eating’ is a more Westernized concept than most people think. Middle Eastern food relies a lot on oil, ghee and spices like Egyptian shawarma or Lebanese arayes and much more. Appreciating cultures takes time and effort; appropriation takes away from the culture. Where food fits into this discussion still seems to be under debate, but undeniably, food sharing done right is a medium that can bring people together, through language or cultural barriers.

Globalization makes many cuisines no longer permanent to a specific region. Through immigration and media, one can try all sorts of food from different countries. For example, in 2016 the Vancouver City Councillors voted to name the eight-block stretch of Commercial Drive as Little Italy–honoring the Italian community that had settled there since the 1930s. However, globalization and media can have negative effects on cultural dishes as well, with trends sometimes impacting the authenticity of a specific dish. It is estimated in New York City, in the States, 85 per cent of Japanese cuisine is neither owned nor run by Japanese people. While trends help popularize, they can also take away the labour of love a dish went through to be created. It is essential to remember where the food comes from, and understand that generations of people in certain cultures spent years developing and perfecting certain dishes. There is a fine line between appreciating a culture and cultural appropriation. Because of social media and its craze around

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Alt-Rock band Meltt’s New Album Release Eternal Embers, uses themes of nature to process uncertain times CREW WRITER KIRSTEN WILTSHIRE (SHE/HER) ILLUSTRATOR ANDY POYSTILA (HE/HIM)

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The crowd at the Rickshaw Theatre swelled with energy, their screams of encouragement drowned out by the wild and colourful guitars mixed with bright sonics, melting synths and rhythmic percussion. Visuals of pulsing mountainscapes and psychedelic forests moved in time with the music in the background. It was the last song of the night and the energy was surging. The guitarist jumped down into the crowd and the bassist stepped up onto the drummer’s riser, building to a crescendo that made for a performance worthy of ending the night on. Eternal Embers, a newly released album by Vancouver-based alternative psych-rock band, Meltt, was already well received. Meltt was founded by Chris Smith (lead vocals, guitar, bass, keys) and Jamie Turner (drums, percussion), both CapU alumni, who were later joined by James Porter (guitar, keys, vocals), and Ian Winkler (guitar). They can be found in their rehearsal space in the Horseshoe Bay area, surrounded by instruments. The walls are lined with guitars interspersed by artwork and a massive Rolling Stones poster. “Eternal Embers” is their second studio album, which is an exploration of growth and the pain and joy that coincide with it. Smith, Turner and Porter grew up on the North Shore. The mountains, forest, and ocean were all a part of their formative years and are a grounding theme in their lyrics. Winkler joined the band full-time after the release of their first album in 2019, Swim Slowly. The band followed up with the EP Another Quiet Sunday, in March of 2023, which was a teaser of “Eternal Embers.” This was Winkler’s first full album with the band.

The solitude of creativity differed from their usual collaboration, but it was a reflection of the collective experience, to allow yourself to follow ideas uninhibited by the judgment of others. What came of it was the discovery of expansive soundscapes filled with synths and colourful effects that are the foundation of Eternal Embers. Two days prior to the release of the album, Smith reflects on the final product that came out of that time, “What exists and why is all circumstantial from that stuff, like anything is though.” The album is a collection of fears, struggles, and ultimate re-connection to self, nature, and the present moment.

Meltt still has the to-do list from the early days of album development, it hangs on the wall in their rehearsal space, a time-stamp of early pandemic days and the beginning of what would become Eternal Embers. They say the slowness and uncertainty of those early days in the spring and summer of 2020 created space for artistic exploration in unexpected ways.

Late in the summer of 2020 the band spent close to a month at a cabin on Gun Lake, B.C., located about 120 km north of Whistler in the South Chilcotins. “We were surrounded by nature and that feeling of reconnecting is a big theme of the album and a big inspiration,” explained Turner. They each came with an extensive collection of work from the past few months spent in solitude.

The album is a flowing journey of the life cycle; birth, death and rebirth. They pair these philosophical themes with everyday modern life in a technology-driven world. With transformation as the throughline, the album takes the listener through the fleeting comprehension of grief and the desperate need to be refreshed, cleansed and nourished from the overwhelm of climate concerns and social media. They allude to the emotional weight of social media in their song, “Soak My Head”, “Uneasiness I won’t address/It feels to me/My life is falling in my screen”. “The Fire” was inspired by the unease of smokey summers on the coast “We were just getting walls of smoke in Vancouver… these climate worries that are no longer ignorable and [are] right there banging on our door,” says Porter.

The album’s collection of individual works turned up unexpected overlapping themes — including the isolation of the pandemic and growing climate concerns, paired with personal upheavals the members were going through. “Within You, Within Me” gives permission to feel with authenticity, to build a relationship with the things we can’t control. “Cross the ocean, I should go/ Go where the tides pull/All of our lives to rearrange them.” When asked about the lyrical motivation behind the album, Porter offered, “A lot of the time writing the lyrics is the moment of figuring something out in yourself… it might be the first time you actually can articulate something.”

It’s been three years since the process of writing the album began, and it’s finally been released, a surreal moment for the band. Surreal because the writing process was unlike any other the band had experienced. Isolated and stuck in place, they each spent their lockdowns diving into their music, treating exploration of sound as a full-time endeavour.

Eternal Embers is an energizing emotional exploration of introspection mixed with upbeat, colourful sounds. “If you’re processing something that is traumatic or heavier, having the right kind of musical vibe can bring you out of that feeling and give you that sense of optimism and positivity with a topic that might not be so positive,” says Turner. The band delicately combines the tender parts of the human experience with instrumentals that transport you to the oceanside, rich with visuals of crashing waves and revitalizing sensations of mist on your skin. Eternal Embers delivers uplifting power, energy and beauty. The album is a must-listen for young people trying to balance living in the present while anticipating the unknown of the future.

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FEATURED ARTIST Siobhan Barry 40

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@shrivelle

Left Piece

Right Piece

“Regenerative ecosystem garden”

“Sarah trims Louis’s hair”

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FOOD, FOOD, AND MORE FOOD!

Greenwashing Farmers Markets

Fact-check your farmers market COMMUNITIES EDITOR AVERY NOWICKI (THEY/THEM)

ILLUSTRATOR JASMIN LINTON (SHE/HER)

ARTS & CULTURE

In the age of inflation and pesticide-infused produce, Canadians have the right to be skeptical about their grocery store products. Yet, with a major organization like Vancouver Farmers Markets, consumers are offered an opportunity to feel good about their purchases. These markets are advertised as selling quality local items, though at a presumably justifiable higher price point—but how much information really exists for Vancouver consumers?

“We offer a mix of vendors in the baked goods and prepared foods category that mostly operate out of commissary kitchens and have no physical store presence. We do include a small number of vendors who do have storefronts. These vendors have worked with VFM for many years, who now have a physical storefront in the city. Our aim is to phase out these sellers to make room for new bakers without storefronts.

Monika Chowdhry is the Communications Manager for Vancouver Farmers Markets, the official organization that manages all Metro Vancouver markets. Chowdhry offered a peek behind the curtain of the organization which reaches the produce drawers of many Vancouverites’ fridges. They discussed organization protocols, which are in place to ensure that their products are grown locally.

To ensure fair pricing regulations across the market VFM strictly prohibits the use of resellers at the markets. The pricing of products is dedicated to the vendors, and they expect fair market based pricing. These prices are also based on competitive sales, and are largely guided by seasonality, as well as availability of produce and products.

“Our markets include 60 per cent farm and agricultural producers, these stalls are also given priority bookings over all other sellers. Vancouver Farmers Markets also holds a strict clause for products to be local (within B.C.). We do not allow outsourced and non locally harvested products.” Chowdhry outlined VFM’s onboarding and credibility checking process for vendors. “First, there is an extensive vendor onboarding process, we ask several questions relating to the products. particularly farm produce which is followed through [by] checking a land lease, licenses, and additional paperwork once a vendor is shortlisted.” To set rules and regulations for their sellers to ensure products are not outsourced, Chowdhry shared the strict levels of paperwork needed by sellers in order to become a vendor at VFM, including land title, and an organic certification if a seller chooses to advertise as selling pesticide-free products. These markets often have a large quantity of local businesses and bakeries selling their products alongside farmers, to see their stance on including local bakeries, who make storefront income alongside the money from farmers market sales, Chowdhry said.

In total, Vancouver Farmers Markets’ nine neighborhood farmers markets are composed exclusively of vendors who make, bake, grow, catch or raise the products they sell. VFM encourages shoppers to talk directly to sellers for any concerns they may have, or to evaluate product integrity and transparency among VFM’s core values. This does leave one question unanswered. If all food products are made locally, what about the jewelry and crafted pieces which don’t seem to have the same regulatory processes. There are no rules which ensure that the origins of these products are not from overseas and subsequently assembled in B.C. In this case, examine the products you consider purchasing, ask questions to your sellers, and be vigilant. Remember it is always best to know too much rather than not enough. Vancouver Farmers Markets promote local produce and offer a chance for farmers to make a profit against the high prices and non-local outsourcing at grocery stores. If consumers want to ensure that their produce is entirely locally sourced, VFM encourages buyers to visit their local farmers market across the city, and ask questions as much as possible.

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR GWEN PEMBERTON (SHE/HER) ILLUSTRATOR CHRISTINE “TIN” RAGANIT (THEY/THEM)

SHOEBOX ART: The Gallery on Wheels

Sara Quine is bringing local art to a wider audience at prices that don’t cost more than your monthly grocery bill

ARTS & CULTURE

On the outside, Shoebox Art looks like a humble trailer, parked in the lot at City Centre Motel in Mt. Pleasant. Only the vibrant, geometric logo hints at what is contained within. Inside, the trailer is full of eclectic and funky art, all created by local B.C. artists. Quine drives the trailer around Vancouver and the lower mainland, appearing at events like the Vancouver Mural Fest and hosting pop-ups around town. Offerings in the gallery-onwheels range from paintings, to postcards, to graphic novels, prints, stickers and more. And here’s the kicker: students like us can actually afford them. Sara Quine is the owner, operator and curator of Shoebox Art, a small business and traveling art gallery operating in and around Vancouver. Quine is a CapU alum, graduating with a diploma in Motion Picture Arts in 2009. Following graduation, she spent 10 years working as a set decorator on various film productions, but eventually chose to pursue a different path. In 2022 she founded Shoebox Art. They are also a craft beer enthusiast and proud owner of a motorcycle named Cash, after their favourite action movie. “I’m Cash,” quips the small business owner. Quine’s goal is to provide a platform for emerging B.C. talent, with a particular focus on uplifting queer and female artists. They also stress the importance of selling size-friendly art at affordable prices, in order to foster an inclusive community around the local art scene.

“Rents and leases here in Vancouver are absolutely cost prohibitive. Brick and mortar. I can’t imagine,” says Quine. Reflecting on their decision to base Shoebox out of a trailer, they note the high cost of operating a small business in Vancouver. Lower operating costs were part of what motivated Quine to make their business a mobile one. Although the smaller space means limited inventory, the current size is the most Quine can manage on their own. Recently, they had to turn down an opportunity to be a vendor at the PNE Fair. Faced with long work days and fearing that stock would run low, Quine decided to put her energy elsewhere. Despite the long hours and many hats they wear, Quine says they enjoy the uniqueness of the work. “Working in set dec has led me to a certain lifestyle, “ she says. “I don’t like a nine to five job. I don’t like going to the same place every day. it just doesn’t suit my personality.” With Shoebox, Quine is able to travel, and to use the skills she has developed through her study of production design, notably in the process of art curation. When it comes to the kind of art they feature, Quine is looking for pieces that might have a harder time reaching an audience at traditional galleries. Shoebox Art tends to steer away from photography, landscapes and abstract art. They note that other local galleries have those genres covered, adding, “They’re not really leaning into this type of quirky and strange.”

“Quine’s goal is to provide a platform for emerging B.C. talent, with a Prior to founding Shoebox Art Quine says that particular focus In addition to their commitment to showcasing they had noticed a gap in the gallery culture in unique local artists, Quine is dedicated to fair on uplifting Vancouver. For most, art created in and around and transparent contracts. Showbox operates queer and the city was too expensive, and too large for on a consignment basis, wherein 60 per cent the tiny studio apartments many Vancouverites female artists.” of sales go to the artists and 40 per cent to found themselves in. Quine’s goal was to bring local art to a wider audience, noting the sense of belonging which pieces specific to a place or person can evoke. “Vancouver can feel so impersonal, it’s nice to have a piece that you’re like, this came from here—this is specifically of Vancouver,” they say.

Shoebox. Most traditional galleries operate on a 50/50 model. Ensuring fair compensation is also the reason that Quine has not yet hired anyone else at the gallery. “I really believe in paying people fair wages, and as it stands, I don’t have the fair wage to pay somebody to help me,” they say.

This past September Shoebox celebrated one year of operation, holding a live event at Container Brewing Ltd. to celebrate. “It’s both unbelievable that I’ve only been open for a year, and also unbelievable that it’s already been a year,” says Quine. They say that they still have much to learn in their relatively new role as business owner, but are looking forward for what is to come.

In the future, Quine hopes to bring on more hands and expand the business. Their next big step is launching a website and e-commerce store, which Quine says is essential for small businesses nowadays, especially ones like theirs without a flagship location. At the end of the day though, it all comes back to the community. Quine is adamant that the strength of the artists and those who support them are what have kept them going. It is why you will not find a single item over $400 at Shoebox Art. The joy for Quine is in helping patrons find art that will fit in their homes, no matter the size, at a price they can afford. The goal, they say, is to find each customer something “that is unique and that speaks to [them].”

Quine says that running the gallery is “a one-person show.” They handle everything from business paperwork, to inventory, taxes, artist agreements, and of course, the layout of the gallery’s interior. Quine is grateful for the support and engagement of the artists she works with, hailing from all around the lower mainland and Vancouver Island. That being said, there have been some challenges to running everything on their own.

ARTS & CULTURE

VIFF 42:

VOICES FROM AROUND THE GLOBE Highlights from the 2023 Vancouver International Film Festival

CONTRIBUTOR CHRISTIEN DI ANGELLO (HE/HIM) ILLUSTRATOR ETHAN WORONKO (HE/HIM)

ARTS & CULTURE

A hostess bar burns in Suwa, Japan. No one knows who started it, or why. From across this little-known city, landlocked in Japan’s Nagano Prefecture, Saiori Mugino and her 11 year-old son Minato watch the flames tear away the building’s facade. This is how the 2023 Japanese film Kaibutsu (Monster) begins. Kaibutsu is one of almost 240 films that screened this year at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). Today, with the entire world at our fingertips, it’s surprising to learn about VIFF’s instrumental role in the growing accessibility of international films in Vancouver. Leading Lights curator Anthony Shim said in a speech at the festival that only 20 years ago VIFF was one of the only places in Vancouver where international films were regularly celebrated. VIFF turned places like Suwa, Nagano from names on a map into neverbefore-seen crucibles to explore cultures and themes from around the globe. As VIFF winds down its 42nd consecutive film festival, let’s recap VIFF’s stand out series from this year.

VIFF’s heavy hitting Special Presentations displayed pictures from the most acclaimed directors around the globe. This is where you’ll find the aforementioned Cannes Best Screenplay Winner, Kaibutsu (2023), directed by Hirokazu Koreeda, the visionary behind 2018 Palme D’or winner, Shoplifters. Popular screenings from this series sold out almost immediately, including but not limited to Justine Triet’s own 2023 Palme D’or winner Anatomy of a Fall, and Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and The Heron—Miyazaki’s first time directing a feature film in a decade. The audience choice winner for Special Presentations was Koreeda’s masterfully written Kaibutsu.

films were John Cassavetes’ dramatic tour de force, A Woman Under the Influence, as well as Lee Changdong’s nonlinear masterpiece Peppermint Candy. The Leading Lights series gave valuable insight into the inspiration behind a notable Canadian filmmaker of the decade. VIFF 42 hosted a wide variety of films both international and closer to home. From the global prestige of the Special Presentations to the personal curation of the Leading Lights series, VIFF has put together another year of exceptional films to move the next generation of film lovers and creatives alike.

Celebrating the next generation of international films was the Vanguard series. This series shows an expansive collection of films, each with their own unique and specific voice. These stories ranged from Ecuador’s tactile animalism in Ana Cristina Barragán’s latest picture La piel pulpo (Octopus Skin) to Argentina’s stylized curiosity in Melisa Liebenthal’s El rostro de la medusa (The Face of the Jellyfish). Boasting a wildly eclectic sense of voice, the Vanguard series presented nuanced cultures and experiences for Canadians to take in. The Vanguard series featured Greek filmmaker Sofia Exarchou and her heartbreaking film Animal, an incredibly performed drama that left audiences in awe. Canadian culture is often underrepresented in the media, so for audiences looking for Canadian content, there was the festival staple Northern Lights series. Here, audiences could find powerful depictions of the places they knew best. A few of these fresh takes on Canadian film were Meredith Hama-Brown’s Seagrass, a heartfelt family drama set on Gabriola Island, and Caitlyn Sponheimer’s Wild Goat Surf, a warm coming of age comedy set in Penticton, B.C. This year’s Best Canadian Film was awarded to the touching Northern Lights coming of age drama Fitting In, directed by Molly McGlynn. This year, VIFF also introduced their new Leading Lights series, which was created to highlight four films that inspired an influential Canadian filmmaker from the previous year. Curating for VIFF’s 42nd annual film festival was the filmmaker Anthony Shim, director of the critically acclaimed 2022 film Riceboy Sleeps, which won VIFF’s Best Canadian Film the previous year. Among his curated ARTS & CULTURE

MISYRION ON THEIR UPCOMING DEBUT “KINGDOM OF MISERY” Newcomers to the Vancouver death metal scene talk inspiration, writing process, and their plans for the future CONTRIBUTOR YASMINE ELSAYED (SHE/HER) Misyrion is an up-and-coming local band in Vancouver’s black/death metal scene. The band comprises two members, Capilano University student Charlie Kratz as guitarist, and SFU’s Claine Lamb as guitarist and vocalist. Together, they have harnessed their passion for the extreme metal genre, crafting an unmistakable presence in a music scene known for its relentless intensity. Starting in 2021, Kratz and Lamb met coincidentally via Instagram. Lamb had just quit her previous band because of tendonitis. Kratz had just moved to Vancouver from Calgary to pursue his music career while attending Capilano University, but struggled to break into the local scene. That was until he saw Lamb’s Instagram story. He had seen Lamb’s work before on social media, and was impressed. “I was kind of freaking out a little bit. And I thought, ‘I have got to give it a shot.’” said Kratz. “We started talking and decided to meet for the first time and just jam in a room together.” Upon first meeting, Kratz and Lamb got along very well. He continued, “I think we both saw we had the same values when it comes to music and wanted to go in the same direction with the same tastes or similar tastes. It worked out.” After meeting a few more times for jam sessions, the pair formed a band, and shortly after they began brainstorming names. Lamb shared an inside story as to how the name came to be. “I had a list of potential names that I had come up with. That list was in my phone for six years. And Misyrion was atop of that list for a long time.” Lamb said, “I originally wrote it as M.I.S.I.R.I.O.N. The band name vaguely meant ‘the kingdom of misery,’ so instead Charlie suggested Misyrion so it looks more obvious.” Kratz added that they were sure of the name when they recorded the demo for the song “Kingdom of Misery.” “What sold me on the name is because it had that backstory behind it,” added Kratz.

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CREW ILLUSTRATOR ANDY POYSTILA (HE/HIM) Kratz described that Lamb had many song ideas, whereas he mainly comes up with chord progressions. “I’m doing whatever I think is cool, and then she adds a bit of music theory on top of that. Then it all comes together.” Kratz continued, saying they like to pace themselves to avoid frustration or potential writer’s block. “We kind of write easily, not having too much pressure, and try to have fun with it. And, when the time comes for an EP or a couple of singles, we go back and try to flush them out and change parts until we really like [the songs].” Lamb later added that after they are done with their respective parts, they pass tracks along to their bandmates Sunshine and Connor to add in the bass and the drums to make it sound more “idiomatic.” Misyrion has been working on their debut album “Kingdom of Misery” for a year now. Lamb described that the album’s concept was set to be in a medieval kingdom. “Calling it kingdom made sense on that front and then misery because it’s all about suffering,” said Lamb. Kratz added that video games also played a big part in naming the album. Games like Dark Souls were one of his inspirations for the album. Misyrion hopes that their album will be released in April 2024. After the release, they plan to tour B.C. and Alberta. They are also preparing for the Winter Fest on Jan. 17, 2024 at the Wise Hall and Lounge. In a separate project, Lamb is preparing for a Halloween show on October 28 at Lobe on E Hastings St. It will be a spatial audio experience travelling through hell, as per Dante’s Inferno.

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COLDPLAY’S BIG FIRST AT BC PLACE We want some things just like this CONTRIBUTOR ANA X. MARTINEZ LIMA (SHE/HER) ILLUSTRATOR LIZA BORISSOVA (SHE/HER) On September 22 and 23, acclaimed alternative rock band Coldplay graced the stage at BC Place as part of their “Music of the Spheres World Tour.” The band, originating from London, England, has played in Vancouver a number of times over the years. What set this performance apart, though, was a moment that transpired before the band went on stage. Young representatives from Canada’s First Nations took the spotlight, leaving an indelible impression on the audience. It was a groundbreaking moment, marking the very first time that an international musical act had chosen to formally acknowledge the ancestral land upon which they were performing, according to BC Place coordinators. Stepping onto the stage were representatives from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, clad in their traditional attire. They spoke about the event and gave the land acknowledgement. Coldplay received a warm welcome to Canada from the Indigenous representatives. They expressed gratitude to the band for being pioneers in extending an invitation to welcome and open the concert with representatives from three nations, and “for being the first musicians to create this space for us to do this important job and acknowledge protocol in Vancouver.” The result was a resounding eruption of applause from the audience, with many rising from their seats. In the midst of shouts of support and applause, it became evident that Coldplay’s act transcended mere presentation. It was a profound statement of solidarity and reconciliation. This gesture, occurring just one week before Truth and Reconciliation Day, carried immense weight. The gesture was a bridge built between cultures, an acknowledgment of the past, and a shared

commitment to a more inclusive and harmonious future. Coldplay’s historic move serves as a testament to the power of music and the profound impact it can have on our collective journey towards understanding and healing. Coldplay is renowned not only for their music but also for their dedication to inclusivity, pride and sustainability. Their concert was deliberately designed to be accessible to all, with “infinity” tickets available for as little as $20, ensuring affordability for a wide range of fans. Furthermore, their commitment to environmental stewardship was evident as they embarked on their tour with a goal of reducing carbon emissions by up to 50 per cent. During the tour, the lead singer of the band, Chris Martin, waved the pride flag, prominently carrying it during the song “People of the Pride,” raising his voice for inclusion and commitment to pride. The importance of Coldplay’s decision to acknowledge the unceded territories of Vancouver’s First Nations cannot be overstated. By taking this step, they set a powerful precedent for other international artists, highlighting the significance of recognizing and respecting Indigenous peoples and their ancestral territories. This gesture of cultural respect and awareness sends a message of unity and solidarity, bridging cultural divides and fostering a deeper connection between the music and the land on which it is performed. Let’s hope that Coldplay’s performance will have a positive impact on the future, where inclusion, love, sustainability and peace become everyday acts.

ARTS & CULTURE

CONTRIBUTOR JENNA LUSCOMBE (SHE/HER)

The Liar CapU’s literary magazine is going to burn the house down The Liar is Capilano University’s very own literary magazine. It is made for students, by students, and has been in print for the last 34 years. It was founded in the 1980s, when CapU’s poetry club published a single flyer, titled “Thursday.” It is now offered at the university as a two-semester literary publishing course. The collective — a team of young designers, editors and publicists — operates with the goal of giving small writers and artists the chance to showcase their work. Members change every year, which means no two volumes will ever be the same. This type of creative process also means everyone’s opinions are heard and taken into account. Winston Barta, member of The Liar, says, “it feels like we are one big picture, instead of a bunch of puzzle pieces.” One thing all collective members have in common is their desire to colour outside the lines. They don’t just want poetry, prose and art, The Liar provides the chance to showcase hybrid-genre works, creative nonfiction, literary essays, creative journalism, screenplays, photography, experimental art and more. The theme this year is the “Burned Edition,” inspired by the recent fires that have devastated cities across western Canada. Families have been displaced, homes have been lost and Indigenous land has been permanently altered. In an effort to include submissions from those most affected by the fires, members sent out calls for art and writing to schools all over the province. “This theme will give the artists lots of room to maneuver and figure out what they want to express,” Barta notes. As a result, this new issue will feature an array of conceptual poetry, prose and visual art.

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All current CapU students were also given the chance to enter The Liar’s annual writing and design contest and allowed to submit up to two pieces per category. This year’s faculty judges are Ki Wight, a Communication Studies and Motion Picture Arts instructor, as well as the convenor for Women and Gender Studies; and Andrea Actis, English instructor. Once the finalists for writing and design are narrowed down, Wight and Actis will anonymously choose two winners to receive $500 each. As per Liar tradition, the winning design will be featured on the cover of the issue. Last year’s judge Anne Stone believes that, “out there, in the multiverse, every piece submitted to this contest is being read by its ideal reader — and, in turn, recognized for its particular power.” The submissions closed on October 31, with the contest winners to be announced in early 2024. Once completed, the zine will be approximately 200 pages of 100 percent student-created work. Following publication, there will be a launch party at the CapU Lonsdale campus. The date is yet to be announced. Attendees will be welcomed to celebrate with food, refreshments, and in-person readings. They will also receive a hard copy of the new edition. The Liar is many things, but ultimately their mission is to prove student work deserves to be seen and heard, and that our local creative community is not only alive but flourishing. To learn more about the Liar and submission details, visit theliar.capilanou.ca

ILLUSTRATOR ANGELICA BLANCH (SHE/HER)

is on Fire!

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FEATURED ARTIST Tara Asadi 54

“Weathering Friend”

FEATURED ARTIST

FEATURED ARTIST Andy Posytila

FEATURED ARTIST 55

FOOD, FOOD, AND MORE FOOD!

OPINIONS EDITOR JAYDE ATCHISON (SHE/HER) ILLUSTRATOR SOL YOON (SHE/HER)

What Isn’t Pumpkin Spice? Sugar, spice and everything wasn’t nice

OPINIONS

When I was younger I would deny myself the opportunity to enjoy anything that received a negative backlash. Basic? Me? Never heard of her. I was unintentionally a pick-me girl who didn’t want anyone to know I liked popular things. I would scoff at popular shows, artists and most especially food. When eyes rolled dramatically at the thought of a pumpkin spice drink coming back every autumn, I went along with it because who wants to be the lame girl roped into Big Pumpkin’s agenda? Turns out getting older just means you stop caring what people think and enjoy pumpkin season while you can. Anytime I see a new food or beverage that’s pumpkin spicey, all I can hear is that TikTok sound “capitalism really popped off today”. I am here for the marketing — companies know what the girlies want and they are delivering, even when it gets weird. I started slow with the latte, and I have levelled up to wherever pumpkin spice gouda lands on the basic bitch scale. I am the epitome of who to market to when it comes to a theme. You’re telling me I can have autumn flavoured cereal for breakfast, while I smell my pumpkin shaped candle burning nearby? I am absolutely sold. I don’t eat cereal normally, but boy howdy am I ready to embark on this journey. People always ask what’s the big deal, what’s so special about the infamous flavour? I know it’s not something spectacular, but give me a little nutmeg, give me some cinnamon, and I feel like I am wrapped ever so gently into the red leaves still clinging onto the trees. It’s the embodiment of the seasons changing in one simple mix of ingredients. Also, the aesthetic of the deep orange on all packaging — in the words of Miranda Priestly: groundbreaking. Give me florals in Spring, and give me pumpkins in fall.

Cheerio’s has made some great timely limited editions over the years, but their pumpkin spice variation has to be my favourite. It’s not too far from their classic honey nut in the way that it’s not too overpowering, and has the crunch that makes the cereal not such a drag to get through in the morning. I give it a solid 8/10 on the PSL scale. When it comes to coffee, you can never go wrong with one made at a coffee shop — doesn’t have to be a Starbucks, but you always know what to expect. As much as I love to treat myself to caffeine out in the wild, I’m no Bill Gates and often need to make my own coffee at home. I have tried a few different creamers, often made with milk alternatives (no need to upset my stomach any further), and I think the Silk coffee creamers are usually the best. They go hard on a themed release and the pumpkin spice is no exception. A splash of that in my vanilla Nespresso is truly top notch sipping. I am willing to try anything once, so when I was in a European bodega in Ottawa and saw they had gouda that was pumpkin spiced, I knew it had to come home with me. Once I was able to peel off the protective plastic, I dug into that cheese before it ever hit the plate. I quickly realized I was out $7 and this was the first time I was disappointed by both the pumpkin spice and cheese gods. It was a very strange texture, wasn’t a good mix of flavouring and rained on my PSL parade. This is probably what they mean when they say don’t meet your heroes. Will I continue to try all the world has to offer when it comes to autumn’s most notorious flavour? Absolutely. I’m just a little more prepared for disappointment when the match isn’t quite as heavenly as my basic brain wanted it to be.

Wish You Were Real The Magical Munchies of Make-Believe CONTRIBUTOR JASMIN LINTON (SHE/HER)

Imagine a world where you could indulge in any sweet treat or savoury pleasure. I bet you already have one in mind. From Tiana’s beignets from Princess and the Frog to the cake that decorates itself in the other world in Coraline. There are so many depictions of delectable food that we wish, really wish, were real. And we can’t forget all the animated foods that no matter how hard you try can never be replicated the same in real life. Just watch any anime, you can practically smell those treats through the screen, they look so appetizing. I, like many of you, would try all of these in a heartbeat if they were real, and it’s time to dish on just a few that I’d swoon over. Throughout all of Howl’s Moving Castle the illustrated animation captivates me. Despite the castle being a pigsty at the beginning of the movie, I can’t help but feel enchanted by the space and the snappy attitude of the demon, Calcifer, that runs it. With the help of some beautiful animation, we are transported to the fireplace to watch as Calcifer reluctantly cooks breakfast. I will say the cooking process is rather the fun part of this dish—especially when Calcifer gets his own little snack of egg shells, so cute! But it’s a scrumptious spin on classic eggs and bacon, so how could we say no? 58

OPINIONS

ILLUSTRATOR ANAÏS BAYLE (SHE/HER)

It’s not everyday you’re called into an assembly to watch a classmate eat a towering mountain of chocolate cake. In Matilda, after sneaking a piece of the Trunchbull’s delightfully rich chocolate cake, little Bruce has to eat a gigantic one as punishment. And though that much cake would surely make anyone sick, with the right portion, it would be the tastiest cake ever. As a chocolate lover myself, this cake would be on the top of my wishlist. The thought of that delectable cake, even if it meant eating a mountain of it, brings up waves of nostalgia for anyone with a sweet tooth. As I’m sure you can agree, this scene makes me wish for just a slice of that rich chocolate-y goodness — even those of us who are lactose intolerant. Now this wouldn’t be a collection of the best fictional foods without mentioning one of the classics: Ratatouille. All the food from this movie looks amazing—let’s be real, from when Remmy first tried strawberries and cheese we were captivated. But the crowning jewel has to be when Remmy the rat prepares the dish to serve to a notoriously strict food critic, Ego. From the beginning of that delicious preparation montage to when the food is finally served, it leaves a lasting, mouth-watering impression every time. When he finally serves the food

to Ego, we get transported to his childhood in a whirlwind of memories and emotion. There’s nothing like a homemade meal to send us back to our childhood, and that’s why this scene is so powerful and the food so tantalisingly tempting. These captivating confections are nothing short of delectable, there’s no wonder we wish they were real. They can remind us of childhood. Wrapped in nostalgia, they have a certain sparkle that makes them all the more tasty. But overall it’s the characters trying them we relate to (and wish to be) the most. They make us wish we could dive into their world, both for the adventures and the delicious eats. Of course, there’s no way for me to get to all the tasty treats in the cinematic universe. So what makebelief foodie favourites do you wish were real?

OPINIONS

Sikhs Aren’t Safe Here You’re worried about Canada’s political relations, but I am worried for my life CONTRIBUTOR ANONYMOUS

ILLUSTRATOR FREYA EMERY (SHE/HER)

The current events in Canada-India relations go further back than what’s happened recently. The recent death of Shaheed Hardeep Singh Nijjar — president of a Sikh temple in Surrey, B.C. — stem from a long history of violence and neglect toward Sikh people at the hands of the Indian government. Let’s begin in 1947. 1947 was the year of the Partition of India. The British carelessly tossed a line down on a map to split India into two separate nations now known as India, which retains the majority of Hindu citizens; and Pakistan, which retains the majority of Muslim citizens. The state of Punjab was divided between the two now independent countries. This led to major displacement of Punjabi citizens who had ended up on the wrong side of the border, causing death and missing persons who were never recovered. As the state of Punjab is neither majority Hindu nor majority Muslim, but is instead majority Sikh, debate was sparked among citizens about whether Punjab should have had its own borders drawn. Most prominent among this discussion is the Khalistan movement, which calls for Punjab to be made its own country called Khalistan; land of the pure. This name is derived from ‘Khalsa,’ another name for Sikhi. 1984 was the year of the most brutal attacks that marked the beginning of a genocide. Indira Gandhi, the first female prime minister of India, began attacks in June. It began with Operation Bluestar, a bomb attack carried out on Sri 60

OPINIONS

Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) targeting one man in particular named Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, an educator on the Sikh faith and Khalistan movement. This attack lasted 10 days at the beginning of June and Bhindranwale was murdered on the second day. In the months that followed came Operation Woodrose. Military forces were sent into Punjabi villages to raid our homes, rape our women, and arrest our men without warrants to torture and interrogate them. This lasted four months. On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her two Sikh bodyguards. Hindu nationalists took to the streets to attack and kill as many Sikhs as they could, declaring, “Blood for blood.” Many non-nationalist Hindus sheltered Sikhs in their homes during these riots. Operation Black Thunder began in 1988. Sikh militant protestors occupied Sri Harmandir Sahib. National security guards stormed in and arrested the militants. It was stated by the Director General of the Punjab Police that they did not want a repeat of Operation Bluestar. The militants ended up surrendering. This operation was a setback to the Anandpur Sahib Resolution which was first presented in 1973, declaring that Punjab be made a sovereign state with foreign relations, defence, currency, and general communication

subject to Indian jurisdiction rather than declaring a separate country. This was met with a compromise in 1985, which allowed Punjab more freedom to express religious and cultural beliefs within the state’s government. There was no real resolution in terms of the state’s sovereignty. In late 2020, the government of India introduced three new farming laws that would not guarantee minimum support price (MSP) for farmers. The majority of farmland in India is in the states of Punjab and Haryana, meaning the majority of farmers are Sikhs. Make no mistake; this was targeted. Thus began the “no farmers, no food” protests all over the world. In 2021, Prime Minister Modi announced the laws would be repealed. 2023 begins with India’s pursuit of Amritpal Singh, a Sikh activist in Punjab who preached Khalistani rhetoric. Many compared him to Sant Jarnail Bhindranwale, but he never claimed to be like him, just that he took inspiration from him and looked up to him. During the manhunt for Singh, there were media blackouts in Punjab as military forces were sent into villages to implement curfews, reminiscent of what happened in the 80s. Amritpal Singh eventually turned himself in to the police. It is unknown what happened from then on. In recent events, Shaheed Hardeep Singh Nijjar was assassinated on temple grounds, also reminiscent of the events of 1984. Shaheed Nijjar was the president of a gurudwara (Sikh temple) in Surrey, B.C. He was an advocate for Sikh rights and pro-Khalistani. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a controversial statement in the House of Commons that has sparked much debate recently about the death of the Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. I have heard from others following the situation that this was a stupid move on Trudeau’s part. They believe that he shouldn’t have made this statement or messed with Canada’s political relations to this extent. To this, I ask: What is my life worth to you? What is the worth of the life of your neighbours, your friends, your classmates, your coworkers.What are our lives worth? What is your life worth? Should I be made to feel unsafe in a country to which my parents came for a better life? Isn’t that what we all want for our kids; a life better, easier

and safer than the one we lived? What mistake is there in declaring, “Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty?” The murder of Shaheed Nijjar was meant to send a message. We are not safe, even here, even in Canada. They can still reach us here, on our own religious grounds meant to be a safe haven from discrimination and oppression. Message received. While researching the House of Commons statements for this article, I noticed two things. One, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre clearly stated, “Hardeep Singh N-word” before having to correct his statement to “Nijjar.” Two, many people in the comments of videos about this topic believe that it was right he was killed; that we deserve to be brutally murdered on the grounds of our most holy sites simply for wanting to live our lives not feeling as though we are being hunted. They called us terrorists and said more of us should die. What I believe needs to happen politically is a reopening of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution. I don’t think that we can continue as we are, but I also don’t believe that Khalistan is feasible or agreeable. There is no need to run Punjab and its Sikh population out of a country that is meant to feel their own. Punjab also does not have the governance experience on a federal level to be able to sustain itself as a separate country and is currently suffering enough as it is. Negotiations need to be reopened to let Punjab govern its own state within India as a sovereign state. Furthermore, the border laws between both sides of Punjab need to be laxed so those on either side can access the holy sites that they are currently being forced to observe only from a watchtower via telescope. However, we have seen with Kashmir and the negotiations around the time of Operation Black Thunder that this will not happen. Maybe the best we can hope for is the ability to exist in the world without the fear of us or our people being murdered without cause, even on foreign soil.

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Let ’s Get Cooking My favourite cookbooks

OPINIONS

Back home I always cooked next to my mom. Even when I was too short to reach the counter, I was standing on a stool grating cheese or peeling potatoes into the sink while she stirred something warm and red on the stove. Before I moved out at 17, mom tried to teach me everything she knew about the kitchen. Even now when I cook, her voice in my mind reminds me, “Take your time. Don’t worry so much about the recipe. Trust your intuition.” To me, a good meal is just as important as a good night’s rest. We just aren’t really living without it. In order to capture this, I have tried many different cookbooks, some recommended by my mother herself, and have several go-to favourites accessible to any aspiring cook. For complete beginners, you can skip a few steps of the learning process and pick up Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat. It’s a heavy book packed with professional knowledge about the chemistry behind why combining certain foods makes them taste good, accompanied by charming illustrations done by Wendy MacNaughton. It also comes with easy recipes to follow at the back for you to practice what you learned. Unsure about making the purchase? You can watch her Netflix series by the same name. I dare you not to get inspired to cook after that. I’ve read many Jamie Oliver cookbooks (he’s my mom’s unofficial chef boyfriend), which are typically packed with healthy options for families of four or more. As someone cooking for just one, this produces far too much food for me, and a lot ends up going to waste. However, Jamie’s book Save with Jamie is a bit more suited for student cooks as it guides you through buying one set of ingredients to make many different dishes throughout the week. If you’re a meal

CONTRIBUTOR GATES ANNAI (THEY/THEM) ILLUSTRATOR LAUREN HOWARD (SHE/HER)

planner, this book would definitely be best for you, and is structured around helping you save your money on groceries. Yum and Yummer by Greta Podleski was the first cookbook my mom gifted to me after I moved out. Her recipes are healthy and easy (most fit onto just one page), but what I really love about this book is how simple it is to use. Everything is separated into clearly labelled sections including drinks and desserts (which are a must for me.) As well, if you ever get lost while cooking, every recipe has a QR code to scan for a how-to video to get you back on track. I left my absolute favourite cookbook for last. You can always tell how loved a cookbook is by how many stains it has across the pages, and Nonna Said… by Nadia Carinelli and Sara Meghella is a painting of tomato juice and flour on my shelf. Nonna Said… is a collection of Italian family recipes passed down by, well, Nonna. It’s incredibly genuine, lovingly made, and I can’t get enough of making my own pasta and pairing it with a different delicious sauce found in the pages. It also has vegan pasta recipes, soups, pizzas, sides, and meats. Not to mention delicious, unique desserts. While I still sometimes browse the freezer section at the grocery store, I try to cook at home often to honour my mom as my teacher and the best cook I’ve ever met. She introduced me to this joy, community, and sense of accomplishment after plating the final product–and that’s something I would never have found in a frozen cardboard box.

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Eggnog or Bust The flavours of the season CONTRIBUTOR ANA X. MARTINEZ LIMA (SHE/HER)

As the days gradually grow shorter, temperatures begin to drop, and the rain becomes a familiar companion, one of the most vibrant seasons of the year begins – fall. During this time, we kick off a series of celebrations and festivities, starting with Thanksgiving. Local cafes enthusiastically promote their seasonal beverages and desserts, and you can find eggnog, a cherished favorite for many, in basically every store. Upon my arrival to Canada, eggnog was introduced to me as an exceptional and indispensable seasonal beverage, especially during the months spanning from October to December. However, as I spent more time in this country, I encountered people who held a differing view. To my surprise, some did not share the same enthusiasm for this highly anticipated seasonal drink. Personally, I found that eggnog did not quite live up to my expectations. It could be attributed to the way it was initially described to me, setting up an expectation of something truly extraordinary and unique, or perhaps it is simply a matter of personal preference. Indeed, taste varies greatly from person to person. Nonetheless, one conviction remains unwavering in my mind, based on my personal perspective. Following Thanksgiving, a bridge to the festivities of Christmas and the advent of the New Year is unmistakably constructed. Within this ‘bridge,’ one can discover elements that render this season uniquely special, and eggnog holds a prominent place. With its distinctive combination of ingredients such as eggs, milk, cream, and some spices including nutmeg and vanilla, eggnog evolves into a cherished holiday tradition in many Canadian homes. 64

OPINIONS

ILLUSTRATOR YOHAHNAH LOKER (SHE/HER)

As we anxiously await the arrival of Christmas following the Thanksgiving festivities, I firmly believe that seasonal beverages serve as a delightful gateway to immerse ourselves in the spirit of the season. Among these, we encounter one of the most beloved and wildly successful autumnal flavors: pumpkin spice. This versatile and aromatic blend finds its way into multiple presentations, from beverages to delicious desserts, as well as decorations, aromatic candles, and even scented soaps. In this regard, it’s important to remember and make clear for everyone that it’s never too early for these seasonal delights. After all, having waited patiently for months, the joy derived from indulging in them is immeasurable. So, when someone suggests that it might be too soon to enjoy eggnog or a pumpkin spice latte, rest assured, because when you’ve been waiting for so long, the experience becomes even more satisfying. The tradition of sipping eggnog by the fireside, adorned with holiday decorations, continues to evoke a sense of warmth and togetherness. Families come together to create cherished memories, exchanging stories and laughter, all while savoring these holiday treats. As each year passes, eggnog remains a symbol of the festive spirit that envelops Canada during this time of the year. So, as we embark on this delightful journey through the flavors of the season, let us embrace them with open hearts and warm spirits, knowing that they play an essential role in making our holiday celebrations truly special.

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Don’t Feed Me Diets Why is my Instagram doing keto? CONTRIBUTOR JASMINE GARCHA (SHE/THEY) ILLUSTRATOR SOPHIA SPANOS MCGILL (SHE/HER)

My feed on the app formerly known as Twitter and my Instagram Explore page have both been littered with diet fads and food videos that are almost unhealthily healthy. Not only this, but discussions of how to best lose weight have been thrown in my face as well, and as a recovered anorexic, I’m extremely unappreciative. I don’t even diet or work out anymore so I have no idea why I’m being targeted with dangerous fitness tips. Plus, I thought we’d left the caloric deficit talk back in 2012 at the same time that we shunned pro-ana from mainstream content. If you don’t know, pro-ana (pro-anorexia) is a community online where people who suffer from and wish not to recover from anorexia, a food-restrictive eating disorder, gather to promote the disorder within each other to lose weight faster. A lot of the content I’ve been seeing about dieting, losing weight, or ‘healthy’ eating has truly resembled thinly veiled pro-anorexia content. Even the way I’ve heard people within the dieting community talk about their dieting tips or techniques gives me flashbacks to Tumblr in 2014. I once overheard someone tell a person who was trying to lose weight, “You can never eat until you’re full. You have to always be at least a little hungry.” I was speechless. The calorie restriction community seriously needs to hire in-house therapists to work at their gyms.

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Does caloric deficit truly help you lose weight if it’s meant to be done for a short period of time before you resume a regular diet? Is it healthy and sustainable in the long term if you choose to keep at it?

that is your goal) while eating the required calorie intake that is needed to maintain your health. You don’t need to give up your favourite foods in order to eat healthy.here are actually many Instagram pages out there that promote healthy eating without calorie restrictions or dangerous diets.

When you start eating regularly after a caloric deficit, you regain the weight you lost. So what if you just… keep going? Well, long-term calorie restriction can cause malnutrition, specifically deficiencies in iron, folate, and B12 vitamins, which can slow down your metabolism and possibly be the cause of weight gain once you stop restricting. Restricting can also cause issues in your bowels, increase fatigue and nausea, and decrease fertility and reproductive hormones. Basically, it causes many of the same long-term effects as anorexia.

Some of my personal favourites include @dr.vegan and @plantyou who both include vegan recipes; the former specializes in German dishes while the latter specializes in ‘scrappy’ cooking (making dishes out of leftover scraps). Another vegan creator is @doctorbowl, who creates Indian fusion dishes.

While we’re talking about long-term effects, let’s discuss keto. The ketogenic diet isn’t meant for the average person; it was introduced as a treatment for epilepsy in the 1920s and was even abandoned as a practice for that purpose. Keto can cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, and a risk of heart disease.

As for non-vegan creators, @dishingouthealth is a registered dietitian and former food journalist who now posts her healthy food recipes on Instagram. For high-protein foods, there’s @ jalalsamfit whose food actually looks so good I want to jump through the screen and attack it. If you’re looking for healthy fast food alternatives, there’s @_aussiefitness who recreates popular menu items from fast food chains. McDonald’s could never.

So, why not just eat healthier without giving up everything except kale? Crash diets can be so harmful but you can absolutely still lose weight (if

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SPOOKY!

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GWENESDAY MOVIE NIGHT: MYSTIC PIZZA (1988) This place has everything: cozy east coast vibes, sexy saxophones, secret pizza sauce, a moped, ghosts and Julia Roberts

Who doesn’t love a wedding? Well, Jojo Barbosa. She is supposed to marry Bill, played by Vincent D’Onofrio, but passes out before either can say “I do.” The next day, she and her bridesmaids, Kat and Daisy Arujo, are back to their normal routine as if nothing happened, working at a pizza shop in the small town of Mystic, Connecticut. Daisy, Kat and Jojo all have their own worries, and their own romantic woes, but at its heart, Mystic Pizza isn’t about that. It’s about three girls going through the mess of growing up, and helping one another find out what they really want. Jojo isn’t ready to get married, but Bill, her hunky fisherman fiancé, is trying everything he can to convince her. Lili Taylor as Jojo has a mettle that is refreshing to see in a film of this age. She knows what she wants and she says it. Loudly. There is also an interesting aspect of gender role reversal with Bill and Jojo. He’s the one pushing to get married, and she is staunchly in opposition. Bill believes in making a commitment and wants to tie the knot before having sex, much to Jojo’s chagrin. He consistently blocks her advances, culminating in a particularly memorable line: “Jo, I’m telling you that I love you, and all you love is my dick!” Kat is set to go to Yale next year, and she takes a babysitting job to help pay for tuition, in addition to her two others at the local planetarium and the titular Mystic Pizza. Her employer, Tim, immediately takes a liking to her, and not just in her capacity as a babysitter. Tim is a Yale alum, and he

and Kat bond over stargazing, Mozart and the haunted house that he is helping to rebuild. Their romance would be sweet if it wasn’t for the fact that Tim is her boss. And married. And over thirty. The film does attempt to address the strange dynamic, but it is still, for lack of a better word, icky. At times I found myself rooting for the two of them. Annabeth Gish is endlessly charming and there is real chemistry between the two, but this only makes their romance more uncomfortable when you remember what lies underneath. Kat’s sister Daisy, played by Julia Roberts in her first starring role, is the spicy to Kat’s sweet. Daisy is crass, confident and gets all of the attention. Kat is the ever-reliable girl next door, with big prospects and an Ivy league acceptance letter. In comparison, Daisy feels trapped and unsure what her life is coming to. One night the girls are all out at the local bar and Charlie, a devastatingly handsome Ivy leaguer, catches Daisy’s eye. One stellar game of pool is all Daisy needs to seal the deal, and soon Charlie shows up at her house, in a red Porsche, no less. Their budding romance is an interesting one. Though Charlie himself is a fairly flat character, their dynamic brings up interesting themes of class. Daisy is from a poor Portuguese-American family, while Charlie owns a boat and few Connecticut properties. Daisy can be self-conscious, but she gladly suffers no fools, and she soon sees that Charlie is using her to get back at his upper-crust parents, whether he knows

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR GWEN PEMBERTON (SHE/HER) ILLUSTRATOR EVA STAUB (SHE/HER)

it himself or not. Although, as with all of these pairs, their chemistry is very fun to watch. One scene in particular gave me everything I wanted, laced with big synths, sexy saxophones, off-screen strip teases and other staples of the chaste sultriness of the 80s. All of these stories whirl around the locally infamous Mystic Pizza, where Jojo, Kat and Daisy are watched over by the nononsense owner, Leona. Leona is fiercely protective of both her girls and her secret pizza sauce recipe. The ups and downs of life bring tensions, big laughs, and a lot of love between all of these women. Mystic Pizza is a lot of fun, and the perfect watch if you are looking for a cozy autumn vibe. It is a fantastic coming-of-age cocktail, tied up with romance, drama and so much 80s hair. Seriously, Julia Roberts’ curls should get their own screen credit. Though it definitely feels a bit dated in places, the imperfections just made it that much more charming in my eyes. The dynamic of the three main characters is what ties it all together. At the end of the film, their relationship status isn’t all that important. What really matters is how these three have changed since the beginning of the movie, and what will happen next. P.S. See if you can spot the cameo from a shockingly young Matt Damon. It threw me for a loop.

AIRPLANE MODE Life on layovers

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OPINIONS EDITOR ILLUSTRATOR

I’ve been trying to sit down and write this article for a few days, but when I am in my own home the distractions are endless — friends twisting my arm for a patio beer while the weather is unnaturally nice, cleaning the spot behind my bed that I’ve been neglecting, grocery shopping for the next five potential days of flying. What once was a place to work from the couch is now the place I come back to and want to soak up every hour in my own bed before I’m away again. Lounging in my hotel bed, looking out at the crisp autumn landscape I am finally able to justify writing time. This trip does not call for adventure outside of securing six specialty donuts, and I am able to focus on the task ahead. Becoming a flight attendant had a lot of perks — flexible schedule, new destinations — but the most appealing to me was that I would be able to combine my two passions into one environment. I can write, edit and get creative on the road or in the air. In being able to work from anywhere in the world, my time at home becomes more precious and simply about relaxing. While I love sipping on a local coffee from down the road in a king-size bed and getting my words out, it’s not how I spend each day away from base. While many senior flight attendants I’ve met have lost their sense of adventure after returning to a city for the 100th time, I am still brighteyed and bushy-tailed about being in a new spot each day. I wake up early and want to see as much of a place, even if it’s a quiet city like Kitchener, Ontario. I typically have my DSLR camera with me and I try to capture every new spot from my point of view. Unless I am at an airport hotel on minimum rest (or on a tight deadline), I am exploring and expanding the list of places I can recommend.

A question I get asked a lot is, “Isn’t it hard to be in a place for such a short time? Don’t you want to stay longer?” Yes, of course I want to be on a white-sand beach sipping on a freshly made pineapple juice for more than 24 hours, I’m not a psychopath. Is it hard to only be in a place for a day or two? Not even a little bit. I find that layovers are a great way to get bite-sized experiences instead of trying to overwhelm yourself with a five to seven day trip. Sometimes those trips make you feel the pressure to fill each day with as much as you can because you don’t know if you’ll ever get the chance to come back. The nature of my job means that I will be back again. I may not know when exactly, but I will have another shot at the destination. The way I manage my time depends on where I go. If it’s a bustling destination like Montreal, Honolulu, Toronto, Atlanta or San Francisco I will allow myself to indulge in one activity and then just wander the rest of the time in a nearby area. That way I am not overwhelmed and I have another activity to look forward to on my next visit. It may be something small like taking the ferry from Halifax to Dartmouth and taking in the views with a warm coffee. Sometimes I aim for a bigger activity like visiting the World of Coca-Cola and getting a sugar high from the tasting room. Either way, I typically don’t do more than one “big” adventure in a day because there is always something to do next time and I should be enjoying my time away, not stressing over missing out.

JAYDE ATCHISON (SHE/HER) CELINA ZHONG (SHE/HER)

Before working for an airline I never really thought about exploring the country I was born in, because it seemed so much more logical to explore other continents instead. Now I am discovering little gems throughout towns I have come to love. Finding a small, locally-run business usually means you have the opportunity to chat with locals and get recommendations for an adventure larger than doughnuts (although the apple peach donut from Bronuts is pretty damn spectacular on its own). Are some layovers less desirable than others? Sure. Of course I would rather be strolling down the Manhattan Beach boardwalk, but I have never been bored on a layover. I hunt for dinerstyle burgers, quality donuts and a spot to read my book. Making missions helps find the fun in every city, and what makes this job so fun. I love a lazy day in a comfortable bed as much as the next person, but searching for the beauty in each city one activity at a time is what keeps me getting on the plane.

If I am in a less lively spot like Winnipeg, Regina or Hamilton I will give myself a mission. Lately it has been to find the best doughnuts or bookstore in the area. It can feel like a drag to be sent to what feels like the middle of nowhere when your friends are in a tropical or European destination. COLUMNS

PREP TIME COOK TIME TOTAL TIME PORTION SIZE

about 10 minutes about 3 hours 2 ½ hours to 3 ½ hours 10 portions (perfect recipe to freeze the leftovers of)

o f e t p i h c e e M o nt h R

POZOLE SOUP

WRITER LEA KRUSEMEYER (SHE/HER) FREYA EMERY (SHE/HER) ILLUSTRATOR

My Mexican roommates introduced me to this soup a few months ago. As I learned there are multiple versions of Pozole, based on the kind of ingredients used. In my house, we usually eat Pozole Rojo which gets its name from the red chiles used in it. It is perfect on a cold and rainy day, Pozole is one of those dishes that warms you from the inside. FYI, this recipe is not vegetarian or vegan as it is important for the broth to absorb the flavor of the meat.

INGREDIENTS 1 ¼ Pork Shoulder ½ teaspoon of black pepper 2 peeled garlic cloves ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper 1 tbl spoon of cumin powder 2 tbl spoons of chilli powder

1 chopped onion 1 tbl spoon of salt 2 chopped garlic cloves ¼ teaspoon of oregano 2 tablespoons of oil 4 cups of canned white hominy

3-5 cups of pork broth (from shoulder) 2 chopped fresh jalapenos Radish, lettuce, and cilantro as garnish Tortilla chips as a side dish

INSTRUCTIONS Prep: First start by laying out all your ingredients, then chop your onion and peel the garlic cloves. Chop two of the cloves into pieces and leave the other two as they are. Continue by chopping your jalapenos and then rinse and drain your hominy. Cook: Place your pork shoulder in a large saucepan or pot and cover with slightly salted water. Add half of your chopped onion and the two gloves of peeled garlic. Also add your pepper, oregano, and cumin. Now let this boil over medium heat and skim off any foam that rises towards the top. Then reduce the heat, put a lid on, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. After those 45 minutes, it is time to remove the meat and broth, it is important that you keep your broth on the side! In the same saucepan or pot, you can now saute the other half of your chopped onion and your chopped garlic in oil until both become translucent. The next step includes adding all your remaining spices and stirring the mix for a few minutes. 72

Now it is time to cut your pork into small pieces that you will then add to your pot or pan as well as the prepared hominy and the pork broth you saved earlier. Also, add your jalapenos. Cook the ingredients until they become tender, this should take around 60 minutes. If you don’t think your meat is ready yet you can keep cooking it for up to 40 more minutes. You are almost done! Once your meat and hominy are tender enough you use a ladle or big spoon to get rid of some extra grease/fat on the top of the soup and then it’s time to serve. Pozole is served in larger bowls and as side garnishes you use sliced radish, chopped lettuce, and cilantro as well as lime wedges to squeeze into your soup. Tortilla chips also go well with this dish. Serving: Take a bowl and add your pozole, now add the chopped lettuce and cilantro as well as the radish to your liking. The same goes for the lime wedges. Enjoy!

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CAPILANO UNIVERSITY is located on the traditional unceded 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.

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CAPILANO COURIER VOLUME 56, ISSUE NO.3