Capilano Courier | Vol. 49.5, Issue 11.

15

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE 11

THE REEL DEAL

CUP CONSCIENCE

MOPA grad Carlos Macias pays tribute to his love of horror movies with a psych thriller of his very own.

Why our obsession with convenient coffee consumption has a far bigger impact than you might think.

JANUARY 16 - 22 | 2016

VIRTUAL REALITY CHECK

19

12

CONTENTS

00

05

06

09

Cover Art

News

Campus Life

Sports

10

16

21

23

Features

Shorts

Columns

Humour

VIVIAN LI

THE OBSTACLES OF EUTHANASIA

THE STAFF Andy Rice EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

editor@capilanocourier.com Carlo Javier MANAGING EDITOR

carlo.capcourier@gmail.com

CSU HOLDS TOWN HALL FOR NEW STUDENT SPACE

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2016

WHO YOU: THORIN LOEKS

OH THE PLACES YOU'LL NO: ST JOHN'S

COLUMNISTS

NEWS EDITOR

Jessica Lio OPINIONS EDITOR

opinions.capcourier@gmail.com Gabriel Scorgie

FAMILY TENSIONS ARISE FROM RE-GIFTING FIASCO

CONTRIBUTORS

Marissa Del Mistro Back at it again with the profiles. Marissa Del Mistro is continuing her well-received one-on-ones with some of Vancouver’s most innovative, fascinating and talented individuals. Del Mistro will be touching on fields like music and art, as well as social issues like inclusion, individuality and most importantly, the sense of community in Vancouver.

Vivian Li COVER ART

Fiona Dunnett ART

Annie Chang ART

Cristian Fowlie

Kevin Kapenda news@capilanocourier.com

DEMITRI HARRIS PURSUES HIS PRO B-BALL DREAM

ART

Fred Ulrich Jr. The irrepressibly bitter Fred Ulrich Jr. is back to spread even more of his angry, old-man observations. This time, he’ll be talking about all the crap he’s had to put up with from his wealth of experience travelling the world. This man has racked up his Air Miles, and that might be the only joy he’s gotten out of travelling.

FEATURES EDITOR

Juliana Vieira ART

Dante Mercer ART

Taylor Lee ART

Dominic Guieb

specialfeatures.capcourier@gmail.com

PHOTOS

Justin Scott ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

arts.capcourier@gmail.com Christine Beyleveldt CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR

campuslife.capcourier@gmail.com

Aidan Mouellic Communications student Aidan Mouellic has been writing for student publications ever since he began his collegiate life. In this column, he’ll be exploring ways to defeat the self-deprecating habits that we develop amidst the stressful environment of university. He’s like the human version of a Run the Jewels album, minus the bravado.

James Tevlin WORDS

Andrew Yang WORDS

Layla Kadri WORDS

Cristian Fowlie ART DIRECTOR

THE CAPILANO COURIER

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

artdirector.capcourier@gmail.com Syd Danger LAYOUT DESIGNER

pm.capcourier@gmail.com Noah Penner

Max Ley For an unprecedented fourth semester, local beverage guru Max Ley will be continuing his popular pairing recommendations for affordable wine and cheap student foods. Truth be told, the nature of this column really lends itself to endless possibilities.

Expect even more ingenious matches from our very own wine aficionado and tweet your questions to @sipsiphurray!

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

multimedia.capcourier@gmail.com Therese Guieb COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER

community.capcourier@gmail.com POSITION AVAILABLE! BUSINESS ADVISOR

business.capcourier@gmail.com Brandon Kostinuk WEB COORDINATOR

web.capcourier@gmail.com

2

Andrew Yang Recent Capilano graduate Andrew Yang is now starting his adventure outside of the school boundaries. His column is sprinkled with pieces of wisdom accumulated through his unique work experiences with occasionally ludicrous events and human interactions. A boring yet practical advice for finding jobs: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

THE CAPILANO COURIER is an autonomous, democratically-run student newspaper. Literary and visual submissions are welcomed. All submissions are subject to editing for brevity, taste and legality. The Capilano Courier will not publish material deemed by the collective to exhibit sexism, racism or homophobia. The views expressed by the contributing writers are not necessarily those of the Capilano Courier Publishing Society.

EDITOR'S DESK

A HAPPY LITTLE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andy Rice EDITOR-IN-CHIEF mentors and gather detailed feedback about their publications. I look forward to it every year, because I always arrive back in Vancouver feeling inspired, motivated and proud.

At this NASH in particular, people had amazingly generous things to say about our art direction and it was my sheepish honour to accept these compliments in person and on Twitter. I say sheepish because this is a part of our publication that, for as long as I’ve been here, has been completely entrusted to the hands of someone other than the editor-in-chief. Any and all credit must go to the past few years’ worth of art directors and layout designers – specifically JJ Brewis, Shannon Elliott, Katie So, Stefan Tosheff, Andrew Palmquist, Cheryl Swan, Syd Danger and the aforementioned Mr. Fowlie. Their efforts and talents have made this paper look and function the way it does, and I’m honoured to run an organization that serves as a canvas for them to explore new possibilities.

Maybe one day I too will be able to pick up a marker or brush and have my hands convey what my brain conceives, but right now I’m still limited to the written arts. Lately, for inspiration, I’ve been re-watching old episodes of The Joy of Painting on Netflix. Bob Ross keeps saying things like “Talent is a pursued interest.

Anything that you're willing to practice, you can do” and “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.” I know his words hold great truth, but the process still seems so foreign to me, so unattainable. I still feel as though I’m being trolled.

For now, I’ll just have to trust that it’s all part of the process.

THE VOICEBOX with Carlo Javier

Where’d you guys go?

To the depths of cold-as-hell New Brunswick.

Did you guys freeze your asses of in Fredericton?

Asses et al.

THE CAPILANO COURIER

So, how’s this Best of Capilano thing going?

Your voting period has been extended so enjoy more time to exercise your democratic right!

How come there was only like half the staff there at the last story meeting?

Hey, we get sick too you know.

The Voicebox is back! If you have any questions, concerns or any other bitchin’ to do, text it over to our boy Carlo at 778-865-2649. “Please text me,” he says. “No one else does.”

3

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

I’ve always been a doodler. Nothing fancy, nothing Smithsonian-worthy. Just simple line drawings and stick figures and little bits of things that don’t make any sense at all. I’ve been told that’s how it begins, how great artists are formed, but I’m not certain I believe it.

A particular incident comes to mind, dating back to my Grade 4 year, when my class was assigned a project on fairy tales. First, we read Three Billy Goats Gruff, Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty for inspiration, and then set out to create one of our own. For me, getting the narrative down was no problem. But the illustrations, well, that was another story.

Green crayon in hand, I baked under the fluorescent lights of our tiny classroom for what seemed like an eternity, sketching out the humble beginnings of a bridge troll.

(Jagged mouth, furrowed brow, disheveled hair… all the usual suspects.) Soon, though, it started to look a little too human in stature, so I began to customize its appearance to be more animalistic. I gave it webbed, hairy feet and grotesque little toenails and I drew a pair of short, bulbous arms, which I mounted to its chest as if it was a meerkat standing on its haunches.

That’s when the teacher came by to check on my progress.

“Andrew!” she barked. “This drawing is incredibly inappropriate! Put some clothing on your troll immediately!”

I realize now that she thought the arms were breasts and that I was simply trying to get a snicker from my classmates by illustrating the supreme leader of a topless troll colony. Admittedly, she would have been correct on most occasions, but this time was different. I had legitimately drawn a pair of arms so bad they looked like udders. There was no back-pedalling from that.

I don’t even remember if I defended my mutant creation at the time. All I know is that from that day onward, I’ve been completely in awe of people who can pick up a pencil and somehow make arms look like arms and boobs look like boobs. At the Courier, we collaborate with roughly 10 to 15 of these people every week, each of whom adds colour and visual impact to these walls of text you see before you. Over the past decade, their work has come to define the identity of our paper and has made us stand out on a national scale.

I’m proud to tell you that a few of our artists have even won awards for their work on our pages. Last year, our art director, Cristian Fowlie, picked up Best Graphic in the John H. MacDonald (JHM) awards, held in Toronto. Two weeks ago, in Fredericton, the Courier clinched two out of three nominations in the Illustration category with contributors Austin Legg and Rachel Sanvido representing. I had the honour of taking Legg’s certificate back to Vancouver with me and I can’t wait to deliver it to him in person!

The JHM’s are given out at the end of a four-day conference known as NASH, where the staff of Canada’s university newspapers get together to share ideas, attend seminars, drink beers with their

NEWS

MICHAEL MARKWICK RECEIVES WEST VAN COMMUNITY COMMITMENT AWARD Communication professor’s charity work has helped raise 300k for Lookout Shelter Carlo Javier MANAGING EDITOR

West Vancouver has been home for Michael Markwick for almost all of his adult life. Over the past decade, he’s worked tirelessly to help many other people call it home, too.

Near the end of last year, the Capilano University communication instructor received the 2016 Community Commitment Award from the District of West Vancouver. The honour recognizes his charitable efforts for the Lookout Society’s North Shore Shelter, through the funds raised by the annual Dundarave Festival of Lights. The award also pays close attention to Markwick’s work in human rights and human trafficking.

“It was really lovely,” Markwick said of his initial reaction upon learning about the honour. “I had members of council and the mayor telling me how important they found this work to be and ‘whatever we could do to support you we will.’” Humble as always, Markwick unsurprisingly found ways to divert the credit to other people, particularly to the foresighted and progressive work of the West Vancouver mayor and council. “What I like to celebrate in this award is how it’s actually publicly affirming their own policy direction, the way that they are themselves, owning the fact that we can, as a West Vancouver community, name the realities of housing insecurities and organize to address it.”

THE DUNDARAVE FESTIVAL AND THE NORTH SHORE SHELTER Since its inception in 2008, the Dundarave Festival has raised nearly $300,000 for the North Shore Shelter. The festival occurs on the four Saturdays that lead up to Christmas, and it features the largest outdoor display of Christmas trees on the coast of BC.

THE CAPILANO COURIER

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

WHAT’S NEW WITH THE CSU? CSU president and VP internal use meeting to sell SUB to rest of board Kevin Kapenda NEWS EDITOR

On Jan. 13, the Capilano Students’ Union (CSU) held a board meeting in which an upcoming pub night, a review of the student union building (SUB) town hall and a representative to the alumni association was discussed.

PUB NIGHT SERIES Among the various issues discussed at the

4

Dundarave Festival has developed a synergy with the North Shore Shelter and together have created a safe space to address issues surrounding housing insecurities in West Vancouver. The funds that the festival annually raises directly contribute to the shelter’s third tier, which focuses on people who have suffered homelessness for extended periods of time, and may have further health complications attached to it. This tier particularly works with helping people get back up on their feet and find housing again.

In its initial iteration, Markwick had suspected that the money raised would be used to buy socks and blankets for the homeless population of West Vancouver, but after raising over $25,000 in the inaugural festival, the Shelter was able to instead use the raised funds to double its transition support staff.

WEST VAN: COMMUNITY VS. RESORT One of the dangers that Markwick sees with West Vancouver is its potential to be split

meeting included the CSU’s ongoing pub night series, which is being overseen by the Student Life Committee. Committee member and Global and Community Studies faculty representative Kyle Legrow spoke to the pub night series at the meeting, suggesting an interesting theme he refers to as the “stop light night” where students wear red, yellow or green based on their relationship status. Red would signify that person is in a relationship, yellow that they’re in a complicated partnership and green that they’re single and at the pub night to mingle.

SUB TOWN HALL During the meeting, President Sacha Fabry and VP Internal Amina El Mantari also gave a presentation regarding the SUB Town Hall to the board, after holding the consultation process a day earlier in the CSU Library Lounge on Jan. 12. Due to finances being

into a community-versus-resort dichotomy.

According to Markwick, the volatile housing market has had ripple effects on local business in West Vancouver, with cafes having to either shut down or limit their operating days due to staff members’ inability to afford to live in the community or manage exorbitant commute times. “There’s a lot of invisible poverty and invisible housing insecurity in West Vancouver and that doesn’t even take into account the number of people who are being forced to move out of the community,” he said. “This is becoming a pragmatic existential problem for West Vancouver and the ability for us to have a municipality, a thriving community, if we can’t have people.

More alarming, however, is an ominous projection by the municipal planning staff that Markwick works with: the population of school-aged kids in West Vancouver plummeting to only four per cent within the next 30 years. “We can only have a community instead of a resort if we’re inclusive, and the projections I’m seeing from our planning staff

are terrifying,” Markwick proclaimed. “That’s the death of our community.”

Despite the gloomy projections, Markwick remains positive about the work that needs to be done, and can be done, to help the seemingly invisible issues of West Vancouver. Eventually, he would like to work with the North Shore Shelter in creating a safe space – a sanctuary, for victims of domestic abuse in the community.

“We’ll have units designated as sanctuary housing known only to the police and to service organizations like the Lookout Shelter where a woman and her kids can turn for recourse,” Markwick said. Moreover, Markwick would like to start the conversation on non-market housing in order to better tackle the issues that the housing market has created.

Uncertainty may be clouding the housing market, but the collaborative work of the Dundarave Festival, the North Shore Shelter and Markwick has already made a difference, and looks to do so for many years to come. “I’m very proud to be a member of my community,” Markwick said.

discussed during the presentation, the board meeting moved in camera. Interestingly, staff members and the external chair where allowed to stay, with only student press being asked to leave.

Much debate was also had regarding the CSU’s standard meeting schedule. Fabry motioned that meetings be moved between 8:30 to 11:30 am Friday mornings every two weeks (from Jan. 13 onwards), based on certain board members’ inability to attend meetings at the normal 2:30 pm due to class conflicts. VP of University Relations Jullian Kolstee disagreed, arguing the CSU ought to side with “consistency” and not set a precedent of tailoring meeting schedules to directors’ individual needs, but rather the organization’s existing culture. Kolstee’s amendment to keep CSU board meetings at their current time of 2:30 pm was defeated and Fabry’s motion to hold most meetings at 8:30 am was passed.

As usual, each of the four executives

presented their quarterly reports to the board, after not having met since 2016.

During her report, El Mantari cited high functioning governance as something that has improved at the CSU under her stewardship. However, Kolstee questioned the validity of that claim, considering the board of directors had just voted to undermine one of its longstanding policies by changing their meeting times.

In other business, nominations for a board representative to the Capilano Alumni Association (CAA) were opened and women’s liaison Emily Solomon was later elected to that position.

In his quarterly report to the board, Fabry alluded to an upcoming Get Out the Vote campaign (GOTV), which he hopes to launch in cooperation with the rest of the CSU sometime before the provincial election in May. The next CSU board of directors meeting will take place on Jan. 27.

@CAPILANOCOURIER

WHEN WILL THE CSU HAVE A STUDENTOWNED BUILDING? VP Internal holds town hall to present student union building options Kevin Kapenda NEWS EDITOR

On Jan. 12, the Capilano Students’ Union (CSU) held a student union building (SUB) town hall to present their vision for the potential space, what services and amenities it would include and where on campus it could be located. The SUB town hall was facilitated by VP Internal Amina El Mantari and engineering firm Stantec, who have been tasked with developing plans for the potential SUB based on CSU

priorities and student feedback.

“In order for students to succeed, they need to have spaces where they can sit down, study and feel comfortable and safe. A new SUB is a great project that will help students succeed while they attend this university,” said El Mantari. “We just don’t want students to commute to and from school. Students want to have their place on campus where they can relax, hold meetings, chat and grab a coffee with their friends.

The CSU and Stantec presented students with three potential options for the new SUB. The first option would be to renovate the Alder building and keep the existing library lounge. The second possible space would be to erect a building in the courtyard outside of Cedar, this option being the most expensive as it would involve the construction of brand new structure. The third option would be to renovate the Maple building, and add a second floor to it.

The town hall’s envisioning placards were divided into three interactive areas

@CAPILANOCOURIER

/CAPILANOCOURIER

in which the CSU and Stantec requested student feedback: function, feeling and location. Function being what services students wanted from their student union, feeling in terms of a sense of belonging in the SUB and location taking into account students’ preferred location for a SUB on campus.

Among the most desired function for a new SUB is a space with independent food services, a tea shop and possibly a pub. All of these services, namely student-administered food sales and a pub are currently lacking, due to the CSU not having their own building and all food services being administered by Chartwells, the university’s exclusive food services contractor.

LONG ROAD TO SUB Whatever comes of this town hall, the CSU and its members are still a long ways away from having their own student-run building not leased to them by the university. “After

this town hall, we are going to receive the final report form Stantec with cost and the timeline,” said El Mantari. “Overall, we are looking at minimum five years.”

The next steps for the CSU would be to deliver notice for a referendum, in which a new fee or an increase on an existing fee paid to them by students would be voted on to fund the new SUB. The timeline for delivering notice of a question is Feb. 27, in hope that students would vote on that proposal during the spring CSU elections. “I would like to have a referendum on the fee this spring,” she said.

As for why El Mantari and the CSU want a new SUB, it is so students can have a place to enjoy on campus, rather than only coming for school and leaving once their studying is complete. “Since we are a commuter school, we just don’t want students to come here and leave,” said El Mantari. “Students want to have their place on campus where they can relax, hold meetings, chat and grab a coffee with their friends.”

THE CAPILANO COURIER

5

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

–– NOAH PENNER PHOTOS

THE CAPILANO COURIER

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

@CAPILANOCOURIER

6

@CAPILANOCOURIER

/CAPILANOCOURIER

CAMPUS LIFE

WHO YOU

Thorin Loeks on risks and happiness Christine Beyleveldt CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR

— JULIANA VIEIRA

STEM PROGRAM HAS CONVERSATION ON THE BRAIN Second annual HealthWorks series will discuss brain health and stress management Therese Guieb COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER

Indie film Violent will screen in the Nat and Flora Bosa Centre Theatre on Jan. 19. The film was shown at the Cannes film festival in 2014 where it received critical acclaim and is screening at SFU Woodward’s and the UBC Arts Undergraduate Society simultaneously.

Director Andrew Huculiak will conduct a question and

answer session with the SFU audience, so if you want to meet the man behind the scenes you’ll have to make the trek downtown. Not to worry, though, CapU has a host of talented film students who will happily air their work on Bosa’s silver screen before the main attraction starts at 6 pm. There will also be free appetizers.

7

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

UPCOMING EVENT

THE CAPILANO COURIER

We’ve all been there: party hat on, champagne bottle in hand, ringing in a brighter future on New Year’s Eve. For many of us, the night also includes an empty vow to improve our health and wellness. However, the research and factual claims that often form the basis of our motivation may not be quite as legitimate as they seem. Many of the things we hear and read contain misinformation that can lead to poor outcomes. That’s why the School of Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at Capilano University has set out on a mission to expose those common misconceptions through their second annual HealthWorks series.

The School of STEM offers a number of courses that specialize in anatomy and physiology, and the HealthWorks series is another way for students to expand on their knowledge outside of the classroom. “A lot of students were interested in current hot topics as they pertain to health so we thought we would start this initiative to bring students together and talk about these things,” said Dr. Michael Kiraly, CapU instructor and organizer of HealthWorks. The series offers two seminars in the spring semester and highlights a theme that focuses on current public health challenges and common health topics. Since CapU is not a research institution, he explained that organizers consisting of instructors at the School of STEM approach experts in the medical and research community around the Lower Mainland to invite them to be guest speakers at the seminar series.

Last year, the School of STEM welcomed Diana Steele and Dr. Stephen Kiraly to present at HealthWorks. “We had Diana Steele come and speak to us last term and her topic was actually Eating for Energy,” Michael said.

“She’s a nutritionist here in the Lower Mainland and a bit of a TV celebrity.” Stephen is a psychiatrist in the Lower Mainland who runs a campaign promoting brain health and preventing injury. He spoke at HealthWorks last spring about the significance of concussion and the eight pillars of health.

There are constantly new health topics that are being introduced to the public. As a result, the School of STEM has to sift through them and choose the most noteworthy topics to be featured in HealthWorks. "It usually starts at the departmental level where we discuss themes or topics that are current in the newspapers and [at the] tip of people’s tongues, and then we decide how we can work a discussion pertaining to that topic and do our curriculum,” said Michael.

The theme of this year’s first HealthWorks lecture is brain health and the effects of stress on the body. The series will start with Dr. Cindy Barha from UBC on Jan. 19 and she will be discussing how exercise moderates some of the markers of brain health and longevity. On March 21, Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat, a cognition and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) psychologist will be talking about how to reconfigure the brain to lessen the procession of stress on the body.

At the end of each presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask the guest speakers questions and connect with them. Michael encourages the CapU community to attend the series to become more knowledgeable of the truth behind popular health topics today. “Not everyone knows they’re hot topics or why they might be hot topics, so it’s good to educate people about what the medical and scientific community is focused on pertaining to health,” he said. “I think it helps the students we currently have enrolled in our programs to maybe put the large realm of health and sciences into perspective, and give people a better idea or bigger picture of what’s going on out there.”

Thorin Loeks could hardly say he is stressed by the workload of being a fourth-year communication student at Capilano University. The 26-year-old can often be found strumming his guitar in his spare time. He is currently working on his second album, Shine Through the Dark, which will be released on St. Patrick’s Day. The album combines elements of blues and electronica – a far cry from his May 2016 debut, Thirsty Hearts.

“I’ve been playing music since I was six years old,” he said.

“I started with piano when I was very young and it’s always been something that I’ve felt was a great form of expression that other mediums of communication can’t convey.”

When he was 15, he started messing around with the guitar. Now he can’t go anywhere without it, even down the Mississippi River. In 2014, Loeks canoed 3,800 kilometres from Lake Itasca, Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, interviewing people he met along the way about their personal quests to find happiness. The video compilation of all the people he met and spoke to on his journey, called Paddling the Mississippi: A Search for Happiness, can be found on his YouTube channel.

Enchanted by the scenery and the folks he met on his journey, the following year he canoed up to the Arctic Circle.

When he arrived in Port McPherson after paddling the Wind River, he hitchhiked to Inuvik and cycled 800 kilometres of dirt road on the Dempster Highway, filming another project about Indigenous communities and their connection to the land. “Each person offered me something that was very special,” he said. “Something that I realized over the course of my journeys... is the idea that each person is unrepeatable in their experiences.”

When asked why he wanted to get away from his hometown in the Yukon, he replied that he was sick of looking at the newspaper. “There’s amazing places to visit and see and the media won’t cover it, so it creates this lens of what reality is.

In truth, there’s so much more to experience and…there’s a lot more good in humanity than people realize,” he said. He wanted to experience what life had to offer and capture the stories other people had to tell along the way, and as a result, has gained a very optimistic worldview. He feels that as long as people have meaningful relationships and interactions, they have already realized the benefits of life.

Originally studying Global Stewardship at CapU, Loeks discovered the program on a cycling trip through South Dakota. “I came across this little library and was looking up courses,” he said “I connected with this program and by the time I got to the East Coast I was already accepted and had housing, and so I pretty much flew back to the West Coast and started going to school after I finished my bike trip.

Communication was a complement of Global Stewardship because it gave him the practical knowledge of being able to connect with people. After he graduates in the spring, he intends to pursue music full-time and continue exploring, using his trips to promote his albums and continue filmmaking.

In terms of finding happiness in everyday life, “I feel that it’s being able to have faith in being able to meet the universe half way and in doing so it’s incredible. If you have a dream or an idea you need to take a chance on it,” he said. “Our culture is an instant gratification culture and the things that are really meaningful in this life tend to take time. The journey towards that greater goal is more meaningful than the goal itself.”

SPORTS

GRIT N’ GRIND

— PAUL YATES

Blues men’s basketball lead PACWEST despite numerous bumps on the road Carlo Javier MANAGING EDITOR

If there was one word to describe the Capilano Blues men’s basketball team, it’s “resilient”.

The Blues have weathered all sorts of storms throughout the first eight games of the season, and amidst eligibility issues, injuries and shooting slumps, the team still wound up right at the top of the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) conference with eight wins and only two losses.

The top seed comes after losing their starting backcourt a mere day before the season tipped off.

Head coach Cassidy Kannemeyer singled out the team’s level of intensity as one of the key ingredients to their winning record, particularly in the oft-hostile road environment. The Blues’ collective hustle on the court is evident on the stat sheet. The team has won the rebounding battle in six out of eight games this season – a stat made more impressive considering their lack of a traditional rim protector patrolling the paint.

Much of the credit to the Blues’ rebounding prowess is reserved for 6’4 forward Greet Gill. As of Jan. 12, Gill is the only player in the PACWEST averaging a double-double, putting up impressive numbers of 23 points and 11 rebounds per game. Forward Niko Mottus has also been integral in the team’s work on the glass. Mottus has averaged a little over six rebounds per game for the season, and has added a layer of dynamism to the Blues by complementing his size and length with a smooth stroke from the threepoint-land.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM LOOK TO STAY HOT FOR STRETCH RUN Elite defence have Blues sitting atop the PACWEST conference

THE CAPILANO COURIER

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

Carlo Javier MANAGING EDITOR

As basketball’s oldest and truest adage goes, “defence wins championships.”

For the Capilano Blues women’s basketball team, emphasizing on their work on the defensive end has rocketed them straight to the top of the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) conference with an undefeated 10-0 record.

“Being the top defensive team in the PACWEST is actually one of our team goals this season,” said head coach Ramin Sadaghiani. “We may not always shoot the ball well or play consistent on offence but defence is something we can control every possession. Playing great defence usually leads to great offence by creating transition opportunities which results in easy points.”

8

The Blues have also demonstrated a level maturity and consistency under pressure.

The team has performed very well in second halves, and have won numerous come-frombehind games this season. “Our players have also shown an ability to adjust on the fly and receptive to coaching and adjustments at halftime,” said Kannemeyer. “Hence the fact that we have played much better in the second halves of games.”

Despite their impressive play in the latter half of games, Kannemeyer has called on his team to improve their performances in the first half. “Now we need to clean up our focus for the first half of games because many of our halftimes are more of a reminder of the game plan we are trying to execute from that week’s practice,” he said.

At 8-2, the Blues’ young season is not short on highlights and memorable wins.

The team pulled off an impressive comefrom-behind victory against the Langara College Falcons on Nov. 19, in the Falcons’ own home court. The win included a stifling

defensive pressure placed on the Falcons’ top flight floor general Ravi Basra, who was forced to commit nine turnovers in the game.

The Blues also pulled off a remarkable sweep of the island teams early in November by beating both the Camosun College Chargers and the Vancouver Island University Mariners in their own courts in the same weekend. The victory against the Mariners was highlighted by a spectacular defensive stand against top scorer Usama Zaid, who was held to a cold 3-16 shooting, for a total of 13 points. “No one wins at VIU, and we did, so naturally I would say that surprised me,” Kannemeyer said.

With the stretch run towards the provincial tournament just right around the corner, the Blues are looking to shore up any loose ends on their game plan to make sure that they maintain a desirable position for the playoff seeding. However, in keeping with the season’s theme, the Blues once again face another obstacle with the dismissal of forward Caden Rowland due

to eligibility issues. Rowland’s departure opened a starting opportunity for forward Jesse Mushiana in the Blues’ first two games of 2017, two games they won despite injuries to starting guard EJ Mabone, and temporary loss of two more players, also due to eligibility.

The offensive and defensive versatility that the Blues flashed early in the season have started to show their fruits as the team continue to gel together. For now, Kannemeyer is looking to tinker with schemes and maximize the group’s efficiency on both ends of the court. He also admits that starting better out of tip off could dramatically help their performance for the rest of the season. “Our coaching goal is to be the hardest working team in the league,” he said. “I also firmly believe that anybody can beat anybody in this league, nothing is a given.”

Amidst all the bumps on the road, the Blues still managed to put themselves in an enviable position as the second half of the season picks up. Now it’s up to them to capitalize on the opportunity.

The Blues’ defensive dominance can be attributed to their intense level of activity.

Their guards incessantly challenge the opposing team’s ballhandlers and their frontcourt players work to eliminate easy entry passes to the paint. Every Blues game is littered with deflections and opponents often find themselves struggling with turnovers and ball control. In an 8343 victory against the Quest University Kermodes last November, the Blues tallied an unbelievable 28 steals forcing a grand total of 38 Kermodes turnovers by the end of the game. Their defensive excellence isn’t only evident in their work with passing lanes and iso-defence. The Blues also utilize a smart and effective defensive scheme that has kept opponents to low shooting percentages from the field, including a paltry 19 percent from the three-point arc.

So far, no team has been able to score more than 60 points against the Blues’ fortresslike defence, and they have even held teams to below 40 points in some games, including a 77-32 beatdown against the Columbia Bible College Bearcats in November.

Offensively, the Blues have been no slouches either.

Sadaghiani admits that he wasn’t entirely sure how the team would come together with the graduation of veterans

Michelle Errico and Jen Palma, but their balanced attack and surprising depth have erased all worries away. “As far as scoring goes, we have a very balanced attack this year,” he said. “We currently have four players in the top 10 in scoring in our league.

We have shown that we are a very unselfish team and that we don’t care who takes the shot as long as its a good shot for our team.”

One of the big offensive developments for the Blues this season have been the uptake in their three-point shooting. In 10 undefeated games, the Blues launched 274 three-point attempts, while their opponents accumulated only 144. The boom in three-point attempts is akin to the historic surge of outside shooting happening in the NBA. The Blues may not be registering elite percentages on the board (29 per cent), but the number of shots they’re taking are causing undeniable ripples in other facets of the game. Shooters like Wertman, Sherrie Errico and Reiko Ohama have revelled in the green light that Sadaghiani has given them, while forwards Carmel M’Bikata and Karyn Nelson have dominated the post and the boards with the spacing that the shooting provides.

Another effective weapon for the Blues has been their depth. “I think we are one of the few teams in the league that can play their bench and not lose any momentum. In fact, there are many occasions where our

bench has played better than our starting five,” Sadaghiani said. The Blues have also been able to shuffle their lineups multiple times, and adhere their starters based on the matchup – an advantage that not many teams quite have.

Over the winter break, the Blues took some time off to accommodate final exam season, a break that Sadaghiani described to be much-needed as it gave the Blues “the opportunity to heal some bumps and bruises and refocus mentally for the grind ahead.”

The team went back to work in between Christmas and the New Year, even beating Keyano College of Fort McMurray 83-49 in an exhibition game on Dec. 29.

With eight games left before the provincial tournament, the Blues are looking to extend their fiery momentum and maintain the top position in the PACWEST. “I think the biggest challenge is to make sure we continue to work hard and not let all of the early season success get to our heads.

We have to remember that our work ethic, our ability to focus and our commitment to being our best every time we step on the court is what has gotten us to the point,” Sadaghiani explained. “The natural thing to do if you are in our position is to relax and lose sight of our overall goal. It is still going to be a grind and we have to continue to grow as a team on and off the court.”

@CAPILANOCOURIER

@CAPILANOCOURIER

/CAPILANOCOURIER

HOOP DREAMS Capilano alumni Demitri Harris is pursuing his professional basketball dream Justin Scott ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR

harder than ever on improving his game and learning how to play on his new team. “Getting here, it’s not a shock, I knew it was coming. With organized basketball, the challenge I have now is to start learning the defensive sets,” he said. Offensively, “I’m going to have to be more of a shooter,” he added. Many of his new teammates are former NCAA division one players or have played professionally in the past. For Harris, it’s now about “learning how to battle against these guys.”

It’s not just the offensive and defensive sets that Harris has to learn either – it’s the basics as well. He is focusing on improving his defense, and improving his play as a bigger guard.

“I’m still the 11th or 12th guy,” he said, “but I’m okay with that, as a rookie you have to realize that there’s a pecking order.”

While Harris is still in his first year and isn’t seeing major playing time as of yet, his future is promising. According to Harris, his new coach has already identified him as a “character guy”– a role that is just as important to a team as any on-court position.

Harris believes that over the next

few seasons he will be able to establish himself in the NBL and hopefully move on to a bigger league. “I’ve been thinking about El Salvador, Colombia, or Germany. I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself but I’d really like to see the world, with basketball as my catalyst,” he said.

However, at the single mention of the NBA’s Development League (D-League), Harris’s eyes opened wide and it was easy to see the possibilities going through his head. “The baller in me says I’d definitely want to go to the D-League, just to see how far I could go,” he said. “Someone might need a 12th man.”

For Harris, however, his community is the most important thing to him. He is undeniably grateful for the support he has received from the communities of the Downtown Eastside as well as the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. According to Harris, the most rewarding aspect of his success is coaching and inspiring the youth in his communities. “Seeing kids who never wanted to play basketball playing basketball now, that’s what makes it all worth it for me.”

9

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

organized basketball. At this point, he was also playing with local team SB Battle, who travel and compete against other high-calibre teams in the Pacific Northwest region. Through this, Harris was able to compete against the likes of the NBA’s Jamal Crawford and Isaiah Thomas. This was when Harris really realized he could compete at a higher level. He remembers thinking to himself, “If I can play with these guys, I could probably play anywhere.”

Harris’ game was maturing and so was he.

With a career as a basketball player seeming more plausible, Harris encountered what may be the defining moment of his pursuit to play professionally. The NBL cancelled the combine it had scheduled in Vancouver, with the next closest being in Winnipeg.

At this point, Harris had a decision to make, and a road trip to Manitoba it was.

After a successful outing at the Winnipeg combine, Harris found himself an offer to play for the Island Storm. With his life-long dream coming true, the now professional basketball player knew he would have to work

THE CAPILANO COURIER

For 26-year-old Demitri Harris, basketball is more than a game, it’s been a life-long love affair. “I wanted to play professional basketball my whole life,” he said, while Facetiming from a hot tub being shared by his new teammates.

Harris is currently in the middle of his rookie season in the National Basketball League (NBL) of Canada, playing for Prince Edward Island’s Island Storm. And while his future in basketball is brighter than ever, he almost never got this far.

A member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Harris grew up on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and has been playing basketball for as long as he can remember. “I have pictures playing basketball when I was a little baby,” he recalled. Growing up he played in several local youth basketball leagues – his mother even ran an open gym, which he would later help with.

Fast forward a few years, and Harris was playing collegiate basketball at Capilano University. Although he arrived with an abundance of confidence, his time with the Capilano Blues didn’t go as well as he had hoped.

“I was in that old mentality, I thought I was going to be the man right away,” he said. Unfortunately, the season was a disappointing one, with the Blues falling short of the playoffs. However, while the Blues season wasn’t one to remember, Harris had caught the eye of Saint Mary’s University, a Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) school.

“I was with coach Eberhardt [at Capilano] who’s a great coach. He advised me to stay another year, but I shipped off to CIS,” Harris recalled, “It was a little too soon, which was part of my downfall.” Harris could have gained a lot from spending another year at CapU, saying, “I could have learned so much more at that level.”

Looking back on that time, Harris said, “I was more of an open gym, pickup basketball kind of guy.” While he was still playing the game he loves, he was also enjoying other aspects of life that were distracting him from pursuing his dream.

He remembers the moment he heard about the NBL and the decision he had to make. “There was a point where I was training and I heard about the league.

I said to myself ‘do you want to smoke weed everyday or do you want to be a professional basketball player,’ and that’s when I kind of switched.”

From that moment on, Harris fully dedicated himself to the game, and was determined to achieve his goal of playing professionally.

He began training harder and focused on improving his play, transitioning it from a streetball style to that of

FEATURES

THE FINAL CHAPTER A look at the obstacles of a physician-assisted death in Canada

Christine Beyleveldt CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR

THE CAPILANO COURIER

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

Kay Carter had been suffering from spinal stenosis for years and knew she was going to become debilitated before she would die. Rather than wait until she was no longer in possession of her own body, the 89-yearold chose to die on her own terms. She left this world peacefully at the hands of a Swiss palliative care physician with her loved ones by her side.

Physician-assisted suicide was not legal in Canada at the time of Carter’s death, and as her condition worsened she knew she would lose the capacity to consent to have a physician assist her, so she travelled to Switzerland while she was still able-bodied.

“She had a premature assisted death because she couldn’t get one here in Canada,” explained Michael Begg, a professor of legal studies at Capilano University. "Some would say that the criminal prohibition killed Kay Carter, since it forced her to die years early."

Carter’s story made up the framework for the legal case, Carter v. Canada, which over a five-year period

would challenge the Harper government to reform the assisted suicide law in the Supreme Court of Canada.

Carter was able to die on her own terms, but many before her had been denied that right, and their stories date as far back as Canada’s founding.

The Criminal Code of Canada was written in 1892 according to the moral guidelines of Victorian society.

Protestant Christian worldview shaped legislature, and both suicide and assisted suicide were outlawed. The taking of one’s own life was an unforgivable sin, and those who were found guilty of it could not be buried in consecrated ground or ever hope to gain access to heaven.

In 1972, the law prohibiting suicide was repealed.

The right to refuse life-saving medical treatment or intervention was also introduced, giving people more autonomy over their health care. Assisted suicide was still illegal, classified as murder for which physicians could receive a prison sentence of up to 14 years, but support was growing with newfound understanding of detrimental ailments that were prolonging people’s suffering well beyond what they were willing or able to cope with.

In 1993, ALS patient Sue Rodriguez appealed for the right to die with a physician’s assistance. She argued that in not being allowed to seek help, the law circumvented section seven of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees any individual rights to life, liberty and security of person.

"The government can violate a Charter right – but only where the courts find the violation is ‘justifiable’,”

10

said Begg. People recognized that in denying Rodriguez the right to die, her personal autonomy was stripped away and in essence, the government claimed ownership of her body. The Supreme Court ruled that the state of the law was justifiable. “In 1993 there was a fear of potential abuse,” Begg continued, but the fear displayed by the courts was unfounded, because at the time there was no evidence to prove that the practice of euthanasia would go down a slippery slope.

Rodriguez ultimately took her own life with the assistance of an anonymous physician.

“The political parties had no will to change the law to allow assisted dying because it was such a political hot potato. Most Canadians didn’t have a strong opinion on it, liberals and conservatives were not eager to take proactive steps to change the law,” said Begg. Carter’s family challenged the law again in 2011. In the time since Rodriguez had gone to court, Oregon, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands had legalized assisted suicide and set up regimes to carefully monitor assisted death and ensure that the practice was not being abused.

The Canadian courts saw this and overturned the previous ruling, legalizing assisted suicide on Feb. 6, 2015.

Legalizing assisted suicide couldn’t be achieved overnight however, so the Supreme Court suspended the law for one year so regulations could be drafted. The Harper government put off writing the bill until Justin Trudeau entered office in Nov. 2015, and the Liberal government was hard pressed to draft euthanasia proceedings in time for the Feb. 6 deadline. The bill was further extended, and on June 6, 2016 formally became law, with regulations introduced on June 17.

“This is a legal right that Canadians have but if you don’t have a provider, you don’t have access, then you can’t exercise your right,” said Dr. Ellen Wiebe, a former full-service family doctor who specializes in women’s health and end of life treatment.

“When I discovered that the palliative care physicians, who normally would be doing the end of life care would not…have anything to do with assisted death, then I realized that there would be a need for providers and that I could be one.”

As one of few doctors who provide abortion services and euthanasia, Wiebe has risked her life to tend to patients. Those who she has treated have been extraordinarily grateful for her services, she explained, but certainly there have been others who have frowned upon her work.

In 1994, an anti-abortion terrorist shot her colleague, Gary Romalis. The attack put Dr. Wiebe at risk since she was known publicly. She received death threats and found herself having to wear a bulletproof vest into the clinic where she worked. Her young son was terrified, and it was his fear that caused her to wonder if her work was putting her children at risk.

Many abortion doctors who ultimately quit practicing did so because of threats or attacks made against themselves or their families.

Saddened that the stigma surrounding abortion never subsided as she had hoped, Wiebe pressed on and ultimately began performing end of life care for the same

reasons she had when she began performing abortions.

Wiebe was determined to provide a service that few others would because it was so steeped in stigma. She calls herself an activist for complete bodily autonomy.

Following the outcome of Carter v. Canada, Wiebe had one year to learn all of the skills she would need to administer euthanasia treatment. She travelled to the Netherlands and studied under doctors who had been practicing euthanasia for years. In Canada she set up a support group where doctors could learn and support each other in preparation for June 6 when the ruling became law.

Though she has observed far greater support in Canada for the right to die since then, Wiebe knows that controversy will linger for years to come. “The support is certainly solid, but there’s still lots of people who disagree,” she said, “and that will always continue, I think, because in the Netherlands where they’ve had decades of legal euthanasia they still have people who are against it.”

There are several activist groups in Canada currently speaking out against assisted suicide, including the Quebec-based Physicians’ Alliance Against Euthanasia.

The coalition has spoken out against assisted suicide on the basis that intentionally ending life is a complete contradiction of the goals of practicing medicine. Some anti-euthanasia physicians have affirmed that they will not be participating in the practice while activists have stated that they intend to reverse the law yet again and call for a total ban on assisted suicide.

The Carter v. Canada ruling stated that a physician’s decision to participate in assisted dying was a matter left to his or her own conscience or personal religious beliefs.

Abortion services are the same. A medical practitioner cannot be forced to provide a service that contradicts their personal beliefs. When there are no providers, a medical service that is a right guaranteed by law is made difficult if not impossible to obtain. Criminal law is mandated at the federal level and health care is regulated at the provincial level. A province can virtually outlaw euthanasia by making it inaccessible, which can be challenged in court on the grounds that personal Charter rights have been violated.

“There is potential to use the Charter to force a particular province to make assisted death more

accessible,” said Begg, but if a physician doesn’t want to see their patients die when they believe there is a chance of saving them, they can’t be forced to.

A primary fear is that people with non-debilitating or lethal conditions will give up living if an easy death is a viable alternative.

In Dec. 2012, Belgian twin brothers Marc and Eddy Verbessem died by lethal injection after finding out that they were going blind. Already deaf, they had no means of communicating with anyone but each other

@CAPILANOCOURIER

@CAPILANOCOURIER

/CAPILANOCOURIER

THE CAPILANO COURIER

and their close family. They had lived together all their lives, and their brother reported that they felt they had nothing left to live for. Knowing that they would never see the other’s face again, they couldn’t bear to go on living.

In a bizarre twist, an amendment was added to the assisted suicide bill just days after their deaths enabling minors and Alzheimer’s patients to receive an assisted death. Despite making their wishes clear, the Verbessem brothers were an unusual exception to Belgium’s laws since they were neither terminally ill nor suffering unbearable physical pain. A case of an able-bodied person with no degenerative disease killing themselves followed by additions that would allow children to die also is the slippery slope that legislators feared when judging Rodriguez v. British Columbia.

Another fear is that the sick or the elderly will feel burdened or be pressured into undergoing euthanasia by their relatives if their medical treatments are costing too much. To prevent abuse of the conditions that allow for assisted suicide, Wiebe assesses her patients before they can receive the lethal treatment.

“Certainly it’s part of our job to assess each patient and be sure that they’re not being pressured. I haven’t seen anything that made me worry,” she said. “Every one of them I am satisfied that we did the right thing and that their choice was a good one.” She consults with her patients, often with their families or support groups present, to discuss their illness and their wishes. She asks her patients about their relationships and monitors how they interact with their family members before making a final judgement. It’s a subtle but obvious way, she said, to be sure that their wishes are entirely their own.

Patients are also required to undergo a 10day reflection period before euthanasia will be administered. The reflection period was mandated to prevent patients from making hasty decisions after being diagnosed. “There’s two reasons we’re allowed to shorten up the time from the 10 day reflection period, and those are somebody’s in danger of losing capacity — losing the ability to consent — or in danger of dying in those 10 days,” Wiebe explained. “I’ve had people who are within 24 hours of death, for example, and those have to be done very quickly, and others spend a long time deciding. I had a patient who chose his date six months out… and he did live that long so he was able to die on the date that he had originally chosen.”

Since June 6, Wiebe has consulted with over 100 patients and assisted 40 of them in ending their lives on their own terms. “It is wonderful work. Doctors love having grateful patients and I have the luck of being able to do something that people really appreciate,” she said.

The battle for the right to die has hardly abated.

The regulations were written hastily so that they would meet the Supreme Court deadline of June 6, and as a result many Canadians believe the laws to be too restrictive. Safeguards such as the mandatory waiting period ensure that vulnerable people cannot undergo euthanasia before the terms of their illness have been fully processed, and two witnesses are required to attest to their wishes.

“The biggest of the flaws in the Trudeau government's bill, critics say, is that the Criminal Code only allows assisted death for those who are facing imminent death,” said Begg. Only those suffering from a terminal condition can seek assistance, omitting hundreds of people who are suffering irreparably but not likely to die.

People like Kay Carter, who would have lived in agony.

11

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

— CRISTIAN FOWLIE

Andrew Yang CONTRIBUTOR

THE CAPILANO COURIER

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

Telepresence technology has progressed rapidly in the past few decades.

Videoconferencing through Skype is one way of engaging with people so far away that you physically cannot be present with them. Thanks to our established digital world, distance is an irrelevant limitation to our ways of interaction.

We have headsets such as the Oculus Rift, Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear VR, HTC Vive, Project Morpheus and Trillenium allowing us to explore cyberspace as if we were in it.

As each year passes, the technological boundary separating the virtual and the physical world slowly breaks down.

It’s no longer a matter of when we will reach the level of technical advancements, but rather how we can safely converge our human minds into the growing Virtual Reality (VR) infrastructure, thus achieving a techno-organic harmony.

“VR can let you experience things that you normally would not be able to experience as if you were actually there,” said Raymond San, an avid consumer of this emerging technology. However, San still prefers to play “Street Fighter V” with his joystick controller, thus his usage in VR primarily focuses on video games. “I haven't tried anything outside of that,” he said.

12

USING VR FOR THE FIRST TIME For those who have yet to fully experience VR, imagine being in a realistic environment, fictional or not.

You can see your body in a brand new setting as programmed by simulation software and interactive hardware.

Within each environment, you are capable of creation, destruction, exploration and more. Leroy Wan, an employee of Nordstrom Pacific Centre, had no prior experience or knowledge about VR before. Thanks to the mall’s nearby Microsoft store offering free trials, Wan had the chance to sign up and equip himself with VR controllers and a headset. “It’s really detailed, it’s really powerful, it’s really visceral,” he explained.

With the HTC Vive equipped to his head, Wan was given the opportunity to travel underwater. However, he said there were still technical limitations that prevented him from feeling 100 per cent immersed in his surroundings. “The strange thing is, the [whale] would hit me, but I couldn’t feel it,” he recalled noting there was no advanced haptic vibration implemented within the HTC Vive. Yet, by omitting such a feature, it served as both an advantage and disadvantage. For those who are inexperienced with VR sensations like

Wan was, it won’t startle the player.

But, on the other hand, it prevents VR enthusiasts from engaging their sense of touch on top of their sight and hearing.

The concept of Virtual Reality can be found as early as 1935, created by science fiction writer Stanley G. Weinbaum’s short story “Pygmalion's Spectacles”. In

this story, the professor, Albert Ludwig, invented a pair of goggles that enabled all five of the main character’s sensory receptors. In Ludwig’s words, “You are in the story, you speak to the shadows and they reply, and instead of being on a screen, the story is all about you, and you are in it."

The one horrifying aspect of VR is that you know in your heart that the virtual space isn’t real, yet your physical sensations tell you otherwise. What if you are trapped in this artificial space forever, knowing that you will never

escape from it? This dreadful possibility is explored by pop cultural franchises such as “The Matrix”, “Inception”, “Assassin’s Creed”, or “Sword Art Online”. Some would adapt while others would rather be dead. But VR isn’t always portrayed as an apocalyptic setting; because not only do the main protagonists find their way to freedom, they often use their creative liberty to improve their surroundings.

ACQUIRING NEW SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE With virtual reality, you are free to create your own domain. When you have the power to be anywhere at any time, you can practically bend the laws of physics. In fact, that’s how you can distribute information to people from all over the continents. Instead of relying on sight and hearing to learn new curriculum, VR incorporates and engages our tactile sensations.

Remember how your game avatars could venture through uncharted territories and treacherous terrains without worrying about any consequences of death? In

a sense, that’s exactly what training simulators are used for by the military.

Whether the practitioners are from the air force, navy or ground infantry, they can execute their difficult routines without risking further casualties. VR offers the thrill of an exciting adventure without the risk of killing yourself. Yet, the graphics in VR still have a long way to go before it reaches the level of realism.

Robots are superior in terms of strength and endurance, but without the sophisticated human mind to teach them, they are only as good as what their programming permits them. When you combine VR technology with robotics, you can insert the organic imagination into a durable metallic vessel. Picture this: You get to walk, talk and open a can of whoop-ass like the Terminator or Robocop. Given enough research and development, military contractors would line up to have their personal defense force consisting of combat-ready soldiers. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to have both the body and mind of a killing machine.

But VR doesn’t have to be restricted to warfare; it can even be used to save lives. In April 2016, the very first VR surgery live-streamed the operating table at a 360-degree angle. Medical Realities is responsible for overseeing both VR and augmented reality as useful educational tools for future doctors and surgeons-in-training. “If you were watching a 360º video, you could feel as if you are actually moving with the camera,” said San. And thanks to VR technology, surgeries could be broadcasted without having to physically obstruct and disrupt the operation.

POSSIBLE RISKS AND HEALTH HAZARDS As with anything new and technologically groundbreaking, there are skeptics and concerned individuals who will question about safety protocols and potential health risks caused by VR. Without proper moderation, VR users are more likely to be inflicted with Virtual Reality Sickness.

Prolonged exposure can cause general discomfort, headache, stomach awareness, nausea, vomiting, pallor, sweating, fatigue, drowsiness, disorientation and apathy.

Wan also showed his disdain for graphic violence potentially causing post-traumatic stress disorder. “To be honest, if it was like a shooting game, I would definitely put on more than one trigger warning, especially if someone died,” said Wan, “Because you never know how people are going to react, especially when it’s like all your senses are being provoked.”

Based on his experience and recommendations, Wan would like to ensure VR beginners settle themselves in a low-stress activity such as gardening.

VR can be applicable in so many ways. It all comes down to the creative and innovative geniuses from fields such as engineering to psychology. The more we encourage people to partake in a leap of faith towards VR, the tighter we can weave together the fabrics of our concurrent reality and the everevolving virtual reality.

If you are interested in testing out our local VR, the visit Consumer Virtual Reality Expo on May 14, 2017 at Vancouver Convention Centre. Tickets are available at Consumer-vr.com.

THE CAPILANO COURIER

13

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

— VIVIAN LI

ARTS & CULTURE

A SITDOWN WITH MADELEINE THIEN Vancouver-born author to visit Capilano for reading of award-winning book Justin Scott ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR

Madeleine Thien’s Do Not Say We Have Nothing won the heart of Canada’s literary community in 2016. Her work took home not only the ultra-prestigious Scotiabank Giller Prize for Canadian literature and the Governor General’s Literary Award, but also found fans in Capilano University English instructors Dr. Brook Houglum and

SOMETHING IN WONDERLAND Vancouver artist unveils his debut project James Tevlin

THE CAPILANO COURIER

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

CONTRIBUTOR

Fresh off the release from his debut EP, Something In Wonderland, Vancouver rapper and producer Stevie Ross is constantly looking to refine his craft and push himself further.

Born in Brooks, Alberta, Ross comes from a diverse musical background. “I grew up listening to 70s rock, blues and soul, going through my dad’s record collection,” he said. Ross’s diverse musical taste has carried on from his childhood years and has influenced his current musical taste. “I pretty much listen to everything now. I’ve always been very open-minded with different genres,” he said. His rap style is indicative of his diverse musical upbringing and openness to different genres Ross has taken an interesting, alternative approach to rap. Throughout his EP you are exposed to unique, dreamy guitar samples and smooth jazzy drum lines that are melodically intertwined with Ross’s fluid vocals and creamy flow. The finished product is a raw, yet harmonic sound that is similar to that of Atmosphere. However, Ross has drawn his influence from different rappers, pointing out two specifically while mentioning his upbringing as well. “Moka Only was a big influence on the melody side of things when I first started making music, and Kanye West really influenced me to be more open and honest in my songs and the music I grew up loving gave me that soul,” said Ross.

When listening to Ross’s music, it is easy to see parallels between the melodic style of the legendary Vancouver rapper Moka Only, who is known for harmoniously matching his vocals to the beat in a fusion of singing and rapping.

Furthermore, Ross singles out global icon, Kanye West, and attributes his lyrical honesty to listening to West. Additionally, upon first comparison, similarities in production arise. West is well known for

14

Anne Stone, among other literary lovers.

Thien is a Vancouver-born, Montrealbased writer who finds inspiration in conversations with strangers, and she will be visiting CapU for a book reading and Q&A session on Thursday, Jan 19.

Do Not Say We Have Nothing fuses a number of intergenerational stories to offer a more personal and touching insight into China’s Cultural Revolution than many are used to. Thien’s work ambitiously and successfully takes on a complex historical subject.

“From the very beginning, we enter the story at a kind of crisis point,” said Houglum.

“One that’s contextualized in this larger, sort of historical view.” Readers are immersed in the story through old writings and journals brought to Canada by Chinese immigrants.

Throughout the work, Thien uses stories from different perspectives and time periods

experimenting with different, original instrumental samples, and could be seen as influencer for Ross’s production style.

Ross originally moved to British Columbia to stay in a recovery house, and while he was checked in he discovered his passion. “While I was there I met some friends that I started making rap songs with. From there I started singing and I realized that I could write actual songs,” recalled Ross. Rap would eventually become a platform for Ross to express himself, and a coping mechanism for a troubled past.

“Seeing a lot bad things early on in my life and struggles with addiction gave me a lot to talk about,” he added.

Since discovering his passion for rap music, Ross continued to hone his skill and would quickly emerge as a budding star in the Vancouver rap scene. Ross has since abandoned his rookie status in the scene and is no longer a stranger to Canadian rap. The Vancouver resident has expanded his reputation and has created connections across Canada.“I’ve been in the Vancouver hip hop scene for years. I know everyone involved and would say I’m pretty good friends with most of the artists and producers in western Canada,” he said. Those connections would prove valuable when Ross started partnering with different groups and performing on what was once Canada’s premiere music network. “I’ve been in rap groups with videos played on much music and watched them crumble for the better,” he recalled.

Ross started working on his own material and has officially unveiled his debut project, Something in Wonderland, a unique project that showcases his melodic flow and compelling production while coming to terms with the struggles he has overcome.

However, Ross has no plans on slowing down. “I want to keep pushing myself creatively to make different art and keep pushing my sound,” he stated. Ross wants to keep progressing and evolving, which should make his fans and followers excited for what he has in store next. But for now, we have Something in Wonderland, a beautiful project that offers a look into a life that has overcome struggles and turned them into art.

Something In Wonderland is currently available on iTunes and all other major streaming platforms.

to tell a greater story. Houglum went on to say that the story engages the reader from “an entirely different vantage point than any of us have [experienced] before.”

“It tackles it from a number of different perspectives that, towards the end of the book, converge on this great moment of conflict we are all familiar with and know little about,” said Houglum. For more insight into this, students should attend Thien’s upcoming reading.

“I think it’s exciting, it’s a nice opportunity for both creative writing students and the wider campus community,” said Houglum.

While the creative writing department organized the reading, it has something to offer to all CapU’s students. Thien has conveyed an important story by collecting the voices of a diverse selection of those involved in the narrative and has allowed their voices to shine through.

While the stories in Do Not Say We Have Nothing may pertain to a specific movement in history, the overall spirit of the work is much more than that. Thien highlights the importance of giving a voice to those who may otherwise not be heard.

For Houglum, the prospect of discussing writing style and strategy with Thien is intriguing to say the least. “I’m always interested in poetics and writing strategy,” she said. “I’m curious about how she approached the material.”

While writing style may not appeal to all of CapU’s students, it is worth nothing that Thien deeply researched her topic, meaning she could offer insights into researching strategies and techniques as well.

The reading will take place in the Library’s Aspen Room (LB 112) on Thursday Jan. 19, from 2:30 to 3:50 pm.

@CAPILANOCOURIER

THRILL SEEKER MOPA grad Carlos Macias is translating his love for horror to the big screen Carlo Javier MANAGING EDITOR

Carlos Macias was only seven years old when he saw his first horror movie. It was Tobe Hooper’s iconic Poltergeist, a film that spawned a legendary horror trilogy and grew to be considered as one of the finest offerings of the genre.

Macias was scared, as any seven-yearold would be – heck, anyone would be – regardless of age. He was also hooked.

That was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with horror for the 2016 graduate of Capilano University’s Motion Pictures Arts program. “Since then I’ve been going back to horror movies again and again,” he said.

Despite his love for the genre, Macias admits that, like anyone, he had to go through a psychological process of getting past the scare.

“I think at first, I saw it as a challenge to face my fears but as time went by, and I became less and less afraid, I started to appreciate them for the stories that they told and the truths that they revealed,” he said.

Today Macias is working on getting White Rabbit off the ground. It’s a psychological horror film that chronicles the story of a young woman’s first time being alone in a new house. Her experience is marred with paranoia and the mysterious presence of the Bunny Man. The short film is to be produced under the banners of Skoden Pictures, a production company comprised of other graduates of CapU’s MOPA program.

“I actually drew inspiration from a number of things when I was coming up with this film,” Macias said. “First off, there’d been an upswing of “home invasion” movies in the past couple of years, some great others not so great, and the challenge of creating my own unique take on that subgenre seemed like an interesting one to tackle.”

He also cites the influence of French

BUY U A DRANK Capilano University is in dire need of a school bar

new wave films like Martyrs and À l’intérieur, as well as The Babadook, Goodnight Mommy and Mulholland Drive as other sources of inspiration for White Rabbit.

One of Macias’ goals with White Rabbit is to avoid the tropes that tend to sabotage and befall horror movies. The genre has been notoriously diluted with stereotypes and repetition, and Macias understands that keeping it fresh is arguably his greatest challenge. “The horror genre is a minefield of clichés and most concepts have been done a million times but I’ve always held that the key to any concept is always in the execution,” he explained. “The real leg work comes in knowing and identifying those clichés so that you can either subvert them or go in an alternate direction to lead towards something really unexpected.”

One of the tactics he’s used to test the material he’s written is to routinely seek out criticism and opinions from his colleagues. He isn’t averse to testing the content on a small audience.

Currently in the developmental stage, Macias and the Skoden Pictures’ team have created a 20-day Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for White Rabbit. The endeavour ends on Jan. 19, and the team is looking to raise a total of $6,500 to cover all production costs.

“In terms of general film budgets, ours is pretty minuscule and we’re also working with a tiny crew but small crews allow for a faster and more straightforward workflow, and we’ve crunched the numbers enough that we’re confident we can deliver a quality film with the budget we’ve set for ourselves,” he said.

The backing of Skoden Pictures is part of the many collaborative lessons that MOPA students learn during their time at Capilano University. The team, composed of graduates Jacquile Kambo, Brittanie Thompson, Cuyler Frink and Giacomo Pastorino, has worked on shorts such as Pilferage, Such is Life in Esterovia and Kambo’s award-winning Help Wanted.

Each member of the crew revels in their own respective expertise. Macias and Kambo are focused on writing, directing and producing. Thompson excels in the art department, but also dabbles in

screenwriting. Frink is often the director of photography and colourist. Finally, Pastorino is tasked with responsibilities regarding sound design and picture editing.

“We’re all drastically different, each one brings something different and crucial to the table both on and off set,” said Macias.

The promising team also knows that success doesn’t come overnight, and acclaim for one or two films won’t always be a tinder to a sudden rise in industry cred.

“We’re aware of the reality that we will have to work lower level industry jobs for a while but Skoden helps keep us focused on our common goal and gives us an outlet where we can experiment and develop our

creative skills,” Macias said.

With White Rabbit still incubating and the script going through its final rewrites, Macias hopes that their Indiegogo campaign comes through with some muchneeded good news. Meeting their goal would keep the team right on schedule for the shoot, but falling short would lead to a reassessment of the project and the budget. The team can still, however, pitch the project to MOPA’s own Off the Grid project, albeit to a smaller audience.

Regardless of the result, Macias remains confident in his horror narrative, after all, he’s been honing his craft for nearly his entire life.

come to [the CSU] about." He cited the campus' “lack of culture” and socialization as driving forces behind the students’ requests for an on-campus bar.

In addition to giving the CapU community a needed injection of socialization, an oncampus bar could also offer student creatives a new platform from which they could share their work – a concept Kolstee and the CSU wholly agree with. From open-mic nights to gallery events, an on-campus space, like a bar, could facilitate showcases of CapU students that could boost support for the school's creatives. Nigel Ching, a CapU student and member of local band Jericho said that a space like a bar could create “the opportunity for artists to share their music in person and would bring a social and artistic life” at CapU. While many other universities have spaces for their student musicians and bands to perform, or artists to showcase their work, CapU is sorely lacking a space of this kind.

The school has theatres, but no open areas.

And, according to Kolstee, “the University

is not lining up to open a bar.”

Many students have approached Kolstee to express their desire for a campus watering hole. However, CapU’s senior communications advisor, Cheryl Rossi, said that the "University hasn't received a serious inquiry," pertaining to the issue. In terms of how a bar could benefit the school’s creative community or how its business model could be structured, Rossi declined to speculate on how a potential pub would operate.

Another barrier to the opening of an on-campus bar is the lack of existing infrastructure located on the CapU’s North Vancouver campus that has the potential to be an appropriate home for such an establishment. “Obviously, there's a lack of amenities on campus,” said Kolstee. He went on to explain that the CSU is currently in the early stages of planning the construction of their own building – one that would most likely have a CSU-operated bar in it.

“Building a student union building would allow us to house a campus pub within that building, probably,” said Kolstee. A student

bar is “definitely in the CSU’s long-term vision,” he added, but is not as crucial as student housing and a CSU building.

A sentiment expressed by both Kolstee and Rossi is that the student experience and culture of Capilano University could benefit greatly from student housing. Not only would housing create an exponentially greater opportunity for student socialization, it would also create a market and demand for a school bar. While the CSU is more than willing to aid the University in the process of actualizing student housing, according to Kolstee the responsibility of creating this housing falls on the school.

Such a space could help remedy one of the main struggles of being a commuter school – students come for class and leave right after.

“Aside from the drama and music programs, I think that Cap does a poor job at bringing arts into the institution,” said Ching. This habit has left a school with a creative and talented student body relatively cultureless. “The need for a campus pub is symptomatic of a bigger need for campus community,” said Kolstee.

15

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

While Capilano University may have a truly beautiful location, it is also lacking some of the key components to a thriving campus.

CapU has no on-campus bar, opting instead to strike a deal with Seymour’s Bar & Grill and make it CapU’s student bar.

Students are offered 25 per cent off food at Seymour’s, and not much more. There are no CapU student nights or events, aside from the occasional function, and there is an overall lack of appeal for students to go to Seymour’s.

According to the Capilano Students Union’s (CSU) vice president of university relations, Jullian Kolstee, "a student bar is something that students consistently

/CAPILANOCOURIER

THE CAPILANO COURIER

Justin Scott ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR

@CAPILANOCOURIER

SHORTS

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2016 STAFF PICKS

CARLO JAVIER, MANAGING EDITOR We Got It From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service – A Tribe Called Quest

KAYTRANADA – 99.9%

Not to Disappear – Daughter

R&B sound with reggae. Her songs “Kiss It Better”, “Work” and “Desperado” are still on rih-peat on my playlist this 2017. So, go on and take a bow, Mrs. Carter. Rihanna is now the new Queen.

You and I – Jeff Buckley

JUSTIN SCOTT, ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR

Strumbellas – Hope

As someone who grew up on punk, grunge and guitar solos, it surprised me that so many of my favourite albums of 2016 are from electronic and hip-hop artists. Even Radiohead, one of the few bands from the 90s to make the list, had a more orchestral feel. Only a Stadium Arcadium-inspired Chilli Peppers and a slightly less hipster, but just as catchy Lumineers album were good enough to make the cut.

Awaken, My Love! – Childish Gambino

Aidan Knight – Each Other

We Got It From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service – A Tribe Called Quest

A Tribe Called Red – We Are The Halluci Nation

Coloring Book – Chance the Rapper

July Talk – Quiet

The Life of Pablo – Kanye West

2016 wasn’t a terrible year in the world of CanCon. Canadian artists made some damn good music – albums you can sit alone in your room with in the early hours of the morning, listening until the sun comes up, until the frosty cold winter weather is ready to leave us to our own devices. If you’re not in the habit of listening to Canadian artists, The Strumbellas’ “Young & Wild”, Basia Bulat’s “Fool”, Allan Rayman’s “27” and July Talk’s “Strange Habit” will ease you right in. Get comfortable, folks.

We’ve still got a couple winter months ahead of us.

The Getaway – Red Hot Chilli Peppers Epoch – Tycho

Allan Rayman – Hotel Allan Basia Bulat – Good Advice

Blonde – Frank Ocean Coloring Book – Chance the Rapper A Seat at the Table – Solange Malibu – Anderson .Paak Awaken, My Love! – Childish Gambino 24K Magic – Bruno Mars It Is. – JMSN 99.9% - Kaytranada One Day All of This Won’t Matter Any More – Slow Club

THERESE GUIEB, COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER

Blonde – Frank Ocean A Seat at the Table – Solange A / B – Kaleo

Anti – Rihanna Malibu – Anderson .Paak

I’ve played 24K Magic every morning since it was released. Bruno Mars’ album just injects me with life and the only reason its not in my top five is because it has near-zero substance whatsoever.

Gambino was a late-year addition, but “Redbone” is the best song in the world outside of “Black Beatles”. Chance was probably my favourite album of the year but ATCQ was, without question, the best album of the year for me. Sorry, Kanye.

GABRIEL SCORGIE, FEATURES EDITOR

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

Colouring Book – Chance the Rapper

Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight – Travis Scott

Views – Drake

No, My Name is Jeffery – Young Thug

24K Magic – Bruno Mars

What a crazy year 2016 was. Music lost some of its all-time legends, many of whom offered some of their best work during the year; Beyoncé’s little sister released a better album than the queen herself, Donald Glover may have quietly dropped the album of the year and Anderson .Paak probably had the biggest year of all, with two top-10 caliber releases in Malibu and Yes Lawd! Overall, the year saw some truly great releases and has set the stage for another exciting year in 2017.

Awaken, My Love! – Childish Gambino Skin – Flume Collage – The Chainsmokers

Moon Shaped Pool – Radiohead

The Life of Pablo – Kanye West

Cleopatra – The Lumineers

Dangerous Woman – Ariana Grande

W:/2016ALBUM/ – Deadmau5

I’ve been crazy in love with Beyoncé ever since Destiny’s Child was born but she hasn’t been schoolin’ life lately, especially when she dropped Lemonade.

The overrated album quickly turned sour when Rihanna’s Anti was released. Anti showcased Rihanna’s Barbadian flare by inventively mixing her usual contemporary

Awaken, My Love! – Childish Gambino

THE CAPILANO COURIER

Man About Town – Mayer Hawthorne

Cloud Nine – Kygo We Got It From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service – A Tribe Called Quest

16

JESSICA LIO, OPINIONS EDITOR Wintersleep – The Great Detachment BadBadNotGood – IV Arkells – Morning Report

CHRISTINE BEYLEVELDT, CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR Collage – The Chainsmokers Collage – The Chainsmokers Collage – The Chainsmokers I was at a bit of a loss when asked to compile a list of my top ten albums from 2016, considering I got stuck with nine blank spots remaining. My favourite band is the Dutch classical rock group Within Temptation and they didn’t release anything new this year to my utter dissapointment. I did, however, thoroughly enjoy Closer by The Chainsmokers, so that’ll have to suffice.

CALENDAR

16 MONDAY

CHASE THE SUN YOUR CHOICE ALL MONTH / FREE This isn’t entirely a joke but it sure sounds like it. Chase the sun is a global, month-long fitness event that aims to collectively accumulate the 93 million miles’ distance we have from the sun by either walking, jogging, or running. You could even get a finisher’s medal if you sign up. No one actually goes to the sun because that would be stupid.

20 FRIDAY

IMPROVING CONCENTRATION

17 TUESDAY

MAPLE BUILDING, ROOM 122 12 PM / FREE We only had four of y’all show up last Tuesday so I’m hoping for a better turn out this week. Come and join the most inclusive and most exclusive club on campus, pick up an article or two, work with some truly joyous editors, add some hours to your practicum mandate, get paid, get published – shit, what more could you ask for?

HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT MEETING

18

WEDNESDAY

LIBRARY BUILDING, ROOM 322 10 AM TO 11:30 AM / FREE Not to be confused with Hulk Hogan, best-selling author James Hoggan is coming to CapU to present why the toxic environment of our public discourse might be a greater threat than global warming.

Personally, I think there tons of threats to humanity and none of them really has anything to do with discourse. I'm more worried about Cartems closing or vegans passing a bill prohibiting wings.

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW BC PLACE AND GRANVILLE ISLAND 10 AM / A SMALL FORTUNE I got to attend a boat party once this summer and all I’ve ever wanted since, aside from money and power, is to have my own boat party. I wouldn’t want to venture too far out into the waters though because I’m not quite ready to face the enormity of the ocean yet, but it would be pretty neat to bump some Metro Boomin on a little boat. I saw it on TV once.

THURSDAY

I looked up these guys before I wrote this and they are most definitely terrific. I had already caught about 14 minutes of one of their hour-long performances uploaded on YouTube until I realized I had to finish this calendar so that more people would know about The Bad Plus. I’m actually on the CapU website right now looking for a student discount for their show.

$20/$30/$40

I’ve never participated in Dine Out Vancouver myself because I’m a loyal member of a club called Dine In Coquitlam, a club ran by my parents, at home. This might be the year though. My resolution is to be just as hip when it comes to local restaurants as my coworkers over here. Having said that, please send your recommendations to 778-865-2649.

21 SATURDAY RIO THEATRE

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE ROSTER LOUGHEED TOWN CENTRE 11 AM / FREE The Lunar New Year is inching very close, so why not see some early season festivities in my hood. Celebrate the dawn of the year of the rooster, particularly the fire rooster according to the Chinese calendar. A fortune teller tells me that this won’t be the luckiest of years for roosters so be extra careful you roosters.

HARRY POTTERTHON WEEKEND RIO THEATRE 12 PM / $12+ As much as this sounds like a great idea, don’t forget the simple fact that you can do all of this within the comforts of your home.

You’ll even have the power to pause the movie if you gotta hit the bathroom, which in my case, happens every time Hedwig’s theme plays, which is to say every damn time.

22 SUNDAY

THE ART OF BREATHING YYOGA YALETOWN

2 TO 4 PM / $30 Yep, you read that right “The Art of Breathing.” You might be asking the same question that I’m asking, “I didn’t know there was an art to breathing?” Ludacris just told me to breathe in and breathe out. This is some next level shit. I don’t even know if the $30 fee to learn about breathing is a good deal or a bad deal. Is there really more to it than just inhaling and exhaling?

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT BEGINNER KNITTING SECOND NATURE HOME BOUTIQUE

6:30 TO 9:30 PM / $50 Well this is cool. Learn to make head wraps, maybe some mittens and probably some scarves with some locally-sourced all-natural knitting materials. For $50 for one session, I’d better learn how to knit a nice sweater too by the end of the day. Sound exciting?

Good luck, they’ve only got six spots left!

SPRING 2017 WITHDRAWAL PERIOD

THE CAPILANO COURIER

19

8 PM / $29+

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

FIR BUILDING, ROOM 205 4 PM TO 6 PM / FREE This is one of CapU’s finest, but lesser known programs. It provides a terrific avenue of education, and almost certainly, employment for applicants, and it’s definitely one of the more underrated programs that the school offers. *Don’t make Filipino jokes.*

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: JAMES HOGGAN

BLUESHORE THEATRE

DINE OUT VANCOUVER

LIBRARY BUILDING, ROOM 119 12 PM TO 12:45 PM / FREE There are a lot of these workshops on CapU’s calendar and you might not know it, but they’re free. I sure as hell didn’t know until about four months ago. I still haven’t gone to any of them, but this one on improving concentration just might be my first.

Maybe I’ll come away with tangible strategies and actually finish this calendar in a much more efficient manner.

COURIER STORY MEETING

THE BAD PLUS

CAPILANO UNIVERSITY ALL DAY / YOUR MONEY BACK If you happen to already have changed your mind about your courses, then don’t miss the very short window of opportunity to drop out and still get your money back. If you miss it and drop out anyway, well, the education system will just screw you over because of your mistake, which shouldn’t be anything new to you at this point of the game.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS VARIOUS PRICES The annual hot chocolate festival is back and gourmet specialty cups will be offered in more than a dozen cafes, bakeries and chocolatiers across the Lower Mainland. I think this is one of the best events that happens in town, particularly considering how damn cold it is outside. I just wish some kind of student group at CapU would give away a free hot drink on some mornings!

THE ART OF BREATHING

17

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

VANCOUVER HOT CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

OPINIONS

SIZING UP BC’S PROVINCIAL CANDIDATES Students gear up for another damn election Gabriel Scorgie FEATURES EDITOR

Winning over the student demographic as a politician should be the easiest part of a campaign.

We don’t ask for that much: a place to learn, a place to work, a place to live and a way to get from one to another.

We don’t particularly care about the lumber industry or the tax breaks given to film companies that decide to shoot here. As long as students can subsist in their own bubble, life is fine.

However, for the past number of years the BC Provincial Government has been smugly flipping students the bird and doing whatever they please. On May 9, students have a chance to fix that.

As it stands right now, life isn’t that great for people attending postsecondary. Transit sucks, tuition is hilariously expensive and if you want to move out of your parents’ house, you better be prepared to move in with at least two other people and still be willing to spend close to $1000 a month to have that privilege.

Now, not all of it is entirely the provincial government’s fault. That charming, floppy-haired Prime Minister of ours could put his shirt back on and pass a few laws to help students acquire grants and reduce foreign investment driving up the cost of living in Vancouver.

The issue with this election, much like almost every election that has taken place within the past six years, is that no option is good. Christy Clark is the current Premier of BC. People don’t like or trust her. The only real alternative

RUSSIAN DIPLOMATS EXPELLED FROM WASHINGTON

THE CAPILANO COURIER

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

A senseless act on behalf of the United States Christine Beyleveldt CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR

The year 2017 did not begin on a high note where international relations are concerned. After announcing that action would be taken against Russia for “hacking” the United States elections, the Obama Administration imposed new sanctions against Moscow and expelled 35 Russian diplomats from Washington.

The conclusion that Russia was involved in the outcome of the election was reached after several thousand emails taken from Hillary Clinton’s server were published in July, months before the election. Wikileaks editor-inchief Julian Assange has confirmed that

18

— DANTE MERCER

is the NDP and they didn’t exactly do a stellar job last time they had power in BC. The Green Party has no chance, but once again it’s so adorable they think they do.

As odd as it may be, BC is in a position that it could benefit from Conservative leadership, if only such a thing existed.

There’s a strong chance the Liberals will win the election again and that business will carry on as usual.

The problems students are facing now have been around for years – long enough that Clark could’ve at least feigned

interest in them before the election cycle began. Right now, the NDP is an unknown quantity. They say they want to fix the housing crisis, but they’re very unclear about how they want to tackle that problem, or any other problem.

Students have to help themselves out as well. Politicians listen to the voices of their voters, but only when the votes actually depend on it. In the 2013 Provincial Election, less than half of people aged 1824 voted. The only group that performed worse were people between 25-35 and a fair number of that demographic were

probably students as well.

If we want to be taken seriously, we have to offer something in return other than our age. Being cute and young helps you get free drinks; it doesn’t help change provincial policy.

For students, now is a good time to roll the dice on an unknown candidate.

As far as student issues are concerned, it can’t get much more difficult – and with the smiling bobble head in Ottawa, we can rest assured that Canada won’t implode while we’re paying off our apartment loans.

the emails came from a put out DNC insider and not the Putin administration, but so far the government and people of the United States seem inclined to believe that Donald Trump was the work of Russian spies, not their own frustrated voters.

Blaming Russia for Clinton’s loss is extremely childish and hypocritical of the Democrats who said that to not accept the results of the election would be undemocratic. “[Donald Trump] became the first person, Republican or Democrat, who refused to say that he would respect the results of this election. Now, that is a direct threat to our democracy,” Clinton said at a Manchester rally on Oct. 24.

The statement was made in reference to Trump’s previous announcement that he would not accept the outcome of the election if Clinton won. But Trump won the election, and the Democrats have refused to take responsibility for their own failed campaign, instead organizing protests and pinning blame on Russia.

On Jan. 6, the CIA released a declassified report on the extent of Russian hacking. “Russia’s goals were

to undermine public faith in the US democratic process, denigrate Secretary Clinton, and harm her electability and potential presidency,” the report reads. “We further assess Putin and the Russian government developed a clear preference for President-elect Trump.”

However, the report fails to disclose any solid evidence that Russia was directly involved. It’s strange that the CIA would make an announcement that the failed election was Russia’s fault, and then follow up by providing no substantial evidence.

Personally, it sounds like a cover up.

The CIA is keeping American citizens in the dark until such time as they can manufacture false evidence, like the multiple Russian IP addresses found in the DNC system. It’s worth noting that IP addresses can easily be falsified through the use of a virtual private network.

Stating confidence in Russia’s involvement and motives is not proof that it is true. Yes, Russian propaganda deprecated Clinton, yet the American media has slandered Trump since the day he announced his presidential

campaign. Russia clearly wanted Trump to win, but even if Putin was somehow involved in the leak of Clinton’s classified emails, they contained crucial information that reflected the truth about the rigged DNC primaries. The information was not false, and arguably vital to the campaign. The real threat to democracy is concealing relevant information from voters.

Clinton lost, and it’s about time Americans and Canadians who have protested it accept the result. Trump will be president, and in trying to undermine that result by pointing fingers at Russia, we are only poking the sleeping bear that is Putin.

War with Russia is the last thing anyone needs. There hasn’t been an act of aggression against Russia of this scale since the Cold War, and expelling diplomats from Washington is just one of many missteps. Putin has stated that he won’t retaliate against Obama’s actions, but he won’t accept American hostility for much longer. After all, it's not like the United States has ever interfered with foreign political process before.

@CAPILANOCOURIER

THE PROBLEM WITH THE “MILLENNIAL PROBLEM” Why the viral video’s arguments don’t hold up Justin Scott ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR

The Internet is a crazy place. It’s the birth place of trendy new phenomena and viral sensations. One of the most recent viral videos millions of Millennials are going crazy about is, ironically, Simon Sinek’s talk on the “Millennial problem”.

As Sinek puts it, Millennials were “dealt a bad hand”. The main issues, he claims, are that Millennials are entitled due to the way their parents brought them up, they are impatient and addicted to technology, plus the environment they are expected to work in isn’t suited to them. While at face value he makes some valid points, his overall message is misguided and frankly, very privileged.

@CAPILANOCOURIER

First, let’s identify who the term “Millennial” applies to. By definition, a Millennial is a person reaching young adulthood in the early 21st century.

When you think of it that way, this term seems very broad. Sinek’s discussion overlooks those who fit the description yet live in developing regions of the world, who may not even have access to technology, or who may have a serious lack of rights and freedoms due to a vast range of circumstances. In Sinek’s view, the term “Millennial” seems to apply only to those who live in developed regions of the world and who have enough money to treat technology as a right rather than a privilege.

Millennials growing up in poor socio-economic situations, dealing with poverty, discrimination or lack of access to education likely don’t believe that “they can have anything they want in life, just because they want it,” as Sinek suggests. Even Millennials who are privileged enough to have bright futures may not buy into this. For example, many young women still question how far they will be able to advance in a maledominated work force, especially if they do not conform to society’s ideal of what a “career woman” should look and act like.

/CAPILANOCOURIER

While it’s true that the upbringings of many Millennials may have instilled a sense on entitlement, this generation certainly isn’t the first to deal with the issue of people who expect to get what they want simply because they want it.

In contrast, for many Millennials, believing in their dreams and having a strong work ethic is what allows them to achieve what they want in life. This is made possible largely in part by technology. Silicon Valley exists because of young entrepreneurs who had dreams and decided to chase them. Their success is both owed to and enabled by technology. It’s because of technology that humans can communicate and build relationships with each other instantly, no matter where they are.

Sinek can say that “too many kids don’t know how to form deep and meaningful relationships” but he fails to address the fact that some Millennials live in communities where they won’t be embraced or accepted for who they are, where the meaningful relationships they seek are off-limits because of social norms or bigotry and hatred. But those millennials can find acceptance in online communities. Millennials who live in communities where their personal goals

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PAPER COFFEE CUP Our obsession with convenience has a bigger impact than you think Layla Kadri CONTRIBUTOR

— TAYLOR LEE

corn-based materials are compostable.

The real difficulty with disposing of paper cups lies within the highly bonded plastic and paper. These materials are recycled using different methods but many government-recycling programs do not have the technology yet to separate the bonded paper and plastic.

As Canada’s largest city, Toronto still isn’t able to recycle paper coffee cups through its blue bin government recycling program. They can recycle most plastic lids and cardboard sleeves, but most coffee cups are sent to the landfill. While some private companies

19

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

cup waste in Toronto, bringing focus on major corporations Starbucks and Tim Horton’s. Despite both companies’ stated commitment to recycling, the vast majority of recycling bags – full of paper cups – at multiple locations were sent to landfill.

Customers aren’t properly informed on how to dispose of the cups, but coffee companies can also be mistaken about what is biodegradable or compostable.

Many assume their cups are composed of only paper, even if the interior is still coated with plastic, not knowing that only true plastic alternatives such as

and government recycling programs, such as Vancouver’s regional recycling, are using the proper technology to recycle these cups, there is still no international solution to the disposal of the paper cup.

Some governments and municipalities have debated adding a tax on paper cups, similar to what was done in many places with plastic grocery bags. Of course, this prompts backlash from consumers and businesses. It also doesn’t stop the real issue of these cups being sent to landfills and of the complete lack of knowledge from the general public.

Slowly, alternatives to the traditional paper cup are emerging. Frugal Pac is creating plastic moulds separate from paper moulds and Reduce. Reuse. Grow. is making plant-based cups embedded with plant seeds.

In the meantime, any person can make a change by using a reusable travel mug.

When you must use a to-go cup, properly dispose of it and share the knowledge of how to do so. In BC, the cup and lid go in the “containers” bin, while paper sleeves go in the “mixed paper” bin.

The next step would be to raise awareness about the issue and let businesses know your standpoint. While many coffee shops, including Starbucks, do offer discounts for customers who bring in their own travel mug, it’s not always advertised.

It is also disappointing that Chartwells doesn’t advertise the possible savings and positive environmental effects of bringing a reusable mug. At our cafeteria and Tim Horton’s locations, students can save 10 cents. At Good Earth Coffeehouse, you're only charged for a small regardless of the size of your mug.

With businesses and consumers taking measures to mitigate waste, the needed shift from a single-use society to one that’s more conscious of its waste is possible. So bring a large re-usable mug, save your self some money and save a cup from the landfill!

THE CAPILANO COURIER

The common disposable paper cup lives in its natural habitat of city sidewalks, landfills and confused recycle bins.

Despite popular belief that paper cups are easily disposable, it takes more than 20 years for the paper part of a cup to decompose. The interior plastic coating ,which makes up five percent of each cup, breaks down into fragments of non-biodegradable plastic.They contaminate the soil and disperse into the environment, causing detrimental effects to organisms. In 2017, this is more important than ever.

Unfortunately, many people who get their beverages in a paper cup don’t even leave the café. When baristas don’t bother to ask if the drink is to stay or to go, the chance to save a paper cup is lost.

In America, 400 million cups are consumed daily. Starbucks alone accounts for approximately four billion cups globally each year. The convenience of paper cups is so appealing that many don’t even consider where their cup ends up. With coffee companies releasing decorative cups every season, we even treat them as an attractive accessory.

According to CBC News, Canadians used an estimated 1.5 billion disposable coffee cups in 2010. That number continues to rise due to the common misconception that “paper” cups are recyclable.

In 2015 and 2016, a CBC Marketplace investigation series examined paper

are rejected can find support online that leads to success in real life.

It’s ridiculous for Sinek to state that the onus of solving these issues is not on Millennials themselves, but on corporations. Millennials now have the ability to bypass the corporate system by simply getting together with a group of like-mined peers and creating a start-up.

These endeavours range from not-forprofit organizations to tech companies and traditional small businesses.

Corporations may try to adapt their ways to attract the younger generation, but Millennials don’t need corporations to find success in today’s world.

Overall, Sinek’s points sound valid and agreeable: millennials’ lives are overly integrated with technology and far too many have an attitude of entitlement. However, he neglects the social and economic realities of so many millennials who simply don’t fit his description and chooses instead to insult an entire generation.

Millennials may not have it as easy as past generations, but they also have endless possibilities and potential. They shouldn’t buy into the idea that they’re somehow owed a correction because of this guy’s flashy oversimplified rhetoric.

COLUMNS

Max Ley COLUMNIST

THE CAPILANO COURIER

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

DONAIR + 2015 SANDHILL CHARDONNAY

20

Christmas has come and gone. Your time eating turkey (or tofurkey), mashed potatoes, stuffing, veggies and other yummy things at some Holiday feast is over. You're back on a budget, back at school and still trying to hold onto that, "No more booze, I swear" promise you made to yourself. But let's be real. You're barely a week in, and those morning classes are starting to wear on you hard. We need some big, filling food and a few glasses of wine to get you through these first few weeks.

After doing this column for a semester and a half, I have gone through many of the classic student foods and coming up with new ideas and pairings has grown tougher. However, I ended up deciding on a delicious donair.

Turkish in origin, these big pockets of goodness are filled with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, big piles of meat, while coated in hot sauce, tzatziki and garlic sauce. Filling, delicious and dirt cheap, donair is a classic late night meal, (also considered a famous provincial dish of Nova Scotia) and I wanted to see what I could pair with this heavy, yet rather fresh meal.

The wine of the evening, much to my great delight, ended up being a BC white from the well-known winery, Sandhill. The 2015 Sandhill chardonnay from Kelowna was a big award winner a few vintages ago and I was curious to see how it has been faring recently, and at $15.99 on the shelf at your local Government liquor store, it's a bargain.

My goal with this wine pairing was to find a bit of a brighter chardonnay, with just a hint of oak to round it out and this yummy white was ideal. A bright bouquet of pineapples and crisp green apples comes out of the glass with a faint waft of honey and vanilla. Its nose is bright and fresh and a total delight.

Mouth-wise it's a lovely medium body, and rich with flavour. Bright lemon and peach flavours are matched by

crisp apples and deep vanilla. A long, lingering finish with notes of spicy oak rounds out this wine beautifully. If I had to critique the wine at all, it's on the verge of being a bit too fruit forward for what I was looking for, but it's not as heavy as a massively packed Californian chardonnay. Delicious all the same and another great example of how our province is just killing it at the wine game right now.

Most importantly, how did the donair do with this BC white?

Donairs are interesting as they are a complex combination of bright freshness from the veggies, a sweetness from the tzatziki and heavy meaty savouriness from the meat. There's a lot going on there. I decided to choose lamb for my meat choice and dove head first into trying out this pairing. This combination was an interesting one. All the elements were there for this to have been a perfect marriage and yet it wasn't quite there. The wine was fresh and bright, but it almost felt like it was a bit too much for the dish. The tropical fruit of the wine was ideal and augmented the fresh vegetable notes of the donair.

The light acidity of the wine was ideal cutting through the meat, and the round honeyed vanilla was able to accompany the myriad of sauces within the wrap.

Although there were many flavours all taking up space within the wrap, none of them were necessarily strong enough to stand up to the wine. The Chardonnay just was a touch too rich and full. This pairing featured a fantastic wine with a great dish, but they just didn't mesh perfectly. It felt like the wine just got a few punches too many on the donair. The tropical fruit of the wine did, however, bring out a lot of the bright freshness of the wrap and I think that was the main highlight of this pairing for me.

Thanks again for reading and be sure to shoot me any suggestions of what you'd like to see me pair a wine with! You can find me on Instagram and Twitter at @sipsiphurray!

@CAPILANOCOURIER

OH THE PLACES YOU'LL NO St. John's, Newfoundland Fred Ulrich Jr. COLUMNIST

Part San Francisco, part Olympic luge track, you will find St. John’s on the East Coast of Canada, in the province of Newfoundland and that other place that’s named after a dog. Or is the dog named after it? Meh. Count on me to give absolutely zero shits about Googling that for you. You’ll just blame me for sending you down a rabbit hole of adorable pet pics in the middle of your Accounting class.

Anyways, this mess all started when my passport expired over the holidays. I had been, up until that point, tolerating a series of family visits with the intentions of making my escape to Thailand or Morocco once tempers flared and leftover turkey disappeared. But when I checked the date on my documents, it became clear I wasn’t going to be travelling anywhere outside of our national borders. So, I picked a destination on Canada’s opposite coast, which also happened to be the easternmost tip of North America.

Of course, with winter travel comes flight cancellations, departure delays, icy runways and other supplementary bullshit. That’s precisely how I found myself sitting on a rerouted plane in Gander, NL at 1:30 am Atlantic Standard Time eating a makeshift holiday feast purchased from an airline service trolley.

The fact that I managed to procure five mini tubes of Pringles and a litre of apple juice from a Newfoundland-born flight attendant rather than starving to death is nothing short of a miracle.

Let’s just say I made more sense of the French in-flight announcements than I did of whatever dialect of English she was speaking, and that I survived a week in St. John’s using nothing but

REIGN VANCOUVER Switching Roles Marissa Del Mistro COLUMNIST

/CAPILANOCOURIER

and entire wings of their bakery section set aside for sugar-laden delicacies of the Wagon Wheel variety. Beer and fireworks are sold from locked chicken wire pens in the middle of corner stores, and I must say, Newfoundland’s infatuation with hunting camouflage might just rival BC’s obsession with Lululemon. Seal meat is also a thing, but only in season, and thankfully this wasn’t the season.

Did I mention they also have a place named Dildo, about 64 kilometres outside of St. John’s, complete with its own Dildo & Area Interpretation Centre? You can’t make this stuff up.

That was a common trend in each unique interview thus far. Artist Ali Bruce emphasized the positive shared inspiration she participates in with other Vancouver based creatives. She is passionate about city wide canvases and how community and art development relies on having public spaces. Her art work continues to grow on many canvases, including Vancouverites’ bodies in the form of tattoos. Musician Isaac Jeffs has a passion for art inclusiveness. His band, Spruce Traps, believes in unique venues and free shows to encourage audience participation and showcasing artists. Their beautiful songs highlight memorable and idiosyncratic sound samples heard around Vancouver.

The conversations I’ve had have also recognized diversity and inclusion in a masterful path seeking commonality, to develop a stronger sense of community.

Humans are wired for it. Understanding diversity is composed mostly of the understanding that intrinsically, we

are all seeking harmony. Per CJ Rowe, executive director of Qmunity, this comes from expanding one’s knowledge of other people. They reminded me that “we all come with our own frame of reference, our own lived experiences.” To empathize with other unique adversary is an important tool to view not only Vancouver but other communities in our world in diverse and sympathetic manner.

The individuals that I have spoken with thus far, have different mediums they’re sharing with the city. Jointly, they’re radiating a rare form of positivity and breathing nuance into their definitions of happiness and inclusion.

They’ve agreed to strive for unconditional acceptance with the permission to be their authentic selves. They choose to surround themselves with people who lift them up and a city that provides the space and environment for cultivation.

DJ Sara Sukkha is unapologetically herself, delivering unusual, unexpected sounds in a confident manner. The

FRED’S LOCAL SUBSTITUTE: Drive to the grocery store and purchase a large package of beef jerky. Make sure to cut off at least seven people on your way to and from the store. Once home, submerge jerky in salted water for a minimum of 48 hours before consuming. (It’ll be a while, so maybe drink some Screech while you wait.) If conversing with other members of the public, be sure take the most obvious vowel sounds and replace them with your second or third choice. Adjust pitch and speed as needed, for emphasis.

Vancouver venues where she spins are overwhelmingly welcoming with open, likeminded and kind people surrounding her. It creates a friendly atmosphere for her to share her passion of music. Singersongwriter, Sanford, concurs that there is a strong sense of musical community found in Vancouver. Sanford enjoys being a strong female musician and consistently reassured and supported by those she collaborates with.

Sprinkling positive news is refreshing.

All too much we are bombarded with stories of community members who aren’t responsible for meaningful contributions. Flipping that around is a significant way to change the view on the city. These people are making Vancouver a more interesting place to live, simply by pursuing what they love doing. They’re inspiring connection and bringing people together. Ideally, as interviews continue in the new year, it will inspire readers to realize how intoxicating local culture can be.

21

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

sign language.

I also survived a week without my luggage because, well, I flew Air Canada again. Yay. Bright and early the next morning, I headed to Costco to pick up some basic essentials before the pickled contents of my undergarments made me a leper in a city of only 100,000. I don’t think I’ve ever been cut off in traffic as many times as I was during that five-minute drive to and from the hotel. It was like one of those driver’s training courses where the cardboard cutouts pop up at random, but with actual humans, animals and vehicles. The amount of brute force and ignorance I observed during my stay was equally hilarious and terrifying, providing a caricature of the ‘Newfie’ stereotype to a degree I never could have imagined.

While in Costco, I took stock of a few sizeable differences in products. The abundance of toboggans, mattresses and two-kilogram buckets of salted meat was impossible to ignore, but unless you’re referring to the people, vegetables were an entirely different story. Because 90 per cent of produce is grown outside the province, nearly everything is shipped in by boat.

Understandably, things like lettuce and herbs aren’t too fond of that journey and will generally arrive in shambles. I learned this the hard way after attempting to order a garden salad at one of the 26 local Tim Hortons locations in the area.

“A what now?” replied Denise, a sleepy-looking teenager who was making her best attempt at tending the front counter.

“A garden salad.”

Silence. Baffled silence.

“A ga…” she said, craning her head around the POS kiosk and looking upward as if to double-check the menu board. “Oh. You mean the gairden sellid.”

From that point on, I made a mental note to stick to the more stable food varietals, or at least things that were easier to mime. Newfoundland’s supermarkets have aisles upon aisles devoted to frozen, pre-packaged foods

THE CAPILANO COURIER

I love to hear the stories of innovative talent and luckily, Vancouver is home to an array of gifted community members. Until this column, I have been on the other end of interviews. I’m not new to having stressful questions launched my way at a rapid fire, while I nimbly navigate how to answer them authentically. Getting to switch roles and ask the questions (in a stress-free manner, I promise) has allowed me to observe a lot about this city.

Community vitality and quality of life are linked closely to opportunities for cultural engagement, expression, diversity and overall creativity. To ensure these people and events exist in a place, it must be nurtured and shared.

@CAPILANOCOURIER

COLUMNS

GET ON UP Adventures in selfsabotage and redemption Aidan Mouellic COLUMNIST

Self-awareness is given too much love.

Knowing oneself may be a crucial skill for growth and becoming a better person but looking inwards is also uncomfortable and painful – this is the bedrock that depression and anxiety are built upon.

We praise self-awareness as if it’s a painless process, but for me, I go to great lengths to do anything but spend time with myself – which is ironic, since I value my alone time and spend most of my time alone.

Throughout this semester, I will be heading a column where I explore my

efforts towards overcoming the selfdefeating behaviour that has been ever present in my life. I understand potential questions about whether I’m doing this for attention and praise as the writing world is abundant of people milking their personal lives to develop their brands, but hear me out – it’s really beyond that. I’m doubtful of all and everything – most of all, myself. I’m doing this to hopefully make others (and myself) feel less alone and to selfishly keep myself on task.

It’s human nature (for those with healthy self-esteem) to think that we’re unique and special, but we’re not. When you spend most of your life living inside your own head, it’s easy to imagine that you're the only one dealing with whatever it is you're dealing with.

Chances are, there is someone on the planet going through the same trials as you, if not worse. It might be in Sierra Leone or it could be the person whose been sitting across from you in class,

semester after semester. Hopefully by sharing my struggles and efforts at overcoming them, I can help others, while also easing my own shame and guilt at being a failure.

My main nemesis is mental illness.

For anyone who has dealt with or is dealing with mental illness, those two words do little to describe the chaotic inner life one leads in contrast to the tranquil exterior often exhibited. I’ve experienced periods where it was completely disabling and periods, like the present, where I’m functional but also sabotaging my own health. Perhaps our best enemies are ourselves.

We grow by making ourselves uncomfortable. My efforts at seeking comfort have backfired and have led to the worst mental state that I’ve been at in years. I’ve adopted addict (denial still probably prevents me from using that word in describing my own self-defeating activities) behaviour in seeking comfort. Upcoming columns

will delve deeper into specifics, but a few years back I was a skinny, fit and overall healthy person whose only vice was sugar. Under the right circumstances, drugs and excess are great — if you live fast and that lifestyle is working for you, I applaud you. My efforts in using weed, junk food, seclusion, Internet, sex, alcohol and essentially doing everything you’re not supposed to do to combat clinical depression have not resulted in happiness, they’ve unsurprisingly resulted in me being unhealthy, both physically and mentally. Perhaps the only confidence I have is the delusional confidence that I’m somehow exceptional and don’t need to abide to the rules of living to be able to function well.

I don’t care that it’s the new year, it doesn’t matter when you start to change, so long as you start. Hopefully you decide to join me on this journey towards redemption. It’s not about me — it’s about all of us living under that warm blanket of guilt and shame.

GET RICH OR DIE TRYIN' On the search for a relatable career postgraduation Andrew Yang

THE CAPILANO COURIER

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

COLUMNIST

Students who know me have said that I kind of sound like the Chinese Morgan Freeman. Too bad you can’t hear my gorgeous baritone voice through the newspaper. That’s okay, because what ultimately matters is that I start an icebreaking introduction between you and myself – just like your ideal job interview.

This column is centred on my continuous struggle in finding a livable wage in Vancouver. I’m neither dirtpoor (relatively speaking) to the point of living inside a dumpster, nor am I a spoiled rich kid like those darn Lamborghini drivers with the N sticker on the back. What you will be getting from this column is the honest experience of working in multiple part time jobs, and the ongoing search for a stable career. It can range from soulless menial chores to decent life lessons.

There’s that cliché that to get a job, you need experience and to get experience, you need a job. I’m no exception to the perpetual cycle of unemployment and low-wage gigs. Do you ever feel as though for all your fancy writing and welldecorated descriptions of yourself, your online applications are either ignored or sent straight into the garbage chute?

Oh, yes indeed, I know that frustrating feeling. I took a few workshop sessions, and according to Millennial coach Ashley Stahl, 80 per cent of jobs that are available aren’t even posted online. In fact, if you don’t have decent networking skills or insider’s connections, you can forget about landing your dream job in this current economy.

Then again, my dream job isn’t always a constant. It changes from one career into another due to personal reasons.

22

— FIONA DUNNETT

For example, I always wanted to be a police officer when I was in elementary school. But the problem is, I’m too scared of getting shot with bullets, so I opted to become a doctor. Again, that has changed after I failed my high school biology provincial exam. Luckily, my family understands enough that I don’t want to become a medical stereotype. So, what exactly do I want to be when I grow up?

I took my communications practicum last summer – I figured that it’s better

to gain real life work experiences than writing a thesis paper that I’ll probably never mention again. Through the combination of my communications professor’s job recommendations and my high school buddy’s circle of friends, I could land a few interesting gigs. Truth be told, I wouldn’t have been so motivated in finding a job if my credit card payment deadlines weren’t looming around the corner. I know that debt itself isn’t going to be forgiven, so it’s about time I learn

how to survive in a money-driven society.

Oh yes, I would like to inform you guys that I haven’t held any one vocation for more than four years. So instead of writing a drab description of an office cubicle job, my column will chronicle a short series of my miscellaneous employment experiences. While some of them are a one-time deal, others are lengthier and more immersive. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a job interview to attend.

HUMOUR

A HOME DIVIDED Family tensions rise after re-gifting allegations Gabriel Scorgie FEATURES EDITOR

VANCOUVER – What started as a Merry Christmas is now on the verge of tearing the Norton family apart.

Capilano University student, Sarah Norton, thought her sister, Nikki, had gotten her a nice pair of earrings. “At first I had no idea. None of us did. Mom and Dad both commented on how nice they looked too,” said Sarah, fighting back tears. “We trusted her. She had us all fooled.”

Sarah said Nikki would’ve likely gotten away with it, if it wasn’t for Christmas dinner getting cancelled.

The surprise snowstorm that hit the city prevented her grandparents from coming over, so they postponed until New Year’s Eve. “I wasn’t going to wear them for Christmas dinner because I knew they would start to hurt,” explained Sarah, “but between then and New Year’s I was able to get used to it.”

According to Sarah, the night started off well. She wore her earrings and a dress. It all changed once her grandparents showed up. “When they got there, I ran straight to the door

to give them a hug,” she recalled. It was then that my Grandma, Pauline, noticed my earrings. “I asked Sarah why she was wearing Nikki’s earrings,” said Pauline. “She looked at me, confused, and told me Nikki got them for her for Christmas.”

At first, Sarah didn’t believe her Grandma, thinking she just mistook them for another pair. “It wasn’t until she told me the brand that I started to think it was true,” said Sarah. “Those were the earrings I got her last year.

The little shit.” remarked Pauline.

“We thought we raised her better than that,” said Howard Norton, father of Nikki and Sarah. “However, we feel like Sarah really needs to get over it,” added their mother, Deborah Norton.

“Mom and Dad are trying to avoid conflict as usual,” said Sarah. “They never want to pick sides, and my Dad is terrified of confrontation.”

“I love my boy Howard, but he is spineless,” said Pauline.

Sarah maintains that the reason she is upset with Nikki is because she feels it was a lazy gift. “Don’t get me wrong, I still think the earrings are beautiful.

Whoever picked them out did a great job,” said Sarah, “But I spent hours finding the perfect dress for Nikki. She spent what, five minutes grabbing some jewelry out of her dresser? I thought I was worth a bit more than that to her.”

Despite the multiple allegations, Nikki still stands firm that she hasn’t

re-gifted anything. “I would never do something like that. I still wear the earrings grandma got me all the time,” she said. When asked to provide proof she still owned the earrings, Nikki was unable to do so.

“I know the brat did it,” said Pauline.

“I remember when I gave them to her she didn’t seem too impressed.

Probably weren’t punk enough.”

As it stands, negotiations are at a standstill and this crisis doesn’t seem like it will be resolved anytime soon.

Professors are hoping this won’t affect either sister’s performance in class, and neighbours are crowdfunding a Kickstarter to bring in a professional negotiator to end this madness.

MASTER OF DIGITAL MEDIA

Industry-Focused Master’s Degree Graduate from 4 Major Universities Competitive Scholarship Opportunities

INFO SESSION JANUARY 25

THE CAPILANO COURIER

Is this innovative program the graduate degree for you?

JOIN US ON JANUARY 25, 2017 at 6 PM CENTRE FOR DIGITAL MEDIA 685 GREAT NORTHERN WAY VANCOUVER, BC Register online at thecdm.ca/info-session

learn more

thecdm.ca

23

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

a collaboration between

CABOOSE

HOROSCOPES

THINKING CAP

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK:

Q

If you didn’t get anything for Christmas, don’t get your hopes up now.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18):

LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22):

Seeing Family at Christmas was a fresh reminder just how disappointing they think you are.

Change is coming your way. Being a stripper in Canada is a dangerous business.

What was your New Year’s Resolution?

“Mine is actually to experience more dance because it’s something that I’m really passionate about.”

Alyssa Litowsky, first year Acting for Stage and Screen

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 21):

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MARCH 20):

Your determination and ability to persevere is commendable. Only you could go this long without a shower.

In time you will come to realize that is was, in fact, all your fault.

LIBRA (SEPT. 22 - OCT. 23):

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 19):

This week is a good time to count your blessings as it’s the last time you’ll have to mental capacity to do mental math.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20):

The wheels are going to come off this week.

Considering you’re recent paralyzation, this will be quite problematic.

Life comes at you fast. Unfortunately, so did that bus.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 21):

The only chance you have of saving your appearance is a paper bag.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20):

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21):

You’ve probably already failed all your resolutions by the time you read this.

“I’m not drinking for this month, but I’ve made two exceptions.”

Mikaela Macht, third year Acting for Stage and Screen

“Less screen time, just to check my phone less and to bring real books back into my life.”

Sarah Vitet, third year Acting for Stage and Screen

The brain is incredible, able to store a vast amount of information. Too bad you filled all that space with song lyrics.

CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22):

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19):

Being mistaken for Santa Claus every time you went to the mall is directly related to your new gym membership.

Nobody knows how hard your life has been. Good thing you’re there to remind them multiple times a day.

“I want to take a photo every day. Every week I will pick seven photos that I think are good. I need something to inspire me every day to take photos.”

Yang, first year Arts and Sciences

TO ADVERTISE in the Courier’s pages, please contact us by phone at 778-855-9942 or email Andy Rice, our editor-in-chief, at capcourier@gmail.com.

We are proud to offer discounts to non-profit organizations and North Shore customers. A full media kit with sizes, rates and deadlines is available on our website, CapilanoCourier.com. Classified advertisements up to 50 words are free for students.

HUMANS OF CAPILANO

THE CAPILANO COURIER

8

SUDOKU

VOLUME 49.5 ISSUE NO. 11

Puzzle 1 (Very hard, difficulty rating 0.85)

2

5 4 9

1 2

8

5

7

8

4

1

1

3

7

8

2 1

9 7

5 6

4

5

4 1 9

2

7 — DOMINIC GUIEB PHOTOS

24

"Don't constantly live in the future. Precious the moment in life are the simple ones that you need to kind of take in."

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Sun Jan 15 01:12:11 2017 GMT. Enjoy!