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artwork: flavia chan
CONTRIBUTORS
3 Introduction 4 Good News 16 Photo Feature 28 Reviews 29 NHL Preview 30 All about Opals
6 Student Spotlight
Kellan Tochkin talks business and beans with BCIT entrepreneur and Nemesis Coffee co-owner Albert Tang.
10 Granville Street
Isabella Zavarise heads to the front line on a friday night, to shed light on gender-based violence & how to make going out safer for everyone.
Kellan Tochkin Ryan Judd Andrelle Jingco Isabella Zavarise Sean Murphy Braeden Frew
Emily Vance Jesse Day Ryan Bevelander Michael White Carol Xu Catherine Garrett Nazanin Joorabchian
editor@linkbcit.ca Selenna Ho Managing Editor
Dan Post Publisher
#BCITandBEYOND
Madeline Adams Assistant Publisher
Lili Motaghedi Promotions
LINK is published 8 times annually and proudly printed on campus by Campus Print & Copy. Copies are distributed to all 5 BCIT campuses
LINK is a proud member of the Magazine Association of BC. www.magsbc.com
Featured Contributors
Isabella Zavarise
Broadcast Journalism
24 You Are What You Eat
annual sponsors:
Max Huang dives into diet and college life. What do energy drinks and instant ramen noodles have to do with your grades?
@izavarise @isabelleavarise
26 Ian Campbell Band
Isabella is passionate about social justice issues. A University of Toronto grad, she hopes to eventually move back out east to work as an investigative journalist. For now, she spends her free time eating and obsessing over her Rottweiler, Biggie.
David G. Piper
Jesse Day joins Ian Campbell and his band at their favourite East Van Pho joint to talk hip hop, recording, and juggling music with "real life."
CST — Software Development
/insomniumeye www.insomnium-eye.com
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604.451.7191
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16 Saving the Northern Spotted Owl David G. Piper avoids eye contact with Canada’s most endangered bird while raising awareness on human environmental impact.
Max Huang Emily Vance David G Piper Lara Fuzetti Flavia Chan Natalie Fox
David is a lifelong traveler, writer, and environmentalist. He is also the founder of ‘Insomnium-Eye,’ a network of artists and programmers helping to build their careers. David moved from the US to study at BCIT.
Intro October 2017
Night & Day. photo braeden frew
On the cover: Albert Tang Architectural Sciences / Entrepreneur Nemesis Coffee (302 Hastings St). Vancouver, BC photo: Maddy Adams
Mother Nature's ageless narrative weaves its way through our daily lives, but as October enters the frame, and daylight hours draw ever shorter, the unique rhythm of student life at BCIT begins to play tricks on us. Suddenly we find ourselves staying up too late, waking up too early, and seeming to always ask: "Wait, what day is it?" For student entrepreneurs like Albert Tang, time seems irrelevant, as every one of those 24 hours is needed to balance class projects with owning a business (p6). Or maybe you’ve become more of a night owl (p18) getting most of your work done in the late hours of the day only, when the world seems quieter. Just make sure you take care of yourself by eating the right foods to give you sustainable energy (p24). Of course, the world is not always quieter at night. Anyone who’s ever visited Granville Street on a Friday or Saturday knows this. But going out to blow off
steam with your friends should be safe for everyone, meaning: we owe it to each other to speak out against gender-based violence when we see it (p10). Speaking of speaking out, this month also sees the rise of mental health awareness on campus (p5) with a whole week dedicated to stepping out of the shadow of illness and into the light of wellness. In many ways, October marks a break from your traditional patterns and becomes a catalyst for change. The difference between who you are today and who you will be at graduation is night and day. This transformation can be daunting, and yet so rewarding, as long as you remember that after every potential setback, the sun will rise again. So as the sun rises on our second issue of the year, we hope you find comfort in our unique rhythm of storytelling, and find connections with these new and familiar voices. — LINK magazine
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BCIT’s Bunny Ghatrora named finalist in global student entrepreneur competition. Congrats to Bunny Ghatrora, (LINK Student Spotlight, January 2017) who became a finalist in the Entrepreneur Organization’s Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (EO GSEA). Bunny and her team at ElleBoxCo represented Canada on the EO GSEA global stage in Frankfurt, Germany alongside 49 different student entrepreneurs from around the world. Her company, ElleBoxCo offers a monthly subscription service for designer and sustainable feminine hygiene products, and breaks down stigmas on a monthly cycle. Nice work Bunny!
Hurricanes wash up mysterious creatures and missing treasures.
SA to welcome new executive.
Hurricanes have been wrecking havoc across the Carribean and the Atlantic Ocean recently, brutalizing countries and southern States in their path. It’s nearly impossible to find anything good about this devastation, but interestingly enough, mysterious sea creatures, artificats and long-lost antiques have been surfacing on shores, including coffins, fang-toothed sea eels (who typically never see the light of day), and antique canoes. The storms have taken away so much, but at least they've offered up some new data for anthropoligists, historians, and marine biologists to pore over.
As of Oct. 6, the Student Association will have a new VP Student Affairs. Find out who and what they do, by visiting: www.bcitsa.ca
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Good News
Cassini spacecraft retires, completing its 20-year odessy. Mission accomplished! NASA’s Cassini spacecraft ended its 20-year mission on September 15 with a final plunge into Saturn’s surface. The spacecraft was running low on fuel, and the team risked losing control and colliding with one of Saturn’s smaller moons. NASA chose to safely dispose of the spacecraft, so as to not potentially contaminate future studies or potential life on one of Saturn’s moons. Cassini was first launched into space in 1997, and after seven years of travelling, reached Saturn in 2004. Cassini had been orbiting Saturn since, collecting some of the most valuable information ever taken from our solar system. Cassini’s noteable discoveries include: prebiotic environments on Saturn’s moons Enceladus and Titan, detailed photographs of Saturn’s rings and clouds, maps of Saturn’s gravity and magnetic fields, and more information on the composition of its rings. On April 26 of this year, after completing 13 passes around the planet, Cassini’s grand finale began. On Sept 15, Cassini officially lost contact with earth as it plunged into Saturn’s surface.
Secret, warm ecosystem found in Antarctic ice cave. So obviously, we’re big fans of weird science discoveries, like this recently discovered secret, warm ecosystem researchers found in ice caves in Antartica. The cave was kept warm by a nearby volcano, Mount Erebus, and the temperature in the cave systems reached around 25-degrees celsius. This cave gives researchers an exciting new glimpse into what potential undiscovered plants and animals may be lurking under the Arctic’s frozen surface.
OCT.
24-26
MENTAL WELLNESS WEEK
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Celebrate Mental Wellness OCT. 24 OCT. 25 OCT. 26 Kid for a Day Free Breakfast Doggie week at BCIT. De-stress Day 11:00-1:00 SE2, Great Hall
8:00-9:00am SE2, Great Hall
11:30-1:30
SE2, Great Hall Have you ever suffered from depression, BCIT Stretch QPR Workshop anxiety, or other mental illness? The good 11:30-12:00 news is you're 3:30-4:30pm not alone! From October SE 14, Library SE 6, Room 233 24th to 26th, the BCIT Student Association Mindfulness isMindful hosting Speak UP Speak OUT! With Session Movement free events like doggy-destress, yoga, art 2:30-3:00 11:30-12:30 therapy and more, help us raise awareness SE14, Room 303 SE16, Mind and and break the stigma around mental health. Body Room
Shea Emry
learn more: facebook.com/bcitsa/events Speaker Flow Yoga MAN UP 4:30-5:00 SE16, Mind and Body Room
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3:00-4:00pm SE2, Great Hall
For more information visit bcitsa.ca
AND TALK ABOUT IT
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Student Spotlight Albert Tang
NEMESIS
albert tang
It's not often you meet a 22-year-old this accomplished, and it's even more rare when they're a full-time student. Albert Tang wears many hats, perhaps none more impressive than 'small business owner.' Alongside his four partners, the Vancouver native has been able to merge his passion for art and science to create an elegant new approach to local coffee culture. A student in BCIT's Architectural Science program, Albert seems to grasp the essential difference between working hard and working smart. His willingness to tackle new challenges has taken him around the world, and is reflected in the buzz his business has started to generate in a scene that is thirsty for something new.
words kellan tochkin photos lara fuzetti Give us the rundown on your coffee shop... Nemesis Coffee is a specialty coffee shop located in Gastown. We’re trying to blend coffee and food culture together through high quality organically sourced foods, and featuring coffees from around the world; celebrating what coffee is and paying homage to the farmers that we get our coffee from. How did you come about starting this? We’ve been exploring. The four partners and myself, we’ve been around the world and we’ve been to multiple high-profile coffee shops, especially in Australia and Europe, even in the States. We noticed that the Vancouver scene was missing this food and coffee culture operation. We have good coffee in Vancouver – it may not be known to everyone, but we do have a ton of specialty coffee shops... [We] had a vision in mind to start this place and we couldn’t really work for anyone else anymore. We’re really driven and motivated by each other to kind of create this
progressive platform where we can link our local and eventually our international communities together. You’re a full-time architecture student in the final year of your program. How are you finding that balance between school and work? It’s interesting, most programs at BCIT are supposed to be super demanding, so working is almost not an option. The fact that I’m working three to four times a week, I can see it being a problem in the future. For now, I’m trying to just work smart and as quickly as possible, which is to get [school] work done and then go to work, or vice-versa. I try to eat properly as well. When it comes to having a business and making money vs. paying for school, are you still finding that you have that passion for architecture while working at Nemesis? I was always passionate and fond of things that are a blend of arts and sciences. And it’s never been one or the other; it’s always been a mixture of both.
Visit Nemesis Coffee in Downtown Vancouver at the corner of Hastings and Hamilton, and on instagram @nemesis_coffee
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Student Spotlight
I have to know, how on earth were you guys able to find a location in Gastown? The idea started in 2013, so we’ve had a lot of time looking for the right space in Vancouver… and we were trying to explore where coffee culture would work in Vancouver or where a certain concept would work, or wouldn’t work. [With] Gastown being so saturated with coffee, we thought it’s not saturated enough with specialty coffee, and it wouldn’t hurt to put another one in there. So we were actively looking around Gastown and Chinatown and Strathcona. A couple of years later, we came to this spot… linked up with someone from Colliers (the real estate company) and they turned us on to this spot… Our landlords
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were actually SFU [and] I think they wanted to bring in someone who didn’t already have a big name. They wanted to bring in someone local, someone trying to create something special in Vancouver. And after many, many months, we had won the bid and that’s how it kind of started. Where does the name come from? It’s kind of our way of referring to the coffee stagnancy here in Vancouver; we want to be the enemy to that and fight coffee stagnancy, let it keep progressing and not have it ever stop. But simply put, it’s one of our partner's (Cole) favourite words. And it has a nice ring to it. It kind of speaks to our ‘against-the-grain’ mentality. It speaks to our presence in the coffee industry and as people.
“ They wanted to bring in someone local, someone trying to create something special in Vancouver." ”
Albert Tang
We’re trying to be progressive, but not pretentious at all. And that’s it. It’s really simple, actually. Your food, coffee, and space all seem very intentional and thoughtful. What is your concept and what is your inspiration? The concept of the space was to have the bar as the centrepiece of our space. Nemesis is kind of an L-shape. On the long side of the L is our bar, and you can walk around the bar. It’s white, it’s got light wood, it’s super clean. It’s very inviting. We’ve got tons of window space, transparency, and that’s kind of what we want to be as a company. Usually most bars are backed up against a wall, and you can technically hide stuff underneath and have stuff that you don’t want other people to see. But with Nemesis, our bar is so open; we actually invite people to walk around to the backside of the bar. When the chef is there, you’re totally welcome to strike up a conversation. Same with the people behind the bar; if you have any questions, you can ask. It’s very homey, somewhere people who may not be having the best day can come in and feel comfortable. Is that something that was really big for you guys? Yeah, that was a big concept when it came to our food. We wanted to walk that line between fine dining and comfort food. So most of our food, if not all of our food, is beautifully plated, but it’s reasonably priced and sourced. And with most restaurants in Vancouver, when something is beautifully plated, it’s not really full or you don’t really feel like you have or had enough. For us, that’s where the comfort side comes in. We want to give you a healthy portion and still have that beautiful presentation and taste, and leave you feeling good at the end of your Nemesis experience, with the coffee and food.
driven career path or trade. But it’s also very artistic in the way of you present your drink or food, how you communicate with your customers and friends, and I’m very passionate about the two. In the future, I am not too sure where that is or what it is, but I definitely want to keep the two in my life.
Want to learn more about Albert's journey and his experiences balancing life as both student and entrepreneur? Listen to his full, extended interview in an all-new Podcast presented by BCITSA Entrepreneurial Services: www.bcitsa.ca/beaboss
" It kind of speaks to our ‘against-the-grain’ mentality. It speaks to our presence in the coffee industry and as people. We’re trying to be progressive, but not pretentious."
Nemesis could be its own career. Why do you continue to study architecture while starting your business? Like I said before, I’ve always been fond of things that are a blend of art and sciences and not one or the other. Architecture is a blend of art and science, and coffee is as well. It’s a very science-
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Gender-based violence at ground zero
words isabella zavarise
I
photos ryan judd
get out of my cab, stepping into a nighttime air laced with the scent of pizza and donairs. I try to ignore the catcalls coming from a group of men smoking outside the club. Someone yells, “Hey, you should smile more!� I bite my tongue and keep my head down. Across the street a homeless man does push-ups under the glow of a neon sign as a crowd of people egg him on for a few dollars. A fight breaks out near me after two people accidentally bump shoulders on the crowded sidewalk. Everyone cheers. Police flood the scene... This is Granville St. on a Friday night.
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Feature Awareness
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very weekend, Vancouver’s famous 6-block stretch between Drake and Georgia transforms into a circus featuring all walks of life looking to let loose. Granville Street can be fun, but it can also be a dangerous locale, where alcohol, drugs, and inhibition give way to disorder and harassment. Women especially become easy targets here where it’s become ground zero for gender-based violence. I’ve certainly experienced it, and I know many other women have too. “It‘s a prime location to be harassed by men,” admits Marissa, a woman who shared her experience with me. “I’ve been grabbed, I’ve also had drugs slipped into my drink without my consent.” Women are by no means the only demographic susceptible to violence on this strip, but the types of aggression and sexual violence directed at us greatly outweighs our male counterparts, and makes it much less safe to simply go out and have a good time. One only has to Google “Granville Street” to find news of recent stabbings, altercations, and sometimes homicides. Victims and perpetrators include men and women alike. The last fatal incident occurred a year ago outside of Caprice nightclub when a 28-year-old woman was brutally beaten on the sidewalk by another woman. According to research from the Vancouver Police Department, there were 172 reported fights on Granville St. in 2016. This year, 58 incidents have been reported as of June 30, but statistics for the summer months, when most people go out, are not yet accounted for, so there’s reason to believe this number will be much higher. There are other areas of the city such as Main Street or Yaletown where going out isn’t synonymous with risking one’s safety. Why then does the Granville Entertainment District breed such violence? Granville Street has always had roots in the nightlife economy. When the first neon signs went up in the 1950’s, a gritty aesthetic began to take shape. In their book Vancouver Noir, authors, John Belshaw and Diane Purvey chronicle how the neon alleys gave way to public violence, the sex trade, and the glamorization of sex in burlesque. Neon signs provoked a visual stimulus sought by those who craved the night. Vancouver became the second neon sign capital in the world behind Shanghai; crowds flocked to the area to admire its luminous glow. And with all that neon light came both the literal and figurative buzz of the nocturnal world. But the neon craze didn’t last, and the signs eventually began to
deteriorate in tandem with the area’s reputation. By 1990, the street was a hub of strip clubs, porn shops, peep shows and dive bars. The infamous entertainment district had taken shape. Today, not much has changed. As you walk the street end-to-end, you pass novelty adult stores, payday loan shops, and the notorious 25-cent peep show parlour. With a city of low vacancy rates, Granville Street is one of the few areas where businesses seem to disappear, never to be replaced. Even long time tenant Tom Lee Music relocated to a more attractive part of the street, outside of the entertainment district, closer to the Granville mall. Over the years, The City of Vancouver has continued their attempts to clean up the district’s image, most notably during the 2010 Winter Olympics, when they initiated a rejuvenation project. According to the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, $21 million was spent on a redesign, which included pedestrian-centered improvements. In addition to the improvements, the Vancouver Police Department became a constant fixture on Granville Street, patrolling regularly from Robson to Drake. On any weekend night, police presence on Granville is palpable. It’s common to see small groups of officers patrolling the street during peak times. On weekend nights, as the hours trickle into the early morning, one can sense a tangible shift in mood. Clubgoers stumble out onto the sidewalks competing for cabs; others simply roam around waiting for something to happen. Fights emerge out of thin air, be it physical or verbal, and intoxicated people buzz with nervous energy. I spoke to long-time club manager (who asked to remain anonymous) and he elaborated on the many dangers of the after-hours scene. “As the night gets later, you start to see people that aren’t necessarily going to the clubs, [they’re] just hanging around; some to cause trouble.” I asked why he thinks Granville Street. breeds this “toxic environment” and he blames it on everything being in the same spot. “You have all the nightclubs in one area. It becomes a jungle; when the streets are closed1”
Between 1974-1988, The City of Vancouver initiated a pedestrian mall on Granville, blocking it off to motor vehicles in the hopes of encouraging foot traffic and helping businesses thrive. Ironically, the only businesses that thrived were nightclubs, bars, or porn shops. Today, the street continues to be a no vehicle zone but only on Friday and Saturday nights. 1
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City of Vancouver Archives
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"It becomes a jungle when the streets are closed."
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The Granville party district draws a wide array of people. On any weekend night, newly minted 19-year-olds, university students, bachelor/bachelorette parties, concertgoers, and crowds from sporting events congregate into one big crowd. Another common term the nightclub manager mentioned was the “bridge and tunnel” crowd, referring to people from outlying Lower Mainland communities who commute into the downtown core. Bridge and tunnel folk allegedly drive in, wreak havoc on their night out, and then quickly leave. While this crowd may be an easy scapegoat for those who deem them the main issue on Granville Street, they’re not the sole problem. When you combine a street that is closed to vehicle traffic, then mix in drugs and alcohol, plus a diverse group of unruly partygoers all thrown into a confined area, trouble is bound to happen. Altercations materialize over innocent glances at the wrong person, and yelling and pushing quickly turn to serious brawls. It doesn’t help that the street has been the recent backdrop of some highly publicized fistfights from stars like actor Shia LaBeouf or home-grown hockey player Milan Lucic. Pack mentality surfaces in the form of jeering crowds, encouraging those to further commit such foolery. The anonymous manager again confirms the phenomenon from his vantage point every night. “When it’s happening (harassment or violence) I think people don’t want to get involved for whatever reason, or bring [police] attention to it.” While sucker punches and macho posturing may seem like the greatest threat to Granville Street patrons, it’s nothing compared to the staggering prevalence of gender-based violence experienced by women and the LGBTQ2+ commu-
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nity. The Ending Violence Association of BC (EVABC) uses this term to signify the ways in which gender is intimately connected to violence and abuse. This includes: sexual harassment, sexual assault, and relationship/dating violence in its many forms. It’s worth noting that this category of violence is not always perpetrated by men. Sexualized violence also affects men, trans people, and gender nonconforming people. And while not all men contribute to this spectrum of violence, the minority who do often face little to no consequences. Catcalling — whistling, unwanted sexual comments, lewd language directed at women— is not simply an innocent gesture, but rather a serious form of harassment. Marissa again recounts: “I’ve been catcalled; and then further harassed if I chose not to acknowledge it….” Ignoring a catcall in many instances can result in even more unwanted attention. This is how it escalates. EVABC describes gender-based violence as a pyramid. At the bottom are perceived “lesser” forms (catcalls, lewd jokes, sexualized comments on social media), which support the next level (traditional gender roles, stereotypes, glass ceilings), in turn fostering a culture of harassment, threats and verbal abuse, ultimately making it okay for the most violent people to commit physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual assault, rape, and even murder. Shouting, “You should smile more” from a lineup outside the bar may not seem to be on par with rape, but the underlying language suggests that women are objects who are supposed to look a certain way, be pretty and pleasant, or risk not being respected. The emotional scarring from harassment on a night out can turn into anxiety and fear, permeating one’s job, academics, and relationships.
According to several studies reported by EVABC2, 40% of Canadian women have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime. That number climbs to 50% for those that identify as transgender. In the last five years, the Vancouver Police Department reported that 66 sexual assault-related incidents occurred on the Granville strip and all 66 incidents were directed towards women. Alcohol is often cited as the most common date rape drug. Even more concerning are attitudes towards sexual assault. In another survey of 13-14 year old boys reported by EVABC, more than 1 in 4 agreed that girls who get drunk at parties or on dates deserve whatever happens to them. 40% agreed that girls who wear sexy clothes are asking to be raped, and in a survey of male college students, 1 in 5 said that forced sex was acceptable, ”if she is stoned or drunk.” These attitudes are alarming. No women should be subjected to this behaviour. There are steps we can take to mitigate this culture of violence. Women and the LGBTQ2+ community alone are not going to be able to stop the problem. More men need to stand up to gender-based violence and there are many safe ways to do that. As EVABC points out, we’re all bystanders. We’ve all witnessed one form of violence or another. Instead of being a passive bystander when witnessing harassment or violence on Granville Street, do something. The Be More Than A Bystander Program developed by EVABC offers a few strategies when faced with this behaviour. Non-verbal options include leaving a group that is displaying violence, offering support to the victim as a supportive measure, or flagging down police. Work to avoid dangerous situations if there are other viable options to explore first.
To read the many reports and factsheets published by EVABC visit: endingviolence.org/research-publications/
Verbal alternatives include distracting the perpetrator by asking for the time, or where a good place to eat is. If you feel comfortable, verbalize that what they are doing is unacceptable and encourage others to show their disapproval. If the perpetrator is a friend or acquaintance instigating the harassment, talk to them one-on-one when they’re alone. Give them examples of what they did or said: “Remember when we were in line and you yelled at that girl? It made me really uncomfortable.” Don’t judge them, but don’t excuse their behaviour either. Make sure they know that their actions or words are a form of violence and need to stop. By remaining silent, the message sent is that this behaviour is okay. There are many options for being more than a bystander, but most important is your own safety. If you feel immediately threatened, call 911, or someone you trust, and look for safety groups patrolling the street around you. The City of Vancouver has developed a working group on safety and security in the Granville Entertainment District to implement new policies and projects. A “last entry hour" pilot program was launched this summer requiring all Granville Entertainment District liquor primary establishments to restrict entry to new patrons
within one hour of closing time. The City is also supporting Good Night Out Vancouver, a local anti-harassment group launched in September. The street team will be on the strip every weekend from 12am to 3am, patrolling Granville to facilitate a sense of safety for women and the LGBTQ2+ community. Co-founder Stacey Forrester says, “issues of harassment are common to any nightlife economy. The more liquor licences you get in a concentrated area, the more gendered or sexual harassment kind of behaviour is going to happen.” Forrester and her team will be wearing bright coral shirts to be easily identified. “Ultimately the goal is to reach a select few people, and let them know that this isn’t a normal part of nights out, whether they’re on the receiving end of harassment, or maybe they’re exhibiting some behaviours that are part of a bigger cultural problem.” While there is acknowledgement from policymakers that the area is problematic, the root of the issue runs deeper than that. The Granville Entertainment District normalizes male sexual violence. It is a grave reminder that if we remain silent about abuse, we condone those who commit it. Afterall, gender-based violence on the street is but a reflection of our culture's harsh everyday reality, and only we have the power to change that. Be aware, get outraged, and take notice of objectification, misogyny, or any blatant disrespect for women and minorities. Ask your instructor about scheduling a Be More Than A Bystander presenter to come and speak to your class.
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photo feature
Braeden Frew
1st-year "I started taking photos with a point-and-shoot camera when I Electrical Foundations was on a Europe trip in grade 9. It was really cool to get home www.frewtog.tumblr.com
Instagram: @braedenfrew
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after 3 weeks and go through all the memories from the trip. This experience definitely encouraged me to take photography more seriously. Photography encourages me to go and explore. It gives me a creative outlet. I'm inspired by music, travelling, other photographers and people I meet."
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saving the
words David G. Piper
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illustrations Andrelle Jingco
Feature Volunteering & Environment
“Don’t make eye contact.” This
careful instruction echoes through my mind as I resist the urge to look up. It’s watching me work around the 24’tall cage, so I keep my head down and dig into the dirt. I’m placing electric wiring around the enclosure, to keep large rodents and other vermin from getting in. But I’m a distracted person, and my mind wanders, so I forgot the request and as if by instinct, return its watchful gaze, if only for a second. Perched above me, sitting still as a statue, is one of Canada’s most endangered birds: the Northern Spotted Owl. There are less than 30 of these birds left in Canada and this one is among the 20 currently living at the Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program facilities in Langley. I started volunteering at the NSO Breeding Program in 2016 while studying and working on my graphic novel. Since then, I’ve learned a great deal about this beautiful bird, and in many ways, a great deal from them as well. 19
"Currently there are less than and more than half of them re
My
fascination with birds began at an early age and I was always drawn to nature, especially animals. As I got older I developed a fondness for highly intelligent animals. I would read any article I could find on animal intelligence, and eventually I became obsessed with one particular species: the crow. My obsession with the crow led me to volunteer at a nature center in Wichita, Kansas for a few years. I had no experience caring for injured or displaced birds, so I just volunteered in any way I could while studying at Butler Community College. After moving to Vancouver, I started to miss the sense of community I got from the nature center, so I searched for volunteering opportunities that focused on birds. Eventually I came across the Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program and signed up to volunteer. Since then, I’ve managed to be closer to nature, but also pick up new skills and experiences from the staff, other volunteers and of course, the owls.
Get as close as you get to the Northern Spotted Owl over at the NSO Breeding Program's YouTube page (nsobreeding program). There you can watch videos on everything from 'hatching', to 'prey delivery' to: "Chick B trying to get out of nest"
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Owls have inhabited planet earth for a very, very long time. So long in fact, owls are one of the few animals depicted in cave paintings. Due to their mystifying appearance, distinct vocals, and often aggressive behaviour, owls have become a part of many culture’s mythos. In Mongolia owls are regarded as a benign omen. According to one book I found, Owls: Their Natural and Unnatural History, the great warlord Genghis Khan once hid from his enemies in a small coppice where an owl had roosted in the tree above him. This led his pursuers to believe that no man could possibly be hidden there. In Ancient Greece,
Athene was the goddess of wisdom, and traditionally depicted accompanied by an owl. Owls aren’t always represented in a positive light though. To some cultures, owls are the harbingers of bad luck, ill health, and death. The Aztecs and Mayans for instance, along with other native groups of Mesoamerica, considered the owl to be a symbol of death and destruction. The Aztec god of death, Mictlantecuhtli (good luck pronouncing that) was also often depicted with owls. My personal experiences revolve around one particular breed of owl: The Northern Spotted Owl. The NSO (for short) is one of Canada’s most endangered birds. In fact, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), considers them “critically endangered,” primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation; the former of which is due to industrialization and human expansion. Another contributor to their habitat loss is an invasion by their close relative, the Barred owl, who competes with the NSO for resources and nesting grounds. Due to the Barred owl being much larger than the NSO, the NSO simply can’t compete. Actually, the first owl I encountered on my first day at the NSO Breeding Program facility was not a Northern Spotted Owl, but a Barred owl named Forrest. I thought he was an NSO, given the resemblance between the two species, but I was quickly corrected. I learned that Forrest is the unofficial community ambassador for the program, because NSO’s are too vulnerable to leave the facility. Conservation practices require the owls to be bred and raised as wild as possible, which of course means having minimal contact with humans. Forrest had been “imprinted” on humans, meaning he was raised as a chick to see humans as his parents so that he could be
30 of these individual owls in Canada, side at the breeding centre in Langley. " taken into the public enabling people to see and learn from an owl up close. Forrest accompanies staff and volunteers to talks, fundraisers, and other educational events. You can also often see Forrest on social media, adorned in cute decorations, raising awareness for the program, as well as owls in general. The Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) Breeding Program launched in 2007 with one noble goal: save these beautiful birds from extirpation in British Columbia. ‘Extirpation’ is defined as extinction from a specific geographical area (in this case Canada), while ‘extinction’ means the species is no longer found anywhere on Earth. The NSO Breeding Program has four primary ways to maximize production of Spotted Owl eggs and chicks, using a combination of: artificial incubation (NSO eggs are replaced with a “dummy egg”, while the NSO egg is artificially incubated to ensure survival), doubleclutching (first set of eggs are removed to stimulate the female to lay a second clutch of eggs), handraising (NSO chicks are hand-raised by the NSO team for the first ten days before being returned to the nest), and parent-rearing. Through this careful combination, the Program has produced five Spotted Owls since 2012. Prior to this, only two chicks were born between 2008 and 2011 by natural parenting only. This is due to owl’s monogamous nature, as pairs mate for life and their bond takes years to develop. Currently there are less than 30 of these individual owls in Canada, and more than half of them reside at the breeding centre in Langley. The facility is run in tandem with the BC Conservation Foundation, a non-profit conservation body, and supported by the province of BC. The Program currently operates on a 25-acre plot of land owned by a private farm. There are 20 Spotted Owls living here, including four breeding pairs. The NSO Team is made up of one full-time captive breeding specialist, one
senior intern, a field biologist who monitors the remaining wild population and removes Barred Owls from known NSO-habitats, plus up to three seasonal interns and volunteers like myself. Interested volunteers are always welcome to apply. Caring for Canada’s most endangered bird is not easy, and this is the first and only breeding program for this species in the entire world. The team has had to overcome many challenges to better understand the behaviours and husbandry techniques necessary to keep the owls healthy and happy. A total of six Spotted Owls have now been born into the Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program, including two during this past 2017 breeding season. Since 2012, all eggs produced by female NSO have been artificially incubated for 32 days and then the chicks are hand-raised. Once a not-so-fuzzy chick is born, the baby bird is then fed and looked after by the breeding team to ensure its survival; this is when the chicks are at their most vulnerable. After ten days, as the chicks begin to open their eyes, they are returned to their parents so that they can imprint on the owls and not the humans. The parents are often happy and will enthusiastically accept the chicks. From there, the owls raise the chicks, who soon turn fluffy, until they’re eventually ready to raise chicks of their own. Even though we work alongside the birds, we must be careful. These owls are very vulnerable to human conditioning. We love them, and would enjoy nothing more than getting even closer to them, but we don’t want them to get comfortable around humans. Afterall the bird will be eventually released, and we hope its contact continued...
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with humans will be rare and always from a distance. The Spotted Owls that will continue to reside at the breeding centre must also be kept as wild as possible, so as to maintain their natural breeding behaviours; hence the avoidance of eye contact. They say that the eyes are windows to the soul, and we simply can’t initiate that level of connection with these birds; they are too few in numbers and they need every chance to stay wild, to further the likelihood that they will succeed out there after release. Human activity is, as it is with most animals threatened by extinction, the greatest threat to these birds. Because of us they have suffered loss and fragmentation of the old growth forests they depend on. Much of the Southern coastal region of BC for instance, including the Lower Mainland, was formerly home to the Spotted Owl as recently as a century ago, but as cities and urban areas took over, the old growth forests were lost. In addition to this, the NSO’s close relatives — the Barred Owls I mentioned earlier — have expanded their range from Eastern North America into the Pacific Northwest and have created too much competition for space and resources. When I started volunteering here, I had no idea about most of this stuff. But that’s the great part about getting out into the community and lending a hand; you often learn so many new things and open your eyes to whole new perspectives. Volunteering is often fun too, as I get to talk to the other volunteers, the staff, and the individuals who attend our booths,
not to mention I get to be close to Forrest and sometimes, I get to work within a distance of the rare Northern Spotted Owl, which is a treat within itself. Of course there have been critics of my effort, some stating that my time and energy would be better spent volunteering for humanitarian groups. And yes, it’s true that humanitarian groups can always welcome more volunteers, but I find equal value in the work being at the NSO Breeding Program, because it is us humans who are responsible for displacing these creatures by destroying their habitat, so we should then also be responsible for helping them. The Northern Spotted Owl would be extinct if we simply continued our dangerous trend of influence on them. The Northern Spotted Owl is an umbrella species meaning, if we protect them and the old growth forest in which they survive, we are not only saving one owl, but also the entire ecosystem it relies on.
The NSO Team has a large task ahead of them. Their mission is to restore the population of Spotted Owls in BC through captive breeding efforts, then release them into over 300,000 hectares of old growth forests. It is their hope to eventually raise and release up to 20 each year and grow the wild population to a total of 200 individuals. Maybe then we can start anew, knowing the impacts we make, to prevent this from happening again to another species.
Visit the NSO Breeding Program on Facebook & find out how to donate or get involved: facebook.com/nsobreedingprogram/
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OCT. 24-26
MENTAL WELLNESS WEEK
For more information visit bcitsa.ca
MAN UP AND TALK ABOUT IT –Shea Emry
SELECT NIGHTS
nOW
OCToBeR 6-31
HAUnTe D 20 RIdES & 8 HO u SES
NeW
HAUnTeD HOuSE The
BLOODSHED MORe RIdES & HO u S e S T h AN L a s T YE a R !
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SAVE ON FRIGHTPASSES AT:
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT. W
e’ve all been there. It’s late on a school night and you’re still in a study room on campus. You’re most likely cramming for a test or working on group projects with due dates fast approaching. Besides textbooks, your laptop and notes, what’s laid out on the table in front of you? Coffee? Energy drinks? Chips? Instant ramen? It’s no secret that the life of a college student is hard, but being a BCIT student takes it to a whole new level.
Two years ago, before I started my freshman year at BCIT, the thought of the ‘freshman 15’ seemed so far-fetched to me. I mean, how hard would it be to 24
maintain a balanced diet and find time to go to the gym regularly? Two years later and twenty-or-something pounds heavier, I now know that unnatural weight gain is a reality for many students. Researchers at Auburn University found that after completing a 4-year degree, 70% of students packed on an average of 12-37 pounds by graduation. (Connor, 2012) Think back to what you had for breakfast and lunch this past week. Did you ever stop and think about how these foods affected your mood, focus, and energy during the week? According to an article by Harvard Business Review, just about
words max huang photos lara fuzetti
everything we eat is converted into glucose. Glucose provides the energy for our brain to stay mentally alert. When we run low on glucose, we have a tough time staying focused and our mental alertness suffers. But not all foods are processed by our body at the same rate. Foods like pasta, cereal, bread, and soda release their glucose quickly. This quick processing leads to a sudden burst of energy and then followed by a slump. High fat meals, like a cheeseburger and fries, can provide more sustained energy but require our body to work way harder to digest. This leads to reduced oxygen levels in the brain and makes us groggy. (Friedman, 2014)
I stood in the SE2 Great Hall, full of students studying, and hanging out with their classmates. It dawned on me then how scarce the healthier food options really are on campus. Being a BCIT student, you are going to spend a lot of time on campus, but where is the salad bar, fresh smoothies, or grocery market? According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, good nutritional intake is linked to academic success. Studies show that those who eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast improve their daily and longterm academic performance. So besides
a balanced mood and improved mental health, your diet directly affects your grades and studies. I thought back to when I started at BCIT. What could I have done differently to make the most of my time here? After doing some research and reflecting back on my last two years, I think the biggest improvement I could have made was my diet. Due to all the junk food I ate, I was often sluggish and too tired after school to workout, or do other hobbies that brought me joy. One poor decision at
DARK CHOCOLATE
WALNUTS
Dark chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine, which boosts mental alertness and helps you focus. It also has magnesium, which stimulates your body to release endorphins and serotonin. This in turn makes you feel happy. Look for dark chocolate with at least 55% cacao, the darker the better. Stick to ½ - 1 ounce per day to keep the benefits while also keeping your waistline in check (Lee, 2016).
Just munching on a few walnuts a day can improve your cognitive health. The high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals also improve mental alertness such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and omega-3 fats.
BLUEBERRIES Studies have shown that the antioxidants in blueberries can stimulate blood flow and oxygen to your brain, which can boost concentration and memory for up to five hours at a time! Have one serving a day (½ cup or 74 grams) and just see how much you can get done with your boosted concentration!
GREEN TEA Green tea contains high levels of theanine, an amino acid that improves focus and mental alertness. It also contains a good amount of caffeine so next time you’re in need of a pickme-up, go for green tea instead. I personally love using my matcha green tea powder in my cooking and baking whenever possible. It’s an easy way to inject some of these nutrients in your everyday life.
BANANAS
background image: Max Huang
Bananas contain high levels of potassium, which keep your brain, nerves, and heart doing well and helps boosts concentration. Try packing some dried bananas in your bag for a snack.
AVOCADOS Let me tell you how good avocados are for a student brain. Avocados increase blood flow to the heart and brain, boosting mental alertness. The fiber in avocados help to reduce appetite, which helps you eat less excess without trying.
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BONE BROTH Bone broth is a delicious ancient food loaded with tons of health benefits. Bone broth has high levels of amino acids like proline and glycine, which keep your immune system healthy and help improve memory.
GREEN, LEAFY VEGETABLES Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, swiss chard and romaine lettuce are loaded with antioxidants and carotenoids, which boost brain power and help to protect the brain. They are full of B-vitamins, which improve memory, focus and overall brain health.
BEETS Beets contain natural nitrates, which boost blood flow and oxygen to the brain, leading to increased mental performance.
COCONUT OIL Coconut oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and can boost your memory. Once you start cooking with it, you’ll never forget to do it again!
SALMON Salmon is packed full of omega-3 fatty acids to help keep your brain running smoothly and improve memory. According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, 20% of the fat in the brain is made from the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. They are called ’essential’ due to the fact that they cannot be produced within the body and must be gained directly from diet. Each fatty acid performs vital functions in the structuring of brain cells to ensure smooth communication within the brain. (Mental Health Foundation)
Food Brainy Bites
“one poor decision at breakfast could derail you for the rest of the day” breakfast or lunch could derail you for the rest of the day. So what can you do when you are confined to campus? One thing you can do is incorporate superfoods into your diet to increase your focus and concentration levels. Your physical and mental health is directly affected by your diet. Food has the incredible ability to affect not only your body, but also your mental clarity, mood, memory, and ability to focus. Ensuring that your diet includes complex carbohydrates, essential fats, amino acids, vitamins and minerals and water will help keep you feeling balanced, and that waist line in check. You’ll also be surprised how much better you will do in school. Trust me, I’ve been there. There’s no way to make your experience at BCIT easy, but you can at least do your best to make it feel just a little more bearable.
Head to www.linkbcit.ca for delicious monthly recipes that are sure to keep those brain cells working!
RESOURCES: Connor, A. (2012, September 26). 70% of Students Gain Weight During College: Study. Retrieved from Health: http://www.health.com/ family/college-gain-weight Friedman, R. (2014, October 17). What you eat affects your productivity. Retrieved from Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2014/10/ what-you-eat-affects-your-productivity Harvard Health Publications. (2012, August). Boost your memory by eating right. Retrieved from Harvard Health Publications: https://www. health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/boostyour-memory-by-eating-right
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IAN CAMPBELL BAND words jesse day photos ryan judd
In June 2017, Ian Campbell’s eponymously named band released a soul /classic rhythm n' blues-inspired debut EP, Summer Time Come. Featuring five infectious blues-rock tracks, the EP marks only the beginning for these guys. I sat down with songwriter and lead vocalist, Ian Campbell, and drummer Ben Legacé, at their favourite Pho spot in East Van to talk about their experiences. I was not surprised that they were genuinely kind and thoughtful guys as this authenticity and earnestness bleeds from their music. Since releasing Summer Time Come, the guys have been busy with work, family, playing local venues and tirelessly crafting songs for their upcoming LP.
above photo: Ian Campbell (left) and Ben Legacé (right)
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Your EP has been out for a few months now. What was the process like; forming as a band and starting to record? Ian: We’ve been playing together for about two years. I met Ben through a Craigslist ad. I was playing drums in a band called The Naked Sound Holes with Eric White, our lead guitarist, and Al McMurray, our bassist. During this time I was also working with my sound engineer friend on some songs. At first I just wanted to record the songs, then I wanted to find people to play with, then I was like “well, let’s just do a whole band.” I was looking for a drummer, so I put an ad online and Ben was the first person to respond. I had sent Ben 10 tracks before we met, unmixed unmastered recordings, and when we met he knew all 10 songs better than I did. That’s just skill and work ethic. And he’s a cool guy; he’s a fun guy.
So the LP is going to be a more collaborative effort? IC: Yes, Ben and I have come up with a lot of the songs together, but it’s very off-the-cuff. There’s not really any sitting down and writing. BL: I think after we played the songs on the EP [together], we just started making more music and [playing] other songs. We are all into the same style and enjoy playing the same stuff, so it came together pretty organically.
What else have you been up to since the EP has been out? Ian: We just played The Fox, and before that we played a little record shop called Stylus Records and The Biltmore, and now we’re in the studio. We’re recording 12 songs, and we’re gonna do a full-length LP. With the EP, that was me coming up with the instrumentation and doing everything. But now with this new album, all the guys have written and done their own parts.
Cool, so you guys are hip-hop fans as well? IC: When we filmed the music video for “Summer Time Come”, we weren’t even listening to the song. We’d only listen to it when we had to lip sync parts for the video. We were mostly listening to like Kendrick Lamar and old school hip-hop. Ben: I think that was right around the time Kendrick dropped his latest album, Damn. I always thought Kendrick Lamar
What have you guys been listening to lately? IC: When we’re together we listen to a lot of hip-hop, like Kendrick Lamar and even some Lil Yachty, something that’s fun. I’ve been listening to Aretha Franklin lately, her Lady Soul album, that’s pretty good too. And a lot of Van Morrison in my car.
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Music
" it’s just more fun to work with your friends, and musicians that you like." was overrated until To Pimp a Butterfly came out. That shoutout to jazz and the meshing of those worlds on the album is probably one of the greatest things I’ve listened to in a long time. And now, with his latest album, Lamar brought it back to heavy, gnarly rap beats, which blew me away again. So now, if I had to name my top 5 rappers he’d be in there. Want to fill out the rest of that top 5 then? Ben: Busta Rhymes, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and then probably Biggie and Tupac. Ol' Dirty Bastard is amazing though, there’s no one else like him. Ian: Gangstarr #1, Blackalicious #2, Kendrick Lamar #3, B.I.G. #4, and #5… I only got a top 4, that’s it. Who’s the best freestyle rapper in the band? Ian: Probably me or Ben. Ben: Ian’s pretty good. Ian: We’re the only two that freestyle rap. I bet Eric and Al could be better than us if they did. Ben: I think everybody can throw down.
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Your EP Summer Time Come is up on Spotify and iTunes. Was getting your music on there a difficult process? Ian: At first I was getting frustrated with the process of how to release. I was looking to just get the CD on a physical format, but then we found a third-party distributor that puts everything on the main online sources like iTunes and Spotify. Because of ease-of-use we went with that [process]. But I think if we tried to go straight to Spotify ourselves, there might have been some hurdles. But no, it wasn’t hard. What’s next for the band? Ian: I feel like things are really going to be elevated now that we’re writing and recording as a full band. For the EP, I was struggling to do some of the instrumentation alone. And it’s just more fun to work with your friends and musicians that you like. Ben: I wouldn’t mind travelling around. Like maybe going to Vancouver Island, or down south to the States. It would be cool to get into the Portland scene, or Seattle, or even California, and make a little documentary about it or something. We just have to produce content first. Ian: Yeah that’s kind of where we’re at. We just want to create content. Whether it’s music, videos, or whatever. We’re just trying to think of interesting and good ways to put ourselves out there, and hopefully we can get our LP out by February.
Ian Campbell Band
You can also listen to the new album 'Summer Time Come' and purchase your copy online at Bandcamp: iancampbellband
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Reviews
For more reviews like these, head over to www.linkbcit.ca and read our recap coverage of the 2017 Fringe Festival. Plus, this month we're sending students out to the Vancouver International Film Festival, so check back often for their picks of this year's flicks.
Film / Album
For Dear Life dir. Carmen Pollard stranger productions
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or Dear Life details the last four-and-ahalf years in the life of James Pollard, a Vancouver theatre producer diagnosed with terminal cancer. James’ cousin Carmen Pollard films his experiences, alongside family interviews, as together they explore the difficulties in coming to terms with the inevitable. James’ final project— burying himself with the intention of perfect preservation for future archaeologists—ultimately brings his friends and family together. James Pollard immediately accepts his terminal cancer and this openness is extremely uncomfortable at first, to the viewer and his immediate family. But we gradually come to terms with it as the film and the cancer progresses. The elegant imagery provides the blueprints: James having his head shaved at a barber’s, measuring himself for his own coffin, visiting his even-
tual grave at Mountain View Cemetery, all while physically and mentally degrading as his chemo treatments stop. These scenes are weaved together with the inverse. We see James celebrating his birthday, 'rolling eggs' on Easter, and doing outdoor activities with his wife. Every scene is littered with dark humour and emotional bouts. Carmen Pollard does a brilliant job presenting her cousin’s life from the intimate perspective that her relationship affords, but she also manages to detach herself, as a filmmaker, in order to participate in the ending of James’ life. This is a documentary everyone should see, if only to understand the process of
dying just a little better, experiencing exactly what it means to those about to die. This is an extremely raw look into the void; sometimes painful and often cathartic. This documentary helps us understand that terminal patients are not dead yet, so we need to overcome our own fears of dying, and learn to live with death so that we can be there with our loved ones in their ultimate time of need. Carmen Pollard has also started The Shift — a social dialogue on dying, created to facilitate conversation and attempt to remove some of the stigma we feel about death. fordearlife.ca/the-shift For Dear Life will be screening on Monday, October 30th at Mountain View Cemetery as part of the Night for All Souls event, and will be broadcast on the Knowledge Network in 2018. nightforallsouls.com
— Sean Murphy
La Papessa Lido Pimienta self-released
S
ince arriving in Canada, Lido Pimienta has blazed a trail in the Canadian music scene. The ambitious young musician’s place was cemented in Canadian history on September 18th, after her second album, La Papessa, won the Polaris Prize. The $50,000 prize is awarded annually for the best Canadian album of the year, and is decided by a panel of journalists, bloggers, and broadcasters from across Canada. Stirring anthems of power and prowess, and strong vocals that soar atop rhythmic structures which pay homage to her Indigenous and Colombian roots, characterize this sophomore album. Her honest lyrical delivery shines above the swirl of synthesizers. The musical depth is apparent from the beginning with "Agua," a stirring piece utilizing ethereal vocal looping reminiscent of Grimes’ early work. La Papessa translates to “high priestess,” a reference to a card of the same name in
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the Tarot deck. The album is aptly named. The strength of feminine power reverberates throughout it. This power is enhanced by the knowledge that Pimienta released it independently, on her own label, She holds production credits and has firmly held creative control over the entire process. Even to someone who with a limited and cursory understanding of Spanish, the album feels revolutionary. It does not shy away from the big issues, tackling relevant and timely subject matter such as water access rights, surviving abuse, and includes a tribute to Indigenous communities worldwide. Standout tracks include "La Capacidad," an homage of the strength of women, "Al Unisono Viajan," a tribute to Indigenous
communities worldwide, and "Quiero Jardines," the album’s closing track, which ends the work on a softer note. The Toronto-based Colombian-Canadian who left her native country due to political turmoil identifies as both Indigenous and afro-Colombian. At first glance, one may be confused as to why an album written entirely in Spanish was chosen for one of Canada’s most prestigious musical awards. Viewed from a different lens, however, her existence in the Canadian cultural landscape, at the intersection of all these identities, speaks to what it means to be Canadian in 2017. What she wants you to take away from the album? “A woman’s voice should never be taken for granted.” Certainly, it has not been, and one should keep an eye out for her next album, already in the works.
— Emily Vance
Sports
M E A ON ! G
NHL Preview
It was a long, hot summer but hockey season is finally here. Pull on your jerseys and tune into your TV sets because there’s a lot to look forward to this season, especially from the Canadian teams. Here’s my look at what Canada’s teams are bringing to the table, plus a sneak peak at the NHL's freshman franchise.
words catherine garrett
Toronto Maple Leafs
Ottawa Senators
Montreal Canadiens
Last season: 14 overall Playoffs: Not unlikely.
Last season: 12 overall Playoffs: Not unlikely.
Last season: 8th overall Playoffs: In the conversation.
The Leafs have added some much needed depth with the arrival of Patrick Marleau, former San Jose forward. Combining that with some of the top young players in the league (Austin Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander), they are hoping to make the playoffs
for a second year in a row.
Ottawa is coming off of their best postseason finish since their Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2007. They made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last year. The biggest change is the departure of Marc Methot, known for his explosive hip checks and Erik Karlsson’s defensive partner for the last 5 years.
The Habs find themselves in a predicament, losing Andrei Markov to the KHL after 16 seasons. As it stands, there is no internal replacement for the left side of the top defensive pairing. Montreal has also picked up forwards Jonathan Drouin and Ales Hemsky.
Calgary Flames
Vancouver Canucks
Winnipeg Jets
Last season: 15 overall Playoffs: Anything is possible...
Last season: 27 overall Playoffs: We can dream.
Last season: 20th overall Playoffs: Probably not.
Calgary made a return to the playoffs last year after missing out the previous season, but were swept in the first round by the Ducks. The took a step to fill their hole in net acquiring goaltenders Mike Smith and Eddie Lack during the postseason. Fan-favourite and longtime NHL veteran Jaromir Jagr also signed with the Flames for a 1-year, $1million contract. This will be his 10th NHL team in his career.
In the midst of a frustrating rebuild, Vancouver has a new coach in Travis Green, after letting go of Willie Desjardins in April. They have signed veterans Sam Gagner and Thomas Vanek and added blue line depth with Michael Del Zotto. Additionally, Vancouver has opted to release Goalie Ryan Miller, giving Jacob Markstrom the starting position.
Winnipeg has been slowly compiling draft picks and young prospects since the relocation. This season they have turned their attention to their more immediate future, signing Steve Mason, a veteran goaltender, in the hopes that it will take pressure off younger goalie Connor Hellebuyck. They also added defenseman Dmitry Kulikov to the roster.
Edmonton Oilers
Las Vegas Golden Knights
th
th
th
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Last season: 7th overall Playoffs: Barring disaster.
Last season: n/a Playoffs: Anyone's guess.
After an impressive postseason, the Oilers are sticking to the, “if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it” mentality. The only major change was the departure of Jordan Eberle, traded to the Islanders for Ryan Strome. The Oilers have potential for postseason success, especially if McDavid stays healthy.
The Golden Knights are looking to stockpile draft picks and prospects to build a solid foundation for the coming years. Adding a Stanley Cup-winning goaltender in Marc-Andre Fleury, young talent in Nate Schmidt and Shea Theodore, along with big scorers like James Neal, this team looks like it has bright times ahead.
Curiousa October’s Gemstone
OPAL words nazanin joorabchian
Origins Opal is among one of the most precious and expensive gemstones known to humankind. Opal was initially discovered in Australia in the 1800s. Today, more than 90% of the world's precious opal is found in Australia. South Australia's Coober Pedy, which has over seventy opal fields, is branded as the “opal capital of the world.” The remaining 10% can mostly be found in Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, Czech Republic, Ethiopia and USA. Characteristics Opal is known as one of the most precious and powerful gems because it has the ability to diffract light, thereby presenting itself in many colours. With its brilliant play of colours, opal is highly sought after in the jewelry industry. Opal is classified in the silicate family of minerals, more specifically, hydrated silicate. The silicate’s family of minerals are known for their exceptional ability to contain water within their structures, which is why the percentage of water content in different forms of opal vary from 3% to 21%. Opal has a sub-vitreous and pearly luster, and molecular weight of 87.11 grams.
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confidence
hope Month stones are based primarily on Greek myths and legends, and are known to exude powers. On a spiritual level, I believe that it’s important for people to be familiar with their birth stone and to own a sample because their powers can keep you grounded.
artwork flavia chan Classification Opal is categorized in seven groups, which differentiate in body, tone and colour. The classifications extend as follows: white, black, boulder, crystal, fire, matrix and yowah opal. However, the most commonly known specimens are white and black opal, with black opal being the most precious in the market. Mineralogically speaking, opal is classified as a mineraloid, meaning that it doesn’t have a definite crystal structure. In other words, it lacks a specific shape and building block. Because of this, opal is known to not contain cleavage, which is a mineral’s tendency to break along smooth weak parallel planes, causing it to fissure in a concaved fashion. Spirituality Opal is believed to symbolize hope, innocence and purity due to its high water content. The dancing auroras within the gemstone suggest happiness and confidence. In Greek mythology, opals are believed to be the tears that Zeus, the God of lightning, wept after defeating the Titans in a battle. The Greek myth enhances the positive powers of the stone.
Folklore There are two well-known false myths about opal. The first myth states that it's bad luck to wear opal jewelry unless you are born in October. The first myth arose in London during the 1890s, when opal became so popular that it threatened the diamond market. As such, the merchants started up rumors to ensure that diamonds remained at the top of the market. However, the traditional Australian belief stresses that, “the only bad luck about Opal is not owning one!” The second false myth states that opal is too fragile to wear because the gem is ranked 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs’ Hardness scale. This scale ranges from 1-10 and ranks minerals’ abilities to scratch and break another. This classifies Opal as mid-range, meaning that it is considered delicate. Despite that, opal doesn’t break and scratch too easily. With proper care, this extraordinary gemstone can provide a lifetime of happiness and beauty. Modern Day Use Due to their brilliant display of colour, Opals are mainly used in the jewelry industry and are among the five principle jewels considered as precious stones.
Photo Feature
Ryan Bevelander
Carol Xu
Michael White
www.linkbcit.ca
Natalie Fox
Ryan Bevelander
Each month, we bring budding BCIT student photographers together for a guided exploration of various locations, helping them hone their skills, learning to see the world in different ways, and sharing tips amongst each other as we go. Here is a selection of some favourites collected during the September walk.
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PHOTO WALK
October 20th 3:00PM BCIT Burnaby Campus
Join us on a guided walk around the BCIT campus, learning to capture images in new and interesting ways. Ask questions about your camera, try out different angles, and have fun shooting photos with fellow shutterbugs. Plus: we’ll feature some of our favourite snaps in our next issue! Open to both Students and Staff at BCIT. RSVP or find out more details: Email: madams@bcitsa.ca
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