The Ontarion - 196.2

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196.2 | FEBRUARY 2024

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CELEBRATING VALENTINE'S DAY | PAGE 16 & 17

THEONTARION.COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOR THE

OF FANDOM

NEWS 3.

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It's time for Guelph to have a National Urban Park The ultimate guide to subletting The Black History Month Planning Committee at the University of Guelph prepares for a month of amazing events U of G removes pro-Palestinian banner U of G's CannonFire bringing sweet spice to campus Homelessness as a 'Crisis of Caring' Looking for volunteer opportunities?

ARTS & CULTURE 9.

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Celebrating winter, from one Indigenous perspective Queerly good music Ontarion Book Review: Blood: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation Arpit's Music Review: Frank Ocean's nostalgia, ULTRA The Ontarion's 2024 Winter Style Guide A look at Tamil heritage at Guelph

SPORTS & HEALTH The PWHL is giving pro women's hockey another shot 16 & 17. Celebrating love this valentine's 19 Soups for sickness 20.

Get to know Mark Surya, newly promoted Gryphons football head coach A look at the All In Skating program 21 Winter in Guelph 15.

STEM 22.

23.

Queer East and Southeast Asian men are engaging in exhibitionism online A look at science, literacy, and trust

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LOVE STUFF 24.

25.

Porn and unreasonable sexpectations Anyone But You is sexy and saving the rom-com genre Mad libs love letter

FUN STUFF Because we asked...

From the archives Club of the month Pets of the month 29.

February to-do list 30 & 31. Puzzle pages 26.

27.

28.

BOB’S DOGS Come see for yourself why Bob's Dogs is a U of G Tradition

NEWS

THEONTARION.COM

05 | BLACK HISTORY MONTH

06 | HOT HONEY SAUCE

3

07 | IN OUR BACK YARD

It’s time for Guelph to have a National Urban Park Learn about how and why Urban Park Guelph is advocating for the former Guelph Correctional Centre and surrounding lands to be turned into a National Urban Park

CARLOTA SOUSA

Guelph’s National Urban Park would surround and highlight Guelph’s Heritage Bridge. PHOTO PROVIDED BY URBAN PARK GUELPH

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local not-for-profit group called Urban Park Guelph is on a mission to have the former Guelph Correctional Centre lands turned into a National Urban Park, as part of Parks Canada’s National Urban Parks program that launched in August 2021.

The goal of this program is to create 15 new urban parks across Canada that conserve nature, connect people with the outdoors and advance healing with Indigenous peoples.

Urban Park Guelph is made up of volunteers and members from various local groups like the Yorklands Green Hub, Guelph Hiking Trail Club and includes representatives from The Arboretum.

Brian Skerrett, a volunteer and spokesperson for Urban Park Guelph, spoke with The Ontarion to discuss what it would mean for the former Guelph Correctional Centre and surrounding land to become a National Urban Park and why it’s important for this to happen.

A major goal for all of the urban parks is that they must conserve nature and so far, the land that would become Guelph’s urban park has already observed over 40 bird species and is home to grey tree frogs, white minks,

and river systems. This land is already a hub for a growing ecosystem and under an official designation as a National Urban Park, it would only continue to flourish.

“Let’s make it official and... protect it in the way that we're protecting species and biodiversity and advancing concerns about climate change,” Skerrett said.

“There are areas there that need to be conserved [and] this was also an industrial site, so we have to recognize that there are many opportunities for restoration.”

Another pillar of the urban parks is that they connect people with nature, which is something this land has already been doing for many years. People have spent their time hiking, dog walking, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, and more here. By creating a National Urban Park in Guelph, it will ensure that the people of Guelph can continue to participate and enjoy these activities well into the future.

There has been some concern among community members that by turning the former Guelph Correctional Centre lands into a National Urban Park, people would have to pay to access this space, but Skerrett was quick to clarify this misconception.

“Parks Canada has said that

a National Urban Park must maintain free public access. So, we get to actually not only build the park, but preserve free access for everybody,” he said.

It is also vital for each urban park to advance healing with Indigenous peoples. Urban Park Guelph has been speaking and working alongside the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation as progress for the urban park is being made. Recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation has vocalized their support of Urban Park Guelph: “As the treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation fully support Urban Park Guelph’s efforts to establish a National Urban Park within the boundaries of the Reformatory Heritage Conservation District.

This place offers a profound opportunity for Healing, Conservation, Restoration and a Connection to Nature,” wrote Ogimaa Kwe (Chief) of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Claire Sault, in a letter of support to Urban Park Guelph.

“We appreciate the work Urban Park Guelph is undertaking to illustrate the history of injustice, system racism, intergenerational trauma and disproportionate incarceration at the former

Guelph Correctional Centre and throughout Canada.”

When the Guelph Correctional Centre was operating, a group called the Native Sons was formed in 1977 by a group of Indigenous men who were looking to create a space where they felt they could talk and navigate through their pain and trauma.

They used painting as a means of healing, and actually painted a few murals in the lower assembly hall of the Guelph Correctional Centre.

Unfortunately, these murals are not currently protected, but by designating this land as a Na-

tional Urban Park, these murals would be advocated to be protected and preserved.

The former Guelph Correctional Centre lands have a long, deep history and are home to a wealth of biodiversity. It’s time to designate this land as a National Urban Park to secure a place for future generations where they can connect with nature and learn about the history of Guelph and the land that they live on.

If you’re looking for more information, updates, and ways to show your support, take a look at Urban Park Guelph’s Facebook: facebook.com/UPGuelph.

A Native Sons’ mural. PHOTO PROVIDED BY URBAN PARK GUELPH

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THE LOVE ISSUE | NEWS

THE ONTARION

The ultimate guide to subletting University of Guelph’s Off-Campus Living Advisor, June Baldwin, answers the big questions about subletting AMELIA BAJOR What does sublet mean?

“Sublet means that another person moves into your unit temporarily – you will move back in at a specific later date. If you are subletting [your room], you are still responsible to the landlord for making sure the rent gets paid and for damages, etc. As a subtenant [sublet] you are subletting from the original tenant. You are responsible to the tenant and the tenant is responsible to the landlord.”

What is a sublet’s responsibility to the original tenant?

“If bills such as internet/utilities, etc. are under the tenants’ names, they would remain during the sublet period and the subtenant could cover the costs if that was part of their agreement. You are responsible for upholding your sub tenancy agreement.”

Do you need permission to sublet your room?

“You must ask permission from the landlord if you wish to sublet (or to assign your unit). It is important to ask for permission in writing so that you have proof that you made the request if there is any dispute later on.”

To protect yourself against damage claims Baldwin suggests, “Take pictures of everything as it is when you move in, and again when you move out.” This is a good idea for both parties in the agreement to do.

When subletting, it's important to ask for permission in writing in case there are any future disputes.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE

soon as you know that you are looking to find a subtenant. The more time you can give yourself to find someone the better.”

Do you have any words of advice?

Where can students post/find listings?

“Students can post their sublet opportunities on thecannon.ca or on various other listing websites or Facebook groups. I would recommend making your listing as

“The best thing you can do is to prioritize searching for housing. Stay on top of the listing sites and reach out to landlords for every place that could be a potential fit for you. It takes dedicated time.”

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“Make sure that you view the unit in person (or at least a live virtual tour) and ask any questions that you have before signing an agreement.”

As each living situation is different, Baldwin says it is best to contact the Off-Campus Living Advisors to get advice best suited for your particular needs.

“You can connect with us at ocl@uoguelph. ca or book a virtual appointment with us through the Student Experience website.”

ISSUE 196. 2 | NEWS

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The Black History Month Planning Committee at the University of Guelph prepares for a month of amazing events Learn about the people in this committee and what they have planned PAULA HENRY-DURU & CARLOTA SOUSA

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ebruary is a time in which the Black community around the world celebrates and participates in Black History Month (BHM).

What initially started as a weeklong affair in 1926 to recognize the contributions of African Americans to the United States, BHM now spans the entire month of February to celebrate the achievements of Black people everywhere throughout history.

This annual celebration is also observed in Canada, and here at the University of Guelph the Black History Month planning committee strives to create activities and events to honour the cultures, experiences, and achievements of Black individuals. The committee is composed of professional staff who support Black and racialized students, and who belong to different departments on campus such as Student Wellness, housing, and athletics.

The committee also includes student leaders who are passionate about celebrating and amplifying Black voices, and whose roles also involve program development for marginalized groups.

This year’s theme for BHM at the University of Guelph is “360°; Health and Wellness,” which is inspired by the Seven Dimensions of Wellness, a healthy living approach created by Student Wellness. The Ontarion spoke with two student leaders, the chair of the committee, and a coordinator of the Cultural Diversity program to better understand what this initiative entails and how it aims to connect with Black campus community members during the month of February.

As the Intersectional Connections Facilitator in the Sexual and Gender Diversity office, Mashal Ahmad specifically supports Black, racialized, queer, and trans students by providing students with intersecting identities a space and community where they feel welcome and connected.

In this role, Ahmad also runs social events and is launching a new volunteer opportunity this semester that will focus on pre-colonial queer communities.

For BHM, Ahmad will be collaborating with the Cultural Diversity team and Pravieena Gnanakumar, who is the Institutional Equity Diversity and Inclusion (IEDI) Advisor with the athletics and housing team, to host a movie night. The movie, Paris is Burning, will be screened on Feb. 16 in the Art Gallery of Guelph. The documentary highlights the intersecting identity of being Black and gay while showing viewers the lived experiences of Black and Latin drag queens living in New York.

“It’s a great collaboration for Black History Month to focus on those intersecting identities while providing a space for students that traditionally are not as focused on or who don't necessarily always have the most space,” Ahmad said.

Binta Njai, the co-president of the Guelph Black Students Association, (GBSA), is involved in facilitating events, raising awareness, and advocating for Black students on campus. Njai also helps coordinate weekly discussions which cover different topics that affect marginalized groups, and throughout the year various events are organized by the GBSA to connect members of the Black community on campus with each other.

For BHM, Njai will be acting as a moderator for a panel discussion centred around health and wellness which will consist of about five Black individuals from the community, including alumni and undergraduate students. Njai will ask them questions about their journeys and experiences as marginalized individuals in the community of Guelph. Afterwards, there will be an open discussion with the audience for ad-

ditional questions and socializing.

Alicia Yon, a coordinator for the Cultural Diversity program, explained the event that will start off BHM on campus.

“To kick us off for the month, we are starting with a live show that we’ve called Dynamic Rhythms with an artist named DESIIRE...he’s Congolese and Toronto-based and he’s a queer singer/songwriter. He does R&B, Afro, jazz, electronic music and he’s going to be performing at The Bullring on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 7 to 9 p.m.,” said Yon. Amelia Kezaabu, the current chair of the BHM Planning Committee, and former co-president of The African Students Association on campus, works with the Cultural Diversity Office and is intimately involved with the organization of events scheduled to run in February.

Kezaabu especially looks forward to DESIIRE’s performance as she has previously seen him live herself and had an amazing time.

Kezaabu also spoke about other events that will take place such as the keynote address by Larissa Crawford with the title “Reconciling and Honoring our Relationships to the Seven Dimensions of Wellness.”

“Our keynote speaker is Larissa Crawford who does a lot of work with different communities based on her identities.

She’s Black and Indigenous and is the [founder] of a group called the Future Ancestors that does a lot of work on anti-racism, what it means to be a future ancestor, what it means to be a leader in Black communities and Indigenous communities. She’s also disabled and speaks to her experience with her health and wellbeing and taking care of that as a racialized individual,” said Kezaabu.

Another event planned that was created by Damilola Ogun-

The 2023 live show in The Bullring with TOVA . PHOTO PROVIDED BY

tala, a student on campus, is a Black hair care workshop.

Initiatives that will run on campus will include a collaboration with the UC Chef’s Hall which will be offering African food on Tuesdays and Caribbean food on Wednesdays at a fixed price of $12.99 CAD for the entire month of February at the Infusion restaurant. Additionally, a Spotify playlist featuring several African and Caribbean artists, as well as a book collection with Black authors of wellness literature will be made available.

On why BHM, and specifically this committee, is important, Njai explained that “this is really important for marginalized groups and Black students.”

“For Black students, it’s a way for them to know that their presence on campus matters, their culture, and the cultures that they come from really do matter, and that we are acknowledging it by celebrating it throughout the month of February,” Njai said.

“A number of events are open to the wider community, because we want to also educate other students on campus about Black history and the Black experience. I think that's also a really good idea for them to come and celebrate our culture with us and also educate themselves,” she said.

In response to this question, Ahmad said that supporting Black and racialized students is something he is “just extremely passionate about.”

“I think especially when it

comes to Black History Month, I'm really passionate about supporting and advocating for Black students on campus, and assisting and supporting in any way that I can to ensure that the spaces that need to be held, are held,” Ahmad said.

“I'm really here to help and support in any way that I can, because I know personally as a racialized individual how isolating it can feel sometimes. For Black History Month, focusing on cultivating a sense of community and just allowing students to get together is very, very important.”

Kezaabu also shared, “We really did try to have something for everyone. If you want something more educational, something with lots of people, [something] with music, [and] if you want something more quiet…I think I’m just looking forward to seeing people enjoy themselves…and have a good time.”

Since Canada is so culturally diverse, recognizing BHM is incredibly important. At the University of Guelph, there will be many events to celebrate African and Caribbean cultures, and also just to hold the space for members of the Black community.

Detailed information about all of the BHM events and more will be available on GryphLife, the GBSA’s Instagram account (@gbsa_), the Student Experience Instagram account (@uofgstudentexp), and movie posters about Mashal’s event will be on TVs in the athletics centre.

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THE LOVE ISSUE | NEWS

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U of G removes proPalestinian banner The banner was hung in the University Centre and MacKinnon on Jan. 11 TAYLOR PIPE

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n Jan. 11, a banner was hung in the University Centre on the North end staircase. The banner was painted with words that said “U of G Silent During Genocide.”

It was hung on the day that hearings on a court case brought forward by South Africa at the International Court of Justice, (ICJ), began. In the case, South Africa accused Israel of committing acts of genocide. The ICJ ruled that “at least some of the acts and omissions alleged by South Africa to have been committed by Israel in Gaza appear to be capable of falling within the provisions of the (Genocide) Convention.” The ICJ has since ordered Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza.

One of the students behind the banner, Waida Mirzada, believes that the conflict should be labeled as a genocide.

“The plan with the banner was to raise awareness about the silence on campus and lack of acknowledgement from administration surrounding the ongoing

genocide of Palestinian people,” she said in an email. “In the last four months we have gotten nothing but absolute silence about the atrocities, killings, displacement, and dehumanization of Indigenous Palestinian people.”

Mirzada said that she felt there was a great amount of support from students and other campus community members.

“Many students mentioned how they also felt silenced on campus and that the banner drop made them feel empowered to continue to speak up about the genocide and know that they are not alone,” she said.

She said the university told her and her group to remove the banners as they were fire hazards.

In an email statement to The Ontarion, Garth Hardie, interim senior director of media relations and stakeholder communications, said unauthorized postings are always quickly removed - urgently if they pose fire or other safety risks.

After being told to remove

the banner from the University Centre, Mirzada’s group hung the banner in a window of MacKinnon, facing Winegard Walk, allowing passersby to see the message.

After several hours, Mirzada’s group was asked to remove the banner.

Mirzada said this reaffirmed her belief that the university was structurally gaslighting and stifling the messages of students.

“We feel isolated and upset because thousands of people have died in the last few months and we feel as though we can’t speak out about it or say anything,” she said.

She added that she felt academic institutions should be a place where conversations about happenings around the world, including genocide, should be had. She also pointed out a double-standard when it comes to how the university showed support for Ukraine during the ongoing Russian invasion.

“There is a stark contrast in how the university respond-

The banner was hung alongside the Palestinian flag. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE

ed to what was/is happening in Ukraine [versus] Palestine. It solidifies the systemic racism all institutions hold,” Mirzada said.

“The university should take a clear stance and help the Palestinian students during this genocide just like it did for Ukrainian students by providing numerous resources and support.”

The university issued statements offering support in relation to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, though the support offered for those affected by the Ukrainian invasion was more detailed. Additionally, the statement on the Ukrainian conflict included a statement of solidarity with Ukraine.

Hardie said that there are different options for students looking to express their views on campus.

“Various forms of expression may be used on our campuses, including peaceful assembly,” he said in the email statement.

“Students who are part of Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) should follow the Student Events and Risk Management process for all event planning (e.g. vigil, student-initiated support groups). Students who are interested in organizing activities and are not a part of an RSO should contact Student Experience Director, Kathryn Hofer, at khofer@uoguelph.ca to discuss event planning and risk management processes.”

He added that the University reserves the right to restrict expression that it reasonably believes violates laws, creates safety concerns, or disrupts the normal functioning of the university.

U of G’s CannonFire bringing sweet spice to campus Taste the goodness of the biscuit with the (hot) honey sauce LOREL DANIELOV

A

hidden culinary gem lies in the heart of U of G's campus.

Krupa Thakkar, a fourth-year co-op student, is credited with U of G's new brand of sweet and spicy honey that can be perfectly paired with many different dishes.

Thakkar, the project leader on hot honey for Guelph's Food Innovation Centre released this product only a few months ago, but it immediately caught the attention of faculty and the student body and left the shelves almost as soon as they arrived.

The CannonFire's new sister sauce, named after Guelph's landmark, Old Jeremiah, is a potent combination of homegrown chil-

lies from the University of Guelph's Bovey Teaching Greenhouse on campus, infused with the rich honey coming directly from U of G's Honey Bee Research Centre.

Thakkar noticed an influx of chilli peppers leftover from the end of production for prior hot sauces and was inspired by honey from dishes her mother made her growing up and took her opportunity to carry out this project. Elements like the recipe and how consciously each pepper was chosen, processed, bottled, developed, and manufactured are all done by students at the centre.

However, the CannonFire hot sauce isn't entirely new to campus.

Krupa Thakkar was inspired by leftover chillies and her mothers cooking. PHOTO PROVIDED BY KRUPA THAKKAR

It had its emergence back in 2018 and has flourished from then. The

success of those sauces inspired many more different flavours and

formulas and they have all been well received.

ISSUE 196. 2 | NEWS

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The event served as a way to start a conversation about food security, homelessness and the cost rising of living. PHOTO PROVIDED BY

Homelessness as a ‘Crisis of Caring’ Guelph Food Bank’s most recent event “In Our Backyard” encourages individuals to look inward for change and continue the conversation surrounding homelessness in Guelph JORJA ALLEN

O

n the second floor The Bookshelf, in the core of downtown Guelph, premieres Dwight Storring’s documentary Anna Kaljas: The Untold Story. This served as the focal point for the Guelph Food Bank’s most recent effort to spark awareness and action surrounding the issues of food insecurity, homelessness and the rising cost of living. Approximately 140 individuals came to support the event and inform themselves about how they can contribute to the initiative.

The event consisted of several parts. Initially, it served as a space for attendees to network to discuss the issues with one another. Next, was a informational session to which there was an opening statement from a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), Mike Schreiner, followed by the screening of the film, and then a panellist of speakers discussing their experience in terms of the organizations they work with in conjunction with the issue Lastly, a first-hand account of Micheal O'Brien, who was on the street for six years due to an unfortunate building-fire, was shared.

The event was illuminating

and emphasized shifting the narrative surrounding homelessness in Guelph and our role as citizens in addressing the issue.

Carolyn McLeod-McCarthy, Managing Director of the Guelph Food Bank, spearheaded the event by striving to create more community engagement, innovatively, through the continued practice of creative fundraising techniques such as the Guelph Food Bank’s Thrift Store, and now this documentary showing. She worked at the Waterloo Record, with Storring and in conversation he expressed his interest in offering the film’s premiere as a topic for discussion in the event.

“The need is growing and it's unsustainable for organizations [like the Guelph Food Bank]. We just can’t keep up,” McLeod-McCarthy said. “The root of the problem is people don’t have enough to live on.”

Despite the need for change, she makes note that the event is not about solving the issue, but rather, about starting a conversation.

“Governments have been relying on us for way too long, [and] we need to find a way for voters to

vote the right people in to make change at the root of the problem,” she said.

Most notably, an insistence on compassion for individuals facing homelessness was referenced.

As MPP Schreiner stated, “It is a deeper crisis as a society [that we are facing]. It’s a crisis of caring.”

As voters, he suggests that we “have to demand that all levels of government and policy show a deeper level of care. [And that] we need the community to continue to rally.”

The featured film centred on the life of Anna Kaljas, an Estonian refugee who was dedicated to making a difference for those experiencing homelessness. She focused on treating everyone she came across with mutual respect, goodwill, and tenderness, by welcoming people of all dimensions into her home. Most importantly, she viewed them as human above anything else and as individuals in need of loving support.

The film served as a means of initiating discourse, broadening individuals’ perspectives on the issue to not only consider people facing homelessness as in need of

support, but also to break down the barrier that is often present between those facing the direct effects of the rising cost of living.

The gap will only continue to widen if awareness is not spread and authentic stories such as Anna’s are not shared. This disconnection is dangerous as it leaves room for discernment when really it should be bridged with compassion.

Kevin Coghill, the executive director at Royal City Mission shared in his discussion that as much as it is important to meet people’s needs through financial and sustainable support, “the things we can’t see like belonging, feeling loved, being welcomed, being forgiven another time, not being judged for past acts…Those are the invisible things that people need to experience as much as being sheltered, and eating food.”

He believes that “each person is inherently beautiful and has a beautiful spark inside of them.

And it's our job to just notice it, to find it in each other.”

This resonated with O'Brien as he felt that during his time on the streets, there was a stigmatism placed on him that was extremely

hard to break.

“You get no respect from anyone. You are afraid to ask anybody for anything. You’re just turned down all the time,” O’Brien said.

There is no relief in sight since there is no reliable funding for these organizations. Nothing is government funded and that is where the change needs to occur.

But in order for change to be brought about through policy means, there needs to be a shift in our hearts and a strive towards empathy and understanding. We need to value our neighbours and those right outside our windows, those in our backyards. We need to recognize their experiences as human – as in need of support.

We need to open our hearts and open our minds to embrace those in our community who are struggling and lend our hand to them by listening to their stories and getting to know who they are as individuals. We cannot keep ignoring the issue. We cannot keep ignoring the individual.

For more information on who to vote for to make change follow MPP Schreiner and reach out to the City of Guelph directly to express your concern.

8

THE LOVE ISSUE | NEWS

THE ONTARION

Looking for volunteer opportunities?

How to volunteer with your busy university student schedule YASMINE SULIMAN Project Serve volunteers for non-profits in the community, including at the Guelph Food Bank. PHOTO PROVIDED BY HELEN KEEN

D

o you want to volunteer, but don’t have the time? It can be really hard balancing a full-time course load on its own, and if you have a part-time job on top of it, forget it. There is just no time to volunteer, unless you want to sacrifice your sleep and social life.

But what if there was a way for you to volunteer just one day a month, for a couple hours? You don’t even have to do it every month, you can choose which months you want to based on what works for you.

Student Volunteer Connections, (SVC), which is part of the Experiential Learning Hub, provides on-campus peer helpers who meet with students one-on-one and can help you to find volunteer opportunities on- and off-campus that fit into your busy schedule.

Additionally, SVC runs an initiative called Project Serve. Once a month they organize a Project Serve Day where students can sign up to volunteer with one of the many non-profit organizations SVC works with.

This year, SVC has already organized eight Project Serve days. Their biggest happens in September when they partner with dozens of nonprofits on the same day.

SVC’s most recent Project Serve Day was at the Guelph Food Bank on Jan. 20.

Maaike Vlaar, an SVC peer helper and attendee, spoke to The Ontarion about the event from a student's perspective.

Vlaar is in her second year at U of G studying biomedical science and decided to become a Peer Helper, which is where she learned about Project Serve. She attended her first Project Serve Day in September before attending the Guelph Food Bank initiative last month.

Vlaar explained what the Guelph Food Bank Project Serve Day looked like. The day

started with a bus that picked up the volunteers from the University Centre at 9:30 a.m., and then took them to the food bank.

Upon arrival, they all signed in, got their Project Serve t-shirts and name tags, were divided into groups, and given the task to organize the many items that had been donated over Christmas.

Vlaar said that at the end of the day when they all gathered together again, the food bank organizers said that what the Project Serve volunteers did in three hours would have usually taken them three weeks.

If you want to get involved or learn more you can email svc@uoguelph.ca or drop by the Raithby House on a Monday or Wednesday between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. In the meantime, you can join SVC’s CourseLink page to stay up to date by logging into CourseLink, clicking the Self Registration button in the top left and selecting Student Volunteer Connections.

Take a break from all that studying and get some volunteer work under your belt.

Not only will you be helping the Guelph community, but you will come out of it with valuable experiences and skills, and who knows, maybe you’ll even make some new friends along the way.

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ARTS & CULTURE 11 | BOOK REVIEW

10 | LGBTQ+ MUSIC

9

13 | WINTER STYLE GUIDE

Celebrating winter, from one Indigenous perspective The frosty season is the perfect time to recharge and show gratitude for nature ANDREEA BURLACU

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he beauty of winter can be undervalued. It’s hard to appreciate the cold while frost reddens your face, your fingers go numb, and your feet get soaked in slush. Through these months, you might find yourself counting the days until the sun sets after 7 p.m.

However, it’s important to live in the moment and appreciate nature year-round. Although the grass may seem greener in the summertime, winter has a unique beauty. It’s a time of renewal within nature, where plants and wildlife rest under blankets of fresh, white snow.

On Jan. 11, the Indigenous Student Centre hosted “A Winter Sleep with Jan Sherman” event about how to appreciate winter from an Indigenous perspective.

Sherman, an Anishaabe educator and self-described storyteller, led a captivating discussion.

She talked about the importance of winding down, building a relationship with nature, and connecting with your community through these cold months.

Rest and recharge Sherman described that all of nature rests through these winter months. The bears snuggle up and snooze, flowers rest under blankets of snow, and birds vacation south. You don’t need to put pressure on yourself to always be busy this season. It’s important to have balance – to try your best in work or school, but to also take time to recharge. Take time to do relaxing activities, like journaling, reading a fun novel, or hanging out with friends.

Reflect, show gratitude, and give back Often, we go through days taking nature for granted. Most of us expect water to flow from the tap, food to satiate our hunger, and energy to warm up our homes. Sherman describes that as we take from the earth, we seldom focus on reciprocity. We have a responsibility to think about our place in this world, and

to try and make a positive impact.

Even small steps like spending less time in the shower or trying to reduce food waste can help.

Additionally, you could consider volunteering your time or talents within your community.

“While we're here on the earth, we all have something valuable to offer,” Sherman said.

“So we need to figure out what that is and how we're going to give back.”

Spend time in nature A lovely way to show gratitude for nature is to spend time outside. Through the stress of midterms and busy lives, it can be soothing to take a walk and enjoy the world around you.

Gather with loved ones and take a winter hike or build a snowperson. The weather might be chilly, but the beauty of nature is sure to make you feel warm.

Eat seasonally Some Indigenous people enjoy a seasonal diet, involving eating what grows naturally in Canada. There are many benefits to eating what’s in season, such as getting more flavourful produce, supporting local farmers, and reducing your carbon footprint. For Indigenous people, this is a way to respect the land and appreciate the gifts that come with each season. Throughout the winter, you can eat seasonally by choosing root vegetables, like carrots, onions, and sweet potatoes. These local vegetables shine in soups or stews.

Think before purchasing Today, new products spring up like wildfire, with advertisements convincing you to buy things you’ve never thought you needed. But when you press “Add to Cart,” you don’t see the gallons of water used to make your jeans, or the plastic packaging that adds up with each makeup purchase. Indigenous teachings ask us to really consider what we take from this land. We usually

have many more things than we need, and by over consuming, we damage the Earth and her gifts.

So, before buying a whole new winter wardrobe, take a peek into your closet and see if last year’s stuff still fits. If not, try buying secondhand at a thrift store or off of websites like Facebook Marketplace.

Gather and learn, within your community If you’re looking to learn more about Indigenous traditions, you can check out the Indigenous Student Centre on 620 Gordon St. It’s cozy, with couches and board games, and welcoming to students of all backgrounds. Often, Sherman hosts drum circles and talks about honouring the earth, connecting with your roots, and finding relaxation within nature. Her next talk, “Natural Laws with Jan Sherman,” will be on Feb. 8 from 1-2 p.m. The Indigenous Student Centre will also host Métis Beading on Feb. 29 and Métis Games on Mar. 14, both with Alicia Hamilton. You can learn more about these events on Gryphlife.

It’s important to connect with the Earth every season, but winter comes to us as a special invitation to join nature in taking things easy. Focus on yourself and on the world around you, ensuring you’re being sustainable to the environment and to your own mental health. Sherman describes that we have a responsibility to respect all living beings like family, being mindful of our choices and how they can impact others.

“Over thousands of years, through observing and listening, paying attention, engaging with the world around us, we began to recognize that everything's connected,” Sherman said.

Seasons change, and summer is soon to come, with warm days and late sunsets. But building a relationship with nature is sure to benefit us year-round.

A great way to show gratitude for nature is to spend time in it. PHOTO PROVIDED

BY SOPHIA MARCON

THE LOVE ISSUE | ARTS & CULTURE

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THE ONTARION

Queerly good music Have a gay old time with these LGBTQ+ artists ILLYRIA VOLCANSEK

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hen I was eleven, my best friend asked me what type of music I liked.

“Tegan and Sara,” I told her.

“Oh, cool, would I know any of their songs?”

“They have this one that’s on the radio a lot called ‘Boyfriend’.

It’s about, uh…” I immediately regretted saying anything. If I told her what the song was really about, would she think I was gay?

Because I was definitely not gay.

So I told her, “It’s about this girl who likes her boyfriend.”

Spoiler alert: it’s not. Tegan and Sara are both incredibly queer and when I came out to my friend several years later, she was not surprised in the slightest.

I still absolutely adore Tegan and Sara. Their music spoke to me when I was first discovering my queerness, and I find myself wandering back whenever I need a bit of gay wisdom. Since then, I’ve discovered a plethora of queer music; artists with different identities and backgrounds making music all over the rainbow spectrum of sound.

There is a special kind of joy that comes from blasting music from your community loud and proud– hearing about experiences like your own and completely different at the same time. The importance of representation cannot

be overstated. It’s a connection to the wider LGBTQ+ community and a cathartic escape in a world that seems to have lost its mind sometimes.

Despite a widespread shift towards acceptance and love, queer people still face challenges and barriers across the globe. Discriminatory laws recently passed in Poland, Uganda, and the United States are a testament to this.

So are the recent debates about pride flags that took place across Ontario last June. Music creates a space where queer people and our allies can come together, express ourselves, heal, and have a voice.

Historically, queer music has been difficult to come by–but not for lack of queer artists. Tom Robinson Band’s 1978 hit “Glad to Be Gay'' was banned from being played on BBC’s Top 40 chart show. Artists such as Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith, who were both making music in the early 1900s, alluded to their love of women without explicitly stating it in their music. Along with artists such as Bikini Kill, Freddie Mercury, and Beverly Glenn-Copeland, they paved the way for the explosion of queer music in recent years. Now, songs about first queer loves, breakups, being aro-ace, transitioning, gender fluidity and neutrality, religion,

intersectionality, found-family, discrimination, change, and more are all around us.

No longer relegated to the fringes or the implied, queer music is in the midst of a renaissance. We’ve always been here, but now we’re getting more radio time.

Here are five LGBTQ+ artists to stream this season: DODIE (she/they) Since releasing “I'm bisexual - a coming out song!” on YouTube six years ago, Dodie’s indie bedroom pop has only become more and more queer. Her introspective and vaguely folksy music has reached fans in both her homeland of England and around the world. Recently, they joined the band FIZZ, whose debut album was released last fall.

Tracks to start with: “She” and “Would You Be So Kind” BEVERLY GLENNCOPELAND (he/him) Over the course of his 50 year music career, Glenn-Copeland has come out as trans-masc, released albums that range from folk-blues to new age synth, received numerous music awards, and been the subject of a documentary film. Now at 80 years of age, Glenn-Copeland’s latest

CFRU's Monthly Top 10 albums 1. GINGER BEEF* Ginger Beef (Self-Released)

6. LAL* Spectacular (Coax)

2. BREEZE* Sour Grapes (Hand Drawn Dracula)

7. TEA LEAVES* Whistlin Past the Graveyard (Self-Released)

3. POSITIVE PEOPLE* Positive People (Self-Released)

8. BLOODSHOT BILL* Psyche-o-Billy (Goner)

4. OFF WORLD* 3 (Constellation)

9. HOT GARBAGE* Precious Dream (Mothland)

5. SOLOISTS* Sound Machine (Self-Released)

10. LUGE* I Love It Here, I Live Here (Self-Released)

*CANADIAN ARTIST

Other LGBTQ+ artists to check out include Bears in Trees, MUNA and Addison Grace. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOPHIA MARCON

album The Ones Ahead feels like medicine for the soul.

Tracks to start with: “Harbour (Song for Elizabeth),” “The Ones Ahead,”and “Let Us Dance” HAVIAH MIGHTY (she/her) Haviah Mighty is a Juno and Polaris Music Prize winning rapper from Brampton, Ont. whose flow moves seamlessly between socio-political and personal introspective. “As a Jamaican Bajan Toronto gyal who likes gyal, there is a weird divide between the black and queer community,” she tweeted. “The cultural significance of [her latest track] Room Service is you don’t have to pick a side.”

Tracks to start with: “Room Service” and “Honey Bun” WIC WHITNEY (he/him) Whitney’s rap lends itself well to warm storytelling. It’s no coincidence that his latest EP is titled Afternoon Tea and features songs

following that theme. Songs about love, life, death, and family feature prominently. As well as lots of tea.

Settle in, cozy up, and take a listen.

Tracks to start with: “Oolong” and “Mama’s Song” JOY OLADOKUN (she/they) In a Rolling Stone interview, Oladokun stated that they hoped their new album is full of “helpful anthems.” This is the perfect term to describe her music: personal, real, and sensitive. Blending together folk, R&B, rock and pop, Oladokun’s YouTube says they create songs “all about life as I learn to live it.” Recently, she played at the White House at the signing ceremony for the Respect For Marriage Act. Tracks to start with: “sunday” and “We’re All Gonna Die” Honourable mentions include: alt-rock artist LP, folksy emo band Bears in Trees, indie-pop group MUNA, and confessional trans artist Addison Grace.

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ISSUE 195. 2 | ARTS & CULTURE

THEONTARION.COM

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Ontarion Book Review: Blood: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation OB-GYN Dr. Jen Gunter accomplishes weaving an information-packed but easily digestible guide that deconstructs the stigma and harmful propaganda on menstruation by using factual medical information ALYSSA CUNNINGHAM

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or far too long, conversations surrounding menstruation and the reproductive cycle have been silenced and misconstructed. The lack of education on the menstrual cycle in primary and secondary institutions—a time when it is vital to be educated on the beginning stages of your period—– and the stigma that periods are dirty has created this false narrative of what menstruation is when in reality it “is the wheel that drives humanity.”

With Dr. Jen Gunter's thorough and packed knowledge of menstruation, she is able to elegantly write this straightforward guide for any reader to educate themselves on the menstrual cycle. Given the dense scientific nature of menstruation, Gunter produces a book that is both educational and refreshingly funny while breaking down big, scary medical terms in a format that is easily comprehensible for the everyday reader. The menstrual cycle can seem complex and heavily enigmatic but it doesn’t have to be with the right teacher. For example, if you are a baker, then you’ll easily understand what “decidualization” is while reading Blood because let me tell you, I wouldn’t have a clue on how to explain it to you without Gunt-

er’s soufflé analogy.

In Blood, Gunter answers all the what’s, how’s, and why’s regarding the menstruation process by covering the main bases such as how menstruation works, what contraceptives can do for your period,and why we bleed and why it can be painful. Blood advocates for the importance of promoting accurate and safe information regarding menstruation. It’s one thing to reference the newspaper-sized side effects pamphlet that comes with birth control, but it is also important to fully understand what exactly you are putting in your body and the history of how and why it came to be. When asked what the hardest part of writing Blood was, Gunter said, “Wrestling all the myths about hormonal contraception that you see on social media is so hard to undo because there's no study on the lie.

So the problem with misinformation is taking it like it's true and then working backwards.

“For example, with the birth control pill - you didn’t become fearful of it by reading research articles and by getting science, you got that fear because of propaganda. Science has a very hard time undoing propaganda, so that’s why it is so important that people curate their feeds against disinformation.”

In today's society, it is so hard t o get

The menstrual cycle can seem complex and heavily enigmatic, but it doesn't have to be with the right teacher. ILLUSTRATION BY PAIGE STAMPATORI

Dr. Gunter said she hopes Blood will equip people with better knowledge of menstruation and contraceptives. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING

you can't make an empowered choice with incorrect information factual information when news outlets are picking out the most viral TikTok’s with the most up-to-date trends to broadcast.

This ultimately creates a huge chain effect of misinformation that is fueled by social media and popularity.

“Repetition makes us think that something is accurate and it takes five repetitions to make you start to believe that something ludicrous can be true,” says Gunter.

Blood not only shines a light on the importance of knowing the true science behind menstruation, contraceptives, and more, but it also creates an eye-opening experience in becoming more knowledgeable about your body and how it functions throughout its menstrual cycle. Any person who experiences menstruation has the right to know all the bits and pieces of the process that aren’t talked about enough, and, most importantly, know that they are not alone in experiencing period complications, whether it comes in the form of extensive bleeding, excruciating pain, or menstrual diarrhea. Gunter wants you to have all the facts you need “because we all want to be empowered about our bodies and we all want to have choices with our bod-

ies but you can't make an empowered choice with incorrect information.”

Additionally, Gunter hopes Blood is able to arm her readers with good-quality information so they can be proactive about their bodies and health.

“Even if you don’t need everything in this book right now, you might need some of it down the road. For example, even if a person is not close to menopause or experiences heavy bleeding, learning a bit more about those things in advance can be quite helpful because I can’t think of a situation where I wished I hadn’t been well prepared.”

Gunter speaks to the importance of combating misinformation on menstruation because that continuous cycle can cause significant harm to people. “Science is finally coming to a point where we are getting more studies for women—I mean, we’re not where we need to be, but we’re finally moving in the right direction. This is not the time to turn away from science,” she said If you resonated with Blood then you should definitely check out Gunter’s other books, The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto to continue her menstruation and reproductive trilogy!

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THE LOVE ISSUE | ARTS & CULTURE

THE ONTARION

Arpit’s Music Review: Frank Ocean’s nostalgia, ULTRA “There Will Be Tears,” hip-hop hits, and pure bangers on this lesser-known gem ARPIT VAGHELA

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verybody loves Frank Ocean.

The last time he released a fulllength album was in 2016 when La La Land was in theatres, Vine was mainstream, and Pokémon Go was everywhere. Even though he’s released only two studio albums, the legacy Ocean has created can’t be described in words. I'm sure everybody has streamed Blonde late at night. We bawled our eyes out to “Self Control” and “Seigfried,” and felt like calling our old loves after hearing “Godspeed” and “White Ferrari”. Then, his 2012 album channel ORANGE literally feels like a coming-of-age movie. “Thinkin Bout You” reminds you of the one that got away, and “Sweet Life” feels like you're drinking strawberry lemonade from Starbucks. Ocean’s music just hits.

Fans of Ocean may not know about his 2011 mixtape nostalgia, ULTRA. There are two main reasons why this mixtape was criminally overlooked: 1. It’s not on streaming services. nostalgia, ULTRA was released as a free download on Ocean's website in 2011, when the downloading of mp3 files from the internet was popular. Now, Spotify and Apple Music are the norm and people won’t go out of their way to download the mixtape.

2. Sound quality is subpar: Kilobits per second (kbs) measure

the sound quality of a record. For nostalgia, ULTRA, only 128 kbps and 192 kbps versions still exist. The mixtape’s overall sound may be underwhelming compared to the standard 320 kbps of many tracks.

I managed to get hands-on with this project after going through every single corner of the internet, finding the best quality the mixtape could offer. Here, I present my final review of the mixtape to you. nostalgia, ULTRA is Ocean's debut mixtape, released in February 2011. The inspiration came after Hurricane Katrina hit Ocean’s hometown of New Orleans. The mixtape’s lyrics revolve around relationships, personal reflection, and social commentary.

The first track is “Street Fighter.” Just like in channel ORANGE's first track “Start,” we can hear the opening sequence of the Nintendo game Street Fighter before the album begins.

The second track “Strawberry Swing” is the actual first song of the mixtape. Just like “Sweet Strawberries,” Ocean reminisces on his younger days, when life was simpler. But as you grow up, the atom bomb called adulthood is going to destroy everything around you, and escape is inevitable.

“Novacane,” the mixtape’s lead single, is about Ocean’s romance with a dental student/porn actress

which leaves him emotionally numb after the high of drugs and sex wears off. The title “Novacane” is a play on Novacain: a numbing drug primarily used by dentists before they perform painful procedures like root canals. Like a nova, an astronomical event in which a new star appears and then slowly fades, Ocean experiences the fleeting feeling of being high before fading back into reality.

“We All Try” is about Ocean's beliefs and misbeliefs about certain things in life, such as the existence of heaven, time travel, the flag on the moon, and the simplicity of life.

Ocean also sings about his support of women’s bodily autonomy and gay marriage.

“Songs for Women” is a beautifully written song about Ocean’s conflicting feelings for the woman he loves. Ocean’s success means he can win women, but the time he spends creating music pushes him away from his relationships.

Ultimately, he leaves his girlfriend because they’re spending less time with each other. During the first verse, his voice seems deeper and stronger, but as the second verse comes, his voice becomes soft and tender. This means that as Ocean grows older and as the song progresses, he doesn't want to sing for women because he’s already found the one.

“There Will Be Tears” is one of Ocean’s most melancholic tracks.

The track is about the emotional trauma he suffered from his absent father while growing up. He sings, "I can't be there with you, but I can dream" as he wishes they could have spent more time together while his father was still alive. Ocean also grieves his grandfather, to whom he felt the closest. Ocean can’t be with his grandfather in heaven, but he can dream about seeing him again.

The highlight of this song is most definitely the outro. Ocean angrily asks his father why he couldn't be there for him and says that if he had just given the warning to Ocean before leaving, it would have been less dramatic and emotional.

A well-written and touching track.

“Swim Good” was my introduction to Ocean. I still remember downloading this track from some Dutch mp3 website after hearing it on VH1. This song is heavily influenced by Kanye West's 808s & Heartbreak, one of my favorite and one of the most underrated Kanye projects.

With dark lyrics, melancholic verses, and heavily distorted 808 drums in the background, “Swim Good” is the tale of Ocean's path to suicide after he breaks up with the girl he loves.

“American Wedding” is the climax of the mixtape, which initially created a ton of controversy.

The Eagles, whose song "Hotel California" was used as a sample, demanded royalty fees every time Ocean performed the song live. The band’s Don Henley even criticized Ocean by calling him a "talentless prick." But despite all of that, “American Wedding” managed to get major success and acclaim from the public.

Ocean was around 23 years old when he released this mixtape. For such a young age, his musical talent and ability to create soul-touching music could not be ignored. This mixtape is the reason why Ocean got into every mainstream artist's radar, which ultimately led him to be in touch with Jay Z and Kanye West. From there, Ocean was given the opportunity to work on their upcoming album, Watch The Throne, where he performed the legendary chorus on the first track, “No Church in the Wild.” And the rest is history. nostalgia, ULTRA is a benchmark and the perfect example of how an artist can create a masterpiece without the help of major record labels.

SCORE: 4.5/5, 85/100 BEST TRACK OF THE ALBUM: SWIM GOOD

nostalgia, ULTRA is a benchmark and the perfect example of how an artist can create a masterpiece without the help of major record labels. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE

ISSUE 196. 2 | ARTS & CULTURE

THEONTARION.COM

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If you want to style your outfit, go with a texture or pop of colour. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

The Ontarion’s 2024 Winter Style Guide

All the tips and tricks on how to elevate your closet while still ballin’ on a budget SIERRA LEESE

W

hile TikTok and Pinterest are great for fashion inspiration, it can be a challenge to find outfits warm enough for Canadian winter and comfortable enough to wear all day. This guide is designed to give you all the styling tips on how to dress stylish, comfortable, and warm while still catering to a university student budget.

Re-organize your closet The first step to curating a perfect wardrobe is going through your closet. Many times, we hold on to clothes we like but never wear, which can cause clutter and makes picking out an outfit seem overwhelming. By clearing out your closet, you're giving yourself a chance to decide if an item is worth it or not. Maybe you’ll be inspired to start wearing it again!

You may even find some “lost” clothes hiding in the back.

By going through your closet, you can also earn some spending money. Selling your clothes on websites such as Depop and Facebook Marketplace or posting to your Instagram and Snapchat are great ways to upcycle your old clothes. One of my personal favourites is giving my old clothes to my roommates, which keeps the items in the house just in case I change my mind later.

Second-hand stores like Plato's Closet also accept, and will pay you for, clothes from a list of brands such as Garage, Aritzia, and Lululemon Any clothes you don’t sell can be donated to thrift shops like Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Mission Thrift Store.

Once you’ve cleared your closet, you’re ready to start fresh and build a wardrobe that you can get the most use out of.

The Wardrobe Now comes the fun part: finding the essentials and rebuilding your closet. When it comes to styling for winter, the last thing I want to do some days is get out of my warm and cozy PJs. Comfort is the top priority here, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look fashionable.

Matching sets are going to be your

best friend. Sets are the perfect balance between staying comfortable and warm and still looking put together. There's also a wide variety of types of sets you can get. Leggings and a long sleeve top, sweatpants with a sweatshirt, lounge pants with a sweater.

Matching sets are by far the easiest and most comfortable outfits to wear in the winter. Shop for these in stores like Aerie, Garage, American Eagle, and Hollister.

Bottoms are next. The best way to build your closet is to have some neutral basics that will go with anything. Sticking to more simple bottoms allows you to match them to anything, which makes building an outfit that much easier.

As for jeans, a darker wash denim will be your best choice in the winter. You’ll also want a pair of pure black jeans. The fit of your jeans depends on what style you like best. If you’re not sure what style suits you, I think a straight leg, mid-rise jean is universally flattering.

There are certain days however, where the last thing I want to put on is jeans. So my next option would be casual dress pants.

Dress pants may seem like the last thing a university student wants to wear to their 8:30 a.m. class, but the key is in the details. Finding a dress pant that's wide legged and slightly oversized is essential to not only making the pants more appropriate for everyday wear, but comfortable as well. Again, sticking to more neutral colours like greys, blacks and browns will ensure you can style these pants any day of the week.

By keeping your pants neutral and simplistic, you can have fun with the other parts of your outfit.

To keep warm this winter, sweaters are your go to. Knitwear will keep you the most warm and comfortable. Look for oversized turtlenecks, crew necks and cardigans, as these allow for layering underneath. Colour wise, you can have fun here. Including a pop of colour, stripes, or graphic designs is another great way to enhance your outfit. I find the best sweat-

ers at thrift stores, H&M, Zara, or Aerie.

The same thing goes for sweatshirts. Having a more relaxed/oversized fit, with a few basics and graphics, will offer you a wide variety. Crewnecks and hoodies are great additions as well.

Layering is an essential part of winter fashion. Having some basic long sleeve shirts will match to any outfit and can be thrown on under any sweater. Look for round necks and full length shirts. A personal favourite of mine is Garage’s Estelle Longline shirt, a great Skims dupe that has the perfect fit and style.

While some people argue that winter coats ruin an outfit, I have to disagree. Your coat can elevate an outfit completely. Staying warm is most important, but that doesn’t mean you have to look like a marshmallow. Neutral coloured coats are best as they will match to most outfits. Longer trench coats are great for styling and keeping warm,and of course, a black puffer coat is essential.

For coat colour, I suggest grey, black, or beige.

Shoes seem to be another item people struggle with in the winter. Your Air Forces just aren’t going to cut it. Sticking to the same colour scheme as your coat can act as a guideline for you.

My top suggestions are a pair of black waterproof boots and beige FUGGs (fake UGGs because we’re saving!). Look for these in stores like Marshalls, Hudson's Bay, Aldo, and Call it Spring.

Saving the best for last - accessories. This is my favourite part. Adding scarves, ear muffs, and mitts can elevate an outfit from a fiveto a ten. While these actually keep you warm, they can also be used for a pop of colour.

How to style You’ve got the clothes, but now what? The hardest part many people face is figuring out how to pair it all together.

The greatest style hack is called the sandwich method. This method simply means matching your outmost layer to

your shoes and then sandwiching in the rest of your outfit. This is why sticking to neutral coloured coats and shoes makes styling that much easier. A long black trench coat and a pair of black boots or a beige puffer coat and some FUGGs are just a couple of the ways you can go about doing this.

Knowing how to accessorize an outfit is key as well. You can either have one of your accessories match your coat, like pairing a grey coat with a pink and grey scarf, or have your accessories be an opposing colour to your coat.

For this, something like a black coat with a plain red scarf would be perfect.

When it comes to creating the actual outfit, this is where the simple and statement method comes in handy. This method follows the guide that your outfit should consist of one statement piece and one basic. Whether this means a pair of plain jeans with a graphic printed hoodie or a pair of striped dress pants with a plain knit sweater. The key here is balance.

Layering is another great way to make an outfit more interesting. Turtlenecks under crewnecks for added dimension or cardigans over a long sleeve both work to enhance an outfit.

I find the go-to rules when it comes to styling to be as follows: 1) If an outfit isn’t interesting through colour, it must be interesting through shape,2) If it's not interesting through shape, then texture, and 3) If not texture, then colour.

By sticking to these methods and following these rules, you’ll never run out of styling ideas and combos.

Save, save, save Getting into fashion as a university student may seem like a luxury, but it can be possible.

You just have to know where to look for the best prices.

Second-hand stores are where it's at, but don’t get these confused with vintage stores.

Vintage stores sell one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, so prices tend to

be higher. While these stores can be great for finding some signature pieces, second-hand stores such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army offer lower prices and more variety. You’ll get unique clothes you wouldn’t find at the mall.

Facebook Marketplace is another gem. Similar to Depop, Facebook Marketplace offers lots of gently used clothing ranging from coats to shoes all for half the retail price. It’s also a great way to shop within your community.

If you’re shopping in-store, Student Price Cards, SPC, are another hack that many people don’t know about. As a student, you’re eligible for an SPC that offers up to 25 per cent off in stores ranging from food to fashion. Stores like H&M, Aerie, American Eagle, Footlocker, Levi’s, and more all accept SPC. Another easy and quick way to save is by signing up for store loyalties. Places like Dynamite, Garage, H&M, and more offer 10 per cent off to those who sign up on the spot.

While you're shopping, take the time to compare prices, look online for any specials, and ask about discounts. Your wallet will thank you.

Owning it If you take anything away from this guide, it should be this: own your look! Personalise your outfits by adding in your own flare. You might have a signature hairstyle, wear statement jewellery, or add bows everywhere. No matter what, your outfit should feel like you. .

If you’re not sure what your style is, play around with different aesthetics, like street style, Y2K, or granola. You can make Pinterest inspiration boards to see the vibes you like before buying anything new. You might find a favourite aesthetic, or switch between all of them.

The most important fashion advice is to wear what’s comfortable for you. Being confident in your clothes is what truly makes an outfit work.

THE LOVE ISSUE | ARTS & CULTURE

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THE ONTARION

A look Tamil heritage at Guelph By celebrating Thai Pongal, we welcome new beginnings and learn more about Tamil culture ATHAVI NISHAANTHAN

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YOU’RE INVITED!

ince 2010, January has been marked as Tamil Heritage Month in Canada to celebrate Tamil culture and history. Tamils are an ethnic group with a common language, typically originating from South India and Sri Lanka. Due to past conflicts, Tamils have migrated worldwide, creating communities as they go.

Primarily, January was selected for Tamil Heritage Month to celebrate Thai Pongal. Thai Pongal is a multi-day harvest festival that typically falls on the Jan. 14 or 15. It is a time to celebrate and be thankful for the harvest and farmers, honour the sun, and welcome new beginnings. Thai Pongal is a celebration in many cultures and is especially large in Tamil culture.

Despite Canada having a large Tamil population, Guelph’s Tamil community is small. Although over the years Guelph has

become more diverse, the Tamil community and many other minority groups are still overlooked.

That’s why it’s a huge deal that the University of Guelph’s Tamil Students Association, (GTSA), celebrated Tamil Heritage Month by hosting an event for Thai Pongal in late January.

For Thai Pongal, GTSA opened doors for anyone interested in learning about Tamil culture. They planned on educating the community on cultural traditions and the importance of Thai Pongal, as well as provided food and sweets. Their event aimed to strengthen and raise awareness for the Tamil community in Guelph and on campus.

After talking to members of the GTSA, the need for a Thai Pongal event and Tamil Heritage Month was made clear. GTSA co-president Auroshika Jai Ganeshand GTSA year representative

Ajay Balaganesh expressed their thoughts on the matter. According to Jai Ganesh, it is essential to have a Thai Pongal event “to educate others and to allow everyone to experience it away from home.” This point is substantial considering Guelph is home to many immigrants, refugees, and international students.

Balaganesh added that “[Tamils] shouldn’t be afraid or shy to embrace our culture” because when the “values aren’t shared amongst each other... that’s when we start to lose our touch with the culture.”

Despite the University of Guelph having a blend of people from different cities and countries, the Tamil population is small. This has a tremendous effect on GTSA. “With Guelph being predominantly Caucasian it is difficult for Tamil communities to have a voice," said Ganesh. "I

On Jan. 29 the GTSA held a Thai Pongal event. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ATHAVI NISHAANTHAN

find it tough to have any type of impact the same way other clubs, including cultural ones, have just because the Tamil population at U of G is extremely small.”

She continued to explain how the small population impacts GTSA’s ability to gain attraction, educate others, and even receive funding, highlighting why it is necessary that the University of Guelph supports minority groups.

Without the university’s support, clubs like GTSA can not thrive.

In spite of the barriers, GTSA has many plans to strengthen the Tamil community at UofG and provide a voice for Tamil youth.

Be sure to follow GTSA on Instagram, @guelphtsa, to learn more about Tamil culture, history, and events.

As someone of Tamil heritage who has grown up in Guelph, I can say firsthand how insignificant the Tamil community feels due to its size. Growing up, I felt isolated from my culture and lacked the opportunity to connect with other Tamil youth. I struggled to proudly embrace my heritage as I felt like there was not a strong sense of community. I find it refreshing that GTSA is trying to put an end to this by embracing Tamil culture in January.

GTSA creates a safe space for Tamil youth to reconnect with their culture and history, and to meet others in their community. I am excited to see what else GTSA will be bringing to the table, and how they will continue to educate and raise awareness in the future.

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SPORTS & HEALTH

15

20 | MARK SURYA

19 | SOUP RECIPES

The PWHL is giving pro women’s hockey another shot How does the PWHL stack up against its predecessors, and what does this new league signal for the future of women’s hockey?

EMMERSON JULL

The Professional Women's Hockey League has six teams so far: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, New York, Boston and Minneapolis. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

T

he journey to form a unified, professional women’s league has been arduous. For some time, those wanting to play at the pro level had to decide between the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), or the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF). The former was a non-profit, player-run league. The latter offered salaries but was criticized for a lack of professionalism.

By 2019, the CWHL collapsed, citing financial stress. In the wake of the CWHL’s dissolution, the state of women’s professional hockey was strained.

Almost 200 players refused to partake in any North American leagues, in a push for a singular, financially viable league.

This boycott led to the creation of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) and their “Dream Gap” tour, consisting of annual exhibition games to raise support for women’s professional hockey.

In May 2023, it was announced that the goal of uniting the pro women’s players had finally been realized. The PHF had been purchased by Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter and Billie Jean King Enterprises, and both King and Walter worked with the PWHPA to pursue the vision of a truly professional, sustainable league. The merger was a historic step forwards for women’s hockey.

Dr. Katie Lebel, a professor

in the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, is an expert on sports management, sports marketing, and gender equity in sports.

She explained how this financial backing and the PWHPA’s robust collective bargaining agreement is key to the league’s viability.

Players’ salaries will fall within the range of US$35,000 to over US$80,000, and the eightyear agreement also includes award & playoff bonuses, health and life insurance, long-term disability, relocation allowances, a retirement plan, maternity leave, and more.

“They’ve never had capital behind them before,” Lebel said.

“Legitimate investment is probably the biggest difference between the PWHL and previous women’s leagues.”

In comparison to NHL earnings, the PWHL’s salary range is small. For reference, the highest earning NHL player for the 202324 season, Nathan MacKinnon, is paid an annual average value of about US$12.6 million.

But this discrepancy is to be expected at first. Men’s professional leagues didn’t start out with the wealth they have now, but people were willing to invest in the leagues and let them grow over time, Lebel said.

“That’s another luxury that women’s sports properties haven’t had, is that they’re expected to be

successful right off the bat,” she said.

The PWHL has some details left to hammer out. There are six teams: Boston, Montreal, Minnesota, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto, with each team playing 24 games. Every match will be available to stream on the PWHL Youtube channel, but the broadcasting details are less straightforward, with national partnerships in Canada and regional network agreements in the US. As for venues, PWHL Toronto plays at Mattamy Athletic Centre, formerly Maple Leaf Gardens.

Unfortunately for new fans, the stadium’s capacity is 3,000 seats, and all 12 home games quickly sold out.

It is tricky to gauge demand and meet expectations in the beginning, especially when fans are accustomed to the highly-developed marketing and infrastructure of men’s sports. Things like merchandise are important to “foster fan identity,” said Lebel, and any initial hype might begin to wear off if fans feel the league is inaccessible. Overall, nurturing the fan experience is key to the league’s sustainability.

Rachel Flanagan, assistant coach for PWHL Toronto, encourages fans to give the league time to build something new, instead of just replicating the NHL. Flanagan was the head coach of Gryphons women’s hockey for 16 seasons and is currently taking

a one-year leave of absence to pursue this coaching opportunity in the PWHL. She’s been named OUA Female Coach of the Year twice, and the Gryphons women’s hockey team won three OUA titles under her leadership.

“One of the biggest assets that I can bring to this new team is some of the development of the team away from the actual game,” Flanagan said.

As an assistant coach, she looks forward to taking on a mentorship role and encouraging the personal development of her players on and off the ice.

Despite the PWHL starting with only six teams, the establishment of a pro women’s hockey league means more seats are being created around the table— at every level of the sport. For example, in Flanagan’s absence, former associate coach Katie Mora has stepped into the role of interim head coach for the Gryphons.

“The league has created a new ceiling for women’s hockey,”said Katie Mora, interim head coach for the Gryphons Women's hockey team.

Now, girls’ dreams of playing hockey can extend past the university and college level. Having a chance at a career in the sport is motivating for athletes, and ultimately leads to higher engagement. This is crucial, since 1 in 3 Canadian girls drop out of sports by late adolescence, according to

Canadian Women & Sport’s “The Rally Report.”

Everyone has a role to play in encouraging the development of women’s sports, including fans, students, parents, and community members. Lebel says one of the most effective ways to do this is through consumer demand.

For example, packing stadiums for women’s games influences investment and resourcing decisions, as does virtual viewership and streaming numbers. Social media buzz is powerful too, since athletes with a large following can leverage those numbers for sponsorships. And consumers can reward companies already engaging with women’s sports by channeling their spending to those brands.

With the inaugural season underway, there is hope that the league will diversify its viewership and attract a new generation of fans.

“I trust that people outside that demographic [of women and girls] will also recognize the quality of the league and show support in whatever way they can,” said Mora.

Flanagan, a mom of two boys, agrees with this sentiment.

“There’s a lot of young girls there watching, but there’s also a lot of young boys,” Flanagan said.

Thanks to the PWHL, young fans will be growing up in a world where sports are a little more equal for everyone.

16

THE LOVE ISSUE | SPORTS & HEALTH

THE ONTARION

Celebrating LOVE Celebrating a Relationship This winter, stay warm with your Valentine A curated list of at-home date night ideas for a cozy, memorable, extra warm Valentine’s AADYA KAPOOR

A

s these winter days peak, and the snow covers the roads, there's nothing more heartwarming than spending quality time with your Valentine with some great at-home date night ideas! Instead of braving the cold outdoors this Valentine's Day, here’s how you can stay in and make this Valentine’s what we call a ‘core memory’.

Here’s a list specially curated for you to have an amazing date night with your partner!

1. Movie Night Turned Home Theatre Transform your living room into a private cinema for a romantic movie night.

Dim the lights, pile on the blankets, and select a lineup of your favourite movies. To take it up a notch, make some gourmet popcorn and set up a DIY concession stand with all the candies and treats. This home theatre experience will be warm, cuddly, and full of love.

2. Cooking Together They say the way to the heart is through the stomach, so why not embark on a culinary adventure together? Choose a special recipe or try your hand at a new cuisine.

Cooking together fosters teamwork, communication, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal that you've prepared together. Food has the power to bring everyone together, and this will help you get a better understanding of your partner. You can show love to them in the form of food.

3. Make IT a 'Fort' Night Tap into your inner child by creating a cosy fort using blankets and pillows.

Whether you're reminiscing about childhood memories or simply enjoying each other's company, a fortnight adds an element of playfulness to your Valentine's celebration.

Put on a show, grab some popcorn, and spend a night in your own fantasy world!

4. PowerPoint Night (“What I Like About You”) Turn a simple evening into laughter-filled fun with a PowerPoint presentation highlighting all the things you love about your partner. It's a unique and personalized way to express your feelings, and it guarantees a night full of smiles. The types of PowerPoints can range from, “100 reasons Why I Love You”, “The Story of

Us” or even “Bucket List”. Plus, you can make a shared playlist of your favourite songs to accompany the evening.

5. Stay-at-Home Tasting Night Indulge in a tasting experience without leaving your home.

Choose a theme – it could be wine, chocolate, cheese, or anything else you both enjoy.

Create a tasting menu, pair it with some music, and savour the flavours together in the comfort of your own space.

Put some music in the background, and dress in fancy clothes, or PJs, both are the vibe!

6. Challenge Each Other to a Cook-off/ Bake-off Bring out your competitive spirits in the kitchen with a friendly cook-off or bakeoff. Choose a dish or dessert you both want to try, set a time limit, and let the culinary battle begin. The best part? You get to enjoy the delicious results together.

7. Games Night Dust off your favourite board games or explore new ones to bring out the friendly rivalry. Whether it's a strategic board game, a card game, or a nostalgic round of video games, a games night adds a touch of excitement and camaraderie to your Valentine's celebration.

8. Painting and Pasta Combine creativity with culinary delights by setting up a painting station and enjoying a pasta-making session. Channel your inner artist as you create masterpieces on canvas, followed by a delicious meal crafted by your own hands.

This Valentine’s Day, we’ve got all the ideas so you can woo your loved one in the warmth of your own home. Whether you opt for a heartwarming movie night or embark on a culinary adventure, these at-home date night ideas will create cherished moments that will last a lifetime. So, snuggle up and make this Valentine's Day one for the books.

ISSUE 196. 2 | SPORTS & HEALTH

THEONTARION.COM

E THIS Valentine's Celebrating a FRIENDship Celebrating Palentine’s Day Celebrate Valentine's Day with your favourite friends and these cute, fun ideas ELLIE PETRAK

V

alentine’s Day is a time to show love, whether it’s within a romantic relationship or with your besties. Here are some ideas on how to make Feb. 14 a memorable Palentine’s Day. Baking Baking is an act of love, and what better day to bake than Palentine's Day? Show your friends that you care by baking them a sweet treat, or make it a fun activity by baking together over some good music and good company.

Heart Jam Cookies Adapted from fraicheliving. com Ingredients: • 3/4 cup butter (softened) • 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar • 1 egg • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour •1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 cup jam (strawberry, raspberry or cranberry) Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. 2. Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Then, add in egg and vanilla until fully incorporated. Add in flour and salt and blend until combined.

3. Shape the dough into balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Lightly press your thumb or the rounded back of a teaspoon in the centre twice, to form a heart indent (where the jam will be placed). Bake for 12-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Repress the heart shape while warm if needed. Allow the cookies to cool before filling the centers with a dollop of your preferred jam.

TIP: Make any normal recipe festive by adding red food colouring to make your creations pink. Adding cinnamon hearts, red and pink Smarties, or pink sprinkles on top can also spice up any of your basic cake, brownie or cookie recipes.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

BY UNSPLASH/PAIGE STAMPATORI

Movie Nights Movie nights are a great way to unwind and chill with your friends. Put a rom-com on the TV, add some popcorn and invite a friend or two for a cozy night in.

Here are some rom-com suggestions: • Valentine’s Day • Love, Simon • 10 Things I Hate About You • The Half of It • To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before • Bros • Pretty in Pink Not feeling romance? These feel-good movies are all about friendship.

• Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants • Little Women • Booksmart • I Love You, Man • Stand by Me • Superbad Gifts You don’t need to be in a relationship this Valentine's Day to have a Valentine.

Let your friends know that you love and appreciate them by giving them a gift this holiday.

• Flowers • Hand-made Valentine • Chocolate Friend Dates DIY Photo Booth Want some new and fun pictures for the gram? A quick trip to the Dollar Store and you’ll be set. Grab some pink or red fringe curtains for the wall, heart-shaped sunglasses, balloons and props for your very own photo backdrop. A night of taking fun pictures with your friends is a great way to capture memorable moments with your friends and get pictures that will last forever.

• Painting Painting your own candles or wine glasses at home with friends. Don’t feel like getting the supplies yourself? Have a pottery date at Guelph's favourite pottery studio/cafe Play with Clay over some wine and appetizers.

• Board Game Night “For the Girls”, “Never Have I Ever” and “Let's Get Deep” are just some of the games that allow you to get to know your best friends on a deeper level. Playing fun games while bonding with friends is a winwin activity.

Whether you spend it making sweet treats, playing games or watching your favourite movies, Palentine's Day gives us an opportunity to share laughs, fun and good company with our dearest friends.

•

17

Always confirm make of vehicle, licence plate and driver information provided by the app

Take ride shares in groups or with a friend Have the driver confirm your name and destination address

Set up your pick-up location in a well-lit area

Ride Share Safety Tips

Call 911 from the app in an emergency or if something does not feel right

Always let friends/ family know when you are using a ride share program and when you are scheduled to arrive at your destination

To report contact the Guelph Police Service (519) 824-1212 In case of emergency call 911 For support call Victim Services Wellington (519) 824-1212 ext 7304 Funding received from the Ministry of the Solicitor General Victim Support Grant

ISSUE 196. 2 | SPORTS & HEALTH

THEONTARION.COM

19

Soups for sickness Try these warm and feel-good recipes this winter season AMELIA BAJOR & ELLIE PETRAK Garlic Soup

Super Easy Ramen

Prep time: 15-20 min.

Cook time: 20-30 min.

Total time: 35-50 min.

Prep time: 5-10 min.

Cooking time: 7-10 min.

Total time: 12-20 min.

Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and contains lots of antioxidants that help boost the immune system.

This is my take on Garlic Soup, inspired by the traditional soup, česnečka, from the Czech Republic.

Ramen is a quick, easy, and customizable meal made with ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.

Vegetables can be added in while the noodles cook.

Vegetable options include but are not limited to: (All can be frozen and added straight from the freezer) • Edamame • Carrots • Bok choy • Mushrooms • Shredded cabbage • Snow/snap peas • Corn Proteins can be added in while the soup is cooking or reheated separately and added to the bowl while serving.

Protein options include but are not limited to: • Tofu • Chicken/beef/pork (a great way to use up leftovers) • Eggs (soft- or hard-boiled, fried, or egg drop soup style) • Shrimp • Tempeh

Ingredients: • 2 bulbs of garlic, sliced (about 20 cloves) • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 onion (or 2 shallots), diced • 1 russet potato, cubed • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp butter • 1 tsp marjoram (or oregano) • 1 bay leaf • 4 cups broth (about 1 box) Optional: 2-3 cups bread, cubed (preferably on the stale side) While essential in the traditional recipe, the crouton topping may not be for everyone. Do as you wish.

Instructions: 1. Prepare all ingredients before cooking. Preheat oven to 350 F for croutons. a. Slice all garlic into thin slices, cut the potato into cubes (around 1 cm by 1 cm), dice onion, cut bread into cubes.

2. In a pot, add olive oil and butter.

3. Add onion, potato, and garlic.

4. Season with salt, pepper, and marjoram/oregano. Cook for 5 minutes.

5. Add broth. On medium heat, bring to a bubble (bubbling not boiling).

6. Add bay leaf, and simmer with lid on for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender or to your liking.

7. FOR THE CROUTONS: While simmering, add bread cubes to a lined baking tray, and evenly coat each piece with olive oil. Toss gently. Make sure the cubes are in one layer (no overlap). Bake for 15-20 minutes. Flip halfway through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.

Cook time will vary based on the size of the cubes.

8. After the potatoes are to your liking, serve the soup.

9. Top each bowl with freshly made croutons.

My brother’s favourite recipe: Ingredients: (He measures with his heart) • Ramen packet • 2-3 cups water • Frozen edamame • Eggs • Soy sauce • Garlic powder Instructions: 1. Bring water to a boil.

2. Add noodles.

3. Once the noodles have separated, crack 2 eggs directly into the pot, and cook for 3-5 minutes.

4. Once cooked, turn the heat off heat (keep the pot on the element). Add a handful of edamame, a splash of soy sauce, a soup flavour packet, and a few pinches of garlic powder. Stir.

5. Pour into a bowl and enjoy.

Easy Potato Soup Prep Time: 10 min.

Cook Time: 50 min. (stove top) or 3-5 hours (slow cooker) Total Time: 60 min. (stove top) or up to 5 hours, 30 minutes (slow cooker)

•

1 30-32 oz bag of frozen diced hash browns • ½ diced onion • ¼ - ½ cup thin celery slices • 4-5 cups chicken broth • (or 1 carton for thickness, add a second carton to thin it out) • ¼ - ½ tsp pepper • 1 brick of softened cream cheese (add towards the end of cooking time) Optional: You may add sliced ham or shredded cheese and bacon as garnish.

Stove Top directions: 1. In a large soup pan, stir together chicken broth and a can of cream soup, stir in frozen diced hash browns, diced onion, thin celery slices and pepper.

2. Cook on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are cooked through.

3. Add in the softened cream cheese and stir, continue cooking for another 30 minutes.

If you’re using a slow cooker: 1. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. Stir the can of soup and then add pepper, potatoes, onions, and celery.

2. Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for around 5 hours.

3. Stir in the softened cream cheese and cook for an extra 30 minutes.

Hamburger Soup Prep Time: 20 min.

Cook Time: 30 min.

Total Time: 50 min.

Ingredients: • 1 pound ground beef • 1 large can of tomato juice • 1 carton chicken broth (or beef broth) • Vegetable options: • Carrots • Corn • Green beans • Chickpeas • Salt and pepper (as desired) • ¼ tsp Italian seasoning • ½ cup of desired pasta (elbow, ditalini, tubetti, etc.,) Instructions: 1. Cook ground beef at medium heat in a frying pan until brown, drain fat 2. In a large pot, add cooked ground beef, tomato juice, chicken broth and your desired vegetables.

3. Simmer at low heat for half an hour or until vegetables are at desired consistency.

Soup always soothes an achy soul. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

4. Add half a cup of pasta and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Simple Chicken Noodle Soup Prep Time: 10 min.

Cook Time: 30 min.

Total Time: 40 min.

This quick and easy recipe of this classic feel-good soup will be great for when the cold weather’s got you down.

Ingredients: • 1 store-bought deli chicken • 2-3 cartons of chicken broth • 1 bag frozen vegetable soup mix • ¼ bag of egg noodles • 1 tsp parsley • Salt and pepper (as desired) Instructions: 1. Cut up deli chicken into small bite-sized pieces.

2. In a large pot, add chicken broth, cut-up chicken, parsley, salt & pepper and frozen vegetable soup mix. Bring to a boil.

3. Once boiling, add egg noodles.

Cook an additional 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Our Editor’s Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Ingredients: • 1 large butternut squash • Olive oil • Salt & pepper • Half an onion • 4 cloves of garlic • 1 box of chicken/vegetable stock • 4 tbsp butter Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 425 F 2. Cut squash in half, lengthwise 3. Coat the inside of the squash in oil, salt and pepper 4. Roast squash at 425 F for 45-60 minutes (It may have some darker bits, but that's for flavour!)

5. Set squash aside and let cool 6. Heat two tablespoons of butter in

a large soup pan 7. Cut up half an onion and four cloves of garlic (A couple spoons of minced jar garlic works too) 8. Fry onion and garlic in butter until fragrant 9. Once squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out the inside directly into the soup pot 10. Add three cups of chicken broth (or veggie broth for vegetarian soup) 11. Use an immersion blender to make the soup a smooth consistency - Stir in two more tablespoons of butter for a silky, creamy finish

TIPS: Collect vegetable food scraps in a plastic bag or container, and store in the freezer until you have a full bag. Now you have zero/little waste vegetable stock base.

Use veggies like: Onions/shallots/leeks/scallions Carrot/potato peels Tomatoes Mushrooms Ginger Any herbs that may be going bad 1. Add bag contents to the pot.

2. Fill the pot with water until the frozen vegetables are covered.

3. Bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat, and simmer on low for no longer than 10 minutes.

Note: this is not meant to beat store-bought stock, it is simply a way to make use of vegetable scraps you otherwise would’ve thrown away.

Clean your kitchen while your soup simmers. Depending on the recipe, you will have 30-40 minutes until your soup is ready.

In the meantime, clean up your space. Put everything away and wash all dishes so all you have to do after eating is clean the pot, ladle, and your spoon.

20

THE LOVE ISSUE | SPORTS & HEALTH

THE ONTARION

Get to know Mark Surya, newly promoted Gryphons football head coach “I have been blessed with this opportunity to be the next head coach here at Guelph and I hope I can make the supporters of the program proud.”

OWEN TSIPTSIS 1. What got you into playing football?

“I played football because of my older brother. I actually played AAA hockey growing up in Burlington. He played at Laurier as a defensive back and I thought I might try my hand at it in grade seven. I ended up loving the game and was able to play receiver at Queen's University and win a national championship. It was really all about following in my brother's footsteps that got me into playing football. One of my idols growing up was Steve Young. I loved his exciting brand of football and am still a fan of the 49ers to this day.”

2. What is your most memorable moment playing football?

“Winning the Vanier Cup as a player in 2009 and the Yates Cup as a coach in 2016. Anytime you can win a championship, those seasons and teams are special.

Surya said he sees himself as a servant leader. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOPHIA MARCON

environment to do so. That involves hiring two more full-time staff on defence so that our players can continue to develop.”

The hard work and dedication of the 150 person teams are what makes winning worth it. I'll never forget running onto the field in 2016 after we hit the game-winning field goal and to feel that elation of knowing the players on the team accomplished something special.”

4. What is your most memorable achievement so far with the Gryphons “Beating Western in the home opener of 2021 has to be the highlight. It was rewarding to see a full off-season of hard work pay off in that first night game at home. We had a new QB, brand new WRs and it was great to see the camaraderie on that team.”

3. How do you plan to turn around the Gryphons football team?

“There is no secret to what makes a great football team. People caring about people. We definitely have the talent to succeed, but my job entails creating the right environment for our players to succeed. Uniting the alumni base, parent group, administration, and players will help us achieve success on the field. This team has all the talent required to go out there and be successful, [I] just need to foster the right learning

5. What is your coaching philosophy?

“I would describe myself as a servant leader. I mean, at the end of the day I have a very simple job, create an environment where our student athletes can grow and develop. The execution of the plan is the difficult part, but I think creating a relationship with all 110 guys on the team is very important to me. Being intentional about your time and how to create bonds beyond football is really key. We have a unique sport where it's such a long off-season.

If you don't know why or don't have a clear vision as to your love of football it can be very difficult to sacrifice everything that is required to be successful. When you can really enjoy your experience it makes it that much easier to work.”

6. Any teams you look forward to playing this year?

“Definitely need to play Waterloo and Carleton again. Looking forward to fixing those 180 seconds of our 2023 season.”

7. What are your goals for the team for this season?

“My goal is to focus on winning the process. Rather than be outcome-oriented - focus on doing the things required to be successful. In the end, by focusing on the things that we can control as a team, success will follow. I am a big believer in working on all three aspects of the team - technical skills, strategy, and culture/environment. We need to always be pushing to optimize those aspects of our organization.”

8. What was the process of coming to Guelph as the offensive

coordinator and taking over this season as head coach?

“The previous head coach Ryan Sheahan told the staff the day before he announced that he was leaving. It was a whirlwind 24 hours where Scott McRoberts, our [athletics director], and Wally Gabler, our intercollegiate director, really stepped up and guided me through the process. By appointing me new head coach I was able to take care of some of the important aspects of the organization, like recruiting and running some of our major events like the Wildman Awards. I have been blessed with this opportunity to be the next head coach here at Guelph and I hope I can make the supporters of the program proud.”

9. What message, if any, do you have to give to students?

“My only message is to please come and support the team!

Whether that be coming to a game, enjoying the tailgate and the free food, or even buying mittens in the UC, please support us!

I love feedback and would happily take some students out for a game if interested!”

A look at the All In Skating program How an inclusive program is removing barriers and making skating more accessible OWEN TSIPTSIS

M

ost children in Canada grow up around skating. However, accessibility issues can keep some people away from the ice . All In Skating is an inclusive program for skaters of all levels that runs out of the University of Guelph’s Gold Rink every Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.

Whether you have little or

no experience on the ice, All In Skating offers a supportive and encouraging environment for people to gain skating skills while having fun. The program is intended for children with mental and/or physical disabilities and offers one-on-one lessons with a volunteer coach from the community.

Half of the volunteers are students from the University of Guelph, and the rest are members of the community. The program contains 12 sessions, with one skating session per week for 12 weeks and one break in the middle. The current winter session, which began in the beginning of January, will run through to April.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JANET HOFSTRA

“If it was full I would happily start a second time slot,” said program coordinator Janet Hofstra.

Much of how this program succeeds is due to the large number of student volunteers and the accessi-

bility of the location being right on the Guelph campus. Any questions regarding this program, either to volunteer or to enrol, can be found at allinskating.ca or by emailing Hofstra at Janet@allinskating.ca.

ISSUE 196. 2 | SPORTS & HEALTH

THEONTARION.COM

WINTER IN GUELPH

PHOTOS BY SOPHIA MARCON

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STEM

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THE ONTARION

Queer East and Southeast Asian men are engaging in exhibitionism online Family relations and human development master's student Yoshi Miyasaka asks how to research this SOPHIA LE

A

s long as it is consensual, sex can be a lot of things. It can be enjoyable, liberating, private, or public. In fact, in a time where so much is easily accessible with just a few clicks, there is a quickly increasing amount of sexual content posted voluntarily on social media platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter.

This phenomenon of consensually showing one’s body as an amateur performer through mediators like social media platforms is called mediated sexual exhibitionism. It’s also the research focus of Yoshiyuki Miyasaka, a second-year master’s student in family relations and human development at the University of Guelph.

“Consider it a kink,” he explains. “Like sexual interests. Something that arouses them, but it only takes place online.”

In particular, Miyasaka aims to investigate a specific group of users who partake in this sexual kink: East and Southeast Asian men who are gay, bisexual, or queer.

This social category is often overlooked in academia and, as a result, may be collectively misrepresented in literature.

In a broader context, these men have racial and sexual identities that tend to be discriminated against, which intersect to amplify the disadvantages they face.

“In a larger society, there's homophobia and definitely racism out there, but

Brisson, Leis & Associates

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Yoshiyuki Miyasaka standing in the Sexual Health Lab in Blackwood Hall at the University of Guelph. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOPHIA LE

it's not really talked [about],” Miyasaka remarks. “But you sense it in certain settings and certain environments and certain people.”

Considering all these difficulties arising from a lack of representation in research and the oppression faced in a dominant Western society, why do these queer Asian men choose to expose themselves to judgement by the public? Are there any psychological rewards or sexual needs that this practice satisfies in spite of the seemingly heavy risks? How do you go about finding the answers to these questions?

For Miyasaka, qualitative methods of research seemed to be the most suitable, noting that “qualitative research allows multiple realities.” Whereas an experiment will have specific variables being studied and hypotheses to test, a qualitative approach gives researchers room to dig deeper into the individualized lived experiences of the relevant demographic.

This dialogue-based perspective allows for the consideration of variables that are often excluded in quantitative research.

However, this means that Miyasaka might not find any connection to note between mediated exhibitionism and intersecting identities, to which he comments, “It's kind of unsettling, but I think it's a good part of qualitative research, [that it’s] so explorative.”

Then how, exactly, can qualitative research be used as rigorously and scientifically as quantitative research if there are no predetermined variables to focus on? One way is with the interpretive phenomenological approach, where Miyasaka will focus on the single phenomenon of mediated exhibitionism by observing the surrounding behaviours and attitudes.

He plans to collect this data through one-on-one interviews consisting of the same set of open-ended questions and the opportunity to ask different follow-up questions for each interviewee. Participants, fitting the criteria of queer Asian men who

post NSFW content online, will be recruited through X. Given the sensitivity of the topic and the vulnerability of this chosen demographic, confidentiality and anonymity are of utmost importance. They will be encouraged to include only their email and potentially create new ones. Any contact information will be kept completely separate from the data.

Once the interviews have been carried out, Miyasaka will transcribe and read them to code the data, meaning to highlight recurring or unusual themes. This technique, called thematic analysis, will allow patterns to be identified within the interviews. The outstanding patterns can then be interpreted through the context of existing knowledge on the topic and, to an extent, the researcher’s biases.

In contrast to the traditional scientific method which aims to eliminate all biases, this type of qualitative research requires reflexivity, where the researcher acknowledges that they are an integral part of the process.

“It's not like managing your biases,” Miyasaka explains. “It's more [about] accepting your biases, accepting your assumptions, [and] how you can challenge your biases and assumptions while listening to what the interview participants have to say.”

Now in the three month wait for approval to carry out his study from the Research Ethics Board, Miyasaka continues to develop his literature review, a selection of relevant sources on mediated sexual exhibitionism or other potentially applicable topics to help draw conclusions from his data.

Through his work, we see the many deliberate and precise decisions that come with developing a study, and the non-traditional yet robust nature of qualitative research. Miyasaka hopes that his work will help to highlight and bring attention to “the intersection of sexual orientation, gender, and race” while exploring this sexual phenomenon.

ISSUE 196. 2 | STEM

THEONTARION.COM

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A look at science, literacy, and trust Speaking with Professor Maya J. Goldenberg on what she found out when researching for her 2021 book Vaccine Hesitancy: Public Trust, Expertise, and the War on Science GEORGIA GARRELS

I

t was the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic when Maya J. Goldenberg published her book, Vaccine Hesitancy: Public Trust, Expertise, and the War on Science. The text provided a new perspective on the issue of the mass mistrust of scientific institutions.

Goldenberg is a professor at the University of Guelph and a philosopher of science and medicine. She has done much investigation on vaccine hesitancy among parents, with a particular focus on the measles, mumps, and rubella, (MMR), vaccine prior to the pandemic.

The MMR vaccine is a standard vaccine given to infants and children. The vaccine hesitancy Goldenberg investigated originated from a now-debunked article that stated that the MMR vaccine could give children autism. After that article's publication, parents became worried of the possible consequences of vaccinating their children. This reluctance persisted despite the scientific evidence piling up in support of vaccine safety and effectiveness. Goldenberg approached this issue by theorizing that much of the hesitancy was not a result of a lack of scientific understanding, but a mistrust of scientific institutions as a whole.

Through examining social-scientific literature on the issue, Goldenberg discovered a trend in the research. Social scientists investigating this issue approached their research with an underlying assumption that the reason people were not taking the vaccines was that they did not understand the science - they were scientifically illiterate.

However, when Goldberg investigated further, the data showed the opposite. Scientific illiteracy did not seem to affect vaccine hesitancy at all. The people who were hesitant weren’t scientifically illiterate, instead they had a serious mistrust of the biotechnology system itself.

Furthermore, Goldenberg’s theories held true during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of

vaccine hesitancy being the result of scientific illiteracy, she found that hesitancy in vaccines stemmed, yet again, from mistrust in the institutions producing the vaccines.

A particularly relevant example came from communities of colour. Most research on vaccine hesitancy was focused on studying white people. Researchers assumed that race did not factor into vaccine hesitancy since it was a question of scientific understanding. Any difference in the rates of vaccination was assumed to be an access problem rather than a hesitancy problem.

Goldenberg critiqued this assumption; as under her model of trust, people of colour would be more hesitant to take vaccines due to their strained history with the biomedical system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers began surveying communities of colour, and it was revealed that they were less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Unlike the prevailing theory that scientific illiteracy was to blame for vaccine hesitancy, Goldenberg’s theory of mistrust could explain the results that were revealed during this new wave of research.

The results of this research were drastically different from what social science literature suggested previously.

So why did the explanation of scientific illiteracy go unchallenged for so long?

“Who wants to hold a mirror up to themselves and say, ‘Maybe it's us and not just them’?” asked Goldenberg in an interview with The Ontarion.

It is not just the cause of vaccine hesitancy that Goldenberg investigated, but what can be done about it.

“By improving understanding of an issue, you can redirect outreach and actions as a response,” she said.

But what does that look like in practice?

Turns out, it looks less like the information overloads we got throughout the height of the

Goldberg found that the people who were hesitant weren't scientifically illiterate, instead they had a serious mistrust of the biotechnology system itself. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

COVID-19 pandemic, and more like sympathetic, nuanced conversations with those you care about.

When people are bombarded with information meant to break down their beliefs, it does not actually change their minds, but instead raises their defences and makes them less likely to listen.

Alternatively, health care providers and the public should try to come from a place of sympathy and understanding. Health care providers especially, Goldenberg advises, should avoid creating the barriers of separation that come with the assumption of stupidity.

When people believe you think they are illiterate, they will not listen to what you say. Only by purposefully avoiding those barriers can sympathetic, nuanced conversations take place.

Goldenberg’s research suggested that it is not healthcare providers that people mistrust, but the large corporations profiting off of pharmaceuticals. Thus, when healthcare providers come from a place of sympathy and openness, people will be more willing to listen.

When it comes to policy, the approach is a little different. Rather than targeting information at

the people with strongly-held beliefs, Goldenberg advises talking to the fence-sitters instead. Those that are still questioning what to believe take a softer approach when it comes to protecting their beliefs and will be more open to changing their minds. Vaccine hesitancy is not going anywhere soon.

The debate still rages on. Though, with this new wave of research focusing on mistrust rather than scientific illiteracy, we are equipping ourselves with the tools to approach this issue from a position of sympathy rather than rejection, and be able to better manage crises of trust in science in the future.

LOVE STUFF

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THE ONTARION

Porn creates many norms and standards that are often not the case in real life. PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNSPLASH

Porn and unreasonable sexpectations Separating fantasy from fact leads to better communication and better sex ANDREEA BURLACU

S

ince the beginning of time, it’s never been easier to watch people having sex. Gone are the days of lewd hieroglyphics, hidden Playboys, and Peeping Toms: with a couple of clicks, you can quickly find thousands of pornos. We laugh at the unrealistic scenarios: “Can’t Pay the Pizza Man,” “Stuck in the Washing Machine,” and anything that starts with “Stepbro.” But we might not consider that the sex depicted in these videos isn’t always accurate.

It might seem obvious that porn isn’t reality, but according to Forbes, 26 per cent of Gen Z and millennials cite porn as their primary source of sex education.

This makes sense – starting a conversation about sex can be intimidating. Plus, the people on screen seem to be having a good time.

But, there’s a couple things porn gets wrong. First and foremost, in these videos, there’s no conversations about consent. Everyone seems to like everything all of the time. There’s no talk about preferences, fetishes, and expectations.

“This is my qualm with porn: they undermine the importance of communication when sex is a lot more than just a physical act,” said second-year psychology student Mari Del Monaco.

Asking for consent is crucial in real life. Be sure to involve your partner by having an ongoing talk about what they like. Ask

sultry questions like, “Does that feel good?” or “Does that turn you on?”An enthusiastic “YES!” is not only a requirement for sex, it’s also much more fun to know that your partner is into what you’re doing. Mutual pleasure is the goal here.

Speaking of mutual pleasure – there’s much more mutual awkwardness in real-life sex. In porn, everything is scripted, so even though the acting isn’t Oscar-worthy, there’s never a moment where no one knows what to say. The actors go through the sex scene like they’re checking off a list: seamless transitions from one position to the next, loud, almost unnatural moans, and finally, a “money shot” where a male performer ejaculates.

These steps couldn’t be further from the truth. Del Monaco described that real sex has awkward moments, like a sudden bout of indigestion, an unexpected period, or the risk of pulling your hamstring. Although these seem embarrassing, being able to laugh and let loose can connect you closer to your partner.

“Those awkward moments are what creates a really tight bond,” said Del Monaco.

These parts of sex are human, they’re real rather than being for show. Porn is filmed to be arousing and aesthetically pleasing, not necessarily to fulfill the performers. Even though some of

the poses look cool, they might not feel all that great in the bedroom.

Every angle is strategic, the lighting makes everyone shine, and each title is made to attract views. Porn is a business, and just like every other market, porn wants your clicks.

As more and more porn can be found on the internet, its content gets more and more intense as it competes for your attention.

Often, women are degraded and portrayed in a misogynistic lens.

From choking and slapping to “consensual non-consensual,” violent sex acts towards women are a concerning trend within porn.

These harmful depictions of sex can impede one’s ability to relate to women and build stronger relationships. After seeing porn, someone might be inclined to choke their partner out of the blue. Even though they may mean well by taking inspiration from adult films, the misogynistic attitudes in porn don’t translate well in real life. It’s an absolute necessity to ask first and not assume people are into rougher acts.

Also, porn creates many standards and “norms” that just aren’t the case. If you’re AMAB, (assigned male at birth), you might look in the mirror and feel like you don’t measure up. Porn depicts larger penises as the key to being masculine and desirable.

But the average man does not

have a 1o-inch-long “horse cock.”

Even if you don’t have a penis at all, there are other ways to please a woman. So rock what you’ve got, no matter the size.

Similarly, AFAB, (assigned female at birth), people can feel like shit with porn categories like “Perfect Body.” Already, we’re bombarded with advertising and social media that tells us we should look a certain way. Then, in porn, women are reduced to their “big tits” or “bubble butts.”

“Porn standards have such a warped idea of what human women or femme presenting people look like,” Del Monaco said.

Consider porn as a profession. Just like any actor, a porn actor focusing on their appearance is an important part of the role. They spend a considerable amount of time and money devoted to looking good on camera.

As a student, midterms might get in the way of you getting ripped or contouring your body. To feel attractive, build a self-care routine that works for you, and avoid comparing yourself to people on screen.

Feeling confident in your body is a journey, but the destination is well worth it. Having sex with a confident, enthusiastic person is a billion times better than anything in porn. And when you add in the relationships and connections we build, you worry less about not getting everything

perfect during sex.

If you find yourself relying on porn too much, give it a break. A Healthline study says people who feel their porn consumption is out of control become dissatisfied in their romantic relationships or sex life.

Plus, you can find more accurate sex-ed at Student Health or online on websites like Scarleteen. com or Sexandu.ca. Even shows like Netflix’s Sex Education have more accurate portrayals of sex than porn does.

Overall, you should recognize that porn is fun to watch, but it’s also a product to consume. Take into account what you like, and don’t accustom yourself to porn that depicts violence or non-consensual sex.

Porn isn’t a real insight on sex and love – just like any other movie, porn flicks are a work of fiction. Instead, if you bring your special someone into the bedroom this Valentine’s Day, get inspired by a rom-com. Bring them roses, chocolates, or devoted poetry. Don’t get too many crazy ideas from porn.

A sexual relationship shines when each partner expresses how they feel, shows passion, and is confident enough to take feedback on how things are going.

That’s a high expectation as well.

But, with the right communication skills, we can come together and have better sex.

ISSUE 196. 2 | LOVE STUFF

THEONTARION.COM

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Anyone But You is sexy and saving the rom-com genre This “sleeper hit” starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell is a must-watch this Valentine’s Day EMMERSON JULL

E

asy A and Friends with Benefits director Will Gluck knows a thing or two about good chemistry, and his brand of effervescent rom-coms continues with Anyone But You. Romantic comedies require a specific formula to be great: two compatible leads, quirky supporting characters, a soundtrack that sticks, and, most importantly, a quick-witted sense of humour. Anyone But You is the product of all those yummy ingredients, whipped into a hot and steamy rom-com revival.

Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell star as Bea and Ben, who share an alluring first date before things run cold. The two are brought together again for a wedding in Australia, and they spend the trip trying to convince themselves they hate each other while trying to convince everyone else they’re a couple.

The enemies-to-lovers trope is flaw-

lessly executed, with humorous, Australian twists like a tarantula in Ben’s shorts and an awkward plane scene. Although you can almost always guess the ending of a rom-com, every other scene in Anyone But You is fresh and unexpected, making it more exciting for lovers of the genre.

Audience members who are familiar with Shakespeare will recognize the plot’s references to Much Ado About Nothing. But, instead of Hero and Claudio, the story is refreshed with Halle (Hadley Robinson) and Claudia’s (Alexandra Shipp) lesbian destination wedding. There’s also a lot of nudity in the film, quite a bit of swearing, and some suggestive sex scenes, which Shakespeare’s plays sorely lacked. But thankfully, the 2023 version retains the charm, wit, and trickery of the 16th century origi-

Mad Libs

Love Letter

nal.

Aside from the plot, the list of things I loved about this movie is long. Its casting is foolproof— Sweeney and Powell’s chemistry is so magnetic that fans began to speculate the two had an affair while filming, though this rumour has since been quashed. Sweeney’s bubbly personality is on full display in the movie, and fans will have even more of her to love this Valentine’s Day, when her Sony/ Marvel debut Madame Web enters theatres. Powell’s ‘golden retriever boyfriend’ persona in Anyone But You is a fond reminder of his role in the Netflix rom-com Set it Up, which is a personal must-watch.

Another selling point is the movie’s montage credit scene, featuring Natasha Bedingfield’s catchy hit “Unwritten.” The soundtrack is full of gems, like Still Woozy’s new

Audience members familiar with Shakespeare will recognize the plot references to Much Ado About Nothing. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

tises: ridiculously attractive people on a lush, gorgeous vacation, having fun and hooking up. No complaints here. It’s a breezy watch that I recommend you see on the big screen, since the audience’s belly laughs throughout the flick make it extra sweet. After all, it’s probably been a while since you could watch a rom-com in theatres – make the most of it!

song “Anyone But You,” and the classic “The Spins” by Mac Miller.

Other artists on the roster include Remi Wolf, Dominic Fike, Declan McKenna, Troye Sivan, and Kate Bollinger.

If you’re looking for a thought-provoking commentary on relationships this Valentine’s, this is not the movie. Anyone But You delivers exactly what it adver-

Has your sweetheart got you speechless? Can’t find the right words to express your love? The Ontarion is here to help.

Have a friend help you choose a random word for each category (without reading the whole text). Then, you’ll have a lovely, totally appropriate letter for that special someone.

Dear Valentine, Today, I’m surprising you with all the sensual

object

I would be

noun, plural

in

place

. You make me feel so

every time I think of your

emotion

. without you. I’d

emotion

sexy you sound when you sing Not to mention how

song title

adjective

verb

through the streets, yelling, “

. You make me feel

adjective

you are. It always gets me going. I want to do

expression

, just like adjective

”. I love the way you

activity that can be done with grandma

You always ask what I love most about you. Yes, I live for our long walks on the beach, but most of all, I love your You know the saying, “ city

, and

My love, I’m so

With love,

verb

cliché saying

every day. I’ll serve you

emotion

your name

and how

.

movie character

things to you, like

bad habit

adjective

object

. .

”? Every day, you prove it’s true. I can see our future together: we’ll grow old, live in type of food

in bed and be sure to

I have you in my life. Always remember, I love you to

sound effect

place, starting with the

you right after. and back.

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THE LOVE ISSUE | FU N S T U FF

FUN PAGES

THE ONTARION

BECAUSE WE ASKED...

What's your biggest ick/pet peeve?

“When you walk behind people and they randomly stop walking and you nearly walk into them.”

“I don’t like when food gets cold.”

Taylor Gillies Guelph Pride Chair

Lia Mitschke 2nd year, Anthropology

“People that don’t like animals.”

Kayleigh Auer 4th year, Biological Sciences

“When you’re drinking the last of your bubble tea and you’re trying to get the tapioca up but you’re in a lecture and it goes *slurp* *slurp*.”

Yolanda Bao 2nd year, Biomedical Science

Jivanna Chahauver Animal Biology Graduate PHOTOS BY SOPHIA MARCON

“When they don’t hold the door open on your way into the UC.” Miles Vaughan 5th year, Political Science Co-op

“When they don’t say I wuff you back.”

Reva Volunteer and Companion for AutismDogServices.ca

ISSUE 196. 2 | SPECIAL ONTARION ARCHIVE FEATURE

THEONTARION.COM

This article was published in volume 119 issue 4 which circulated from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5 in 1996.

This article was reconstructed due to scanning issues.

Reflections on Black Justice (or lack of it)

FROM THE ARCHIVES

By Lance Morgan uring Black History Month most people reflecton the positive achievements of Black people throughout the world and are happy, proud or enlightened. While I too am all these things, I am also saddened by the state of Blacks in North America today.

A recent report issued last week by a Task Force commissioned by the NDP confirmed what most blacks know and believe. The report stated that 46.2% of Black males (aged 18 to 24) reported being stopped by police at least twice in the past two years, compared to 23.8% of their White counterparts. The report also stated that Black persons were significantly more likely to be jailed overnight by police and to be denied bail than Whites. I am not a criminal, nor am I involved in criminal activities, but the fact is, I am more likely to be stopped by the police just because I am Black. Like many of my peers, I have found that the words ‘serve and protect’ don't really apply to me.

These realities are just part of the demonization of Black males.

It has always been acceptable to portray Blacks, especially Black men, as criminal or criminally-minded. In the wake of trials involving O.J. Simpson, Tupac Shakur, and others, Blacks are continually portrayed as the roots of all evil. In the United States this criminalization has played itself out with deadly results. The fact that Black males make up approximately 12% of the general population but 40% of the death row population says something about sentencing. Since 1976, 77 Blacks have been executed for the killing of Whites, while only 3 Whites have been executed

D

for the killing of Blacks. This says something about who the U.S. Justice System believes should die. The fact that the Reform Party is a few seats short of being the official opposition in this country, and that they propose the death penalty as a deterrent to crime, saddens and worries me.

I am also saddened by the lack of positive images portrayed in our society, images that should be used as role models. As a Black male those I considered heroes in my youth were never really my heroes. When a group of men (both White and Black) get together and reflect on the heroes of our childhood, I admit that I loved cowboys and superheroes. Yet I didn’t really know any that looked like me. John Wayne didn’t look like me; Clint Eastwood didn't look like me. In real life there were Black cowboys, yet, in the movies there were but a few.

One of the first Blacks to have a positive leading role in a Western was Woody Strode. He was also one of the first Blacks to break the NFL colour line in the 1940’s. The ironic thing is that I only recently read about Woody Strode in the back of a magazine. I worry that the youth of today will know even less about men like Strode.

Besides the fact that my true role models (people who looked like me and sounded like me) were non-existent, being Black-Canadian is substantially different than being White Canadian—despite the common element of geography and environment. As a child, I believed that all Blacks in Canada were from the West Indies like my parents, or first generation Canadians like me. It was not until my high-school days that I learned there are Black families in this country older than this country.

To me, Black History Month is not only a time of reflection of the great accomplishments of my people, but also a time when I remember the unknown heroes like Woody Strode and Arthur Ashe, who broke the colour lines, and men like Wade Lawson and Lester Donaldson who never got the chance. I am saddened by our state, yet, thrilled by our potential. For every colour-line drawn there will be someone who crosses it, and when they do they carry all of us with them.

black history month

The Ontarion has been around since 1951 and we’ve witnessed some pretty historic moments. This is a new feature that will focus on noteworthy articles pulled from our archives that are of interest to our readership today.

We’re currently in the process of fully digitizing our archives and creating a searchable directory. If you’d like updates on when this project is complete, sign up for our newsletter by emailing info@theontarion.com

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THE ONTARION

THE ONTARION'S CLUB OF THE MONTH Club Name: University of Guelph Debate Club Club Since: Established in 1881 Club Mission: Our club strives in allowing people who are passionate about learning to come explore how to overcome the feeling of uncomfortableness in public speaking. They can accomplish this by coming to seminars every Wednesday from 5-7pm in UC 225 and joining our team to compete with us all around the world.

We encourage all people who are passionate about any subject and knowledgeable upon the subject to come and speak as a guest speaker in our club!

Fun Fact: The O.A.C Review (the O.A.C's newspaper back in the day) started from the debate club or, as they called it then, Literary Society in 1889.

How can others get involved: Check out our website uogdebateclub.com and Instagram @uogdebateclub.

Through our website, you can contact us if you are interested in becoming a team member. Also, our Instagram showcases the wonderful guest speakers, events we host, and competitions we go to.

If you want to be the next club of the month, email tpipe@theontarion.com

PETS OF THE MONTH

MEET DAVINCI!

MEET ASH!

MEET SMUDGE!

MEET SHORTY!

Breed: Tuxedo Photo: Isabel Buckmaster

Breed: Pomeranian Photo: Kandace Blaker

Breed: Domestic Shorthair Photo: Olivia Strutt

Breed: Cavachon Photo: Paige Stampatori

Age: 3

Age: 9

Age: 3

Age: 1

Fun Fact: Davinci is an aries and loves his dragonfly toy

Fun Fact: Ash loves to eat his owners’ cheese, even though he doesn’t pay rent

Fun Fact: She knows the word "bug" and when you say it she starts looking around to hunt it

Fun Fact: Shorty was adopted at 11 months old. He loves to play, cuddle and be part of all of the action

WANT TO SUBMIT YOUR PET TO BE FEATURED? Email tpipe@theontarion.com with a photo and the information above!

ISSUE 196. 2 | FUN STUFF

THEONTARION.COM

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FEBRUARY TO-DO LIST THURS FEB 1

FRI FEB 9

WED FEB 14

THURS FEB 29

Dynamic Rhythms with DESIIRE • 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

• The Bullring • Come listen to DESIIRE, a Congolese, Toronto-based, queer artist, perform a unique blend of music • Refreshments will be served

Lights & Scents: BHM Edition • 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• SSC Atrium • Learn how to make organic soy candles • Discuss how sustainable making intersects with racial justice • Registration due Thurs, Feb. 8

The Ontarion Valentine’s Day Cards Event • 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• UC Courtyard • Pick up fun U of G themed Valentine’s Day cards

Tresses and Wellness; A Black Hair Care Affair • 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• UC Rm 442 • Learn how to properly nourish your hair • Develop braiding techniques • Registration due Tues, Feb. 27

TUES FEB 6 Building Connections, Building Community: A Panel Discussion on Networking • 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• The Lookout (UC Level 5 North) • Hear about the career journeys of Black U of G students, staff, and alumni • Refreshments will be served • Registration due Monday Feb. 5

WED FEB 7 Meal Planning Made Easy • 2:30 p.m.- 3:20 p.m.

• JTP Rm 2259 • Learn meal planning strategies and tips for eating nutritiously on a budget • Open to all U of G students Black-Owned Marketplace • 12:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.

• UC Courtyard • Shop from and support small, Black-owned businesses • Purchase all sorts of handmade and artisan goods

THURS FEB 8 “Stirrin the Pot”: Caribbean Cooking Class • Anita Stewart Food Lab & Online • Learn how to make delicious Caribbean dishes • Bring tupperware to take your food home • Registration due Fri, Feb. 2

Valentine’s Day Bake Sale • 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• UC Courtyard • All proceeds go to Campfire Circle Guelph

TUES FEB 13 Experience Guelph Job Fair • 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• UC Courtyard • Meet and network with companies from various industries Networking 101: How to Build Relationships with Profs • 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

• Online • This workshop provides students with tips on how to network with professors and faculty outside of attending class • Learn how these connections can improve academic experience and open doors to professional opportunities Climate Cafe: BHM Edition • 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• UC Rm 332 • A safe and private space to express emotional responses to the climate crisis • Optional art-making and journaling activities will be provided • Free coffee and tea provided to those who bring reusable mugs • Registration due Friday Feb. 9

FRI FEB 16 BHM Movie Night: Paris is Burning • 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• Art Gallery of Guelph • Watch this documentary on the ball culture of drag queens in New York • Stick around after the movie for a social and snacks

TUES FEB 27 Keynote Address with Larissa Crawford • 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

• Athletic Centre • Larissa Crawford will hold a space to explore how the actions of our ancestors shaped our lives today Black Student Associations Connect • 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

• Athletic Centre Rm 3213 • Network with Black Student Associations from across Ontario to connect and build solidarity among student organizations • Open to all Black students

Métis Beading with Alicia Hamilton • 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

• Indigenous Student Centre • Discover the history of Métis Beading from a Métis Knowledge Keeper • Learn how to bead flowers with one needle flat stitch • Open to all U of G students Trans and Gender Diverse Students’ Social • 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

• UC Rm 390 • Connect with other students and discuss experiences of being part of the Trans community • Explore topics such as gender identity, community, pop culture, and more

Better Sleep Program • 5 session online program from the Stress Management Clinic • Strategies to fall asleep (or back to sleep) more easily and get more energy from sleep • Sign up at any time • For more information, check out selfregulation skills.ca/programs/bet ter-sleep/

All events with this symbol are part of the University of Guelph's Black History Month initiatives!

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31–In a foreign country 32–Surprise 36–Shark's offering 37–Solver's shout 38–Seldom seen 40–Hoist 43–Belonging to them 45–Opposite of odd, especially when applied to numbers 46–Throaty 47–Old hat 50–Jeff's pal 51–Satisfies 52–Run-down quarter 54–___ deferens 57–Oklahoma tribe 58–Robin 61–Existing in an untamed state 62–Find the sum of 63–Get the lead out?

64–Works hard 65–Express 66–Thaws

50

51

52

53

54

57

58

59

61

62

63

64

65

66

55

56

60

19–Out of this world 20–Early hrs.

21–Lhasa ___ 22–Doppelganger 23–West Wing worker 25–Agenda details 26–Sweet dessert 29–Dynamic leader?

Across 1–Suspension of breathing 6–From ___ Z 9–Country singer Travis 14–Carries 15–Obtain 16–Cowboy display 17–Morning meal

CRYPTOGRAM A cryptogram is a collection of words - often quotations - where each letter has been consistently substituted with another letter.

Down 1–"Mamma Mia!" group 2–Salon offering 3–Scottish refusals 4–Big Band ___ 5–Invite 6–Open-mouthed 7–Hardy girl 8–Conductor Klemperer 9–Farm vehicle 10–Esther of "Good Times" 11–Expression peculiar to a language 12–Ages between 13 and 19 13–Muscle quality 18–Washed out 23–Unified 24–This ___ stickup!

25–George's lyricist 26–___ de mer 27–Wind instrument

28–Russian range 29–Gray 30–Hellenic H 33–Unexpected pleasure 34–Lion's den 35–Makes a blunder 37–Had something 39–WNW's reverse 41–Ships 42–Forum greeting 43–Pollex 44–Like Phoenix in summer 47–Stroll 48–Pong maker 49–George of "Just Shoot Me" 50–Swampy 51–Like a pillow 52–Ladies of Sp. 53–Helen of Troy's mother 54–South African river 55–Gal Fri. 56–Fr. holy women 59–Sleep initials 60–Before, before

BOB'S DOGS CROSSWORD CONTEST For your chance to win two Bobs dog’s and two pops, just complete the crossword, snap a picture, and send it to puzzles@theontarion.com

by Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. Winners and anyone else who fills in the crossword correctly are announced in each issue. Winners can arrange a pickup of their voucher by emailing the same address.

Last issue’s winning puzzle was submitted by Jessica Ulbikas!

Tips: 1. Use a pencil 2. Letters will not stand for themselves.

3. There are two commonly used one-letter words: "i" and "a" 4. The most common letters in the English language are: E, T, A, O, I, and N.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z SL

TV

PVTBGA

YSYYVO

YCSTBG.

YSTTVO

SYYGRO.

-

STBGPS

SYYGROUTB U

SL

OCG

YCSTBUTB

OCUTBK OCG

U

OCUTBK

U

WSHUK Hint: O=T, C=H

U

2

5

1

7 5

2

1

8

6

5

3

5

3

5

7

8

7 7

9 6

7

9

6

6

4

2

4

5

1

5

4

7

6

8

4

8

ntine

2

3

4

falling 5

17

S

14

8

N

9

K

10

E

15

16

11

12

45

46

34

30

cupid

31

35

37

38

41

42

47

48

50

51

54

55

60

61

64

65

A

26

29

33

36

N

22

25

28

32

67

A

21

24

27

CROSSWORD

7

19

20

44

H

18

23

®

6

3 R A U L C A B A N A N E G arrow hugs A U T O K I N E S I S A P E 2 S A G E D E A T H S M A N 8 O F T E R S T H O L D A R I A N A L I G U R I A 5 T A O S S T R E A M U N A C C O U N T A B L E 6 H A R B O R R I V A 1 S H A P E L Y I N A S E C E A T A L O C O T N T 4 T R A D E S M A N A S E T S A M K L E P T O M A N I A 9 A R A G E T S O N N E D S 7 T E N D E E P S E R E S

O H M S

13

56

40

43

49

52

53

57

58

59

62

63

66

68

39

69

6 5 7 4 3 9 2 8 1

1 7 3 6 9 8 5 2 4

kiss

4 1 5 9 7 6 8 3 2

E DITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Taylor Pipe

1

9

8

9

5

7

Carlota Sousa Arts & Culture Editor Andreea Burlacu Sports & Health Editor OPEN POSITION Copy Editor & Fact Checker Olivia Strutt

1

8 2

PRODUC TION STAFF Graphic Designer Paige Stampatori Photo & Graphics Editor Sophia Marcon OFFICE STAFF Executive Director Patrick Sutherland Laurie Arnold Circulation Director Salvador Moran

RELATIONSHIP HONEYMOON HUGS FRIENDSHIP KISS ARROW CHOCOLATE CUPID VALENTINE LOVE FALLING CARD

8 5 7 card 9 6 8 4 2 9 7 1 3 5 4 2 2 3 4 1 9 6 6 7 1 3 8 5

Editorial: x 58250

News Editor

Marketing Coordinator Mariana Erazo Archive Assistant Abbey Hanks BOARD OF DIREC TORS President Paula Henry-Duru Chair of the Board Katelynn Huong Vice President Finance Jaidyn McCrae Vice President Communications *OPEN POSITION Staff Representative Paige Stampatori DIREC TORS Thea Basic Denver Bubelich Mariana Erazo Jordana Glowinsky Avneet Grewal

love 9 4 1 2 8 7 3 5 6

519-824-4120

Accountant

2 3 6 8 1 5 7 4 9

© 2013 KrazyDad.com

HARD SUDOKU

1

easy SUDOKU

eymoon

friendship chocolate ANSWERS FROM ISSUE 196.1

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Fill in the empty squares so that each of the digits 1 through 9 appear once in each row, column, and 3-by-3 block.

LOVE WORD SEARCH

ionship

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7

P K C HG L B P F C G B J K I S S Q L V U DWO C P C V G X P U A Y P A Z V D A Y O Q N UWD G A F QWV E T WR U J L A F S E P C HN V T O J D L V A Z V C E T R Q Y I RM T T N E X D J U NHQMN T NDMD X U E QNH C A R DU H B R T P M F O S S F P Q E MNO K X D C E T I P I MON V H R B B F J WP Q V H X T N C L I N HQN E MA C P I V Q S UQU E X V L P Y C O L P N X O XMCMGD S X I H Z P P F S A K V J DMOH P S N F K Z H F A K O R T T H C N N P OM J WSM Q I L A C D Y I X P R Q L H C E MB C A V G I O R X UO E P F A O I O S N V O A C N Z P V U I N J M Y F A L L I N GWU R D I MW E N S L T D B B D A L U T A U Y H B I A K Z H A Y O L Y V T B B O R I C B Z D F I Y I B J K C B O E Y H X R U K P NWN U R P NWE A L MN T T OO I F R I E ND S H I P P P Z I J Z Z BW J

ontarion@uoguelph.ca

Accounts: x 53534

5

3

he Ontarion's Love Wordsearch

N1G 2W1

Advertising: x 58267

1

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University of Guelph

6

7

3

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Room 264

5

2

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1

University Centre

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9

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The Ontarion Inc.

HARD SUDOKU

EASY SUDOKU 3

ISSUE 196. 2 | FUN STUFF

PUZZLE PAGES

THEONTARION.COM

2 1 6 4 3 9 8 7 5

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7 9 5 8 4 6 3 1 2

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6 2 8 5 1 3 7 9 4

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CONTRIBUTORS JORJA ALLEN AMELIA BAJOR ALYSSA CUNNINGHAM LOREL DANIELOV PAULA HENRY-DURU EMMERSON JULL AADYA KAPOOR SIERRA LEESE ATHAVI NISHAANTHAN ELLIE PETRAK YASMINE SULIMAN OWEN TSIPTSIS ARPIT VAGHELA ILLYRIA VOLCANSEK The Ontarion is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. Since The Ontarion undertakes the publishing of student work, the opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of The Ontarion staff and Board of Directors. The Ontarion reserves the right to edit or refuse all material deemed sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise unfit for publication as determined by the Editor-in-Chief. Material of any form appearing in this newspaper is copyrighted 2024 and cannot be reprinted without the approval of the Editor-inChief. The Ontarion retains the right of first publication on all material. In the event that an advertiser is not satisfied with an advertisement in the newspaper, they must notify The Ontarion within four working days of publication.

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