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Ontarion Year in Review

Our editor-in-chief looks back at 2023-2024

TAYLOR PIPE

Hello Reader,

This has been a whirlwind of a year. The Ontarion has been hard at work implementing new ideas, gaining new volunteers, and working on new skills. The core of our mission has always been to provide opportunities for community members that allow them to gain experience in real world situations. This year has certainly been no exception.

Although it is my second year with The Ontarion as editor-in-chief, I have been a part of The Ontarion’s story since 2020. If you had told me then that I would be spending the better part of four years writing for the campus newspaper, I probably wouldn’t have believed you…

Coverage

Over the past year, The Ontarion has covered some really great stories. From our Guelph 101 issue in September, to this summer issue, we’ve gotten into a great groove of coverage.

Over the year, we’ve flexed our investigative muscles and have worked to create issues that I think have been truly incredible. It is all thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and staff, who work to create content that the community engages with.

Notable stories from this

year include: a Q&A with Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner, artificial intelligence in art, international partnerships with the university, local drag artists, and local response to the conflict between Israel and Gaza.

New FeaturesMonthly

This year, The Ontarion introduced some new monthly features in our newspapers. One of the big things we’ve done has been including a special page within every issue that features stories from The Ontarion’s archives. This allows readers to look into the past and experience the history from the last 73 years of The Ontarion. It’s also been a great opportunity for our staff to learn more about the trailblazers that came before them and see how our journalism has changed over time.

The Ontarion embarked on a partnership with Penguin Random House over the 2023-2024 school year. Each month, we read a book from a Canadian author and spoke with them about their newly released, or to-be-released book. Stories ranged from books about queer love, to female activism and historical fiction.

We also included a monthly music review from Arpit Vaghela, who was writing music

reviews online prior to working with The Ontarion. Arpit reviewed albums like Lahai by Sampha, american dream by 21 Savage and LtTheMonk’s Uptown Intern #333. Arpit also did two throwback reviews which included Meteora by Linkin Park and Frank Ocean’s “lost” album, nostalgia, ULTRA

In addition to our regular pets of the month feature, we have introduced a club of the month feature. This feature included campus clubs like the Guelph Poets Society, U of G’s Improv Club, the University Debate Club and the Knitting and Crochet club.

We also brought back an Ontarion favourite from the 60s through the 80s. Back then, we would ask people on campus a specific question and publish their answers and photos in the paper. This year, we brought “Because We Asked…” back after being inspired by seeing it in issues throughout our archives.

Looking Forward

This summer, The Ontarion will be launching our fully revamped website. Over the past year, we’ve worked on choosing different design elements and creating something that both the student body and general public will enjoy. We’re very much looking forward to this launch and

the opportunity to continuously create content.

In addition to beefing up our web presence, we’ll be working on The Ontarion’s classic back-toschool issue, Guelph 101. Last year, every student who lived in a dorm on campus received a copy of the ultimate how-to guide for campus life, and we can’t wait to do it all again this year.

The most exciting thing is the opportunity to take this wild ride one more time. Each year, we add something new to this mix and it will be quite interesting to see what we add in this year.

Final Thoughts

The issue you are currently reading is the result of the hard work of our volunteers and staff over the last school year. We genuinely could not have done any of this without them. I have firsthand witnessed the hard work of our volunteer reporters and workstudy staff. Throughout this year they have been challenged and risen to the occasion.

Next year, we’re looking forward to continuing to challenge ourselves. Whether that be through producing a higher volume of content through our website, looking at more things with an investigative lens, or working with different community members and groups to achieve a com-

mon goal - we’re ready for it.

I hope you have enjoyed the many editions of The Ontarion that have come out over the course of the last eight months. As stressful as some of the issues may have been, it is always worth it when we see someone with one of our newspapers tucked under their arm, in their backpack, or in their hands as they’re reading. As the last print newspaper in Guelph, your support is everything to us.

So, thank you for reading The Ontarion and supporting the work of our volunteers and staff. Thank you for grabbing this issue - even if you use it for kindling at your summer bonfires. Thank you for reading our monthly newspaper, supporting local independent journalism, and taking the time to read this love letter to everybody who makes The Ontarion what it is today. Readers like you are what make me excited to come back for one more year.

If you had told me that I’d be spending another year as editor-in-chief and would be a part of The Ontarion’s story for the last five years, I probably wouldn’t have believed you… But here we are, and here we go again.

Best wishes & warmest regards, Taylor Pipe

The Ontarion has had a year to remember. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOPHIA MARCON

Bee-hind the scenes at the Honey Bee Research Centre

The HBRC celebrates a buzz-worthy anniversary

Amassive agricultural beekeeping operation, an educational facility, a retail store, a field research group, a YouTube channel, and a molecular biology lab. The U of G Honey Bee Research Centre certainly has a lot going on.

“We keep about 300 to 400 hives of bees, for both research projects and teaching purposes,” said Paul Kelly, who has managed the centre since 1987.

The Honey Bee Research Centre, (HBRC), has a very long history of buzzing around Guelph. At one point, apiculture, the study of bees, had its own department.

The HBRC was located at the current site of the University Centre, before being moved to its present location on Stone Road in 1966. When centrally located, they had somewhere between 50 and 100 beehives right in the centre of

Over the years, there has been tons of creative work done at the centre. Creamed honey was invented by apiculturist and entomology professor Dr. Elton James Dyce, who worked at the HBRC. They also developed pollen harvesting techniques that are used worldwide.

“But all along, the basis of our research has been honey bee health,” Kelly said.

From managing hives with American foulbrood disease in the 1800s, to present day work tackling the Varroa destructor parasite with genetic bee breeding, the HBRC has been on the frontlines of entomological healthcare since its founding.

“I think it's pretty amazing and I'm kind of proud… because that means we've had a lot of suc-

cess over the years,” Kelly shared.

Those successes can be attributed to a great work culture and collaborative spirit, according to Kelly.

“Honey bees attract great people,” Kelly said. “They're so interesting. People want to learn about them, so they're in such a positive state of mind when they're here, because they're surrounded by these incredible creatures…and consequently, pretty incredible people.”

These days, visitors are able to tour the facilities from May to September. Students can get involved by taking a course on honey bee biology (ENVS*2210) or joining the Apiculture Club. The HBRC also has volunteer positions, which require a great deal of commitment and volunteer hours spent at the centre. Many student volunteers

eventually work as professional beekeepers.

Kelly emphasised the importance of honey bees as essential for apiculture and agriculture, but also the importance of all types of pollinators for environmental health.

“Bumblebees, leafcutter bees, mason bees… there's over 400 species of bees in Ontario and all of them are important pollinators,” he said.

The HBRC has resources on their website explaining how to plant pollinator-friendly gardens, as well as the value of bees.

In the future, Kelly looks forward to welcoming staff, students, community members, and volunteers to the new Honey Bee Research Centre facility, which is set to open sometime next year.

“This facility will have a visi-

tor’s information centre, sales venue, event space, and meeting space for all the courses that we do. Plus, lab and production facilities for our beekeeping, and a lot more space on the site to be able to do our research and production activities. So, we're really excited about it!” Kelly said.

The facility is about halfway built right now, and the centre has so far raised $16 million out of the $17 million required for the project.

“We’ve got a little ways to go there – so any little bit of help is welcome,” Kelly shared.

The HBRC doesn’t yet have solid plans for their 130th anniversary, but they will be taking part in the OAC’s 150th anniversary festivities.

“At the very least, we'll have a nice big picnic to celebrate,” Kelly said.

campus.

Oh, honey! These beekeepers are hard at work in the Honey Bee Research Centre. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE HONEY BEE RESEARCH CENTRE

Pro-Palestinian protestors sit-in at the University Centre

The protest was one of several to take place on campus since March

TAYLOR PIPE

On March 28, a group of approximately 100 protestors organized by UoGForPalestine marched into the University Centre. The group of pro-Palestinian protestors sat on the floor, chanted, and gave speeches demanding the freedom of Palestine and the divestment of funds from the University of Guelph to funding the war in Gaza. The protest lasted an hour.

This followed a March 7 protest, held by Decolonial Solidarity Guelph and UoGForPalestine on campus. The protest was against the Royal Bank of Canada, (RBC), and funding of “the climate crisis, projects that violate free prior and informed consent of Indigenous peoples, and ongoing Israeli apartheid,” according to a brochure from the event.

“That [protest] was mostly led by Decolonial Solidarity Guelph,” said Waida Mirzada, member of UoGForPalestine and organizer of the March 28 protest.

Mirzada said Decolonial Solidarity Guelph and UoGForPalestine share the goal of having RBC leave campus as “RBC profits off the genocide currently happening in Gaza.”

She said that during the protest against RBC, members delivered a letter to the University of Guelph President Charlotte Yates.

Three weeks later, on March 28, a student walkout took place. During this walkout, students heard speakers in Branion Plaza and marched into the University Centre, (UC). During this protest, a petition was submitted to Yates with over 1,200 signatures on it, according to Mirzada.

The protestors, many carry-

ing Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyehs, filled the UC Courtyard and sat in a large circle.

However, not all students attending the protest supported the pro-Palestinian messaging of the large group. A small group of approximately 15 students came out to the student walkout in counter-protest. Many carried Israeli flags, wore clothing with the Star of David, and donned their kippahs.

“It was imperative for our community to unite and demonstrate our resilience against these antisemitic remarks,” Daniel Spinner, a pro-Israeli counter-protestor, said to The Ontarion in an email. “We are proud Jews with thousands [of] years of civilized history, we won’t stay silent to hate and bigotry. By counter-protesting together, we aimed to convey that we refuse to be intimidated and that the Jewish community stands in solidarity with Israel.”

Spinner said that the pro-Israeli counter-protestors were waving their Israeli and Canadian flags to “show our solidarity with both countries we consider home, without disturbing the other side’s protest.”

Both Israeli and Palestinian flags were on display while pro-Palestinian protestors were sitting and chanting messages aimed at university administration, voicing frustration on the university’s silence in the wake of the war in Gaza. They also heard from other speakers about their thoughts on what is happening in Gaza.

“We cannot allow this institution to claim political neutrality

while it invests in the weapons being used to kill Palestinian’s right now” said one speaker who identified themselves as an organizer with UoGForPalestine and Guelph for Palestine.

Other speakers shared personal stories and details of ongoing and historic events surrounding Palestine, including facts and figures to illustrate their perspective on the conflict.

In an interview with The Ontarion, Mirzada explained that they don't get their information from one specific source when asked about where they obtain their facts and statistics. She said it is “knowledge that we have ourselves, taking the time to educate ourselves. A lot of it comes from Palestinian scholars and educators and academics… And those are the ones that we amplify”. Mirzada also pointed out Al Jazeera, a news website funded in part by the government of Qatar, as one source of information.

One of the sayings that the pro-Palestinian protestors were chanting was, “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

“We were disturbed by the lack of empathy and acknowledgement from the university for the chanting of antisemitic slogans, like … ‘from the river to the sea,’ which explicitly call for violence and ethnic cleansing of Jews,” Spinner said.

When asked by The Ontarion what the protestors mean by this slogan, Mirzada said “I can't speak for everyone in my group… The call to one person's right to self determination and liberation isn't a call to an end to another group… And so, there is a distinction to be made between Jewish people who are from that region and also settlers who are occupying Palestinian indigenous land,” Mirzada said.

She explained that she felt that the protest was more a call for the university to divest funds that support the violence occurring in Gaza, and that she felt that having the voices of their group heard was important.

“It's important for us to use our voices and to stand against genocide - which you think would be the the conscious thing to do,” Mirzada said. “It's really sad as students that… this academic institution is refusing to take a political stance [and] is remaining

silent in the face of genocide.”

A post on Hillel Guelph’s Instagram was made by their co-president on March 28. Hillel Guelph is a chapter of Hillel which supports Jewish campus life across the globe. The Instagram post spoke about the experience the co-president had at the March 28 protest.

The UoGForPalestine-led protest had designated marshalls with reflective vests creating a barrier between themselves and members of the counter protest, along with members of the public and passersby.

“I went to go stand on the other side of the university,” Hillel’s Instagram post reads. “Another protestor in an orange vest pointed at me, and whispered to the people beside them. Now three people are looking and pointing at me. What are they saying? To not let me through? I don’t want to go through, but are they allowed to decide? To police who walks through the University Centre?”

Mirzada had a different perspective.

“Marshalls are always necessary in any movement and it’s to protect everyone’s safety and also to make sure that the reason why we are all organizing is what we are focused on,” Mirzada said.

Spinner said he felt the actions of the marshalls were unfair and against university policy.

“I believe the university must

hold them accountable for violating freedom of movement and discriminating against Jewish students,” he said. “At the protest, I attempted to join the crowd but was denied entry by one of the self-proclaimed ‘marshalls’ because of my identity. Additionally, when the crowd moved towards the UC, we were prevented from passing through them. It is a clear violation of the university’s policy and it should be treated accordingly.”

Hillel’s Instagram post said that after the protest, members of the Jewish community came together in a circle and sang Hatikvah, the national anthem of Israel. Spinner said that “by singing ‘Hatikvah’ after the protest, we felt empowered and reaffirmed [in] our unwavering belief in this enduring hope.”

On Thursday, April 18, a post on UoGForPalestine’s Instagram stated the group was invited to a finance committee meeting on May 30 after interrupting a Board of Governors meeting to demand divestment.

“We can’t wait that long,” the post reads. “We are disappointed that our submission is not on the agenda for the April 22 Board of Governors meeting.”

The post says that going through the finance committee will not lead to any real action until approved by the Board of Governors at a later meeting.

Approximately 100 protestors attended the sit-in on March 28. PHOTO

PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE

A group of approximately 15 pro-Israel counter-protestors attended. PHOTO

PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE

The CSA unofficial spring by-election results are in

Learn who your new CSA executives are and what would have happened if quorum had not been met

CARLOTA SOUSA

The unofficial Central Student Association spring by-election results are out, as voting concluded on April 17. Voting quorum, which is 10 per cent of the University of Guelph student population, was met for each executive candidate at 10.21 per cent (2,282 votes).

According to the CSA unofficial election results, the elected CSA president is Hartej Singh with 816 votes in their favour. The elected vice-president academic is Bawneet Singh with 1,753 votes in their favour. The elected vice-president student experience is Simran Kalra with 861 votes in their favour. The elected vice-president external is

The Ontarion spoke with current CSA President Shaima Alam to learn what the CSA did to help ensure quorum was met.

“The spring by-election, I did drive way more for specifically hitting quorum, more than the basic things we do for promotional items. So the way it started was that [during] the nomination period the execs were out tabling everyday, we were doing class talks… We had polling stations all in the UC [and] we put core staff supervisors on top of those polling stations to engage and reach out to people,” said Alam.

“There were a lot more frequent emails this time as well and then once exams hit, we started doing exam outreach… We just did a lot more physical hours being out there than we did for the other [elections],” said Alam.

If quorum had not been met for the spring by-election, Alam outlines what would have happened.

“It’s a board appointment process for the executive position. It’s kind of similar to how our board

of directors one is, you still get the 50 nominations that an executive needs to get because you still need to be someone that’s known by at least 50 students and then you bring it to the board,” said Alam.

“We made up a timeline that makes sense to get an executive [position] filled as soon as possible. So I believe we gave two to three days, with an extension you get a couple more days, to get those nominations in. We have a board meeting and we take those candidates and they give a 150 word statement. The board hears all of these statements and then the board votes through simple majority,” said Alam.

Continuing, Alam said that “If [the executive position] is uncontested, so if there’s only one person running, then it’s a two thirds majority, but if it’s multiple people [running] then it’s whoever gets the most votes from the board through secret ballot.”

Since quorum was met for the spring by-election, a board appointment process will not occur. However, The Ontarion discovered that presidential candidate Hartej Singh may have violated electoral policy.

On April 3, Singh made a post on his instagram account, @13_hartej advertising a contest for voters to enter. Those who voted for Singh were told to vote for Singh, share their response and

share the candidate’s poster on their instagram story while tagging Singh. They were also asked to tag three people in order to be eligible for the prize draw.

Alam said the Chief Returning Officer approved the photo. However, they did not see the caption.

She also said the elected candidates would be ratified on April 25 and that the post has been brought to the attention of the CSA’s election committee, There have been no official appeals as of publication.

If you’re looking for more information on the CSA unofficial spring by-election results, head to csaonline.ca/elections/spring-2024election or the CSA election Instagram, @csa_elections.

Understanding Canada’s Environmental Plan

Canada’s approach to carbon pricing has set a global standard for curbing emissions

We’ve reduced emissions by 3 million tonnes over the past four years.

Canada leads the way with the largest emissions reductions in the G7.

We are also capping emissions from the oil and gas industry. Investing in a net-zero electricity grid, record investments in clean technology.

Through the carbon price we’ve already removed the equivalent of 11 million gas powered cars o the road. Carbon pricing will account for 1/3 of Canada’s emissions reductions by 2030.

LLOYD LONGFIELD

Your Member of Parliament for Guelph

Visit mplongfield.ca to see more ways the federal government is delivering on the issues that matter to you.

Lloyd.Longfield

Lloyd.longfield@parl.gc.ca

@LloydLongfield

Lloyd.Longfi eld

RECEIVE YOUR CARBON REBATE

April, July, October, January

(if taxes have been filed)

$140 for an individual

$70 for spouse/common-law partner

$35 per child under 19

$70 for first child in single parent family

Election results will be ratified on April 25. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE CSA

Natalie Wilkinson with 1,726 votes in their favour.

Taking a deep dive into Ontario's rivers with Moira Ijzerman

University of Guelph research investigates pesticide use and its effects on bodies of water

CARLOTA SOUSA

University of Guelph PhD candidate Moira Ijzerman is currently in the final year of her PhD in environmental toxicology. Ijzerman shared with The Ontarion what her research and thesis is about, the importance of her research, and what a day in the life of her PhD looks like. Ijzerman also described her involvement with Friends of the Grand River, a non-profit organization that focuses on the preservation and conservation of the Grand River watershed.

“My thesis in a nutshell is looking at improving pesticide monitoring in rivers and streams in Ontario, and also trying to understand the impacts that pesticides have when aquatic bugs eat them or ingest them,” Ijzerman explained.

“Usually when we’re testing pesticide chemicals, like when they are approving pesticides, they’ll just expose all these aquatic organisms because they'll expose the water, but pesticides don’t just stay in the water in a

river, they bind to the algae and the sediment, and bugs eat that stuff. Then we wanted to figure out what happens when they eat it,” said Ijzerman.

When you think about pesticides, there’s a good chance that you’re thinking about them being applied to plants and crops, but the pesticides don't just stay there.

“A very, very small amount of applied pesticide actually stays on the crop that it was intended for and the rest is dispersed into the environment,” said Ijzerman.

This is why understanding pesticide effects is important because they impact more of the environment than we may be aware of.

Ijzerman has always had an interest in environmental and pesticide work, beginning all the way in her undergrad, but eventually it shifted into an interest in pesticides in bodies of water.

“So my undergrad thesis was about alternative forestry practices that we can implement in agricultural systems to reduce

pesticides. I was kind of involved in the pesticide world but always wanted to get into aquatics,” said Ijzerman.

The day to day work of Ijzerman’s PhD depends on the time of year it is, as she spends the summers doing field work and the winters doing lab work.

“So in the summer, I'm usually in the field because I run monitoring programs. I would say my usual summer, or in spring when the crops are growing, a.k.a. when the pesticides are being applied, I'm usually out in waders in the river,” said Ijzerman. “There's a lot of building equipment… a lot of repair work, putting in sampling equipment, taking samples and a lot of driving because my field sites are spread all across the province.”

Ijzerman then described how the winter differed:

“Then in the winter, I have a lab component to my thesis. I like to think I'm 50/50 field and then [in the] lab… I'm just running samples or doing toxicity testing where we expose organisms to a chemical, and gathering data.”

One of Ijzerman’s biggest projects was a year-long field program, a collaborative project with the Ontario government. Ijzerman gave some background on the project and a few of its important findings.

“The Ontario government has a pesticide monitoring program," said Ijzerman. "We're working with them, this project is a collaborative project. For context, to run like one pesticide sample at one river at one time point is $600. So it adds up really, really quickly. We can't monitor every river in Ontario. So it's kind of a thought process of how can we make this more efficient [and] pick rivers that we know are higher at risk.”

Ijzerman explained one of the pesticide monitoring methods they use and why.

“So we used suspended sediment, which is just all that gunk at the bottom of a river, it resuspends itself and pesticides bind to that sediment and they stay there for a really long time. So, when you take one of those samples, it maybe gives you a little bit longer of a timeframe of what's going on,” said Ijzerman.

Ultimately, Ijzerman saw that the monitoring methods they were using showed more pesticides in their samples than in the samples that the Ontario government pesticide monitoring program was finding.

“That [project] paper is done now but I think it was really interesting [because] we found that… so many pesticides are not found at all in those water samples, but many are found in the sediment…

There's all these legacy chemicals that have been banned since the 70s that are still showing up in our sample,” said Ijzerman.

Ijzerman also does water quality work outside of her PhD as a board member for Friends of the Grand River.

“They are in charge of a huge section of the Upper Grand River, keeping it debris free. They're always doing cleanups, fish stocking, tree planting, [and] a lot of community outreach. It's amazing, but when I got involved it’s because I wanted to do the water quality stuff,” said Ijzerman.

Ijzerman explained that Friends of the Grand River became interested in water quality when they started to notice that the river populations were unusual.

“They've been getting a lot of feedback like [there’s] not as many fish and smaller fish like the big adults, so something's up and it wasn't always like this. They're seeing different bugs being present…So they had sat down before I joined and decided we want to focus on figuring out what's going on with water quality, but they just didn't have a person with that expertise… So that's when I got my board role,” said Ijzerman.

Although pesticides get applied to crops and plants, they often manage to find their way into our rivers and streams, which upsets the organisms and natural habitat of these bodies of water. Ijzerman has done valuable research into the effects of pesticides in rivers and solutions into how to monitor those effects most efficiently. Thanks to the hard work of researchers just like Ijzerman and organizations like Friends of the Grand River, we are one step closer to keeping Ontario rivers preserved and safe.

Moira Ijzerman is currently in the final year of her PhD in environmental toxicology. PHOTO PROVIDED BY KAREN WHYLIE

Ijzerman shared that a very small amount of applied pesticide actually stays on the crop that it was intended for and the rest is dispersed into the environment. PHOTO PROVIDED BY KAREN WHYLIE

SUMMER (SAND) BUCKET LIST

* Read The Summer Issue of The Ontarion

* Find your new favourite band at Hillside Festival

* Take advantage of Guelph’s green space by playing disc golf

* Try out canoeing in the Royal City

* Road trip to Blue Mountain

* Attend the Guelph Multicultural Festival

* Try a new flavour of ice cream on the river

* Have some frosty drinks on a sunny patio

* Watch the sunset on the Speed River

* Walk along the river at Riverside

* Swim in the Elora Quarry

* Find your new favourite item at Aberfoyle Antique Market

* Cheer for Canada during the 2024 Summer Olympics

* Go stargazing with someone you care about

* Camp out at Guelph Lake and tell spooky stories

* Do a watercolour painting of nature

* Go to a Ward Night Market

* Salsa dance in Royal City Park

* Picnic in the Arboretum

* Rock out at Riverfest

* Attend, or perform at open mic night at Jimmy Jazz

* Put on an eyepatch and go to the Ontario Pirate Festival

* Organize, or attend a backyard BBQ

* Attend an Outdoor Handmade Market

* Eat your heart out at Ribfest

* Do a cannonball to impress your crush

* Make homemade popsicles

* Take a trip on the Guelph Beer Bus

* Get lost in a sunflower field

* Have a drive-in movie night

* Explore a new trail

* Make s’mores with your bestie

* Try a new summer sport

* Attend the Scottish Highland Games in Fergus

Conquering menstrual cramps one square at a time

Founder of BioSnactive, Jessica Ulbikas is a Guelph master's student in human health and nutritional sciences

ELLIE PETRAK

This summer, BioSnactive is launching its new product called Code Red, a fair-trade dark chocolate product that has clinically tested bioactive ingredients capable of alleviating the severity of menstrual pain. It contains magnesium, vitamin D, and calcium, which at the correct dosage can alleviate menstrual pain over time.

The idea of Code Red began in a functional food product development class in Jessica Ulbikas’s third year of undergrad. In a group, students were required to develop a food product with a health benefit and create a hypothetical business. Her group created a chocolate bar for menstrual pain.

Three years later, Ulbikas decided to apply to the John F. Wood Centre with hopes of developing a business idea, and the project from her undergrad came to mind.

The John F. Wood Centre has three programs called the Idea Lab, Ignite Lab, and Launch Lab to help students create, develop, and launch business ideas.

“I loved the product development classes that I took and I always felt very excited doing it. It was a fun challenge for me and I thought it would be cool to launch something in the future,” said Ulbikas. “I wanted to bring a product to life, especially something healthy, so when I heard

about the John F. Wood programming, I applied and it went on from there.”

In Ignite Lab, Ulbikas applied with a new idea. When speaking with mentors, they loved the idea of the chocolate and encouraged her to pursue it as her business. That's where she took the basic idea for that chocolate bar for menstruation and redeveloped and rebranded the product itself with a different name, different ingredients, and different bioactives to alleviate menstrual pain.

Starting from scratch with no business experience, Ulbikas completed the 10-week programming for the Ignite and Launch Labs. In attending these weekly sessions, Ulbikas was able to learn from mentors and people experienced in the field about finances, marketing, branding, and more.

Launch Lab provided the funding and opportunity to work with professional services to help launch Code Red. Ulbikas was able to work with a professional photographer, a digital marketing strategist, and a lawyer to aid in developing her business.

The vitamins in the chocolate have many functions in the body, especially calcium and vitamin D, which help with bone health and absorption. Magnesium is also beneficial to general muscle function and many other cellular processes. Almost anyone

can eat the chocolates as long as they don't take supplements with them.

“These ingredients are mostly tailored to pain relief in cramps," said Ulbikas. "I think with calcium there's a bit of PMS relief as well which is great. The good thing too about using these bioactive ingredients like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D is that they are nutrients consumed generally. So if you are deficient in those nutrients in your diet, then having the chocolate is just an extra boost. It replaces supplements in essence so even if you don’t have menstrual pain you can still eat it and just get a boost of those nutrients as well. It's just a more fun way to enjoy it."

Instead of a bar, Ulbikas decided to make individual squares in order to pre-portion and avoid consumers breaking off too much or too little. Regulated by Health Canada as a supplemental food, the compostable pink packaging includes 10 squares of chocolate, with instructions to take two squares a day. They will sell for $9.99 per package.

After experimenting and workshopping recipes and flavours, Ulbikas decided on dark chocolate squares.

“It was important to me that it tasted good and that the bioactive ingredients wouldn't be too strong. I had to make it high enough that it worked [and] not so high that it’s all you can taste. The feedback so far is that no one can really taste the ingredients,” said Ulbikas.

Still in the pre-launch phase, Ulbikas was able to show off her product at an expo at the University Center on March 26. Code Red was met with a lot of positive feedback and excitement about the product.

A product such as this one also opens up important conversations regarding women’s health and menstrual pain.

“Even before I made this product I thought bad cramps were just how it is. People don't know you don't need to have bad cramps when menstruating,” said Ulbikas. “There’s no other product like this on the Canadian market. Menstrual pain is rarely talked about and although women's health is be-

coming more and more discussed, there is still a stigma there.”

She has been met with many people engaging in the product, caring about the science behind it, and wanting to learn more about their menstrual health.

“I am moving towards a launch in June," said Ulbikas. "Originally, I planned to launch online and eventually go into a market but it's hard to get people interested in a food product unless

they try it. It was great that many people tried it at the expo and I could tell that they enjoyed it. I do want to launch online and I want to go into the Guelph Farmers' Market. That would be a great way to get the word out and get people interested.”

To keep updated on Code Red, follow @biosnactive on Instagram and check out biosnactive.ca for updates on their upcoming launch.

This summer, BioSnactive is launching its new product called Code Red, a fair-trade dark chocolate product that has clinically tested bioactive ingredients capable of alleviating the severity of menstrual pain. PHOTO PROVIDED BY JESSICA ULBIKAS

Jessica Ulbikas is planning on launching Code Red in June. PHOTO PROVIDED BY JESSICA ULBIKAS

ARTS & CULTURE

2024 festival roundup

From music festivals to Ribfest, here’s some of this summer’s happenings

Summer: the sun on your skin, dancing crowds, vibrant music. This season is the perfect time to hit up a festival, and Guelph keeps booked and busy these warm months. Whether you like music, dance, art, or even pirates, here’s a guide to each festival happening this summer.

ArtsEverywhere Festival (May 2-5)

Gather for intriguing lectures, artistic performances, and important conversations at the ArtsEverywhere Festival. The aim of this festival is to “spark rich dialogues about issues, ideas, and challenges” that appeal to local and global audiences. The main event is “The Guelph Lecture — On Being,” which will feature a literary reading, musical performance, and keynote lecture. This will take place

on Friday, May 3 at the River Run Centre, and tickets are $25 each. ArtsEverywhere also offers free events, some of which are held at U of G. To learn more, check out their website festival.artseverywhere.ca.

Guelph and District Multicultural Festival (June 7-9)

This festival, complete with a wide variety of cuisines and cultures, invites you to celebrate Guelph’s multiculturalism. Taking place in Riverside Park, there will be a fashion show of clothing from around the world, live music, cultural performances, and a variety of community vendors. You can learn more at gdmf.ca.

Hillside Festival (July 19-21) This

ANDREEA BURLACU

val brings Guelphites together to enjoy nature and listen to unique artists. Camp in Guelph Lake Conservation Area and come see artists from all genres. Since 1984, Hillside has been famous for showcasing Canadian indie artists before they go big, like the Arkells, Arcade Fire, Walk off the Earth, and The Strumbellas. They also offer workshops, an artisan market, yoga, drumming circles, and multicultural meals. This year’s lineup includes Montreal musician Patrick Watson, rocker Daniel Lanois, and local legends SHEBAD and Tragedy Ann. Get tickets on their website hillsidefestival.ca.

The Ontario Pirate Festival (Aug. 3-5)

Discover the hidden treasure that is The Ontario Pirate Festival. X marks the spot in Marden Park,

where the festival offers swashbuckling activities for the whole family. The event is set up like a shanty village and offers music, sword fighting, juggling, and live falconry. There will also be pirate encampments where you can learn about seafaring history, buy handcrafted goods, and watch tons of theatrical performances. After hours, the “music and carousin’ will commence” with a 19+ Captain’s Keg event. Arrrrre you ready to drink and have a blast? Check out thepiratefestival.com.

Guelph Fringe Festival (Aug. 8-11)

The Guelph Fringe Festival will feature 45 performances from 15 individual theatre companies, all in Downtown Guelph. See comedies, tragedies, and romances play out over these three days. They

also offer children’s programming. learn more at guelphfringe.ca

Riverfest Elora (Aug. 16-18)

Bring your friends and dance the night away in Bissell Park, Elora! The 2024 Riverfest will be headlined by alternative rock band Violent Femmes, indie-folk group Fleet Foxes, and country rocker Josh Ross. The lineup also features a wide range of indie artists. You can get tickets at riverfestelora. com.

Ribfest (Aug. 23-25)

Ribfest offers much more than meat — they have live music, a car show, and kids activities. But rest assured: they also have lots and lots of ribs. The event itself is free and will be held in Riverside Park, serving up food, friends, and fun. See more at ribfestguelph.com.

Hillside Festival is known to showcase acts before they go big. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SAM BAIJAL

Guelph Pride is here, queer, and full of fun events

These safe spaces across the city celebrate the LGBTQ+ community

ANDREEA BURLACU

Every June, Guelph gathers to celebrate Pride Month, a time that recognizes the ongoing pursuit of equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Guelph Pride plans their celebrations throughout the year and is excited to reveal what 2024 has in store.

Guelph Pride chair Taylor Gillies described the importance of Pride as it shines a light on the queer community.

“It's just so important to recognize the community and all the letters of the acronym and just create as much space as we can,” she said.

Guelph Pride started in 2003 with a picnic in Royal City Park, and it gradually expanded to in-

clude events throughout the city.

This year, Gillies hopes to make lots of noise and reflect Guelph’s queer community in the best way possible. Specifically, Gillies is planning diverse events that cater to BIPOC individuals and people of different age groups.

A full roster of events will be posted on their Instagram, @guelphpride, and their Facebook, Guelph Pride. You can also learn more on their website.

Gillies described that their biggest event is Pride in the Park, which typically has a turnout of 200-400 people. It will happen on June 15, 2024 in Exhibition Park. This is an all-ages event that fea-

tures face painting, a bouncy castle, and many organizations that share their expertise at different booths.

She mentioned that sometimes her queer identity feels invisible, but Guelph Pride shows that the LGBTQ+ community has a great presence in Guelph.

“You can see the community around you just enjoying life, and that's really cool and important,” she said. “And I think it's just really awesome to bring our LGBTQ+ community together and make ourselves more visible.”

Guelph Pride is open to everyone, no matter their sexual orientation.

“It's important to celebrate, support friends, and support the community,” she said.

Gillies advises allies to recognize the space they take up and educate themselves. She noted that the Out on the Shelf library offers tons of queer resources to borrow for free.

If you’d like to support Guelph Pride, they accept donations and volunteers. They’re also open to feedback and would love to hear about what you’d like to see in this year’s Pride.

“If there is an opportunity to connect with an organization, and that's something that interests you, I would highly, highly recommend

anyone to do it,” she said. “Everywhere is short staffed, short on resources, and it's always incredible to just connect with all these kind people.”

Gillies added, “They’re all lovely, they’re all trying to make a really positive impact in our city.”

It’s also important to recognize LGBTQ+ individuals all year round. Whether it’s keeping yourself educated on queer issues, amplifying under-recognized voices, or donating to an LGBTQ+ cause, be supportive not just during Pride Month.

“People often need the most help outside of these times,” Gillies said.

Pride in the Park is a great event to connect with the queer community and feel authentically yourself. PHOTO

All about matcha

Meet your summer match(a): this green tea boasts health benefits and a refreshing taste

ANDREEA BURLACU

As a new addition to many cafe menus and a trendy drink on TikTok, matcha seems to be everywhere. This grassy green tea shows up in hot teas, iced lattes, smoothies, and even ice cream. Matcha is made by finely stone-grinding tea leaves into a delicate powder, and its green hue comes from high chlorophyll levels. The drink originated in China, is mostly produced in Japan, and is enjoyed around the world today.

Matcha can be traced back to China’s Tang dynasty (618–907 C.E.), when tea leaves were steamed into the shape of bricks to make them easier to transport. Later, it became popular to whip these dried tea leaves in hot water. Eventually, matcha transitioned from China to Japan, where the Buddhist monk Eisai is credited with popularising the green tea.

Initially, matcha was drunk as a medicinal beverage by monks and members of the imperial court

before growing in popularity in the Muromachi Period (1336-1573 C.E.). Here, matcha became a central part of the Japanese tea ceremony. This traditionally involves preparing the tea with a bamboo whisk (chasen), a tea container (natsume), a tea scoop (chashaku), a tea bowl, a sweets plate, and a kettle. You sit down, eat the sweets, and sip the tea, expressing gratitude throughout the spiritual practice.

If you visit Japan, there’s many opportunities to enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. More recently, matcha is sipped throughout the day – whether it’s hot tea in the morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. The drink is energising and relaxing at the same time, and it’s also really tasty. It contains numerous healthy components, like antioxidants, which are great for inflammation and blood pressure, and L-theanine, which promotes alertness without

the caffeine crash. Although you can get matcha at many cafes, you can also try making it at home. You’ll need matcha – preferably ceremonial or premium grade, as it will have a more mellow flavour. Some matchas come sweetened as a drink mix, others you’ll have to sweeten to taste. To whisk the matcha, it’s customary to use a bamboo whisk, but you can also use an electric milk frother.

Here’s how to make an iced matcha latte:

1. Sift a few teaspoons of matcha powder in a small bowl or mug, to avoid clumps.

2. Pour in a few tablespoons of hot water and whisk until the matcha has dissolved.

3. Add ice to a glass, then pour in your milk of choice, a sweetener, and your matcha.

4. Enjoy!

LU N T R

For the most authentic matcha taste, use a “chasen,” or, in English, a bamboo whisk. PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNSPLASH

What to watch this summer

Whether you’re looking for action or animation, there’s something here for everyone

PAULA HENRY-DURU

Summer is around the corner, what better time is there to cross movies off of your watchlist?

Carefully compiled, here are eight movies you should consider adding to your list and watching this summer, plus four must-see post-summer flicks that will keep you going until Christmas.

1. The Fall Guy (May 3)

Loosely based on a TV series from the 1980s of the same name, this action comedy is about a stuntman who uses his skills to investigate the disappearance of a big Hollywood movie star. The cast includes Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, so we can expect to have a great time watching this.

2. IF (May 17)

An acronym for “Imaginary Friends,” this fantasy movie directed by John Krasinski tells the story of a girl who discovers that she can see the imaginary friends of everyone around her, children and adults alike. As she grapples with this newfound ability, she sets out to reunite forgotten IFs with their now grown-up creators.

3. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (May 23)

If you’ve seen Mad Max: Fury Road, you might remember Furiosa, the one-handed woman who played a key role in the film. If you haven’t watched it, that's okay too, as this movie is a prequel to Fury Road. It’s the origin story of Furiosa, how she was abducted from her home and must fight her way back to it. Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Anya Taylor-Joy stars as Furiosa, and George Miller returns as director.

4. Inside Out 2 (June 14)

Fans of Pixar movies will look forward to this sequel, which follows a now teenage Riley dealing with a new emotion that so many of us are familiar with: Anxiety. Other emotions, such as Joy and Disgust, must make room for this new emotion, and the movie shows us how both Riley and her existing emotions must come to terms with Anxiety.

5. The Bikeriders (June 21)

Tom Hardy and Austin Butler star in this drama film inspired by photographer Danny Lyon’s photo book about a real-life motorcycle

club in 1960s Chicago. Over the course of several years we follow the lives of members in this fictional account of a biker’s club.

6. Twisters (July 19)

In this man-versus-nature film, a woman and her friend set out to test new technology for tracking tornadoes, but with storm season fast approaching, their encounter with a storm chasing social-media superstar will be the least of their troubles. The cast includes Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell.

7. Borderlands (Aug. 9)

This film adaptation of the popular video game Borderlands follows an outlaw as she returns to her home planet and bands with a group of misfits. Together they battle aliens, bandits, and search for a missing girl who may be far more important than at first seems. Packed with a star-studded cast, Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Jamie Lee Curtis are set to appear in this movie.

8. Kraven the Hunter (Aug. 30)

Based on the Marvel Comics

character of the same name, Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as Kraven, a hunter who possesses animal-like powers and instincts on a mission to prove he is the greatest in the world. Russell Crowe and Ariana DeBose will co-star in this movie.

Don’t worry about summer ending, here are four more movies you can watch between classes:

9. The Wild Robot (Sept. 20)

This film from DreamWorks Animation tells the story of a robot, “Roz,” shipwrecked on an uninhabited island. As Roz learns to adapt to the new, harsh environment and co-exist with the animals, it soon begins to care for an orphaned gosling. This film was adapted from the bestselling novel by Peter Brown.

10. Joker: Folie à Deux (Oct. 4)

Todd Phillips returns to direct this sequel to the 2019 film Joker, in which Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) falls in love with Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga) while in prison. For those interested, “Folie à Deux” translates

to “madness for two,” and is an alternative term for “Shared Psychotic Disorder,” in which two or more people share a delusion. With that in mind, happy watching.

11. Gladiator 2 (Nov. 22)

24 years after the release of the original epic historical film, Gladiator, this sequel is set to follow Lucius, the grown-up version of Emperor Commodus’ young nephew from the first movie. The sequel will be directed by Ridley Scott (who also directed the first movie) and starring a new cast including Paul Mescal as Lucius, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal.

12. Nosferatu (Dec. 25)

Robert Eggers (known for The Northman, The Lighthouse, and The Witch) is set to direct this gothic horror tale about a vampire and his activities in 19th-century Germany. This is a remake of the iconic 1922 silent film of the same name, with a stunning cast which includes Bill Skarsgård, Willem Dafoe, Lily-Rose Depp, and Nicholas Hoult.

Look out for showings of these movies at cinemas in Guelph or in your hometown this summer! PHOTO PROVIDED BY PIXABAY

Arpit's Music Review:

Only God Was Above Us by Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend bites and bleeds out on this new indie-pop record

ARPIT VAGHELA

The members of the New York Citybased indie-pop band Vampire Weekend met at Columbia University in 2006. The band had not released music for 5 years until they returned from hiatus earlier this month with their brand new record, Only God Was Above Us. This is the band’s fifth studio album and their first as a trio since the departure of key member Rostam Batmanglij. The album is heavily inspired by New York City’s aesthetics and it’s co-produced with longtime collaborator Ariel Rechtshaid.

The album starts with “Ice Cream Piano,” a track about conflicts and argumentation. The chorus screams, “The world don't recognize a singer who won't sing!” The most impressive element of this track is the chemistry between Ezra Koenig’s vocals and the instruments. The track begins as a downbeat rock ballad before transitioning into an uplifting, guitar-riffed, hammered, piano-tuned, musical riot. The following track, “Classical,” is about the societal imbalance between the rich and working class. The track is laced with beautiful basslines, loud yet rhythmic drums, and soothing guitar riffs with some piano tunes. The song blends jazz with indie rock.

The album winds down a little bit after the second track as the third track, “Capricorn” starts playing. “Capricorn” is about someone who was born on December 30th or 31st, right before the New Year, someone whose birth year finished fast and the next one isn’t theirs. But wait, the band doesn’t stop being experimental – the track starts to sound glitchy and fragile after the track reaches its halfway point.

The next song, “Connect” reflects the

narrator’s meaningful memories. The track describes the loss of a person’s non-materialistic and spiritual connectivity with the world as the chorus goes, “I know once it's lost it's never found, I need it now.” Dreamy piano tunes, subtle instrumentals, and psychedelic vocals create this ambient musical environment that sounds like something taken straight from a dream. The next song, “Prep-School Gangsters,” is named after New York City gangs composed of rich private school kids. The track can be considered the catchiest on the album. The band went with a simplistic approach to craft the track with melodic guitar tunes and slow, light drums.

At this halfway point in the album is “The Surfer,” a slow-paced, R&B-inspired ballad. Unfortunately, nothing is interesting or creative about this track as the instruments and lyricism come across as lackluster and bland. “Gen-X Cops” takes an uplifting and fast-paced route to open up the track. A catchy chorus, mesmerizing hook, and dreamy melody can be heard during the whole duration of the track. The track explores the intellectual and philosophical issues faced by the millennial generation. Koenig sings, "Dodged the draft, but can't dodge the war, forever cursed to live insecure.” The whole track can be encapsulated as something you might hear in some overpriced art supplies shop in Manhattan.

“Mary Boone” is the peak Vampire Weekend track. The whole song feels like something collected from a fairytale world. The track begins with magical vocals from fading choirs that automatically aid with the conclusion that this song is going to

be amazing. The track is the story of Mary Boone, a young and gorgeous woman who came from a small town in Pennsylvania to New York City to pursue an artistic career. Koenig sings, "Painted white, new in town. You weren't hiring, but I was looking.” The track takes you back in time to when you encounter your first love for the first time and you can’t wrap your mind around anything you’re doing because you can’t stop thinking about them. The poppy and sweet piano, sparkling beats, and magnificent vocal performance by Koenig construct an utterly mesmerizing dreamscape that can not be expressed through words.

Then there’s the track “Pravda,” the Russian word for truth. The track opens with soothing guitar tunes and perfect sounding bass in the background. The track is filled with references to Russian culture such as hanging up a balalaika on the piano, remembering Uncle Henry and Aunt Ludmilla living in Moscow, and asking about pravda. “Pravda” provides the perspective of the singer’s nostalgia towards his past life where he worked at a tie shop called Tiecon in Penn Station. The final track, “Hope” is almost eight minutes long, making it the lengthiest track of the album. The main theme of the track is that despite the negative conflicts in one’s past, people should desire to move on from those bad experiences that they faced. The whole track comes across as an ironic ballad where the chorus contradicts the verses of the song as Koenig sings, “I hope you let it go, I hope you let it go, my enemy's invincible, I had to let it go.” These lyrics explore the theme of making peace with the past given the fact that there exist

negative forces within the world which can not be erased or destroyed, giving them no choice but to surrender and move on. The whole track works perfectly as the closure of the album because the slow and moody instrumentals provide a melancholic atmosphere to engage the listeners.

Only God Was Above Us is a gift from Vampire Weekend to their fans after their previous album, Father of the Bride, was universally considered a somewhat underwhelming project. This whole album is filled with sentimental tunes, fun production, and magical vocal performances.

Only God Was Above Us delivers what you would hope for from Vampire Weekend, a clean and cohesive record. As the quality and the state of the instrumentals go, the band comes off as more creatively ambitious than ever before. Absolute zero skips throughout the record, as every track provides a unique listening experience from the beginning to the end.

So put this album on when you’re sauteing your vegetables in the late evening, preparing for a delicious feast with your loved ones, or when you’re sitting across a flowing yet calm riverside, watching dogs playing with their toys. This album is perfect to sprinkle onto aesthetically pleasing moments. Overall, Vampire Weekend has returned with a more memorable record than ever before.

SCORE: 91 / 100, 4.5 /5

Can anyone make rock bangers like Vampire Weekend? Maybe only God is above them. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE

Kick off summer with the Eurovision Song Contest

The song contest that brought ABBA fame will be streamed live on May 11

TAYLOR PIPE

Afew years ago, I stumbled upon a livestream on YouTube. I had nothing better to do on a Saturday afternoon in midMay than to watch as different countries sang in languages that I couldn’t understand. As a Canadian, I only tend to care about international competitions if I have skin in the game, but something about this particular competition stuck with me and now every year, I wait around to hear the songs of the different countries and pick the one I want to win the most. It’s Eurovision. It’s crazy. It’s party.

You may have heard about the Eurovision Song Contest, or at least have heard music that was the result of said competition. If you’ve ever listened to disco legends ABBA, or modern Italian rock band Maneskin, you’ve listened to something that is popular because of Eurovision. Even Celine Dion has competed in the European song competition.

Every year, there are approximately 50 countries that compete in Eurovision. Each country submits one song after having their own song contest. The winner from each country then competes in a tournament competition.

The songs are released long before the competition really kicks off. There is a series of pre-party performances where audiences get

to see how well each act performs. This also gives the performers chances to practice their songs before the big day.

The performers go through semifinals, with big countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, and France automatically going through to the grand finale. Performers who make it through semifinals will go on to the grand finale.

During the grand finale, each country will perform their song. There will be a televote, and a grand jury vote. The televote allows members of different countries to vote for whoever they want to win - except their own country, to keep it fair. Each country also gives out points to their favourite performer, and then a winner is crowned.

The whole contest runs about four and a half hours long.

This year there are many favourites for Eurovision and there is something for everyone. From a song about hexxing your ex, to a song about selling your cow and leaving your farm, this year is a bit wacky but a lot of fun.

One of the fan favourites this year is a song called “La noia” from Italy. This song is punchy and features Italian rap. The music video has a bunch of nonnas helping Angelina Mango, who

has braided hair for days, get ready. It’s a banger that is sure to get stuck in your head.

Another favourite is the entry from Ireland. Bambie Thug puts their witchy side on display and hexes their ex while building a new boyfriend in their entry, “Doomsday Blue”. This song has already received criticism from more conservative countries for allowing witchcraft to be on international television in Europewhich makes me all the more excited for the actual performance.

In addition to these two, Finland’s entry is good, campy fun. Their song, titled “No Rules!” By Windows95Man is silly, but it’s also quite the performance to see. Windows95Man starts the song in a flesh-coloured thong and eventually upgrades to a pair of jorts that spray sparks all over the floor. It’s truly a spectacle and is sure to be one of the moments that makes Eurovision so much fun to watch.

So far the odds are in the favour of three countries: The Netherlands, Croatia, and Switzerland. All three of these country’s songs are vibes in their own respect and all of them deserve to win. It will surely be interesting to see who walks away with the win.

Croatia’s entry is a high-energy electro-rock song that talks about selling your cow, anxiety

attacks, and asking a cat to please meow back. It’s high energy and it’s sure to get the crowd going. It also features a somewhat random EDM drop toward the end of the song, but that gives it more appeal and makes the song slap even harder.

The Netherlands’ entry is a classic euro-dance song, but with a twist that might give them the edge in this year’s competition. The song is about how the singer’s father taught him that Europeans are able to travel anywhere in the European Union without a passport, and that’s what makes being European so cool. The song name drops a lot of places like France, Vienna, and Berlin. It’s an an-

them for all things Euro and is a song for bringing Europe together. For this reason, The Netherlands actually has a really good chance this year.

Finally, the fan-favourite is Switzerland’s entry about finding oneself and realizing that you might just be nonbinary. For many, this message might seem a bit too political to snag the win, but singer Nemo’s use of operatic vocals, rap, and metaphors might just take the win.

Whoever you decide to root for, you’re guaranteed to have fun if you watch Eurovision. It’s campy. It’s weird. It’s musical and it is the most fun, strange way to spend an afternoon in May.

THE OntarioN’s EurOvision Playlist:

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SUMMER HOROSCOPES

What summer staple are you, based on your zodiac sign?

CAPRICORN

December 22 - January 19

SANDCASTLE: As a Capricorn, you are known for being ambitious and determined, which are the qualities needed to turn sand into an amazing sandcastle. It is the Capricorns’ attention to detail that shines through in the intricate designs of sandcastles.

PISCES

AQUARIUS

January 20 - February 18

PINWHEEL: Just like a pinwheel, each Aquarius is one of a kind and tends to go with the flow. Pinwheels are very colourful and fun, sharing these qualities with the social and friendly Aquarius.

February 19 - March 20

STARFISH: Starfish are known for their amazing self-healing abilities, which they share with the Pisces who use their empathetic and compassionate nature to heal the people around them.

TAURUS

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

CAMPFIRE: A campfire is known for being bright and bold, which is what you’ll also find in any Aries. The warmth from a campfire will keep bringing you back to it and you can expect to keep being drawn back to the outgoing personality of an Aries.

April 20 - May 20

SUNFLOWER: Sunflowers grow by being deeply rooted into the ground, a quality you will find in the most down to earth sign, the Taurus. As a Taurus, you are always looking for the bright side of things, just like the sun-facing sunflower.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 21

LADYBUG: Dual natured Geminis are smart, yet playful and spontaneous, yet practical. Geminis share their dual nature with the ladybug, which are often symbols of both protection and good luck.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

SEASHELL: Seashells use their hard exteriors to protect themselves from harm and danger. Sharing this quality is the Cancer. Cancers often develop a hard shell to protect their feelings because they are one of the most emotionally intelligent signs and feel deeply.

VIRGO

LEO

July 23 - August 22

SUNGLASSES: As a Leo, you know how to stand out in a crowd, just like a bold pair of sunglasses. Fun and confidence is what you’ll find in any Leo, which is also how you can expect to feel when you put on your favourite shades.

August 23 - September 22

PALMTREE: If you’re looking for someone to lean on, then find a Virgo because they’re one of the most stable and strong signs. Just like a palm tree that can withstand any weather and wind, a Virgo can take on anything that life throws at them.

SCORPIO

LIBRA

September 23 - October 22

KITE: Libras are associated with balance and harmony, which is what you’ll also need to fly a kite. The charismatic and charming Libra personality will stand out to anyone, just like any kite flying in the sky.

October 23 - November 21

WATERING CAN: Scorpios are often reinventing themselves and encouraging transformation in the people around them. As a watering can helps plants grow and transform, Scorpios pour into the people around them to help them grow too.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 - December 21

SMORES: Sweet and uplifting are Sagittarius’ as they focus on improving the moods of the people around them. The Sagittarius share these qualities with a smores, the sweetest summer treat that never fails to bring people together and cheer them up.

WHICH SUMMER GETAWAY SHOULD YOU GO ON?

Find the local trip of your dreams with this fun quiz

ANDREEA BURLACU

Summer is the perfect time to forget exams and focus on having fun. Although expensive flights might not fit into our budgets, Southern Ontario has many opportunities for adventure. But which trip is right for you? Luckily, this quiz is here to help you narrow it down.

1: If your friends had to describe you, they’d say:

a) Dramatic.

b) Down-to-earth.

c) Outgoing.

d) Relaxed.

e) Brainy.

2: Pick a colour:

a) Ruby red.

b) Grassy Green.

c) Neons.

d) Sunset orange.

e) Cosy beige.

3: Describe your song of the summer:

a) Show tunes.

b) Indie-folk.

c) Global beats.

d) '80s throwbacks.

e) Classical music.

4: What's your favourite thing about the warmer months?

a) Having a summer fling.

b) Spending time outdoors.

c) Catching local festivals and events.

d) Feeling the wind in your hair.

e) Spending time with your cat.

5: And your least favour ite?

a) Missing the latest gossip from your university friends.

b) Knowing winter will come soon and everything will be cold again.

c) Not getting to meet new people.

d) Nothing: life's a breeze lately.

e) Not getting to learn new things in the classroom.

7: Your favourite hobby is:

a) Singing or dancing.

b) Going on nature walks.

MOSTLY A'S:

Be dramatic and check out a play at the Stratford Festival! You’ve got a flair for the arts, and you love seeing a good story play out. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers or a really catchy musical, there’s something for every theatre-goer. This summer, Stratford Festival is putting on Something Rotten!, Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, and La Cage aux Folles, among several others. They also offer generous student discounts. So, grab a bite and enjoy the show.

MOSTLY B'S:

Pitch a tent at Rockwood Conservation Area! You love nature and could use a relaxing weekend amidst the trees.

Located less than 20 minutes from Guelph, Rockwood features limestone cliffs, an idyllic lake, and hiking trails. You can try camping, picnicking, canoeing, bird-watching, or swimming. This would be a great place to take nature photos, roast marshmallows with friends, or stargaze.

6: If you won the lottery, you'd catch a plane to:

a) New York - you love the action, plays, and excitement in the air.

b) Australia - you love wildlife and need a picture with a kangaroo.

c) The Caribbean - you want to dance, eat, and enjoy the sun.

d) Punta Cana - you love relaxing on the beach and feeling the sand.

e) Washington, D.C. - so many museums, so little time!

MOSTLY E'S:

Check out the Royal Ontario Museum’s exhibition Wild Cats! You’re great at trivia, love to learn new things, and maybe even have a furry friend at home. Wild Cats opens July 15 and promises to immerse you in the captivating world of cats. With admission, you’ll also get to browse the ROM’s four floors of interactive exhibits. Afterwards, you can stroll across the U of T campus or check out Kensington Market.

c) Trying foods from around the world.

d) Running, skating, or skiing.

e) Reading random Wikipedia articles.

8: When school starts again, you're excited to:

a) Go to an open mic night at the Bullring.

b) See the birds, bees, and trees at the Arboretum.

c) Join a new club.

d) Get a gym membership.

e) Ace the academic year.

MOSTLY C'S:

Enjoy the bright colours and fun music at a festival in Toronto! You love to meet new people, experience new things, and be out and about in the big city. It seems like every weekend, there’s something new going on in the 6ix. If you like to dance and try international foods, check out the TD Salsa on St. Clair Street Festival from July 6-7. From July 20-21, Brazilfest says they’ll bring “rhythmic beats, vibrant colours, and rich culture” to Earlscourt Park in Toronto. And finally, you can’t miss Caribana, the huge Caribbean carnival that runs from Aug. 1-5.

MOSTLY D'S:

Go rollerblading at Hamilton’s Pier 8! You keep life easy-breezy, and love to relax and live in the moment. Go retro and try rollerblading, either with a date, some friends, or just with a really good playlist. Then, take a stroll down the beach and catch the sunset. It’s inexpensive and a perfect summer activity.

Guelph Civic Museum presents Folklore: Being and Belonging in the Grand River Region, Before and After 1827

Did you know that Guelph’s founding is intertwined with Black, Indigenous, and Scottish identity and culture?

AMIR MOKRANE BENKELAI

The Guelph Civic Museum’s latest exhibit features the rich history of where Guelph came from. The exhibit details Guelph’s populations, from African-American freedom seekers to the Highland Scots who fled to the La Guairá colony before being invited to the soil that would come to be our beloved city. All in all, these groups influenced our region, showcasing the interwoven communities and identities involved with Guelph’s founding.

NIAGARA FALLS

The exhibit is split across two floors, with its first half on the ground floor, and its second on the third. It tells the histor-

ic narrative of the Grand River Region, sharing the stories of the Indigenous peoples, the Scottish, and the self-emancipated African-Americans in the area.

There is an entire wall featuring displays dedicated to Niagara Falls, starting with the different Indigenous stories that attempt to explain its origins. If you check it out, you’ll learn about the tale of the great serpent who created Niagara Falls and the young woman who sacrificed herself.

“[Niagara Falls] has huge importance to lots of different Indigenous cultures,” said El Gillies, guest curator of the exhibit.

This story is told by an Indigenous Mississauga poet named

William Wilson, who wrote the poem England and British America with a focus on Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls became a tourist hotspot when a Belgian missionary wrote about it in 1678.

Eventually, Niagara became an economically viable area of business for the Indigenous Tuscarora women, who were given the right to sell their beadwork after Tuscarora men served in the U.S. Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. They beaded different de-

signs such as the Scottish bonnet, usually called a “tam.”

Dawn Owen, the Museum’s curator, described, "we have letters that are written between people that are reflecting upon this extraordinary place.” Niagara Falls has had a major influence on the Grand River Region’s history, not just with its beauty, but also by offering a sense of identity.

SYMBOLS OF IDENTITY

The Guelphite identity is diverse, but there is a deep Scottish influence. The city of Guelph was planned by Scottish colonial settler John Galt with his company Canada Company, and was initially settled by Scots who came from the failed La Guairá colony.

“One of the things that we hope that this storytelling exhibit does is lift up the voices of the other important influences that kind of created the modern Guelph community,” said Gillies.

The exhibit moves on from Niagara Falls to a more focused discussion of symbols of identity on the third floor portion. This is where an interesting overlap between cultures appears. For example, the importance of hair as a symbol of identity emerges as a means to distinguish oneself across Indigenous, Black, and Scottish cultures.

As well on the third floor, you can find numerous stories of omens and “tricksters,” and there is also a history of the adaptation of herbal medicine as Scots moved to settle in Canada. When asked

about such overlaps, Owen mentioned that “the stories and the knowledge sharing that [Gillies] was speaking to reflects that these communities are living in close communities and trying to find logic and joy.”

A most interesting case is that of the Queen’s Bush settlement, which was formed by African-American freedom seekers. When asked about their culture and identity’s development being influenced by Indigenous and Scottish neighbouring cultures, Gillies said, “Because they were in close proximity to a lot of the cultures nearby, there was definitely knowledge sharing, one kind of more prominent thing that we have found is there has been a lot of intercultural interactions between the Indigenous and Black communities as they moved along the Underground Railroad. We have some examples, even in Guelph, of Black and Indigenous families, mixed families.”

Beyond these stories, the exhibit provides a board explaining the Indigenous concept of two-spirit people, giving voice to an important Indigenous cultural identity that had been lost by colonialism.

And thus goes the story of Guelph, as told by the exhibit, influenced by the cultures that surrounded it. From Niagara Falls to Queen’s Bush, communication has been apparent between the different groups, and their identities have come to overlap in the most fascinating of ways.

Many different stories make up the Guelph we know and love today. PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMIR BENKELAI

Tuscarora women making beadwork in the Niagara region. PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMIR BENKELAI

Five reasons to be excited about the Summer Olympics

Paris 2024 kicks off on July 26

Record-breaking Canadian athletes and a potentially halved carbon footprint are just a couple reasons to watch the Olympics this year. PHOTO PROVIDED BY GOOGLE CREATIVE COMMONS/FLICKR

Every four years, the Olympics ensue. It is a time when athletes from around the world compete on the ultimate stage. Every country brings their best athletes together and puts on a real show for viewers and Olympics enthusiasts.

This year, Paris will be hosting the summer edition of the legendary games. There are so many reasons to be excited about this year’s Summer Olympics. Here are the top five reasons why you should be stoked to watch the global games.

1. Team Canada athleticism

Canada has some of the best athletes in the world. Even in the summer.

During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Team Canada Olympian Damian Warner won gold in men’s decathlon. He became the fourth man in history to win the competition with a score over 9,000 points. In Paris, he will be returning and looking to repeat his 2021 win. Warner is from London, Ont.

Andre de Grasse will also be returning at the 2024 games. The track and field star who gave Usain Bolt a literal run for his money will be looking to repeat his 2021 200 metre win. De Grasse is from Markham, Ont.

Ellie Black is an Olympic gymnast who will be competing in the 2024 games and looking to secure some hardware. During Tokyo 2020, Black came in fourth place in the women’s balance

beam finals. She became the most decorated gymnast at the 2019 Pan Am Games. Black is from Halifax, N.S.

Another Canadian athlete to watch is Maggie Mac Neil. She received a gold medal during the Tokyo Olympics for the 100 metre butterfly swim and became a triple medalist during the games. In 2023, Mac Neil broke a Canadian record by winning five gold medals, seven total, at the PanAm Games. Mac Neil is originally from Jiujiang, China. She was adopted by a Canadian family and grew up in London, Ont.

2. The greenest Olympics

The host city of the 2024 Olympics, Paris, has a very ambitious goal for this summer’s Olympic games - it wants to cut the carbon footprint of the Olympics in half. At London 2012 and Rio 2016, an average of 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 were emitted. This year’s Olympics aims to emit under 1.5 million tonnes. Even the Tokyo games, which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, emitted 1.9 million tonnes of CO2.

There are a couple of ways Paris 2024 is looking to achieve this green goal. They have broken it up into three different categories: travel, construction, and operations.

One of the biggest things

Paris 2024 is doing is trying to make sure that all event sites are powered through public electricity infrastructure as opposed to die-

sel fuel generators. They are also looking to repurpose event items like chairs and tables, to create more circularity for items used in the Olympics. In addition, at least 25 per cent of the food for the games will be sourced from within a 250 km radius.

However, the biggest - and perhaps most impressive, thing the Paris 2024 Olympics is doing is reusing existing facilities and space for sporting events.

3. Scenery

Even for non-sports fans, the Paris 2024 Olympics will be a feast for the eyes as Paris uses existing infrastructure and places for the events.

The opening ceremony is supposed to take place on the Seine river, running through Paris. This would be the first opening ceremony to take place in the water and a total of 160 boats would bring athletes through the river during the ceremony. This was also planned to be where athletes would swim. However, bacteria levels are causing alarm and the events like the opening ceremony planned for the river may instead take place in the Trocadéro Square, facing the Eiffel Tower.

If this happens, it’s not going to be the only time that viewers will get to see the Eiffel Tower as the temporary Eiffel Tower Stadium is set to host beach volleyball.

The Grand Palais in Paris will be hosting sports like fencing and taekwondo. In addition, the modern pentathlon and equestrian sports will be played

on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. Other sports like badminton, soccer, boxing, and swimming will be played in Paris’ many stadiums.

4. Penny Oleksiak

Move over Michael Phelps. Canada’s most decorated Olympian will be in attendance trying to outdo herself. Swimmer Penny Oleksiak is from Toronto, Ont. and has a total of seven Olympic medals.

During Rio 2016, Oleksiak got noticed after she won four medals and became the first Canadian to do so at a single Olympic games. She was also the youngest Canadian Olympic champion at 16 years old.

At Tokyo 2020, Oleksiak helped her team win silver in the 4x100 metre freestyle relay swimming competition. She also won a bronze in the 200 metre freestyle and helped her team secure another bronze medal in the women’s 4x100 metre medley relay competition.

All eyes will be on Oleksiak as she competes in Paris 2024.

5. New Sports & Twists

There are four newer sport competitions taking place at Paris 2024: breaking, skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing. These sports will reward creativity and performance and are aimed at a younger audience. This year surfing will take place at Teahupo’o in Tahiti. This legendary surfing spot will see

some of the best surfers in the world compete on long and shortboards to maneuver waves with style. Surfing was an Olympic sport in the 1920s, and came back during Tokyo 2020.

Skateboarding is another newer sport returning to the Olympics this year. Skateboarders compete in two different categories: park and street. These athletes will do their best tricks and gain points for difficulty, speed, and range of movement.

Sport climbing also debuted at Tokyo 2020. This high-stakes competition is rock climbing on steroids. There are different types of sport climbing, which includes bouldering, speed, and a lead event which sees athletes climbing as high as they can on a wall that is 15 metres tall in six minutes.

One of the biggest twists in the Paris 2024 Olympics is the prize money that will be offered to track and field athletes. Winners in these competitions will receive a cash prize of $50,000.

There are plenty of reasons to look forward to this year’s Summer Olympics. From the outfits that Team Canada will be wearing, to the athleticism and cheering on your country. No matter what sport you’re excited about, there are even more to discover.

This year’s Olympics will be fantastic and have some really great features that will be very interesting to watch. So, remember to tune in and cheer on your favourite Canadian athletes from July 26 to Aug. 11.

TAYLOR PIPE

Summer depression: Insight from psychotherapist Natasha Mano

Depression can be a constant battle, no matter the season, but support services are always available

ATHAVI NISHAANTHAN

As temperatures rise and the school year comes to an end, summer is just around the corner. For many people, this is a time of joy, adventure, and relaxation. However, this is not the case for everyone. Mental health issues are a yearlong battle, and for some, it can be especially difficult during the summer. According to Natasha Mano, a psychotherapist RP(Q) registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, there are many explanations as to why summertime can be strenuous.

One possible explanation is the lack of awareness surrounding seasonal depression. Although the winter blues seem to be more widely known and associated with seasonal depression, summer depression still falls into the category. Despite at first being surprised when learning about summer depression, working in the field for the last few years and talking to many clients made Mano realize, “a lot of people hide their sadness and anxiety because they also felt that everyone around

them was happy and due to their lack of awareness around summer depression they didn’t understand why they felt this way which created another cycle of anxiety.”

As to why someone may experience summer depression, the reasons vary. One reason is sleep disruption. During the summer the days get longer, with the sun rising earlier and setting later. This results in people waking up earlier and going to sleep later. According to Mano, this can cause stress hormones like cortisol to be released, which can make a person more susceptible to depression.

Another reason is that summer can be quite loud and disruptive with all the events that go on. While for some people, the high energy of summer may not be a big deal, for others, it can be overwhelming, anxiety-inducing, and cause overstimulation, especially for those who prefer quiet atmospheres.

Expanding on that idea, a lot of people struggle to find time

for self-care. With summer being eventful, whether it’s planning vacations, more time taking care of kids, or just having more tasks to do in a day, it can be hard to find time to relax and recharge. All these reasons can lead to people experiencing summer depression and struggling with their mental health.

Despite all of this, there are many activities people can do to improve their mental health, regardless if they are experiencing summer depression or not. Prioritizing sleep is just one impactful, yet somewhat effortless, way of improving health. Having a sleep routine is one way to counteract the disruption in sleep that can happen during the summer. Getting a good night’s rest helps one recharge and prepare for the next day. A few ways to help wind down before bed are to avoid devices an hour before sleeping, sleep in cooler temperatures, and use blackout curtains to keep the sun out in the morning.

In addition, reaching out for help is another valuable way of enhancing mental well-being. Although seeking mental health support can be costly and nerve-racking, there are many easily accessible resources. Some include BounceBack, a free cognitive behavioural therapy program that offers tools and support for self-guided mental health help, Youth Wellness Hubs, provincewide locations which provide free access to mental health help for youth from ages 12-25, and Good2Talk, a helpline and support service that provides free mental health support for post-secondary students in Ontario.

Furthermore, the New Beginnings Clinic is a program designed for individuals who are new to Canada and seeking help with and understanding about their mental health. This is an amazing tool for immigrants and international students, especially since their services are provided in multiple languages, which is excellent for ac-

cessibility as language barriers are one of the many inequalities immigrants and people of colour face when looking for mental health care.

Another tool is South Asian Canadians Health & Social Services, (SACHSS). SACHSS is a not-for-profit organization that aims to provide dozens of services for the South Asian community. Some of these services include health education, health promotion, mental health, addiction, and stress management. To learn more visit: sachss.ca.

Lastly, as Mano recommends, it’s best to seek help from a licensed professional. Misinformation is easy to come by. Having a connection with a mental health professional provides a safe, judgement-free place where one can feel understood. In the words of Mano, although mental health and finding something that works can be challenging, “investing in your self-growth and your mental health is worth it in the long run!”

Discovering the mind and body benefits of yoga at U of G

You can access the transformative power of yoga right on campus, thanks to knowledgeable instructors and the U of G Yoga and Meditation Collective

EMMERSON JULL

Attending a yoga class can be a restorative experience. Standing at the edge of a cushy mat, you begin to mimic the instructor as you flow through a series of physical postures, working to sync your breath and curate mindfulness throughout an hour-long class. Once the session is finished, hopefully you leave the studio feeling energized, relaxed, and clear-headed.

Thousands of years since its inception in India, yoga has been practiced around the world by eager students and gurus alike. But the yoga philosophy, which gives equal consideration to mind, body, and spirit, is sometimes reduced to a purely physical exercise. Beyond the mat, there is a world of wisdom to discover.

Consider classical yoga: the practice of the Yoga Sutras, which are ancient, revered texts on yoga. The Sutras were curated

around the turn of the common era by Patanjali, an Indian sage who systematized the many variations of yoga.

Classical yoga has eight “limbs,” which are: Yama (external behaviour), Niyama (self-discipline), Asana (physical poses), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (internal peace), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (enlightenment).

According to Lalit Jairath, the leader of the U of G Yoga and Meditation Collective, balancing self-study and contemplation of the external world are foundational to the practice.

“Yoga is not about change, yoga is about transformation,” Jairath said.

The Collective bases their programming on the classical yoga philosophy. They host a variety of online and in-per-

Brisson, Leis & Associates

OPTOMETRISTS

Judith A. Brisson, O.D. P. Lynne Leis, O.D.

Reita Thomas-Parel, O.D. Violet Zawada, O.D. Jianchang (Iris) Shen, Optometrist

Serving the U of G community for 40 years, we provide personalized eye care including comprehensive examinations, contact lenses and eyewear.

Exams available in English, French, Polish, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Yoga and pilates courses are available at the GGAC this summer at a reduced schedule. PHOTO PROVIDED

son sessions, including a 20 minute chair yoga class that encourages desk workers to take a mindful break and stretch. They also ran an international Yoga Speaker Series in 2021 and 2022, sponsored by U of G’s Wellness@Work. The 2022 series featured topics like wellbeing, the climate crisis, biomedical yoga research, and the neurobiology of healing.

The physical benefits of yoga are remarkable. Increased flexibility, strength, and balance are more predictable outcomes, but it has also been shown to reduce inflammation, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, and help with a variety of health conditions.

Yet, some of yoga’s most impressive benefits are mental and emotional. Since the practice is innately connected to breath work and mindfulness, it helps to relieve stress and increase mental clarity.

Karim Mosna, a member of the Collective, leads a five minute meditation at the beginning of their in-person sessions.

“You’re coming from a busy day, you’re coming from classes,” Mosna said. “There’s so much going on, and so we need that meditation to transition because you don’t want to be going from your mind in a million places.”

Awareness, a key element of yoga and meditation, can foster mental resilience. Mosna feels this is essential to dealing with the stressful demands of life as awareness and observation help to maintain inner peace against external turmoil. This was seconded by others in the Collective.

an instructor.

“Teachers have to first of all teach themselves,” Jairath said. “They have to actually invigorate the internal teacher.”

Courses are a useful way to learn the yogic philosophy and deeply engage with the practice.

However, it’s possible to foster a meaningful yoga practice without taking extensive training. Āsanas, which are meditation poses, can be viewed as entryways to yoga’s mental, emotional, social, environmental, and spiritual elements. Monique Vischschraper, another member and GGAC instructor, emphasizes that even participating in classes every once in a while is a good option.

“Surrounding yourself with people who are trying to transform their lives is really beneficial to help you do that as well,” Vischschraper said.

Though on-campus yoga classes run on a reduced schedule during the summer semester, there are still many options to try. There are five distinct yoga formats offered at the GGAC, in addition to JOGA, a class that draws upon yoga principles but is engineered for athletic performance. These classes are accessible to all NRG members.

The GGAC instructors, like Lobo and Vischschraper, are extremely knowledgeable about the practice.

“Instructors are trained to always give progressions [and] regressions of certain movements to provide options for different skill levels,” said Garrett Watkins, who helps manage the GGAC fitness classes.

21 College Avenue West, Guelph (across from OVC)

TEL (519) 822-2710 · FAX (519) 822-7877

www.eyesoncollege.ca · brisson.leis@rogers.com

“Be aware of what you’re feeling in the body in each pose, and stay a little bit conscious of your breathing,” said Julia Lobo, a member of the Collective and yoga instructor at the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Center, (GGAC). “Naturally, when you leave the class, you’ll just feel so connected with yourself.”

Jairath hopes people will consider taking a yoga teacher training class, even if they aren’t interested in actually becoming

In addition, the Collective has many online resources available to those interested in learning more about the yoga philosophy.

So, if you’re looking to clear your mind, sleep better, or connect to a greater consciousness, yoga might be the perfect solution. The yogic approach is simple: “The body benefits from the movement, and the mind benefits from the stillness,” added Jairath.

BY PEXELS

Stroll into summer by exploring Guelph’s 100 kilometres of trails

No need to take a hike to another city: Guelph has diverse landscapes and accessible trails

AMELIA BAJOR

Hiking has many benefits: you can stop and smell the flowers, get some exercise, spend time with friends, and feel a sense of accomplishment. Here’s a Q&A with the president of Guelph Hiking Trail Club, GHTC, Colin McCusker, who tells all about the benefits of taking a hike.

How would you define the term “hiking”? What is the difference between a walk and a hike?

“I define hiking as taking a walk outside for the purpose of recreation or exploration. The difference between a walk and a hike is intention. If someone is walking as a means to some other end, then I’d say it’s just a walk.”

Consider the Speed Exercise from Paulo Coelho’s The Pilgrimage. Walk for 20 minutes at half the speed of your regular pace. Pay attention to the details of your surroundings. The intention is to slow down and to be mindful of your environment.

What are your 5 hiking essentials?

“Footwear, wardrobe, hydration/snacks, knowledge of terrain, emergency plan.”

What is a beginner-friendly trail you would recommend? What makes it beginner-friendly?

“The Speed River Trail is great for beginners. It’s relatively flat and has plenty of entry/exit/ turnaround points so people can go for any length of hike.”

A few others to consider:

• The Rotary Forest Trail at Guelph Lake Conservation Area is a 1.6 km loop. With Clare’s Lookout at the top. Accessible from Conservation Road, off Victoria Road.

• The Radial Line Trail follows an abandoned railway line. At approximately 3.5 km. The trail passes wetland areas, so prepare for bugs.

• Starkey Hill Trail is a loop with many uphill segments through the conservation area

forest. Accessible from Arkell Road.

How can people get out there without feeling like they need to buy a whole bunch of gear?

“Choose simpler hiking routes and coordinate hiking times for when the weather is warmer/ sunnier. For example, picking relatively flat/even terrain for a hike will allow for greater variety of footwear.”

You do not need to buy the latest and greatest gear to explore nature. Consider how you can make use of clothing and gear you already have at home. Reuse, repurpose, and repair.

What should more people know about the trails in Guelph?

“Guelph has over 100 km of trails that are within city limits. You do not need to leave Guelph to go for long hikes nor to enjoy diverse landscapes. If you are looking to explore new trails but not sure where to start, visit Guelph Hiking

Trail Club’s website for free hiking events (guelphhiking.com). You do not even have to be a member to come on out and join us for one!”

How can we, as community members, protect the trails?

“One way you can protect trails is to pick up garbage when you see it. Similarly, you can alert the city of Guelph or GHTC if you see any misuse of trails or if there is dangerous debris lying around. One simple way to get involved is to use the trails. Get out there and explore.”

How/where can we get more involved?

“There are lots of great clubs out there in case you want to be more involved. GHTC, Guelph Outdoors Club, Guelph Off-Road Biking Association (GORBA), Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation (GCAT).”

Trail sayings are phrases that help remind hikers of important information. One present in the Guelph Hiking Trail Club user

code is “leave only footprints and take nothing but pictures.” A great reminder to not interact with plants and animals in a damaging way.

One of McCusker’s favourite phrases is “there is no such thing as poor weather; only poor wardrobe.” Attire is crucial to the hiking experience. Play around with layering. It is better to have too many layers than not enough. Similarly, dress for the current weather, not the weather we wish it was.

Tips:

• Bring a plastic bag with you to collect garbage you find along the way

• Bring bug spray

• Consider which snacks will give you energy

• Always bring water

• Check the weather in advance

• Stretch before and after

• Take breaks when necessary

What are you waiting for? Get outside this summer and explore your own backyard.

Enjoy the journey and the fresh air by taking a hike in Guelph this summer. PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNSPLASH

For 23 years, Bob has made it his mission to serve up good food and good times to U of G students. Whether you're in need of a quick meal or a just friendly face, come say hi to Bob at his hot dog stand just east of Branion Plaza.

Revealing the detrimental effects of deepfake pornography

Deepfake porn portrays real people in a sexual context without their consent

TEAGAN DEVOLIN-POTENZA

Not many people love seeing what their exes post on social media – many people simply unfollow or block them. Though this seems like the best route to avoid unwanted interactions with them, you may actually want to keep an eye on your exes’ social media accounts. Especially if things ended on a sour note, you might make a guest appearance on their feed.

Although many of us know that artificial intelligence, (AI), can generate intricate images, videos, and text, many of us aren’t aware of the disruptive and ethically questionable things AI can do. Due to this technology's realistic nature and its availability to the general public, new issues involving harassment, blackmail, manipulation, and political feuds have been on the upswing since the introduction of AI. Specifically, people are personally affected by deepfake pornography, which uses AI to create pornographic images or videos.

Deepfake porn is made for a variety of different reasons, but it is often created using photos of a specific person. This provokes some concerns, as most people’s faces can easily be found through social media. As you can imagine, this ability to be able to create pornographic content of anyone whose photo you have access to can cause a plethora of issues. Specifically, deep fake revenge porn calls for significant concern. Revenge porn is not necessarily a new concept, but the whole ball game has changed now that physical beings are not required to create this type of pornographic content. Deepfake pornography generates many questions in terms of the ethical nature of the producer and distributor of the deep fake content.

To divulge deeper into the concerning ethics and morals of the creators of deepfake revenge porn, let's explore a type of contemporary ethics called Kantian ethics. Immanuel Kant, the originator of Kantian ethics, was a moral philosopher whose moral foundation lied strongly on our ethical duties to ourselves and others. Kantian ethics emphasize the importance of respecting autonomy and avoiding objectification, especially sexual objectification.

Philosopher Martha Nussbaum encapsulated the actions and constructs that would be considered as objectification by stating, “A person is objectified when she or he is treated as, 1, a tool, is denied, 2, self-determination or, 3, agency, is viewed as, 4, interchangeable with other objects or, 5, lacking boundaries, or is regarded as, 6, something that can be owned and sold, or

as, 7, something that lacks feelings or inner states.” The use of deepfake pornography for revenge against a targeted individual falls under most of Nussbaum’s principles of objectification. The goal of the person distributing this material is to have society look at the victim only as a means to the pornographic content that was created and shared of them. The perpetrator is subjecting not only that this person's sexuality is something shameful and negative, but they are also subjecting them to be a disgrace to society. This act completely strips the victim of any autonomy, agency, self-determination, or even the option to give consent. One’s autonomy can be defined as the ability to use our own reasoning to decide our own actions. Agency is similar to autonomy, but it focuses on the physical acts that result from being an autonomous individual. Kant originated the Formula of Humanity, which states, “Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means, but always at the same time as an end.” Creating a deepfake porn video to gain revenge on another person is most definitely using that person as a means to an end and disrespecting their autonomy, which is not morally permissible. Even if the victim is accused of deserving it, deepfake porn still ethically disobeys the moral duties we have to respect others’ autonomy.

Some may also argue that because someone's pictures can be easily and publicly found on social media or the internet, that by them posting it, it gives permission for viewers to do what they please with the said photo or video. While posting things online does pose a risk of others altering them for their own benefit, the issue of sexual objectification overpowers the right to public media and cannot be considered ethically permissible. Kant projected that the only way for sexual objectification not to occur is when all parties involved in the sexual act acknowledge each other as a unity of will. In other words, sexual freedom and the actions that encapsulate that freedom are to be greatly recognized when engaging in a sexual act with another person to avoid objectifying them.

Based on this, the perpetrator is very clearly objectifying their victim and causing them harm. Especially for Kant, this is very ethically wrong and does not follow the duties of respect and autonomy we should have for ourselves and others. The use of deepfake porn for revenge is a serious ethical issue.

Many people are personally affected by deepfake pornography, which uses AI to create pornographic images or videos. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

From lab to patient: Literary accessibility in Huntington’s Disease research

May is Huntington’s Disease awareness month

DENVER BUBELICH

This May, you may see people wearing blue and purple ribbons, or city monuments illuminated by blue and purple night lights. This isn’t just a coincidence — these colours mark Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month.

Huntington’s Disease, (HD), is a genetic disorder that impacts many people around the world, whether they be the patients themselves, their biological family, or the community around them. The illness is “neurodegenerative,” meaning it progressively kills off the nerve cells of the brain and the body’s nerves. This degeneration leads to many devastating physical, cognitive, and mental symptoms, which are seen to progress for 10-30 years after diagnosis and eventually lead to death.

At the moment, there is no cure for HD. Not only is this disease life-shattering for the patient, but for the people who care for them as well. Some may feel lost upon hearing the diagnosis. Others may scramble for answers to relieve their pressing thoughts. They may wonder, what now? What are other families doing with this illness? What is being done to solve this?

Dr. Melanie Alpaugh, an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph, shares one possible solution for this distress.

During her graduate years of getting a PhD focused on HD, Aplaugh was introduced to HDBuzz at a Gordon Research Conference related to genetic mutations similar to those seen in HD. HDBuzz was advertised for clinicians and scientists as a sharing platform of accurate information regarding HD research for the general public, particularly for those who have a connection to HD.

“Articles [on HDBuzz] talk about different therapies that are being tested, updates on clinical trials, or new discoveries into underlying molecular mechanisms. So, it's a way of communicating scientific findings to a broad audience who have an interest in it,” Aplaugh explained.

Most notably, all of this is written in plain language, making it more readable to the everyday consumer.

Coincidentally, Aplaugh happened to collaborate on research with two members of the editorial board of HDBuzz at the time, allowing her to hear about the integral operations of HDBuzz over the years. Aplaugh has yet to contribute to the writings of HDBuzz, but with her contributions to HD research, her knowledge of the growth of HDBuzz offers a new perspective on initiatives like these.

“[HDBuzz] was homegrown, and the two editors-in-chief [and founders] at the time, I believe both were postdoctoral fellows, or

very recently had begun as professors… They decided this was something that would serve the community,” Aplaugh said. “They began by writing summaries of different articles, and then the community strongly supported this initiative, and from there, it's grown to where it is now a very large board involved in writing these articles. There appear dozens, if not hundreds, of translators that are working to spread this information.”

One may be concerned about the credibility of these articles and translations. There is a surge of misinformation throughout the internet in this new age of media and HDBuzz takes that into account. They state that bias is avoided at all steps of the writing and reviewing process. In general, they reject all funding from drug companies/organizations, give editorial control to independent clinicians and researchers, and demand authors of their articles to make financial disclosure statements to see any impartial affiliation. Additionally, anything that is seen as scientifically inaccurate can be reported to their respective email.

So, with credibility out of the way, you may think: is there a possibility of contributing to this as an undergraduate/graduate student?

“It seems to be more invita-

tion-based at where it is. All the members of HDBuzz are part of the HD research community,” Aplaugh said. “The idea is to be sure that all contributors are well established in the HD field… I'm going to speculate here that this has to do with ensuring accuracy. Anyone who is commenting and summarizing is doing so with a solid basis and understanding of the condition and the background in the literature.”

This should not discourage passionate students from trying to follow the steps of HDBuzz. According to Aplaugh, “the individuals that are affiliated with the editorial board are also affiliated with Huntington's Disease organizations,” suggesting that one should begin with volunteering and contributing to local organizations to build a reputation in the HD community. She also recommended networking – get to know your local researchers and clinicians specializing in HD, and see if you can work with them. Perhaps they would be the reference that the editorial board of HDBuzz would be hearing from.

“If this is an initiative or a movement that you think is important, then tell people about it, and maybe discuss with other people starting elsewhere,” she emphasized.

Now, what about the people

with the actual diagnosis? Besides helping to answer pressing questions on the development of a cure, Aplaugh hopes that HDBuzz “helps them feel more connected to the community and to know that there are a lot of people out there who care and want to help and support them.”

Alongside all the other professionals contributing to this initiative, she hoped that HDBuzz serves as a gateway to finding even more resources, community, and support that help manage the diagnosis.

Adding to that, a number of scientists and clinicians in the HD research community are impacted by the illness. Dr. Jeff Carroll, the co-founder of HDBuzz, undertook genetic testing in 2003, which revealed that he is positive for HD, explaining his advocacy for families affected by the disease. There are also many works out there, journalistic or scientific, from family members that tell their stories about their relatives and themselves. “Recognize that you are part of a community,” Aplaugh said. “You aren't alone in this."

To start reading today, visit hdbuzz.net. For first-time users, note that HDBuzz is not medical advice. Any information regarding one’s condition should be reported and discussed with their respective medical professional.

HDBuzz is a platform made for scientists and clinicians to share accurate information regarding Huntington's Disease. PHOTO PROVIDED BY HDBUZZ

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3. ULTRAVIOLET* Ripples & Waves (Self-Released)

4. GINGER BEEF* Ginger Beef (Self-Released)

5. RICH AUCOIN* Synthetic: Season 1 & 2 (We Are Busy Bodies)

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APOLLO GHOSTS* Amethyst (You've Changed)

ALLISON BURIK* Realms (Self-Released)

INDIA GAILEY* Problematica (People Places)

LAL* Spectacular (Coax)

BREEZE* Sour Grapes (Hand Drawn Dracula)

GLASS BEACH plastic death (Run For Cover)

SUMMER TO-DO LIST

THURS MAY 2SUN MAY 5

ArtsEverywhere Festival

• Watch a wide variety of lectures, artistic performances, readings, and exhibitions that aim to spark a dialogue about challenges and issues that are of interest to regional audiences

• “The Guelph Lecture—On Being,” which will be held at the River Run Centre, is the main event, a testament to the success of community initiatives and the life of creative ideas in Guelph

• For more information, go to festival.artseverywhere.ca

SAT MAY 11

Magic of Spring Market

• 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• 400 Stevenson St. N.

• Browse the shops of 50+ vendors

• Participate in a silent auction with items donated by vendors

SAT JUNE 1

Market at the Museum

• 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Guelph Civic Museum (52 Norfolk St.)

• Free admission

• Shop over 20 local creators

FRI JUNE 7SUN JUNE 9

Guelph & District Multicultural Festival

• Riverside Park

• Celebrate Guelph’s multiculturalism with a culturally expressive fashion show, live music, and cultural performances

• Enjoy a wide variety of food and local vendors

FRI JULY 5SUN JULY 7

The GOOD Games: Canada’s Biggest Festival of Sport

• All events will take place on the U of G campus

• Register to compete in up to 12 different sporting events, such as archery, dodgeball, and even arm wrestling

• Enjoy music, food, family fun zones, obstacle courses, and much more at Olympic Style Festival/ Athletes Village, within walking distance of the sports fields

• Opening ceremonies will be held on Saturday night with a DJ and Dance Party

FRI JULY 19SUN JULY 21

Hillside Festival

• Guelph Lake Conservation Area

• Festival closes at 11 p.m. each night

• Dance the weekend away at this multi-stage event with 50+ performers

• Hillside Festival celebrates diversity through musical heritage and style

• Enjoy locally-sourced food and participate in crafts, drum dancing, and much more

• Visit hillsidefestival.ca for more information

SAT AUGUST 3MON AUGUST 5

The Ontario Pirate Festival

• 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. each day, rain or shine

• Marden Park

• Watch crazy live performances of sword fighting, aerial dancing, falconry, and more

• Listen to live shanties and Celtic tunes

• Enter the encampments of mermaids, dragons, vikings, and more

• On Saturday night, party at The Pirate’s Keg, a 19+ event with music, food, and drinks

THURS AUGUST 8SUN AUGUST 11

Guelph Fringe Festival

• All performances will be held in Downtown Guelph

• A total of 45 shows will be performed by 15 different theatre companies

• For more information, visit guelphfringe.ca

FRI AUGUST 23SUN AUGUST 25

Ribfest

• Riverside Park

• Enjoy ribs and many other delicious BBQ staples from a variety of vendors

• Listen to live music and walk through a classic car show, all for free

FROM THE ARCHIVES

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

BECAUSE WE ASKED...

What are you looking forward to post-graduation?

“No more discussion posts.”

Paula Henry-Duru 4th year, Neuroscience

“To be on my own, pay bills, and not be worried about school.”

Betul Karanfil 4th year, Neuroscience

“Coming back to school next year.”

Agostino Bordignon 4th year, Neuroscience

“Taking the summer off and gaining new experiences.”

Nikita Alwin 4th year, Bio-Med

“To be able to say I have a degree.”

Megan Corsini 4th year, Neuroscience

“The opportunity to spread my wings and soar.”

Gryphon 10th year, Classical Studies

PETS OF THE SUMMER

MEET PIPA!

Breed: Maltipoo

Photo: Erika Shata

Age: 8

Fun Fact: Pipa loves playing with snow

MEET DANGO!

Breed: Tuxedo

Domestic Shorthair

Photo: Abby Clifford

Age: 1

Fun Fact: Dango is completely blind, but he doesn't let this slow him down at all!

MEET JOSEPHINE!

Breed: Tabby

Photo: Erika Shata

Age: 17

Fun Fact: Josie can play fetch

MEET AGGIE!

Breed: Unknown

Photo: Matthew Mainstreet

Age: 12

Fun Fact: Aggie loves sleeping and watching TV

MEET BILLIE!

Breed: Short hair

Photo: Ally Loopstra

Age: 2

Fun Fact: Billie is a rescue from the SPCA

MEET MAVIS!

Breed: Golden Doodle

Photo: Calla Loschnig

Age: 10

Fun Fact: She loves to try and catch minnows at the beach

MEET BRUNO!

Breed: Mastiff mix

Photo: Keanna Matthews

Age: 1

Fun Fact: Bruno loves stealing paper

WANT TO SUBMIT YOUR PET TO BE FEATURED IN NEXT YEAR'S ISSUES?

Email tpipe@theontarion.com with a photo and the information above!

PUZZLE PAGE

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 July 1 at 3 p.m. Winners are announced in each issue and can arrange a pickup of their voucher by emailing the same address.

Last issue’s winning puzzle was submitted by Zelia Forrest!