The Ontarion - 197.4

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

3. Aggregate extraction continues at Universityowned gravel pit

4. Psychology Society embracing the season of giving

The Norris lab: Researching monarch butterflies

5. U of G approves demolition of campus conservatory

6 & 7. Fair November 2024

8. Raising a flag in solidarity for victims of gender-based violence

9. ‘Tis the season for smut

10. Scandals, swinging, and sinning: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives

11. Power, progress, and war in Arcane

12 & 13. What are U of G students wearing?

14. Justin Favela connects cultures through art

15. Improv club brings on the laughs

17. The TikTok trend craze

18 & 19. FEATURE STORY: Festive recipes

20. Easy and fun comfort meals for the holidays: a student’s guide

21. The Guelph guru series: Feeling good through fitness

22. Gryphon sports round-up

23. Living with PCOS

24. The invisible world beneath our feet

25. Stop fearing femininity

26. Will this year be any different?

27. How to build a ginormous snowman Hit the powder: Best ski and snowboard destinations near you!

28. Holiday Giving Guide makes return for 2024 season

29. Celebrating yourself during the holidays

30. Merry Thriftmas!

31. From the archives

32. Because we asked...

Because we asked the artists

33. December to-do list

Club of the month

Pets of the month

34 &35 Puzzle pages

Aggregate extraction continues at Universityowned gravel pit

The property on Concession 2 in Puslinch was originally purchased to be a veterinary research facility

TAYLOR PIPE

Since the 60s, the University of Guelph has owned the land on Concession 2 in Puslinch where the Dufferin Aggregates Mill Creek gravel pit is located. The land has changed from a piece of farmland into an aggregate mining operation.

“The land was originally purchased and used for veterinary research purposes in 1969, however these activities were moved to other research stations in the mid-80s,” said Jessamine Luck, communications manager at the University of Guelph.

For decades, the Mill Creek Stewards Association, (MCSA), has been actively involved in opposing the aggregate extraction near the Mill Creek, a creek that runs through the area that the university and other aggregate mining operations are located in.

The Ontarion spoke with John McNie, a director of the MCSA. He explained that aggregate is minerals found in the earth’s soil and rock. We use aggregate to build infrastructure as it’s often found in the concrete and asphalt that is found in our buildings and roads.

“Aggregate is important,” McNie said. “One of the first things the industry will say is that we all need aggregate. We do. We use hospitals that are built in aggregate. We have our kids go to

school that are built from aggregate. We drive on roads that are built from aggregate. The question is, how much aggregate is needed?”

McNie said the land for the original 400-acre pit was bought from two brothers. He explained that the MCSA had the opportunity to speak with them.

“[The brothers] had sold to the university with the expectation that their farm would be an experimental agricultural research farm, and that was what the university indicated they were going to do,” he said.

During the 80s, the university’s public stance was that the site would eventually be used for research.

An article published in the Guelph Mercury Tribune on Oct. 30, 1986, quoted then-president Burt Matthews saying, “Guelph is fortunate to own the property. Not just because of its potential income from aggregate, but because it can become a unique research and demonstration facility to study how aggregate extraction can be carried out with minimal effects to the environment.”

During this time Matthews also promised that the university wouldn’t be taking “every shovelful.”

“That's one [claim] that really bothers our community, because if

it had been done right… if they limited what they took… The original site plans left a lot of room around this pit pond for residential development that would have been a plus for the community,” McNie said.

He also noted claims of a nature resource centre that had been planned for the site.

In more recent years, the university bought a separate site across the road for aggregate extraction.

Luck explained that the land the gravel pits sit on contributes to the university through an endowment fund.

“In 1991, the University’s Board of Governors established the Heritage Fund, which is an endowment that’s enhanced over time through revenue generated by leased lands owned by the University that are not being used for academic or research purposes, including the Mill Creek Gravel Pits. The proceeds can be used for strategic one-time investments, protecting the University’s operating budget from having to fund these projects,” she said.

“For example, revenue from this fund was recently used to help support the Honey Bee Research Centre.”

However, the MCSA argues there is more harm than good being brought on by the university’s gravel pit operation by setting precedence for other gravel pit owners in the area to expand their operations. McNie expressed concern for the amount of farmland being lost in the province to aggregate extraction.

“The trouble is, we're losing 300 acres of farmland every day in Canada right now… in 100 years at that rate, there would be no farmland left,” he said. “The university chose to be part of taking out what was prime farmland in Puslinch and claim that it was worthwhile.”

He also expressed concern for the wetlands that surround the gravel pit.

“As far as wetlands go, they're

harder for us to perceive the value of but I think the last couple of years has clearly shown us what's happening with the environment and our wetlands are those sponges between us and climate change,” McNie said. “They act to absorb carbon that we produce too much of. They act to deal with rainfall and precipitation that comes down in too large a quantity because of what we've done, they act to preserve water for us to drink because we're not using correctly. I mean, they're literally acting in a way that protects us despite everything we do.”

When it comes to environmental impact, Luck said the university isn’t responsible for the environmental emissions caused by the aggregate extraction on their property.

“The operator of the site is responsible for emissions and environmental reporting as well as

protection of nearby lands and rehabilitation,” she said in her email.

She also added that the land is “currently under a lease agreement that expires in several years or until extraction is complete and rehabilitation has been successfully completed” and that “ the University is unable to commit to future plans for the land until a comprehensive review of its potential use is undertaken, which will involve community engagement.”

McNie said that community members need to be aware of the university’s gravel operation as it impacts the reputation of the institution, its faculty and graduates.

“The university's reputation is built on principal agriculture and environmental stewardship and so making the decision to run a pit like this… These are the kind of decisions that directly impact students and faculty,” he said.

In the 80s, the land was changed from a research facility to a gravel pit. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE
According to the university, the operator of the site is responsible for emissions and environmental reporting as well as protection of nearby lands and rehabilitation. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE
An Aerial shot of Concession 2 in Puslinch shows the pit surrounded by other commercial gravel pits. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MILL CREEK STEWARDS ASSOCIATION

Psychology Society embracing the season of giving

How the Psychology Society gives back to the University of Guelph

As temperatures drop and classes end, we begin to ease into the holiday season. With that the spirit of giving fills the air, reminding us of the importance of community, kindness, and support. For many students, this time of year brings great joy and hope for traditions, new beginnings, and quality time with loved ones. For other students, as the semester comes to an end, followed by final papers and exams, an abundance of stress unleashes.

Amidst this, the University of Guelph’s Psychology Society still aims to create an open environment and culture of giving, ensuring students are supported not only academically, but emotionally and socially as well.

The Psychology Society is built of students with either a major or minor in Psychology at U of G. It is a student association with the purpose of fostering leadership development through the coordination of educational and social projects, inform psychology students of potential academic and career paths, and act as a liaison for students to U of G’s psychology department, administration, and the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences (CSAHS). To learn more about how the Psychology Society gives back, The Ontarion met with a few members of their executive team.

The Psychology Society provides a variety of opportunities for its executive team to grow

and enhance their leadership, communication, and networking skills. These experiences encourage personal growth in addition to supplying students with beneficial skills that are transferable across career paths—overall, helping students stand out in further job applications and educational journeys.

Co-presidents Lauren De Domenico and Jaeden Darsan shared that their experience in the society strengthened their connections with professors and students. Additionally, the society allowed them to develop their event planning skills and create events centered around psychology and wellness. Ava Schipani, director of marketing, said the

The Norris lab: Researching monarch butterflies

Discussing butterfly conservation, migration and behaviour

Since 2008, the Norris lab has researched various aspects of monarch butterfly migration and ecology. A professor in the Department of Integrative Biology, Dr. Ryan Norris, is an ecologist with an interest in the behaviour, population dynamics, and conservation of animals in seasonal environments, particularly focusing on migratory birds and butterflies.

The lab is located on the University of Guelph campus, along with locations in Algonquin Park, Costa Rica, the British Columbia Pacific coast, and the Bay of Fundy.

With over 25 monarch butterfly publications, the Norris lab has researched a wide range of topics, including the influence of environmental factors such as climate and pollution, the role of genetic and physiological traits in migration, and the effects of contaminants such as neonicotinoids on

butterfly survival and behaviour.

The lab uses stable isotopes to track migratory patterns and the discovery of alternate migration strategies, along with studies on how wind, temperature, and habitat loss influence migration success. The lab also examines monarch butterfly life-history traits, such as reproductive patterns and parasitism rates, as well as the dynamics of multi-generational migration.

Through tracking methods, they aim to map broad-scale connectivity and predict future population trends, while addressing the conservation challenges posed by environmental threats.

Findings in one of their publications discusses the impact of neonicotinoids, which cause monarchs to lay more eggs on treated milkweed, but with lower caterpillar survival rates, turning the plants into ecological traps.

The lab found that captive-reared monarchs can still migrate naturally, though they struggle with flight orientation, likely due to insufficient natural sunlight exposure during development.

The lab has also highlighted the severe effects of habitat loss, noting a nearly 50 per cent decrease in milkweed in southern Ontario since the 90s. Norris has spoken out about the importance of recognizing monarchs as endangered species to raise awareness about their declining populations.

In addition to monarch butterflies, the Norris lab also researches the conservation of a variety of animals such as Canada Jays, Tree Swallows, Drosophila and more.

To learn more about the Norris Lab’s transformative research and their ongoing work with monarch butterflies, visit norrislab.ca.

school, thesis, etc”. To address those concerns, they “plan events and aim to support these students with information and opportunities to understand the challenges they may face and provide an environment where they can ask questions and receive helpful advice."

society taught her how to manage projects, collaborate with different teams, and advocate for student needs. For fourth-year representative Emily Dugas, her time in the Psychology Society allowed her to enhance the invaluable skills she needs for her future in counselling psychology where effective communication and collaboration are essential. These experiences contribute to the society’s endeavours in supporting the wider student community. For psychology students specifically, De Domenico and Darsan place emphasis on academic information and self-care. In their opinion, as students in psychology, it is easy to be “unsure of concepts like marketing, grad

Although the Psychology Society has a large focus on psychology students, members of the society still make efforts to support students of all programs through various initiatives including mental health workshops, wellness events, and awareness campaigns during mental health month. Recently, Schipani hosted their own journaling and mindfulness workshop through the Psychology Society in collaboration with her wellness brand, Salita. This event benefited many students as it “focused on equipping [them] with practical tools for self-reflection and stress management."

So far, the Psychology Society has made a large, positive impact at U of G. In the upcoming new year, they plan to expand in ways that further help psychology students gain the information and opportunities they need to succeed in the competitive field while continuing to spread mental health awareness and literacy to others. In the words of Schipani, “Together, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone."

The Norris lab has researched a wide range of topics, including the influence of environmental factors such as climate and pollution. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAYLOR PIPE
The Psychology Society provides a variety of opportunities for its executive team to grow and enhance their leadership, communication, and networking skills. PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNSPLASH

U of G approves demolition of campus conservatory

Once demolition is completed, the site will be a commemorative garden

TAYLOR PIPE

On Oct. 23, the University of Guelph Senate passed a motion to decommission and demolish the DM Rutherford conservatory.

The structure, located near the University Centre, is the focal point of the campus conservatory gardens and was erected in 1930.

Since 2023, the conservatory has been closed to the public and has been in a state of disrepair.

In a Senate meeting on Oct. 23, a report was submitted and a recommendation was made to demolish the conservatory. The report cited structural deterioration and financial challenges for the decision.

The Ontarion reached out to the University of Guelph to learn more about their decision to decommission and demolish the DM Rutherford conservatory, and were directed to a web release on the University of Guelph website.

“While U of G recognizes the Conservatory, a replica of the original header house, has become a beloved building on campus, it opposes designation due to the structural and financial limitations of the structure,” the release stated. “The University respects and will fully participate in the City’s process.”

The release also addressed the

financial reality of the site.

“The University has commissioned numerous independent structural engineering reports to understand the possibilities for the Conservatory,” the release stated.

“These reports have all found the Conservatory is currently unsafe and that the restoration or replication work required would cost over $5 million with approximately $200,000 to $250,000 in annual maintenance.”

The release added that due to the financial deficit of the university, it cannot dedicate resources to help the conservatory.

According to the proposal, demolition of the conservatory is to happen as soon as possible, with some structural maintenance beginning before the upcoming winter season. Once demolition is completed, the university will replace the structure with a commemorative garden.

The university said in their release that “significant effort will be made to salvage materials from the existing structure for repurpose elsewhere. Additionally, the garden will honour Donald M. Rutherford and the other U of G alumni who have contributed to the structure.”

In a Nov. 13 council meeting, the decision was made to save steel from the existing structure to repurpose in the garden.

The release added that the commemorative garden will “tell the story of U of G’s agricultural beginnings and the meaningful student memories that were made on the site.”

On Nov. 18, a fence was put around the greenhouse structure in preparation for demolition.

The Ontarion will continue to update this story as new information is made available.

During the meeting, the conservatory has been closed to the public and has been in a state of disrepair. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOPHIA MARCON

Fair November 2024

PHOTOS BY
CHIDEBEREM NOSIRI, KATARINA TORIC, & KATE BANDSTRA

Raising a flag in solidarity for victims of gender-based violence

Guelph-Wellington’s Women in Crisis organization raised a flag in commencement of Women Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario

TALIA NICHOLLS

Nov. 1 marked the beginning of Women Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario, and to kick off this important time, Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis, (GWWIC), hosted a flag raising event at Guelph City Hall. Supporting the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses, (OAITH), the Wrapped in Courage campaign attendees were encouraged to wear a purple scarf in solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence. The event gathered community members to hear Dominique O’Rourke, standing in for Mayor Cam Guthrie, to give a message of hope and solidarity, along with Cindy McMann, public educator for GWWIC.

In 2021, the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres, (OCRCC), reported over 37,500 crisis calls, up from 23,000 in 2019. In 2023, Intimate Partner Violence, (IPV),

was officially declared an epidemic. As O’Rourke stated, “the numbers are high, not representative, and horrifying.”

Organizations such as GWWIC are not sitting idly by, but making active efforts to help the affected in our community while waiting for provincial support. McMann touched on her first gender-based violence awareness event, a lighting ceremony that was a mere flick of lights outside a building, embodying the fact that these issues are not given enough attention. McMann commits to shining more light on those who are in the dark.

The Ontarion spoke with McMann, who started her journey with GWWIC as a volunteer and continued to make a living out of raising awareness in schools, other organizations, and in the community. Focusing on educational resources surrounding do-

VOLUNTEER

mestic and gender based violence, healthy relationships, and human trafficking, she emphasized the importance of prevention and availability of community services.

“It seems like another stranger danger, which it absolutely isn’t,” said McMann.

WITH US! The Ontarion is always looking for passionate and creative volunteers to join our team of reporters, copyeditors, photographers, and Board directors! For more information email our Editor-in-Chief tpipe@theontarion.com

She highlighted how many youth disregard these present issues in their community, and how early education and awareness has been deemed efficient in preventative measures. O’Rourke touched on the cost of mass casualty commissions, high crisis numbers and highlighted the ambitious desire to put all of that funding into prevention.

GWWIC began in 1977 with eight women and developed into a vital organization, helping survivors transition into better positions, connecting them with support services, and walking with them through legal processes. This phenomenal group continues to show their commitment to lessening the prevalence of IPV within Guelph.

While the ultimate long term goal for the organization is to shut their doors forever, rates of gender-based violence will never reach zero. One major accomplishment GWWIC is working towards is opening an Intimate Partner Shelter in Wellington County. With rising numbers of occupied beds, and the ongoing housing crisis in Ontario, there is not enough space to house everyone. Unfortunately, many victims must stay in violent homes due to lack of refuge.

McMann said, “You don’t need to leave your relationship to get help,” as many victims cannot. There are support services available for those who must remain where they are. A shelter in Wellington County is also very important because for many, leaving to another city for help may be too drastic of a move and deter victims from reaching out.

Despite their successes, this organiza-

tion faces ongoing challenges surrounding funding of their services.

“Governments are relying more on project based funding,” McMann said, highlighting how this is not a short term project, but an ongoing commitment to those in need.

Once the pot stops being filled, core services come to a halt. This prevents advocacy from happening, which is vital to the revaluation of policies and funding. McMann also highlighted that a number of organizations within Guelph have closed their doors due to lack of funding. GWWIC accepts all donations. Money, time, and volunteers are always appreciated.

“There is help and hope because of you,” O’Rourke said, shining a light on everyone who puts their effort into stopping gender-based violence and promoting equality and safety for all.

During this month of prevention, Women in Crisis will be hosting multiple events throughout Guelph. Their 16 Days of Activism campaign will run from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, starting with a lighting ceremony at Guelph City Hall at 6 p.m. on Nov. 25. Members of the community are encouraged to show up and demonstrate support for survivors and ongoing efforts of gender-based violence prevention.

“It means showing up in the cold, again, and again, and again... to let survivors know they’re not alone,” said McMann.

Community involvement is vital to the Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis organization and their efforts in Guelph. Keep updated on their website and social media for more events and information on how to get involved.

If you or someone you know is in a violent relationship, reach out to the Women in Crisis hotline at 1-800-265-7233 for help or shelter. Regardless of your gender identity, someone is available 24/7 to listen and support you.

Nov. 1 marked the beginning of Women Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario. PHOTO PROVIDED BY GUELPH-WELLINGTON WOMEN IN CRISIS ORGANIZATION
‘Tis

the season for smut

These page-turners are turn-ons (and trending on BookTok)

They’re friends to lovers. No, they’re enemies to lovers. No, it’s a fake relationship. The classic: “Whoops, we booked a hotel room with just one bed, guess we’ve got to share it!” It’s a brooding hero with something dark up their sleeve. It’s a fantasy land where any desire can be met.

Whatever the plot, it’s hot. Smut and “spicy books” are all the rage online, with over 1.4 million posts on TikTok under the hashtag #SpicyBookTok. “Smut” dates back to the 17th century and is related to the German word schmutzen, meaning to “make obscene.” Spicy books can span genres — like romance, thriller, or fantasy — but if they contain sexually explicit scenes, they’re often referred to as smut, and readers come together to rave about these R-rated reads.

When I first came across this trend, I thought back to the Harlequin books I had seen while

working at Value Village. Their over-the-top covers with delicate damsels clutching onto shiny, muscular men. Their titles, with words like, “forbidden,” “temptation,” “seduction.” $1.49 each. Seniors would shamelessly drop stacks of them on the counter as I rang them up. In the 1960s, Canadian company Harlequin was the biggest publisher of romance in the world. Flash forward to today, their website promises each story will have “one hero, one heroine, and an implied committed relationship at the end.”

Boring! The smut going viral on TikTok is not your granny’s erotic fiction novel. Books like Twisted Hate serve steamy hate-sex while Playing with Hellfire is paranormal and hot as hell. Priest delves into a priest’s triple-X confessions, making a Goodreads commenter say they felt they “should be taking a cold shower right along with Fa-

ANDREEA BURLACU

ther Bell.” Innocent-looking books like Icebreaker or The Love Hypothesis are discreet enough to take on public transit, but they’re also big for their sex scenes. According to publishing company Simon and Schuster, Icebreaker has sold over 1 million copies worldwide.

These titles trend on BookTok, TikTok’s worldwide book club. Here, users share their latest reads and get new recommendations. Smut is tagged under #SpicyBookTok, where books are rated with red pepper emojis on a scale from 1 to 5. Books are reposted and shared throughout the community, eventually reaching best-seller lists. Bookstores like Indigo have dedicated sections at the front of their stores for TikTok-famous books, while ELLE reported that online sex-store Lovehoney saw a 78 per cent increase in searches for “smut books” this year.

Why is smut so popular? The

Guardian says Gen Z is going through a “sex recession.” Many people are seeking out smut over a partner. It’s much easier to crack open a book than to be disappointed by dating apps or the lack of third spaces to potentially meet someone.

Also, smut is largely written and consumed by women. The genre embraces female sexuality, which has long been associated with shame. Here, women are free to express their desires and explore themselves. They get to write their own sexual narrative.

Additionally, smut can be directed from the female gaze, giving women authority over their bodies and imaginations. A Mashable article pointed out that erotica can be a way to rewrite negative sexual experiences and process trauma. Furthermore, the article mentioned that people use smut to process attacks on their sexual

and reproductive rights. In this political climate, having a safe space to explore female sexuality and autonomy is incredibly important. You can look at smut through many perspectives. Sure, it can be a trashy, dog-earred, thrifted Harlequin. It can be the cliché Fifty Shades of Grey or the latest bestseller. Smut can be empowering, silly, steamy, or not your cup of tea. Of course, it’s not all created equal. Once, my friend and I found a library book of fairy tales turned erotic. I don’t think Goldilocks and The Three Barons was “just right” for anyone. Whether you’re on the naughty or nice list this year, you don’t have to be ashamed to add smut to your holiday wishlist. Reading is supposed to be good for the brain. Plus, it’s an escape from the real world. So go ahead, curl up, and flip the page into fantasy. In every book, there’s a climax waiting to happen.

The Indigo at Stone Road Mall has a section dedicated to Spicy BookTok. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ANDREEA BURLACU

Scandals, swinging and sinning: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives

A review of Hulu’s newest trendy show

CARLOTA SOUSA

If you’re a fan of scandals, drama, and reality TV, then you have probably watched The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and if not, you should add it to the top of your watch list. The show follows the lives of eight Mormon wives and moms living in Utah who make up a subculture of TikTok, called MomTok. In eight drama-packed episodes, viewers get a glimpse into the unique challenges that these women face. From a swinging sex scandal to sisterhood, let’s take a Swig (if you know, you know) into what’s so secret about the life of a Mormon wife!

Personally, I don’t think there is a better way to launch a show about Mormon life than with a swinging scandal, and thanks to Taylor Frankie Paul, this is exactly how The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives came to be. Paul’s viral swinging scandal TikTok post from 2022 brought attention to MomTok like they had never seen before. The swinging scandal commenced when Paul revealed that she and her then husband were involved in soft-swinging with other couples in their group of friends. It left followers wanting to know more, so Hulu delivered and left no secrets untold.

Don’t worry, Paul’s drama

didn’t end at the swinging scandal.

Viewers watched in shock as she got arrested and charged with aggravated assault against her boyfriend at the time, Dakota Mortensen. With this info, you might assume that Paul and Mortensen broke up... But shortly after this altercation, Paul actually became pregnant and we watched her and Mortensen navigate this “surprise” for the rest of the series.

Listen, I’m not here to judge Paul, but Whitney Leavitt sure is.

Filling in the show’s role of the villain, Leavitt does everything she can to drive the women apart and turn them against Paul. Sadly, Leavitt’s energy was misplaced and would have been put to better use in dealing with her cheating husband who was using a secret Tinder (debatably Grindr) account to explicitly message other women for the entirety of their marriage. It’s interesting to see how fast Leavitt is to judge others, but when people pass judgement on her, she is the quickest to lash out.

Moving away from our two most scandalous Mormon wives, let’s take a look into the whole group’s dynamic. Forming the rest of MomTok is Demi Engemann,

Jennifer Affleck, Jessi Ngatikaura, Layla Taylor, Mayci Neeley and Makayla Mathews. One of the major points of conflict between all of the women are their varying devotions to Mormonism. It is clear that there are strict rules that a Mormon should follow, including no coffee, no alcohol, and no sex before marriage. However, modern Mormons seem to be pushing the limits of these rules.

A core theme of MomTok that the women are trying to encourage is how to break away from traditional Mormon ways of life and into more independent lifestyles. While some of the women are all here for it – like Engemann, Paul, Taylor, and Ngatikaura – it’s not

without the cost of being labeled the “sinners” of the group and being uninvited from Affleck’s baby blessing. The other four women (which ironically includes Leavitt) are the group “saints” because they follow stricter rules of the Mormon religion. This divide of beliefs is felt throughout the series and causes rift after rift, testing the strength of MomTok.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has had its fair share of critics, especially from Mormon viewers who feel disrespected because they believe that the show is not an accurate representation of their religion. My response to these critics is: it’s a reality TV show, not a documentary! Of course the Hulu-made show

following a group of TikTok influencers is not going to be focused on showcasing strict religious and traditional Mormon practices. Maybe a more accurate title for the show should have been “The Secret Lives of MomTok Wives,” what do you think?

As a self-proclaimed reality TV buff, I can confidently say that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is guaranteed to satisfy your risqué reality TV show itch, and I have barely scratched the surface of what the Mormon wives have to offer. So gear up with a blanket and a snack – I recommend a bowl of Fruity Pebbles (if you know, you know) –to (re)watch Hulu’s latest reality TV show hit!

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is a 10/10 reality TV show that is bound to keep you entertained while you binge-watch it from start to finish. ILLUSTRATION PROVIDED BY PAIGE STAMPATORI

Power, progress, and war in Arcane

This Netflix show released a powerful final season worth watching

Where does real power come from? Can putting human lives at risk in the name of progress be justified? Is a certain level of violence necessary to bring about change? First released to Netflix in Nov. 2021, Arcane, an animated adult TV series, explores the concepts of power, progress, and war in a fascinating way.

The show aired its second and final season this past November. Created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee, Arcane explores the city of Piltover, a wealthy idealistic city that aims for progress, equality, and innovation, and is run by the Council. However, the Council also governs the Undercity, also referred to as Zaun, a poverty-stricken city where citizens yearn for freedom from oppression. Caught in the crossfire of a war they were born into, the protagonists, Vi and Powder, born and raised in the Undercity, are orphaned as kids by Piltover enforcers and adopted by Vander. The sisters spend the rest of the series paying the price of being children of war.

The show opens with a scene of war, blood, and death. Completely silent but for the sound of

gunshots and an eerie song, viewers witness the disastrous effects of war. The song’s lyrics reflect the daily struggles of those in the Undercity; it is a plea to Piltover for the bare necessities of life. The class divide between Piltover and Zaun is plainly seen as the Undercity tries to fight back against Piltover’s negligent rule. The rebellion is over in an instant, resulting in nothing but tragedy and death. Being surrounded by oppression, violence, and mistreatment her whole life, too much responsibility is forced upon Vi when she is far too young. She grows to hate Piltover, recognizing that its citizens have plenty while the Undercity has to beg for scraps. She yearns for change so Powder can have a better life.

Falling into the same cycle of violence as her adoptive father figure, Vander, who led the first unsuccessful rebellion, Vi is warned that violence only creates more problems. In the second episode, Vander delivers one of the most powerful lines of the show: “Nobody wins in war.” War is never noble. It should never be sought out or glorified. In war, there are never any winners—only losers.

Throughout the show Piltover is referred to as the “City of Progress.” Jayce, a Piltover-born scientist, and Viktor, an Undercity-born scientist, are the main contributors to that progress, bringing great prosperity to Piltover, but great hardship to the Undercity. Piltover is full of prejudices and contempt for Zaunites.

Viktor is a special case as a Zaunite seemingly accepted by Piltover. Yet, throughout the first season, his concerns for the well-being of the Undercity are consistently ignored, proving how little Piltover cares for Zaunites. He is overlooked whereas his partner Jayce is elevated to great power, even to the point of being given a seat in the Council. As he receives more power, his priorities shift from wanting to improve the lives of those in the Undercity to wanting to protect the lives of those in Piltover. Viktor and Jayce’s relationship suffers as a result, symbolizing the growing division between Piltover and Zaun.

Meanwhile, Viktor’s deteriorating health, due to the poor air quality of the Undercity where

he grew up—the very thing he and Jayce wanted to improve as scientists—represents how the Undercity is collapsing due to Piltover’s neglect.

The quality of life in the Undercity worsens as a result of Piltover’s carelessness. Silco, Vander’s former partner and new leader of the Undercity in season one Acts II and III, encourages the resentment towards Piltover among the citizens of the Undercity. Silco desires an independent Nation of Zaun, free from Piltover’s oppressive rule. He believes to bring about this change, a base level of violence is necessary.

Silco shares sentiments with Piltover regarding power, declaring, “Real power comes [only] to those who will do anything to achieve it.” Silco becomes just like the citizens of Piltover: power-hungry and without care for the well-being of those he governs over. He uses an older and traumatized Powder, now known as Jinx, to get the power he craves. The psychological trauma Powder undergoes as a child transforms her into Jinx. She becomes the greatest threat Piltover has ever

faced. The war that results, expanded more in depth in the second season, is the city’s own fault. Its mistreatment of Zaun was the motivator for Jinx, Silco, and the second rebellion. Only once the Undercity posed a threat to its power, did Piltover take the Undercity seriously. But by then it was too late. The war had already begun.

Arcane’s first season received several awards, including four Primetime Emmys, developing a large, dedicated fanbase—and rightfully so. All three acts of both seasons parallel one another, representing how humans consistently fail to recognize and learn from past mistakes. The show emphasizes the dangers of ignorance, with Viktor admitting towards the end of the first season that, although his and Jayce’s intentions were noble, they failed to do what they set out to do: “In the pursuit of great, we forgot to do good.”

Perhaps this confession is the greatest warning to come from Arcane. Power corrupts. It clouds one’s judgment. It shifts one’s priorities. In the wrong hands, as the show uniquely demonstrates, it destroys nations.

Arcane has just released an electrifying second season. PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNSPLASH

Whether you care more for aesthetics or functionality, fashion is something that we all participate in. Behind every outfit is the media we consume, the influence of people around us, cultures, trends – new and old – and a totally normal amount of Pinterest boards. The Ontarion took to campus to ask U of G students about their outfits, where they get fashion inspiration, and how they navigate finding their own personal style.

Owen Sweazey, Wildlife Biology and Conservation

“Most is thrifted. My girlfriend Avery made my scarf. And my grandma taught me how to embroider.”

Where do you get your style inspiration: “Handsome men.”

Describe your style in three words: “Tight, loose, and grandpa.”

Any advice for finding personal style?

“Find the handsome guys.”

Avery Levin, Anthropology

“My whole outfit is probably thrifted. Jacket is from Value Village, hat is from Old Pal [Vintage] Guelph – shoutout to Old Pal –skirt is from some thrift store.

“I get my inspiration from different influencers online. Some in particular are @ava_ark and @gbrinkley.”

Describe your style in three words: “Thrifted, eclectic, cozy.”

Any tips for finding your personal style?

“Explore Pinterest and make different boards for different moods.”

Liv Jaszcur and Cheyenne Hazel, Studio Arts

LIV (left): “Everything is secondhand except for my shoes! A lot of it is my friend’s. Me and my best friend used to live together in Halifax, and basically her closet was my closet. Shoutout to Ruby Burns.”

How would you describe your style? “I really enjoy cottage and fairycore style and good classic fibres and knitwear.”

Where do you get your style inspiration? “My high school friend group all had the same interests so we all gravitated toward the same style. Pieces would circulate around our closets a lot. I’m inspired by my friends.”

CHEYENNE (right): “I got these jeans from Uniqlo. There’s some stains on them but it adds to it, I think. This is actually ink from a drawing class. And Doc Martens of course –art student staple.”

Do you have any advice for finding your style? “I would say experimenting. I created this long Pinterest board of outfits I wished I had and then when I’d go shopping, I’d keep those in mind.”

LIV: “Rings are from Bayfield and Halifax.”

CHEYENNE: “These rings are from Hot Topic!”

Zoe, Animal Biology

“Most of [my outfit] is my roommate’s – I steal all her clothes… I just love colours and I love sparkles.”

Where do you like to shop? “I love thrifting and I love Free People.”

Ella Bolton, Anthropology

“The jacket is a 1950s FFA jacket. A lot of my stuff is from @LivingGarments.”

Describe your style in a few words: “True vintage, girly, Americana.”

Where do you get your style inspiration? “Pinterest and old ads in magazines, cartoons, and vintage sewing patterns.”

Any tips for finding your personal style? “Try some different things out and try your best to not care about what other people are thinking.”

Sadie Kronenwald, Studio Art

“These jeans were my mom’s. The brand is 7 For All Mankind, I love them.”

Where do you get your style inspiration?

“I think being a studio art major inspired me to experiment more with my style. I love seeing people wear things that are different, that you don’t see often, and just be confident.”

Jack Hussey, Molecular Biology and Genetics

On fashion trends: “I like how recently, fashion has been more comfortable looking. You know how in the early 2000s, everyone’s wearing skinny jeans and tight clothing that is not comfortable to sit in? Everything’s just comfier, I feel, which I think is definitely really nice because I don’t like being uncomfortable to look good, you know?”

Hillary, Matt, and Aubin, MFA Studio Arts

“It’s a rice bag!”

Illyria Volcansek, Arts and Science

“I have this cute little purple sweater that I thrifted from the Salvation Army last week. I wasn’t gonna buy it, but then one of the volunteers told me it looked cute, so I bought it.”

Kate, Biological Sciences & Pearl, Toxicology

KATE (left): “I have my University of Guelph sweatshirt in grey, because why not?”

PEARL (right): “I try to wear colours… but my hair’s red, and the hair’s the outfit.”

Davia Barker, Zoology

“I really like colourful leggings and pink is my favourite. So, pretty much any of my accessories I’m gonna wear regularly are pink.” How would you describe your style? “I just like to wear lots of colours. It’s more fun that way.”

Nora (left) and Mary (right), Studio Arts

NORA: “I like wearing what’s comfortable, what I feel good in.”

On finding your style: “You gotta do a lot of looking, and a lot of trying on. It’s not about what’s popular, it’s about what you feel best in.”

MARY: “This is from the mall, from Boathouse. We comfy and cute!”

Where do you get your style inspiration?

“I like 2000s and 90s style, so I get [my style inspiration] from there mostly, and from runways. I like the designer Blumarine.”

James Schillington, Political Science

“I got it all from the thrift store. I got pretty lucky with some of my finds. Carhartt carpenter pants for eight bucks and these Birks.”

Any advice for finding your personal style?

“I haven’t really established my style yet…I think you kind of can find your style based on the people around you. Shoutout to my roommate, Sebastian. He’s got great style.”

Ignes Atteby, Zoology

“I’m cosplaying Crona from Soul Eater, he’s my favourite character. It’s my first cosplay! I made it myself.”

Where do you get your style inspiration?

“For my regular style, I tend to go for grunge, skater, emo type things. But for this, I'm just going straight for the character.”

Any advice for finding your personal style? “Find history books on the history behind certain styles, fashion magazines, Pinterest, and find what works for you!”

El McGuigan, Zoology and Creative Writing

“I think my style inspiration comes from 90s movies like The Craft but I also feel inspired by old pictures of my mom.”

Describe your style in three words: “Dark, whimsical, repetitive.”

Tips for finding your style: “Watch a ton of movies from different time periods. And borrow clothes from your mom (or dad).”

Justin Favela connects cultures through art

This AGG exhibit explores Favela’s cultural roots and invites audiences to join in

KYLE SALTER

Justin Favela is a Guatemalan-Mexican-American mixed media artist and sculptor. Entrelazados, his latest exhibit, was curated by Shauna McCabe and is on view at the Art Gallery of Guelph, AGG, until Dec. 29. The exhibit takes its name from the site-specific installation that was assembled in collaboration with community participants during a workshop held on Sept. 3.

Entrelazados is a collection of large paper textiles that fill the vaulted foyer of the gallery. These pieces are inspired by traditional Guatemalan textiles and are embroidered in Mayan tradition,

harkening back to Favela’s ancestry. In the centre of these is the piece that was put together through community involvement, designed after colourful, woven Mayan belts. Woven textiles are very culturally significant to Mayan women. The belts served a practical function, but they were also a way to express creativity and demonstrate technical skill.

Textiles were as much an art then as they are now, as in Favela’s exhibit. Favela demonstrates that these textiles can be a symbol of ethnic identity. His art connects him to his heritage, and especially his relationship with

his grandmother. It also serves as a legacy, continuing ancient traditions.

For Favela, this practice is also a commentary on colonisation and globalisation. According to The AGG’s website, Favela seeks to explore ancient history, interwoven legacies, and the history of migration. These themes are most plainly represented in his cartonera work. Cartonería is a traditional Mexican craft, more commonly known in English as piñata-making.

In this style, Favela takes his own spin on art and themes that are evocative of community and

the melding of disparate cultures across time. Most commonly, his work riffs on landscape paintings by the famous Mexican artist José María Velasco, although he also has a variety of statement pieces focused on the semiotics of modern culture. The Las Vegas sign sculpture featured in the Gallery is a great example of this.

At the workshop held on Sept. 3, participants had the opportunity to meet the artist and contribute to the site-specific installation. Visitors were given creative liberty to create their own design for what would become a patch in the pattern, using craft paper provided.

The end result is an eclectic harmony of the inspirations and ideas of people from a variety of backgrounds, all connected by their passion for art and their belonging to the Guelph community. This piece illustrates clearly the greater themes of the exhibit, and also stands out among the other works as something uniquely ours.

Favela’s artwork has appeared in numerous exhibits across the United States, such as in Iowa and Texas. They have also been shown in the UK, specifically in Belfast and Dundee. This is Favela’s first time exhibiting in Canada. Favela is the recipient of the 2018 Alan Turing LGTBIQ+ Award for International Artist as well as the 2021 Joan Mitchell Fellowship.

To find more information on this exhibit or the others on display at the gallery, be sure to visit artgalleryofguelph.ca. The gallery is open six days a week, and there is no admission price. The current exhibits will be gone soon, and this will be your only chance to see this piece of collective work from the greater Guelph community.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the creative works of Favela, and consider thinking about how your own cultural identity has shaped the way you perceive the world.

For more information visit artgalleryofguelph.ca. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOPHIA MARCON

Improv club brings on the laughs

Yes, and they’re welcoming you to join in on the fun

Improv is a completely improvised form of theatre. It’s a lot like life – both throw you into unexpected scenarios and then you make light of them. A typical improv meeting includes games such as House Tour, where a realtor shows off a wacky home, or Dinner Party, where bizarre guests show up to a party. Actors come on to the scene and contribute their ideas and jokes, and suddenly the whole room is laughing.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said the club’s social media coordinator Illyria Volcansek. “It’s a really interesting form of theatre that values expression.”

Since joining in her first year, Volcansek found that the Improv Club helped her boost her confidence, make new friends, and explore her creativity.

Similarly, participant Karim Mosna described improv as an escape from the real world.

“You can step outside of all the rules and norms of everyday life and explore a totally different character,” he said.

Each meeting, the U of G Improv Club starts out with introductions and a “Stretch and

Share,” where people get to know one another. They play warmup games like Zip Zap Zop and Milk the Milk. After, the club does activities centred around the week’s theme.

“Some weeks, our theme is platform, like establishing the who, what, where in a scene,” Volcansek said. “Other weeks, we talk about characterization and scene building.”

At the end, the club plays games in an audience format to practise and develop these skills. Anyone can come up and contribute, but there’s no pressure to perform. This is a friendly, easygoing space that’s welcome to people of all skill levels.

“I'm really, really happy that we've been able to create such a supportive and welcoming environment,” said Instructor Kate Meehan.

At the end of each semester, the club chooses a set of games to present at their Improv Showcase. This showcase is free to attend and will take place on Nov. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. in UC Rm 442.

“It's a great way to get a few laughs in, which is super great

right before exams,” said club president Jayne Hall.

To learn more about Improv Club, you can follow them on Instagram @uofgimprov. They always have something new happening. For next semester, they’ve landed a radio show on CFRU, where they’ll perform live on air. You can also get more information during their weekly meetings.

There are many reasons to give improv a try. Hall was looking for theatre-related activities outside of her classes. Meehan liked the creative outlet it gave her outside of her scientific writing. And Volcansek hoped to “be a little silly, be a little different.”

The executive members explained that improv can seem daunting, but once you realise everyone’s there to try new things and have fun, it becomes a lot easier.

“Be okay if you made a mistake, because it’s probably going to create something really, really funny that wouldn't have happened otherwise,” Hall said.

Just like in life, there are always going to be bumps along the road. But with improv, everyone’s together, laughing along the way.

Club members play Five Things, a brainstorming game.
In the game Slideshow, players reminisce about a fictional trip.
An excited guest shows up to the Dinner Party.
Every scene is full of surprises.
Players cope with the fact that “Today’s Tuesday” during this game.
The game Eulogy puts the “fun” in “funeral.”

The TikTok trend craze

On social media, overconsumption becomes the new normal

LAUREN BASTIAN

The TikTok trend is not a new phenomenon. The root of the app's popularity stems from the user's ability to use a certain format or sound to replicate popular videos and participate in widespread trends. This app, once filled with dance trends, has quickly become a centre for rapid overconsumption under the guise of being “trendy.”

While there is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to follow what is popular, it seems that current trends focus more on selling the user an impossibly idealized lifestyle. Moreover, these trends provoke a sense of hysteria as people fight to ensure they get the new trendy item.

With the rise of trends such as the “clean girl” or “frazzled English woman,” TikTok trends present more than just a “‘must-have item,” but rather a must-have lifestyle, one that can only be achieved by purchasing a whole list of required items.

It would be remiss to say that trends are a concept that originated with TikTok, but it seems that TikTok has created a new culture of trend hysteria: a mentality in which we follow the trends we see on TikTok even if we are not entirely sure why. Take, for example, the grown adults fighting over Stanley cups or the lines of people standing outside Crumbl Cookies stores. What mysterious allure do these items have that

makes people sacrifice their time and even their safety for them?

The reality is that this craze has less to do with the item, but rather our desire for status and connection. When we are not participating in these trends, we feel a sort of FOMO (fear of missing out), as if everyone else has these items and we are the odd one out. Buying these items is a sort of social camouflage, and by having them we feel like we fit in.

This feeling is only heightened by the sense of scarcity associated with popular TikTok items. Often, items that gain massive popularity on TikTok sell out shortly after trending, meaning if you want to get this coveted item, then you have to buy it fast. Buying these items makes us a part of something, an elite group that only so many can access. Rather than asking ourselves if we really need an item or if we have something like it already, we simply jump to purchasing it before it is gone.

This feeling is often fostered by the influencers who promote these popular items, telling us how they are “must-haves” that we cannot live without. We are told that without them we are excluding ourselves from those who are cool or trendy.

Children and preteens are especially vulnerable to this mentality, as they haven’t yet developed the critical thinking skills to ask

1. BONNIE TRASH** My Love Remains the Same (Hand Drawn Dracula)

Cold Spaghetti (Telephone Explosion)

themselves if they really need a trending item. Even if they are unaware of why they want this item or even what it is, young people will desire it just because they are told to do so. In some cases, children are even influenced to buy things they have no use for.

As seen with the Drunk Elephant craze, prepubescent children rushed to Sephora to buy skincare

for their unblemished skin because their favourite influencers mentioned it in their “Get Ready With Me.”

Eight-year-olds started being concerned about aging, a problem that these products promise to fix. Children are typically unable to differentiate between advertisements and reality, so when they see a video of their favou-

rite influencer proclaiming how a trending item “changed their life,” they easily believe it.

In both adults and children, the “must-have” mentality fosters overconsumption. While you might have a perfectly good closet full of clothes, if you see everyone on TikTok raving about a certain top, chances are you are going to be influenced to buy it. Once you’ve finally secured the trending product, the internet has moved on to the next big thing.

This leaves people scrambling to remain trendy, continuously buying new things even if they do not need them. With the rates at which these trends cycle, this practice is neither economically nor environmentally feasible. Even though we might not wear that bunny hat from 2020 anymore, it never disappeared –chances are it is making its way to the landfill.

Overconsumption is not an unsolvable issue, and there are many ways to limit how easily we are influenced. Much like how we use media literacy to question things we hear on the news, we can apply the same techniques when we see a trendy item on TikTok or Instagram. Ask yourself if you really need the item, or if it is something you can see yourself using six months from now. If the answer is no, try looking through your belongings to see if you have something similar that accomplishes the same task. With recent trends of “underconsumption core” or “deinfluencing,”, it is clear that there is a consensus among many that overconsumption on TikTok has been taken a step too far. By being mindful of what we want versus what we need, we can be more conscious of how easily we are influenced so as to not be swept away by the TikTok hive mentality.

The love it took to leave you (Envision)

You

ARTIST

ARTIST

ANDRE ETHIER*
COLIN STETSON*
MUSHROOM VALLEY*
Don't Have To Wish Anymore (Self-Released) 5. SHEBAD** Music is the Answer (Lovetown)
AUTOPILOT* Here Comes The Pressure (Self-Released) 7. ANDREA CORMIER* Andrea Cormier (Self-Released) 8. PEARL & THE OYSTERS Planet Pearl (Stones Throw)
CARN DAVIDSON 9* Reverence (Self-Released)
GHOSTKEEPER* Cipayak Joy (Victory Pool)
TikTok highlights trends and promotes a “must-have” mentality. PHOTO
PROVIDED BY PEXELS

FESTIVE Desserts

These recipes were made with YOU in mind. They are perfect for when you just want to satisfy your sugar craving or don’t want to manage large quantities of ingredients or leftovers. Each recipe yields two desserts. All four recipes use less than 10 ingredients. Most ingredients are common pantry staples.

If you don’t have these ingredients or do not want to commit to a large bag from the grocery store, visit your local Bulk Barn or bulk foods store and purchase the exact amount you need.

Feel free to double, triple, or quadruple the recipe to make more servings.

Apple Crumble

Ingredients

For the filling

• 1 large apple (Granny Smith), chopped

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional)

• 1/2 tsp allspice (optional)

• 1/2 tsp cardamom (optional)

For the crumble topping

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• Pinch of salt

Optional (to top it off)

• Vanilla Ice cream

• Whipped cream

• Or dairy-free options of either

Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Gather all ingredients and tools.

Instructions

1. Chop up the apple. Peel the apple if you would like.

2. In a small bowl, mix the apple, brown sugar, spices, and lemon juice.

3. Divide the mixture into two small ramekins or a small

oven-safe dish.

4. In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and a pinch of salt.

5. Mix until crumbly.

6. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.

7. Place the ramekins on a baking tray and into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown, and the apples are bubbly.

8. Let it cool slightly before serving.

9. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp salt

Prep

1. Leave butter on counter to soften.

2. Preheat oven to 350 F.

3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

4. Gather all tools and ingredients.

Instructions

the parchment paper. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

6. Place them on the prepared baking sheet - be sure to space them apart.

7. Top with a pinch of flaky salt.

8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.

9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few min

Lava Cake

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate (or chocolate chips)

• 1 large egg

• 1 egg yolk

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 425 F.

2. Grease two ramekins with butter (use your fingers or a paper towel to rub butter all around the inside) then dust with cocoa powder or flour.

3. Gather all ingredients.

Instructions

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chocolate. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the egg, egg yolk, and granulated sugar until well combined.

3. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture, salt, and vanilla extract.

4. Sift the flour into the bowl.

1. In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes.

2. Mix in the molasses and vanilla extract and stir until well combined.

3. In another bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Dough will be thick and sticky.

5. Scoop out the dough and form it into two mounds on

5. Gently fold until just combined.

6. Use the spatula to divide the batter evenly between the two ramekins. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

7. Place ramekins on a baking sheet.

8. Bake for about 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are firm, but the center is still soft.

9. Let the cakes cool for about one minute, then carefully invert them onto plates.

10. Optional: top with whipped cream, flaky salt, icing sugar, or a scoop of ice cream.

AMELIA BAJOR

RECIPES DRINKS

If drinks are more your thing, try these recipes!

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate (Serves 2)

Over the low heat on the stove, add to a pot:

• 1 1/2 cup milk

• 1/3 cup cream

• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped, or chips

• 1/3 tsp peppermint extract

• A pinch of salt

Garnish: mini marshmallows, whipped cream, drizzled chocolate sauce, red and green sprinkles, candy canes to stir.

White Christmas Sangria (Serves 4)

Combine in a large pitcher:

• 1 bottle of pinot grigio, chardonnay, or sauvignon blanc

• 2 tbsp simple syrup

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 lime, sliced

• 1 cup cranberries, sliced or whole

• 2 sticks cinnamon

• 1 green apple or pear, sliced

• 4 sprigs rosemary

Top with:

• 3/4 cup sparkling apple cider, ginger ale, or ginger beer

Apple Cider (Serves 8)

To a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, simmer and cover for 2 to 3 hours:

• 2 large containers of apple cider

• 1 large orange, cut into slices

• 1 tsp nutmeg

• 1 in ginger root, sliced

• 2 tsp whole cloves

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 2 star anise

• 1 tsp whole allspice

Make it boozy: add 1 ½ cup spiced rum

Make it boozy: substitute 100 ml of milk for Baileys, add 1 shot of vanilla vodka, or make it a mocha: add a double shot of espresso.

Homemade Cardamom Chai (Serves 2)

Over the medium heat on the stove, add to a pot:

• 1 2/3 cup water

• 1 tsp fennel seeds

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• 1/2 cinnamon stick

• 3/4 tsp cloves

(Serves 2)

Shake with ice:

• 2 shots gin

• 3/4 cup cranberry juice

• 1 tsp cranberry sauce

Top with: 1/2 cup Prosecco, 1/3 cup ginger beer, cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary

Once boiling, add:

• 2 bags of black tea

• 2-3 crushed cardamom pods

Steep for 3 to 5 minutes, then switch to low heat and add:

• ¾ cup milk

• Sugar to taste

Once simmering for five minutes, strain tea into mugs.

Puerto Rican Coquito (Coconut Eggnog) (Serves

8)

In a double boiler, stir constantly:

• 2 egg yolks

• 1 can evaporated milk

Once thickened, remove from heat and combine in a pitcher with:

• 1 can cream of coconut

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

• 1/2 cup white rum

• 1/2 cup coconut milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp cloves

Chill and serve.

Easy and fun comfort meals for the holidays: a student’s guide

Celebrate the season with these five dishes

As the holiday season rolls in, many of us find ourselves craving the warmth and joy that comfort food brings. There’s something special about sharing a cozy meal with friends, especially as the days grow colder and the semester winds down. With finals looming and often a limited budget for celebrations, the holidays can be a time of both excitement and stress for students.. That’s why easy, affordable comfort meals are the perfect solution for bringing a bit of holiday cheer into your kitchen.

Comfort food has a way of making us feel at home, even if we’re miles away from our families or juggling a packed schedule. These dishes offer warmth, familiarity, and a sense of connection — reminding us of childhood memories, holiday gatherings, and the pleasure of slowing down for a meal. Here are some simple, hearty, and budget-friendly recipes to try this holiday season. Each recipe is easy to prepare, bursting with flavour, and sure to make your kitchen feel like a little slice of home.

1. Mac & cheese with a twist

Nothing says comfort quite like a creamy, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese. This dish feels like a hug in a bowl, offering a perfect balance of rich, creamy, and indulgent flavours. Adding a hint of holiday spice with paprika or using different types of cheese can make this classic feel extra special.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups macaroni

• 2 cups milk

• 1 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)

• 1/2 cup cream cheese or sour cream

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• Salt, pepper, and optional paprika for a little holiday kick

Instructions:

1. Boil the macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

2. In a pot, warm the milk and slowly add in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in the cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess.

3. Add the macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika.

4. Pour into a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil for a few minutes until golden. Perfect for sharing with friends on a chilly evening.

2. Sweet potato shepherd’s pie

Shepherd’s pie is hearty, flavourful, and filling — a true comforting classic. By using sweet potatoes instead of traditional mashed potatoes, you bring a natural sweetness to the dish that’s ideal for the season. This meal feels like a warm embrace, bringing together flavours and textures in each bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef (or lentils for a vegetarian version)

• 1 diced onion

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen is fine)

• 3 - 4 sweet potatoes

• 1/4 cup milk

• Salt, pepper, and rosemary or thyme for seasoning

Instructions:

1. Boil the sweet potatoes until soft, then mash while adding milk, salt and pepper.

2. In a skillet, cook the beef with onions until browned (or cook lentils separately and add to the onions).

3. Add mixed veggies, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Cook until the veggies are soft.

4. Spread the meat and veggie mixture into a baking dish, layer the sweet potato mash on top, and bake at 375 F for 20 minutes. It’s a great meal to enjoy with a group, especially if you’re feeling a bit homesick.

3. One-pot cozy chicken and rice

One-pot meals make cooking and cleanup a breeze, which is why this cozy chicken and rice recipe is a student favourite. It combines the satisfying taste of a roast chicken dinner with the simplicity of a stovetop meal. Perfect for sharing, it’s warm, filling, and brings a touch of holiday flavour with herbs like thyme and rosemary.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or 2 chicken breasts

• 1 cup rice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1/2 cup diced carrots

• 1/2 cup peas

• 1/2 cup diced onion

• Salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or skillet, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs, then cook until browned. Set aside.

2. Add onions to the same pot and cook until translucent. Stir in the rice, broth, carrots, and peas, then place the chicken back on top.

3. Cover and let simmer on low until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked – about 20 minutes. The aroma of the herbs will fill your kitchen with holiday spirit.

4. Gingerbread pancakes

The smell of gingerbread is practically synonymous with the holidays, so why not start your day with a holiday-inspired break-

fast? These gingerbread pancakes are fluffy, flavorful, and bring the classic warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. It’s a wonderful way to bring the season’s joy into your mornings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp ginger powder

• 1 cup milk

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into the dry and mix until combined.

3. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of butter, and pour batter to form pancakes. Cook until bubbles appear, then flip. Serve with syrup, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch. It’s perfect for a holiday brunch or an afternoon snack with friends.

5. Baked apples with oats and cinnamon

For a holiday dessert that’s as comforting as it is simple, try baked apples filled with oats and cinnamon. This dish combines the warmth of baked apples with the sweetness of cinnamon and

honey, bringing out the flavours of fall and winter. It’s easy to make, healthy, and feels like a homemade treat from home.

Ingredients:

• 4 large apples

• 1/2 cup oats

• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

• Butter Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F.

2. Core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling.

3. In a bowl, mix oats, sugar or honey, cinnamon, and nuts. Stuff each apple with the mixture and place a small pad of butter on top.

4. Place apples in a baking dish with a bit of water at the bottom and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the apples are soft and the filling is bubbly. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling extra festive.

The holidays are about more than just food — they’re about connection, joy, and warmth. Comfort meals capture these values, allowing us to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. This holiday season, let these easy recipes bring a little bit of home to you, no matter where you are. Gather a few friends, take a break from studying, and let these dishes remind you of the coziness and community that the holidays are all about.

Comfort food can make you feel like a warm hug on a cold winter’s day. PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNSPLASH

The Guelph Guru Series: Feeling good through fitness

It's finally time to start focusing on your fitness goals

Hello gurus!

With finals fast approaching, and days spent locked in the library, free time can feel non-existent. Let alone, time to work on your personal goals and health. However, this is your friendly reminder to continue to make time for yourself and your body.

Studying can be stressful, especially when it comes to time management, but hopefully, you are finding it easier to manage with your newly established sleep routine as implemented in last month’s issue - minus the nights you spend out at the club dancing your heart out, of course.

With such consistency instilled into our lives, we can now make time for fitness and movement!

To situate this discussion, I spoke with Lynne Skilton-Hayes, who is not only a master trainer at the University of Guelph but also the fitness program supervisor of the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre. In this role, she oversees the creation of hundreds of programs for the community, including students, professors, staff, and varsity athletes. She holds a B.Sc. degree along with her canfitpro

certification, ACE Personal Train er certification, and is a group fit ness instructor, contributing more than 32 years of knowledge and expertise to the fitness industry.

She has been nominated for a Women of Distinction award multiple times, and presented in various group fitness workshops and personal training certification courses both nationally and internationally.

tissue integrity long term, posture, sleep, and ability to move.

with a really good foundation to build on.”

your body.”

In doing this, you will enact a positive cycle and habit of movement that will allow you to take on more in your school life, love life, professional life, etc. You will set yourself up for success when you stick to your goals by continuing to show up for yourself. So map out a time a few days a week when you are going to move.

“The best time to work out is the time you’ll do it,” Skilton-Hayes said.

In terms of motivation, Skilton-Hayes suggested focusing on your “why”- figuring out “why you're stepping into the gym and what your goals are, what you're working towards. And then show up as your best self.”

Skilton-Hayes’ strong dedication to excellence in the fitness industry lies in the fact that fitness changed the trajectory of her life. Through the support of an athletic mentor, Skilton-Hayes recounted, she was able to realign herself with her athletic passion.

She said this mentor, “made me feel like I could do just about anything by how inspiring and motivating she was. And I felt very hopeful for the first time in a long time.”

At that moment Skilton-Hayes decided to continue the cycle of hope and inspiration to help people “find what they need in fitness that's going to benefit their life, for the rest of their life.”

In terms of the physical benefits, she noted that health-wise, training can benefit joint and bone

She stressed that she could go on and on about the benefits forever and said, “If there's anything you're not going to regret, it's having done a workout!”

When discussing the factors that often dissuade people from going to the gym she noted that a lot of people feel as though they can not make time for the gym, they lack an understanding of the benefits of physical fitness, or they are intimidated by the gym setting.

In regards to this, she highlighted the value of beginner programs, like Learn to Lift, offered at the fitness center, or personal trainers to “give you a starting guideline [to] make sure [that] what you're doing and the time [that] you’re investing, you're doing the right things for you.” She said it's “a small investment for very longterm gains” that will “set you up

Skilton-Hayes also explained the four primary components of fitness that personal trainers consider when crafting a plan for their clients. These, she noted, set a base to then move on to training the secondary components of fitness. The primary components are as follows: cardiovascular health and fitness, muscular strength, endurance flexibility/mobility, and body composition (which alters after training of the previous three components).

In training these components she said, “The idea is that hopefully you're continuously, progressively, in little increments, changing the stimulus on your body all the time so that it continues to adapt in a positive way.”

She added that “if you don't do it progressively, and you do it in a massive amount, that's when you get negative adaptation of energy or injury.”

This relates to gains and progress in the sense that by changing your workouts and increasing your body’s threshold you provide different stimuli to the body which continues to challenge it.

She said, “If you do the same thing, you get the same result, and if you do something different, you get a different result.”

In terms of how often to exercise and engage in physical fitness, Skilton-Hayes encouraged us to be realistic about the time we are willing to commit and then “work on consistency and moving consistently before you even add more workouts.”

“Less is more. Consistency is more. You would be better to commit to two times a week and do that consistently, and then when you see results, you're going to find more time to dedicate to moving

After that, if you are still really struggling, she encouraged “having a workout buddy, having somebody you're accountable with, and going to the gym with your friends” as an extremely helpful option. Another option is to “get a trainer to set up a program that's going to be safe, effective, efficient, and time-specific to meet your goals.” Similar to getting a trainer is going to fitness classes “because you have a coach at the front of the room every single time.”

Lastly, along with the importance of fitness is the importance of recovery.

“The harder you work out, and the more load you put on the body, the more recovery you would require,” Skilton-Hayes explained.

She added that, “recovery is actually probably more important than that activity itself, because you need your tissues and your body to fully recover, to then be challenged again, to go through that adaptation process.”

Thus, when it comes to prioritizing your fitness goals, the first step is to check out all the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre has to offer! With the NRG pass, there’s access to all of the fitness classes, the fitness center, private studios, swimming pools, two indoor tracks, skating, rec activities, and rock climbing. You can also sign up for dance and martial arts classes which are offered at the fitness center separate from the memberships.

“There’s something here for everyone. One hundred percent. No question,” said Skilton-Hayes.

So, make your way over to the fitness center and get started. Start with something small and commit to it. Take a class every week, or climb. Join intramurals, or even just start walking home from school every day. Prioritize movement to prioritize you!

Lots of Love

Gryphon Sports Round-Up

A look at how some Gryphon sports teams are doing during the fall season

As the playing seasons for many fall teams come to an end, we wanted to recognize some of the amazing feats our Gryphon athletes have accomplished so far this year!

BASEBALL – 24 WINS, 8 LOSSES, 1 TIE

What an amazing season for U of G’s Men’s Baseball team! Our Gryphons smashed it out of the park with 24 wins, 8 losses, and 1 tie this fall season. Out of 14 teams, they tied with the University of Waterloo for the most wins in the league, and scored the third-highest amount of runs (226)!

FOOTBALL – 7 WINS, 3 LOSSES

Our Gryphons placed third out of 11 teams in this year’s Men’s Football season! Quarterback Tristan Aboud placed fourth in the league for passing touchdowns, receiver Willem Arsenau placed third in the league for receiving touchdowns, and defensive lineman Robert Keyes-Wilson achieved the third most amount of sacks in the league. 9 Gryphon football players also got recognized as OUA All-Stars!

WOMEN’S RUGBY – 9 WINS, 2 LOSSES

U of G’s Women’s Rugby team won first place in the Ontario Championship this fall, continuing to hold the record for the most Ontario Championships won out of any university! In addition to this extraordinary feat, four women’s rugby players were named U SPORTS All-Canadians: Addy Holmes, Taylor McKnight, Kennedy Feasby, and Lara Jorgensen. Congrats!

MEN’S RUGBY – 8 WINS, 0 LOSSES (NATIONALS SOON)

For the fourth year in a row, U of G’s Men’s Rugby team won first place at the Ontario Championships, dominating over every other Ontario University! They are now preparing to head to the 2024 National Championship in Ottawa, where they’re hoping to continue their undefeated streak.

SOCCER – 6 WINS, 3 LOSSES, 5 TIES

Congrats to the Men’s Soccer team for a hard-fought season! With 6 wins, 3 losses, and 5 ties, they placed fifth out of 9 teams in the West division.

WOMEN’S SOCCER – 9 WINS, 3 LOSSES, 2 TIES

The women’s soccer team had a great fall season, finishing second in the West division and fifth out of 18 teams in the entire league! Defender Elise Bell was also named a U SPORTS All-Canadian.

CROSS COUNTRY – MEN 4TH, WOMEN 9TH

In the 2024 U SPORTS Cross Country Championship, the Guelph men’s team placed fourth out of 22 teams, and the women’s team placed ninth out of 15 teams! Some of the highest rankings from our Gryphons include Max Davies (ninth), Jack Lehto (eleventh), Christian Rachner (twenty-fourth), and Laura Yantha (thiry-second). Davies and Lehto were also named U

SPORTS All-Canadians, helping to close the season with Guelph pride!

GOLF – WOMENS 2, MENS 4

At the Ontario University Golf Championship this fall, the Guelph women’s team placed second out of 12 teams (best in UofG women’s golf history), and the men’s team placed fourth out of 14 teams!

FIELD HOCKEY – 7 WINS, 1 LOSS, 2 TIES

This fall season, the Women’s Field Hockey team came out on top! They placed first in the West division and second in the entire league, scoring the second-most amount of goals and achieving the second-highest save percentage. Midfielder Abby Warriner was named U SPORTS Player of the Year, midfielder Elly Peters was named a U SPORTS All-Canadian, and Coach Michelle Turley received the U SPORTS Coach of the Year Award.

WOMEN’S LACROSSE – 3 WINS, 8 LOSSES

MEN’S LACROSSE – 11 WINS, 1 LOSS

The Men’s Lacrosse team went undefeated in the regular season this year, with most of the final scores showing large differences between the Gryphons and other Ontario teams. They placed first in the West division and tied with McGill (East div.) for first in the league!

ROWING – WOMEN 5, MEN 6

At the 2024 Canadian University Rowing Championships, the Guelph women’s team finished fifth out of 21 teams, and the men’s team finished sixth out of 21 teams.

SOFTBALL – 16 WINS, 8 LOSSES

This Fall, the Gryphons softball team finished 2nd in the West division! They also earned the second-highest amount of wins out of any team in the league and scored the third-highest amount of runs all season (145).

All scores were recorded at time of publication.

As the fall semester ends, so do some seasons of Gryphon sports. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOPHIA MARCON
ICON BY FREEPIK

Living with PCOS

Health strategies, education, and support available on campus

Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, (PCOS), is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder that affects about one out of every ten women in reproductive age, but 70 per cent go undiagnosed according to the World Health Organization, (WHO). It comes with a combination of various symptoms, which span across mental, physical, and reproductive aspects of health.

Symptoms of PCOS usually occur due to the formation of cysts in the ovaries, leading to increased synthesis of the male hormones called androgens. This leads to symptoms such as: irregular periods, painful periods, weight gain (especially around the belly) and difficulty losing weight, bloating, excessive facial and body hair growth (called hirsutism), acne, hair thinning, constant low energy, increased cravings, mood swings, and anxiety.

These symptoms are not the same for everyone. Some people with ovaries might have all the symptoms, while others may only have a few. Nonetheless, it can have long-term effects on the body – like insulin resistance, infertility, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.

People with PCOS are at a higher risk of anxiety and depression as compared to those without PCOS. In a study published in the Journal of Gynecological Endocrinology in 2021, it was revealed that 37 per cent of those tested with PCOS suffer from anxiety and 42 per cent have diagnosed depression. Mild symptoms of anxiety and depression are more common, especially with factors such as

obesity, excessive androgens production, and stress playing a role in the increased psychological distress.

PCOS may occur due to genetic predispositions, unhealthy lifestyle, or prolonged stress, however, the exact cause is not known.

Dr Christina Brooks, the campus naturopathic doctor, told The Ontarion that many people focus solely on the symptoms, such as facial hair or weight gain, but do not address the root cause behind this – which is PCOS. She emphasized that people do not have to hide behind their symptoms or blame themselves, and the symptoms are a part of the condition. PCOS is persistent and chronic, but there are ways to manage it and improve health.

“There is a lot more research on PCOS now that we can lean on to support women, and in the university population, there's a lot of room for education and giving women the tools to incorporate some of these nutritional lifestyle interventions that can reduce their risk factors in the long term,” Brooks said.

She linked the consistent low energy levels and sugar cravings to insulin resistance. She explained, “Insulin resistance is a common part of PCOS. The blood sugar levels are consistently high and when blood sugar levels are more consistently high, the pancreas excretes more insulin to try to help manage that sugar. We end up with more consistently high insulin levels and the body kind of stops responding to it. When we cannot use blood sugar efficiently, it often makes us feel very tired. So,

we may crave things that are sweet and carbohydrate rich, which contributes to more fluctuating blood sugar levels. Weight gain is quite a common consequence of insulin resistance.”

Emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes, Brooks said, “I understand sleep can be difficult to manage especially in a high-pressure environment such as a university, but sleep deprivation changes our blood sugar regulation the next day. Exercise is another important aspect. When we carry more muscle and when we move, it helps our body to use sugar more efficiently."

"So, that is something that we should try to fit into every day somehow. Nutrition plays an especially significant role in overall health. We should try to include more vegetables, fiber, and seeds in our daily diets. Simply walking in nature every day, finding a spot that you enjoy, can greatly help with the stress response of the body.”

When asked about self-supplementation with vitamins and botanicals, Brooks said, "I encourage women to read and to learn about your health. That is fantastic. But toxic levels of supplementation, even with beneficial vitamins and minerals, can damage your liver or kidneys. It is really important to work with someone that can help guide you on what you need because everyone's needs are different.”

She suggested a collaborative approach of a dietician, naturopath, and family doctor to improve health in the long term and encouraged young people to move forward with health.

There are many resources available on campus to help with symptoms of PCOS. When it comes to physical health, all students have a Recreation Membership through which they can access drop-in rec, intramurals, and clubs at the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre. Drop-in sports include volleyball, badminton, hockey, squash (with advanced reservation), swimming, and track. The athletic centre’s calendar is updated weekly every Tuesday and can be accessed on fitandrec.gryphons. ca.

The centre also offers skill development in aquatics, dance, martial arts, and sports every semester. Fees vary according to the course, and winter semester registration is now open. There is also Gryphon Fitness On-Demand, a library of videos of Gryphon instructors teaching fitness classes that is free to current students. Or, if you’re someone who prefers the outdoors, take a daily walk in The Arboretum.

When it comes to nutrition, all students have access to Student Wellness Services nutrition services, including group nutrition, nutrition services on demand, and one-to-one nutrition appointments. These services can usually be accessed at no additional cost as they are included in student fees. Winter 2025 group nutrition services will occur Wednesdays from 2:30-3:20 p.m. in JTP 2259 with the option to join virtually via MS Teams. These meetings will include the following topics: Managing Low Appetite (Jan. 22 and March 12), Nutrition Management for PolyCystic Ovary

Syndrome (PCOS) (Jan. 29 and March 19), and Managing Cravings (Feb. 12 and March 26).

Student Wellness Services also offers mental health services via individual counseling, the Student Support Network, International and ELP Student Mental Wellness, and therapy groups.

Relevant therapy groups beneficial for those suffering from PCOS are Groups for Depression or Anxiety, Disordered Eating Group, Distress Tolerance, Meal Support Group, Mindfulness, Building Social Confidence, Regulating Emotions, and Stress Management.

These groups are led by certified councilors and offer a practical approach and safe environment.

As a naturopathic doctor on campus, Brooks works alongside each patient’s medical team and uses a balanced approach that includes improving sleep, digestion, and nutrition through healthy lifestyle changes. This care is guided by scientific evidence and emphasizes using food as a form of medicine to address individual health concerns. She has an expertise in dealing with PCOS and common concerns associated with it, such as: difficulty sleeping, menstrual irregularities (menopause, irregular and/or painful periods, etc.), general fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

An appointment can be booked at the Health and Performance Centre in the JT Powell building. Naturopathic medicine coverage is provided by University of Guelph’s My Student Plan.

PCOS is persistent and chronic, but there are ways to manage it and improve health. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PIXABAY

The invisible world beneath our feet

Learning about microbial soil science with Dr. Kari Dunfield

From the ground below our feet to the organs within our bodies, microscopic organisms called microbes colonize nearly every environment imaginable. Though minuscule in size, these life forms play substantial inter-disciplinary roles spanning fields such as agriculture, healthcare, environmental science, and beyond. Given microbes' diverse activities, microbiology is a vast and ever-changing subject, often leading researchers down unexpected paths.

The work of Kari Dunfield, a Canada Research Chair in Environmental Microbiology of Agro-ecosystems and co-editor of the Canadian Journal of Microbiology, exemplifies this versatility.

Dr. Dunfield’s academic journey began at the University of Calgary, where she initially focused on medical microbiology and human health. However, this area only partially captured her interest. Towards the end of her degree, she took a plant microbiology course, sparking a newfound passion for environmental microbiology.

After graduation, Dr. Dunfield worked for a company specializing in plant pathology and the effects of pesticides. She then pursued a master’s degree in plant

science at the University of Saskatchewan, where she focused on rhizobium, a beneficial soil microbe, to obtain a master’s degree in plant science. Inspired to continue her research, she pursued a PhD in soil science.

Presently, Dr. Dunfield works as a professor in applied soil ecology at the University of Guelph where she integrates her diverse background into her research.

One of the key areas of Dr. Dunfield’s work is microbial soil science. This field broadly analyzes the presence and impact of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and moulds in soil ecosystems- an often overlooked aspect of agriculture.

Her research explores and highlights the benefits of enhanced biodiversity, specifically mentioning microbes’ contributions to outcompeting pathogens, improving plant growth, and aiding in carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere. Additionally, her work explains how protecting and enhancing microbial biodiversity in soils is crucial to sustaining these vital functions and maintaining ecosystem health.

When asked about her cur-

rent projects, Dr. Dunfield mentioned her ongoing study of microbes in regenerative grazing, a sustainable farming practice where “you move cows around [when putting them out to pasture]... to see the benefits from the animal and environmental perspectives."

In particular, Dr. Dunfield’s team is interested in the positive effects of regenerative grazing on soil health, focusing on microbial biodiversity and subsequent nutrient cycling, the process by which elements move through the environment.

Dr. Dunfield employs soil sampling and various forms of genomic analysis to collect data for this project. With this information, she compares “farms that use rotation and farms without” to observe how the microbial populations “shift over time” and “any trends” they may see throughout the course of the agricultural practice.

This interdisciplinary research project adopts a One Health approach, emphasizing collaboration between microbiologists and farmers. The One Health perspective highlights the interconnectedness of human, environmental, and animal health

and how in their work, researchers need to consider the factors affecting all three.

Dr. Dunfield describes the “cyclical” manner in which the aforementioned domains influence one another, stressing the need to further investigate how “humans and animals impact the environment." Based on her study’s findings, she outlines both direct and indirect processes- such as pollutant breakdown, greenhouse gas regulation, and increased nutrient availability in foods- that affect health as a whole.

In addition to her research, Dr. Dunfield is involved with Soils at Guelph, a collaborative initiative aiming to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application.

This group, co-led by University of Guelph faculty members, “[Kari Dunfield], Claudia Wagner-Riddle, and Laura L. Van Eerd” arose from their “complementary research... and passion for soil science." They hope to encourage open dialogue and knowledge exchange between scientists, farmers, and the community to foster future collaboration amongst the industries whose work directly impacts and

is affected by the soil and environment.

Soil scientists like Dr. Kari Dunfield highlight the seemingly invisible yet vastly impactful role microbes play not only in soil health but in all aspects of One Health. Her work with regenerative grazing and her role in establishing initiatives such as Soils at Guelph are a major step towards a promising future where interdisciplinary research is the norm. Thanks to the hard work of microbiologists worldwide, the potential to address some of the most pressing and relevant challenges faced in agriculture, public health, and climate change is gained.

Scientists and the community must work together to enhance the livelihood of these unseen forces enveloping and shaping our world.

With so many diverse microbes, opportunities for exploration are endless. PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNSPLASH/PAIGE STAMPATORI

Pumpkin spice lattes, the classic “basic bitch” drink. We all know the assumptions associated with the people who drink them — they’re girly, stuck-up, and lack individuality — they’re “basic.” Why is that? How come as soon as some flavoured syrup and milk is added to a coffee, it’s considered feminine? And why is that a bad thing?

The term “basic” is thrown around particularly at women who follow popular trends that are distinctly feminine. The use of the word and the double standard behind it isn’t just a joke but is reflective of the societal discomfort around femininity. To be called girly is an insult, to be feminine is to be weak – because in the end, femininity is not as desirable as masculinity. Women cannot exist without being held under a microscope and being perceived in

Stop fearing femininity

In defense of the “basic bitch”

accordance with the ingrained ideologies of a patriarchal society.

The term “basic” suggests that enjoying things associated with women — uggs and leggings, seasonal drinks, Hallmark movies, Instagram aesthetics, pop music — indicates a lack of intelligence. However, the actual lack of intelligence is in the laziness of the insult itself. The word really has no meaning, it is just a term that gives people the chance to shame and mock women’s interests.

I think many women struggle to break free of the stereotyping that comes alongside the term “basic.” Once you rave about a fall-themed latte, recommend a cheesy rom-com that made you cry, or hang up a poster of a female pop artist, assumptions are made about you. They think they

BEKKERING

can assume all your interests, your personality, and judge you based on the fact that you enjoy something socially categorized as feminine.

Enjoying these things doesn’t have to take away from the fact that you have other interests and a personality of your own. You shouldn’t have to feel like you constantly need to prove them wrong, or distance yourself from the “basic” stereotype as much as you can, because in that way it’s just proving all over again that femininity is not desirable.

If femininity is seen as undesirable in society, less people are going to want to openly associate themselves with it. It’s this hegemony that’s creating a loop of endless misogyny that won’t end until we consciously become more open-minded!

Moreover, what links all these “basic” things together is not only the fact that they are associated with being women’s interests, but the fact that they are popular. People see women coming together and forming a community around a shared interest and deem it basic and stupid.

This viewpoint comes from the fact that once something becomes popular among women, it becomes feminine, therefore if a man in any way becomes associated with that interest, it’s a threat to his masculinity and thus, his identity, of course tholding masculinity in such a high regard is also extremely harmful to men.

All these interests that make someone feminine and “basic” are things that bring people together! Finding community in others is one of the greatest feelings in

life, so why do we feel the need to demonize it? Men are allowed to like video games, sports, and rap music without judgement or ridicule no matter how unoriginal or popular it is.

The ingrained ideology that femininity is associated with weakness is something so painfully outdated. If this mind-set could be changed, even slightly, we could open up a whole new world of comfortability in expressing gender and identity.

So please, let’s stop acting like a man drinking a pumpkin spice latte is the downfall of masculinity because if that’s all it takes, maybe masculinity wasn’t that strong to begin with. Be secure in who you are and try to consider how you view or criticize others’ interests within a patriarchal framework.

Will this year be any different?
Is this finally the year for a deep playoff run?

Chances are if you are a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs just as I am, you haven’t had many opportunities to feel excited about this team.

Having only advanced from the first round once in the last 15 years, there is very little post-season hockey for the Maple Leafs. So, why is that this year feels different and the potential for a deep playoff run is possible?

As of writing this, the Leafs sit second place in the Atlantic division, one point off from the current leaders, the Florida Panthers with an extra game played. The other teams in the Atlantic division have taken a major step back, allowing for the Leafs to step up and potentially take command as the number one team in the division.

The Tampa Bay Lightning had their time from 2019-2022, winning two Stanley Cups as well as reaching a Stanley Cup final. However, they have taken a noticeable step back and are no longer the powerhouse they once were, having lost in the first round the previous two years. They’ve also been easily dismantled in five years by the Florida Panthers.

The Lightning’s loss of captain Steven Stamkos this offseason will hurt with the all time points leader for the Lightning being nowhere near the player he was in years past, however he is still putting up a respectable 81 points in 79 games last season. The addition of Jake Guentzel will help, as well as Nikita Kucherov playing incredibly well at nearly a goal per game, so far having 24 points in only 15 games.

The other team that seems to always have the Leafs number is the Boston Bruins. Just like the Lightning, however, the Bruins have taken a large step back, losing key pieces as well as having many underperforming players to start the season.

The Bruins lost many of their key pieces from their championship runs – most notably their former captain, Patrice Bergeron in 2023 who they have yet to find a great replacement for. David Pastrňák is still putting up a point per game to start the year, however, other than that small bright spark, there is little to be happy about for this Boston team.

The main issue for the Bruins right now is the play of their start-

ing goalie Jeremy Swayman who signed a big contract extension in the offseason. So far through 13 games, Swayman is posting career lows with an atrocious .888 sv% (save percentage) combined with a 3.35 GAA (goals against average). The Bruins’ defense has been so bad that through 18 games they have a -16 goal differential, which puts them bottom five in the entire NHL at the time of publication.

The other main roadblock in the Atlantic for the Leafs is the reigning champion Florida Panthers. The Panthers are off to a roll so far at top of the division and looking as strong as they were last year despite the losses they sustained, including Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Anthony Stolarz who both joined the Maple Leafs. Every year in the playoffs it seems to be the same story for the Leafs: lack of scoring and underwhelming play from the star players as well as poor goaltending, usually resulting in a quick exit. For the scoring this season, hopefully players like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner can find a rhythm at the right time.

When at full strength,

the Leafs have one of the most high-powered offenses. Add in players like Matthew Knies who is enjoying a breakout season and William Nylander who seems to always put up points when it matters, and the Leafs definitely have all the capabilities to score. As well, the addition of veteran leaders like Max Pacioretty could help if a playoff run is in the picture.

On the other side of the puck, the Leafs struggle with defense and goaltending. Former goaltender Ilya Samsonov was a large part of why the Leafs went out in the first round last year, with his questionable goaltending being one of the key talking points. The Leafs have attempted to fix that issue by bringing in Anthony Stolarz, who last year played as the backup goalie on the Panthers. Stolarz has been a much needed improvement posting a .930 sv% and 2.11 GAA at the time of writing. These numbers are good for second and third respectively among goalies who have played at least 10 games so far.

As well as improving the goaltender, the Leafs made some big improvements to their defensive core adding both Christopher

Tanev and Ekman-Larsson. The defense was missing some big players and both have stepped in well so far. Tanev currently leads the league in blocked shots at 58 and Ekman-Larsson has looked good so far. The Leafs also added a new coach, getting rid of Sheldon Keefe and replacing him with Craig Berube who coached the St. Louis Blues to a cup in 2019.

With the new coach has come some changes, however it will still take a bit of time for the Leafs to fully understand and buy into the way he wants to play. One example of this is the powerplay which started the year awfully, but has in recent games started to find a bit of a rhythm which will only go up from here.

With all that being said, do I believe that the Leafs have the potential to win the cup? Ultimately yes, I do. They have the offense required, their defense and goaltending has been greatly improved, and they have a winning head coach behind the bench. Saying all that, I am still not getting my hopes up and am preparing for the very likely scenario where they once again disappoint and are eliminated in the first round.

New coaches mean new changes in play. PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNSPLASH

How to build a ginormous snowman

You might not break the Guinness World Record, but you can try!

GRACIE HORNUNG

Building a heavy-weight-champ sized snowman is no small feat. Emphasis here must be placed on the go big or go home mentality.

So if you’re hoping to get your neighbours to call by-law, here are some insider tips for the season.

Step 1: Pick your timing wisely. The perfect conditions for building come right before the snow melts. This is because warmer snow holds more moisture, creating packing snow, which is best for stable structures.

Step 2: Draft a team! Specifically a ladder and your tallest friends are preferable.

Hit the powder: Best ski and snowboard destinations near you

Are you checking out Blue Mountain or Glen Eden this winter?

MAIA GALLETTA

‘Tis the season for black diamonds and après ski parties! It is finally that time of year when grassy hills turn into powdery slopes, and sunglasses turn into ski goggles. Whether you're a seasoned shredder or a first-timer who’s just looking to stay upright, the slopes are calling your name. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel too far to get your snow fix. Here’s a list of the top resorts that you can visit this season near Guelph.

1. Glen Eden Ski Resort

Glen Eden, located in Milton, Ont., is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders who are in search of a fun and accessible getaway, just 30 minutes away from campus. The resort provides a variety of runs, catering mainly to beginner and intermediate skiers/ snowboarders.

Affordable season passes are available,

Step 3: Use any tools you can find. If the snow is not at its best possible condition, bring a spray bottle of water to add moisture content, bring shovels, a wooden plank (if the upper sections are too heavy to lift, roll them upwards), and more.

Step 4: Compact. Condense the snow as much as possible. This will be easier to do with packing snow, and this will naturally help to form ice, delaying melting.

3.

Chicopee Ski Club

Just 25 minutes away from the university (located in Kitchener, Ont.), Chicopee Ski Club is an amazing option for beginner skiers and snowboarders who are looking to improve and master their craft. This hidden gem with 11 different trails, including a terrain park, is great for those who are looking for a laid-back experience, with all access day passes starting at $55.

Chicopee also offers drop-in lessons, allowing you to develop your ski/snowboard skills in a fun and interactive way.

4. Lakeridge Resort

Finally, if you’re looking for some inspiration, or a goal to match, the Guinness World Record for the tallest snowman to exist was built in Maine, U.S.A., named "Olympia", clocking in at a quaint 122 feet tall.

According to Dr. James Hind from Nottingham Trent University, the mathematically perfect snowman should theoretically be 5 feet and 4 inches tall, with the diameters of the circles being 80, 50, and 30 cm, respectively. Dr. Hind has done plenty of research on the topic, and his eccentric study is accessible online.

starting at $219, so you can hit the slopes at any time during their core season, which usually runs from early December to mid March. The resort also features night skiing, so the fun doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down!

2. Blue Mountain Resort

A top ski destination in Ontario, with 43 trails across 364 skiable acres, Blue Mountain caters to every level of skier and snowboarder. The resort has a variety of different experiences, from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing to tubing. Known for its beautiful views of the surrounding hills and Georgian Bay, and its charming village nestled at the base of the resort, Blue Mountain combines its extensive facilities with its stunning atmosphere to create the ultimate Ontario winter getaway!

Located in the rolling hills of the Durham Region, Lakeridge Resort is the perfect spot for winter sport enthusiasts. With 21 different trails ranging from beginner to advanced - including terrain parks and a six lane tube park - this park meets the needs of all people who are looking for some good old wintertime fun! With lift tickets starting at $59, you can have a day full of snow shredding for an affordable price.

Whether you're looking for a quick day trip, or a weekend getaway, these resorts have it all! As the semester begins to wrap up and exams slowly conclude, these resorts are the perfect way to blow off some steam after the 2024 academic season finally comes to a close. So lace up your boots, put away those textbooks, and head down to some of Ontario’s finest slopes for ultimate winter fun!

ILLUSTRATIONS BY PAIGE STAMPATORI
You don't have to travel too far if you want to hit the slopes. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

Holiday Giving Guide makes return for 2024 season

The guide is brought to you by Student Volunteer Connections

The holiday season is kicking off and so is Student Volunteer Connections’ annual Holiday Giving Guide, (HGG).

The guide features a list of 32 charities and not-for-profit organizations in the Guelph-Wellington area who are looking for some extra help around the holidays. It aims to provide students with information about each organization, and it indicates the kind of support that students can

provide.

Discussing the types of contributions students can make, Grace Seminara, a co-op student with Student Volunteer Connections, (SVC), explained that “we split it up into monetary, items, and volunteers. So depending on what people are able to give, they can pick”. The Guide is “so flexible, and you can really find anything in there.” This approach gives students more options to

give back.

The HGG features organizations devoted to a variety of causes.

“There’s a bunch of different types of organizations, so there’s really something for everyone,” Seminara said.

For example, there are options for students interested in supporting animal, shelter, and food-related causes.

When asked about the ad-

vice she would give students who would like to give to an organization, but are unsure of which one to choose, Seminara recommended thinking about the types of issues that students are passionate about.

“You can go look at their mission statement, just to really make sure you align with them,” she said.

From there, students can think about what type of sup-

port they would like to provide, whether that’s a financial contribution, item donation, or volunteering their time.

“It’s really fun,” Seminara said. “It’s a way for people to see all of these ways to give around the holiday season. And it’s so nice that it’s all just in one place, and you don’t have to search for it.”

Originally produced by the People and Information Network (PIN), the Guide was taken over last year by SVC when PIN dissolved.

“Last year was our first year. So this will be our second,” Seminara explained.

She shared that the previous year’s Holiday Giving Guide received glowing feedback, especially from an organization that met its funding goal.

Students in the holiday spirit who are looking to give back to their community can access the HGG on the Experiential Learning Hub website.

To learn about other volunteer opportunities, SVC helps students find positions on campus and in the Guelph-Wellington area. They also run events like Project Serve, which are half-day volunteering experiences with community organizations.

More information about the guide can be found at uoguel.ph/ hgg.

- Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Celebrating yourself during the holidays

How to make the season special if you’re spending it alone

The holidays are often associated with family get-togethers, but spending them alone can still be special. Whether you can’t make it home or prefer not to see family, you can create your own warm and fulfilling winter holiday. As someone who has a difficult relationship with family, I celebrated last Thanksgiving by myself. I found that a solo holiday was a peaceful way to step away from my hectic life and recharge. Here are some festive ideas to brighten up your holiday season.

Bake a sweet treat

When the weather outside is frightful, a sweet treat is so delightful. The holidays have so many baked goods to choose from. You can make gingerbread, sugar cookies, or anything candy-cane related. I recommend getting ingredients in bulk at a place like Bulk Barn to ensure

you get the exact quantity you need. Also, you can get decorations like snowflake sprinkles. Baking makes me feel like I have my life together and my kitchen smells fantastic after.

Watch a holiday movie or TV show

So many movies are about the winter season. For a romantic comedy try Love Actually, or for something funny, Home Alone is a go-to. Don’t forget the timeless classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Elf, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. You can also make fun of Hallmark movies. There’s so many, and they all have basically the same plot. Also, your favourite TV show probably has some fun winter episodes.

Go on a nature walk

Guelph lights up during the winter so go see the decor and the

ANDREEA BURLACU

beauty of nature! Bundle up in your warm coat and winter boots and head outside for a stroll. You can see the unique snowflakes and the icicles hanging from the buildings. It’s also fun building a snowman or making a snow angel to bring out your inner child. I really like heading to a park, taking nature photos, and bringing a thermos of hot chocolate or tea to stay cozy.

Journal

As the year wraps up, it’s nice to reflect on what you’re grateful for in 2024 and what your hopes are for the future. There are so many beautiful things in life to be thankful for, and it makes me feel serene to write about them. You can take the time to set goals for yourself, whether it’s to be more creative, to fix your sleep schedule, or to get out of your comfort zone more often. Putting pen to paper can help you dis-

cover yourself and manifest your future, which sets you up for a great upcoming year.

Call loved ones

Even if you can’t physically be with friends or family, you can still reach out from a distance. With the time off you get during winter break, you can catch up with loved ones and hear their life updates. Send a message, make a call or FaceTime, even write a letter if you’re feeling old-fashioned. Connecting with loved ones and hearing what’s new in their lives always feels like a warm hug.

Gift yourself something nice

Take the opportunity to treat yourself and buy something on your wishlist. Whether it’s a Sephora splurge, a new clothing purchase, or a fun experience like a trip, the holidays are a great ex-

cuse to treat yourself. It doesn’t have to be anything too expensive – even some decadent Christmas chocolates or a fun flavour of coffee can perk you up. As a bonus, you can wait until Boxing Day to score yourself a great deal.

You can find meaningful ways to celebrate even if it’s by yourself. Use any of these ideas or create your own new traditions that spice up this season. It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions during this time. Reach out if you need support – Guelph offers many resources like counsellors and the Multi-Faith Resource Team that you can talk to. Even though you’re by yourself, you’re not alone this holiday season.

Going on a walk outdoors is a great way to reconnect with nature – and with yourself. PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNSPLASH

Merry Thriftmas!

Challenge our consumption-crazed culture with secondhand gifts this holiday season

EMMERSON JULL

The holiday season is lowkey trashy. Mountains of disposable gift wrapping, single use packaging, and cheap plastic stocking stuffers all contribute to the holidays being an immensely wasteful time of year. In response to this waste, some gifters have decided to embrace pre-loved presents instead of buying brand new.

In their 2024 holiday retail outlook, Deloitte reported that 59 per cent of Canadians are interested in buying sustainable gifts. But many shoppers feel that sustainable gifts offer too little value for their price tags. Meanwhile, consumers—especially young people—are increasingly turning to e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Shein, and Temu to buy gifts

at ultra-low prices. Unfortunately, those digital shopping platforms are notoriously giant contributors to the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. As our winters trend warmer, the climate impact of holiday gifting can be grim. Instead, ‘merry’ sustainability and affordability by purchasing thrifted gifts. It takes a little more time and dedication, but your recipients will appreciate the thoughtful curation that goes into a secondhand present. Even the humblest budgets can be stretched in the aisles of a thrift store, where shiny $2 tchotchkes beckon from the depths of crowded shelves.

Start by thinking of your recipient’s hobbies and interests.

If you need a cheat sheet, look at themed gift guides online and create a list of what you might be able to find at the thrift store. Use apps like Pinterest boards to envision what you’re hunting for before you even walk in.

For instance, friends who love to host dinner parties might appreciate hand-painted serving bowls, mother-of-pearl salad spoons, and colourful glassware. Hit up an antique mall or Salvation Army to search for housewares. Go the extra mile by collecting these items inside a wicker basket or wrapping them in reusable linens, like fancy tablecloths. Have a fashion-obsessed sibling? I’ve found vintage Valentino skirts, 100 per cent cashmere sweaters, and buttery leather purs-

es hiding in the racks at Goodwill and Value Village. Unless you are sure of your recipient’s clothing size, it can be best to stick to accessories to avoid any disappointment.

Some of the best gifts are extremely personal, and surprisingly, you can find many of those items secondhand too. Think of the little things: a shot glass from a place you visited together, a special edition of their favourite board game, or a collection of supplies for their chosen craft, like a stack of magazines for collaging. If thrift stores seem too vast and overwhelming, some shops in downtown Guelph can help narrow your secondhand search, albeit for a slightly higher price tag.

The Patch has two locations filled

with preloved clothes, while music lovers would be pleased with a used vinyl from Royal Cat Records.

Still, a little discretion is wise. Not all people find used gifts charming, so if you’re buying for a Secret Santa exchange, make sure everyone is comfortable with secondhand items before you shop. If you can, wash, launder, or disinfect items before you gift them. Stay away from questionable items, like used socks. Only thrift gifts that you would be happy to receive.

So, consider starting your own ‘Thriftmas’ tradition this holiday season. When you see the knick knack aisle glimmer, you can decide: one person’s trash, or your perfect treasure?

Pre-loved presents encourage sustainability during the holiday season. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEXELS

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Ontarion, 1964

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 is your favourite thing to do in

Guelph in the wintertime?

“We love to go sledding and then go to the coffee shop called the Common in downtown Guelph”

Heidi Vonwells & Carmen Marr 2nd year, One Health & 2nd year, Child Studies

“I love building snowmen. I feel like that's something that people don’t do often, and it's like one of the small things that like is the most fun, that people should do more often”

Alyssa Anghad 2nd year, Business Management

"Skating & Tobogganing"

Ella Watson & Simone Dimichino 1st year, Mathematics & 1st year, Biomedical Engineering

BECAUSE WE ASKED the artists

“Spending time with loved ones and maintaining relationships when it’s cold outside/when away from family.”

Chelsea Moore Dancing Fauns, sewn fabric

"Supporting local businesses and sipping on some delicious hot chocolate!"

Daniela Lemus

Warm Hot Chocolate Date, digital illustration

“Work on projects in the photo studio located in Zavitz Hall. Winter weather can often be harsh, and snowstorms can feel chaotic outside when they hit. Being indoors allows me to find stillness, reflect, and experiment with new ideas that come to mind.”

Manny Brinton Solace, digital photograph

DECEMBER TO-DO LIST

SAT DEC 7

Guelph Community Santa Parade

5:30 p.m.

Downtown Guelph

• Find the Ontarion marching in this year's Santa Parade

Charity Fundraiser for Community of Hearts Dance Party

• Doors at 7:00 p.m., music from 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

• Revel Cider, 62 Dawson Rd, Guelph

• $10 entry

• Drinks, snacks, raffle prizes, and music by DJ Bodywaltz

SUN DEC 8

Women in Craft - Holiday Sip N’ Shop

• 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Royal City Brewing Company

• Shop crafts made by local women artisans, enjoy craft beer, and listen to live music while supporting Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis

D D D

SAT DEC 14

Enchanted Witches Holiday Market

• 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Royal Canadian Legion Branch 234

• Discover local vendors, mystical readers, and witchy products Christmas cocktails will be served at Santa’s bar

• Free admission

SAT DEC 21

The Scented Market - Sip & Pour

• 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• 260 Edinburgh Road South, Guelph Ticket price: $60

• 2 hours to pour your own 8 oz soy candle to bring home (all supplies included) 1 glass of wine and sweet treat included with candle games and prizes to be won

ONGOING EVENTS

Friday, Dec 6 - Sunday, Dec 15

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Guelph Little Theatre

• Come watch this hilarious play about putting on a Christmas pageant

Tickets are $15 for students at thelittleboxoffice.com

Friday, Dec 6 - Sunday, Dec 15 Spirit of the Season

• Downtown Guelph

• Celebrate the winter season with the Guelph community Mayor & Council Tree Lighting: Dec 6 at 6 p.m.

• Christmas Marketplace: Dec 6 - 8 & Dec 13 - 15 Guelph Community Santa Parade & Santa Run: Dec 7 at 5 p.m.

Storefront Window Decorating Contest: Voting takes place Dec 6 - Dec 15

• Find more information at spiritoftheseasonguelph.com

THE ONTARION'S CLUB OF THE MONTH

Club Name: UofGuelph Swift Society Club Since: Fall 2023

Club Mission: The Taylor Swift Society brings students together to celebrate Taylor Swift's music, artistry, and positive messages. As Swifties, we create a supportive and inclusive environment where Gryphons can share their love for music, engage in thoughtful discussions, and connect through mutual appreciation. Our mission is to foster community, respect, and creativity, ensuring everyone feels valued, regardless of background or level of fandom. How can others get involved: Students can get involved by joining our GryphLife page, where they'll be added to our email list for updates on upcoming events. We also post event details on Instagram @uogswiftsoc. For those interested in an executive position, keep an eye on email and Instagram for application updates, which typically open twice a year: once in the summer before the fall semester and again in the winter.

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

PETS OF THE MONTH

Breed: Tuxedo

Photo: Rose Myatt

Age: 3

Fun Fact: She will worship you if you give her ice cream.

Fun Fact: Apollo was a feral cat before being rescued. MEET MOO!

Breed: Syrian Long Haired Hamster

Photo: Cassandra Clausen

Age: 1

Fun Fact: Daisy chewed out of her box on the way home from the pet store

Breed: Tabby

Photo: Michela Magliocco

Age: 5

MEET JAX!

Breed: Golden Retriever

Photo: Alyssa Cunningham Age: 4

Fun Fact: Jax can carry two stuffed toys and a tennis ball in his mouth

PUZZLE PAGES

CROSSWORD

8. Keyboard key

9. Talks back to

10. One who takes command of a ship

11. Langston Hughes poem

12. Faculty head

13. Time, in India

21. Soft drink choice

23. Do a number

25. Lanai neighbor

26. A matter of degrees

28. TV handyman Bob

29. Pisa place

30. Water wheel

31. Young bird

33. _ Gay (famous airplane)

34. Way to cook

37. Cup-shaped flower

39. Stuck, after "in"

41. Mocking

43. Boy or man

46. Neb. neighbor

48. Nonsense

51. Sweltering

53. Employee

55. Kentucky college

57. Life stories

58. Writer Sarah _ Jewett

59. Eye drop

61. Vintner's prefix

62. Religious offshoot

63. Graf __ (ship)

64. School org.

66. RR stop

67. British special forces unit

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 December 12 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 Anna Schwanke!

49. Baton Rouge sch.

Fenced areas 52. Unit of power 54. Paint crudely 56. Mexican money

57. Pamphlet

60. _ Perot

64. Fishing reel 65. Head lock 68. Retain 69. Author Morrison 70. Lasso 71. Suffix with exist 72. Wait _! 73. Threads 74. Type of memory

WINTER WORD SEARCHES

HOLIDAY

University Centre Room 264

University of Guelph N1G 2W1 ontarion@uoguelph.ca

519-824-4120

Editorial: x 58250

Advertising: x 58267

Accounts: x 53534

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor-in-Chief

Taylor Pipe News Editor

Carlota Sousa

Arts & Culture Editor

Andreea Burlacu

Sports & Health Editor

OPEN POSITION

Copy Editor & Fact Checker

Olivia Strutt

Digital Editor OPEN POSITION

PRODUCTION STAFF

Graphic Designer/Art Director

Paige Stampatori

Photo & Graphics Editor

Sophia Marcon

OFFICE STAFF

Executive Director

Patrick Sutherland

Accountant

Laurie Arnold

Marketing Coordinator Lucca Maggiolo

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Paula Henry-Duru

Chair of the Board

Katelynn Huong

Vice President Finance

Jaidyn McCrae

Vice President Communications

OPEN POSITION

Staff Representative Paige Stampatori

DIRECTORS

Thea Basic

Denver Bubelich

Mariana Erazo

Jordana Glowinsky

Avneet Grewal

CONTRIBUTORS

JORJA ALLEN

LAURA APBLETT

SIMRAN AUJLA

JANICE AUSTIN

LAUREN BASTIAN

ERIKA BEKKERING

KATE BANDSTRA

HANNAH DICKHOFF

MAIA GALLETTA

SIENNA G. GEISSLER

SANA GURUNATHAN

EMMERSON JULL

MARTINE MENDOZA-BOYD

TALIA NICHOLLS

ATHAVI NISHAANTHAN

AMAZA PAYNE

MARTIN LIMA PEREZ

ELLIE PETRAK

KYLE SALTER

NAINCY SHARMA

ASHLYN STUART

OWEN TSIPTSIS

MCKINLEY HARVEY

Funded

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