Lettitor
Negative video game stigmas in the age of quarantine Jessica Berget Editor-in-Chief
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y now everyone seems to be going a little stir crazy from this quarantine, but for gamers, being forced to stay inside all day is all we’ve ever wanted. Since we’re all supposed to be staying in our homes, people have been looking for other ways to release their pent-up energy—playing video games is a great way to do this. Perhaps to the dismay of many parents, kids now more than ever are also reaching for their consoles and controllers—making it a great time to discuss the negative stigmas around playing videos games. We’ve all heard the myths about video games; they can cause violence or aggression, they’re for lazy people with no social lives, or that they turn your brain into mush. Much of the research in the past
about video games has focused on negative ideas such as addiction, depression, or exceeded aggression, but videos games offer many benefits to players. During this time where all we can do to pass the time is to play video games, it’s time we revaluated these myths and how they stand today. Video games are a great way to relax after a long day, and can be beneficial to your mental health and overall mood. They allow you to relieve stress and anxiety—which is exactly what many people need right now. In 2013, the American Psychological Association did a study that found short and simple games, like Angry Birds, can improve people’s moods. Longer and more in-depth games give people a break from reality and allow them to forget about their stressors and anxieties of work or daily life. Shooter games like Doom and Call of Duty can also give people a way to release their
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aggression in a healthy and non-violent way. Softer and cuter games like Stardew Valley can help with depression because they offer a sense of accomplishment. While many say that video games are for people with no friends or a social life, they can also connect you with people who are also gaming during this time of social isolation. Sure, overplaying video games can hinder your social life, but in moderation it can improve social skills and improve social anxiety. Shooter or action games often make you work in teams to win, which is great for sportsmanship, team camaraderie, and socializing. Many of my avid gamer brother’s friends actually come from playing social video games. Of course, there are some games you can only play by yourself, but in the case of games like Animal Crossing, Pokémon, or Super Smash Brothers, you can play most of it solo and also play with friends or meet people
Brittney MacDonald Business Manager Athena Little Illustrator Atiba Nelson Staff Reporter Craig Allan Tania Arora EG Manilag Staff Writers Billy Bui Staff Photographer Erin Meyers Jerrison Oracion Cheryl Minns Senior Columnists Brandon Yip James Wetmore Contributors
Cover layout by Lauren Kelly and Udeshi Seneviratne Feature layout by Christine Weenk
through these gaming communities. Many of these meetings carry through to inperson socialization. Or for more socially anxious people, the online community is all they need to feel connected. Video games have also been proven to be good for your cognitive abilities— namely memory, hand-eye coordination, spatial visualization, perception, vision, decision making, problem-solving skills, and learning—things that everyone can benefit from. Excessive video gaming can be a problem if it hinders from your other responsibilities and life, but as long as we’re all mandatorily all shut inside—game away. Limes,
Jessica Berget Jessica Berget
The Other Press has been Douglas College’s student newspaper since 1976. Since 1978 we have been an autonomous publication, independent of the student union. We are a registered society under the Society Act of British Columbia, governed by an eight-person board of directors appointed by our staff. Our head office is located in the New Westminster campus. The Other Press is published weekly during the fall and winter semesters, and monthly during the summer. We receive our funding from a student levy collected through tuition fees every semester at registration, and from local and national advertising revenue. The Other Press is a member of the Canadian University Press (CUP), a syndicate of student newspapers that includes papers from all across Canada. The Other Press reserves the right to choose what we will publish, and we will not publish material that is hateful, obscene, or condones or promotes illegal activities. Submissions may be edited for clarity and brevity if necessary. All images used are copyright to their respective owners.
News
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news // no. 3 • Douglas extends winter withdrawal deadline • COVID-19 graduates the class of 2020 • An interview with Dr. Jeff Schutts ...and more
Know your MP: Ron McKinnon
››An interview with the representative Craig Allan Staff Writer
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he members of parliament (MP) in the 43 editions of Canadian Parliament have found themselves in what may be one of the greatest health and economic crises the country has faced in a long time. With coronavirus striking at the heart of Canada’s health care, businesses, and everyday socialization, the current class of MP’s have Canada’s future in their hands more than most assemblies. To talk about the government’s response to COVID-19, his political career, and his Liberal government’s view on tuition fees is Ron McKinnon. McKinnon is the sitting MP for Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam and has been representing the riding since 2015. As for how his team and family are dealing with the fallout from coronavirus, McKinnon said they are “settling in” to this new normal, and that his daughters are housebound in the downtown area—but he is keeping in contact with everyone through phone, email, and other means. He also believes that a crisis like this can really bring out the true humanity of people in the best way. McKinnon discussed how the next day (March 24) he was going to be recalled to parliament interactively from his office to vote on the $82 billion emergency bill to bailout Canadians who have lost work
during the COVID-19 shut down. While he does believe the bailout bill is needed, he does not believe the Emergency Act needs to be activated on a federal level. “We’re hoping to not have to do that until we find out if social distancing works.” While McKinnon has been elected twice, his winning margin was slim. He won in 2015 by almost 2000 votes and in 2019 by 387 votes—according to Elections Canada. When asked if he still feels he needs to prove himself he said “I’m not in this to prove myself. I’m here to do good work and get things done.” One of the bills McKinnon is most proud of is the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act which secured safety for any person calling the ambulance to report a drug overdose to not get arrested for possession. “Last summer I had a lady in my office say that her son was alive today because of that bill.” He wants to continue to improve the lives of Canadians through other actions like supporting the bill banning homosexual conversion therapy and finding a way to reduce stress on juries. One of the issues close to many Douglas College students are student loans. I asked him why the government is still charging interest on student loans. He points out that the government has increased the number of grants offered, and the Liberal government has also increased the number of options Canadians have to pay down the debt—
Illustration by Udeshi Seneviratne
for Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam
including a clause that states that people don’t have to begin to payback the loans until they reach an income of $25,000 a year. He also states that the government is introducing new measures to solve the problem of student debt. McKinnon, like many MP’s, must deal with the issue of coronavirus as it comes.
This virus will be unpredictable, and its effects will be long lasting, but hopefully the $82 billion relief bill will ease the pain on Canadians. McKinnon is looking at a tough road ahead, but as he stated, he is not doing this job to prove anything. He is here to make things better for Canadians, and for the people of Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam.
Douglas extends winter withdrawal deadline ››Extension granted until April 9 Atiba Nelson Staff Reporter
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n March 23, Douglas College entered the list of organizations providing relief to individuals during the COVID-19 crisis by extending the winter semester withdrawal deadline to April 9, 2020. “We encourage students to try and complete their courses for the winter semester, and continue to keep in touch with their instructors,” read the press release on Douglas’ website. Normally, Douglas College students are eligible to withdraw from courses or from Douglas during the interval between the last day of the second week of classes and last day of the ninth week
of classes. Students adhering to the timeline established by the "Course and Status Changes” policy (formerly the “Withdrawal” policy) would receive a W on the transcript. Although the 25-day extension of the previous deadline of March 15, 2020 provides mild support to students, withdrawal does have some consequences. “Students can withdraw from winter 2020 courses with a W notation on their permanent record through their myAccount,” states the footnote on the winter 2020 “Dates and Deadline” webpage. There is no messaging on the webpage on whether an explanation about COVID-19 will accompany the student’s withdrawal notation.
The only description or note for a “W” on a Douglas College transcript according to the Douglas College Grading Policy is “Withdrawal before the official deadline.” The policy does note that an assigned “W” grade will not be calculated in a student’s GPA. Douglas joins Simon Fraser University in extending the withdrawal deadline until the end of the semester for students. However, Dr. Jonathan Driver, Vice President Academic and Provost pro tem for SFU also amended the institution’s grading practices for providing some flexibility to students studying during the COVID-19 crisis. “For the spring 2020 term, after final grades are submitted, students will be
allowed to either accept their final course grade or opt for a “P” grade (“pass”), provided they had earned a D grade or higher. “P” grades count for credit and count towards both program requirements and the total credits required for a degree,” stated an email on the SFU “updates” website and sent to all registered SFU students. A grade of “P” would also fulfil the minimum grade required in a prerequisite course. Douglas has a similar grade on its grading system. A grade of AEG, which is noted as Aegrotat, can be awarded to students upon approval of the Dean and Registrar when a student is unable to complete the course due to extenuating circumstances.
news // no. 4
theotherpress.ca
COVID-19 graduates the class of 2020 ››Province prospectively passes all eligible Grade 12 students
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chool is out for Grade 12 students in British Columbia; however, unlike other secondary-school students—who will be returning to high school—many of these students have graduated and may be without an educational institution in September. Amongst the dozens of press releases and letters flowing from provincial ministerial offices in Victoria regarding COVID-19, the Ministry of Education released a statement on March 17 essentially graduating approximately 54,000 Grade 12 students in the province. No cap and gown. No walk across the stage. No cheesy graduation photos. “Every student eligible to graduate from Grade 12 this year will graduate. The only graduation assessment required for current Grade 12 students is the Grade 10 numeracy assessment,” read Minister of Education Rob Fleming’s letter to parents, guardians, and staff. No graduation assessment exams required.
The current crop of graduated Grade 12 students wrote their Grade 10 numeracy assessment in early 2017. These students last wrote a provincial assessment exam earlier in the school year—with some students either finishing their English 12 graduation assessment during the first two offerings in November and January, while
other students were waiting for the last assessment date in June. The decision to suspend in-class instruction was made in consultation with the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and comes one day after neighbouring Alberta closed all schools and daycares.
Illustration by Athena Little
Atiba Nelson Staff Reporter
Canada’s largest province decided to postpone grade school classes for two weeks after March break, with the hope that educational facilities would open on April 6. However, the April 6 timeline has been pushed back in the midst of declaring a State of Emergency in Ontario, although online courses are being considered. All school closures come in the background of low COVID-19 infection rates in individuals under 19 years of age. As of March 29, only 4 percent of Canada’s 3,207 cases have occurred in grade-schoolaged students. Although the Ministry of Education claims that school cancellations were made in consultation with the Provincial Health Officer, Public Health officials remain divided on school closures as an effective public health measure, as Alberta’s chief medical officer, Dr. Deena Hinshaw decried school closures. “The repercussions for closing schools might do more harm than good because any measures taken would need to be in place for months not weeks,” commented Hinshaw at a press conference.
An interview with Dr. Jeff Schutts ››US professors at Douglas College
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ccording to Global News, over 2600 Americans were granted permanent residency in Canada in the first quarter of 2018. While this may be a surprise to many Canadians, some of these Americans are in our own backyards—and even our classrooms. Dr. Jeff Schutts is one of those American migrants. He’s well-travelled— teaching in America for 13 years, doing dissertation research in Germany, and then finally moving to Canada to teach 20 years ago. Schutts has unique insight into both sides of the continental divide. In this interview with the Other Press, he shares his stories about teaching across the border and here—comparing and contrasting those experiences. He has also taught at the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Kwantlen, and now Douglas. In his years of teaching, he has seen first-hand the evolution of students both in Canada and America. The Other Press asked him what differences he has noticed. “I think the changes are now more the digital generation change more so than the nationality change that I have seen happen in the last 20 years. Students today are much different than they were 20 years ago, in worrisome ways but that’s just the way it is. It’s also self-selection. At Douglas we get different students.” When asked specifically about teaching Canadian students, he mentions the Canadian attitude as a major marker. “One thing that’s different is that education here is much cheaper. I remember when I first started teaching,
I was really quite shocked by the number of students that will just drop the course—disappear—when it came time for the papers to be due. They’d come to classes, do the midterm, and then when it came to actually writing their big project and getting it done—they were just disappearing and taking the one official withdrawal grade. And I think a few thousand dollars a credit rather than a few hundred dollars—it doesn’t happen nearly as much. That’s just straight forward pragmatism. Here, I found the stakes weren’t as large… people were much more cavalier about dropping courses,” he said. The OP also asked why he chose Douglas College as his place of work. “What you have to know about academia is that there are tiers. There are research schools like SFU and UBC and then there’s teaching schools like Kwantlen [and Douglas.] So, there’s a very different kind of teaching; you’re much more of a teacher here than you are a professor. The people who are teaching in these kinds of schools definitely get paid better than their equivalents in the states.” Schutts also mentions his struggle with feeling like a true Canadian, despite coming here 20 years ago. “I don’t feel at home yet. I’m still a Canadian in training as I say.” Many Canadians might view America as a more Conservative country because of Republican President Donald J. Trump. They also may view America that way because our country elected a Liberal Prime Minister—Justin Trudeau. When asked if this is something Schutts has noticed in his experience teaching, he said that he agrees that he has. “Overall, certainly. But there’s hubris in both. You know I’ve lived in San
Francisco, I’ve lived in Boston, which are very progressive places, more so than BC in many ways I would say. But the United States has this sort of go-get-it gumption, take on anything, figure it out as we go along—which can be incredibly reckless. Judging from students, I find a lack of initiative as a Canadian characteristic, compared to people in the states,” he said. To illustrate his experience of Canada, Schutts offers a light-hearted joke and anecdote. “I’ll tell you a joke. So, I had a colleague from Georgetown who got a job up in Toronto and he said something that I get reminded of often. He took this job and he did not like it at all and the way that he summed it up was that the Canadian motto was “go for the bronze.” One of my ex-wife’s friends was a sports psychologist who worked for the Canadian Olympic team and I remember telling her that joke and she said, “that sums up my job!” Her job on the Canadian Olympic rowing team was
to help Canadians be more aggressive because there is a so-called politeness which prevents the drive that athletes need to be at that caliber. I thought about that many times in the 20 years I’ve been here, and often it’s a good thing. It’s something I like about Canada—that people aren’t so aggressive and more cooperative. The community spirit here versus the cowboy individualism—which is a terrible overgeneralization, but there is truth in both that define the national characteristics. I often joke to my classes that I’m onto them—that I know the Canadian politeness is just a cover for being smug,” he said. A 2019 report by Global News says 16 percent of Americans want to leave the states do so because of the Trump presidency, and Schutts echoes the current political climate in the US as a reason for not returning. When the Other Press asked him if he had the choice if he would rather teach in Canada or the US, he said “I’d rather go back to Germany.”
Illustration by Athena Little
Jessica Berget Editor-in-Chief
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Sports
sports // no. 5 • International Olympic Committee puts the freeze on summer
Image via Wikimedia Commons
...and that's everything!
International Olympic Committee puts the freeze on summer ››Tokyo 2020 Summer Games postponed due to COVID-19 Craig Allan Staff Writer
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he fears of the coronavirus have hit the world. The sports world has been dealt blow after blow between the National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, and Major League Baseball all suspending their seasons—to the golf Masters, horse racing Kentucky Derby, and NASCAR Indianapolis 500 being halted. Now, despite being over three months away, the virus has taken out what may be the biggest player in the deck. The plan originally was to decide on whether the games were going to occur around mid May, but as the virus fears and the pleas for social distancing began to grow, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) could not put off the decision any longer. On March 22, Canada became the first nation to expressly state that they will not send athletes to Tokyo if the games are to be held as schedule. As the pressure mounted, the IOC could not delay any longer. After a conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe, both parties agreed that the crisis was too vast for the
games to continue as scheduled. This is not the first time Tokyo has had the Olympic Games not go as planned. Tokyo was set to host the Olympics 80 years prior in 1940, becoming the first nation outside of Europe and North America to host the games. Those games were cancelled however, due to the Second World War raging around the world, and Japan’s aggression towards China in the Second Sino-Japanese War that went along with their continuing aggression towards the rest of Asia. Some may feel this is too early to postpone the games, but there are other factors at play. For one, many of the qualifying events in the lead up to the games had either been postponed or cancelled due to the virus. Even if the pandemic ended in mid July before the opening ceremony on July 24, there would not be enough time to schedule all of the
necessary qualifying events in time. Along with this, training for the athletes has been affected, with many athletes unable to properly train as usual due to the advised policy of social distancing, and the closure of many training facilities. The postponement of the Olympic Games is also a blow to the Japanese organizing committee as well. Because many of the facilities were set to be handed over or sold off to private companies and municipalities, the committee will have to re-negotiate these handover agreements. If the group set to buy the athletes village does not agree to renegotiate the handover date for example, then the games may be stuck in the position of not having an athlete’s village for the games—as there will not be enough time to build a new one before next year. If the games do not take place in 2020, they will not be renamed to any year
outside of 2020. This is likely a cost saving measure as signs, merchandise, and 15,000 gold bars have all been adorned with “2020.” As for the Olympic Flame, which is bound by tradition to stay eternally lit from its journey from Greece to the end of the games, it will be maintained in the Japanese prefecture of Fukushima for display until a later date when it is safe for the flame to travel again. With so much at stake regarding the health of athletes, officials, and fans alike, to continue with the games as is would have been an ill-advised proposition. If the coronavirus does not continue with strength into 2021, the Olympic games will now premiere in an odd-numbered year for the first time ever. An ever so fitting stat for these odd times.
This is not the first time Tokyo has had the Olympic Games not go as planned.
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Arts
• A show that bleeds everything but love • Magical novel duology comes to a close with sequel’s release • The best classic rock songs to listen to ...and more
Is love truly blind? Tania Arora Staff Writer
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or a person who is extremely practical, this show may seem like a can of rotten beer. But if you love drama, tears, fake laughter, gossip, and staged romance— Love Is Blind is for you. This show earns points for the amazing backdrop and fancy dresses… and even more points for the drama. Millennials are spontaneous, adventure seekers, suckers for an adrenaline rush, unconventional, and every other term that describes being out of the box. I am a part of it too, but I cannot imagine saying yes to spending the rest of my life with someone I haven’t seen, known, and lived with for a while at least. Then here comes this Netflix reality TV series, Love Is Blind, where a bunch of men and women are thrown inside a house strictly with their own gender. They are separated from the opposite gender by walls. They connect without getting to see one another. They have nearly a week to decide who they want to spend the rest of their lives with. And they base that decision all on communication, vibes, thoughts— everything aside from physical appearance. The couples get engaged in pods and only then will get to see each other. After saying yes, they are sent on a vacation to connect
on a physical level and bond. I would like to give a shout out to Netflix for supporting such a great idea. This show highlights how obsessed we are with looks, and how we often prioritize that over a real connection. They may have tried to create a show where people can come and find their spouse, but a week is a very short period to understand someone completely because the world is undoubtedly full of deception. After the vacation in beautiful Mexico, the couples face the real world where they live together, meet family members and friends, and learn more about the everyday lives of their spouse. The couples showcase all the kinds of problems that usually occur when we decide to live with someone. The finalist Jessica Batten turned down Mark Cuevas at the altar—they had an age gap of ten years. Diamond Jack and Carlton Morton had a fiery explosion on the show. They parted ways on the first night itself when Morton mentioned he had dated both men and women in the past. Giannina Gibelli said “I do” but Damian Powers didn’t. Damian left his job to be a part of the show. Apparently Gibelli and Powers are still dating though! Cameron Hamilton and Lauren Speed are married now. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t crushing on Hamilton since day one. Surprisingly, Amber Pike and Matthew Barnett are also married. Amber confessed that she has a student loan to pay before
Photo via @need4lspeed on Instagram
››A show that bleeds everything but love
A week is a very short period to understand someone completely because the world is undoubtedly full of deception. the wedding and that she had an abortion done in the past. Every individual comes with their own tales and baggage. The show left each viewer questioning if they would marry someone irrespective of how they look. The answer is uncertain
and so is the question. Does love even exist? And after all, what is love? The show has all types of emotions staged by the contestants. Whether true or fake, the future will tell especially after quarantining season ends.
Essential world cinema streamed on-the-go ››A review of the Criterion Channel Jerrison Oracion Senior Columnist or fans of film, the Criterion Collection can be described as a film school in a box. Even famous actors and directors use or reference the hand-picked collection of DVDs and Blu-rays as inspiration for their work. The collection releases a variety of films from around the world with some of them having restored film transfers that are supervised and approved by the director. All films are presented at the highest quality—just how the director would want you to see the film. The collection also offers other special features like a history of the film, how the film was made, and explaining how the movie is significant to cinema with audio commentary (a field they innovated in). Some of their releases are presented in special packaging that goes above and beyond in enhancing the film. This includes their release of The Princess Bride, which they presented in the form of a storybook—just like in the movie. While watching a film on the big screen is the best way to appreciate it, a lot of people are using streaming services—and unlike DVD
Image via CriterionChannel.com
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and Blu-ray, streaming does not offer these special features. Criterion’s approach to offering their releases is to use movie theatres, DVDs, and Blu-rays—but they also have made their own streaming service called The Criterion Channel. The channel has access to most of the films that they are offering, special programming, and a section where they present a selection of films that centre around a specific theme, actor, or director.
For instance, they are currently presenting a selection of films by French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard and his frequent collaborator the late Anna Karina. While I still watch their films on DVD and Blu-ray, I use the service as a digital copy that allows me to watch them on-thego, or show the movies to another person. Their streaming service also has original programming that is made exclusively for them. This includes Adventures in
Moviegoing, a show where famous people talk about their favourite films, moviewatching experiences, and curate a list for the viewer to enjoy. In the first episode, Bill Hader talked about his first experiences with Federico Fellini’s 8 1/2 and why he thinks Children of Men is the greatest film ever made. Recently, Patton Oswalt hosted an episode and talked about his love for Australian cinema, the fact that every generation has a different approach to film, and the joy of watching every film of a director’s filmography. I also watch all the films of Wes Anderson, and even he uses the streaming service! Another show that I like— Observations on Film Art—explains the various tools of filmmaking including dissolves, widescreen composition, and camerawork. There is also the history show Art-House America, where they explore the history of art-house cinemas around the United States and the importance and inspiration of the movie theatre. At around the same cost of standard Netflix at $14.63, The Criterion Channel has essential movies to experience for the first time, watch, and then re-watch—and additional programming and features that will make you appreciate film more.
arts // no. 7
issue 23// vol 46
Run away with the circus in ‘The Undoing’ ››Magical novel duology comes to a close with sequel’s release Cheryl Minns Senior Columnist oquitlam author Jennifer Sommersby introduced Genevieve Flannery and Henry Dmitri the world with her 2018 debut young adult novel, Sleight. Two years later, she returns with the second book in the AVRAKEDAVRA duology, The Undoing. Published by HarperCollins Canada, this eBook is a thrill ride of a read. It offers non-stop action and gut-wrenching conflict from two teens with supernatural abilities who must choose between keeping their powers or saving the world. In Sleight, Genevieve has the power to heal people with a touch of her hand, a talent that comes in handy while working at the circus. But then she fails to save her mother, Delia, after an aerial performance ends in her death. The tragedy leads Genevieve to discover that her mother was the guardian of a powerful ancient text with magical properties—the AVRAKEDAVRA. The book is the source of Genevieve’s power and now it’s her job to protect it. After Delia’s death, a businessman named Lucien Dmitri offers to buy the travelling circus and make it a permanent fixture in Oregon, USA. Genevieve isn’t sure she can trust the mysterious Lucien, but she does trust his son, Henry—who can transmit memories to a person when he touches them. When Genevieve discovers her AVRAKEDAVRA is one of three, she enlists Henry’s help in stealing the second book from his father. In the end, the two of them barely escape with their lives as they board a plane to find the third book. The Undoing picks up with Genevieve and Henry in France with Henry’s grandfather, Nutesh. He gives them his AVRAKEDAVRA text and tells them about the “Undoing” ritual, which will allow them
Cover of The Undoing Ebook; Photo by Cheryl Minns
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to destroy the books for good. Unfortunately, Lucien has spread their photos and information across multiple international news outlets, claiming they are criminals. But that won’t stop Genevieve and Henry, who disguise themselves and create fake identities to travel across Europe and the Middle East to get to Mesopotamia where they can
perform the Undoing. This book is a real change of pace from its predecessor, Sleight. The first book was a slow-burning story that dealt with grief, mystery, young love, animal rights, and so much more. The Undoing approaches Genevieve and Henry’s journey like an action film, sending them straight into the middle of danger and never letting up on
the tension. The Undoing introduces readers to many new characters as the team travels across multiple countries. They encounter members of an underground organization called La Vérité (French for The Truth), who run their operations out of travelling circuses. Although Genevieve’s mother is no longer with her, the La Vérité members knew Delia and share stories about her with Genevieve, keeping her mother’s memory alive. One prominent new character is Xavier, who acts as Genevieve and Henry’s bodyguard for the journey. He has his reasons for joining the team on this mission, which is a great secret and surprise. Some of the best moments in the book occur when Genevieve uses her power to heal and then questions whether she can give that up. These tender moments add to Genevieve’s depth as a character who not only focuses on the mission at hand, but who also takes time to reflect on the consequences of her future actions. Reading the details and descriptions of the different countries Genevieve and Henry visit, it’s clear Sommersby put a lot of effort into researching these places. There are so many references to each country’s geography, landscape, history, and culture that when I finished the book, I felt like I had taken a mini vacation to these amazing destinations. These days, when travel is extremely limited, a book that can transport a reader across the world seems like a worthwhile read. The Undoing eBook releases March 31 for most major eBook retailers, including Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo. (The book will also be released under the title Scheme by Sky Pony Press in the USA in hardcover and eBook on April 21.)
College student Troy Barnes’ alter ego makes some weird music James Wetmore Contributor
With the quarantine slowly driving everyone stir crazy and bored of everything in their house, Childish Gambino—or Donald Glover—has kept fans curious. On March 15, a mysterious link was shared under the name “Donald Glover Presents,” playing a collection of songs on loop. The website was taken down 24 hours later, and nothing more was heard until midnight on March 22—when the collection was released on streaming services under the title 3.15.20. The album marks another musical shift in style from Glover, going from a more R&B/Soul style on his last album “Awaken, My Love!” to a much more experimental industrial style—while still containing more radio-friendly hits such
as the track “42.26”(previously released under the title “Feels Like Summer”). Tracks like “Algorhythm” and “19.10” are the best example of his new hard-hitting, metallic industrial sound. The tracks have distorted drums, vocals, and bass lines present throughout. It seems like Mr. Glover himself has gone a little stir crazy due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has forced everyone to spend time with their family. Glover still has the ability to make bangers. One of such is the song “35.31,” which bears a resemblance to the opening of “This Is America.” Another bop is “53.49,” an aggressive song that almost sounds like early-album Kanye. It’s like Glover is showing the public that though he can make songs to get you hyped and ready to go buck wild, but he’d rather experiment, try new things, and break out of his comfort zone than be forced to make songs that are purely commercial. The album still has some problems.
Screenshot of 'Donald Glover Presents - 3.15.20' on YouTube
››A review of Childish Gambino’s ‘3.15.20’
The aforementioned distortion was also present on some other tracks where it doesn’t mesh quite as well, such as “47.48.” Some of the messages Glover discusses during the album can come off a little preachy—some definitely did not hit as hard as others. It’s certainly not his most polished or concise album, but there’s still a lot of fun to be had despite its envelopepushing experimentation. In the midst of a very confusing and stressful time, Donald Glover releases an album to try and accompany the feelings associated with the quarantine while
also offering songs that are able to get you up, moving, and grooving to try and replace your worried thoughts. Some songs on 3.15.20 have the potential to be classic party anthems, while others may become the songs you come back to in six months since they didn’t have a large impact upon first hearing, only to find out that they are diamonds in the rough. All in all, this album is a must-listen during the quarantine because what else are you going to do? Clean your room for the tenth time? Nuh-uh, not on my watch.
arts // no. 8
theotherpress.ca
The best classic rock songs to listen to ››Old but gold! EG Manilag Staff Writer
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think it’s best for us to relax and reflect on our good old memories. And there is no better way to trigger those thoughts than music! Hope these goodies will help you remember some happy times and keep you positive!
“It’s Gonna Make Sense” by MLTR MLTR simply stands for Michael Learns to Rock. Now that’s better! This song talks about life and the challenges within, and how there’s hope in every challenge that we face. The song’s overall tone and musical progress are absolutely uplifting. The mood starts slightly miserable, and then it progresses to an inspiringly promising one. What’s great about this song is that many of its lyrics can be used as encouraging quotes. Just like this part: “Every choice you make when you're lost, every step you take has its cause.” And this one too: “After you clear your eyes, you’ll see the light somewhere in the darkness. After the rain has gone, you'll feel the sun comes.” But if you know this song, it’s hard not to sing the quotes in your head.
Illustration by Athena Little
“Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You)” by Air Supply Air supply is one of the best classic bands of all time, no doubt. They may just be the best. Most of their songs are worthy of this list, but to me “Here I Am” is their best. This classic love song is often confused with the band’s other hit song “The One That You Love.” This is all because the latter’s lyrics include the phrase “here I am”—the title of the former song. The piano intro of this song will definitely make you feel in love, especially this: “Here I am, playing with those memories again. And just when I thought time had set me free. Those thoughts of you keep taunting me.” If you ever miss someone, and feel like listening to some soft rock music, this song should be in your playlist.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen Nothing really to say about this song but… the GREATEST OF ALL TIME! “Always” by Bon Jovi “Always” is one of the biggest classics when it comes to soft rock music. The drum and piano intro in this song is simply captivating. Not to mention the magical chorus that will make you sing out loud in an instant. That is why this song is famous—not just on the charts, but also in karaoke bars. But what really makes this song so moving is its meaning. The song is very
sentimental; it really delivers its message soulfully. It’s also quite poetic—specifically in the final part of the chorus where the lyrics are: “I’ll be there till the stars don’t shine, till the heavens burst, and the words don’t rhyme.” Truly romantic! “How Deep Is Your Love” by the Bee Gees If you want to start your day with a positive vibe, then try playing this song first thing in the morning. You’ll surely get groovy in no time. The vibes and lyrics of this song are perfectly in sync if you think about it. For those of you that don’t know this
song—which is very unlikely—please do search and listen to it, you’ll never regret it. And for those of you that do know this banger, play it back and bring back some good ol’ memories. Some of you may not know these songs by title, but I know for sure that you know them by ear. If these titles make you feel curious or remind you of something, then don’t hesitate. Search and listen to them! Stay safe everybody and make sure to use the power of music to brighten up your day.
Have an idea for a story? lifeandstyle@theotherpress.ca
Life & Style
life & style // no. 9 • Get lost in another world at Camp NaNoWriMo • A ravenous ramen review • Don’t forget about Burger Heaven ...and more
Be cautious to avoid regrets ››This goes for both COVID-19 and sex
Illustration by Sonam Kaloti
This isn’t the last sex of your life.
Tania Arora Staff Writer
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any of us have a lot of time, in fact, all the time in the world to devote to our families and partners right now. Whether you like it or not, you must stay home. Due to hectic lifestyles, many of us lost our connections with our partners. These connections could have been emotional or physical, but now, we have a chance to reestablish them! But while all you love birds out there quarantine together, make sure you take the necessary precautions so you don’t step out of the house dry and bruised postpandemic—or force your future kids share their birthday with millions others. For the singles out there, just read this article
and feel grateful that you don’t have to go through such stress. Use precautions even when you are using protection No matter how and with what you cover your bananas, you must still make sure that you use multiple types of protection (an IUD for example). Keep this in mind: even condoms aren’t 100 percent safe. And don’t try saving them to re-use them. That would lead to a personal situation much worse than self-isolating for COVID-19. Multiple rounds This isn’t the last sex of your life. For people whose testosterone and estrogen levels are at their peak right now, control yourself— don’t try going 14 rounds a day. That would mean nearly 1000 times a month. Don’t
put yourself in a situation where you are left dry and bruised. Our heroes are busy fighting a bigger battle, they don’t want a new problem on their plate. Sex toys If you did not get a chance to use that collection of toys lying on your bedside table, now is the time. Don’t stress your partner for an orgasm, help yourself. But make sure your gadgets are clean and well sanitized. Think of your neighbours It’s not just you, your neighbours and everyone else is also sitting inside their house now, some with their kids. Make sure your passion is soundproofed. Really, close your windows. People might not want to hear what your roleplay theme-of-the-day
is, or how many times your woman was spanked. You never know if the person on the other side of the wall is getting any action or not, and it’s better to not add fuel to the fire. Maintain a good hygiene level I know many might consider quarantine a vacation, but make sure you shower and brush regularly and maintain a good hygiene level. You don’t want stinking armpits or bad breath to turn your partner off. Leave them alone If you aren’t following the social distancing rules, then forget about sex and just leave your partner alone. We must act responsibly during this situation and not risk our or anybody else’s lives.
LOOKING AT THE IMPACTS OF PANDEMICS—PAST AND PRESENT Stories from students, retirement home workers, Google employees, and more
Brandon Yip Contributor
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OVID-19 is the new pandemic of 2020. The developments on the virus in our province are changing daily; at the time this article was submitted, the BC Centre of Disease Control reports that there are 970 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, 19 deaths, and 469 people who have recovered. This disease began in December 2019—found originally in a food market in Wuhan, China. Health professionals state that such food markets are a breeding ground for dangerous new infections. This is due to humans and live exotic animals being in close contact, making it easier for viruses to transfer between the species. Eventually, the virus spread outside of China to places such as Spain, France, Italy, Iran, the United States, and Canada.
The Douglas College official website posted that Fraser Health had informed the college that a student (whose name is being withheld) had tested positive for COVID-19.
DOUGLAS COLLEGE STUDENTS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED, AND INFECTED
Practice safe distancing and stay home.”
COMPARING THE IMPACTS TO PREVIOUS PANDEMICS
Of course, COVID-19 is only one of several high-profile diseases that have occurred worldwide over the past two decades. In 2003, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was also caused by a coronavirus—originally identified in the Guangdong province of
southern China in 2002. According to the WHO, SARS was thought to be contracted from an unknown animal (possibly bats) that had spread to other species (civet cats) and later infected humans. SARS would reach 26 countries in 2003, resulting in more than 8,000 cases—and 774 deaths. And who can forget the H1N1 outbreak (known as swine flu) which occurred from 2009 to 2010. This was a disease never seen before in animals or humans and was very new and baffling for scientists. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US, there were 60.8 million cases of H1N1 with 274, 304 people hospitalized and 12,469 deaths. The CDC also estimates that up to 575,000 people died worldwide from this pandemic. And most recently, there was the Ebola virus disease (EVD). And this virus is transmitted from wild animals to people—and later was spread in our world via human-to-human transmission. The 2014 to 2016 outbreak in West Africa was the largest Ebola outbreak since its discovery. This particular outbreak ended with 28,652 cases and 11,325 deaths. In looking at previous pandemics, the current postponement of the NHL season parallels the actions the league previously took in cancelling the Stanley Cup Final back in 1919 during the 1918 flu pandemic (known as the Spanish Flu). The cup final—which was to be between the Montreal Canadiens and the Seattle Metropolitans—was cancelled due to the Spanish Flu pandemic. Some of the Montreal Canadiens players were infected, along with their manager. This was the most severe pandemic in recent history so far. According to the American CDC, this disease was caused by “an H1N1 virus that had genes of avian origin.” Approximately 500 million people (or one-third of the world population) were infected with the virus worldwide and roughly 50 million people died—including an estimated 50,000 Canadians.
BOOK AUTHOR, TELEVISION PRO, AND GOOGLE EMPLOYEE SKIP DESJARDIN ON PANDEMICS
Skip Desjardin, US author of the 2018 book September 1918: War, Plague and the World Series, states there are many similarities between the 1918 Spanish Flu and the COVID-19 pandemic. He says some of the parallels between the two pandemics are comforting, and some quite concerning. “Our means of communication has improved vastly over the past century, and we can now warn people about a pandemic’s existence, its dangers, and ways we can minimize individual and societal risks,” Desjardin said in an email interview with the Other Press. “We learned the effectiveness of banning large gatherings from cities that did, or did not, during the Spanish Flu pandemic and know it can help ‘flatten the curve’ to prevent overwhelming medical infrastructure. On the other hand, we likely can only flatten, not straighten, that curve.” Another important lesson to be learned from the Spanish Flu is that “pandemics come in waves.” Desjardin says that people had originally believed that the Spanish Flu was over in North America in the fall of 1918, but then in spring of the very next year, an unexpected wave hit and devastated the population. He says we must not be too confident, and that we should be prepared for the aftershock of this virus.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The Douglas College website is posting regular updates about the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, our way of living has changed dramatically. Notably, this is a very challenging time for many people. And hopefully, in the next few weeks and months, there will be a sense of normalcy returning. For those who are having difficulty coping with the pandemic, perhaps a quote from Republican President Abraham Lincoln is appropriate. In a speech he delivered in Milwaukee, Lincoln stated this consoling quote he had once heard: “And this, too, shall pass away…”
Illustration by Udeshi Seneviratne
Locally, COVID-19 has affected students at Douglas College with the winter 2020 semester ending in-person classes. They are making the transition (including upcoming final exams) to alternative delivery models. The summer 2020 semester will start as scheduled on May 4, but all courses will be online only. For Douglas College students, the winter 2020 semester has been unprecedented and unlike any other semester. Ryan Wildgrube, a fourth-year Psychiatric Nursing student, was in his preceptorship when it was cancelled. “When our preceptorship was ended, I was just more worried about COVID-19 getting in amongst our patient population” said Wildgrube in an interview with the Other Press. After those initial feelings, he was sad that his preceptorship had to end—but believes closing was the right thing to do. He says that even though he and other students were inches away from their careers, he agrees with the ending of the program. His also states that his concerns are for his at risk elderly family. Recently, the Douglas College official website posted that Fraser Health had informed the college that a student (whose name is being withheld) had tested positive for COVID-19. The college has contacted and offered support to the student, who says they are doing well. The student had visited the New Westminster campus on Friday, March 13. They were at the campus library between 10 am and 1 pm. Fraser Health has asked students—who were at this location on the same date and time—to isolate themselves for 14 days. In addition, keep an eye on your health for coughing, fevers, sneezing, or sore throats. For Douglas College’s athletic program, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the premature ending of the Royals’ basketball, baseball, and softball teams. Brian McLennon, Director of Athletics for Douglas College, states that he and his staff had to adapt quickly to the viral threat. “We reacted quickly and communicated often with our student athletes, coaches, and employees in alignment with the College and our provincial and national sporting governing bodies following the recommendations of both local and provincial health authorities,” McLennon said in interview with the Other Press. “The health and safety of our student athletes, coaches, and employees is our primary concern—but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been some understandable disappointments. The cancellation of Men’s Basketball National Championships was particularly disappointing since Douglas was heavily favored to win. And, additionally, when both the baseball and softball seasons were cancelled—and the Royals’ Athletic Banquet was postponed.” Ariadne Ava Butalid, while not a Douglas student, is a North Vancouver resident and Lifestyle Enrichment Assistant in a retirement home. She says that coronavirus has had a colossal impact on her work. In an email interview with the Other Press, she stated that “I have been spending weeks at home for the time being (as per the recent strict rules enforced in retirement homes) as a way of keeping our vulnerable seniors safe and healthy. My day-to-day personal routines are lessened, and I mostly spend time indoors. It seems as if freedom has been taken away. Patience is what we need as we go through these uncertain times.
life & style // no. 12
theotherpress.ca
Kintaro killin’ it ››A ravenous ramen review
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ove over Ramen Danbo…There’s another go-to ramen place in town— this time with little to no wait. If you’re anything like me, you love the taste and experience of authentic Japanese ramen noodle soup but can’t stand waiting in the hour (or longer) lineup often seen trailing down other ramen joints. If this sounds vaguely familiar, Kintaro Ramen is for you. I have only been to this place once, but it has easily taken the number one spot for my favourite ramen restaurant in the city—which is no easy feat. Just down the street from Robson on 788 Denman Street is Kintaro Ramen, a small and intimate space for chill and relaxed dining. One of the first things you notice about this spot is the cute and artistic aesthetic of the restaurant setting, making it a pleasure to sit in. Immediately after that, the second thing you notice is the huge, barrel-sized pots behind the counter in the kitchen. They brew and bubble with the rich creamy broth…and you can’t help but stare at them as you eagerly await to be served. Though not having to wait in line is great perk for this place, it is far from the only perk. Another thing that makes this spot stand out from other ramen restaurants is their portion size. The bowls they serve the hot and delicious ramen in are surprisingly huge and beautifully
designed—making it all the more enticing. If you’re still not convinced that this may be the next best ramen place, each bowl amounts to less than $15. Frugal and fulfilling—that’s my kind of ramen. While the price may not be as high as some of their competitors, that doesn’t mean they skimp out on fresh, high quality ingredients. The bowl I got my first time here was the Shio Ramen with full-fat pork and rich broth—and believe me, you want all the fat. That’s why you’re eating ramen, right? When they first bring out the bowl to you, the fat glistening on top of the ramen bowl looks like the stars in a beautiful night sky. They are bright, shiny deposits of rich and fatty goodness. Yet, if the fat is a star at night, then the pork is the warm sun—the biggest star in the proverbial sky of this bowl of noodles. The pork chashu is so soft, fatty, and tender, you’d want to wrap yourself in it. Accompanied with the rich broth, they make for nearly holy matrimony (that I would gladly be witness to). And finally, how can anyone talk about ramen without discussing a crucial aspect of this delicious soup: the egg. As far as ramen eggs go, Kintaro may not my absolute favourite, but it did satisfy me immensely. Honestly, once you have delicious broth, noodles, and meat, the egg is sort of an afterthought anyway. As soon as this quarantine is over and done with, I know exactly where I’ll be going to celebrate.
Photo by Jessica Berget
Jessica Berget Editor-in-Chief
Don’t forget about Burger Heaven ››Small businesses need our support Craig Allan Staff Writer ay you live in interesting times.” This is an old quote not of excitement but of dread, as it spells times of trouble that certainly describe the world we are living in today. With the coronavirus ravaging the world, the people of who experience a large hit from these “interesting times” are the small and independent business communities. With social gatherings shut down, many businesses are being shuttered since they are deemed “non-essential,” and others are forced to scale back their production immensely. Many small and independent businesses are at risk of being wiped off the map by this invisible menace. One of such is Burger Heaven, and I talked with manager Chris Geib about how his establishment is coping in the grips of this virus, what makes his burgers the best, and what everyone should order to get through this pandemic. According to Geib, business was going well before the pandemic hit, but now that restaurants have been told to close their dining areas for the foreseeable future, business has fallen by a third. Burger Heaven can now only offer take-out and delivery service. Geib said they are taking things “day by day” and embracing the
Image via @burgerheaven on Facebook
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new normal that is the out-of-restaurant experience. There are so many burger options out there though, so when asked why a Burger Heaven burger is better than McDonald’s and A&W fare, Geib highlighted that unlike other places, Burger Heaven cooks their burgers on a flattop grill. This brings
out more of the flavour of the burger than other places. That, along with their own unique recipes, makes Burger Heaven “the quiet secret gem of New Westminster.” Burger Heaven is not just a site for scrumptious burgers though. They have a good sense of political humour. This past fall during the Canadian election,
Burger Heaven ran a poll in which visitors could vote with their mouths as to who is the best political leader by picking from one of six delectable choices (and a seventh undecided, or as staff have called it, “(B)-UN Decided”). Choices included the Andrew Scheer burger with its “conservative slice of tangy Regina blue cheese,” onion, and special sauce—or the Justin Trudeau with cheddar, sauce, lettuce, “a liberal slab of bacon,” and a slice of tomato. The winner of the best political burger poll was Jagmeet Singh, who Geib said actually showed up with local member of Parliament, Peter Julian, to try his strong “o(u)nions,” tomato, and Scarborough orange cheddar burger served on a multigrain bun. For this pandemic, Geib knows that people may be feeling down, but he believes that he has the perfect combo to lift anyone’s spirits. Geib recommends a number four Teriyaki Mozzarella Bacon & Mushroom Burger served with wedges or a tossed salad, and a milkshake because you “gotta have a milkshake.” These may be uncertain times with COVID-19 in play, but Burger Heaven is looking to stare down the restaurant industry’s greatest adversary by helping to keep the beating heart of New Westminster’s culinary scene going—even if the experience is away from the cozy confines of the 10th Street location.
life & style // no. 13
issue 23// vol 46
Get lost in another world at Camp NaNoWriMo Cheryl Minns Senior Columnist
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ow that we’re living in a world where social distancing and self-isolation are encouraged, it can be difficult for creative individuals to display their art and connect with their communities. Fortunately for writers, there exists an online writing challenge where writers can escape into their little worlds for 30 days. Camp NaNoWriMo runs from April 1 to 30 at nanowrimo.org. It’s a more relaxed version of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), an online writing competition that happens every November. Unlike the November version where participants attempt to write 50,000-word novels, the April version allows writers to set their own project goals and attempt any kind of writing project, all with the support of the international NaNoWriMo community. I’ve participated in Camp NaNoWriMo several times over the past few years. During that time, I’ve figured out a few good ways to reach my goal and win the writing challenge. Not that winning should be the main focus, but it does come with a few perks, including a Camp NaNoWriMo
certificate and rewards from sponsors. Since Camp NaNoWriMo allows participants to set their own project goals, it’s the perfect opportunity to develop a writing routine that works with your schedule. Try committing to writing one to two hours a day, even if you have to break that time up into smaller chunks. Give yourself a weekly word goal—anywhere from 500 to 5,000 words or more—and see how many weeks you can meet it. Once you get into a routine, you’ll get used to sitting down in front of your keyboard or notebook and writing what comes to mind, instead of choosing a random moment to write and hoping for inspiration to strike. At Camp NaNoWriMo, you can write about anything you want. Your project isn’t a class assignment, there aren’t any specific guidelines, and it won’t be graded. It’s an opportunity to write a story that matters to you and to have fun with it. Coming from a journalism background, I remember feeling a bit lost without rules and formulas to follow in my project. But once I got used to the idea of writing my project however I wanted, it was one of the most freeing writing experiences I’ve ever had. That’s why I continue taking part in Camp NaNoWriMo every year.
Camp NaNoWriMo is a great way to find a supportive community to connect with other writers, get feedback on your writing and goals, and get encouragement to reach the finish line. Participants can connect with writers all over the world—including some best-selling authors who offer words of advice in their online pep talks. There are also Vancouver-based groups, such as the Other 11 Months, that offer writers a supportive online space to share their ideas and work on their goals. To sign up for Camp NaNoWriMo, go to nanowrimo.org, sign up for a free account, and then create your camp project by entering your project title and goal. This project is also good for
Poster for NaNoWriMo 2020 via NaNoWriMo.org
››Online writing challenge offers relief for isolated writers
teachers and their classes! Camp NaNoWriMo will also take place in July.
Douglas’ Recipes for Douglas Students Classic Shepard’s pie with not-so-classic suggestions
David Douglas Contributor
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hepard’s pie is an essential hearty dish that warms the belly and fills the pot. It’s a versatile dish that can be made in many ways and is great food for all occasions. It’s also the perfect dish to use up leftovers with too! Ingredients: • 4 or 5 russet potatoes (cubed) • 1/4 cup table cream • 2 tbs butter or margarine • 1 lb ground meat (beef is most common) • 1/2 cup onions (diced) • 1/2 can cream of mushroom soup • 4 cups corn kernels • 2 cups cheddar cheese (grated) • salt and pepper to taste These ingredient volumes can be modified to suit your needs. I sometimes struggle with knowing how much of each layer to make. Usually, I will add things to the ground beef such as mushrooms, red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to ensure that there is decent volume to the meat layer. Having more than enough corn for the second layer, available in frozen or canned format, is a good plan. Also, always make more mashed potatoes then you think you’ll need; I usually still end up with just enough when I add an extra potato to what I thought was sufficient.
Method: Peel and dice your potatoes before putting them in a large pot to boil with a sprinkle of salt to increase boiling temperature—and some cooking oil to prevent bubbling over. While your potatoes soften, heat a large skillet and brown the ground beef. When nearly browned, drain any excess fat then add diced onions (and optional ingredients to make your desired ground beef mixture). Once the mixture is to your desired darkness (I like to overcook mine a little to give it a crunch), add the cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, as well as any additional flavours you may want. Mix well. Some good suggestions for “additional flavours” would be Maggi sauce (for a sweet and salty twist), BBQ sauce (for a smoky flavour), or some chili paste (for a spicy kick). Remove from heat and set aside. By now, your potatoes are likely ready to be mashed. Check by poking a cube of potato with a fork. If it falls off or feels really soft, they are probably ready; if it stays on the fork or you have to use force, let them boil longer. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Drain the water from the potatoes and mash them with the cream, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. If you wanted to add a little flavour boost to your potatoes, consider using sour cream instead of table cream. In your casserole dish, start with your ground beef mixture. You want to have a pressed layer
approximately one-third of the dish thick. Next, put down a layer of corn kernels. This layer can be thinner if you have lots of mashed potatoes to add or your beef layer is a little thick but try to be consistent in your layering. On top, begin to spread the potatoes until they are just under the lip of the casserole dish. This can be a little tricky as the potatoes will try to pick up the corn layer if you’re not careful—take your time. Sprinkle the top with cheese and the dish is ready to go in the oven (you can also make the top more decorative with red pepper slices or banana pepper rings). Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes before turning the oven to broil for another 5 to 10 minutes—or until the cheese begins to form a crust. Remove from the oven and allow time to cool before serving.
Photo by David Douglas
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Opinions
Have an idea for a story? opinions@theotherpress.ca
• Ill-informed partygoers during COVID-19 • Quarantine leading to state information gathering • Deathcore isn’t art ...and more
Deathcore isn’t art ››It’s just noise
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randpas and grandmas across the globe unite! A youngster is finally on the same page in claiming that deathcore isn’t music, nor is it art. You can’t groove, move, or dance to this incredibly generic, repetitive, and offensive “genre.” Maybe my opinion is just an overgeneralization, but after having listened to a good sampling of deathcore, I can state that the inundation and constant repetition of the clichés of this genre have made any band intentionally adopting the deathcore sound an easy target for mockery. Deathcore is stagnant. Many fans and music reviewers feel that the songs must stay within the same specific standards, a bubble if you will, in order to be considered a part of the genre. This leaves little room for growth or innovation. Let’s dive into the reasons why this genre doesn’t deserve its certification as a musical genre: Damaged larynxes Deathcore requires performers to pull off challenging effects—such as growling and pig squeals. When these tricks are done wrong, this can cause the singer to
have irreversible effects to their larynx. When a singer damages their larynx, it is consequential to their career and their everyday life. They can no longer talk, let alone sing. Deathcore also breeds a culture that is often paired with bad habits— such as smoking, heavy drinking, a lack of sleep, and hard drugs. All of which are damaging to vocal cords and counter effective to a healthy singing career. Lyrics It’s a well-known fact that metal music delivers offensive and aggressive lyrics, but deathcore, while providing said offensive aggression apparently has a “we will overcome this lifestyle” message in a surprisingly high number of songs. Thus, the lyrics to many deathcore songs seem to be contradictory to their tone. On the one hand, deathcore promotes violence and obscenity bordering on pornogrind (if you don’t know what that is—good, maintain your innocence). On the other hand, deathcore suggests escapism from its own culture, which seems rather odd and unproductive of a genre. Wouldn’t you want to promote viewership rather than telling fans to get
the fuck out? That’s like a cult telling its members to try to escape from the cult; a food company telling their customers to fast. This lack of promotion makes it difficult to consider deathcore as art, because artists are well-known for self-promotion. It’s part of the package. Clichés Most of deathcore is shockingly generic. Bands use the same sweeps, notes, and breakdowns. When you're not listening to competent deathcore, the experience is painfully bland and repetitive. In most cases, the vocals are death growls and pig squeals in lieu of lyrics. A breakdown is the part of a song when it goes from one rhythm to the next by transitioning the tempo slowly. It is meant to get the pain going. Deathcore often over-relies on breakdowns— admittedly, they are good for a live show to hype the crowd. But, when it comes to studio time, it can be rather distracting and annoying.
Illustration by Morgan Hannah
Morgan Hannah Life & Style Editor
Lack of innovation Music genres in general are selflimiting. When bands hit a certain threshold, their advancement beyond previously defined boundaries carries them into a whole new genre. They can only reinvigorate or add a limited number of elements before their sound becomes an entirely new one. For deathcore, the limitation bar is easier to hit due to the muddy and over-used sounds the “genre” displays. The genre certainly has no longevity.
Why the 2020 Summer Olympic Games should be delayed Jerrison Oracion Senior Columnist
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ince the coronavirus has been upgraded from an outbreak to a pandemic, many stores have been closed. The streets are almost empty, community gatherings, as well as arts and culture performances are either cancelled, delayed, or shown online. Even major sporting events are cancelled or delayed to next year. One of the major sporting events that was at risk of being delayed is the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. It got a lot of attention due to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) and the Japanese government's handling of the uncertain future for the games. During the early stages of the pandemic—when news spread that the virus could be contained— there was optimism that Tokyo 2020 would go ahead as scheduled. After passengers in the Diamond Princess left the cruise ship at a port in Yokohama, COVID-19 cases jumped in Japan, matching the surge around the world. This caused Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to recommend suspending major events for two weeks—and this recommendation was extended as the coronavirus was reclassified as a pandemic.
As more of the major sporting events were either cancelled or delayed due to the coronavirus, the IOC stated that the games would go ahead—and even lit the Olympic Torch without a public viewing. The decision led to an outpouring of calls from the Global Athlete union, as well as from individuals, including former Canadian gold medal hockey player and IOC member Hayley Wickenheiser calling their decision to move forward with the games “insensitive and irresponsible.” Even if the coronavirus pandemic ended before the 2020 games begin, the athletes stated that there would not be enough time to train. Indeed, it is difficult to prepare for an Olympic gold medal performance if the pandemic had ended just two months before the games began, the athletes may not perform at their best. Also, many training facilities are closed to make sure that the virus does not spread, and it would not be a great idea to have them open with a lot of people in the same building. Because many Olympic qualifying events were cancelled, many countries were unable to properly assemble a team for the games. In addition, a risk factor persists for the world community if anyone in Tokyo transmits the virus and a spectator or athlete were to bring it home
Illustration by Athena Little
››This move was necessary and historic
with them. After pressure from the athletes the IOC called for an emergency meeting to decide the future of the 2020 Olympics. The criticism was so heavy that it led to IOC member Richard Pound leaking to USA Today that the games would be postponed. A day later, IOC President Thomas Bach confirmed it. This is the first time that an Olympic Games has been postponed. He said that the Olympic
flame represents hope and when the games happen on the new date of July 23, 2021, it will ideally offer “a light at the end of the tunnel.” Tokyo 2020 being delayed allows the athletes to train for it longer at least. And it will be safer for us to go to the Tokyo games next summer. I support this decision made by the IOC and believe we should all support them in this decision.
opinions // no. 15
issue 23// vol 46
Does big brother really have our backs? Matthew Fraser Opinions Editor
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he Chinese government has been using its network of CCTVs to monitor the movements of citizens—whether they are suspected or confirmed carriers of COVID-19. They also provided infected citizens with a wristband that coordinated with cellphone data to alert the police to any movement beyond one's quarantined area. Kind of like a house arrest anklet. In South Korea, the government is using cellphone location data in conjunction with credit card records to track who went where and whether or not they could have infected someone else. Coronavirus has leapt from being the 200th thing Cardi B has screamed this month to becoming the inadvertent tool of state surveillance. Obviously, this is a time where individuals don’t want to get sick and the state wants as few people as possible rushing to healthcare facilities; however, even if Canada is less intrusive than China, is it actually a good idea for the government to be able to track your movements? And if they start tracking you now, will they really stop once COVID-19 has run its course? Now, as a novel virus claims lives around the globe and every cough and chest tickle is the subject of fear and deep suspicion, the Quarantine Act has made a return. At this time, it gives
our government the ability to enforce quarantine on any returning traveller for a mandatory 14 days. As soon as one clears customs, they are to go straight home without using public transit. No stops allowed. But how exactly does the state plan to enforce this isolation? The house arrest necessary is supposed to be as “unobtrusive as possible” but I see no way for one to be properly confined by government order without that intruding upon normal life. At this time, at least two women have been arrested for breaking their quarantine in Canada. That enforcement sounds obtrusive, and the ability for the state apparatus to monitor people in order to apprehend them is clearly an intrusion. I certainly don’t think that the Canadian government aims to watch each and every one of us day in and day out, yet simultaneously, I am not pleased to hear that a system could be put in place where the state can use your cellphone data and purchase history to establish yours and everyone else's whereabouts at will. More importantly, where will this data be stored, who has access to it, and how much of it can be modified by you—the provider of this data? Will the citizen own it as private record or will the data banks be state property with no consultation to the provider? Let’s not forget that every week some company is either hacked or caught
Photo by Billy Bui
››Quarantine leading to state information gathering
amassing data that far exceeds the products they are selling for your use. Between Apple getting caught listening to conversations and private moments or Telus getting hacked and having its data compromised, the less of your data that exists the better. We also must consider government overreach and the character of whoever resides in the highest office. How much power are we willing to give Trudeau and leave on the table for whoever comes after him? How much of our data are we willing to put into the government’s hand to remain long after we have died—or at least, while the office changes hands? How much should the government be able to lock us down before we ask for the key back? The problem is not “is this power necessary now” but, “when this all ends
will the power and the data disappear?” The “state” is everyone from Jagmeet Singh to the late Rob Ford—and all of his drug and alcohol battles. The state can be Mike Pence who wishes for creationism to be brought into public schools or it can be AOC who wants to prohibit the use of gasoline powered cars and save the world from cow farts. The state is as nefarious as Hitler or as benevolent as Jimmy Carter. We can never guarantee that we will agree with everything that the state says and aims to do, no decision is perfect, and no leader can satisfy all of their voters. Yet in these trying times, we must not relinquish a power we can't get back to a state that’s changing as fast as the people who are governed by it.
Ill-informed partygoers during COVID-19 Matthew Fraser Opinions Editor
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ome things are inevitable. You can’t stop natural disasters, you can't stop people from acting in their own misguided self-interests, and apparently, you can’t stop stupid. The problem is quantifying stupid. Some instances occur as a byproduct of ignorance and a lack of worldly knowledge, others are the result of inadequate foresight. Spring break partiers in the face of a global pandemic is certainly a case of stupid, but of what kind? Is it just short sighted, hormone-fueled hedonistic pursuit? Is it the bulletproof self-confidence of youth with the selfassured notion that whatever happens always happens only to others? Some people have been quick to castigate the teens and young adults who flocked to the beaches of Florida for some R&R as ignorant and selfish, yet simultaneously, the very President of the United States of America has come forward and said that the country must go back to work and that basically, that we cannot socially distance forever. If the US president thinks we should not socially distance (which could potentially save the lives of those who are immunocompromised) for the sake of General Motors, how bad is it that your cousin goes drinking—and ergo keeps local businesses alive? Some observers think they were driven by ignorance and an unhealthy disregard for
human life, yet as the death toll piled up in China and Italy, Trump originally called coronavirus “their new hoax” in reference to the democrats. It’s no small wonder that the average American teen, fresh out of school, released from being under mom and dad's thumb, would rush to the beaches for cheap tequila and good ole’ fashioned premarital copulation. By the age of 21, most people have seen an endless reel of Hollywood movies depicting the joys of spring break and its drunken fervor; why are we surprised that bat-stew memes bolstered the adolescent ego into disregarding a garbled public safety plea? Speaking of the PSA, the few individuals who could (in the context of America) get a clear enough message out changed their stories daily. One day was stock up and hunker down, then the next day's news was to relax and not hoard. On Tuesday everyone needed masks and gloves, by Thursday the healthy were to leave them alone and the unwell were to stay put and try to do without. All the while our dear friend Trump was here to wave his hands and say that it was all under control. Can we really blame the 23-year-old, nursing a recent heartbreak and the cancellation of the March Madness tournament, for turning to Miami beach's entertainment? In the presidential haste to keep the numbers low and avoid panic, New Orleans was not urged to cancel Mardi Gras. The result? Hundreds of new cases directly tied
to the massive street party and a nationwide ballooning of COVID-19 cases. Poor Brady Sluder, the spring breaker who infamously said, “If I get corona, I get corona. At the end of the day, I’m not going to let it stop me from partying.... We’re just out here having a good time. Whatever happens, happens.” He never stood a chance with his pale face, splotchy red cheeks, backwards hat and all; he was doomed to poor judgement and cursed to fall into youthful exuberance’s vile clutches. By the time the best advice was given to him, he had witnessed months of misinformation and hours of disregard sewn into his brain. He and every other American who can’t stand to sit still at home played a game without knowing the rules and with the dices loaded against them.
Illustration by Sonam Kaloti
››The odds are against good youthful decisions in America
It was not simple ignorance that brought these spring breakers to the beach. It was a mixture of too little information sent too late to those unprepared to understand its gravity. People can only make good decisions with good information; with the White House divided between giving money to everyone and ending social distancing practices, good information is in critically short supply.
Have an idea for a story? humour@theotherpress.ca
H umour How to be a superhero at home
• Staying at home may be our only shot to saving humanity • The 'Other' Other Press
...and that's everything!
››Staying at home may be our only shot to saving humanity EG Manilag Staff Writer
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hether you’re by yourself or with your family, if you’re staying inside the walls and safety of your house, then you are definitely a part of this heroic story. Let’s not screw this up, let’s become heroes of humanity—and stay home! Home-man to the rescue! Exercise, not to save some snacks, but to become a snack This is your time to shine! In this type of activity, you are the actor or actress, and you are paid to become shredded, lean, and toned in a very limited amount of time. Luckily, you can do it easily with the help of life’s circumstances. Hooray! Since you only have a few snacks in your cupboard—not even enough for a whole month’s supply—you are forcefully going to be inspired to workout. The payment of this workout, however, is not money, it could be fame, yes… But, unfortunately, the only payment you will receive is humanity’s existence being ensured. Since you’re not paid in
money, you can’t be called a superstar. However, because you’re doing it for humanity’s sake, you’re called a superhero and superhuman. And I think the latter is the real snack, on-screen or off-screen. Make TikTok videos Why not? Maybe this is the time that your parents realize that you have the potential to be a star and that you have what it takes. And that certainly you were not wrong for choosing the arts.
even robberies are cancelled. Robbers, too, are concerned, you know? And maybe they’re applying for their EI—we’ll never know. Doing nothing might be one of the holiest activities one will ever contribute to saving humanity against this pandemic. Your mom was wrong to tell you twelve
Do some cleaning By cleaning, I mean deep cleaning. Clean your own room, clean the living room, clean the balcony, clean the staircase, clean the attic, and clean the deepest and most mysterious parts of your house— because you never know what you’ll find! Maybe you’ll find some very, very old documents, stating that you really are an adopted son or daughter. Yikes! Do nothing Just stay home. You have nothing to miss or worry about. A lot of outdoor activities had been cancelled already—activities such as hiking, jogging, basketball, and
The 'Other' Other Press ››In the news this week... Erin Meyers Senior Columnist
years ago that doing nothing will get you nowhere. But jokes aside, I encourage everyone to stay at home. If you do not so, you’ll miss a ton of crazy internet freebies, including Pornhub’s free month of premium membership!
omics &W Puzzles Creative orks
Dance with me Sonam Kaloti Arts Editor I spoke with a fine young woman today who confirmed I am desired and pretty. Her radiant smile brings sun out from gray. I wish I could be nearly as witty. She speaks with decadence and saunters home leaving me wondering what is amiss. Her kiss in my head... I am not alone, yet her bright red flames douse him in a hiss. Please dance with me, woman, I need you here to show me the way to bliss. Oh, I could feel you, taste you, never reminisce. Dear woman, if you were real, know I would. Alas, she solely exists in my mind distracting me: blind to all that's not fine.
Creative Works Reach By an introvert You always thought you liked it best when you were left alone hands pocketed, face closeted drown voices out with your headphones pretending you can’t hear the world its got jack shit to say don’t talk to me, just let me be thank God they know to stay away these socialites, these vapid sheep who needs to be this close, this tied to others; you’d much rather flit past, contactless, a ghost, content to stand apart, estranged— but suddenly the whole world changed so now we all stand this far back and now we dare not make contact but now the world’s a different place and now we’re stuck in our own space so now you see these barriers you’ve drawn and now it’s what you wanted all along but now you have no noises to drown out now you wish that you could just reach out.
Space Geographer Part 10 Morgan Hannah Life & Style Editor he darkness is so pure, darker than anything I’ve experienced before. I cannot help myself. I am unnerved. It’s cold too. And damp. Each surface I grasp at is slick and difficult. I want to call out for the creature to make sure I’m not alone, but a part of me wonders if I’ve been led into a trap. A chill runs across me like an itch I cannot scratch. I cannot tell if it’s just me shaking or if it’s the mountain that’s shaking—like a body quivering in the cold. I wish I could reapply the layers I peeled off earlier, but I cannot see nor do I trust my surroundings, which are narrow and only seem to be growing more narrow the further into the mountain I tread. My breathing is quick and painful. Count to ten, then repeat… Vibrations, like a steady drum, pound below me in sync with my rapid heart rate. When suddenly, a bright light shines in the distance as if there’s a crack in the base of the mountain. I pause and hold my breath, listening. The sounds of carefully placed feet navigating the terrain ahead of me give me hope that I’m not alone and that I’m almost out of this. Following the sounds, I wander closer and closer to the light, my raw fingers grasping at the slick stone surrounding me and pulling me forward. The air that hits my face once I break free from the stone is so sweet and fresh—then very soon after it starts to sour like spoiled milk, and I wrinkle my nose. A flash of green catches my eyes and I can feel my jaw drop and knees grow weak. Wobbling, I crash into the wet stone beneath my feet. “What the hell…?” Continuation of this exciting adventure next week!
Illustration by Morgan Hannah
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48 DOWN 1. Armed conflict 2. Scrape by, with “out” 3. Long loaf of French bread 4. Commercial transaction 5. Tuna type 6. Braided bread in Jewish cuisine 7. Governmental building 8. Belonging to you and me 9. Laudatory poem10. Shaving needs 11. Pre-headliner act 12. Frays 18. In addition 20. “On the other hand…” abbr. 23. Currency used widely overseas 25. 301 in Ancient Rome 26. Wander 27. Driver’s aid (abbr.) 28. Tokyo, once 29. African antelope 34. Passing craze 35. Sushi with rice wrapped in tofu 37. Baker’s amt. (abbr.) 40. Italian white bread41. Sidewalk edge (UK sp.) 42. Spanish mrs. 44. Not pos. 45. Exerts 46. Rich, eggy French bread 47. __ faire 48. Friend of the court: __ curiae 49. To a large extent 50. Folds 52. Author Fleming 55. Measuring amt. 56. Broadcast 59. Wind direction indicator61. Piercing tool 62. Bar bill 64. In what way 65. Long time 66. Decay
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Caroline Ho Web Editor
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Weekly crossword: Bread
ACROSS 1. Spider’s creation 4. Bag 7. Pigeon call 10. Letters after CD 13. Abbr. before an alias 14. “That feels so good!” 15. Currency in Canberra 16. Mimic17. Formal clothing 19. Knot-shaped bread 21. French article 22. Island neckwear 24. Hammer, anvil, or stirrup, e.g. 25. Reputation, in slang27. Like bread for someone with celiac disease (2 wds.) 30. Camp bed 31. Lampoon 32. No laughing matter, for short 33. Whiskered aquatic creature 36. Burden 38. “That is to say…” (2 wds.) 39. Turns the key 43. “In,” in French 46. Portable metal heater 48. Piece of stage equipment 51. Call it a day 53. Painting or drawing 54. Bread with flax and oat, e.g. 56. “Dancing Queen” (1976) band 57. Applies a cold pack 58. Year, in Spanish 59. By way of 60. Indian flatbread 63. Book a boat 67. Final (abbr.) 68. Pale 69. Abbr. before a judge’s name 70. Also 71. Administrator, with “op” 72. 1 kg = 2.2 of these 73. Farm female
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THE STUDENTS' UNION OFFICES, LOUNGES & BUILDING ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE During this time, the Douglas Students’ Union will remain accessible to students who depend on our services. You can contact us through the various ways below: E-mail: info@thedsu.ca Facebook: /TheDSU6 Instagram: @thedsu6 Twitter: @thedsu6