Cringe Culture is Cringe

VOL. 168 ISSUE 13 AUGUST 2, 2021

NEWS

F EAT U RE S

ART S & C ULT UR E

H UM O UR

Corbett Gildersleve discusses student advocacy

Dress to impress for the Fall 2021 semester

Tim Robinson is challenging traditional sketch comedy

Comics to brighten up your end-of-semester funk

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Cringe culture is cringe Judging other people’s interests doesn’t make you cool

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Volume 168, Issue 13

Maggie Benston Centre 2900 Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6 Phone: (778) 782-5110

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COVER Alyssa Marie Umbal PEAK ASSOCIATES Charlene Aviles, Harvin Bhathal, Sara Brinkac, Tiffany Chang, Lubaba Mahmud, Jacob Mattie STAFF WRITERS Kelly Chia, Carter Hemion, Nancy La EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meera Eragoda eic@the-peak.ca

NEWS The history of pride in Vancouver

COPY EDITOR Paige Riding copy@the-peak.ca NEWS EDITOR Michelle Young news@the-peak.ca NEWS WRITERS Karissa Ketter, Jaymee Salisi

OPINIONS The cultural significance of small grocery stores

OPINIONS EDITOR Dev Petrovic opinions@the-peak.ca FEATURES EDITOR Marco Ovies features@the-peak.ca ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Sara Wong arts@the-peak.ca

FEATURES What I learned in my five years at SFU

HUMOUR EDITOR Kyla Dowling humour@the-peak.ca PRODUCTION AND DESIGN EDITOR Siloam Yeung production@the-peak.ca

ARTS & CULTURE

ASSISTANT PRODUCTION EDITORS Brianna Quan, Josh Ralla

Coffee culture from Vietnam to Vancouver

PHOTO EDITOR Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson photos@the-peak.ca MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Karla Salazar multimedia@the-peak.ca ASSISTANT MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Rashi Sethi

HUMOUR A plea from the SFU Avocado

Get involved!

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WEBSITE MANAGER Reza Shariatzadeh web@the-peak.ca DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Deby McIntosh BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kelly Chia, Pablo Clairmont, Emma Dunbar, Jacob Mattie, Angela Wachowick, Yuri Zhou

NEWS

August 2, 2021

PROTEST TO CELEBRATION

The history of pride in Vancouver Professor Jen Marchbank discussed how pride has changed over the years from a protest to a festival

KA R ISSA KET TER // NE WS W RI TE R

Content warning: mentions of homophobia Vancouver’s earliest pride protest was on August 1, 1973, when the Gay Alliance Toward Equality (GATE) held a picnic and art exhibit. Vancouver’s first pride parade took place in 1978.

Vancouver refused to grant GATE a permit to host a pride event for years until Mike Harcourt, the 30th premiere of BC, was elected into office. He was elected after promises to the LGBTQIA2S+ community — including making a proclamation for the LGBTQIA2S+ community and granting their parade permit.

After his election, a new municipal government was formed in Vancouver and GATE received a permit to hold their first official pride parade. He declared the week of August 1–7 Gay Unity Week. Vancouver then held Canada’s first lesbian pride march on May 16, 1981.

“Pride did begin from protest,” said SFU professor of gender, sexuality, and women’s studies, Jen Marchbank, in an interview with The Peak. She recalled her time living in the UK, when she went to London to “march in the pride parade, and it was very much a demand for equal rights.” In the following few years, “all of a sudden, there was a party atmosphere,” she explained.

“In my lifetime [ . . . ] it has evolved from a parade into a spectacle and into a celebration.” During this time, Marchbank said she has seen laws change as rights for the LGBTQIA2S+ community progress in Canada.

The legalization of same-sex marriage was first introduced in Canada in 2003, when Ontario and BC became the first provinces to legalize it. These were the

Marchbank discusses the LBGTQIA2S+ community's fight for progress and their many strides.

only places in the world where same-sex couples who were not residents could still marry.

On June 28, 2005, Bill C-38 gave same-sex couples the legal right to marry throughout Canada. The Bill became law in July 2005 when it received royal assent.

Canada was the fourth country to make these advancements, following the Netherlands in 2000, Belgium in 2003, and Spain earlier in 2005.

The Canadian Encyclopedia estimates that public support for same-sex marriage went from 41% in 1997 to 74% in 2017.

“There still is a need for pride — not just to celebrate their existence, but to build community, to convey to those who are not part of the LGBTQ community that we’re here, we’re not just to be tolerated, we are a part of everyone’s lives.”

In 1985, the Equality for All report was released by the Canadian Parliamentary Committee on Equality Rights. Their report found high levels of discrimination against those in the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

The recommendation was for Canada to make discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal. This recommendation wasn’t accepted for another 10 years.

Marchbank cautioned some pieces of history are misrepresented. Bill C-150 was the federal bill that decriminalized some sexual acts such as sodomy — oral or anal sex between gay men. Prime Minister

P HOTO : Jakayla Toney / Unsplash

Pierre Trudeau “very famously said ‘the state has no place in the nation's bedrooms,’” Marchbank explained.

She explained this Bill is often cited as one that decriminalized homosexuality, but “it did not [ . . . ] All Bill C-150 did was decriminalize certain acts between consenting adults over 21 — given that the age of consent for heterosexual relations was about 14.”

She also highlighted the importance of understanding intergenerational effects of Canada’s institutional discrimination — such as the Cold War purge of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. The purge consisted of government institutions spying on their workers to fire those who identified as part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community during a time when communism and homosexuality were seen as “character weakness.”

There is lasting discrimination, stigma, and “intergenerational effects of the purge. Maybe someone in their 40s wasn't purged themselves, but maybe their uncle was,” said Marchbank. “You might not be able to discriminate against people [directly] in Canada, but we have people living who have memories of discrimination.”

She said she personally felt these effects at the age 23, when she chose not to pursue a career in diplomatic services because a “statement that was made said ‘homosexuality either declared or otherwise is barrier to employment.’

“It's our responsibility in our current pride — not just festivals, but in our community — to remember whose shoulders we are standing on,” said Marchbank.

STUDENT SOCIETIES

VP Corbett Gildersleve discusses the roots of the SFSS

The origins of the SFSS began with progressivism and social advocacy. Gildersleve noted the SFSS was involved in protests, sit-ins, and a tuition wall. “Activism is part of the SFSS, from the start.”

The student society dates back to the ‘60s

His first year as a board member of the SFSS was in 2014. During this time, he saw a change in their policy governance. Previously, the SFSS had been functioning on a model where an executive director had exclusive power and oversaw all management. Gildersleve reported this was not efficient for students “wanting to make change, or wanting to work on things themselves.”

He said they didn’t want to run campaigns, only to find out later they didn’t have power.

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The Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) has a long history, originating in the 1960s. Vice-president, internal and organizational development Corbett Gildersleve said in an interview with The Peak that the SFSS is “there to advocate on behalf of students for pretty much everything from academic to financial to mental health, physical health, and social needs.”

He explained the SFSS’ ability to take action for students has fluctuated over time. With a consistently high turnover rate of Board members, “you get periods of more progressive activism, and then it goes eventually down into more centrist [leadership].” Gildersleve described these latter periods as business-oriented.

In 1966, then-SFSS President Shook wrote a letter to Martin Luther King Jr. in 1966, asking him to speak at the institution. SFU recently released Martin Luther King Jr.’s response from their archives.

When Gildersleve realized he wanted to get involved with the SFSS, it was a “changing moment.”

After his re-election with the SFU Progressives in 2019, the Board terminated half of their member positions.

The budget was allocated to student advocacy positions such as campaign mobilization and equity officers for racialized, neurodiverse, and LGBTQIA2S+ groups.

Gildersleve said he has seen the SFSS begin to advocate for marginalized student groups during his time, for instance, when the SFSS board had declined former Rotunda groups spaces in the Student Union Building (SUB).

The SFSS has seen a variety of leadership styles over time.

PH OTO : Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson / The Peak

The SFSS now aims to take a stance on international issues, said Gildersleve. This includes the the Board releasing a statement supporting Palestinian liberation.

“To be an advocate you have to take a stance [ . . . ] If you’re not willing to take a stance, you can’t actually advocate for your members.”

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NEWS

News Editor Michelle Young

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News Writers Karissa Ketter and Jaymee Salisi

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news@the-peak.ca

ACADEMIC ADVANCES

Indigenous and Black graduate scholarship established for SFU Biology MA program SFU Science aims to address the financial barriers in Western science

Alumnus of the program expressed concerns.

HA RVI N BHAT HAL // PEAK ASSO CI ATE

SFU Science is raising $30,000 to create the first scholarship for Indigenous and Black graduates. $20,485 has been raised so far, and an anonymous donor offered to match all donations up to $15,000.

“Western science has a long history of colonialism and racism, which is still prevalent today,” said Ranah Chavoshi, a MSc candidate in the department of biological sciences. Chavoshi was interviewed by The Peak on behalf of the Biology Graduate Caucus’ Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee. The committee helped establish the scholarship.

As a result of systemic barriers, SFU’s Biology graduate program has had four Indigenous students and two Black students out of a total 160 students over the past eight years. Today, the department has two self-identified Indigenous students and no Black students.

These barriers include “socio-economic barriers, cultural barriers, and the subtle barriers of hostilities and microaggressions that exist in the academic space,” which are all “often compounded by the unique intergenerational trauma experienced within these communities,” said Chavoshi.

Dr. Nicola Smith, a Black alum currently working as a postdoctoral researcher in the department, noted the “high premium that potential graduate supervisors place on prior research experience and prior publications at the undergraduate level.

“As an undergraduate, I did not know anyone working in biological research except for some of my upperlevel professors.

“However, I had no idea that you could simply ask them for opportunities to work in their lab and possibly collaborate on a peer-reviewed publication,” Chavoshi said. “This sort of ‘insider knowledge’ about how science works is often a mystery to Black and Indigenous students that lack professional networks.”

The Peak also contacted a Mississauga First Nation alum, but they did not respond by publication deadline.

Chavoshi said, “Ultimately, we want this scholarship to not only provide for students financially, but lead to other opportunities such as internships, mentorship, and professional development. We realize that, in order for individuals to be successful, it has to go beyond monetary funds.

“We know that, if we can reach the minimum endowment of $30,000, we can give at least one scholarship valued at $1,500 to an Indigenous or Black student per year. If we can reach $60,000, then half of the scholarship will be endowed and half will provide more immediate and significant funding for one student who will receive a fullride scholarship, approximately $7,000 for one semester per year.”

The adjudication of the recipient(s) will be overseen by the committee.

However, Dr. Smith was concerned about the scholarships’ long-term sustainability because its funding is primarily reliant on public donations.

“I’m a bit disappointed that SFU administrators did not propose and fund this scholarship themselves,” said Dr. Smith.

P HOTO : Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson / The Peak

“The university claims to want to take actions toward making SFU an inclusive and equitable environment for students from diverse backgrounds; financially supporting a scholarship such as this one would signal to members of these systemically marginalized groups that SFU is putting ‘their money where their mouth is.’”

Still, Dr. Smith believes “the creation of this scholarship is a step in the right direction,” and commended the committee “for recognizing this need and acting on it in a tangible way.”

The committee has worked with SFU’s biology department, faculty of science, SFU Science Advancement Team, and the associate dean of EDI in science, Dr. Mary Catherine Kropinski, in the development process.

They also consulted with SFU Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry, and Solomon Reese, an Indigenous consultant, on the Terms of Reference of the scholarship “to ensure the processes surrounding how this award is dispensed is as equitable as possible.”

Chavoshi acknowledged the scholarship “cannot address the complex layers of barriers that exist in academia.

However, we are hopeful that it can address the financial barrier that some of these students may experience.”

Chavoshi added the committee has been connecting with graduate students from other science departments to share what they have learned. They aim to “help set up similar scholarships in other science departments.”

To donate to the scholarship fund, visit give.sfu.ca

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CRIME

SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue discusses the criminal justice system in Canada Voices in activism and law discuss intersectionality as a necessity in Canadian courtrooms

JAYMEE SALI S I // N E WS W RI TE R

On June 22, 2021, the SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue hosted the fifth instalment of their Doubling Down series called “Enhancing Dialogue on Criminal Justice in Canada.” Each event features speakers outlining actions institutions should take to strengthen our democracy.

From lawyers to activists, journalists, and social workers, panelists voiced their perspectives on Canadian criminal justice. The event covered how the criminal justice system can be improved.

Managing lawyer of the Halifax Youth Justice Office Brandon Rolle said although “we do run up against a system that was designed for us to fail,” social justice work can’t progress without hope.

“When a client walks into the courtroom and sees a Black judge and knows that their story will be understood, or when you can get a cultural assessment for the court and someone’s complete identity is in front of the court — they don’t have to be separated, or that narrative is not erased — to me that’s hopeful.”

Rolle added it’s important in conversations about crime to look at the circumstances within society that led someone to committing a crime. Rolle explained that people’s identities can’t be separated from the process.

“The law that’s been imposed here colonially can only take us so far,” criminalization and policing campaigner at Pivot Legal Society Meenakshi Mannoe said.

According to Mannoe, the law is limiting and “designed to exhaust people who actually want justice beyond a colonial framework.”

The panelists agreed on the importance of teaching and validating Indigenous law in higher education in building on the concept of dismantling colonial frames of justice.

“Programs at law school that teach lawyers from day one to think about how to make law differently gives me hope and I think that might be an effective strategy,” Halifax community activist El Jones said.

Rolle said change requires reevaluating the justice system’s process. “Focus more on rehabilitation, culturally appropriate programming, view someone through a lens of systemic racism, background factors, and how it has impacted them, and arrive at a sentence that is more just,” he said.

Indigenous matriarch and author of the Ancestral Pride Allyship Zines, Xhopakelxhit said, “Right now, in terms of the political climate that is happening in so-called Canada here, there’s not a lot to be hopeful for.” As more unmarked graves of Indigenous children from residential schools are recovered, she said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fights against Indigenous rights in court.

However, Xhopakelxhit is optimistic about creating more safe spaces to open up dialogue for others to learn more about equity and law and for Black and Indigenous people to express themselves.

Learn more about the SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre on their website.

In light of the recent findings at residential schools across Canada and the calls of Indigenous peoples to implement the 94 Calls to Action published by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015, The Peak is reproducing these calls over seven issues. We hope slowly publishing these calls to action will help non-Indigenous readers understand what they are, reflect on them, and think about the ways they can show up in allyship.

Please find Calls to Action #1–83 in our previous six issues.

Calls to Action In order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission makes the following calls to action.

Reconciliation MEDIA AND RECONCIL IATION

84.

We call upon the federal government to restore and increase funding to the CBC/Radio-Canada, to enable Canada’s national public broadcaster to support reconciliation, and be properly reflective of the diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives of Aboriginal peoples, including, but not limited to: i.

Increasing Aboriginal programming, including Aboriginal-language speakers.

ii.

Increasing equitable access for Aboriginal peoples to jobs, leadership positions, and professional development opportunities within the organization.

iii. Continuing to provide dedicated news coverage and online public information resources on issues of concern to Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians, including the history and legacy of residential schools and the reconciliation process.

85.

86.

We call upon the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, as an independent non-profit broadcaster with programming by, for, and about Aboriginal peoples, to support reconciliation, including but not limited to: i.

Continuing to provide leadership in programming and organizational culture that reflects the diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives of Aboriginal peoples.

ii.

Continuing to develop media initiatives that inform and educate the Canadian public, and connect Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians.

We call upon Canadian journalism programs and media schools to require education for all students on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal– Crown relations.

SPORTS AND RECONCIL IATION

87.

We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, sports halls of fame, and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes in history.

88.

We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games, including funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation and travel.

89.

We call upon the federal government to amend the Physical Activity and Sport Act to support reconciliation by ensuring that policies to promote physical activity as a fundamental element of health and well-being, reduce barriers to sports participation, increase the pursuit of excellence in sport, and build capacity in the Canadian sport system, are inclusive of Aboriginal peoples.

90.

We call upon the federal government to ensure that national sports policies, programs, and initiatives are inclusive of Aboriginal peoples, including, but not limited to, establishing: i.

In collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, stable funding for, and access to, community sports programs that reflect the diverse cultures and traditional sporting activities of Aboriginal peoples.

ii.

An elite athlete development program for Aboriginal athletes.

iii. Programs for coaches, trainers, and sports officials that are culturally relevant for Aboriginal peoples. iv. Anti-racism awareness and training programs.

91.

We call upon the officials and host countries of international sporting events such as the Olympics, Pan Am, and Commonwealth games to ensure that Indigenous peoples’ territorial protocols are respected, and local Indigenous communities are engaged in all aspects of planning and participating in such events.

BUSINESS AND RECONCIL IATION

92.

We call upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources. This would include, but not be limited to, the following: i.

Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with economic development projects.

ii.

Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects.

iii. Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

NEWCOMERS TO CANADA

93.

We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with the national Aboriginal organizations, to revise the information kit for newcomers to Canada and its citizenship test to reflect a more inclusive history of the diverse Aboriginal peoples of Canada, including information about the Treaties and the history of residential schools.

94.

We call upon the Government of Canada to replace the Oath of Citizenship with the following: I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada including Treaties with Indigenous Peoples, and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.

In addition to reading these calls, please read the Assembly of First Nations’ 2020 Progress Report to find out how Canada is doing on implementing these calls.

OPINIONS

August 2, 2021

PUBLIC INTEREST

WHAT GRINDS OUR GEARS?

Saying “no offence” to soften the blow of an insult

As long as someone’s pastimes aren’t hurting anyone, you’re actually being the hurtful one when you shame them.

PH OTO : Gracia Dharma / Unsplash

Cringe culture needs to die

The less time you spend judging another person for their interests, the more time you can spend exploring yours PAIGE RI DI N G // COPY E D I TO R

The act of “cringing” at someone for their actions, appearance, or behaviour is just bullying for miserable adults.

Cringe culture is a harmful, low-brow form of “humour” exacerbated by the internet and its users hiding behind screens. It involves harassing someone because their happiness or experiences seemingly affect you — when they really don’t.

When people vocalize how enjoying certain content makes someone “cringe,” those unnecessary comments can be harmful. This culture of embarrassing someone in the name of “humour” needs to die.

If you have an instinct to cringe when you see someone wearing an anime shirt or dancing in a social media video, you should consider what drives this bitter reaction. When you see self-expression in any form, why do you think your first response is so negative and self-centred?

Instead of celebrating differences through selfexpression, cringe culture promotes sameness.

The answer often lies in internalized instincts of othering — we want to fit in, to be accepted by the greater majority, so we purposefully distance ourselves from “the other.” Herd mentalities, or prioritizing acceptance from the majority (usually at the expense of another) only perpetuates this othering. When we see a person with less popular interests, be it loving K-pop, boasting heavy piercings, or anything in between, often we act on internalized othering instincts and distance ourselves from people expressing themselves how they wish.

With cringe culture, many of us don’t realize just how destructive this othering can be. This culture disproportionately affects groups already shamed for other parts of their identities, causing further discomfort where there should never be any in the first place.

Instead of celebrating differences through selfexpression, cringe culture promotes sameness. Blatant ableism, sexism, homophobia, and racism run rampant and appear to be excused through the internet’s sardonic and excluding nature.

Isabelle Ford for the Toronto Star speaks about finding fellow LGBTQIA2S+ community members on TikTok, an app often targeted by cringe culture. Despite its reputation for being a site of “bad dancing and lip syncs,” TikTok and similar platforms “provide resources, encouragement, and guidance,” connecting people through common interests.

As the pandemic leaves us curled up alone in our beds on our phones, sites that provide comfort in lonely times should never be something to cringe at, but rather something to celebrate.

The Autisticats, a blog run by four people with autism, says cringe culture is “fundamentally ableist.”

They highlight an ironic pattern of othering, where neurotypical people “have repeatedly ostracized, abused, and excluded autistic people,” thus driving autistic people out of dominating social groups. Neurodivergent people then discover “internet-based fandoms” where “everyone’s a weirdo and it’s okay,” finally finding places where they will not be ostracized. These social groups, however, get co-opted by neurotypical people, where they once again become the targets of harassment for not “being part of the [neurotypical] in-group.”

Cringe culture targets people just trying to find what makes life more enjoyable. I encourage you to think before vocalizing how someone else living their life makes you feel. If you see cringe culture running rampant online, try supporting the target and encouraging them to enjoy what they like. If you have the energy, call out those perpetuating cringe culture and point out how harmful it is for their target and even the perpetuator.

When we head back to in-person classes this fall, I hope those happily bearing their favourite anime shirt or showing off a BTS enamel pin on their bag don’t send you into cardiac arrest. Better yet, I hope the time spent in isolation relatively distanced from judgment inspires you. Use these last weeks before classes return to explore your interests on a deeper level. Really consider what brings you joy, and also what you can do to help foster another’s joy instead of hampering it.

We’re all guilty of partaking in cringe culture, myself included, but that doesn’t mean we need to carry this ingrained hatred with us from here on out.

Lately, I’ve been getting better at taking criticism, especially when it's constructive. I think this kind of honest feedback helps people grow.

However, criticism can often take a nasty or offensive turn. What drives me up the wall is when someone says “no offence” after mentioning something hurtful to their counterpart.

My question is this: why do people think saying “no offence” mitigates the offensiveness of their insults?

I find it astoundingly contradictory.

It's like trying to soak up a diarrhea accident with one toilet paper square.

You know for certain it isn’t enough to clean up your disgusting mess, but you somehow think it’ll make a difference if an attempt is made.

“You suck! No offence.”

“Your eyebrows look like they were plucked by a four-year-old with cheap tweezers. No offence.”

“The colour of your nail polish makes me want to gouge my eyes out.

No offence.”

How do people not see the uselessness of this saying? Without a doubt, it has the opposite effect of “not offending.” You already knew that what you were going to say seemed insulting. Adding snide comments makes it that much worse.

Long story short, trying to soften the blow of your insults will not garner any positive results whatsoever, so please stop.

Written by Tiffany Chang Illustrated by Carolyn Yip

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OPINIONS

Opinions Editor Dev Petrovic

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opinions@the-peak.ca

SHOP SMALL

The Bright-er Side Quarantine motivated my family and me to become physically active Let #HealthyGirlSummer begin

Ingredients not found in big supermarkets can often be found in these small grocery stores.

PHOTO: Kari Shea / Unsplash

Charlene Aviles, Peak Associate Since BC went into lockdown, my local neighbourhood gym has remained closed.

Without a backyard or exercise equipment at home, I had to become more creative with my workouts.

I used my home’s staircase to incorporate cardio into my routine. I also follow HighIntensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout videos. Because these videos include short but frequent breaks, I am more likely to complete these routines over longer workouts with fewer breaks.

During the transition to remote learning, I realized there were fewer boundaries between my work, school, and home environments.

With the boundary blurred, I needed to strive for a balance to avoid burnout and maintain productivity. My fitness routine has also helped me cope with my transfer to SFU by relieving stress.

Whenever I had physical education classes in secondary school, there was often a range of fitness goals and levels of physical fitness.

For beginners such as myself, it was quite intimidating and physically overwhelming trying to keep up with experienced peers. Now that I am working out at home, I can customize my routine and exercise at my own pace.

Exercise has not only helped me become healthier, it’s also encouraged other members of my family to become physically active as well. My doctor recommended I continue working out throughout the pandemic, so I began going for walks with my grandmother and mother. Now that I have two workout buddies, we keep each other accountable, encouraging each other to stay committed to our fitness goals.

P HOTO : Fikri Rasyid / Unsplash

Small grocery stores are in need of our support Unlike big chain stores, small grocery stores play an important part in Vancouver’s cultural diversity JAC O B M AT TI E / / P EA K AS S O C IAT E

I have a few small grocery stores close to where I live — not small like that Safeway without a decent bakery section, or even the Buy-Low Foods you can fully explore in a few aisles. I mean the kind of small where the employee stocking the shelves also runs the cash register and the company uniform is whatever they decided to wear that day.

I was drawn to one by the surprisingly affordable produce laid out in front and was surprised by the products offered inside. Rather than being faced with eight different types of peanut butter (almost all of them identical, and yet somehow lacking crunch without added sugar), the shelves were stocked with ingredients I’d never seen before. Cactus slices in oil; more types of pickled foods than I’d ever imagined; arrays of spices (I had no idea you could buy whole curry leaves); and fruits, vegetables, and meats I’d never seen before in grocery chains.

It brought to mind a conversation I’d had with a friend a long time ago. She’d been doing policy work, trying to protect the exact types of stores in which I was now standing. She’d emphasized how much of a culture is drawn from the foods we eat. More than just a food source, a culture’s recipes provide a link to peoples’ histories, and their sharing has offered a way to connect with elders.

There are plenty of discussions around the importance of food to culture — to the point where several culinary practices have been recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, and such practices are formally studied under the field of food anthropology.

Of course, central to a recipe is the ingredients used.

Standing in the local grocer, surrounded by unique ingredients, really drove home the number of foods people have learned to use and the number of recipes that exist beyond what can be made with foods bought from the common supermarket.

More than just a food source, a culture’s recipes have provided a link to peoples’ histories, and their sharing has offered a way to connect with elders.

As customers migrate from local grocery stores to supermarkets, small store owners are forced to either close or raise their prices — making specialty ingredients less accessible to those that would be looking for them. With the erosion of food culture, the history that can be passed between generations is reduced, and so too does the richness of the cultures that make our city so vibrant.

When you next find yourself out shopping for groceries or looking for a way to add a bit of variety to your pantry, stop by an independent grocery store. They play an important role in the cultures that surround us and would really appreciate the financial support.

F E AT U R E S

Reflecting on my time at SFU and advice for new students

University isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but there definitely were some good moments Written by Tiffany Chang

I remember SFU’s Welcome Day of Fall 2016 like it was yesterday.

I had a haircut I didn’t like and was amazed by how much “free” stuff we were getting. (Yes, that’s how vain I am. I mentioned a part of my physical appearance two sentences in.) Everyone just seemed so nice, which helped calm my nerves. Then it finally hit me: “this is the place where I’m going to spend my remaining years as a student.”

I did what every overeager university first-year would do. I bought all my required materials at the SFU Bookstore & Spirit Shop, got my student ID, and paid for tuition super early, all while clinging to my friends from high school.

My first day was pretty exciting. I’ll never forget walking into Images Theatre a few minutes before class started and seeing a sea of laptops (I have a laptop now, but I didn’t at the time). I was awkwardly struggling with the desk chair when a guy sitting to my right helped me and asked “is this your first day?”

“Yes,” I sheepishly replied.

“Don’t worry, we were all like that in the beginning.” Words can’t describe how thankful I was (and still am) that I chose to sit there.

This moment commenced my extensive schooling, which consisted of nonstop reading, writing, and countless sleepless nights for the next five years.

I had typical SFU student moments. I stressed out over course selections.

I also once went to campus for an exam not knowing it was cancelled and nearly got stuck because of raging snow. This ended with me crammed into a sardine can-like bus for almost an hour and a half from the Burnaby campus to Production Way. Obviously, there were also some other challenging moments. Being a university student has tested me in more ways than one. My social anxiety didn’t help either. It proved to be a major hurdle for me, particularly during smaller group settings like tutorials and longer seminar courses.

I didn’t really join any clubs. Besides the friends I mentioned, who often had schedules that clashed with mine, my on-campus social life was pretty much non-existent. I did make true connections with people during class, but I basically drifted apart from most of them not too long after the semester would end.

how I feel. I surprised myself by telling someone at school who didn’t know that I had social anxiety. Their response was encouraging and I genuinely felt good sharing. Though tackling anxiety will be an ongoing process, this university gave me the nudge I needed to help myself in this respect.

With that being said, I believe I have some valuable advice for first-year students, so, if you’re a first-year student or are going to be, please consider the following: First and foremost, don’t be ashamed if you discover yourself getting addicted to coffee. Great-tasting caffeinated beverages make life worth living, end of story.

Second, download the SFU Snap app. Its GPS function is an absolute lifesaver. I’m not joking.

On a more serious note, SFU offers day trips to places like Victoria and Whistler during the summer semester. I highly recommend you go with a group of friends — when it’s safe, of course. You’ll have fun.

Lastly, please do not get caught up in what others say you should do. I can’t stress this enough. Oftentimes, they think they know you better than you know yourself, which is not and should not ever be the case. Refrain from going down paths that aren’t right for you. I know it can be difficult, especially when pressured by people close to us. Plus, students are always bombarded with emails from SFU groups informing students about all these different opportunities.

Don’t get me wrong, sometimes there is value in taking advantage of these opportunities. However, don’t engage with them only for the sake of ensuring another person’s happiness or for fear of missing out on things.

One of these things I did for my own happiness was to start contributing to The Peak. I’ve been a contributor since 2017, and I’m so glad that I wrote for The Peak from the summer semester of my first year up until now. Frankly, because I discovered this newspaper, not only have I been able to do something I love — which is write — but more importantly, I got paid for it!

Just kidding!

I recall when, as much as I wanted to give up on certain commitments during my time here when things got overwhelming, I ultimately stuck by them and plowed through. As corny as it sounds, attending this school showed me a resilience I never knew I had. While I can’t say every experience was all peaches and cream, choosing SFU definitely changed me for the better.

I had the chance to collaborate with several people around my age while pursuing my passion, and learned so much while doing so. Without a doubt, it has been the highlight of my journey here. I’ll miss claiming pitches and coming up with article ideas for The Peak.

One of the changes that helped me actively address my social anxiety involved making a personal promise to be more honest with people about

Actually, it might be a “see you later” because I might come back and visit.

I’ve been dying to see the Student Union Building.

Well, I guess this is “goodbye,” SFU. It’s been one heck of a ride.

FEATURES

a beginner’s guide to styling yourself post-pandemic it’s finally trendy to wear sweatpants in this prolonged period of comfy clothes

Written by Jaymee Salisi

Illustrated by Siloam Yeung

After a year of getting out of bed, changing out of my pyjamas, and opting for a slightly nicer pair of sweats to walk three steps to my desk to attend my Zoom lectures, I’ve been able to live my dream of not having to think about putting together full outfits every day.

Upon SFU’s announcement to reopen campus, this dream quickly turned into a nightmare.

I realized I would have to turn on the part of my brain that is receptive to actual style.

With a few key concepts to keep in mind, I have faith that we will be returning to campus fashionably. . . late to our 8:30 a.m. classes.

feel good, look good

make me look messy and unpresentable, so I ne dared to step foot out the door in them.

However, matching sweat sets have become a among those working from home for the past y They’ve even found their way onto high fashion runways. I’m sure the thought of this shakes my mother to her core, but this is the perfect scen for us as we transition our pandemic outfits to function in the real world.

When it comes to styling outfits, my golden rule is to always wear your clothes — don’t let your clothes wear you.

Pairing a matching oversized sweatshirt or a fitt T-shirt with your sweatpants can easily elevate casual look. A fitted T-shirt will give you more o silhouette under all the extra fabric, which balan the outfit’s proportions.

We should not have to squeeze into our pants or feel suffocated in our button-ups when clothes are made for us to wear. After exclusively wearing oversized clothes for the past year, the last feeling I want is one of discomfort.

On the other end of the fit spectrum, you could Personally, when I’m trying to look a little more p I think eliminating the drawstrings and kangaro

Truly wearing your clothes means finding pieces that compliment your body in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Sizing variation among stores can make this idea hard to grasp, as their systems provoke expectations and insecurity among shoppers. It’s confusing to be a size medium in one store but an extra small in the next. However, size numbering is merely a guideline, not something that needs to be strictly followed throughout all stores.

It’s common for sizes to vary among different brands — extremely annoying, but common.

That just means you’ll need to brave the storm of blouses and trousers to find out which option feels the best on your body.

Once you find a piece that hugs and loosens in all the right spots, the fitting room battle between yourself, the fitted tees, and the relaxed tees will be well worth it.

The “don’t let your clothes wear you” rule applies to fitted and relaxed items, but sometimes we also need to emulate our oversized work-from-home sweatpants to take steps in that direction.

the sweat set trend What a time to be alive — we live in a period where sweatpants are trendy?! This used to be a strange concept to me. Growing up, my mom used to tell me wearing sweats in public would

Putting on a sweatshirt to complete the set does nines, but monochromatic outfits can make you

Both options add intention and effort to your ap way. It tells the world that you chose comfort, b your clothes.

comfortable classics If you’d prefer to move away from sweats, you can remain casual by opting for basics such as jeans and a T-shirt. For the look I have in mind, the denim is specifically a loose straight fit. Found in thrift stores and across retailers such as H&M, straight-fit jeans can be the most comfortable yet flattering fit of jeans to exist.

A straight-leg jean could range anywhere from ankle length to a “‘90s straight-fit,” in which the denim stacks at the top of your shoe. Any option within the range works for this look as long as you’re comfortable.

11

ever

Mirroring the sweat set trend, the same sentiment goes for the top to pair with the jeans. Get the look by shopping for fun and unique T-shirts at your local thrift store.

trend year. n y nario

The next best thing after thrifting is to join me in wearing band tees of musicians I have never listened to. I’m a simple girl. I see a T-shirt of four men walking across a street and I wear it — and no, I can’t name five songs by The Beatles. And I will live a happy life without that ability.

tted ea of a nces

d opt for a matching oversized sweatshirt. put together, I prefer crewnecks over hoodies. oo pocket cleans up the look a bit more.

sn’t exactly scream that you are dressing to the u look like you put more thought into your look.

ppearance — this can make a look go a long but you were still thoughtful in coordinating

outerwear essentials If all else fails, we are returning to campus in the fall, which means layering season. A statement coat or jacket is the most simple back to school outfit fix and the best way to dress up your look.

I consider coats and jackets to be the most important part of a fall/winter outfit since it covers 70% of your body. Wearing a monochrome base underneath a longline coat or standard jacket is a simple but effective fall style that gives the illusion of effort.

Since we go to school on a mountain and in a city known for its constant rain, we need to be realistic about the jackets we’ll be wearing on campus.

Uniqlo’s Ultra Light Down collection is my go-to for a surprisingly affordable and warm waterrepellent jacket. To add more depth to your outfit, this can also be a great layering piece under a coat for the one day out of the fall and winter months without rain.

A long line trench coat or cocoon coat transforms an otherwise stuffy, all-black, three-layer outfit into a relaxed yet elegant silhouette.

With a double or single-breasted closure at the front, and typically finishing at the knee, these coats make a polished addition to any outfit. For more dimension, you can step away from the monochrome to wear a contrasting sweater underneath.

Styling yourself in this can launch you into a day full of romanticizing your life as the main character. Sip on a latte while sitting pensively on Burnaby Mountain, completely disregarding your seven assignments due at midnight. Your head is empty, word count is at two (and that’s just your name), but you look good in your coat. Who could ask for more?

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ARTS & CULTURE

Arts & Culture Editor Sara Wong

|

arts@the-peak.ca

Food for Thought:

The bittersweet past of Vietnamese coffee Dive into the cultural, political, and personal significance of food

Every morning, I would wake up to my mom making Vietnamese coffee. Thick, fudgy condensed milk softening the descent of black coffee as it dripped down from the metal phin filter definitely made for a spectacular sight. A quick stir of a spoon and a rich caramel-coloured concoction appeared.

Just a small sip brings an explosion of sweetness, followed by a punch of bitterness. It is strong enough that, for a second or two, everything is right in the world.

Despite all the warm and fuzzy feelings this drink brings, cà phê sữa, or Vietnamese coffee, is a product of 19th century French colonization. The introduction of Robusta coffee trees led to an explosion in coffee exports in Vietnam. Robusta, with its higher caffeine content, has a stronger, more bitter flavour than the Arabica counterpart.

Because of how strong Robusta coffee was, it had to be consumed with milk. But fresh milk is perishable and was practically nonexistent in Vietnam in the 1800s. Condensed milk became a popular replacement for the French colonizers in Vietnam. Its high sugar content acted as a preservative and its low water content extended shelf life. Coincidentally, sweetened condensed milk paired really well with bitter and acidic Robusta coffee.

Flash forward to the aftermath of the Vietnam War, which left the country on its knees. Aggressive agricultural reforms, such as the privatization of farm lands, pulled the country out of hot water and turned Vietnam into one of the largest coffee exporters in the world. Along with the export of beans came the export of culture — and Vietnamese coffee, with its addictive sweetness and high caffeine content, made its name as the iconic drink of Vietnam.

Vietnamese coffee is quite popular in the Vancouver coffee scene. Several restaurants and coffee shops sell it in takeout bottles, such as Cà Phê and Obanhmi. But coffee culture is drastically different in Vietnam than it is here.

There is no taking your coffee “to-go.” Instead, customers park themselves in coffeehouses for at least two hours. Coffee drinking in Vietnam is a way for the locals to relax and enjoy others’ company, unlike here in the West where people mostly consume caffeine for work purposes.

Growing up in Vietnam definitely shaped my enthusiasm for coffee as an adult, but for the longest time, I avoided drinking Vietnamese coffee. I’d been misled into thinking that adding any kind of milk or additives into coffee would make me an inferior coffee consumer, and only Westernized approaches to coffee brewing (such as pour-over and French press) were legitimate ways to brew coffee. It took years of re-education for me to get rid of that mindset, and it wasn’t until recently that I started to enjoy cà phê sữa again.

Seeing my mom making cà phê sữa every morning reminds me of my cultural roots. It also forces me to acknowledge the complicated history that comes along with it. As we enjoy Vietnamese coffee for all of its delicious glory, the history of the drink itself reminds us of the complexity of colonization, and a country’s resilience in embracing its scars and creating something beautiful out of it.

Recipe for cà phê sữa/Vietnamese coffee • 2–3 tbsp condensed milk (depends on how sweet you take your coffee) • 2 tbsp medium ground dark roasted coffee (Cafe du Monde or Trung Nguyen for authenticity, but any dark, strong coffee will do) • Hot water • Ice (optional) • Vietnamese phin filter* 1. Pour your condensed milk into a heatproof glass or mug. You’ll be brewing directly into this cup, so make sure it can handle hot water.

2. Take the inner press of the phin filter out of the cup, then place your ground coffee inside. Place the press back on top. Some presses are designed to screw back into the cup, while others are just meant to be placed on top of the grounds. Don’t press too hard on the coffee bed, otherwise the water can’t make it through the coffee. Place the whole phin (minus the lid) on top of the cup you’re using with the condensed milk.

3. Now’s the fun part! Take your boiling water and pour (carefully!) into the phin until the water reaches halfway up the sides of the phin. Place the lid on and wait for 40 seconds to a minute. This is called “blooming,” where you are removing the excess carbon dioxide in the coffee grounds to help with extraction later on.

4. After the blooming water is completely absorbed into the grounds, pour hot water all the way up to the top of the phin, and place the lid back on. This is the brewing process and will take around 1–2 minutes.

5. If you prefer your coffee stronger, you can add more water to the phin as it brews to increase the coffee and condensed milk ratio.

6. After you’re happy with how much coffee is in the cup, you can remove the phin and rest the filter on its own lid.

7. Take a spoon and stir the coffee and condensed milk together. Your kitchen should smell like caffeinated heaven at this point.

8. If you want to take it hot, drink the coffee as is. If you want to make an iced version, pour the coffee you have into a glass with ice.

9. Enjoy! *The phin filter comes in four parts: the round plate at the bottom, a cup, a press inside of the cup, and a lid. Made out of metal, it is reusable and gets very hot during the brewing process, so be careful. Phin filters can be found online, or in a Vietnamese supermarket.

ILLUSTRATION: Alyssa Marie Umbal / The Peak

BY NANCY LA

ARTS & CULTURE

August 2, 2021

STAY AND WATCH

Tim Robinson’s I Think You Should Leave is an inventive take on traditional Season two of this Netflix sketch show is a must-watch Robinson delivers comedy gold on ITYSL.

I MAGE: Courtesy of Netflix

SA RA B RI N KAC // PEA K ASSO CI ATE

To rank a sketch show among the comedy greats, it must challenge format norms (Mr. Show) and create sketches that are so unique and original, the jaded viewer is consistently surprised (Portlandia).

The Netflix sketch show I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (ITYSL) fills both these requirements tenfold.

From its debut season in 2019, ITYSL instantly caught the attention of comedy lovers everywhere. Created by Zach Kanin and Tim Robinson, former Saturday Night Live writers, ITYSL offers a refreshing take on the pitfalls of societal norms.

There is a tradition of comedians challenging the “invisible” customs of society. For example, Larry David’s horribly awkward Curb Your Enthusiasm has been at the forefront of sitcoms for the last two decades. While on the other end of the spectrum, Eric Andre’s surreal style bases its comedy in the (extreme) absurdity of reality. What makes ITYSL so well made is its carefully calculated balancing act between “sitcom cringe” and “surreal comedy.”

Using the sketch show format, ITYSL has the ability to offer commentary on an array of different subjects

over the course of 15 minutes. This allows the creators to jump from joke to joke and end them at the most opportune (or purposely inopportune) times. By juxtaposing TV commercials’ various formats against a host of absurd characters, or escalating a situation far past what anyone would deem socially acceptable, ITYSL pushes the seasoned viewer to ask, “Just what the hell am I watching?”

Season two welcomes Patti Harrison (ITYSL’s favourite office worker) onto the writing staff and champions an entertaining six-episode run. While many shows with a hit first season may be tempted to rehash old bits or radically change to avoid comparison, season two of ITYSL shows signs of a series maturing and building on its format.

The writers, along with director Alice Mathias, work together to challenge their sketches and stretch the boundaries of what they can achieve. Whether it was adding an oddly reflective tinge to the end of their first episode, or inventively playing upon film techniques in the “wife flashback” sketch, the crew clearly made an effort to boldly build not just their own vocabulary, but all of comedy’s vocabulary.

What remains the same between season one and two is how truly joyful it is to revisit. It is obvious the creators of the show are dedicated to carefully crafting and layering each episode, giving the viewer more to appreciate time and time again. Whether it be the hilariously unforgettable quirks Tim Robinson adds to each of his characters or that one line you “forgot was even in there,” a rewatch of ITSYL will have you laughing every time.

The seemingly endless viewings are only strengthened by the “backburner sketches.” You may begin an episode to watch one sketch and find that another you never liked is actually quite funny in its own way. ITYSL truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

I highly recommend watching (or re-watching) ITYSL, even if you are on the fence about it. The sketches have an odd way of nestling into your head and hilariously applying to everyday life.

As of July 22, 2021, both seasons of I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson are available to stream on Netflix.

Perfect Fit: Shabby chic decor for small living places Home decor doesn’t have to be expensive Written and photographed by Lubaba Mahmud Last month, I moved into a studio. Since then, I’ve been carefully collecting a few pieces that will add a little sparkle without taking up too much space. I’m not sure what my style is called, but I think it’s a mix between shabby chic and modern. I know it is tough to decorate small Vancouver apartments on a student budget, so I hope the next few items will give you some inspiration.

DO IT FOR THE (MONO)GRAM I think accents with your initial(s) are a fun way to personalize your room.

The one I have is a slim, wooden, L-shaped piece decorated with succulents from Michaels. I couldn’t find the exact same design on their site, but you can find another one with a similar look. I chose to display mine on a shelf, but I believe it can be hung on a wall too.

PUT A RING ON IT

ROOM TO GROW

Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas! The great thing about Michaels is that their decorations are divided into themes, so you can choose a few items from one collection for a cohesive look. The wreath I picked looks like an arrangement of dried flowers. I used a Command hook to hang mine. It makes me smile every time I arrive at home after a tiring day.

There’s nothing like fresh flowers to brighten your room. Since I want the focus to be on my flowers, I bought a clear, cylindrical vase from Dollarama.

Its design is simple and small, so it doesn't take up much space on my dining table.

CAN-DO SPIRIT I love pieces that combine functionality with beauty! I picked up a sleek watering can with a gold handle from IKEA to go with some plants I plan on buying soon. It’s lightweight and doesn’t take up too much space either.

WORD UP I cannot imagine my place without at least one cheesy quote. My favourite is a vintage-looking box that came from a small thrift store for less than $10. The Tolkien quote on it has given me some solace until I can actually travel again.

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14 HUMOUR

Humour Editor Kyla Dowling

|

humour@the-peak.ca

Do NOT Avoca-do it

The SFU Avocado’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad experiences The Avocado makes a heartfelt plea Written by Kelly Chia

Dear SFU students, It is I, the famous SFU Avocado. I’d like you to know that, lately, my life has been peaceful. Since most students have not been here for about a year and a half, I just get to relax, sit on a nice hill by myself, and maybe say hi to Terry Fox’s statue once in a while. People can just walk up to me and admire themselves in my handy-dandy reflection!

But there’s something approaching that plagues my stony head each and every day . . .

The Fall 2021 semester, or, as I’d like to think of it, the ”fall” of my space of sanctity. The slow but steady stream of university students will return, and they will return horny. I do not know how, but they always do. As soon as the sun sets, everyone looks at the statue with an indent and thinks, “Ah, yes. I too would like to be dented.”

Indeed, I am the place to mount on the mountain. The place where people make some “guacamole.” The Academic Quad-reliever. I’ve thought of many puns, and I have seen so much sinning.

CHICKEN COOP BY SARA BRINKAC

Really, I’m not even an avocado! I think I’m an egg? Maybe?

Either way, that really doesn’t help the conception jokes, but conception jokes are all I know, dear readers.

I was built for something more noble than a quickie. Okay, fine, I’m not sure what my true purpose is. But that’s why you’re on campus! Aren’t you supposed to figure these things out? Aren’t you supposed to figure these things out? Maybe you can look me over quickly and write 1,500 words about why my reflection is, in itself, a deeper reflection of the student body?

Instead, I am looking at too many student bodies. And maybe all I reflect is your sins.

So I beg you, dear readers. Please consider anywhere else: your house with your spying parents, the paper-thin walls of your dorm, the library where you can get screwed by both your work and your partner — alright, yeah, I understand why you would come here. But I do not condone it. I’d just like one more semester where I can stand erect against the fog in peace.

Sincerely, A tired Avocado

ABACUSS BY SARA BRINKAC

HUMOUR

August 2, 2021

Your Weekly Horoscopes

August 2–8 Written by Kyla Dowling

ARIES — Mar 21–Apr 19

LIBRA — Sept 23–Oct 22

Isn’t it weird that Aries sounds like Ares, the Greek god of war? And that you’re at war with literally everyone you meet because of your incredibly over-competitive nature?

Wow. What a strange coincidence. I’m sure those things are completely unrelated.

Take the road less travelled. The road less travelled, in this case, is getting a post-secondary education without resorting to exploiting your natural creativity in order to make resin decor. Seriously. If you need some cash, sell your body or something. The world does not need more glittery pyramids.

TAURUS — Apr 20 –May 20

SCORPIO — Oct 23–Nov 21

You are indistinguishable from a cat. You sleep a lot, love snacks, and scream constantly for attention. I’ve never been more jealous.

For a water sign, you can definitely be a little fiery. And you’re just as grounded as the earth signs. Not to mention how you can keep up a conversation just as well as any air sign . . . You know, I’d go as far as saying you are the Avatar, master of all four elements. Not just because you’re versatile, though. It’s also because you embody a 12-year-old.

GEMINI — May 21–Jun 20

SAGITTARIUS — Nov 22–Dec 21

Download the Eat, Pray, Love soundtrack. Buy more lemons. Figure out what movie had Amanda Bynes and Colin Firth as a daughter-father duo and rewatch it.

Write horoscope for Gemini. Wait, sorry, that’s my to-do list. You can do it too, if you want.

It’s time to make like a 2012 Instagram influencer and give in to your wanderlust. Explore your surroundings!

Journey to your laundry room and wash your clothes.

Take an unexpected detour to your kitchen and go on the adventure of scrubbing your week-old dishes! Anything can be accomplished if you put your mind to it.

CANCER — Jun 21–Jul 22

CAPRICORN — Dec 22–Jan 19

Some people say it’s good to express your emotions.

Others say that, if you’re going to talk about how you feel, it should be to a therapist and not to the cashier who asks “how are you?” strictly as a courtesy. Please listen to the latter. This message was sponsored by Sandra, an employee at the Cornerstone Tim Hortons.

You feel so overwhelmed. You’re way behind on laundry, just drowning in schoolwork, and you have to cope with Riverdale coming back next week. Throughout the hardships, just remember: Pitbull, your fellow Capricorn, has both been there and done that.

LEO — Jul 23–Aug 22

AQUARIUS — Jan 20 –Feb 18

Take a long, hard look at yourself in the mirror. No, not that long. Not that hard either! This was supposed to involve you contemplating your flaws and self-centred tendencies, not you admiring yourself! Stop!

You’re the main character, Aquarius! However, you’re not the main character of a glamorous yet relatable comingof-age film. You’re the main character of a 1980s after school special. Remember to say NO to drugs offered by a menacing peer who exists solely to coerce you into illegal activities. Or say yes. I’m not your boss.

VIRGO — Aug 23–Sept 22

PISCES — Feb 19–Mar 20

Sometimes you just need to scream at the top of your lungs until your voice gives out and your neighbours call the police because they think you’re getting murdered.

This wouldn’t happen as often if you just dealt with your emotions like a normal person, but here we are.

Try something new this week, Pisces. Survive only off of Cheetos. Switch up your wardrobe. Live out your life’s dream of adopting dozens of cats, only to have them all fight over who gets to devour your dead body after you pass away from malnutrition (because you were only eating Cheetos, remember?).

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16 DIVERSIONS

Business Manager Yuri Zhou

|

business@the-peak.ca

CROSSWORD Across 1. Fish feature 5. Burn with hot water 10. Fine ____ 14. China's locale 15. Prohibition 16. Display 17. Vegas machine 18. Burst forth 19. Toll road 20. Pierce 22. Once named 23. Dampens 24. Take offense at 27. Artist's workshop 31. Curses 32. Flax product 33. Devoted 37. Circle sections 38. Stone worker 39. Folk knowledge 40. Boundary 42. TV Host ____ O'Brien 43. Incensed 44. Least wild 45. Spuds 47. Practice boxing

49. Famous boxer 50. Oppress 55. Insane 57. Send money 58. Imitator 59. Burn slightly 60. All kidding ____ 61. Average (hyph.)

62. Discount event 63. Snouts 64. Colony insects Down 1. Pant 2. Capri or Wight 3. Big cat 4. Delayed 5. Sound system 6. Gem weight 7. Borders on 8. Run easily 9. Polka ____ 10. Nile snake 11. Imitation diamond 12. Keepsake 13. ____ sixteen 21. Look-alike 24. Precipitation

25. And so on (Abbr.)

26. Hebrew greeting 27. Strike 28. Exhaust 29. Not discriminating 30. Crave 31. Stench 33. Palm fruit 34. Compass direction (abbr.)

35. Historic times 36. Fender blemish 38. New York baseball team 41. Spoil 42. Part of TLC 44. Sips 45. Bath powders 46. Honolulu greeting 47. Truckers' vehicles 48. Vanity 50. Acapulco coin 51. Roberto's house 52. "Once ____ a time..."

53. ____ the waters 54. Love god 56. Mine extract 57. Bolted

SUDOKU

We just want you to know...

That we wouldn’t be here without you. Without you, we wouldn’t have anything to write about — anyone to write for. It’s you that keeps this student newspaper running with every issue that you check out. So from the bottom of our hearts, Thanks for reading.