The Cascade, Volume 30, Issue 15

Editorial

Our end-of-semester tradition provides an outlet to build on The Cascade’s regular mission, and to

JEFF MIJO-BURCH

community

I don’t know how it’s already November, but according to our best fact-checkers, it somehow is. As we hurtle towards winter, here at The Cascade we’re already eying the end of the semester. This is our second-to-last regular issue of 2022.

Why does the paper stop after mid-November? There’s a couple of reasons. The first is a matter of practicality: as an entirely student-run publication, a lot of folks on our team have a busy final few weeks of class as finals draw near. The other reason is that we’re hard at work on a slightly different project: The Zine.

The Zine debuted in December 2018, and has become an endof-semester tradition here at The Cascade. At the end of each fall and winter semester, we publish a collection of work that might not fit into what you normally find in these pages: rather than providing a source for news and discussion of current events and entertainment, The Zine is an attempt to create something more lasting, more substantial. It’s a place to share creative work of all kinds, from poetry

to photography, from non-fiction writing to abstract art.

Every issue of The Zine is a little different, a little unique, which we like to highlight by referring to each edition as an “attempt.”

Attempt six, published April 2022, was a milestone in two major ways: it was the first Zine to have a theme, and it was the first time we were able to pay our contributors. Built around the topic “climate,” we were thrilled to receive so many submissions, and put together a great collection of work. We’re hoping this semester’s will be even better.

Here are the quick facts about this semester’s attempt: the theme is “nostalgia” — what you do with that is up to you. We pay $50 for each accepted entry. Every member of the Fraser Valley community is welcome to submit: this is not just for students. The deadline is Nov. 7. You can read more about it at ufvcascade.ca/ zine.

The Cascade’s mission is to provide a forum for UFV students to have their journalism published and to act as an alternative press for the Fraser Valley. We believe it’s critical that we’re part of the thriving, if sometimes hidden, local artistic

community, and The Zine is our most direct contribution to that. Whether you’re a regular reader or have picked up this paper for the first time, we hope you’ll consider contributing your work to The Zine, telling a creative friend, or picking up a copy once it’s released on Nov. 30. We want this publication to be a sampling of the best creative work the Fraser Valley has to offer and the wide range of voices within this space we call home. We hope you’ll be a part of attempt number seven.

The Zine: what it is, and why you should care

for Oct.

"Senate is the academic governing body of UFV, with the university president and vice-chancellor Joanne MacLean as the chair. They are responsible for making decisions on everything academic, including: approving new courses and programs, approving changes to programs, and set ting entrance requirements and the academic calendar. The Board of Governors, which looks at the business side of the university, is advised by Senate on matters of mutual interest.

All at the university are welcome to attend Senate’s public meetings, held once a month. Senate makes deci sions that impact the daily lives of both students and faculty. This article will recap the main agenda items of the hybrid Senate meeting on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022.”

At Senate, a special thirty-minute presentation on what a “student ready” university looks like was fa cilitated by Dr. Alisa Webb, vice president students. The presentation explained that being student ready at UFV includes “meeting students where they are,” and supporting them as they navigate university to the best of their abilities.

According to Webb, some of the defining char acteristics of a student ready university include promoting student involvement and hearing their

concerns and suggestions, and being an inclusive, user/student friendly, “supportive and develop mental” institution.

“We are all committed to our students and to be ing an institution where the decisions that we make and the process that we take — in terms of our daily activities around policy and other matters — [think] specifically about the impact on students,” said Dr. Joanne McLean, chair.

Additionally, Webb also pointed out that having a student focus at UFV already connects well with the vision of the new Student Enrollment Management (SEM) plan created by Dr. James Mandigo, as well as the Integrated Strategic Plan. Both of those docu ments seek to be more student ready in their goals. For more information on UFV becoming a student ready university, please go to page 4 and 5 to read more.

Senate also proposed changing the number of members attending online from 11 to 15 to help en sure that meetings can maintain a face-to-face pres ence, and not be shifted to an online platform when members are unable to attend in-person.

A motion was made in Senate to change the name from the Faculty of Professional Studies to the Faculty of Business and Computing. This request

was made by Chris Schinckus, dean faculty of professional studies, on Sept. 16, 2022. The request was later voted on by the Academic Planning and Priorities Committee on Oct. 7, 2022 to be brought to the attention of Senate. The motivation for this name change came from the results of an internal survey conducted. The faculty members who were sur veyed desired to create a name that offers a clearer identity for their faculty department and what they represent. The motion was voted on and carried unanimously.

During senate, a motion was made to approve the changes made to the engineering physics diploma in mechatronics. These changes were brought to the attention of MacLean by Samantha Pattridge, undergraduate education committee chair, on Oct. 11, 2022. The reason behind the changes for this pro gram include having more current entrance require ments and being more accessible for students with different backgrounds. Other reasons include taking out unnecessary courses and replacing them with classes that can be transferable to other institutions within B.C. as well as to update the residency re quirements. Senate voted in favour of the approved changes, which are set to start in January 2023.

Inclusivity, student focus mindset, and changes to the engineering physics diploma

by Michael

The entrance of the B building | Photo by: Aryan Kathuria

NEWS BRIEFS

End of drought, potential flooding incoming

After a hot start to fall with record breaking temperatures, the rain has finally come. There are mild concerns of potential flooding in low-lying areas throughout the Fraser Valley, though there is no major flooding expected to happen. Locals in low-lying areas and areas close to the vulnerable Fraser River should be prepared for potential evacuation. In light of the rain season, and as a follow up to the disastrous floods of 2021, the Canadian Senate committee on agriculture and forestry is looking toward forming a more detailed flood control plan for British Columbia.

- Emmaline Spencer

UFV//

UFV begins a new path to be student ready

Increase in usage of Canada food banks and inflation of produce

As the year of 2022 is coming to an end, statistics for the use of food banks across Canada are coming out. According to Food Banks Canada, there has been about a 15 per cent increase in visits to the food bank in comparison to the numbers from previous years. There are concerns with the rise in visits, especially being that much of the increase comes from students and senior citizens. The unemployment rate is at 5.3 per cent, an all time low since 1976, which means that even though people are working, the inflation is still forcing them to go to the food bank to get by. Between the rise in cost of food and the general inflation of living costs, people that didn’t need to turn to the food bank are being forced to. Due to the increase in visitors to food banks, some locations have had to close temporarily due to running out of stock.

- Emmaline Spencer

UFV is gearing up to make the university more student ready, where the mindset is to cater to the needs of the students who attend the institution and give them the support and help they need to navigate and graduate from university. Dr. Alisa Webb, vice president students, broke down the characteristics of what a student ready university looks like and why it is an important step for UFV to take in their goal to achieve student-centeredness.

“A student ready university is a university that is ready for students. It's about saying these are the students that we chose to admit. Therefore, those are the students that we are going to educate, engage and help graduate,” said Webb.

Webb explained that every decision and plan made is created to benefit the students at UFV and becoming a student ready university is “the next step.”

“This is a concept that I started raising, probably about six months ago, as what I think should be the next phase in UFV’s journey,” said Webb.

Webb pointed out that being student ready is more than simply thinking about or speaking to students, but it is also about the accountability UFV has to their students to ensure that they are getting the support they need.

“It's about who the students are, what is it that they need, and how do we make sure we are ready for them,” said Webb.

“One of the things I really like about the moniker of ‘student ready’ is it embraces everything in the institution.”

Webb goes on to explain that this involves the way the university is set up and designed in terms of space and buildings, the way instructors teach and educate, the students the university accepts into their courses, and the offered services and support for students.

According to Webb, being student ready is also about considering the diversity amongst the student population and the importance of inclusivity. She breaks down that there are various types of students coming to the university from all walks of life such as a mature student or a student who is starting a family.

Webb also mentions that the Student Enrolment Management plan (SEM) has many goals to help create a student ready atmosphere and mindset within the university.

Around four years ago the university conducted a survey on why students leave the university before they complete their program of study called an early leaver survey. The leading reason why students quit university prematurely is “because they didn't know where to go for help,” said Webb.

“It was so upsetting for me to hear that a student would leave because we have effectively failed them in some way, because they couldn't figure out what they needed to know to do the next thing or to get access to the information or the support that they needed. And so for me, a real benchmark of success is that students are aware of what we do,” said Webb.

Webb explained how her “why” has always been students and how she tries to find different ways to help support them.

When asked if there is a role that students can play in helping the university to be more student

RACHEL TAIT

Supporting students as they navigate university

The student advising office | Photo by: Aryan Kathuria

ready, Webb said that they are looking into creating an institutional survey that students can fill out, as well as a potential student advisory group. The university is also looking at where students are in positions where they can be heard, such as senate, and also looking at areas that need more student voice and presence.

“If you go to the vice president students web page and you click on services, there's a list of [support services] and it doesn't matter whether those services report to me or not. It's just a comprehensive list [and] it takes [students] to where they need to go,”

said Webb, when asked about supports offered to students on the UFV website.

The weekly student newsletter written by Webb is another resource that helps to keep students connected and up to date on a regular basis. This newsletter began at the start of the pandemic and has continued to be emailed to students, giving them updates and information about important things like when to pay for registration and when to withdraw from a course.

The third resource Webb mentioned is the student support team that is in conjunction with the PASS program.

Webb explained that there is a student support team office on the third floor of the Student Union Building (SUB) where the student support coordinators work as case managers to help students receive the support they need. Referrals can be from either faculty or the students themselves.

”[The student support coordinators] act as a case manager and it's been a really successful way to get students quicker access to what they need and cut through the confusion about where they're supposed to go. “

“If students go on to the PASS page, it'll have a link for referral and

students can refer themselves and a case manager will reach out to them within 48 hours, less depending on what they're telling the student support coordinator,” mentioned Webb.

Webb has a lot of hopes for what a student ready university will look like and accomplish for students in the future.

“I like to say the goal is always a better tomorrow than today. So small increments towards a greater goal. Those things that seem small can have such an impact on a student's experience.”

Making comedy the new curriculum

Rajnish Dhawan discusses the art of stand-up comedy

SYDNEY MARCHAND

If you have ever taken one of his English classes, you are no stranger to Rajnish Dhawan’s exuberant sense of humour. Whether he is quoting Seinfeld in the middle of lectures or workshopping his stand-up material in class, there is no denying Dhawan’s passion for the comedy scene.

“I teach what I do,” he noted when discussing how his work as a comedian influences his career as a professor. As an associate English professor who teaches a variety of creative writing courses at UFV, such as playwriting and screenwriting, he was quick to point out that just like other forms of creative writing, preparing material for stand-up comedy follows a similar writing and revising process.

“There is a pattern to it,” he explained. “It is the same if you are writing a play or a short story, you have an idea and you work on it. There’s a structure; a beginning, middle, end [and there are] various substructures [such as] where to punch and what punch line to use.”

“The thing with comedy, though, is that there’s a lot of workshopping right in front of [a] real audience [...] That’s where open mics come in handy. You see what works and what doesn’t. There is a constant revision process. That’s what we do in writing as well. [It’s] a constant revision process until

you get it right.”

Dhawan explained that preparing stand-up material goes beyond just picking up on things that appear funny at the dinner table or amongst friends in passing.

“There is some basic talent. You have to look at things from a funny angle, but then you have to work on it. It’s not just going up on stage and winging it [...] You can’t get to that level of perfection until you have written it properly and rehearsed it properly. ”

Many people may hesitate to enroll in comedy courses or try out the profession because they are intimidated to perform in front of an audience. Dhawan, however, stressed the importance of repeatedly rehearsing material. He explained that this is key when it comes to building confidence, especially when sharing your creative work with others.

“It’s like in theatre. I used to dread [performing] plays, but I used to tell my actors ‘you need to feel bored with the lines.’ Practice, practice, practice [...] I think it is the most difficult performing art because you have nothing except you and the microphone.”

Dhawan recently performed a nearly sold-out show at Fraser Valley Comedy at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre; an event that kick-started his career as a comedian in 2017. After writing a play in 2016 about terrorism, he

recalled feeling incredibly drained and emotionally exhausted from taking on such a large task. As a way to counter these emotions, he wrote a comedy play. Shortly after that, he came across an ad in a local newspaper promoting Fraser Valley Comedy, and from there, he decided to take the plunge and try out stand-up comedy.

“Anyone who wants to do it, [Fraser Valley Comedy] is a good place to start,” he explained. “And don’t be discouraged,” he said. “If you have the guts to go on stage, half the job is done.”

“It’s not a profession unless you move to the U.S. or India, but it has a lot of transferable elements to it. It gives you the confidence to speak in front of random strangers that are high on beer and pot,” he joked.

“I can teach the structure of writing,” Dhawan explained. “[But] I can’t teach ideas. The ideas are yours. I teach how to mold those ideas into [a] formal structure so that it can become a story or something funny.”

Dhawan is hopeful that UFV will offer a comedy writing course within the next year. Interested students should keep a look out during registration season to get enrolled and put their comedy skills to the test. Just like Rajnish Dhawan, you may spark a new passion for making people laugh.

UFV //

Rajnish Dhawan | Photo credit: Sydney Marchand

OPINION

Thompson — Opinion

SYDNEY MARCHAND

Since I was a little kid, I have had incredibly sensitive skin. I have distinct memories of itching my legs with hairbrushes (yes, hairbrushes) so hard that they would bleed. It got so bad that at one point I had to wear gloves and take oatmeal baths just to try and alleviate some of the damage that I was causing to my skin. Later in life, I found out that apart from just having “sensitive skin,” I am allergic to most synthetic scents and dyes found in laundry detergents and bathing products. Why am I telling you this? Well, my unfortunate, scentless hygiene life has made me obsess over reading the labels of shower products and has forced me to research the heck out of the ingredients found in soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergents. And guess what? Most of them are actually horrible for our health — and not just because I’m allergic to them.

Single-use plastic bottles, like the ones commonly used for body washes and lotions, are examples of large macro pollutants that eventually break down into smaller microplastics. Many of the products on the market contain synthetic microbeads — tiny bits of plastic often used as a skin exfoliant — which leach into our water systems and contaminate our marine life. Regardless of the size though, both are examples of plastic that clutter our landfills and pollute our oceans.

But apart from the waste and environmental pollution that these products contribute to, these personal care products often contain incredibly harmful chemicals that are known to cause cancer and other health-related issues. Common ingredients found in lotions and washes, such as parabens used to prevent bacteria build-up in products, are said to be linked to types of breast cancer. Retinyl Palmitate, another common personal care product ingredient, is known to cause aggressive tumors in animal studies.

Surprisingly, one of the worst and most common ingredients in personal care products are perfumes and fragrances. These aren’t just found in body sprays, they are put in just about every personal care product that we purchase. Be it cosmetics, lotions, soaps, detergents — you name it, it’s in there. While these things do smell lovely and are often the selling point for consumers, certain varieties are noted as possible carcinogens and others are known for being toxic to our organ systems. Some of the same chemical compounds used to make a product smell good are also found in exhaust from vehicles and cigarette smoke.

By nature, many of the chemicals found in our personal care products are designed to absorb into our pores, and in turn, filter into our bloodstream, which can lead to a long list of possible health concerns. And while all of this is incredibly scary, there are safer options for us to choose from.

When I first learned about the dangers of the soaps and washes that I was lathering myself with daily, I immediately switched to non-toxic products. Not only did I stop itching myself until I bled, but I felt better about knowing that I wasn’t covering my body in harmful chemicals.

Currently, I use pure, unscented castile soap as it has been the most accessible non-toxic product for me to get my hands on. As it is a one-ingredient product, we don’t need to worry about other chemicals leaching into our bodies. Castile soap is a very universal household and body care product, but be warned, you need to heavily dilute it in water otherwise it can be incredibly irritating and drying to the skin. So, depending on what you are using it for (laundry, body care, surface cleaner), be sure to research the proper dilution ratio before committing to it. Simple swaps like this one can make a big difference to your long-term health, though, and so I encourage you to make the switch.

Conscious Consumer: Are our personal care products making us sick?

Conversations about sustainability in an unsustainable world

Illustration by Washington Reimer

SNAP SHOTS

Someone please hire me

As a soon-to-be UFV grad, I have been proactive in my job hunt over the last month or two. I’ve written and rewrit ten my resume about two dozen times and have spent countless hours drafting cover letters and networking for employ ment, and yet, I have absolutely no leads. I feel like I’m speed dating, but for work. Trying to connect with strangers, at tempting to sell them the idea of taking a chance on me. I’m a catch, I swear. I can commit. I’m loveable and respectable. I’m… desperate?

Although I was super excited to gradu ate, now that the time has come and I am forced to compete for a career in the real world with adults, I am absolutely terri fied. Sure, I’ve had my fair share of work experience and so I know that I’m not to tally unhirable, but for some reason, the idea of using my degree as a tool to get a job totally freaks me out. UFV needs to teach a course about how to network because that is apparently the only way to get work with an arts degree. Wish me luck, and if you are hiring, call me.

The Great Escape

After almost a year of plotting and scheming, the perfect opportunity for Mosey the artful calico to make a fast and daring escape arose.

The opportunity presented itself as my uncle, who was paying for Chinese takeout. A knee held the door as he tucked his wallet away, both his mind and stomach distracted by the aroma of good eats. And then, she pounced.

Bolting to the door like a crone free from shackles, Mosey performed a swift feint for the food bags to confuse and off-balance the guardian of the door. She leaped through his legs down the lane between the townhouses.

Victory lasted only half a dozen feet, when she padded to a halt at the edge of the driveway. An area unknown to Mo sey, the concrete jungle of townhouses, parked cars, and kids racing on bicycles reminded her ancient self that she was no longer in Cultus anymore. Now fro zen in place without the knowledge of the best hunting spots and the territo ries of the neighboring pets.

Her 13-year-old body was rooted in place until my uncle caught her and scooped her up. He carried Mosey back to her prison of soft quilts and cushions to sleep on, and endless huntless meals to enjoy as she schemes and waits for her next opportunity.

Teryn Midzain

Kids these days are so strange. My younger sister announced to me that she would like soup for her birthday. Soup, as in cans of store bought soup. She doesn’t want homemade soup for a meal; she just wants a multitude of cans of soup as a gift. Gone are the days of her asking for toys or art supplies and now is the era of asking for cravings.

I asked her what kind of soup she would like and she simply said, “any kind.” So I went to the grocery store and proceeded to be that guy from every math problem by purchasing several cans of soup for her. There’s something about just buying cans of soup, and the look you get for doing it. At least she’s happy with her soup. Maybe it’ll help keep her warm this winter. What a weird kid.

Halloween’s done, and now we’re left to clean up the pumpkins, take down the decorations, and do the ever-important work of eating a whole lot of candy. And I have thoughts on candy that I need to share. However, this is a snapshot, so I can’t go into the excruciating detail that I would like to. So here are my threeword reviews on the candy I ate this Halloween (and in my humble opinion, only chocolate bars matter. If I’m going to overindulge on individually-wrapped sweets, I need chocolate involved).

Aero: solid palette cleanser. Cara milk: sweet, simple, forgettable. Cof

fee Crisp: uniquely excellent crunch. Crispy Crunch: why’s it sharp? Kit Kat: consistently solid choice. M&Ms: best for quantity. Peanut M&Ms: scarce de licious nuggets. Mars: mid-tier personi fied. Mr. Big: best, no debate. Smarties: we outta M&Ms? Snickers: fun lil guy. Twix: underrated, inoffensive legend. Wunderbar: more like Blunderbar. If you disagree with any of my choic es, please feel free to leave me additional candy at The Cascade’s office and I will eat it and continue to have strong feel ings about it.

Jeff Mijo-Burch

A souper birthday

Emmaline Spencer

Sydney Marchand

Halloween treats reviewed

Illustrations by Iryna Presley

Don’t just roll the dice: course recommendations

Brighten up the gloomy winter months with a little academic wanderlust

In just a few short weeks, course registration will open for the Winter 2023 semester. We know how overwhelming registration can be. Freshfaced first years can find the sheer list of options overwhelming, while third and fourth years could be filling out their elective requirements, waiting on a key class to come back into rotation.

With that in mind, The Cascade decided to reach out to our staff and contributors, to inquire about courses they have taken that stood out to them as particularly unique, valuable, or simply enjoyable. Whether you’re a fledgling student still finding your academic path, or a weary and burned-out undergrad in need of a break, you’re likely to find a course in the list below that will pique your interest.

University doesn’t have to be a straight-line from high school aspirations to career goals — I’d actually argue that it shouldn’t be. Let this list of course recommendations serve as a divergence — a departure from the prolonged march through the post-secondary landscape. Like J.R.R. Tolkien wrote: “Not all those who wander are lost.”

It’s midterm season

Look Out For ENGL 271C: Laughing Matters — Rhetoric and Stand-Up Comedy Prerequisite(s): Any two 100-level English courses numbered ENGL 105 or higher.

By Brad Duncan

If you’ve got your sights set on an arts degree, you’re likely going to be writing a lot of papers, and if you’re writing papers, it’s a safe bet that a course in rhetoric will strengthen those papers. Rhetoric is a valuable tool in the arsenal of anyone who wants to persuade someone or win an argument, but learning this art of persuasion doesn’t have to be dull and dreary. The world of comedy has some of the world’s great rhetoricians — those who can construct an argument and convey their position in a manner that is approachable, disarming, and hilarious.

You’re not going to learn how to be a stand-up comedian in this course, nor will you have to perform a side-splitting ‘tight five’ in lieu of a final exam. What you will do, is draw from some of standup’s most prolific comics, deconstruct their arguments, and parse out how rhetorical devices can be applied to the business of being funny. Whether the laughs come from the musical stylings of Bo Burnam, the family-friendly observations of Jerry Seinfeld, or the journalistic satire of John Oliver, these comedians all share a commonality: the ability to persuade their audience — to laugh, to think, and to challenge. Plus, you get to watch stand-up in class. It’s a win-win.

Offered in the Winter

MACS/MUSC 201: Popular Music and Society

Prerequisite(s): None

By Jeff Mijo-Burch

I was just a baby editor the last time The Cascade put together a course recommendations feature five years ago. I recommended Popular Music and Society as a course “anyone who appreciates music can enjoy,” and considered it one of the best courses I’d taken in my first year at UFV. Now that I’m the old man in most of my classes and have taken dozens more courses, it’s still one of the best I’ve ever taken.

As a Media and Communications Studies course, it focuses on music’s

Declare your major

role in popular culture, the way the industry intersects with art, and applies a sociological lens to the whole concept of popular music. If any of that sounds intimidating, don’t worry — this is a relaxed course that you can look forward to attending every week to have discussions about music, the people who make it, and the influence it has. I’ve never met a person who took this course and didn’t enjoy it, and there’s a reason it always fills up fast and is often offered twice per semester. If you want a relatively light course that will teach you a lot in an accessible way, it’s hard to beat Popular Music and Society.

Look out for ENGL 405: Seminar in Creative Writing

Prerequisite(s): Two 300 level English courses, includes some specific courses

By Sydney Marchand

Calling all aspiring writers and wannabe authors! I’ve got a course for you. Seminar in Creative Writing is typically only offered once a year but it is certainly worth the wait. Essentially, it is set up to work as one big writers workshop and it gives students an opportunity to get reader feedback from classmates on manuscript drafts.

I’ll admit this is a pretty intense course, as you are required to submit a complete first draft of a manuscript by the end of the semester. Depending on what size of project you decide to take on (novels, poetry, children’s books etc.), I would recommend registering for this course alongside lighter courses or by itself entirely. If you are interested in this field of work though, the experience that this course offers is invaluable. It gives you the skills and confidence to critically evaluate manuscripts, engages you in conversations about the contemporary book market, exercises your creative writing skills, and encourages you to find your voice as an author.

Look out for ENGL 203C: Canada Imagined in Film Prerequisite(s): Two 100-level English courses

By Sydney Marchand

Mix up your regular literature courses and try out Canada Imagined in Film. It appeals to a larger group of students, not just those majoring in English, as it focuses on specific storytelling techniques while weaving in basic lessons on film-specific vocabulary and unique analyzing processes that you wouldn’t otherwise think to use when watching a movie. Not only can this course tick off some elective credits, but it can also serve as an easy GPA booster as the course is organized into a bunch of low stakes assignments. It also encourages you to watch movies for homework, which is a definite perk.

Don’t get it twisted though, this isn’t a course that will teach you how to produce, write, or even thoroughly review films. Rather, it gives you the tools to consider how the themes, plotlines, filming techniques, and settings all play a role in the larger narratives. Honestly, the kicker for me was that it let me take a break from the vast (and sometimes painfully boring) reading lists that many English courses require. I’d recommend this course as an option if you want to break up a readingheavy semester with something a little more exciting.

Offered in the Winter GD 216: Illustration for Visual Communication Prerequisite(s): GD 157 and one of VA 113 or VA 101

By Lindsey Roberts

Have you ever had an idea that you didn’t know how to express with words? In that case, you may have been better off drawing it! This Graphic Design course will introduce you to the process and art of illustration for visual communication. You will explore conceptual drawing across a range of mediums and learn how to apply visual principles. Using digital and traditional tools and methods you will deep dive into style, emotion, and storytelling through artwork. In today’s visual world, having the skills to communicate complex ideas solely through visuals is of significant importance.

This course encourages students to consider the endless possibilities of illustration and inspire imaginative ideas. As opposed to lower-level fine arts drawing classes, students are given a bit more creative license to use their own style in this drawing course. It’s exciting to see your ideas come to life on paper and on screen! Not only is this a fun course, but it’s also relaxing. If you like to draw, popping in some headphones and listening to your favorite songs while being creative is the best type of homework in my opinion. A bonus perk to the course is getting to learn from Shayne Letain, an accomplished illustrator and animator, which only adds to the richness of the course. Go beyond the boundaries of language and try out illustration for yourself!

Offered in the Winter

English 270H: The Graphic Novel

Prerequisite(s): Any two 100-level English courses numbered ENGL 105 or higher or B or better in one of ENGL 108 or ENGL 170

By Teryn Midzain

Without looking at a phone, it’s almost guaranteed that you could name at least three superheroes and the franchises to which they belong. Why are superheroes so popular? What stories and characters are portrayed on the pages? What is it about the genre and art of comics and graphic novels that makes them so appealing?

English 270H: The Graphic Novel, delves into these questions and many more on the topics identity, and the commodification of the graphic novel. Ron’s classes are focused on discussion through thoughtprovoking questions that lead to deep thoughts and critiques of the artists, writers, and the studio overlords. It also examines the culture that shapes the comics and the cultures that are created and questions surrounding this literary medium. Ron encourages and appreciates students to openly participate and release their unfiltered hot takes that always lead to memorable in-class debates.

Ron Sweeney has a genuine interest and love for the course material, stemming from long years of fandom, literary scholarship, and critiques that make his classes fun. Even if you know nothing about the comics and subjects, or if you’re a jaded lifelong fan; everyone can engage in the material without having to be a massive nerd.

Offered in the Winter

MATH 105: Math for the Elementary School Teacher Prerequisite(s): A variety of high school or pre-100 level options

By Kian Johnson

If you need lower-level math credits, or just want a creative challenge separate from your regular course load, Math for the Elementary School Teacher is a fantastic option. This course tackles the absolute basics of mathematical problem solving. It makes you examine why — not just how — fundamental math works in the ways it does, and how the

subject is constructed from bare ideas. In the process, you will develop a sense of empathy for students approaching math for the first time, which consequently makes it great for anyone lacking practice. Don’t expect a freebie, though. You’ll still do 4 credits-worth of work!

Now I must recognize that as a math student, my take here contains a pre-developed appreciation for the subject matter. Still, the study of math involves so many assumptions and rules that it’s easy to forget where any of it comes from, so it’s lovely to see a perspective of these inner workings offered as a 100-level course. Whether or not your goal is to teach, the theory and methods covered in this course help students discover a creative side of math that may just inspire a new passion.

Offered in the Winter

THEA 111: Acting Skills for Work and Life Prerequisites: None

By Emmaline Spencer

Interested in improving your public speaking confidence? Then this is the course for you. The class focuses on your ability to present yourself in a charismatic way, exploring concepts like verbal and non-verbal communication skills, active listening, and personal reflection. You’ll also delve into life-skills like maintaining eye contact, knowing where to look while in a Zoom call, and how to keep someone’s attention while speaking.

When I took the class, we had two main presentations: in the first we presented our own story which could be fictional or true, and in the second, we presented a fellow classmate’s initial story. There was an emphasis on how the same story told by different people and in different ways can come across as a new story. Presentations can vary from heartwarming to thrilling depending on the nuances of the performer.

Offered in the Winter

MACS 385: Television and Social Values: The Simpsons

Prerequisites: 45 credits, to include at least six credits of SOC and/ or MACS

By Eva Davey

Are you a Media and Communications Studies or Sociology student? Looking for a class that features something almost everyone on planet Earth knows about? MACS 385: Television and Social Values: The Simpsons contains both scholarly writings/discussions and viewings of the series itself. The course explores satire, genre, the modern and postmodern, and much more! Students will walk away from this course thinking, huh I never knew The Simpsons was so smart (at least I did). This is a great course for any media students to take, as it takes a product so incredibly well known and explores multiple ways to view it.

Darren Blakeborough’s passion really comes through in this course which makes the material (both the show and the scholarly readings) much more enjoyable. As a student that has had Blakeborough both via Zoom and in-person, it is easy to tell that he tries to make his course as accessible to every student as he can. Personally, I walked away from this class finally grasping terms that popped up repeatedly in media communications classes, while also gaining a newfound respect for adult animation.

Your tuition is due

Football//

Home field for the playoffs

The last two weeks have been full of peaks and valleys for the BC Lions. After a blowout 31-14 victory over the Edmonton Elks and a fantastic performance by the Lions’ running back James Butler, with 141 yards rushing and one touchdown joined the 1,000 yards in a single-season club on Oct. 21. The win over Edmonton secured the Lions' home-field advantage in the Western Semi-Final on Nov. 6 against the Calgary Stampeders, making the season finale game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday, Oct. 28 meaningless. This was a perfect opportunity for the Lions to warm up the returning Lions quarterback (QB), Nathan Rourke, from a foot injury suffered in August.

The Lions were dealt a 24 - 9 loss from the Bombers, who set a new franchise record with their now 15th win. Winnipeg’s running back Brady Oliveira exploited the weakness of the Lions’ defense, stopping the run. With only 71 yards rushing against the smaller Lions defense, Oliveira broke into the over 1,000 rushing yards in a season club. QB, Zach Collaros, in the short time he played after a long-

deserved break, showed that he’s the league MVP and worth the new deal he signed with the Bombers earlier this year.

The shred of good news in this meaningless loss, Nathan Rourke played well for how short he was in, and the Lions look better with him at the controls.

Rourke only helmed the Lions for three drives ending in kicker Sean Whyte’s first of three field goals of the night in the second quarter. Even though Rourke was only in for a short time, he looked (relatively) comfortable running the plays. Rourke’s cannon of an arm was primed and on target, launched the ball like rockets toward the Lions’ receivers, and was on target completing 7/11 passes. It spoke volumes about Rourke’s ability to play after being away and unable to move due to his injury, to come in and play such a dominant performance. Connecting with receivers, Alexander Hollins, Lucky Whitehead, and David Mackie multiple times. The only times Rourke showed his rust was an underthrown pass to Whitehead, and a turfed ball that forced the field goal. Those plays and passes are fixed with slight adjustments in practice and

moments that every QB goes through the first game after an injury absence.

Other than Rourke’s promising performance, the Lions played rather terribly, and Winnipeg decimated them. Vernon Adams Jr. got absolutely nothing done when he took over after Rourke in the second quarter. While it’s tough to compare after seeing Rourke play, Adams has had the time and practice to learn the playbook and not be so transparent when in the pocket. Adams couldn’t complete anything over 22 yards. The Lions’ third-string QB Antonio Pipkin was in a few twon’-out drives that ultimately saw the Lions without a single touchdown at the end of the game.

For Sunday’s game, the Lions need to find a workable solution for their smaller-sized defence to stop the run quickly. The Stampeders, like the Bombers, have an explosive running game that both running back Dedrick Mills, and QB Tommy Stevens (who rushed for 163 yards against Saskatchewan last Saturday) can take advantage of and use to gain good yardage when given the room to run.

Calgary’s run isn’t the major issue. Jake Maier played remarkably well since taking over as starting QB after Bo Levi

Mitchell got benched in August. Maier has averaged an 80 per cent completion rating and has scored 14 touchdowns this season — well worth the tasty two-year contract the Stamps signed Maier for back in September. After the win against the Roughriders on Oct. 29, the Stampeders will be galloping at full speed coming into Vancouver this weekend, led by seasoned head coach Dave Dickenson, one of the CFL’s and Lions’ greatest quarterbacks.

If the Lions beat Calgary this Sunday, Nov. 6, Friday’s game could have been a scary preview of the Western Final against the Bombers. The western division of the CFL has historically been the most exciting division to watch in the playoffs, and this year is no exception. If Rourke is comfortable and on point, and with three of the Lions receivers have over 1,000 yards in passing, the Lions have the depth and talent to make both games exciting. Rourke and Adams completing passes, and the defense shutting down the run are going to give the Lions the best chance to get into the Grey Cup. First it’s the Nov. 6 game against Calgary, which is already nearly sold out (yay) and should be a must watch for any football fan this weekend.

TERYN MIDZAIN

With the win against the Edmonton Elks, the Lions have secured home-field advantage in the CFL Playoffs

Darryl Dyck | Credit: The Canadian Press

sports@ufvcascade.ca

Teryn Midzain — Sports Editor

Cascades home opener against TWU Spartans

the Cascades looking to regroup and prepare for their next opponent, the University of Saskatchewan, Nov. 4-5.

The Cascades women’s volleyball team faced the Trinity Western University Spartans, the 2022 national champions and five-time Canada West Conference champs, Oct. 28-29, at the University of the Fraser Valley’s Athletic Centre. The Cascades took one set against the Spartans on Oct. 28, but lost in three on Oct. 29.

This marks the second season the Cascades women’s and men’s volleyball will be competing in the Canada West Conference of USports Canada. University sports underwent an evolution in 2016 when Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) rebranded as USports. The highly competitive conference has fourteen teams representing universities from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

After a tough weekend on Oct. 2122, 2022 at the University of British Columbia where the Cascades lost a straight set match to the Thunderbirds, the Cascades faced another of Canada West’s elite teams. Although they fought hard and showed signs of offensive promise, losing to the Spartans leaves

Natalie Lemoine-Sells, a first year UFV student and outside hitter for the Cascades, spoke about this weekend's opener, “We’re working hard every day and have big goals. There are strong teams out west and that makes us push hard. We have so much to bring against [the Spartans].”

Lemoine-Sells came to the Cascades as a top-rated high school player out of Manitoba. She had an all-star final year as captain of the Collège JeanneSauvé Olympiens and played with the Manitoba provincial team when they won gold at the 2022 Canada Games.

“I wanted to come to UFV to play CanWest volleyball,” said LemoineSells. “There’s always a ton of fans and it’ll be a good test for us, but we have a really strong team. We have so much to bring and can play a great game. We want people to know we feed off the energy of our fans.”

The Cascades are looking forward to building on the fan base that showed up during the pre-season and want the same intimidating home environment they see when visiting the other teams

in their conference. Lemoine-Sells is confident that the athletes are setting big goals and working hard to achieve them, and so, the fan base at UFV will be rewarded when they commit to supporting the team.

Lauren Attieh, a second year student and transfer from Douglas College, looks forward to the start of the CanWest season. “We spent a lot of time in the pre-season setting up our team and how we wanted to play. I think playing the higher level USport teams, and getting pushed by them at the start of the season will set the season for us. We are wanting the win, and being a new team in the conference lets us play freely, without the pressure of higher ranked teams.”

Attieh has two sisters playing on the Cascades team with her — older, fourth-year student and outside hitter, Gabrielle Attieh, and younger, rookie outside hitter, Talia Attieh.

“We have this perfect balance of having fun with each other, but also being competitive. We’re always trying to push each other in practice. My older sister, having played at UBC for three years and then [playing] professionally for two years; it’s a really good

opportunity to look up to someone and see how hard work pays off,” said Attieh.

“And to have a younger sister as well pushing me in practice. I think we have this great relationship of being thankful for being with each other when we play but not taking it for granted.”

If the energy of these two athletes, Lemoine-Sells and Attieh, is reflected throughout the women’s volleyball program, it sets a precedent for the fans and community to follow. It’s clear the University of the Fraser Valley can do a lot more to support its teams by coming out and filling the bleachers. The women’s volleyball team wants to improve and create an intimidating environment for opposing teams.

“Having our home opener weekend against such a strong team allowed us to learn to compete early on in our season. Although it didn’t transpire the way we hoped, there were many glimpses of high-level volleyball on our side [which] gave us an idea of what we need to work on to win against the top teams.”

The women’s volleyball team schedule can be found at: gocascades.ca. You know what to do!

Women’s volleyball face five-time national champs in season opener of new Canada West Conference action

Volleyball// STEVE HARTWIG

UFV Cascades | Credit: UFV Flickr

Community building comes through art practice

STEVE HARTWIG

Kiara Louwerse, a University of the Fraser Valley fourth-year Bachelor of Fine Arts student, found a key to building a foundation as an artist early in life. Her commitment to learning from, and assisting, other local established artists has offered opportunities for Louwerse to exhibit her own art.

“There's always a really great community that comes out of art practice,” Louwerse said as she attributed her ability to connect with local artists and build community to her strong family connections and local Dutch heritage.

Louwerse started art early, with her parents enrolling her in private art lessons with local artist, John LeFlock, when she was in elementary school, and later with Langley based artist, Sheila Rae Van Delft. However, her exposure to the art world started even earlier with both sides of her family containing a variety of practicing artists.

Louwerse’s mother is a writer and comes from a very musically inclined family. She credits her mother with teaching her how to research and appreciate the value of investigating any topic or subject to more fully understand how she will express it.

With a cousin completing the BFA program at UFV in 2014, Louwerse had an idea of what to expect. She chose the School of Creative Arts (SoCA) and her

art-focused path when she reached UFV in 2019.

Louwerse draws inspiration from many areas of her life. She enjoys the outdoors, hiking, and believes being outside has made landscape painting a focus of her art practice. Certainly, having art teachers and university professors who paint natural settings helps.

“Chris Friesen [UFV painting instructor] has been a big influence on me. His courses have really pushed me, and he can be very technical with his students and this has inspired me to grow as an artist. His painting style and landscapes create very bright pieces and I like that.

“Also, you can’t paint landscapes in Canada without being influenced by the Group of Seven.”

Canada’s famous Group of Seven were landscape painters from 1920 to 1933 who believed that “a distinct Canadian art could be developed through direct contact with nature.” The group received worldwide fame by the mid-1930s, but were succeeded by a new collective, the Canadian Group of Painters. Both groups are considered a main influence in Canadian landscape painting.

Erin Hanson, a California-based artist who created a contemporary form of painting called Open Impressionism, has also been a big influence on Louwerse. She likes the loose and expressive manner of Hanson’s style.

“[Hanson] makes beautiful, largescale, landscape impasto oil paintings which have really inspired me to try the same. I did this type of painting for my end of summer exhibition I shared with Toni Carlson [UFV graduate] that was on display in SoCA throughout September.”

All of these artistic influences have inspired Louwerse to commit herself to stepping into the world of online art exhibition.

“I’ve been encouraged to start an art Instagram account. Chris Friesen really pushed that through the professional practices portion of school. It was all very new, and a little scary, putting myself out there.”

Louwerse is learning to combine her art practices with life, family, and work commitments. She’s found having a dedicated space to work (as part of the Senior Studio courses at UFV) where she can research, plan and produce on her own schedule and time is beneficial.

“I’m learning to find time for my art practice so I can just plug-in with music and paint. I have opportunities to volunteer and job shadow one of my painting teachers where I can take the chance to learn and grow as an artist. I’d like to do the PDP [teacher education program] and become a teacher. Also, I’d like to apply to some galleries to have my pieces included in their exhibitions.”

Credit: Evie Louwerse @e_mariahphotography on Instagram

Anisa Quintyne —

Projections brings awareness to discrimination against older adults with dementia

An interview with UFV assistant professor Candace Couce

ANISA QUINTYNE

Throughout October until early November, UFV’s newest art exhibit, Projections, navigates the social perceptions enforced onto people who live with dementia.

Candace Couce is an assistant professor of Visual Arts in UFV’s School of Creative Arts (SoCA). Couce shared with The Cascade via email, “I am an artist engrossed in pathography — a word that combines pathology and biology. I am interested in autobiographical illness narratives. I study these expressions, particularly in the ways they are taken up in visual art practice. I believe pathographies can tell us many things about the state of medicine as a practice and institution, cultural perceptions about health and wellness, and our complex, socially coded beliefs about illness and death.”

With a wide variety of contributors who made the project possible, Couce stated that, Projections is a creative research project that has unfolded in the context of an initiative spearheaded by Dr. Shelley Canning titled Understanding Student

Attitudes to Support Education Promoting Ageing & Dementia Awareness.”

“This broader project, undertaken through UFV’s Centre for Education on Research and Aging (CERA), folded in me, educator Elise St-Martin (School District #34), researchers Darren Blakeborough (UFV), and Joanne Brown (UFV), research assistants Zaira Ramirez Luis (Visual Arts), Rosaley Klassen (Nursing), and Nicole Cusick (Nursing).”

Couce described how the project formed largely as a response to the layers of discrimination that people living with dementia have experienced. It started as they asked the question, “What perceptions do children have and when do they develop them? Our work operated under the premise that stigma related to aging and dementia begins early, as children are influenced by familial, cultural, and broader societal beliefs and values.”

“For this research, we partnered with public elementary schools located on the territory of the Stó:lō people, the Semá:th and Mathxwí First Nation to conduct our study. In the process, we gathered

hundreds of drawings, writings and musings from our student participants. The project has many arms, and one included developing educational resources to intervene in the classroom as these ideas are first being formed. Another arm, the exhibition Projections, comes from our desire to take our rich data and translate it through the language of contemporary visual art so that we could reach the public along the horizon of an event where ideas could be critically analyzed and turned over in real-time.”

Projections can be viewed at the S’eliyemetaxwtexw Gallery, Room B136, from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. on the Abbotsford campus. The exhibit features illustrations done by various school children, projected onto a screen alongside specific audio recordings. Couce described the experience: “Upon entry, the viewer is greeted by the first projection, cast against a transparent screen. Here, the images coalesce in a fragmented and choppy animation — a collaboration between the student artists, a pinch of myself, and overwhelmingly the creative virtuosity of research assistant and recent UFV graduate

Zaira Ramirez Luis (Visual Arts).”

“The fragmented video slices across several drawn portraits in a way that echoes the musings caught by the nearby audio recording which speak — often at once — of memory, crumbling reality, and moments of joy. This recording was deftly and lovingly assembled by UFV’s Darren Blakeborough (School of Culture, Media, and Society).”

Giving testament to the creative brilliance of UFV’s alumni and faculty members, Projections remains a beautiful collaborative piece illustrating the cultural impressions of those living with dementia, and how the younger generation of students might perceive it.

“Art is an interesting thing because it requires an aesthetic relationship to space and [an] event that [boosts] up your critical reflection of the world,” Couce ended off in the email. “The show invites you in to activate your own role in meaning-making around the questions it poses, and in doing so, it also implicates you in the web of social perceptions around dementia and aging.”

Credit: Candace Couse

Made by Brielle Quon

Student Life //

4. A school fee that is a major cause of student poverty.

6. The suspension of consciousness, a surrendering of the mind and body: something we lack but greatly desire

7. A place we spend money, even when we don’t have it.

8. In case you momentarily forgot about this task, we’re here to remind you that it is due soon.

Sudoku //

DOWN

1. The irrational behaviour that causes us to delay our intended actions.

2. The feeling of mental or emotional tension caused by demanding circumstances.

3. Juiced beans: a drink that restores energy and is quite possibly life itself

5. Just a number… but a very important number.

Horoscopes //

Aries — Mar 21 to Apr 19

by Ageless Azalea

You’ve found yourself with more responsibilities than you signed up for. It’s okay to drop a few, or two, or three. Maybe four.

Taurus — Apr 20 to May 20

If someone asks you “How are you doing?” and

find yourself fumbling with your own words,

might want to do a wellness check.

Gemini — May 21 to Jun 20

Distribute your energy evenly, so your friends

being ghosted and that upcoming

gets the attention it deserves.

Cancer —Jun 21 to Jul 22

You find yourself flooded with tasks, obligations, and due dates. Remember to breathe and take each day one step at a time.

Leo — Jul 23 to Aug 22

Now that the spooky season is over, try and get some Christmas shopping done ahead of time.

Virgo —Aug 23 to Sep 22

Overwhelming yourself with a dozen responsibilities isn’t a sign of intelligence, Virgo.

Libra — Sep 23 to Oct 22

Be kind to those around you.

Scorpio — Oct 23 to Nov 21

Sagittarius — Nov 22 to Dec 21

Take a stroll around campus and discover new things that weren’t there before..

Capricorn — Dec 22 to Jan 19 Book a vacation. You need it.

© 2022 Printable Creative - https://printablecreative.com

personal use

Aquarius — Jan 20 to Feb 18

You’re the life of the party, Aquarius, but don’t feel like you have to please everyone.

Pisces — Feb 19 to Mar 20

Take up some crocheting.

Unlike Libra, you deserve to be a little bit mean this week.

CULTURE STUDY BREAK

Cascade Kitchen: Lemon Dill Orzo Soup

The Offy comes to Chilliwack

New bistro The Offy set to open its doors in downtown Chilliwack

The Cascade sat down with Hanna Budny, owner of The Offy, to discuss the opening of the new bistro coming to downtown Chilliwack. The name comes from British slang for off sales/off license business where people used to go to purchase alcohol.

According to the company's social media, The Offy will offer European influenced food and drink options and a merch line for customers. Budny also gave insight for the deeper inspiration behind the name.

“It is actually also short for ‘Oh for F*ck Yeah.’ We are trying to be playful and cheeky. It's a place where people can gather and have a good time. We wanted to create a name that was fun, cheeky and approachable with a story tied to it. If someone says, 'let's go out for dinner,’ hopefully we can answer with ‘Offy.’”

The Cascade asked why Budny wanted to open up The Offy in the first place, and she revealed she has been in the restaurant business since she was fifteen and opening her own place has been a long dream of hers.

“It’s all that I know. I’m passing traditions on from family members and keeping stories alive.”

When discussing past projects, Budny opens up on how she has helped open over thirty restaurants during her career, but she makes one thing very clear: this time around she is doing it for no one but herself.

Followers of The Offy’s social media will see the posts dedicated to family members, with one mentioning how Budny’s father learned how to frame so they could help any way they could in making the bistro come together. District 1881 (where The Offy is located) is a blooming part of the Chilliwack community located in the downtown area. She explained that they decided to open the bistro in Chilliwack because it is a growing community and they knew their business would be supported there. We asked Budny what it was like to enter the scene.

“I have noticed a huge sense of community. Everyone has been extremely supportive and so are family and friends that have come together to help make this happen”.

The Cascade asked Budny if they could put into words why it was so important to support local businesses.

“It literally takes blood, sweat and tears to open a small business. It’s the most challenging thing I’ve ever done, but the most rewarding to see all of the support and help. Supporting local businesses creates community and fosters a culture of helping each other out!”

At the time of publishing, The Offy is yet to announce an opening date, but they are hoping to open their doors as soon as possible.

The Cascade Kitchen is a student-run food column that brings you budgetfriendly recipes and cooking tips. If you want to see your own recipe featured next, get started by reaching out to culture@ufvcascade.ca

It’s officially soup season! Although I love the classic vegetable soup, I was in search of something a bit more ex citing and filling. With bright bursts of lemon and aromatic twists of fresh dill, this soup is sure to satisfy even the hardest soup critiques.

Prep time: 30 minutes

Makes: 1 serving

Ingredients:

8 cups chicken stock or chickenless stock (I use President's choice chickenless broth)

2 large carrots, chopped 1 onion, diced 4 garlic cloves, minced

3 stocks of celery, diced Juice from one lemon

¼ cup fresh dill

1 cup orzo, uncooked

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tbsp dried parsley

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat oil in a large pot and add the prepared onion, carrots, and celery. Saute for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and then add garlic.

2. Mix together and then add in the stock. Season with thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes (if adding), salt, and pepper.

3. Bring to a boil and then add the dried orzo. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes.

4. Once the orzo is cooked, add the lemon juice and fresh dill. Stir until combined.

5. Although this soup is super satisfying on its own, you can choose to add diced extra firm tofu or shredded chicken for extra protein.

SYDNEY MARCHAND

EVA DAVEY

Jade Seok | Unsplash

Prime’s take on fashion competitions makes the cut

Television // REMINGTON FIORASO

While finding a new reality show to watch, concepts may seem uninventive, repetitive, or uninteresting. Yet, sometimes a rehash turns out to be a pleasant surprise. In 2020, I started watching Making the Cut featuring Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, both recogniz able for their work on Project Runway. Fast forward to 2022, the third season, consisting of eight episodes, was released over four weeks on Amazon Prime Video. The sea son features 10 contestants from around the world who compete to win US$1,000,000. Winners can use their winnings to expand their brand and business, receive mentor ing from Amazon, and be given the oppor tunity to promote their collections in the Making the Cut online store. The third sea son has Nicole Richie and Jeremy Scott act ing as judges, with additional guest judges throughout the season.

While I am not big on fashion, I love watching reality competition shows. I re ally enjoy the design process, seeing the results, creativeness, limitations, and time constraints based on the briefs. What makes Making the Cut stand out from other shows is that designers do not create exaggerated and impractical designs that are only us

able for the runway or red carpets. Instead, they need to create two outfits during every challenge; a runway look, and an accessible look inspired by the runway look. These have to be more commercial and wearable in the real world. I could see myself wear ing pieces from the collections.

While the show focuses on creating more commercialised looks, the show places im portance on creating and maintaining a brand within the competition, as well as in dividuality and standing out as a designer.

Although most did not hit the mark for the festival wear challenge in episode five, it nailed the idea that everyone has a different vision in designing based on preferences, experiences, and where they are from. For example, one contestant was influenced by Carnival in the Dominican Republic while another looked to the cherry blossom festi val in China. The judges did not “get” sev eral outfits without further explanations, as they assumed festivals relate to Coachella.

Yet it’s refreshing that outfits coming down the runway differ in styles and interpreta tions.

In comparison to the previous two sea sons, season three felt rather short. It was as though filming was condensed to reduce expenses regarding the working space and living arrangements. This was reflected in the time constraints placed on the contes

tants during some challenges. For example, having seven hours to create two outfits seems insane. It is good for drama, but the work can be heavily impacted and doesn’t really allow contestants to take risks. With more time to create outfits, they would be able to plan more marketable designs — and create more thoughtful and polished pieces.

This season’s biggest downfall lies in Jer emy Scott’s judgement. Scott went from be ing a judge with a bit of criticism, whether good or bad, to simply being a judgy ass hole throwing a tantrum. For example, one scene depicts him aggressively throwing a notebook to the ground because he had nothing to write about because everything was “shit.” The sense of toxicity and esca lation of Scott’s tantrums were completely unexpected, uncomfortable, and unprofes sional. With notable tears from many of the contestants, I can only imagine that it was worse in person and editors made it seem like the rant was less awful than portrayed. He defended it by stating, “I treat you this way because I love you.” Regardless of the money at stake, this behaviour is not justifi able in any setting.

While the designers might not become household names, the series shows prog ress, hard work, creativity, and general talent. The competitions highlight growth,

taking criticism, and implementing it for the future. While set in fashion, this fac tor makes it relatable to the real world — whether it is writing, assignments, or work. It’s fascinating to watch the process and I will be patiently waiting for a fourth sea son. Going forward, I am hoping for modi fications in the judging and giving more time to contestants to help unleash their full potential.

Did milking Michael Myers dry out the soul of this franchise?

A review of Halloween Ends

MARIE-ANGE ROUTIER

In my experience there are only two reasons I enjoy watching a slasher flick: brutal violence and comical violence. Give me deaths I can laugh at or give me gore that makes me nauseous and you will have yourself a devoted fan. Plot rarely ever plays much into it. In a franchise as wide as Halloween, I might find myself invested in some characters, especially those that are recurring through the movies, but it’s not a necessity. In this case my main investments, if I were to have them, would be with Michael and Laurie of the Halloween franchise.

As Laurie adapts to a less paranoid and more suburban life, Michael gets reduced to a less hygienic version of Sloth from The Goonies. Corey, a young man with a tragic past moves to the front stage as the village martyr and Myer’s copycat. Allyson, who walks around as the gloomy victim of her grandma's past, of course falls for the village martyr. The two bond over their melancholy and ostracization from the town from which they plan to escape, turning this slasher into a bad romance.

This is where my issues begin with this movie. Instead of having Laurie and Michael as the main characters, the two icons are set aside and replaced by franchise newcomers, Allyson (Laurie’s granddaughter) and Corey. Who’s Corey you might ask? He's no

Michael Myers, that's for sure.

Now most of these decisions could have been easily overlooked by me. I’m really not that hard to please when it comes to horror. Just give me full illustrated, unadulterated, brutal, bloody violence, and I will love the movie no matter who the characters are. This was not the case here.

After the epic group battles in Halloween Kills, my expectations for this one, knowing it was the movie to end the bloody franchise, were high. Even if the violence would have been on par with Halloween Kills, my expectations would not have been met, but I’d like to think I could overlook it a bit more. In comparison, Halloween Kills showed more novel ways to kill people, whereas Halloween Ends had watered down kills we’d seen before in the franchise.

Michael’s body count alone was possibly the lowest in the whole franchise, as most of the killing was done by the martyr copycat Corey, whose kills were as thrilling as a slap on the buttocks. If expectations are the root of resentments, then I will openly admit to resenting this movie.

The only upside I can give this movie is the acting, as we can see Jamie Lee Curtis’ evolution as an actress from the first trilogy to this last one. She has aged with grace and her talent is impeccable. This last franchise she plays the role of Laurie as a grandmother, who has never overcome the night of the first movie. It seems everything past John Carpenter’s Halloween

was retconned and this trilogy picks up 40 years later.

The first two Halloween’s in this trilogy are about Myer’s escape the night before Halloween, and killing people on his way to chase down Laurie. Laurie, who has been alienated by her daughter, fears Michael’s wrath towards her and her family, has been training for years and has built a death trap house to bait and kill him in. In the end it turns out Michael couldn’t be bothered by Laurie as all he’s been trying to do since the first Halloween is come home and haunt the neighborhood on Halloween night. By the end of Halloween Kills it is unveiled that he is not human. He has become evil, and evil is home. No one can kill him, and the only choice when he comes out next Halloween is clear. Run.

The ending of Halloween Ends however, was unenjoyable and unnecessary. Halloween Kills had wrapped up the story. Michael had made it back to his house, and had been immortalized as a symbol of evil that could not be killed. It was a beautiful end, and I simply don’t understand the need to spoil it just to make a “trilogy.” Giving Michael a status of super-human evil in one movie and then stripping him down to an old man in the next only neutered his spirit. I will end on a good note. The only one I have. If you ever decide to do a Halloween marathon with friends, this last one will be played so late you’ll surely be asleep. Sweet dreams, and happy Halloween.

Kavanagh— Arts

The latest season of Making The Cut shows designers thriving in the competition, even if the judging is a distraction to viewers

Credit: IMBD

Credit: Prime Video

LYNN

LARSEN

Tracy MorganWerewolf Bar Mitzvah Once a year, this classic holiday parody cut is required listening for UFV students, as well as music and comedy lovers the world over. Owing to the cultural insensitivity of a pre-cancel culture, post-SNL era Tracy Morgan, this 30 Rock novelty sketch is nothing short of absolutely brilliant.

Billy Joel - The Stranger It’s not a Halloween song, but it does feature Billy Joel’s discussion of how masks play into our personal identities, our relationships with others, and the hiding of our deepest, more inward directed thoughts and feelings. “Well we all have a face that we hide away forever.” The Stranger!

Blessed - Endure Classic cut here from the second of three EP’s released by this legendary local Valley act, now relocated, as previously shuffled, to the wilderness of Manitoba. The video features cousin band Loans’ singer and guitarist Alexx donning a freaky mask and doing freaky things with a banana between funky dancing.

Offset - Clout ft. Cardi B Previously shuffled, the video for this significant otheroriented top 40 collaboration presents Offset in a spooky if nondescript dog face mask, representing the anonymity provided by social media for those looking to “talk crazy on tweets.” Co-parent Cardi also bemoans how blogs regularly “say my name, Destiny’s Child.”

EVA DAVEY

Pearl (2022), created by Ti West and co-written by Mia Goth, comes to theatres as an origin movie for the previously released X (2022). Filmed back to back in New Zealand during the global pandemic, the prequel takes place during World War One and the influenza pandemic. The movie acts as a prequel about Pearl, the killer in the movie X (2022). Here, audiences meet a young version of the woman. It shows how she grew up on her farm and how it led to her becoming the character audiences see in X

The audience meets Pearl when she has al ready taken to harming animals (feeding them to a swamp crocodile was not something my vegan heart wanted to see) and is toying with thoughts of harming other people, too. To dive right into it, my main issue with this movie was that there was not enough correlation between the two Pearls that the audience knows.

Elderly Pearl’s core motivation is to be desired, while young Pearl yearns to escape her farm life for one full of glitz and glamour. We see how Pearl’s dreams became dashed, and we see her first human kill, but ultimately I wished the movie hinted more at what would become of the charac ter. I have never watched a movie and thought, “wow, I wish I saw more of the guy character,” but something that was missing for me was that we did not see her husband until the very end of the movie. If you have watched X then you know that Howard (the husband) stays with Pearl and even kills for her, so I really thought his reactions to her killing would be interesting along with exploring their dynamic.

I am not the biggest horror fanatic, but this writer does love a good A24 production. Yet, for some reason there were times when I expected more gore (like X) and had to remind myself that the artful kills seemed inspired by the toned down “obscenities” due to the film censorship laws of the early twen tieth century.

Some things the film does great are the acting, the musical score, and the connections to previous instalment X (there is a line where they talk about how pornographic movies are the fu ture, which is a call back to the original movie). Something I noticed straight away was how I really did feel as though I was watching a movie made in the early twentieth century. My mind kept thinking Pearl is Wizard of Oz if it was a horror movie where Dorothy murdered her family instead of flying away on a tornado. So, it was very in teresting to learn that the latter was an inspiration.

I’ve said it before and will say it again; to me, feminine rage is all the rage. Pearl is completely unhinged, both as a character and in the movie. No one

could deliver this role as amazing as Mia Goth did. The true dedication and care she has for the char acter of Pearl bleeds through the screen. She is the leading lady in the flick, and she ties it all together amazingly well. I believe the movie wouldn’t be as good as it is without her. Her monologue in the final act of the movie where the audience finally sees her inner thoughts, feelings, and motivation is so pow erful and raw it made me forget I was watching the villain. I also found that the film feels heavily retro, but the movie does not rely on this to make it good. Instead it merely enhances the picture.

Altogether, Pearl will not answer every question viewers may have about the titular character. It may even leave audiences with more than before. It falls short on the expansion of characters we know for the introduction of newcomers that only serve as kills. The gore at times also feels less bloody and more cartoonish. This movie is made for people that value storytelling and artful direction just as much as (or even more than) they do horror, and I am not complaining about that. Mia Goth delivers a char acter that audiences cannot help but love no matter how happy, sad, or altogether crazy she is. Despite its flaws, Ti West has captured lightning in a bottle for the second time.

Me, Pearl and the dying girl (and men and animals and the other girl)

Movies //

The people that brought us X strike gold again withvillain origin story Pearl

Credit: IMBD

When superpowers and toxic productivity are combined

A review of Ann Liang’s If You Could See the Sun

MARIE-ANGE ROUTIER

It was concerning to find this book at the back of the bookstore on a bottom shelf with only three copies available, considering it was its release week. This lack of promotion led me to underestimate the novel quite a bit. I found myself thinking, “Here we go, just a less-than-mediocre YA novel about a girl with powers,” and I can admit it, I was wrong.

Ann Liang’s novel If You Could See the Sun follows Alice Sun, a teenage student at an international boarding school in Beijing. She is a bilingual overachiever who one day turns invisible. With her parents becoming so financially strained that they can no lon

ger pay the expensive tuition, Alice decides to monetize her new found powers to fund her schooling.

Liang’s ability to describe the character’s psyche towards her family, her community, and her education made me feel personally called out. She communicates the frustra tions that sometimes come with being bi lingual in a way I know only too well. The toxic productivity that surrounds Alice was a familiar window for me to look through. Alice’s thoughts and logic towards her schooling, and the anxieties she felt toward any risk of being less than perfect, brought me back to my younger years when I hadn’t yet learned that lesson: that school grades are not indicative of personal value.

The book itself was an easy read. The plot was relatively predictable, and some deci

sions made by the characters had me rolling my eyes. To be fair, I think this book would be better enjoyed by the younger readers it’s targeted towards. A crowd for whom the memories of high school are not so dis tant in their past. Nevertheless, I found the story as beautiful as the cover, and enjoyed reading it.

This is a feel good book, and could eas ily be enjoyed on a ridiculously poofy arm chair, with hot tea on the side table, and fuzzy rabbit slippers adorning your feet. This book was a hug, and hugs like these re mind me of why I read. Put me in the shoes of a girl half my age, across the world, who speaks different languages than me, and make me feel like I belong in those shoes. Show me that I am not alone in my feelings and fears. Make me relate.

The Dragon Tales reign has begun

TERYN MIDZAIN

Like many across the various fandoms created in the wake of Game of Thrones, I was fully prepared to hate the iconic show’s prequel House of the Dragon. At the time of its announcement, I did not know more about the series other than that it was going to be adapting George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, a long anthology of the House Targaryen (the series’ and the media’s favourite sexy incestuous house of monarchs). I chuckled with glee at the idea of this obvious cash grab after one of the largest fantasy phenomena’s potential implosion. Three years later, the first season has finished, and I couldn’t be happier to have been wrong.

The show grips you the same way that Game of Thrones first did, but with a strong improvement to the writing. Showrunners, Ryan J. Condal and Miguel Sapochnik, took special care and consideration during production to bring the show to life. Casting director, Kate Rhodes James, crushed it with this cast. Finding young actors that not only nailed their characters, but also looked similar to their older casted actors, and actors that look similar to the actors who play their characters’ parents. The world and family feel grounded with the cast and show the length of the house’s history. House of The Dragon tells a story that a new viewer to Westeros can jump right into to enjoy the characters and world without prior knowledge of Game of Thrones

The writing team is led by Condal, Sara

Hess, Charmaine De Grate, and Martin himself. Together, they craft a well-told story that brings in the parallel themes of godhood and mortality within the legendary family, while foreshadowing the dark and tragic comedy of this massive war that is about to begin next season. The writing is a massive step forward, with a far better portrayal of women and the trauma and atrocities that men put women through. The story shows how men have historically treated women as property and means to personal ends. However, the writers allow women to have power and become leaders in the narrative, instead of simple tools for progressing the story. The show unapologetically shows the pains women experience during childbirth without control over their own circumstances. It critiques how women are viewed under patriarchal power structures, with a story that is led by women.

Additionally, HBO took a stronger step in film ethics by hiring an intimacy coordinator, Miriam Lucia. Knowing that there was somebody working with the diverse cast to ensure everyone’s mutual consent and comfort is a notable improvement over the previous series.

The story, which spans a large number of years, handles short and massive time skips that build tension for the inevitable. Once the suspense does kick in, the scenes come alive. The dragons aren’t blasting the screen too much. There’s just the right amount of Fire and Blood sprinkled through the ten-episode season, allowing more time for the strongest part of the show, which is the cast. Where the original book reads

like a textbook, the show creates a stronger story — touching on and adding to the novel’s captivating moments in the history of Westeros. The story here is even more immersive, without feeling like a grind to work through. Miguel Sapochnik and the writers worked with the actors to bring these characters alive and be a part of their creation and narrative.

The acting is a master class. There is no weak link in the large cast led by Paddy Considine, Emma D’Arcy, and Olivia Cooke. The entire younger cast — led by Milly Alcock and Emily Carey — in the first five episodes captured scenes as well, and better than the more experienced actors. Considine as King Viserys I sets the standards and tone for the cast in episode 1, earning the high praise of Martin himself, saying Considine’s portrayal of the king was better than the authors. Stealing the season with a scene of Considine walking to the throne showed that CGI cool dragons aren’t as captivating as technique and raw acting talent.

D’Arcy acted perfectly as Princess Rhaenyra, a princess in this world, while still being a strong voice in politics and character. D’arcy acts lower and keeps Rhaenyra more in control, rather than acting large and overwhelming. D’arcy nails unspoken and soft acting as well as delivering charismatic and chilling dialogue.

Matt Smith excels at the deadly Daemon Targaryen, the Rogue Prince, playing the ruthless sociopath, yet is still able to make us love him for his flaws and badassery.

House of the Dragon captures everything

that fans missed with Game of Thrones and only excels. Even if you’re not a fan of the books and previous show, or if fantasy is not your go-to genre, House of the Dragon is a must-see. The acting alone is worth the watch, and the amount of fun the cast has together on social media sells the show even more. It’s a show that will be talked about and studied as another addition to the phenomenon of Westeros.

9/10

HBO’s House of the Dragon has soared with superb writing and burns with spectacular acting.

Credit: HBO

Note: Note:

Some of these events require tickets, and most are online. If something catches your eye, take to the internet for more details, including those about social distancing measures for in-person events.

UFV Events Sports Community Event Campus Rec Culture

November

Drop-in Badminton @ Abbotsford, North Gym, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Art Exhibit: Projections @ S’eliyemetaxwtexw Gallery Room B136, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Self Care Yoga @ Abbotsford Room E150, 12:10 – 12:50 p.m

Drop-in Advising with Paula Funk @ SoCA Student Lounge Room C1001, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

SOWK 380 Course @ Evergreen Hall, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Summit Circuit @ Abbotsford Room E150, 11:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.

Let’s Eat Together! Dumplings of the World @ University House F124, 11:30 a.m - 1:00 p.m.

Art Exhibit: Projections @ S’eliyemetaxwtexw Gallery Room B136, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Drop-in Spikeball @ Abbotsford, North Gym, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Book Launch - On Target: Gun Culture, Storytelling, and the NRA @ Abbotsford Campus Room A225, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Inclusive Movement @ Abbotsford, North Gym, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Fraser Valley Literary Festival @ Student Union Building, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Art Exhibit: Projections Closing Reception @ S’eliyemetaxwtexw Gallery Room B136, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Movie Night: Horror Edition @ Abbotsford Room B101, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Codenames Tournament @ Boardwalk Cafe and Games, 6:00 p.m.

Art Exhibit: Projections @ S’eliyemetaxwtexw Gallery Room B136, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Fraser Valley Literary Festival @ Student Union Building, 12:00 - 3:15 p.m

Christmas Cocktail Crawl @ Ripples Estate Winery, 5:00 p.m.

WBB at MacEwan @ Edmonton, 5:00 p.m.

MVB vs. Saskatchewan @ Abbotsford, 6:00 p.m

MBB at MacEwan @ Edmonton, 7:00 p.m.

WVB vs. Saskatchewan @ Abbotsford, 8:00 p.m.

WBB at MacEwan @ Edmonton, 1:00 p.m.

MBB at MacEwan @ Edmonton, 3:00 p.m.

MVB vs. Saskatchewan @ Abbotsford, 5:00 p.m.

WVB vs. Saskatchewan @ Abbotsford, 7:00 p.m.

Student Psychology Association Meeting @ Abbotsford Campus Room S3103, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Roaring Twenties Fashion Show @ Canadian Museum of Flight, 1:00 p.m.

Cascadia Remembers: Sacrifice for Freedom @ Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 3:00 p.m.

Circle K Meeting @ Abbotsford Campus Room S3103, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m

Dungeons and Dragons Drop-in Adventures! @ Boardwalk Cafe and Games, 12:00 p.m.

Remembrance Day @ Abbotsford Campus SUB Atrium, 11:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m.

Drop-in Badminton @ Abbotsford, North Gym, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Self Care Yoga @ Abbotsford Room E150, 12:10 – 12:50 p.m.

Circle K Meeting @ Abbotsford Campus Room S3103, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Organized Drop in Court @ Abbotsford, North Gym, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

U-Pass Distribution - CEP @ Student Union Society, Outdoors, 9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.

Remembrance Day @ Trades and Technology Centre, 11:00 a.m2:00 p.m.

Remembrance Day @ Chilliwack Campus Building A Atrium, 1:303:30 p.m.

Student Psychology Association Meeting @ Abbotsford Campus Room S3103, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Spin & Strength @ Abbotsford Room E150, 12:45 - 1:25 p.m.

Drop-in Pickleball @ Abbotsford, North Gym, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Drop-in Volleyball @ The Cave Room E176 @ 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Drop-in Badminton @ Abbotsford, North Gym, 11:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m. Self Care Yoga @ Abbotsford Room E150, 12:10 – 12:50 p.m.

Summit Circuit @ Abbotsford Room E150, 11:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.

Drop-in Spikeball @ Abbotsford, North Gym, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. Inclusive Movement @ Abbotsford, North Gym, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Town and Gown @ Eevered Hall, Student Union Building, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

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current, local events.