The Cascade Vol. 25 Issue 19

JUNE 12 TO SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

VOLUME 25 ISSUE 19

If we fits, we sits since 1993

Checking out chesterfields pg. 9-12

Pancakes

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UCM club no longer flippin’ flapjacks.

Immigration

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Who is opposed to immigration?

WWW.UFVCASCADE.CA

Saint Soldier

17

He’s got a new album and it’s great.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

Editorial //

STAFF Editor-in-Chief Joel Robertson-Taylor joel@ufvcascade.ca Business Manager Quintin Stamler quintin@ufvcascade.ca

Managing Editor (interim) Kat Marusiak kat@ufvcascade.ca Copy Editor Cat Friesen cat@ufvcascade.ca

Production Manager Caleb Campbell caleb@ufvcascade.ca

News Editor Joel Robertson-Taylor joel@ufvcascade.ca

Production Assistant Satinder Dhillon satinder@ufvcascade.ca

Opinion Editor Panku Sharma panku@ufvcascade.ca

Photographer Alexandrah Pahl Alexandrah@ufvcascade.ca

Feature Editor Joel Robertson-Taylor joel@ufvcascade.ca

Illustrator Amara Gelaude amara@ufvcascade.ca Online Editor Jeff Mijo jeff@ufvcascade.ca

Where does the money come from?

Culture & Events Editor Jeff Mijo jeff@ufvcascade.ca Arts in Review Editor Martin Castro martin@ufvcascade.ca

Staff Writer Aleister Gwynne aleister@ufvcascade.ca

Ad Representative Kayla Normandeau-Cowan Kayla@ufvcascade.ca

Staff Writer Jamie Koehn jamie@ufvcascade.ca

Distributor Griffy Vigneron distributor@ufvcascade.ca

THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTORS Esra Al-Abduljabar Jennifer Trithardt-Tufts Cover: Caleb Campbell Back Cover: Renee Campbell

WWW.UFVCASCADE.CA JOEL ROBERTSON-TAYLOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @UFVCASCADE FACEBOOK.COM/UFVCASCADE INSTAGRAM.COM/THE.CASCADE Volume 25 · Issue 19 Room S2111 33844 King Road Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8 604.854.4529

The Cascade is UFV’s autonomous student newspaper. It originated under its current name in 1993, and achieved autonomy from the university and the Student Union Society in 2002. This means that The Cascade is a forum for UFV students to have their journalism published in an entirely student-run setting. It also acts as an alternative press for the Fraser Valley. The Cascade is funded with UFV student funds, and is overseen by the Cascade Journalism Society Board, a body run by a student majority. The Cascade is published every Wednesday with a print circulation of 1,250 and is distributed at Abbotsford, Chilliwack (CEP), Clearbrook, and Mission UFV campuses and throughout the surrounding communities.

The Cascade is open to written, photo, and design work from all students; these can come in the form of a pitch to an editor, or an assignment from an editor.

Writers meetings are held every second Monday at 12:00 p.m. in The Cascade’s office on the Abbotsford campus.

In order to be published in the newspaper, all work must first be approved by The Cascade’s editor-in-chief, copy editor, and corresponding section editor. The Cascade reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and length. The Cascade will not print any articles that contain racist, sexist, homophobic or libellous content. Letters to the editor, while held to the same standard, are unedited, and should be under 400 words. As The Cascade is an autonomous student publication, opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of UFV, The Cascade’s staff and collective, or associated members.

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This summer could be a turning point in the Abbotsford arts scene. Last week, the Jam in Jubilee arts and music festival maxed out its capacity of 1,300 people while Jordan Klassen was on stage. And that number doesn’t account for those who came and left, who lined up and didn’t feel like waiting 45 minutes, or who wanted to come but didn’t.

Clearly there’s a demand for some kind of community arts events.

If the city recognizes that there’s a demand for community arts events, maybe they’ll start putting more into arts and culture. Right now, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of support for community arts and art events.

According to the Parks, Recreation, and Culture 2015 Annual Report, $18,000 was given to the Abbotsford Arts Council that year. This is a city of over 140,000 residents. Prince George, a city of only 74,000, funded their Arts Council $52,000 this year, according to CKPG News.

Mission’s population is even less, at 38,833, yet their Arts Council receives $23,500 from the municipality. Abbotsford Parks, Recreation, and Culture, the branch responsible for culture and arts, generally spends around $19 million a year. It would seem that they could slip a bit more into an arts vein.

And while funding of an Arts Council doesn’t necessarily represent how a city treats its arts, it is indicative of what Abbotsford art and culture event planners are up against.

Putting on a massive event like Jam in Jubilee takes a lot of work, that goes without saying. And although the organizers have done a phenomenal job with the small budget they have, growth, something Abbotsford claims to be interested in, doesn’t happen without substantial financial backing.

There’s lots of money in this city, utilizing it responsibly is just a matter of where it goes. This year, the Abbotsford Centre received a $1.1 million subsidy. It’s the lowest subsidy the Centre has gotten. Here we are, maxing out the capacity of an arts festival, but the City needs to shovel out a million dollars to keep its ambitious entertainment centre running.

If the Centre can take a million dollar subsidy, then there’s probably a little more change in the piggy bank for music in the park, art walks, or festivals.

Over the last three years, UFV students have on average paid over $310,000 per year to ***The Cascade and CIVL Radio. Taking this as arts funding, just attending UFV does more for literary and music arts than the City of Abbotsford’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture. And while they dump money into the Reach Gallery (thankfully), beyond this token of artistic interest, there isn’t much.

The Plan for 200K is part of Abbotsford’s updated official community plan. It will essentially outline how and where the city will grow by the time it reaches 200,000 residents.

This comprehensive plan includes transport, transit, zoning, neighbourhood design, industrial land use, public services, etc. Arts and culture is included in this plan, within the Parks, Recreation, and Culture master plan. It’s nearing the end of stage one, “background research,” and will soon enter stage two, “exploring options,” which will look at what kinds of cultural and arts programs people want.

A politician in touch with the community should see that this city wants more funding for arts and culture. But they probably won’t, so if events like Jam in Jubilee tickle your fancy, make it known, ask for it to be included in the community plan.

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

Pancake News //

NEWS BRIEFS

Hanging up the spatula UFV UCM club no longer serving pancake breakfast

RSU name change Ryerson University should change their name, and remove the statue of Egerton Ryerson, according to a list of 11 demands posted on Facebook by the Ryerson Student Union (RSU) on Canada Day. They recommended that the university should change their name to something "that does not support a man who supported and created the structures of colonial genocide."

The RSU faced backlash from students, with a barrage of one star reviews of RSU and a “Boycott RSU” Facebook page that is accumulating members.

The list was posted along with an upside-down Canada 150 logo with the words “Colonialism 150.”

Twenty-three of the RSU's 34 board members signed a statement that they were not involved in or aware of the demands.

-Metro

Prison exchange program The first Canadian university to offer the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has paired together 13 traditional criminology students with 13 students currently incarcerated at Harrison Mills’ Kwìkwèxwelhp Healing Village.

Not only do all of the students involved receive valuable learning and experience, the university also formally admits the incarcerated students, and after release, credits earned from the course will be applicable towards the completion of a credential.

The program is a Canadian take on the U.S.-based prison exchange program of the same name originally started at Temple University in Philadelphia.

-NationTalk

JOEL ROBERTSON-TAYLOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

On a mellow Thursday, March 23 morning, the UFV University Christian Ministries (UCM) flipped their last pancake.

UCM hosted a weekly free pancake breakfast open to all students for nearly eight years. They recently decided that serving pancakes wasn’t best serving their purpose.

“When we first started out seven years ago, it was exactly what we wanted to be,” said Joy Penner, president of UCM. “We could make the pancakes, but we also had people there that could start discussions and make relationships with people coming out for pancakes.”

This last year, the pancake breakfast grew to serve up to 200 people in a morning — a number that exceeded what was optimum for volunteers to engage in conversation and discuss life.

“You couldn’t really stop making pancakes,” said Penner. “So it was harder to

cultivate the relationships that we really wanted to make.”

Although the pancakes are no more, UCM’s goals of reaching the UFV community haven’t been flattened. In the fall, UCM will host “Alpha,” an evangelical course which focuses on introducing basic Christian faith concepts, and developing communities through meetings and discussions.

“What we do at Alpha is serve dinner, a whole meal, and get people to sit down and watch videos that bring up a relevant topic,” said Penner. “Then we discuss it over a meal with other people.”

UCM will partner with a few local churches to put on the Alpha course.

“This way we get to not only feed our fellow students, but also create relationships with them, and also start really relevant discussions with them about life, about God, about all of these things,” Penner said.

In the past, the pancake breakfast faced some challenges against ongoing approv-

al. Fraser Health required the kitchen to have a dedicated hand wash station, which it didn’t. They also wanted the pancake ingredients to be listed and available to anyone eating, as well as Foodsafe certification for some of the cooks.

Penner said that the policy issues didn’t affect their decision to stop making pancakes, but it was at that time they decided to explore other options.

The way it panned out, the Student Union Building kitchen got a sink shortly after UCM decided to not continue pancake breakfasts.

“This has been on my heart for a very long time, that we should be moving away from pancakes. The hand washing sink was kind of just another thing to make it clear that we should try something else.”

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NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

New Program //

UFV approves Master of Finance degree New program expected to help fulfill core mandate of university JAMIE KOEHN STAFF WRITER

The UFV Senate approved a Master of Finance degree, adding to the university’s growing list of graduate school options.

At their June 9 meeting, the Senate voted to ratify the new program, which has been in various stages of planning for several years, and looks to take in students for the Fall 2018 semester.

Provost and vice-president, academic Eric Davis explained that the Master of Finance is designed to help students procure managerial positions in both public and corporate organizations, and in doing so is expected “to be of real benefit to the society and the economy of the Fraser Valley.”

In addition to assisting budding entrepreneurs and business managers, the program is also intended to prepare students for further graduate studies at the doctor-

al level. It is expected to be different from other, comparable offerings within the region, as it does not require pre-existing work experience, and is meant to be completed within one year.

The program’s unique design will fulfill core mandate of UFV. Rather than signifying a shift in a fresh direction, the new program is part of an attempt to reinforce the existing institutional values of the university.

“In our strategic direction statements, we have two core goals,” said Davis. “The first is to provide the best undergraduate education in the Fraser Valley, and the second is to be a leader in the economic, social, cultural, and environmentally responsible development of the Fraser Valley.”

Rather than an effort to move away from UFV’s reputation as a leader in teachingfocused undergraduate education, Davis sees the Master of Finance degree as be-

ing an opportunity to further support the current programming.

The presence of graduate students on campus, he suggested, would contribute to “the enriching of undergraduate life” for UFV’s present students, and also potentially bring in financial resources which could bolster existing programs.

Those financial resources are expected to primarily come from tuition, as Davis describes how, unlike with full-time undergraduates, the university does not receive government funding for each graduate student. The expenses incurred by the program would mostly need to be paid for by the students themselves, making graduate tuition more expensive. However, scholarships and grants are available to those students, potentially reducing the financial burden on applicants.

Davis predicts that initially, most students registering within the program will be UFV undergrads with bachelor’s de-

grees in business administration, but this is expected to change and expand over time as the program’s reputation grows and gains the attention of other applicants nationally and around the world.

The Master of Finance is intended to be taken full-time, with each cohort of students taking a specific collection of courses on the way to a final capstone project, which will then enable students to choose a research focus under the guidance of faculty members.

Prof Talk //

Thoughts on research and education A Q&A with Alan Reid ESRA AL-ABDULJABAR CONTRIBUTOR

Dr. Alan Reid is a biology Professor at UFV with a passion for bringing course material alive. He goes to great lengths to make the class come alive in a way that engages students.

He has led a Jane’s Walk on the UFV campus where participants explored and talked about the on-campus ecology. He is currently working to document all the plants on campus.

What kind of projects, research, or course development have you worked on at UFV? Primarily, I am an ecologist by training, I’m a Southern Hemisphere trained ecologist, so the whole thing I needed to do was to learn that everything was backwards in North America. But what I am interested in is, I want us to acknowledge that this campus is a really good ecological spot, and so at the moment what I’m trying to do is to map all the trees and shrubs on campus. So far, I have all of A building mapped, and I’m trying to program it for a touch screen, so we can touch the screen and once you’ve pushed it you can get the picture of the plant, map of the plant, and the history of the plant.

What brought you to work at UFV? The reason for coming to UFV was to make an impact, like some of my professors had made on me. I thought that I could do that by working with the government, but the government doesn’t like creativity and individualism, and wanted to do things their way.

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I was previously teaching at Vandusen Botanical Garden where they wanted someone to design a course for them, so they can give it to the tour guides.

UFV had a reputation of having small class sizes, and a good one-on-one, and therefore I came here as a sessional teacher initially, and eventually became a fulltime professor.

What got you interested in this line of research?

I didn’t start off as a science student, I started off as an art student, because I refused to do chemistry, math, and physics.

They have their place, and they are good subjects, but for me I couldn’t see how it was going to help me being outside in the world. Of course it helps a lot when getting the data, but everyone should be able to get the basics, and see what wanders out there first.

My lectures always have about six words on the slide and a humongous picture. I want people to say, “Wow, I remember seeing that picture.” People coming from high school are used to writing everything down, and reading the whole book, but if that was the case I’d just tell you to buy the textbook, and I’d come back in threemonths’ time to give you the exam. That's not the right interaction, we should be talking to each other, and be able to see the big picture.

A lecturer should provoke someone into thinking and having an opinion. You must

have emotional stories that will make people think.

How does that affect how you lead a class?

There’s two types of people you come across. There are people solely focused on prestige and rank. I’ve always said not to call me Dr. Reid — it just means I was too stupid to get a real job, I just kept on getting another and another degree because I was too stupid to get out and get a job, but ranking doesn't bother me. People think, “If I’m not getting 98 per cent I’m failing,” but the question is, did you learn anything? A lot of times 75-80 per cent students are some of the better students, they just don't want to sit and recite for three hours before every exam to get 98 per cent.

So what if you got 70 per cent?

You get 6 credits for the course whether you have 70 per cent, 99, or a 100 per cent, so you’re not enjoying yourself to get 98 per cent.

“As lecturers and as students we should say that we are privileged to be here, a lot of people in the class are just going through the motions.”

What kinds of things should someone be focusing on in class then?

I think everybody needs to know the geography of Canada, and plants and animals of B.C. — people should know how to balance their checkbooks, and do simple algebra, and not just go to the money machine.

We have to think about what a university is, and it is a universal system. In my

plants and drugs course we got students to study opera snake poison. I pulled out every plant and animal reference I could find. We looked at what it meant, how it releases the poison, how it poison things; we did Shakespeare and Agatha Christie and poison. Thirty-three books of Agatha Christie’s had plant or animal poisons that killed the murder victim in them. So what did it mean, why did she use that in her books and how did she use these things, what is the history behind these things?

This will allow students to read these stories a lot better, and relate to things outside in the world, and how we use these things, and I think we should go more towards a bachelor of arts program rather than a bachelor of science program with geography.

We should learn about a variety of areas then?

We should think about history, you should know that in 1980, Mount St. Helens blew its top off, and all over Abbotsford here there was ash, there was ash all over Vancouver, there's still earthquakes and lava flowing at the top; on Mount Baker, it's a volcano.

I was astonished since I have never been to Mount Baker and I thought that because of the presence of the snow, how could there be a volcano? Mount Baker is somewhere between 10,000 and 11,000 feet up, and the outside is cold because of the altitude.

They had been dormant for so many years, and in 1980 St. Helens exploded, the whole lecturing thing comes down to, “Do you know this?” Four out of five doctors recommend Colgate, what does that CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE one doctor who’s saying “No I don't agree with it” know? Because we should be questioning things, asking why.

Ninety-nine per cent of the world is happy because they have their big screen TV, they have their hockey game and their cold beer and 2.7 children — which is the national average.

As lecturers and as students we should say that we are privileged to be here, a lot of people in the class are just going through the motions. We must think differently. Someone saw me sharpening my pencil with a pocket knife, and they said they’ve never seen that before, and like, where have you been? Everyone uses mechanical pencils.

Have there been any colleagues or students that have been particularly inf luential in what you do as a teacher?

Well, not really a colleague, it’s been my parents and my grandfather. They would take me around and show me all kinds of weird things, say, have a look at this cool plant growing in the garden, have a look at this thing in the forest, or on the floor, and we would look at all sorts of shiny objects and stuff. You just need one person to be able to spark your interest, and my mother was really good because she would take me to all sort of things, and show me dinosaurs, and books on Robin Hood, and things like that because I would read like crazy and then go out into the books — they're books that have pictures of insects, and other things. Going to museums, doing scavenger hunts and stuff — but as for colleagues, I don't really know. There have been so many people that have contributed to so many things.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Stories worth paying attention to

#DormantFunGuys

#PassingGas

#MassExtinction

Dormant ancient fungi may help trees adapt

B.C. oil and gas wells leaking

Earth’s sixth mass extinction already underway

A study out of University of British Columbia Okanagan claims ancient dormant fungi have the potential to help modern trees adapt to the challenges climate change presents. In the June issue of FEMS Microbiology Ecology journal, biology professor Jason Pither and co-author of the study, stated that fungi are already helping tree species through means of symbiotic relationships. Fungi lend a hand to trees by attracting and holding in water and nutrients, enabling trees to use their root systems more effectively.

“In some of these permafrost regions, these [fungi] spores would have been deposited before the last glaciation in ancient ecosystems, and would have been buried in a way and at a time that could have actually preserved them deeper underground,” said Pither.

Pither believes that trees may be able to use these fungi spores to improve the sustainability and resilience of tree populations.

Researchers with the David Suzuki Foundation found approximately one-third of British Columbia’s oil and gas wells to be leaking methane.

The new study, done on 11,000 wells across northeastern B.C., shows a significant amount of methane being released into the atmosphere at a daily rate of nine to 11 cubic metres, totalling at 14.2 million cubic metres per year.

John Werring, senior science and policy advisor to the Suzuki Foundation, says the cause of such a high rate of leakage is a result of eroding cement seals creating poor well integrity.

This study bumps the oil and gas sector up to the number one contributor of climate pollution in B.C.

A sixth mass extinction in Earth’s history is underway, and according to researchers, is worse than previously anticipated.

Scientists studied both rare and common species and found billion of species have been lost over the last four decades. Analysis shows the main source of species depopulation to be human overpopulation and overconsumption, which also threaten the continuation of human civilization.

The peer-reviewed article was published in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences and called the extensive loss of wildlife a “biological annihilation.” Professor Gerardo Ceballos, from the University of Nacional Autonoma de Mexico spoke on the severity of the article, stating that “the situation has become so bad it would not be ethical not to use strong language.”

The study is global, and covers many different regions throughout the globe, showing similar findings across the continents.

-The Tyee

-The Tyee

-the Guardian

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OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

Immigration //

Shutting the door behind you

Why are immigrants hostile to immigration?

ALEISTER GWYNNE STAFF WRITER

A recent Maclean’s article revealed an unexpected reaction among immigrants to the subject of immigration. In 2015, Toronto radio station G98.7 hosted a callin discussion on the matter. Contrary to the expectations of Andray Domise, the author of the article, many of those who called in were not only anti-immigration, but judging by their accents were immigrants themselves. Not only that, but many exhibited hostile and bigoted attitudes to the Syrian refugees arriving in Canada at the time.

One would think that, if anything, immigrants would be most sympathetic, but this was apparently not the case. Domise wanted to get to the root of this counterintuitive result. Domise’s conclusion was that it had to do with the life experiences of immigrant and first generation groups, as they internalized the outward pressure to assimilate, and the suspicion directed at them for being outsiders.

Perhaps this is part of it, but I do not think it is the main reason. There is one comment that was rather telling. “My son and daughter can’t afford a house in Toronto,” one caller said, “where are you go-

ing to put these people?”

We live in a time when jobs are fewer, less comfortable, and lower-paying, and the cost of living, especially housing costs, is outstripping the average person’s ability to earn money. Immigrants tend to be relegated to lower-paying and less pleasant positions in both good times and bad. Unfortunately, these jobs are harder to come by nowadays as a result of automation, outsourcing, and deliberate understaffing by companies looking to cut costs. Born and bred Canadians who are not visible minorities are feeling the pinch too of course, and are having to make do with lower-tier positions that normally go to immigrants, yet they still have a much better chance of winning those few good positions that become available.

Landed immigrants are being pinched from above by multi-generational Canadians who are being frozen out of good careers, and from below by waves of new immigrants coming in behind them, all of whom are competing for the same dwindling supply of entry-level jobs and affordable housing. A study featured on Statistics Canada’s website, released in 2014, revealed that low-income rates rose among immigrants during the 1980s, and

‘90s, rising from 1.4 times above the rates for Canadian-born citizens in 1980 to 2.5 times more in 2000. Thankfully, the gap stopped widening during the 2000s, but still stood at 2.6 times more for immigrants as of 2010. Under those circumstances, it is no wonder that established immigrants, who have so little to gain and to lose, would be most willing to shut the gates behind them.

Using opinion poll statistics to make his case, Domise suggests that these attitudes are a generational phenomenon, and that the descendants of immigrants become more liberal and welcoming over time.

Perhaps this is true, but it could also be that what we are seeing is a product of our time, and that in a more prosperous era we would be seeing more positive and inclusive attitudes. Intense competition for scarce resources tends to encourage the toxic “I’ve got mine, the rest can go hang” attitude that, in my opinion, is far too pervasive in our culture. It is a problem that goes beyond the immigrant community and affects all of us. In Canada we have become accustomed to a high standard of living that in many ways is simply not sustainable anymore, and people tend to become resentful and suspicious when

they are threatened with losing that lifestyle, or being denied the chance to attain it. Unfortunately, both policymakers and ordinary people turn inward, worrying about their own well-being instead of cooperating to ensure a decent, if not luxurious life for all.

Then again, perhaps Domise and I are both being naïve in our own ways, trying to ascribe logic and reason to the irrational prejudices of what may be merely a vocal minority. Canada prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive society, and relatively-speaking, we are. Yet no matter one’s cultural attitudes, it is hard to be welcoming toward a fresh competitor getting in line for a job that already has a hundred other applicants, yourself included. When getting that same job means the difference between feeding and putting a roof over yourself and your family or not, empathy becomes a luxury one can ill afford.

Civil Rights //

The Khadr Settlement should be a wake up call PANKU SHARMA OPINION EDITOR

It’s gotten far beyond the point of determining what really happened in Afghanistan when Omar Khadr was first captured. The loss of life surrounding the confrontation that led to him being picked up by American forces is tragic; war is, in general. Usually, when it comes to child soldiers, there is a certain level of understanding that would compel us to at least consider the possibilities of rehabilitation, and understanding of situations outside of their control. After all, this was a Canadian-born boy, two months shy of his 16th birthday, brought into a warzone by his father.

But we didn’t, and so be it. Western democracies routinely act in a manner that does not hold up to the mythos we purport. This is nothing new, and tensions were high. However, skirting that obliga-

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tion does not mean that we instead chose to pursue some sort of higher justice — it was all theatre.

If Omar Khadr was legitimately guilty of the war crimes he was charged with (at the least, there is evidence he aided in efforts that definitely would have lead to deaths), than the thing to do would have been a proper trial, with proper due processes, that would show that our institutions of justice actually mean something.

A war crime is a high charge, it should be taken seriously. Serious enough that maybe the priority shouldn’t have been a child soldier, but perhaps the people in charge who led to the war itself, and turned a blind eye to abuse, civilian deaths, and gross negligence. Drone operators have higher body counts, and so do politicians and puppets.

Instead, offering little counsel and protection, we let a Canadian citizen languish for years in a foreign government’s prison,

an ally’s prison, which was notorious for torture and abuse. Why? Because it was easier than having to been seen defending someone who might have done something wrong. Because it made us feel uneasy. Because it was simpler to brand someone a terrorist, write them off as a bad guy, than examine our own complicity not only in the seeds of the conflict that drew him in, but in the unjust way he was treated.

The recent settlement of over $10.5-million, following a Supreme Court ruling that blasted the Canadian government for their repeated failures in ensuring due process, and the rights of its citizens, is not in any way a validation or reward for whatever actions Omar Khadr took in Afghanistan. It’s the result of our own failures to live up to the standards we say we mean to spread and champion. To the very things that we proclaim separate us from the violent ideologies that terrorize

the globe.

It’s easier if he’s the bad guy, it’s easier to view the government as weak and capitulating than trying to make the best of a past wrong. It’s harder to admit that we were weak in ignoring our obligations, just because a situation was complicated, and the optics would have been difficult.

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

Political Vision //

NDP must take Leap forward

Photo: Facebook

JAMIE KOEHN STAFF WRITER

With the federal NDP leadership race heating up, the party’s direction hangs in the balance, as does the future of Canadian electoral politics. Thomas Mulcair’s attempt to push the party towards the political centre resulted in a resounding defeat during the last election, and the New Democrats must make a choice: will they continue with a brand of politics which the electorate found to be tepid and uninspiring, or will they seize this opportunity to take a bold new course of action? Such a debate has the potential to give new life to the Leap Manifesto, a document which spells out an alternative political vision, one that challenges the socio-economic status quo.

Spearheaded by figures such as author Naomi Klein and filmmaker Avi Lewis, the Manifesto calls for a rapid shift away from fossil fuel extraction, towards a more sustainable economy built upon renewable resources. According to this plan, all of Canada’s electricity would be derived from renewables within two decades, and by 2050 the country would have what the Manifesto refers to as “a 100 per cent clean economy.” Such a shift would be based on an economic platform that rejects austerity measures, instead funding its proposals by ending subsidies to the

fossil fuel industry, increasing corporate taxes, cutting military spending, and taking other measures which the Manifesto signatories believe would help lead to the long-term goal of a “bottom-up revival” of democratic principles.

Such proposals may seem unrealistic to some, and within the context of a stagnant electoral system built upon an underlying base of capitalist values, its seemingly idealistic sentiments clash with the prevailing mood of political cynicism. Yet its suggestions seem to be largely in line with mainstream scientific opinion, as represented by various reports released by organizations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Such bodies articulate the catastrophic severity of the risk, and call for a similarly drastic reduction in fossil fuel usage and carbon emissions. Therefore what may appear to be a radical plan is actually fully grounded within the empirical research of many of the world’s most respected scientific figures.

In spite of this, the Manifesto has yet to be endorsed by any of the NDP’s leadership candidates. Niki Ashton has come closest to embracing it, saying that she “agree[s] with the principles in the document,” but there continues to be substantial opposition within the upper echelons of the party bureaucracy. Key officials at the provincial level, such as B.C.’s John

Horgan and Alberta’s Rachel Notley, have publicly asserted their hostility towards many of its proposals. Nevertheless, if they wish to achieve success at the federal level, and if they plan to truly fulfill their social and environmental mandate, New Democrats should look to the thousands of signatures the Manifesto has amassed as a sign of its grassroots support.

Moreover, the Leap Manifesto seems to capture a growing movement for change across the globe, one which is signified not only by the work of activists who operate on the fringes of the democratic system, but also by recent efforts which have sought to revitalize the possibility of electoral change. The popular campaigns of figures such as Bernie Sanders in the United States, Jeremy Corbyn in the U.K., and Jean-Luc Melenchon in France demonstrate the growing resentment towards a global neoliberal agenda that has placed corporate profits above social and environmental prosperity. The increasing success of these movements, especially among younger voters, sends a clear signal that the ecologically sensitive, socially conscious measures within the Leap Manifesto are gaining international popularity.

The question, then, is not whether the plan is too radical, but whether it goes far enough. Within an economic system which remains firmly dominated by

wealthy elites, and within an ideological climate which still emphasizes private control of the means of production, the Leap Manifesto represents an important attempt to move the dialogue of social revitalization forward. It may fail to fully challenge the structures which have thus far prevented its adoption, but its growing popularity nevertheless indicates a desire for change, and demonstrates the Manifesto’s ability to fill a vital need within the citizenry for the sort of hope which all too often remains absent from the political sphere.

With the country stagnating under a Liberal government which remains more concerned with style than substance, the NDP would be wise to adopt such a bold new approach so as to reassert its progressive credentials. In doing so, it would make an important move towards participating in a globally resurgent left, pushing back against the dominant neoliberal centre, and more effectively combatting the rising populist right represented by figures like Donald Trump. In doing so, the party could make the vital issue of climate change the cornerstone of its platform, while demonstrating that such a discourse can resonate with disenfranchised populations in Canada and around the world.

7

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

SNAPSHOTS

Curtailed commentary on current conditions

Proud — of what?

Panku Sharma

Jeff Mijo

Illustrations: Amara Gelaude

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—

SJW Flag Police

boys

Wanting to belong to something, to feel like you are making meaningful change, can be intoxicating. And it goes without saying that we (as humans) are all dumb, and given the right enticement are incredibly impressionable. No judgements coming, just an observation.

There are guys out there (the majority of the movement from what I’ve seen) who have been taken in by alt-right and conservative shock jocks more concerned with selling them a righteous feeling and monetizing outrage over social justice warriors (who’s the snowflake supposed to be again?) than with actually making the lives of most people any better. No one’s saying you can’t be proud of your culture, orientation, or race. The question is that if your family has been here for generations, you’re straight, and you’re white-passing, what kind of recognition do you really want, and will it be at the expense of people who have it harder? And how about highlighting some of your own contributions, rather than demanding the acknowledgement of a “superior Western culture” that was built on colonization and theft. We already know they won.

You can be proud and not an asshole, unless you’re Gavin McInnes. That’s terminal.

Ron Diefenbater

Friggin’ Liberals at it again, kowtowing to internationalist and special interests at the expense of our heritage. Why does everything have to change? Why can’t we just keep things the way they are, which are working perfectly fine for me and the people like me. Why of all things are we changing the darn flag? Who cares if some Egyptians are uncomfortable that peacekeepers share symbols (and allegiance) with their oppressors, or some silly poutine-guzzling Quebecers (*spitting sound*) don’t think it represents them either.

I propose we show them who the true patriots are, by getting really mad for months at the expense of more important work and issues. We must stand together at this precipice, or no one else will.

I’m a proud Canadian, and I know where my loyalties are — with the interests of an empire 5,800 kilometres away, and to symbols rather than people. I also know where my limits are — at the alteration of fabric.

Originally printed in Le Old Cascade, vol 76. Issue 18, 1964

The fluctuating fate of facial hair

Saying yes

I’m envious of people that can keep a consistent facial hair style. I managed to keep a beard for the entire fall and winter semesters this year, and that’s only because I convinced myself that people that only kind of knew me wouldn’t recognize me if I shaved it off. But whenever I’m cleanshaven, I look at pictures of me with a beard and think it looks so strange, and then vice versa when the beard’s there.

But every few months, I get the urge to switch between the two states, as a nagging feeling in the back of my mind asks What if the other way actually was better?

This whole facial anarchy situation leads to a complete lack of continuity in pictures of me, which also include a few styles that I thoroughly regret. So for now I’m cleanshaven again, because that seems like the best choice — for the time being, at least.

I say yes to a lot of things. And that’s fine because, generally speaking, I try my best to help out my peeps in all I can. If somebody needs a paper proofread, I’ll usually say yes. If somebody needs a script turned in one time or another, I’ll say yes.

If somebody wants a little write up on the newest news or social craze, I’ll usually say yes.

But then, as luck has it, I find myself in front of my computer, and although I would much rather nurse a headache in bed at one in the morning, I’m reminded I have to pull through on my commitments.

It also doesn’t help that I’m not the best at scheduling work — it’s usually all a now-or-never situation with me, and that doesn’t exactly score me any points when it comes to getting work done in a healthy manner.

But I get it done. That’s gotta count for something, right?

Martin Castro

THE BEST AND WORST SEATS AT UFV By: Jeff Mijo

If you walk around UFV’s Abbotsford campus, there’s one thing you’ll notice

everywhere: places to sit. Even at busy times, it’s not hard to find somewhere to rest between classes, give your legs a break, and maybe eat some lunch. But

how good are these sitting fixtures, really? I set out on a quest to find UFV’s best

seats. As a writer-type, I’ve spent most of my adult life sitting, which makes me a uniquely qualified expert in assessing this complicated and intricate issue. I’ll tell you which seats at UFV deserve the honour of supporting you, and which aren’t worth the time it takes to say “chesterfield.”

SUB/C Path

S

ituated between the SUB and C building, this picnic table has seen better days, but probably wasn’t great even during them. The bench boards are

surprisingly narrow — you always feel on edge, as if a strong breeze could send you tumbling to the ground. In addition, it’s smaller than the picnic tables you’d find in most parks, and feels like it could tip if you put too much weight on one side. Honestly, the only thing it has going for it is its proximity to Bucket Corner.

Comfort:

Appearance:

Just no.

It’s got some rustic charm, I guess?

Location:

Final Verdict:

Close to the SUB, but kind of out of the way, quiet, and offers fresh air.

2tiny2tippy.

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C Building — Ground Floor

I

’d never had a reason to go into C building before, but after sitting on this bench, I’d consider going back. With three spacious cushions, you could easily

fit your whole squad onto this bench and have room to spare. While it could use a back, that would fundamentally alter its nature as a bench, so I have a hard time docking it points for that. Surprisingly comfy, this is a perfect place to wait for a class, and I’m sure it’s hosted more than a couple of nappers, too.

Comfort:

Appearance:

Soft and comfy, if you’re sitting in the right position.

Won’t impress anyone, but isn’t trying to.

Location:

Final Verdict:

While in a potentially busy area, it is convenient.

Better than it looks.

D Building — Entrance by SUB

E

ven though I’d walked past these couches numerous times, I’d never sat in them before, because they’re almost always full during regular school hours.

After trying them out, I can see why: these couches (and the others like them, which can be found on the higher floors of D building) are fantastic. If you could get one to yourself, and prop yourself up on a backpack as a pillow, you could have a fantastic lie down here — but that will never happen during rush hour.

Comfort:

Appearance:

I want these in my home.

Funky purple and weird designs aren’t for everyone, but they work well here.

Location:

Final Verdict:

A great spot to meet up and wait for class, but the amount of traffic could be distracting.

Awesome, but crowded.

D136

A

fter three classes in this room, I can comfortably say that these chairs are uncomfortable. The backs curve at a weird angle, and the overhang of the

tables comes down a little too low onto your legs.

10

Comfort:

Appearance:

Ow, my back.

If you asked me to describe these chairs without looking at a picture of them, I couldn’t remember a single detail.

Location:

Final Verdict:

Quiet and out of the way when lectures aren’t happening, and ideally situated for when they are.

Wouldn’t sit in again (but will sit in again).

Outside B Building

T

hese picnic benches could not be more different than the one mentioned earlier. They’re more plentiful, making it easier to get a seat. They’re stone,

making them stable and secure. The benches are wide and, for stone, surprisingly comfortable. They’re in an area with great potential for shade and breezes.

Comfort:

Appearance:

Maybe not something you’d sit on for hours, but ideal for a lunch break.

Function over form is the name of the game here (and by game I mean seat).

Location:

Final Verdict:

It doesn’t get much better than this — when the weather’s good, at least.

Solid, and not just because they’re stone.

The Green

T

hese benches are scattered across the green, and you’ll often see them filled by students listening to music, or doing some studying throughout the

day. But are they actually good? No. No they are not. This particular specimen’s boards feel rickety and wobbly, and the back curves at an uncomfortable angle.

The location is excellent, but on a dry day, I’d probably just sit on the ground instead.

Comfort:

Appearance:

Wobbly and awkward.

Inoffensive.

Location:

Final Verdict:

I’d feel awkward sitting so close to the path, as lots of people walked by, but if you’re not weird like me, probably a great place to chillax.

Meh.

Bus Stop Watchpoint

T

his collection of tall chairs is sure to be busy at peak times, especially when the weather’s bad, but if you can snag one of these chairs, don’t hesitate.

The excellent, ergonomic design is surprisingly comfortable, and the counter in front of them is at an ideal laptop-using height. If you’re waiting for a bus, or have a high tolerance for crowded areas, this is a great place to work.

Comfort:

Appearance:

I hope whoever designed these chairs won some kind of award.

A bit bright for my tastes, but against the muted colours of the room, they call out, beckoning you like sirens for your butt.

Location:

Final Verdict:

They serve a very specific purpose, and they do it perfectly.

While waiting for the wheels on the bus to go round and round, this is the best seat to be found and found.

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Gazebos

T

here are a lot of gazebos on the green, and they provide a scenic, shaded area to hang out, removed just enough from the walkways to get a bit of

privacy for your conversations. However, the pervasive smell of cigarettes can prove a major negative for non-smokers, and the benches are too narrow to really lounge back on.

Comfort:

Appearance:

Good posture is important, but I’m not looking for a gazebo to enforce it on me.

The gazebo looks nice, but the benches themselves are plain wood, and some show signs that birds like gazebos too.

Location:

Final Verdict:

Yeah, it’s pretty nice.

Scenery doesn’t make up for discomfort or odours.

The Cascade’s Office — Couches

I

know this may be a conflict of interest, or at least influenced by bias, but the green couch and loveseat in The Cascade’s office are phenomenal for lying

down. While the low arms make them lose a few points when you need to share, I could (and have) spend hours on end lounging here, and I know they’ve hosted at least a couple of naps, too.

Comfort:

Appearance:

Zzzzz.

It looks like a couch you’d get for free on Craigslist, but that’s just because it’s so comfortable and well-used.

Location:

Final Verdict:

Surrounded by cool people doing cool things.

Would laze on again.

The Cascade’s Office — Chair

T

he glorious throne that inspired this article. While it looks strange, the bowlshaped beauty is a masterpiece of comfort, even though the cushion has

started to deteriorate and get too thin. If you’re ever in the SUB and need a place to sit, come say hi, and curl up in this chair. It’s located in the Quiet Room, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of newspaper life, with a great view to spy on people walking past the SUB.

12

Comfort:

Appearance:

One of the only two places on campus I’ve actually slept.

Some might give this a 1/5, but those people have no appreciation for art.

Location:

Final Verdict:

Quiet, private, and very convenient (if you work at The Cascade).

Engulfs like a pro.

CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

Arts Festival //

Jam (packed) in Jubilee JEFF MIJO CULTURE & EVENTS EDITOR

Abbotsford’s eighth annual Jam in Jubilee summer concert series and art market kicked off on July 6 in Jubilee Park. The first night, which featured performances from Aerophonics, Jordan Klassen, and Said the Whale, filled the park to capacity at 1,300 people with more lining up to take in the show. At certain times, the line to get in was over a 45 minute wait. The capacity was set by the park’s liquor license.

After Said the Whale, the

After Dark series moved the crowd into Townhall Public House, where Hubbo hiphopped further into the night.

The concert series, which is accompanied by artisan, food, and drink vendors, continues to run every Thursday throughout July, beginning at 6 p.m., with music running from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. For a full schedule of performances, see the back cover of The Cascade, or visit jaminjubilee.com.

Photo: Cat Friesen

Photo: Cat Friesen

International Artist //

Visiting prof gives lecture on Chinese painting Professor Wu Dan explains traditional Chinese painting techniques ALEISTER GWYNNE STAFF WRITER

Visiting Professor Wu Dan from Sichuan Normal University in Chengdu, China held a lecture on traditional Chinese painting on Wednesday, June 5. Speaking with the help of an interpreter, the presentation was bilingual in both Mandarin and English.

She explained some of the differences in tools and techniques used in traditional Chinese painting, as well as the philosophy and influences behind them. The lecture covered examples of both historical and contemporary Chinese painting, including some of Wu’s own pieces, and concluded with a live demonstration by Professor Wu of the tools and techniques described.

The most important tool is Chinese black ink, which is used to some extent in nearly all works. Ink and coloured paint is applied with brushes of varying thickness and firmness, which are used for painting par-

ticular objects using certain strokes. The medium is most commonly Shuen rice paper, but other materials like silk have been used in both past and present.

The main objective of Chinese painting is to represent the object, focusing on its shape, unlike Western painting, which places more emphasis on the interplay of colour and light. Paintings often have partial or no background. Text is sometimes incorporated in the picture, and the calligraphy is considered to be a part of the art.

Chinese painting has two main approaches or styles: freestyle and meticulous style. Freestyle is applied directly to the medium, usually Shuen rice paper, in rapid flowing motions, without the use of an outline. The goal of this style is to capture the “spirit” of the objects represented, and therefore the artist has greater leeway in using their imagination. Freestyle paintings are often partly or entirely in monochrome, with brushstrokes and stra-

tegic areas of colour used to portray nuance, and to emphasize certain areas. The meticulous style is more detail-oriented, utilizing outlines both as a preliminary template, and as a visible outline in the finished work.

Some common genres of painting were shown, including landscape, figure, and bird & flower, each with varying similarities to their Western equivalents.

Wu’s first trip to Canada was in 2012.

She shared how she had been impressed by the artwork on display in Vancouver, and explained that she views all art produced by society as being interconnected, and as reflecting the thoughts and feelings of people in that society.

Wu also shared some information about how art is taught in China, which begins with copying famous artworks to learn the techniques used by their artists. This is in contrast to the Western method where, with the exception of life studies, individ-

ual expression is encouraged as early and fully as possible.

The lecture concluded with a live demonstration by Professor Wu of her craft.

She made two freestyle paintings, showing some of the tools and methods described earlier.

Professor Wu will be making intermittent visits to UFV over the months of July and August as part of a teaching exchange program with Sichuan Normal University.

Her Canadian counterpart, visual arts department head and associate professor Shelley Stefan, will be sharing her own experiences upon her return on September 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in B101 lecture theatre at Abbotsford campus.

Photos: Aleister Gwynne

13

CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

SUB Filming //

SUB to feature in upcoming film JEFF MIJO CULTURE & EVENTS EDITOR

On June 28, the Student Union Building was transformed into a Christmas-time airport scene for the filming of an upcoming TV movie. Engaging Father Christmas, a sequel to 2016’s Finding Father Christmas, will air this holiday season on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries (formerly known as Hallmark Movie Channel). The filming took over a large section of parking lot 10 outside of the SUB, which was

filled with trucks and trailers. Inside, the SUB atrium was redecorated with Christmas trees, miniature Santas, and snowflakes, as well as a sign on the Student Union Society’s office window directing airport users to a terminal and baggage claim.

Photo: Kat Marusiak

Life is a Box of Swiss Chocolates: Endings and New Beginnings JENNIFER TRITHARDT-TUFTS CONTRIBUTOR/PHOTOS

You should know that at this very moment, I’m sitting on the bed at my Airbnb, eating some strange dried fruit from a Greek island, and dried banana chips I bought at a market close to the Acropolis. I also have the fan in my room on full blast, since I’m a little bit on the burnt side from my Athens beach hopping today. But I finally feel like I have destressed from exams and the packing up of five months of my life in Switzerland.

14

Let me just say, the exam style in Switzerland is nothing like the exam style in Canada, at least not at UFV. One of my exams had two parts: during the first, we were given 90 minutes to answer 15 multiple choice and eight long answers. The second part allowed us 30 minutes for eight multiple choice and three long answers. My second exam allowed 60 minutes for eight long answers. The first exam was worth 100 per cent and the other was worth 70 per cent. Are you sweating yet? I’m getting anxious just thinking about it again.

But it’s done, and I can say I at least attempted to complete a semester in one of the toughest countries, academically speaking.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that you need roughly 62 per cent to pass the course. Let’s talk at the end of July when I get my grades back and see how I feel then. As tough as it was, though, I honestly wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s a really cool feeling to know business students on the other side of the world are learning the same things you are, and I’m proud of myself for completing such a daunting task, no matter the outcome. It’s good to get an idea of what other academic styles there are in the world.

Now here’s where the real stress comes in, because — being the genius that I am — I decided it would be a good idea to leave Switzerland the day after my exams were done. (It helped that flights to Greece were cheaper at that particular time of the week.)

I didn’t take into account all the stuff I had accumulated in my room, or that going through it would trigger so many emotions.

I had to get rid of a lot of stuff I simply couldn’t take with me. On top of all that, saying goodbye to everyone was very draining. I wouldn’t suggest this tactic. I feel like I kind of rushed out of the country in a swirl of stress, but I think I will get a flight back to Canada from Zurich so I have an opportunity to properly say goodbye to a country that I absolutely fell head over heels for.

It is sad to know the experience is over, but I am so excited to start backpacking around Europe. My plan is Athens, Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Amsterdam, a little tour of France, and then end in Zurich. Should be exciting!

I would recommend to anyone to go on an exchange semester. I found Switzerland particularly intriguing because the landscape is quite similar to Canada, and B.C. in particular, with all the mountains and lakes, but the culture is totally different. The people think differently, the society works on different values, and it is amazing to see people your age dressed like you and using some English slang you use, but who are also totally different at the same time. Plus, it gives you a chance to do something crazy, like backpack around Europe (or wherever your study abroad is) for the summer until school starts again.

I have had such an enjoyable time writing these columns, and I really appreciate people taking the time to read them and give me feedback. I hope that if you ever considered a study abroad semester that you take it. You will not regret this experience, I promise you that!

CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

Interested in investigating university workings and reporting on community related issues?

The News Writer focuses on campus news which incorporates interviewing, researching, and digging.

Become a better journalist or find out if you like it —

write for

the Cascade.

To apply email a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to kat@ufvcascade.ca.

15

STUDY BREAK

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

Crossword // ACROSS

DOWN

1. Online service to stay in other people’s homes

1. Bank machine

4. Moby Dick narrator

2. A grain, often found in bread or whiskey

8. Large family vehicle

3. Internet writer

9. Concert or performance

4. Distributing or providing something

10. The Canterbury Tales author 13. Outdoor structure — reviewed in this issue as “2/5: scenery doesn’t make up for discomfort”

5. Destructive chaos 6. Sports or gladiatorial gathering place 7. Reasoned thinking 11. A colour or shade

LAST ISSUE’S ANSWERS: Across: 1. King Arthur 5. Medic 7. Suburb 9. Attila 11. Stein 12. Over-the-top

Down: 1. Kiss 2. Genuine 3. Rembrandt 4. Rachel 6. Denture 8. UNESCO 10. ASAP

Made by Jeff Mijo

Horoscope //

Astrological mysteries interpreted by Master Moji Illustration: Caleb Campbell

Aries — Mar 21 to Apr 19

Leo — Jul 23 to Aug 22

Sagittarius — Nov 22 to Dec 21

This is The Cascade’s last issue until the fall semester, so consider reading just a few paragraphs a day to really stretch it out and savour it.

Because space is really big, the stars only just heard about #covfefe, and they told me some great jokes about it that you definitely didn’t see all over Twitter a month ago.

In the game of chess that is life, make sure you aren’t the knight.

Taurus — Apr 20 to May 20

Virgo —Aug 23 to Sep 22

Capricorn — Dec 22 to Jan 19

Gosh, it’s hot outside! You know what that means you should do, right? Stay in the shade, and keep cool.

This week will bring some really groovy new slang your way, dude.

Weird, the stars have literally nothing to say to you this week so… just have fun, I guess.

Libra — Sep 23 to Oct 22

You didn’t forget to lock your door, did you?

From now until the start of the fall semester, remember to think about your horoscope once in awhile. I know there’s nowhere else you can turn for these insights, but try not to feel too sad during this time. Life will be unpredictable, and maybe that’ll be fun! (It won’t, it’ll be a pain, but you can dream.)

Cancer —Jun 21 to Jul 22

Scorpio — Oct 23 to Nov 21

Cutting it pretty close by not topping up your parking meter, aren’t you?

Be the change you want to see in your wallet.

Gemini — May 21 to Jun 20

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Aquarius — Jan 20 to Feb 18 Kids these days will never know the excitement of walking past a row of payphones, and checking all of them to see if there was any money behind the little coin return door.

Pisces — Feb 19 to Mar 20 Eventually the lies will catch up to you, so just admit what happened with that cheeseburger that one time. It’ll be better for everyone.

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

Album Review //

Saint Soldier looks within on Duality CHARTS

SHUFFLE AARON LEVY

1

Do Make Say Think Stubborn Persistent Illusions

2

Blessed EP 2

3

Said The Whale As long as your eyes are wide

Hate it or love it, CIVL Station Manager Aaron Levy recognizes that when summertime rolls around, Andre and his Aftermath imprint has left an indelible mark on party time worldwide.

4

Feist Pleasure

50 Cent - In Da Club

5

Jordan Klassen Curses

6

Not You Misty

7

Foonyap Apropos

8

John Welsh Vamonos Mi Chica

9

The Sylvia Platters Melt

CONTORTIONIST

The part I always scratched my head about with this breakout hit from the most successful hip-hop artist to claim bankruptcy was the “I’m into havin’ sex, I ain’t into makin’ love, so come give me a hug if you into gettin rubbed.” How does that make sense, really?!

Dr. Dre - Forgot About Dre How many of us have friends that try, or repeatedly succeed at, unceremoniously breaking into start-stumble renditions of this chorus en masse at the drop of a hat?

Is Eminem disappointed that for all the hooks in all his hits this is the party anthem?

Apologies to “Smack That,” ok?

10

Kristin Witko Union

11

Broken Social Scene Hug of Thunder

12

Mac DeMarco This Old Dog

13

An Ant And An Atom Exterior

Kendrick Lamar ft Dre Compton

14

Oh Susanna A Girl In Teen City

15

Lindi Ortega Til The Goin’ Gets Gone

16

White Poppy Love Potion

17

Dan Auerbach Waiting On A Song

Bringing the soul to seasoned OG experimental hiphop, this might as well be the titular track for both the featured and primary artist listed on the record sleeve for this one. It did serve IN the title for the film chronicling the rise and descent of this Obi’s Qui-gon.

18

Mount Eerie A Crow Looked At Me

19

Austra Future Politics

20

B.A. Johnston Gremlins 3

The Game - MVP I feel like I’ve shuffled this before, but when ever beside MLB all-star week am I going to throw in this classic chart topper from an, according to me, “never was” Aftermath afterthought?!

Nah, this song is super catchy, and as party poppin’ as it gets without risking violence.

MARTIN CASTRO ARTS EDITOR

Saint Soldier’s newest release, Duality, sees Abbotsford native Amrit Singh’s introspective brand of rap take a logical step forward.

The rapper’s main narrative aesthetic, which champions introspection and level-headedness, is a fresh breath in a genre that (in the mainstream) so often focuses on glamorizing more destructive aspects of many communities. On top of that, Singh’s own Sikh faith permeates the record’s content in subtle but ever-present shades.

This is the line that Saint Soldier must toe: one of self-expression that is tinged with his own beliefs and experiences. (And what more could we ask of an artist than honesty?)

“Fly Away,” the third track on Duality, is more of a ballad, which highlights Singh’s confident but relaxed delivery. And although the instrumental is slightly at odds with the rest of the instrumentals on the record (it’s more grounded in acoustic guitar, as opposed to the more atmospheric beats on other tracks), Singh’s delivery and sung chorus tie the track together neatly enough to make it a stand-out on the record.

One of the record’s highs comes four tracks in at “Mind Over Matter.” And although here he puts himself in danger of preaching (a note which is shared with “Emcee,” a later track which crosses into territory that some might interpret as self-congratulatory), Saint Soldier’s overall delivery and lyricism makes up for what few flaws the track might have. A track which would go toe-to-toe with much of today’s mainstream rap, “Mind Over Matter” is further bolstered by a guest verse courtesy of Toronto’s Humble the Poet, who fits in perfectly with Singh’s aesthetic and narrative content.

Speaking of stand-outs, the record’s lead single, “A Stray,” released in 2016 is one of the most refined tracks on Duality. There are two reasons for the track’s success. The first reason is Singh’s delivery on the track; he’s not rushing to get verses out one behind the other in such a way that he trips himself up. Rather, his performance reflects a passion which comes across in the bluntness of his language, and in the energy with which he delivers it.

But most importantly, “A Stray” is successful because we, the listener, are able to take in Singh’s narrative without being plagued by

cynicism. Singh manages to balance between weighing on a topic about which he’s passionate, and grandstanding. And what’s more impressive is that he manages to avoid the latter by focusing on how the situation affects him, and what advice he does give, he gives from a place of humility, which is only consistent with his own beliefs as stated throughout the record.

Together with “Wise Ones,” which is one of the most technically impressive tracks on the record, and “Repetition Pays,” which is noteworthy due to the way Singh deals with an instrumental that’s comparatively out of left-field, “Namaste” sees Singh embrace his performance with a more easy-going attitude that highlights his narrative and lyrical foothold on his brand.

Duality is abundantly indicative of personal growth, but it’s just as indicative of Saint Soldier’s growth as a storyteller and a performer, which, if his attitude reflects a trend, won’t stop anytime soon.

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ARTS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

Soundbites //

Steve Lacy Steve Lacy’s Demo

Beach House B-Sides & Rarities Beach House’s not-quite-follow-up to 2015’s Thank Your Lucky Stars is more of a band-aid to the duo’s ailing fan-base than it is a cure to sate the demand for new content from the band.

That said, the record is chock-full of shoegaze goodness for a B-sides release.

In a move towards more ambient production, “10 Mile Stereo” appears on the record stripped down and surrounded with a blanket of reverb that augments the track’s bittersweet main melody and places it in a more reserved setting than its original release.

The record also brings with it a couple

of new releases, the most memorable of which is “Wherever You Go,” which (perhaps unwittingly) takes a page out of Mac Demarco’s songbook and adds a more danceable guitar riff to the more straightforward shoegaze production of tracks like “Baseball Diamond” and “Play the Game” (Queen cover), both of which seem like more hesitant iterations of material that could have easily found itself on 2010’s Teen Dream.

-Martin Castro

Book Review //

The first solo effort from The Internet’s Steve Lacy is an R&B powerhouse of a record which shows signs of greatness, despite some less than noteworthy tracks. Straight out of the 1970s, tracks like “Looks” and “Some” treat listeners to some of the more faithful and technically impressive funk and R&B revival tracks of the year.

“Looks” deserves praise for steering itself away from what could have very easily been a lazily-written funk track.

On this demo, Steve Lacy raids the ‘70s closet, and for the most part is economic in his choices, picking one or two flashy hooks to re-incorporate into a more modern delivery.

This record also includes one of the best R&B tracks in recent memory.

“Dark Red” builds on an impossibly simple drum beat to weave together a track that’s equal parts melancholy and hopeful. And despite it being left-field through and through, I won’t be surprised if I hear “Dark Red” being used to sell cars and phones and rom-coms in the coming years.

That’s all just a fancy way of saying that on his debut, Steve Lacy wraps an undeniable gem up in a blanket of more solid tracks. If this demo is any indication, Lacy won’t have to wait long (to paraphrase Curtis Mayfield) to move on up.

-Martin Castro

The Summer Book is summer JOEL ROBERTSON-TAYLOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Summer Book is a collection of personal essays — poignant and ambrosial — by 24 B.C. writers. Each piece is a reflection on summertime and its many flavours.

It’s a compilation of short works — makes for convenient busy-summer reading; or, sun bathing on a beach; delaying evening’s retirement; vacation reading. It suits all settings.

The essays were written by an assortment of non-fiction, fiction, and poetry writers. This diversity of authorship spreads their topical commonality over varying styles and interests — always telling of a personal relationship to the season. Some of the content: summer brings out the worst in people; summer won’t last; summer is joy; summer is remembering to be present while pushing out-of-mind the nearing fall.

The book contains the memories of many, and is reminiscent. It evokes a reflection of one’s own summer experiences. And whether or not every story pleases, they can be appreciated for the personality each essay brings. Personal is a key word, but not secret — meant to be shared.

As a book about summer, in all of summer’s diversity, some stories weigh heavy and poignant. Claudia Cornwall’s “The Red Canoe” shares a memoir so intimate it’s best read in solitude, to not be interrupted by anything, giving her story devotion and time to understand how time heals.

Eve Joseph writes in “The Summer

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Within”: “It’s not the sentimental yearning of nostalgia or the pensive sadness inherent in melancholy; rather, it has to do with the gap between what once brought pleasure and joy and the emptiness we feel when that person or place is absent.” This narration is pensive.

Read so that the stories chronicle a could-have-been summer. Experienced by someone else but retold for all. I remember the summer when “the spectre of fall and winter looms no matter how hard I push it away” — a line Luanne Armstrong writes in “Summer Break.”

In it she contemplates timelessness, and where it rests in a torrent of rushing time. There’s the peace in summer — on the beach. There’s also the real world — everything beyond.

“How to cope or understand or even live with the world in a state of such frightening fragmentation where there is both the paradisial beach and the black muck of ‘news,’” writes Armstrong.

Each story is an attempt to package a beautiful piece of summer. All the essays remembering all of the summer months — golden evenings, seaside spray, ancient coastal gardens, moonlit, moon-warmed evening walks.

Though comprised of unique and intimate parts, as a body it says that experiences are not necessarily discernible, but they are timeless. They are memories, which narrate our lives.

Beneath a chipped oyster shell, in gardens’ idylls, within sight, and just out of reach of the shore. Summer alone has many seasons. The Summer Book’s memories of summer are summer’s delight.

Photo: Joel Robertson-Taylor

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2017

Concert Review //

Sublime with Rome and The Offspring are still pretty fly

California punk music comes to the Abbotsford Centre KAT MARUSIAK COPY/MANAGING EDITOR

On Friday, July 7, the Abbotsford Centre welcomed three accomplished punk bands from California who’ve been rocking since the ‘80s and ‘90s, each with their own range of different styles.

While those already familiar with their work enjoyed a nostalgic night of memorable hits, a notable number of younger attendees also present showed that the groups are still garnering new fans decades later.

Starting off the night was ska punk band The Mad Caddies, a fun, high-energy group with a diverse and unique sound, featuring an enthusiastic trombone player who bounced around the stage and added even more character to their charm. A great kickoff to the concert, they noted that they thought the venue was pretty cool, as it was their first time playing in a hockey arena (which seemed so appropriate for a performance in Canada).

Sublime with Rome was up next. Rome Ramirez walked to the front of the stage and made a joke about B.C. bud (there were a few questionable clouds of smoke throughout the evening) and “getting the party started” as he raised a cup of beer into the air. Many fans hoisted up their own in response; there were several craft beer stations selling different intriguing brews (such as Megadeth’s “À Tout le Monde” ale), and more than once cups could be seen rocketing through the air, showering those below with their contents. A couple of songs in, the crowd began to grow more rowdy, and security rushed around to collect crowd surfers being tossed over the barricades toward the stage.

The performance was generally well-received, although some fans lamented that though Sublime

with Rome sounds okay, it’s simply not the same Sublime without original frontman Bradley Nowell. (The band was forced to change names after reforming in 2009; Nowell tragically passed away in 1996 from a heroin overdose.)

Finally, it was time for The Offspring to play, and the crowd began chanting the band’s name as the stage was simply set with little more besides the equipment than a couple of black tables and fans up at the front, along with an artistic, black and white backdrop hanging behind. Special effects were kept somewhat to a minimum throughout the entire night, although the less extreme aesthetics and lack of flashy video screens weren’t unwelcome. Lead vocalist Dexter Holland came out grinning, waving at fans and getting everyone even more hyped up before bursting into one of The Offspring’s most popular songs, “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid.” Throughout the night they played several more favourites, from the hauntingly emotional “The Kids Aren’t Alright” to more humourous hits such as “Why Don’t You Get A Job” and the infamous 1998 classic, “Pretty Fly (For A White Guy).” By the end of the night, the majority of those who had been seated were standing, singing along and dancing in place to the rhythm.

Overall, though some of those in and around the mosh pit may have left a little bruised and battered (as is a common result of moshing / being near moshing), the atmosphere wasn’t too heavy, and it was a very enjoyable show. Though some of the band members may be a bit older now, they all still gave a — dare I say it — “sublime” performance, and definitely proved that they can still belt out the tunes like they did back when so many of us first fell in love with them and their music.

Photo: Kat Marusiak

Podcast Review //

My Brother, My Brother and Me: a goofy podcast is just the tip of the iceberg JEFF MIJO CULTURE & EVENTS EDITOR

Podcasts are a terrible medium for completionists. There are countless informative, hilarious, or just generally great podcasts out there, but for brains wired like mine, it’s hard to just jump straight into a podcast at the newest episode, and try to pick up on the format and the running jokes. My instinct is always to start from the beginning, and when I find a new channel on YouTube, for example, I can’t just watch the newest episodes: I have to work my way through the back catalogue before I can truly feel like I “get it.” Now multiply that by 10 weekly podcasts, and throw in some video series, and you can see why I’ve put off dipping my toe into the vast entertainment empire the McElroy brothers have created.

Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy are hard to avoid (at least in my nerdy corner of the internet), with a wide range of oddball comedy podcasts and shows, all featuring a running through-line of positivity and absurdity. I knew they were funny, and from clips I’d seen posted on Twitter, I knew I’d probably enjoy their work, but the sheer volume of it scared me away for

years. If I started, would I ever be able to catch up, or would I have that nagging imposter syndrome telling me I was missing out on the full experience?

I finally decided to take the plunge, starting with the brothers’ flagship podcast, My Brother, My Brother and Me. The podcast has a staggering 361 hour-long episodes, having run weekly since 2010.

A quasi-advice podcast, each episode features the brothers taking questions from listeners, either offering strange, generally unhelpful advice, or using the topics as a jumping off point for tangents and improv comedy bits with little relation.

I started with episode 361: “Gelsey Krammer,” and followed that with a random semi-recent episode, 325: “Caveman Tears.” I’m sure a diehard fan would be able to tell me if these were good choices or not, but from what I can tell, they seemed to be a decent representation of the podcast as a whole. From the first 30 seconds, it was clear that the comedy could make me laugh, simply with the opening disclaimer, followed by a thoroughly entertaining discussion on custom license plates. The tone is casual, like you’d expect from a goofy conversation between brothers, with a generous help-

ing of Tim-&-Eric-styled delivery.

Throughout the nearly two hours of content, I definitely laughed more than I have at any podcast in quite a while, and while not every segment landed, the McElroy’s kept the flow moving fast enough that they never lingered on a dud. My fear of feeling out of place soon passed, too. There were definitely references to past episodes I didn’t get and people I didn’t know, but by and large, I could probably listen to any random episode and enjoy myself.

At the end of the second episode, though, I can’t say that I remembered anything that stood out about what I’d just experienced — sure, I can tell you what topics they discussed, but there are no moments that I think back on and crack up at. It’s very fleeting entertainment, and while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, it doesn’t instill in me that sense of drive I normally get from a podcast or show that I love and need to consume in its entirety. I can absolutely understand the fan base it has, and I could see myself listening to another episode late at night when I’m bored and just want something to pass the time, but I’m not expecting any archive binges.

At the end of the second episode, how-

ever, the brothers went over some of the other podcasts they work on, which gives some perspective to just how busy these three are, with all of them regularly hosting a variety of podcasts, some all together, some with others. You get the sense that it’d be easy to fall in love with these goofy guys, hearing stories about their lives multiple times a week — or even a day. I certainly enjoyed my time with My Brother, My Brother and Me enough to consider trying one of their other shows (the Dungeons and Dragons focused The Adventure Zone may be more up my alley), and if you have a long drive or flight, and need some light, passive entertainment to keep you going, you could certainly do worse than dipping your toe into the vast expanded universe of the McElroys.

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Concert Series+ Art Market July 6

July 13

July 20

Said the Whale

IsKwé

Blessed

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6 - 10 pm

July 27 Casinos

Jordan Klassen JD Miner

Jackson Hollow Kuri

Aerophonics

Douse

Coalmont

The Burn Ins

AfterDark Series

10 pm @ Townhall Hubbo

WhiskeyJays

Frankie

Little Wild

What’s On! TM

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Downtown Abbotsford: Jubilee Park