The Cascade Vol. 26 Issue 1 by The Cascade

JANUARY 10 TO JANUARY 17, 2018

VOLUME 26 ISSUE 1

UFV’s student press since 1993

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Walk the dog Study Workout Class Study Class Workout Vacuum Walk the cat Study Build gazebo Workout

It’s our birthday The Cascade is growing up

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Workout-part a Workout-part b Workout-part c Clean fishbowl Learn Italian Class Work Revise cookbook Skating lesson Speak Italian Free Association Workout

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Stagnate Study Salsa dancing Class Book Club Halfway point Breathe in Vacuum Walk the dog Toss salad Breathe out Clean kitchen

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The icebreaker Is something odd with a prof’s new icebreaker?

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Calculate infinity Wake up Grab a brush Put on makeup Leave keys on table Class Study Workout Vacuum the cat Study Build 2nd gazebo Workout

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Personal time Study Workout Class Study Clean room Workout Vacuum Call parents Work Meditate Salsa dancing

Antibalas Afrobeat is still groovin’

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018

Editorial // STAFF Editor-in-Chief Joel Robertson-Taylor joel@ufvcascade.ca Business Manager Quintin Stamler quintin@ufvcascade.ca Production Manager Caleb Campbell caleb@ufvcascade.ca Production Assistant Satinder Dhillon satinder@ufvcascade.ca Copy Editor Cat Friesen cat@ufvcascade.ca

Managing Editor Kat Marusiak kat@ufvcascade.ca News Editor Jessica Barclay jessica@ufvcascade.ca Opinion Editor Jeff Mijo jeff@ufvcascade.ca Feature Editor Laurel Logan laurel@ufvcascade.ca Culture & Events Editor Cassie de Jong cassie@ufvcascade.ca

Illustrator Amara Gelaude amara@ufvcascade.ca

Arts in Review Editor Martin Castro martin@ufvcascade.ca

Online Editor Jeff Mijo jeff@ufvcascade.ca

Staff Writer Panku Sharma panku@ufvcascade.ca

Distributor Alena Zheng distributor@ufvcascade.ca

Happy birthday to us

Staff Writer Aleister Gwynne aleister@ufvcascade.ca

THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTORS Titus Bozga Joleen Kruselnicki Jesse Boyes Shivam Duggal Cover: Caleb Campbell Back Cover: Caleb Campbell

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@UFVCASCADE FACEBOOK.COM/UFVCASCADE INSTAGRAM.COM/THE.CASCADE Volume 26 · Issue 1 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.

JOEL ROBERTSON-TAYLOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Cascade is growing up. We turn 25 this year. While this student paper has been around in various forms since the ‘70s, this era of The Cascade has seen incredible growth. I think, the most incredible growth. This past year alone was a big year for The Cascade, and campus media in general: both radio and print won awards at their respective national conferences; we hosted events; we reported on serious and unique issues, breaking several of those stories. And we’re going to keep doing just that. With several projects and surprises in the planning stages — some behind the scenes, others we just can’t not talk about — we’re jumping into 2018 with all the vigor and sense of urgency that university students make real change with. Last year saw B.C. housing prices exceed the previous, which was already exorbitant; public transport in the Fraser Valley is abhorrently underfunded and inadequate; street drugs got scarier; and some big social issues are finally getting addressed. Who will report about the student’s concerns like these? Independent student press like ours have an obligation to report on, talk about, and voice issues that the university community faces. And while we’re at it, we’ll keep talking about things like the disturbing idiosyncrasies at pony fan confer-

ences, ranking UFV campus couch/ chairs, the local craft beer scene, and “sheeting” the bed. We’ll cover the new, the bold, the disturbing, and the weird. The Cascade is almost exclusively funded by students. I hope that we as a newspaper and as an organization honour that. The Cascade has a mandate: be a forum for UFV students to voice their beliefs, and to publish their opinions and observations, and to also act as an alternative press for the Fraser Valley. We do our best at both. We have the opportunity to fulfil a unique need because of this. Journalism is faring some growing pains — entering a renaissance of sorts — undergoing cuts to funding and jobs. While the trade shivers against the rebalancing act, itself in the tumultuous social and political spheres, it looks to come out with a new face. Faring that, perhaps communities will turn to university press for hard-hitting journalism and alternative stories. We certainly have the continued funding to facilitate it; we have the resources. What it takes is putting pen to paper, legs to the ground. I’d love to see this year’s print editions of The Cascade read throughout cafés across the Fraser Valley. I’m excited to be proud of each story printed. My hope is that we’ll pick up more writers, designers, and thinkers along the way, and catapult our current team further than they thought possible. Some of The Cascade’s team just got back from the Canadian University

Press NASH80 conference in Toronto. What we learnt gives us a renewed excitement for the state of journalism, an excitement for The Cascade. We are all learning a lot; I’m learning a lot. Each production cycle, we stock up on humility for next week’s blunders. Sometimes we know what we’re doing, often we just look like we do. Sometimes we’re the “stand back; hold my drink” kind of journalism, usually we’re of the “just get it done,” crushed by the impending deadline, sort. Even still, I have to note how proud I am of all of The Cascade’s team. Whether those who just joined us, or those who just left, they live what they believe, and that manifests as our content. This is both praise for how far we’ve come, and an ambition set for the next quarter century. Whether you contribute to The Cascade, or just follow us in print or online, join us for the 25th year of constantly reimagined — and woefully over-our-heads — campus and community reporting. We’re eager to keep talking about local politics, the insane costs students face, and issues the Fraser Valley grapples with; and we’ll be just as quick to delve into stories from the underground, out of the deviant and bizarre. This is 25 years of The Cascade. More to come. Stay tuned.

NEWS

Jessica Barclay — News Editor news@ufvcascade.ca

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018

Sustainable building //

NEWS BRIEFS

LEED Gold certification plaque arrives at UFV The Student Union Building celebrates the long awaited LEED Gold certification plaque at award ceremony

Speed bumps coming to two Abbotsford neighbourhoods The City of Abbotsford has approved the addition of speed bumps in two areas in Abbotsford, in hopes of slowing down traffic. Regal Park on Sumas Mountain and McAdam Road and Sandon Drive in the McMillan area, were subjected to tests for traffic volume and speed. A high volume of traffic was found on McAdam and Sandon, likely due to drivers taking this route as a shortcut. It was also found that 15 per cent of drivers sped down the Regal Parkway. The project will cost $38,000 of the city’s $100,000 annual trafficcalming budget. -The Abbotsford News

UFV students to connect hospital patients to community resources Two UFV students, Jena Kruckenberg and Mia Harries, are working to launch a program in partnership with the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and UFV. The Resource Navigation program will see UFV students volunteering in a kiosk at the hospital, helping discharged patients find community resources. The program is designed to bring students from multiple healthcare-related disciplines together, to work with patients and with each other. “It’s a person-first approach to health care,” said Kruckenberg. “If the community can intervene soon enough in areas related to determinants of health, it might prevent further problems. We hope to point people in the right direction.” -UFV Today

Craig Toews, UFV vice president external, speaks at the Student Union Building LEED Gold Certification Celebration. (The Cascade)

JESSICA BARCLAY NEWS EDITOR

The Student Union Building (SUB) received its LEED Gold certification plaque in a ceremony hosted January 9 in the building’s atrium, two years after it began its operations, and 10 years since the first brainstorming session for the building’s construction. LEED is a measuring tool, used to gauge the energy efficiency of a building. Gold certification is the second highest level of efficiency that can be awarded. The certification process requires a new building to be operating for at least a year before it can be assessed, to ensure that the theoretical efficiency matches the actual operating efficiency. “It’s an incredible achievement,” said Mark Goudsblom, director of campus planning and facilities management at UFV, during the ceremony. “It really means that from now going forward, this is our minimum. Every next building, every next opportunity we have, we are going to raise that bar even further.” According to Blair McFarlane, energy manager at UFV, despite the harsh conditions last winter, the SUB was found to have reduced its natural gas consumption

by 67 per cent compared to other buildings on the UFV campus. Over the last eight years, UFV as a whole has cut its carbon emissions by 72 per cent. “From a LEED point of view, it’s operating magnificently,” stated Craig Toews, vice president external, later that day. “I think that’s a clear indication of how green building design can be a key component in combating climate change,” said McFarlane. “I’m proud of the efforts UFV has made, and will continue to make against climate change.” Planning for the $15 million SUB started back in 2008, and included the vision of three to four student union presidents. Gurvir Gill, the current student union president, recognized the efforts that students have put into achieving the end vision seen today. “Students are a huge driving force from entering the doors when UFV first opened to even wanting to have a building,” said Gill. “Not only do we have such a great accomplishment now, but this sets the milestones for the future for more awards, and more recognition for the efforts that students have put in.” The SUB today boasts many unique features to enhance its sustainability. The building has controls that adjust artificial

lighting levels, depending on the amount of natural light entering the building. Piping in the walls is part of a geoexchange system that recycles heat in the building. This innovative system results in the energy efficiency that was seen last winter in the building. The building also boasts a small green roof, and a natural water retention systems that feeds much of the foliage seen around the building. Goudsblom believes, though, that one of the most important features of the building is its livability. “It’s a space that’s used,” said Goudsblom. “You live in it, you spend time in it. When we look ahead, we’ll look at how we can connect all of our spaces and all of our places in such a way that they remain sustainable and energy friendly, but they provide us with what it is we need to remain successful on campus.”

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018

JHM Awards //

The Cascade Editor-in-Chief wins Canada-wide award JEFF MIJO OPINION EDITOR

On Saturday, January 6, The Cascade’s editor-in-chief, Joel Robertson-Taylor, was named student journalist of the year at an annual gathering of student journalists in Toronto. The award was presented at the closing gala of the NASH80 conference, hosted at the downtown

Chelsea Hotel. The award, the final out of 17 John H. McDonald Awards for Excellence in Student Journalism, pitted Robertson-Taylor against two other finalists, one from UBC’s The Ubyssey, and another from Wilfrid Laurier’s The Cord. The awards ceremony took place in front of a packed crowd of student journalists from across Canada, fol-

lowing three days of panels, presentations, and roundtable discussions on the state of student journalism in Canada as part of the annual event hosted by and for members of the Canadian University Press. Robertson-Taylor has been The Cascade’s editor-in-chief since June 2017, and had previously served as the paper’s managing editor and news editor.

Joel Robertson Taylor recieves student journalist of the year award at the NASH80 John H. MacDonald Award Ceremony (Photo: Martin Castro/The Cascade)

Stories worth paying attention to

#Preventable

#LinkedCrisis

For Canada, 2018 brings an “unbelievable,” “ridiculously strong” job market

North Korea agrees to send athletes to Winter Olympics in South Korea

Canada's latest jobs report, which came out on January 5, indicated a strong increase in job growth across Canada, with the strongest regions being Alberta and Quebec. Statistics Canada reports that 78,600 jobs were added in December alone, with last year seeing an increase of 2.3 per cent in job creation across Canada due to the creation of 422,000 jobs. Unemployment rates are also at the lowest level since 1974, having fallen to 5.7 per cent this year. It has also been shown that Canadians are working more hours than before. In addition to this, hourly wage growth is also increasing. In December, wages were shown to have increased 2.7 percent on a year-over-year basis. “Economists were left grasping for superlatives to describe the country’s latest jobs report out today. TD called it ‘unbelievable,’ Scotiabank went with ‘ridiculously strong,’ while BMO described it as a ‘blowout report.’,” reports Macleans.

North Korea has agreed to send a delegate of high-ranking officials, athletes, and a cheering squad to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, which will be hosted in South Korea next month. It has been suggested that the two countries may march together in the opening ceremonies. South Korea plans to suspend some of its direct sanctions against North Korea to allow them to attend this event. The agreement was made in talks initiated by South Korea that aimed to alleviate tensions between the two nations, and improve ties. These were the first official talks between the two nations in over two years. "I think we should be engaged in these talks with an earnest, sincere manner to give a new year's first gift — precious results (of the talks) to the Korean nation," chief North Korean delegate Ri Son Gwon said at the start of the negotiations.

-Macleans

#Eviction

-The Globe and Mail

Time to Scrap the Home Owner Grant? Marvin Shaffer, a Simon Fraser University economist, believes that the $825 million per year the British Columbian government spends on home ownership grants would be better spent elsewhere. Homes with a property value up to $1.65 million are eligible for the grant, an increase over last years threshold of $1.6 million. This accounts for nearly 91 per cent of household in B.C. Those in Greater Vancouver, the Victoria region, and the Fraser Valley receive $570 per year, and those outside these regions receive $770 per year. The NDP governments plans to provide a similar grant program to renters. This plan has been criticized by the Green Party, who believe the money would be better spent in existing rental supplement programs. Shaffer believes that there are many proposed programs that would serve British Columbians better, and would better distribute financial help to those that need it most. “Why collect taxes and give them back, and then throw in bureaucracy in the process?” said Shaffer. -The Tyee

OPINION

Jeff Mijo — Opinion Editor opinion@ufvcascade.ca

Satire //

Surviving the icebreaker One UFV professor is taking the first day of class icebreaker to a whole new level JEFF MIJO OPINION EDITOR

The new semester is upon us, and as students sort out their schedules and shop around for textbooks, professors are hard at work too, preparing course material and running a spell check over the outline. But for one professor, the course content can wait until next week. For Dr. Josh Post, it’s all about the icebreaker. “I remember when I was an undergrad,” says Post, a professor in UFV’s communications department, “I was always bored to tears with the icebreakers. I didn’t remember anyone’s names or ‘one thing about me’s,’ and they didn’t know mine.” Post has experimented with different icebreakers over the years, but to little success. That all changed last September. “I was putting together my new course, CMNS 285: Interpersonal Negotiations, and to be honest just procrastinating, watching TV, and I watched an episode of the Australian spin-off of Survivor, and it just all came together.” When CMNS 285 launched for the first time on September 7, 2017, Post dropped the surprise on his students. “To be honest,” recounts student Stephanie Westman, “I was annoyed that after I’d gotten my laptop out and settled into my seat, he came bursting into the room and said to follow him.” Post led his confused students out to the Green, where he unveiled his plan. “What better way to meet each other while learning interpersonal negotiations than with a cutthroat strategic social game?” asked Post. He outlined the rules: the class would be divided into tribes, compete in challenges, and vote each other off one by one. “They could quit whenever they wanted,” Post assured The Cascade. “It was a pretty hot day, and a few didn’t want to be outside, so they dropped out right away. Their loss.” He continued on, explaining how he settled on a prize. “The issue with icebreakers was always a lack of motivation, so I knew there had be a reward. I can’t do a massive cash prize, so why not offer the students what they wanted most?” When he announced that the winner of icebreaker would also win an automatic A+ in the course, he suddenly had their undivided attention. “He told us that whoever could win the game clearly didn’t need

training in negotiations,” recounted Westman. “How could we not try our hardest after that? It was early enough that I could even resell my textbook.” What followed was a series of intensely physical competitions that pitted students against one another, with the losing teams being forced to vote one of their own out. One by one, the numbers dwindled, with a few more quitting as the heat became too much for them. Emotions flared as the game wore on, with backstabbing and deception leaving more than one student in tears. “I got some complaints, yeah,” admitted Post. “But I just laid out the rules, it was up to these students to decide how they wanted to treat each other.” One student had to be pulled from the game due to heat exhaustion, but was compensated with a reserved seat in the classroom for the remainder of the semester. In the end, a champion emerged. “It was an honour,” said Angie Miller, the icebreaker’s winner. “I was up against some very tough competition, but I was overjoyed to get an A+ on my transcript for three hours of work.” Word of Post’s icebreaker spread in the aftermath, and with CMNS 285 running again this winter, he’s been overjoyed at the response. “Last time, the course had 29 people,” he said. “This semester, we’ve got it filled up to 36, with a waitlist almost that long again.” While he does acknowledge that some students may drop out after the first class if they don’t win, he hopes that won’t be the case. For those that do come in focused on the icebreaker, though, he promises it won’t be easy. “Of course I’ve ramped things up for the new semester. We’ll still be outside, but now it’s winter, which is going to be even less pleasant to be out in. I’m hoping for a good foot of snow on the ground, and then heavy rain on the day, myself.” Those dozens of students competing in Post’s unique icebreaker aren’t going to be caught off-guard like last year’s, either. “I’m coming to class in a heavy winter coat stuffed full of beef jerky,” admitted student Judd O’Hara. “I’ll do whatever it takes to win, man.” At this time, nobody from UFV was willing to speak to The Cascade on the ethics or legality of Post’s icebreaker, saying a they could not comment on an ongoing investigation.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018

UFV Website //

Bravo to the programmer What the UFV bookstore website can do for you Yet on our university websites, the scrappy but dependable underdog (or possible Malcolm in the Middle-child at this point) of post-secondary eduToo late into my university career did I learn about cation in B.C., have I discovered something truly the textbook search feature available through intuitive, and proof of our civilization’s technologUFV’s website. I had always wondered how so ical advances as being worthwhile. Filter by cammany of my fellow students showed up to the first pus, subject, class, section, whatever you’d like, as class with the textbook in hand. I always assumed long as you vaguely remember what classes you that surely they must have either emailed the signed up for. Somehow it’s more advanced than professor ahead of time for the syllabus, or spent the notepad document that is our usual timetable. hours trapped in the labyrinth of the bookstore Got multiple classes, and in both Chilliwack and painstakingly triple-checking for the small print- Abbotsford? Fret not, the textbook search saves out Post-it notes on the shelves that matched their your selections until you are ready to head to the specific class section. checkout. This might be painfully obvious to many of you, So simple, so refreshingly easy and straightbut as a cartoon once said, “If I haven’t seen it, it’s forward, it will fill you with that smug contentednew to me,” dammit. ness as you finally browse over your entire cart It never occured to me that there could be a and begin immediately plugging the titles into simpler way to know, and especially that a sim- Books2Go, and various torrent search engines. pler, more efficient way could be found on UFV’s Granted, Books2Go encounters are more awkwebsite. Granted, the website is leagues ahead of ward and frustrating than the checkout at the myUFV, which has conditioned me to become in- bookstore (are we supposed to chitchat? Should I stantly frustrated at the mere thought of navigat- ask you about the class? Do I describe what I look ing for information in a timely and intuitive man- like, or just where we should meet?), and you don’t ner on anything branded in our proud green and get tax receipts; at least you won’t have to auction white. Furthermore, how often these days — with off your kidney on the black market. And if you’re as much information and opportunity that is only looking for savings, but lacking motivation, enavailable online — does anything really work as ergy, or the patience to talk to a human person, intended? the clipboard pastes just as as well into Amazon Between the Tim Hortons and McDonalds searches. apps, for example (which are meant to make I hope we all make ourselves proud this upthings quicker and simpler), I can count at least coming semester, and do well in our courses. But a dozen failures, frustrations, and borderline ca- a special self-pat on the back (please don’t touch tastrophes that have awakened in me the same people) should be reserved and celebrated for primal angers that must have driven the 19th- whoever put together the fancy and fun UFV textcentury movement of textile workers and weavers book search. in the Luddite movement.

PANKU SHARMA STAFF WRITER

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018

Frying off the handle

Tater debater

Dipping is an art I’ve perfected — so I had thought. Fries, as the internet has pointed out, are ketchup shovels. I prefer malt vinegar, but the point is that they’re edible sauce spoons. Sweet potato fries, the greatest gift the starchy root vegetable has given us, are edible chipotle mayo spoons. They are vessels for which to transfer the chipotle mayo, civilly, into one’s mouth. The SUB restaurant/cafeteria, the Canoe, serves yam fries. But it seems that no matter what dip technique I employ, I can’t make the chipotle mayo last an entire side of yam fries. (And it’s not even a full order.) I could buy another cup o’ chipotle mayo, but I don’t, on principle. I also typically don’t complain about having to pay for extra dip; it’s miserly, but I get it, it’s buying above the usual sauce allowance. The reason I don’t complain is because I expect to get enough dip for an average dip sesh in one cup. But even trying my darndest, I can’t make the dip last. I feel like this isn’t a me flaw either.

In the snapshot you see to the left, Joel Robertson-Taylor has the audacity to call fries edible sauce spoons. Not only is this a blatant lie, as fries are in no way suitable for use as spoons (ever tried to eat a bowl of Shreddies with them?), they are a magical, delicious food that needs no assistance in pleasing the palate. While some individuals may feel that ketchup or other condiments may enhance the flavour of the humble fry, it is by no means a requirement. The natural potato taste that permeates a plate of plain fries (plain, sweet potato, or otherwise) is all that’s needed to satisfy and even excite the senses. In fact, the same can be said for any potato dish. Mashed potatoes? Maybe corn or something helps break up the texture, but gravy is superfluous. Baked potato? Awesome, just dig right in. Potatoes are little brown lumps of delight, and while they can be used in conjunction with other foods for a culinary creation that surpasses the sum of its parts, consider just eating your favourite potato dish plain next time. It’s still pretty good.

Brief bits of bite sized brevity

Joel Robertson-Taylor

SNAPSHOTS

Don’t fear the new year

Move over, movies

I think it would be safe to assume that a majority of us have not gotten over the inevitable “new year, new me” phase yet. I’m talking about New Year’s resolutions, something that marks the first couple of days, or even a few weeks in some cases, of every year. Oh, too soon? There are statistics all over the internet demonstrating very uninspiring facts about people being unsuccessful in living up to their own expectations. In fact, we can see people of all communities from various parts of the world posting about their failed attempts on social media platforms, and making it a viral topic. Who would have thought that incompetence and lethargy could bring the world together on such a large scale? But I am not writing this to highlight inability and hypocrisy among us. We do not realize that the people who make resolutions are embodiments of, flawed though it is, hope and progress. These are the people who care about bringing a positive change about themselves. They care. So go out there with your resolutions, and give ‘em your best shot. You will know that it was totally worth it.

People always ask if I’ve seen this movie or that movie, and the answer is often no. I watched a lot of movies growing up, but in the past seven or eight years I’ve stopped almost altogether. I’ll go see the newest Marvel or Star Wars movie with friends if they’re going, but at home I rarely bother. I know there are tons of amazing movies out there, but in this age where the supply of good entertainment vastly outnumbers the time available to consume it, I have to be picky. I’ve found I have a better success rate with modern TV than movies. The comedy is funnier and more tightly packed, the drama has more room to get you invested, and the tension can build and breathe much more freely. And in this post-Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones world (not to mention the Netflix factor), creators aren’t just saving their ambitious ideas for movies and limiting TV to “safe” projects. The scales that were always so heavily tipped in favour of movies are shifting, and the two can now stand side by side.

Illustrations: Amara Gelaude

Shivam Duggal

Jeff Mijo

Curtailed commentary on current conditions

Jeff Mijo

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018 You thought that was the real "since 1993" since 1993

In conjunction with the News Editor, the Jr. News Editor will find, assign, collect, and edit the content of the news section in The Cascade. The Jr. News Editor will help ensure that issues relevant to students are presented accurately and informatively. They will also work closely with the editing team and with writers submitting news articles. The position will require some familiarity with journalism and having taken a journalism class is recommended. Editors are paid members of the Cascade staff and are expected to write more comprehensively than contributors. To apply email a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to kat@ufvcascade.ca.

Questioning Meaning //

What’s left of what’s right

Are we allowed to talk about Jordan Peterson? JESSE BOYES CONTRIBUTOR

It has been a particularly anomalous year for Dr. Jordan Peterson in the world of politics. In September of 2016 he uploaded a couple of videos to YouTube regarding Bill C-16, which he had some concerns about. A storm of both outrage and overwhelming support for his work ensued. His YouTube channel has accrued over half a million subscribers. Thousands have written to him about the positive influence that his work has had on them. He has continued to present new material to his growing audience including a series of talks on the psychological significance of the biblical stories. Peterson has been amazed by how receptive viewers have been to hearing about “this strange old book,” as he calls it in the first of his talks on Genesis. Dr. Peterson is a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, and is also a clinical psychologist. His job at the university was threatened as accusations that he was promoting hate speech accumulated. Peterson argued that Bill C-16 was poorly articulated, and dangerously imposing on free speech. The bill was supposedly designed to protect people from discrimination, but Peterson was disturbed by how ambiguously this discrimination was defined. Some colleagues agreed that the bill was dangerous, but were not willing to risk their jobs or safety by speaking up. Peterson asserted that it infringed on free speech because it implied that refusal to conform to compelled manners of speaking would be a crime. This is not about limiting what can be said, but is forcing people to say certain things. Some students were angry that he was against the enforced use of preferred pronouns. There were also other professors who agreed with the students who rallied against

Dr. Peterson, accusing him of bigotry, and calling him a neonazi. From what I understand, he saw it as absurd that Bill C-16 technically meant that someone could demand to be called “xe” or “xer,” or any number of additional words, and then if a person refuses to use the words, it would be illegal discrimination. For several decades, Peterson has been working on refining ideas that have heartily prepared him for this time in the intellectual spotlight. He is the clearest voice that I have observed in the midst of these cacophonous arguments. When his colleagues stayed silent, he knew it was time to take the risk of speaking what he believes to be the truth. It’s been almost five years since Peterson started uploading videos of his lectures at U of T and some of his lectures from 1996, when he taught his Maps of Meaning course at Harvard. His conviction, along with that of thousands of people, is that these recordings are clear evidence that he has not been saying things in his classes that justify labelling him a bigot. He worked on his book Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief for 13 years before it was published in 1999. The book is essentially an in-depth description of how meaning is created. It draws from the ideas of Nietzsche to consider how civilization revolves around evolved hierarchies of value, and systems of motivation and morality. Peterson’s work is also heavily inspired by psychologist Carl Jung, who hypothesized the “collective unconscious.” So, what’s the idea? In essence: Meaning emerges through the playing out of archetypal patterns; narratives that tend to arise repeatedly through long spans of time in the social landscape, shaping the human psyche. This is an approach to the nature of truth that is essentially Darwinian. It does

not presuppose that the world is an objective world of facts, which view the empirical scientific approach supports. Peterson writes in the second chapter of Maps of Meaning that “The universe is composed of ‘order’ and ‘chaos’ — at least from the metaphorical perspective. Oddly enough, however, it is to this ‘metaphorical’ universe that our nervous system appears to have adapted.” It is biologically-evolved mythical “truth” that presents itself to the consciousness, rather than an objective truth. Here, the problem of compelled speech comes in: Psychology varies from person to person, partially because of biological dispositions. Peterson’s research has shown that temperament, biologically determined to some degree, deeply influences whether

someone is more inclined toward liberalism or conservatism. Some are more open to novel ideas — unexplored territory that is metaphorically chaotic. Others are more interested in making use of ideas that they are accustomed to — the familiar order of culture. Without the dialogue between nature and culture — chaos and order — the archetypal “hero’s journey” which produces meaning dissolves. Individuals in a civilization must be free to express themselves truthfully, presenting anomalous information to each other, to give and receive feedback. Without feedback-producing dialogue, opinions which arise out of biological dispositions are not challenged. A university is the last place where someone should be forced to say

something they do not believe. It is a place to shape each other up, and learn to find compromise or agreement through discussion instead of force. Peterson has people on both ends of the political spectrum shivering in their boots. U of T has apparently concluded that firing him is not the solution to the negative reactions to his support of free speech, but universities have still been demonstrating their fear of the topic. The Lindsay Shepherd affair at Wilfrid Laurier is a prime example where a student was punished for presenting multiple points of view, including those of Dr. Peterson. So, by writing this, I venture to question: Are we allowed to talk about Jordan Peterson?

Resolutions making them without breaking them A

round 4,000 years ago, in 2,500 B.C., the first documented New Year’s resolution was made by the Babylonians. Back then, the new year began in March, which also marked the start of a new farming season. In hopes to earn goodwill from the gods, they resolved to repay their debts, and to return borrowed farming equipment. The pressure was high to maintain this resolution, as failure to do so would result in an unfavourable stance with the gods. In 153 B.C., the Romans reportedly resolved to increase their amount of livestock in the new year. In the medieval period, knights were said to have resolved to reaffirm their devotion to chivalry. These days, we might not be as concerned with resolving the same things as the Babylonians or the knights, and we might not be doing it to impress the gods of old, but the start of a new year still grants a positive opportunity to start fresh, and set new goals for a new year. According to a survey done last year by Ipsos, the most popular resolution that Canadians strive for is to improve personal fitness and nutrition. In fact, they found that one-third of Canadians chose this as their resolution. The most popular resolutions that followed, in descending order, were focusing on setting financial goals, spending more time travelling, quitting bad habits, and learning a new skill. Just a couple days into the new year, I was already being questioned by friends and family about what it was I wanted to resolve this year, and I felt kind of guilty for not having a solid answer yet. The longer I wait to pick something, the more I feel like I’ve already started the new year off on the wrong foot. According to a poll done by Ipsos in 2015, only 31 per cent of Canadians even make New Year’s resolutions, and of that 31 per cent, 73 per cent end up eventually breaking them. Despite that, the start of

Written by: Laurel Logan January is still the most popular time of year to begin to work towards a goal. So, why is it that so many people are unable to maintain their goals? And how can we be more successful at sticking to them? A 2005 study from the Journal of Consumer Research measured how people’s perceptions of self-control can affect the setting and maintaining of goals as they relate to New Year’s resolutions. They found that the type of people who are willing to set resolutions believe that self-control is adaptable and limitless. On the other hand, those who believe that self-control is limited tend to set fewer goals, and tend to give up on them if they do not believe in their ability to succeed. Alright, so if I believe that my own self-control is dependant on how much I believe in myself, then I can achieve my goals? If believing in yourself is a prerequisite to succeeding in any other kind of goals, I might have some work to do before I set any real goals this year, but I guess that’s the first step towards anything. Every year, there are a number organizations that promote New Year’s resolution challenges through various contests and activities. The Pacific Blue Cross has been advertising a health challenge, where you are asked to select one of three resolutions (eating healthier, exercising more, or quitting smoking) to be entered in a contest to win $2,018. Knowing I was writing an article on resolutions, I decided to enter it. I chose that I wanted to exercise more, and that specifically, I wanted to start running again. Upon reaching the final step in the process, I was asked to share my resolution on Facebook and Twitter, so that people could vote for me, because the person with the most votes wins the $2,018. After reading that, I felt kind of defeated before I even started the resolution, because there’s no way that my 77 Facebook friends, and my non-ex-

istent Twitter account, would get me anywhere near winning this thing. It seems almost counteractive to base a contest about resolutions purely centred around validation from others, but hey, maybe that’s the kind of encouragement that works for some people. It’s just not gonna work for me. Sharing your resolutions with others can garner you some encouragement and support, and can also inspire others to reach their goals, but if you’re only going to spend your time sharing it and talking about it, it just won’t work. But obviously, no contest is going to do all of the work for you; it’s about how you choose to use it. Of course, achieving your resolution is rewarding in and of itself, but it can be nice to have something else to motivate you along the way. There are a lot of promotions aimed at helping people with their resolutions, so if that’s something that you think might work for you, it doesn’t hurt to try out a bunch until one of them seems to be useful. Just over a year ago, the Public Health Agency of Canada, B.C. Healthy Living Alliance, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, and a few other organizations, partnered with an app called Carrot Rewards, which is aimed at motivating Canadians to learn more about health and wellness, mental health, managing money, and saving the environment. The app tracks your steps, encourages you to ask friends to join you for walks, and rewards you with small, but attainable rewards, such as SCENE points, Save-On-Foods More Rewards points, and Petro-Points. This program, to me, seems like a much better way to encourage people to be healthier, and does so in a way that is more educational. In a recent study from the Journal of Consumer Research, they concluded that acquiring small rewards more gradually over time throughout the road to success is more motivating than receiving one big reward at the

end, because the rewards can continue to be earned indefinitely, rather than just once. University is kind of a mixture of both of those things. We are gradually rewarded with grades, advance to higher courses, and then earn one big achievement at the end of it all. And as university students, maybe our resolutions are a bit different than the mainstream ones. Maybe we are more concerned with resolving to achieve higher grades this year, to skip class left often, or maybe we just want to get through the semester without having any breakdowns. Personally, I think I’d like to drink more water during the school day, because I tend to forget to, and I want to stop living off of Clif Bars for Pete’s sake, and actually bother to make myself some proper lunches. Aside from all of the contests and promotions being advertised everywhere around this time of year, there are still some helpful tips that can be applied to most any goal, whether is be something popular like health and wellness, or whether it be something less common, like learning how to embroider flowers onto a jacket. (I don’t know, I’m sure somebody has that goal, right?) According to “The Hidden Costs of Making Resolutions,” the three most important things you should consider when making any kind of resolution is how much time it will take out of your dayto-day life, how much motivation you have to achieve it, and how much willpower it requires. Only once you

have considered these three things can you seriously begin to make a game plan. And the combination of these things actually makes a lot of sense; if you are motivated enough to do something, and are willing to spend time doing it, then that time will have to be taken out of something else. So, as much as I want to start eating better lunches, I’m gonna have to spend time making them, which might take time out my daily addiction to watching Jeopardy. I guess I could do both at the same time, so really I would just have to take time away from sitting on the couch, but I honestly think that might take a lot more willpower than I’m willing to admit. And maybe my whole thing about the lunches is a relatively small goal, but the size of the goal isn’t necessarily the most important factor in determining the likelihood that you will achieve it. Along with believing in yourself and considering the amount of time, motivation, and willpower it takes, studies have shown that it’s important to make your goals specific, achievable in the near future, and reasonably challenging. The factors that cause people to fail at their goals are usually due to setting too many, making them too difficult and unrealistic to achieve, not keeping track of their progress, and by setting their end goal too far away from where they’re starting. As well, it has been shown that people’s reasons for setting goals is either because they truly want to achieve it, or because they feel external

pressure from others to do so. Results show that those who pursue goals for their own satisfaction, rather than the satisfaction of others, are more likely to achieve their goals, and more likely to have fun doing it. On the other hand, setting goals based on validation from others can cause internal conflict, which makes goals more difficult to attain. Basically, it’s best to set goals that will make you happy. You might be feeling a lot of pressure this month to start working towards something, but here’s a really nice quote to make it all feel a little less daunting: “So, what if, instead of thinking about solving your whole life, you just think about adding additional good things. One at a time. Just let your pile of good things grow.” -Rainbow Rowell, Attachments And really, January isn’t the make it or break it month; you can start fresh whenever you want to, and whenever it feels right for you. You can start anew every month, every day, or even after every fraction of a second. So, don’t feel like you have to wait around for next year if you haven’t figured out a resolution yet, you’ve got the whole year ahead of you to make anything you want happen.

STUDY BREAK Crossword //

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018

Made by Cassie de Jong

ACROSS

DOWN

1: An appliance used for baking, roasting, or heating.

2: Sub-microscopic parasites of plants, animals, and bacteria.

5: RNA and protein-rich cytoplasmic particles that are sites of protein synthesis within a cell.

3: The second smallest of Canada’s provinces.

6: A fictional humanoid fantasy creature that is usually ugly and loves battle. 8: A popular small Japanese dish made with various ingredients such as rice, fish, egg, or vegetables. 9: A Mexican food that consists of a folded tortilla filled with meat, cheese, lettuce, etc.

6: The health-care profession or practice of examining the eyes.

11: Island home to Honolulu. 12: The cured final result of adhesive resins.

10: The sport of shooting arrows with bows.

14: To provide useful or necessary assistance.

13: Minors in between puberty and adolescence.

15: An amount of money added to payment due for service, usually to servers or cab drivers.

LAST ISSUE’S ANSWERS:

Astrological mysteries rudely interpreted by Lady May

Across: 4: Dasher 6: Candles 7: Wreath 10: Pie 11: Snowflake 12: Carols 14: Stocking 15: Roof

Down: 1: Dancer 2: Present 3: Mistletoe 5: Santa Claus 7: Wrap 8: Toys 9: Mexico 13: Elf

Illustration by: Amara Gelaude Sagittarius — Nov 22 to Dec 21 Someone will invite you to a karaoke party this week. But be warned, if the party features Britney Spears CDs, and/or pecan pie, it’s a trap!

Aries — Mar 21 to Apr 19 Keep an eye out for financial opportunities in the days ahead. For a short period, they will be plentiful. But soon you’ll be tearing apart your couch cushions looking for loose change, only to find dust bunnies.

Leo — Jul 23 to Aug 22 An alien will be visiting you soon. This could be an extraordinary traveller from beyond our solar system, or it could be your bizarre foreign cousin. The true outcome remains to be seen.

Taurus — Apr 20 to May 20 You constantly worry about other people making fun of you. But fear not! If you laugh at yourself first, you will have the last laugh in the end.

Virgo —Aug 23 to Sep 22 Stay positive while reading the feedback and criticism of your next project. Other people’s negative opinions are their own problem, not yours. Keep in mind that a conclusion is sometimes just the point where people get tired of thinking.

Gemini — May 21 to Jun 20 You are an aspiring master of your craft. You plan on rising to the top of your field early, if only so you can use pompous, overcomplicated terminology, and get away with it.

Libra — Sep 23 to Oct 22 Relinquishing control and allowing those around you to simply do it their way means less effort is required on your part. This week, try to let others do the dirty work while you take some time to enjoy the calm before this storm of a semester.

Aquarius — Jan 20 to Feb 18 Remember to always have a general understanding of what you’re talking about to avoid sticky situations. You claim to love constellations, but usually the only one you can point out is the Big Dipper.

Scorpio — Oct 23 to Nov 21 Scorpios seem to enjoy starting fights, almost like it’s a hobby. Your peers have witnessed you unleash your wrath upon innocent bystanders in public before. You are likely to pick a fight with yourself in the shower this week.

Pisces — Feb 19 to Mar 20 Be extra vigilant in respecting people’s boundaries this week. The world may be your oyster, but that doesn’t mean you’re entitled to its pearl.

Cancer —Jun 21 to Jul 22 You find fulfilment in helping other people prosper, but sometimes get a bit too carried away, and forget to leave time for yourself. Consider taking up a relaxing hobby such as knitting, baking, or world domination. The choice is yours.

5: A character of English legend who is also a red fox in a Disney movie.

7: A DNA molecule that contains the genetic material of an organism.

16: A repeated noise that has reflected off a surface such as walls or a canyon.

Horoscope //

4: To accuse a public official, such as a president, of misconduct in office.

Capricorn — Dec 22 to Jan 19 Capricorns are known to have goat-like eyes that sport blank expressions. They wouldn’t be so blank if you would quit constantly loading yourself with too much work. Your greatest weakness could be your inability to say no.

CULTURE

Cassie de Jong — Culture Editor culture@ufvcascade.ca

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018

Play Preview //

A real game changer

New virtual reality arcade opens in Abbotsford

CASSIE DE JONG CULTURE & EVENTS EDITOR

Virtual reality is the most recent innovation to take the video game world by storm. The immersive technology allows participants to experience gaming in a whole new way, and is attracting the interest of a wide variety of people and age groups. Both enthusiastic fans of virtual reality gaming, and those who may simply be interested in trying it out, will be pleased to know that an arcade dedicated to the normalization of virtual reality as a form of gaming has recently opened in Abbotsford. The new Calgary-based virtual reality gaming chain VRKADE held the grand opening for its new Abbotsford location on December 9. They invited people of all backgrounds in gaming to participate, as you don’t need any particular level of skill in order to master the controls of “VR.” Free demos were offered to the public for

the full day of the opening, which gave attendees that extra push to come out and try something new. Micah Wever is a consultant from the head office of VRKADE in Calgary. “What VRKADE does, is we provide virtual reality experiences to the general public at a price point that they can afford, while also offering the ability to play virtual reality games with your friends in a common space,” he said. Wever mentioned that virtual reality systems are sometimes difficult to set up in your own home. “The issue is that it’s really expensive for people to get into it,” Wever said. “For the systems we use, you’re looking at a couple thousand dollars just to get the equipment. But then, in your home it’s very rare that people have the space to set one up.” The virtual reality system that VRKADE uses are called the HTC Vives. This system consists of a headset and motion control-

lers. Two sensors are also anchored on the ceiling, and aimed down at a ten by ten foot play space to track user movements, and then project them into the game. When asked about what inspired him to launch an Abbotsford location of VRKADE, location owner Jeremy van Woerden stated he had begun to research it back in March of last year. “When I took a trip out to Lethbridge, my father-in-law booked up five bays for a whole group of us to go in and try it out at the [VRKADE] location there,” he said. “I had a blast, I jumped in and just loved it.” That trip was what inspired van Woerden to work on opening an Abbotsford location. Though it took a while initially for the project to get off the ground, Wever mentioned that this is the company’s fastest store build so far. “Three and a half weeks from keys to completion, which is crazy,” Wever said. “It [took] about a sixth of the time that we ex-

pected it to take.” Wever also stated that VRKADE encourages anybody and everybody to try out virtual reality gaming. The mission of the company is to normalize virtual reality as a whole for most demographics, and so far it’s working. “When we first started, we thought it would be the hard-core gamers coming down to play,” Wever said. “But very quickly it was actually the non-gamers who came, and actually enjoyed it far more than the gamers did.” This new local business provides Abbotsford with another way to get out of the house and enjoy time with peers, or simply to try something fun and new. More information about VRKADE can be found on their website, or the VRKADE Abbotsford Facebook page.

Play Preview //

Call photographers for Nominations Youth display work at the Kariton Art Gallery TEACHING

CASSIE DE JONG

would mean something different to each of them, they all took part in making a greater collaborative decision. Bulloch wants visitors of the exhibition to understand just how much the artists have gained over the course of the workshop and exhibition process. “They’ve learned so much about basic camera rules and composition,” she said. “It wasn’t information that just went in one ear and out the other. They really applied it to their photography and their skills.” At the end of this process, the participants created not just another project, but a long-lasting passion. “It’s nice to know that they’re using their cameras more, and they’re looking at things in a different light,” Bulloch said. “They’re starting to use photography as a form of self-expression in every capacity.”

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

CULTURE & EVENTS EDITOR

Encouraging our youth to express themselves through art programs is vital to both their development, and for the future of our society. Art programs that encourage creativity in young people and give them a head start in the fine art industry prepare them to be the artists of tomorrow. LIFE is the first exhibition of the year at the Kariton Art Gallery, and features talented local youth photographers. The exhibition was produced by nonprofit organization Cameras for Change, in partnership with the Abbotsford Arts Council. The opening reception for the exhibition took place Saturday, January 6 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A full house of attendees visited the reception to support the young artists. Cameras for Change is a non-profit organization that, according to their website, “envisions a world where everyone has the opportunity to express themselves, transform their own lives, and connect with others through photography and visual media.” Representatives from the organization, Maxine Bulloch and Kathryne Racich, gave an insider’s look on how they worked with these youth to produce the show. The central theme of the show is to depict instances in daily life. Kathryne Racich stated that, “A lot of girls took pictures of what life meant to them, and the natural world.” Racich also expressed that the word “life” was used as an umbrella term to allow the participants to have free range over what they wanted to use as inspiration. Often this meant that smaller themes emerged in each artist’s work, such as nature, animals, and everyday experiences, in addition to the broader idea. All of those smaller themes are recognizable in each artist’s work. The production of the exhibition began with Cameras for Change putting out a call for youth participants to take part in a photography workshop. The artists are between the ages of 10 and 15, and out of 10 of the youth that participated, eight submitted their photos for the exhibition. It is important to note that the participants chose the theme. One of the key aspects of the workshop was the discussion of what the artists’ chosen topic means to them, and what inspires them to take photos. So even though “life”

Deadline for nominations is January 19, 2018 at 4 pm

Download a nomination package Call for Nominations from ufv.ca/TEA or TEACHING EXCELLENCE pick one up from AWARDS Brielle in B303f on the Abbotsford Deadline for nominations is Campus. January 19, 2018 at 4 pm

Download a nomination package from ufv.ca/TEA or pick one up from Brielle in B303f on the Abbotsford Campus.

Attendees of the opening reception admire work by young photographers. Saturday January 6th 2018. (Cassie de Jong/The Cascade)

Nominate a teacher who has made a difference in your education. Those eligible for nomination include all UFV faculty, lab instructors and sessional instructors who have completed two years of instruction. Selection criteria includes mentorship, attention a teacher who has made toNominate student learning, respect for students, integration a difference in your education. ofThose scholarship, and professional activity. eligible for nomination include all UFV faculty, lab instructors and sessional instructors who have completed two years of instruction. Selection criteria includes mentorship, attention to student learning, respect for students, integration of scholarship, and professional activity.

For more information, email UFVSecretariat@ufv.ca orFor more phone 604-504-7441 ext 6314. information, email UFVSecretariat@ufv.ca or phone 604-504-7441 ext 6314.

CULTURE Kin Korner

The art of finding balance

TITUS BOZGA & JOLEEN KRUSELNICKI CONTRIBUTORS

A high speed, high pressure world is the reality of most university students. Life can begin to feel overwhelming as many obligations pull a person in different directions. Students are forced to perform a juggling act when combining academics, full or part time work, a social life, friends, family, and let’s not forget taking time to care for yourself. It can often feel like there is just not enough time. Without proper planning, you can quickly find yourself dropping balls in your juggling act, and soon everything cascades out of control. Websites such as mycollegesuccessstory.com can provide tips and strategies that help students remain in control by creating a plan to help maintain balance, such as the following: Set Realistic Goals: Set goals in all areas of life, not just academics. Prioritize these goals, and let go of or put on hold goals that aren’t top priority. This will then show areas where the student should prioritize their time and energy. Learn to Study Effectively: According to Claudiu Langa, writing for Procedia, an academic journal of social and behavioural sciences, most students spent around six to eight hours studying per week during normal times in the semester, compared to 14 or more hours during the exam period. Make good use of time by developing a study schedule. Studying a few extra hours per week will reduce the need to cram before exams, which in turn will reduce overall anxiety levels. Take Care of Yourself: Eat well, exercise regularly, take time to see friends and family, be kind to yourself, celebrate successes, and set aside time for fun, as well as quiet time. Take Charge and Simplify: Create “to do” lists, and cross off items that are not important. Learn to say no. Taking on too many responsibilities will interfere with set goals, and only increase stress and anxiety. Researchers Lepp, Barkley, and Karpinski writing for the academic journal Computers in Human Behavior, found that academic performance, as well as mental and physical health, is negatively related to cell phone usage. Minimizing time on social media and websites such as Netflix could effectively increase time spent on self-care and studying. These four tips are a good startCONTINUED ON PAGE 13

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018

Re-learning vulnerability through art CAT FRIESEN COPY EDITOR

December 31, the last day of 2017. Outside The Reach Gallery Museum, trees are cased in a thick layer of ice, glittering in the weak sun after the recent ice storm. The trees are unyielding, stiff to the touch; if you push hard enough, the hard shell will crack and shatter on the ground. Inside, we are similar to the icecoated trees, albeit in a metaphorical way. A small audience is gathered in a dim room while Tara-Lynn KozmaPerrin stoically reads confessions of The Reach’s patrons, gathered over the last several months. Everyone is silent as the anonymous confessions echo through the room, our hard shells being chipped away with every new confession. Today is about vulnerability, the expression of emotion. Today is about breaking the hard exterior, and learning to let our true feelings show. Tara-Lynn’s exhibition, Reflections, was a three-part, multi-medium body of work consisting of sound, video, text, and wall painting, centred on the universal experience of vulnerability and expression of emotions in regard to pain. To add an interactive element to the exhibit, Tara-Lynn provided slips of paper that The Reach patrons could write confessions on, and slip into a nearby box. This part of the exhibition was intended to allow patrons to share their thoughts anonymously, hopefully relieving some of the emotional burden that comes with hiding emotions. The exhibition was displayed at The Reach art gallery from September 21 to December 31. On the final day, TaraLynn sat down in front of a few close friends and family, as well as some strangers, to read the confessions. What follows is an interview with Tara-Lynn after the performance was finished.

for me to be able to have them be a part of that process, sharing things that they wish they would have shared, and then have me read, on the final day, all those reflections that they wish they would have shared. I hope that by reading those things, it almost takes that weight and burden away from them, they’re no longer solitary in this thought, it’s a shared thought, and hopefully this helps them be more open to sharing in the future instead of keeping everything in. You clearly like the interactive aspect of art. Have you ever done anything in the past similar to this? Not similar to this, in the past I had these sculptures called “Interactive Experiments,” essentially puzzles or structures based off of children’s toys, like an abacus, where you’re enticing adults to move things around with a structure. I started out with that, but this is the first time that I’ve ever done any real performance work in a public space, which is really interesting. I did it because this whole project was about being vulnerable, and allowing yourself to be out there. So asking, “How am I going to make people comfortable with being vulnerable if I’m not putting myself out there to the nth degree,” so doing that was kind of important.

This is such a unique project. What prompted you to create it?

Were you nervous about starting this?

It stemmed originally from the confessional letter I had written to my husband while I was enduring pain, and realizing it was time for me to realize how I was hurting everyone around me. He was obviously the first one I wanted to do that [for]. At that time, I was also preparing for my first exhibition at The Reach, and so everything fit nicely together with me realizing that I wasn’t able to make art because of my injury, yet I was preparing for my first solo exhibition. It felt so comfortable to fit it in there, and I started playing with the idea of vulnerability, and that confession really felt necessary to be part of the entire show. When I was thinking about how I was going to have this confession work out, I realized that it’s one thing to put it up on display for everybody to read and see, but I really loved having that interactive component. I really like having people engaging in art and being a part of that process, so it was important

I wasn’t nervous when we got here to set up. I knew I had a lot of friends that were coming, but the more stranger faces [that showed], it went from being something of an intimate conversation to a performance, and I think that’s definitely what a stranger does in a work like this. I am performing for these people who don’t know anything about me, possibly anything about this project, and so that does play into “Okay, I really need to make sure that I’m giving this justice.” It’s interesting, because you’re almost at an entertainment perspective as well, but it’s not entertainment. The project was supposed to lighten the emotional burdens of those who wrote confessions. Did you expect one specific emotion or confession to happen a lot? I kind of anticipated the love and loss. I was really surprised at the amount of re-

flections of people coming out, or being afraid of coming out, so that was really interesting. It’s fascinating. Again, you might have some kind of idea what you’re going to get, but you don’t really know. But the amount of people coming out, and people expressing love and regret, and unfortunately sexual abuse, those are four themes that were consistent throughout every single piece. I think that’s overwhelmingly indicative of how all of us are the same, all of us experience the same emotions and feelings, and it’s important for us to remember we’re all in this together. How many people in Abbotsford, and how many of us actually communicate with each other on a daily basis. We’re not connecting, obviously, because so many people are regretting never saying “I love you.” Right, we don’t communicate, we don’t tell people when we love them. I don’t know why it’s so hard. Yeah! It’s interesting because I feel like people are always afraid of the response, they’re afraid of being hurt. If you tell someone that you love them, and they don’t love you back, you feel hurt. But maybe we need to start looking at it differently. Like, “I have this energy to give you, and I’m going to give it to you. Just take it, and be happy.” Do you think people benefited from your exhibit? It’s really hard to say, because some people will take it as a joke, as you can tell by some of the answers. Some people may have written things, and that was that, not looking back on it, but I do hope that even one or two people leave, and end up feeling positive, like they’re moving forward, and wanting to share more. If they feel like this has affected them, then that’s good. It was interesting because it was completely random, having something sad, and then all of a sudden having something that says “I forgive you” right after, that was extremely powerful for me. And then there was the one about forgiving her rapists, and then the next one was “I love you.” It was a crazy mountain climb of emotions. You can find more of Tara-Lynn’s art on her InstaWWgram, flythekitestudios.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

According to F. Diane Barth from Psychology Today, balance is a lifelong process, and is not based on a final ing point in creating balance between school, work, and personal life. While goal. Balance is not about being calm these tips may seem simple, they are the and relaxed all the time, but rather, it key to a healthier and happier lifestyle. If is something that needs to be practiced students don’t feel adequately prepared over and over. Times of true balance are to cope with the new environment of small, fleeting moments surrounded by university, they become more suscepti- times of constant adjustments. The patble to depression, anxiety, and illnesses terns established in the first year of university can greatly reduce stress, as well during high stress periods like exams. It is important to use a combination of as set a solid foundation for both current strategies that work best with individu- and future success. als. What works for one person may not be effective for another. Finding balance is a learning process that requires time and practice.

Cascade Events Calendar

January - February

Note: Some of these events require tickets, most are on Facebook. If something catches your eye, take to the internet for more details.

10 11 12 13

The Staggers and Jaggs @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. Once Upon a Crime: A Murder Mystery Event @ The Stage in Mission, 5:30 - 11:59 p.m.

The Vancouver Motorcycle Show @ Tradex (Abbotsford), 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pacific Agriculture Show & the B.C. Dairy Expo @ Tradex (Abbotsford), 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. TEDx Chilliwack @ Cottonwood 4 Cinemas (Chilliwack), 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Find Your Medium @ Chilliwack Community Arts Council, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Pacific Agriculture Show & the B.C. Dairy Expo @ Tradex (Abbotsford), 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Chilliwack Home, Leisure & Outdoor Living Expo @ Chilliwack Heritage Park, 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. Overflow Market @ Borealis Manufactory (Abbotsford), 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

UFV Student Resources Fair @ Student Life Lounge, Room S1111 (Abbotsford Campus), 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

2018 Fraser Valley Distillery Festival @ Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Pigeon Hole Live @ Main Street Nightclub (Chilliwack), 10:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.

Chilliwack Student Resources Fair @ Chilliwack Campus (Room TBA), 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Indigenous Student Centre Luncheon @ Indigenous Student Centre, Room S1113 (Abbotsford Campus), 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Loans, Dead Soft, Ian Fildes, and Guests @ Captains Cabin Pub (Mission), 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Oliver the Crow @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Casinos with The Sylvia Platters and The Whiskeyjays @ The Stage in Mission, 7:00 - 11:59 p.m.

We Are Mystic @ The Stage in Mission, 7:00 - 11:59 p.m. Nerf on UFV Turf @ Building E North Gym (Abbotsford Campus), 1:00 4:00 p.m.

Drop-In Crafts: Chilliwack @ Indigenous Student Centre, Room CEP 1454 (Chilliwack Campus), 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Tech Panel @ Room B121 (Abbotsford Campus), 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. Drop-In Crafts: Abbotsford @ Indigenous Student Centre, Room S1113 (Abbotsford Campus), 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Cold Process Soap Making @ Chilliwack Community Arts Council, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Info Session: London International Youth Science Forum @ Room B133 (Abbotsford Campus), 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Opening Reception: Winter/Spring Exhibitions @ The Reach (Abbotsford), 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

The Vancouver Motorcycle Show @ Tradex (Abbotsford), 12:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.

Drop-In Crafts: Abbotsford @ Student Life Lounge, Room S1111 (Abbotsford Campus), 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

TEDx Chilliwack @ Cottonwood 4 Cinemas (Chilliwack), 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Chilliwack Home, Leisure & Outdoor Living Expo @ Chilliwack Heritage Park, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. New + Used Marketplace by Chilliwack Market Mamas @ Tzeachten Community Hall (Chilliwack), 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Opening Reception: Kindred Spirits: A Fusion in Wax @ Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Drag Circus @ The Stage in Mission, 7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Pacific Agriculture Show & the B.C. Dairy Expo @ Tradex (Abbotsford), 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Halestorm and Stone Sour @ Abbotsford Arts Centre, 7:00 p.m.

Black Dog Rescue Society BC Adoption Event @ Mr. Pet’s (Chilliwack), 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Roots and Blues Night with Brandon Isaak @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Free Try It Out Class @ The Goddess Movement (Abbotsford), 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Women’s March Canada: Fraser Valley @ Ann Davis Transition Society (Chilliwack), 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Winter Ladies Night @ PRISM Studio (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Found Art @ Chilliwack Community Arts Council, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Ladies Self Defense Course @ Excel Martial Arts (Chilliwack), 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

The Vancouver Motorcycle Show @ Tradex (Abbotsford), 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Roots and Blues Night with Blue Moon Marquee @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. Stand Up Comedy Night @ The Stage in Mission, 8:00 - 11:59 p.m.

28 29 30 1

Chilliwack Home, Leisure & Outdoor Living Expo @ Chilliwack Heritage Park, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Introduction to Anime @ Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Intro to Mixed Media @ Chilliwack Community Arts Council, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. TEDx Chilliwack @ Cottonwood 4 Cinemas (Chilliwack), 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Trevor McDonald: Piano & Vocals @ The Wellington Social House (Chilliwack), 6:30- 9:30 p.m. Logan and Nathan @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Switchcraft @ Captains Cabin Pub (Mission), 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Black Dog Rescue Society B.C. Adoption Event @ Mr. Pet’s (Chilliwack), 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Hedley, Shawn Hook & Neon Dreams @ Abbotsford Centre, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Chicken-Like Birds @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

ARTS

Martin Castro — Arts Editor

arts@ufvcascade.ca

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018

Album Review //

CHARTS

SHUFFLE

DESTROYER ken

AARON LEVY

Shrouded Amps World Well Lost

Godspeed You! Black Emperor Luciferian Towers

Nicholas Krgovich In An Open Field

CIVL Station Manager Aaron Levy really likes popular music, despite what you may have heard, or how he may have felt in high school. Here are some amazing and amazingly popular songs that popped up on or leading up to his...

Co-op 2nd View

Nashlyn Work It Out

Belle And Sebastian How to Solve Our Human Problems Vol. 1

Cherry Chérie Adieu Veracruz

Phono Pony Death By Blowfish

Ambre McLean My Heart

XCephasx The Space Between the Walls

Leo Sins It’s All Subjective

John Welsh Vamonos Mi Chica

Mud Bay Blues Band Live at Lorenzo’s

Blu Shorts Blue Wave Music

Ty Segall Freedom’s Goblin

Ruckwater Bonehead EP

Terekke Plant Age

Mount Eerie A Crow Looked At Me

Black Eye Affair Bridges Burned & Other Such Disasters

LIL PUMP FAN

Weezer — Holiday Evoking the beat writings of he who’s name-checked during this number’s barbershop breakdown, Jack Kerouac, though one might postulate that the mode of transport in mind for singer-guitaristsongwriter Rivers Cuomo was more referential to the boards of Blue’s earlier “Surf Wax America” than Neal Cassidy style bus. Lil Pump — Gucci Gang Phoenix-area Scottsdale, Arizona was the site, this winter break, of what I’ve quickly anointed as the greatest party zone in North America, The Loop. The Loop loves this track, and it’s repetitive, casual af chorus, and the club atmosphere it fosters. Love it, despite the completely disagreeable subject matter. Cardi B — Bodak Yellow You wouldn’t know it to hear it, even knowing how popular it is, but this major label debut from CB is an absolutely historic release. Lauryn Hill of The Fugees with former Hatian presidential candidate Wyclef, is the only other solo female rapper to release a Billboard charting #1 single. N. E. R. D. ft. Rihanna — Lemon As if hearing Rihanna rapping for the baddest verse in hip hop for the 2017 year wasn’t enough, the beat, the concept and choreography/dance performance in the music video, and the swag of the repeated lyrics in the chorus all team up to make this song my absolute favourite.

From Nigeria to New York: Antibalas take up Fela’s mantle MARTIN CASTRO ARTS EDITOR

I don’t quite remember the first time I listened to afrobeat as a genre, but I do remember the first time I heard Fela Kuti’s voice. In 2009, Mos Def (now Yasiin Bey) released The Ecstatic. In it, the banger “Quiet Dog Bite Hard.” At the beginning of “Quiet Dog,” a man speaks: “One thing I want to assure them, if they think I’m going to change or compromise my attitude and my way of life… towards politics. They are making me stronger. And I am much more stronger now.” I found out years later that the voice belonged to Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela’s band, Africa 70, put together sprawling, intensely primal pieces that were halftraditional African (mostly Nigerian) percussion and rhythm and half modern jazz. Listening to the eight-minute long “Fefe Naa Efe” or the 22-minute “Coffin for Head of State,” one is struck by the fact that it is impossible to stay still while listening. There is, somewhere between the intimidating talent of Kuti’s Africa 70 band, a philosophy that blends unparalleled musicianship with a connection to the very energy inherent in life, in movement. There is pop, and jazz, and traditional African music. But in all my years of listening, I have never come across a music more representative of life than afrobeat, a music which is both utterly social and, at its core, rebellious. (For example, Kuti’s “Zombie,” which criticized the Nigerian government’s oppressive military dictatorship, led to a military raid on Kuti’s “Kalakuta Republic” commune in Nigeria. It was during this raid that Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Fela’s mother, was thrown to her death from a third-floor window by military personnel.) Kuti in turn responded with “Coffin for Head of State,” a 22-minute lamentation. He also personally delivered a coffin to the door of the barracks where the thenpresident and vice-president of Nigeria were holed up, daring

them to accept responsibility for his mother’s death. It is in this tradition that Brooklyn Latin/afrobeat outfit Antibalas release Where the Gods are in Peace. Leaning heavily on South and Central American as well as Cuban influences, Antibalas’ latest record asks us a question: what do we use music for? Why do we listen to it? The opener “Gold Rush” revamps Fela’s orchestral sound, adding to it a breadth of space between instruments as well as a subtle reverb that immediately modernizes Antibalas’ formula. Despite this, an undeniable focus on the social implication of music is apparent in every track on the record. Compared to the electronic dance music that saturates prime-time radio, Antibalas’ latest record brings together the very best aspects of Latin and African music: a focus on rhythm. Where modern-day pop focuses on catchy hooks and blatant pounding rhythms, Antibalas compels listeners to move through instrumentation that is less obvious than, say, a top 40 hit. By less obvious we mean that instead of one 4/4 rhythm pushed by a single drumbeat, several contrasting instruments in the

rhythm section all add a different but complementary rhythmic element to a common tempo. Instead of one short, predictable melody stated and restated, melodies evolve throughout pieces like “Tombstone,” starting in one place, and ending in another. Always grounded by a simple compelling rhythmic element, Antibalas’ structure allows the band to explore more ideas while still putting together a record that holds at its very core a principle of movement. The relationship between instrumental parts is always in flux, shifting apparently naturally; and our own movement, our own instinct to dance is driven by a rhythm section that brings many different elements together in a pulsating chant, a rhythmic soup. It may not get radio time (mostly because of the track lengths), but Antibalas’ latest record establishes them as the leading (by which we mean most visible) torch-bearers to continue Fela’s legacy.

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018

Netflix Review //

Orc cop, orc cop, whatcha gonna do? But be spoiled by this review

PANKU SHARMA STAFF WRITER

Netflix has proven that, in terms of content, it is able to stand toe to toe with the giants of traditional cable and Hollywood. It proves this not only by matching quality, and taking chances on projects, but as shown in Bright by also being able to deliver typically shallow star vehicles. The film follows LAPD cops Daryl Ward (Will Smith) and Nick Jakoby (Joel Edgerton) who come across a magic wand (in this world, a nuclear bomb that grants wishes), and must fend off gangs, other cops, and elven terrorists. I love the premise and concept, which borrows heavily from the best urban fantasy aspects of games like Shadowrun; unfortunately this film doesn’t carry them forward nearly enough. It has a lot of things going for it, director David Ayer was just as responsible for End of Watch (which was great) as he was Suicide Squad (garbage) — and the

makeup design is pretty good. Where the film lacks the energy and commitment to push it beyond average, however, is in the performances and worldbuilding. Bright is too long, and much of that time is eaten up by Smith giving a decidedly tired and overripe performance as essentially the same character he plays in every movie, all while making confident, capable, pop culture references. While Edgerton does a slightly better job as rookie orc cop Nick, leaning into the awkwardness of his predicament of being almost universally disliked and distrusted, the two leads have zero chemistry. It’s hard to put my finger exactly on why this is, and I understand at least for the first two acts it’s supposed to be intentional, but the banter never really lands, even after they’ve built up their relationship. There’s still charm to it, and it’s fun and interesting to watch. Why I’m being so hard on it is because it doesn’t seem concerned with even attempting to reach its

potential, both as a film, and as the first showing of a more interesting world. The writer, Max Landis, is good at big picture ideas, and above average at quippy dialogue, but there are many opportunities wasted. It’s cool that other races are mentioned, but the world they’ve built for them to coexist in just isn’t different enough from our own to offer real depth. The mythology that is introduced, that goes as far back as 2,000 years, has had a profound impact on the motivations of characters, but not on the actual world. L.A. is still L.A., apparently inter-human racism still exists (a Latino sheriff mentions his people still getting shit for the Alamo), and the film Shrek was still a blockbuster hit. I was hoping for something more fulfilling, a world that is truly changed and affected by its unique history and lore. Instead, the superficialities of more interesting fantasy concepts and features are transplanted onto

the world without the work being done to make them fit. It doesn’t feel lived-in and real, and therefore doesn’t stick with you, or engage in the same way the world of District 9 or even Game of Thrones does. There are a thousand more interesting and less rote stories that could have been told, but what we’re left with is an average cop adventure with makeup for half the cast. Once you peel back the fantasy filter, it really highlights how much of a weak allegory the

film draws in terms of race relations and the marginalization of communities. In this world, races are inherently different, but for the most part everything is exactly the same. In this world, a militarized and abusive police state and government is present, but cops are still the good guys, so let’s not examine that subject. In this world faerie lives don’t matter, and neither does anything else, really.

Netflix Review //

Black Mirror shows us a warped reflection

the-week trailblazers such as The Twilight Zone and The X-Files in its format, but instead of interThe fourth season of Black connected, overarching plotlines, Mirror, a British sci-fi anthology Black Mirror focuses on individseries which Netflix picked up in ual stories, each told within the 2015, is about as topical and buzz- span of one episode. Like most anthologies, Black wordy as it is poignant. Therein lies my hesitancy to extoll its vir- Mirror taps into a recurring tues or damn its shortcomings. theme: The implications of huThe series takes after mystery-of- manity’s ever-increasing love-

MARTIN CASTRO ARTS EDITOR

smartphones! Previous seasons have given viewers the impression that, underneath the damned if you do, damned if you don’t attitude the show holds towards technological integration, there is still a correct choice to be made (even if that choice is hinted at with all the subtlety of a pizza chef using a steamroller to flatten out pizza dough). Black Mirror doesn’t lack for great performances. Rosemarie DeWitt’s portrayal of an overbearing mother who turns to technology in order to keep tabs on her young daughter in “Arkangel,” the series’ second episode, is committed and impressive. The plot, poignant and timely, manages to hold viewers’ attention throughout, but there’s affair with technology. Touching rarely a moment where we don’t on everything from augmented feel a nagging voice, like a paraand virtual reality to society’s noid grandparent, telling us: “Be preoccupation with social media, afraid! Technology is out to get the series attempts to give view- you!” ers a dose of healthy cynicism For the most part, each episode when it comes to the many ben- does a stupendous job of relaying efits we’re told technology has in the thrill of technology-gone-haystore for us. Kind of like a cranky wire, and it’s during the episodes grandparent, Black Mirror scolds which confine their stories to us: It’s all because of those damn exploring this specific structure

that the show pays off. However, every now and then Black Mirror feels the need to wax philosophic about artificial intelligence, or surveillance. The argument here isn’t that these cautionary tales are unwarranted, or even that they are bad, but that they are already so prevalent in our society that, despite its best efforts, Black Mirror does nothing else but underline its own desperation to be timely. Compared to other weekly cautionary tales like The Twilight Zone, I don’t foresee Black Mirror retaining its spark years down the road. This is mostly due, I believe, to the fact that episodes attempt to capitalize on the conversations about technology that are already taking place within public forums. Black Mirror doesn’t start any conversation, it simply hijacks those which are already taking place, and mines them for drama. The stories are thrilling, yes, but they get stale soon. So long as you’re fine with that, Black Mirror ought to appeal to any fan of socially-critical speculative sci-fi.