The Cascade Vol. 26 Issue 2

JANUARY 17 TO JANUARY 24, 2018

VOLUME 26 ISSUE 2

We don’t give a font since 1993

where to stay?

Pg. 10-11 New UFV President Dr. Joanne MacLean to start term May 1.

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Tim Hortons Would you rather drink their coffee or work for them?

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Dirk Gently The second season is as good as the first.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 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

So long and thanks for all the fish, fish

Staff Writer Aleister Gwynne aleister@ufvcascade.ca

THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTORS Jen Klassen Paul Okano Jack Davis Melanie Manson Connor MacMillan David Myles Cover: Caleb Campbell Back Cover: Satinder Dhillon

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@UFVCASCADE FACEBOOK.COM/UFVCASCADE INSTAGRAM.COM/THE.CASCADE Volume 26 · Issue 2 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 1,000 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. Pitch meetings are held every second Monday at 2:30 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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JOEL ROBERTSON-TAYLOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

My chest waders are on the shelf, where I left them last year. My river rod is on a rack with my other rods, where I left it last year. This fall, I intended to enjoy afternoons on Chilliwack or Vedder River. I didn’t because there weren’t any damn fish.

The life cycle of salmon in brief: Salmon hatch, migrate, live, spawn, then die. They’re anadromous, meaning they’re born in freshwater but live in the salty sea, then return to freshwater to spawn. Here, the salmon will swim up the Fraser then into one of its tributaries. The ladies lay their eggs, and the men fertilize them. The alevins, little fish with yoke sacks for necks hatch, they consume their yoke, then turn into fry.

At the end of summer, the first salmon to arrive at the Fraser estuary are the red Chinook, and shortly after, one of the different Sockeye runs join them. Every second year, Pink runs overlap the Sockeye. Progressing into the fall, as the early runs slow, the white Chinook, Chum, and Coho make their way up the rivers too.

Different salmon species migrate back to the ocean at different rates, but eventually they’ll head to the Pacific. Again, the various species will spend a different amount of time in the ocean before returning to the streams to spawn. Miraculously, they return to the stream in which they were born.

Once home, the females build nests, males fight for spawning rights. Then it all repeats.

But for some reason, the cycle isn’t cycling.

In August, the Vancouver Sun reported that Sockeye salmon stocks

were down, less than a third of what was expected.

In November, the Sun reported that Pink salmon returned with drastically fewer than expected numbers.

Also in November, CBC News reported that the Steelhead run numbers show the fish nears the brink of extinction. As a side note, there’s debate whether Steelhead are trout or salmon.

“According to the data, only 45 steelhead are expected to reach spawning grounds in the Chilcotin watershed this year, and only 145 in the Thompson watershed,” the CBC reported.

"It's clear that we have a severe conservation crisis on our hands," said Aaron Hill, executive director of the Watershed Watch Salmon Society.

For decades, scientists, locals, First Nations, fishermen, and the media have asked, “Where have the salmon gone?” And yet the salmon’s plight continues.

In August, thousands of Atlantic salmon escaped from a fish farm east of Victoria after nets containing an estimated 305,000 fish were damaged by “exceptionally high tides and currents.” Too bad these nets in the ocean weren't built to withstand high tides and currents. A big concern with all of this is that the Atlantic species will become invasive.

Some Indigenous groups and people have demanded that fish farms on their traditional territory be shut down. (Only reconciliation when it’s convenient, am I right?) Their protests, instead, have continually been shut down by the province.

Another concern, clearly voiced in an ongoing series by the Tyee, is the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ (DFO) attempt to avoid acknowledging the Heart and Skeletal Muscle In-

flammation (HSMI), first observed in 2002.

“When DFO has simultaneous mandates to conserve wild stocks and promote the salmon farming industry, there are circumstances in which it can find itself in a conflict of interest because of divided loyalties,” Justice Bruce Cohen said, according to the Tyee article, “Inside DFO’s Battle to Downplay a Deadly Farmed Salmon Disease.”

The Tyee article goes on to say that the researcher and senior fish pathologist at the B.C. government’s Animal Health Centre in Abbotsford and his team, who are responsible for the quarterly audits of the health of B.C.farmed salmon, strongly denied the presence of the disease.

“The Animal Health Centre receives $7 million in funding from the province’s agriculture ministry and about $1.4 million from clients — including $176,000 from three salmon aquaculture companies in the latest fiscal year.

It’s also under contract with the DFO to perform farmed salmon audits,” the article explains.

Salmon are as symbolic of the Fraser Valley as the Fraser itself. It’d be a shame if the species dwindled out of existence. Every organization truly rooted, truly within the Fraser Valley (especially those branded as such) should be concerned — then shortly after must ask, “What can we do?”

UFV’s S'eliyemetaxwtexw Art Gallery currently features a sculture exhibit entitled Deep Sea Changes. As the article on page 13 notes, the work of art takes an active stance against ocean pollution. It’s a beautiful exhibit, worth visiting, worth pondering.

NEWS

Jessica Barclay — News Editor news@ufvcascade.ca

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Campus Grounds //

NEWS BRIEFS

Ice storm wrecks havoc on UFV campus

Fentanyl-laced meth and phones seized after second prison drone drop Staff at Matsqui Institution in Abbotsford have announced that two drones delivering contraband to inmates have recently been intercepted. The first drone, intercepted Dec. 23, contained $26,000 worth of hash butter and tobacco. The second drone, intercepted Dec. 30, was delivering fentanyl-laced methamphetamines valued at $12,162.

-The Abbotsford News

The City of Abbotsford has added three more companies to its lawsuit against the designers of the Norrish Creek Water Treatment Plant. The city filed a lawsuit in the spring of 2015, after a valve failure resulted in the flooding of the entire first floor of the facility, causing $1.7 million in damages. “[The city] alleged that the designers of the plant – Dayton & Knight – failed to ‘incorporate redundancies and fail-safe measures’ that would have reduced the likelihood of a damaging flood,” reports Abbotsford News.

A $90,000 secondary emergency valve was added after the incident.

-The Abbotsford News

it's almost wider then you or I are, and it just split,” Reid said.” You could hook up your F-150 to the tree and do that damage, but then you’re using 400 horsepower.”

Many of the trees on campus are ornamental, and native to areas that do not experience harsh weather conditions. However, the swamp cypresses from Louisiana survived the storms with minimal damage, as did the persimmons.

“The calorie pairs have been s h muc k e d into oblivion,” Reid said. “Persimmons from tropical China should not have survived.

The pears from our area didn’t survive.”

If ice storms become the new winter norm, there may not be much that can be done to protect the trees on campus.

“It's hard not to think, this may be the way of the future,” said Shayler. “This has happened to us two years in a row, now. Is this something we are going to experience every year? I hope not, because it's going to change our landscape.”

According to Reid, even trees with only broken branches will take years of remedial pruning before they are restored. He believes that knowledge of plants on campus, and a desire to restore them, may be the best protection.

"The calorie pairs have been shmucked into oblivion"

Abbotsford News reported that the prison is limited by federal rules, and the institute in close proximity to residential areas limits what technology they can use to hinder drones.

The nearby urban areas also hinders searches for either of the drone’s operators.

Three companies added to city’s water plant lawsuit

their branches. According Dr. Alan Reid, UFV biology professor, many trees just don’t have the tensile strength to hold up against that. Much of the damage seen on campus is from branches slowly ripping over a period of hours.

Many of the trees that were damaged by the ice will have to be removed, for both aesthetic and safety reasons. In nature, Reid said, trees can survive after sustaining as much as 70 per cent damage.

Commercially, trees with more than 30 per cent damage are generally removed and replaced.

“My fear is that we’re just going to go wholesale with a chipper and a chainsaw,” said Reid. “And we can't afford to have that.”

Reid has been working on an inventory of all the plants on the UFV campus, and has been updating his work to include trees felled by the storm. Some have held up better than others.

Most notably, UFV lost a stewart tree, known for its fragrant, white flowers, that was planted as a memorial for a Japanese exchange student who passed away. The tree, planted on the north side of A building, was non-native, and had evidence of extensive rot through the core.

UFV has also lost the oak tree that shaded the gazebo beside lot 10.

“If you look at the trunk,

UFV oak tree damaged by the ice storm. (Alan Reid/Contributor)

JESSICA BARCLAY NEWS EDITOR

The ice may be gone for now but the cleanup caused by the Fraser Valley’s freezing rain is far from over, David Shayler, associate director of operations at UFV, said.

“It hit us really hard,” said Shayler. “We have a sparse grounds crew, and we know that they'll be working well into February to recover from this.”

Contractors have been brought

on to help with the restoration of the campus, removing trees and making repairs, as well as an arborist to work on the campus trees. Even with no further complications, Shayler estimated the damages will be in the tens of thousands.

At the height of the ice storm, the plants on campus had as much as four inches of ice on

Local Pub //

Finnegan’s and Phoenix, end of an era

Owners say energy and passion for operating left them JOEL ROBERTSON-TAYLOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Finnegan’s Pub & Grill and Phoenix Ballroom served their last drink Saturday night. The pub and ballroom, owned by Paul Esposito Sr., existed in its current location since 2009.

The owners of Finnegan’s and Phoenix posted a farewell message on their web-

site and Facebook Jan. 3. The post cited running out of energy and passion for the business as the reason for their closing doors.

“Whether it is because of these challenges, or our family being in this industry for over 30 years, or maybe a combination of both, our energy & passion for operating Finnegan’s and Phoenix has unfortunately left us,” the post read.

Past general manager and event and

banquet coordinator, Trevor Eros, said this is a loss for the community, especially the university.

“We did so many university functions, both at Finnegan’s and Phoenix, for fundraising and private events,” Eros said.

“Just having a bar that’s close by for people, in this particular area of town — I think the students are probably going to miss it the most, but the community in general is going to miss the pub.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

UFV //

‘Right leader for the right time’: Next UFV president UFV presidential search comes to a close, announces new president

Dr. Joanne MacLean named UFV President. (UFV Flickr)

JOEL ROBERTSON-TAYLOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The University of the Fraser Valley presidential search came to a close last week.

Dr. Joanne MacLean will be the president and vice-chancellor, beginning May 1, 2018.

MacLean is currently dean of the faculty of health sciences at UFV. She will replace Jackie Hogan, who has held the position on an interim basis since June 2017.

MacLean will enter the new role with more than 30 years of experience as a professor and university administrator. She worked at the University of Windsor and

Brock University prior to coming to UFV in 2012. She completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees in physical education in her hometown of Frederickton at the University of New Brunswick. Maclean also holds a PhD from Ohio State University, where she studied human resource management in sports and recreation, and administration in higher education.

“I love universities, and I think UFV is a wonderful community of faculty and staff who are engaging a truly compelling mission … I have had the opportunity to lead in a variety of different positions over my career, and look forward to the challenges of president,” MacLean said.

This past year of the presidential search followed a previous, first round of searching. The first presidential search came to a close early last year, but in February, the chosen president-to-be withdrew his application, requiring the committee to restart the search. Previous UFV president Mark Evered was to retire July 1. Hogan was appointed interim president until a new president was found.

Reopening the search gave MacLean the opportunity to apply. Her term as dean ended in July 2017, something she wanted to complete, and it wasn’t until last spring that she began to consider the opportunity, she said.

“I applied for the position of president because I believe that I’m the right leader for the right time for UFV.” MacLean is the first woman to hold the title of president at UFV in a non-interim role.

“I’m excited, and so very honoured. I understand that a significant amount of trust is being placed in my leadership ability and capacity,” MacLean said. “I look forward to beginning as president on May 1, to working with a terrific contingent of faculty and staff members, administrators, student leaders, alumni, and community stakeholders.”

With files from Dave Pinton.

Student Union //

Vice-president external resigns JOEL ROBERTSON-TAYLOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Student Union Society’s (SUS) vice-president external (VPE), Alyson Gher-White resigned from her position Jan. 8.

While the position is vacant, the job portfolio and responsibilities will be taken over by president Gurvir Gill, and vice-president internal Jaleen MacKay. The VPE’s position on the board of directors will not be filled until a new VPE is elected.

Mackay said a by-election to fill the position will not be called.

SUS by-elections require at least six weeks before voting. SUS intends to begin the regu-

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lar election period in early February; a byelection would overlap with the regular election, which would violate 9.2.1 of the Elections Policy, and is not permitted.

MacKay said that guidance from the board regarding how to proceed will be requested.

“The last example of a situation like this was in the November 2015 [board of governors] minutes, where the president was given the responsibilities of the VPI,” MacKay said.

Gher-White was unavailable for comment, but Gill said that Gher-White stated personal wellness reasons for her resignation.

“We wish Ms.Gher-White the best in all of her future endeavours,” Gill said in an email.

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Community Classroom //

Experiential learning pilot comes to UFV CityStudio pilot paves the way for long-term collaboration with the City of Abbotsford JESSICA BARCLAY NEWS EDITOR

This year, UFV will run a pilot of five experiential learning courses through the winter and summer semesters, where students work with city officials to implement a project in the Abbotsford community.

This CityStudio pilot program will look to pave the way for a multiyear experiential learning collaboration between the City of Abbotsford and UFV. CityStudio is an initiative that began in 2011 between Simon Fraser University and the City of Vancouver that works to bring experiential learning into the classroom by connecting students directly with Vancouver City Hall.

Students work on projects in the classroom that address challenges the city has identified and proposed, collaborating directly with city officials in a studio to plan and implement the projects within the community. For each CityStudio course, a city official will be assigned to work directly with the professor to design and create common goals for the project.

Dr. Eric Davis, UFV vice president academic and provost, defines experiential learning as hands on learning. This can take on many forms; working in a science lab can be considered experiential learning or, in the case of CityStudio, working out in the community to complete a project.

“Students are increasingly asking for experiential learning opportunities, as well as opportunities for applied and community engaged research,” Davis said. “This answered both of those requests.”

The studio, a unique feature of the CityStudio initiative, provides a neutral space for students and city officials to come together and brainstorm. It is located in an area away from both the university and city hall. Abbotsford’s studio is planned to be located in the old Centennial Library in downtown Abbotsford, though a temporary location will be found if the building is not ready in time for the pilot courses this semester.

According to Davis, the CityStudio model has been highly successful in Vancouver, with great benefits to both the city and to the university.

“The mayor of Vancouver had said that CityStudio has been a game changer for the city of Vancouver,” Davis said. “It’s helped transform City Hall, helped make City Hall more open, and has transformed student’s expectations and experience about their city.”

Craig Toews, UFV vice president external, said that CityStudio helps the city by bringing in student’s energy and enthusiasm to help solve civic challenges. It also gives city officials a license to experiment with projects in a way they otherwise couldn’t.

“They don't have to take the fall if something goes a little bit awry,” said Toews.

“You can just blame it on CityStudio that they're experimenting. And how can you say no to students when they have a great project idea to try to solve some sort of problem?”

“Students always see ways around obstacles,” said Davis. “They haven't worked or lived long enough to become cynical. And it’s really energizing to work with people like that.”

Five city challenges have been selected for the CityStudio pilot of the 27 topics suggested by the city. According to Larissa Horne, experiential education coordinator and history instructor, all of the challenges that the university selected happen to coincide directly with Abbotsford’s long term strategic plan.

Community Arts Practice, VA 390, will be working to slow traffic by adding public art to residential areas. Horne, who spoke with students in this course earlier in the week, said there was a very positive response from students who live in the neighbourhood where the art installation will be located.

“The students are very excited,” Horne said. “They have attachment to the place, and they're proud that they can do something different in their community.”

Environment: Science and Communications, GEOG/CMNS 257, will address the

problem of litter within the Abbotsford community.

Work Spaces, Built Spaces, BUS 478, will likely be collaborating with Community and Interdisciplinary Relationships, CYC 402, on the removal of unnecessary fences around Abbotsford.

Civic Engagement and Participation, IDS 400F, is a seminar course working on a timely project that looks at increasing public participation in the democratic process at a local level, with municipal elections coming up in fall of 2018.

Students gain the experience of working directly with the city hall, and implementing a real project in their community. They also make potential connections with future employers.

Most importantly though, Horne believes experiential learning opportunities help to make more involved, communityaware citizens.

“I want students to understand that they made a contribution to the life and the betterment of their community,” said Horne.

“I’d like to hope that in this program, students get a sense that they can change the world,” said Davis. “That they don’t have to just accept the world as it is. The world actually is changeable, and it’s people like them who change it.”

The CityStudio organization will host an information presentation on Feb. 5 in A225, from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Finnegans Pup and Phoenix Ballroom. Jan. 14. (David Myles/Contributor)

Eros said that the pub and banquet hall were built large to go along with the 7,000 seat Abbotsford Events Centre next door. Over the years, with the Events Centre not often full, Phoenix and Finnegan’s became hard to fill up, too.

The original Finnegan’s at Kings Crossing was opened in 1987, and burnt down in 2005.

The reimagined Finnegan’s, and new Phoenix ballroom, reopened May 3, 2009.

Eros said that Finnegan’s and Phoenix saw many transformations over the years. Phoenix began as a fine dining spot with an upscale feel, while Finnegan’s hailed to the original’s oyster bar style.

Phoenix then became a nightclub for a time, before shifting predominantly towards banquets and catering.

“I’m really pleased with our time there overall,” Eros said.

“I’m thankful for [the Espositos], and I hope the community feels the same way as well.”

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OPINION

Jeff Mijo — Opinion Editor opinion@ufvcascade.ca

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Breaking Bread //

Is $25 enough to say “sorry?”

Nationwide price-fixing scheme revealed criminal charges or penalties,” as reported

by CTV News.

STAFF WRITER Loblaw and Weston have identified sevIf you’ve bought bread in the past 14 years, eral grocery and baking companies as being odds are you’ve been swindled. in on the scheme, including Canada Bread, Last December, Loblaw Companies Ltd. Walmart Canada, Sobeys, Metro, and Giant and its parent company George Weston Ltd., Tiger. So far, these companies have claimed which owns several Canadian grocery store they have found no evidence of price-fixing, chains, including Superstore, Shoppers and as of this writing, no proof of any of Drug Mart, T&T, No Frills, Fortinos, and these companies’ involvement has been reothers, admitted to being part of a price-fix- vealed to the public. If found guilty, those ing conspiracy with several other Canadian involved face stiff penalties in the form of grocery chains and baking companies to ar- fines of up to $25 million, up to 14 years in tificially inflate the price of bread. prison, or a combination of both.

Over the course of the 21st century, bread As a way of apology to its customers, Loprices in Canada rose at twice the normal blaw is offering a $25 gift card to people who rate of other foodstuffs, even taking infla- wish to apply for one. The card can be applied tion and flour prices into account, accord- for by filling out an application form on Loing to CTV News and statistics quoted in the blaw’s official site. Individuals are eligible to Globe and Mail. Since bread is a staple food, receive a card if they have purchased bread this inevitably cost consumers hundreds, from Loblaw or any of their subsidiaries beperhaps thousands of dollars over the peri- tween January 1, 2002 and March 1, 2015 od above and beyond what they should have (the period during which Loblaw claims the been rightfully paying. price-fixing arrangement was in effect), and Loblaw’s confession came at a time when are at or above the age of majority in one’s the federal government’s Competition Bu- province of residence. Applications will be reau was conducting an investigation into accepted until May 8, 2018. Loblaw states suspicions of price-fixing among grocery that it reserves the right to limit the supply chains. However, despite investigations and of gift cards, so if you wish to apply for one, searches of company offices last fall, the it is best to do so sooner rather than later.

Bureau was unable to find any evidence, However, for some, a $25 gift card and until Loblaw and George Weston came for- an apology isn’t good enough. A number of ward. Loblaw and Weston have agreed to class-action lawsuits are underway, as afcooperate with the Competition Bureau on fected citizens take Loblaw to task for their the condition, in the words of Loblaw and dishonest practices, and the financial damGeorge Weston Ltd. CEO Galen Weston, age they have inflicted over the years. Irene that “Neither George Weston Ltd., nor Lo- Breckon, a senior citizen and poverty activblaw, or their respective employees will face ist from Sudbury, Ontario, who has filed a

ALEISTER GWYNNE

A loaf of bread. (Creative Commons)

class-action lawsuit for $1 billion, and who was quoted by the CBC said, “I’m very involved with people who have very little … they don’t have money for the basics, and then you find out these large companies are cheating us, it’s just wrong.”

Loblaw has stated that while individuals who have accepted their gift card are free to bring forth litigation against them, the $25 will be deducted from any settlement they receive. However, according to the gift card application page on their website, taking a card will have no effect on legal settlements.

While a $25 gift card is admittedly bet-

ter than nothing, it still doesn’t come close to covering the unjustified expenses that nearly all of us have been forced to give over at one time or another. The fact that Loblaw and George Weston have handed themselves a get-out-jail-free card by cooperating with the Competition Bureau only adds to the bad taste in our mouths. These lawsuits may be the only way that Loblaw and co. will face serious consequences for their actions.

Hopefully the plaintiffs can extract some measure of justice, and strike a blow against the corporate actors who have such contempt for their customers, and for the law.

Year in Review //

Thematic thinkings

Looking back at what struck a chord in 2017, and forward at what might in 2018 JEN KLASSEN CONTRIBUTOR

Theme. It’s a constant topic of conversation in any English class you ever take.

Its somewhat synonymous neighbour, “mission statement,” is a topic in business classes as well. Regardless of what perspective you are looking from, theme is a relevant idea in our culture. As we are now well into 2018, we can assess what our previous year seemed to be about, and look forward to altering, or emphatically continuing, the path we found ourselves travelling.

Last year, we saw the presidency of the controversial Donald Trump begin, and in response, saw a large community of women across the world band together against him and what he represents. We saw the “#MeToo” movement gain traction, and saw women all over the world begin to speak up against the sexist, the racist, and the demeaning.

Closer to home, we saw our commu-

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nity of Abbotsford come together over the tragic shooting of police officer John Davidson. The support raised was overwhelming, and an amazing testament to the people of Abbotsford, and the Lower Mainland as a whole.

In addition to the heart-rending events in our area, we also saw an upswing of local businesses coming together to work collaboratively, combining their artistic talents and passion for people together into various projects. Fieldhouse Brewing hosted events with local musicians, featured local farmers’ products, and joined forces with businesses in the area to create unique functions at their venue. Other places, such as Old Hand Coffee and Duft & Co., work together on a regular basis.

And really, what goes better than good coffee and great desserts?

In my life personally, I began to become more involved with the neighbours I have lived beside for two years. I conversed with the women who live in townhouses next to me. We discussed their lives, their pets,

and their families. I said “hi” to people I interacted with when getting my groceries, or at Starbucks when I grabbed my 2 p.m. pick-me-up. As an introvert, each of these interactions caused me some panic, I will admit, but I found that after I managed to conquer the initial “holy crap” panic, it became easier the second time.

2017 saw communities of people coming together in trying circumstances, but it also celebrated that the world is still filled with good people with big hearts. And with all the monstrosities of natural disasters, of shootings, of sexual harassment allegations, and other horrendous news that peppers our lives, it is refreshing to be reminded that there is still support to be found, and that there are still people who genuinely care.

So for 2018, which themes should continue? What should we see carry on? The Golden Globes, which kicked off this new year, seems to be a very good place to start.

The “#MeToo” movement continues. We saw these women, clad in black, bringing

women’s rights activists as their dates. We heard the speech from Oprah, saying that the “time is up” for the unfair and unethical way many women are treated, in both work and life. 2018 has started off on the strong, right foot of a movement that isn’t dying out anytime soon, and I think we should follow that lead.

I believe the theme of community, in its various forms, took 2017 by storm, and for 2018, I hope to see this theme continue. I hope that each of us can take a moment, between textbook chapters, part time jobs, and the long drive on Highway 1, to take a glance inward, and figure out how we too can participate in our community, in supporting the people around us, in becoming aware of the stories of the fellow humans we share the planet with, and even the fellow humans we share campus with. Get out of your comfort zone, get involved, find your voice — your story — and share it, because somebody else may need to hear it, and may need your support to continue to carry on.

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Minimum Wage Woes //

Tim Hortons working conditions are even worse than their coffee KAT MARUSIAK MANAGING EDITOR

This year, minimum wage in Ontario was raised from $11.60 to $14 an hour, and as a result, all low-income workers everywhere are celebrating, and seeing a huge increase to their quality of living. ...I’m just kidding, of course a lot of them are still suffering just as much, if not even more so because of it.

You’ve probably already heard amidst the cacophony of internet outrage that Tim Hortons in particular has been mistreating employees as a result. At locations in Cobourg and Kingston, Ontario, employees were asked to sign documents outlining how they would no longer be receiving paid breaks, and also losing other incentives and bonuses while simultaneously seeing an increase in the cost of benefits, explaining that “These changes are due to the increase of wages to $14.00 minimum wage on January 1, 2018, then $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2019, as well as the lack of assistance and financial help from our head office and from the government.”

Similar accounts have followed from other locations around the province, including one in St. Thomas which has reportedly even started making employees pay for their own uniforms (at a cost of around $90-100) according to the CBC News, and another in Scarborough announced that employees would no longer be allowed to keep tips, but rather they must go into the till.

As all of this has been brought to light, people have become, to put it politely, pretty pissed off about it. And rightly so, as Tim Hortons has happily profited for years off of being branded as the quintessential, wholesome Canadian coffee/donut shop, so of course Canadians aren’t going to be all that impressed when the company starts to reek more and more noticeably of typical, capitalistic greed.

Not that this plummet in public image is anything new. Customers have become steadily more disillusioned with the franchise as its overall quality started to dip: freshly-made bakery items replaced with frozen, prices rose despite taste not improving, and employees nationwide are subjected to the same miserable, minimum wage conditions seen at many large fast food franchises.

Several years ago, I had the “pleasure” of experiencing what it was like to work the graveyard shift at two Chilliwack Timmies locations. We were given a coffee “break” where we were required to be on call, and on our unpaid lunch break we had to stay within sight of the till. After we’d clocked out, su-

Tim Hortons in Cocharane, Ontario. (Wikimedia Commons)

pervisors would often demand we stay and finish cleaning if the job was not yet done to their satisfaction — something I personally outright refused. Needless to say, I was happy to get out, as I’d felt mistreated and unappreciated for the entire duration of my time there despite working hard for very little pay, and I’ve heard several similar stories both from others I worked with, as well as those who have worked at other locations in the Fraser Valley.

While I’m not deaf to the consternation and frustrations of franchise owners and the obstacles that a government-mandated wage increase entail, I can’t say I’ve ever seen a Tim Hortons owner who was exactly “suffering,” and the parent corporation certainly isn’t. The Toronto Star reported that the Great White North Franchisee Association had found the cost to each franchisee as a result of the wage increase would be

approximately $6,968 per employee, totalling around $243,889 a year for stores with an average of 35 employees. They also found in Tim Hortons’ latest year-end report that franchises made $6.4 billion in total sales in 2016. It’s outrageous to suggest that minimum wage workers should need to be punished or penalized for the sake of the franchises they’re already expected to go the extra mile for, despite often still being treated like disposable garbage in return. These are human beings who deserve a living wage, not to have their benefits stripped away.

Tim Hortons seems to be doing very little to combat this PR nightmare, outside of their head office making a statement blaming these actions as being those of a “rogue group” of franchisees that don’t reflect their overall values. But in light of their current embarrassing fiasco, competitors

are taking the opportunity to take a different, better approach to increasing wages.

Vancouver’s JJ Bean Coffee Roasters, who also have locations in the Toronto area, announced that they have raised B.C. workers’ wages to the same minimum now required in Ontario, as they feel it’s the “right thing to do.” While they plan to raise some prices to accommodate the change, it would seem likely that a good deal of people won’t mind paying an extra dime or two if it means helping those making the bare minimum.

Tim Hortons will apparently soon be raising prices on some breakfast items, though according to a spokesperson, these increases were part of “regular adjustments” unrelated to the wage increase.

7

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

‘Perk’atory — we’ve all ‘bean’ there

A bit of perspective UFV’s a pretty small university, right? It certainly feels like that, when we’ve got a handful of monolithic institutions an hour’s drive away. The Cascade even ran a feature back in 2016 called “Sometimes small is kind of cool,” talking about the upsides to our small student body and class sizes.

But recently, I was speaking to a couple of students who worked at other university newspapers, and mentioned that I was from a small school, with around 14,000 students. (My number may have been off, but more or less.) They were taken aback and laughed that I called that “small.” Both were from Nova Scotia, one from Dalhousie, which they considered a big school (with its approximately 19,000 students) and the other from St. Francis Xavier University, which has just under 4,000.

While UFV certainly has nothing on the likes of UBC in terms of size, maybe we shouldn’t think of our school as small.

Maybe I’ll go with calling it “midsized” next time.

Brief bits of bite sized brevity

Jeff Mijo

SNAPSHOTS

I guess I’m a trendsetter now I’m the first to admit that I’m not the most trend-conscious person out there. I get 100 per cent of my clothes from thrift stores, and I have no idea what’s in style this week, let alone this year. However, one trend that has flown onto my radar is phone cord hair ties.

What, you may ask, is a phone cord hair tie? It’s exactly what it sounds like — some genius or wizard has created a hair tie that looks and feels exactly like a vintage curly phone cord (without the phone, of course).

People praise them widely for being the only hair ties out there that don’t give you that “I’ve had this thing in my hair for six hours” bump in your hair when you take it out.

I’ve done thorough research into them over the break (aka wearing one nearly every day of the break), and I can confirm that these things leave no bumps in your hair, and look darn cool, too. And, for you tactile folk, these things are truly a joy to play with.

Final rating: 10/10.

Illustrations: Amara Gelaude

8

I have a bad habit. That habit is caffeine.

Often, I tell myself it’s totally fine if I stay up until 4:00 a.m. working on random projects. I’ll just start the next day with my trusty friend, “Sleep in a Can,” who is otherwise known as a Monster or Rockstar energy drink. I also find myself stopping by Starbucks, Tim Hortons, or our on-campus coffee shop, Fairgrounds, way too often for that extra bit of espresso that keeps me going.

I know it’s unhealthy, and have tried to cut down on many occasions. But quitting cold turkey is essentially impossible, and cutting it out slowly is a long and tedious process. If these two options weren’t difficult enough to deal with, often your efforts are all for naught. Eventually, your lack of sleep and energy will catch up with you, and you will find yourself reaching for a hot cup of java once again. If you have yet to hook yourself on this deceiving devil of a drug, save yourself while you still can. It is most definitely a trap.

Cassie de Jong

Curtailed commentary on current conditions

Transfer trivia

Cat Friesen

I love e-transferring money to people.

Not because it’s easier, and not because it saves me from having to give out a handful of mismatched change and pocket lint; I love it because of the customizable security questions.

You want the $7 I owe you for nachos?

No problem. But first, I’m gonna need you to figure out the six-letter name for the specific kind of reptile I’m thinking of.

Oh, and the $10 I owe you for karaoke?

It’s rightfully yours, as long as you can remember what brand of shoes I was wearing yesterday.

The only downside to this method is when the person can’t figure out the answer, and you yourself have forgotten it altogether. In this case, the nacho and karaoke money will be in a weird state of limbo for a month or so. Other than that, e-transfer is the best way to simultaneously repay debt, and catch your friends off-guard with new and exciting questions. And honestly, it’s far more entertaining.

Laurel Logan

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Ride Hailing //

VancoUber?

Does Uber have a place in Vancouver?

An UBER application is shown as cars drive by in Washington, DC. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP)

who often face long wait times in getting a taxi, saying that by connecting taxi serCONTRIBUTOR vices throughout B.C. with this platform, This week in Vancouver, Uber, the Ameri- the entrance of Uber would be unnecessary can-based technology company and ride in B.C. MLA and B.C. Green Party leader hailing service, is presenting (alongside Andrew Weaver objected to this solution, the B.C. Taxi Association) their plans for stating that it would remove the competithe future of ride hailing in B.C. to a com- tion that is so vital for creating a market mittee of selected MLAs from all parties. that will naturally offer consumers the best The B.C. Taxi Association proposed an app price and choice.

I can understand the resistance that called Kater, in association with tech company Monark, as a solution for B.C. riders taxi drivers have towards Uber; it looks

PAUL OKANO

as though they will become obsolete. As a consumer, why should I dial the phone, or use the app of a local taxi service, and risk a long wait due to a shortage, or the relatively small amount of current drivers, when I could enjoy the luxury that Uber likely offers me: a larger pool of available drivers, bug-free software, and easy payment options. This technological age is launching us into a new era of efficiency and connectivity, and organizations must be prepared to stay on the cutting edge, or risk being left

behind.

Technology and innovation always have, and will continue to move humanity forward, allowing us to enjoy a greater quality of living and levels of productivity not previously known.

However, innovation is disruptive, and one needs to be prepared to act when the status quo is being challenged. So yes, Uber is going to change the taxi and ride hailing industry, and the question is if taxi companies will change with the times, or like Sears, be left behind by more technologically savvy companies, like Amazon.

As much as the status quo is familiar and comfortable, it seems wasteful to stay that way when a better alternative is available. Rather than see Uber as a threat, the taxi industry ought to see it as an opportunity to change their own model of doing business to embrace the future. As dangerous as Uber seems to be to B.C.’s taxi economy, self-driving cars are likely to bring an even greater transfer of jobs yet.

I’m sure people balked at the thought of gas-powered engines in an age when horses took you around town, and provided the power for large scale agriculture, yet here we are. Horses had to take new jobs and roles in society, yet I think we can all safely say replacing horses with the combustion engine has propelled mankind forward. Why not give Uber the same chance?

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9

Home

a city scape

here, there, somewhere

By Joel Robertson-Taylor

M

ission: find a room.

But I keep getting distracted. The subway looks like a mirror held against a mirror — row after row of people stand and sit. They all look the same. The SkyTrain, which I’m familiar with, is made of seperate cars — can’t look the length of it. Looking straight down the TTC Subway, passengers arc their way up — first the front, then each car follows — and to the side and down and around as the subterranean train winds beneath Toronto.

The way it looks: like when you stare into a reflection of a mirror in a mirror, and move it around. It bends with each mirror after mirror, passenger after passanger, forever.

I’m looking at the other passengers, obviously disinterested in my affairs, but I’m ready with a defence for anyone who might ask. “I figured I’d have a better lay of the land once here,” or something.

Second night in town, and still no room.

Fortunately, a friend’s parents put me up for a night.

Spending time to spend less on a room, I’ve wasted hours since I landed, on and off, scrolling through Airbnbs. Now I just want something under $40 a night. The week between Christmas and the new year: should have booked a month ago.

Hostels are good, practically the same price as a cheap hotel though.

Here I am, counting each cent for the night, and yet I’ll spend more on lunch than the night’s bed. The economy of being a millenial.

Let’s go with a hostel. Mine’s the next stop, I’ll book when I surface into reception. Not sure if I’m living out of a suitcase, proverbially, metaphorically speak-

ing, or living out of an iPhone.

I trip up the stairs from the TTC subway: Daylight. Foreshadowing? I awake, essentially, to a bundle of filthy blankets and Tim Hortons cups.

“Cold?”

“Huh?” “Are you cold?” I clarify. Probably too casual with someone I don’t know. It’s a habit.

“No,” he asserts.

The walk sign changes.

“Cool,” I respond. Great help I was, I think as I walk on with a mob of pedestrians. At least I asked. This isn’t the West Coast, you can’t just live outside here.

How do they do it, I wonder.

College and Yonge Street. From here, the sky looks bright and clear. The air is a lie though; everything I look at, concrete and glass walls, alleys, gigantic advertisement screens, it’s all on the other side of a -10°C choke hold. In minutes, my moustache is ice — condensation from breath. Not long after, the rest of my beard is stiff.

The hostel emailed a booking confirmation. That was easy. Dragging my carry on — ready to burst, with two weeks’ provisions — I walk south on Yonge. I could have checked a larger bag, but I will not lose another blazer at Toronto Pearson.

The city is complex. It’s also contained.

Getting to the hostel, I double check the address. Won’t make that mistake again. Steep stairs lead to a glass door, which opens to more stairs stretching out of sight. It’s all brick. The hostel patio is small, just enough room for a team huddle and an ashtray. Hostel door on the left, backdoor of a Mediterranean diner

on the right. Not a bad pair.

I climb the flight and wander to the front desk. Apparently it’s overbooked, and someone’s sleeping on the couch. I get a bed by luck; I don’t inquire, it’s probably a mixup. Is it odd that the hostel’s patrons include businessmen and welldressed travellers? Can nobody afford a real room, or is this slumming? Is it neither, is the hostel a cultural experience?

Explains the rising prices.

“There’s a $10 deposit for a key. The outside door locks at 11:00, so I recommend getting one. I’ll get you your bed sheets. Bathroom’s before the kitchen.

Take your shoes off at the door, too much water getting tracked in.”

“Cool, thanks.”

“Any info you need is on the board behind you, or ask. Wifi password’s there too.”

“Great.”

“The bunk at the back of the room is free.”

“The room at the end?”

“Yup.” “This one?”

“Yes.” “Thanks.”

I hoist myself up the bunk ladder, the whole bed leans into me. Instinctively, I lean into it, rebalancing. It steadies. Reassuring. Glad I’m on the top.

Unpacked, sheets mounted on the bed, laptop hidden: dinner sounds good.

Where to go? I start out.

You can feel the ice in the air. A chill that seems mythical, so I’d been calling it a dastardly wind.

I first stroll, then canter, keeping pace with determined looking walkers. Deter-

mined to arrive, or determined to stay warm? Not sure where I’m going yet, I like a quick gait, though. Where for food?

I don’t even know the town’s districts.

There’s familiarity in Chinatown: unfamiliarity. Foreign characters, unreadable languages. Just like the cities I know well.

Just like home.

Walking south, I pass giant financial institutions, and their big buildings. A cathedral, large in stature, but not looming.

Just ornamental. I wonder what they do inside. St. Andrew’s, it says on a sign. I had guessed St. Peter’s.

Along the way, I notice every manhole is hidden by a body, curled up, collecting heat from the escaping steam. Rancid smell, I wonder how long it takes to get used to. Through an alley, behind a hotel/bar, then down towards the CN Tower, I wandered too far; got to go west, and back north a bit. Now late for dinner. Late for a date with my imagination.

Back to the hostel. Home for the week.

Abode for deployment — to galleries, museums, and jazz bars — basecamp of the adventure. That’s what the city’s good for. It has to be good at it. A good city is a mosaic. This is the melting point, boiled down to a cultural reduction.

S

unday.

My phone’s second morning alarm increases in volume, and I flail through the sheets to find it. Adrenaline now deployed, I kill the soft piano music — which is actually awfully harsh piano music — anxiety inducing — as it gets louder and louder. Music off, the room realizes it’s calm once again. Someone rolls over; the sanitary plastic hospital-style mattress

shrieks and crumples under any twitch.

I prop myself up slowly, to avoid waking this banshee.

I figured I’d go to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church — it’s more of a cathedral (technically Romanesque Revival) — for their Sunday morning service. A cultural experience, never been to a Presbyterian church. I also became curious about the sandwich board sign out front that I passed on my way to a pub. “Out of the Cold,” it said. Food program for homeless or something.

I put on what some of the hostel-mates call my “Vancouver jacket.” “Vancouver,” because it looks good, but that’s about all it does. Brown boots slipped on; scarf wrapped tight and tucked into my vest.

Ready.

a damned job at brightening the room.

The back of the cathedral is complex.

There’s a language within the rite. Each sign and symbol, significant for some

frustrated drivers. There’s tension, aggravation. People walk quickly. It’s New Year’s Eve, and it’s still cold.

reason, whether for conveying divinity, sovereignty, or for the sake of itself — meaning lost to time, only the symbol remaining. A symbol of time, but only implied.

The back of the building, behind the sanctuary, is outfitted with a proper kitchen and tables set up in the adjacent room. A box of knives and boxes of vegetables on one table. I hang my coat with dozens of others at the entrance, roll up my sleeves, test the knives’ sharpness.

Chopping is meditative. Slicing, peeling, sorting; all forms of meditation. Great sages must have peeled a lot of potatoes, I think to myself. It’s true. Peel, peel, peel; chop, chop chop; knife down, cutting board up, slide the cubes into a bucket.

I repeat several times before changing techniques. Peel, chop; peel, chop; peel, chop; knife down, board up, into a bucket.

The first technique is faster, but I’m new to meditation, and monotony feels a lot like withdrawals.

Leaving, I’m encouraged. It’s good to be in a room of strangers prepping food for the hungry. Encouraging each other in love, as it were; love for a city.

I start walking home, walking as fast as is just short of a jog. The streets are chaotic and angry. It’s busy, very busy.

Home. Leaning on the stairwell of my hostel’s porch to chat with a few hostel mates on their cigarette break; I watch a car wait more than 10 minutes before inching into the torrent of pedestrians to push past into a left turn. Road traffic speaks, horns a conversation between

New Year’s is extravagant. Fireworks are nice. Fanfare and crows. The mates and I stay up late. Two minutes from the action, we walk back and forth from the Nathan Phillips Square, where the outdoor ice rink and fireworks are. Where the concert was supposed to be. It’s too cold, so the city shortened the lineup. It’s just too cold to be outside at night. We brave it for smokes and cheers, but our night needs the light and warmth of the indoors.

The cold is disorienting.

I arrive at St. Andrew’s: Wooden doors, large. A shivering doorman with a welcoming smile.

“Can I bring this inside?”

“I don’t see why not,” he responds, smiles knowingly.

I sit down, spend a moment balancing my coffee beside me on the wooden bench, give up, set it on the ground, and begin to take off my coat. No, better not; it’s cold inside too. I reverse the landing process and take a sip of coffee, this time keeping it in hand. I settle back as an observer.

The preacher’s sermon is themed on the new year, looking forward. We sing hymns older than this city. We stand up, sit down; stand up, sit down. Rituals.

He delivers parting words, and mentions the Out of the Cold program: “We can always use more hands. Plenty of potatoes, onions, and carrots to chop.”

Leaving the sanctuary, we shake the preacher’s hand: “Thank you, pastor.

Great sermon.”

A priestly looking priest. A look that makes him hard to see. Hard to differentiate from past priests.

He extends his hand. So do I, then I pause.

“Do you actually need people, or was that a pleasantry?”

“No, no. I think today we’ll be short. We usually do need more hands.”

“I’ll stay then.”

“Wonderful. Follow the back hall. The ladies in the kitchen will put you to work.”

I turn and walk. “Thank you, pastor.

Great sermon,” I hear over my shoulder.

I pass stained-glass windows set in the brick walls of a darkened room. They turn the sun’s light, pure light, into rainbows.

The colours fall around my feet. They’re pretty. They’re beautifully crafted, but do

I

awake, shower, pour coffee, stare at a plate of crackers and cheese, pour another coffee.

In the common room, there’s a TV. I switch on the CBC. First story of 2018: Another cold weather warning was issued last night: Beds went unfilled.

Apparently there was “confusion” over the amount of free beds available to homeless. Several workers were told that the shelters were full. They weren’t.

It was -22°C, no confusion about that.

Last night, most shelters operated at 94 per cent capacity. Street workers who called in looking for beds were told the shelters were full: The CBC story continues: city officials confirmed that the 62 shelters are at 94 per cent.

Doug Johnson Hatlem, activist and former street pastor who spent seven years advocating for the city’s homeless, called the central intake to ask if beds were available at the city’s newest emergency shelter. When he walked down to the shelter, it appeared that there was space.

He accused the city of being cheap; said city staff deliberately “fudged” data.

Apparently independent shelters get paid a per diem for the beds that are filled, the CBC reported, not the beds that sit empty. If the bed’s unfilled, the city doesn’t have to pay for it. The city explained why the beds were unfilled: Paul Raftis, the general manager of the city’s Shelter, Support and Housing Administration (SSHA), told reporters that he’s “very concerned” with the communications mistake. He blames a “very dynamic” system, in which the beds “fill and become empty regularly through the 24-hour period.”

“They have beds, but they’re not releasing them,” Hatlem said, suggesting it wasn’t a miscommunication between Toronto’s shelters and the downtown call centre that’s exposing the city’s unhoused to the bitter cold.

“This is a strategy the city has had for years. Once they get over about 90 to 95 per cent capacity, then they start telling people the beds are full.”

“Damn.”

I pull up the Globe and Mail app on my phone. Pullquote: “Someone is not counting, or somebody is outright lying.” Said

by Paul Ainslie, councillor for Scarborough East.

Interestingly, the community responded. The CBC story continues: Jennifer Evans, a community volunteer, saw that one of the intake centres posted that they were full. She reached out to her online network saying she’d pay for a hotel room if others did too. Over 130 people pledged to pay for rooms, some paid for multiple rooms.

Street workers, activists, and overdose prevention workers all reported over the course of the weekend that they couldn’t find beds.

A man isn’t far from street living. Three or four bad decisions away from sleeping on the ground.

Curiously, this hostel shuts down for good this week. Another hostel to close.

More money in renting space to lawyers.

The long term tenants here will probably find another room. Probably. The unhoused on the streets of Toronto and Vancouver weren’t capable of civilized living — unique cases of falling from grace. Nothing like my situation.

I lay back on the common room couch and I wonder: what does it mean to be one of the richest cities in the world?

Must be a complex issue.

STUDY BREAK Crossword //

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Made by Cassie de Jong

ACROSS

DOWN

3: An arthropod found on the sides of docks, ships, and large rocks on beaches.

1: Country home to Machu Picchu.

5: A black powdery substance produced by the burning of coal, wood, oil, etc.

4: An expression meaning weakness in spite of overall strength, named after the body part of a hero in Greek mythology.

6: Small particles produced by sawing wood.

8: A small, wingless, parasitic insect often found on dogs and cats.

9: The eighth farthest planet from the sun.

10: The highest mountain range in Europe.

11: Chemical solvent used to clean nail polish.

13: A retail establishment that usually sells a variety of meats and cheeses.

14: A sweet frozen dessert, usually made from milk or cream, that comes in a wide variety of flavours.

2: Words that sound like the sound they describe.

5: The period of human history when we developed stone tools.

6: China’s biggest city.

7: A surgeon who specializes in teeth.

12: A long, narrative style of poetry that often recounts the deeds of a legendary hero.

LAST ISSUE’S ANSWERS: 1: Oven 5: Ribosome 6: Orc 8: Sushi 9: Taco 11: Oahu 12: Epoxy 14: Aid 15: Gratuity 16: Echo

2: Virus 3: Nova Scotia 4: Impeach 5: Robin Hood 6: Optometry 7: Chromosome 10: Archery 13: Youth

Written by Amara Gelaude and Brooklyn Driediger, Illustrated by Amara Gelaude

Horoscope //

Astrological mysteries rudely interpreted by Lady May Leo — Jul 23 to Aug 22 Leos generally have to be different in every way possible. You order kids meals at expensive restaurants and wear Halloween costumes year-round. Keep doing what you love while ignoring the negativity, and your life will be happy and peaceful.

Taurus — Apr 20 to May 20 Your life will be anything but peaceful. You are destined to marry several times just for the hell of it, yet never divorce. The stars say you will land yourself in a heap of trouble.

Virgo —Aug 23 to Sep 22 You are the superhero of your friend group when it comes to tragedy. At even the slightest whisper of misfortune in someone’s life, you show up at their front door with a tub of ice cream and a bottle of wine. Keep doing what you do, the universe applauds you.

Capricorn — Dec 22 to Jan 19 Small children and pets always love Capricorns. This is good consolation considering adults generally avoid you. No matter, attract as many strays as you can, and you’ll have an army of cute that no human could ever resist.

Libra — Sep 23 to Oct 22 Your wardrobe is so coordinated it’s disturbing. Your outfits are always symmetrical, and you organize the clothes in your closet by colour. For the sake of your peer’s sanity, wear mismatched socks one day. Give them some sort of flaw.

Aquarius — Jan 20 to Feb 18 Sometimes the most vexing people have the most useful abilities. Surround yourself with a band of friends as annoying as you, and you could take over the world.

Scorpio — Oct 23 to Nov 21 You’re always trying to invent the next big thing. This includes, but is not limited to, coining your own slang to describe things.

But stop trying to make “poise” happen, it’s not going to happen.

Pisces — Feb 19 to Mar 20 You are way too easy to mess with. Someone will tell you this week that you have something between your teeth. Pay them no attention, as they’re trying to get you to panic over nothing at all... or are they?

Gemini — May 21 to Jun 20 This week one of your peers will do something to try and make you proud. They will fail miserably, but try to smile and nod as they present their “triumph” to you.

12

Sagittarius — Nov 22 to Dec 21 This week, you will find yourself in a massive hurry to get nowhere. Try to keep your mind on the task at hand rather than getting caught up in a dozen other projects. You owe yourself a cup of tea and an hour to relax before getting back to your to-do list.

Aries — Mar 21 to Apr 19 You take organization a tad too far. Heaven forbid that someone attempts to put things back into your refrigerator. They always put it where it doesn’t belong, and you end up yelling at them for upsetting the delicate balance of your deli section.

Cancer —Jun 21 to Jul 22 You’re often caught saying things you shouldn’t, and doing whatever you want.

Try to tone that down this week and avoid imposing your feelings or beliefs on others.

Being respectful of boundaries goes a long way.

CULTURE

Cassie de Jong — Culture Editor culture@ufvcascade.ca

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

S’eliyemetaxwtexw Gallery //

A sea of beauty and plastic

On campus art installation takes a closer look at the damage done to our oceans by plastics CASSIE DE JONG CULTURE & EVENTS EDITOR

Attendees admire a gallery-wide installation by Madeline Hildebrandt. (Cassie de Jong/The Cascade)

If you find yourself with an extra 20 minutes on the Abbotsford campus this week, and transporting yourself to an undersea wonderland sounds enticing, take a moment to visit Deep Sea Changes by UFV visual arts student Madeline Hildebrandt.

Deep Sea Changes is an installation piece that portrays a deep sea environment made from a variety of plastic wastes. The main ideas revolve around plastics in the ocean, and the environmental concerns associated with that issue.

Many may be familiar with Booster Juice, the popular chain of Canadian smoothie bars. Hildebrandt, being a former employee of theirs, claims recycling isn’t the company’s forte. In an interview, the UFV artist mentioned, “I would take a lot of stuff home because it wouldn’t get recycled, [such as] buckets. We would go through at least 15 a week, and they would always get thrown in the dumpster.” At least, before Hildebrandt started taking them home. In addition to not one, but two Booster Juice locations in Abbotsford, Hildebrandt also sourced her materi-

als from her own personal usage, and from friends and family. In the end, she gathered so much waste that a surplus remains, waiting to be used in later projects.

Hildebrand also spoke about wanting to do more for the environment, and this project is the first step on her journey to becoming more of an activist. People like to talk about getting plastic out of the ocean, but Hildebrandt believes that’s not where the problem lies. “You can stop it at the faucet, at the flow into the ocean.” It is vital that we try to remove as much plastic from our oceans as possible, but if we keep dumping more in, that’s counterproductive.

The materials present within Hildebrandt’s piece include chicken wire, plastic buckets, bottles, lids, straws, and a number of other high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics. All these materials make up structures depicting coral, seaweed, and a variety of marine life. There is a large fish in the centre of the installation, to which one’s eye is drawn instantly. The fish is covered in bits of plastic, and wrapped with lures and fishing line.

This is done with a specific purpose, as Hildebrandt wanted to put a human

element into the piece. She states: “You can’t look at [this], and not think that a human did that. So, we are now liable for what’s happening.”

According to Hildebrandt, Deep Sea Changes has been a year and a half in the making. This includes the development of her artistic practice, collecting the items, and developing the concept.

It started with a smaller sized project created in September 2016, which consisted of a handful of seaweed, coral, and fish structures. Hildebrandt believes her concept was fully developed at that time. It was during her time at Booster Juice that she realized how much waste they produced, and she decided to begin collecting the waste to build a larger scale project.

Hildebrandt wishes that by experiencing this exhibit, her audience will take away an appreciation for the beauty of the ocean, but at the same time realize the terrible fate that the human race is imposing on it. She urges each and every one of us to take a look at our life, and how we are contributing to the damage.

Deep Sea Changes will be on view at the S’eliyemetaxwtexw Art Gallery until January 25, 2018.

Nerf fight //

Full foam jacket

Foam darts fly at Nerf on UFV Turf event JOEL ROBERTSON-TAYLOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Battened down against a pile of debris, a lone student fumbles to reload foam darts into his semi-automatic Nerf rifle. Sweat beads off his face. He wipes his eyes; he wipes his hand along his pants. Loaded.

Cocked. He takes aim.

He shoots, misses. Every half-second adrenaline-flushed blood slams through his arteries, shaking his hands, wobbling his legs. That, and the poor ballistic quality of air-propelled foam makes the opponent hard to hit. The enemy is also fast; the enemy is agile.

Stay put and provide a base of fire or to storm the enemy base, a bean bag filled hula hoop. He must think fast.

The game is capture the flag. The battle: Nerf on UFV Turf.

Hosted by UFV campus rec and the physics students association last Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the event was put on for students to meet other students, and play a variety of Nerf games. Some of the games included defend the fortress, humans vs. zombies, and capture the flag.

“Different games involve different winning conditions, but generally all games involve hitting other players with Nerf darts,” Perrin Waldock, physics student association president said.

Close to 30 students enlisted, with about 20 on the battlefield during the height of the Nerf war.

“I was very happy with how enthusiastic

our players were, although having more people out would have been even more fun,” Waldock said. “The players seemed to enjoy the event, and already seemed to be planning for the next one.”

The event encouraged students to hang out on campus for fun and games. Waldock said this is part of the community he wants to see grow at UFV. “Students often go to classes, then leave as soon as they finish,” Waldock said. “I want to build a campus community by encouraging people to stay on campus outside of class time.”

UFV campus recreation program manager, Cheryl Van Nes, said that she’d like to see more events like this on campus, but it requires students to come to her with their ideas and interest. “[Perrin] and I both realized we wanted to run a Humans vs. Zombies event,” Van Nes said. We set up a meeting and started planning. The PSA did most of the event planning where Campus Recreation and Wellness supported the event with facility space, First Aid, food for volunteers and assisting with some of the logistics. We also consulted with Martin Kelley who recently retired from Student Life as he had ran a similar event a couple years ago.”

Van Nes and Waldock have already began talking about planning for September.

“My dream would be holding a large campus-wide event to engage our new students and show them that stuff other than classes happen at UFV,” Waldock added.

Nerf players battle for their honour, and bean bags. (Joel Robertson-Taylor/The Cascade)

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CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Mural Unveiling //

Celebrating Abbotsford’s agricultural heritage

Local business unveils new grand scale public art piece

The new Abbotsford mural along Sumas Way. Jan. 12 (Cassie de Jong/The Cascade)

CASSIE DE JONG CULTURE & EVENTS EDITOR

During your drive to and from the border this past week, or simply on a trip to Costco, you may have noticed a bright and shiny new addition to Sumas Way: a new mural recently commissioned by local business Empire Abbotsford Recycled Auto & Truck

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Parts. The mural was unveiled last Friday, January 12 from 2-4 p.m. by owner Neil James, with words from Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun.

James stated during the unveiling process that this project has been a goal of his for the past four years. He wished to utilize the space along the parking lot in front of his establishment, to give a gift to the citi-

zens of Abbotsford in the form of a mural.

In a speech at the unveiling, James described the artwork as “A piece of art that would celebrate the heritage of our city, and complement the natural beauty that surrounds us.”

The massive piece of art is 160 feet in length, which makes it the longest mural in Abbotsford. It is the product of artist Dean

Lauze, who is the owner of D’Arts, a local arts company that has been active in British Columbia for over 25 years, and has a long history in mural making. The mural’s subject matter is meant to celebrate Abbotsford’s agricultural heritage, by depicting a variety of scenes from our countryside, including crops, farmhouses, a child fishing, and farmers tending to animals.

CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Pro Tips //

A guide to online dating

One of your online dating “peers.” (NeONBRAND/Unsplash)

JACK DAVIS CONTRIBUTOR

I’m a frequenter of online dating sites.

I’ve tried them all: Flirt, Plenty Of Fish, WooPlus, Coffee Meets Bagel, OkCupid, BeNaughty, Pure, Match, eHarmony, Tinder, Bumble, Badoo, loveflutter, Hookup, DOWN, Blendr, Zoosk, and happn. And I can tell you they all suck. The guide is simple, don’t use online dating. If you are able to avoid it, then do. However if you can’t, here’s some tips.

Tip #1: Scammers love dating sites Most dating sites don’t have very good protection against scammers. Those that do, just have better scammers. Like maggots to an open wound, they infect online dating. Trying their best to steal your credit card information, or sell you nudes, or blackmail you, they are everywhere. Most target men, as most people on dating sites are men, but everyone is a target. Some of them are real people. Some of them will seem to put way too much effort into scamming you, but be aware.

Tip #2: You’re going to see some dicks There are people in this world who enjoy showing other people their dick. They have discovered dating sites, and use them as a consequence free way of showing people their dick. Just ignore them. Report them, block them, do whatever you have to do, but don’t respond. It’s not going away, but responding makes it worse — unless you enjoy receiving dick pics, in which case you are going to love online dating. If you’re a woman, it’s going to be far worse. Like in any argument, if left to continue, someone will compare someone to Hitler. Just as inevitably, anyone on any dating site will eventually see a penis. If you use dating sites and haven’t, either quit while you’re ahead, or brace yourself, ‘cause it’s coming.

Tip #3: You’re going to see some jailbait Sixteen year olds use dating sites; they just lie about their age. Most will be honest with you, but some won’t. Be cautious; if they look underage, but you’re too socially awkward to just ask them, go to a bar, or

somewhere they need to be carded. Also, don’t make it weird if someone asks for your age, they’re not trying to say that you look sixteen, it’s just that some sixteen year olds look twenty-four, and statutory rape is a very scary thing.

this by lying about their gender. Their target market is bisexuals, but if they see your profile, and they’re attracted, they’ll hit on you. Take it as a compliment, and treat them like the dick pic guys. Just ignore them. I mean, unless they’re really cute.

Tip #4: If you want a free hookup site, use Craigslist Creepy people and weird people use Craigslist, but real people also use Craigslist. There are still bots and scammers, but this particular website is not incredibly oversaturated with them. I’ve tried a few paid hookup sites, and I have generally been disappointed with the traffic. As a general rule, if you want a good hookup app, you’re going to have to pay for it, and be willing to drive. If you’re into dudes, most sites give you free membership, so go nuts.

Tip #6: Most people on dating sites are bad at dating The people who are good at dating don’t use dating sites for long. They’re too busy dating. You can’t be surprised when you meet creeps. Going to a dating site is like going to a seedy bar. Sure, you can meet good people there, but you can’t be surprised when someone offers to buy you a shot if you show them your chest.

Tip #5: Guys lie about their gender Women are in short supply on most sites, so to encourage women to join, they incentivize them with free premium features.

Some guys attempt to take advantage of

All this being said, if you still want to try online dating, go ahead. Just be aware of all of the above. You can meet good people online, but you’re either going to have to get lucky, or be willing to wade through a kiddie pool filled with dicks and KY Jelly.

If that sound like your cup of tea, go right on ahead. I’m not going to tell you how to live your life.

Kin Korner

Financing your education save you money. Save your hardearned cash by making the most of the services available to UFV CONTRIBUTORS students at no extra charge.

With a valid U-Pass, you can cut Kin Korner is a health and well- your transportation costs by usness column by the students of Jo- ing your unlimited access to the anna Sheppard’s Kinesiology 360 public transit systems of Abbotsclass. Check back every week for ford, Mission, and Chilliwack, or a wide variety of tips and tricks by using the Campus Connector of how to stay sane as a student in to shuttle between the Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses, or an insane world. commute in from Langley. Avoid A university education is a great high-priced gym membership fees long-term investment that will by visiting the recreation centres help students secure good paying in Abbotsford, Matsqui, and Misjobs in the future. But what about sion, free of charge. UFV Campus the financial issues students face Recreation also provides fitness while in school? Since school is so centres on both campuses, and expensive, this article aims to give offers drop-in sports and a variyou some helpful hints on saving ety of free fitness classes to UFV students. and budgeting your money.

Having problems with your Your student status can help

MELANIE MANSON & CONNOR MACMILLAN

laptop or other device? With your U-Pass, you can visit FixIT, a free service on campus (third floor, SUB) that provides support for all kinds of tech issues. Many businesses offer discounts to students, so always carry your student ID with you, and take advantage of any perks available off campus.

Textbooks can be one of the biggest expenses for university students. To save some money on books, make sure to attend the first class or talk to the instructor to confirm which textbooks are required and if older editions of the textbooks are acceptable. The UFV Bookstore offers a textbook price match program for a limited time each semester on purchases of new textbooks, so compare prices on website such as Amazon. ca and Chapters/Indigo.ca. Make

sure to do your research in order to take advantage of this program.

Also, many of your recently used textbooks can be turned back into cash during the UFV textbook buyback days.

Other money saving tips include checking if a textbook is available free on an open source website, or purchasing the digital textbook online. Borrowing textbooks from the library or friends, buying used textbooks from other students through textbook exchange groups on social media, and checking online websites that rent or sell used textbooks can also help you keep your textbook costs in check.

Don’t forget to check out what your bank has to offer. There are tax-free savings accounts where you can earn a certain percent-

age of what is in the account just for having it in there. Also, banks sometimes have special deals for students, so check to see if you are eligible for some extra savings.

Getting a part time job on weekends is a great way to earn some extra money, as well as getting valuable work experience. Make sure to put aside a few dollars every payday for any emergencies that may come up, and make a separate stash that is used just for yourself. As students, we are always so busy studying and attending classes, but we need to take care of ourselves, and that sometimes means abandoning the books and hitting up the movie theatre!

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CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

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.

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

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

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Chilliwack Home, Leisure & Outdoor Living Expo @ Chilliwack Heritage Park, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

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

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

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

Stand Up Comedy Night @ The Stage in Mission, 8:00 - 11:59 p.m.

Citizen Jane @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

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

Jackson Hollow @ Historic Dewdney Pub (Mission), 9:00 p.m. - Midnight Shawn Farquhar’s Cabaret of Wonders IX @ Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.

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Jana @ The Wellington Social House (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

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

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Chilliwack Home, Leisure & Outdoor Living Expo @ Chilliwack Heritage Park, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 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.

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3

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.

The Staggers and Jaggs @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Chicken-Like Birds @ 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.

50s Sock Hop Dance Party @ The Stage in Mission, 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

The Vancouver Motorcycle Show @ Tradex (Abbotsford), 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

Beethoven Plays Ball @ G.W. Graham Theatre (Chilliwack), 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Dance Party with Shelter Cats @ The Goddess Movement (Abbotsford), 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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

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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..

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.

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.

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

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

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

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Trevor McDonald: Piano & Vocals @ The Wellington Social House (Chilliwack), 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Whisky and the Wailin’ Witch @ Replay Boardshop (Abbotsford), 7:00 10:00 p.m.

Old Dominion @ Abbotsford Centre, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.

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Play: Cinderella @ Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Ballet Jorgen Masterclass & Pointe Shoe Clinic @ Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Galentine’s Day: A Fundraiser for Matthew’s House @ The Reach Gallery Museum (Abbotsford), 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

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Play: Anastasia @ Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.

ARTS

Martin Castro — Arts Editor

arts@ufvcascade.ca

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Film Review //

CHARTS

SHUFFLE

1

LEAH ABRAMSON Song For A Lost Pod

AARON LEVY

2

TOUGH AGE Shame

3

METZ Strange Peace

4

CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG Rest

5

NECKING Meditation Tape

Station Manager Aaron Levy is watching rather closely as we continue to experience the broad and overdue phenomenon of calling out powerful men who have abused their positions of power when it comes to women and romantic relationships with them. Here are some songs that may, in a tertiary way, speak to these developments one way or another.

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FAITH HEALER Try ;-)

7

GORD DOWNIE Introduce Yerself

8

CRYSTAL SHAWANDA Voodoo Woman

9

STEVE LACY Free For A Minute

10

REC CENTRE Dealer to the Stars

11

KAMASI WASHINGTON Harmony of Difference

12

SAM COFFEY AND THE IRON LUNGS Sam Coffey & The Iron Lungs

13

PALM Shadow Expert

14

NASHLYN Work It Out

15

WOOLWORM Deserve To Die

16

STARS There Is No Love In Fluorescent Light

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CHAD VANGAALEN Light Information

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ST. VINCENT MASSEDUCTION

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MERKULES Trust Your Gut

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JOHN MAUS Screen Memories

PATRIARCHY PUNCHER

The Shape of Water sees Guillermo del Toro return to form

Kate Tempest — “Grubby” This song is more of a poem put to music, as is the entire Kate Tempest discography — carefully crafted, expertly delivered, and sensationally arranged to bring spoken word and beat-style slam poetry to a musical forum that features the soon-to-be classic Tempest delivery telling identifiable stories of struggle.

Dead Prez — “Mind Sex”

“Before we make love, let’s have a good conversation,” exclaims this slowburner from the already classic hip-hop act responsible for songs like the Dave Chappelle theme “Hip Hop,” as well as my own personal favourite, the education system send up “They Schoolz,” with its much less thoughtful and sensitive lyrics.

Radiohead — “Burn the Witch” Is this song about the kinds of witch hunts some major media publications have been accusing the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements of carrying out against men in American institutions, or is it oriented more towards the kind of McCarthyism we saw in the ‘60s that may be emerging as a result of Trumpism stateside today?

Jump Smokers — “My Flow So Tight” Entirely catchy, danceable, and completely true, this song emerged in 2009 soon after Rihanna was found to have been physically abused by Chris Brown prior to a red carpet awards gala — it was followed up by a brief removal of Brown from the mainstream news cycle, but now he’s back.

MARTIN CASTRO ARTS EDITOR

As far as I can tell, the work of Mexican director Guillermo del Toro can be loosely divided into two categories. You’ve got what can broadly be referred to as “Hollywood” movies, which include Hellboy, Blade II, and Pacific Rim. The second category reads like a case study on macabre sort of magic realism, Cronos, The Devil’s Backbone, and Pan’s Labyrinth all deal with tragically human stories couched within fantastical incarnations of the real world.

In a pattern that’s perhaps too revealing when it comes to the kinds of movies Hollywood throws its weight behind, all of del Toro’s conventional action flicks are shot in English, and all of his more individual or independent productions are shot in Spanish. Whether this is a coincidence or not is up for debate. (After all, Crimson Peak, del Toro’s 2015 gothic romance was shot in English, and given a wide-release despite its slower pace and lack of jumpscares.)

The Shape of Water, a romance / origin story for Hellboy’s Abe Sapien character (played by Doug Jones), manages to bring to the forefront in an English-language setting the features of del Toro’s directing that make his Spanish-language films so captivating. There are certain conventions that run through del Toro’s work, such as a focus on monsters or characters deemed monstrous by society, as well as a preoccupation with “otherness,” which again surface in The Shape of Water. But where this film and Hellboy, for example, differ, is that the focus now isn’t on high-stakes action propped up by some vaguely-defined mythical backstory. Instead, The Shape of Water takes the infrastructure of his previous English-language films (the sets, budget, actors, even, to a degree, promotional coverage) and superimposes onto it his narrative preoccupation of telling compassionate love stories which just

so happen to take place in cold, unwelcoming environments.

On that front, The Shape of Water sees two outcasts come together (one of them arguably more of an outcast; he is, after all, a lake monster,) and find some sort of happiness with each other. If the film’s plot is successful in holding our attention, it does so because, while being a CGI-heavy period piece, it focuses on the realism within magic realism to tell its story. Which is to say, that instead of arguing how a monstrous fish-man is a poignant allegory for humanity, del Toro focuses his energy on showing us the humanity of Jones’ character. Mostly, this is done through short, symbolic interactions with a janitor, Elisa Esposito (played by Sally Hawkins).

While the plot itself is just about as Cinderella as they come, Del Toro’s patience in letting what’s ultimately this year’s weirdest on-screen romance unfold by itself lets the viewer focus on character relationships as they develop, as opposed to having to sit through scenes or plot points which exist only for the sake of action, or bear no relevance to the film’s central plot. (This patience also lets him avoid having to deal with being accused of preaching; the focus on character development instead of hitting plot points makes the story much more compelling.)

Is The Shape of Water the best love story of this year? Probably not, no. It’s not even del Toro’s best directorial feature (that honour goes to The Devil’s Backbone.) But The Shape of Water is (on top of being one of the most accessible of Del Toro’s movies) one of the most focused, interesting love stories Hollywood has come out with in a while. There’s no pandering, or heavy-handed attempts to say something universal about love. For the most part, The Shape of Water is as humble as they come.

It is weird as hell, though. But I suppose that comes with the territory.

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ARTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Netflix Review //

Wizards, teleportation, and energy vampires, oh my!

Season two of Dirk Gently is confusing but captivating

CAT FRIESEN COPY EDITOR

Last weekend, I was sick. Like, nose running, head pounding, I can’t stand up or I’ll fall over sick. My one beacon of light during that dire time was the second season of Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency. Teleportation, magical powers, and a strange fantasy land? Count me in.

The basic premise of the show is that Dirk (Samuel Barnett), a “holistic detective,” follows strange occurrences wherever they take him, followed by his friend / erstwhile sidekick Todd (Elijah Wood), whom he met in the first season. In this season, the pair start out divided, with Dirk trapped in a government facility run

by Blackwing, a group that investigates people with supernatural abilities, and with Todd fleeing from the FBI with his

friend Farah (Jade Eshete), looking for any sort of “weird” sign that will lead them to Dirk, as well as Todd’s sister, Amanda (Hannah Marks) who went missing with a van full of energy-sucking vampires called “The Rowdy Three” (despite there being four of them).

Confused? Not yet you aren’t. There’s a boat in a field, an evil wizard with a wand that looks like a gun (as much as a twisted piece of wood can), and an elaborate fantasy world, complete with castles and rainbow creatures, which can only be accessed through a murphy bed in the wall of an abandoned farmhouse. There’s a treelike being that can teleport people through water, and a long-dead couple found dead, inside a tree, and inside a car inside a tree, respectively. Oh, and the entire fantasy world was created in a dream by a young boy 50 years ago.

Despite being a bit confusing, especially

if you haven’t seen or don’t remember the first season, Dirk Gently has some truly excellent moments. I love that they turned Amanda’s illness, pararibulitis, a disorder that makes her feel like she’s suffering from very real and very disturbing pain (such as being lit on fire), into something she can control and use to her benefit, eventually learning to teleport people through water as the tree-being does. That, and the world building for the fantasy land is phenomenal; viewers were thrown into a medievalish fantasy land with strangely shaped, colourful castles (think Floop’s castle in Spy Kids), and swords shaped like giant pairs of scissors. Not to mention the eerie house of mirrors feel of the “house within a house,” complete with a deranged flying purple people eater that echoes a distorted version of the song of the same name every time it appears.

For me, the best part of this season was

the LGBT+ romance that is subtly at the back of the viewer’s mind throughout the season. We’re introduced to it within the first couple of episodes: a love story between two princes, Panto Trost (Christopher Russell) and Silas Dengdamor (Lee Majdoub). The story here is that Panto and Silas’s families are at odds, and the princes are working together to mend the rift between their kingdoms. What Dirk Gently does differently than most other shows featuring an LGBT+ romance is that A, it doesn’t feel like it’s been forced in there to tick a box and appease the LGBT+ audience, and B, it actually ends with a happily ever after for the pair.

Despite being a little hard to follow in some places, and packing a lot into only 10 episodes, it’s overall a well thought out, engaging show. Too bad they cancelled the series — I was looking forward to binge watching season three.

Not all is what it seems… a Pulitzer Prize-Winning Drama

By

Abbotsford Community Arts Addition

JAN 26 – FEB 10

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John Patrick Shanley

“An eloquent and provocative investigation of truth and consequences. A gripping mystery, tightly written.” ~ Time Out NY

WWW.GALLERY7THEATRE.COM Produced by special arrangements with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

Film Review //

Terrible is better than mediocre: The Disaster Artist

JEFF MIJO OPINION EDITOR

The Disaster Artist isn’t a bad movie, but it’s a lot less fun than the really bad movie it’s about.

The film documents the creation of The Room, a 2003 film that is widely regarded as one of the worst movies ever made, but is held up as a shining beacon of the “so bad it’s good” kind of movie — it’s cheesy, overdramatic, wildly inconsistent, and just a lot of fun to watch and laugh at with friends. The Room has developed a very dedicated following, and is still screened in theatres around the world, becoming a cult classic akin to The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The Room’s co-star, Greg Sestero, released a book in 2013 documenting the incredibly unusual production behind the film, and his personal relationship and interactions with The Room’s writer/director/producer/star, the enigmatic Tommy Wiseau, a man whose peculiar characteristics cannot reasonably be described in a written medium. From that book came a film of the same name, The Disaster Artist, directed by and starring James Franco as Wiseau, with Dave Franco as Sestero.

The new film is built solidly on the relationship between Wiseau and Sestero, beginning with their first meeting, and chronicling their sometimes-bumpy relationship over the five years between that point and the release of The Room. The two have a clear chemistry (as one would hope to see from a pair of movie star brothers), and both do a commendable job of making the audience forget they’re not watching the real Wiseau and Sestero, though James’ generally excellent impersonation of Wiseau’s unique accent (which seemed to be the main selling point of the film pre-release) is not always 100 per cent

believable.

It’s that marketing that may have betrayed the film, however. Trailers gave away most of the beats in the plot, and a marketing strategy that played up the humour framed the movie as a comedy, and while it certainly had funny moments, they were mostly derived from the same few jokes: Tommy Wiseau is strange and controlling, Tommy Wiseau doesn’t know how to interact with people, Tommy Wiseau won’t tell anyone about his past.

That last note, in particular, is a tricky one: the real Wiseau financed the expensive production of The Room himself, but is secretive about the source of his income, where he’s from, and even how old he is.

While the film of course couldn’t reveal those things without simply making them up, it made them a point of contention.

More than just a recurring joke, they were built up as an underlying mystery, so when the film ends without resolving them, it feels anticlimactic. That, combined with the fact that every audience member no doubt knows the current “bad-movie” status of The Room, means that the entire final act’s drama lands with a dull thud.

That none of the characters (besides maybe Wiseau) are fleshed out beyond basic motivations doesn’t help much either.

That said, where the film does shine is when it (after a long build up) gets to showing the production of The Room. It almost shifts into a behind-the-scenes documentary that feels authentic, showing the conversations that led up to some of The Room’s most infamous scenes, and highlights the doubts of everyone involved (besides Wiseau). However, is watching a scene be constructed more satisfying than just watching the real thing again? Maybe once, if you’ve seen The Room a few times already, but it’s hard to imagine The Disaster Artist having anywhere near the

same staying power as the original.

Ultimately, The Disaster Artist is a piece of reverent worship for another piece of art (even opening with testimonials from Hollywood figures about the impact of The Room), and it relies on the fondness people have for that original film. It would have a hard time standing on its own for viewers who hadn’t seen The Room, and for those

that have and enjoyed the experience, it may entertain as a behind-the-scenes look filled with trivia and information, but as a film, it’s not bad enough to be “good” like its muse, but it’s also not good enough to be good.

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The Cascade pitch meetings — there we and contributors pitch stories for the upcoming edition, and discuss announcements.

It’s the best time to meet other contributors and connect with the Cascade. pitch meetings are held in the Cascade’s meeting room — S2111 (top of the stairs in the student union building).

For more information, email Kat at kat@ufvcascade.ca

The Cascade has five main sections: news, opinion, feature, culture & events, arts in review; somewhere in one of these sections, we’d love to publish your work. writers, photographers, illustrators, and designers all welcome.

the Cascade’s pitch meetings start every monday at 2:30pm.