The Cascade, Volume 31, Issue 2

Powered by coffee and dread since 1993

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 other Wednesday with a print circulation of 800 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 will be digital for the remainder of the semester. Please email managing@ufvcascade.ca to be put on the assignment email list.

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 200 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.

Editorial //

New year, who dis?

BRADLEY DUNCAN

I’d be lying if I said that any of this felt easy. I just finished reading the succession report for the position of Executive Editor — commonly referred to as editorin-chief (EIC). The succession report is a document designed to outline the successes, trials, and tribulations of the outgoing EIC, while imparting any accumulated wisdom, distilled down into a digestible wad. It’s meant to provide a measure of comfort and control, easing the minds of all parties who can now be certain that the baton has been successfully passed. What seems to have been left out of the report, was the huge “just kidding” in big bold letters, before announcing the person who’s actually going into the role.

Of course, there’s a part of me that knows this is just imposter syndrome working overtime to make me feel like a fraud. I’m too timid to pad my resume, and too broke to bribe anyone. In my time with The Cascade, I have worked

for two editors-in-chief: Andrea Sadowski, and Jeff Mijo-Burch; both of whom had long, multiyear runs with the organization in a variety of different roles, and were knowledgeable, professional, and exceptional at their jobs. It’s a tough act to follow.

I’m not an outwardly visible leader. I shun the spotlight. My vision for the role is to provide the tools, space, and culture that allows the individuals in the organization to shine. When the team succeeds, the paper succeeds, and that’s good for everyone. My responsibility is to be the face of The Cascade in the difficult hours, but in the good times, you should barely know I’m here. Other people can be Elon Musk… I want to be like the founder of Costco. Who’s the founder of Costco? The hell if I know — but who doesn’t love Costco?

The EIC also has the responsibility of setting the overall tone and direction of the paper, which has led to a lot of soul-searching. What do I want

to talk about? I want to talk about how Ticketmaster has been ripping people off for years, and what we’re going to do about it. I want to talk about why the rent is too damn high. I want to talk about how good Andor was; and Severance; and Everything Everywhere All At Once. I want to talk about the generosity of a community buying gifts for local kids.

I also want to ask questions. Is our way of life fundamentally incompatible with our aspirations of sustainability? Why are Canadian cell phone plans so much more expensive than elsewhere in the world? Is a university education becoming increasingly necessary in a complex, global economy? Where can I get a really good burrito?

I’m still figuring this out — both my role at The Cascade, and life more generally — but I suppose that’s the adventure. It’s my hope that this pokey little student press will add a little something to your journey as well. After all… you make it happen.

UFV Senate recap

New diplomas, discontinued courses, and discussions of a possible fall reading break

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

All at the university are welcome to attend Senate’s public meetings, held once a month. Senate makes decisions that impact the daily lives of both students and faculty. This article will recap the main agenda items of the in-person Senate meeting on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 at the Clarion hotel.

David Johnston, University Registrar and AVP, Enrolment Management presented the “Fall 2022 Enrolment Report” that showed an overall increase in enrollment for both domestic and international students. According to the report, the total number of students enrolled at UFV for the fall 2022 semester was 9,722 students. 8,202 were domestic, and 1,520 were international students. There were altogether 2,477 new students at UFV this year.

In the Trades program, there were an additional 454 students enrolled as well, bringing the total to 10,205 students enrolled at the university.

Dr. James Mandigo, Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic brought up the motion to have the Mennonite Studies certificate in the Peace and Conflicts Studies (PACS) program be discontinued due to low enrollment and having one permanent faculty member available to teach the courses. The motion was voted on favorably by Senate. While the certificate will be discontinued, students already enrolled in the program will be contacted to take MENN 100 and MENN 300 as directed studies.

Another program that was motioned by Mandigo to be discontinued is the Bachelor of Media Arts Interactive Media Leadership concentration, effective September 2023. According to a recent memo sent by Professor Samantha Pattridge, Undergraduate Education Committee Chair, to President Joanne McClaine, UFV Senate Chair, the reason for the discontinuation of this program concentration is due to the revisions to the BMA. According to Pattridge, the program now focuses on helping students “create digital content for creative industries, not on management,” and argues that students seeking courses in media leadership

would be better served in “other UFV programs and courses.” There are reportedly no students currently in this concentration and senate voted in favor of the motion.

Mandigo also brought up the motion to approve two new business diplomas. The names of the programs are: the International Business Post Baccalaureate diploma and the Business Analytics Post Baccalaureate diploma. The Senate voted in favor of the motion.

A presentation by Dr. Lucy Lee, Dean, Faculty of Science, included three testimonials from two students and one alumnus from the BSc program who briefly shared their experiences. The speakers included Environmental studies student and student senator, Aiden Haagensen; BSc alumnus Daylan Pritchard, a technician in Biology; and Ryan Goldbach, who is currently finishing up his final year in the Biology BSc program and plans to continue his studies at graduate school.

According to Lee’s report, many changes have occurred since she joined UFV, such as the department of Physics no longer being under the Faculty of Science but is now under Applied and Technical Studies. Lee emphasized how the department is changing and will continue to do so as it progresses. Lee said that the Faculty of Science

has around 8,000 domestic students currently enrolled in courses. They also have “about a hundred students doing research in various and applied experiential learning opportunities.”

Apart from the Bachelor of Science, there are different science programs such as the Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Bachelor of Environmental Studies, and the Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning, which is a new program that will “be mounted starting in September,” according to Lee's presentation. The BSc has been increasing in enrollment numbers and is continuing to grow.

Back in November, during the public senate meeting, a proposal for a fall reading break was presented to the members by Ashley McDougall, vice president external from the Student Union Society (SUS), for a three day reading break during either Thanksgiving or Remembrance Day, which was well received. The proposal pointed out that other designated universities like UBC, UVIC, and Capilano University have included a fall reading break as part of their fall semester schedule. On Friday, a follow up presentation by David Johnston included the proposed fall reading break to have Remembrance Day off and an additional two day reading break. The proposed plan also includes

continued from page 3 a nine day exam period at the end of the semester to accommodate the change to the semester schedule.

Johnston proposed a number of different scenarios to incorporate a fall reading break, including a nine day exam period, and scheduling final exams on Sundays. During the discussion, Dr. Sheryl MacMath, professor/department head of teacher education, pointed out that having a fall reading break will not only benefit the students, but also the faculty because they need a break in the semester as well. The Senate has not yet made any final decisions concerning the proposal regarding a fall reading break and they will vote on it in February.

UFV// Nikiel Lal reflects on his two terms as SUS President

Reminiscing the memories and legacy he leaves behind

RACHEL TAIT

Nikiel Lal has served as SUS president for two terms that began in 2021. Lal has been advocating and working to help grow community engagement as well as creating positive experiences for students at UFV. Lal began attending UFV in 2021, after transferring from Douglas College. During his first semester he ran for and successfully won the SUS president election. As he nears the end of his program, Lal looks back on his journey at SUS and UFV.

“I had completed my diploma in Sports Science at Douglas, and I thought it was time for a change,” said Lal. “UFV sounded like a great school. I took a leap of faith, and it was the best decision I could have made.”

During his two-year journey as SUS president, Lal reflected that he was inspired to run for the governance position because he wanted to dedicate one more year to work in governance and make a difference for the student body.

“I felt I had the experience and skills to be successful in the role. I thought I could make a big difference, so I just ran and hoped for the best and ended up doing two terms and loved it… [it] was the motivation to continue to make a positive impact.”

Lal said that speaking to other students, finding out what types of issues the student body was experiencing, and working with SUS to find solutions to help improve students’ university experiences were among the good memories he had as SUS president.

“KickBack was the highlight for me because that was an event that I proposed, had a vision for, and created and it was something that I'll never

forget,” said Lal “…Seeing it come to life was a feeling that was indescribable and sharing that with all the students and hearing how much they loved it is something that will stay with me forever.”

Over the course of his two terms, Lal has advocated for more student engagement and made it one of his primary goals to make their post secondary experience as enjoyable and memorable as possible. He also committed to working towards a governance that is supportive of students’ well-being.

When asked what legacy he hoped to leave behind, Lal replied, “I just want students to know that I did everything I could to really enhance their post secondary experience and that during my time, a lot of things changed, and we were able to grow campus culture and community in a way that will continue to expand after my time…I did my best to also advocate for students and I just hope that my impact was felt.”

“I think that continuing forward, it would be amazing to just keep watching SUS grow. Grow those programs and services and provide more to our student body, even in advocacy, because there's a lot of potential.”

When asked what advice he would give to the next SUS president, Lal said “be passionate, be excited, and be open minded.”

Lal thinks it’s important to be open minded with every type of problem or issue that occurs especially in the role of SUS president.

“I think the biggest thing I've learned during my time is [to] expect anything in this role. Every day is a brand new day and you honestly don't know what you're going to expect.”

Lal explained that as SUS president,

there is an element of unpredictability in how the week can play out due to various factors. He said that there are a lot of “moving pieces” which include supporting the student body and that students are involved with several different commitments such as programs of study, clubs, and athletics to name a few.

“We're in a very diverse place and being open minded is really what's gonna help you be successful in this role and best serve our student population.”

Lal also mentioned that between Jan. 16-20, students will have the opportunity to vote on an ordinary resolution motion by SUS to transfer $300,000 from their health and dental surplus account into the account for clubs and associations. Lal explained that this transfer of money is necessary because in order to launch and maintain their Q-pay funding system, the money has to be put into the other account. Lal mentioned that this will enable more student run events to take place and it will also help clubs and associations to expand.

For Lal, a student’s post secondary experience is dependent on what they make out of it. He encourages students to become involved in what they are most passionate about because it will help mold who they become as people.

“[This] allows you to really find the most value and meaning not just in university but in your own life, and I think it'll really help shape everything you want to do in your future career.”

“Don't be afraid to say no, embrace opportunity and challenge and enjoy the ride because it's a very beautiful journey,” Lal added.

After graduating, Lal hopes to support and advocate for good mental and physical health on a national scale. Lal would like to work at Physical Health and Education Canada as they support people by giving them good resources to lead healthy lives. Lal said that once he attains this, he wants to “run for government.”

“I think that if you just take a chance on yourself and what's in front of you; there's [just] so much to grab and hold on to.”

Photo provided by UFV Flickr

Photo by Aryan Kathuira

The changing face of downtown Abbotsford

small businesses at all.”

Hemingway's Books, a pillar of the downtown Abbotsford community for 33 years, will close its doors for good on Jan. 17. The book and record store’s last official day open will be Jan. 14, with a final discounted sale day on Jan. 17. The closure of this iconic business is a part of a developing pattern in the downtown area that could signal a worrying trend for small businesses.

Paige Elliott, a resident of the area and active member of the community, has witnessed the shift in the neighbourhood over the last year.

“Hemingway’s announcing their closure felt like a signal of the end times of the downtown we have grown up with,” said Elliott.

While change is inevitable, there can be unintended consequences to the loss of small businesses like Hemingway’s. Elliott explained how mixed emotions can arise when it comes to local businesses moving into and away from the downtown scene.

“There’s some grief when a beloved business closes, especially when it closes due to increases in leases and rent,” said Elliott. “On the other hand, it can be exciting when another business moves into downtown. I don’t blame the customers or the

Some residents of the area feel there is a need for the city to step in and provide more support to small businesses.

“It’s pretty discouraging seeing the city invest in more development, when

city council that maybe this will start to shift to a more sustainable culture for the residents and business owners downtown.”

Elliott currently serves as President of the Atangard Community Project, a non-profit organization

gentrification and changing economic pressures impact a community. One of the main goals for the project is strengthening a sense of community connection within Abbotsford, as well as providing affordable housing for a vulnerable demographic amid rising rent prices.

“Many of the residents who live downtown, houseless or homed, are living [there] because it's too expensive to live anywhere else. Yet, the gentrification is catering towards the wealthier people of Abbotsford. There needs to be an open and honest conversation about the impacts of gentrification and the societal changes of our city to hopefully bridge the gap, and prevent polarization.”

With an ever-growing population in the Fraser Valley, it is to be expected that more businesses will begin to pop up. Survival is rough for small businesses, and the community needs to remember how so many become landmarks in local communities.

there are plenty of local businesses who are trying really hard to survive in the local economy and aren’t receiving enough support. I hope with a new

that provides affordable housing to students and young professionals in downtown Abbotsford, and has firsthand knowledge of the ways that

“Local businesses are the heart and soul of our community,” said Elliott. “Pay attention to how the community is constantly changing and how your presence directly impacts that. The community here can be so beneficial and will be so much better if we all support each other.”

EVA DAVEY

Gentrification and demographic shifts are impacting locals and their small businesses

Photo by Aryan Kathuira

To cuff, or not to cuff — that is the question

EVA DAVEY

It’s cuffing season, baby. The first time I ever heard the term was in middle school, and the idea of cuffing season still feels rather childish. It marks the time of year when we all get chilly and attempt to get cozy in many ways, which includes cuddling up with other people. The concept of cuffing season must have been around long before the term was coined, but arguably it is this generation that has really made it a thing. To be completely honest, part of me does want to be cynical, but the other part finds comfort in the fact that so many people have found a designated time of the year to not be lonely. If one way we can fight the winter blues is through the warmth and love of someone else, then I say go for it! It’s vaguely reminiscent of two otters holding hands so they don’t drift apart in the water.

For a majority of people, I think the concern regarding cuffing season happens the closer we get to the warmer months (then it becomes hot girl summer, after all). When exiting cuffing season there are three possible outcomes: mutually decide to end things (the purpose has been fulfilled), to dump or be dumped, or run off into the sunset to live a happily ever after. There is much to consider when looking to get cuffed. What if someone in the relationship is looking for the long-

term while the other just wants to play scrabble by a warm fireplace for a couple of months? It's easy to say that if participants of cuffing season don’t want to run the risk then they simply should not gamble. Afterall, there are not many ways in which cuffing someone is different to dating throughout the rest of the year and we all know how risky that is already.

In my heart of hearts I am nothing if not a romantic. Technically, cuffing season is something I should very much be against, but the idea of finding a partner for only a short time with the chance that it could blossom or simply be a footnote, is incredibly romantic unto itself. It’s honestly giving Before Sunrise (1995) vibes. I think the idea of cuffing season especially lends itself to Gen Z, due to the self proclamation of short attention spans. It makes sense that relationships feel like they have become a thing that are short-lived too. It isn’t a reach to claim that people are a bit more self-aware these days, so for us to be realistic and honest about the cuffing season as a reason to fight off winter loneliness is also right up this generation’s alley.

So, is cuffing season a passing fad that our generation will no doubt get bored of as soon as something else comes along? Perhaps. Although the term has stuck around for a few years it is hard to imagine what will come next. Perhaps I can coin “long haul fall” as the next cuffing season… or maybe not.

Satire //

Ask Alfred and Charles

Alfred and Charles are retired professors of life. They have done it all and seen it all. Though they may be decrepit in age, they are all too eager to give advice, be it for better or worse, to you. They may not agree on everything, but they do always have something to say. If you have an inquiry for our distinguished wise men, please send an email to opinion@ufvcascade.ca or drop by The Cascade office when it is open to leave a handwritten note for them.

At least you have me to cry to. Did you forget who you call while you’re in the Mercedes? Sounds like you're not appreciating me enough. My ideologies support you not being an entirely lonely old coot! Anyway, I’ll see you at tea time tomorrow!

~ Alfred

What was the question again? Alfred and Charles

Dear Alfred and Charles, I am looking for more ways to make money. Gas prices are so high these days, plus I have to pay for parking on campus. The whole ordeal is taking a toll on my wallet and I find myself dipping into savings. Got any finance tips?

Sincerely, Broke and afraid

Dear Alfred and Charles, I feel as though I’m surrounded by couples. All my friends are in relationships, and everywhere I look I see people getting together. Some of my classmates from high school are even getting married, yet I am still single. What should I do? Sincerely, Tragically alone

Dear Tragically alone, Remind yourself that whilst others may be getting tied down with relationships, you my friend are free to roam. Also, allow yourself to feel superior to your friends. While they spend thousands of dollars getting married and thousands more on a divorce, you can use your funds to buy anything you want: a home, a vacation, even companionship. Anything can be bought if you have money, and you know who has money? Singles like you, my friend!

~ Charles

Charles! Money does not equate to happiness in life. Joy is derived from the relationships we make with one another and the connections we make in life. I beg of you, don’t go about promoting such frivolous ideology. Students don’t need to prioritize courting one another, but they certainly shouldn’t be prioritizing wealth.

~ Alfred

Money doesn’t equate to happiness? Ha! You know who says that? Poor sods. Money might not buy happiness, dear Alfred, but crying in a Mercedes is still better than crying on your bicycle. Do me a favour and show me what transactions your ideologies can fund. And whilst you try to buy your Timmies with good intentions, I will sip on my Starbucks happily watching you struggle, my friend.

~ Charles

Dear Broke and afraid, It can be difficult working out budgets while you’re young, but don’t worry, there are ways to help balance things out! Start by checking if you are spending extra money on something you don’t need. For example, maybe you are eating out a lot when it could be more cost effective to make food at home. Look for these gaps and try to remedy them.

~ Alfred

What do you mean it’s difficult to make a budget? You young folks have all the fancy thing-a-ma-bobbers that do it for you. You have finance apps that show you your spending trends, you have gas-finder apps that show you where the cheapest gas is, in real time, and you have access to professional financial advisors for free at your school. If saving and budgeting isn’t enough, you have access to multitudinous programs on campus that will feed you, clothe you, and loan you funds. It’s not difficult, you just need to spend less time reaching out to two old farts in the papers, and go to an advisor.

~ Charles

The kids have finance apps? I’ve been doing mine by hand this whole time! Perhaps I need to look into these apps and fancy programs you speak of, Charles. Time to get jiggy with the kids.

~ Alfred

Yes, the kids have those apps! My grandson spent hours last week showing them to me.

~ Charles

…You don’t have a grandson. Charles, you don’t even have a son.

~ Alfred

Don’t starve, Alfred and Charles

Is this silly fad becoming the new dating model?

Illustration by Washington Reimer

Illustration by Washington Reimer

SNAP SHOTS

Illustrations by Iryna Presley

I’m convinced my dog, Hendrix, understands everything I say. Hendrix is six years old and I’ve had him since he was a tiny baby (he is still a baby, just much larger). So here’s my logic:

By the time a human is six years old, they understand a lot of, maybe even most of what we say, and we know this because they can communicate with us through words. Hendrix on the other hand, doesn’t communicate with me through words, although it definitely seems like he’s trying to speak sometimes. I talk to Hendrix about everything, and I even make an effort to teach him the meaning of words. When

he chases birds at the beach, I say, “those are called birds.” When we go for a walk in the snow, I say, “this is called snow,” and it really seems like he understands. He even seems a bit annoyed at times, as if he’s thinking, Mom, I know these are called birds, you’ve told me a thousand times.

And, I’m sure there’s probably a study out there proving I’m wrong, but if there is, this ignorance of that study is bliss. And I hope that if that study does exist and I’m proven wrong, that Hendrix at the very least understands the immense love I have for him.

A purrfect birthday

It was Mosey the Calico’s 14th birthday over the holidays. I don’t remember the exact date; it’s near the end of December, and after Christmas, but before New Year’s so she doesn’t get overshadowed by the big holidays.

Mosey didn’t get any wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree or a specialty dish served for her; she is a cat, after all, and is unaware of big celebrations and special occasions. But as one in need of daily routine attention, Mosey was given the gift of my mother and uncle visiting over the holidays. The two provided

laps for Mosey to nap on whenever she desired. Mosey was more than happy to spend her winter and birthday holidays taking turns sleeping on either my uncle, as he sat in our big brown leather armchair, or on my mother, with her books and knitting. If neither my mother and uncle were quite the comfort level Mosey wanted, her second favourite chair was in perfect range of the heater with a view of our complex for her people watching. Her favourite birthday gift was the extra can of food she got by tricking them into misunderstanding her meal schedule.

Teryn Midzain

I’ve had the joy of making several new acquaintances since returning to inperson classes. My newest friend started her first year at UFV this past fall semester. I met her during orientation day, since I was there to report on it for The Cascade. I had interviewed her and then ended up running into her again in a class… and then again at The Cascade office. I actually kept running into her until we decided we are clearly fated to become companions.

She is often wearing leather jackets covered in studs and spikes of varying sizes. She claims it helps keep people away, but unfortunately for her, it didn’t work on me. I happily give out hugs and am fully okay with the gentle stab to the face I get from her studded jackets. If anything, I’m now stuck on her spikes and she can’t get rid of me. Our friendship spawned by chance, but it’s one I look forward to maintaining as life goes on.

Aasha Khoyratty Emmaline Spencer

The tale of the missing sock

They look alike but there is only one like her. The preference lies not in my heart, but in his. Although they both seem similar, from their softness to their scent, he never seems interested in her twin. The twin I find is ever predictable, laying where she’d been left. She brings warmth and reassurance to any cold feet. Her soft touch reaches to my sole at every turn. And most importantly to me, she is whole. But the other, she is different. One would think she was cut from a different cloth than her twin if they witnessed the effects she has on him. He cares not for her warm, solefull twin.

In his eyes there is none other. In his nose, no other scent is as sweet. And in his mouth, she is the only one who tastes right.

Fight for her, I must. I try bargaining first, “leave her to me and I’ll give you a treat.” The blank stare tells me he won't give in so easily. I show him the treat and he is ready to run. Acting quickly I make a quick reach and grab her. He won't let go. The tug of war goes on. He leaves me no choice. I flick his nose. He lets go. I slip my foot into her saliva soaked interior and grimace. I won the tug, but he won the war.

Marie-Ange Routier

Puppy Hendrix

KAIT THOMPSON

Another semester is upon us, my collegiate comrades. Now is the optimal time to confront your workload head on, and create a plan to stay ahead of the essay writing crunch. Not sure where to start? Luckily for you, I have written what must be hundreds of them in my academic career — two of them quite good! So allow me, an experienced wordsmith and semi-professional university student, to share my process for how to write the term paper of your dreams.

Step 1: Create an Outline

The first step to writing a successful essay is to draft up an outline; this will provide you with a structure for your research and subsequent writing — a roadmap if you will — that will help you stay organized and efficient. Some courses may even require that you turn in your outline for marks. Whether or not this is the case, you’re still going to want to make sure you start here on your essay crafting journey.

Step 2: Do Some Research

Time to start digging for sources! Use keywords to try and pick out sources that may be relevant to your outline. Just a tip — use a website, like Citation Machine, to help you keep track of your sources as you go, and keep a document of these citations and brief summaries of their content handy. This will help your information to be organized and

accessible. Remember, when it comes to writing an essay, the lion’s share of the work is really in the research. If you have a good, exhaustive list of sources, then you really are 90 per cent of the way there, so don’t be afraid to let the research stage take up as much space as it needs.

Step 3: Start Writing!

Open your Google doc.

Now, some say the key to successfully making delicious fresh pasta is in the kind of flour, but this is not necessarily true. While the gold standard “00” flour will produce a more silky, delicate dough — suitable for a finer pastas such as capellini — all-purpose flour works just fine for the vast majority of applications. NOTE: I have had mixed success substituting gluten-free flour. I recommend

Step 4: Start Writing! Ingredients: 2 cups flour 4 large eggs

Instructions:

Starting on a clean, dry surface, make a mountain out of your flour, and form a well in the center with a spoon.

Crack eggs into the well. Using a fork, beat the eggs, slowly pulling flour from the edges of the well into the mix and combining until a dough forms.

Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes or until smooth and yellow. If the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water.

Once formed into a ball, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Take the dough out of the fridge. Roll it out on a floured surface until it is thin enough that it becomes semitransparent. NOTE: This is a very physically demanding process, so don’t be afraid to go slow and take as much time as you need to get the job done right.

Once it’s rolled out, cut it into your desired shape.

Step

starts to float. I like to serve it with my homemade pesto. If you’re finding yourself short on time, store-bought is fine.

Step 6: Regret

Full of carbs and self-loathing, double check the due date and realize that you are running out of time. Lock yourself away in your room the day before it is due, put on your focusing playlist, and stare at your blank screen as you struggle to scrounge up the will to live/graduate university. If you’re finding yourself short on time, store bought is fine.

Step 7: Sacred Pilgrimage

Go to your nearest coffee shop and order a coffee that is so large and so expensive the caffeine gods avert their gaze at your hubris. Drink it fast; you are here to accomplish a goal.

Step 8: Enlightenment

Abandon your outline. Allow the caffeine and adrenaline to pump your ego up to unimaginable proportions. Convince yourself that you write better in a “freestyle, stream-ofconsciousness” format. Finish twenty minutes before the deadline; Feel like a husk of a human being as you upload the .docx file to Blackboard. Afterwards, close all 37 tabs in your browser, one at a time.

5: Start Writing!

When you’re ready to cook your pasta, boil in salted water for 2-3 minutes, or until the pasta

NOTE: The leftover pasta can be frozen and stored in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw 12 hours in advance and then prepare it as normal.

Illustration by Carolina Talcan

Nurturing Nature: I’m

ANDREA SADOWSKI

The thoughts play on repeat in my head: “It’s the billionaires and world leaders who need to step up and make a difference, not me. I’m just one person, there is nothing I can do to fix this myself. Our heated climate is past the point of no-return, we’re all doomed to die in famine, fire, or flood and there is nothing I can do to stop this. I’m not an environmentalist; so-called ‘climate action’ is out of my scope of expertise.” If you’ve ever heard these thoughts in your own head, keep reading, because this article is for you.

You are not alone. I, too, have become jaded and numb to talks about climate change and climate action. I’ve been under the impression that these issues are not my problem to fix; they are for richer, smarter, and more powerful people to solve, because they are the ones responsible for all this carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in the first place.

The world’s leaders, megacorporations, and wealth-holders must take action to address the larger systemic issues that keep standing in the way of monumental change. We however, are not doomed to wait at their mercy, hoping that they will fulfil whatever promises they made at whichever climate summit they attended.

When you consider that it is just a handful of companies that are responsible for more than 70 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, it is easy to feel a sense of helplessness. It is these same companies that want you to bear the shame of the crimes they are committing against our planet. They hawk even more “sustainable” products at you to buy so that you may relieve some of this guilt while increasing their profits at the same time. Canada has the second highest cumulative carbon

just one person

emissions per capita. However, most of these carbon emissions come from the extraction and refining of fossil fuels for export, and not necessarily from personal consumption.

The cause of climate change is vast and multifaceted, and so must be the solution. I’m here to teach that your individual actions do matter. Individual actions that may seem too tiny to even scratch the surface have a ripple effect into the collective society that will cause transformative change.

So, what on earth can we do that will actually make a difference?

Recognize that your “small” actions make a huge difference. Your small actions build on each other. Actions such as: recycling, planting a native tree in your backyard, carpooling,

can make a huge difference, especially in the health of your local community.

Remain hopeful of our future and let go of eco-shame and guilt. Work from a place of positivity and hopefulness when you are enacting those small actions in your life. Hope begets hope, and shame begets shame; which one are you choosing to radiate into your community? Look for ways to inspire others and point out the good you are seeing in the world.

Voting in federal, provincial, and especially municipal elections is one of the most important things you can do. As more politicians realize that they are losing votes because of their failure to react swiftly to climate change, the political landscape will change. You can still impact the local

voting booth by sharing your opinion about local issues on the platforms of Let’s Talk Abbotsford, Engage Chilliwack, and Engage Mission.

Join an organization that aligns with your values and can amplify your voice. When you partner with an organization that already has the resources, funding, and expertise to enact climate-based projects in your community, that takes the burden off you as an individual and allows you to bring your own energy and skills to a project.

Share what you’re doing and what you’re learning far and wide. No one knows everything, which is why it’s so important to keep sharing knowledge, resources, and information with each other about how we can live more sustainably in a system designed to hold us back from doing so. Share your newfound knowledge on social media, by telling whoever will listen, or even by writing about it in this here

If you take just one thing away from this article, let it be this: anyone and everyone can get involved in this movement. The environmental movement has gatekept who is allowed in the exclusive “carbonneutral” club for too long. It doesn’t matter what your occupation, field of study, or level of income is, everyone can do something for the planet, and we are much stronger if we put aside our differences and do it together.

Andrea Sadowski is the Project Coordinator of Step to It, a community engagement program dedicated to working with you on the environmental issues that matter most to you. If this article inspired you to start engaging more with the climate movement, but you’re lost where you can start, connect with her at @steptoitfraservalley on Instagram to

In a world filled with apathy, choose action

Illustration by Carolina Talcan

THE NUCLEAR OPTION

By Bradley Duncan

On Oct. 17, 2022, a local state of emergency was declared on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast. Months of drought had reduced the region’s water reserves to dangerously low levels leaving experts worried that without rain, the area only had a guaranteed water supply to last until early November. And it’s not just the residents of Sechelt that need to be worried — BC Hydro is concerned about the welfare of fish stocks as reservoirs dry up. The situation was a far cry from November 2021, when torrential rains flooded towns, washed away roads, and threatened to revert the Fraser Valley back into a lake. These wild swings in the typical weather patterns are certainly not isolated to British Columbia. The western United States is in the midst of a “megadrought,” the worst in 1200 years (though now California is flooding); tropical storms keep gaining intensity, doling out kaiju-level devastation to coastal cities; and wildfires are burning through forests from the Russian Taiga to the Australian Coast. Al Gore’s probably feeling pretty smug right about now.

“Climate change is very real, and it’s coming at us fast,” says Brian Smith, CEO of Persephone Brewing Company in a conversation with CBC news. “My thoughts are, alright, let’s get to work to solve this.” Smith is one of many B.C. residents who are feeling the effects of the wildly shifting weather trends. While I appreciate his gumption, I worry that the very same hurdles that impeded the public in recognizing the threat of climate change will dampen our ability to combat it. Unlike community-sized issues, climate change is global in scale, difficult to measure, and profoundly interconnected with virtually all of human activity. It’s so big, that for the last thirty years, we’ve largely focused on selling recycling and energy-saving measures to the populace at the expense of making any radical changes to our way of life.

It’s not that we didn’t know that climate change was going to be a problem, but there was a hubris about our ability to just work through it. In an article for The New York Times entitled, Losing Earth: The Decade We Almost Stopped Climate Change, Nathaniel Rich writes, “Historically, energy use had correlated to economic growth — the more fossil fuels we burned, the better our lives became. Why mess with that?” Indeed, humanity has matured out of many of its growing pains in the past, and there was reason to believe that it would do so again. The post-war West had its eyes set firmly on the world of tomorrow, and the future — powered by capitalism, ingenuity, and the atom — looked bright.

A generational shift?

By the end of the 1970s, optimism had turned pessimistic. Gas prices soared, stagflation crippled economies, and the people ousted their progressive leaders en masse. Disillusioned with tomorrow, citizens wanted their governments to focus on the needs of the day. Then, on March 28, 1979, unit 2 of the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania suffered a partial meltdown. It came less than two weeks after the release of The China Syndrome, a Hollywood disaster thriller depicting the narrow avoidance of a nuclear catastrophe. If the convergence of these events moved nuclear expansion to the back-burner, the 1986 Chernobyl disaster would scuttle those plans indefinitely. Dozens of projected reactors were abandoned, and the world doubled down on more traditional means of generating power. Dreams of a nuclear future had come to a halt.

In recent years however, nuclear power has come back into the public conversation. The effects of a rapidly changing climate has many serious people concerned that without a revitalization of nuclear power, we’re fighting with one of our hands tied firmly behind our back. While we have collectively made a great deal of progress in funding, developing, and implementing renewable energy production, we are still losing ground in our fight to reduce our carbon emissions.

Much of our day-to-day lives still run on fossil fuels. We use them to power our vehicles, heat our homes, and mine our bitcoin. The quicker we can electrify our technology the better — but where you charge your Tesla matters. Selling your coupe for an electric truck isn’t helping the planet if that plug is connected to a coal-fired power plant. That might not be an issue in B.C., a province that gets 87 per cent of its energy from hydroelectric power, but it’s very much an issue in Alberta where fossil fuels account for 90 per cent of the province’s electricity.

Resources are not equally distributed from country to country

If we’re going to get serious about combating climate change, we have to decide the role nuclear energy will play in that fight

The effects of a rapidly changing climate has many serious people concerned that without a revitalization of nuclear power, we’re fighting with one of our hands tied firmly behind our back.

or province to province. That applies to timber and oil, but also to waterways and sunlight. There are simply some areas that, despite the advances in renewable technology, will never be conducive to certain forms of power generation… at least not reliably. In order to offset the predictable interruptions brought on by seasonal changes or the sun going night-night, we need the capacity to store massive amounts of electricity. It’s far from an ideal solution, in part because we’re nowhere near able to do it yet.

And therein lies the rub. Renewable energy is the future, but we need to attend to today. When the sun doesn’t shine, and the wind doesn’t blow, the cheapest and most readily available option is to burn stuff. Fossil fuels make up 66 per cent of the global total energy demand — and that demand is increasing. The need for resources only expands as the world continues to develop and as people’s quality of life increases. The construction and consumption that comes with economic development needs to be fueled, and renewable energy is not yet able to meet that demand. It will be a long while before it is, and it’s this stark reality that has rekindled the conversation of a nuclear renaissance.

How we think about risk

Nuclear energy is not without its problems, but they’re often not the issues you’d first suspect. For starters, nuclear energy is relatively safe, despite the fear surrounding it. Studies vary, but deaths attributed to nuclear power are much more analogous to renewables than to fossil fuels. Per terawatt-hour, coal is roughly 351 times more fatal than nuclear. It’s not even close. The estimated collective death-toll of fossil fuel-related air pollution is approximately 100 million people over the past 50 years. One study estimates that nuclear energy has actually “prevented an average of 1.84 million air pollution-related deaths,” between 1971 and 2009, by displacing fossil fuels from the energy sector. Burning hydrocarbons poisons our bodies and heats our planet, but the effects are so gradual that we don’t feel the danger.

By comparison, when nuclear goes wrong, everybody knows about it. Accidents at Chernobyl in 1986, and Fukushima Daiichi in 2011, for all their press, resulted in a relatively low loss of life. Deaths directly attributed to Chernobyl’s meltdown have totalled 31, a remarkably low sum given the Soviet technology and deficient government response. In contrast, the Fukushima disaster resulted in the loss of 573 lives; not from radiation, but rather from the stress and chaos of the evacuation. These accidents — the two most famous nuclear disasters in history, resulted in a similar death toll to what British Columbia suffered from its heat-wave just this past summer.

When it comes to fatalities as a result of power plant accidents, the clear outlier is actually hydroelectric. Hydro accidents and dam failures have caused hundreds of thousands of deaths just in the latter half of the 20th century. The most colossal failure

is the Banqiao Dam in China, which succumbed to the combined pressures of Hurricane Nina and Soviet engineering in 1975, resulting in catastrophic flooding on a massive scale, and an estimated 80,000240,000 deaths. Hydro disasters, however, aren’t just a problem for poor, developing nations, as China was in the 1950s when Banqiao was constructed.

When the Vajont Dam was built in Northern Italy in the late 1950s, engineers failed to recognize the geologic danger casting a literal shadow over the project. As the reservoir filled, it eroded the porous mountainside of Monte Toc. On Oct. 9, 1963, the entire slope gave way, careened into the valley, and filled the basin with earth. Picture a fullygrown man doing a cannonball into a bathtub, and you’ll get a sense of what happened next. The speed and severity of the collapse displaced the lake, sending a megatsunami almost 250 meters up and over the dam, and flooding the unsuspecting villages in the countryside below.

There are other issues that come with Hydro besides hastily building dams where they geologically shouldn’t go. Dams can be used to control rivers that transverse international borders, generating geopolitical tensions in addition to electricity. They can also cause regional hostilities. When Hydro-Quebec’s Phase II proposal of its James Bay Project threatened to flood a large swath of traditional Cree territory and displace the Eeyou First Nations in the late-‘80s and early‘90s, it embroiled the Quebec government in international protests until the project lost support. None of this is meant to demonize Hydroelectric energy — I’m personally a big fan. It’s only meant to demonstrate that how these projects are constructed and managed really matters. We’re pretty trusting of dams here in B.C. because they provide cheap, clean, and reliable energy. Similarly, the majority of Ontarians support nuclear energy as a safe, clean alternative to fossil fuels. A 2012 survey even found that despite the Fukushima accident the year prior, “a majority from all three main provincial political parties in Ontario support[ed] nuclear power generation.” Ontario’s power supply is composed of nearly 60 per cent nuclear energy, and that relationship results in a drastically different view of the technology compared to the rest of Canada, where support is generally lower.

The trouble with going nuclear

Nuclear energy, however, does have a couple of serious barriers to hurdle — and they’re significant ones. The first and most obviously negative byproduct of employing nuclear power generation is radioactive waste. If the term “radioactive waste” evokes images of drums of neon green goo, you’d be forgiven; but this is a cartoonish

depiction divorced from reality. Radioactive waste comes in a variety of forms, from low-level waste like personal protective equipment; to spent fuel rods, which constitutes high-level waste and is the primary concern for long-term radioactivity and storage.

As a means of power generation, the concept is relatively straightforward. It’s essentially a steam engine, but rather than heating water by burning fossil fuels like coal or gas, it’s powered by nuclear fission. As uranium decays, its atoms split and release energy that generates heat. By submerging uranium rods in water, the process heats the surrounding liquid and creates steam. Pressure in the system builds, and that hot gas turns a turbine, which is connected to a generator. Of course, it’s infinitely more complicated than that, but the takeaway is that you can achieve on-demand energy without stoking a furnace. In some respects, the nuclear submarine is the natural evolution of the steamboat.

One downside to using nuclear fission as an energy source is that as the uranium rods decay and become less efficient at generating heat, they grow increasingly hazardous. These spent fuel rods remain highly radioactive for tens of thousands of years, which begs the question: what the hell do we do with them now? In the face of that uncertainty, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) was established in 2002, and tasked with figuring out the answer.

According to Russell Baker, Manager, Public and Media Relations for NWMO, “Canada’s plan for the safe, longterm management of used nuclear fuel is known as Adaptive Phased Management (APM).” APM calls for the containment and isolation of spent reactor fuel buried deep inside geologically stable rock, a safe system of transportation of spent fuel, and international cooperation and sharing of knowledge. It also requires numerous site evaluations and the development of partnerships with potential host communities who have expressed interest in participating — a process that began in 2010. In that time, 22 interested municipalities and indigenous communities have been whittled down to a shortlist of two. According to Baker, NWMO plans to make a final selection in 2024, with construction of “one of the largest environmental infrastructure projects in this country’s history,” slated for 2040.

I’m filing this under the heading “better late than never.” Government projects — especially ones of this magnitude and long-term importance — are known to move at a glacial pace, but this timeline seems pokey even by these charitable standards. For perspective, the world’s first permanent nuclear waste disposal site is set to become operational in Finland this year.

Named Onkalo, which is Finnish for “cavity” or “pit,” the site was greenlit back in 2000 and took roughly 23 years to complete. Canada, by comparison, seems to be taking a much more leisurely approach.

Of course, that’s not an argument to run fast and break things. It’s certainly understandable that site selection should take care to ensure that both the geology and the people of the area are amenable to the arrangement. In contrast to the Canadian approach, Yucca Mountain — the American location selected for permanent waste disposal — has been mired in litigation and

political opposition for decades. To be clear, we’re still producing highlevel radioactive waste with no permanent storage in which to deposit it. I’m glad that care and attention is being paid, but it’s hard to get behind increasing our reliance on nuclear energy when we’re storing the plutonium on-site like it’s the office Christmas decorations.

Assuming we can figure out how to properly store radioactive waste until the end of time, there’s another roadblock to navigate — the cost. Nuclear reactors are monstrously expensive to build. In 2017, a South Carolina twin-reactor nuclear generator named V.C. Summer was scrapped after repeated budget overruns and blown-up timetables. Spending 9 billion dollars of taxpayer funds to essentially dig a big hole and then fill it back in was a tough pill to swallow for the state. In the West, we stopped building reactors decades ago. Engineers retire, technology moves on, and before you know it, knowledge is lost. The V.C. Summer debacle demonstrated that a nuclear renaissance would not come without significant growing pains. The project was plagued by regulatory disagreements, shoddy work, poor planning, and a general lack of experience — all things you can’t entertain when “nuclear” is in the title. Safety is paramount, and it’s a reasonable upfront cost to avoid paying a much greater price in the future. One state over, in Georgia, America’s first new reactors in 30 years are finally coming on line. Plant Vogtle’s units three and four, which were approved back in 2009 with a budget of 14 billion, are nearing completion — years behind schedule and almost $16 billion over the initial estimate. If 30 billion dollars sounds like a lot of money for a power plant, that’s because it is… but I suppose better than spending a third of that for no power the lament of a sad trombone. Wah wah wah

Canada’s nuclear aspirations

Canada’s plan ned expansion of its nuclear energy sector is charting a different path. Rather than building massive new reactors capable of powering entire cities, the federal government is setting its sights on leading the way in new tech — the Small Modular Reactor, or SMR. SMRs aren’t actually all that new, (they have been powering many naval vessels for decades), but the idea that they can be mass-produced to provide on-demand power to numerous land-based applications is very much an emerging concept.

According to Canada’s SMR Roadmap, “there are over 150 proposed designs for SMRs worldwide,” reflecting “both the excitement around their potential, and also the wide spectrum of possible nuclear reactor technologies.” It is, admittedly, an exciting idea with a range of potential applications.

The small size and self-contained nature of the SMR design means these portable reactors can be deployed in off-grid areas that would otherwise be heavily reliant on fossil fuels. These units could be trucked to remote communities and industries to power everything from daily life, to water purification and desalination, to resource extraction. Their diminutive size means they lack the power of their big brothers, so to offset this they can be networked for larger applications. Some SMR designs carry enough fuel to run for

approximately twenty years, at which point, they can be swapped out like a battery. Some designs even run on spent reactor fuel that has been recycled.

Leading the way in SMR development could be a potential boon to Canada’s economy. There is a clear market within Canada for emission-free energy, especially in isolated areas, but the government estimates that “globally, the SMR market is much bigger, with a conservative estimated value of $150 billion between 2025 and 2040.” A developing world with an ever-rising standard of living is a world increasingly thirsty for energy, so just how committed is Canada to leading the charge on large-scale SMR development? I was fortunate

When it comes to the capacity to build, regulate, and safely operate nuclear reactors, as well as to effectively dispose of waste, Canada is perhaps better suited to this energy supply than any other country.

The widespread distribution of SMRs also has another potential downfall: nuclear proliferation. Large reactors are massive operations with tight security, but the potential downsizing of reactors could lead to a dispersal of nuclear material under comparatively lower guardianship and surveillance. This means that even greater measures would need to be taken to ensure the security of these units which only adds to the cost and complexity of the project.

It’s also important to consider what problem we’re really trying to solve. If SMRs are aimed at powering isolated communities, Dr. Ramana poses the question, “is it justified to convert these small remote communities, that contribute a fraction of the carbon emissions of well-to-do urban areas in the country, into guinea pigs for new, untested, and hazardous technologies?” I don’t have the answer.

Damned if you do. Damned if you don’t

“Canada is equipped with a unique set of characteristics that provide us with a competitive advantage in the developing SMR market,” said Nembhard, “including a supportive regulator; viable sites for demonstration; and an active industry and supply chain. [In late October], Minister Wilkinson gave a statement when the Canada Infrastructure Bank committed $970 million towards Canada’s first Small Modular Reactor.” The venture also has a wide base of support. According to Nembhard, “the SMR Action Plan has continued to add new partners – presently up to 119 – and they have committed to over 500 concrete actions.”

SMRs are not, however, a slam-dunk. If large-scale nuclear reactors are already prohibitively expensive per terawatt-hour, SMRs are impaired to an even greater degree. Given the compact nature of the technology, the safeguards required, and the rigorous testing these units will undergo, the cost per energy unit is astronomical compared to fossil fuels and renewables. SMRs might be well-suited to powering Supercarriers, but will they ever be cost-effective enough to pursue en masse? M. V. Ramana, Professor and Simons Chair in Disarmament, Global and Human Security at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA), University of British Columbia doesn’t seem to think so.

“I think there is good reason to believe that they will never be cost effective,” said Dr. Ramana in response to my query. “Historically, in the United States and France, the countries with the highest number of nuclear plants, costs went up, not down, with experience.” Even if SMRs could be manufactured at a scale that would bring their relative cost in-line with large reactors, according to Dr. Ramana, “that would not be sufficient to make SMRs economically competitive, because their electricity production cost would still be far higher than solar and wind energy.”

In 2011, Germany began rapidly scaling back its nuclear footprint, closing eight reactors that year, with plans for a complete decommissioning by 2022. Germany used to get a quarter of its energy from nuclear power, but it now accounts for only 6 per cent. Initially, the German government had put its chips on wind-power, but shifted to a greater reliance on inexpensive Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) imported from Russia. When Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, it put Germany in a difficult situation. European reliance on cheap Russian gas had given Putin leverage. In order to extract itself from under the Kremlin’s thumb and keep the lights on, Germany has turned back to the dirtiest option available… coal. The question of nuclear energy’s role in fighting climate change will not be answered here, but it’s one we need to keep asking. Nuclear power is not a boogeyman — it is a technology filled with risk and reward; advantages and drawbacks. When it comes to the capacity to build, regulate, and safely operate nuclear reactors, as well as to effectively dispose of waste, Canada is perhaps better suited to this energy supply than any other country. However, nuclear power will always be the expensive option, and investment in nuclear infrastructure can divert funds away from renewable energy sources. That’s a big consideration. Yet another factor is how we measure cost. The price tag on a reactor may be steep, but it’s known. The generational costs of a changing climate are much harder to calculate. How do you total up the expense of desertification, rising sea levels, deforestation, water and food insecurity, rapid extinction, and mass migration? I don’t know how long we’ll need nuclear energy… but it’s pretty clear we need it right now. Canada, like other developed nations, has made lofty commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the face of grave consequences should we fail to meet the moment. We should meet it with force. No options are off the table. Our microbreweries (along with everyone else), are counting on us.

Keean Nembhard, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources.

Scores// Varsity//

Men's Basketball

January 13, 2023

UFV vs. Calgary Dinos Score: UFV 93 - CD 82

January 14, 2023

UFV Vs. Calgary Dinos Score: UFV 76 - CD 90

Next games: Jan. 20 and 21 vs. Thompson Rivers Wolfpack at home in Abbotsford.

Women's Basketball

January 13, 2023

UFV vs. Calgary Dinos Score: UFV 58 - CD 69

January 14, 2023

UFV vs. Calgary Dinos Score: UFV 66 - CD 54

Next games: Jan. 20 and 21 vs. Thompson Rivers Wolfpack at home in Abbotsford.

Men’s Volleyball

January 13, 2023

UFV vs. MacEwan Griffins Score: UFV 3 - ME 0

January 14, 2023

UFV vs. MacEwan Griffins Score: UFV 2 - ME 3

Next games, Jan. 20 and 21 at Thompson Rivers in Kamloops.

Women’s Volleyball

January 13, 2023

UFV vs. MacEwan Griffins Score: UFV 3 - ME 0

January 14, 2023

UFV vs. MacEwan Griffins Score: UFV 3 - ME 0

Next games: Jan. 20 and 21 at Thompson Rivers in Kamloops.

Teryn Midzain — Sports Editor

SPORTS sports@ufvcascade.ca

Cascades Check–January 18:

CASCADES ATHLETICS

Welcome to the Cascades Check — an update on University of the Fraser Valley Cascades Athletics.

Women’s volleyball made a splash this week, as they appeared at No. 5 in the U SPORTS top-10 rankings. They picked up a pair of 3-0 victories over the MacEwan University Griffins this past weekend to make it seven straight victories, and 11 wins in their last 12, as they improve to 11-5 on the season and continue to show they are a force in Canada West. Cascades captain Gabrielle Attieh continues to be a vital offensive producer for UFV as she leads Canada West in both kills per set (4.25) and points per set (4.8), while defensively Cascades’ Libero Emily Matsui sits second in the conference in digs per set with 4.05.

Women’s basketball checks in at No. 10 in the U SPORTS top-10 this week but faced a formidable Calgary Dinos squad in a pair of games this past weekend. After a 69-58 loss on Friday night, they pulled out a gritty 66-54 victory on Saturday, led by rookie guard Bernie Leda who scored a game-high 13 points. They currently have a 9-3 record, which places them in a tie for third in Canada West.

Men’s Basketball started off the weekend on a high as Dylan Kinley knocked down a game-high 30 points in a 93-82 win over the Calgary Dinos on Friday. However, the Dinos stormed back to claim a 90-76 win the following night and claim the weekend split. They currently sit at 5-7 on the season.

Men’s volleyball opened up the weekend with a 3-0 victory over the MacEwan Griffins on Friday but saw themselves fall just short in a five-set defeat the following night. Nimo Benne led the way for UFV over the weekend, posting 41 kills over the two games. The Cascades currently sit at 4-12 on the season.

Cascades basketball is at home next weekend, Jan. 20 and 21, to take on the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack. Game times are set for 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, and 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday at the UFV Athletic Centre (Building E on the Abbotsford campus). UFV students can attend for free by showing their student ID at the door.

To catch your Cascades on the road, head to canadawest.tv where all games are streamed live, all season long.

Make sure to visit gocascades.ca to keep up with all the news, stats, and scores from the UFV Cascades.

Formula One//

FIA bans political statements from drivers without prior permission

Formula One drivers will now need written permission from the sport's governing body to make 'political statements' following an update to the International Sporting Code.

TERYN MIDZAIN

Drivers can no longer wear political statements in 2023 after the FIA added a new article to its International Sporting Code (ISC).

Under Article 12 Offences or Infringements and Penalties, new subsection 12.2.1.n states: “The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction.”

The FIA issued a statement shortly after the addition to clarify, saying that the ISC was updated and changed to align with the International Olympic Committee’s Code of Ethics and the political neutrality in sport. The statement continued to emphasize that the FIA will continue its commitments to diversity, inclusion, and human rights.

Further, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, told media at this year’s Dakar Rally that FIA does not want the drivers to use the FIA platform for their “personal agenda.”

“What does the driver do best? Driving,” said Ben Sulayem. “They are so good at it, and they make the business, they make the show, they are the stars. Nobody is stopping them.”

“There are other platforms to express what they want. Everybody has this, and they are most welcome to go through the process of the FIA,” said Ben Sulayem, adding that the FIA “just want our sport to be clean.”

The new rule directly affects the special T-shirts and crash helmets most notably worn by Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel that bring awareness to racial and gender discrimination, climate change, and human rights violations.

The ISC update is a controversial yet not unexpected move. This is a governing body and president that

wants to ensure more control over controversial topics and what drivers say and do at F1 events. The FIA arguably coerced drivers to race at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after a missile strike hit an oil depot and drivers voiced their concerns. In 2020, Lewis Hamilton wore a shirt that said “arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor” on the podium at the Tuscan Grand Prix, prompting the FIA to institute the rule that drivers on the podium can only wear their racing suits.

While the FIA isn’t directly stating that these causes cannot be promoted, they do seem to be saying, ‘only when we say it’s allowed, and what we say is okay,’ with implicit threats and consequences if the rule is not followed.

Another reason this amendment doesn’t come as a surprise is the return of Qatar to the 2023 race calendar. Qatar has been steeped in questions of human rights violations as hosts of the World Cup. Additionally, Qatar Airways is a potential candidate to replace Emirates as a sponsor. F1 as a business will go where the money is flowing, and Qatar is a river of gold for automotive. It is easier to slightly silence and dictate what drivers can say to keep a healthy sponsorship deal.

It will be interesting to see how the FIA handles its new rule change. How will the governing body justify which causes it tacitly supports and how those messages are displayed? And what will be the consequences if (or when) a driver breaks the rule?

An argument can be made that driver advocacy has the potential to be more impactful with a higher risk of consequences. A fine may be worth paying for the importance of awareness, as Lewis Hamilton said at a press conference in 2021 when he first unveiled the LGBTQ+ flag on his crash helmet in Qatar. “I do feel that we are aware there are issues in these places we are going to, as there are around the world but, of course, it is deemed to be one of the worst in this part of the world. As these sports go to these places, they are duty-bound to raise awareness of these issues.”

Photo credit: @LewisHamilton on Twitter

With the stage set for a star-studded NFL playoff, it’s high time for an overview of who the contenders and pretenders are across the league.

In the American Football Conference (AFC), there appear to be two tiers of competition. The top three seeds: the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals, have separated themselves as the top dogs of the conference. They all come into the playoffs with top 10 scoring offences and boasting winning streaks of at least five straight games. MVP frontrunner Patrick Mahomes and his Chiefs secured the number one seed in the AFC and the first-round bye that comes along with it. They’re looking to return to their third Super Bowl in the past four years, with their most recent appearance in 2021 ending in a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bills and Bengals finished second and third respectively, which matched each of them up against their own divisional rivals. The Bills’ banged-up secondary barely survived the Miami Dolphins in an AFC East clash that ended in a final score of 34-31, while the Bengals squared off against a Lamar Jackson-less Baltimore Ravens squad that same night. They were powered to victory by a miraculous goal-line forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown. The Bills and Bengals are set to face each other in the divisional round on Sunday.

The Los Angeles Chargers were another team to keep an eye on in the AFC until they were upset by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The star-power of Justin Herbert and Austin Ekeler gave

them a 27-0 lead to begin the game, however their shortcomings caught up to them in the second half. Their young defense couldn’t hold up forever in the tough crucible of a playoff atmosphere. Plus, the conservative style of playcalling by offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi hindered their explosive offence from expanding on their lead. The Jaguars lead by Trevor Lawrence pulled off the third largest comeback in NFL playoff history, and will roll into Kansas City as underdogs to take on the Chiefs.

the playoffs because the rest of their division was even worse than them. They got dismantled by the Dallas Cowboys 31-14. Only the top two seeds, the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers feel like consistent juggernauts who would have a shot at taking down whoever comes out on top of the AFC. The Eagles earned the top seed in the conference with a record of 14-3, but they were 14-1 when led by quarterback Jalen Hurts. The dualthreat style of Hurts had its neck-andneck with Mahomes in the MVP race

On the other side of the league, the National Football Conference (NFC) is much murkier. From top to bottom, it is not as strong as the competitors in the AFC, with three out of the seven NFC playoff teams having a negative point differential in the regular season. The third and fourth seeds were never true contenders. The Minnesota Vikings’ negative point differential and bottom-three defence sunk them against the New York Giants, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished with an 8-9 record and only squeaked into

before a shoulder strain knocked him out of play for two weeks. There are no true holes in the team as they finished with both a top-10 offence and defence.

The 49ers grabbed the second seed as the hottest team in football, entering the playoffs on a 10-game win streak. They are defined by their defence which is the best in football by almost every metric. Defensive captain Nick Bosa led the league in sacks with 18.5, while the rest of the front seven stifled the run, allowing the fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL.

The defence will look to continue to play at this elite level as they hunt for their franchise’s sixth Super Bowl. A developing story for them this year has been their quarterbacks. Sophomore starter Trey Lance went down with a season-ending injury in week two and veteran backup Jimmy Garoppolo broke his foot in week 13. Fortunately, rookie quarterback Brock Purdy has stepped up and exceeded expectations. Purdy was the final selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, earning him the honourable title of “Mr. Irrelevant,” but since he has started he has been everything but. In his five starts, he has a record of 5-0, with over 1300 yards passing and 13 touchdowns. A rookie quarterback has never won the Super Bowl as the starter, so his poise and composure will be put to the test as he looks to be the first. The 49ers took down their rival, the Seattle Seahawks, and will face the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round. Those Cowboys are intriguing as a Super Bowl dark horse. They boast a top five offence and defence, with a well-constructed roster that is built for the playoffs. However, their X-factor is quarterback Dak Prescott. He has the ability to be great, but his mental errors and questionable decisionmaking could easily be the Cowboys’ downfall. Last year it was his mental blunder that sent them packing in the playoffs against the 49ers, and this year he leads the league in interceptions with 15. If he can keep it together, they are a massive threat to take down the Eagles and 49ers, but if he falls apart it won’t be a surprise to see them head home early.

The winners of the AFC and NFC will face off in the 57th Super Bowl on Feb. 12.

Football// JOSIAH HANSEN SPORTS

Challengers, hopefuls, and dark horses: an overview of the NFL playoff landscape

Photo credit: CBS

CULTURE

Deconstructing Disability: Your introduction to the Accessibility Advisory Committee

HARJINDER “JINNIE” SARAN

The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is something I hadn’t heard about until a few years into my postsecondary journey. However, I was quite surprised that students were actively being sent emails about the committees on the senate, the student union board, and more, but not committees such as the AAC. In fact, many of those I have mentioned this committee to often do not know what it is or that it exists at all.

I decided to reach out to the chair of the committee, Claire Hay, to ask her some questions and get more information on what exactly the AAC

is. Hay has been involved with the AAC since April of 2020 and her connection to the committee comes through her role in the Teaching and Learning Centre as a Teaching and Learning Specialist for both instruction and curriculum. Thus, when Hay joined the Centre, she was asked to chair the AAC.

The AAC was created in October of 2014 by the former AVP, Teaching and Learning Dr. Maureen Wideman, in order to ensure access for all people by leveling the playing field. Hay explains the mission and goal of the committee as being an “advisory committee to the university community (reporting to Dr. Alisa Webb, VP Students) established to advise on and promote accessibility on campus. Its goals are to: 1.) raise

awareness and promote accessibility at UFV; 2.) serve as a point of consultation to the university on issues related to accessibility; and 3.) conduct professional development for both the committee and the wider university community.”

Currently, the committee has approximately 20 members comprised of staff, faculty, and students. Hay states that as of now, there are only two students on the committee but more are welcome to join if interested. Though not all members of the committee are disabled, Hay suggests that the committee’s terms of reference does make note that there should be disabled people on the committee and that there are people who meet this

criteria on the committee at present. The committee only meets for an hour and a half every two months and therefore is also not an onerous commitment for anyone who is curious about joining. If you are interested and wish to get involved — disabled or not — you are encouraged to reach out directly to Claire Hay.

Former UFV political science student recently awarded a PhD in Palestine Studies

ANISA QUINTYNE

Colter Louwerse, a former political science undergrad at UFV, recently completed his PhD in Palestine Studies in October of 2022. According to Adam Magalhães, Louwerse is officially the second UFV student to attain a PhD in political science — a large note of celebration being that the major has only existed since 2010.

With that said, Louwerse’s journey has awarded his passion in the field, stating that he is “immensely grateful to the political science department at UFV, because in applying for MA programs, I had a lot of support in that process, and where I ended up going was to the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom for a one year MA program in Middle East and Islamic Studies.”

As an undergrad, his career incentives truly began in 2014 after witnessing the political climate in the Middle East. “In 2014, the State of Israel launched against the Gaza Strip what was at

that time called Operation Protective Edge, [killing] about 2500 people, 500 children, and so on. And for the first time, my interest was piqued by that region of the world.”

“I was just doing things on my own.” Louwerse continued on, detailing how his interests evolved over time, partly due to his own readings. “Part of the reason why I was so drawn to the topic was that what was presented as the truth about Israel/Palestine by popular Canadian media, as well as you know, popular American media, clashed so fundamentally with what I was reading in the academic literature — that the academic literature was much more critical of the creation of the State of Israel — of Israel's historic policies towards the Palestinian people than was being represented in popular consciousness, so to speak.”

After coming into contact with Dr. Ron Dart, a professor in political science at UFV, Louwerse’s passion flourished with the guidance and mentorship needed to continue his

studies. “Ron, he served as part of Amnesty International, the famed human rights organization that won a Nobel Peace Prize in the 1970s. He allowed me to attend some of his upper level political science classes, and to write essays specifically on this question that I was interested in. The Palestine issue… in the process, beginning to do my own research with Ron in the UFV political science department, I gained a real passion for it, and that drove me eventually in 2015 to go visit Israel and Palestine [and] the Palestinian occupied territories.”

“You can only learn so much from a novel or academic research,” Louwerse explained, separating academic experience from the physical experiences he was witness to while in Palestine. “There's certain realities that, until you come face-to-face with them, you're not really going to fully appreciate, and for me, when it came to Palestine, it was definitely that trip that really cemented my interest for the long term.”

“I really can't stress enough how thankful I am for my time at the UFV political science department. Many of the professors who really shaped my understanding of the United Nations, my understanding of what was happening in Palestine and the broader Middle East are still teaching at UFV and it's been really great to reconnect with them.”

Dr. Colter Louwerse thanks the political science department at UFV for all their support

Politics//

Photo Provided by Colter Louwerse

Illustration by Washington Reimer

Crossword: Ocean Creatures //

Made by Brielle Quon

4. A very sociable mammal that lives in sub-arctic waters 6. Known for its sail-like dorsal fin, it is the fastest fish in the world 7. Harmless to humans, this filterfeeding fish is known as the largest fish species in the world 9. A crustacean with a thick exoskeleton that moves sideways

DOWN

1. A multicellular organism with channels and pores where water circulates through them 2. A free-swimming animal with an umbrella-like body and a trail of tentacles 3. A marine mollusk with eight long arms 5. Often microscopic and a vital source of food for ocean life 8. A carnivorous mammal that floats on their back when they sleep

STUDY BREAK

Horoscopes //

Aries — Mar 21 to Apr 19

A vivid imagination is fine, but be careful not to live entirely in your head.

Taurus — Apr 20 to May 20

Dedicate yourself to things you truly know, not concepts held by intangible sources.

Gemini — May 21 to Jun 20

At your core, you’ve always been indecisive, and that’s okay — but spare someone else the waiting time. They deserve a solid response.

Cancer —Jun 21 to Jul 22

Okay, so, you’ve finally made it to a point in your life where you can say, yeah, I’m proud of myself. I’ve worked hard to get here. So hard. But at the same time you discredit all your hard work. Reflect a little bit.

Leo — Jul 23 to Aug 22

Keep your voice down in the library.

Virgo —Aug 23 to Sep 22

Like Cancer, you’ve worked hard. But without the grim feeling of inadequacy, you pride yourself a little too much, and while you might think of this as confidence, it shouts obnoxiousness at every turn.

Libra — Sep 23 to Oct 22

Confront all evil-doers. All ne’er-do-wells. All people who are stuck in their ways and refuse to leave a tip when ordering coffee.

Scorpio — Oct 23 to Nov 21

Libra has their eyes on you.

Sagittarius — Nov 22 to Dec 21

You have a passion for discovery. Never lose it.

Capricorn — Dec 22 to Jan 19

You find yourself suffering from dizzy spells and high blood pressure. Maybe it’s that new job?

Aquarius — Jan 20 to Feb 18

Yes, you are funny. Stop asking people how you are being perceived.

Pisces — Feb 19 to Mar 20

You specialize in making other peoples' day. Keep at it!

Your weekly life predictions made by Ageless Azalea

Cascade Kitchen: Chili oil noodles

EMMALINE SPENCER

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

I find I don’t have as much time to cook these days, and when I do, I opt for something fast and easy to cook. Chili oil noodles are probably one of my favourite noodle dishes, since you can make them with any noodle type: soba, udon, somen, rice noodles, and even pasta (though I don’t recommend pasta). I don’t normally measure this out, but for all of you, I’ll try.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tbsp light soy sauce

½ tsp rice wine vinegar

2 (or more) cloves garlic

Half-inch knob of ginger

2 tbsp neutral oil

1 tbsp (or as desired) chili oil

Method:

1. Chop garlic, ginger, and spring onions. Set aside the green part of the spring onions. Place white parts of spring onions, ginger, and garlic in a heat safe bowl.

2. Prepare noodles of choice according to package instructions.

3. Heat neutral oil until just before smoking point. Add in chili and sesame oil.

4. Pour hot oils over garlic, ginger, and spring onion mixture.

5. Add cooked noodles and mix until noodles are coated well.

6. Top with any prepped vegetables or toppings you’d like. Sprinkle green part of spring onions on top and enjoy!

Project Climbing offers new ways to stay active

The Cascade sits down with Project Climbing Centre’s Brock Tilling

EVA DAVEY

Walking into Project Climbing Chilliwack was almost overwhelming, but somehow in the best way possible. The centre was spacious and light-filled with customers of all ages squeezing in some bouldering time. Scaling the walls were people reaching from one artificial rock to another, and some had others standing on the cushiony mat below shouting up encouragement.

The Cascade got the chance to sit down with Project Climbing Centre owner Brock Tilling to talk about the centre, how business has been, and the fun activities the space has to offer. Before now there has been an Abbotsford location (opened in 2009) and Cloverdale location (opened in 2016). The Chilliwack location opened in the summer of 2022. When asked about what caused the decision to open a third location, Tilling was happy to talk about the demand for it and how the business has been doing so far.

“There is such an amazing climbing community here already and they all climbed in Abbotsford, so yeah it was about time,” said Tilling. “It’s been amazing. Definitely busier than expected. It’s been pretty phenomenal.”

At this point in the interview a customer fell on to the cushiony mat, to which a number of climbers praised how far she made it up before coming down. Even Tilling watched in excitement at how the climber brushed themselves off and started going again. The morale was heartwarming to see, and left us asking about newcomers to the exercise.

“There’s a lot of people who just never even climbed before who are now just trying it out as an alternative. There’s definitely been a bit of an uptick since the new year, but I think just in general it’s kinda snowballing.”

Tilling (and the centre) welcome intermediate climbers and beginners into the centre with courses and lessons on how to better techniques or just get started.

“For climbing, just [try] it,” advised Tilling. “Our staff will always help you out and give pointers, but we do also offer introductory courses on Sunday mornings a couple times a month. So, that's if you don’t want to be just thrown into the mix and fend for yourself. Give them some pointers so they’re a bit more set up for success. Really anyone can just drop in and just try it, the community is helpful.”

What about the climbers that already know the ropes (or lack of)? Project Climbing Centre is hosting their twelfth annual Boulder Series (part one in Abbotsford was Nov. 5 to Dec. 2) with part two happening right now in Chilliwack until Feb. 3. Then following they will be hosting a wrap up party that will feature awards and draw prizes. There are three categories in the series: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Something for everyone, and the staff will help you pick which section is right for you when it comes to signing up. The aim of the event was a way to bring the climbing community together.

“It’s kind of a more casual competition. It’s more just a social thing where people can cheer each other on, and challenge each other rather than a totally stressful one day climbing competition. It’s really good for community building, and gives a little extra motivation.”

For more information on the courses, Boulder Series, and the centre in general visit the Project Climbing Centre’s website, and Instagrams (@pcchilliwack, @pccabbotsford, and @pccloverdale).

Photo Provided by Project Climbing Chilliwack

Too Hot to Handle cools down in Season 4

The dating game show’s latest season doesn't hit the mark

REMINGTON FIORASO

The reality dating competition show Too Hot to Handle involves a group of sex-crazed individuals being asked to focus on individual growth and forming connections with each other, all while by abstaining from kissing, sexual acts, and self pleasure during a retreat. If any of these acts are performed, it constitutes a “rule break” and money is then subtracted from the prize fund of $200,000 USD for which they all are competing.

The show is hosted by a conical robot, named Lana, who makes announcements to the cast, including the rule breaks, dates, and workshops. Desiree Burch acts as nar-

rator. The anticipated fourth season of Too Hot To Handle was released on Netflix on Dec. 7 and 14, ready for binge-watching, and the question must be asked: does it still hold up?

One of my favourite aspects of the show are the rule breaks. Even with money on the line, will individuals abstain? I love seeing how much is lost and who ends up caving in. How the cast reacts when Lana announces reductions to the prize fund can be priceless, and is often reminiscent of the shocked Pikachu face meme. It adds a bit of drama and entertainment.

The casting this season was okay, but it seemed like there was more producer interference and less authenticity than previous seasons. In the first episode when it was revealed that they were on Too Hot To Handle, it felt obvious that everyone knew what show they were actually on. Also, the situations were a bit too planned. For example, newcomers were the normal “type” of individuals in relationships, and could go on dates with them to see if they connected — or fell for a trap. It is great for drama, but questionable for whether it is actually useful.

After watching all four seasons upon their respective releases, the workshops offered on the retreat can be hit-or-miss. Usually, whether or not they are useful depends

on what contestants put into them; they can reveal more about the individual’s lives, desires, and issues that they have had in developing relationships. That being said, the workshops delivered this season have been some of the most awkward, uninteresting, and more questionable that I have seen throughout the show’s run.

In episode 6, the workshop host had the men in the series talking to puppet “yonis.”

The host of the workshop complained that they were not taking the workshop seriously at first, but watching it, it was hard to take it seriously as a viewer. How is this really going to help build relationships? When drifting away from the puppets and beginning to take it seriously, the majority of guys actually reflected on it. However, the lesson was that they should respect the “yoni” because they came from it, versus having respect for the person. Whether or not it was intentional, it felt sexist. Why did they decide to include it?

The sexism continued in the later workshops. In episode 8, a workshop held for the women tried to spew the information that “men’s DNA stays in you for 50 years.” First, where did the “information” (it was stated as a fact), come from? Second, it felt as though they were being shamed for having had multiple partners. Third, it focused on sex versus developing connections and

A disappointment without strings

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. Who’s idea was this? Who’s to blame? I am a firm believer that great art makes a name great, but that a great name does not default to great art. It’s disheartening to me when I have to make a review like this one, where my disappointment was completely unexpected. I remember being 12 and curling up on the sofa under a blanket, turning all the lights off in the basement, and turning on Pan’s Labyrinth for the umpteenth time, as this was my ritual when I could not sleep. From Hellboy to The Shape of Water, a del Toro film, was always, for me, an easy homerun. So what happened here?

Well, first I want to note that the technical aspects were top-notch: the execution was flawless, the animation was breathtaking, and the characters came to life. The stopmotion was above any expectations I had going in. It wouldn’t be del Toro if the overall look was not creepy; unfortunately this is where part of the problem came in for me. Guillermo del Toro has a unique type of creepiness that shines through all of his works, but this creepiness is not transferable to children's films or stories; he’s not Tim Burton. And I’m not saying Tim Burton is better than del Toro, what I am saying is

they are different kinds of creepy that don’t transfer with each other. I would not want to see a Tim Burton rendition of Hellboy, just as much as I regret watching a Guillermo del Toro’s rendition of Pinocchio Character-wise I had issues with a lot of them. The first and most frustrating was Geppetto’s age. We see, in total, over 30, maybe even 40 years of his life within the movie, and from his youngest to his oldest self he looks like a centenarian.

Secondly, Pinocchio himself was annoying and hyperactive to an extent that surpassed childlike innocence, or curiosity. Next there was Jiminy Cricket (or Sebastian J. Cricket in this case), who could not string a line together as his body was being abused for the purpose of slapstick comedic relief.

There is one character, however, that intrigued me and left me wanting for more, and his name was Candlewick. In the span of five scenes, Candlewick’s relationship

meaningful relationships — the supposed purpose of the retreat.

Similar to other dating shows I have seen, there is the question of who deserves the prize fund. At the end of the fourth season, the contestants voted on who they believe should win the remaining cash prize. I wish that the producers would revert back to season one where every contestant split the prize pot evenly — or follow Too Hot To Handle: Latino in having Lana allocate specific amounts to each remaining contestant, depending on their growth. It would make it more interesting, and less biased towards who ended up being in a relationship at the end of the season.

After watching the fourth season, Too Hot To Handle felt lackluster compared to previous seasons and the international adaptations. If it was not for the glimpses of drama, like having new individuals enter throughout the season or the rule breaks, it would not have kept my attention. I felt like I watched it out of obligation instead of genuine interest in the growth of the individuals. I did not feel a need to see which couples were still together like I did previously. The fifth season has already been confirmed by Netflix, but I hope modifications are planned on the cast, workshops, and the prize pot to make it more interesting to follow.

with his father told a story of its own, with character growth, conflict, and a climactic resolution. It was unfortunate to see so little of him as he possessed the dimensions and complexities Pinocchio and Geppetto lacked.

The last disappointment for me was the story itself. I feel like the message was lost. At one point it seemed to be a story about the preciousness of life in its finite form. At another, it seems to be about the complications and nuances in the relationship between a father and his son. Yet it then becomes a forceful caricature of facism, whilst still being a story on selfacceptance. If you are reading this and thinking, That doesn’t sound too bad, I would usually agree, but it feels like this movie would have to be a series for all these messages to come out clearly. The shortness of a movie made them muddle and mix into a confusing point, which in the end made it feel like nothing was of consequence.

I really wanted this to be a project that succeeded but alas, for me it fell flat. It’s a children's movie that is not for children, with adult themes that are simplified to a child's understanding. In the end it is a movie I would not recommend for either child or adult. I would however, recommend it for any animation/stop-motion enthusiast and as a study piece for art students.

A review of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

MARIE-ANGE ROUTIER

Photo credit: Neflix

Photo credit: Netflix

Eva Davey — Arts Editor

Run the Jewels - A Few Words For the Firing Squad

At the end of what might be their last record as a fearless and dynamic duo like none other, ElP’s opening verse gives way for Killer Mike to talk about where he was and how he felt when his mother passed. The song ends declaring ‘fuck you, too,’ haters.

Count Basie and Frank Sinatra - Fly Me to the Moon

My mom, obviously, loved family outings, as parents do, and as an adolescent, I was not a fan of said outings to theme parks and the like. Ingrate that I was, I do still appreciate my mother’s caricature from one such excursion, where she sings this song in text quotes.

Classic Mom.

Rocky Horror Picture Show - Sweet Transvestite

If there’s one thing that directly ties together both my childhood as a whole, as well as the influence my relatively conservative, NDP voting, lifelong public servant mother had on me and my brothers growing up, I’d have to say it’s exposing us to culture like this. Love you, mom.

Fiction //

The Cloisters is an enjoyable, aesthetically pleasing read

Hays crafts a moody mystery that will delight fans of “dark academia.”

MARIE-ANGE ROUTIER

Is your pinterest board filled with academia, botany, renaissance art, constellations, and tarot cards? If so, The Cloisters is the book for you. Katy Hays goes into beautiful details describing the setting of this novel, giving the reader a vivid visual of the overall aesthetic that permeates it. The Cloisters, as the name suggests, is set in the Met Cloisters in Manhattan. This museum has a special focus on gothic and romanesque medieval exhibitions. The story follows a young woman named Ann, a recent undergraduate who, through a series of fated events, lands herself at the Met Cloisters. Ann works under a charming curator who is attempting — with the assistance of his “IT Girl” intern/side piece — to make a breakthrough in linking Tarot divination to the early renaissance era. The trio they comprise immerses Ann in a new world of mystery and secrets, giving the overall theme a very cloak and dagger feel to it.

Aesthetics aside, there were parts I didn’t enjoy. For one, some scenes were eclectic and sudden, making them quite jarring to read. In one instance two characters sit at a pub for a brew. They exchange a handful of sentences, which would only transfer to a two minute conversation, before, without finishing their drinks, they up and leave on a whim from one of the characters. It felt as though the whim was somehow important to the story, but Hays was unsure as to how to expose it to the audience and so she just plopped it there to be done with it. Other scenes were hard to read. The writing itself was confusing and unclear and I found myself rereading many lines to try to make sense of them. Because of that, it felt as though the significance of some scenes were muddled and then disregarded from confusion.

The plot itself felt restrained. There were times where Hays could have taken it a step further, and in not doing so, wrote a piece that was lacking and even boring in some places. There were other times where it seemed she backtracked on her own plot, in what I’m assuming was an attempt to misdirect, but I found it more frustrating than suspenseful. Contrarily, there was also a lot of sloppy foreshadowing, which was repetitive and heavy-handed. All that said there were still aspects of the book I enjoyed, and it was not a complete flop for me.

I found Hays’ descriptions not only gave me a visual and vibe for the setting, but really brought the characters to life. She spent time describing small habits, flaws, and nuances in character behaviours that made them into believable, recognisable, and three dimensional characters. It was even misleading at points. I believed I had one character pegged, and thought they would act and react a certain way, but in the most unexpected yet understandable ways they reacted less like a character in a book and more like a complex human would.

The ending left me on a note of enjoyment, making me almost forget my earlier complaints; all in all, this book was middle of the road. It had good parts and bad ones, and they sort of balanced each other out. I would not recommend this for just anyone, however I would strongly suggest it as a read for those who enjoy dark academia, medieval studies, and of course the mystical Tarot cards and their history.

Photo credit: Atria Books

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023

Note: Note:

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

enjoyable, academia.”

January

Campus Expo @ CEP, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Ruins of the Grendleroot @ Boardwalk Cafe and Games, 6:30 p.m.

Health and Dental Blackout @ UFV Online, All Day

Health and Dental Blackout @ UFV Online, All Day

MVB at Thompson Rivers @ Kamloops, 5:30 p.m.

WBB vs. Thompson Rivers @ Abbotsford, 6:00 p.m.

WVB at Thompson Rivers @ Kamloops, 7:15 p.m.

MBB vs. Thompson Rivers @ Abbotsford, 8:00 p.m.

Health and Dental Blackout @ UFV Online, All Day

MVB at Thompson Rivers @ Kamloops, 3:00 p.m.

WVB at Thompson Rivers @ Kamloops, 4:45 p.m.

WBB vs. Thompson Rivers @ Abbotsford, 5:00 p.m.

MBB vs. Thompson Rivers @ Abbotsford, 7:00 p.m.

Winter Waters Acrylic Paint Event @ Corky’s Irish Pub, 12:00 p.m.

UFV Events Sports Community Event Campus Rec Culture

Day Markita Kaulius: President of Families for Justice @ UFV Student Union Building, 2:00 p.m.

Campus Expo @ CEP, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Rob Dyck: Abbotsford Police Departments Safe Driving Unit @ UFV Student Union Building, 2:00 p.m.

Health and Dental Blackout @ UFV Online, All Day Chilliwack Jets vs. Abbotsford Pilots @ Sardis Sports Complex, 5:00 p.m.