MAY 15 TO MAY 28, 2019
VOLUME 27 ISSUE 13
Chucking it in the fuck-it bucket since 1993
New sus president
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y t i v i t a e cr oms o l b WWW.UFVCASCADE.CA
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feature: q.e. scholars
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VOL. 27 // ISSUE 13
Production Assistant Renée Campbell renee@ufvcascade.ca
Copy Editor Kat Marusiak kat@ufvcascade.ca
News Editor Jessica Barclay jessica@ufvcascade.ca
Opinion Editor Carissa Wiens carissa@ufvcascade.ca
Culture & Events Editor Cassie de Jong cassie@ufvcascade.ca
Arts in Review Editor Martin Castro martin@ufvcascade.ca
Feature Editor Darien Johnsen darien@ufvcascade.ca Multimedia Editor Mikaela Collins mikaela@ufvcascade.ca Illustrator Kayt Hine
Jr. News Editor Nadia Tudhope nadia@ufvcascade.ca Digital Media Manager Jeff Mijo-Burch jeff@ufvcascade.ca Sports Writer Alex Jesus
Event Reporter Alexandra Johnson
Staff Writer Andrea Sadowski
Social Media Writer Laurel Logan
Staff Writer Caleb Silveira
Social Media Writer Uyen Nguyen
Staff Writer Chandy Dancey
Photographer David Myles
Staff Writer Karen White
CONTRIBUTORS Rachel Macarie Aleister Gwynne Cover Design: Mikaela Collins Back Cover: Mikaela Collins
OPINION
Production Assistant Uyen Nguyen uyen@ufvcascade.ca
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Production Manager Elyssa English elyssa@ufvcascade.ca
NEWS
Creative Director Mikaela Collins mikaela@ufvcascade.ca
CONTENTS
FEATURE
Business Manager Aneesha Narang aneesha@ufvcascade.ca
Managing Editor Cat Friesen cat@ufvcascade.ca
CULTURE
Executive Editor Jessica Barclay jessica@ufvcascade.ca
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WWW.UFVCASCADE.CA Snapshots.......8 Study Break.......17
9.......Events Calendar 20.......CIVL Shuffle
@UFVCASCADE FACEBOOK.COM/UFVCASCADE INSTAGRAM.COM/UFVCASCADE Volume 27 · Issue 13 Room S2111 33844 King Road Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8 604.854.4529 The Cascade is UFV’s autonomous student newspaper. It originated under its current name in 1993, and achieved autonomy from the university and the Student Union Society in 2002. This means that The Cascade is a forum for UFV students to have their journalism published in an entirely student-run setting. It also acts as an alternative press for the Fraser Valley. The Cascade is funded with UFV student funds, and is overseen by the Cascade Journalism Society Board, a body run by a student majority. The Cascade is published every Wednesday with a print circulation of 1,000 and is distributed at Abbotsford, Chilliwack (CEP), Clearbrook, and Mission UFV campuses and throughout the surrounding communities.
NEWS New SUS president.......3
OPINION Editorial.......6 Dear Robin.......7
6.......Traveling on a student budget 7.......PETA
CULTURE Midsummer mania......12
The Cascade is open to written, photo, and design work from all students; these can come in the form of a pitch to an editor, or an assignment from an editor. Writers meetings are held every other Monday at 2:00 p.m. in The Cascade’s office on the Abbotsford campus.
Walking with Jane Jacobs......14
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.
Baseball.......12
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5......Senate Overview
13.......Selfies and seedlings 15.......UFV speaks
SPORTS 12.......Volleyball
ARTS Captain Marvel.......14
15......Wine Country
news@ufvcascade.ca Jessica Barclay — News Editor
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
NEWS
SUS //
NEWS BRIEFS
Tripat Sandhu, your new SUS president
Her plan to get students engaged and increase Cascade spirit
Wildfire near Fraser Lake results in state of emergency declarations and evacuation order The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako in central B.C. issued a state of emergency on Saturday night due to the breakout of a wildfire that grew to 260 hectares. The blaze, which remains under investigation but appears to be human-caused, resulted in the evacuation of six homes. An evacuation alert is in place that affects another 40 people. On Sunday morning, the fire was considered zero per cent contained, with 40 firefighters and two helicopters deployed to combat it. “We haven’t had any significant snow or rain since almost Christmas so that’s a real concern for us,” regional district chairman Gerry Thiessen said. Wildfires in this region are not unusual in July and August, but a fire so early in the season, especially one of this size, is rare.
- The Globe and Mail
High gasoline prices expected to continue The rising price of gasoline, currently just below record highs, has affected British Columbians more than the rest of the country. B.C.’s two refineries do not produce enough to supply the market, and thus the province relies on Trans Mountain pipeline imports from Alberta and U.S. refineries in Washington. The Washington refineries have been hit with outages that have lasted longer than expected. The U.S. Energy Information Administration raised its predicted nationwide average gasoline prices for the summer to US$2.92 a gallon last week, approximately seven cents higher than last summer.
- Abbotsford News
SUS President Tripat Sandhu. May 10, 2019. (Andrea Sadowski)
of the profs they are going to have.
ANDREA SADOWSKI Tripat Sandhu was voted in as the next Student Union Society (SUS) president, winning 66 per cent of the 751 votes. She is the first female varsity athlete to be elected as SUS president, plays as a midfielder in the UFV women's soccer team, and will be starting her third year of studies in the fall, majoring in criminal justice and criminology. This driven student politician has big goals for her term as president, such as constructing a playing field for sports and increasing student engagement on campus through stronger collaboration between SUS, the university, and Clubs and Associations. What are president?
you
main
goals
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One major direction I want to take is being more collaborative with UFV and the unique groups and organizations that we have on campus. By doing so I want to hold at least one event that will have a big student turnout, but I am still in the works of planning it. Another longterm goal that I am hoping to work on is looking into building a field, which not only benefits and can be used by student athletes, but other students as well. I am always being questioned, “Where can I play cricket on campus?” or “Where can I play frisbee on just an open field?” I often don’t have an answer to those questions so I want to change that with a long-term goal of building a field. What groups are you looking to collaborate with? Mainly Student Life and major clubs and associations. For example, we want to plan an orientation where we can have everyone there, all the major departments of UFV and faculty, so that it can be easier for firstyear students to meet the different departments and see what aligns with their passions, what groups they can be involved with, and even meet some
Do you have any other smaller goals you want to accomplish during your term? UFV is known for being a commuter campus, and I want to look into hosting events that will help students be more engaged and actually have a sense of spirit at UFV. I also want to look into events that promote diversity, such as celebrating cultural events throughout the year because we have such a diversity of cultures at UFV. As a student athlete, I want bigger turnouts at our games and to have more Cascade spirit, whether it be at basketball games, soccer, baseball, rugby, etc. Lastly, I also want students to know the different ways they can receive financial aid and awards. This might be something small, but it is as easy as marketing it properly to students and telling them “Hey, this is what you can apply for, this is what’s out there, this is what UFV is offering.” There is a bit of a shakeup with SUS right now, and a number of students are losing trust in the society. How do you plan to address this sort of conflict and what changes do you expect to make? I believe that SUS and any group that is involved in politics can easily come under scrutiny. Coming into this position, I didn’t really have a big connection with SUS and its politics, so I feel like I am a very neutral person and I’m really open to hearing students concerns and ideas, and hope to work with them to reduce the friction that is in the air right now. Can you talk a little about your previous involvement on campus? Coming into my first year, I wasn’t that involved on campus. So I told myself coming into second year that I want to explore more, get involved
and meet new people, and get outside of my comfort zone. I did that by joining the Criminal Justice Student’s Association because that really aligns with my passions and the program I am in. Also, I became involved as a peer supporter with communications to help international students. Since my first year I have been volunteering at SUS for the president a few hours a week, doing whatever tasks needed to be done. So how has all that involvement prepared you for your role as president? Outside of school I am the co-founder of a non-profit organization; that is pretty similar to being president of SUS. You are dealing with different people and collaborating with different clubs and associations and you are running big-scale events. So I thought I could transfer the assets and skills I developed from volunteering outside in the community and at UFV to being president. Can you tell me a little about the non-profit you co-founded? It’s a non-profit organization called Sikh Sewa International Society of Youth. What we do on a local level is bi-monthly soup kitchens, and on an international level we do eye camps. We have done three eye camps already in rural villages in India, and we are trying to do a dental camp. What should students expect from you as president? They should expect a passionate, understanding, and positive leader who serves the students with a smile. My door is always open and I look forward to meeting new students and hearing their ideas and even their concerns. I am not here to just sit back — I am here to really increase student engagement on campus and the sense of spirit at UFV.
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NEWS
VOL. 27 // ISSUE 13
UFV //
Ministry of Education approves biochemistry major
UFV Chemistry student. May 13, 2019. (David Myles)
NADIA TUDHOPE UFV’s biochemistry major has been approved by the Ministry of Education, and will be available in Winter 2020. The major and a number of new upperlevel biochemistry courses were brought to the Undergraduate Education Committee (UEC) meeting in December 2015. The five biochemistry and two directed studies courses were approved and added to the course listings for Fall 2016, but the major has only recently been approved by the Ministry of Education. The courses added were all 300 and 400 level courses and include Biochemistry; Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory; Enzymes, Coenzymes, and Inhibitors; Molecular Techniques I; Advanced Metabolism; and Genomics. The new major is designed to help prepare students to enter into professional training programs in the medical field, and for further study and employment in fields interested in molecular life sciences and biotechnology, such as environmental science, agriculture, food science, and medicine. “It should be a pretty popular program,” Jason Thomas, associate professor, chemistry, and chair of the biochemistry program working group, said. “It’s a pretty natural choice for anyone that wants to go into medicine or related fields, or medical research beyond that.” A biochemistry major is a standard offering in most major universities — the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, for example, already have biochemistry majors in place. The biochemistry major draws largely
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on existing biology and chemistry courses, especially at the lower level, and will not require many additional resources or costs to offer. New courses for biochemistry are at the upper level, with options to do directed studies research and thesis projects in fourth-year courses. “The foundation is chemistry and biology; it’s not until you get to the upper level, or even just the fourth year, that you do specialized biochem courses but even then they’re crosslisted,” Thomas said. Biochemistry — simply put as “the chemistry of living things” — is interdisciplinary in nature, Thomas explained. The biochemistry program educates students on both the theoretical and practical aspects of biochemistry, utilizing lecture, laboratory, and tutorial session formats. “The program itself is actually housed within the chemistry department, but it is very much a collaboration between the chemistry and biology departments, so faculty from both will be contributing to it,” Thomas said. New majors are not implemented only on the approval of UFV Senate and its standing committees; rather, new degree programs are first submitted to the Post-secondary Institution Proposal System (PSIPS). A proposal package is sent to the Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB), an advisory board ensuring postsecondary quality assurance requirements are met, who then makes a recommendation to the minister on whether to approve the application before the minister makes a final decision. UFV’s Program Development Office helps faculty prepare applications for new programs and deal with the ministry. The biochemistry major will return to the UEC to approve final minor changes prior to implementation for the Winter 2020 semester.
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
UFV //
Senate overview: May
UFV requests leadership over orientation day and Senate approves the final university mission, values, and vision statements JESSICA BARCLAY 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: approving new courses and programs, approving changes to programs, setting entrance requirements, and setting 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 at either the Abbotsford or the CEP campus, but most do not. Regardless, Senate makes decisions that impact the daily lives of both students and faculty. UFV requests orientation day Alisa Webb, vice president students, and Greg Mather, manager of student wellness and development, presented on their vision for students’ transitions, specifically on incoming student orientation. As part of the presentation, they requested that Senate consider granting leadership of the orientation day trial to UFV instead of the Student Union Society (SUS). The dedicated orientation day was granted at the request of SUS last year as a two-year trial. The day pushes the academic calender back by one day, allowing orientation to happen during the first week of school instead of before. The trial began in fall 2018, where SUS ran orientation programming for incoming students. This winter, SUS did do their orientation on the dedicated orientation day and instead asked UFV to run programming. Gurvir Gill, previous SUS president, told Senate in February the choice was due to concern that hosting orientation
before the weekend might result in a lower student turnout. UFV reported a turnout of 275 students for the orientation day they ran. Senate said the request would be put forward as a future agenda item, but that SUS would be consulted first. Approved mission, values, and vision statements Senate approved UFV’s new mission, values, and vision statements to a round of applause. The statements have been reworked as part of the visioning process UFV president Joanne MacLean began at the start of her presidency last fall. The process looked to update the statements to better align with UFV’s current goals and vision. UFV’s core values will be integrity, inclusivity, community, and excellence and its mission statement is “engaging learners, transforming lives, building community.” UFV’s vision statement describes the future goals and aspirations of the university: “UFV will be known as a gathering place for learners, leaders, and seekers. We will pursue diverse pathways of scholarship, leading to community connection, reconciliation, and prosperity, locally and beyond.” Approved changes to admissions requirements Senate approved the changes to UFV admission requirements to align with the new B.C. high school curriculum. The changes come as part of the redesign of the B.C. K–12 curriculum that started to be implemented in 2015. A wide range of new courses will be available for high school students, some replacing and some in addition to the old courses. Changes to the grades 11 and 12 curriculum will come into effect this September, and UFV could see students using the new courses for entry as early as January 2020.
UFV //
UFV launches first Canadian MBTL graduate certificate The mindfulness-based teaching and learning certificate will help students bring meditation and mindfulness practices into the workplace JESSICA BARCLAY UFV will be the first university in Canada to offer a forcredit graduate certificate in mindfulness-based teaching and learning (MBTL). The part-time, 10-month certificate program will launch in September 2019. In the program students will learn practical mindfulness techniques and how to use them with a range of people in various settings. Students will learn both how to use these techniques themselves and how to teach them to others, guide meditation practices, and direct others to talk about experiences afterwards. “We try to encourage people to begin the decision in a way they don't usually decide, which is to understand that you will benefit personally,” Dr. Seonaigh MacPherson, associate professor and head of adult education at UFV, and coordinator of the MBTL program, said. “Just the way you might opt to do yoga class
or take a mindfulness class, this type of teaching requires that people who teach it also do it.” The material will incorporate current scientific research around the benefits and effects of mindfulness. “You'll see these programs everywhere, training people, but what they're not doing is teaching, linking research to teaching,” MacPherson said. Graduates of the certificate will receive 12 upperlevel graduate credits that are designed to be easily transferable to master’s and doctorate programs. UFV has an agreement with the University of Calgary's Werklund School of Education where the credits from the MBTL program will count as the first 12 credits for the interdisciplinary Master of Education. MacPherson said that the material taught in the program will appeal to a wide range of students and professionals looking to utilize mindfulness techniques in current or future
professions. “For instance, we have a lot of [K–12] teachers interested in it,” MacPherson said. “We have doctors interested, nurses, social workers, yoga teachers — people who are interested in introducing mindfulness practices in their profession or interested in going into those professions.” The program is structured with most of the classes online, with some face-toface evening and weekend sessions. Those who are studying from a distance will be able to participate through video conference. The program is capped with a five-day residential intensive retreat. There will be opportunities during the program for those interested to receive mindfulness program facilitator qualifications, including mindfulnessbased stress reduction (MBSR) specialization and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) specialization.
Correction: In Vol. 27, Issue 12 of The Cascade, the feature article “How to endure (and conquer) a degree at UFV” erroneously stated that the on-campus Abbotsford gym is free to use with the U-Pass. There is a membership fee for students to use the gym of $40 per semester, or $5 for a drop-in session.
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OPINION
VOL. 27 // ISSUE 13
opinion@ufvcascade.ca Carissa Wiens — Opinion Editor
Life //
Take me away
How to be a weekend warrior on a student’s budget
Illustration by Kayt Hine
ANDREA SADOWSKI Are you scrolling through Instagram, green with jealousy, looking at all the beautiful people sunbathing and swimming with dolphins in exotic locations like the Seychelles, St.Tropez, and the Baja while you are stuck in school like a chump? There is no need to feel such envy when you live in the most beautiful place in Canada, with beaches, mountains, islands, and rainforests all at your doorstep. It is possible to go exploring this summer without breaking the bank — let me show you how: 1. Victoria. Hop on the Twassen ferry, which is about an hour’s drive away from Abbotsford, as a foot passenger or with your bike to go to B.C.’s capital city. There are so many free things to do in this charming city that has a well-equipped public transit system: take a selfie in front of the parliament buildings, stroll around the docks at Fisherman’s Wharf, browse Canada’s oldest Chinatown, or take a selfguided ghost tour. Stay at a hostel for as little as $28 a night and meet even
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more travellers to adventure with. 2. Ucluelet. Take your car on the ferry to Nanaimo and go on a mini road trip to the hipster town of Ucluelet, just south of Tofino. If you want to make the scenic drive last longer, you can visit Goats on the Roof in Coombs, Cathedral Grove Park, and countless other parks, trails, and lakes that pop up during the four-hour drive. Learn how to surf from one of the many surf schools in town, or just enjoy beachcombing at Long Beach or Pacific Rim National Park. Since even hostels and campsites are crazy expensive here, I suggest doing as the locals do and sleep in your car. Of course, this is much easier if you have a minivan or hatchback, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. 3. Gulf Islands. In between the mainland and Vancouver Island are the charming little islands of Galiano, Gabriola, Pender, Thetis, Saturna, Mayne, and Salt Spring. A unique way to experience these sunny, beachy islands is to stay with local, organic farmers, exchanging about five hours of labour a day for room and board.
This program is called WWOOF, or WorldWide Opportunities on Organic Farms, and is great for people who want to learn how to live sustainably and form friendships with likeminded people. Annual membership costs $50/year or $75/year for a couple and gives you access to an entire database full of hosts who are looking for eager workers. 4. Squamish. It’s like Whistler, but cheaper, with hiking and mountain biking trails galore. Three of the most note-worthy trails are Sea to Summit, the Chief, and Elfin Lakes. Basically, if you like doing things outside, this small town in the mountains is for you. After you are done traipsing through the wild outdoors, why not try a craft beer at one of the local breweries? There are countless campsites to pitch your tent in for as little as $10/night. 5. Vancouver. This city is so easy to get to from Abbotsford, even if you don’t have a car, and is bountiful with free things to do during the summer. Some of my favourites include biking around Stanley Park, watching the Festival of Lights at English Bay,
wandering around Granville Island, and sunbathing nude at Wreck Beach. If you are more outdoorsy, hit up North Vancouver to hike the Grouse Grind, Mount Seymour, or Quarry Rock in Deep Cove. As for somewhere to stay, ask around. I am sure there is a friend of a friend, a long-lost aunt, or an old co-worker who left Abbotsford for the big city who would be happy to host you for a night or two. If your entire Facebook friend list resides in the Valley, first of all get more friends, second of all, try couchsurfing. There are hundreds of strangers who welcome weary travellers to sleep on their couches in exchange for a good conversation over a beer. It sounds sketchy, but trust me, I have made many friends through this website and have never had a bad experience. There you have it: five weekend getaways to get your mind away from school work and enjoy this beautiful province which you have the incredible luck to reside in. After capturing obligatory vacation photos, put down your phone and enjoy all of the incredible beaches, lakes, and forests B.C. has to offer.
OPINION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
Advice //
Editorial //
Sit and do nothing; Dear Robin it’s good for you CAT FRIESEN This coming fall, UFV will become one of the first North American universities to offer a certificate in mindfulness-based teaching and learning (MBTL). Essentially, the certificate is designed for professionals who want to use mindfulness in their workplace, as well as strengthen their own mindfulness practice. There’s a lot of discussion online regarding the difference between mindfulness and meditation, and to fully dive into what meditation is could take more space than I have. So, essentially, meditation is the age-old practice of slowing the mind and attaining a higher level of consciousness through breathing techniques, visualizations, and/ or mantras, depending on what method you choose to practice. Mindfulness, however, is exactly what it sounds like: being mindful of your surroundings, and your thoughts, your bodily sensations. So, mindfulness can be a part of meditation, but meditation isn’t necessarily a part of mindfulness. UFV’s certificate, with scientific backings and taught through a traditional education system (i.e. university), focuses on the latter and how it pertains to helping people be more mindful in the workplace, and by extension, increasing their work performance as well as their overall well-being. Through this, students will also learn to increase compassion, to self-regulate emotions, and increase social-emotional learning — all traits that will help improve performance and relationships at work. Understandably, mindfulness and meditation have been shunned by the scientific community in the past. On the surface, it appears that you’re doing nothing but sitting still for an hour, or increasing your awareness of the world and your inner self, and what good can that do? What these people don’t seem to realize are the immense benefits mindfulness can
have. A study conducted through Harvard Medical School found that, for people who don’t react well to traditional methods, such as medication, mindfulness-based meditation can lower levels of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Another study at Harvard found that clearing your mind for 15 minutes a day (through meditation or present moment awareness) has the ability to change how your genes work, including lowering blood pressure, regulating inflammation, and rewiring circadian rhythms. And on an entirely non-scientific level, go sit on a beach or in a forest sans phone for an hour and tell me you don’t feel better than when you got there. As someone whose body revolts when given medications such as antidepressants, meditation and mindfulness practices are appealing to me. I don’t vomit, I don’t space out for days at a time, and I don’t feel like I’ve drunk 10 cups of coffee in the span of an hour. After meditating, I’m left feeling still; my thoughts have slowed, and my heart doesn’t feel like it’ll fall out of my mouth if I open it. I feel better prepared to face tasks that daunted me before, and I no longer want to throttle the person whose car alarm goes off for 20 minutes before they do something about it. Essentially, being mindful and practicing meditation makes me a (much) better version of myself. What’s great about the introduction of this course at a university level is that it’s a way to give the benefits of meditation to people who are skeptical of its effectiveness. It’s giving credibility to something that, despite the immense research affirming its benefits, not everyone believes in. I’m not saying don’t try traditional routes; for some, medication works wonders, and if you know something works for you, do it. What I am saying is to give alternative therapies — especially those backed by countless scientific studies — a chance, and check out the MBTL certificate for yourself. Who knows? You may just discover a new career path.
ROBIN HALPER Life is tough and confusing and weird. We all need help sometimes, and when you need an expert opinion, you turn to an expert opinion-giver like Robin Halper. Whatever problem you’re facing in life, Robin will have a solution. The Cascade cannot guarantee the effectiveness of Robin’s unique approach to life, but if you’re in a jam, get some advice by writing to halp@ufvcascade.ca Summer struggles Dear Robin,
bitch
Unfortunately, I didn’t get into any of the classes I wanted for the spring/ summer semester here at UFV. It’s already two weeks into the semester and I have absolutely no idea what to do until fall comes around. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks, Empty for Eternity Hey, It sounds like you’re in the same boat as so many other UFV students. The university seems to fail every summer in providing enough classes to meet the demands of students wanting to continue their studies in the warmer months, but that’s a topic of discussion for another time. If you’re really keen to finish your degree ASAP so you can join the workforce as a youngin, then do some course work at Thompson River University Open Learning. There’s so many classes you can do online and start whenever then finish whenever.
A lot transfer directly to UFV, just check out bctransferguide.ca. If UFV isn’t going to give us students what we want, then we gotta get it from somewhere else. If that option isn’t good for you then be like any other student in the entire world and get a summer job in customer service. We all have to pay our dues. Robin Reverse advice Dear Robin, Thank you for always offering up so much helpful advice. But do you ever need advice or help with anything? I’m in my second year of psychology so I know so much about helping others. Sincerely, Helping from home Hello, Wow, second year in psych; you really do know a lot. Well, you could give me some advice about my pet dolphin who ate my two cats last week. I just really want to talk to Fin about the root problem of this act and why he did it and learn about any trauma in his past that will help me understand his choices. Maybe he has some abandonment issues, I don’t know. So if you would want to let me know how to communicate best with Fin and learn about this all, that would be great. Thanks. Robin
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BRIEF BITS OF BITE-SIZED BREVITY
SN S AP HO TS
CURTAILED COMMENTARY ON CURRENT CONDITIONS
Illustrations by Mikaela Collins
Beat and switch
Deadbeat deadlines Does anybody else experience a heavy, chest restraining, unwavering anxiety that creeps in at the end of finals week and long overstays its welcome? I do. My shortcomings on long answer questions are all consuming, the doubt of multiple choice is constant, and I am reduced to a shell of a student who cares far too much. But when it’s past the deadline for grades to be in, I can’t help but contemplate the hypocrisy that remains unaddressed. Students are expected to strictly adhere to deadlines at all costs, which adds intense pressure to an already stressful semester. Out of necessity, then, we reheat our
coffees and soldier on, battling to finish our 10-page papers — otherwise face the consequences of losing a letter grade for every day that it’s late. Is the same courtesy extended to professors when they are well past the deadline for posting our grades? Do they suffer any consequence, or do we get an additional percentage added to our final grades for each day that their marking hasn’t been done? When grades are finally posted, even though there is no recompense for my prolonged mental trauma, I’ll be free from anxiety and filled with the satisfaction of simply knowing.
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there at all. You think it’s a certain song, but it is not. It starts out in a similar way, it builds up and builds up (or so you think), but the signature melody or lyrics you are waiting for never come, because it is a different song after all. Or perhaps it is the right song but is a terrible cover version, leaving you disappointed when the singers open their untalented mouths and spoil it. So many things can snatch away what was supposed to be an awesome tune and leave you frustrated.
Aleister Gwynne
Rachel Macarie
Plane problems
Buried in books On this week’s episode of “Cat, stop that,” we’re talking about books. Specifically, my inability to put the brakes on my book addiction. My bookshelves — of which I have many — are literally overflowing, and at any given time I have at least four books on the go: something for a class, a poetry book, a novel, and some type of nonfiction. Despite not spending enough time reading, and having more books than you can shake a stick at, I then end up going for a stroll around the library, emerging with another three to six books I in no
I am not exactly a musical person, but I do enjoy music, and have my own preferred genres and favourite songs. In my time, I have developed a number of musicrelated pet peeves. For example, don’t you just hate it when a song you like starts playing on the car radio and the driver changes the channel? Differing musical tastes is one thing, but it is just cruel to let someone get into the zone only to brutally yank them out of it just when they are getting into the groove. Almost as bad as an interrupted song is one that never gets
way have time to read. And though this sounds like a great problem to have (really, I could be addicted to internet shopping or McDonald’s french fries), I fear that one day I’ll have so many books that I won’t be able to navigate my own house without stepping on Woolf or Atwood or Nabokov, sending me tumbling down the stairs to my tragic, literary end. Though for someone with a love of dramatic Victorian and gruesome horror novels, this may be the perfect way to go.bv
Cat Friesen
An airplane just flew by my house, its passage marked by a real dramatic rumbling off in the night distance. Normally I don’t notice this kind of thing but then again, I know what an airplane is. I know what one sounds like. While it’s fun, also, to think about how people in the ‘60s, having never seen or heard a jet, reacted to one flying by, I think perhaps the more relevant question is this: good God, what must animals be thinking when, at 11:30 p.m. (not that they’re keeping track of the time to begin with) they hear one of these
ridiculous machines tear through the sky? Sure, any animal alive today will likely have acclimated to the sound of an occasional plane as a fact of life, but how do they reconcile what is essentially a roar that would rival any lion’s with the fact that it poses no immediate danger to them? And how long would I (as a deer or moose, perhaps) have to wait after hearing a plane overhead before deciding, okay, it is safe enough once again to continue grazing? These are the kinds of things that keep me up at night. Also the planes.
Martin Castro
Note:
Some of these events require tickets, most are on Facebook. If something catches your eye, take to the internet for more details.
Events Calendar
Community Event UFV Event Music Event
may
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Art Event Cultural Event
Discover Your UFV @ Envision Athletic Centre (Abbotsford Campus), 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Life Drawing Studio Session 2 w/ instructor Jesse Klassen @ House of Fine Art (Abbotsford), 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Geoff Berner, Carolyn Mark, & Kris Demeanor 3-Way @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 10:00 p.m Fun For Cover @ Field House Brewing Co. (Abbotsford), 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
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Beer Essentials & Tasting Class @ Highstreet Mall (Abbotsford), 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
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Brunch with The Artists @ The Reach Gallery Museum (Abbotsford), 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Garden Necklace @ 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Opening Reception: Five Faces, Five Corners @ Chilliwack Museum and Archives, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
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Strung
out
on
Beads
(Abbotsford),
2nd Annual Fraser Valley Cask Festival @ Old Yale Brewing (Chillwack), 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Retro Abby: Remembering Abbotsford’s Pasts @ Room B132 (Abbotsford Campus), 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Paintbrushes: Making Beautiful Marks @ House of Fine Art (Abbotsford), 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Opening Night: Gallery 7 presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” @ Matsqui Centennial Auditorium (Abbotsford), 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.
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King Mammoth, Burning Bodhi, Of Lesser Evil & Utility Provider @ Captain’s Cabin Pub (Mission), 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Viper Central @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 8:00 - 10:30 p.m.
A Spring Piano + Cello Concert @ The Reach Gallery Museum (Abbotsford), 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Clockwork: North American Tour @ The Railyard (Mission), 8:00 - 11:59 p.m.
MAC Steampunk Murder Mystery @ The Stage in Mission, 5:30 p.m. - Midnight
Copper Coil Bracelet @ Strung out on Beads (Abbotsford), 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Leeroy Stagger 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Fort Langley Beer + Food Festival @ Fort Langley National Historic Site, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Samson Crowe’s Spring Showcase Spectacle @ SippChai Cafe (Abbotsford), 7:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Harma White @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Molten Blues Band @ The Railyard (Mission), 8:00 - 11:30 p.m.
Teen Daze: Record Release Show @ Kariton Art Gallery (Abbotsford), 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. Artist Garage Sale 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
@
Kariton
Art
Gallery
(Abbotsford),
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Discover your UFV @ CEP Building A (Chilliwack Campus), 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Continuing Education Open House @ Clearbrook Centre (Abbotsford), 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Undergraduate Research Awards @ Quality Inn (Abbotsford), 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Opening Reception: Spring/Summer Exhibitions @ The Reach Gallery Museum (Abbotsford), 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Peter Pan: Broadway’s Timeless Musical @ Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 7:00 p.m. Rob Lutes @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Tractorgrease
Cafe
(Chilliwack),
Run for Water Half Marathon @ Mill Lake Park (Abbotsford), 7:00 - 11:00 a.m. Scottish Seasons & Highland Holidays @ Abbotsford Arts Centre (Abbotsford), 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Wooden Horsemen and Small Town Artillery @ Tractorgrease Cafe (Chilliwack), 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. PNT Acrylics w/ Nan @ House of Fine Art (Abbotsford), 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
@
A Galaxy Far, Far Away: The Music of John Williams @ G.W. Graham Middle Secondary (Chilliwack), 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
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PNT Watercolours w/ Nan @ House of Fine Art (Abbotsford), 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
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Hockey, Racism & Memory-Making @ Sikh Heritage Museum (Abbotsford), 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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Indigenous Graduation Gathering @ Gathering Place: CEP-A1457 (Chilliwack Campus), 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Life Drawing Studio Session 2 w/ instructor Jesse Klassen @ House of Fine Art (Abbotsford), 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
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Building a global community through the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program
From East Africa to Canada and from Canada to East Africa
I
magine this: you’ve been chosen by the United Nations to be an intern. Now, not only have you been chosen to work for a major multinational organization, but they want you to go to Nairobi, Kenya to work. That’s right, Africa. Now imagine getting there. You’re in a foreign country, working for an important international organization. You’re working on a project proposal while gazing out onto the shore of an East African beach. The sand is white, the ocean smells salty, and warm wind blows in through the open window as you work on something that could possibly change lives.
By: Darien Johnsen
I sat down with the QES coordinator for UFV, Cherie Enns, on a sunny spring day at UFV’s Abbotsford campus. Enns is a UFV faculty member who is part of the geography and global development studies programs at UFV. She’s helped many UFV recently received a second round students over the years participate in inof funding to send more students abroad. ternational internships. I asked her about While the last round of funding focused the purpose of the QES program. on food systems and food security and provided funding for internships in “This idea of cross-cultural underCanada, Kenya, or Tanzania, the second standing and awareness is my personal round of funding has shifted focus. This interest in it. I think a lot of the way we time, QEScholars will be working on ur- see the world is so influenced by the ban policy and urban planning and four voice of academics, but when you’re accountries will be included: Kenya, Tanza- tually there and you’re paying for drivUFV is one of 20 Canadian universi- nia, India, and Canada. ers and you’re renting apartments, you’re ties who received the Queen Elizabeth part of an economy. So you’re just going Scholars (QES or QEScholar) funding. Many students graduate from univer- and experiencing and living in another This funding is used to facilitate an inter- sity with incredible potential, but little to place,” said Enns. national internship exchange program no job or international experience. The where students live and work abroad for QES program is helping to change that by This is the way education should be, three months. providing students a unique opportunity Enns explains. Hands-on learning within to gain not only work experience, but life the context of an environment can have The first round of funding was award- experience, as they adapt and grow in an impact on students that can change ed to UFV in 2014 — enough for 28 do- an unfamiliar environment. their lives and the way they view the mestic or international UFV students and world. eight East African students to participate in international internships with institutions such as the United Nations, universities, think tanks, NGOs, and non-profit societies from all over the globe. According to the QES website, the purpose of this program is to promote international student exchange and civic engagement. “The QES program is helping to grow
young Canadians into global citizens while promoting Canada as a destination for the world’s top talent and attracting top talent and international research leaders to Canada,” the website states.
“Three months to do and live differently — what a gift,” said Enns. A recently returned intern, Maegan McKay, said that she is grateful for the personal growth she experienced throughout her involvement with QES. While many Queen Elizabeth Scholars travel in a group to their destination country and remain working together when there, McKay went on her own to Nairobi, Kenya. “That feeling of being on my own was so empowering and I like being by myself now. I never used to like being by myself, but I love being alone now,” said McKay. “So there’s that feeling in life, whenever calamity hits or something terrible strikes, I’m like, ‘I lived in Nairobi, by myself. I can get through this.’” McKay worked for the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), a division of the UN that focuses on conflict and providing peace, and humanitarian and development projects in membership countries. While she was there, McKay worked on proposal writing, among other things, for high level projects being implemented in East Africa. She attended meetings with the World Bank, the International Financial Institution, European governments, and lived with a Somali woman who was working for the Finnish embassy. McKay’s favourite memory is a culmination of all the friendships she made
"Three months to do and live differently - what a gift." Africa, so too are East Africans observing the culture and changing face of Canadian cities.
In this way, both Canadian and East African students benefit from the QES program.
Veronica Mwangi from Nairobi recounts her experience of fall and Thanksgiving in Canada. In a blog post that QEScholars are required to fill out, she makes note of her experience adjusting to the climate in Canada.
“Honestly, if we didn’t have that element of reciprocity, and even still it’s marginal, it wouldn’t feel very good to me. I’m working really hard, to make it clear, that we go there as guests to learn. And likewise, when students come here, as guests to learn. So it’s more, trying to move away from that saviour mentality idea,” Enns said.
“Another first for me was the experience of fall weather; days of erratic weather patterns,” Mwangi wrote. “My body couldn’t fathom how a place could be sunny, then suddenly turn into showers of rain accompanied by chilly weather, then sunny again. All in a day!”
Travelling and adventure is all the rage these days, but there is a big and important difference between travelling and actually living and immersing yourself in the culture of a place. If the thought Mwangi discusses her experience of of this excites you, reach out to Cherie Maegan McKay and others at UNOPS, Nairobi. (Maegan McKay) her first Thanksgiving dinner in Canada Enns or Maegan McKay and they’ll be with both domestic and international them for a future in whatever field they and, ever a scholar, wonders about the more than happy to sit down and discuss QEScholars. choose. amount of food waste Canadians may your options. produce on this holiday. “The thing that really benefited me “QES has connected me with global “There’s so many things you can say to about being a QEScholar was the fact think tanks, policy makers, and educaAnother intriguing and enthusiastic yourself to be like, I’m not good enough that, even though I felt like I didn’t know tors abroad which have helped me plan post from Guido Uhinga, an intern from for this. Like, stop! Stop saying those anybody, there was a network of Queen for my future,” Stewart said. Dar es Salaam staying in Baker House at things to yourself,” McKay said. “Think to Elizabeth Scholars in Kenya, who were the Abbotsford UFV campus, mentions yourself: what do you want to do? Do you Kenyan and helped me so much,” McKay Students have experienced some said. fantastic successes and achievements through QES. Some have even been inThe passionate connections, friend- vited back with funding by the instituship, and community of scholars is what tions they worked for. One group of stustands out for many students upon re- dents had their research paper published flecting on their internships. The QES in the ***Undercurrent Journal and anprogram weaves scholars together into a other group met with the governor genglobal community bonded by a thread of eral at Rideau Hall in Ottawa to discuss shared experiences and common love for their experiences. Moreover, students both their host and home countries. are working on some fascinating projects that are spiking their interest in interna“My last two weeks in Canada, I went tional communities. on so many coffee dates, had so many beautiful conversations; all these differ“My favourite memory with QES was ent students, people who truly cared and during our surveys in rural open-air were so excited for me,” gushed McKay. markets in Kisongo,” Stewart said. “This “Their heart was so in love with Kenya market, and the survey answers from this and so in love with East Africa — they region, provided an illustration of how talked about it with such high esteem. the pastoralist Maasai people participate And then, when I arrived, and connect- in Tanzania’s food system. Their complex ing with the other scholars who were pastoralist livelihoods and adaptation to there in Kenya. Just the most amazing growth in Tanzania especially interested conversations about their experience in me.” Canada.” The QES funding is not only for internMadison Stewart is a UFV alumni soon ships, but also for events where scholars to start her master's program at the Uni- can share their work, experiences, and versity of Cape Town in South Africa. She network with the broader community. spoke to me via email about her experi- Past events have included photo exhibits ences with QES. In 2014, she travelled to and panel discussions on food security Cherie Enns with East African interns including Stephen Otieno and Veronica Mwangi. (UFV Flickr) Dar es Salaam, Tanzania with five other and urban planning. UFV students to research agricultural surprising cultural differences between dream about this at night, can you not markets and urbanization with Ardhi In 2017, the Future of Food event in- their host and home communities. Some stop thinking about it? There are funds University. Stewart said that travelling cluded a panel with East African QE- things they note are the preference of available for you, there are people who and working with a diversity of interns Scholars who had come to UFV. One people in Abbotsford to drive rather than will help you, there’s a network — people benefited her overall learning experi- scholar at this event, Stephen Otieno, walk, the absence of shoe shiners and want you to do this.” ence. wrote an insightful blog post observing shoe makers who are popular in Dar, the the changing nature of Abbotsford. prohibition of public drinking, the chalWhat better way to grow and learn “We all came from differing backlenge of determining what greeting style than to push yourself outside of your grounds (i.e. economics, social work, po“It is my third time in Abbotsford in to use in such a multicultural city, and comfort zone? Absorb a new environlitical science, and development studies),” just about three years, and I have noted the difficulty of adjusting to strict time ment and culture, and then return the Stewart said. “This diversity helped us to the rapid transformation taking place in schedules. favour of its beauty and knowledge in share ideas, resulting in a more holistic the city’s landscape,” Otieno said in the the form of service. International expeunderstanding of the changes happening blog post. “Abbotsford is caught in this “Recently, we had to learn our lesson in rience can benefit the individual student in the East Africa region.” social-economic and political quagmire. hard way when we were called to attend in many ways. It can result in personal A struggle to maintain its grip on the in- a meeting to discuss residence matters at growth, international connections, inQES is a global network of friends and valuable agricultural land, and the pres- Baker House,” Uhinga wrote. “The chair- sight, and confidence, but these benefits scholars who are changing the face and sure to absorb the shocks from imminent person denied us access into the meeting inevitably bleed into the community and practice of development, food systems, urban-rural migration.” room because we got there three min- extend to the broader good of humanity. urban space, and learning. At the same utes late. We could not believe that was time, it is connecting students to global Not only are Canadian UFV students really happening! However, we took it leaders and institutions and preparing experiencing the changing cities of East positively and accepted the angry truth.”
CULTURE
CULTURE
VOL. 27 // ISSUE 13
culture@ufvcascade.ca Cassie de Jong — Culture Editor
Preview //
Column //
Cascade Kitchen: Midsummer Mania Gallery 7 Theatre to debut first ever Shakespearean production
A fresh fry
Get a wok before you do anything else
CASSIE DE JONG This weekend, magic and misbehaviour will come knocking at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium as Gallery 7 Theatre presents their modern rendition of William Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Gallery 7 is ecstatic to announce the production as this conclusion to their 20182019 “Back to Classics” theatre season is also their very first presentation of Shakespeare in their 28 seasons of producing live theatre.
Stir fry. May 2019. (Carissa Wiens)
CARISSA WIENS The Cascade Kitchen is a student-run food column that brings you budgetfriendly recipes and cooking tips. Check back bi-weekly for something new to try in the kitchen, or if you want to see your own recipe featured next, get started by reaching out to culture@ufvcascade.ca. One year ago I received a wok as a gift. It’s not a mighty cast iron wok that has battle wounds from working the streets of a Thai market, serving pad thai to many, but a simple, non-stick, modest one that has since been a staple in my kitchen. The wok has held numerous yellow curries (that have previously been featured on Cascade Kitchen), my favourite stir fry sauce coating mounds of broccoli and tofu, and now it has been my partner in a new dinner fave: the citrus asparagus stir fry. This recipe was adopted from the website Bon Appetit, and has been modified to fit my likings. I like this recipe not only because it’s super easy, but because it’s also got a healthy dose of greens to make you feel better than ever. Ingredients: 30 ml (2 tbsp) sesame oil 1 chili pepper, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 yellow onion, diced 1 lb. asparagus, sliced into bite-sized chunks 30 ml (2 tbsp) butter 30 ml (2 tbsp) soy sauce Sesame seeds, cilantro, and orange juice for garnish Method: 1. Heat your wok on high heat for 5 minutes. It will be hot enough when water droplets sizzle. 2. Add sesame oil, chili peppers, garlic, and onion to the hot wok. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to give onions colour. 3. Throw in asparagus, butter, and soy sauce. Stir constantly for several minutes until sauce thickens and asparagus becomes tender. 4. Serve hot and garnish with cilantro, freshly squeezed orange juice, and toasted sesame seeds.
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“I think audiences will get a kick out of the plight of the young lovers as they sort through hilarious misunderstandings.” Gallery 7 Theatre’s artistic director Ken Hildebrandt stated in a press release that Gallery 7 thought it fitting to conclude a season featuring classics with one of Shakespeare’s most popular and accessible plays. According to Hildebrandt, the directing and design team took a decidedly modern take for the production. “I think audiences will get a kick out of the plight of the young lovers as they sort through hilarious misunderstandings,” Hildebrandt said. “Audiences will revel in the mischievous antics of Oberon and his trusty companion, Puck, and will enjoy the well-intentioned attempts by Bottom and his friends as they desperately try to rehearse a play to be presented before royalty. The show promises to be an outstanding conclusion to our season and the perfect way to welcome the summer season.” Trinity Western University’s chair of the theatre department, Kate Muchmore Woo, is directing the production. This is Woo’s third time directing for Gallery 7 Theatre, having also worked with them on Enchanted April and The Mousetrap. “I am honoured to direct Gallery 7’s first Shakespeare production,” Woo said. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream is funny, magical, boisterous, and full of relatable themes. It invites us into our imaginations to frolic with fairies and dream of true love. Who can deny that at its heart, this play is about love triumphing over all obstacles?” Joining Woo on the production team are Jeff Kiers for set design, Charlene Crawford
for props design, Shannon Tauber for costume design, Matthew Piton for lighting design, Gabriel Kirkley for sound design, and Becki Cormier as stage manager. A Midsummer Night’s Dream will also feature performances by artists from across the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland, some of whom hail from UFV. The lead roles of the young lovers are set to be portrayed by Tiani Foster, Curtis Maciborski, Autumn Mastin, and Braedon Sunnes. Presenting the roles of the king and queen of the fairy world, Oberon and Titania, are Mark Kroeker and Deanne Ratzlaff respectively. Playing the role of the ever-meddling Puck is Nicola Prigge, and the part of Bottom is being played by Chris Taylor. Also featured are Tamara Charman, John Dawson, Angel Duron-Heron, Lora-Lynne Frewing, Kenzie Hall, Jessica Milliken, Dylan Grace, Cara Straforelli, Shannon Tauber, Cassie Unger, and Alex Walker. A Midsummer Night’s Dream will run for two weeks starting this Friday, May 17. On May 17–18 and 22–25, shows start at 7:30 p.m., and on May 18 and 25 matinee performances begin at 2:00 p.m. The production will take place at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium in Abbotsford. For tickets and more information, please visit www.gallery7theatre.com or call House of James at 604-852-3701.
Autumn Mastin. May 2019. (Dianna Lewis)
CULTURE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
Community Event //
Selfies and seedlings The Abbotsford Tulip Festival wows Instagram, the Fraser Valley, and beyond CASSIE DE JONG & DAVID MYLES The famous Abbotsford Tulip Festival woefully concluded its 2019 season last weekend. While we are sad to see it go, the success of this year’s event has local residents more than excited to return again next year. The festival is owned and operated by the local Warmerdam family, and has roots deeply set in the Netherlands and a love for all things horticulture. According to the festival’s website, Peter Warmerdam and his family immigrated from the Netherlands in 1950 to settle in the Fraser Valley. Along with himself and his family, Peter brought his expansive horticultural knowledge, and applied it to farming daffodils, and eventually tulips, in the area. Every year this festival seems to attract more and more tulip lovers from all directions, and has consistently proved its value to Abbotsford arts and culture. It has also proved its Instagram worthiness in every facet, which drew us to attend the illustrious event to search for hungry Instagrammers on the hunt for the superior selfie.
Despite the expansive area of the event, attendees competed for space to find the finest backdrop. May 4, 2019. (David Myles)
Some even brought out the heavy artillery. May 4, 2019. (David Myles)
Creativity bloomed everywhere you looked. May 4, 2019. (David Myles)
The Abbotsford Tulip Festival surely is an adored spectacle. We approached the event expecting to see a great deal of selfies, but we were surprised to see how much professional effort was put into the ordeal. Both locals and tourists alike meandered up and down each line of tulips, capturing both the essence of colour in the fields and more than a few perfectly crafted snapshots. If you missed your chance to attend this year, or if you simply want to witness more Fraser Valley flowers, the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival, by the creators of Tulips of the Valley, opens August 1.
The perfect tool for the perfect shot. May 4, 2019. (David Myles)
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CULTURE
VOL. 27 // ISSUE 13
Community Event //
Walking with Jane Jacobs Activist group seeks to build and showcase living communities ALEISTER GWYNNE The world is urbanizing at a rapid pace. According to statistics cited in the film Citizen Jane, a documentary on the career and philosophy of civic activist and writer Jane Jacobs, the equivalent of the population of Los Angeles moves to a city every two months. Urban living, which for so long had been the exception, is now becoming the norm all over the globe. Consequently, the decisions we make in city planning and design will have profound impacts on the quality of city life in the decades, perhaps centuries to come. However, this raises the question of who makes the decisions about life in the urban space, and who will benefit from those decisions. In Citizen Jane we witness the clash of two philosophies of urban design and their respective champions in the 20th century, and what those battles mean for the 21st. Abbotsford held its first Jane’s Walk on Friday, May 3. The walk itself was fairly short and confined to the immediate environs of the Reach Gallery. Attendees were shown streetlight banners which were designed by seven local artists. However, the majority of the event was a showing of the film Citizen Jane, which chronicles the life and philosophy of civic activist Jane Jacobs, from whom Jane’s Walk derives both its name and its inspiration. The story of Jane Jacobs begins (as so many of them do) in New York City. In the mid-20th century, New York was shaped in great part by Robert Moses. Moses was a city planner who was influenced (especially in the post-war period) by the ideas and aesthetics of Modernist architects such as Walter Gropius, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Le Corbusier, whose designs had a “tower in the garden” aesthetic, often composed of monumental megastructures of minimalist design surrounded by vast, open public spaces, and favoured minimalistic
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designs incorporating modern with pedestrians and faced by construction materials such shops offered safety through as glass and concrete. Le numbers and eyes on the street. Corbusier conceived of the To Jacobs, a city was more home as “a machine for than a collection of buildings living.” Moses adopted this and roads, but a community idea on a citywide scale, designing buildings and infrastructure with the same grandiose yet Spartan designs, which were meant to maximize efficiency of movement. From its starting point in the New York of Robert Moses, these centralized, efficiency-maximizing planning schemes spread across the continent. The Modernists were well-intentioned for the most part. They saw the old cities as decaying hives of disease, crime, and traffic congestion. Moses and his ilk sought to bring mobility and fresh air to these places, and made efforts to relocate slum populations (most of which were communities of colour) in statefunded housing projects. Yet paradoxically, the projects became more crime-ridden, depressing, and isolating than the so-called slums they replaced. The projects fell into disrepair, and were eventually demolished, Local art. May 2019. (Aleister Gwynne) having failed at their goal. City-spanning freeways meant to connect that drew its strength from neighbourhoods instead diversity and a shared sense divided them with walls of of place. When a community concrete and fast-moving is damaged or destroyed by traffic. The utopian top-down isolation or forced relocation, vision of the modernists, now it is very difficult to replace being realized, was hurting it, just as it is very difficult the fabric of urban life instead to regrow a forest once it has of helping it. been clear-cut. Jane Jacobs, on the other Jacobs’ career as an activist hand, saw things differently. started when she mobilized She was a journalist who the community of Manhattan lived in New York, and to block Robert Moses’ had a keen eye for the city. planned freeway through Where contemporary city Washington Square Park, planners saw blight, squalor, which would have made the and chaos, Jacobs saw park unsafe and compromised opportunity, creativity, and a focal point for community resourcefulness. To her, the life. She emerged victorious city was a type of ecosystem and won again against a that, while it may look chaotic proposed highway that on the surface, concealed a would have cut across lower self-reinforcing equilibrium. Manhattan and prevented For instance, a street crowded her home neighbourhood of
Community Event //
The Chilliwack Hospice Society Hike returns KAREN WHITE After a four-year hiatus, the Chilliwack Hospice Society Hike was held at Chilliwack’s Townsend Park on Sunday, May 5. Stephanie Johnson, event manager at the Chilliwack Hospice Society and one of the main organizers of the hike, and many others are taking the reins to bring back this 2-km and 5-km fundraiser hike. The Hike for Hospice is a nationwide event. The hike itself is an event that every hospice does to help build awareness and raise funds to support the Hospice Society. The Abbotsford event began in Chil back in 2001 and ran until 2014. “It kinda fell off the radar and this is our first year bringing it back since then,” Johnson said. The date of the hike will change next year to sometime in June due to overlap with the Alzheimer’s walk. “We didn’t realize that there was that overlap. Having it the same day as the other fundraisers didn’t really benefit us at all,” Johnson said. The event had many sponsors, with Prospera being their presenting sponsor. This year they brought Kal Tire on board. Two managers from the Chilliwack location cooked a BBQ lunch in support for the event. The food was donated by Kal Tire and they are matching other monetary donations up to $5,000. “A lot of our advertising was that even if you’re not walking,
Greenwich Village from being designated as a “slum” area open to redevelopment, both projects also orchestrated by Moses. In doing so, she not only stood up for her values and saved historic communities, but also showed that the people could fight against harmful developments and win. Jane Jacobs wrote a number of books on community and urban design, the best known of which is The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961). Jacobs later moved to Toronto, where she spent the rest of her life. Soon after arriving, Jacobs mobilized to block the planned Spadina Expressway, again emerging victorious. It was in Toronto that the Jane’s Walk movement was founded in
come down for lunch because it would still support us,” Johnson said. Several local businesses came out to show their support. Say It With Cake had their own table selling cupcakes for $3 each with the proceeds going to the Chilliwack Hospice. Dairy Queen donated 100 Dilly bars for the walkers for when they came back. Inner Vision Yoga had an instructor come and instruct an entire warmup for all the walkers. Precision Building paid for a face painter for the kid’s corner at the event. With these sponsors, other sponsors, and all the volunteers, the event felt like a family coming together in support of the Chilliwack Hospice Society. The goal of the event was to raise $12,000. Due to the amount of time and effort contributed by sponsors and volunteers, the event has cost nothing to run as of the start of the hike and all the money raised would be donated For the future of the event, Johnson would like to see it become more of a festival. She would like to have more food vendors and some live bands playing. This is her first year organizing the event, so she was testing everything out, seeing what the attendance was like and what the response is. “In the end, I think this has a lot of potential. I really want this to be more of a family event. Even if it’s not about the money, it’s about the recognition of Hospice and what we do,” Johnson said.
2006 by her friends and colleagues to spread her vision of vibrant, resilient, and livable urban communities. They have since expanded to cities across the world in 37 countries on six continents, according to their official website, which includes Abbotsford and multiple municipalities in the Metro Vancouver area. Each walk is a walking tour that showcases a particular part of the city or aspect of the community, and seeks to educate residents and visitors about their community. To learn more about Jane’s Walk, and local walks you can participate in, you can visit their website at janeswalk.org.
CULTURE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
Community Event //
Wrestling with homelessness
Passionate about the community, Abbotsford local holds pro wrestling event in support of the Cyrus Centre
Pro wrestling for homelessness. May 2019. (Carissa Wiens)
CARISSA WIENS When running for mayor of Abbotsford in 2018, Trevor Eros noticed one massive issue throughout the city: youth homelessness and addiction. After losing in the election, Eros decided he wanted to get more involved in the community and help the struggling youth. On top of it all, he also wanted to continue being part of the pro wrestling community. So, after many years of wrestling in the ring, he decided to go behind the scenes and create Pacific Pro Wrestling at the beginning of this year. This company, along with Eros’ desire to help youth in need and to bring the community together, gave birth to Saturday’s event, Wrestling with Homelessness. All of the money raised at the event went toward the Cyrus Centre, a safe space for atrisk youth who need food, shelter, help, and resources for the curveballs life has thrown at them. Before the event, Eros said that he and the other event planners didn’t set a fundraisingv goal because they will be proud of however much money comes together. The money is not going to any specific project at the Cyrus Centre, but will continue to help the shelter
provide meals, warm blankets and showers, and basic medical attention for all youth who come through their doors. It will also help pay the staff who work at the shelter full-time. Saturday’s event featured over 15 wrestlers from various locations in B.C. and beyond in a tag team tournament. The winners of the tournament will go on to face each other in a single tournament later this year to be crowned the Pacific Pro Wrestling champion. The entire arena was packed at the Abbotsford Arts Centre with a crowd full of young families to elderly couples. The energy was high throughout the event and everyone was excited to see variowus wrestlers take the ring. Pacific Pro Wrestling has had two other events this year, both fundraisers, one for W.J. Mouat Secondary School’s grad events, and the other for Abbotsford Special Adventures, a company that provides recreational activities for adults and teens with disabilities. Eros hopes that this event will continue to help grow a following vfor Pacific Pro Wrestling and also help form a pro wrestling community here in Abbotsford, because there isn’t much of one yet. From the looks of Saturday night’s crowd, everyone wanted more and I’m sure that the next event will also be a huge success.
UFV Speaks //
Hair today, gone tomorrow CHANDY DANCEY With temperatures starting to rise into the high 20 degree range, students are beginning to make the transition from jeans and jackets to shorts and tees. It’s both a blessing and a curse; it’s the time when I start to dread switching over to my summer
wardrobe solely because I know I’ll either have to start shaving or become very good at hiding it. But do women feel there’s an alternative? I wanted to know if students feel that shaving is a choice or a perceived necessity in our modern world. What influences their decision? Do expectations differ between men and women? Is it a joy or a burden?
Kaitlyn Fisher - second year BA geology and history student
Rachel Fearey - UFV faculty, ASC admin. assistant
I would say I [shave] for myself … the feel, and the aesthetic. I feel cleaner in a way. I don’t always [shave], but [I do it] whenever I feel like it. I know at least from growing up, my parents made me realize, “Oh, this is what [others are] doing. This is the social norm.” But I understand not everyone feels that way, so it really just depends on my mood, whom I’m going to see — those types of pressures. It’s definitely more acceptable for males to have body hair. Personally, I like to be shaven — not have a lot of body hair. Obviously, I wouldn’t judge anyone based on that.
I do it for myself — I don’t like the feeling of prickly legs — but I also do it for society. It’s almost a daily occurrence. I know some men shave their legs, [and] other men might judge them on that. But from a woman’s perspective, I don’t judge men on whether they shave their legs or not. I definitely think men prefer women with shaved legs and shaved armpits. If a girl went around with really hairy legs, I think she would get judgement. Not necessarily from everybody because we are in the 21st century now and people do whatever they want. For me, I just prefer [to shave] ... It’s just my normal.
Hieu Le - second year BSc CIS student I think there’s no difference [between men and women]. It depends on the perspective, right? So if you like, you can leave it there. If you feel like … you want to wear less clothes then you should shave. You’re showing your body to the public. You want your body looking good. I’m gonna shave [a beard] if it’s going to make me look younger. It’s gonna look fresher and cleaner.
Although both genders pointed out that cleanliness in terms of grooming heavily influenced their decision to shave, there was also an open mindedness about allowing others to make their own choice. It’s reasonable to conclude that all individuals exercise a choice when it comes to body hair, but it’s also worth noting that a choice like this is heavily and inevitably influenced by expectations and culture. Open up the discussion and ask yourself the same questions this summer; give yourself the freedom to explore and confirm that you’re making a conscious choice with your body, not letting clever marketing and stigma make them for you.
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SPORTS
CULTURE
sports@ufvcascade.ca The Cascade — Sports Editor
VOL. 27 // ISSUE 13
Baseball //
Cascades finish season strong, set program award record UFV Baseball continues to impress with a strong season and notable conference awards. ALEX JESUS
substantial honours at the Canadian College Baseball Program (CCBC) annual awards dinner. The team was credited with seven all-star selections, tying Okanagan College for most players selected and shattering UFV’s previous record of three. With four first team and three second team acknowledgements, it caps off a record year for the program and its athletes. The star of the show for the Cascades was Riley Jepson. The third-year first baseman continues a trend of excellence that he has set all season and is now the league’s premier hitter for the second straight season. He batted a stellar 0.405 to win the batting title and registers six home runs to
The UFV men’s baseball team capped off another great season by winning 80 per cent of their remaining games in the month of May. After a close 5-3 win over Edmonton Collegiate, their next three games were dominant blowout victories. A loss to Thompson Rivers University at the end of the season wasn’t the preferred way to end the year, but in the larger picture, the Cascades registered a great season of ball yet again. With UFV’s continued and consistent success on the field, a question arises: will we ever see UFV Athletics completely adopt a baseball program into varsity sports, as opposed to the club format? Though the change would be significant, it would almost be warranted based only on the success of the program, as the UFV Cascades Baseball Club is proving to be a very legitimate installment of UFV sports. It is for this reason that Riley Jepson. March 30, 2019 (UFV Cascades flickr.) UFV recently took home
be the co-home run king of the CCBC, tied with VIU Mariner’s Phil Whelan. Joining Jepson on the Cascade’s firstteamers are Josh Berenbaum, Dylan Merritt, and Dylan Emmons. Berenbaum finished top 10 in batting average, doubles, and walks. Merritt finished second only to Jepson for batting average with 0.381 and added eight stolen bases. Emmons would set the tone for the Cascades pitching as he posted the best earned run average (ERA) in the league, at an impressive 1.23. The second team featured Jonah Weisner, Brad Bishop, and Travis McDougall, all of whom put forth award-worthy seasons. Weisner finished 12th in batting, top 10 in stolen bases, and he posted 13 walks to nine strikeouts. Bishop finished top five in ERA, and only registered five walks on the entire season to his 19 strikeouts. McDougall finished top 10 in ERA and strikeouts as a rookie, impressing in his first year. All in all, the Cascades have enjoyed a massive success this season, both from an individual and team perspective.
UFV volleyball takes leap, becomes fifth school program to join Canada West
The Cascades men’s and women’s volleyball teams are set to join Canada West in 2020 ALEX JESUS For many in and around the UFV volleyball program a question stood out this past season: will the Cascades be approved to move up from PACWEST to Canada West and therefore, U SPORTS? On May 9, 2019 they got their answer, as the UFV Cascades volleyball teams (men’s and women’s) now officially join the remainder of UFV’s varsity sports which all compete on Canada’s biggest stage, effective 2020-21. UFV director of athletics and campus recreation Steve Tuckwood, excited about joining Canada West, explained why the move is not only beneficial to UFV, but also to the area. “This will give even more players in the Fraser Valley and beyond the chance to play at the highest level in Canada,” Tuckwood said. This also means that UFV will hire two full-time head coaches for the volleyball program; a sign of commitment to their latest Canada West roster. This all points to a positive trend for UFV Athletics, which on the heels of postponing its wrestling program, now has exciting news to offer sports fans in the Fraser Valley. The move comes at a time of overall transition for the men’s squad, which endured a 2-22 season and winless 10-game streak to begin their 2018-19 campaign. That said, the team sports many highlight
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May 1 – May 15, 2019
Men’s Baseball Game/Date: UFV Versus Edmonton Collegiate Saturday May. 4. 2019 Result: Win (5-3) Win (10-2) Game/Date: UFV Versus Edmonton Collegiate Saturday May. 5. 2019 Result: Win (17-7) Win (10-3) Game/Date: UFV Versus TRU Monday, May 6, 2019 Result: Loss (4-6)
CCBC Championship (Men’s Baseball) Game/Date: UFV Versus Calgary Thursday May. 9, 2019 Result: Loss (4-7)
Volleyball //
players whose character and drive were a silver lining for fans in last year’s losing season, giving some hope that they can turn things around in their final season of PACWEST play before making the jump to the national level. Add all this up plus a coaching change which was already set to take place for the men’s team, and the Cascades may just be able to turn their next season into a winning one. The women’s squad is coming off of a successful regular season at 14-11; however, a victory in the playoffs eluded them. Though the season seemed to go up and down, winning was a consistent trend for the Cascades and they’ll look to continue that into their final season in their current conference. When the season ended, there were two questions: Can these teams compete in Canada West and are they ready for the challenge? Cascades’ star left side Amanda Matsui seems to think so. While stating that the team is proud to now compete under the U SPORTS banner, she acknowledged the task ahead. “We also know it will be a lot of hard work to compete at this level. But we’ve already put in a lot of work in preparation, and I think it will be a good challenge. I’m really excited,” Matsui said. From the men’s team, outside hitter Justin Peleshytyk spoke on the excitement for the squad as well as the training that the Cascades will have this season to get ready
UFV Cascades Sports Scores
for the jump. “Our team wants to be pushed and wants to be challenged. The move to Canada West will propel us forward in the years to come,” Peleshytyk said. The Cascades and UFV fans have one more year before the bright lights of Canada West extend to the volleyball court. Stay tuned to The Cascade for more volleyball news as UFV looks to begin its final season in PACWEST this upcoming fall.
Game/Date: UFV Versus VIU Friday May. 10, 2019 Result: Win (7-0) Game/Date: UFV Versus Calgary Friday May. 10, 2019 Result: Win (8-4) Game/Date: UFV Versus Prarie Baseball Academy Friday May. 10, 2019 Result: Win (12-11) Game/Date: UFV Versus TRU Saturday May. 11, 2019 Result: Win (9-4) Game/Date: UFV Versus Okanagan College Saturday May. 11, 2019 Result: Win (6-4) Game/Date: UFV Versus Okanagan College Sunday May. 12, 2019 Result: Loss (5-7) Win (13-2)
Kristen McBride. Feb 15, 2019 (UFV Cascades flickr)
UFV Wins the CCBC Championship!
STUDY BREAK
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
Crossword //
Made by Cassie de Jong
DOWN
ACROSS
2: An account of a person’s life written by that person.
1: A four-sided rectangular figure with parallel opposite sides.
3: The process by which movements or organizations begin to operate on an international scale.
4: A thin, folded pastry, often consumed after Chinese takeout, that contains a printed proverb or humourous statement.
5: The repetition of a sound caused by the reflection of sound waves. 6: The capital city of Ukraine. 8: A toy consisting of a light frame with thin material stretched over it, flown in the wind at the end of a long string.
7: A tall pillar, typically square or rectangular with a pyramidal top, often set up as a monument or landmark.
10: The circle of light depicted around or above the head of a saint or holy person in classical painting.
9: A Dutch post-impressionist artist, who is among the most famous and influential painters in the history of Western art.
LAST ISSUE’S
11: The central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear.
ANSWERS:
Cascade Calamities
Horoscopes //
6: A contraption that is rotated to open a door.
Down: 1: Prime Meridian 2: Lapis Lazuli 3: Fax 4: Neptune 5: Hieroglyphics 7: Nefertiti 8: Orientation 9: Narrate 11: Net
Across: 11: Pilaf 4: Nymph 6: Xenophobe 9: Norse 10: Imitation 12: Naive 13: Tongs
Astrological mysteries interpreted weekly by Morgana the Mystic
12: To be unsuitable or improper for certain circumstances. 13: A measure of body fat based on height and weight that can apply to adults.
Illustration by Elyssa English Sagittarius — Nov 22 to Dec 21 You can’t win every argument, but you sure like to try! The dedication you have for getting others to agree with your points is admirable, but make sure it isn’t impeding your ability to have a good discussion. You might find that you learn more when you embrace others’ opinions.
Aries — Mar 21 to Apr 19 Those errands you’re putting off aren’t going to just disappear. You’ll have to tackle them eventually. While you like to get a headstart on most things, tasks you deem “boring” are bound to fall to the wayside. Take this time as an opportunity to reset this bad habit and get to work!
Leo — Jul 23 to Aug 22 Now is a good time for you to communicate what it is you want from yourself and others. Spontaneity should be embraced as it will reveal to you what you might be missing. This doesn’t have to be a solitary journey, but you might appreciate a lack of influence from the outside.
Taurus — Apr 20 to May 20 Your stubborn nature can be a helpful tool if you utilize it properly. Stand your ground on recent decisions you’ve made, Taurus. You know what’s best for yourself. Be sure to speak up if you realize something isn’t going the way you’ve planned; you’re more in command than you think.
Virgo —Aug 23 to Sep 22 Don’t let the prospect of a challenge scare you away from new pursuits. Use it as motivation to succeed. Your competitive side doesn’t often make an appearance, but tapping into it should give you the boost you need to reach your goals. If all else fails, fake it until you make it.
Capricorn — Dec 22 to Jan 19 Feeling stressed, Capricorn? While you thrive under pressure, you might be feeling a bit too overwhelmed to overcome your latest obstacle. There’s no shame in taking a step back (or two) to reassess the situation. Besides, it might not be as dire as it seems. Perhaps a new approach is all you need to work through this.
Gemini — May 21 to Jun 20 Prepare to reach your full potential this week. You’re a social butterfly and you’ll be given many chances to prove that in the following days. Focus your energy on branching out from your usual social circle. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Libra — Sep 23 to Oct 22 You seem to be waiting on a change that might never come if you don’t jumpstart it. May isn’t usually a month for you to make big changes, but you should strive to make your daydreams into something a little more concrete. Indecision, while a constant in your life, must be put aside to achieve this.
Aquarius — Jan 20 to Feb 18 Be kind to yourself this week. Altruism comes naturally to you, but don’t be afraid to think of yourself once in a while. With the sun in Taurus, a sign known for treating themselves, you should feel reassured that this is the best time to put yourself first. You deserve it.
Cancer —Jun 21 to Jul 22 A full moon this weekend will reveal things you may have wanted to keep quiet. Honesty in this situation will yield the best result. Try your hardest not to shy away from the enlightenment it offers. Your emotions may try to get the best of you — don’t let them. You’re more capable than you think.
Scorpio — Oct 23 to Nov 21 Ditch the routine this week, Scorpio. You’re losing motivation and you need something new. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme, but you should look for ways to revitalize yourself. A change of pace will help you avoid hitting a wall and losing that momentum you’ve been building this month.
Pisces — Feb 19 to Mar 20 Recently you may have hit a creative roadblock, but don’t let this deter you from starting something new. While frustrating, starting over might lead you to new inspiration. Make sure to try and break out of the mould you’ve built for yourself; ingenuity and artistry go hand in hand.
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ARTS
arts@ufvcascade.ca Martin Castro — Arts Editor
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2018
VOL. 27 // ISSUE 13
Movie //
Fiction //
Making noise with Captain Marvel is The Silent Patient no marvel CHANDY DANCEY Alex Michaelides’ The Silent Patient, published just this February, is making headlines as a New York Times #1 bestseller with a film already underway. I set out to see if it really measured up to the hype, and I ended up being pleasantly surprised. Not only are the characters complex and the pacing captivating, but Michaelides also manages to serve a twist ending that critics are raving about. Avid fans of psychological thrillers will probably see this type of ending coming, but it’s definitely an entertaining and worthwhile read regardless.
The Silent Patient follows psychotherapist Theo Faber as he begins his new position at a psychiatric facility, fueled by his desire to treat Alicia Berenson, an artist who was found guilty of murdering her husband in cold blood. The only problem is that she hasn’t spoken a word since. Theo and Alicia’s formal relationship as therapist and patient soon begins to blur as their lives become entangled; Theo begins breaking rules to meet her in secret and interview her inner circle. One important (and unspoken) aspect of the story is the divide of gender and power: nearly all figures of authority, such as the staff at the psychiatric facility, are male, and all the notable patients mentioned are female. In a lot of ways Alicia, whom the story centres around, has been rendered completely powerless. She’s a woman who has struggled longterm with her mental health, and the men in her life have constantly used this to
18
invalidate her experiences. They often pay little regard to her feelings and force their own onto her. Although Theo takes on the role of Alicia’s white knight and uses his position to promote her freedom, he too doesn’t do this with the sole intent of empowering her. He’s had his own tough upbringing, and readers get the sense that his obsession with helping Alicia heal has almost everything to do with finding release from his own trauma. The more his life unravels, the more vigor he puts into “fixing” her. In the end, Alicia is able to find her voice in a multitude of ways besides speaking. Even when she finds that Theo doesn’t have her best interests at heart, she’s able to bring those that have wronged her to justice through what little power she has. It did sadden me that not all female characters received the same empathy and humanity though; at one point it’s mentioned that Alicia differs from the other patients, that Theo can tell that she isn’t “crazy.” The stereotype of criminally insane asylum dwellers is a harmful one that shouldn’t be promoted, and Michaelides’s treatment of the other patients no doubt lessens our ability to sympathize with them. It also hints that perhaps he isn’t as aware of the role gender plays in his plot as we might give him credit for. This was my major qualm about the entire premise since writing about mental illness and murder demands a sensitivity that Michaelides doesn’t display. Another fascinating theme that crops up is the parallel the author draws with Alcestis, a Greek tragedy by Euripides. It depicts a husband who allows his wife to sacrifice herself to save his life, only for the gods to recognize the injustice. The wife, Alcestis, is redelivered to the world of the living and reunited with her husband, unable to speak until she has been purified. Michaelides uses this story to explore the meaning of being alive in body but dead in spirit, and what significance muteness has in dealing with trauma. The parallels to Alcestis apply to more than one character too, not just the most obvious one, which I appreciate. If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further than vThe Silent Patient. While it might not treat its sensitive material with all the care it should, it does have quality writing and a slow-burning plot leading to an explosive ending that won’t be forgotten easily.
Summer flick delivers nothing special ALEISTER GWYNNE Captain Marvel is the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The story follows Vers (Brie Larson), a soldier of the spacefaring Kree civilization, who develops (after some initial struggles) the ability to project energy from her body. After being captured by the Skrulls, a race of shapeshifters with whom the Kree are at war, Vers discovers she has memories of another life as a human USAF fighter pilot on Earth named Carol Danvers. The Skrulls are seeking Dr. Wendy Lawson (Annette Bening), a scientist on Earth who is developing a faster-than-light (FTL) drive which could give whichever side possesses it a massive strategic advantage. Vers, now separated from her comrades, must venture to Earth and find Lawson and the FTL drive before the Skrulls do. Along the way, she must figure out whom to trust, master her powers, and uncover which of her two identities is the real one. If my description does not do the plot justice, the story is admittedly hard to explain and make sense of, especially early on when a lot of exposition is thrown at the audience very quickly. The narrative becomes a bit more coherent once the main character arrives on Earth, through the roof of a Blockbuster Video store. Captain Marvel is set in the 1990s. It’s official: the ‘90s are now long enough ago that we can do period pieces about the era. Although, it is not so much a period piece as relentlessly clobbering the audience over the head with references to the ‘90s (and some from the ‘80s for good measure). It’s weird seeing a period that I lived through presented this way. In fact, since they filmed some scenes on the SkyTrain, I may have literally been there in the ‘90s. Captain Marvel serves as a prequel to many of the other Marvel movies, and we get to see Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) in his younger years back when he still had both eyes. He arguably overshadows the main character. (This is Samuel L. Jackson we’re talking about, but still.) Truth be told, Captain Marvel herself is a bit bland. No aspect of her appearance, personality, or powers really sets her apart. She wears red, blue, and gold spandex, can fly, and shoots blasts of energy from her hands. Iron Man has all of this minus the blue, but plus armour, an array of gadgets, and an intriguing and larger-than-life personality. To be fair, the original Captain Marvel was one of the first superheroes, and he ended up being a yardstick against which subsequent heroes were measured, with each new character putting a new spin on the basic archetype. Unfortunately, vanilla, while a good flavour, will only take you so far. Having touched upon gender in passing (like this movie does), perhaps it’s time to address the elephant in the room. Captain Marvel has attracted controversy over
gender issues, but, having seen the movie, I think the reaction is overblown. It is true that some instances of stereotypical male jerkassery (including such gems as “You know why it’s called a cockpit, right?”) are inserted. However, these instances are few and far between, and do not detract much from the overall film. For the overwhelming majority of the story, the main character is not treated noticeably differently than a male equivalent would be, and the main themes revolve around trust and believing in yourself. (The latter of which is pretty tired, if you ask me.) Perhaps this is the problem. Captain Marvel broached the subject of gender without following through on it. If Captain Marvel actually had something substantial and original to say about gender, that would have been interesting and worth discussing, but, whether for good or ill, it does not. All in all, Captain Marvel is an unremarkable movie. There is nothing here that cannot be found in any other MCU film, or even action movies in general. It is not a bad film, but nothing really sets it apart or sticks out in one’s memory. Captain Marvel didn’t really call to me before I saw it, and seeing it has not changed my opinion. There are a lot of great movies out there, a shameful number of which I have not seen yet, but seeing this one doesn’t make that list any shorter. However, there is a least one thing that makes Captain Marvel special; it features Stan Lee’s last cameo appearance before going on to make a cameo in that great Marvel movie in the sky. Godspeed, Stan, you were, and remain, an inspiration to us all.
ARTS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
Movie //
Wine Country features female friendships over 50 New Poehler/Fey flick features power cast of (white) female comedians DARIEN JOHNSEN Wine Country is described as Sideways meets Bridesmaids, so obviously I was instantly intrigued when it popped up on my Netflix last week. This movie boasted some big names, including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Emily Spivey, and Maya Rudolph. The basic premise of the movie is simple: six long-term female best friends go on a 50th birthday getaway to “wine country”; in this case, Napa, California. Of course, too much wine is drunk and hilarity and drama ensues. I think it is important to first note the significance of this film from a feminist perspective. It features successful women over 50, with strong personalities and real life problems, including those that come with being a lesbian woman over 50. The film saw women in situations men have been glorifying themselves in for generations; for example, discussing classic rock, being vulgar together, and being so hungover you can’t remember the night before. It was refreshing to see women acting and playing out their genuine selves. Having big names from the comedy industry guarantees that this
movie will be a laugh, which it is. Even better is that it’s an accurate portrayal of female friendships and personalities. That being said, I couldn’t help but feel that the movie was kind of a glorification of wealthy white women’s lifestyles and problems with a not-very-stimulating plot line. Turns out I wasn’t wrong because in an interview with The View, Poehler says the movie is based on a true story and
that the women in the film are also close friends in real life who had in fact gone to Napa for one of their 50th birthdays. While this does bring a sense of genuineness to the film, it definitely still panders to a very specific audience. (That is, white, upper or upper middle-class women.) On top of that, I couldn't help but feel like this movie relied on the audience already knowing the cast. Just like all the
inside jokes featured, the movie itself is an inside joke, for a very specific cast of white women. Could they really not find a single person of colour around 50 funny enough to also be in this film? I find that unlikely and just plain lazy. If we want to celebrate successful women in middle age then why not make it inclusive? Taking a step back, one can say that we shouldn’t demand that filmmakers force a “token” POC character just to slap a diversity sticker onto their work — it should be a natural inclusion. Which makes me wonder about our comedy industry as a whole: is it segregated? Or do we have a blend of comedians coming together? If not, why not use the space to try something new and see what blossoms? Social politics aside, I was definitely laughing at some points. I do love a good Amy Poehler / Tina Fey flick and I will admit I fangirled a little over Brené Brown’s appearance in the film. But I am a white girl. In the end, I am torn. In certain ways, this movie is progressive and takes a step beyond just comedic social critic. It represents women over 50 in comical, casual situations so in this way, for a certain demographic, it is empowering.
Movie //
Us: A messy but intriguing horror KAREN WHITE After seeing Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning hit Get Out, I was full of anticipation for his next film. I have to admit, I had very high expectations for Us, but the film tries to do so much that it comes across as messy. Don’t get me wrong, Peele is quite the visionary filmmaker. The first twothirds of Us is full of fascinating tropes, but the film doesn’t seem to come together at the end. The opening scene takes place in 1986, when the young Adelaide, portrayed by Madison Curry, is at a fair with her parents and goes off wandering alone on the beach. The entire scene is played out like a nightmare as she wanders into a dark playhouse full of mirrors. Lost and alone, Adelaide walks through the maze of mirrors trying to find a way out when she stops to turn around and comes faceto-face with a flesh and bone version of herself. When we are taken back to the present day, Adelaide, now portrayed by Lupita
Nyong’o, is happily married to Gabe (Winston Duke) and has two children (Shahadi Wright Joseph and Evan Alex). They are currently on vacation at their beach house. In an early scene, Gabe suggests that they actually go to the beach while they are there and the audience can at once feel the mood change. Adelaide is hesitant to go because this is the exact beach where she had her traumatic experience shown in the first scene of the film. That following night after visiting the beach, a family of doppelgangers shows up in their driveway. Each family member’s double is a “tethered” version of themselves, a version that has been tossed to the side and neglected for years. The family of doppelgangers are there to kill Adelaide and her family because they want the ability to make their own choices. Every time something happened in Adelaide’s life, her “tethered” self would have to endure it as well. When she got married to the love of her life, her “tethered” version was married off to Gabe’s “tethered” version. So, they want to take control of their own lives.
Nyong’o’s performance of her double captures the audience’s eyes in every scene. Her use of physical, vocal, and emotional acting is incredibly unsettling, and she is able to portray a version of herself that feels unnatural. Adelaide and her family are now fighting for their lives. At some points, Adelaide has to kill doppelgangers, and every time that happens, you notice a slight change in her. She seems almost to be becoming unnatural herself. This is a uniquely paced horror. At times, the audience is overwhelmed with the chaos ensuing and at other moments the pace slows down to a crawl to build up more suspense. The movie ends with a predictable twist, but the realization lingers and makes you want to watch the film again. In the mess that Us is, I think it is a movie that needs to be watched over and over in order to catch everything that is going on.
A MIDSUMMER Production Presenting Sponsor
Night's DREAM BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
A CLASSIC COMEDY OF LOVE MAY 17 – 25
MATSQUI CENTENNIAL AUDITORIUM 32315 SOUTH FRASER WAY, ABBOTSFORD For Tickets & Info
WWW.GALLERY7THEATRE.COM 19
CHARTS 1
Blessed Salt
2
Teen Daze Bioluminescence
3
David Ivan Neil What Is Love
4
Harpdog Brown For Love & Money
5
Kim Gray Plastic Memory
6
Divorcer Debt Jubilee
7
Brutal Poodle Crowd Control / Low Tide Co-op III
8 9
Partner Saturday the 14th
10 Siskiyou
Not Somewhere
11 PUP
Morbid Stuff
12
Sigh Images
13
Yves Jarvis The Same But By Different Means
14
Efrim Manuel Menuck and Kevin Doria are SING, SINCK, SING
15
B.A. Johnston The Skid is Hot Tonight
16
Cate Le Bon Home to You (Single)
17
Fontaines D.C. Dogrel Jo Passed Their Prime
18 19
Weyes Blood Titanic Rising
20 Thrash la Reine
La foi, la loi, la croix
SHUFFLE AARON LEVY
PICKLED EGG COUNTER
CIVL Station Manager Aaron Levy is in Ontario for now, and you might call it a...
Tropical Fuck Storm “You Let My Tyres Out” This song is my current obsession. I learned about it over a year ago, but on vacation I'm learning it on guitar now, even though I can't play any of the insanely tasteful and virtuosic methodically adlibbed interplay. What I can do is imitate singer Gareth Liddiard's Aussie growl. The Get Up Kids “Holiday” This whole album to me is a remnant from my mid-teens, so forgive me if what you see as simple, pedantic, under-produced, over-thought soft-emo pop rock seems more to me like deliberately percolating generational anthems championing the rise of a new word order of youth! Please. Pixies - “Holiday” Not one of the most wellknown pieces by one of the most one-time quizzical, now critically over the hill Bostonians to throw a punk-twanged axe into the not-much-of-a-collegetown music scene over the ‘80s... but this is a decent tune from Frank Black! Weezer - “Holiday” When they returned with the aforementioned forebears to grace the arena stages with yet a fourth arena tour since their return only two years prior, the =w= really left all pretensions behind, and started playing El Sorcho live again — so I hate that tour and I hate those two bands.