Volume 22, Issue 3 - October 2022

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Serena Austin eic@thesputnik.ca

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Maryka Van Wyngaarden arts@thesputnik.ca

PHOTO EDITOR Jeremy Vyn photography@thesputnik.ca

SOCIAL MEDIA & WEB EDITOR Cassandra Pereira web@thesputnik.ca

INFINITUM EDITOR Thando Bhebhe infinitum@thesputnik.ca

SENIOR COPY EDITOR Umaymah Suhail copyeditor@thesputnik.ca

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Thriving on campus while queer

Laurier professor leads study on 2SLGBTQ+ students’ experiences

SERENA AUSTIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

In October, the results of the Thriving on Campus study on the experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ students on campuses across Ontario were released.

The study led by Michael Woodford, a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University’s faculty of social work, is unique in scope as it surveyed nearly 4,000 students. Not much is known about the experiences of 2SLBTQ+ students and the information available comes from individual campus studies.

“It’s really important that we actually study and create studies that are designed specifically for the experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ students,” said Woodford. “That’s really what the Thriving study aims to do.”

Woodford said one of the findings of the study was the need for intersectional or holistic student supports that “emphasize not seeing students in silos.” He said it’s important to consider gender identity and sexual orientation, but also factors like race and disability.

Woodford said one concern that came up in the survey was the use of microaggressions

ADVOCACY

or phrases, like “that’s so gay” and “no homo.”

“Society’s attitudes are changing and people are becoming more accepting of 2SLGBTQ+, yet these subtle forms of microaggressions still exist,” said Woodford.

The study looked into students’ perceptions of their university’s leadership on 2SLGBTQ+ issues.

“While overall the perceptions were affirming, they were

not very highly affirming,” said Woodford. “So, it seems like we have a lot of growth to do in terms of changing the larger campus climate.”

As an incoming first-year, Sage Lopez, was not very worried about being queer on campus.

Lopez, a second-year forensic psychology and criminology major, is lesbian and uses she/they pronouns. Coming from a Catholic high school with little to no

supports for 2SLGBTQ+ students, Laurier Brantford was a welcome change.

“I was honestly surprised at how many people had flags and stickers supporting queer identities pretty much all over campus,” said Lopez.

Lopez has been able to make use of campus support for 2SLGBTQ+ people, such as the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CSEDI) and the Student Wellness Centre.

“It’s been really nice, especially knowing that some of them are queer,” said Lopez. “There’s a lot more understanding than if I, a queer person, was talking to a straight person.”

At CSEDI, staff offer education, advocacy and support for students dealing with experiences of identity-based harm. Lauren Burrows, manager of CSEDI, said one way they offers students support is through “systems navigation.”

This can look like helping students go through an accountability process related to the harm faced, the process of name changes, finding gender inclusive wash-

Thrive Week returns to campus

A week of events dedicated to student health and wellness

FREDDIE HAWSE CONTRIBUTOR

During this year’s Thrive Week from Oct. 24 to Oct. 28, students were invited to attend events, workshops and giveaways to promote positive mental health and self-care.

The Student Wellness Centre’s goals for Thrive Week included improving mental health literacy, building a supportive community, promoting helpful resources and implementing a proactive, preventative approach to one’s wellness.

All Thrive Week events were free and accessible, so any student of any background was able to participate.

“We hope that students, no matter if they are thriving or surviving, find something that speaks to them during this week,” said Claire Howarth, the Wellness Education coordinator. “This can be taking a break from the stress of the midterm season or finding new strategies to support their wellness.”

To kick off Thrive Week, a breakfast bar was open to all students to encourage healthy eating and community building.

On Wednesday, Haley Perlus gave a Zoom presentation about mental toughness and stress management.

Students enjoyed the Stud-Tea break at Steve’s Tea. They were invited to try various tea flavours, meet new people and learn study strategies to help them in their classes. There were several fitness classes throughout the week that focused on different areas of the body. These classes brought Laurier students together to get their bodies moving in a fun and engaging way.

Thursday’s main event was the grand opening of the Zen Den and Sensory Room in the Wellness Hub. The room is open to all students who want to immerse themselves in a calming, soothing environment.

The Dean of Students Office and Student Success hosted a workshop called, “Growing Your Strengths: Perseverance, Grit and Creating Habits,” where students were taught how to build positive habits that will help them succeed in the future.

Students and faculty enjoyed fresh fruit Friday in the Wellness Hub to end off the week.

“Thrive started at the University of British Columbia to support student mental health,” said Howarth. “It has been adapted by universities across Canada and it was brought to Wilfrid Laurier University in 2017 by Leanne Holland Brown, who was then, Dean of Students, and Sarina Wheeler, who was then, the coordinator of Wellness Education on the Waterloo campus.”

Thrive Week will return during the winter term with more engaging events and workshops.

rooms or being granted academic accommodations due to the harm faced.

CSEDI also offers inclusive training and programming for student leaders, like residence dons and icebreakers, to help them identify what microaggressions are, how to respond to them and how to support the people they were directed to.

Moving forward, “looking at those policies and processes become really important,” said Burrows. “I think it would also be really beneficial to have more opportunities for representation of folks that live at those intersections.”

Burrows said CSEDI wants to work in solidarity with 2SLGBTQ+ students.

“If folks are looking for support, they can reach out to us,” she said. “If people are looking to do programming on campus and want to do that in collaboration, we’re really excited to do that.”

Learn more about the Thriving on Campus study at lgbtq2sthrivingoncampus.ca.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

A rainbow flag on a flagpole

Ward 5’s newest council member

Meet Mandy Samwell, Ward 5’s newly elected council member

On Monday, Oct. 24, Ontarians headed to the polls to vote in their new municipal governments.

Here in Brantford, Mayor Kevin Davis was voted in for a second term. In Ward 5 where the Laurier Brantford campus is located, Brian Van Tilborg was re-elected to council, alongside first-time candidate Mandy Samwell.

Ward 5 spans from Wayne Gretzky Pkwy to West St. and includes everything from Elgin St. South to the Grand River.

“It’s been surreal,” said Samwell about her time on the Brantford City Council so far.

“There’s so much work leading up to running for council. It’s been a great time talking to citizens all the way along, but then to actually come to election night and the days following, it doesn’t even feel real at first.”

Samwell said the main reason she decided to run was her love for the community and desire to want to do more.

CONTRIBUTED BY MANDY SAMWELL Mandy Samwell, city councillor, ward 5

“What I love about Brantford is the fact that it’s becoming a bigger city, but still has that small-

town, family feel,” said Samwell. “It’s one of the friendliest cities I’ve ever been in and I just love it here.”

Samwell was born and raised in Brantford and has lived in the Eagle Place neighbourhood where she brought up her own family for more than 30 years.

Although this was Samwell’s first time running for council, she has long been an active member of her community. She was the President of the Eagle Place Community Association, co-chair of the Neighbourhood Alliance of Brantford and a community health broker at the Brant County Health Unit.

“This is definitely the next level for sure,” Samwell said.

One of Samwell’s priorities for her time on council is safety from a community development approach.

“I’d like to work towards safe and vibrant neighbourhoods,” she said. “And doing that in a way where we’re bringing stakeholders together.”

To Samwell, safe communities have more than just a strong

police presence.

“It’s about knowing your neighbours, being present in your parks and getting involved in your community,” said Samwell.

Another big priority for Samwell is reconnecting the community with city council. All across Ontario, there were reports of extremely low voter turnout in this election. In Brantford, just 27 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot.

“We got to make sure that [voting] is super easy, that it feels important and that they see the benefit in [voting],” said Samwell. “It really does matter. Council is making a lot of decisions for your everyday life, so you should be choosing who’s going to represent you.”

“We want you to get involved,” said Samwell to Laurier Brantford students who may feel it’s not their place to participate in community matters.

“This is everybody’s community,” she said. “It’s important to get involved and know the community you’re in, even if it’s just for a temporary time.”

HASSA celebrates with Halloween Bash

Laurier shares plans for the campus’ homecoming celebrations

The Human and Social Science Student Association (HASSA) had its first event, a ‘Halloween Bash’, on Friday, Oct. 28 in the One Market Level 1 Lounge.

Fairies, princesses, fallen angels and vampires, the Halloween-themed costume party attracted students from all faculties and both Waterloo and Brantford campuses.

There were trivia and contests among other activities and spooky-themed food for students to enjoy. Many students appreciated the Lilo and Stitch couple’s costume, which won Best Costume, along with the vampire costumes.

“I really enjoyed myself. You could [play] different games and paint pumpkins, which I’ve never done before,” said Het Patel, a third-year user experience design student. “It went way beyond my expectations.”

“We wanted to have a larger event to kick off the year,” said Maham Wyne, a criminology student and the President of HASSA, dressed as Maleficent. “We

didn’t get the opportunity to have a lot of events, especially these past few years.”

“We’re working on holiday themed events, [possibly] working with the Food Bank or a charity for the holidays, where people get time to come together during the holidays, spend time together and also have it for a good cause,” said Wyne for the future.

Mirabella Bellovia, the vice president of Events at HASSA was inspired by the singer Aaliyah. Vice President of HASSA Sandra Nunes dressed as a fallen angel. The executives were interested in promoting campus life, especially to students who have never previously been on campus.

“You really have to do your own research to find all the social media pages to get involved this year,” said Bellovia. “As much as it’s advertised, it’s not schoolwide advertising.”

Putting a spin on Norse mythology, Alyssa Dinkel, a thirdyear student and the president of the Psychology Student Association in Brantford, dressed as a dark

version of Freya, Thor’s mother. She said she was looking forward to “celebrating and seeing people I don’t often get to see and just enjoy the spirit of Halloween.”

Visiting from the Waterloo campus, Jonathan Goodman, a second-year political science student, said he enjoyed the event interacting with other students and visiting the Brantford campus. He said he would like Brantford and Waterloo to connect more often.

As one of the executives of Golden Hawk Gaming, Goodman said one of the club’s goals is to have multi-campus events.

“The campuses aren’t connected at all right now. They’re entirely separate,” said Goodman. “[There should be] a harder push for one Laurier instead of two campuses.”

Many students expressed their interest in future HASSA events.

“We’re definitely trying this year to have more in-person events and get the hype going again,” said Wyne.

Are you graduating in 2023? Grad Photo booking is open on the Brantford campus! Appointments run from November 7th to 18th, scan the QR code to book your photos now.

God’s Beauty: The Sky and Water

SERENA ANAGBE PHOTOGRAPHER

In the beautiful, calm, and yet mysterious depths of the ocean lies a vast amount of the earth. In the skies, float the softest and most beautiful clouds. In the drops of rain, we find inner peace and strength. For so long, we have been made to think we are simply a drop in the ocean or a constellation in the sky on starry nights. But when I go out and see the clouds, watch the ocean’s waves overlap, or see rainfall, I remember that I am the whole ocean, as alluring as the clouds, and as important as the rain.

Play that sweet October music

Marisa’s favourite music releases of October

MARISA CERASOLI LEAD ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

Let us all pause a moment and be thankful for what this great month of October has granted the world of music, a bountiful harvest. Something for everyone no matter what you’re into. From Rihanna to Blink-182, this past month has been home to tons of terrific, long-awaited record releases and also whatever Lil Yachty was talking about on “Poland.” But I’m going to narrow my focus down to one day, Oct. 21. Even so, there are a myriad of artists who all happened to choose that particular Friday as their album release dates:

Loyle Carner, Meghan Trainer and Carly Rae Jepsen to name a few. I’m going to go even narrower than this 24-hour album release frenzy and focus on releases from the two artists that shaped my early adolescence and essentially, the entirety of my musical tastes thenceforth: Taylor Swift and the Arctic Monkeys.

Oct. 21 was a big night for people who used to stay inside at recess to talk to the teacher, as Taylor Swift dropped her 11th studio album. Midnights is a record that Swift says was “inspired by 13 sleepless nights” throughout her life and the late-night ruminations that accompanied them. The record’s first words, “Meet me midnight,” invite us all to join her world of insomnia and introspection, of longing and self-loathing.

“Anti-Hero” and “Lavender Haze,” currently sitting pretty at number one and two respec-

tively on the Billboard Hot 100, are undeniable earworms glistening with shiny pop production compliments of Swift’s long-time collaborator, Jack Antonoff. Each alludes to Swift’s personal struggles as a public figure and the criticisms she’s received throughout her long career.

“I find it dizzying, they’re bringing up my history,” she laments on “Lavender Haze.” On “Anti-Hero”, Swift reflects on the sometimes-accurate portrayal of her flaws. “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me… I’ll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror,” she admits on every chorus.

“Lavender Haze” and “Anti-Hero” both play a role in representing the album’s primary themes to the general public as the two most popular songs on the record. The former is a sultry smash hit celebrating a lasting love and rising above the judgemental whispers of the general public. The latter is a song of self-contempt and unbridled anxiety that she’ll one day drive away the people who care about her most. In some ways, “Anti-Hero” serves as the sequel to “The Archer” from 2019’s Lover, in which Swift lays her relationship insecurities out on the table and her soul bare.

Making our way down to song number five, “You’re on Your Own, Kid” skips around like a child in the summertime before swelling to a chorus full of major

chord progressions and themes of independent determination as the narrative concludes. Did someone say ‘Track 5’? Swift famously chooses the fifth track on each of her albums to be the one particularly vulnerable and revelatory (see Speak Now’s “Dear John,” the aforementioned “The Archer,” and Red’s legendary tour de force “All Too Well”). The tradition continues on Midnights.

However, the tune that truly embodies that spirit of the pop star’s 11th studio album is track number six. “Midnight Rain” epitomizes the restless, nocturnal spirit of the record while peering through the portal of ‘what ifs’ with a particular ex. “And I never think of him, except on midnights like this,” the final lyric of the song and arguably the most significant on the entire album ties everything together with a sad, beautiful, tragic bow.

Switching gears, “Karma” is one of the funniest songs Swift has ever written and had me howling for a full three minutes the first time I heard it. It’s petty and playful and ridiculously catchy, Swift’s signature trinity, and my personal favourite on the record.

Despite “Karma” being my most replayed pleasure, I can recognize that Midnights reaches a new height on none other than a deluxe track (what Swift calls the ‘3am Edition’) in the form of “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve,” an anguished retrospective full

of regret, religious imagery and mourning of past self. Swift reflects over the loss of innocence that followed a tumultuous relationship she entered at 19. “If I was some paint, did it splatter on a promising grown man? And if I was a child, did it matter if you got to wash your hands?” she slams the song’s subject, likely ex-boyfriend John Mayer, who dated Swift despite being 13 years her elder when he was 32 years old.

Now 32 herself, Swift reveals that this relationship still haunts her like no other. “I fight with you in my sleep, the wound won’t close,” she divulges, desperate for some resolution before packing the punch to end all punches. “Living for the thrill of hitting you where it hurts; give me back my girlhood, it was mine first!” she roars, rounding out yet another iconic Swiftian bridge.

Ten tracks from Midnights are currently occupying the top ten spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, an unprecedented feat and just one of several records Swift has shattered with Midnights. Providing some not-so threatening chart competition to Swift is the Arctic Monkeys’ newest record, The Car, which was released that very same midnight on Oct. 21. The Car is the first Arctic Monkeys record to not reach number one in the U.K., but it’s not for a lack of quality, rather for a lack of Taylor Swift’s absence.

The four-piece continues on the creative trajectory they began on 2019’s Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, a direction that split their freshly acquired fanbase in half with its stark sonic contrast to the wildly popular rock album, AM, which catapulted the band to worldwide fame upon its release in 2014. I personally belong to the camp that regards Tranquility Base as one of the finest records of that year and the most refined in the band’s entire discography. The Car is not far removed, at least sonically, from whatever intergalactic jazz lounge the fictional Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino was meant to take place in.

The Car is a baroque pop masterpiece that fully realizes the elegant sound the boys have been chasing for years. Remnants of past records are evident: the sometimes-looming soundscape of Humbug, the lyrical deftness of Suck It and See, the pop sensibilities of AM. But The Car is most akin to Tranquility Base, except in its ease to decipher.

What is The Car? What does it represent? Where is it going? Where has it been? These are the questions that permeate my conscious mind as I’m driving in

my own car listening to the band’s 7th studio album and soaking in the exquisite strings.

Lead single “There’d Better Be a Mirrorball” follows frontman Alex Turner as he meanders through a dying romance with a self-prescribed “heavy heart” as a self-described “old romantic fool.”

“So do you wanna walk me to the car?” Turner appeals to his lover over the refrain. On this particular track, The Car will take him away forever, so there damn well better be a mirror ball. The idea of leaving and not ever coming back is a theme throughout the album’s ten tracks.

On the third single, “Sculptures of Anything Goes,” Turner sings of “puncturing your bubble of relatability, with your horrible new sound,” fully acknowledging clamours of dissatisfaction about their genre switch-up without being remotely apologetic. The song seems to reference his time living in and leaving Los Angeles, as well as some other ambiguous poeticisms thrown in for good measure with all the clarity of a David Lynch film. Make no mistake, I’m a massive David Lynch fan and this is very much an appreciative comment on Turner’s lyricism.

Turner is no stranger to garnishing his lyrics with cinematic imagery and he continues the trend on The Car. “Mr. Schwartz” explores a fictional character “staying strong for the crew” and “having tea with the grips” while insecurities fester and disguises conceal true identities.

“Can you co-direct and play the twins and adapt the main theme for mandolins?” Turner croons on “Big Ideas,” a song dedicated to romantically ambitious notions of What Could’ve Beens.

All the while, funky bass riffs boogie hard on “I Ain’t Quite Where I Think I Am,” and orchestral arrangements swell up and down the album before finally concluding on the closer “Perfect Sense.”

Overall, The Car is impossible to tether to any one genre or interpretation of meaning. If the album cover art, a singular car in a deserted parking lot, is any indicator of the calculated ambiguity to be found in this record, then there you have it.

Everyone say, “Thank you, October” for all the very cool music that seemed to have coordinated releases over this past month. I’m not sure why things ended up panning out that way, but I’m certainly not complaining. October of 2022, you will always be famous!

SERENA AUSTIN/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The cover of Midnights, Taylor Swift’s latest album

Stylish and comfy fall shoes

5 styles to keep comfy and fashionable this season

ABIGAIL HECKBERT PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Similar to other people, fall is my favourite time of the year. Along with the cooler temperatures and the warm, pretty colours, I love the change in footwear. Boots, sneakers, runners, loafers - the list goes on. There are many different styles and types of fall shoes and I am going to break down my top five favourites. These shoes are reliable, comfortable and cute for the fall/winter season. Since some of these shoes can be pricey for a student budget, I will also provide more affordable options that are just as stylish and durable. If you are going to invest in some of the more expensive shoes, they should last you several years of wear (with proper care).

Doc Martens - Polished smooth platform Chelsea boots (starting at $280.00): These are my go-to boots in the fall/winter season. Even though they take some time to break-in, once they are broken in, you will fall in love with them. With a platform bottom, they are comfortable to walk in and keep your feet nice and warm. Pro-tip: when breaking in Docs, wear long

MUSIC

and thick socks and blister pads or Band-Aids on your heels. Call it Spring offers their affordable Allena Chelsea boots in black, grey, and brown starting at $89.99, they last a long timare also made out of vegan leather!

Blundstones - Classic #585 (starting at $239.95): Blundstones are staple fall boots, they are flexible, breathable and comfy. These boots are much easier to break-in, but I would still recommend layering with a pair of thick socks. Blundstones are made to last upwards of ten years if you take care of them properly. Softmoc has a more affordable option, their Kylie Chelsea boot starting at $169.99 in five different colours.

Converse - Chuck Taylor All Star High Top (starting at $75.00): Converse are another classic, something that can last all year (it’s risky in the Canadian cold though). High tops work well on warmer fall days and go well with every type of outfit, while also being a fairly affordable staple for all university

students.

Loafers - Izzy Chunky Loafers (starting at $59.99): Loafers are no longer just your grandma’s shoes; these chunky loafers are a cute slip-on option. Call it Spring offers them in black, white and bright green if you’re feeling vibrant. These loafers are also made with vegan leather and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Uggs - Classic Mini II Boot (starting at $175.00): Uggs mini boot made a big comeback this year in fall fashion. They come in six colours and are perfect for walking around campus. Focusing on comfort and style, Uggs are a great choice if you would like to keep warm in class this fall. SoftMoc has their dupe Smocs 5 Mini starting at $89.99 and available in three colours.

Live music is back and it’s next-door

The beauty of local live music

JACKSON WELLS STATION MANAGER - RL

It’s 7:00 pm on a Tuesday night, you’ve probably rushed out of class or work and made it just in time for doors. You’re in a line wrapped around the block and it’s either way too hot or freezing cold. Once you’ve slowly shuffled your way into the venue, you start to sweat from all the bodies squeezed

together in one room. It could be anywhere: an awkwardly organized bar, a friend of a friend’s parent’s basement or a massive stadium.

You’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some of your closest friends and total strangers, sweating through layers of clothes, tensing your body so you’re not

jostled around too much. Lights go down and one of the most significant cultural icons in the world or your roommate’s weird friends come on the stage and perform your favourite songs or obscure covers of 70’s dad rock. After you can race home in gridlock traffic or keep the party going for the rest

of the night. Music brings people together, whether they enjoy it or not.

One of the many cultural and social losses of the COVID-19 pandemic was live music. In the midst of massive lockdowns and public health measures, it was even conceivable that dozen, hundreds, and thousands of people would never gather in a room again to share in the same musical experience. During this time, artists and venues resorted to different methods to share their music and recoup some of their lost revenue. Virtual concerts, merchandise sales and in some cases direct donations became the main way people interacted with venues during extended lockdowns. With the easing of gathering restrictions, concerts have come back in a big way in 2022 but not without losses.

According to the Toronto Star, over 80 music venues closed permanently through the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic, including Waterloo’s own Starlight Social Club, not to mention the various bars and other locations that hosted many smaller and local acts.

Sure, seeing The Weeknd or Harry Styles at Scotiabank

Arena can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with spectacle and overpriced beer, but an equally valuable experience vital to the cultural makeup of a community is local music scenes. It’s easy to love good music from major artists that are pushed to you on the radio, or through Spotify playlist algorithms, but to get to know the local bands or artists in your area is to get to know your neighbours. There’s probably an aspiring professional musician in your class or shopping at the same grocery store as you. Luckily, small local venues are able to bring together a community of artists and fans to have fun and know each other better.

During the months that it was impossible to hear your favourite songs belted out in a crowd full of fellow fans seemed like a distant dream. Now, with major acts touring as much as possible to make up for lost time, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to see the band of your dreams in the near future. In the meantime, try to find the place and people around you stuffing basements and cramped bars. You may find your next favourite band.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO A blundstone boot

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

A band performing on stage infront of a crowd

The unfortunate necessity of side hustles

LIFE Abacus, a Canadian research firm, declared back in May that 59 per cent of Canadians have taken on or considered taking on a side hustle. Why wouldn’t they, with the cost of living and eating consuming most of our paychecks? I personally have a side hustle reselling DVDs and Blu-Rays.

“People still buy DVDs?” you ask. They do. They still buy VHS tapes, as a matter of fact, and they pay a lot for some of them.

But it can be tough. Like

anything you want to get good at, it requires time, patience, knowledge, risk and yes - maybe a little money. If you list your items on eBay, people will insult your reasonable prices by sending you laughable, lowball offers. Items you thought would sell in a heartbeat will sit on your shelf. The fees eBay will take from your hard-earned money will make you cringe.

One time, I gave up on it entirely. I was sick of the envelopes, the shipping fees, the unsold

products. But eventually, I came back because I realized it also brings genuine joy to my life. The thrill of entering a thrift store, heart thumping, eyes combing the racks, is a strange thrill that never seems to wear itself out. It actually feels more like an extension of my love for cinema than a business enterprise and I think that’s one of the reasons I keep coming back to it. There are other little ways I can connect with my “customers” too. Sometimes,

you’re able to track down a film they’ve wanted for a long time, but have never been able to acquire, and that’s satisfying. Sometimes you can take pleasure in offering people a good deal instead of gouging them.

What I don’t find enjoyable is whipping out my phone, booting up an app and scanning every last thing it tells me to buy.

I’m not going to legislate what people do with their time only to suggest that maybe there’s an

easier, more enjoyable way to make money. Let’s face it - if you’re going to do that, you might as well scan boxes at UPS.

So, find that side hustle, but beware of the issues, be persistent through the initial challenges and most importantly, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy yourself.

With the cost of living on the rise, more people are taking on side hustles

VINCE MASSON OPINION LEAD REPORTER

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

A ‘hustle’ mug sitting on a desk with a laptop, tablet and stylus

INFINITUM

SHORT STORIES

ASTORIA’S STORY

Episode One - Only The Beginning

In the village of Emerelus lived a pair of siblings, one was named Astoria and their younger sister was named Octavia. From the very moment Astoria entered the world, they thrived to make others happy. Despite having very little, Astoria would give to those who needed it the most. Yet, not everyone was so appreciative. From childhood, Astoria and their sister Octavia differed from one another. These differences pushed them further from each other despite being close in age, thus begun the squabbles.

In Octavia’s eyes, everything came easy to her older sibling, whereas for her, everything she had, she’d worked for. Octavia might not have seen Astoria’s kind actions in the village, but others were paying close attention, especially a certain guard by the name of Ash - head guard, at that. He brought Astoria’s kind and caring nature forward to the King, who was very pleased by Astoria. Since Astoria was so young, they needed their parents’ permission in order to serve his majesty.

Fai and Caro Woodshire were very proud parents that jumped at the chance to say ‘yes’. Astoria then begun serving the village’s council, at a very young age too! There was a lot to celebrate, but not everyone was so impressed, as Octavia’s bitterness towards their sibling only grew greater and greater.

A year passed………

The siblings had not amended, if anything they had grown even more distant. Astoria always felt guilt for never being close to Octavia, yet, no matter what she did, their bond merely weakened and even more so whenever she reached out. Octavia wasn’t doing herself any favours either, growing more distant and isolated within the family. Octavia was always compared to Astoria and this further sparked her rage, so much so that she decided to become a guard herself in order to prove to everyone that Astoria wasn’t special, that they weren’t better than her.

Time passed and it took Ash with it, who soon retired, moving to another village with his family. With his departure, his title of head guard lay vacant, and Astoria stepped up, ready to be in his great shoes. They were only 20 when they ascended to this seat. Octavia’s rage simmered greater, Astoria’s shadow drowning her in darkness. Soon the volcano erupted as Octavia, tired of Astoria’s success, began scheming her own sibling’s ruin.

Another year passed and the new

head guard turned 21………

The village wanted to honour them by throwing Astoria a huge birthday celebration. Spirits were high, including Octavia who felt this the perfect time to execute her plan. While Astoria celebrated with their guests, Octavia stepped away amidst the festive chaos, sneaking into the throne room where the King’s crown lay. Octavia grinned as it all came together, she approached the jewel of Emerelus, laying her fingers upon the powerful symbol, images of Astoria being framed flashing in her mind. Yet, as she was dead in the act, the doors suddenly swung open. Astoria and the King caught her ploy. Teary-eyed, Astoria bombarded Octavia with questions.

“Why would you do this, Octavia? Do you have any idea what they will do to you?” said Astoria while Octavia was taken away. Octavia said only one thing.

“YOU MADE ME DO IT!”

Days passed and Octavia’s plot was revealed to everyone. Without hesitation, the King sentenced her to death. The village gathered and everyone was there to see Octavia’s execution. Astoria stood among them trying to hold back their anger and disappointment. They couldn’t stop wondering why Octavia would try to frame them for stealing the crown. They were siblings, family, blood. Octavia showed no emotion as the King passed his judgement.

The Executioner fulfilled the sentence and Octavia was deemed dead. Fai and Caro sobbed unconsolably, the parents would now have to bury their own child. Astoria went over to them, staying by them during their hardship. The Woodshire family was assured that Octavia did not experience any pain, a swift death was the King’s only mercy.

Months

passed and autumn begun………

After everything that happened with Octavia settled, things in the village began to feel normal again. Astoria was working harder than ever, providing for their family as the greater breadwinner. Yet, just as things were starting to calm, a cloud of red smoke suddenly formed, submerging the sky with its hold. Things only got stranger as that smoke took the form of a human.…

It was Octavia.

Astoria was stunned in horror and perplexion.

“YOU! What are you doing here?

You are supposed to be dead!”

Octavia just looked at Astoria, and that’s when they knew that wasn’t really Octavia. It looked like her, but that wasn’t her entirely. After a long-lingered glance, Octavia spoke.

“You took away everything I loved by your greatness. Now, with my new-found power, I am going to take away everything you’ve ever cared about!”

Octavia then turned around with a devilish look, the image of her pointed finger seared into Astoria’s mind and they felt a sudden shift, as things would never be the same

again. Octavia returned her fiery eyes onto Astoria, telling her:

“Now you know!”

With just that, she vanished, gone. Stricken, Astoria rushed back to their family, desperate to tell their parents what had just happened. Once Astoria arrived, she opened the door, met by the sight of her parents working at the bakery. They then turned to them, saying:

“Hello! What brings you to this town?”

Astoria responded with hot worry.

“Mom, Dad, it’s me Astoria! I’m your oldest child.”

They looked at them confused. That’s when Astoria realized what had just happened. Octavia had erased Astoria from everyone’s mind!

What will happen next………

KAREN SAVOY CONTRIBUTER

KAREN SAVOY/CONTRIBUTER COVER FOR ASTORIA’S SOTRY: EPISODE ONE - ONLY THE BEGINNING

HOMECOMING

Men’s basketball team win at homecoming game against alumni

Laurier Brantford’s first homecoming game a success

JACKSON RICE SPORTS LEAD REPORTER

Wilfrid Laurier University hosted their first-ever homecoming basketball game where it saw the 2022 Extramural team defeat alumni.

The game went down to the final shot where the alumni could not make the winning basketball, losing 56-57. An intense game from tip-off to the final buzzer.

The current squad looked strong throughout all four quarters, only giving up the lead a couple of times. The team was led by Jamie Kirsch, scoring nine points to help secure the win. On the other side of the court, the alumni battled it out until the final buzzer. They were led by Taran Hoogsteen, who scored a game high of 15 points.

Both teams found themselves trying to expand their lead but no one would give up. This back and forth game electrified the crowd of purple and gold, an atmosphere like no other.

As much as everyone would have liked to see a buzzer-beater cap off an amazing game, the crowd was not disappointed

with the outcome.

A back and forth game had everyone on the edge of their seats from the beginning to the end. The stands were divided with every basket, one section cheered when one team scored and vice versa. The energy from the game shifted its way into the stands.

Even when the game was at intermission, the excitement was still there with fan-interactive activities. Games were played with prizes, including a dance-off and bump and a slam dunk contest held between both teams.

“It was a great experience not only for the players, but for the fans as well,” said Sergio Panart, a second-year student in Brantford.

“As a student here at Laurier, this event will bring our community together and I’m hoping we can continue with this.”

The game left fans wanting more and they are hoping the first-ever student-exclusive homecoming basketball game will not be the last.

SERENA ANAGBE/SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

The Laurier Brantford 2022 men’s baketball team in purple, alumni in white

SERENA ANAGBE/SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY Andre Thames, alumn, with fans and their sign at the game